Abstract: A process for triggering a passive safety device for vehicle occupants inside a vehicle, in particular airbags, pretensioning systems, buckle switches, and roll-over bars, where--by means of electric sensors, an evaluation circuit evaluating the acceleration signals of these sensors, and triggering agents--the safety devices are triggered if the acceleration signals indicate a vehicle condition which may be potentially hazardous for the vehicle occupants. According to the invention, sensor signal characteristics will be generated from quantified sensor signals by means of an evaluation function; these sensor signal characteristics will then be differentiated and fed into an amount calculation function. The up-integrated values of these amounts will then be compared to a trigger threshold so that safety devices can be triggered, if necessary.

Abstract: Passenger restraint system including a crash sensor for deploying an air bag associated with a vehicle during a crash event. The crash sensor includes a low frequency accelerometer circuit and a high frequency pressure transducer circuit. The low frequency accelerometer circuit senses low frequency signals from the deceleration of the vehicle as a result of the crash event, and the high frequency transducer circuit senses high frequency signals from the deformation of metal components as a result of the crash event. The combination of the high frequency signals and the low frequency signals provides an accurate indication for deployment of the air bag.

Abstract: An automotive air bag system and a method are provided which restrict activation of an air bag to situations in which the weight of the vehicle occupant meets or exceeds a predetermined amount, e.g., 50 pounds. Occupant weight is determined using a weight pressure sensor positioned underneath the vehicle seat such that it bears pressure from the weight of the seat occupant.

Abstract: An occupant crash protection device for a vehicle has: a current limiting circuit which receives a supply of a trigger signal generated when it is judged that a significant accident happens, and which controls a squib firing current to have a constant amount; a squib; and a mechanical acceleration switch, the current limiting circuit, the squib, and the acceleration switch being connected in series between terminals of a direct current power source.

Abstract: This invention is primarily related to a side impact self contained airbag system for a vehicle including a sensor, an inflator, an airbag and, when appropriate, a diagnostic and energy reserve module all within one package. In some implementations, a non-sodium azide propellant is used and the gas in exhausted from the airbag into the door during the accident rather than into the passenger compartment. The preferred implementation uses an all mechanical system but electro-mechanical and electronic sensors can also be used. Several of the improvements disclosed are also applicable for frontal impact airbag systems. A combination of crush sensing and velocity sensing is also disclosed for the all mechanical system.

Abstract: An occupant protection arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a folded-together inflatable airbag, a member having an exit opening for the unfolding airbag, and a cover which is releasably held by a cover-retaining arrangement in a position closing the exit opening. In the event of a collision, the cover is moved into a position clearing the exit opening in a controlled manner and without being projected toward a vehicle occupant. To assure a reproducible opening behavior of the cover without the risk of injury to vehicle occupants by a simple arrangement, the cover retainer is released by the action of at least one accelerated inertial mass which is mounted on the cover and/or on the cover retainer.

Abstract: A testing device for testing the continuity of a firing circuit for a squib of an electro-ballistic system which includes a propellant and a plurality of spaced pin-like detonator wires embedded in the propellant. Each of the detonator wires has a first end positioned outside the propellant and a spaced opposite second end embedded in the propellant. Low resistance bridge detonating wires are embedded in the propellant, and electrically connect the second ends of selected ones of the detonator wires. The testing device is embedded in the propellant in spaced relation with the detonator wires and tests the continuity of the firing circuit for the squib. The testing device includes a pair of spaced pin-like test wires embedded in the propellant, with each test wire having a first end outside the propellant and a spaced opposite second end embedded in the propellant. A low-resistance bridge test wire is embedded in the propellant and electrically connects the second ends of the test wires.

Abstract: An arrangement for selectively disconnecting an airbag fitted within a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The arrangement includes a visible warning means retractable within a component and adapted to be withdrawn to extend over at least a predetermined region of the component. The warning means cooperates with airbag deployment means such that when the warning means is in its retracted position, the airbag deployment means is armed and when the warning means is in its withdrawn position, the airbag deployment means is disarmed.

