公开(公告)号：US06522998B1

公开(公告)日：2003-02-18

申请号：US09170397

申请日：1998-10-13

Applicant: Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  H. John Miller, III ,  Scott B. Gentry ,  Michel P. Rossey ,  Edward J. Burley ,  Timothy W. Hill ,  Kurt W. Schulz

Inventor： Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  H. John Miller, III ,  Scott B. Gentry ,  Michel P. Rossey ,  Edward J. Burley ,  Timothy W. Hill ,  Kurt W. Schulz

IPC: G06G748

CPC classification number: G01M17/0078

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for simulating impact conditions which has a test sled 10, simulated occupant (14), and a pre-impact force-generating device. The pre-impact force-generating device can apply force directly to the simulated occupant being (14), thereby overcoming many of the cost problems associated with applying a low and long duration force directly to a test sled (10). The pre-impact force-generating device can be designed such that instead of providing a low and long duration force to a simulated occupant (14), it provides a short and high impact force to the simulated occupant (14). An impact force-generating device provides impact force directly to the sled (10) which simulates impact conditions.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种用于模拟具有测试滑架10，模拟乘员（14）和预冲击力产生装置的冲击条件的方法和装置。 预冲击力产生装置可以直接对模拟乘员施加力（14），从而克服与试验滑车（10）直接施加低和长持续力相关的许多成本问题。 预冲击力产生装置可以被设计成使得不向模拟乘员（14）提供低和长的持续力，其对模拟乘客（14）提供短而高的冲击力。 冲击力产生装置将冲击力直接提供给模拟冲击条件的滑板（10）。

公开(公告)号：US06188940B1

公开(公告)日：2001-02-13

申请号：US09190595

申请日：1998-11-12

Applicant: Brian Blackburn ,  Joseph R. Brown ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Scott B. Gentry

Inventor： Brian Blackburn ,  Joseph R. Brown ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Scott B. Gentry

IPC: B60R2200

CPC classification number: B60R21/01336 ,  B60R21/0132 ,  B60R21/0133 ,  B60R21/0153 ,  B60R21/01546 ,  B60R21/01548 ,  B60R21/01554 ,  B60R2021/0102

Abstract: A method for sensing the occurrence of a vehicle crash is provided for a vehicle having an occupant restraint system operatively connected with a crash sensor having an accelerometer, which produces an accelerometer signal, and with an occupant position sensor which produces a position signal. The crash sensor includes an adjustable filter. The method includes the steps of: a) calculating an estimated occupant displacement by integrating the accelerometer signal twice; b) comparing the estimated occupant displacement to the position signal; and c) adjusting the adjustable filter based upon the comparing step to optimize control of the occupant restraint system. In this manner, actual body position of the occupant may be more accurately predicted and measured, which allows optimization of air bag deployment.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于感测车辆碰撞发生的方法，该车辆具有与具有产生加速度计信号的加速度计的碰撞传感器和与产生位置信号的乘员位置传感器可操作地连接的乘员约束系统。 碰撞传感器包括一个可调节的过滤器。 该方法包括以下步骤：a）通过对加速度计信号进行两次积分来计算估计乘员位移; b）将估计的乘员位移与位置信号进行比较; 以及c）基于所述比较步骤来调整所述可调节过滤器，以优化所述乘员约束系统的控制。 以这种方式，可以更准确地预测和测量乘客的实际身体位置，这允许优化气囊展开。

公开(公告)号：US5906393A

公开(公告)日：1999-05-25

申请号：US931602

申请日：1997-09-16

Applicant: Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry

Inventor： Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry

IPC: B60R21/01 ,  B60R21/015 ,  B60R21/20 ,  B60R21/217 ,  G01G19/414 ,  B60R21/32

CPC classification number: B60R21/01516 ,  B60R21/0152 ,  B60R21/01536 ,  B60R21/01546 ,  G01G19/4142 ,  B60R2021/2173 ,  B60R21/01548

Abstract: An occupant restraint system (10), and an associated control method, for a vehicle (16). The system (10) includes an actuatable occupant restraint device (18) which has an adjustable aspect. An ultrasound sensor (34) senses an occupant condition at a sense rate and provides a signal (38) indicative of the sensed occupant condition. An ultrasound signal sampler function (46) of a controller (26) samples the signal (38) at a sample rate. A restraint control determination function (50) of the controller (26) makes determinations regarding control of the restraint device (18) at a determination rate using the signal samples. A weight sensor (56) and at least one seat belt sensor (58, 60) sense occupant conditions (e.g., occupant weight and seat belt status) and provide indicative signals (66, 68, 70) to a rates determination function (84) of the controller (26). The rates determination function (84) determines the sense, sample and determination rates in response to the sensed occupant conditions.

