Abstract: An advanced automobile passenger restraint and deceleration system is defined, the design of which is centered on retractible belts comprised of a unique, two-part combination of a single lap belt and dual shoulder belt restraints with the lap belt retractors automatically electrically locking upon application of restraint for firmly-located, tension-free lap belt comfort. This belt system features a padded body-centered, abdominal-force-distributing and fastening plate consisting of two halves, each half being attached to one shoulder belt and to one half of the lap belt with the two halves snapping together to apply said belt restraint system with one simple manual action.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing seat belt usage by the driver of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: a seat belt, said seat belt carrying a seat belt buckle, a latching clasp for releasable engagement of said buckle and a presence detector for acknowledging when said buckle is engaged in said latching clasp.

Abstract: In a seat belt control device of the invention, when a buckle switch detects disengagement of a buckle and a tongue plate of a seat belt, the seat belt is retracted through a motor. In addition, the seat belt is re-retracted, through a motor, when a passenger detector detects that no passenger is present in an automobile, when a door switch detects that a door opens, or when an engine key switch detects that an engine key is pulled out or is in an off state. Thus, the seat belt can be positively retracted. Therefore, when a passenger gets off or is going to get off, the seat belt can be securely retracted to thereby prevent the seat belt from being caught by a projection in a compartment or by the door of the automobile.

Abstract: A seat belt arrangement selectively enables vehicle drivability when a buckle member carried on a restraint belt is engaged with a mounted buckle receiving mechanism. The buckle member is removable from the restraint belt, and may be hidden or carried on the person of the user when leaving the vehicle unattended, thereby providing a vehicle anti-theft feature. The detachable buckle plate member is advantageously keyed to the buckle receiving mechanism such that only a particular buckle plate member will operate a correspondingly keyed receiving mechanism with which it is brought into engagement. Such keying may be provided mechanically in the form of a special shape such as employed in the construction of standard keys, or may employ other recognizable identifying factors, such as digitized, audio, optical or other discernable discrete data communicated between the plate and locking members.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a latch (42), an armature structure (64), and a spring structure (66). The latch (42) is movable from a non-locking position to a locking position in which the latch (42) engages a seat belt tongue (16). The armature structure (64) conducts magnetic flux from a magnet (62) to a Hall effect device (60). The spring structure (66) biases the armature structure (64) into sliding contact with the latch (42) during movement of the latch (42) between the non-locking and locking positions. The latch (42) affects the magnetic flux conducted by the armature structure (66) so as to cause the Hall effect device (60) to have a first output when the latch (42) is in the non-locking position and to have a second, different output when the latch (42) is in the locking position.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (12) has a light-transmitting portion (26) which is visible to a vehicle occupant. The buckle (12) includes a housing (60) containing a latch mechanism (20) which releasably locks a seat belt tongue (16) in the housing (60). The housing (60) further contains a light source (70) and optical fibers (72) for conducting light from the source (70) to the light-transmitting portion (26) of the buckle (12).

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (12) includes a latch mechanism (20) and a Hall effect assembly (26). The latch mechanism (20) releasably interlocks with a seat belt tongue (16). The Hall effect assembly (26) has a first output if the seat belt tongue (16) is not interlocked with the latch mechanism (20) and has a second, different output if the seat belt tongue (16) is interlocked with the latch mechanism (20). The output of the Hall effect assembly (26) thus indicates whether or not the seat belt tongue (16) is interlocked with the latch mechanism (20).

Abstract: A control system for controlling the locking and unlocking of a vehicle's seat belt retractors in response to detection of the state of the vehicle's doors and the state of the vehicle's ignition switch.

Abstract: A device (10) has a spool (20) for storing a seat belt (28) wound on the spool (20). The spool (20) is rotatable about an axis (22) in belt withdrawal (A) and belt retraction (B) directions. A ratchet wheel (24) is fixed for rotation with the spool (20). A movable pawl (32) has a blocking position for blocking the ratchet wheel (24) and the spool (20) against rotation in the belt withdrawal direction (A) and a release position for permitting rotation of the ratchet wheel (24) and the spool (20) in the belt withdrawal direction (A). A permanent magnet (46) is attached to the pawl (32) for movement with the pawl (32). A control means (30) controls movement of the permanent magnet (46) and the pawl (32) between the release and blocking positions. The magnetic control means (30) includes a first magnetic biasing means (58) for biasing the permanent magnet (46) and the pawl (32) toward the blocking position.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the locking and unlocking of the seat belt retractor used in a vehicle in response to the state of the vehicle's doors, the state of the vehicle's ignition switch, and the state of use of the vehicle's seat belts.

