813results about "Belt control systems" patented technology

A secondary seat belt warning system for alerting a vehicle occupant when a seat belt is unbuckled. The secondary seat belt warning system includes an ignition switch for generating a signal indicating an ignition in an on position, a seat belt sensor for generating a signal indicating that the seat belt is unbuckled, and a seat belt indicator for producing an audible and visible indicator to the vehicle occupant. The secondary seat belt warning system also includes a control module to activate the seat belt indicator in response to the input from the ignition switch and seat belt sensor. The secondary seat belt warning system further includes a vehicle speed sensor to activate the secondary seat belt warning system when the control module receives a signal above a predetermined threshold from the speed sensor indicative of the vehicle speed.

In a collision damage reduction system, a microcomputer obtains a first performance limit data of the own vehicle according to the detected speed thereof by a first detecting unit and a second performance limit data of the object according to the relative position data detected by a first detecting unit, the detected speed of the own vehicle and the detected turning angle thereof by a third detecting unit. The microcomputer calculates a total collision probability representing a probability that the own vehicle and the object will collide with each other on a runnable space according to the first performance limit data, the second performance limit data, the detected speed of the own vehicle and the relative position data. In addition, the microcomputer instructs the operation unit to operate at least one of the first operation and the second operation according to the total collision probability.

The invention relates to an intelligent training system for a vehicle driver based on an actual vehicle. The intelligent training system comprises a vehicle-mounted intelligent training subsystem, a data processing subsystem, an operation management and control subsystem and a system-level data communication subsystem, wherein the vehicle-mounted intelligent training subsystem is mounted on the actual vehicle and is used for training interactive driving of the driver and acquiring and reporting data of a driver training process; the data processing subsystem manages basic information and is used for receiving, storing and processing the data of the training process acquired and reported by the vehicle-mounted intelligent training subsystem; the operation management and control subsystem monitors an operated state and a running state of the vehicle in real time and remotely controls the monitored vehicle according to actual conditions; the vehicle-mounted intelligent training subsystem is connected with the data processing subsystem and the operation management and control subsystem through the system-level data communication subsystem and realizes bidirectional information interaction.

An occupant monitoring and restraint status system is provided. The system includes an occupant boarding and de-boarding system. The occupant boarding and de-boarding system detects boarding and de-boarding of occupants. The system also includes a bench type seat that has a plurality of seat locations. Each of these seat locations includes a seat belt system which has a status sensor to detect a state of the seat belt system. Each seat location also includes an occupant sensing system. The occupant sensing system detects the presence and identity of an occupant at the seat location. The system further includes a display which includes a seat status indicator for each of the plurality of seat locations. The seat status indicators include information regarding a presence of an occupant, an occupant identity, and a state of a seat belt system.

Advanced supplemental restraint system associated with occupant detection and weight responsive classification system operable for controlling resistance of the supplemental restraint system such that in an accident, an occupant of the vehicle impacts the supplemental restraint system without injury. The supplemental restraint system is associated with a weight-sensing unit mounted to one or more seats positioned between the seat mounting frame and the floor of the vehicle for sensing the weight of a sitting occupant and for classifying the occupant accordingly, a computerized system is configured for calculating an operating weight value corresponding to the classified weight value, and an airbag system is disposed, comprising one or more airbags in association with a deployment unit configured to inflate the airbags with a deployment force and acceleration that is proportionate to the operating weight value when a collision force is sensed above a predetermined collision force value by a collision sensor.

A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.

A travel safety apparatus for a vehicle includes: a first object detector having a first detection area defined by a first detection angle; a second object detector having a second detection area defined by a second detection angle; a motion state determination unit; a collision determination unit determining whether there is possibility of collision of an object detected in at least one of the first detection area and the second detection area to the vehicle based on the motion state; a controller controlling the vehicle so that a collision is avoided; and an object identity determination unit determining whether the first object and the second object are identical, wherein when a first object detected in the first detection area and a second object detected in the second detection area are determined identical, the collision determination unit determines whether there is possibility of collision of the first object to the vehicle.

