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Vehicle occupant weight estimation apparatus having fluid-filled seat bladder

  • US 5,987,370 A
  • Filed: 09/03/1997
  • Issued: 11/16/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/03/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for estimating the weight of an occupant of a seat in a motor vehicle, the seat having a foam cushion bottom, the apparatus comprising:

  • a closed elastomeric bladder disposed in the foam cushion bottom, the bladder being substantially filled with fluid, and having a exit port positioned at a center of gravity of said fluid;

    a pressure sensor coupled to said exit port for sealing said exit port and for sensing the pressure of said fluid at said exit port so that the sensed pressure is insensitive to changes in bladder orientation due to pitching or rolling of the vehicle;

    a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature in proximity to said bladder; and

    control means for estimating the weight of the occupant based on the sensed fluid pressure and the sensed temperature.

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