Abstract: Control system for controlling the locking and unlocking of seat belt retractors in response to the opened/closed state of the vehicle doors and also the on/off state of the ignition switch.

Abstract: A crash detection apparatus of an air bag system comprises a detection unit for detecting acceleration caused therein by an automobile and outputting electric signals corresponding to the acceleration, a discrimination unit for discriminating, from the signals from the detection unit, a crash signal which is outputted on the basis of the acceleration caused by crash of the automobile, the crash signal being inputted into an inflator to inflate an air bag. The detection unit is a capacitance type semiconductor detector comprising a pair of fixed electrodes and a cantilevered movable electrode disposed between the fixed electrodes and fixed at an end thereof, and a servo control unit is electrically connected to the detection unit so as to form a negative feedback loop, of a detection signal.

Abstract: A passenger lift incorporates an electronic safety interlock to prevent all movement of the lift, until a restraining belt is fastened. In some embodiments, the interlock is a normally open electric switch located inside the restraining belt's buckle. The switch is closed and the movement of the lift actuated only when the restraining belt's matingly interlocking tab is inserted in the buckle.

Abstract: A vehicular anti-theft apparatus uses the unbuckling of a seatbelt to produce a surreptitious signal that activates a timing circuit which disables the motor after a preselected period of time. When the seatbelt is unfastened, an electrical signal is generated by a sensor switch within the seatbelt buckle and sent to the timing circuit. This circuit activates a solenoid after the preselected time has elapsed. Activation of the solenoid opens the ignition circuit, which makes the vehicle stall. In order for the motor to be restarted, the timing circuit must be reset using a circuit control keypad. The circuit control keypad is a separate and portable hand-held push-button device that allows an authorized operator manually to enter a secret code. The circuit control keypad plugs into a hidden port, thereby electrically interfacing with the timing circuit.

Abstract: A passenger lift incorporates an electronic safety interlock to prevent all movement of the lift, until a restraining belt is fastened. In some embodiments, the interlock is a normally open electric switch located inside the restraining belt's buckle. The switch is closed and the movement of the lift actuated only when the restraining belt's matingly interlocking tab is inserted in the buckle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to batteries and battery systems. In particular, a battery is described which comprises a container which houses a plurality of cells. Each of the cells share a common negative terminal. Two or more positive terminal cells are provided. The specification also describes the use of such batteries to power the cranking and auxiliary circuits according to a cell discharge management scheme. Methods of forming such batteries are disclosed in which alternate positive and negative electrode plates are provided and methods of forming layered electrode plates are disclosed in which layered grids are provided and by varying the number of layers, thick and thin plates can be provided with different discharge characteristics.

Abstract: A special restrained size device, with a gear reduction unit including a pilot motor and a series of Kinematisms, basically made of a train of toothed wheels, connected according to a scheme suitable for a trigger box being charged both by the car battery and by another small standby battery sheltered inside the car passenger compartment. The trigger box is planned to transmit a small electronic timer the impulse for the automatic safety belts quick-release some seconds (6-8) after a violent car crash and consequent motor stop. The safety belts quick-release can be obtained manually. The special structure of the whole of this mechanical device was conceived in order to connect it, through easy fitment and without considerable cost, with all the current best market-licensed safety belts.

Abstract: A passive seat belt system includes a seat belt buckle of a receptacle device having a connecting switch member connected to a battery of a vehicle and a tongue of a webbing so that the vehicle can be actuated or not in response to fastening or unfastening of a seat occupant.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle has a tilt mechanism for adjusting the height of a steering wheel. The steering wheel can be tilted through a larger angular range while the vehicle is parking but is inhibited from being tilted out of a smaller angular range included in the larger angular range while the vehicle is running.

Abstract: A safety device for vehicle occupants has an operational voltage source, typically the vehicle's battery, and a storage device for electrical energy, typically a capacitor. Several tripping devices, typically ignition tablets, are coupled to the storage device and/or the operational voltage source, for actuating inertial restraining devices, such as airbags, belt tighteners or the like. If the storage device fails, each tripping device is connected for a specified period of time to the operational voltage source by a respective switch. Each switch is triggered by an evaluating device. Therefore, if the storage device fails, as long as the operational voltage source is connected to the safety device, each tripping device and, therefore, inertial restraining device can be actuated.