An improved method of using multiple point crash sensing and multiple sensor occupant position sensing for classifying a crash event and determining which restraints should be deployed. A central controller collects crash data from multiple crash sensors and combines severity characterization data from each of the multiple sensors to construct a characterization table or matrix for the entire system. Each possible crash event classification is represented by a characterization value mask, and the various masks are sequentially applied to the system characterization table until a match is found, with a match identifying the appropriate crash event classification. The classification decision, in turn, is used to determine which, if any, of the restraint devices should be deployed based upon the crash severity. Similarly, the controller collects data from various occupant position sensors to construct a characterization table or matrix for the occupant position detection system. Each possible occupant position sensor classification is represented by a characterization value mask, and various masks are sequentially applied to the table until a match is found, with a match identifying the appropriate occupant position status. The occupant position status, in turn, is used to determine which, if any, of the restraints may be deployed. The system also includes a centrally located crash sensor, and the controller constructs an intrusion table based on differences between the remote and central sensors. The intrusion classification is determined and combined with the crash classification and occupant position status to determine which restraints should ultimately be deployed.

A child seat-vehicle safety system for a passenger vehicle, including at least one child seat buckle signaling device, which includes a buckling detector, and a buckling detector for signaling the buckle status, and a portable controller device that attaches to the On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD-II) port of the vehicle, for detecting the status of the vehicle ignition system, receiving the buckle status signal, and generating an alarm signal in response to a predetermined condition of the ignition status and the buckle status signal. The portable controller device also can include an alarm that is responsive to the alarm signal. The invention includes a method of warning a vehicle operator that a child has been left buckled in a vehicle after the vehicle's ignition system has been turned off, including detecting the vehicle ignition status selected from “on” and “off” through the OBD-II port, receiving a buckle status signal transmitted from the child seat buckle signaling device, and generating an alarm signal when the ignition status is “off” and the buckle status signal is ‘buckled’ beyond a predetermined grace or timeout period.

Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, an intersection located at the bottom of a hill. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where an intersection of roads is located at the bottom of a hill. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the intersection of roads located at the bottom of a hill. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching an intersection located at the bottom of a hill.

A vehicle illumination system includes a light source emitting light for illuminating the vehicle surroundings or the vehicle interior or both, and a modulation unit modulating the emitting of light of the light source, where the emitted light is modulated with a frequency that is high enough so that the modulation of the light is substantially not perceivable by a person.

This patent discloses a warning system for a child restraint system. The child restraint system may include a base and a seat connected to the base. The seat may include supports for the back, torso, right leg, and left leg and may include sensors to detect the presence of a back, torso, right leg, and left leg, respectively. The seat also may include a right harness strap and a left harness strap that may connect to a child seat buckle and to a chest clip. The seat also may have a locking clip a tether strap having a hook. The seat may contain detectors to determine whether the straps, buckles, clips, and straps are properly connected while a is present in the seat. If not properly connected, an alarm may sound.

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.

A Child Seat Safety System for providing monitoring of an interior area of a vehicle is described herein. The monitoring system includes a plurality of sensor modules that are adapted to be mounted within the vehicle for monitoring a plurality of vehicle operating parameters, and a monitoring device that is coupled in communication with the plurality of sensor modules. The monitoring device transmits signals indicative of the associated sensed operating parameter to a user communication device, and receives, from the user communication device, signals indicative of a user selection input associated with one or more sensor modules of the plurality of sensor modules. The monitoring device also selectively activates one or more sensor modules of the plurality of sensor modules based on the received user selection to operate the monitoring system to facilitate monitoring the vehicle interior.

A vehicle occupant restraint apparatus includes a controller for controlling a reversible occupant restraint so as to restrain an occupant when three conditions are met, i.e., a first condition that the steering angle of a steering wheel has exceeded a steering angle threshold, a second condition that the steering angle speed has exceeded a steering angle speed threshold, and a third condition that the steering angle acceleration has exceeded a specific steering angle acceleration threshold.

A child seat linking device with a first portion of strap in a motor vehicle is characterized in that it comprises two mutually moveable linking components between an idle position and a working position adopted when the first portion of strap is taut. A return device tends to return the linking components to the idle position. A tension indicator distinguishes whether the linking device is in the idle position or in the working position.

