Abstract: Seating positioning determining based on wireless signals. The seat positioning may include assessing seating location within a vehicle or other environment. The seat positioning may be used with various vehicle system to control their operation based on the seat positioning. The seat positioning inquiry may also include additional information, such as but not limited to seat identification information and seat safety system information.

Abstract: Seating positioning determining based on wireless signals. The seat positioning may include assessing seating location within a vehicle or other environment. The seat positioning may be used with various vehicle system to control their operation based on the seat positioning. The seat positioning inquiry may also include additional information, such as but not limited to seat identification information and seat safety system information.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates to power adjustable seats in vehicles that include a seat motors assembly having snap together features to secure one or more metal motor housings between housing end caps. The snap together features have portions that elastically deform and snap back into position to secure the assembly together, while allowing for easy disassembly for servicing.

Abstract: A vehicle overhead audio system, an electromagnetic transducer assembly for use therein and a computer system programmed with a graphic software control for changing the audio system's signal level and delay are provided where a headliner of the vehicle is a loudspeaker of the system thereby replacing many other loudspeakers and being invisible to the occupants. The headliner is driven in multiple zones that effect proper imaging for all occupants. Supplemental high frequency and subwoofer speakers and signal processing circuitry are included in one aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system including at least one transmitter operable to create a transmitted magnetic field and at least one receiver operatively fixed relative to the transmitter. Additionally, the vehicle occupant sensing system includes at least one conductive object operable to create a resultant magnetic field due to interaction with the transmitted magnetic field. The receiver is operable to detect changes in relative distance between the conductive object and the receiver, in response to a load, as a function of the strength of the resultant magnetic field experienced by the receiver. Furthermore, the vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat assembly for detecting a condition of the same. A method of operating the vehicle occupant sensing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital recorder assembly for a vehicle includes an interior vehicle component and a digital recorder. The interior vehicle component includes a docking location having a communication interface. The digital recorder is adapted to be positioned within the docking location and has a communication interface communicable to the communication interface of the docking location. When the digital recorder is positioned within the docking location, the communications interface of the docking location may be capable of transferring power from a vehicle power source to a power supply of the digital recorder or the communications interface of the digital recorder may be capable of transferring data from the digital recorder to an audio system of the vehicle. The digital recorder may have a plurality of switches operable to control the operation of the digital recorder when the interior component is in a first position or a second position.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a monitoring device for sensing the presence of a body within the vehicle. A transmitter is provided in the vehicle for broadcasting an intrusion signal exterior to the vehicle in response to the monitoring device sensing the presence of the body within the vehicle. A remote vehicle interface device includes a two-way transceiver and an intrusion indicator. The two-way transceiver activates the intrusion indicator in response to the intrusion signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle information display and communication system having a plurality of operative modules, the system includes a control processing unit adapted to provide an interface among the plurality of operative modules. The operative modules include a display module adapted to provide visual information to the occupants of the vehicle, a navigation module adapted for global positioning satellite reception to provide vehicle position information to the control processing unit, and a telecommunications module adapted for wireless communication to provide communication between the control processing unit and a wireless telecommunications network and between the control processing unit and any one of a plurality of local wireless devices.

Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly for the interior of a motor vehicle, which includes sidewall trim defining a pocket in the trim, includes a housing and at least one speaker operatively supported within the housing. The assembly includes at least one pivot arm having first and second ends. The first end is operatively connected to the housing and defines a rotational axis, and the second end is attached to the vehicle and defines a pivotal axis. The at least one pivot arm is adapted to pivot about the pivotal axis to selectively move and position the housing at each point along a path between a retracted position wherein said housing is operatively supported within the pocket and aligned substantially flush with the sidewall trim such that the sidewall trim and the housing are substantially co-planar in the retracted position of the housing, and an extended position outside the pocket.