Abstract: A modular electronic system for vehicles employing a microprocessor to facilitate the implementation of additional vehicular features embodied in electronic accessory modules. The system includes a housing with separate mounting areas for receiving at least one of a plurality of plug-in electrical modules and one of a plurality of display boards for displaying information relating to associated modules.

Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.

Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.

Abstract: A personalization system for vehicles uses a CD player and a keyless entry transmitter. The CD player outputs audible prompting signals including accessory operation choices. The driver selects accessory operation by pressing the "LOCK" or "UNLOCK" switch on the keyless entry key fob following an associated audio prompting signal. A controller coupled to the CD player receives a selection signal from the keyless entry key fob and associates the receipt of the selection signal with an index corresponding to the audio prompting signal last output by the CD player. The controller controls accessory operation according to the accessory options selected responsive to the audible prompting signal.

Abstract: Vehicles embodying the present invention include a receiver, demodulator and control circuit which interfaces with various vehicle options to allow receipt of a vehicle address and control signal which is a personalization code to control the operation of one or more vehicle accessories. A display is provided for the display of information to the vehicle operator confirming the state of operation of an option change or addition when has been requested by the vehicle operator. In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle includes a display for displaying a telephone number from a land-based paging system to the vehicle operator. In another embodiment of the present invention, the receiver demodulator and display unit receives alpha-numeric information when allows messages and/or telephone numbers to be displayed to the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a mirror mounted near the roof for reflecting an image generated by a display source. The display source and mirror are shaped and positioned to provide a virtual image of the image generated by the display source which is focused at infinity.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a vehicle rearview mirror has breakaway capability and includes a base for attachment to an interior portion of a vehicle and a support for releasable attachment to the base. A rearview mirror assembly is mounted on an end of said support. The support and base include removable electrical connectors for removably, electrically connecting any one of a variety of selectable electrical circuits in the rearview mirror assembly to wiring in the vehicle roof structure. A spring clip is provided to releasably connect the support member to the base such that a predetermined level of force is required to cause the support to release from the base and thereby permit the rearview mirror to break away.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a microcontroller based switch programmable module which allows a variety of different vehicle options to be selectively actuated by different vehicle users. In one embodiment a remote transmitter provides a unique user code and the control system includes the capability of programming the transmitter code to allow use of multiple transmitters with different codes for different users.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory includes a reflective element for reflecting light to a photo-sensor positioned within the accessory's housing for controllably detecting an ambient light level. The vehicle accessory may also include a display source for generating vehicle information which is positioned in the housing to utilize the reflective element to also reflect an image from the display source to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A visor system includes a generally planar visor body having parallel guide rails extending along opposite sides and extending beyond the visor body. The rails preferably have a circular cross-section and are slideably received in a pair of spaced polymeric guide tracks having slots of corresponding cross-section. The guide tracks in the preferred embodiment are defined by extruded members mounted in parallel spaced relationship to each other on the vehicle headliner for sliding movement of the visor panel in the space between the vehicle roof and the headliner. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rails are defined by a polymeric U-shaped circular rod extending around three sides of the visor panel and can be integrally formed with the visor panel or separately attached thereto.

Abstract: A universal connector mechanically couples any one or more of a variety of accessories to a vehicle. The universal connector comprises a first mounting member, which can extend along a section of a vehicle such as a door panel, instrument panel or the like and can be mounted in recessed relationship to the vehicle. The universal connector also includes a second mounting member associated with each accessory and shaped to lockably and removably engage the first mounting member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the mounting members is made of a resilient material to allow a snap-fit interconnection of the two members.

Abstract: An illuminated vanity mirror assembly for a sun visor includes a resistor screen-printed on a polymeric film substrate mounted adhesively to the back face of a glass mirror. A wiper arm is coupled to the resistor for providing a variable resistance to control the illumination from a lamp coupled to the variable resistance.

Abstract: An electrical transmission control employs in one embodiment, a rotary dial switch as a gear selector control which includes a plug means for connecting the switch directly into a receiving socket mounted to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle includes a plurality of sockets such that the gear selector control can be mounted at a preferred one of the locations. In another embodiment, the selector switch is a slide type switch. The switch can be removed from the socket and/or vehicle for providing anti-theft security preventing the transmission from being shifted without the gear selected control.

Abstract: A modular interchangeable electronic system for providing a number of different options for a vehicle which can be selectively plugged into a base unit. The base unit can receive or be replaced by selected optional units which interface with vehicle controls or provide desired control or display functions.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a microcontroller based switch programmable module which allows a variety of different vehicle options to be selectively actuated by different vehicle users. In one embodiment a remote transmitter provides a unique user code and the control system includes the capability of programming the transmitter code to allow use of multiple transmitters with different codes for different users.

Abstract: A directional courtesy light for a vehicle includes a reflector which is moveable with respect to a bulb between a first position for providing unfocused light to a second position for providing focused light. In the second position, the reflector can be tilted to direct the focused light in a specific direction. The courtesy light may include a lens to further control the light. The reflector is mounted to a bulb holder for translation with respect to a bulb therein and the bulb holder is mounted to a carrier attached to the vehicle for pivoting the holder with respect to the carrier. The courtesy light components snap together and snaps in place in the vehicle for quick assembly and installation.

Abstract: A flexible sun shading membrane has an edge coupled to a window frame and an opposite edge attached to a moveable member which has at least two stable positions, one being closed adjacent and conforming to the window frame and a second position extended and lowered from the window frame to stretch the membrane into a sun blocking position.

Abstract: A modular interchangeable electronic system for providing a number of different options for a vehicle which can be selectively plugged into a base unit. The base unit can receive or be replaced by selected optional units which interface with vehicle controls or provide desired control or display functions.

Abstract: A seating system includes a load bearing shelf which is provided for carrying seats, cargo and the like. The shelf is slideably supported on opposite ends in spaced, parallel, horizontally extending tracks mounted longitudinally in the vehicle. Seats may be removably and lockably mounted to the shelf which, upon removal, allows use of the shelf for storage and other functions. The shelf is removable, and may be reversibly reinstalled in a front-to-rear reversed orientation and locked into various positions. Further, the shelf may include upper and lower convenience structural features such as pockets, sliding trays, and compartments.