Abstract: A method for detecting a malfunctioning shift element in an automatic transmission is provided. The method includes operating the automatic transmission in an intermediate gear. A selected shift element of the automatic transmission is commanded to a disengaged configuration in the intermediate gear. The method also includes measuring a gear ratio of the automatic transmission while the automatic transmission is operating in the intermediate gear, and determining whether the selected shift element of the automatic transmission is malfunctioning based at least in part on the gear ratio of the automatic transmission in the intermediate gear.

Abstract: A driver assistance apparatus and a vehicle including the same are disclosed. The driver assistance apparatus includes a stereo camera and a processor to perform a calibration based on first regions that include objects for vehicle structures or external to the vehicle in stereo images acquired by the stereo camera in a calibration mode and to detect a distance to an object ahead of the vehicle based on second regions not including the objects for the vehicle structures in the stereo images acquired by the stereo camera in a normal mode. Consequently, it is possible to accurately perform distance detection based on images photographed by the stereo camera.

Abstract: Provided is a power seat device in which an operator can intuitively recognize an operation of a movable member. Operation units are provided in movable members in a power seat body. Each of the operation units includes a pair of electrodes and a dielectric layer formed between the pair of electrodes so as to be compressively deformable, and compressively deforms the dielectric layer by an operator's push operation. Driving devices are controlled so that the movable members move in the push direction of the operator based on the capacitance between the pair of electrodes changing with the compressive deformation of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A vehicle seat occupant detection device with an adjustable threshold is provided. The device includes a sensor, a spring, and an adjuster. The sensor is configured to indicate a first state when a seat is not occupied and a second state when the seat is occupied. The spring is configured to urge the sensor toward the first state. The adjuster is coupled to the spring. The adjuster is operable to vary a force threshold that the device transitions from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: An electric assist cart includes: a drive wheel provided in a body frame; a control handle used by an operator to input a driving force to the body frame; a torque sensor that detects a driving torque applied to the body frame from the control handle; a controller that computes an assisting force applied to the drive wheel based on the driving torque; an electric motor that applies the assisting force to the drive wheel; a brake that brakes the drive wheel and switches from a braking state to an unbraking state when a predetermined electric current flows; and a brake release switch manipulated by an operator to allow the controller to instruct the predetermined electric current to flow to the brake, wherein the controller maintains the braking state of the brake even when the brake release switch is manipulated without turning on power, and power is then turned on.

Abstract: A Method and System for Tuning the Effect of Vehicle Characteristics on Risk Prediction is disclosed. The system many incorporate many of those driver risk assessment system features previously disclosed by Assignee's Prior Applications. The present system provides a major functional distinction from those prior systems by adding the feature of real-time tuning of the risk assessment/prediction/analysis system in response to ongoing changes in vehicle motion characteristics. Specifically, system monitors the vehicle center of gravity for changes on a real-time basis, and then adjusts the risk prediction/assessment/analysis system responsively. The system executes an initialization feature that implements an initial, or series of initial vehicular motion profiles at the commencement of either a driving trip of the system being powered up.

Abstract: A braking system may include a first brake, a parking brake, a warning system, and a control system. A parking brake system may allow an operator to selectively engage the parking brake. The control system may include a first brake detector that indicates when the first brake is engaged, a parking brake detector that indicates when the parking brake is engaged, and a door state detector that indicates when a door open. The control system may selectively activate a portion of the parking brake system when the first brake is engaged, activate the warning system when the door is open and the parking brake is engaged, and activate the warning system when the door is open, the parking brake is engaged, and the first brake is engaged. A speed sensor may be used to prevent the parking brake from engaging above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: Left and right rear fenders for wheels are supported to a body by a simple arrangement and the stiffness of the fenders can be achieved. A working vehicle assembly includes left and right wheels, an operator sheet, a transmission case having a shift transmission unit therein and rotatably supporting the left and right rear wheels, left and right fenders for the left and right rear wheels arranged in both sides of the operator seat, a fender support frame having left and right bracket members, a front lateral bridge member connected to the left and right bracket members at a front end thereof, and a rear lateral bridge member connected to the left and right bracket members at a rear end thereof. The left and right bracket members are formed along a front to rear direction of the left and right fenders and configured to attach the left and right fenders. The front lateral bridge member and the rear lateral bridge member are supported above the transmission case.

