Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power sliding door in an automobile, such as a minivan, is disclosed. The invention is comprised in a control system that includes a user input interface for receiving sliding door actuation requests from a user. The actuation signals are carried to a body control module (BCM) where the request is broadcast to a power sliding door module (PSDM) over a serial data bus communications network meeting the SAE J1850 multiplex communications protocol standard. Upon receipt of the actuation message the PSDM monitors several operating conditions of the automobile and makes a determination whether or not to carry out the power sliding door activation request. Power sliding door actuation is controlled by the PSDM via electric motors located at or near the power doors. A power liftgate module (PLGM) controls the power liftgate actuation upon via electric motors located at or near the liftgate. The user input interface includes interior switches as well as a RKE system.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting a plurality of spaced electrical subassemblies in a motor-vehicle door has a basically rectangular flexible foil having a core part and formed with a plurality of strips extending from the part and carrying conductive paths. The strips are separable from one another and foldable to extend to the different subassemblies. The conductive strips and the core part are formed of a flexible and conductive material or of an insulating synthetic resin provided with the conductive paths. This core part has a plurality of different fields each provided with electronic circuit components, for instance a key-pad field, a decoding field, a processing field, an H-bridge field, and a transfer field. The circuit components can be passive or active, for instance whole integrated circuits can be mounted on the core part.

Abstract: The wiper control method is capable of preventing damages on a wiper due to erroneous operation of the wiper when a vehicle is subjected to a car washer with its wiper operation kept in an "AUTO" mode, and the wiper automatically operates without troubles while driving. The wiper control method is used for an automatic wiper system which automatically controls wiper operation of a vehicle by sensing the climate condition by a rain drop sensor 7, and the state of a door mirror of the vehicle is detected by a mirror folding detection switch 5. When the door mirror is folded, wiper operation control performed by the automatic wiper system is stopped so that the wiper is not operated even if the rain drop sensor 7 detects a rain drop.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle, provided with a balanced cable connecting respective nodes and a comparator for obtaining a receive signal by differentially amplifying a signal from the balanced cable, for carrying out communication between respective nodes, being further provided with a unit for limiting signals input to each input terminal of the comparator to values in mutually different fixed ranges. This provides a vehicle communication system that has high reliability and is resistant to noise.

Abstract: A system of inflatable air cells is constructed and installed in a seat at locations that are strategic to the comfort of the user. The air cells are connected to a pump through a manifold which sequentially connects each cell independently to the pump. The manifold controls the flow of fluid in the air cell distribution system by means of a system of valves and senses the pressure in each cell by means of a transducer. A microcomputer is programmed with data representing a desired comfort level for each of the air cells. By sequentially activating individual manifold valves, a pressure signal from the transducer can be generated for each cell. The pressure signals are received by the microcomputer and are correlated with the predetermined comfort data to generate a control signal which activates the pump. In this manner each of the cells can be individually inflated or deflated to the desired pressure level.

Abstract: Motor driven adjustment device with a control unit (2; 2') for controlling a motor driven unit (4) wherein an acoustic signal generator (6, 6') which produces an acoustic signal upon activation of the motor driven unit (4) is coupled at an output (21, 23) of the control unit (2; 2').

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for operating a control apparatus in a motor vehicle. At least one input signal is applied to the control apparatus. The essence of the invention is that means are provided with the aid of which the control apparatus is activated in response to a change of the input signal. With the means of the invention, the control apparatus can correspondingly respond anytime to a change of the input signal. In an especially advantageous configuration, the means of the invention include a lower internal current draw than the activated control apparatus. According to the invention, one obtains a high operational reliability of the control apparatus without an excessive energy consumption because the means of the invention have only a low internal current draw and the control apparatus with the higher internal current draw is activated only as required (change of the input signal).

Abstract: An integrated occupant protection system (10) for a vehicle comprises a vehicle seat (12), which may be mounted in the vehicle. The seat (12) has a lower seat portion (14) and a seat back portion (16). An electrical communications bus (26) is mounted to the vehicle seat (12). A crash sensor (44) also is mounted to the vehicle seat (12) and electrically coupled to the communications bus (26). The crash sensor (44) senses a crash event and provides a signal indicative thereof to the communications bus (26). An actuatable occupant protection device (46, 48, 50 or 64) is mounted to the vehicle seat (12) and electrically coupled to the communications bus (26). When the protection device (46, 48, 50 or 64) is actuated, it helps to protect a vehicle occupant. The occupant protection device (46, 48, 50 or 64) is controlled over the communications bus (26) by a controller (47, 34).