Abstract: A control method for an automatic seat belt of an automobile including interconnecting a seat belt mechanism with a door of the automobile to operate the mechanism with opening and closing of the door so that the seat belt is automatically tightened when the door is closed and loosened when the door is opened, further comprising in addition interconnecting the seat belt mechanism with an ignition switch so that the seat belt is automatically turned from the tightened condition to the loosened condition even when the door is still closed if the ignition switch is turned off or an ignition key is removed from the ignition switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to batteries and battery systems. In particular, a battery is described which comprises a container which houses a plurality of cells. Each of the cells share a common negative terminal. Two or more positive terminal cells are provided. The specification also describes the use of such batteries to power the cranking and auxiliary circuits according to a cell discharge management scheme. Methods of forming such batteries are disclosed in which alternate positive and negative electrode plates are provided and methods of forming such plates are disclosed in which laminated grids are provided and by varying the number of laminations thick and thin plates can be provided with different discharge characteristics.

Abstract: A vehicular voltage regulating system is mounted on an automotive vehicle equipped with an on-board electronic control device which is required to operate even when an ignition switch is turned OFF. The electronic control device is adapted to control operation of a passive seat belt arrangement. The voltage regulating system is comprised of detecting means for detecting starting operation for the electronic control device and outputting a first signal. Voltage regulation commanding means is provided to command voltage regulation by outputting a second signal for a predetermined time from a time at which the detecting means outputs the first signal.

Abstract: A response step switch for a motor vehicle airbag system has switch contacts driven by a delay sensor dependent on two response cases. Dependent on the position of a status switch, a logic module selects an electronic selection switch for enabling the triggering of the airbag via one of the switch contacts. The electronic selection switch is not driven until one of the response cases occurs, whereby the control energy comes from an energy source that also supplies the ignition energy for triggering.

Abstract: A seat belt buckling system has a switch mechanism in the seat belt anchor plate which prevents starting of the engine until the seat belt has been buckled. The switch mechanism includes a switch controlling actuation of the starter which is only closed by insertion of the anchor plate on the belt into the buckle locking system. Means are provided to lock the plate into the buckle locking mechanism when it has been inserted sufficiently to permit starting of the engine. A rockable latch member within the locking system is actuated by a manually manipulable key plate which plate, when pressed downwardly, will permit the anchor plate to be released without interrupting the ignition after the engine has been started.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encouraging driver's seat belt usage includes a system for detecting and recording each time a seat belt is used. Depending on the level of seat belt usage the driver earns discounts on car insurance premiums.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle emergency release system is provided for installation in conjunction with a seat belt system in a motor vehicle so that, in the event of the motor vehicle sustaining an impact of sufficient magnitude as to warrant emergency release of the seat belt system, an electrically-operable actuator in a seat belt buckle of the seat belt system is actuated to release the seat belt system a short predetermined time interval after the vehicle has come to rest. The emergency release system includes two omni-directional sensors 108, 110, incorporated in an electronic timing and actuator operation circuit controlling the actuation of the electrically-operable actuator in the seat belt buckle. Sensor 108 is responsive only to a predetermined high acceleration indicative of vehicle impact, and sensor 110 is responsive to a predetermined acceleration substantially lower than said predetermined high acceleration and indicative of substantial vehicle movement.

Abstract: A seat belt system comprising a seat belt retractor, a seat belt, a tongue plate secured at an intermediate position of the seat belt, and a buckle which has a locking function and an unlocking function for the tongue plate. An actuator and its controller are provided for automatically actuating the unlocking function of the buckle.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly which requires an operator to buckle the seat belt straps together in front of him when he is seated. The seat belt straps are inserted through flexible shields on opposed sides of an operator's chair with leaf springs extending from the ends of the shields to positions beneath and slightly inwardly of the chair arms. If the operator attempts to leave the straps unbuckled or to buckle the straps behind him, the leaf springs cause sufficient discomfort to prevent this non-use or misuse of the seat belt assembly. Further, the straps may be provided with projections adjacent their secured ends which also cause discomfort to the operator if the straps are not buckled properly. The seat belt assembly also includes a switch which is secured to a mounting bracket on the floor of the operator's compartment.

Abstract: A small-sized, light-weight, low-priced tensionless seat belt retractor such that it is possible to provide a necessary, sufficient, safe slack to the driver or the passenger under a tensionless condition. The tensionless seat belt retractor according to the present invention comprises a follower and a guide disk slidably brought into contact with the flange portion of the spool and provided with a circular-arc reverse-direction follower-guide portion, a several-turn spiral follower-guide portion, and a spool locking hole, in addition to the conventional seat belt retractor. The follower and guide disk set the slack at a preset tensionless length not requiring resetting when the occupant returns from a forward leaning position.

Abstract: In a passive seatbelt system, an occupant restraining webbing can be automatically fastened to or unfastened from an occupant in accordance with the condition of the occupant getting into or out of an automotive vehicle. When required, a webbing driving means is driven for a predetermined period of time for fastening or unfastening the webbing. Furthermore, when the webbing has moved to a webbing fastened position or unfastened position within the predetermined period of time, an electric power fed to the webbing driving means is cut off, whereby the webbing driving means can be reliably protected even if an overload acts on the webbing driving means.

