Abstract: A motor vehicle has a drive device, a control device for starting and turning off the drive device and a detection device for monitoring the presence of a person in the motor vehicle. The control device is designed to turn off the drive device if the detection device signals that the person leaves or has left the motor vehicle. The control device is also set up to restart the drive device, after it has been previously detected that the person has gotten out of the motor vehicle, if the detection device signals the presence of a person again.

Abstract: A user device may be used to prevent a driver of a vehicle from driving while drowsy. The user device may create a driver profile for the driver and collect driving data while the driver is driving the vehicle. The driver profile may include information regarding the driver's propensity to drive while drowsy and the driving data may include information regarding whether the driver is exhibiting drowsy behaviors and how long the driver has been driving continuously. The user device may determine whether the driver is drowsy based on the driver profile and the driving data, and may respond in one or more ways, such as by altering the driver with an audio signal, providing the driver with a map to a nearby rest area, activating a braking system of the vehicle, warning nearby drivers about the driver being drowsy, contacting a parent or guardian of the driver, etc.

Abstract: A meter includes a liquid crystal display having a liquid crystal display surface and a case housing the liquid crystal display surface, an analog meter device including a dial portion having a plurality of translucent indicators, a light source configured to illuminate the dial portion from a back side of the dial portion, and an illumination light-passing section formed in a lateral edge portion of the case, configured to pass light from the light source toward the translucent indicator.

Abstract: A vehicle (100) comprising a wading information display (1020), a memory and a processor, the memory containing a program configured to run on the processor to calculate the maximum wading depth of the vehicle from the measured suspension travel, and to display the maximum wading depth on the display. The display may also show a dual wading depth, an advisory wading speed, and vehicle inclination.

Abstract: An instrumentation gauge for a vehicle includes a single piece light guide divided into multiple sections by an opaque light guide insert. The single piece light guide includes at least one telltale graphic printed on a surface of the light guide in each of the light guide sections. When light is communicated into a given section of the light guide, the light scatters on the telltale graphic causing the graphic to be illuminated and distinguishable from a same or similar colored background.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an electric machine and a storage device. The electric machine is configured to provide drive torque and the storage device is configured to supply power to the electric machine. The vehicle includes a variable voltage converter (VVC) that is connected between the storage device and the electric machine. The vehicle also includes a controller that is configured to receive input indicative of a VVC input current and a VVC output voltage. The controller is further configured to selectively disable drive torque responsive to the input.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle, the vehicle being driven by at least two power plants, and at least one electric power plant charging a high voltage energy system which supplies a low voltage energy system with electrical energy, a high voltage being converted into a low voltage for supplying at least one control unit of the vehicle, and the vehicle being disconnected from the electric power plant when a fault is detected in the high voltage system. To maintain the energy supply to the control units via the low voltage system even in the event of a fault in the high voltage system, the power plant is placed in a state for generating a voltage which is uncritical for the safety of the user after the high voltage system is disconnected, the safety-uncritical voltage being converted into the low voltage for supplying the at least one control unit.

Abstract: The present invention answers the need for the existence of a network for charging electric vehicles (EV), particularly with regard to the so-called fast charging (20 to 30 minutes). Therefore, this station is intended for, inter alia, parking areas of public and private buildings, and fossil fuels service stations, such places where the slow charging is not very viable, since this type of charging (6 to 8 hours) will be done mostly at night. The present invention envisages the charging of EVs within a short period of time and with the particularity of being renewable energy produced on site, being possible to produce in one place the electrical energy necessary do power the EVs, since it includes structures of photovoltaic panels and equipment for the transformation of energy and the fast charging of the existing DC batteries in the EVs.

Abstract: One aspect provides a wireless power transmitter. The wireless power transmitter includes a transmit antenna configured to generate a field for wireless transmit power in both a first and second configuration. The wireless power transmitter further includes a first capacitor. The wireless power transmitter further includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the first capacitor in one of the first and second configuration. The first capacitor can be in series with the transmit antenna in the first configuration and in parallel with the transmit antenna in the second configuration.

Abstract: An electrical battery exchanging system for reuse application is disclosed. The system includes: a number of rechargeable battery packs, a battery condition detecting module, a user ID checking module, a power source, a charging controlling module. Since the system can monitor conditions of rechargeable battery cells of the rechargeable battery packs and uses user ID for operating control purpose, it has benefits of conveniently exchanging low-power battery with fully charged one, easily sorting out end-of-life batteries and getting them for recycle or reuse, simply charging service fee and stably operating under a business model.

Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment receives an external AC power source. The electric vehicle supply equipment includes a relay apparatus and a controller. The relay apparatus has a master relay, an auxiliary relay, and a controllable switch. The master relay is connected to a master power loop. The controllable switch is connected in series to the auxiliary relay to form a series path and connected to an auxiliary power loop. When the controller detects the external AC power source, the controller turns on the auxiliary relay. Afterward, when the controller detects that the external AC power source is in a zero-crossing condition, the controller drives the controllable switch to be turned on. Accordingly, the relays are controlled in coordinated timing, and further the external AC power source is detected, thus implementing the zero-voltage and zero-current turning on of the relay apparatus.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for charging a vehicle in a wireless power transfer system. In one aspect, a method of charging a vehicle is provided, including determining distances between the vehicle and each of a plurality of charging stations. The method further includes selectively communicating, based on the distances, with a first charging station of the plurality of charging stations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle having a traction battery with a plurality of cell groups each having a plurality of serially connected battery cells include balancing each cell of each cell group with a corresponding autonomous cell balancing circuit, and coupling a single output associated with each cell group to an associated battery monitoring circuit. An integrated driver and switch circuit adapts the voltage from an associated cell group for powering battery monitoring integrated circuits with a voltage range corresponding to a single cell voltage range to facilitate use of an existing battery monitoring integrated circuit design and subsequent input to a microprocessor-based battery controller. Cell balancing is performed at each cell with a battery monitor circuit associated with each group of cells.

Abstract: A redox flow battery. A metal-ligand coordination compound including an aromatic ligand that contains an electron withdrawing group is used as the catholyte and/or the anolyte so that a redox flow battery having high energy density and excellent charge/discharge efficiency may be provided.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a driving source generating driving power for running the vehicle, and a control device for controlling the driving source. The control device performs driving power variation operation on the driving source in which the driving source is switched between a first state where the driving source generates driving power and a second state where the driving source generates driving power of a level lower than the level of the driving power in the first state to run the vehicle. The control device performs the driving power variation operation during steady running when variation in driving power requested by a user falls within a prescribed range, and also performs the driving power variation operation during an acceleration request or during a deceleration request when the variation in the requested driving power increases or decreases beyond the prescribed range.

Abstract: A seat adjustment apparatus for a vehicle includes a pair of seat adjustment mechanisms, a drive source positioned close to one of the pair of seat adjustment mechanisms and far from the other one of the pair of seat adjustment mechanisms, and a connecting member transmitting a drive power to the pair of seat adjustment mechanisms, wherein the connecting member includes a first portion transmitting the drive power to the one of the pair of seat adjustment mechanisms and having a first torsional rigidity, the connecting member includes a second portion transmitting the drive power to the other one of the pair of seat adjustment mechanisms and having a second torsional rigidity, and the first torsional rigidity differs from the second torsional rigidity.

Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus including a base member, a rotatable cover member with an internal tooth gear, three tooth plates with external tooth gears, a pivotable cam member on an inner peripheral side of the tooth plates, a biasing member biasing each of the tooth plates, three guide projections projecting from the tooth plates toward the cover member, an annular grooved portion in the cover member, and three guide surfaces whose one or two being formed on an inner peripheral wall surface of the annular grooved portion, the remainder of the three guide surfaces being formed on the outer peripheral wall surface thereof, wherein the three guide surfaces serve to restrain displacement of the three tooth plates toward the lock position when the respective guide projections are allowed to run upon the corresponding guide surfaces.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement between an upright seating position and a fold flat position overlying the seat cushion. A support bracket is coupled to the seat cushion for mounting the seat assembly to the floor of a vehicle. A pair of front legs extends between a first end pivotally coupled to the seat cushion and an opposite second end pivotally coupled to the support bracket. A pair of rear legs extends between a first end pivotally coupled to the seat cushion and an opposite second end pivotally coupled to the support bracket. A linkage mechanism is operatively coupled between the front legs and the rear legs for actuating rotation of the seat assembly between a seating position spaced above the vehicle floor and a stow position recessed within below the floor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having at least one cushion element including a foam layer (1, 1?), a cover (2) and a massage device (3), wherein the massage device (3) includes one or more fluid fillable, hollow elements (3a) that are located in open recesses (1a, 1a?) of the cushion elements (1, 1?) facing the cover (2) and are designed such that when filled with fluid, the mechanical expansion of the hollow elements (3) that effect the massaging force on the vehicle seat occupant expands toward the cover (2) and is supported by a support element (4) in a direction that faces away from the cover (2), and wherein the support element (4) is arranged such that it introduces the mechanical force resulting from the expansion of the hollow element (3a) and pointing away from the cover (2) into the at least one (1) and/or both the cushion elements (1, 1?).

