BREED Features Seamless Integration and Other Innovations at SAE '98

19 February 1998
BREED Features Seamless Integration and Other Innovations at SAE '98

    DETROIT, Feb. 19 -- Visitors at the 1998 International
Congress and Exposition will have the opportunity to see the latest in
occupant protection systems at BREED's exhibit, booth #2425,
Feb. 23-26 in Detroit, Mich.
    The company will feature its latest innovations in intelligent restraint
systems as well as technology from its newly aligned product divisions --
Seat Belts, Airbags & Inflators, Electronics and Steering Wheels.
    "Our acquisition of AlliedSignal's Safety Restraints Division and the
previously announced joint venture with Siemens AG have allowed BREED to
strengthen its market position in all areas of occupant protection," stated
Johnnie Cordell Breed, chief executive officer.  "BREED is now at the
forefront of the world's top safety system suppliers, and this position is
reflected in the advanced technologies and capabilities featured at SAE '98."

    Exhibit Features:
    Tailorable Occupant Protection System (TOPS(TM))
    BREED's exhibit features the demonstration of a Ford Mustang display
vehicle equipped with occupant-position sensors, weight sensors and seat-
buckle-switch sensors.  These sensing systems work together with BREED's
passive restraints, seat belts, electronics and algorithms to determine the
occupant's size and position as well as the presence of a child safety seat.
BREED engineers will show how TOPS provides the appropriate restraint
protection for the occupant.

    Pre-Crash Braking Simulator Sled
    BREED's new, patent-pending 12 foot test sled demonstrates how TOPS
operates under actual crash conditions.  The sled simulates the movement of an
occupant under hard braking conditions, which frequently precedes a crash.  An
unbelted crash dummy is used to demonstrate the motion of an occupant moving
towards an instrument panel.  TOPS tracks the occupant throughout the scenario
and determines the correct level of restraint output.

    Virtual Reality Display
    Included in BREED's exhibit is a virtual reality display demonstrating the
future of crash simulation.  Attendees can see a MADYMO simulation of an
occupant interacting with an airbag.  BREED's advanced software brings the
normally two-dimensional display into a three-dimensional environment so users
can gain a more detailed view of crash dynamics.

    Headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., BREED is rapidly emerging as one of the
world's most fully integrated suppliers of complete automotive occupant safety
systems.  The company supports its growing list of automotive customers with
advanced engineering, testing and manufacturing facilities located in 13
countries around the globe.  Information about BREED and its products is
available on the Internet at http://www.breedtech.com.

SOURCE  BREED Technologies