Abstract: A collision warning system warns vehicles traveling behind a vehicle when it initiates deceleration. A receiver on trailing vehicles receives the signal. A transmitter then transmits a signal in response to either the acceleration sensor or the receiver. A brake warning device is also automatically actuated upon reception of the signal, and the signal is retransmitted to the rear of a trailing vehicle. A warning provided in this manner allows operators several vehicles in back of the lead vehicle to be simultaneously notified that the lead vehicle is decelerating, independently of whether the intervening vehicles have manually applied their brakes.

Abstract: A display system provides automatic and manual brightness control. A brightness controller varies the luminance of the display based upon ambient light as sensed by an ambient light sensor. The brightness control varies the luminance of the display between the minimum luminance at a minimum illuminance to a maximum luminance at a maximum illuminance. Preferably, a user input device selectively varies the maximum illuminance at which the display displays said maximum luminance and selectively alters the minimum luminance which is displayed at the minimum illuminance.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a system for selectably oscillating at a first or a second oscillating frequency. The system comprises an oscillator for providing an oscillating output. Moreover, the system comprises a switching device for selecting a first or a second impedance in response to a select signal having a voltage. Each of the first and second impedances are fixed independently of the select signal voltage such that the oscillating output oscillates at the first oscillating frequency when the first impedance is provided and oscillates at the second oscillating frequency when the second impedance is provided.

Abstract: A window wiper system for an automotive vehicle has an electromagnetic device, a rotatable member and a window wiper oscillating mechanism. In another aspect of the present invention, the electromagnetic device is an electric motor which operates in a unidirectional manner to oscillate a window wiper assembly back and forth in a normal window wiping range. The electric motor and rotatable member then reverse rotational direction to move the wiper assembly to a park position offset from the normal window wiping range.

Abstract: This process and apparatus use at least two chopper units. The fiber choppers may be laser beam choppers or existing standard chopper units. The process and apparatus for producing a fiber-reinforced molded composite comprises providing a moldable composition, a first fiber chopper providing chopped fibers to the apparatus from a first direction, a second fiber chopper providing chopped fibers to the apparatus from a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction and molding the moldable composition and fibers in the apparatus under heat and pressure to form the molded composite. One industrial application for these choppers is compression molding of interior trim panels for automobile doors. The choppers spray chopped glass fiber strands into a resin mixture. The glass and a polyol, isocyanate (—NCO) urethane resin mixture at the proper glass loading, distribution and pattern is fed to the mold.

Abstract: An automobile interior component having sound-dampening characteristics has a contact area thereon which contacts a second interior plastic component during operation of the automobile resulting in noise. The interior plastic component has a thermoplastic elastomer self-adhered to the contact area to thereby dampen the noise created at the contact area. A method for making a sound-dampened interior plastic component includes extruding a body of thermoplastic elastomer through a die onto a contact area of an interior plastic automobile component and allowing the extruded body of thermoplastic elastomer to cool, solidify, and adhere to the interior plastic component.

Abstract: A window wiper motor system for an automotive vehicle includes an incremental wiper position detection device. A window wiper feedback pattern is disposed on a stationary circuit board mounted within a gear enclosure with its electronic components facing inwardly toward a main gear. A low profile, flip chip integrated circuit attachment to the printed circuit board is also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining the quality of insertion of an electrical terminal includes the steps of capturing the sound associated with insertion of the terminal. The terminal is typically inserted into a connector associated with a wire harness. By capturing the sound, the system is able to compare the captured sound to an expected sound. If the captured sound differs from the expected sound then a determination is made that the terminal is not properly inserted.

Abstract: An improved driver interface system provides prompts to an operator to adjust several vehicle parameters. In this way, the operator is assured to adjust the necessary components upon start up of the vehicle. This is particularly important when the driver is unfamiliar with the car, as with a rental car. In one embodiment, the driver may be provided with a transmitter that stores desired settings for at least some parameters. The transmitter can then transmit the operator's desired parameters to a control, and the vehicle components can then begin to be moved to the desired positions as the operator approaches the vehicle. In other aspects of this invention, improved switches are disclosed. A rotary switch rotates on a steering wheel rim. This switch is easily accessible to an operator, and does not require the operator to divert attention from the road. A second type switch includes an element which is sensitive to touch by the operator.

