Steven M Long

US Patent:

6452486, Sep 17, 2002

Filed:

Jan 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/487532

Inventors:

Steven M. Long - Austin TX
John P. Malone - Arlington TX

Assignee:

Premier Fulfillment, Inc. - Keller TX

International Classification:

B60Q 100

US Classification:

340438, 307 101, 280735

Abstract:

A dual-igniter airbag control switch is provided for a motor vehicle airbag system having a module with a plurality of igniters for causing an airbag to inflate, a diagnostic monitor that determines if a collision is occurring and initiates the igniters, and first and second wires extending between each of the igniters and the monitor for conveying signals between the module and the monitor. The control switch comprises a manually operable switch having portions connected to each of the first wires, for selectively providing continuity in the first wires between the monitor and each of the igniters while in an on position and breaking continuity of the first wires between the monitor and each of the igniters while in an off position. A resistor is connected to each of the second wires and connected to the switch, so that while in the off position, the switch places the resistors in series between the first and second wires and the monitor, each of the resistors having an impedance similar to that of one of the igniters, so as to provide a false indication to the monitor that the continuity exists with the igniters while the switch is in the off position.