Abstract: A method for replacing a length of a wire/cable in a hoisting system. The wire/cable extends from a storage drum to a winch. The method includes removing at least one lock which prevents a deadline anchor arranged between the storage drum and the winch from rotating, reeling onto the storage drum a first length of the wire/cable with a simultaneous coordinated operation of the deadline anchor and the storage drum, the simultaneous coordinated operation being controlled so that the wire/cable is in a continuous tension between the deadline anchor and the storage drum, securing the wire/cable to an attachment point, cutting a section of the wire/cable between the attachment point and the winch and removing the cut section of the wire/cable, reattaching the wire/cable remaining to the winch, reeling out a second length of the wire/cable from the storage drum, and securing the wire/cable to the deadline anchor.

Abstract: A crane includes an overload safety device and a identifying unit. The overload safety device includes a maximum-load calculating unit configured to calculate a maximum load that a winch drum is capable of winding up with driving torques output from the remaining electric motors other than a failed electric motor identified by the identifying unit, an updating unit configured to update a set hoisting ability value stored in a storing unit to a value equal to the maximum load, and a control unit configured to cause the remaining electric motors to operate when a value of a load derived by a load deriving unit is equal to or smaller than a latest set hoisting ability value stored in the storing unit and stop the operation of the plurality of electric motors when the value of the load derived by the load deriving unit exceeds the latest set hoisting ability value.

Abstract: A body-weight support system is disclosed, including an improved lift system and method. The system enables not only the support of patients undergoing rehab therapies, but including exercise modes that are both customizable and dynamic in nature, as well as a track system, wherein the system is capable of providing alternative functionality at differing locations. Other features disclosed include a system by which a movable support unit tracks or follows a patient, adjustable and variable supportive forces for users based upon, for example, a percentage of sensed body weight, and a user-interface that may be employed in a mobile, wired or wireless manner and will allow the use of multiple lift systems on a single, looped track system.

Abstract: A buffering device for fixing a flexible cable includes a fixing part and a moving part. The two connecting ends of the flexible cable move relatively to each other. One of the connecting ends is connected to a circuit board. The fixing part defines two sliding cutouts fixed at two opposite sides of the flexible cable and adjacent to the connecting end of the flexible cable clamping and sandwich the flexible cable between the mount and the circuit board. The moving part includes a movable support and two second cushions. The movable support comprises a top support frame and a bottom support frame. The movable support is inserted into the sliding cutouts and moves back and forth in the sliding cutouts. The two second cushions sandwich the flexible cable between the top support frame and a bottom support frame.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob.

Abstract: A horizontal resistance of an underwater pile is measured using a horizontal load applying apparatus which applies a horizontal load to the underwater pile to measure a horizontal resistance of the underwater pile by changing a direction of a penetration force generated when a suction pile penetrates an underwater ground.

Abstract: A fall detection device for a lifeline, intended to be mounted on an energy absorber which includes a static portion and a mobile portion secured together, wherein the mobile portion is shifted in the event of a force higher than a force threshold value and actuates an absorber. The fall detection device includes a sensor and trajectory tracking device secured to the end of the static portion or to the end of the mobile portion and able freely to move with the end of the mobile portion or the end of the static portion respectively. This trajectory tracking device is adapted to actuate the sensor when shifting of the mobile portion is data-generating.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing a cable into a tube with the assistance of a fluid drag acting on the cable within the tube with an installation device, the apparatus including a driving mechanism comprising a driving surface arranged to contact the cable substantially along the full driving surface length, for driving the cable into the tube, a first measurement device for obtaining a first value indicative of a rate at which the installation device is driving the cable into the tube, a second measurement device for obtaining a second value indicative of a rate at which the cable is travelling through the apparatus, a processor for detecting when the first value exceeds the second value, and for reducing the rate at which the installation device is driving the cable into the tube for the duration when the first value exceeds the second value.

Abstract: A load testing device is provided, comprising a main beam and a pair of load testing assemblies operatively connected to the main beam. Each of the load testing assemblies includes a load applying member having a first ball at its terminal end; a spreader plate pivotally attached to the first ball to establish a first ball and socket joint enabling three rotational degrees of freedom about the first ball; a bracket pivotally connected to the spreader plate, wherein the bracket further includes a second ball extending toward the main beam; an adjustment beam pivotally attached to the second ball to establish a second ball and socket joint, and wherein the adjustment beam is slidably disposed relative to the main beam and lockable in one or more predetermined positions.

