Abstract: A synchronized rear vision system for a vehicle includes a pair of external side rearview mirrors for attachment to the vehicle and an interior rearview mirror for attachment to the vehicle. The synchronized rear vision system also includes a system master controller for detecting an instantaneous position of one of the side rearview mirrors and calculating position output signals for at least another one of the side rearview mirrors and the interior rearview mirror to automatically position at least the another one of the side rearview mirrors and the interior rearview mirror based on the instantaneous position. The synchronized rear vision system may include a controller to readjust the position of the rearview mirrors based on a position of a driver seat of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a lower seat portion and a seatback portion. The seatback portion is selectively movable to vary the reclination angle of the seatback portion. The seat assembly is configured so that a first part of the lower seat portion rises relative to a second part of the lower seat portion so that the lower seat portion acts as an occupant restraint when a predetermined condition exists. Exemplary predetermined conditions include the reclination angle changing, the reclination angle exceeding a predetermined amount, and conditions indicative of an elevated risk of vehicle impact.

Abstract: A method for coordinating the restraint forces provided by a seat belt load limiter and a vehicle airbag is provided. The method includes determining a desired total restraint force profile, determining the airbag force profile, and determining a desired seat belt force profile from the desired total restraint force profile and the airbag profile. The method preferably includes determining a load-limiting force profile sufficient to substantially achieve the desired seat belt force profile, and determining the profile of a load limiter system variable sufficient to substantially achieve the load-limiting force profile. A load limiter is also provided that is characterized by a variable load-limiting force. The load-limiter includes a tube characterized by a tube wall thickness, and a deformation apparatus slidably engaged in the tube for linear translation therein. The deformation apparatus is configured to plastically deform the tube during linear translation to generate a load-limiting force.

Abstract: A restraint system for restraining a recumbent occupant of a vehicle seat surface includes a member being selectively movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The member, when in the deployed position, extends higher than the seat surface and is configured to exert a reaction force on the recumbent occupant to retain the occupant above the seat surface in the event of a vehicle impact.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing variation in acceleration values obtained from a vehicle acceleration sensor for use in on-board computer based crash evaluation algorithm. Sources contributing to the variation are identified and a determination is made of the magnitude of the variation from each source to a selected multiple of a standard deviation, for example, 3 to 6 ?. The variation for each source is suitably combined to produce a database of acceleration-time history with the combined variations for use in calibrating and or validating a candidate crash algorithm.

Abstract: An axial positioner capable of yielding to absorb energy under compression or tension loads. The positioner includes an outer tube having first and second ends, a threaded actuator rod extending between the first and second ends and a drive to rotate the actuator rod. A threaded member threadably engaging the actuator rod moves axially between the ends of the outer tube as the actuator rod rotates. The member includes a radial flange extending toward the outer tube. A radially extending load ring spaced axially from the flange is connected to a plurality of axially extending force transmitting elements. A spring positioned between the flange and a load ring expands radially outward against the outer tube when compressed between the flange and the load ring. Loading of the spring against the tube absorbs energy of axial motion of the flange under excessive loads transmitted by the force transmitting elements to the load ring.

Abstract: A hood elevation system for a vehicle includes an actuator configured to selectively move at least a portion of a vehicle hood between an elevated and a retracted position. The hood elevation system also includes a self-locking mechanism configured to allow movement of the hood between the elevated and retracted positions initiated by the actuator, but to resist retraction of the hood as a result of certain loads applied to the hood. The self-locking mechanism thus enables repeated elevation and retraction of the hood. In a preferred embodiment, the self-locking mechanism is configured to deform, thereby absorbing energy from an impact to the hood.

Abstract: A combination seat belt buckle presenter and seat belt use reminder includes an actuator to cause the extension and retraction of a buckle to improve buckle accessibility. A flexible support member transmits force from the actuator to the buckle. A self-locking device prevents forward or upward movement of the buckle. The self-locking mechanism is preferably configured as an energy-absorbing seat belt load limiter. The seat belt buckle presenter is preferably automated.

Abstract: A thruster system is provided for a vehicle that can be used to reduce the roll propensity of a motor vehicle. The system utilizes a control system and multiple sets of thrusters which are strategically placed upon the vehicle. The control system is provided for detecting a potential roll condition and activates selected ones of the thrusters to produce a necessary thrust force for counteracting roll forces. The thrusters are connected to an on-board pressurized gas source that generates the anti-roll thrust force.

Abstract: A thruster system is provided for a vehicle that can be used to reduce the roll propensity of a motor vehicle. The system utilizes a control system and multiple sets of thrusters which are strategically placed upon the vehicle. The control system is provided for detecting a potential roll condition and activates selected ones of the thrusters to produce a necessary thrust force for counteracting roll forces.