Abstract: A seat belt winding apparatus for a vehicle comprises a winding reel and spring means having one end connected to the winding reel and the other end connected to a stationary part of the apparatus. The spring means is constituted by two spiral springs connected to each other though an interposed ratchet gear rotatably mounted on a stationary part of the apparatus. There is provided for controlling rotation of the ratchet gear controlling means which includes a pawl adapted to releasably engage with the ratchet gear, electro-magnetic means for selectively actuating the pawl and a switch which responds to the states of the vehicle to selectively energize the electro-magnetic actuator means, thereby to control the combined force of the first and second springs in dependence on whether the pawl is engaged with the ratchet gear or not and hence in dependence upon the prevailing states of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic safety belt system includes a belt band wound on a spring-loaded roller and a signaling device for signaling when a sufficient length of the belt has been unwound to utilize it. The signaling device is a form of an electro-optical device.

Abstract: Safety belt system has an automatic roll-up device and a sensor device which effects locking of the belt in the automatic roll-up device when a predetermined deceleration is exceeded. In combination, the safety belt system has an electric safety current circuit connected to the battery to provide current to energize actuating means which effect locking of the belt in the roll-up device, a switch is provided in the circuit operable by the steering wheel lock. Another switch in the circuit is triggered by the sensor when deceleration is exceeded.

Abstract: A passive seatbelt system is provided of the kind where an occupant of a vehicle can engage a part of the seatbelt webbing with a convenience holder provided on the vehicle to take the seatbelt webbing off the occupant when he gets out of the vehicle. Detectors are provided for sensing when a seat is occupied, when the door is closed, when the seatbelt webbing is withdrawn or engaged in the convenience holder and when the vehicle's speed exceeds a predetermined speed. When these conditions are presented, automatic release means releases the seatbelt webbing from the convenience holder so that the seatbelt webbing automatically surrounds the occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint belt retractor includes a system for locking the belt reel against rewinding by an otherwise continuously operating rewind spring. The system locks in response to rotation of the belt reel with a time delay interposed between a cycle consisting of a small rotation in the unwinding direction followed by a small rotation in the winding direction which cycles a retractor switch via a clutched operating lever on the reel shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to security devices with which automobile vehicles are equipped, and more especially to a controlling connection between the anti-theft device locking an element essential to the driving of the vehicle (such as the steering column) and the safety belt the wearing of which is obligatory for the driver in most cases.In order to ensure his safety and respect regulations it is desirable that the driver should not be able to start his vehicle until he has fastened his belt.An anti-theft device according to the present invention comprising a cylinder lock operated by a key, a bolt controlled by said cylinder lock for locking an element essential to the driving of the vehicle, and a device for locking the lock cylinder in rotation, the device being arranged to be unlocked by the fastening of the buckle of the vehicle safety belt.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor comprising belt take-up shaft means supported by the base member, belt take-up force locking means capable of assuming an interlocked position in which it is interlocked with the take-up shaft means and a non-interlocked position in which it is not interlocked with the take-up shaft means, and sensing means for bringing the take-up force locking means to the interlocked position and the non-interlocked position, respectively, in accordance with the wearing and removal of the seat belt of a belt wearer.The take-up force locking means in the interlocked position prevents the take-up of the belt so far drawn out but permits draw out and take-up of the belt in a predetermined range beyond the amount so far drawn out.

Abstract: An improvement in automated passive vehicle restraint systems of the type having a power-driven upper torso restraining belt moving between stowed and wearing positions is disclosed. The upper end of the belt is attached to the driven cable by a fastener having a stiffener attached. The fastener is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the cable as the fastener moves between the stowed and wearing positions. As the fastener is rotated, the stiffener maneuvers the belt away from the head and face of an occupant in the seat with which the belt is associated and correctly positions the belt on the occupant's shoulder at the wearing position.

Abstract: An installation for feeding the lock-tongue and/or the belt-band of a safety belt system, especially of a three-point safety belt with belt roller, into a position favorable for the fastening of the belt in a preferably two-door passenger motor vehicle, in which after boarding of the vehicle, the lock-tongue and/or the belt-band is transferred by a servo-mechanism from a rearward position not impairing the free access to the rear seats in the course of a rectilinear feed movement into a forward position coordinated to the driver or co-driver; the servo-mechanism together with the lock-tongue and/or belt-band returns into the starting position immediately after the termination of the belt-engaging operation and after a predetermined or freely selectable time interval in case the lock-tongue and/or the belt-band is not picked up.