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Seat belt buckle with field effect locking indicator and method of use

  • US 5,944,135 A
  • Filed: 11/14/1996
  • Issued: 08/31/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/14/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus comprising:

  • a latch mechanism which releasably interlocks with a seat belt tongue;

    a photosensitive device which responds to said latch mechanism by providing a first output if a seat belt tongue is not interlocked with said latch mechanism and a second, different output if a seat belt tongue is interlocked with said latch mechanism; and

    a source of light which energizes said photosensitive device;

    said latch mechanism including a movable part having a first position reflecting said light form said source to said photosensitive device and a second position not reflecting said light from said source to said photosensitive device, said latch mechanism moving said movable part from one of said positions to the other of said positions in response to interlocking of a seat belt tongue with said latch mechanism.

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