Abstract: The car seat occupancy alarm is an alarm that detects the presence of individuals seated in the rear of the vehicle, and upon detection of which shall emit an alarm, provided the vehicle is turned off. The alarm system includes pressure sensors that are integrated into the rear seats of a vehicle, and which are in wired communication with a central processing unit located elsewhere within said vehicle. The central processing unit is further in wired communication with a timer, vehicle lights, and a vehicle battery in order to operate, sense, and emit an alarm upon detection that individuals remain in any of the rear seats while the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive mat to be installed directly within a child's car seat to provide an audible alert to consumers that they have inadvertently left a child unattended in a motor vehicle, enabling them to quickly retrieve the child or infant and effectively prevent tragic scenarios that can result when a child is left unattended in a vehicle.

Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the frame. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat. The utility vehicle includes a seat switch coupled to the operator seat and a controller configured to detect a loaded and unloaded state of the operator seat based on the seat switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seating sensor 100. the base table 10 includes a first part 11 provided with the sensor portion 1 and a second part 12 provided with the connector portion 2, and the second part 12 is arranged within a minimum rectangular area S1 containing the first part 11.

Abstract: The present invention (also known as the HOT SEAT™) discloses and claims a vehicle occupant detection and alerting system comprising a vicinity motion detector capable sending a wireless transmission and a transmission receiving means capable of receiving the motion detector's wireless transmission and triggering a vehicle alarm system, vehicle horn, a mobile device or other form of notification if a child is left unattended in a vehicle.

Abstract: A safety system using a network connected to a vehicle to alert a client device of an operator, a first responder, a dedicated emergency dispatch service, a bystander or combinations thereof to the presence of an occupant in a vehicle passenger compartment of a vehicle indicating the occupant's temperature has exceeded or dropped below a life threatening threshold. The system uses a plurality of pressure sensors in vehicle seats, a first plurality of optical infrared frequency sensors located in the passenger compartment for measuring air temperature values of the passenger compartment, a plurality of second optical infrared frequency sensors measuring occupant temperature values in the passenger compartment and, in embodiments, at least one front seat motion sensor and at least one back seat motion sensor.

Abstract: A method to improve design efficiency by reducing power plant complexity and engineering costs by minimizing power plant changes when installing into new powertrain groups. A three-dimensional grid is defined for the powertrain group with power plant and transmission zones to define projections for attaching selected components to a powertrain version. The zones correspond to matrices dividing each of a width, length, and height of a respective plant and of a transmission into specified proportions. A respective zone is designated for attaching each of the selected components within the group. Each powertrain version is designed to place each selected component for a powertrain version within a predetermined tolerance margin of its respective designated zone. The grid organization is also applied to placement of components and placement of the powertrain itself within the underhood environment of a vehicle, a vehicle platform, or a group of vehicle models.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: A capacitive occupant detection system comprises at least one sensing electrode to be arranged on the bottom side of a seat cushion, a seat heater like structure to be arranged on a top side of said seat cushion, and an evaluation unit operatively coupled to said at least one sensing electrode for determining a value representative of the capacitance between the at least one sensing electrode and the seat heater like structure.

Abstract: A headrest position adjusting device 100 includes a distance measuring device 10 and a drive motor unit 30. The distance measuring device 10 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and a detecting circuit 20. The detecting circuit 20 includes a plurality of capacitance sensing circuits 21 to 25 connected one-to-one to the sensing electrodes 11 to 15, and an arithmetic processing circuit 28. The drive motor unit 30 includes a motor driving circuit and a drive motor. Based on the detected capacitance values, the detecting circuit 20 calculates a difference value between a capacitance value of the sensing electrode which shows the largest capacitance value and the capacitance value of the sensing electrode which shows the lowest capacitance value, and thereby measures an electrode-head distance L. A position adjusting operation for a headrest 43 is performed based on the measurement result.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle with an autonomous driving control has a set-up mode, an active drive mode, a safe shutdown mode, and an emergency response mode. The active drive mode autonomously navigates along a driving route specified in the set-up mode. A driver sensing system senses a driver presence in the driver seat and a driver's physiological state. Active drive mode is not entered from set-up mode unless the driver is present in the driver seat and the physiological state matches a normal condition. While in active driving mode, an elapsed time period is measured whenever the driver presence is not detected. If the time period increases above a first threshold then a notice is given to the driver that the active drive mode may be interrupted. If the time period increases above a second threshold then the active drive mode is terminated and the safe shutdown mode is initiated.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: A motorized wheel chair is equipped with a safety system for bringing the wheel chair to a stop if a wheel chair user should experience an emergency situation which renders the user unable to safely control the wheel chair while in use. The safety system utilizes at least one switch mounted to an upright backrest for sensing whether or not the user's back is in contact with the backrest. If the user's back is in contact with the backrest, the wheel chair is operative and may be controlled in a normal manner. If the user's back moves out of contact with the backrest, whether voluntarily or because of an emergency situation, the safety system operates to disable operation of motors which operably propel drive wheels of the wheel chair, thus causing the wheel chair to be inoperative and bringing the wheel chair to a stop if in motion.

