Abstract: A vehicle including a center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL). The vehicle includes a vehicle body panel formed of a light emitting material of a predetermined color, including a first surface area, and coated with a paint of a predetermined color. A CHMSL housing may be mounted on one side of the vehicle body panel, and one or more light sources may be disposable adjacent or within the CHMSL housing for emitting light through a second surface area of the vehicle body panel when the light source is turned on, with the second surface area being smaller than the first surface area.

Abstract: A vehicle including a center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL). The vehicle includes a vehicle body panel formed of a light emitting material of a predetermined color, including a first surface area, and coated with a paint of a predetermined color. A CHMSL housing may be mounted on one side of the vehicle body panel, and one or more light sources may be disposable adjacent or within the CHMSL housing for emitting light through a second surface area of the vehicle body panel when the light source is turned on, with the second surface area being smaller than the first surface area.

Abstract: The present invention is a wireless, infrastructureless, communication system for vehicle to vehicle data transfer over a 900 MHz frequency over a substantially 360° radius of view over a predetermined range, preferably about 8 miles. Each vehicle is equipped with a geo-position system, a warning alert system, at least one sensor to produce a data signal indicative of vehicle operation conditions, a micro-chip set and a transceiver. The invention further includes methods to communicate over a wireless, infrastructureless communication system for vehicle to vehicle data transfer over the described system.

Abstract: Signals indicative of the identity and location of vehicle occupants are broadcast and received. Received signals are inspected for identity information. Indications are made as to whether received identity information matches stored identity information.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a control system and method configured to communicate over a power line. The system includes a transmitting device configured to generate a carrier signal having a predetermined frequency over the power line. A receiving device is also included wherein it filters signals not having the predetermined frequency and receives the carrier signal. Accordingly, the receiving device activates an electrical device in response to the carrier signal.

Abstract: An extruded automotive vehicle door seal provides for positional adjustment to establish an optimal sealing operation between the door and the frame against which the door closes. The structure of the door seal includes in cross section a base portion and a bulb portion. The frame against which the vehicle door closes is provided with a mounting channel into which the base portion of the adjustable door seal is seated. The base portion is preferably formed with a barbed periphery that frictionally engages the interior circumference of the mounting channel for positionally fixing the door seal relative to the vehicle frame. The position of the door seal is established by the closing of the door against the vehicle frame such that the bulb portion is engaged by the door and presses the base portion into the mounting channel to position the door seal in an optimal sealing position.

Abstract: A vehicle system 10 includes various cameras 36 that generate camera output signals. A navigation system 12 is included within the vehicle. The navigation system includes an image processor and receives the output signals from the cameras 36. The image processor 18 creates output signals suitable for display on display 16 of the navigation system 12.

Abstract: A crash notification system (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) is used to communicate with a communication network (22) and ultimately to a response center (24). The system (12) within vehicle (10) includes an occupant sensor (30) that generates an occupant sensor status signal. A crash sensor (34) a vehicle identification number memory (48), or a vertical acceleration sensor (46) may also be used to provide information to the controller (14). The controller (14) generates a communication signal that corresponds to the occupant sensor status signal and the other information so that appropriate emergency personnel may be deployed.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilization system (10) is coupled to a network system (20) and includes a vehicle that has a speed sensor (34) generating a vehicle speed signal, a telematics control unit (48) receiving and transmitting signals to and from the network (20), and a speed control module (72). An immobilization controller (30) is coupled to the speed sensor (34), the telematics control unit (48), and the speed control module (72). The immobilization controller (30) receives an immobilization signal from the network (20) and sets a maximum operating speed for the power train controller. When the vehicle speed signal is below the maximum operating speed, the immobilization controller reduces the maximum operating speed within the speed control module until a lower predetermined speed limit is met. The lower speed limit is preferably greater than zero so that some limited mobility of the vehicle may be achieved.

Abstract: A crash notification system (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) is used to communicate with a communication network (22) and ultimately to a response center (24). The system (12) within vehicle (10) includes an occupant sensor (30) that generates an occupant sensor status signal. A crash sensor (34) a vehicle identification number memory (48), or a vertical acceleration sensor (46) may also be used to provide information to the controller (14). The controller (14) generates a communication signal that corresponds to the occupant sensor status signal and the other information so that appropriate emergency personnel may be deployed.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilization system (10) is coupled to a network system (20) and includes a vehicle that has a speed sensor (34) generating a vehicle speed signal, a telematics control unit (48) receiving and transmitting signals to and from the network (20), and a speed control module (72). An immobilization controller (30) is coupled to the speed sensor (34), the telematics control unit (48), and the speed control module (72). The immobilization controller (30) receives an immobilization signal from the network (20) and sets a maximum operating speed for the power train controller. When the vehicle speed signal is below the maximum operating speed, the immobilization controller reduces the maximum operating speed within the speed control module until a lower predetermined speed limit is met. The lower speed limit is preferably greater than zero so that some limited mobility of the vehicle may be achieved.

Abstract: A crash notification system (12) has a main battery (58) and a backup battery (60). The main battery has a main battery voltage and the backup battery has a backup battery voltage. A telematics control unit (16) senses the voltage of the main battery and receives an emergency notification signal from a restraints control module (18). In response to a change of state of the emergency notification signal and the main battery dropping below a predetermined battery the backup battery may be used. In addition, if an SOS button (52) is employed in the system, and the main battery voltage drops below a predetermined voltage the backup battery (60) may also be used.