Patent ID: 6045155
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: B60R,G01G

Abstract:
A system for sensing an occupant on a vehicle seat, comprising:a. a hydrostatic weight sensor element having a port in fluid communication with a sensing fluid thereof, whereby said hydrostatic weight sensor element is locatable within a vehicle seat, said hydrostatic weight sensor element incorporates a pressure sensor for generating a signal responsive to the pressure of said sensing fluid, and said pressure is responsive to the component of occupant weight applied by the occupant on the vehicle seat to said hydrostatic weight sensor element;b. a source of sensing fluid external to said hydrostatic weight sensor element;c. a volume restorer operatively coupled to said hydrostatic weight sensor element for restoring the volume of said hydrostatic weight sensor element to an operative level when said hydrostatic weight sensor becomes unloaded; andd. a check valve having an inlet and an outlet, whereby said inlet is operatively coupled to said source of sensing fluid and said outlet is operatively coupled to said port of said hydrostatic weight sensor element, and said check valve can admit said sensing fluid from said source of sensing fluid into said port of said hydrostatic weight sensor responsive to said volume restorer.