Abstract: The present invention relates to a location-based charging/discharging power mediation system of an electric vehicle, and more particularly to a module, an electric vehicle, and an intermediate server for location-based charging/discharging power mediation. The present invention also relates to a user authentication socket or connector used in the power mediation system. A module for location-based power mediation comprises: a location and time identification unit that identifies a location and a time of an electric vehicle from one or more of information from a global navigation satellite system, Local Positioning System (LPS) information, and earth magnetic field information; a power measurement unit that monitors input/output power to/from the electric vehicle in real time; and a wireless communication unit that transmits location and time information of the electric vehicle and information on the input/output power to the outside.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a thermal management system of an electrified vehicle in a chiller mode to determine a running state of a coolant pump of the thermal management system.

Abstract: A power supply control apparatus for a vehicle having a battery portion having a plurality of batteries of which a connection mode is switched to a series mode or a parallel mode, a device which can give or be given electric power to or from the battery portion, and a switching portion which switches the connection mode of the batteries to a series mode or a parallel mode has requiring portions which output respective requirements of the battery portion and the device in relation to the connection mode of the batteries based on respective conditions of the battery portion and the device, a determination portion which determines which of a series requirement and a parallel requirement is greater in number, and a determination.

Abstract: A person, animal, or object in the back seat of a motor vehicle can be presumed to have been inadvertently left there if a back seat access device such as a rear door or seatback of a front seat has been used, followed by the closure of a door lock and not followed by a second usage of the back seat access device. When a person, animal, or object is determined to have been inadvertently locked in the vehicle, an alarm is automatically generated by the vehicle, which notifies the driver, by-standers, and/or an emergency service provider.

Abstract: A child seat, which is configured to be secured to a seat of a vehicle, includes: a seat base; a child receiving portion supported by the seat base; at least one of a belt tensioning system incorporated into the seat base for receiving a belt and providing tension to the belt based on a signal from a controller and a leveling system incorporated into the seat base for leveling the child receiving portion relative to the seat of the vehicle based on a signal from the controller; and a manual override mechanism operatively coupled to at least one of the belt tensioning system and the leveling system to disengage at least one of the belt tensioning system and the leveling system and allow a user to at least one of manually apply tension to the belt and manually level the child receiving portion.

Abstract: Improvements in a moveable stanchion pole for a wheel chair position in a transit bus to provide a connection to a seat or bench. The seat is pivotably secured to a side wall of the transportation vehicle. The pole rotates and or pivots as the seat or bench is moved. The stanchion pole allows a person to hold onto the pole while they are standing. When the pole is rotated the pole rotates to provide clearance to the area. The stanchion pole is connected to the front of the chair and lifts the stanchion pole as the chair is rotated. This requires the stanchion pole to both hinge and rotate with the bench. The movement of the chair and pole clears the occupied space of the seat and stanchion pole to allow for a wheelchair to occupy the same place where the chair previously existed.

Abstract: An armrest for a vehicle seat is disclosed. The armrest includes a monolithic frame as a support structure of the armrest and for fastening armrest upholstery thereto. The monolithic frame, which includes first and second longitudinal side rails and first and second transverse end rails, is constructed as a one-part, one-piece and/or one-material primary-formed component.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed as having a seat structure with an upper transverse strut for receiving a headrest of the vehicle seat. The headrest has right and left headrest rods for coupling with the upper transverse strut. The transverse strut 6 includes right and left receiving openings for the right and left headrest rods. The headrest may be arranged with the headrest rods in various guide channels to define first and second mounting positions relative to the upper transverse strut. The headrest in the first mounting position is offset transversely to the seat direction with respect to the headrest in the second mounting position.