Abstract: A circuit breaking control unit receives an impact detection signal that is outputted from outside when an impact such as a crash of a motor vehicle has been detected, and generates and applies a circuit breaking control signal based on the impact detection signal. A circuit breaking unit forcibly interrupts a power supply path and stops the supply of power to a load. Therefore, the supply of power can be stopped immediately at the time the impact has been detected. In addition, a second load is a minimum electric system that is essential to cause the motor vehicle to travel. Therefore, even if the supply of power to the load is interrupted, the motor vehicle can be caused to travel. Hence, even at the time of an accident or the like, the motor vehicle can be moved to the edge of a road or the like with ease.

Abstract: Activators for a plurality of safety devices are connected in parallel relation to each other and connected to a common power source. Switching elements are connected in series to the activators respectively. A common safety switch is connected in serial relation to the activators and connected to the power source. This safety switch is turned on by a lower level of shock than that which is judged as a vehicle collision by a micro computer. The micro computer judges whether or not the vehicle has collided based on an acceleration information from an acceleration sensor. The micro computer controls the switching elements such that the switching elements are cyclically and alternately turned on at the moment a vehicle-collision judgment is made.

Abstract: The emergency reline system for an automobile is used in conjunction with an air bag system and a reclining seat system. The seat is pivotally movable by a motor upon application of a reclining motor control signal. The emergency recline system includes a sensor which detects unwanted deceleration and which generates a trigger signal. The trigger signal is delayed by a delay circuit for a predetermined period of time. The delayed trigger signal is then applied as the reclining motor control signal to the motor such that after the predetermined time, the delayed trigger signal reclines the seat. This relieves the pressure developed by the deployed air bag on the driver or the passenger in the seat. A method for reclining the seat includes sensing unwanted deceleration, generating a trigger signal, delaying the trigger signal for a predetermined time, and then applying that delayed trigger signal as the reclining motor control signal to the motor or motor control.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a closed metallic canister with a gas under pressure comprising means for forming a gas filling opening in the canister, and dispensing means for sequentially injecting a high pressure gas through the gas filling opening to charge the canister, and depositing and fusing a fusible body in the gas filling opening, while continuing to inject gas into the canister and utilize the force of the gas to urge the dispensing means into sealing engagement with the canister being charged.

Abstract: A control assembly for a passenger protection system of a vehicle which is tripped upon the occurrence of a side impact traffic accident. The control assembly has at least one detector adapted to detect a pressure rise in a hollow body. The at least one detector is mounted in a largely enclosed side portion on the side of the vehicle body defining a hollow body such as a door. A control unit is connected to and receives signals from the at least one detector. The control unit evaluates a sudden and largely adiabatic air pressure rise detected by the detector upon a side impact collision and determines whether to actuate a passenger protection system such as an air bag.

Abstract: A process and a circuit control a control unit of a system for protecting vehicle occupants, with a view toward triggering the protection system if the accident is sufficiently serious. The control unit contains one or more sensors which supply sensor signals during the accident, and it contains a computing unit. During the accident, the latter establishes one ACTUAL value or a plurality of different ACTUAL values characterizing the course of the accident on the basis of the sensor signals. It also automatically and continuously redefines a time-variable triggering threshold value in each case, which is namely directly or indirectly dependent on the changes in the sensor signals during the course of the accident. The computing unit compares one or more ACTUAL values with the triggering threshold value being respectively assigned to the ACTUAL value.

Abstract: An air bag deployment system (10) generates the proper current to activate a squib (74) and deploy an air bag. A separate capacitor (48) powers circuitry in a drive limit controller (54) for providing a variable voltage drive to a MOS device (68) to regulate squib (74) firing current. A switch circuit (38) supplies gate current to a transistor (46) such that an electrical connecting path allows a capacitor (22) to charge a capacitor (48). During squib (74) firing and air bag deployment, the switch circuit (38) provides electrical isolation between the decaying voltage stored on the capacitor (22) that powers the squib (74) current and the capacitor (48) that provides current regulation to the squib (74) from the drive limit controller (54).