Abstract: A cable anchor utilizes a spring assembly to reduce tensile stresses on a cable over a wide range of tensile forces. Some examples utilize a plurality of springs, with each spring sequentially acting to reduce tensile stresses on the cable as the tensile force increases. Other examples utilize a reel that permits movement of the cable through rotation of the reel to further reduce stress on the cable.

Abstract: A traction force control method for a traction apparatus according to the present invention that impresses a desired traction force on an object to be hauled via a traction mechanism is provided. The method includes measuring, in a zero traction state in which an impressed traction force that is impressed on the object to be hauled is zero, the impressed traction force with a traction force sensor and outputting a zero traction value.

Abstract: In the traction apparatus, a control circuit has the following traction control process portions. First, a first traction control process portion winds up the slack portion of a wire by a motor to eliminate the slack of the wire connected to a body to be pulled. Next, a second traction control process portion converts a set traction force that is set by an operation portion to a traction amount to calculate a converted value and, by defining a predetermined amount of a traction amount set based on the converted value as an initial target value, continuously winds up the wire by the motor to that target value. Next, a third traction control process portion detects the traction force that is being applied to the body to be pulled by a load cell, calculates a drive stop time of the motor by defining the set traction force as a final target value on the basis of a detected output of the load cell and drives the drive mechanism, and stops the driving of the motor at a point of reaching the drive stop time.

Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring containment force on a load is provided. The apparatus may include a first longitudinally extending arm configured to engage a first side of packaging material wrapped around the load. The apparatus may also include a second longitudinally extending arm configured to engage a second side of the packaging material, the second side being opposite the first side. The apparatus may further include an indicator positioned substantially perpendicularly to the first and second arms, a third longitudinally extending arm, and a force gauge configured to measure a force exerted on the third longitudinally extending arm.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use in a surgical procedure is described. The assembly can includes a sensor for implantation into a body part, a sensor cord attached to and extending from the sensor and a handle fastened to the sensor cord. The handle is fastened so that a force can be applied to the sensor cord via the handle. The handle comprises a force indicator to which force applied to the sensor cord is applied and which can provide an indication of the force applied to the sensor cord via the handle.

Abstract: A load sensor includes a housing and a magnet carrier axially movable within the housing. A first and a second magnet are coupled to the magnet carrier in an axially spaced apart arrangement and oriented to provide repelling magnetic fields. The magnet carrier and the first and second magnets are axially movable relative to the magnetic field sensor, and the magnetic field sensor is configured to provide an output that is indicative of the position of the magnetic filed sensor relative to the first and second magnets.

Abstract: A ground anchor load testing system includes a ground anchoring unit having a bare upper drill shaft portion along and around which a reaction anchor with its hollow shaft is temporary installed. During test loading of the installed ground anchoring unit, a test loading head is coupled with both concentric flanging ends of the ground anchoring unit and the temporarily installed reaction anchor. The test loading head exerts via a first coupling the push test load on the first flanging end of the ground anchoring unit while withholding itself via a second coupling on the second flanging end of the reaction anchor. A measurement device may be positioned on the ground adjacent the test load head. Eventual axial displacement of the ground anchoring unit under test load may be externally recognized by the measurement device via an axial displacement indicator in axial connection with the first coupling.