Abstract: An enabling device for a motor vehicle having an electronic ignition system and a passive anti-theft system includes an engine control circuit controlling the electronic ignition system of the motor vehicle, a passive anti-theft control circuit electrically connected to the engine control circuit for controlling the passive anti-theft system, and a latch electrically connected to the passive anti-theft control circuit to selectively enable the electronic ignition system.

Abstract: In a method for tripping a restraint device in a vehicle, coded information signals with status and diagnosis messages are transmitted in both directions between an evaluation device and an ignition device. To avoid the situation where a tripping signal for the restraint device may be delayed in its transmission to the ignition device because the data throughput in the transmission medium is high, the transmission of the information signals is interrupted. Accordingly, the transmission of the information signals in the forward and return directions is controlled by the evaluation device. As a function of a collision signal furnished by a sensor device, the transmission of the information signals is ended by the evaluation device, so that the transmission medium between the evaluation device and the ignition device remains free for a possibly ensuing tripping signal.

Abstract: A system for automatically unlocking an automotive child safety door lock comprises an emergency sensor such as a collision sensor initiating airbag deployment, a door lock mechanism and a door lock releasing mechanism. Upon the sensor detecting an emergency, such as a collision, the sensor produces a signal that is sent to the door lock releasing mechanism. The door lock releasing mechanism then unlocks the door lock mechanism. The sensor may also trigger disconnection of the battery from the automobile's electrical circuitry and interruption of the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine. The emergency sensor may alternatively include a temperature or smoke sensor.

Abstract: A guide member 10 made of an elastic material has an arcuate portion 10a which extends and contracts while twisting. A wiring harness D.multidot.W/H is arranged between a door and a body of a vehicle after being mounted on the guide member 10, and the opposite ends of the guide member 10 are fixed to the door and the body, so that the movements of the guide member and the wiring harness can follow the opening and closing movements of the door. The arcuate portion 10a is so configured as to construct a part of a torsion coil spring.

Abstract: A process and a device for shutting off of a motor vehicle heating device in which a liquid heat exchange medium is heated by a heating device and is delivered to a heat exchanger of the heating device by means of a circulating pump driven by an electric motor. To prevent damage to the heating device or the circulating pump when the heat exchange medium circuit is not adequately filled with liquid heat exchange medium or in the case of poor venting, a value which at least indirectly indicates the power consumption of the electric motor is sent to a control device as a signal indicative of the existence of a delivery fault associated with the circulating pump.

Abstract: In a locking system, used for instance on a vehicle, a switch or sensor initiates the interrogation of a data storage medium via a control unit to check for access authorization. If access authorization is given, the control unit releases the locks of the locking system automatically. To improve user convenience regarding the system release, at least one capacitance sensor in at least one door grip is provided. At least one first electrode of the sensor is situated in the inner shell of the door grip and a second electrode is placed in the door area opposite the grip. By applying antipole voltage to both electrodes, an electrical field is generated between the two electrodes. When a hand, which acts as a dielectric, approaches the grip, a change in the cumulative dielectric state between the two electrodes occurs. Such a change is recognized by the capacitance sensor and transformed into an electric pulse which initiates in the electrical control unit interrogation of the data storage medium.

Abstract: A micro-miniature acceleration switch (e.g., 10) has a substrate (14) and an inertial mass member ("IMM"12) fabricated upon the substrate. The substrate (14) has a planar surface (16), and the IMM (12) is movable relative to the substrate from a first position to a second position when the switch (10) is accelerated along at least one direction parallel to the planar surface by acceleration of sufficient magnitude. Electrical contacts (e.g., 42) are fabricated upon the substrate (14) with at least one contact being coupled to the IMM (12). The contacts (42) move between closed and open positions when the IMM (12) moves between the first position and the second position. In one embodiment, an electrode (e.g., 62) provides an electrostatic force that opposes the acceleration forces and holds the IMM (12) in a holding position until overcome by the predetermined acceleration force.

Abstract: A process used to trigger a passive occupant protection system for motor vehicles where at least one electric ignition agent for a safety device protecting one person in the event of a hazardous impact, in particular an airbag or a belt tensioner, is provided with ignition energy by a trigger current which--in the event of a functional failure occurring in the on-board electric system of the motor vehicle--is generated as the discharge current of an autarchic capacitor. According to the invention, this autarchic capacitor simultaneously provides the trigger currents for multiple ignition agents--in particular squibs used for airbags--, with the respective trigger current of each ignition agent being pulse-width modulated such that the ignition energy required for the respective ignition agent is preset by the pulse-to-pause ratio of the trigger current.