Abstract: A sensor unit for controlling an occupant protection system has a sensor which is held in its position on a printed circuit board through the use of an elastic damping holder. The damping holder is soldered onto the printed circuit board together with the sensor. In addition, the damping holder protects the sensor during the production and mounting of the sensor unit.

Abstract: The firing loop of a SIR system has a firing element, a capacitor for passing AC pulses to the element and an inductance which varies according to application. A current sensor monitors each pulse and detects a threshold crossing on the trailing side of the pulse, and a toggle circuit operates a switch arrangement to terminate the pulse and initiate the next pulse of opposite polarity. This current feedback circuit varies the pulse frequency according to the loop inductance but the RMS loop current is independent of inductance.

Abstract: A crush sensor (10) includes a deformable first elongated member (20) having a width (W) and a length (L). A deformable second elongated member (30) has a width (W) and a length (L). The first and second members are parallel to each other and are closely spaced from one another. The first member includes an elongated contact surface (22) extending along its length. The second member includes an elongated contact surface (32) extending along its length and facing towards the elongated contact surface of the first member. The contact surface of at least one of the members includes a generally planar strip (34) and a raised electrically conductive rib (36) extending along its length and protruding from the strip toward the contact surface of the other member. The contact surfaces are normally electrically isolated from one another when the members are closely spaced from one another.

Abstract: A trip device for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a vehicle responsive inertial mass (12) able to be moved in translation in a housing (10) against a return spring (14) between a neutral position and a trip position. An activating pin (22) is provided for activation of an impact fuse (24).

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit is disclosed in which a power MOSFET supplies a squib of automobile air bag systems with load current. The power MOSFET Q.sub.1 provides squib Z.sub.L with the load current, and load current signal which outputs from shunt resistor R.sub.s is provided an operational amplifier consisting of transistors Q.sub.4 -Q.sub.10 with a negative feedback signal, so that the load current to be supplied to the squib Z.sub.L is restricted. The negative feedback operation is interrupted by load current function interruption signal which inputs to terminal T.sub.6. A circuit which consists of two current mirror circuits composed of transistors Q.sub.4 -Q.sub.10 and constant current source I.sub.4 supplies the operational amplifier with constant current to interrupt the feedback operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a plurality of safety devices equipped in a vehicle for protecting occupants from an impact of a collision has a plurality of squibs (4,5) connected in series with each other so as to form a series circuit (6) and ignited by a current flowing through and conformed to one and the same standard. A power source (3) supplies electrical energy to the series circuit (6), and a collision detector (7) allows a current to flow from the power source (3) to said series circuit (6) when detecting a collision. A required energy for igniting all of the squibs (4,5) is thus supplied before the series circuit (6) opens electrically at one squib.

Abstract: A vehicle impact sensor arrangement is provided for sensing a side impact. The arrangement comprises at least one sensor which is directly or indirectly fixed to the monocoque shell of a motor vehicle and which is responsive to inward movement of part of a door mounted on a motor vehicle. The part of the door adjacent the sensor is reinforced.

Abstract: A mechanical ignition sensor which can reduce rotational resistance of a trigger lever. An inner periphery of a slit on the side of a spring is formed into an inclined surface which is an abutment surface with an outer peripheral side of the slit opened. An inclined surface of a slide holding portion is formed as a curved surface along a locus of rotation of an abutment leading end portion of the slide holding portion. An angle of inclination .alpha. 1 of an abutment leading end P of an inertial mass body with respect to an axial direction of the mechanical ignition sensor is set small such that only the abutment leading end P abuts against the inclined surface of the slide holding portion. As a result, sliding resistance between the inclined surface of the slit and the inclined surface of the slide holding portion.