Abstract: A pull testing mechanism. A first fixed member and a second fixed member are disposed on a base and oppose each other. A first movable member and a second movable member are movably connected to the first and second fixed members, respectively. A first rotating member includes a first rod, a second rod, and a first hook. The first rod is connected to the first movable member and second rod. The second rod abuts the first fixed member. The first hook is connected to the second rod and under the base. A second rotating member includes a third rod, a fourth rod, and a second hook. The third rod is connected to the second movable member and fourth rod. The fourth rod abuts the second fixed member. The second hook is connected to the fourth rod. A third movable member movably abuts between the first and second movable members.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as spring scale, including graduations for percentages of line test values (e.g., 25% and 33%) for a plurality fishing line tests for use with a fishing rod/reel in order to set the reel drag without the need to conduct any calculations. An electronically-operated scale for use with a fishing rod/reel that displays the line test value whenever percentages (e.g., 25% or 33%) of that line test value is reached during reel drag setting, thereby also avoiding the need to conduct any calculations.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate that is mounted in the housing. The housing moves relative to the anchor plate. A magnet is held by the anchor plate. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the housing and the anchor plate. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted in association with the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate. An integral connector extends from the housing.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate that is mounted in the housing. The housing moves relative to the anchor plate. A magnet is affixed to the anchor plate. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the housing and the anchor plate. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted between the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate. An integral connector extends from the housing.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate. A lever is mounted in the housing. The lever holds a magnet. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the magnet and the sensor. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted in association with the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an improperly installed auxiliary child seat of the type that is secured in a motor vehicle by the seatbelt, and providing an alert to a vehicle operator in the case of improper installation. A seat occupancy sensor, a seatbelt buckle condition sensor, and a seatbelt tension sensor provides electrical signals to a child seat detection module, which determines that an improper installation condition exists if the auxiliary child seat is present and the seatbelt buckle is unfastened. The child seat detection module further determines an improper installation condition if the auxiliary child seat is present, the seatbelt buckle is fastened, and the seatbelt tautness is not within an acceptable range. If an improper installation condition is detected, the child seat detection module triggers an alerting device, such as a warning light on the instrument panel or audible chime.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reliably and consistently setting the drag of a fishing reel for a specified strength of fishing line. The invention utilizes a resilient member that can be moved between a resting position and a stressed position. The fishing line is coupled to the resilient member. The resilient member is selected so that the force required to move the resilient member from the resting position to the stressed position is a predetermined fraction of the strength of the fishing line for which the drag is to be set. The invention is also a method of using the apparatus to set the drag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for load testing lifting containers and their related cable slings using a hydraulic jacking arrangement located within the container itself for equalized stress loading of the container and its cable slings and lifting eyes or points under various prescribed conditions. The apparatus being portable and expandable to accommodate various size containers, applies isometric loading throughout the structural containment without lifting the container off the deck or inducing external heavy loads. The jacking arrangement includes a structural frame assembly including adjustable frame legs or vertical columns, an optional extendable screw jack and a hydraulic ram to which cable slings are attached. Actuating the hydraulic ram applies tension to the cable slings and simultaneously to the frame legs or vertical columns straddling the container and inserted within the forklift slots or openings of the container skid in an opposing manner.

Abstract: A device for force measurement in dynamic tensile experiments on material samples is disclosed. The device includes a force measurement cell in which at least one force measurement sensor is integrated. The force measurement cell has at least one one-piece connecting structure, whereby a material sample may be detachably fixed to the force measurement cell by the connecting structure and the at least one force measurement sensor is arranged on the force measurement cell at a distance from the connecting structure.

Abstract: A system for measuring an automotive convertible top operating parameter, such as the amount of force required to operate the convertible top, includes a pulldown actuator for moving a convertible top from an open position into a closed position. The pulldown actuator is equipped with position and force transducers. A controller which operates the pulldown actuator records the operational position of the top, as well as the force required to close the top.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reliably and consistently setting the drag of a fishing reel for a specified strength of fishing line. The invention utilizes a resilient member that can be moved between a resting position and a stressed position. The fishing line is coupled to the resilient member. The resilient member is selected so that the force required to move the resilient member from the resting position to the stressed position is a predetermined fraction of the strength of the fishing line for which the drag is to be set. The invention is also a method of using the apparatus to set the drag.

Abstract: A webbing of a seat belt engages an opening of a seat belt tension sensor. In one embodiment, the webbing is bunched or folded so as to prevent rubbing against the sides of the opening in the housing and anchor plate, or an outer surface of the seat belt tension sensor. The webbing is maintained in a bunched or folded state using either a set of stitches between the two portions of the webbing of the loop; separate sets of stitches in the respective separate portions; a ring enclosing the two portions; separate rings, or ring portions separated by a spacer, enclosing the respective separate portions; or a sleeve, thimble, or thimble portion of the carriage of the seat belt tension sensor engaging the bunched or folded webbing. In another embodiment, the openings in the housing and anchor plate are sufficiently wider than the opening in the carriage, and the carriage incorporates a flange.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus (2) for checking the tension of the wire (15) includes a support (3) with two spaced pegs (5,6) mounted on it. A spring (7) mounted on the support (3) between the two pegs. A strain gauge (14) is mounted on the spring and measures the displacement of the spring (7). A fully portable power supply is connected to a computer (9) with a readout (8). In use, the wire (15) is arranged in a predetermined path over and/or under the pegs (5,6) so that it presses against the spring (7). The amount the spring (7) is displaced, which is related to the tension, is measured by the signal from the strain gauge. The signal is passed to the computer (9), which calculates the tension from this measurement and displays the result on the readout (8).