Abstract: In the case of a data transmission system for the exchange of digital data between a central processor unit and several peripheral control modules which are connected to the former by a bus system such that communication is enabled and which are provided for the purpose of activating one each, respectively, out of several safety devices such as airbags or belt tensioning systems, or similar devices, in a motor vehicle, and wherein these peripheral control modules are each provided with one buffer capacitor whose energy content is sufficient for operating the respective module, and the device driven by this module, within specifications over a limited period of time, the bus system is designed as a single wire system for the purpose of achieving a simple setup and reducing installation and fitting costs. In this single wire system the control modules are supplied with electrical operating energy, and digital data are transmintted, by the same line sections.

Abstract: A vehicle multiplex communication apparatus having such a transmission arrangement that the rate of transmission of information over a common bus is limited to a prescribed rate without limiting the number of additional control elements provided in a vehicle. The communication apparatus has the common bus provided in the vehicle and a plurality of central control units connected to the common bus. The central control units transmit information in accordance with a first information protocol between the common bus and constitutional controlled equipment of the vehicle or control elements for controlling the controlled equipment. The communication apparatus also has an information collection control unit connected to at least one of the plurality of central control units through a simpler bus.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a heavy duty vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the heavy duty vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the heavy duty vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared or an RF data communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the heavy duty vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal.

Abstract: An adapter plug system connectable to AC and DC sources for powering an electrically powered device. The system includes an adapter power cord for translating AC or DC voltages into a predefined DC voltage and a DC adapter. The adapter power cord also includes an adapter circuit in a case that translates a received voltage into a voltage acceptable for an attached electrically powered device. The adapter power cord includes a switch for automatically or manually setting the adapter circuit to translate AC or DC voltages. The system also includes a DC adapter that inserts into a vehicle lighter outlet for supplying a DC voltage to plug prong receiving ports.

Abstract: A steering wheel control system (10) that employs a method for passing push-button commands from a steering wheel to a vehicle system, wherein the method is not dependant upon the contact resistance of a sliding contact (32) located in the steering wheel column. The control system (10) includes a constant current source circuit (20) that generates a unique constant current corresponding to each command. The sliding contact (32) passes the constant current between the steering wheel and the vehicle system, and a calibrated resistance circuit (40) converts the unique constant current into a discrete voltage. The discrete voltage is also converted into a digital signal for use by a microcontroller (60) to activate the vehicle systems. The use of constant currents therefore avoids operational problems associated with decreases in the overall system noise margin due to large voltage drops across the sliding contact (32).

Abstract: An optical key system comprises a battery-operated optical key and an isolated lock that derives both its operating power and unlock signals from the correct optical key. A light emitting diode or laser diode is included within the optical key and is connected to transmit a bit-serial password. The key user physically enters either the code-to-transmit directly, or an index to a pseudorandom number code, in the key. Such person identification numbers can be retained permanently, or ephemeral. When a send button is pressed, the key transmits a beam of light modulated with the password information. The modulated beam of light is received by a corresponding optical lock with a photovoltaic cell that produces enough power from the beam of light to operate a password-screen digital logic. In one application, an acceptable password allows a two watt power laser diode to pump ignition and timing information over a fiberoptic cable into a sealed engine compartment.

Abstract: If an ignition switch of a vehicle is ON and the vehicle speed is not zero (i.e., the vehicle is travelling), the lighting of a work lamp is prohibited even if the work lamp operating switch has been set to ON. This ensures that a work lamp does not remain lit by mistake while the vehicle is travelling, and that battery consumption by unnecessary lighting of a work lamp is minimized.

Abstract: An electrical interconnection module forms part of the structure of an automotive vehicle instrument panel and connects electrical components disposed thereon with a bulkhead connector on the forward fire wall of the vehicle. The interconnection module has electrical connectors disposed thereon at various locations for making connection with the electrical components. A plurality of bus bars are disposed in a group on the surface of the module and form part of an electrical junction block integrated with the module. Narrow grooves extend along the surfaces of the module and have wires embedded therein to provide electrical interconnection between the connectors and the bus bars. The bus bars and the terminals of the electrical connectors comprise insulation displacement connectors for making connection with the wires.