Abstract: A bushing allows for adjustability of a position of a headrest. The bushing includes a head portion having an opening and a passageway opening. The bushing also includes a body portion defining an internal passageway. The passageway opening of the head portion is aligned with the internal passageway of the body portion. The body portion includes a wall surrounding an area of reduced thickness, and a protrusion is located on an internal surface of the area of reduced thickness. The bushing also includes a moveable portion received in the opening of the head portion. The moveable portion is moveable between a first position where a feature engages a notch of a post receivable in the internal passageway of the body portion and the passageway opening of the head portion to retain the headrest in a position and a second position where the feature is disengaged from the notch of the post, allowing the post and the headrest to move relative to the bushing.

Abstract: A vehicle heating system in the present disclosure includes a seat heater provided in a vehicle seat, and a warm air heater that includes a housing including an intake port and a blowing port, a fan and a heater provided in an internal space of the housing, the internal space serving as a flow path of air extending from the intake port to the blowing port, and the warm air heater blowing warm air generated by the fan and the heater to lower legs of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat through the blowing port. The seat heater, the fan, and the heater operate to make temperature at the blowing port higher than temperature of a portion of a surface of the vehicle seat that faces the seat heater or temperature near the portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener tape for a seat pad. The fastener tape for a seat pad according to the present invention comprises: a holding sheet including a plurality of hooks formed on a top surface thereof in such a manner as to be arranged in row and column directions and spaced apart from each other at equal distances; a metal resin layer formed on an underside of the holding sheet; a polyurethane adhesive layer formed on an underside of the metal resin layer; and a shield layer joined to an underside of the polyurethane adhesive layer, wherein the shield layer comprises a base part joined to the polyurethane adhesive layer and a vertical part protruded vertically upward from both transverse sides of the base part.

Abstract: A method for making a vehicle seat trim component including a step of providing a first foam component that includes a first foam layer and a flexible component. The flexible component is sewn to the first foam layer and defining cutout sections and end sections. A second foam component is attached to the first foam component to form a compound foam structure. The second foam component includes a second foam layer and an exterior layer. A pattern is sewn into the compound foam structure avoiding the end sections.

Abstract: A thoracic support assembly for a seat back of a seat assembly. The thoracic support assembly may include a cover and a thoracic support pad. The thoracic support pad may be movable with respect to the cover and may be configured to support at least a portion of a thoracic region of a user's spine.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to an adaptable boat trailer for safely and gently storing, transporting, launching, and recovering a boat. The boat may be a wooden pleasure boat from 18 to 34 feet in length. The adaptable boat trailer comprises a trailer frame, a cover assembly, a rear suspension assembly having wheels, and a front suspension assembly. The cover assembly may include a fixed cabin and a retractable tarp assembly rearward of the fixed cabin. The front suspension assembly is configured for independently raising and lowering the front end of the adaptable boat trailer to clear a hump on a ramp, for example. The rear suspension assembly is configured for raising and lowering the rear end of the trailer frame to launch or recover the boat and escape a washout. A rescue flange may be included forward of the wheels to assist in rescue.

Abstract: A cargo bed tailgate may include an extension configurable between a plurality of positions to enable oversized cargo to be securely carried on a cargo bed as well accommodate a deployable set of loading ramps which are storable within the tailgate and deployable to attach to the cargo bed extension after the cargo bed extension is moved and locked for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the cargo bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention provides elevating storage apparatus (10) for storing an article or articles in an elevated position from which the article(s) cannot be vertically lowered because an obstacle obscures the space there beneath. To achieve this the article(s) which are supported on article support means (14) are moved outwardly with the article support means (14) supported by a pair of spaced apart slide assemblies (11, 12) for longitudinal movement between the stowed elevated position above the obscuring obstacle and a withdrawn elevated position forward of the obstacle. The article support means (14) is connected to the slide assemblies (11, 12) by links (52, 53) which enable the article support means to be raised and lowered between substantially vertically aligned withdrawn elevated position and the lower accessible position.

Abstract: The dump cart liner of the present invention includes a shaped liner and a handle-strap. The liner is designed to fit into lawn, barn and utility dump carts and designed to remove dump material from the carts when the carts are in the dump position. Presently the only means to remove dump material from the carts in the dump position is by scraping the material out manually with shovel, rake or garden hoe.

