Measuring and testing – Speed – velocity – or acceleration – Acceleration determination utilizing inertial element
Reexamination Certificate
1996-12-13
2001-03-20
Dombroske, George (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Speed, velocity, or acceleration
Acceleration determination utilizing inertial element
C033S366230
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202488
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing a control signal indicative of a rollover condition of a vehicle. The control signal is preferably used to actuate a vehicle occupant protection device, such as a pretensioner for a vehicle seat belt.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known to sense movement of a vehicle, such as tilting or rolling movement, for use in automatically actuating a safety device in a motor vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus for providing a control signal indicative of a rollover condition of a vehicle which is disposed on a ground surface. The apparatus comprises an optical transmitter for providing a light beam extending in a first direction, and an optical receiver for receiving the light beam from the optical transmitter. The apparatus further comprises a disk having an opening for enabling the light beam from the optical transmitter to be directed to the optical receiver. The disk has portions for preventing at least a part of the light beam from being directed to the optical receiver. The optical transmitter and optical receiver are supported on the vehicle for movement relative to the disk and transverse to the first direction in response to rolling movement of the vehicle relative to the first direction. The disk is supported on the vehicle for movement relative to the vehicle and transverse to the first direction in response to rolling movement of the vehicle relative to the first direction in an amount above a predetermined threshold value, to prevent at least a part of the light beam from being directed to the optical receiver. An inertia mass is connected with the disk to maintain the disk in a predetermined orientation relative to the ground surface on which the vehicle is disposed when the vehicle is in a rollover condition. The opening in the disk enables the light beam from the optical transmitter to be directed to the optical receiver whenever the vehicle is not in a rollover condition.
In a preferred embodiment, the disk is supported on the vehicle for pivotal movement about an axis. The opening comprises a single arcuate slot centered on the axis and extending between end boundary portions of the disk, which can prevent at least a part of the light beam from being directed to the optical receiver. The apparatus further comprises means for testing the operativeness of the optical transmitter and the optical receiver whenever the vehicle is not in a rollover condition. The means for testing includes means for controlling the amount of light output of the optical transmitter in response to the testing of the optical transmitter and the optical receiver.
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Dombroske George
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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