Abstract: In order to detect abnormality of a cable, the cable has an electrical conduction line surrounding a power supply line, an electric potential of the electrical conduction line is controlled by a controller, and the abnormality of the cable is judged by detecting the inability of the controller not to control the electric potential of the electrical conduction line in case of contact by the electrical conduction line with the ground or the power supply line. Damage to the power supply line from the accident is prevented by previously detecting the accident of the cable, thereby, the reliability of the cable is highly improved.

Abstract: An improved distributed architecture SIR system wherein the idle voltage of the power and communications bus is regulated by a fault tolerant power supply circuit, and portions of the bus coupled to devices located in a crush zone of the vehicle may be de-coupled from other portions of the bus in the event of a short circuit across the wires of that portion of the bus. The power and communications bus comprises two wires (signal and ground) and the bus ground wire is weakly biased to a reference voltage. A boost power supply referenced to the bus ground establishes the nominal voltage of the signal wire, and supplies charging current over the signal wire to the energy reserve circuits of various devices coupled to the bus. The power supply is transformer-isolated from the bus, and the feedback circuitry for controlling the operation of the power supply senses the bus voltage as coupled through the transformer.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling electric devices installed in a slide door which moves relative to a door opening formed in a vehicle body. The control system comprises a first electric device for detecting a door-closed condition wherein the slide door is at its fully closed position relative to the door opening and a second electric device for positively suppressing operation of the electric devices until the time when the first electric device detects the door-closed condition. For achieving communication between the first and second electric devices, an electromagnetic induction phenomenon is practically used.

Abstract: An improved automotive supplemental inflatable restraint system featuring a cost-effective approach to driver initiated inhibiting of air bag deployment. A multi-position key-operated switch is coupled to a circuit external to the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) that is interfaced to the vehicle communications bus. The circuit interprets the switch position, and sends a message to the SDM via the communications bus indicating which, if any, of the air bags are to be inhibited. Since the SDM is normally configured for communications over the communications bus, the only cost impact on the SDM is that of a software modification. Additionally, the external circuitry is simple, and the switch can be low cost since it is not connected in the deployment loop of an air bag, and since one switch can be used to signal multiple inhibit selections.

Abstract: An apparatus for prevention of corrosion in metal objects uses a pad having a conductive facing, a dielectric substrate and an adhesive, attached to a metal body being protected from corrosion. The metal body and the negative terminal of a source of DC voltage (battery) are grounded. The positive terminal of the source of DC voltage is connected to electronic circuitry that imparts pulses of low voltage DC to the conductive facing of the pad. These pulses of electrical current inhibit the oxidation of the metal object by providing a source of electrons to the oxidizing chemicals in contact with the metal. The electronic circuitry includes a reverse voltage protector to prevent the application of reverse source voltage. The circuitry also includes a power conditioner to supply a constant DC voltage to a microprocessor. The microprocessor generates pulses of DC signals that are amplified by a pulse amplifier and imparted to the conductive facing of the pad.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an external wiring of a voltage controller in the electrical system of an automotive vehicle, wherein the power input of the voltage controller is connected by way of a dual diode to the main line, which is connected to the positive pole of the battery, and to the auxiliary line which is connected to the positive pole of the electrical system by way of an ignition switch. The auxiliary line is connected to a buffer capacitor. When the voltage on the main line breaks down, the supply of the power input occurs by way of the auxiliary line or by means of a current discharging from the buffer capacitor. When the voltage on the auxiliary line breaks down, the supply of the signal input is effected by way of the buffer capacitor which is dimensioned to buffer the power input.

Abstract: A new vehicle electrical system has a first lower voltage level and a second higher voltage level. The new vehicle electrical system comprises an ignition switch, a generator having an exciter circuit and a voltage controller, and a multi-chopper having several chopper stages. The voltage controller supplies energy to the exciter circuit via the ignition switch in order to adjust the first lower voltage level to a rated level of U1. The multi-chopper is connected between the battery and the generator, thereby adjusting the second higher voltage level to a rated level of U2 based on the number of chopper stages and their actuation.

Abstract: A switch selectively connects an airbag inflator or a load resistor to a crash sensing module to enable or disable an airbag. A transistor circuit across the load resistor detects whether deployment current is flowing in that resistor. Another transistor activated by the first transistor passes current to a fuse to open the fuse, permanently indicating a deployment event when the airbag was disabled. A latch circuit holds the second transistor on to assure sufficient time to open the fuse by melting.

