Abstract: This invention relates to mirror assemblies for vehicles and in particular to interior rearview minor assemblies having touch screen inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.

Abstract: A vehicle panel with a folded-over or wrapped edge is disclosed. The vehicle panel comprises a main body portion. The main body portion includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first surface, a second surface and an edge. The second layer is coupled to the second surface of the first layer and formed of a substantially flexible material. The vehicle panel also comprises a flap integrally formed with the main body portion at the edge and comprises at least the second layer. The vehicle panel further comprises a hinge separating the flap from the main body portion, the hinge is defined by at least a portion of the first layer having a reduced thickness. The flap is folded back about the hinge towards the first surface of the first layer to substantially conceal the edge.

Abstract: A battery system includes a platform having an aperture formed therethrough, a flexible member having a generally planar configuration and extending across the aperture, wherein a portion of the flexible member is coextensive with the aperture, a cell provided adjacent the platform, and a sensor coupled to the flexible member and positioned proximate the cell. The sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the cell.

Abstract: A system and a method for causing a garage door to open using a garage door opener having a wireless receiver is provided. The system comprises an interface coupled to an environment sensor and configured to receive data from the environment sensor. The system can include processing electronics coupled to the interface and configured to receive the data from the interface and to use the received data to determine whether an environmental condition exists. The processing electronics provide a command to cause the garage door opener to open the garage door based on the determination of whether the environmental condition exists.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying a pointer on a display surface of a vehicle instrument panel, wherein: a first position (P1) of the pointer on the display surface (1) is computed according to a first measurement carried out by a sensor of the vehicle; the pointer (21) is displayed on the display surface (1) at said first position (P1); a second position (P2) of the pointer on the display surface (1) is computed according to a second measurement carried out by said sensor of the vehicle; the pointer (22) is displayed on the display surface (1) at said second position (P2); the method being characterized in that at least one of the physical characteristics of the pointer (22), displayed at said second position (P2), is modified according to the deviation between the first and second computed positions.

Abstract: A system for mounting in a vehicle and for reproducing an image at least partially generated by a remote source and shown on a display of the remote source is provided. The system includes a display interface for providing a signal to the display. The system further includes a communications device for mounting in the vehicle and for communicating with the remote source, the communications device configured to receive the image from the remote source. The system yet further includes a processing system operatively coupled to the communications device and the display interface, the processing system configured to provide a representation of the image to the display interface. The system yet further includes a memory device communicably coupled to the processing system and including computer code for controlling the communications device so that the representation of the image provided to the display interface is updated to reflect new images generated and shown on the remote source.

Abstract: A lithium battery for use in a vehicle includes a container, a plurality of positive terminals extending from a first end of the lithium battery, and a plurality of negative terminals extending from a second end of the lithium battery. The plurality of positive terminals are provided in a first configuration and the plurality of negative terminals are provided in a second configuration, the first configuration differing from the second configuration. A battery system for use in a vehicle may include a plurality of electrically connected lithium cells or batteries.

Abstract: An earthmoving system including a bulldozer has a pair of GPS receivers mounted on the cutting blade of the bulldozer. The cutting blade is supported by a blade support extending from the frame. The blade support includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in relation to the frame and a blade tilt cylinder for controlling the lateral tilt of the cutting blade. Sensors, including gyroscopic sensors and an accelerometer, sense rotation of the frame about three orthogonal axes and vertical movement of the bulldozer frame that would affect the position of the blade. A control is responsive to the pair of GPS receivers and to the gyroscopic sensors, for controlling the operation of the hydraulic cylinders and thereby the position of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with a remote electronic system is provided. The wireless control system includes a transceiver for mounting in the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth communications standard. The transceiver is further configured to provide a control signal to the remote electronic system. The transceiver is also trainable to provide a carrier frequency and control information for the control signal.

