US5216607A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for sensing a vehicle crash using energy and velocity as measures of crash violence
Assignee: TRW Technar Inc
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Filing: 1990-05-11
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Granted: 1993-06-01
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Expires: 2010-05-11
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in an actuatable passenger restraint system in a vehicle is provided. The method comprises a sensor for providing a time varying electric signal proportional to vehicle deceleration. A crash energy is determined and compared against a predetermined limit. If the determined crash energy equals or exceeds the predetermined limit, a passenger restraint actuation signal is provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W. Diller
- 👤 Mark A. Ross
- 👤 Brian K. Blackburn
- 👤 Joseph F. Mazur
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:27
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/01; B60R21/013; B60R21/0132; B60R21/0136
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 110
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: sensing means mounted to the vehicle body for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensing means providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic functionally related to the vehicle crash deceleration; means for determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; timing means for providing a time signal; means for comparing within a time period timed by said timing means the determined at least one energy value against an associated limit indicative of a maximum energy level beyond which the passenger restraint device needs to be actuated to maximize protection of the passengers; and means for providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing means indicates that at least one of the compared energy values is equal to or greater than its associated limit within said time period.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: sensing means mounted to the vehicle body for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensing means providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic functionally related to the vehicle crash deceleration; means for determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; timing means for providing a time signal; means for comparing within a time period timed by said timing means the determined at least one energy value against an associated limit indicative of a maximum energy level beyond which the passenger restraint device needs to be actuated to maximize protection of the passengers; and means for providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing means indicates that at least one of the compared energy values is equal to or greater than its associated limit within said time period.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for determining the RMS value of the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means, the RMS value being functionally related to the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
102 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for summing the absolute value of each of said digital values to determine a summed digital value functionally related to the total energy value dissipated in the vehicle body, said comparing means comparing the summed digital value against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising means for multiplying each determined at least one energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined energy values, means for summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value, said comparing means comparing the sum total value against a predetermined value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the weighting factors are selected to give the most weight to the most recent acquired data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
164 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for determining an averaging value functionally related to the mean value of a predetermined number of the most recent of the measured values of the electric signal from said sensing means, means for subtracting the averaging value from each of the measured values, means for summing the absolute value of each of said digital values minus the averaging value to determine a sum functionally related to the total energy value of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body excluding the energy resulting from the zero hertz frequency of the time varying electronic signal, said comparing means comparing the resultant summed absolute value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising means for multiplying each determined energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined energy values, means for summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value, said comparing means comparing the sum total value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the weighting factors are selected to give the most weight to the most recent acquired data.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
89 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further including means for measuring an analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of discrete times over a predetermined time interval, means for converting each of the measured analog voltage values into a digital value, means for determining the energy value, means for storing a predetermined number of said values in memory, means for combining the stored values into a sum total value, said comparing means comparing the sum total value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 9 further including means to update a portion of said stored digital values by replacing a portion of the stored digital values with newly determined digital values, said means for determining the sum total value making their determinations based upon the updated stored digital values.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body includes means for excluding from said energy determination energy resulting from zero hertz frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for determining the integral of the power spectral density over all frequencies of the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means, the integral of the power spectral density being functionally related to the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said means for determining said integral of the power spectral density includes means for excluding from said determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy includes means for sensing when the vehicle deceleration is greater than a predetermined value, a comparison of said at least one energy value against an associated limit not beginning until said sensed vehicle deceleration is greater than said predetermined value.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
99 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for squaring the individual digital values, summing the squared values and taking the square root of the sum of the squares, said comparing means comparing the square root of the sum of the squares against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: sensing means mounted to the vehicle body for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensing means providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic proportional to the vehicle crash deceleration; means for determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; means for determining from said time varying electric signal a vehicle velocity value; means for comparing the determined at least one energy value and the vehicle velocity value against associated limits; and means for providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing means indicates that each of the compared values is equal to or greater than its associated limit.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: sensing means mounted to the vehicle body for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensing means providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic proportional to the vehicle crash deceleration; means for determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; means for determining from said time varying electric signal a vehicle velocity value; means for comparing the determined at least one energy value and the vehicle velocity value against associated limits; and means for providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing means indicates that each of the compared values is equal to or greater than its associated limit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising timing means for providing a timing signal and wherein said means for comparing compares said at least one energy value and said velocity value against their associated limits within associated time periods.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said means for determining said velocity value is reset to a predetermined value when said timing signal times out.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for determining the RMS value of the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means, the RMS value being functionally related to the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
