Chrysler Corporation

Tova Fry

Ernest P Minissale

Kurt M Straub

Roy A Peters

Lisa M Paganini

Rene C DeHondt

Frank Casilio

Wilbur J Hull, Iii

An airbag control system is provided to disable an airbag in a motor vehicle. The airbag control system includes an airbag control module, a switching circuit with a first circuit path and a second circuit path, and a switch selectively movable between an enabled position, which interconnects the first circuit path to the airbag control module to activate the airbag, and a disabled position, which interconnects the second circuit path to the airbag control module to prevent activation of the airbag. In addition, the system includes a third circuit path with a first resistor in series with a second resistor which is placed in parallel with a second contact of said switch. Alternatively, a controller is electrically connected through the third circuit path to the switch. The controller detects the position of the switch based on the resistance value it senses in the third circuit path. A visual indicator is optionally connected to the controller, whereby selectively moving the switch to the disabled position sends a signal from the controller to illuminate the visual indicator.

Selector switch circuit for disabling an airbag

An object detection assembly and method use at least one sensor to detect a signal indicating the presence and location of an object relative to an automotive vehicle. A receiver receives a location signal created by a transmitter. A control unit receives the location signal and identifies the presence and degree of closeness of the object by activating audible and visual indicators. The control unit operates a parameter definer to identify the spatial parameters within which a warning of the existence of the object is to be activated. The control unit receives signals of vehicle speed and transmission state to determine the spatial parameters.

Method and assembly for object detection by a vehicle

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Detroit, MI, United States of America

Tova Fry