Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Delco Electronics Corporation

Karl Edward Stone

Morgan Daniel Murphy

Duane Donald Fortune

Stuart Stites Sullivan

Robert K Constable

Randy A Rusch

Hamid Reza Borzabadi

Robert Allan Perisho, Jr

Pamela Ann Roe

Gregory Allen Cobb

Robert Joseph Myers

David E Moss

Mark Robert Vincen

William Lloyd Piper

Charles A Bright, Jr

An improved weight estimation apparatus includes a closed elastomeric bladder filled with fluid and installed in the foam cushion of a vehicle seat bottom, with at least one pressure sensor installed in a closed exit port of the bladder. A temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the bladder provides a temperature signal, and a controller estimates the weight of the occupant based on the temperature and pressure signals. The pressure sensor is preferably configured to sense the gage pressure--that is, the differential pressure between the fluid and atmospheric pressure--at the center of gravity of the fluid in order to provide a stable output independent of changing atmospheric pressure and changing orientation of the bladder due to vehicle pitch and roll.

Vehicle occupant weight estimation apparatus having fluid-filled seat

A method of making a strain gauge in a fragile web wherein the improvement resides in making the web after the gauge is substantially completely formed. This reverse sequence is made possible by a unique combination of plasma deposited silicon oxide and plasma deposited silicon nitride on top of the completed device to protect it from attack during silicon substrate etching to form the diaphragm.

Method of making strain sensor in fragile web

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Kokomo, IN, United States of America

Karl Edward Stone