Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a USB port and cable storage assembly includes a housing, a displaceable cord cleat and a USB port carried on the cord cleat. The housing includes a cleat receiver and opposed stop receivers. The cord cleat includes a stem and a faceplate. The apparatus also includes an actuator, displacing the cord cleat toward a deployed position, a guideway on the housing and the cord cleat and a cord receiver along an outer edge of the faceplate.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a USB port and cable storage assembly includes a housing, a displaceable cord cleat and a USB port carried on the cord cleat.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an auxiliary battery charging system for monitoring and regulating the energy flow to an auxiliary battery in a vehicle. More specifically, the auxiliary battery charging system of the present disclosure includes a monitoring controller configured to operate with a plurality of sensors, a display device and a battery charger to display the battery status (such as temperature, voltage, time of last charge); initiate charging of the auxiliary battery when the auxiliary battery voltage reaches a predetermined minimum voltage; and disable the charging process when the auxiliary battery voltage has reached an optimum level.

Abstract: A system for determining a need for a vehicle windshield wiper blade replacement includes a detector for detecting a wiper blade operating noise and a processor configured to determine a wear condition requiring wiper blade replacement from the detected wiper blade operating noise. On determining the wear condition, the processor provides a display including at least a windshield wiper blade wear condition warning and a listing of one or more suggested replacement wiper blades. The visible display may further include a listing of one or more suggestions of locations for acquiring the replacement wiper blades. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for determining a need for a vehicle windshield wiper blade replacement includes a detector for detecting a wiper blade operating noise and a processor configured to determine a wear condition requiring wiper blade replacement from the detected wiper blade operating noise. On determining the wear condition, the processor provides a display including at least a windshield wiper blade wear condition warning and a listing of one or more suggested replacement wiper blades. The visible display may further include a listing of one or more suggestions of locations for acquiring the replacement wiper blades. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for ventilating a vehicle cabin includes a powered vent, such as a window or sunroof, for opening and closing to selectively ventilate the vehicle cabin. A controller may be provided for: (1) opening the powered vent based on a pre-determined opening time; (2) controlling the powered vent to activate based on a pre-determined parking location; and/or (3) controlling the powered vent to activate based on a sunlight intensity.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an auxiliary battery charging system for monitoring and regulating the energy flow to an auxiliary battery in a vehicle. More specifically, the auxiliary battery charging system of the present disclosure includes a monitoring controller configured to operate with a plurality of sensors, a display device and a battery charger to display the battery status (such as temperature, voltage, time of last charge); initiate charging of the auxiliary battery when the auxiliary battery voltage reaches a predetermined minimum voltage; and disable the charging process when the auxiliary battery voltage has reached an optimum level.