Abstract: A transportable system for dispensing and boxing items is mounted to and enclosed by a truck. The system comprises at least two dispensing carts. Each cart includes a body, a set of wheels disposed on a bottom surface of the body, a set of bearings disposed on the top surface of the body, and an outlet defined by the body. At least one of the at least two dispensing carts is adapted to store a first set of items vertically and dispense the first set of items using an unpowered escapement and at least another one of the dispensing carts is adapted to store items horizontally. The system further comprises a box dispenser configured to dispense boxes and a conveyor system disposed beneath the outlets of the at least two dispensing carts. The conveyor system defines a continuous path for boxes from the box dispenser to an end location.

Abstract: A utility cart and docking apparatus are disclosed. The docking apparatus is configured to be attached to a utility vehicle and to receive the utility cart and raise the utility cart off the ground. The utility card has electronics which allow the utility cart to communicate with a point-of-sale system.

Abstract: A tie-down includes a frame, a handle, a reel, a bushing, two ratchet wheels and two detents. The frame includes two walls. The handle includes two blades. The reel is rotationally inserted in the blades of the handle via the walls of the frame. The bushing includes a space for receiving the reel and an opening via which a strap is wound onto the reel. The bushing further includes two annular ridges inserted in the blades of the handle via the walls of the frame so that the annular ridges protect the reel from the blades of the handle. The ratchet wheels are connected to two ends of the reel so that the ratchet wheels are rotatable with the reel. The first detent is movable on the frame for engagement with the ratchet wheels. The second detent is movable on the handle for engagement with the ratchet wheels.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a method and device for securing cargo load in a container. In an embodiment of the current invention, such method comprises: providing a wall securement device comprising two or more apertures allowing the passage of securing means such as straps, which wall securement device is attached to an inner rigid structure of the wall; and lashing the cargo load with securing means by use of the wall securement device, whereby the wall securement device is located at the corner post of said container. In a second aspect, the current invention provides for a wall securement device for securing loads.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bulkhead tether apparatus for a container (such as a refrigerator trailer) which generally includes a roller track, a trolley movably attachable to the roller track, a bulkhead bracket securely attachable to the bulkhead, and a relatively short chain releasably attachable to the trolley and to the bulkhead bracket. This combination enables the bulkhead to travel the length of the track, but prevents the bulkhead from being removed from the container. The combination also enables the bulkhead to be moved out of the way during loading and unloading in several different ways to facilitate loading products into and unloading products from the container.

Abstract: A carrier of one or more light sources for a lighting and/or signaling module especially for an automotive vehicle, comprising: a substrate having at least one aperture and electrical tracks on at least one side; and at least one light-emitting diode having a body and electrical connection leads lateral to the body. The LED or at least one of the LEDs is placed through a respective aperture of the substrate, and the connection leads make contact with respective electrical tracks. The substrate is a rigid molded part having a three-dimensional shape possibly providing an optical function such as that of a reflector. In this case, the LEDs are directly supported by the optical part.

Abstract: A charge port illumination system for an electric vehicle includes a charge port disposed at the electric vehicle and configured for electrically connecting to a charging source to charge a power source of the electric vehicle. The charge port includes an outer portion that is exposed and viewable at the electric vehicle when a person is connecting the charge port to the charging source. The charge port includes at least one illumination source that, responsive to an activating event associated with an electric charging event of the electric vehicle, is activated to provide backlighting at the outer portion, which may include a translucent polymeric material. The activated illumination source may be automatically deactivated. The system may include a cover panel that is opened to expose and access the charge port. The illumination source may be controlled to indicate a state of charge of the power source.