Abstract: A mechanical ignition sensor is disclosed having a trigger lever engages an ignition pin and holds the ignition pin at a position separated from a detonating member. When an inertial mass is moved, the trigger lever moves in a direction of separating from the ignition pin so as to allow movement of the ignition pin. A safety device is movable from a position at which the safety device abuts the inertial mass so as to prevent movement of the inertial mass, to a position at which the safety device and the inertial mass are in a state of non-abutment so as to allow movement of the inertial mass. Since movement of the inertial mass is prevented by the safety device, the trigger lever does not move and the mechanical ignition sensor does not operate at the same time that the safety device is released. Thus, the operation of the sensor can be prevented when the safety device is released.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing a crash, in a vehicle by measuring vehicle speed change continuously within a limited time periods and comparing the measured values with those determined in prior time periods. Acceleration can be differentiated out by means of the above-mentioned process/arrangement and can be evaluated if, in the case of a high-speed and low-speed crash, it should not be possible to differentiate sufficiently by means of the partial speed difference. Different partial speed differences (by means of observation periods of different durations) can be measured and compared in order to permit ignition in the case of slower (oblique) crashes only within a limited time window in the initial phase of the crash.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for preventing actuation of an air bag restraining device (90) of a vehicle includes a sensor (24, 26) that senses the presence of a child restraining seat (40) on an occupant seat (30) of the vehicle. A controller (22) is operatively connected to the sensor (24, 26) and to the air bag restraining device (90) for controlling actuation of the air bag and preventing actuation of the air bag when the sensor (24, 26) senses the child restraining seat (40) on the occupant seat (30).

Abstract: An airbag device 1 is composed of an inflator 2, a bag 3 and an electronic control unit (ECU) 4 created as a single unit as well as a pad 6 which is attached to the steering unit 5. There is connection from the ignition device 8 of the inflator 2 to the circuit board 18 by means of a connector 8a. The connector 8a realizes short-circuiting by means of external shorting member. In assembly operations of the airbag device, the shorting member can be easily removed to release the short-circuiting of the connector 8a. As a result, when attaching the airbag device to the ECU 4 the connector 8a does not occupy excessive space and there is no reduction in the assembly efficiency of the airbag device.

Abstract: A pattern recognition system is utilized in a supplementary inflatable restraint (SIR) system to distinguish between deployment and non-deployment events. The pattern recognition system preferably includes dedicated hardware or a microprocessor programmed to perform a neural network simulation utilizing crash data in the form of vehicle acceleration data. Training and trial vectors are generated from the data to train and, subsequently, test the neural network.

Abstract: An obstacle detection apparatus includes a rubber-like elastic body interspersed with electroconductive particles, and means for applying a voltage to the rubber-like elastic body to obtain an ultrasonic wave reception signal from a change in electrical resistance of the elastic body. An ultrasonic wave transmission apparatus is mounted on a support member for transmitting an ultrasonic wave outward. The rubber-like elastic body interspersed with electroconductive particles is provided along an outer periphery of the support member, and a voltage is applied to the rubber-like elastic body to obtain an ultrasonic wave reception signal from a change in electrical resistance of the elastic body as a result of receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected from an obstacle.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for sensing and restraining an occupant of a vehicle seat (34) includes a weight sensor (60) and a seat incline sensor (62). The weight sensor (60) senses a sensed weight of the occupant of the seat (34). The sensed weight differs from the actual weight of the occupant. The incline sensor (62) senses a characteristic which affects the difference between the sensed weight and the actual weight of the occupant. The apparatus (10) further includes a controller (36) and an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (26). The controller (36) determines a computed weight of the occupant as a function of both the sensed weight and the characteristic. Inflation fluid is directed into the restraint (26) to inflate the restraint (26) and is controlled in response to the computed weight determined by the controller (36).