Abstract: To provide a passenger's weight measurement device for a vehicle seat which can be assembled to prevent the occurrence of the initial deformation and the initial load. The passenger's weight measurement device comprises a pair of left and right fixed lower rails, a pair of movable upper rails disposed to be movable in a front-and-rear direction on each of the fixed lower rails, load sensors fixed on an upper surface of the left movable upper rail, load sensors mounted on the movable upper rail to be movable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right movable upper rail, and a rectangular frame mounted on the load sensors. Mounting holes are formed on the rectangular frame, and rods are inserted into the mounting holes from bottom up. The rods are engaged with nuts.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has arranged therein a vehicle seat and is equipped with an occupant detection system for detecting whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat, the system including a first antenna electrode arranged in the seat and a first sensing circuit associated with the seat, where the first sensing circuit includes an oscillation circuit operatively connected to the first antenna electrode for applying to the first antenna electrode a first oscillating signal and a first current detection circuit connected to the first antenna electrode for determining a current flowing into the first antenna electrode in response to the first oscillating signal being applied thereto, where the current flowing in the first antenna electrode indicates whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat, and when in operation, the first sensing circuit codes the information whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat into a first output signal which is output and which may be supplied to a restraint sy

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: Vehicle including a seat support structure, a cushion arranged thereon and having an upper surface for supporting an occupying item and that deflects downward as a function of weight of the occupying item, and a sensor system including a force-measuring device that responds to downward deflection of the cushion. An interrogator sends a signal to the force-measuring device and the force-measuring device transmits, after receipt of the signal from the interrogator, a return signal to the interrogator related to the response of the force-measuring device to the downward deflection of the cushion. In a method for obtaining an indication of weight of an occupying item of the seat, a signal is transmitted from the interrogator on the vehicle to the force-measuring device and from the force-measuring device, the transmitted return signal related to the response of the force-measuring device to the downward deflection of the cushion is received.

Abstract: An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a washer and a spring holder, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the washer, and a step is formed between an upper surface of the washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod and tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step.

Abstract: An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a washer and a spring holder, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the washer, and a step is formed between an upper surface of the washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod and tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: The self-releasing vehicular harness is a harness designed to prevent a driver or rider of a motorcycle from flying over the handlebars during a head-on or upright collision. The self-releasing vehicular harness includes a tether that extends from the harness to a spring-loaded drum located in a housing positioned to the rear of the end user. The housing contains at least one tensioning means that releases the drum in order to enable the tether to unroll thereby releasing the end user from the vehicle in the event of a non-head-on collision or other parameter. An inclinometer detects the angle of the vehicle in order to determine whether to release or lock the spring-loaded drum. A kill switch and/or seat sensor may work in conjunction with the inclinometer to further define parameters for releasing or locking the tether.

Abstract: An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame 30 is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a plain washer and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the plain washer, and a step difference is formed between an upper surface of the plain washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. In such a way, the coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step difference.

Abstract: A method of providing seat ventilation using a seat ventilation system (SVS) within a vehicle is provided. The method includes determining whether a vehicle seat is occupied using an air bag ECU. Occupancy information is provided from the air bag ECU to an air conditioning ECU. The air conditioning ECU controls a seat climate module based on the occupancy information received from the air bag ECU.

Abstract: An occupant weight sensing apparatus configured to be coupled to a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a base configured to be connected to a vehicle, a lever pivotally connected to the base, a rocker configured to be connected to the vehicle seat, the rocker also pivotally connected to the lever, and a sensor coupled to the lever. A force applied to the seat causes pivotal movement of the lever relative to the base. The sensor detects the pivotal movement to sense the weight of the occupant.

Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.