Abstract: This invention is a wireless link for towed vehicle light and brake control, matching conditions of the towing vehicle. Said conditions include turn signals, brake signals, and running lights. Additionally the signals include an analog signal to provide the towed vehicle electric brake, if installed, a signal proportional to the braking being applied manually or by foot of the towing vehicle operator. The towing vehicle contains signal sensors and conditioners, embedded in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which converts the signals into a modulated signal, and transmits it using a suitable carrier. The towed vehicle contains a receiver and demodulator, which extracts the data which is then passed to the towed vehicle ASIC. The towed vehicle ASIC develops the signals to actuate the appropriate towed vehicle lights. The ASIC also converts the electric brake digital data into an analog signal to apply the proportional signal to the towed vehicle electric brake.

Abstract: This inventive idea proposes a U-turn signaling system for motor vehicles using a grouped series of 2 or 3 rapid turn indicator flashes followed by an interval and repeated in a continuous manner, distinct from the regularly repeating single flash of current left or right turn signal indicators, to alert other vehicles and pedestrians of a vehicle's impending U-turn thus allowing for a safer and more unimpeded flow of traffic through intersections and on streets and roadways for all police, civilian, and emergency vehicles.

Abstract: A system for controlling a directional indicator of a vehicle includes the directional indicator including a plurality of lamps turned on at different threshold voltages and indicating a turning direction of the vehicle. A controller is configured to change an input voltage that is supplied to the lamps to sequentially turn on/off the lamps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of projecting laser light onto a road surface from a vehicle. It also relates to an apparatus for projecting laser light onto a road surface from a vehicle. Said apparatus may be a stand-alone device mounted on a vehicle, or it may be integrally formed with a vehicle.

Abstract: An illuminated vehicle seatbelt assembly is provided herein. The vehicle seatbelt assembly includes a buckle having a housing and a latch mechanism. A light source is disposed within the housing. A light guide directs light from the light source to a top portion of the housing. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed within the buckle and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source.

Abstract: A light-emitting composite arrangement 1 for stationary arrangement in an interior of an aircraft is proposed, comprising a base layer and a covering layer 2, 3, wherein the covering layer 3 is a prepreg layer, comprising a core portion 4, which is arranged, at least in some areas, between the base layer and the covering layer 2, 3, comprising at least one lighting device 5, which is integrated in the core portion 4, wherein the covering layer 3 is cured with the lighting device 5 ntegrated in the core portion 4.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly includes at least a first and a second light-emitting diode package, each having at least a first-colored light and a second-colored light. The light-emitting diode packages are reconfigurable to display a first color and a second color. The first light-emitting diode package is configured to display a first intensity of the first color. The second light-emitting diode package is configured to display a second intensity of the first color simultaneously with the display of the first intensity of the first color by the first light-emitting diode package. The second intensity of the first color is less than the first intensity of the first color to provide an appearance of a gradient between the first and second light-emitting diode packages. A system for illuminating an instrument cluster assembly and a non-transitory machine-readable medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vision system of a vehicle includes first and second cameras configured to be disposed at a vehicle so as to have respective fields of view. The first camera generates a first video output of images. The second camera generates a second video output of images. The first and second cameras operate asynchronously. A display is configured to be disposed in the vehicle for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The display is operable to display video images captured by the first and second cameras. A control is operable to select one of the first and second video outputs for display of respective video images at the display. The control is operable to apply a dark display signal during a synchronizing period when the control switches from use of the first video output to use of the second video output.

Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus acquires an image around a vehicle. The apparatus includes an image acquisition section having first and second capturing sections acquiring an image, a storage section storing a first picked up image acquired by the first capturing section and a second picked up image acquired by the second capturing section in different storage areas, an abnormality determination section determining presence/absence of an abnormality of the image acquisition section and a communication section based on whether or not there is a match between the first and second picked up images, an image processing section processing, if the absence of an abnormality is determined, at least one of the first and second picked up images or a combined image generated by combining the first and second picked up images to detect identification information around the vehicle, and a vehicle control section outputting a command signal based on the identification information.