Abstract: A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A webbing of a seat belt engages an opening of a seat belt tension sensor. In one embodiment, the webbing is bunched or folded so as to prevent rubbing against the sides of the opening in the housing and anchor plate, or an outer surface of the seat belt tension sensor. The webbing is maintained in a bunched or folded state using either a set of stitches between the two portions of the webbing of the loop; separate sets of stitches in the respective separate portions; a ring enclosing the two portions; separate rings, or ring portions separated by a spacer, enclosing the respective separate portions; or a sleeve, thimble, or thimble portion of the carriage of the seat belt tension sensor engaging the bunched or folded webbing. In another embodiment, the openings in the housing and anchor plate are sufficiently wider than the opening in the carriage, and the carriage incorporates a flange.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor assembly includes a housing and a slider slidably received within the housing, the slider is configured for movement between a first position and a second position within the housing. A first and second magnets is associated with the slider for slidable movement therewith. The first and second magnetss are positioned side by side with opposite polarization while first and second hall effect devices are fixed relative to the housing. The first hall effect device protrudes between the first and second magnetss when the slider is in the second position, the first hall effect device being configured to produce an output signal indicative of a seat belt tension of a seat belt as applied to the sensor assembly. The second hall effect device is fixed relative to the housing and aligned with at least one of the first and second magnetss when the slider is in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand having a pivotable support arm (2) and a balance weight (AG), in which the balance weight (AG) acts via a cable pull (24) for the weight compensation of the load (G), the balance weight (AG) being arranged in the area of the vertical upright column (21) of the stand.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate that is mounted in the housing. The housing moves relative to the anchor plate. A magnet is held by the anchor plate. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the housing and the anchor plate. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted in association with the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate. An integral connector extends from the housing.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for sensing tension in a seat belt. The sensor includes a main plate and a travel member moveable relative to the main plate against a spring force. A sensor provides an output in response to the relative movement indicative of the tension applied to the seat belt. The spring force may be provided by one or more leaf springs.

Abstract: A cable slackness monitoring device has a pull cord to detect movement of support pins associated with the cables. In the case of a slack cable the support pin moves downwardly relative to a carrier frame. Fixedly clamped between a nut and a locknut is a trigger element which engages the pull cord in the case of movement of the support pin. The pull cord is fixed at one end to a fixing point of a bracket, and is, and is connected at the other end to a displaceable slide. The deflection of the taut pull cord caused by the movement of the support pin moves the slide, actuating a limit value detection.

Abstract: A system for measuring an automotive convertible top operating parameter, such as the amount of force required to operate the convertible top, includes a pulldown actuator for moving a convertible top from an open position into a closed position. The pulldown actuator is equipped with position and force transducers. A controller which operates the pulldown actuator records the operational position of the top, as well as the force required to close the top.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for load testing lifting containers and their related cable slings using a hydraulic jacking arrangement located within the container itself for equalized stress loading of the container and its cable slings and lifting eyes under various prescribed conditions. The apparatus being portable and expandable to accommodate various size containers applies isometric loading throughout the structural containment without lifting the container off the deck or inducing external heavy loads. The jacking arrangement includes tensions legs, an extendable screw jack and a hydraulic ram to which the container's cable slings are attached. Actuating the hydraulic ram applies tension to the cable slings and simultaneously to the tension legs located at strategic points on the floor of the container.

Abstract: A device for measuring tension in a line for mooring a ship to a dock or an anchor. The device includes three pulleys secured to rigid frames or springs. Sensors are placed on rigid frames, springs or shafts for securing the pulleys. Portions of the mooring line extending from a center pulley to the other two pulleys are approximately perpendicular to portions of line extending from the two pulleys to a winch or a mooring post or hook. The springs between the pulleys may provide resilience in the mooring line which may obviate a need for a pendent line between the mooring line and the winch. The sensors communicate with a signal-processing unit which transmits amplified sensor signals to a monitor which is accessible to personnel aboard the ship. The monitor may display the tension in the mooring line in text or graphic formats.

Abstract: A device for measuring a belt force acting upon a vehicle seat belt has at least one spring that is connected indirectly to a bearing member of the belt buckle that can be secured to the vehicle structure. A measuring element is connected to the spring, and can be connected to the seat belt and is movably mounted against a bias of the at least one spring proportionally to the belt force, whereby the measuring element is guided by means of a low friction guide means in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor assembly includes a housing, a slider slidably received within the housing, wherein the slider is configured for movement between a first position and a second position within the housing, and a first and second magnet associated with the slider for slidable movement therewith. The first and the second magnets are positioned side by side with opposite polarization. A hall effect device is fixed relative to the housing and protrudes between the first and the second magnets when the slider is in the second position. The hall effect device is configured to produce an output signal, the output signal being indicative of a seat belt tension of a seat belt as applied to the sensor assembly. A biasing member provides an urging force to the slider, the urging force urging the slider into the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises seat belt webbing (24). An elongated member (30) is connected with the seat belt webbing (24). Tension in the seat belt webbing (24) is transmitted to the elongated member (30). An arm (106) is associated with the elongated member (30). The arm (106) receives a force from the elongated member (30) when tension in the seat belt webbing (24) increases. The force acts on the arm (106) through a moment arm creating a torsion force on the arm (106). At least a portion of the arm (106) moves in response to the torsion force. A device (102) is responsive to movement of the at least a portion of the arm (106) due to the torsion force to provide an output signal indicative of the tension in the seat belt webbing (24).