102 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for summing the absolute value of each of said digital values to determine a summed digital value functionally related to the total energy value dissipated in the vehicle body, said comparing means comparing the summed digital value against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising means for multiplying each determined at least one energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined energy values, means for summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value, said comparing means comparing the sum total value against a predetermined value.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
164 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for determining an averaging value functionally related to the mean value of a predetermined number of the most recent of the measured values of the electric signal from said sensing means, means for subtracting the averaging value from each of the measured values, means for summing the absolute value of each of said digital values minus the averaging value to determine a sum functionally related to the total energy value of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body excluding the energy resulting from the zero hertz frequency of the time varying electronic signal, said comparing means comparing the resultant summed absolute value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising means for multiplying each determined at least one energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined energy values, means for summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value functionally related to the energy value dissipated in the vehicle body minus energy at zero hertz, said comparing means comparing the sum total value against a predetermined value.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
89 words
The apparatus of claim 17 further including means for measuring an analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of discrete times over a predetermined time interval, means for converting each of the measured analog voltage values into a digital value, means for determining the energy value, means for storing a predetermined number of said values in memory, means for combining the stored values into a sum total value, said comparing means comparing the sum total value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 25 further including means to update a portion of said stored digital values by replacing a portion of the stored digital values with newly determined digital values, said means for determining the sum total value making their determinations based upon the updated stored digital values.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body includes means for excluding from said energy determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for determining the integral of the power spectral density over all frequencies of the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means, the integral of the power spectral density being functionally related to the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said means for determining said integral of the power spectral density includes means for excluding from said determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy includes means for sensing when the vehicle deceleration is greater than a predetermined value, a comparison of said at least one energy value against an associated limit not beginning until said sensed vehicle deceleration is greater than said predetermined value.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
99 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for determining said at least one energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for squaring the individual digital values, summing the squared values and taking the square root of the sum of the squares, said comparing means comparing the square root of the sum of the squares against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
183 words
An apparatus for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: sensing means mounted to the vehicle body for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensing means providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic proportional to the vehicle crash deceleration; means for determining from said time varying electric signal a first energy value functionally related to the total energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; means for determining from said time varying electric signal a second energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body minus the energy associated with at least one predetermined frequency band; means for determining a vehicle velocity value from said time varying electric signal; means for comparing the determined first energy value, the second energy value, and the vehicle velocity value against associated limits; and means for providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing means indicates that each of the compared values is equal to or greater than its associated limit.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
183 words
An apparatus for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: sensing means mounted to the vehicle body for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensing means providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic proportional to the vehicle crash deceleration; means for determining from said time varying electric signal a first energy value functionally related to the total energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; means for determining from said time varying electric signal a second energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body minus the energy associated with at least one predetermined frequency band; means for determining a vehicle velocity value from said time varying electric signal; means for comparing the determined first energy value, the second energy value, and the vehicle velocity value against associated limits; and means for providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing means indicates that each of the compared values is equal to or greater than its associated limit.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 34 further comprising timing means for providing a timing signal and wherein said means for comparing compares said first energy value, said second energy value, and said velocity value against their associated limits within associated time periods.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said means for determining said velocity value are reset to a predetermined values when said timing signal times out.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said means for determining said second energy value, and said means for determining said velocity value are reset to associated predetermined values when said timing signal times out.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for determining said first energy value includes means for determining the RMS value of the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means, the RMS value being functionally related to the total crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for determining said first energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for summing the absolute value of each of said digital values to determine a summed digital value, said comparing means comparing the summed digital value against the associated limit for the first energy value.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 39 further comprising means for multiplying each determined first energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined first energy values, means for summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value first energy value, comparing means comparing the sum total value against a predetermined value.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
