Patent ID: 7391223

Claim:
A sensor assembly configured to detect whether a seat in a vehicle is occupied, comprising: a plurality of sensing elements configured to be positioned within the seat, the seat having a base member with a mat positioned therein, wherein each of the plurality of sensing elements is capable of detecting the presence or absence of an object on a portion of the seat, and wherein each of the plurality of sensing elements provides an output of an electrical signal indicative of the detection; a cable having first and second layers of non-conductive material and a plurality of conductors positioned between and attached to the first and second layers, wherein the output of one of the sensing elements is in electrical communication with one of the conductors, wherein the same conductor is configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical device capable of processing the electrical signal from the same sensing element; and a first non-conductive spacing member formed from a dielectric material wherein the spacing member is attached to at least a portion of the cable and disposed between the cable portion and at least a portion of at least one sensing element.