Abstract: An occupant detection sensor includes a sensor member disposed on a surface of a vehicle seat and detecting sitting of an occupant, a wiring member electrically coupling the sensor member with an external device, and a covering member covering the sensor member and the wiring member. The wiring member and the covering member are included in a coupling section that is disposed along the surface of the vehicle seat. The coupling section includes a bent portion and a stress absorbing portion that absorbs stress generated at the bent portion.

Abstract: Seat-occupancy-detection-sensor-element featuring double-body/compression/spring (DBCS) in a recess of a base-member (BM); and slidable-member (SM) having a force-application-side (FAS) and inside facing the BM; measuring-coil (MC) arranged in the recess and surrounded by the DBCS and having wound-coil-wire (WCW); and current-generating/measuring/evaluating-unit (CGMEU) connected to the WCW; the DBCW abutting the BM on one side and being fixed to the SM on the side of the SM compressed by a force on the FAS, from a spring length either uncompressed or compressed by a predetermined extent; spring wire ends connected and electrically forming a spring-coil (SC); MC and SC coils constituting an inductively-coupled coil assembly (ICCA); and the CGMEU applying AC to the MC inducing AC in the DBCS, measuring voltage on the MC proportional to the ICCA's impedance, and ascertaining force on the SM's FAS.

Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame includes a front frame portion, a mid-frame portion, and a rear frame portion. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the front frame portion. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat and an adjacent passenger seat spaced apart from the operator seat. The operator seat and the passenger seat are in a side-by-side arrangement. The utility vehicle also comprises an auxiliary power assembly having an attachment shaft configured to be operably coupled to the attachment. The attachment shaft extends in a generally longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle and projects outwardly from the front frame portion.

Abstract: A headrest position adjusting device 100 includes a distance measuring device 10 and a drive motor unit 30, and the distance measuring device 10 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and a detecting circuit 20. The detecting circuit 20 includes a plurality of capacitance sensing circuits 21 to 25 connected one-to-one to the sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and an arithmetic processing circuit 28, and the drive motor unit 30 includes a motor driving circuit and a drive motor. Based on the detected capacitance values, the detecting circuit 20 calculates a distance calculation angle ? formed by points representing the positions and output values of the sensing electrodes 15 and 11 located at the highest and lowest positions and a point representing the position and output value of the largest output value, and thereby measures an electrode-head distance L. A position adjusting operation for a headrest 43 is performed based on the measurement result.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle capable of maintaining a stable state when a rider gets on the step plate or get off the step plate. A vehicle is a vehicle that performs a turning movement based on the rotation of step plates on which a rider rides in the left/right direction. The vehicle includes restriction means to enable the rotation of the step plates in the left/right direction to be restricted. The vehicle preferably further includes first control means that controls the restriction means so that the rotation of the step plates in the left/right direction is restricted when the rider gets on the step plates or gets off the step plates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tension indicator for indicating when a strap (2) has reached a predetermined tension level, comprising an audible signal producing member (7) having an abutment surface for engagement with said strap, said audible signal producing member altering its physical configuration in reaction to tension in said strap reaching a predetermined value, wherein the change in physical configuration creates an audible signal.

Abstract: A weight sensor includes a deformable body, a first strain resistor provided on an outer side surface of the deformable body, and a pressing member applying a load to the deformable body. The deformable body includes a tubular portion having a tubular shape extending along a center axis and surrounding the center axis, and a projection projecting from an inner surface of the tubular portion. The pressing member moves along the center axis so as to apply a moment to the tubular portion. The resistances of the strain resistors change greatly, allowing the weight sensor to measure a load with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A lower rail is fixed to a vehicle floor, and an upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to the lower rail. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail. A rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor, a rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between a flange of the spring holder and the web and is compressed by tightening the nut.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more settings of a vehicle using a device comprising an electronic circuit is disclosed. The electronic circuit is configured to obtain a position of a passenger within the vehicle, identify said passenger, obtain information comprising one or more setting preferences for said passenger use the position and at least one of the information to determine whether one or more settings need to be changed, and change the one or more settings based on the position and identity of the passenger. The electronic circuit is also configured to identifying a driver, compare the identity of the driver with a predetermined list of drivers of the vehicle, and change a plurality of operational parameters based on the identity of the driver.

