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Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a rear facing infant seat

  • US 7,163,075 B2
  • Filed: 07/02/2004
  • Issued: 01/16/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for detecting the presence of a rear-facing infant seat on a motor vehicle seat equipped with a seat belt that can be buckled or unbuckled, comprising:

  • a seat belt status sensor for determining if the seat belt is buckled;

    a seat belt tension sensor for determining a tension on the seat belt;

    a first seat belt position sensor for detecting a proximity of the seat belt to a bight area of the vehicle seat where bottom and back cushions of the vehicle seat meet; and

    a control unit for detecting the presence of a rear-facing infant seat on the vehicle seat when;

    (1) said seat belt status sensor determines that the seat belt is buckled,(2) said seat belt tension sensor determines that said tension is above a predetermined threshold; and

    (3) said first seat belt position sensor detects the proximity of the seat belt to said bight area.

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