Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller, a touch screen display in communication with the controller, and a plurality of accessories in communication with the controller. The various accessories are each individually controlled by inputting commands into the touch screen display. The controller transmits the inputted command via a communication system to the selected accessory to motivate the accessory between a first setting and a second setting.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle transmission implements a method of controlling the transmission. The system includes a device for selecting the desired operating mode of the transmission, such as a gear shift lever, and a transmission sensor for sensing the actual operating mode of the transmission. A display is in communication with the device and the transmission sensor and displays both the desired operating mode and the actual operating mode of the transmission. A controller is in communication with the transmission and controls the operating mode of the transmission. An occupancy sensor, in communication with the controller, verifies that the driver is in the driver seat before the controller allows the transmission to be shifted out of a park mode.

Abstract: An ignition system for a vehicle includes an ignition port, a vehicle processor coupled to the ignition port and an engine of the vehicle and a portable ignition module. The portable ignition module includes a memory for storing data therein and a USB interface for engaging the ignition port. The portable ignition module stores a security code therein, that when transferred to the vehicle processor when the portable ignition module is inserted into the ignition port, enables operation of the vehicle. The portable ignition module includes an ignition switch and a touch screen display coupled to the ignition switch. An operator controls the vehicle by touching the touch screen display to activate the ignition switch, thereby signaling the processor to start and/or stop the engine.

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 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: A vehicle includes a controller, a touch screen display in communication with the controller, and a plurality of accessories in communication with the controller. The various accessories are each individually controlled by inputting commands into the touch screen display. The controller transmits the inputted command via a communication system to the selected accessory to motivate the accessory between a first setting and a second setting.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle transmission implements a method of controlling the transmission. The system includes a device for selecting the desired operating mode of the transmission, such as a gear shift lever, and a transmission sensor for sensing the actual operating mode of the transmission. A display is in communication with the device and the transmission sensor and displays both the desired operating mode and the actual operating mode of the transmission. A controller is in communication with the transmission and controls the operating mode of the transmission. An occupancy sensor, in communication with the controller, verifies that the driver is in the driver seat before the controller allows the transmission to be shifted out of a park mode.

Abstract: An interactive control module communicates with one or more portable electronic devices to control the portable electronic devices. The interactive control module includes a touch screen display that displays a virtual image of the portable electronic device. A user enters a command into the touch screen display by touching a virtual control feature corresponding to an actual control feature of the portable electronic device. The interactive control module then executes the command by either transmitting the command to the portable electronic device or by executing files downloaded from the portable electronic device.

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: 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 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: A side mount fuel tank system installed on an earth moving vehicle such as a motor grader. The side mount fuel tank system is designed to allow the installation of an air-to-air aftercooler onto a motor grader without requiring the lengthening of a rear frame of the motor grader. The side mount fuel tank system includes a support apparatus and a fuel tank apparatus. The fuel tank system includes a first fuel tank attached to a first side of an engine compartment, and a second fuel tank attached to a second side of the engine compartment. Each of the fuel tanks includes tank plates positioned to deflect material impinging on the tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus for working on both sides of a flat workpiece includes a first support surface having a first axial line thereacross, a second support surface juxtaposed to and associated with the first support surface and having a second axial line thereacross which lies in a common plane with the first axial line, and a first carrying assembly operably connected to the first support surface in a manner to movably reciprocate along the first axial line and having a first extending arm which is laterally displaced from one side of the common plane and a second extending arm which is laterally displaced from another side of the common plane. A second carrying assembly is operably connected to the second support surface in a manner to movably reciprocate along the second axial line, wherein the second carrying assembly includes a workpiece removably mounted in a manner to position the workpiece in the common plane between the arms such that the arms extend about the workpiece.

Abstract: A door having a core made from a composite panel material such as medium density fiberboard or particleboard is provided with a plurality of dowels which are secured, such as by an adhesive, within openings extending into the core. The dowels and openings are positioned in alignment with the screw holes in the hinges which mount the door to a jamb or cabinet. Screws or other fasteners extend through the screw openings in the hinges and are secured within the dowels. The dowels permit conventional wood screws to be used to mount the hinges to the door and improve the screw holding capability of the door. The dowels also eliminate the need to use edge banding for screw holding purposes and thereby eliminate the problems associated with the joint formed between the edge banding and the core material.