A safety system and method for buses, and in particular school buses, with the bus having a plurality of seats arrange in rows with at least one aisle running lengthwise of the bus, and a forward seat for a driver, and a door through which students enter and leave the bus. A sensor is associated with each seat to sense if a person is occupying the seat. A safety seat belt and buckle member enable a person seated in a seat to buckle in for safety. A sensor senses if the seat belt is buckled. The condition of each seat is read to determine if the seat is occupied and the seat belt is buckled. A display, within the vision of the bus driver while normally operating the bus, shows the condition of each seat. A telecommunications link is provided between the bus and a remote station and can be operated by the bus driver while normally operating the bus. A global positioning system coupled to the telecommunications link provides to the remote station the location of the bus. Sensors are provided to detect shock, heat, smoke, CO, water, tire pressure, and the entry and exit of students.

An apparatus and method for encouraging seat belt use in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a control unit coupled to at least one seat unit and an entertainment unit. If sensors within one of the seat units detect that a seat is occupied and the user in the seat is not wearing a seat belt, the control unit may reduce the functionality of the entertainment unit. The entertainment unit may contain a CD player, radio, or any electronic device unnecessary for operation of the vehicle. The vehicle may not start if a seat unit is occupied and the user in the seat is not wearing a seat belt. In some embodiments of the invention, a temperature control unit may control the temperature within the vehicle if a user is not wearing a seat belt. A child seat unit is described to function with the seat belt encouragement system.

A collision predicting apparatus detects subject targets present in the traveling course of the own vehicle by using the relative distance and the relative velocity, etc. The apparatus also calculates the predicted collision time of each subject target on the basis of the relative distance and the relative velocity. The apparatus also detects the relative lateral position of each subject target, and corrects the relative lateral position. The apparatus then executes a collision-predicted target selecting routine, in which the predicted collision time of each subject target that does not meet a predetermined condition is set at a predetermined maximum value. The apparatus selects a subject target that meets the predetermined condition as a collision subject target, and predicts whether the collision subject target will collide with the own vehicle.

A seat-belt-restraint-system (40) for a vehicle occupant (30) seated in a vehicle seat (32). Seat-belt-restraint-system (40) includes two shoulder belts (42) and (46), a middle portion belt (52), a seat belt buckle (60), a seat belt latch (58), a connect mechanism (50), and a lap belt (54). The upper end of shoulder belt (42) is extendable and retractable to the upper portion of the vehicle adjacent the occupant's shoulder. The upper end of shoulder belt (46) is extendable and retractable to the upper portion of seatback (34) adjacent the occupant's shoulder. The lower ends of both shoulder belts (42) and (46) lead to connect mechanism (50). The first end of middle portion belt (52) leads to connect mechanism (50). The second end of middle portion belt (52) is connected to the first end of lap belt (54). The second end of lap belt (54) is anchored to the vehicle and disposed on the outboard side of occupant (30). Connect mechanism (50) interconnects the lower ends of both shoulder belts (42) and (46) and the first end of middle portion belt (52). Seat belt latch (58) has a webbing loop, through which middle portion belt (52) is threaded, such that seat belt latch (58) is slidable along middle potion belt (58). Seat belt buckle (60) is anchored to the vehicle and disposed on the inboard side of the occupant (30) for lockably receiving seat belt latch (58).

An apparatus and method for monitoring seat belt use in a vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle is provided. Seat belt use indicator lights are positioned on the exterior of a vehicle and wirelessly connected to or hardwired to sensors located in seat belt buckle assemblies to provide information about the use of the seatbelt. One or multiple indicator lights grouped in cluster arrangements to simulate the seat arrangement in a vehicle can be implemented. The apparatus may also be used in aircraft to monitor seat belt use remotely from within the aircraft.

A seat belt buckle switch is disclosed. This switch provides multiple discrete output states, including buckled, unbuckled, open loop and shorted. This switch works in association with a control module which uses the buckle switch state to detect a failure condition, execute an appropriate driver warning and, in an adaptive restraints application, to deploy other safety devices based on whether the seat belt is fastened.

The invention relates to an intelligent monitor device for vehicle driving safety, wherein, a main control chip is connected with a lane departure early warning module and a CF card, storing road image information and lane departure early warning; the main control chip is connected with an early warning information display module by a serial signal wire, displaying various early warning information; the main control chip is connected with a phonetic early warning module by a SPI bys, giving phonetic early warning information; the main control connected with a GPS module and a GSM module by a serial port, obtaining the information about the position and speed of vehicles and realizing the communication with a monitor center; the main control chip is connected with a safety belt buckle sensor by an I/O port, judging whether the safety belt is well tied or not; a voltage conversion chip output is connected with all modules, providing energy for all modules. The intelligent monoitor device for vehicle driving safety has the advantages of strong real-time performance, good stablity, low cost, good expansion and strong anti-interference performance.

