Abstract: The invention provides a communications interface module mountable in a vehicle. The communications interface module includes a first electrical interface for electrically communicating with a control system of a vehicle. The communications interface module also includes a second electrical interface spaced from the first electrical interface for being positioned in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The communications interface module includes a plurality of communication lines extending in parallel between the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface. The plurality of communication lines exchange a plurality of different communication formats between the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column member for supporting rotation of a steering shaft in a vehicle. The steering column assembly also includes a first electrical communication receptacle fixed relative to the steering column member. The first electrical communication receptacle receives an electronic peripheral device on the steering column member. The first electrical communication receptacle electrically connects the electronic peripheral device with a control system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (18) of the type for controlling one or more steerable wheels in a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel (14) interface secured to the free end of a steering column (20). The steering column assembly (18) includes powered telescope adjust and tilt adjust features which a driver (16) uses to adjust the position of the steering wheel (14) for maximum comfort. One or more condition sensors (48) monitor numerous parameters about the vehicle. When an emergency condition is detected, such as the seat belt warning, a door that is ajar, various engine conditions, or erratic driving activity, a haptic controller (50) rapidly vibrates the steering wheel (14) through the telescoping and tilt adjusting motors (32, 40) as a means of alerting the driver (16) to the emergency condition.

Abstract: An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data. This information data includes vehicle data corresponding to operation of the vehicle and external data such as internet web pages and email. A primary display is connected to the computer and in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle. A primary input device allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display. A plurality of remote communicators are also operatively connected to the computer and movable about the vehicle. Each of the remote communicators includes a secondary display and a secondary input device for sending input to the computer and manipulating the secondary display. The secondary input device is also programmed to control the primary display for manipulating the informational data that is displayed to the driver.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for supporting a steering wheel in a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column having a first end and a longitudinal axis. The steering column assembly is disposable in the vehicle for raking movement about the first end and for collapsing movement along the longitudinal axis. The steering column assembly also includes a collar engaged with the steering column to move with the steering column at least during the raking movement. The steering column assembly also includes a support bracket for supporting at least one gage of the vehicle. The support bracket is releasibly engaged with the collar such that the support bracket separates from the collar in response to the collapsing movement.

Abstract: An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data corresponding to operation of the vehicle. A primary display is connected to the computer in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle for presenting the informational data in multiple, sequential, interactive menu screens. A manual controller mounted on the steering wheel allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display through the menu screens. The controller includes a scroll wheel which is oriented so that its rotational axis is parallel to the steering axis. The controller includes a central push button for activating a particular selection highlighted on the primary display. A plurality of category selector buttons operate as mode switches for activating various vehicle system subjects through the information system.

Abstract: An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data. This information data includes vehicle data corresponding to operation of the vehicle and external data such as internet web pages and email. A primary display is connected to the computer and in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle. A primary input device allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display. A remote communicator is also operatively connected to the computer and movable about the vehicle. The remote communicator includes a secondary display and a secondary input device for sending input to the computer and manipulating the secondary display. The secondary input device is also programmed to control the primary display for manipulating the informational data that is displayed to the driver. The remote communicator may be a programmable handheld computer or PDA interfacing with the vehicle computer through an internal wireless network.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include motor actuators for steering column adjustments and/or pedal position adjustments. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The display and on-board processor moves with the steering column as it is adjusted for telescope and/or tilt position. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display.

Abstract: A communication system includes a remote device for communicating with a vehicle. Both the vehicle and the remote device have global positioning system (GPS) receivers for determining the location of the vehicle and remote device respectively. The remote device computes the direction, distance, and elevation difference between the remote device and the vehicle. The remote device also includes a digital compass for determining the direction the remote device is pointed. A display on the remote device shows an arrow, along with the distance and elevation difference, to guide a user to the vehicle. The remote device can also send control commands to vehicle systems and receive status data from vehicle systems.

Abstract: An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data. This information includes vehicle data corresponding to as internet web pages and email. A primary display is connected to the computer and in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle. A primary input device allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display. A remote communicator is also operatively connected to the computer and movable about the vehicle. The remote communicator includes a secondary display and a secondary input device for sending input to the computer and manipulating the secondary display. The secondary input device is also programmed to control the primary display for manipulating the informational data that is displayed to the driver.

Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a steering mechanism and a pedal assemble united and supported together by a support structure as a unitized module for shipping and attachment to a vehicle. The support structure supports the pedal assembly for movement beyond the fully depressed position of one of the pedal therein in response to a predetermined collapse force on the pedal.

Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a guide bracket for attachment to a vehicle. A steering mechanism is interconnected with the guide bracket by a steering mechanism support. A plurality of guide rods are arranged about a common collapse axis and extend in non-parallel relationship to a longitudinal axis of the steering mechanism. The guide rods support the steering mechanism for axial movement along the collapse axis in response to a predetermined collapse force on the steering mechanism.