Abstract: A system mounted on a vehicle for detecting an obstruction on a surface of a window of the vehicle, a primary camera is mounted inside the vehicle behind the window. The primary camera is configured to acquire images of the environment through the window. A secondary camera is focused on an external surface of the window, and operates to image the obstruction. A portion of the window, i.e. window region is subtended respectively by the field of view of the primary camera and the field of view of the secondary camera. A processor processes respective sequences of image data from both the primary camera and the secondary camera.

Abstract: A mirror mount that mounts a mirror to a vehicle fender. The mount can include a base that faces a vehicle fender exterior without extending upwardly and under a hood of the vehicle. A support arm extends from the base and includes a distal end that joins with a mirror. One or more pillars extend away from the base. The pillars can be sized and shaped to extend through holes in the fender to a frame member of the vehicle disposed inwardly relative to the fender. The pillars are associated with a fastener to join with the frame member so that weight of the mirror, the base, the support arm and/or the pillars are substantially born by the frame member. This can reduce transmission of vibration inherent in the fender to the mirror, and/or can rigidly and structurally connect the mirror to the frame member, rather than the fender.

Abstract: A blind spot reduction apparatus that will sit flush on external mirrors on a vehicle on which it is adhered onto as well as feature a rimless, seamless look that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional.

Abstract: A substrate having a light reflective coating defining a mirror surface. A first curvature included on the substrate extending across the mirror surface oriented along a first axis of curvature extending heightwise. A second curvature included on the substrate extending across the mirror surface oriented along a second axis of curvature extending widthwise. The second axis of curvature is angled relative to the first axis of curvature so that the second curvature extends across the mirror surface in a helical arrangement relative to the first axis of curvature. Accordingly, angling the second axis of curvature relative to the first axis of curvature causes the first and second curvatures to cooperate in reducing distortion across the mirror surface.

Abstract: A modular mounting system for running board assemblies including at least one universal mounting bar and at least one universal mounting arrangement for connecting to a body panel of a motor vehicle. The universal mounting bar includes at least a first plurality of apertures which correlate to mounting apertures in the vehicle body panel, and a second plurality of apertures which correspond to mounting apertures in a second discreet vehicle body panel, and a third plurality of apertures which correspond to mounting apertures in a third discreet vehicle body panel. The universal mounting bar provides a single bar that accommodates various aperture locations for body panels on any number of predetermined vehicles brands/models. Each universal mounting arrangement has at least one fifth plurality of apertures for connecting to each of a fourth plurality of apertures at predetermined locations on the universal mounting bar.

Abstract: Upright receiver assemblies for attaching to trailers and acting as hitches are disclosed herein. The upright receiver assemblies include (a) an upright and (b) a base, both pieces being releasably attachable to each other. The upright contains a vertical post have a top positioned receiver while the base includes a center plate, two cross bars, and two angled side plates.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly and an instrument panel assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. The cup holder assembly includes a catch configured to assist with the blind installation of the cup holder assembly into an opening of the instrument panel. The catch is further configured to provide cantilevered support so as to help maintain the cup holder in a fixed relationship when a cup is mounted therein. The catch engages an elongated portion of a reinforcement bracket so as to limit the advancement of the cup holder assembly during installation.

Abstract: A holster for receiving and holding a handgun and that can be placed in a cup-holder. The holster includes a base that is structured to fit into a cup-holder and that defines a cavity for receiving a portion of the handgun. A barrel support element is positioned within the cavity of the base and a top is positioned on the base and defines an opening into the interior. through which the barrel of the handgun can penetrate when being positioned into the barrel support element. In operation, the base is configured to be inserted into a cup-holder of a vehicle and thus operate to provide storage for a handgun but, also provide easy access to the handgun.