156 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for determining said second energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for determining an averaging value functionally related t the mean value of a predetermined number of the most recent of the measured values of the electric signal from said sensing means, means for subtracting the averaging value from each of the measured values, means for summing the absolute value of each of said digital values minus the averaging value to determine a summed absolute value functionally related to the energy value dissipated in the vehicle body minus energy resulting from the presence of predetermined frequency components, said comparing means comparing the resultant summed absolute value against the associated limit for the second energy value.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
70 words
The apparatus of claim 41 further comprising means for multiplying each determined second energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined second energy values, means for summing the second weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value, said comparing means comparing the sum total second energy value against an associated limit for the second energy value.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
101 words
The apparatus of claim 34 further including means for measuring an analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of discrete times over a predetermined time interval, means for converting each of the measured analog voltage values into a digital value, means for determining the first and second energy values, means for storing a predetermined number of said values in memory, means for combining the stored values into a sum total first energy value and a sum total second energy value, said comparing means comparing the sum total values against each associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 43 further including means to update a portion of said stored digital values by replacing a portion of the stored digital values with newly determined digital values, said means for determining the total first and second energy values making their associated determinations based upon the updated stored digital values.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said means for determining from said time varying electric signal said second energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body includes means for excluding from said second energy determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for determining said first energy value includes means for determining the integral of the power spectral density over all frequencies of the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means, the integral of the power spectral density being functionally related to the total crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for determining said second energy value includes means for determining the integral of the power spectral density over selected frequencies of the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means, the integral of the power spectral density being functionally related to part of the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 48 wherein said means for determining said integral of the power spectral density includes means for excluding from said determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for determining said first energy, said second energy, and said velocity includes means for sensing when the vehicle deceleration is greater than a predetermined value, a comparison of said first energy, said second energy, and said velocity value against an associated limit not beginning until said sensed vehicle deceleration is greater than said predetermined value.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
97 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for determining said first energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for squaring the individual digital values, summing the squared values and taking the square root of the sum of the squares, said comparing means comparing the square root of the sum of the squares against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
123 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for determining said second energy value includes means for measuring the analog voltage value of said electric signal from said sensing means at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, means for determining the mean value of the measured values, means for subtracting the mean value from the measured values, means for squaring the individual digital values, means for squaring the result of the subtraction, summing the squared values and taking the square root of the sum of the squares, said comparing means comparing the square root of the sum of the squares against the associated limit for the second energy value.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: mounting a sensor to the vehicle for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensor providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic functionally related to the vehicle crash deceleration; providing a timing signal for timing out a predetermined time period; determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; comparing within said predetermined time period said determined at least one energy value against an associated limit indicative of a maximum energy level beyond which the passenger restraint device needs to be actuated to maximize protection of the passengers; and providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing step indicates that at least one of the compared energy values is equal to or greater than its associated limit within said predetermined time period.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: mounting a sensor to the vehicle for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensor providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic functionally related to the vehicle crash deceleration; providing a timing signal for timing out a predetermined time period; determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; comparing within said predetermined time period said determined at least one energy value against an associated limit indicative of a maximum energy level beyond which the passenger restraint device needs to be actuated to maximize protection of the passengers; and providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing step indicates that at least one of the compared energy values is equal to or greater than its associated limit within said predetermined time period.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes determining the RMS value of the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal, the RMS value being functionally related to the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes the steps of measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, summing the absolute value of each of said digital values to determine a summed digital value functionally related to the total energy value dissipated in the vehicle body, and comparing the summed digital value against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 56 further comprising the steps of multiplying each determined at least one energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined energy values, summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value, and wherein the step of comparing compares the sum total value against a predetermined value.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
154 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes the steps of measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, determining an averaging value functionally related to the mean value of a predetermined number of the most recent the measured values of the time varying electric, subtracting the averaging value from each of the measured values, summing the absolute value of each of said digital values minus the averaging value to determine a sum functionally related to the total energy value of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body excluding the energy resulting from the zero hertz frequency of the time varying electronic signal, and wherein the step of comparing compares the resultant summed absolute value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 58 further comprising the steps of multiplying each determined energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain of the acquired data measurements a value greater than other of the energy values, summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value, said step of comparing comparing the sum total value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
82 words