Abstract translation: 一种用于车辆（16）的乘员约束系统（10）和相关联的控制方法。 系统（10）包括具有可调整方面的可起动乘员约束装置（18）。 超声波传感器（34）以感测速率感测乘员条件，并提供指示感测到的乘员状态的信号（38）。 控制器（26）的超声信号采样器功能（46）以采样率对信号（38）进行采样。 控制器（26）的约束控制确定功能（50）使用信号样本以确定速率确定关于约束装置（18）的控制。 权重传感器（56）和至少一个座椅安全带传感器（58,60）感测乘员条件（例如，乘员体重和座椅安全带状态），并向速率确定功能（84）提供指示信号（66,68,70） 的控制器（26）。 速率确定功能（84）响应于感测到的乘员条件来确定感测，采样和确定速率。

公开(公告)号：US5722686A

公开(公告)日：1998-03-03

申请号：US442190

申请日：1995-05-16

Applicant: Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  John E. Bessonen ,  William M. Jarocha

Inventor： Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  John E. Bessonen ,  William M. Jarocha

IPC: B60R21/01 ,  B60R21/015 ,  B60R21/2165 ,  B60R21/32

CPC classification number: B60R21/01532 ,  B60R21/01526 ,  B60R21/21658

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an actuatable restraint system (20) in response to a sensed position of an occupant (36) in an occupant compartment of a vehicle includes a variable capacitor (60) mounted relative to a known reference location (30) within the vehicle. The variable capacitor (60) is adapted so that its capacitance value is functionally related to the occupant's position relative to the reference location (30). A controller (50) is coupled to a capacitance sensing circuit (80) for controlling the actuatable restraint (22) in response to the sensed occupant position relative to the reference location.

Abstract translation: 一种用于响应于乘客（36）在车辆的乘员舱中的感测位置来控制可起动约束系统（20）的装置，包括相对于车辆内的已知参考位置（30）安装的可变电容器（60） 。 可变电容器（60）适于使得其电容值在功能上与乘员相对于参考位置（30）的位置相关。 控制器（50）耦合到电容感测电路（80），用于响应于相对于参考位置的感测到的乘员位置来控制可启动约束（22）。

公开(公告)号：US5546307A

公开(公告)日：1996-08-13

申请号：US818280

申请日：1992-01-08

Applicant: Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry

Inventor： Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry

IPC: B60R21/16 ,  B60R21/01 ,  F42B3/10 ,  G01P15/03 ,  G01P15/135 ,  B60R21/32 ,  B60R21/12

CPC classification number: B60R21/0133 ,  B60R21/0132

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling actuation of an occupant restraint system in a vehicle includes an accelerometer for providing a signal having a characteristic indicative of a vehicle crash condition. A microcomputer monitors the output of the accelerometer at a plurality of different times and determines an instantaneous power value from the plurality of monitored acceleration signals. The microcomputer further determines a vehicle delta velocity value from the acceleration signal. The microcomputer compares the instantaneous power and the delta velocity against associated thresholds. The microcomputer actuates the occupant restraining device when the vehicle delta velocity value exceeds its threshold within a time period from when the instantaneous power value exceeds its threshold.

Abstract translation: 用于控制车辆中的乘员约束系统的致动的装置包括用于提供具有指示车辆碰撞状况的特性的信号的加速度计。 微型计算机在多个不同时间监视加速度计的输出，并根据多个所监视的加速度信号确定瞬时功率值。 微计算机还根据加速度信号确定车辆三角速度值。 微型计算机将瞬时功率和增量速度与相关阈值进行比较。 当瞬时功率值超过其阈值的时间段内，当车辆三角速度值超过其阈值时，微型计算机致动乘员约束装置。

公开(公告)号：US5454591A

公开(公告)日：1995-10-03

申请号：US263191

申请日：1994-06-21

Applicant: Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry

Inventor： Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry

IPC: B60N2/26 ,  B60R21/00 ,  B60R21/01 ,  B60R21/015 ,  B60R21/16 ,  G06K7/08 ,  B60R21/32

CPC classification number: B60R21/01534 ,  B60N2/2806 ,  B60N2/2863 ,  B60R21/01516 ,  B60R21/01536 ,  B60R21/01556 ,  B60R21/01566 ,  B60R21/0173 ,  G06K7/087

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for preventing actuation of an air bag restraining device (25) of a vehicle includes a weight sensor (36), a distance sensor (42), and a seat belt payout sensor (66). A controller (22) is operatively connected to the sensors (36, 42, 66) and to the air bag restraining device (25). The controller (22) prevents actuation of the air bag when the sensors ( 36, 42, 66 ) sense a rearward facing child seat (46) on the occupant seat (40) by sensing a weight of an object less than a predetermined amount, a distance to an object on the seat (40) less than a predetermined amount, and a seat belt payout of greater than a predetermined amount.