Abstract: A window lift system generally comprises a motor driving a threaded shaft threadably engaging a nut slidably mounted in a bracket. A link has a first end rotatably mounted to the nut and a second end rotatably mounted to an end of a pivotally mounted arm. An opposite end of the arm engaging the window glass raises and lowers the window glass as the arm pivots.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus that employs a gear drive window wiper and multi-function electric motor is described. The apparatus uses a gear system powered by a reversible electric motor that allows one intermittent motion mechanism to be actuated, while simultaneously preventing another intermittent motion mechanism from being actuated.

Abstract: A multifunction switch assembly includes a secondary detent system for a contactor carrier. The multifunction switch assembly generally comprises a rotatable knob mounted on an outer end of a handle. The knob rotatably drives a shaft extending toward an inner end of the handle. A contactor carrier is linearly driven by a gear on the inner end of the shaft. The electrical contactor includes an indexing arm which is biased against a plurality of detents formed on a base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring current flow through a resistive heating element and for detecting breakage of the heating element. In one preferred embodiment the heating element is disposed on a vehicle window. A current is passed through the heating element continuously, even when the vehicle ignition is turned off. A differential amplifier is used to generate a signal representative of the current flow through the heating element which is indicative of whether the heating element is functioning properly or has been broken. The signal is converted from an analog to a digital signal by an analog to digital convertor and then subsequently output to a controller or computer. From this signal the computer determines if the heating element has been broken. The apparatus and method can be used for a variety of functions, but has particular utility in detecting if a window supporting the heating element has been broken such as during an attempted theft.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employing a magnetic coupling mechanism. The magnetic coupling mechanism selectively couples an actuator shaft and a second shaft driven by a rotatable driving member. In another aspect of the present invention, the magnetic coupling of the shafts is electrically controlled, whereby the driven shaft can be actuated independently from other systems actuated by the multi-functional apparatus. In an automotive context, a window wiper may be attached to the driven shaft, such that when the magnetic coupling mechanism is disengaged the window wiper can move in relation to upward pivotal movement of the opened window.

Abstract: An improved material for forming vehicle trim panels includes natural fibers formed reinforcing mats. The natural fibers replaced the prior known use of glass fibers. Prior art glass fibers may sometimes cause skin irritation, and the natural fiber eliminates this problem. The fibrous mats are preferably placed on both sides of the central foam layer, and a decorative layer is placed outwardly of one of the fibrous mats. Various naturally occurring fibrous materials such as hemp may be utilized.

Abstract: A display panel for displaying information to a vehicle operator is placed on a rear surface of a sunvisor for the vehicle. The display panel is hidden when the sunvisor is moved to a stowed position but is easily accessible to the operator when the sunvisor is moved to its extended position. The location of the display panel on the sunvisor allows the operator easy access to the information without diverting information from the road. In addition, control buttons are associated with the display panel such that the operator is able to adjust the information displayed on the panel, or to adjust a component for responding to the information displayed on the panel.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a hands-free remote entry system primarily for vehicles. This system comprises a base transceiver having wake-up sensors for automatically detecting an object. Once an object is detected, a transmitter within the base transceiver transmits a wake-up/data signal to a fob transceiver. A wake-up receiver within the fob transceiver receives the wake-up/data signal. Upon receipt of the wake-up/data signal, the fob transceiver transmits an identification/data signal, via a transmitter, back to a receiver in the base transceiver. In response to receiving the identification signal, output drivers from the base transceiver actuate a door lock system and an auto theft system.

Abstract: A rear view exterior mirror mount assembly for a vehicle includes a sealing device that seals off an interface between the mirror mount and a moveable shell to eliminate wind noise. The shell can be pivoted relative to the remainder of the vehicle from a normal viewing position to a folded position. In the normal viewing position, the interface between the shell and the mirror mount includes a gap that is sealed off by a sealing member in the form of a resilient gasket. The sealing member includes a mounting surface that preferably is adhesively secured to a contoured surface on the shell. At least one lip member extends away from the mounting surface and across the gap at the interface between the shell and the mirror mount when the mirror is in the normal viewing position.

Abstract: A vehicle transfer case for movement between two- and four-wheel drive includes a stop cushion as an end of travel range is approached. The cushion is preferably provided by a generally U-shaped spring that is contacted by the stop at either of its ends of travel. The cushion prevents the stop from locking into a housing for the gear.

Abstract: A user-activated switch assembly includes a knob pivotally mounted in a housing. A plunger is selectably mountable in any one of a plurality of locations between the knob and a cam. The cam includes a plurality of cam surfaces, any one of which can be selected based upon the orientation of the cam and/or the location of the plunger.