The method of claim 54 further including steps of measuring an analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of discrete times over a predetermined time interval, converting each of the measured analog voltage values into a digital value, determining the energy value, storing a predetermined number of said values in memory, combining the stored values into a sum total value, said step of comparing comparing the sum total value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 60 further including the steps of updating a portion of said stored digital values by replacing a portion of the stored digital values with newly determined digital values, said step of determining the sum total value making the determinations based upon the updated stored digital values.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said step of determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body includes the step of excluding from said energy determination energy resulting from zero hertz frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes determining the integral of the power spectral density over all frequencies of the time varying electric signal, the integral of the power spectral density being functionally related to the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 63 wherein said step of determining said integral of the power spectral density includes excluding from said determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal;
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 64 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy includes sensing when the vehicle deceleration is greater than a predetermined value, a comparison of said at least one energy value against an associated limit not beginning until said sensed vehicle deceleration is greater than said predetermined value.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, squaring the individual digital values, summing the squared values and taking the square root of the sum of the squares, said step of comparing comparing the square root of the sum of the squares against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: mounting a sensor to the vehicle for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensor providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic proportional to the vehicle crash deceleration; determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; determining from said time varying electric signal a vehicle velocity value; comparing the determined at least one energy value and the vehicle velocity value against associated limits; and providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing step indicates that each of the compared values is equal to or greater than its associated limit.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: mounting a sensor to the vehicle for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensor providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic proportional to the vehicle crash deceleration; determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; determining from said time varying electric signal a vehicle velocity value; comparing the determined at least one energy value and the vehicle velocity value against associated limits; and providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing step indicates that each of the compared values is equal to or greater than its associated limit.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 68 further comprising the steps of providing a timing signal and said step of comparing compares said at least one energy value and said velocity value against their associated limits within associated time periods.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 69 wherein said step of determining said velocity value are reset to a predetermined value when said timing signal times out.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes determining the RMS value of the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal, the RMS value being functionally related to the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, summing the absolute value of each of said digital values to determine a summed digital value functionally related to the total energy value dissipated in the vehicle body, said step of comparing comparing the summed digital value against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 72 further comprising the steps of multiplying each determined at least one energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined energy values, summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value, said step of comparing comparing the sum total value against a predetermined value.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
149 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, means for converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, determining an averaging value functionally related to the mean value of a predetermined number of the measured values of the time varying electric signal, subtracting the averaging value from each of the measured values, summing the absolute value of each of said digital values minus the averaging value to determine a sum functionally related to the total energy value of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body excluding the energy resulting from the zero hertz frequency of the time varying electronic signal, said step of comparing comparing the resultant summed absolute value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 74 further comprising the step of multiplying each determined energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined energy values, summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total value, said step of comparing comparing the sum total value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
83 words
The method of claim 68 further including the steps of measuring an analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of discrete times over a predetermined time interval, converting each of the measured analog voltage values into a digital value, determining the energy value, storing a predetermined number of said values in memory, combining the stored values into a sum total value, said step of comparing comparing the sum total value against the associated limit for the energy value.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 76 further including the steps of updating a portion of said stored digital values by replacing a portion of the stored digital values with newly determined digital values, said step of determining the sum total value making the determinations based upon the updated stored digital values.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said step of determining from said time varying electric signal at least one energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body includes excluding from said energy determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 78 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes determining the integral of the power spectral density over all frequencies of the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal, the integral of the power spectral density being functionally- related to the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 80 wherein said step of determining said integral of the power spectral density includes excluding from said determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 81 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy includes sensing when the vehicle deceleration is greater than a predetermined value, a comparison of said at least one energy value against an associated limit not beginning until said sensed vehicle deceleration is greater than said predetermined value.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said step of determining said at least one energy value includes measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, squaring the individual digital values, summing the squared values and taking the square root of the sum of the squares, said step of comparing comparing the square root of the sum of the squares against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: mounting a sensor to the vehicle for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensor providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic proportional to the vehicle crash deceleration; determining from said time varying electric signal a first energy value functionally related to the total energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; determining from said time varying electric signal a second energy value functionally related to the total energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body minus the energy associated with at least one predetermined frequency band; determining a vehicle velocity value from said time varying electric signal; comparing the determined first energy value, the second energy value, and the vehicle velocity value against associated limits; and providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing step indicates that each of the compared values is equal to or greater than its associated limit.