Abstract: A system for controlling engine operation responsive to engine emitted CO presence in a closed space includes a CO sensor carried in a control unit in the vehicle or in the space. Other control units can be used and are associated with a space closure door and a space fan unit. When the sensor unit detects an unacceptable CO level in the space signals including discrete RF signals are generated to effect engine shutdown and to open a space closure door as well as operate a space ventilation fan until a safe CO level in the space is produced at which point second signals are generated to shut the closure door, turn off the ventilation fan and optionally re-enable engine operation.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a vehicle crash discrimination system (10) comprises a plurality of coil sensors (18) permanently mounted to a vehicle pillar, and a magnet 20 either mounted to a door (14) edge surface juxtaposed to the coils, or to the pillar if a suitable ferromagnetic flux collector is mounted on the door edge. The shape, size and spacing of the coils is predetermined to provide output signals in the coils responsive to the change in the magnetic field caused by movement of the door surface. The change in magnetic field is analyzed to indicate a vehicle crash.

Abstract: An airbag control system is provided to disable an airbag in a motor vehicle. The airbag control system includes an airbag control module, a switching circuit with a first circuit path and a second circuit path, and a switch selectively movable between an enabled position, which interconnects the first circuit path to the airbag control module to activate the airbag, and a disabled position, which interconnects the second circuit path to the airbag control module to prevent activation of the airbag. In addition, the system includes a third circuit path with a first resistor in series with a second resistor which is placed in parallel with a second contact of said switch. Alternatively, a controller is electrically connected through the third circuit path to the switch. The controller detects the position of the switch based on the resistance value it senses in the third circuit path.

Abstract: A half-bridge driver provides a current limit on the low-side driver (20) and a current limit on the high-side driver (16). The current limits are initially set equal. If the low-side driver current limits, then a modulation current from the low-side driver increases the high-side driver current limit threshold to maintain stable operation of the control circuits. In addition, the present invention provides dual conduction paths to charge the main conduction transistor of the low-side driver, while detecting current limit. When current limit is detected, the charging current to the main conduction transistor is switched to current limit mode.

Abstract: A method for simulating an impression which is perceived subjectively by an occupant of a vehicle, in particular of a passenger car, when the vehicle is being operated, as well as a device, for example, for carrying out such a method are provided. In the method, the primary oscillations which are produced when a vehicle to be investigated is being operated and which are perceived subjectively are registered. Data for generating secondary oscillations are acquired from the primary oscillations and are converted into the secondary oscillations, and a simulation unit, which simulates, among other things, in particular a passenger car representationally at least in certain areas, is operated. In the simulation unit which is elastically mounted or secured with respect to the floor, vibration oscillations, which are acquired from the primary oscillations, are induced at a location from which they are transmitted into a seat and/or into the steering wheel.

Abstract: In the method and arrangement for avoiding and/or minimizing collision situations in road traffic described in the specification, a first plurality of sensors provides a representation of the surroundings of the motor vehicle, a second plurality of sensors senses the vehicle operating characteristics and a seat occupancy detector detects seat occupancy in the vehicle. The data relating to the surroundings and the vehicle operating characteristics are supplied to an evaluation unit which is connected to a plurality of vehicle control actuators which are actuated, if necessary, based on seat occupancy in the vehicle to avoid a collision or to produce in the minimum damage in a collision.

Abstract: Electrical loads are powered by one of several different power sources through a selector switch. A monitoring circuit monitors the different power sources to sense a change of state, that is, power up or shut down. Such a change indicates that the selector switch is likely to be operated to select a new power source. The monitoring circuit shuts down certain loads to limit current surges when the new power source is connected.

Abstract: In a power window apparatus in which between a car power source and a ground, a first series circuit formed of a first switch and a first relay and a second series circuit formed of a second switch and a second relay are connected; when the first switch is operated, the first relay is energized, a motor is rotated in one direction due to switching of contacts of the first relay, and a window is raised; and when the second switch is operated, the second relay is energized, the motor is rotated in the other direction due to switching of contacts of the second relay, and the window is lowered, the first switch and the second switch each have one circuit with two contacts, and the fixed contacts which are switched when the first switch or the second switch is not operated are grounded.

Abstract: A communication system includes a miniaturized palmtop computer which is information-coupled to a programmable node positioned in an instrument panel of a vehicle. The computer is removably resident in a pod or pocket of the instrument panel and communicates with a node either wirelessly or via a connectorized bus. Redundant radio and HVAC displays form at least one surface of the pod for use by vehicle operators not using the computer option.