Abstract: A seat heater provided in a seat cushion of a vehicle seat includes a first heater wire and a second heater wire which are arranged on the opposite side to each other through the groove provided on the surface of a cushion pad, and a groove portion heater wire provided in the groove for connecting the second heater wire with the first heater wire. The groove portion heater wire includes one end portion extending toward a groove bottom beyond a first corner of the groove, the other end portion extending toward the groove bottom beyond a second corner of the groove, and a folded portion folded in the central part of the groove bottom. The extending direction of at least one of the one end portion and the other end portion of the groove portion heater wire is inclined with respect to the depth direction of the groove.

Abstract: An improved seat covering protects a vehicle seat from being contaminated with a fluid. The improved seat covering includes a seat covering which has a first layer mechanically coupled to a second layer, where the second layer is made from a hydrophobic material which prevents the fluid from contaminating the vehicle seat this can prevent the fluid from contaminating a cloth seat and also prevents the fluid from damaging a leather seat.

Abstract: A bulk material transport apparatus which includes a containment structure on a wheeled frame which is formed of perimeter wall members about a bulk material containment area, further includes at least one modular hopper unit mountable at a bottom side of the containment area for discharging contents of the bulk material containment area therethrough. The modular hopper units can be readily interchanged with other hopper units which are different in gate opening size, gate opening height, gate opening orientation, and/or other characteristics relative to one another. One optional modular hopper unit is a side discharge unit which is reversible for discharging to a selected one of two laterally opposed sides of the transport apparatus.

Abstract: A motorized expedition vehicle has a truck cab, an engine and riding gear package, and a cabin. The cabin can serve any as a living, camping or office area. The wherein the cabin is expandible and collapsible between expanded and collapsed extremes. To do this, the cabin has an openable rectangular box structure. Namely, there is a rectangular and open-topped lower-sidewall/floor portion, a rectangular and open-bottomed upper-sidewall/roof portion, and one more rectangular-hoop shaped, intermediate sidewall sections. A crawlspace hatchway is formed between the cabin and cab.

Abstract: Improvements in a self-tightening holding strap that grips onto a tube. The strap uses an elastomeric cushion with hook and loop fasteners to hold the strap onto a tubular pipe. The hook and loop fasteners allows the self-tightening holding strap to be easily installed, removed and repositioned where desired. The elastomeric cushion conforms around a textured or powder coated surface to increase the gripping forces. The elastomeric cushion can expand slightly as forces increase but retain the high grip. A tightening clasp allows an installer to pull from only one side of the self-tightening holding strap with one or both hands and using the elastomeric cushion to prevent the self-tightening holding strap from sliding on the pole. The self-tightening holding strap to be sewn onto a cover, canopy or strap.

Abstract: Strap holders for palletized cargo include one or more blocks, each having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front face and a vertical rear face. The front face includes an arcuate cavity that is dimensioned and configured to tightly conform to the upper rim of a given storage container. The vertical rear face includes a notch that is dimensioned to receive a cargo strap. As the strap is tightened around a container, each block cavity tightly grips the container rim while the notch prevents the strap from shifting or releasing.

Abstract: A roof-mountable retractable cargo securing system for cargo positioned in an open bed of a pick-up truck, the system may include two roof-mountable base tubes interconnected with a connecting plate so that longitudinal axes of the base tubes are separated by a distance that exceeds a width of the cargo to be secured. Securing members concentric with and slidably engaged with the base tubes may be selectively enclosed within the base tubes or partially extended from the base tubes to positions at sides of the cargo to be secured. Contact arms may be pivotally coupled to ends of the securing members and rotationally positionable to interconnect the securing members with the cargo to be secured.

Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a method of using sequential logic and vehicle sensors to produce a notification.

Abstract: A headlight for motor vehicles including a box-shaped housing, a light unit arranged in the housing, a front pane sealing the housing to the front relative to the direction of travel, and mountings provided on the housing for connecting the housing to the vehicle. Impact protection is provided by a rupture device that has at least one flexurally sensitive region of reduced wall thickness in the wall of the housing. The flexurally sensitive region at least partially extends transversely to the direction of the possible impact loading. A rupture element supported against the vehicle structure is provided on at least one point of the flexurally sensitive region. A targeted continuous rupturing of the flexurally sensitive region is provided by the rupture element in an impact with an unprotected road user.

