Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a steering column assembly is provided. The steering column assembly includes a steering column, a mounting bracket, an actuator rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket, the actuator rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a detection assembly configured to detect when the actuator is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a steering column assembly is provided. The steering column assembly includes a steering column, a mounting bracket, an actuator rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket, the actuator rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a detection assembly configured to detect when the actuator is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly comprises a plurality of control elements disposed on a user-accessible surface of the steering wheel assembly. Each of the plurality of control elements has a plurality of user-selectable operational states and is electrically coupled to a corresponding branch of an electric circuit. The electric circuit defines an output node and is configured to produce a single output signal at the output node. Each of the plurality of control elements is configured for affecting the single output signal based on an active one of the plurality of user-selectable operational states of the respective one of the plurality of control elements. The single output signal is indicative of the active ones of the plurality of user-selectable operational states for each of the plurality of control elements.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly comprises a plurality of control elements disposed on a user-accessible surface of the steering wheel assembly. Each of the plurality of control elements has a plurality of user-selectable operational states and is electrically coupled to a corresponding branch of an electric circuit. The electric circuit defines an output node and is configured to produce a single output signal at the output node. Each of the plurality of control elements is configured for affecting the single output signal based on an active one of the plurality of user-selectable operational states of the respective one of the plurality of control elements. The single output signal is indicative of the active ones of the plurality of user-selectable operational states for each of the plurality of control elements.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller, a touch screen display in communication with the controller, and a plurality of accessories in communication with the controller. The various accessories are each individually controlled by inputting commands into the touch screen display. The controller transmits the inputted command via a communication system to the selected accessory to motivate the accessory between a first setting and a second setting.

Abstract: A steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in a telescoping direction and a tilting direction is disclosed. A first bracket defines a telescoping slot having a first tooth rack extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second bracket defines a tilting slot having a second tooth rack extending transverse to the telescoping slot. A first locking member and a second locking member are moveable along a pivot axis transverse the longitudinal axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking members have a first locking surface parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second locking surface transverse to the longitudinal and pivot axes. The locking surfaces are disposed in the telescoping and tilting slots, respectively when in the locked position such that the locking surfaces engage the first and second tooth racks, respectively for preventing movement of the column jacket.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle transmission implements a method of controlling the transmission. The system includes a device for selecting the desired operating mode of the transmission, such as a gear shift lever, and a transmission sensor for sensing the actual operating mode of the transmission. A display is in communication with the device and the transmission sensor and displays both the desired operating mode and the actual operating mode of the transmission. A controller is in communication with the transmission and controls the operating mode of the transmission. An occupancy sensor, in communication with the controller, verifies that the driver is in the driver seat before the controller allows the transmission to be shifted out of a park mode.

Abstract: An ignition system for a vehicle includes an ignition port, a vehicle processor coupled to the ignition port and an engine of the vehicle and a portable ignition module. The portable ignition module includes a memory for storing data therein and a USB interface for engaging the ignition port. The portable ignition module stores a security code therein, that when transferred to the vehicle processor when the portable ignition module is inserted into the ignition port, enables operation of the vehicle. The portable ignition module includes an ignition switch and a touch screen display coupled to the ignition switch. An operator controls the vehicle by touching the touch screen display to activate the ignition switch, thereby signaling the processor to start and/or stop the engine.

Abstract: An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data corresponding to operation of the vehicle. A primary display is connected to the computer in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle for presenting the informational data in multiple, sequential, interactive menu screens. A manual controller mounted on the steering wheel allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display through the menu screens. The controller includes a scroll wheel which is oriented so that its rotational axis is parallel to the steering axis. The controller includes a central push button for activating a particular selection highlighted on the primary display. A plurality of category selector buttons operate as mode switches for activating various vehicle system subjects through the information system.

Abstract: An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data. This information data includes vehicle data corresponding to operation of the vehicle and external data such as internet web pages and email. A primary display is connected to the computer and in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle. A primary input device allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display. A plurality of remote communicators are also operatively connected to the computer and movable about the vehicle. Each of the remote communicators includes a secondary display and a secondary input device for sending input to the computer and manipulating the secondary display. The secondary input device is also programmed to control the primary display for manipulating the informational data that is displayed to the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller, a touch screen display in communication with the controller, and a plurality of accessories in communication with the controller. The various accessories are each individually controlled by inputting commands into the touch screen display. The controller transmits the inputted command via a communication system to the selected accessory to motivate the accessory between a first setting and a second setting.

Abstract: An interactive control module communicates with one or more portable electronic devices to control the portable electronic devices. The interactive control module includes a touch screen display that displays a virtual image of the portable electronic device. A user enters a command into the touch screen display by touching a virtual control feature corresponding to an actual control feature of the portable electronic device. The interactive control module then executes the command by either transmitting the command to the portable electronic device or by executing files downloaded from the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle transmission implements a method of controlling the transmission. The system includes a device for selecting the desired operating mode of the transmission, such as a gear shift lever, and a transmission sensor for sensing the actual operating mode of the transmission. A display is in communication with the device and the transmission sensor and displays both the desired operating mode and the actual operating mode of the transmission. A controller is in communication with the transmission and controls the operating mode of the transmission. An occupancy sensor, in communication with the controller, verifies that the driver is in the driver seat before the controller allows the transmission to be shifted out of a park mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a communications interface module mountable in a vehicle. The communications interface module includes a first electrical interface for electrically communicating with a control system of a vehicle. The communications interface module also includes a second electrical interface spaced from the first electrical interface for being positioned in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The communications interface module includes a plurality of communication lines extending in parallel between the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface. The plurality of communication lines exchange a plurality of different communication formats between the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface.

Abstract: A steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in a telescoping direction and a tilting direction is disclosed. A first bracket defines a telescoping slot having a first tooth rack extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second bracket defines a tilting slot having a second tooth rack extending transverse to the telescoping slot. A first locking member and a second locking member are moveable along a pivot axis transverse the longitudinal axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking members have a first locking surface parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second locking surface transverse to the longitudinal and pivot axes. The locking surfaces are disposed in the telescoping and tilting slots, respectively when in the locked position such that the locking surfaces engage the first and second tooth racks, respectively for preventing movement of the column jacket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include motor actuators for steering column adjustments and/or pedal position adjustments. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The display and on-board processor moves with the steering column as it is adjusted for telescope and/or tilt position. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display.