The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 04, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 20, 2000
Antony W. Chamings, Oxford, MI (US);
John O'Neill, Clarkston, MI (US);
Rudi Grzic, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Breed Automotive Technology, Inc., Lakeland, FL (US);
Abstract
A force sensor ( ) generates a signal indicating the usage of a seat belt. A cylindrical housing ( ) has a wall ( ) and a bottom ( ) which define an internal cavity ( ). The bottom has an opening ( ) through it. A cable anchor ( ) is slidably received within the cavity and is connected to a cable ( ). The cable has one end secured to the cable anchor and another end connected to an anchor point. A magnet ( ) is connected to a top of the cable anchor and is movable with the cable anchor. The cable anchor is biased to resist motion of the cable anchor toward the bottom of the housing. A magnetic sensor ( ) for generates a signal indicative of the distance between it and the magnet. A sensor housing ( ) is connected to the housing and is positioned on the housing to position the magnetic sensor a determinable distance from the magnet at a null position. A housing end cap ( ) is secured to the housing for enclosing an open end of the housing. The magnet and the magnetic sensor are movable when a force of a determinable level is applied to the end cap causing the relative movement of the magnet and the magnetic sensor.