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for providing a passenger restraint actuation signal for use in controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: mounting a sensor to the vehicle for sensing a vehicle crash condition, said sensor providing a time varying electric signal having an electrical characteristic proportional to the vehicle crash deceleration; determining from said time varying electric signal a first energy value functionally related to the total energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body; determining from said time varying electric signal a second energy value functionally related to the total energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body minus the energy associated with at least one predetermined frequency band; determining a vehicle velocity value from said time varying electric signal; comparing the determined first energy value, the second energy value, and the vehicle velocity value against associated limits; and providing said passenger restraint actuation signal when said comparing step indicates that each of the compared values is equal to or greater than its associated limit.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 85 further comprising the steps of providing a timing signal and wherein said step of comparing compares said first energy value, said second energy value, and said velocity value against their associated limits within associated time periods.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 86 wherein said step of determining said velocity value are reset to a predetermined values when said timing signal times out.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 86 wherein said step of determining said second energy value, and said step of determining said velocity value are reset to associated predetermined values when said timing signal times out.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said step of determining said first energy value includes determining the RMS value of the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal, the RMS value being functionally related to the total crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said step of determining said first energy value includes measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, summing the absolute value of each of said digital values to determine a summed digital value functionally related to the total energy value dissipated in the vehicle body, said step of comparing comparing the summed digital value against the associated limit for the first energy value.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 90 further comprising the step of multiplying each determined first energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined first energy values previously determined, summing the weighted energy values together to determine a sum total first energy value, said step of comparing comparing the sum total first energy value against an associated predetermined value.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
146 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said step of determining said second energy value includes measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, determining an averaging value functionally related to the mean value of a predetermined number of the most recent of the measured values of the time varying electric signal, subtracting the averaging value from each of the measured values, summing the absolute value of each of said digital values minus the averaging value to determine a summed absolute value functionally related to the energy value of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body minus energy resulting from the presence of predetermined frequency components, said step of comparing comparing the resultant summed absolute value against the associated limit for the second energy value.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 92 further comprising the steps of multiplying each determined energy value by a weighting factor so as to give certain acquired data measurements a value greater than other determined second energy values, summing the weighted second energy values together to determine a sum total value, said step of comparing comparing the sum total second energy value against the associated limit for the second energy value.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 85 further including the steps of measuring an analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of discrete times over a predetermined time interval, converting each of the measured analog voltage values into a digital value, determining the first and second energy values, storing a predetermined number of said values in memory, combining the stored values into a sum total first energy value and a sum total second energy value,. said step of comparing comparing the sum total values against the associated limit for each energy value.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 94 further including the steps of updating a portion of said stored digital values by replacing a portion of the stored digital values with newly determined digital values, said step of determining the total first and second energy values making the associated determinations based upon the updated stored digital values.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said step of determining from said time varying electric signal said second energy value functionally related to the energy of the crash dissipated in the vehicle body includes excluding from said second energy determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 96 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said step of determining said first energy value includes determining the integral of the power spectral density over all frequencies of the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal, the integral of the power spectral density being functionally related to the total crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said step of determining said second energy value includes determining the integral of the power spectral density over selected frequencies of the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal, the integral of the power spectral density being functionally related to part of the crash energy of the vehicle during a crash condition.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 99 wherein said step of determining said integral of the power spectral density includes excluding from said determination energy resulting from at least one predetermined frequency in said time varying signal.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 100 wherein the frequency eliminated is zero hertz.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said step of determining said first energy, said second energy, and said velocity includes sensing when the vehicle deceleration is greater than a predetermined value, a comparison of said first energy, said second energy, and said velocity value against associated limits not beginning until said sensed vehicle deceleration is greater than said predetermined value.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said step of determining said first energy value includes measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, squaring the individual digital values, summing the squared values and taking the square root of the sum of the squares, said step of comparing comparing the square root of the sum of the squares against the associated limit for the at least one energy value.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method of claim 85 wherein said step of determining said second energy value includes measuring the analog voltage value of said time varying electric signal at a plurality of different times, converting each of said measured analog voltage values into a corresponding digital value, determining the mean value of the measured values, subtracting the mean value from the measured values, squaring the individual digital values, squaring the result of the subtraction, summing the squared values and taking the square root of the sum of the squares, said step of comparing comparing the square root of the sum of the squares against the associated limit for the second energy value.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-05-31 | 1996-11-30 | 1997-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-31 | 2000-11-30 | 2001-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-31 | 2004-11-30 | 2005-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |