Abstract: A locking and unlocking device includes a displaceably mounted locking element and an actuating element that actuates the locking element. A deformation element is deformed when the actuating element is actuated, thus displacing the locking element. The deformation element may be a spring, such as a leaf or leg spring.

Abstract: A motor grader has a control system in which the manner of controlling the blade position differs depending upon whether the blade is to be moved vertically or is to be maintained at a generally constant level and cross slope. First and second hydraulic valves control the flow of hydraulic fluid to the first and second hydraulic cylinders which raise and lower respective ends of the blade. An inclinometer provides an inclinometer output indicating the inclination of the blade along its length with respect to horizontal. The control system includes a first hydraulic cylinder position sensor for determining the extension of the first hydraulic cylinder. The control system further includes a control that is responsive to a control input specifying the desired height and cross slope of the blade, to the first hydraulic cylinder position sensor, and to the inclinometer output. The control provides valve control signals to the first and second hydraulic valves.

Abstract: Collapsible seats may be installed on a track or rail system to allow the collapsible seats to move laterally within a vehicle's interior. The track system also may permit removal of the collapsible seats from the vehicle. The collapsible seats may include a seat back with multiple sections joined by flexible hinges that permit folding of the seat pan and seat back in a lateral direction. In certain embodiments, the seat pan or the headrest also may include multiple sections joined by flexible hinges. The flexible hinges may allow the seats to collapse laterally to reduce the width of the seats. The available space for seating or cargo storage may be adjusted by selectively collapsing, expanding, and removing the collapsible seats.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods that facilitate efficiently controlling speed of an induction motor are presented. An optimized control component controls respective switching of an auxiliary switch component associated with an auxiliary winding of the motor, a main switch component associated with a main winding of the motor, and a capacitance adjuster switch component that facilitates adjusting the amount of capacitance associated with the auxiliary winding. The timing of switching on the auxiliary switch component and main switch component can be controlled such that there can be a time difference between the respective switching on of the auxiliary switch component and main switch component to produce additional phase shift to facilitate improving motor efficiency. The capacitance adjuster switch component can be switched on when motor speed is below a predetermined low speed threshold to facilitate increasing the amount of capacitance associated with the auxiliary winding to improve motor efficiency.

Abstract: A visor assembly, comprises a first core piece having an aperture and a second core piece coupled to the first core piece. A reflective film is positioned in a tensioned state between the first core piece and the second core piece such that a first portion of the reflective film is visible through the aperture.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for coupling to the floor of a vehicle comprising a seat back, a seat cushion, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The seat back is pivotable between at least a first position and a design position. The seat cushion is configured to be coupled to the vehicle floor. The first bracket is configured to be coupled to the vehicle floor and includes one of a keyed passage and a keyed pin configured to be received within the keyed passage. The second bracket is coupled to the seat back and includes the other one of the keyed passage and the keyed pin configured to be received within the keyed passage. The keyed passage is configured to receive the keyed pin only when the seat back is in a position the seat back will be prevented from assuming after the vehicle seat has been installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle display device includes a dial with a backing layer. The backing layer is three-dimensionally formed. The backing layer may be a film and may have a layer of reflective material, such as chromium, and a color layer. The display device may be translucent and may include display means, such as a color layer and gaps for permitting passage of back light.

Abstract: A sun visor, such as for a vehicle, includes a spindle about which the sun visor may be pivoted and along which the sun visor may be displaced longitudinally. The spindle has a flattened portion. A latching-spring cage has a first pressure means. A tube receives a displaceable slide, while the slide receives the latching-spring cage, which in turn receives the spindle. A braking moment with regard to longitudinal displacement of the sun visor along the spindle is provided by second pressure means.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat part and a backrest. The backrest has a first axis of rotation and is rotatable about the first axis through at least 90° from a normal position into a loading position. The backrest has pivoting means and is transferable into an armrest position by the pivoting means. A predominant part of the backrest is mounted higher in the armrest position than in the loading position.

Abstract: An equipment piece includes first and second components, such as a vehicle door armrest and a vehicle door. The first component is insertable in a recess, such as a slot, in the second component. The second component may be secured in the first by deformation of a projecting portion configured as a tab having a wall thickness smaller than its longitudinal extension. The tab is anchorable non-positively in the second component after inserting into the recess and pending about a longitudinal axis of the tab.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a tire on a vehicle using signal pulses is described. The method includes receiving a plurality of signal pulses from a transmitter associated with the tire in the time the tire completes approximately one rotation, providing at least one predetermined signal pattern associated with a unique tire position on the vehicle, and comparing the plurality of signal pulses to the predetermined signal pattern to determine the position of the tire on the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary control valve is provided. The valve includes a valve body having a first valve member with a first volute formed therein, wherein the first volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying diameter or a single flow channel having a generally smooth gradient from large to small diameter; and a second valve member in close proximity to or in direct contact with the first valve member with a second volute formed therein, wherein the second volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying diameter or a single flow channel having a generally smooth gradient from large to small diameter. The first and second volutes cooperate with one another to form an orifice between the first and second valve members, and the diameter of the orifice is variable based on the positions of the individual flow channels relative to one another.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for actuating a lighting device in a motor vehicle. The circuit includes first and second light sources, that may include one or more light-emitting diodes. The light sources are connected in parallel, and each have a respective heat sink. Measuring means is configured to determine the functionality of the first and second light sources.

Abstract: The device comprises means for measuring the pressure of the gas contained in a tire of a vehicle, means for collecting pressure measurement data and means for calculating the change in pressure between two instants of measurement data collection. The device further includes clocking means for clocking the time of the measurement data collection and for calculating the change in pressure between clocked instants of collection. The device also makes it possible for the pressure measurement to be temperature-compensated.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for evaluating the performance of a control system are disclosed. The method of evaluating the performance of a control system includes calculating a ratio of a first area associated with the signal and a second area associated with the signal. The method also includes comparing the ratio with a predetermined value and determining a cause of an oscillation in the control system based on the comparison. The apparatus for evaluating the performance of a control system includes a processor operable to execute a first function configured to calculate a ratio of a first area associated with the signal and a second area associated with the signal. The first function is also configured to compare the ratio with a predetermined value and determine a cause of oscillation in the control system based on the comparison.

Abstract: This disclosed console is for mounting within a vehicle. The console includes a base configured to be coupled to the vehicle and a storage enclosure coupled to the base. The storage enclosure is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the base such that a first occupant is provided access to the storage enclosure. The storage enclosure is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployed position is configured to provide access to a second occupant.