Abstract: In a vehicle lamp control device, a control unit is configured to a) hold a road surface angle reference value and a vehicle posture angle reference value in a volatile manner, b) generate an optical axis adjusting signal using a vehicle posture angle in response to variation in a total angle during the stop of the vehicle, c) avoid generating or outputting the optical axis adjusting signal or output an optical axis holding signal, and hold a road surface angle as a new reference value, in response to variation in the total angle during travelling of the vehicle. The control unit, in response to receiving the turn-off signal of the switch, d-1) writes at least the road surface angle reference value in the storage unit or continues to execute the step (c) while delaying the step (d-1).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicular lamp system in which modification or addition of functions of a lamp may be performed even after a vehicle is purchased. The vehicular lamp system includes a lamp unit; a vehicle storage unit configured to store first identification information; a communication unit configured to communicate with an external storage unit which stores second identification information corresponding to the first identification information, and function information associated with the second identification information and related to a user's selected function of the lamp unit; and a control unit configured to control an operation of the lamp unit. The communication unit acquires the function information associated with the second identification information corresponding to the first identification information from the external storage unit, and the control unit operates the lamp unit based on the function information to execute a specific function.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, turn signals are automatically activated in response to signals received from a navigation system, based on the navigation instructions generated by the navigation system. The navigation system of a vehicle (either built into the vehicle or provided as a stand-alone unit) is communicatively coupled with or otherwise integrated with the turn signals of the vehicle. When the navigation system instructs the driver to perform a maneuver (such as making a turn), it can also cause the appropriate turn signal to be automatically activated at the appropriate time and/or distance in advance of the maneuver. When the navigation system detects that the maneuver has been made, or that the driver has ignored the system's instructions, the turn signal can be automatically deactivated.

Abstract: A system for detecting vehicle deceleration having an accelerometer, a processing arrangement, and a deceleration indicator. The processing unit samples data from the accelerometer, and based on that data, determines if the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating. If the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating in excess of a threshold, the deceleration indicator is activated.

Abstract: A disabled vehicle safety apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus is utilized to prevent harm to a disabled vehicle or driver located on a roadway or the side of a road. The apparatus is configured to be collapsed and folded for easy transportation. The apparatus comprises a body and a perimeter that are comprised of lightweight reflective material(s). The apparatus includes elastic cording and a plurality of apertures. The elastic cording is located throughout the perimeter of the apparatus, wherein the elastic cording is operative to tighten and loosen the perimeter. The plurality of apertures is located along the perimeter, wherein the elastic cording is accessible through the plurality of apertures. The apparatus includes at least one removably attachable component that may be operative to be secured to the body and/or the perimeter, such as a GPS component, via the elastic cording.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system comprises a group of light sources having a plurality of portions. Each of the portions has a proximity sensor configured to communicate a signal to control a portion of the plurality of portions. A controller is in communication with the light sources and the proximity sensors. The controller is operable to selectively activate a first portion of the grouping of light sources in response to a first proximity detection, and activate the plurality of portions in response to a second proximity detection.

Abstract: Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communications center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity.

Abstract: A child safety and alert system and method that detect and monitor access and egress for assignable locations within a motor vehicle by identifying designated positions within the vehicle, by monitoring at least one of the motor, the driver door and other doors or closures in the vehicle, by activating a timer if the motor is stopped or the driver door is opened and closed, and by triggering an alarm if the designated doors or closures are not opened within a predefined time interval after the motor stops or the driver door is opened. The alarm can be deactivated from the driver seat or by a remote device. The system and method are similarly useful for alerting a driver to retrieve objects from storage locations within a vehicle.

Abstract: A display system for a vehicle comprises a display mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle and at least one camera mounted to the vehicle and facing at least partially in a rear direction. A sensor is connected to the display system for the vehicle. An ECU is controllably connected to the display and the at least one camera. The ECU provides an image from the at least one camera when a predetermined threshold of brake application is sensed or anti-lock brake activity is sensed.

Abstract: A monitoring device of power line and camera mounted on a vehicle comprises single power line integrated power supply and signal that simplify the complexity of wiring for easy installation and maintenance, reducing costs. When a camera captures an image signal, the power line generates carrier wave for the image signal as a radio frequency signal being transmitted to a wired cable line and then to the screen host.

Abstract: A system for capturing image data for gestures from a passenger or a driver in a vehicle with a dynamic illumination level comprises a low-lux sensor equipped to capture image data in an environment with an illumination level below an illumination threshold, a high-lux sensor equipped to capture image data in the environment with the illumination level above the illumination threshold, and an object recognition module for activating the sensors. The object recognition module determines the illumination level of the environment and activates the low-lux sensor if the illumination level is below the illumination threshold. If the illumination level is above the threshold, the object recognition module activates the high-lux sensor.

