Abstract: An elevation mechanism for a central input selector knob includes: a cylindrical cam having two cylindrical rails; a central input device mounted on a slider cylinder having two opposite ends of a pin that run in the two cylindrical rails to move the central input device between an operation position and a storage position; a cap that has two opposite guiding ribs configured to slide into rails of a main housing, the cap being attached to the main housing such that the slider cylinder is enclosed by the main housing and the cap; and a motor having an axis where a second gear is mounted, the second gear being configured and arranged to transmit movement to a first gear thereby causing the slider cylinder to move thereby moving the central input device between the operation position and the storage position.

Abstract: A side head-up display system is provided. The side head-up display system has an image generator configured to emit a generated image to create a virtual image for viewing by a vehicle occupant. In some forms, a side display surface is disposed along a vehicle side of the motor vehicle, and the virtual image is viewable through the side display surface. In some versions, a controller is provided and configured to cause the generated image to be generated intermittently while the first motor vehicle is running so that the image generator is off at least part of the time while the motor vehicle is running. The controller may be configured to cause the image generator to create the generated image to show information about another vehicle outside of the motor vehicle, such as speed information and/or distance and location information.

Abstract: A head up display with combiner elevation-self locking mechanism and flexible cover, the head up display comprises an elevation segmented gear coupled to a combiner holder. The combiner holder comprises a combiner holder pin, the combiner holder additionally comprising a combiner mirror. A lock coupled to the combiner holder and is configured to lock the combiner holder pin in place.

Abstract: A head up display with combiner elevation—self locking mechanism and flexible cover, the head up display comprises an elevation segmented gear coupled to a combiner holder. The combiner holder comprises a combiner holder pin, the combiner holder additionally comprising a combiner mirror. A lock coupled to the combiner holder and is configured to lock the combiner holder pin in place.

Abstract: An elevation mechanism for a central input selector knob includes: a cylindrical cam having two cylindrical rails; a central input device mounted on a slider cylinder having two opposite ends of a pin that run in the two cylindrical rails to move the central input device between an operation position and a storage position; a cap that has two opposite guiding ribs configured to slide into rails of a main housing, the cap being attached to the main housing such that the slider cylinder is enclosed by the main housing and the cap; and a motor having an axis where a second gear is mounted, the second gear being configured and arranged to transmit movement to a first gear thereby causing the slider cylinder to move thereby moving the central input device between the operation position and the storage position.

Abstract: A combiner heads-up (HUD) display assembly having a motion transfer mechanism, where the combiner HUD assembly includes a housing, a plurality of linkage members disposed in the housing, an actuator disposed in the housing and connected to one of the plurality of linkage members, and a bracket connected to one of the plurality of linkage members. A display device, such as a combiner mirror, is connected to the bracket. The actuator changes the plurality of linkage members between a first configuration, where the display device is in a stowed position, and a second configuration, where the display device is in a deployed position. A pin is integrally formed with the bracket, and the pin is in contact with at least one of the plurality of linkage members when the display device is in the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A combiner head up display can be manually lowered into a vehicle's dash board by a spring-loaded retractable lock attached to a support plate. The lock is located near the end of a slot in the support plate and provides a bias force to a locating pin that keeps the pin and mirror up until the latch portion of the lock is manually pushed back into the lock.

Abstract: A combiner head-up display (HUD) system is provided. The combiner HUD system includes a combiner mirror, a combiner holder configured to support the combiner mirror, a combiner housing configured to house the combiner holder, and a linear slide rail supported by the combiner housing. The combiner HUD system also includes at least one slider releasably attached to the linear slide rail, a first pulley disposed on one end of the linear slide rail, and a coil pulley supported by the combiner housing. The combiner HUD system also includes a wire wrapped around the first pulley and the coil pulley, and a motor configured to rotate the coil pulley. A rotation of the coil pulley causes a rotation of the wire causing a movement of the combiner mirror and the combiner holder with respect to the combiner HUD housing.

