Abstract: A headrest positioning system for automatically adjusting the position of a headrest of a vehicle seat. The headrest can be a power headrest that is part of a power seat system, where the position of the headrest can be preset by a seat occupant with the other positions of the seat in a memory function. The system includes a seat occupant sensing system that senses the position of the seat occupant's head, eyes or other facial features to determine a desired position of the headrest. The system compares the actual position of the headrest to the desired position, and automatically adjusts the position of the headrest to the desired position. In one embodiment, an imaging system determines the position of the seat occupant's head. In another embodiment, the system determines the position of seat occupant's eyes based on the position of the driver side mirror.

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: This invention relates to a vehicle hood assembly that is operative to raise the rearward and frontward portions of a vehicle hood. The system includes an actuator selectively extendable to raise the rearward portion of a vehicle hood from a first position to a higher second position. A striker of novel design enables the frontward portion of the hood to rise as the rearward portion rises when the striker is engaged with a latch member. The latch member may be disengaged from the striker without extending the actuator, enabling the hood to reach a third position ideal for vehicle service and thus allowing a nonreversible-type actuator to be employed. A method of elevating the vehicle hood with respect to the vehicle body is also provided.

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 knee bolster system is capable of automatic extension and retraction during specified scenarios that are determined based on sensor input. A microprocessor electrically controls an actuator capable of extending at least one telescoping mechanism which is rigidly engaged to a knee bolster pad located in the lower portion of an instrument panel at knee height to an occupant. Each telescoping mechanism houses a plowing mechanism. This plowing mechanism generates reaction forces during actuation.

Abstract: A four point restraint apparatus for a vehicle includes in a preferred embodiment a first pair of flexible lap belts connected at laterally opposite sides of a seat cushion with inner ends transversely connectable to one another across pelvic regions of an occupant and a second pair of flexible shoulder belts connected to a support in the vehicle body and extending forward of the seat back adjacent the neck and across the clavicle of the occupant. The shoulder belts extend from the clavicle essentially parallel downward across front edge portions of the occupant's rib cage to laterally spaced attachment with the lap belts adjacent pelvic regions of an occupant.

Abstract: A four point seat-mounted restraint apparatus for a vehicle includes in a preferred embodiment a first pair of flexible lap belts connected at laterally opposite sides of a seat cushion with inner ends transversely connectable to one another across pelvic regions of an occupant and a second pair of flexible shoulder belts connected to a seat back and extending forward of the seat back adjacent the neck and across the clavicle of the occupant. The shoulder belts extend from the clavicle essentially parallel downward across front edge portions of the occupant's rib cage to laterally spaced attachment with the lap belts adjacent pelvic regions of an occupant.