Abstract: A height-adjustable support apparatus supports items above a user's lap while seated or reclining. The apparatus includes a bottom panel with optional pillow for resting on a seated user's lap, a top panel with upright rests configured to support items (such as electronic devices) at a desired angle of use, a four-bar linkage for moving the top panel between height-adjusted positions while maintaining a same horizontal orientation, and a lock engaging slots in the bottom panel for fixing a selected height-adjusted position of the top panel. Rests on the top panel are made of bent wire and can be selectively pivoted to upright positions for supporting devices, such as a cell phone, tablet computers, books, game displays, etc. A cup holder engages a rest on the top panel to support either a handled container (such as a mug) or no-handle container (such as a soda can).

Abstract: A height-adjustable support apparatus supports items above a user's lap while seated or reclining. The apparatus includes a bottom panel with optional pillow for resting on a seated user's lap, a top panel with upright rests configured to support items (such as electronic devices) at a desired angle of use, a four-bar linkage for moving the top panel between height-adjusted positions while maintaining a same horizontal orientation, and a lock engaging slots in the bottom panel for fixing a selected height-adjusted position of the top panel. Rests on the top panel are made of bent wire and can be selectively pivoted to upright positions for supporting devices, such as a cell phone, tablet computers, books, game displays, etc. A cup holder engages a rest on the top panel to support either a handled container (such as a mug) or no-handle container (such as a soda can).

Abstract: A receiver for use in a vehicle for communicating between an actuator and a remote device includes an antenna and a controller. The actuator is disposed within the vehicle for controlling the operation of a vehicle feature. The antenna receives a wireless signal generated by the remote device and including a control command. The controller is coupled to the antenna. The controller is configured to enter a training mode of operation wherein the controller polls a plurality of wireless frequencies to detect the wireless signal. The controller is configured to receive and interpret the control command on the wireless signal. The controller is further configured to communicate the control command to the actuator for execution.

Abstract: A method for selectively securing a vehicle against theft. The vehicle includes a latch lock device, a controller and an anti-theft system. The latch lock device can be selectively operable in an unlocked condition and a locked condition. The locked condition prevents a closure member latch mechanism from being unlatched. The anti-theft system can be selectively operable in an unarmed condition and an armed condition. The method includes transmitting a lock signal to the controller and generating a latch control signal and an anti-theft control signal in response to the lock signal. The latch control signal causes the latch lock device to be positioned in a locked condition. The anti-theft system control signal causes the anti-theft system to be placed in an armed condition.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system identifies tire locations by recognizing that certain characteristics are unique to front-located tires verses rear-located tires as well as left-side tires and right-side tires. A control circuit is coupled to a temperature sensor and an accelerometer for each tire to receive information processed to discriminate between left and right and front and rear tires, respectively. With this information and a pressure signal, the monitoring system provides the operator with tire location and pressure information without reprogramming upon tire rotation. The system also alerts the operator to run-flat tire operational constraints.

Abstract: The vehicle communication and control system of the present invention includes a transceiver for sending and receiving RF signals, a processor coupled to the transceiver, a location identifying sensor coupled to the processor for supplying vehicle location data, a user interface coupled to the processor for providing information to a user and for enabling a user to input commands to be executed by the processor, and a vehicle accessory interface for coupling the processor to a vehicle accessory control circuit to enable the processor to issue commands to a vehicle accessory. The processor is preferably adapted to perform a wide variety of functions in response to user input commands, received RF signals, and other commands received from other vehicle accessories and components coupled to the system of the present invention through the vehicle system bus.

Abstract: A visor display includes a the visor body having a window to which a display is movably mounted such that the display, when the visor is in one of a raised or lowered use position, is visible through the window and, when the visor is moved to the other of the raised or lowered positions, the display can be moved to be directly visible. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the visor display includes a display housing movable into a storage pocket in the visor body and movable from a closed position where the display is aligned with a window formed through the visor body to an open position where the display is visible when the visor window is adjacent the vehicle roof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the visor window was formed in a vanity mirror in an area of the vanity mirror which is otherwise covered with a reflective material such that the display is viewed through the front surface of the mirror window.