Abstract: An axial positioner capable of yielding to absorb energy under compression or tension loads. The positioner includes an outer tube having first and second ends, a threaded actuator rod extending between the first and second ends and a drive to rotate the actuator rod. A threaded member threadably engaging the actuator rod moves axially between the ends of the outer tube as the actuator rod rotates. The member includes a radial flange extending toward the outer tube. A radially extending load ring spaced axially from the flange is connected to a plurality of axially extending force transmitting elements. A spring positioned between the flange and a load ring expands radially outward against the outer tube when compressed between the flange and the load ring. Loading of the spring against the tube absorbs energy of axial motion of the flange under excessive loads transmitted by the force transmitting elements to the load ring.

Abstract: A method for providing a cruise control warning system including monitoring a cruise control system to determine if the cruise control system is activated or deactivated for a vehicle. The method also includes receiving vehicle operation data for the vehicle. A likelihood that a slippery road condition exists for the vehicle is determined based on the vehicle operation data. A warning message is indicated to a driver of the vehicle when it has been determined that the likelihood that a slippery road condition exists is over a first pre-selected value and the cruise control system is activated.

Abstract: A telescoping column includes a first tube and a second tube arranged in telescoping fashion. A locking structure is disposed between a surface formed on the first tube and a ramp disposed on the second tube. The locking structure contacts the ramp at a first elongated area of contact, and the locking structure contacts the surface at a second elongated area of contact. Relative movement of the first and second tubes in response to an impact force applied to one of the first and second tubes causes the locking structure to become wedged between the ramp and the surface, and at least a portion of the impact force between the first and second tubes is transmitted through the first and second elongated areas of contact.

Abstract: A beam system of telescoping tubes is used for absorbing side impacts to a passenger vehicle. A central outer tube is attached to a vehicle seat structure and extends between, e.g., a side door and the tunnel in the passenger compartment floor. Inner tubes in each end of the outer tube are moved between retracted positions to extended positions respectively engaging said tunnel and said door during vehicle operation. Each inner tube has a tapered piston carrying rolling elements for wedging against the outer tube for energy absorption upon a side impact.

Abstract: An automobile exterior rearview mirror system in which adjustments by the vehicle operator to the driver side mirror are used to make automatic adjustments to the passenger side mirror without requiring the operator to make separate, independent adjustment of that mirror. The automatic adjustment is determined using the measured horizontal angle of the driver side mirror along with distance data related to the position of an inboard edge of each of the exterior mirrors.

Abstract: An actuator is adapted to selectively extend and retract a bumper member, the actuator is mounted at least partially within a tubular frame rail member of the motor vehicle. The main frame rail member may be of a standard length or of a shortened length. By mounting the actuator inside the tubular frame rail member, the bending stiffness is more effectively impacted by the outer tube of the actuator. An additional tubular frame rail member is optionally attached to the main tubular frame rail member. The actuator is mounted at least partially within the tubular frame rail member and at least partially within the additional tubular frame rail member. The wall thickness and cross-sectional shape of the additional tubular frame rail members may be adjusted to obtain a desired bending stiffness including the effect of the outer tube of the actuator.

Abstract: An energy absorbing knee bolster for use in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. An energy absorbing support structure is configured to support an instrument panel within a vehicle. The energy absorbing structure has a deployable tubular mechanism for absorbing occupant impact energy and an impact plate coupled to said tubular mechanism for absorbing occupant energy. An energy absorbing locking mechanism is disposed between the impact plate and the support structure. The locking mechanism is configured to encourage the collapse of the tubular means for absorbing energy in a telescopic fashion.

Abstract: A method for coordinating the restraint forces provided by a seat belt load limiter and a vehicle airbag is provided. The method includes determining a desired total restraint force profile, determining the airbag force profile, and determining a desired seat belt force profile from the desired total restraint force profile and the airbag profile. The method preferably includes determining a load-limiting force profile sufficient to substantially achieve the desired seat belt force profile, and determining the profile of a load limiter system variable sufficient to substantially achieve the load-limiting force profile. A load limiter is also provided that is characterized by a variable load-limiting force. The load-limiter includes a tube characterized by a tube wall thickness, and a deformation apparatus slidably engaged in the tube for linear translation therein. The deformation apparatus is configured to plastically deform the tube during linear translation to generate a load-limiting force.

Abstract: A method for continuous collision severity prediction, the method comprising receiving vehicle acceleration data. A collision event is detected in response to receiving the vehicle acceleration data and to the acceleration data. A collision mode is determined in response to detecting the collision event. Input to the collision mode determination includes the acceleration data. A collision severity value responsive to the acceleration data and the collision mode is calculated. The collision severity value corresponds to a percentage inflation level of an airbag.

Abstract: A combination seat belt buckle presenter and seat belt use reminder includes an actuator to cause the extension and retraction of a buckle to improve buckle accessibility. A flexible support member transmits force from the actuator to the buckle. A self-locking device prevents forward or upward movement of the buckle. The self-locking mechanism is preferably configured as an energy-absorbing seat belt load limiter. The seat belt buckle presenter is preferably automated.