Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for holding bags for transporting trash, or for holding displays, on the exterior of a vehicle. The apparatus includes an adjustable-length strap with a distal end and a proximal end, an engagement loop attached to the proximal end of the strap and at least one hook member attached to the distal end of the strap. The engagement loop is configured into a cow-hitch knot around a fixing means of the vehicle. To adjust the tightness of the cow-hitch knot around the fixing means, an adjustable loop-lock is provided for locking a portion of the cow-hitch knot at a desired position. The hook member consists of one or more hook-shaped, tooth-shaped or claw-shaped projections and is provided with a vacuum suction cup which is secured to a surface on the vehicle to minimize any undesired vertical or lateral movements.

Abstract: A load securing assembly includes a pair of clips structured to have a first section, a second section and a third section. The second section of the clips may engage a bed of a truck so clips are retained on the bed of the truck. The first section of the clips may have a strap coupled thereto. The strap secures a load in the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed which includes a headlamp directed in travelling direction towards the front having an adaptable light beam. A controller is provided to adaptively control the light beam. A camera is arranged in the motor vehicle and oriented so that it captures a head of a driver. The camera is in data communication with the controller, which is configured to determine at least one region of attention of the driver from data transmitted by the camera. The controller is further configured to adapt the light beam of the headlamp, as a function of the region of attention by emphasizing the region of attention.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight including a plurality of light modules, wherein it includes a first group of modules to form at least two juxtaposed transverse light strips (H1, H2, H3; H1.1 . . . H3.3), and at least a second group of modules arranged to form contiguous juxtaposed vertical light strips (M1, A1.1 . . . A1.8).

Abstract: Methods, systems and program products are provided for obtaining navigation data indicative of a present position of a vehicle and assessing lane restriction information in connection with a road lane corresponding to a present position of the vehicle as designated by the navigation data. The methods, systems and program products also activate a turn indicator of the vehicle based on the lane information and the navigation data. The methods, systems and program products collect navigation data indicative of a present position of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is provided. The system includes a sun visor having a visor body movable between a stored position and a use position. A photoluminescent structure is coupled to a surface of the visor body and a light source is coupled to a headliner and oriented to excite the photoluminescent structure when the visor body is in the use position. A switch is included for activating the light source in response to a signal change.

Abstract: An apparatus (145) for a vehicle (100) having an electric propulsion motor (123), the apparatus (145) being operable to generate an audible sound wherein at least one characteristic of the sound is dependent on a state of the vehicle (100).

Abstract: A vehicle approach alert device includes: a microcomputer having a memory that stores approach alert sound data, and a signal generator that generates an approach alert sound voltage waveform signal based on the approach alert sound data. The vehicle approach alert device alerts approach of a vehicle by outputting a vehicle approach alert sound from a sound outputting body according to the approach alert sound voltage waveform signal. The microcomputer further includes: an obtaining device that obtains a sound outputting body temperature; and a sound pressure correcting device that corrects a voltage level of the approach alert sound voltage waveform signal to be larger as the sound outputting body temperature increases.

Abstract: A least restrictive allowable driving state of a semi-autonomous driving system is determined based on one or more threats and sensor performance. A current driving state and a future driving state are determined based on an attention state and a steering state of a driver. Warnings are provided to the driver in order to match the current driving state to the future driving state. Driver interaction and attention are enforced when the driver does not respond to the warnings.

Abstract: A driver assist system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a plurality of vehicular cameras disposed at the vehicle and a plurality of non-video sensors disposed at the vehicle. The cameras capture image data and at least one non-video sensor captures sensor data. A video processor module receives image data captured by the cameras and receives sensor data captured by the at least one non-video sensor. The received image data is fused with received sensor data at the video processor module. The video processor module communicates with other vehicle systems via a vehicle bus of the vehicle. Received image data is processed at the video processor module to generate a synthesized image, which is displayed by a display screen. Responsive at least in part to fusing of image data and sensor data at the video processor module, a driver assistance system of the equipped vehicle is controlled.

Abstract: Vehicle event recorder systems are arranged to be in constant communication with remote servers and administrators via mobile wireless cellular networks. Vehicle event recorders equipped with video cameras capture video and other data records of important events relating to vehicle use. These data are then transmitted over special communications networks having very high coverage space but limited bandwidth. A vehicle may be operated over very large region while maintaining continuous communications connections with a remote fixed server. As such, systems of these inventions may be characterized as including a mobile unit having: a video camera; a microprocessor; memory; an event trigger; and mobile wireless transceivers, and a fixed network portion including: mobile wireless cellular network, a protocol translation gateway, the Internet and an application-specific server.

