US5037129A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety device for vehicle occupants
Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
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Filing: 1989-12-14
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Granted: 1991-08-06
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Expires: 2009-12-14
Abstract
Abstract In a safety device for vehicle occupants with acceleration-sensitive sensors and with processing circuits for the sensors summing and integrating devices as well as a comparator device for comparing the summation and integration values are provided. The comparator device controls a warning device as soon as the comparison value exceeds a presettable limit value.
Inventors
- 👤 Eberhard Fritz
- 👤 Bernhard Mattes
- 👤 Werner Nitschke
- 👤 Lothar Gademann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:12
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/01; B60R21/013; B60R21/0132; B60R21/0133; G; G01; G01P; G01P15/00; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A safety device for vehicle occupants comprising at least two acceleration sensitive sensors, a processing and evaluating circuit for output signals of the sensors, restraint means and a drive circuit for the restraint means coupled to the processing and evaluating circuit, further comprising a processing circuit for each sensor and means for comparing the sensor output signals with one another and for activating a further device if a difference between the two sensor output signals exceeds a predetermined threshold value, in order to indicate that the safety device is malfunctioning.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A safety device for vehicle occupants comprising at least two acceleration sensitive sensors, a processing and evaluating circuit for output signals of the sensors, restraint means and a drive circuit for the restraint means coupled to the processing and evaluating circuit, further comprising a processing circuit for each sensor and means for comparing the sensor output signals with one another and for activating a further device if a difference between the two sensor output signals exceeds a predetermined threshold value, in order to indicate that the safety device is malfunctioning.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The safety device recited in claim 1, wherein the sensors deliver identical output signals when subjected to the same acceleration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The safety device recited in claim 1, wherein the sensors are piezoelectric acceleration-sensitive sensors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The safety device recited in claim 1, wherein the sensors are connected to their respective processing circuits in equal polarity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The safety device recited in claim 1, wherein the sensors are connected to their respective processing circuits in opposite polarity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The safety device recited in claim 1, wherein the acceleration-sensitive sensors measure acceleration according to different physical principles relative to each other, the sensors being selected from the group including: piezoelectric, piezoresistive, capacitive, and mechanical sensors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The safety device recited in claim 1, wherein the further device comprises a warning device for generating a warning signal upon detecting that the device is malfunctioning.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the processing circuit for each sensor comprises means for generating one of a sum and integral value from the sensor output signals over a predetermined time interval.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
65 words
A method for operating a safety device for vehicle occupants comprising the steps of summing or integrating output signals of acceleration-sensitive sensors during a presettable interval of time, comparing the sum and integral values with one another after the presettable interval of time, and if the comparison value exceeds a presettable limit value, operating a warning device to indicate that the safety device is malfunctioning.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
65 words
A method for operating a safety device for vehicle occupants comprising the steps of summing or integrating output signals of acceleration-sensitive sensors during a presettable interval of time, comparing the sum and integral values with one another after the presettable interval of time, and if the comparison value exceeds a presettable limit value, operating a warning device to indicate that the safety device is malfunctioning.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-08-05 | 1995-02-04 | 1995-08-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-08-05 | 1999-02-04 | 1999-08-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-08-05 | 2003-02-04 | 2003-08-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |