Abstract: A method of imaging a vehicle occupant's body position at the interface between the vehicle occupant and a vehicle seating surface includes positioning a pressure-actuated, controlled-rigidity support bag at the interface between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle seating surface. A vacuum pressure is then created within the pressure-actuated, controlled-rigidity support bag to conform the bag to the contour of the interface between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle seating surface. The conformed bag is then imaged to determine the contour of the interface, thereby determining the vehicle occupant's body position on the vehicle seating surface. With this method, comfort studies may be more efficiently performed, and vehicle seat shells for race car drivers more efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: A key fob for a vehicular remote keyless entry system includes a main body which houses electronics for activating the remote keyless entry system. The key fob further includes first and second components having different identifying indicia. The first and second components are releasably secured to the main body, such that they can be interchanged to function as visual or tactile identifiers.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor includes a cross bar having ends adapted to be mounted on the vehicle floor. The vehicle seat assembly further includes a seat bottom having a rear portion pivotally mounted on the cross bar such that the seat bottom is structurally secured to the vehicle. The seat bottom defines an upper surface and a lower surface. The seat bottom is pivotable about the cross bar to a storage position within a recess formed in the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle floor having a stowage cavity formed therein, and a collapsible seat pivotally connected to the vehicle and positioned on the vehicle floor adjacent the stowage cavity. The collapsible seat is pivotable from an upright position into a collapsed position within the stowage cavity. The assembly further includes a sliding cover positioned on the vehicle floor and selectively slidable between a first position beneath the collapsible seat when the collapsible seat is in the upright position and a second position covering the stowage cavity. The sliding cover is operative as a vehicle load floor when in the second position.

Abstract: A seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor includes a seat bottom and at least one panel movably attached to the seat bottom. The panel is movable between a storage position adjacent the seat bottom, and a deployed position extending outwardly from the seat bottom such that the panel is in a generally horizontal position to form a flat load floor above the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A wireless switch is provided having a twenty-year life energy harvesting arrangement for self-powering a wireless transmitter. The energy harvesting arrangement is implemented in one embodiment using a piezoelectric switch element. A tritium light source and photovoltaic device are used in a second embodiment, while a black light source and photovoltaic device are used in a third embodiment. The energy harvesting wireless switch arrangement of the present invention can be combined, for example, with a vehicle side mirror switch, to reduce the complexity of the wire harness feeding the door. The wireless switch can be located without regard to accessability of a wiring harness or connector.

Abstract: An impact countermeasure device (30) used for receiving an impact force (56) has a generally hollow body with an outer wall (52) defining an interior portion (54) and an exterior portion. The wall (52) has at least one blow hole (60) therethrough. The wall (52) has at least one tack off area (70) formed therein. The tack off area (70) and the blow hole (60) control the crush rate of the body in response to the impact force (56).

Abstract: A variable opacity sunscreen. The sunscreen includes sunshade body having a plurality of apertures therethrough. A blade slidable relative to the sunshade body is provided. The blade includes a plurality of apertures and a blade slot therethrough. The sunscreen further includes a lever cooperable with the blade slot to slide the blade relative to the sunshade body so that the apertures and the blade move relative to the apertures in the sunshade body to vary the opacity of a sunscreen across its entire surface or a part thereof.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle location information or confirmation of remote entry system operation to a user. In one embodiment, a vehicle transceiver receives a wireless vehicle device function signal, and a vehicle controller generates a vehicle device control signal for use in operating a vehicle device in response. The vehicle controller also confirms operation of the vehicle device, and the vehicle transceiver transmits a wireless vehicle device function confirmation signal. A remote unit includes a transceiver for operation by the user for transmitting the vehicle device function signal and for receiving the vehicle device function confirmation signal. The remote unit also includes an indicator for providing an indication to the user confirming operation of the vehicle device, and a storage device for storing retrievable data representing the indication confirming operation of the vehicle device.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vehicle tire pressure. A tire pressure monitor for each tire includes a pressure sensor for sensing tire pressure and a transmitter for transmitting a tire pressure signal representative of the sensed tire pressure. A receiver for mounting on the vehicle receives the tire pressure signals, and includes an antenna to be located at a vehicle site. Each tire pressure signal has an amplitude and, for each tire location, the amplitude has a unique pattern over time for the antenna site. A controller for mounting on the vehicle communicates with the receiver and collects and processes the tire pressure signals to automatically identify the tire location associated with each tire pressure signal based on the unique amplitude patterns. The controller further generates control signals for use in conveying tire pressure and location information to a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A headrest assembly including a headrest pad having a front surface and side portions that are movable between a first position and a second position wherein the side portions are forward of the front surface of the headrest pad. A shift mechanism is provided for moving the side portion to the second position. A trigger is actuated in response to an impact that causes the shift mechanism to move the side portion from the first position to the second position. The headrest pad preferably has a central section that is flanked by right and left side portions. The side portions pivot on a shaft or hinge mechanism that includes a spring that biases the side portions toward the second position. The trigger is preferably a hook that is mounted on a slide secured to the headrest pad. A torsion spring is secured between the hook and the slide so that the hook may be displaced relative to the headrest pad when the impact exerts an inertial load to the headrest pad above a predetermined level.

