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. 18, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 19, 2001
Ernst M. Faigle, Dryden, MI (US);
Tracy S. Sparks, Attica, MI (US);
Douglas P. Campbell, Metamora, MI (US);
Craig J. Lyszczyk, Casco, MI (US);
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
An apparatus ( ) includes a member ( ) that has a first slot ( ) extending through the member within the periphery ( ) of the member. The first slot ( ) has opposed spaced surfaces ( ) that define a gap ( ) that has a width measured from one of the opposed surfaces to the other of the opposed surfaces. The member ( ) includes first and second portions ( and ) positioned on opposite sides of the first slot ( ). The apparatus ( ) also includes a sensor ( ) that has a first end ( ) connected to the first portion ( ) on one side of the first slot ( ) and an opposite second end ( ) connected to the second portion ( ) on an opposite side of the first slot such that the sensor extends across the first slot. The apparatus ( ) further includes a fastener ( ) for fixedly connecting the second portion ( ) to inhibit movement of the second portion of the member relative to the first portion ( ). The first portion ( ) moves relative to the second portion ( ) when a force is applied to the first portion, which causes the width of the gap to change. The sensor ( ) provides a signal in response to the change in the gap width.