Patent ID: 6237947
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: B60R,G10K

Abstract:
A device for preventing damage to hearing which may result from activation of a vehicle occupant restraint system, said device comprising:a source of sound (12) for producing a primary sound event having a sound pressure level non-injurious to hearing and for triggering an acoustic reflex of the human ear, andan activation control (14, 42) for said source of sound (12),said activation control (14, 42) triggering said source of sound (12) to produce said primary sound event and providing a time delay before the occurrence of a secondary sound event having a sound pressure level injurious to hearing occurring on activation of the restraint system, said time delay between the secondary sound event and said primary sound event allowing said acoustic reflex to occur so that damage to hearing as a result of said secondary sound event is prevented.