Abstract: A control system selectively controls the operation of at least one lamp and at least one garage door opener. The control system includes a control module. The control module includes connectors adapted to be coupled to at least one lamp through household AC power conductors. The control module also includes terminals adapted to be connected to a garage door opener mechanism. A circuit positioned in the control module receives and identifies radio frequency signals, stores control information associated with a plurality of received signals from a remote control in a training mode and outputs control signals for communication over the AC power line and the garage door mechanism in accordance with the stored control signals when one of said remote control signals is received in an operating mode. The control module also includes a selector used to select garage door and/or light control operations to be associated with a signal received by the control module in a training mode.

Abstract: A control system selectively controls the operation of at least one lamp and at least one garage door opener. The control system includes a control module. The control module includes connectors adapted to be coupled to at least one lamp through household AC power conductors. The control module also includes terminals adapted to be connected to a garage door opener mechanism. A circuit positioned in the control module receives and identifies radio frequency signals, stores control information associated with a plurality of received signals from a remote control in a training mode and outputs control signals for communication over the AC power line and the garage door mechanism in accordance with the stored control signals when one of said remote control signals is received in an operating mode. The control module also includes a selector used to select garage door and/or light control operations to be associated with a signal received by the control module in a training mode.

Abstract: A visor display includes a the visor body having a window to which a display is movably mounted such that the display, when the visor is in one of a raised or lowered use position, is visible through the window and, when the visor is moved to the other of the raised or lowered positions, the display can be moved to be directly visible. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the visor display includes a display housing movable into a storage pocket in the visor body and movable from a closed position where the display is aligned with a window formed through the visor body to an open position where the display is visible when the visor window is adjacent the vehicle roof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the visor window was formed in a vanity mirror in an area of the vanity mirror which is otherwise covered with a reflective material such that the display is viewed through the front surface of the mirror window.

Abstract: A projection system for projecting television images in a vehicle including a console for mounting to the roof of a vehicle with a housing in which a video projector for television signals is fixedly mounted. The console further includes a cover which is pivotally mounted to the housing at its forward end for movement between a closed position, substantially enclosing the projector, and an open position. A projection screen is movably mounted to the housing to move the screen between a substantially horizontal stored position within the cover and housing, and a substantially vertical use position when the cover is opened. The console further includes, in a preferred embodiment, light blocking panels coupled between the cover and housing for enclosing the sides of the space between the projector and screen for providing a dark environment between the projector and the surface of the screen facing the projector.

Abstract: A control system selectively controls the operation of at least one lamp and at least one garage door opener. The control system includes a control module. The control module includes connectors adapted to be coupled to at least one lamp through household AC power conductors. The control module also includes terminals adapted to be connected to a garage door opener mechanism. A circuit positioned in the control module receives and identifies radio frequency signals, stores control information associated with a plurality of received signals from a remote control in a training mode and outputs control signals for communication over the AC power line and the garage door mechanism in accordance with the stored control signals when one of said remote control signals is received in an operating mode. The control module also includes a selector used to select garage door and/or light control operations to be associated with a signal received by the control module in a training mode.

Abstract: A warning system automatically alerts a vehicle operator to the fact that the next available exit should be taken for a desired or necessary service such as refueling. The system includes a source of information providing the current vehicle location as well as a source of information identifying the location of available selected service locations closest to each of the next two exits of a limited access highway. The system in a preferred embodiment includes a source of information indicating the available range of the vehicle (distance to empty or D.T.E.) and a microprocessor for calculating when the driver should take the next available exit to reach the desired service. The system further includes a suitable alarm which may be an audible alarm, a visual alarm or both to alert the vehicle operator that the next available exit should be taken.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle accessory control system that includes a receiver for receiving paging signals including a unique vehicle address and a reprogramming signal. The control system responds to the reprogramming signal by reprogramming a vehicle accessory control program used to determine how to specifically control a vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.

Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.

Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.

Abstract: A compass circuit has a magnetic field sensor adapted to be positioned in a vehicle near a source of varying magnetic fields. A detector is coupled to the compass circuit for providing a signal applied to the compass circuit which responds for displaying the compass heading prior to the magnetic field disturbance to provide accurate heading information. In a preferred embodiment, the detector senses when a door is opened and the compass heading prior to the opening of the door is displayed.

Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.