Abstract: A movement mechanism comprising a substantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring, which are rotatable relative to each other about a first axis and a second axis enclosing an angle of approximately 90° to the first axis. Driving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder relative to the ring and comprise a first non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod and a second non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod. The first driving rod and the second driving rod are rotatable about a third and a fourth axis, respectively, which third and fourth axes are mutually parallel and lie in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of the holder and which third and fourth axes are parallel to or coincide with the first axis.

Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device, a first cord and a second cord are arranged passing through a storing mechanism in an up-down direction. A first connector of the first cord is electrically connected to a mirror face adjustment device through an assembly hole of a visor body. Moreover, a second connector of the second cord is electrically connected to a turn signal lamp. The first cord and the second cord are disposed at a vehicle rear side of the storing mechanism, and pass between the storing mechanism and the visor body. This thereby enables the first cord and the second cord to be made shorter.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing and a mirror reflective element disposed at the mirror casing. The mirror reflective element includes at least a first glass substrate having a front surface and a rear surface. When the rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in a vehicle, the front surface is closer than the rear surface to a driver that is normally operating the vehicle. The first glass substrate has a flat central region and a rounded perimeter edge, and the rounded perimeter is exposed to and is viewable by the driver of the vehicle. With the mirror reflective element disposed at the mirror casing, no portion of the mirror casing encompasses the rounded perimeter edge. The rounded perimeter edge has a glare-reducing surface finish.

Abstract: An opening/closing device includes a fixed member, an opening/closing member, and a hinge device. The fixed member has inside wall sections and pin insertion holes. The opening/closing member has outside wall sections and pin supporting holes. The hinge device has a case that is inserted and held between the inside wall sections, pressing members that are disposed inside the case and are capable of rotating, a spring disposed between the pressing members, and pin members that are inserted through the pin supporting holes and the pin insertion holes and engage with the pressing members. The pin members are inserted through the pin supporting holes and the pin insertion holes from the outside of the outside wall sections.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier convertible between a first configuration in which one or more bicycles are accommodated and a second extended configuration in which one or more additional bicycles are accommodated for transport on a carrying vehicle. The bicycle carrier can include a vehicle engaging frame configured to be mounted on a carrying vehicle. An elongate rearward extending support member can be coupled to the frame at a proximate end of the support member by a variably configurable hub configured to set the support member in a plurality of orientations relative to the frame. A manual actuator can be operably coupled to the variably configurable hub by a linkage. A distal end of the support member can be positioned away from the frame and configured to be alternately coupled to the actuator, or an add-on support member that accommodates one or more additional bicycles coupled to the bicycle carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a bike carrier having a longitudinal rail section with first and second wheel supporting members for supporting the wheels of a loaded bicycle. A retaining arm may be pivotally arranged relative to the longitudinal rail section. A telescoping rail may be configured to extend and retract relative to the longitudinal rail section. The bike carrier may include a hitch attachment member having a folding mechanism that is configured to tilt the bike carrier from an in-use position to a storage position. The bike carrier may be configured to support additional bike carriers in a generally scalable arrangement such that a plurality of bike carriers can extend from the hinge mechanism and tilt from the in-use position into the storage position.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes an electro-acoustic transducer for converting electrical audio signals into sound waves, and a housing that supports the electro-acoustic transducer. The loudspeaker also includes a shutter that is supported by the housing and is displaceable between a first, closed position in which the shutter substantially covers the transducer, and a second, open position in which the transducer is exposed.

Abstract: The sliding display device system is a device for mounting a display devices in a recreational vehicle that allows for easy repositioning of the display device along a horizontal axis between the driver and passenger side.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to methods and systems for vision-based computation of ego-motion.

Abstract: A front pillar garnish to be mounted to a front pillar in an interior of a vehicle includes a garnish body. The garnish body includes a first garnish component and a second garnish component. The first garnish component includes a first design surface. The second garnish component includes a second design surface. At least one of the first garnish component and the second garnish component includes a garnish component body and a shock absorbing portion that extends from the garnish component body over a back surface of the other one of the first garnish component and the second garnish component. The shock absorbing portion is integrally formed with the garnish component body.

