Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for vehicle connectors for monitoring connection with trailer connectors. An example connector of a vehicle for coupling a trailer to the vehicle includes a wall defining a cavity to receive a trailer connector, a seal to engage the trailer connector when the cavity receives the trailer connector, and a first trailer-connection sensor disposed in the seal to monitor engagement of the trailer connector with the seal to identify a secure connection with the trailer connector.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame and a bumper pivotally connected to the frame. An actuator is mounted to the frame and coupled to the bumper. The actuator is operable to pivot the bumper relative to the frame between a substantially vertical position and an angled position. A user interface is used to activate the actuator. A vehicle controller is programmed to receive a signal from the user interface, and responsive to receiving the signal, activate the actuator to pivot the bumper. The controller may also issue warnings to the driver when the bumper is in an incorrect position for the current driving conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame and a bumper pivotally connected to the frame. A step is attached to the bumper so that the step is pivotal between a storage position and a step position. An actuator is mounted to the frame and coupled to the bumper, and is operable to pivot the bumper relative to the frame between a substantially vertical position and an angled position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame and a bumper pivotally connected to the frame. A step is attached to the bumper so that the step is pivotal between a storage position and a step position. An actuator is mounted to the frame and coupled to the bumper, and is operable to pivot the bumper relative to the frame between a substantially vertical position and an angled position.

Abstract: A push-bar assembly including a push-bar and a pair of push-bar supports. The push-bar supports are attached by a pair of upper brackets and a pair of lower brackets. The lower brackets include about which a mounting block attached to the push-bar supports pivot when the push-bar assembly is assembled to a vehicle. A clevis bracket and clevis pin are provided on lower bracket assemblies that secure a lower mounting block on the push-bar supports to a pair of lower bracket assemblies.

Abstract: A computer is programmed to actuate an electric socket mounted to an exterior of a vehicle to close upon determining that the vehicle's speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, that a cover is open, and that the electric socket is in an electrically disengaged state.

Abstract: A push-bar assembly including a push-bar and a pair of push-bar supports. The push-bar supports are attached by a pair of upper brackets and a pair of lower brackets. The lower brackets include about which a mounting block attached to the push-bar supports pivot when the push-bar assembly is assembled to a vehicle. A clevis bracket and clevis pin are provided on lower bracket assemblies that secure a lower mounting block on the push-bar supports to a pair of lower bracket assemblies.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for vehicle connectors for monitoring connection with trailer connectors. An example connector of a vehicle for coupling a trailer to the vehicle includes a wall defining a cavity to receive a trailer connector, a seal to engage the trailer connector when the cavity receives the trailer connector, and a first trailer-connection sensor disposed in the seal to monitor engagement of the trailer connector with the seal to identify a secure connection with the trailer connector.

Abstract: A computer is programmed to actuate an electric socket mounted to an exterior of a vehicle to close upon determining that the vehicle's speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, that a cover is open, and that the electric socket is in an electrically disengaged state.

Abstract: A motor vehicle license plate mounting bracket includes a substantially planar body defining an A surface and an opposite B surface and one or more resilient members disposed on the body B surface. The bracket body further includes a sidewall having one or more resiliency-imparting notches or grooves therein. Fascia assemblies including the license plate mounting bracket are described.

Abstract: A sealing gasket for an electrical connector system includes a resilient element configured to seal an interface between a header surface and a connector surface. The sealing gasket further includes thin-film sensing elements in contact with the resilient element that are configured to define a resistance of an electrical network based on a force applied to the sealing gasket. In some configurations, the sensing elements are arranged in a series electrical network and establish a conductive path when the force is greater than a predetermined force at each of the sensing elements. The thin-film sensing elements may be coupled to a controller that is configured to output a diagnostic based on a state of the electrical network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an integrated bracket for securely retaining one or more cables of a harness to a vehicle body. In one example design, the integrated bracket may include a first plate with an opening to receive a fastener to securely attach the bracket to the vehicle body; an inlet gate coupled to the first plate; a second plate coupled and angled to the first plate; a protection shield extending from the first plate; and an exit gate attached to the second plate, each gate having an extending arm pair. In one example, by routing the cables of the harness through the bracket, and securely retaining the cables using clamps on the inlet and outlet gates, the bracket provides a simplified system for securely attaching the harness to the engine, thereby minimizing unnecessary cable movement, while reducing stresses exerted on the harness.

Abstract: A cup holder includes a support, a first arm connected by a first pivot to the support and a second arm connected by a second pivot to the support. The cup holder further includes a first link connected by a third pivot to the first arm and by a fourth pivot to the second arm and a second link connected by a fifth pivot to the first arm and a sixth pivot to the second arm whereby the first arm and second arm are displaceable between a stowed position and a deployed position to hold a cup.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an integrated bracket for securely retaining one or more cables of a harness to a vehicle body. In one example design, the integrated bracket may include a first plate with an opening to receive a fastener to securely attach the bracket to the vehicle body; an inlet gate coupled to the first plate; a second plate coupled and angled to the first plate; a protection shield extending from the first plate; and an exit gate attached to the second plate, each gate having an extending arm pair. In one example, by routing the cables of the harness through the bracket, and securely retaining the cables using clamps on the inlet and outlet gates, the bracket provides a simplified system for securely attaching the harness to the engine, thereby minimizing unnecessary cable movement, while reducing stresses exerted on the harness.

Abstract: A vehicle window wiper system includes a wiper arm having a sliding joint operated by a linear actuator which selectively extends and retract the sliding joint. A controller is configured to cause the linear actuator to selectively extend and retract the sliding joint. A wiper arm rotational position provided to the controller determines whether the wiper arm should be in an extended or a retracted position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media are disclosed for deterrence of ignition of a vehicle engine ignition when a fuel nozzle is in a fuel intake area. An example vehicle includes a fuel intake area, a camera, and a processor. The example processor, in response to an ignition switch being in an on-position, is to detect, via the camera, whether a fuel nozzle is in the fuel intake area. The example processor is to deter ignition of a vehicle engine when the fuel nozzle is in the fuel intake area.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media are disclosed for deterrence of ignition of a vehicle engine ignition when a fuel nozzle is in a fuel intake area. An example vehicle includes a fuel intake area, a camera, and a processor. The example processor, in response to an ignition switch being in an on-position, is to detect, via the camera, whether a fuel nozzle is in the fuel intake area. The example processor is to deter ignition of a vehicle engine when the fuel nozzle is in the fuel intake area.

Abstract: A vapor blocking valve for a fuel vapor recovery system is mounted with a two-piece bracket having a base member and a clip member. The base member fixedly mounts on a vehicle structure. At least two bendable wings extend from the base member which are bendable toward one another to a release position. The clip member has an aperture receiving the wings and a clamp receiving the vapor blocking valve. The wings and aperture have a matching profile for selectably locking the clip member at one of a plurality of rotational orientations when the wings are at the rest position. The clip member is movable between rotational orientations with the wings bent to the release position. Consequently, re-orientation of the vapor blocking valve can be accommodated without any changes to the mounting bracket or the structural component to which the bracket attaches.

Abstract: An assembly includes: (a) a sensor including a bolt connector, an anti-rotator configured to snap-fit into a recess, and rails; (b) a cover including a plurality of slots configured to receive the rails and being sized to leave a portion of the bolt connector laterally exposed when finally positioned on the sensor.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes: a top housing rotatable about a bottom housing via a hinge; a sensor positioned between the top and bottom housings; the top and bottom housings each including a triangular portion that narrows into a rectangular extension portion; the bottom housing including raised bosses defining bolt apertures; the housings including outward indentations and corresponding inward indentations.