Abstract translation: 一种用于防止车辆的气囊限制装置（25）致动的装置（20）包括重量传感器（36），距离传感器（42）和座椅安全带支付传感器（66）。 控制器（22）可操作地连接到传感器（36,42,66）和安全气囊限制装置（25）。 当传感器（36,42,66）通过感测小于预定量的物体的重量来感测乘员座椅（40）上的面向后的儿童座椅（46）时，控制器（22）防止气囊的致动， 与座椅（40）上的物体的距离小于预定量，以及大于预定量的座椅安全带支付。

公开(公告)号：US5330226A

公开(公告)日：1994-07-19

申请号：US986041

申请日：1992-12-04

Applicant: Scott B. Gentry ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn

Inventor： Scott B. Gentry ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn

IPC: B60R21/16 ,  B60R21/01 ,  B60R21/015 ,  G01V8/10 ,  B60R21/22 ,  B60R21/26 ,  B60R21/28

CPC classification number: B60R21/01534 ,  B60R21/01526 ,  B60R21/01536 ,  G01V8/10 ,  G06K9/6281

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling actuation of a vehicle occupant restraint system includes a displacement sensor mounted to the vehicle dashboard for sensing the distance between the air bag storage location and the occupant in a seat. An infrared sensor is mounted in the headliner above the occupant. The infrared sensor has a plurality of viewing fields for sensing the location of the occupant relative to the air bag storage location and provides an output indicative of the occupant's location relative to the air bag storage location. A controller determines the distance between the occupant and the air bag storage location from the output of the infrared sensor. The controller is also connected to the displacement sensor. The controller provides an electric enable signal when at least one of the sensors indicates that the occupant is at least a predetermined distance from the air bag storage location.

Abstract translation: 一种用于控制车辆乘员约束系统的致动装置，包括安装在车辆仪表板上的位移传感器，用于感测座椅中气囊存放位置与乘客之间的距离。 红外线传感器安装在乘客上方的车顶衬垫中。 红外线传感器具有用于感测乘员相对于气囊存储位置的位置的多个观察区域，并且提供指示占用者相对于气囊存储位置的位置的输出。 控制器从红外线传感器的输出端确定乘员和安全气囊存放位置之间的距离。 控制器也连接到位移传感器。 当至少一个传感器指示乘客离气囊存储位置至少预定距离时，控制器提供电启用信号。

公开(公告)号：US5202831A

公开(公告)日：1993-04-13

申请号：US727610

申请日：1991-07-09

Applicant: Brian K. Blackburn ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Scott B. Gentry

Inventor： Brian K. Blackburn ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Scott B. Gentry

IPC: B60R22/40 ,  B60N2/02 ,  B60R21/00 ,  B60R21/01 ,  B60R21/16 ,  B60R21/20 ,  G01P7/00 ,  G01P15/00 ,  G01P15/18

CPC classification number: B60R21/0136 ,  B60N2/0276 ,  B60R21/01 ,  B60R21/0132 ,  B60R21/20 ,  B60N2002/0268 ,  B60R2021/0009 ,  B60R2021/01034

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining a vehicle occupant during a crash of the vehicle comprises a first crash sensor securable to the vehicle and having a sensitivity axis parallel with a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle. The first sensor provides a signal having a value functionally related to crash energy directed parallel to the front-to-rear axis of the vehicle and impervious to crash energy directed parallel to a side-to-side axis of the vehicle. A second crash sensor is also securable to the vehicle and has a sensitivity axis parallel with a side-to-side axis of the vehicle. The second crash sensor provides a signal having a value functionally related to crash energy directed parallel to the side-to-side axis of the vehicle and impervious to crash energy directed parallel to the front-to-rear axis of the vehicle. The first and second crash sensors have their sensitivity axes oriented along mutually orthogonal axes. The apparatus further comprises a controller connected to the first and second crash sensors for determining a crash vector of a crash condition in response to the signals from the first and second crash sensors. Each of a plurality of actuatable occupant restraint devices is connected to the controller. The controller controls which of the plurality of actuatable occupant restraint systems is or are actuated in response to the determined crash vector.