Abstract: A pillar garnish for covering a pillar of a vehicle includes a first garnish component and a second garnish component. The first garnish component is made of thermoplastic elastomer olefin and includes a sidewall opposite an airbag disposed between the pillar and the pillar garnish. The second garnish component is made of material having rigidity higher than the first garnish component and disposed so as to overlap the first garnish component. The second garnish component includes a garnish body having a plate-like shape and a clip mount for holding a tether clip to be fixed to the pillar. The clip mount protrudes from a surface of the garnish body on a pillar side.

Abstract: A magnet fastener includes a cup, a magnet received in the cup and a carrier. The carrier receives and holds the cup while the resilient support includes at least one projection that engages the cup and provides a biasing force to prevent rattling or ticking of the cup on the carrier.

Abstract: A resilient fastener is provided and is usable with a panel having either a first thickness or a second thickness. The fastener includes a main body member, a first spring arm and a second spring arm. The main body member includes an anterior side and a posterior side. The first spring arm is disposed on the anterior side of the main body member. The first spring arm includes a first shoulder portion positioned to engage against a surface of a first panel having the first thickness. The second spring arm is disposed on the anterior side of the main body member. The second spring arm includes a second shoulder portion positioned to engage against a surface of a second panel. The second panel includes the second thickness which is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A composite cable for a vehicle is configured to connect between a wheel-side device which is fixed on a wheel side via a suspension device with respect to a body of the vehicle and a body-side device disposed on a body side. The composite cable includes wires, each of which includes a center conductor and an insulation for coating the center conductor. The center conductor includes a stranded wire comprising a plurality of solid conductors stranded with each other, and a diameter of each solid conductor is 0.05 mm to 0.12 mm. The composite cable also includes a sheath collectively covering the wires; and a lubricating member interposed between the wires and the sheath for reducing a frictional resistance between the wires and the sheath.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a housing and a connector for a door using the same. The housing forming a skeleton of a connector for a door coupled with a counter connector which is mounted in a panel includes: a terminal seating space configured to be formed by penetrating through the housing back and forth and an electric wire seating space configured to communicate with the terminal seating space to be opened to a rear of the housing, and an electric wire guide cover configured to prevent the electric wire seating space from protruding backward so as to prevent a load from being applied to a grommet in which an electric wire is coupled with the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and a system for automatic and intelligent determination and usage of internal reserve energy in an energy system associated with a vehicle. The system processes pre-configured inputs and inputs collected in real time, generates a distribution optimization profile which possesses information on values of different control parameters required to keep selected components operational, by considering energy availability in the energy storage system. Further, the system distributes energy to selected components, based on the distribution optimization profile. Further, the system verifies whether the selected distribution optimization profile matches a safe use profile and if not, automatically overrides settings associated with the distribution optimization profile to ensure safe driving of the vehicle, with at least a minimum comfort level.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system for a vehicle includes a vehicle component having an outer surface facing an exterior of the vehicle and an inner surface facing an interior compartment of the vehicle, and an energy harvesting module disposed in the vehicle component. The energy harvesting module includes an accessory battery and first and second energy harvesting devices. The accessory battery is configured to supply power to a vehicle accessory. The first energy harvesting device is electrically coupled to the accessory battery and is configured to harvest ambient energy collected from the exterior of the vehicle. The second energy harvesting device is electrically coupled to the accessory battery and is configured to harvest ambient energy collected from the interior of the vehicle. The energy harvesting module converts the harvested ambient energy to electrical energy.

Abstract: A method for communication between a transmitter and a vehicle includes transmitting information in the form of a text message in machine-readable form from the transmitter to the vehicle, receiving and analyzing the information of the vehicle, and automatically executing an application of the vehicle as a function of the information. A device by which the method of the invention may be implemented is also described.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper protection device reduces the force of impact in the event of collision. The device includes a chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall and a rear wall. The first and second side walls are coupled to and extend between the top and bottom walls and the front and rear walls. The chamber is configured for attaching to a vehicle bumper. An inflatable bladder is positioned in the chamber. A compression assembly is positioned within the bladder and is configured to absorb shock upon impact of the chamber.

Abstract: A device for absorbing kinetic energy includes a first stationary component and a second component that can be moved in relation to the first component, wherein at least one of the components converts energy by plastic deformation when a certain force level is exceeded, and comprising a coupling apparatus, which operatively connects the first component and the second component in such a way that the two components can be moved in relation to each other only with low energy conversion when the coupling apparatus is not activated and forces can be transmitted from one component to the other component when the coupling apparatus is activated.

Abstract: A roll off trailer is provided with a bumper assembly which may move between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The roll off trailer may include a trailer frame with a table top pivotally connected to the trailer such that the deployed position may be associated with a home position of the table top and the collapsed position may be associated with a tilted roll off position of the table top.

Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a catcher beam and a catcher beam support assembly including a catcher beam support to which the beam is attached. The support is movable between stowed and deployed positions. The apparatus includes a bumper energy absorber and a bumper beam. The assembly is positioned adjacent the absorber and either substantially within or adjacent to the bumper beam. The apparatus includes a mechanical, electromechanical or pneumatic actuator to allow the support to move to its deployed position. A pedestrian impact sensor sends a signal to a control unit in the event of an imminent pedestrian impact. The control unit then signals the assembly to allow the catcher beam to move to its deployed position by the use of the actuator. In the event of a false positive deployment, the actuator retracts the catcher beam to its stowed position.

Abstract: An airbag assembly for a seatbelt restraint such that the deflated airbag lays flat when it is stacked and secured to a webbing of the seatbelt. The airbag is assembled from a plurality of material strips. The strips are edge joint welded together so that the joints lay flat between the individual strips comprising the airbag.

Abstract: A side airbag device includes: an inflator configured to inject gas into an airbag; a case including a mount wall for the inflator to be mounted thereto; an inflator anchoring member provided on a side of the mount wall opposite to an inflator side and attached to the inflator by a mounting member with the mount wall held between the inflator anchoring member and the inflator; an outer covering material configured to cover the case; a restriction member fixed at a position around a seam of the outer covering material and configured to restrict a direction of deployment of the airbag; and an engaging portion provided at an end portion of the restriction member and configured to engage with the case, the engaging portion being located in place at the case, to thereby be restricted in movement.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle airbag occupant restraint system fastener includes a metal clip, a first thermoplastic connector, a second thermoplastic connector, and a thermoplastic tether. The thermoplastic tether extends between the first and second thermoplastic connectors. Opposing ends of the thermoplastic tether are seamlessly integrated into the first and second thermoplastic connectors, respectively. The first and second thermoplastic connectors are formed of a first material and the thermoplastic tether is formed of a second material that is different from the first.

Abstract: A lower limb protecting air bag includes: a main body inflation part; an end side inflation part; a bending part configured to bend the end side inflation part to project backward from the main body inflation part in inflation completion; and a connecting element configured to connect together the end side inflation part and the main body inflation part so that the bent state of the end side inflation part in inflation completion is maintained, wherein: the main body inflation part and the end side inflation part are configured to inflate substantially in a plate shape to separate a front side wall disposed on the back side and a back side wall disposed on the front side when the air bag is developed flat; and the bending part includes a seam part formed by superimposing and connecting together the front side wall and the back side wall.

Abstract: An air bag having a tri-state vent, in an initial state the vent is configured to be closed, the vent in a medial state configured to be at least partially open or fully open as the air bag is starting to inflate permitting some inflator gas to exit through the vent and the vent in a final state configured to be at least partially closed or fully closed as the air bag continues to inflate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including a cylindrical housing having therein an ignition device chamber and a pressurized gas chamber, a closing member in a circular shape having a fragile portion provided on one surface and closing between the chambers, a piston being disposed inside the ignition device chamber and having a base plate and a rod that extends in the axial direction from one surface of the base plate to abut against or face the closing member, the fragile portion being a groove formed with a curve extending from a start point A on Y1 to an end point E through a first intermediate point B on Y2, a second intermediate point C on Y1, and a third intermediate point D on Y2, where Y1 and Y2 are two straight lines drawn to be orthogonal to each other and to pass through a crossing point X2 on one surface of the closing member, the groove formed so that distances from the crossing point X2 to the respective points satisfy the following relationship: the distance to the start point A&

Abstract: A height adjuster of a seat belt for a vehicle may include a rail bracket configured to be fixedly mounted on a vehicle body so that rail grooves are formed to be continuously connected and the rail grooves are vertically disposed on the rail bracket, a slider configured to be coupled to the rail bracket and moving along a length direction of the rail bracket and having left and right surfaces provided with guide grooves so as to be fitted in edge portions of the rail bracket which are provided with the rail grooves, and a locking mechanism configured to be coupled to the slider so as to elastically slidably move and restrict a movement of the slider at a time of contacting the rail groove and release the restriction of the movement of the slider at a time of being separated from the rail groove.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices, systems and methods for use in vehicle operations. In some examples, the devices, systems and methods described herein can be used to permit safe operation of a vehicle where the vehicle operator may have one or more mobile devices in their possession.