Abstract: A storage assembly for retaining an electronic device on a vehicle minor so the electronic device does not impede a driver's view includes a mount operationally coupled to a vehicle mirror. A rail is operationally coupled to the mount. The rail extends downwardly from the vehicle minor. A basket is operationally coupled to the rail. The basket is positioned below a threshold of the vehicle's windshield. The basket contains the electronic device. The electronic device is accessible to the driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting application angle of portable device includes an accommodating unit, a base, a joining unit, and a strapping unit. The accommodating unit and the base can have the turning angle adjusted right and left. The base and the joining unit can have the turning angle adjusted up and down. The joining unit and the strapping unit can jointly clamp on handle to collectively achieving the effect of adjusting application angle for portable device.

Abstract: A track mounting system including a mount with a mounting plate with a back surface and a front surface, the back surface is opposite the front surface and at least one mounting stud coupled to the back surface of the mounting plate, each mounting stud includes a stem portion that extends outwardly from the back surface and an enlarged head portion disposed at a distal end of stem portion. The mount also includes a release mechanism coupled to the front surface to release the mount from a track. The track mounting system also includes an adaptor coupled to the front surface of the mounting plate wherein the adaptor releasably couples with an equipment interface of a piece of equipment.

Abstract: A tool box housing is configured to be removably installed upon a combination rail system and mounting board, which itself is configured to mount within the cargo area of a vehicle, such as an SUV or pickup truck. The tool box housing and rail system with mounting board are configured to provide a separate, readily accessible and protected storage area for electrical units, or other items, which may be conveniently accessed using trays that slide relative to the tool box housing. The tool box housing is configured to mount to the rail system using quick release fasteners/receptacles or convention bolt/nut pairs, so that the tool box housing may quickly/easily be removed and interchangeably replaced with a flat floorboard housing, which protects the rails when the tool box housing is not utilized, and furthermore restores the floor of the vehicle to a more storage friendly state for transporting larger items.

Abstract: A storage bag for a motor vehicle is disclosed for stowing a bicycle inside an accommodation space bounded by the storage bag within the vehicle. The storage bag includes a bag with an opening for introducing and removing a bicycle through the opening, and at least one fastening device for attaching the bag to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a door trim of a vehicle may include a plurality of clamping portions that are installed on a door trim side and include hooks caught by a door panel side while rotating by tension of a wire, a locking portion that is installed on the door trim side and pulls the wire using a rotating pulley, and the wire that is in a closed loop form between the hooks of the plurality of the clamping portions and the pulley of the locking portion and rotates the hooks while being pulled by the rotation of the pulley.

Abstract: A cavity system that tends to increase the thickness (28) of the shear layer (22), comprising: a cavity (2) and a plurality of rods (4) extending away from the cavity base (3) to a height extending beyond the leading edge (14); the rods (4) being positioned downstream of and in the proximity of the leading edge (14). The rods (4) may extend to different heights and/or be positioned longitudinally offset (e.g. in a zig-zag pattern). The rods may be reversibly movable to a configuration in which they are fully enclosed in the cavity (2) when the cavity (2) is closed. Flow alteration elements (34, 38), for example channels (34) passing through the rods (4) and/or protrusions (38) extending from the rod (4) may be provided on the rods (4).

Abstract: A seat actuating element for a motor vehicle seat has an element head (9) and a guide rod (10) that is received movably in a seat wall (7) of the motor vehicle seat (1). The element head (9) is arranged on the seat wall (7) and can be actuated. The seat actuating element (6) has an adjustment protector (11) to avoid inadvertent actuation of the seat actuating element (6).

Abstract: The present disclosure to systems for integration and communication of aftermarket vehicle components with existing vehicle components through an apparatus comprising a processor and a computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions. The apparatus is configured to be integrated into a vehicle comprising an existing motion-control system having existing motion-control-system components. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising (i) receiving, from an aftermarket motion-control-system, an input data signal containing a raw data set, (ii) processing the raw data set, yielding a processed data set, and (iii) transmitting the processed data set to one or more of the existing motion-control system components within the vehicle.