Abstract: A computerized method for evaluating and reporting a fault in a building management system includes receiving, at a processing circuit, multiple fault indications for different building equipment of the building management system. The method further includes displaying a single fault related to the multiple fault indications rather than reporting the multiple fault indications.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser. A heat exchanger, which may be an outdoor heat exchanger, is configured to receive the refrigerant from the condenser, to selectively extract heat from or to add heat to the refrigerant, and to transfer the refrigerant to the evaporator. First control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the condenser to the heat exchanger in a first mode of operation. Second control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the heat exchanger to the evaporator in a second mode of operation. The system may be operated in a variety of modes by appropriate control of the valving and other system components.

Abstract: A lining for a vehicle part is disclosed. The lining has a main body that comprises a reinforcement. The main body and the reinforcement are made of the same material. The reinforcement may be made of a material removed from the main body. The lining may also include a decorative layer. A method for producing such a lining is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel is illuminated from behind to create an illuminated design (e.g., logo and/or lettering) includes a transparent layer and an opaque layer with an opening(s) in the shape of the design. An opaque or partially opaque design piece may be placed over the opening(s) in the opaque layer and be lit around its edges. The vehicle trim panel may be formed by forming a panel with a transparent layer and an opaque layer. An opening in the opaque layer may be formed by removing opaque material (e.g., by machining or laser etching) or by masking (the mask is placed between the opaque layer and transparent layer and removed taking a portion of the opaque layer with it). A design piece may be placed over the location of the opening in the opaque layer.

Abstract: A seat buckle apparatus for use in a vehicle seat assembly having a seat back, a seat base, and a base portion, the seat buckle apparatus comprising a bracket member having a first end and a second end, the bracket member for coupling to the vehicle seat; a first belt buckle portion for being movably supported to the vehicle seat and having an upper end, a lower end, and an engagement member for engaging the bracket member; and wherein the bracket member will prevent the upper end of the belt buckle from contacting the seat back when the seat back is folded down on the seat base.

Abstract: A wireless control system for wireless control of a remote electronic system is configured to provide information to a user using a multi-colored LED. The system includes a transmitter circuit configured to transmit a wireless control signal having control data which will control the remote electronic system, a multi-colored light emitting diode display configured to provide an indication of a state of the wireless control system, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transmitter circuit configured to transmit the wireless control signal through the trainable transmitter circuit based on the state of the wireless control system.

Abstract: An optocoupler circuit includes a switch connected in parallel with a photo LED, the photo LED having an anode and a cathode. The anode is connected to a power supply via a decoupling capacitor. The optocoupler circuit is arranged so that the switch turns on the photo LED when in the open position. When closed, the switch directs current flow through a series resistor to ground and shunts current flow away from the photo LED to turn off the photo LED. A second capacitor is connected to the cathode of the photo LED. The second capacitor is wired in series with a second switch and a current limiting resistor connected to ground. The first switch and second switch operate in complementary states to prevent the cathode connected capacitor from discharging. The disclosed optocoupler circuit provides the ability to function at increased levels of common mode voltage transients.

Abstract: A seatback entertainment display system for a vehicle is provided having a support member extending from a seatback frame, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member, and a display device coupled to the adjustment mechanism. The support member may be a cantilever type beam or frame extending upwardly from the seatback at a position behind and adjacent to a headrest. The support member may also be a pair of rods arranged to fixedly receive the display device and movably receive the headrest. The adjustment device may include any one or more of a forward-rearward tilting mechanism, a side to side pivoting mechanism and an up-down translation mechanism. The seatback entertainment display system is adaptable to optimize a viewing angle for a rear seat occupant of the vehicle, throughout a normal adjustment range of the seat.

Abstract: A seat assembly having headrest that includes an expansion assembly that operates to expand the cushion when the headrest is in the lower position. As the headrest is raised, the expansion assembly retracts, removing the bulge and creating a more planar surface for comfortably resting the head of a seat occupant. The headrest is also configured to reduce expansion of flatten as the seatback is folded flat.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device, notably for a motor vehicle, comprising a projection module for generating an image for the purpose of a projection in the normal direction of looking of a user of the display device on an optical path, the display device comprising a reflection element, the reflection element being capable of being moved between a multitude of different display positions, the different display positions corresponding to different viewing positions of a user of the display device.