Occupant sensor
US7098674B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N2230/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An oscillatory or pulsed first signal is operatively coupled to a first electrode placed between a conductive heating element and a seating region of a seat containing the heating element. A second signal substantially equal to the first signal is operatively coupled to a second electrode placed between the heating element and the first electrode. An occupant in the seat is sensed from a response to the first signal, responsive to which a safety restraint system may be controlled. In other embodiments, the second signal is operatively coupled to an electrode placed proximate to a side of the heating element away from the seating region of the seat, the second electrode comprises a sheath at least partially around at least a portion of the heading element, or the operative coupling of the first or second signals comprises AC coupling, for example, through an associated first or second capacitor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.