Abstract: A preloader for a webbing retractor, having a safety device which can be selectively switched to one of an operative state in which a sensor, which detects the state of rapid deceleration of a vehicle, is brought to a non-detecting state, and an operation-released state in which the sensor is brought to a detecting state. The safety device, when in the operative state, interferes with a vehicle component to be mounted after installation of the webbing retractor to a vehicle body and prevents the vehicle component from being mounted to the vehicle body and allows, when in the operation-released state, the mounting of the vehicle component to the vehicle body. Accordingly, an operator can easily determine whether the safety device is in the operative state or in the operation-released state.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for detecting an envelope of received vehicle acceleration information (a(t)) useful in controlling actuation of a vehicle passenger safety device, wherein consecutive values for received vehicle acceleration information (a(t)) are stored and rank-ordered in a pair of rank-order filters (14, 16) to provide a highest-ranked value (a.sub.H) from among the most-recent half of the stored values, and a highest-ranked value (a.sub.H ') from among the least-recent half of the stored values. The absolute value of the highest-ranked least-current value is taken and subtracted from the highest-ranked most-recent value to obtain a modified jerk measure (j.sub.H *). The absolute value of the thus-generated modified jerk value is taken to obtain a measure (m.sub.1) which tracks the envelope of the received acceleration information and, hence, is useful as an envelope detector when evaluating a crash waveform for purposes of controlling actuation of the safety device.

Abstract: A crush sensor has a crush box and a pressure sensor. The crush box is disposed between a vehicle-door outer panel and a door inner member which make up a vehicle door, such that a pressure-receiving surface of the crush box, which has a predetermined area, is opposed to the vehicle-door outer panel, the crush box being formed in a semi-sealed state. The pressure sensor detects the internal pressure of the crush box and outputs an electrical signal proportional to a detected value. Since the pressure sensor is capable of obtaining data corresponding to the crushing speed and the amount of crush by detecting the internal pressure of the crush box, an effect equivalent to that obtained by detecting the crushing speed and the amount of crush can be obtained with a simple arrangement without directly detecting them.

Abstract: An inertial sensor for activating a vehicular passenger restraining system comprises a housing, a sensor body supported in the housing for a sliding translational movement under the action of inertial forces from a rest position to an activating position and a return spring preloading the sensor body towards the rest position. A striking pin is displaceably mounted in the housing for activation of an impact igniter. An additional spring is provided which preloads the striking pin towards the impact igniter in a direction transverse to translational movement of the sensor body. A ramp surface is provided on the housing which rises in a direction of sensor body movement towards the activating position. The striking pin has a lateral shoulder resting on the ramp surface and holding the striking pin in a rest position as long as the sensor body has not reached the activating position. The preloading force of the return spring is overcome by an acceleration as low as approximately 2 g.

Abstract: A mechanical igniter for a gas generator has a weight, a latch lever and a firing pin, which are provided in a casing as movable elements to fire a percussion cap attached to the gas generator in response to acceleration. The mechanical igniter further has a restraint member movably supported in the casing as a safety catch for making the movable elements immovable. The casing and the restraint member are respectively formed with cam surfaces which cooperate with each other to rotate the restraint member about its own axis so that the restraint member is selectively set in a restraint position and a release position. The restraint member has a rotary control portion that is concealed in the casing and has a portion that is engageable by a rotary tightening tool, such as used in an ordinary bolt tightening operation or the like. The restraint member is rotated by engaging the rotary tightening tool with the rotary control portion of the restraint member and turning the tool.

Abstract: A test circuit for detection of malfunctions in an electric triggering device (10, 11) for protection of vehicle occupants. The triggering devices (10, 11) are arranged with a first connector (12) connected to earth (13) and a second connector (14) connected to a control unit for supply of a triggering current to the triggering devices when detecting a triggering condition. The test circuit comprises a voltage regulator (17), a current generator (18,19) connected in series between the voltage regulator and the connection of the triggering devices (10,11) to the control unit for generating a test current to the triggering devices, and two voltage comparators (24,25) connected between the earth connection (13), the connection (14) to the control unit and the voltage regulator for detecting the voltage across the triggering devices (10,11).

Abstract: A method for making an air bag by forming a fabric structure of filaments or yarns in the configuration of an air bag, and grafting first and/or second components onto some or all of the filaments or yarns to provide the fabric structure with increased resistance to fraying, filament or yarn pull-out, or distortion during manufacture or use of the air bag compared to non-grafted filaments or yarns. The graft component(s) may be applied to the filaments or yarns prior to, during or after formation of the fabric structure. An air bag material suitable for use in a passive restraint system is also disclosed utilizing grafted fabric substrate provided by the above described method. A passive restraint system utilizing such fabrics is also described.