Abstract: A system for classifying an occupant using a reduced quantity of force sensors. The system includes one or more force sensors, an electronic control unit (“ECU”), and a vehicle safety system. The force sensors are, for example, i-Bolt™ sensors, or other suitable force sensors or force sensing systems. The ECU includes, among other things, an occupant classification module and a safety monitoring module. The occupant classification module receives signals from the force sensors, determines one or more moments about a fixed point of a vehicle occupant control volume, and determines an occupant classification metric based on a mass of the control volume and a center of gravity of the control volume. The occupant classification module uses the occupant classification metric to classify an occupant into one of a plurality of occupant classifications. Based on the occupant classification, the safety monitoring module controls one or more vehicle safety systems.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for alerting an operator of a parked vehicle having an ignition and rear doors that a rear occupant, e.g., a child, is still present in a rear of the vehicle, includes door sensors for detecting when either rear door is open or closed, an ignition sensor for detecting when the ignition is activated or deactivated, a programmed controller responsive to each door sensor and the ignition sensor, for automatically activating the arrangement when either rear door has been opened for a predetermined time period, and for generating an alert signal in response to detection that the ignition has been activated, followed by subsequent detection that the ignition has been deactivated, and an alarm responsive to generation of the alert signal for alerting the operator to remove the rear occupant from the parked vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle has an operator monitoring system that includes an operator sensor configured to sense whether the operator is in a proper operating position within the operator cab and a control module connected to the operator sensor wherein when the vehicle is running and the operator sensor senses that the operator is not in the proper operating position, the control module activates safety features to stop the truck, including any one or a combination of activating the main brake, activating the parking brake, and/or shifting the transmission to a different setting.

Abstract: A golf cart safety apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention reduces the incidence of injured protruding limbs A safety pedal is provided that prevents the golf cart from operating unless engaged. The safety pedal comprises a hinge, a “kill switch”, and a platform upon which an occupant's foot can rest. The hinge is secured to a floor of the golf cart and the platform. The “kill switch”, which prevents the golf cart from operating unless depressed, is operably associated with the platform. Because the foot of the occupant must engage the safety pedal in order to disable the “kill switch”, the occupant's leg must be properly positioned inside the golf cart. Thus, a golf cart safety apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention reduces the incidences of golf cart injuries.

Abstract: A method for detecting a weight of at, least one occupant of a motor vehicle includes the steps of detecting a first load which acts on a chassis of the motor vehicle as first weight value at a time point prior to entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle, detecting a second load which acts on the chassis as second weight value at a second time point after entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle; and determining the weight of the at least one occupant by forming a difference between the first and second weight values.

Abstract: A seat occupancy determining apparatus includes right and left load detecting portion provided at right and left side portions of a seat portion of a vehicle seat and detecting load applied thereto, respectively, a vehicle operation detecting portion for detecting an operation of a predetermined component of a vehicle, and a seat occupancy determining portion determining a seat occupancy state of the vehicle seat on the basis of signals outputted from the vehicle operation detecting portion and the right and left load detecting portion, the seat occupancy determining portion calculating a left-right load difference value on the basis of the detection loads and determining that vehicle seat is in a child seat fastened state where the child seat is fastened to the vehicle seat by means of a seat belt apparatus in a case where a fluctuation of the left-right load difference value occurs after the predetermined component is operated.

Abstract: A load detection device includes a load sensor provided at a support portion that is positioned at a rear portion of a seat for a vehicle, the seat including a seatback at the rear portion of the seat, the load sensor detecting a load applied to the support portion that is a part of a plurality of support portions, a load detecting portion detecting a portion of a load of a seat occupancy of the seat based on an output from the load sensor and outputting a detected load value, a longitudinal inclination angle detecting portion detecting a longitudinal inclination angle of the vehicle, and a load correcting portion correcting, depending on the longitudinal inclination angle, the detected load value of the portion of the load of the seat occupancy based on a relationship between the detected load value of the seat occupancy and the longitudinal inclination angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a seat occupancy includes a load detecting portion, a seatbelt detecting portion, and a seat occupancy determining portion determining that an adult is seated on the seat in a case where a seating load equal to or greater than a predetermined first load is detected and determining a child seat placed state where a child seat is placed on the seat and fastened by the seatbelt in a case where the seating load smaller than the first load is detected and the engagement of the buckle of the seatbelt is detected. The seat occupancy determining portion maintains a determination result of the child seat placed state even when the seating load becomes equal to or greater than the first load in a case where a predetermined determination result retention condition is satisfied after the child seat placed state is determined.