Abstract translation: 一种用于在车辆碰撞期间限制车辆乘员的装置包括可保护到车辆并且具有与车辆的前后轴线平行的灵敏度轴的第一碰撞传感器。 第一传感器提供具有与平行于车辆的前后轴线定向的碰撞能量功能相关的值的信号，并且不能平行于车辆的侧向轴线引导的碰撞能量。 第二碰撞传感器也可以安装到车辆上，并且具有与车辆的侧向轴平行的灵敏度轴。 第二碰撞传感器提供具有与平行于车辆的侧面到轴线指向的碰撞能量功能相关的值的信号，并且不能平行于车辆的前后轴线引导的碰撞能量。 第一和第二碰撞传感器的灵敏度轴沿着相互正交的轴定向。 该装置还包括连接到第一和第二碰撞传感器的控制器，用于响应于来自第一和第二碰撞传感器的信号来确定碰​​撞状况的碰撞矢量。 多个可起动乘员约束装置中的每一个连接到控制器。 控制器响应于所确定的碰撞矢量来控制多个可致动乘员约束系统中的哪一个被启动或被致动。

公开(公告)号：US5065322A

公开(公告)日：1991-11-12

申请号：US505363

申请日：1990-04-04

Applicant: Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry

Inventor： Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry

IPC: B60R21/16 ,  B60R21/01 ,  G01P15/00

CPC classification number: B60R21/01332 ,  B60R21/0132 ,  B60R21/01334

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle. The apparatus includes an accelerometer for providing a time domain vibratory electric signal having frequency components indicative of a vehicle crash condition. An A/D converter converts the accelerometer signal into a digitized signal. A fast Fourier transform device transforms the digitized time domain vibratory electric signal over at least two time intervals into frequency domain signals. The amplitudes of corresponding frequency bins of the frequency domain signals are summed over the entire frequency spectrum, bin-to-bin. A microcomputer monitors the sum of the amplitudes of at least one selected frequency bin of the frequency domain signals and actuates the passenger restraint system when the sum is greater than a predetermined threshold thereby indicating a particular type of vehicle crash is occurring.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于控制车辆中的乘客约束系统的致动的方法和装置。 该装置包括用于提供具有指示车辆碰撞状况的频率分量的时域振动电信号的加速度计。 A / D转换器将加速度计信号转换为数字化信号。 快速傅里叶变换装置将数字化的时域振动电信号通过至少两个时间间隔变换成频域信号。 频域信号的相应频率块的振幅在整个频谱上相加，即bin-bin。 微型计算机监视频域信号的至少一个所选频率仓的振幅之和，并且当总和大于预定阈值时致动乘客约束系统，从而指示发生特定类型的车辆碰撞。

公开(公告)号：US06203059B1

公开(公告)日：2001-03-20

申请号：US09239611

申请日：1999-01-29

Applicant: Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry ,  H. John Miller, III

Inventor： Joseph F. Mazur ,  Brian K. Blackburn ,  Scott B. Gentry ,  H. John Miller, III

IPC: B60R2132

CPC classification number: B60R22/48 ,  B60R21/01534 ,  B60R21/01546 ,  B60R22/12 ,  B60R2022/4808

Abstract: An occupant safety protection system (8) capable of sensing the misuse of a safety belt system (10). The invention includes: a shoulder belt portion (13), a field generator means (243) for generating a detection field (202), a disturbance tag means (250) attached to the shoulder belt portion (13) and a tag detection circuit means (19) which determines seat belt misuse and sends an output indicative thereof. When the seat belt system is being properly used the disturbance tag (250) does not disturb the detection field. Conversely, when the seat belt system is being improperly used the disturbance tag disturbs the detection field. The tag detection circuit sends an output indication (245) corresponding to the state of the seat belt system use.

Abstract translation: 能够检测安全带系统（10）的误用的乘员安全保护系统（8）。 本发明包括：肩带部分（13），用于产生检测场的场发生器装置（243），安装在肩带部分（13）上的干扰标签装置（250）和标签检测电路装置 （19），其确定安全带被误用并发送指示其的输出。 当安全带系统正确使用时，扰动标签（250）不会干扰检测区域。 相反，当安全带系统不正确使用时，扰动标签会干扰检测区域。 标签检测电路发送对应于安全带系统使用状态的输出指示（245）。