Abstract: An impact sensing apparatus includes a container, a weight swingably supported in the container and which is swung by an impact exceeding a predetermined value, an output member rotatably supported in the container and which engages the weight, the output member disengages the weight by the swing movement of the weight. A spring member is disposed between the container and the output member, which biases the output member so as to be rotated, and urges the weight so as not to swing. The weight includes a stopper portion for contacting the container so as to hold the weight at an initial position. The stopper portion is disposed at an outside edge of the weight and spaced from the pivotal axis of the weight so that the spring member presses against the container in an upwardly direction substantially vertical to a surface of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a start control device for starting a vehicle passenger protecting device such as an air bag, which does not respond to an impact against which the vehicle passenger protecting device must not be started, but quickly responds to a collision against which the vehicle passenger protecting device must be started. The start control device includes a start level generator for setting a decision level of start signal generation to a higher level for a predetermined time from a rise timing of an acceleration signal obtained from an acceleration sensor in deciding a collision by using an integral value of the acceleration signal. With this arrangement, in case of the impact against which the vehicle passenger protecting device must not be started, the start signal can be prevented from being generated.

Abstract: A gas generator apparatus for generating gas for inflating a motor vehicle airbag comprises an ignition device including a first housing and a first pyrotechnic charge disposed in the first housing; a gas generator including a second housing having an opening, a sealing membrane covering the opening for hermetically sealing the second housing and being located adjacent to the first pyrotechnic charge in the first housing, a second pyrotechnic charge located in the second housing adjacent to the membrane, and a gas generating pyrotechnic material arranged in the second housing to be responsive to a combustion of the second pyrotechnic charge, wherein a combustion of the first pyrotechnic charge initiates a combustion of the second pyrotechnic charge through the membrane which in turn initiates combustion of the gas generating pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: A safety mechanism is provided for a mechanical trigger device of a gas generator. The mechanical trigger device has an inertia body, which is displaceable upon application of a deceleration of at least a predetermined value, and a mechanical trigger for actuating the gas generator in response to a displacement of the inertia body. The safety mechanism comprises a device for selectively setting the trigger in a first state where the trigger is operative or in a second state where the trigger is prevented from operation. This setting device has a member displaceable between a first position where the trigger is set in the first state and a second position where the trigger is set in the second state. The safety mechanism also comprises a cover member for being mounted to cover the setting device. This cover member has mount-preventing member for interfering with the displaceable member located in the second position so that mounting of the cover member is prevented.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag system including a compressed gas source, an airbag, and a control member controlling gas flow to the airbag. A valve member slidably housed within the control member has an inactivated position wherein the canister is sealed. A pair of interlocked arms are operably connected to the valve member, and the arms unlock at a preselected vehicle deceleration to move the valve member to an activated position wherein the compressed canister gas is released to inflate the airbag. The airbag is preferably positioned on the safety belt of a vehicle seat to open forwardly from the shoulder belt.