Abstract: A control device for changing screen and audio of an AVN system includes a surrounding-state-information acquisition unit that acquires surrounding state information of a vehicle, an output unit that outputs the surrounding state information acquired by the surrounding-state-information acquisition unit, a gear-shifting-state sensing unit that senses a shifting state of a gear of the vehicle, a booting execution unit that performs an initial booting process for booting the AVN system when a system power is applied with a start of an engine of the vehicle, and a control unit that outputs the surrounding state information acquired by the surrounding-state-information acquisition unit from the output unit with priority over the initial booting screen and audio outputted by the booting execution unit when a reverse gear state is sensed by the gear-shifting-state sensing unit while the initial booting process is being performed by the booting execution unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting an object to a structure in a vibration-free manner. The device has an elastic arrangement that supports the object at the structure in a stiff manner in the directions of at least two of the total of six translational and rotational degrees of freedom and in a soft manner in the directions of at least one of the total of six translational and rotational degrees of freedom. Main modes of motion of the object in the directions of the rigid support have natural frequencies that are higher than any main mode of motion of the object in any direction of the soft support at least by a factor of ten. The soft support is undamped, and a damping device is provided for any main mode of motion of the object in any direction of the soft support.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror casing portion and a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element. The mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror back plate. A heater pad is disposed between a side of the mirror back plate and the mirror reflective element. The mirror reflective element is fixedly attached to the mirror back plate with the heater pad disposed therebetween. The mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a display indicator having a light source that is activatable to emit light. When activated, the light source emits light that transmits through a light-transmitting passageway of the display indicator and through a light-transmitting portion of the heater pad and through the mirror reflective element to be viewable by the driver of the vehicle. The display indicator is associated with a blind spot detection system of the vehicle.

Abstract: Asymmetric sectioned mirrors are presented. The mirrors include, for example, constant radius of curvature sections that are selected to increase the sizes and improve the definitions of images, for example images of children milling, walking and/or standing about either the front or alongside regions of a school bus. The mirrors may be asymmetric in either or both the horizontal and vertical directions. The mirrors may include a mounting system capable of using both ball mounts and tunnel mounts.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.

Abstract: A tonneau cover for a vehicle includes an outwardly biased first cover, wherein the first cover is biased from an interior of the housing to engage a seatback, an inwardly biased second cover selectively extendable from the interior of the housing opposite the first cover and a tab of the first cover that selectively engages the seatback as the seatback is moved between a plurality of lateral positions.

Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly can cover a vehicle storage area such as an interior console or a cargo box. The storage assembly can include a base and a lid. The lid can be opened from two sides to allow easy access for a driver and passengers to an interior storage compartment. The base includes at least two rods, which can act as axles for the lid to pivot about. The lid includes at least one rotation member or guide which can be released from the rod only when the lid is in a desired position, for example, a closed position. The lid can include a latch for each rod. The lid can have a lock to secure one or both of the latches with the lid in a closed position.

Abstract: An integrated tray table is provided for a motor vehicle. The tray table includes a support that extends in a first plane and a retention panel that includes a pivot connecting the retention panel to the support. The retention panel is pivotally displaceable about the pivot between a home position wherein the retention panel extends in second plane substantially parallel to or the same as the first plane and a deployed position wherein the retention panel rests within a third plane in an angle to the second plane.

Abstract: A steering wheel system for a vehicle includes a first microphone mounted in a steering wheel and a second microphone mounted in the vehicle. The first and second microphones are each configured to receive an audible input. The audible input includes an oral command component and a noise component. The steering wheel system also includes a controller configured to identify the noise component by determining that the noise component received at the first microphone is out of phase with the noise component received at the second microphone. The controller is configured to cancel the noise component from the audible input.

Abstract: A serviceable safety clip for retaining an automotive trim panel to an inner panel. The serviceable safety clip includes a pin secured to the trim panel, wherein the pin includes a plurality of blades that each include a low retention detent and a high retention detent. The serviceable safety clip also includes a receiver that is secured to the inner panel, wherein the receiver includes an angled face to facilitate insertion of the pin detents and a holding face that retains the pin detents. Insertion of the blades into the receiver includes pushing the pin to flex the blades inward and thereby move the high retention detent beyond the holding face and pushing the pin further to again flex the blades inward and to move the low retention detent into engagement with the holding face.

Abstract: A tether clip used to attach a pillar garnish to a pillar has a base, a tether portion, and a garnish retaining portion. The tether portion and the garnish retaining portion rise from a surface of the base. The tether portion is provided in a location away from the garnish retaining portion.