Abstract: A shift mode system and method of operating includes a switch assembly that selectively and alternately connects a shift selector to one of the steering column and the steering wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly has a first locking member to connect the shift selector to the steering column, and a second locking member for connecting the shift selector to the steering wheel. A lever has first and second operative positions to selectively engage the first and second locking members or pins from the shifter into operative engagement with one of first and second cable reels, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention uses a Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) architecture to form real time 3D radar images recorded in cylindrical near field scenarios using a wavefront reconstruction approach. A novel interpolation approach is executed in parallel, significantly reducing the reconstruction time without compromising the spatial accuracy and signal to noise ratios of the resulting images. Since each point in the problem space can be processed independently, the proposed technique was implemented using an approach on a General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU) to take advantage of the high performance computing capabilities of this platform.

Abstract: Described are airbag modules for a passenger seat having a seat back, a container coupled to the seat back, wherein the container includes at least one airbag, and a structure positioned aft of the seat back, wherein the structure includes a recess configured to receive the at least one airbag in a deployed state. In certain examples, the container also has a cover with a breakable line, and the structure also has a breakable area positioned aft of the recess, wherein the breakable line is configured to form an opening in the cover and the breakable area is configured to form an opening in the aft surface when a force is applied by the at least one airbag in a deployed state.

Abstract: Described are active seat backs for a passenger seat having a seat back with a pivot location, at least one active system coupled to the pivot location, and at least one sensing circuit electrically connected to the at least one active system. The at least one sensing circuit comprises integrated logic to monitor for crash scenarios and to transmit a signal to the at least one active system when such a scenario is detected. The passenger seat back may be rotated aft when the at least one active system receives the signal from the at least one sensing circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a bonnet airbag system that is configured to deploy in a forward manner from a back portion of a seat.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an airbag system formed from non-traditional or asymmetric airbag shapes that deflect a vehicle occupant away from an interior vehicle structure.

Abstract: Described are energy absorbers for a structure within a vehicle cabin having at least one airbag, an inflator, a control module, and an outer surface positioned adjacent the airbag. The outer surface may include a plurality of mechanical energy absorbers positioned adjacent the airbag and coupled to the outer surface, wherein the outer surface comprises a surface area that is greater than an inflated surface area of the airbag. The outer surface may also include a breakable area positioned adjacent the airbag, wherein the breakable area has a weaker coupling to the outer surface on at least a first side and a stronger coupling to the outer surface on at least a second side.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an airbag system designed to deploy from a privacy wall in a diagonal manner.

Abstract: Described are passenger seat assemblies having at least one seat back support and at least one seat pan coupled to the at least one seat back support. The passenger seat assemblies may also include at least one pair of armrests coupled to the at least one seat back support, a seat support structure having at least one seat pan mounting surface and a framework, wherein the at least one seat pan is coupled to the at least one seat pan mounting surface, and/or at least one headrest pivotally coupled to the at least one seat back support with at least one pair of extensions coupled to the at least one headrest or the at least one seat back support.

Abstract: Described are passenger seat assemblies having at least one seat back support pivotally coupled to an overhead support structure, at least one seat pan pivotally coupled to the at least one seat back support, and at least one foot rest support may be pivotally coupled to the seat pan. The seat back support may be configured to rotate into a retracted position adjacent the overhead support structure. The seat pan may be configured to rotate into a retracted position adjacent the seat back support. Finally, the foot rest support may be configured to rotate into a retracted position adjacent the seat pan.

Abstract: Described are passenger seat assemblies having a seat back support, a seat pan coupled to the seat back support, a seat support structure coupled to the seat pan, wherein the seat support structure comprises a mounting channel, and a mounting bar inserted through the mounting channel and coupled to the seat support structure. The mounting bar is configured to pivotally couple to a passenger cabin. The mounting bar may also be configured to rotate the passenger seat assembly between an upright position and a reclined position.

Abstract: Described are passenger seat assemblies comprising: at least one seat pan; an inflatable seat adjacent to the at least one seat pan; and at least one inflation system comprising a transport device and a delivery mechanism coupled to the transport device, wherein the transport device is configured to inject an inflating substance into the inflatable seat via the delivery mechanism, wherein the delivery mechanism is coupled to the inflatable seat via an opening. The passenger seat assemblies may further comprise a support structure. The inflating substance may be air. The inflatable seat may comprise at least one structural chamber. The inflatable seat may also have utility apart from the passenger seat assembly.

Abstract: Described are passenger seats comprising a seat body; at least one wire-frame support comprising a base coupled to the seat body and at least one wire-frame member pivotally coupled to the base; and at least one seat cover coupled to the seat body, wherein the at least one wire-frame support is at least partially enclosed between the at least one seat cover and the seat body. The at least one seat cover may be formed of an elastic fiber or plastic. The at least one wire-frame support may be positioned on the seat body in a location configured to provide support for a passenger's neck or lumbar area. Also described are passenger seats comprising a seat body; at least one wire-frame sub-assembly; and at least one seat cover coupled to the seat body, wherein the at least one wire-frame sub-assembly is at least partially enclosed between the at least one seat cover and the seat body.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to emit acoustic pulses into a drilling fluid in a well bore, using a first acoustic transducer in a downhole tool, and detecting the acoustic pulses after reflection from the wall of the well bore, using a second acoustic transducer in the downhole tool. The faces of the first and second acoustic transducers are non-parallel. Further activities include emitting additional acoustic pulses into the drilling fluid using the second acoustic transducer, and detecting them using the second acoustic transducer. The acoustic velocity of the drilling fluid can be determined based on respective travel times. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described.

Abstract: A shift mode system and method of operating includes a switch assembly that selectively and alternately connects a shift selector to one of the steering column and the steering wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly has a first locking member to connect the shift selector to the steering column, and a second locking member for connecting the shift selector to the steering wheel. A lever has first and second operative positions to selectively engage the first and second locking members or pins from the shifter into operative engagement with one of first and second cable reels, respectively.

Abstract: Methods and system for predicting sound pressure and/or sound pressure level caused by a vehicle horn are provided. An acoustic model of the horn is generated through the use of inverse numerical acoustics and boundary element methods. Additionally, an acoustic model of the vehicle is generated using boundary element methods. By combining these acoustic models and using the acoustic model of the horn as input into the acoustic model of the vehicle, sound pressure and/or sound pressure level at points within the acoustic domain encompassing the acoustic models can be predicted using boundary elements methods.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method is provided for testing an integrated circuit (IC). The first method includes the steps of (1) employing one of a plurality of input lines to receive a test signal for a processor; (2) employing one of a plurality of output lines to send a test result from the processor; and (3) if the test result is unsuccessful, performing at least one of employing a remaining one of the plurality of input lines to receive the test signal for the processor and employing a remaining one of the plurality of output lines to send the test result from the processor. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method is provided for testing an integrated circuit (IC). The first method includes the steps of (1) employing one of a plurality of input lines to receive a test signal for a processor; (2) employing one of a plurality of output lines to send a test result from the processor; and (3) if the test result is unsuccessful, performing at least one of employing a remaining one of the plurality of input lines to receive the test signal for the processor and employing a remaining one of the plurality of output lines to send the test result from the processor. Numerous other aspects are provided.