Abstract: A combiner heads-up (HUD) display assembly having a motion transfer mechanism, where the combiner HUD assembly includes a housing, a plurality of linkage members disposed in the housing, an actuator disposed in the housing and connected to one of the plurality of linkage members, and a bracket connected to one of the plurality of linkage members. A display device, such as a combiner mirror, is connected to the bracket. The actuator changes the plurality of linkage members between a first configuration, where the display device is in a stowed position, and a second configuration, where the display device is in a deployed position. A pin is integrally formed with the bracket, and the pin is in contact with at least one of the plurality of linkage members when the display device is in the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A combiner head-up display (HUD) system includes a combiner mirror and a combiner holder supporting the combiner mirror. The combiner holder includes first and second holder arms. The HUD system also includes a combiner HUD body supporting a first knob. The combiner HUD system includes an elevation link connecting the first knob and the first holder arm. A rotation of the first knob causes the combiner mirror to move from a stowed position to a display position or from a display position to a stowed position. A second knob is supported by the combiner HUD body and is disposed substantially opposite the first knob. A threaded rod connects the second knob and the second holder arm. When the combiner mirror is in the display position, a rotation of the second knob causes the combiner mirror to adjust a display angle between the fore-aft axis and the combiner mirror.

Abstract: Contact damage to vehicle doors is prevented by detecting objects in the door's pathway and applying a braking force to the door before the door strikes the object.

Abstract: A side head-up display system is provided. The side head-up display system has an image generator configured to emit a generated image to create a virtual image for viewing by a vehicle occupant. In some forms, a side display surface is disposed along a vehicle side of the motor vehicle, and the virtual image is viewable through the side display surface. In some versions, a controller is provided and configured to cause the generated image to be generated intermittently while the first motor vehicle is running so that the image generator is off at least part of the time while the motor vehicle is running. The controller may be configured to cause the image generator to create the generated image to show information about another vehicle outside of the motor vehicle, such as speed information and/or distance and location information.

Abstract: A head-up display positioning device includes a combiner configured to reflect a generated image to create a virtual image for viewing by an occupant of a vehicle. A housing is provided for stowing the combiner. A mechanism includes a motor and is configured to the move the combiner between a stowed position wherein the combiner is located fully within the housing and a display position wherein the combiner is at least partially located outside of the housing and viewable by the occupant. A cover is configured to close over the housing when the combiner is in the stowed position, and the cover is movable to allow the combiner to move into the display position. The mechanism is configured to automatically stow the combiner under certain conditions.

Abstract: A video recording system for a moving automotive vehicle is provided. The video recording system includes a camera system for recording front, rear, and lateral views from a moving automotive vehicle. A primary display system is provided which is accessible to the operator of the vehicle. A primary camera control system accessible to the vehicle operator is provided to modify views of the camera system. A secondary display system is provided which is accessible to a passenger of the vehicle. A secondary camera control system is also provided which is accessible to the passenger of the vehicle to modify views of the camera system.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for a vehicle includes a main gauge that defines a main display area and a plurality of cantilevered light guides that are supported on the main gauge and extend outwardly from the main gauge. Each of the light guides are formed from a clear material providing visibility through each of the light guides. A corresponding plurality of lights selectively illuminates each of the plurality of cantilevered light guides. An etched surface is formed on the surface of each of the cantilevered light guides in the shape of a numeral or symbol. The illumination of the etched area on the clear cantilevered light guide creates the appearance that the symbols or numerals are floating proximate the main gauge and thereby generate desired aesthetic features while communicating information to a vehicle operator.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for a vehicle includes a main gauge that defines a main display area and a plurality of cantilevered light guides that are supported on the main gauge and extend outwardly from the main gauge. Each of the light guides are formed from a clear material providing visibility through each of the light guides. A corresponding plurality of lights selectively illuminates each of the plurality of cantilevered light guides. An etched surface is formed on the surface of each of the cantilevered light guides in the shape of a numeral or symbol. The illumination of the etched area on the clear cantilevered light guide creates the appearance that the symbols or numerals are floating proximate the main gauge and thereby generate desired aesthetic features while communicating information to a vehicle operator.