Abstract: A trigger device is provided with a firing pin made of a non-magnetic material and arranged movably toward a detonator, an inertia body formed of a permanent magnet and arranged movably toward the detonator, and a cylindrical permanent magnet having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the inertia body. The firing pin extends freely through the inertia body. When an acceleration acting on the inertia body exceeds repulsion between the inertia body and the cylindrical permanent magnet, the inertia body is caused to move toward the detonator through a cavity of the cylindrical permanent magnet so that the firing pin strikes and fires the detonator. An attracting disk made of a magnetic material is arranged in close contact with a detonator-side magnetic pole surface of the cylindrical permanent magnet so that attraction for the inertia body is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the force of a collision and actuating a vehicle occupant restraint system in response thereto. An actuator piston is slidably mounted within a restraint system module and is disposed intermediate a source of pressurized gas and an inflatable occupant restraint. The actuator piston is maintained in position by a frangible sensor shaft intermediate the source of pressurized gas and the inflatable occupant restraint system. A sensor weight is annularly disposed about the frangible sensor shaft. The sensor weight comprises a non-uniform mass which, when subject to the inertial force of a collision, will transmit a shearing force to the surface of the sensor shaft which is sufficient to fracture or otherwise disrupt the structural integrity of the sensor shaft.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for sensing an impact on a motor vehicle which has an outer skin and for activating a safety device within the vehicle. A sensor is located between the outer skin of the vehicle and an inner part of the vehicle which is relatively fixed in position, and is adapted to initiate activation of the safety device only when the outer skin of the vehicle moves at a speed greater than a predetermined speed relative to said fixed part of the vehicle. The sensor has a first part in the form of a housing containing a pyrotechnic material, and a second part in the form of a stab. One of the parts is supported by an inner part of the vehicle which is relatively fixed in position, while the other of the parts is adapted to be moved in response to movement of the outer skin of the vehicle during an impact.

Abstract: An inflator with a starter for starting a gas generator of a side collision air bag device is formed of: a needle disposed in the side face of a vehicle and made movable from the outside to the inside of the vehicle; an elastic member for urging the needle in the opposite direction to the movement of the needle; and a priming powder disposed forward of the movement of the needle. When the priming powder is hit by the needle, the ignition agent of the gas generator ignites to inflate an air bag.

Abstract: A mechanical acceleration sensor includes a sensor casing, a weight, a spring-loaded firing pin, and a latch lever, the weight, the firing pin, and the latch lever, each being movably mounted in the sensor casing in such a manner as to either translate along an axis or to rotate about an axis, the axes of translation of the members that translate being substantially perpendicular to that the axes of rotation of the members that rotate. The latch lever is loaded with a set load to engage the firing pin and is positioned to be engaged by the weight upon inertial movement of the weight to disengage from the firing pin, thereby allowing the firing pin to perform a percussive firing action by the spring load. The casing has an opening for receiving the weight, firing pin and latch lever, and shaft support grooves are provided in the casing such that each shaft support groove is open at an end thereof which faces the opening. A shaft for a member that rotates is supported by the shaft support grooves.

Abstract: A two-step deployment control method for a supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) in a vehicle. The deployment decision includes a "time to wait" step in which the control determines "when to deploy", and a "severity" step in which the control determines "whether to deploy". The "time to wait" step is based on an estimation of occupant displacement due to the crash, and the "severity" step is based on an estimation of the crash severity. The control method is modified to initiate earlier deployment when the acceleration data is indicative of a localized impact which does not involve the full front structure of the vehicle, such as an angle or pole impact.

Abstract: An air bag system (10) includes an inflator (14) containing ignitable gas generating material (60) which, when ignited, generates gas for inflating the air bag (12). The system (10) further includes a collision sensor (96), a first actuator assembly (64) and a second actuator assembly (62). The collision sensor (96) senses a predetermined amount of vehicle deceleration which is indicative of a collision, and provides a collision signal upon sensing such deceleration. The first actuator assembly (64) ignites the gas generating material (60) in response to the collision signal. The second actuator assembly (62) ignites the gas generating material (60) when the ambient temperature of the inflator (14) reaches a predetermined elevated level. The second actuator assembly (62) includes a bi-metal disk (112) which deflects from a concave shape to a relatively convex shape when the ambient temperature increases to the predetermined elevated level.

Abstract: An automotive air bag cover including a horn switch device incorporated therein, is provided. The air bag cover includes substantially rigid front and side panels which are adapted to enclose an uninflated automotive air bag. The front panel has inner and outer surfaces and is connected to the side panels at seams to permit the inflating air bag to leave the cover as the inflating air bag exerts a force at the inner surface of the front panel sufficient to cause the front panel to separate from the side panels along the seams. The horn switch device includes a flexible, manually operable diaphragm at the outer surface of the front panel. The diaphragm has a first electrically conductive inner surface for making a circuit with a corresponding second electrically conductive inner surface of the front panel upon manual actuation of the diaphragm.