Abstract: A siren disrupter, for use in a vehicle having a siren, having a parking brake, and having a gear selector having park and neutral positions. A parking brake switch is activated when the parking brake is engaged. A neutral switch is activated when the gear selector is place in one of the park and neutral positions. A siren control relay has a siren control relay switch and a siren control relay coil for controlling the siren control relay switch. The siren is supplied power through the siren control relay switch. When either the neutral switch or parking brake switch is activated, the siren control relay coil is energized to disconnect power to the siren and thereby deactivate the siren.

Abstract: The adjusting device for adjusting a position of a sun roof of a vehicle has one incremental position encoder and two absolute position encoders, with whose aid, at each position of the sun roof, an unambiguous association with the actual position of the sun roof is possible, regardless of whether there has been a failure of the adjusting device or a mechanical change in position of the sun roof. The adjusting device of the invention is intended for a sun roof of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A process and a mechanism for the direction-selective triggering of a passive safety device in a vehicle, with at least two acceleration transducers, where the acceleration transducers have directional sensitive axes and these have actual instantaneous orientations and are aligned in different, preferably specified reference orientations and there is an angle tolerance between the reference and the instantaneous orientations of the sensitive axes. An evaluation device is provided to correct the angle tolerance, comprising an electronic circuit which converts the signals (am 1, am 2, . . . am n) coming from the acceleration transducers to corrected output signals (a(I), a(II), . . . a(n)), which are linear combinations of the incoming signals with adjustable factors c.sub.ij : ##EQU1## This can lessen the expense of production compared to familiar mechanisms, without simultaneously reducing the measuring accuracy of the mechanism.

Abstract: A method for controlling the transmission of information between components, preferably in a motor vehicle, these components being either data sources or data sinks, wherein a double cascade separates the data transmission of the service components and from that of the music components. The data of the two data cascades can be mixed by means provided in the audio/video sink.

Abstract: An electrical switching circuit for a plurality of electrical consumers which are disposed preferably in a motor vehicle and which can be switched on and off respectively by way of a switching device in the proximity of the electrical consumers and which are connected on the one hand directly to one pole of a d.c. supply, wherein for the purpose of reducing the number of connection lines each electrical consumer together with its switching device in the proximity thereof is connected to an electronic unit comprising a power stage and a control stage by only one electrical line and a change in the switched state of a switching device is detected by the control stage by way of its monitoring input connected to the power stage and is used by way of its control output likewise connected to the power stage in order to switch over the associated power driver.

Abstract: Suggested is a switching arrangement for actuating a wiper motor (10) for windshield wiper arrangements, which functions to protect the power switching element (13), designed as semiconductor, and the wiper motor (10) against permanent destruction caused by blocking and overload. The switching arrangement comprises a temperature monitoring of the semiconductor end stage (29), which short-circuits the power switching element (13) in case of a motor (10) overload and simultaneous heating up of the power switching element and shuts down the motor (10), as well as a parking position monitoring of the wiper lever, in order to shut down the motor completely if the wiper lever is blocked (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to serve as an interface between a vehicle computer and a user. The interface comprises a docking site mounted within the vehicle and connected to the computer through a high-speed serial communication cable. The docking site receives an input device and establishes an electrical connection between the input device and the vehicle computer. The input device may be any of a variety of palm held computers. The input device permits a user to access the vehicle computer which in turn controls a variety of vehicle components.

Abstract: An airbag control circuit comprises a transformer having a primary coil connected to a first sub-circuit and a secondary coil connected to a second sub-circuit, an ignition impedance for initiating deployment of the airbag, a first energy storage device connected to the secondary coil of the transformer, wherein the first sub-circuit transmits a first signal to the second sub-circuit via the transformer, and wherein the first signal charges the first energy storage device, a first sender/receiver unit connected to the secondary coil of the transformer and receiving the first signal, and a frequency analyzer connected to the first sender/receiver unit, wherein the frequency analyzer connects the first energy storage device to the ignition impedance in response to a predetermined change in a frequency of the first signal.

Abstract: A system for sensing the presence of an object within a vehicle's passenger compartment including an occupant in a motor vehicle comprising of: one or more safety restraint device such as air bag or pretensioner for protecting the occupant during a crash, actuating device includes within the restraint device for activating the safety restraint device to protect an occupant during a collision; a first occupant sensor, fixedly positioned in the vehicle, for generating a reflected electric field within the passenger compartment for generating an output signal indicative of the presence of an object, the electric field being of predetermined size, wherein the presence of an object effects the reflected electric field causing a change in the output signal of the sensor, the sensor mounted on one of a vehicle's steering wheel assembly for driver position detection or instrument panel near the passenger air bag module for passenger position detection; a crash sensor coupled to electronic control unit for sensing an