Abstract: Fuel anti-theft systems, apparatus, and methods. Embodiments provide fuel anti-theft systems including a circuit and sensors which define nominal (secure) and tampered-with states. The tampered-with states are indicative of the sensor(s) being absent. Controllers of the current embodiment, moreover, senses a combined state of (all of a pre-selected number of) the sensors and determines therefrom whether all of the sensors are present and secure. In some embodiments, the controller senses the sensors (which can be wired in parallel) via a vehicle chassis ground. If desired, a resistor (which is about electrically equivalent to one of the sensors) and/or a geo-positioning system can be connected to the controller. The sensors can include normally open switches and clamps, cable ties, adhesives, etc. which close the switches. Some sensors include grounding straps while others include ground return leads. In some embodiments, sensors are positioned at vehicle fuel caps and/or fuel filters.

Abstract: A windshield includes a notch formed along an edge, and a motor pocket secured adjacent the notch. The motor pocket includes assembly components for securing a windshield accessory, such as a windshield wiper system. A pocket lid is secured to the motor pocket such that the notch is covered for use without the windshield accessory. The assembly facilitates installation of the windshield accessory if desired.

Abstract: A window wiper system includes a wiper assembly, a window moisture sensor, a wiper torque sensor and a control module. The control module is responsive to the window moisture sensor and the torque sensor to control the operation of the window wiper assembly.

Abstract: A washer fluid a vehicle comprises a motor and pump assembly and a holster assembly configured to receive a washer bottle. The holster assembly includes a cage configured to receive a washer bottle, a handle to secure the washer bottle within the holster assembly, a locking device to secure a handle of the washer bottle in place, and a bayonet to pierce a foil cap of the washer bottle when the washer bottle is received within the cage portion of the holster assembly. Once the washer bottle is secured within the holster assembly the motor and pump assembly are in fluid communication with the bottle.

Abstract: A window washer fluid reservoir is provided for a motor vehicle. The reservoir includes a flattened washer fluid tank having an outer wall contoured to hug a firewall of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly designed for use in a vehicle having a passenger compartment such as those with at least one row of seats and a cargo area. The vacuum cleaner assembly preferably includes a power head, a collection drum or other container, and a hose. The powerhead of the present invention is powered by the vehicle's electrical system and is preferably mounted between exterior body panels and interior compartment panels of the vehicle. For example, the power head may be mounted between the exterior body panels and the interior compartment panels adjacent to, but not in the cargo area.

Abstract: A cooling circuit for a motor vehicle having a cooling medium pump that circulates a cooling medium in the cooling circuit having a hydrodynamic retarder. The cooling circuit further includes a main circuit in which the cooling medium pump and a drive motor of the motor vehicle, as well as a heat exchanger are positioned. A secondary branch of the cooling circuit includes a feed that branches off from the main circuit at a branch-off point and ends in the hydrodynamic retarder, and a return which proceeds from the hydrodynamic retarder and ends at a junction location in the main circuit. The return ends upstream of the branch-off location of the feed as viewed in a flow direction of the cooling medium in the main circuit, however on the same side of the cooling medium pump or at the branch-off location of the feed in the main circuit.

Abstract: A safe driving system for alerting a driver within a vehicle is provided. The system includes a driver assistance device configured to perform at least one of the following: automatically braking the vehicle if the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a second vehicle and providing blind spot assistance. The system also includes a controller configured to track a driver's face with an interior camera resulting in tracked driver's face data. The controller is configured to determine whether the driver is distracted based on the tracked driver's face data. The controller is configured to activate the driver assistance device if the driver is distracted and the hazard detecting device detects at least one of the second vehicle or a third vehicle in the blind spot of the driver. A method for assisting a driver of a vehicle and a non-transitory machine-readable medium that provides instructions are also provided.

Abstract: A method and device for braking a traction vehicle-trailer combination with a traction vehicle and at least one trailer, in which a traction controller is provided for a brake system of the traction vehicle, and for a brake system of the at least one trailer, no traction controller is provided or a traction controller is provided for the axles which are present, but with a brake-slip-determining arrangement on fewer axles than the number of axles, in which (a) the trailer brake system is controlled by the traction vehicle brake system, and (b) during a braking it is determined whether there is a risk of the trailer swinging out as to the traction vehicle, or whether such swinging is imminent or is occurring, and (c) the braking force or the braking of the trailer is reduced if it has been determined in (a) that there is a risk of the trailer swinging out, or is imminent or is occurring, and (d) a risk of the trailer swinging out, or imminent or occurring swinging out of the trailer, as to the traction vehicle