Abstract: A mirror light assembly and method are provided for illuminating a visor. The visor mirror light assembly includes a visor body. A mirror is slidably disposed relative to the visor body. A source of illumination is disposed adjacent the mirror. An electrical circuit provides electrical power from a power source to the source of illumination. Preferably, the mirror is movable between a first position wherein the electrical circuit is open and the source of illumination is not illuminated, and a second position wherein the electrical circuit is closed and the source of illumination is illuminated.

Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure, a system and method for automatically identifying tire location. A tire pressure monitor mounted in each tire includes a sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a magnetic switch for actuating the transmitter. An electromagnets is mounted on the vehicle in proximity to each tire location and generates a magnetic field causing the magnetic switch to actuate the transmitter of the associated tire pressure monitor. A controller mounted on the vehicle is provided in communication with the electromagnets, processes the tire pressure signals from the transmitters, and conveys tire pressure and location information to a user. The controller energizes the electromagnets so that each received tire pressure signal is automatically associated with a specific tire location.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel assembly includes a substrate having a recess formed therein with a deployable air bag assembly positioned within the recess. The air bag assembly is attached to the substrate by an attachment bolt. An air bag cover is secured to the substrate by a snap-in attachment feature to enclose the air bag assembly within the recess. The air bag cover includes an integrally molded tether which is connected to the attachment bolt such that deployment of the air bag assembly causes detachment of the snap-in attachment feature to allow air bag deployment outside the recess while the tether maintains its connection with the attachment bolt.

Abstract: A headliner assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided. The headliner assembly utilizes a pre-formed headliner and a preformed inflatable permanent air duct liner which is molded in place using foam to substantially surround and adhere said air duct liner to said headliner.

Abstract: An outlet for a climate control system includes a support member and multiple vanes pivotally connected to the support member. The outlet also includes a link attached to the vanes such that the vanes are pivotable in unison. Furthermore, the link comprises a soft, rubbery material having a Shore A hardness in the range of 40 to 80.

Abstract: An apparatus supplies electrical power to a panel slideably mounted on a vehicle for movement along a predetermined path. The apparatus includes a vehicle component defining a slot having a length. The apparatus includes an electrical conduit for electrically connecting a power source and an electrical component mounted on the panel. The electrical conduit has an intermediate portion extending through the slot of the vehicle component such that the intermediate portion moves along the length of the slot as the panel moves along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle that has a rear seat positioned behind the seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom that is movable between a seating position and a forward position. In the seating position, the seat bottom is in a generally horizontal position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat assembly. In the forward position the seat bottom is in a generally vertical position such that a rear edge of the seat bottom is positioned above a front edge of said seat bottom. The seat assembly also has a seat back that is movable between a seating position and a second position. In the seating position the seat back is in a generally lateral position relative to the vehicle for supporting an occupant seated on said seat assembly. In the second position the seat back extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle to permit access to a rear seat positioned behind said seat assembly.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for mounting to a closure for an opening in a vehicle trim panel includes an expandable wall adapted to be mounted on the closure, wherein the expandable wall and the closure define a pocket for containing an object between the expandable wall and the closure.

Abstract: A molded energy absorber includes two sections connected by a plurality of hinge elements. One section has a plurality of telescopically crushable tubular cylinders integrally molded thereon. The two sections are folded together and the energy absorber attaches to a structural vehicle pillar on the inside of the vehicle. Upon impact, the tubular cylinders are fractured and crush telescopically, thereby dissipating much of the impact energy.