Abstract: A lever is adapted to rotate about a first pivot at a first location responsive to a tension load from a webbing applied to an attachment pivoted or arcuately slotted about a second location. Tension load is reacted by a spring against a reaction element, and is sensed by either a displacement sensor or a force sensor. The sensed load range can be limited by a stop that engages the lever. The anchor bolt can be utilized as a stop in cooperation with a slot in the lever, wherein the lever is adapted to rotate about a stud depending from the reaction element. A tang portion of the lever engages a slot of a slide, and the displacement of the slide caused by a rotation of the tang reacted by springs at the ends of the slide is measured by a magnetic field sensor on the reaction element in cooperation with a pair of magnets on the slide.

Abstract: A serial element of a load lifting line has a telescoping body held in a short configuration by a linear slip clutch until a selected load on the line is exceeded. The slip clutch then allows the body to extend to a longer configuration in which it is retained as a length unit by abutting surfaces between which an elastomeric shock cushion is positioned. An optional arrangement includes a biasing provision to restore the link to the original condition, for further use, after the load is reduced. By utilizing optional provisions, the link can signal the overload condition by a whistle when the telescoping body extends. Visible signals can, optionally, be provided by members that extend from the body when the body is telescoped to the longer condition.

Abstract: A HSK spindle tension testing kit for measuring the force exerted by the drawbar assembly on the spindle on a CNC machine. The kit includes an upper frame member, a clevis, a pressure jack, a guide piece, a grip-housing, and a transfer rod. The guide piece is aligned over the grip-housing which is placed inside the front cavity on a HSK spindle. During operation, the drawbar assembly engages the grip housing. The transfer rod is threadingly connected at one end to the grip-housing, extends through the guide piece and connects to the shank on the upper frame member to hold the pieces together. During use, the pressure jack and clevis are then used to apply a pulling force on the transfer rod and to test the amount of force exerted by the drawbar assembly on the grip-housing.

Abstract: A cable slackness monitoring device has a pull cord to detect movement of support pins associated with the cables. In the case of a slack cable the support pin moves downwardly relative to a carrier frame. Fixedly clamped between a nut and a locknut is a trigger element which engages the pull cord in the case of movement of the support pin. The pull cord is fixed at one end to a fixing point of a bracket, and is, and is connected at the other end to a displaceable slide. The deflection of the taut pull cord caused by the movement of the support pin moves the slide, actuating a limit value detection.

Abstract: An assembly for use in suspending loads from a load cell comprising: an upper part adapted to be secured to an anchor point and from which a load cell may be suspended; and a lower part adapted to be suspended from the load cell and from which a load may be suspended, in which, in use, the assembly may be used in at least two positions, including: an inoperative position in which the load cell is not fitted, where the lower part and hence the load is supported on the upper part, and an operative position in which the lower part and the load are supported only through the load cell and the lower part does not rest on the upper part.

Abstract: Vehicle seat including a cushion defining a surface adapted to support an occupying item, a spring system arranged underneath the cushion and a sensor arranged in association with the spring system and/or cushion for generating a signal based on downward movement of the cushion caused by occupancy of the seat which is indicative of the weight of the occupying item. The sensor can be a spring retained at both ends and which is tensioned upon downward movement of the cushion whereby a force in the spring indicative of weight of the occupying item is measured. The sensor can also include strain gages, e.g., SAW strain gages.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor is attached to a seat belt in a vehicle. The seat belt tension sensor includes a housing attached between the vehicle and the seat belt. A limit structure is located in the housing. A sensor is attached to the limit structure for generating an electrical signal in response to the sensor being placed in tension. The electrical signal changes as a function of tension on the seat belt. The limit structure moves between a first position in which the limit structure transfers the seat belt tension to the sensor and a second position in which the limit structure transfers the seat belt tension to the housing.