Control system for controlling an occupant restraint device effective for protection of an occupant of the seat including a receiving device arranged in the vehicle for obtaining information about contents of the seat and generating a signal based on any contents of the seat, a different signal being generated for different contents of the seat when such contents are present on the seat, an analysis unit such as a microprocessor coupled to the receiving device for analyzing the signal in order to determine whether the contents of the seat include a child seat, whether the contents of the seat include a child seat in a particular orientation and/or whether the contents of the seat include a child seat in a particular position, and a deployment unit coupled to the analysis unit for controlling deployment of the occupant restraint device based on the determination by the analysis unit. The analysis unit can be programmed to determine whether the contents of the seat include a child seat in a rear-facing position, in a forward-facing position, a rear-facing child seat in an improper orientation, a forward-facing child seat in an improper orientation, and the position of the child seat relative to one or more of the occupant restraint devices.

A rear end collision sensor is designed to detect the possibility of a rear end collision of a vehicle in advance. Upon detection, a controller drives a seat belt system to restrain the head of a seat occupant toward a headrest of the seat or to straighten the spine of the seat occupant to protect the neck against impending impact.

A system for signaling that a person is in an vehicle is provided and includes a power source, a processing unit including a counter, a state monitoring unit configured to monitor an internal temperature of the vehicle and to monitor whether the vehicle is in an off state and a door monitoring unit configured to monitor whether any of the vehicle doors are open or closed, a first buckle receiver, including a first signal issuing unit, a first buckle to be removably inserted into the buckle receiver and to thereby cause the first signal issuing unit to issue an installation signal to the processing unit, a second buckle receiver, including a second signal issuing unit, a second buckle to be removably inserted into the second buckle receiver and to thereby cause the second signal issuing unit to issue an occupation signal to the processing unit, and an alarm unit.

A seatbelt usage sensing apparatus for use with a vehicle which includes a seat assembly, an occupant sensor, a seatbelt sensor, and a warning signal generator. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be occupied by a seat occupant in an occupied configuration. The seat assembly also includes a seatbelt assembly which has a seatbelt webbing and a seatbelt fastening member. The seatbelt assembly is moveable between fastened and unfastened configurations. In the unfastened configuration, the seatbelt fastening member is removed from secure engagement with the seatbelt webbing. The warning signal generator can generate and transmit a seatbelt warning signal when the occupant sensor determines that the seat cushion is in the occupied configuration and the seatbelt sensor determines that the seatbelt assembly is in the unfastened configuration. The seatbelt warning signal is transmitted substantially exterior relative to an interior seating compartment of the vehicle.

A vehicle seat arrangement provides location and fixing points on the vehicle seat that will take crash loads and can be used to position a webbing path adapter to serve as a guide for placing a standard seat belt in a suitable position for when a child is occupying the seat. A vehicle seat arrangement includes a seat backrest having an upholstered part overlying a load-bearing plate. A first plurality of holes pass through the upholstered part and a second, aligned, plurality of holes pass through the load-bearing plate. A webbing path adapter has a passageway for receiving seat belt webbing. A pin connects the webbing path adapter in a removable manner to any one of a plurality of holes on the load-bearing plate through the corresponding holes in the upholstered part of the seat backrest.

Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, boat, or fixed or rotary winged aircraft. The system includes a control system integrated into the harness and strap of the restraint. This permits crewmembers to lock and unlock the restraint from a body worn control panel. Other auxiliary equipment also be operated from the control panel. In another embodiment, wiring for a communication system is integrated into the harness and strap.

A child seat or child restraining system for securing a child to a vehicle seat, and method of installing the car seat are provided. The child seat, which is configured to be secured to a seat of a vehicle, includes: a seat base secured to the seat of the vehicle; a child receiving portion supported by the seat base; and a belt tensioning system incorporated into the seat base. The belt tensioning system is configured to receive a belt that couples the seat base to the seat of the vehicle. The child seat also includes a controller operatively connected to the belt tensioning system and configured to automatically actuate the belt tensioning system. The belt tensioning system may be configured to drive the at least one belt in a pay-in direction to apply tension to the at least one belt.