Abstract: An electrically-powered accessory for vehicles includes a vehicle structure. A connector mechanically connects an electrically-powered accessory to vehicle structure. The connector includes a movable lock member that mechanically locks the electrically-powered accessory to the vehicle structure when the movable lock member is in a locked position. The movable lock member causes the electrically-powered accessory to be electrically connected to an electrical power supply of the vehicle when the movable lock member is in the locked position, and electrically disconnects the electrically-powered accessory from the vehicle power supply when the movable lock member is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: An electrically-powered accessory for vehicles includes a vehicle structure. A connector mechanically connects an electrically-powered accessory to vehicle structure. The connector includes a movable lock member that mechanically locks the electrically-powered accessory to the vehicle structure when the movable lock member is in a locked position. The movable lock member causes the electrically-powered accessory to be electrically connected to an electrical power supply of the vehicle when the movable lock member is in the locked position, and electrically disconnects the electrically-powered accessory from the vehicle power supply when the movable lock member is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A vehicle closure cycling device is provided. The device includes a fixture, a first actuator mounted to the fixture and displaceable to open the vehicle closure and a second actuator mounted to the fixture and displaceable to close the vehicle closure at a predetermined closing speed. The device also includes a controller configured to cycle the first actuator and the second actuator in sequence to repeatedly open and close the vehicle closure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for vehicles changing lanes based on trailing vehicles. An example vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor to measure a vehicle speed, a rearview camera to capture images when the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold, and a lane controller. The lane controller is to detect whether there is a trailing vehicle based on the images and determine, responsive to detecting the trailing vehicle, whether the trailing vehicle is providing a message to change lanes. The lane controller also is to send a lane-changing signal responsive to identifying the message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for vehicles changing lanes based on trailing vehicles. An example vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor to measure a vehicle speed, a rearview camera to capture images when the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold, and a lane controller. The lane controller is to detect whether there is a trailing vehicle based on the images and determine, responsive to detecting the trailing vehicle, whether the trailing vehicle is providing a message to change lanes. The lane controller also is to send a lane-changing signal responsive to identifying the message.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an auxiliary battery charging system for monitoring and regulating the energy flow to an auxiliary battery in a vehicle. More specifically, the auxiliary battery charging system of the present disclosure includes a monitoring controller configured to operate with a plurality of sensors, a display device and a battery charger to display the battery status (such as temperature, voltage, time of last charge); initiate charging of the auxiliary battery when the auxiliary battery voltage reaches a predetermined minimum voltage; and disable the charging process when the auxiliary battery voltage has reached an optimum level.

Abstract: A system for determining a need for a vehicle windshield wiper blade replacement includes a detector for detecting a wiper blade operating noise and a processor configured to determine a wear condition requiring wiper blade replacement from the detected wiper blade operating noise. On determining the wear condition, the processor provides a display including at least a windshield wiper blade wear condition warning and a listing of one or more suggested replacement wiper blades. The visible display may further include a listing of one or more suggestions of locations for acquiring the replacement wiper blades. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for determining a need for a vehicle windshield wiper blade replacement includes a detector for detecting a wiper blade operating noise and a processor configured to determine a wear condition requiring wiper blade replacement from the detected wiper blade operating noise. On determining the wear condition, the processor provides a display including at least a windshield wiper blade wear condition warning and a listing of one or more suggested replacement wiper blades. The visible display may further include a listing of one or more suggestions of locations for acquiring the replacement wiper blades. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for ventilating a vehicle cabin includes a powered vent, such as a window or sunroof, for opening and closing to selectively ventilate the vehicle cabin. A controller may be provided for: (1) opening the powered vent based on a pre-determined opening time; (2) controlling the powered vent to activate based on a pre-determined parking location; and/or (3) controlling the powered vent to activate based on a sunlight intensity.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an auxiliary battery charging system for monitoring and regulating the energy flow to an auxiliary battery in a vehicle. More specifically, the auxiliary battery charging system of the present disclosure includes a monitoring controller configured to operate with a plurality of sensors, a display device and a battery charger to display the battery status (such as temperature, voltage, time of last charge); initiate charging of the auxiliary battery when the auxiliary battery voltage reaches a predetermined minimum voltage; and disable the charging process when the auxiliary battery voltage has reached an optimum level.

Abstract: A vehicle closure cycling device is provided. The device includes a fixture, a first actuator mounted to the fixture and displaceable to open the vehicle closure and a second actuator mounted to the fixture and displaceable to close the vehicle closure at a predetermined closing speed. The device also includes a controller configured to cycle the first actuator and the second actuator in sequence to repeatedly open and close the vehicle closure.