Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a user identification subsystem operable to detect a user and an interactive display subsystem operable to generate output for display on a vehicle window in response to detection of the user. A method of operating a system for a vehicle includes detecting a user of the vehicle and generating output for display on a vehicle window visible from at least one of outside and inside the vehicle in response to detection of the user.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object in an environmental region of a motor vehicle by a camera system of the motor vehicle is disclosed. A first image of the environmental region is provided by a camera of the camera system with illumination of the environmental region using a light source of the motor vehicle such that a shadow of the object caused by the illumination is depicted in the first image. A second image of the environmental region is also provided by the camera in an inactive state of the light source, in which the illumination is omitted. Then, a subtraction image is generated by subtracting one of the images from the other image by an image processing device of the camera system. Then, an edge image is generated from the subtraction image, and the object is detected based on edges of the edge image by the image processing device.

Abstract: Systems for optimizing adjustment of automotive side-view mirror assemblies are provided that aid in adjusting the side-view mirrors to reduce blind areas. In general, examples of the systems for optimizing adjustment of automotive side-view mirror assemblies described herein are located on the mirror and the housing. Embodiments of the system generally include a mirror having surface indicia marking a target zone, a housing attached to a vehicle, the housing supporting the mirror; and an alignment guide viewable in the mirror integrated into or attached to the housing. When the alignment guide is visible in the target zone of the mirror, the mirror is optimally adjusted, reducing or eliminating the blind areas normally caused by misadjustment of the side-view mirrors.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is an outer mirror in which an outer mirror main body is attached to an outer mirror attaching part of a vehicle body via an outer mirror base, characterized in that the outer mirror base has a shared base main body configured to support the outer mirror main body, and an exclusive spacer having one end abutting the shared base main body and the other end pressed against the outer mirror attaching part of the vehicle body via a gasket, wherein the exclusive spacer abuts and is fixed to the shared base main body, and an attaching screw passing through the outer mirror attaching part is threadedly attached to the exclusive spacer.

Abstract: Moving a mover for mirror surface angle detection following a nut member along a male thread member in such a manner that the mover is rotatable relative to the nut member and is non-rotatable relative to the male thread member, without biasing the mover by means of a spring. A communication hole is provided in a male thread member along a shaft axis of the male thread member. A mover is inserted through the communication hole so as to be movable in an axial direction. A front end of the mover is connected to a position in a back of a front end of a nut member so as to be rotatable relative to the nut member around the axis of the nut member. A position detection device detects a position of the mover relative to a base member in a direction along the male thread member.

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: An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly includes a reflective single glass element having a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a curved outboard reflective glass portion. The substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion has a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters and provides a first primary field of view rearward of the vehicle that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the vehicle. The curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle that encompasses a blind spot of the substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion. The reflective single glass element includes a demarcation that generally demarcates the substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from the curved outboard reflective glass portion.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion defining a support frame having a plurality of forwardly extending connection pins disposed about a periphery of a forward surface of the support frame. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed over a front surface of the polymeric body portion and includes a multitude of openings defining a support matrix configured to support the weight of a passenger. The body portion includes a plurality of slots configured to receive and engage the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A cushion layer extends over the flexible comfort carrier. A head restraint extends upwardly from the forward support frame.

Abstract: An apparatus adaptable for use within a vehicle that secures a firearm and enables rapid release of the firearm. The apparatus possesses intuitive and accessible controls permitting hands free operation requiring no visual inspection during use so a user can maintain his or her gaze on a perceived threat and rapidly obtain access to the firearm in the ready state.

Abstract: A holster for securing a handgun to the dashboard of a car is provided. The handgun holster is adjustably attached to the lower portion of the dashboard, typically below the steering wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable bicycle carrier (1) which serves for the transport of one or several bicycles, with an extension set (11), in which the bicycle carrier (1) presents bicycle-carrier-fixed positioning areas (8) for running wheels of the bicycles, and each time two positioning areas (8a 8b, 8b or 8c, 8d) are assigned to a bicycle, wherein the positioning areas (8) of the bicycle carrier (1) for folding are pivotable around at least one pivoting axis (ST), and the extension set (11) is detachably applied at the bicycle carrier (1) and presents a first positioning area (18a) and a second positioning area (18b) separated from the first positioning area (18a), which are assigned to the running wheels of a further bicycle, and the two parts of the extension set (11) comprising the positioning areas (18a; 18b) are applied at the collapsible area of the bicycle carrier (1) detachably and pivotably forwards and backwards in direction of the bicycle-carrier-fixed positioning areas (8), in which the bi

Abstract: An interior panel, for use in a vehicle that includes a plurality of electrical devices and a vehicle component frame, includes printed electrical connection means for connecting the electrical devices in the vehicle and a substrate layer that has an inner surface directed towards the vehicle component frame. The electrical connection means are printed on the inner surface of the substrate layer using an electrically conductive ink.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interior trim part of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a composite having a carrier (30) and a decorative element (10) on one side of the carrier, the decorative element comprising a viewing side (11) visible to an observer from the interior (100) of the vehicle comprising a substantially continuously closed surface at least in a partial region (B1), characterized in that the composite is thinner within the partial region (B1) facing away from the viewing side perpendicular to the viewing side, and is capable of ultrasonic vibration in the thinned region (B1), and by an ultrasonic sensor having an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is connected to the side of the composite facing away from the viewing side (11) over the entire surface of the thinned area (B1).

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for a vehicle, includes an electronic device, a waterproof housing that receives the electronic device, and a filter. The housing has a ventilation hole that penetrates through a housing wall of the housing. The filter is attached to a filter attachment portion of the housing wall to cover the ventilation hole. A wall surface of the ventilation hole includes a slope surface section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, which progressively increases from an inner end to an outer end of the slope surface section toward an outer surface of the housing wall in a penetrating direction of the ventilation hole. Furthermore, a distance between the filter attachment portion and the outer surface is larger than that between the inner end of the slope surface section and the outer surface in the penetrating direction.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a first body structure defining a first interior cavity and a second body structure defining a second interior cavity. One of the first and second body structures is pivotally connected and movable relative to the other of the first and second body structures to define an open configuration and a closed configuration. A first grommet is fixed to the first body structure. A second grommet is fixed to the second body structure. A flexible tube is movably received by the second grommet. The flexible tube has a first end fixed to the first grommet and a second end positioned within the second interior cavity. The flexible tube extends across an exterior space between the first and second body structures. A wiring harness is configured to receive electrical wiring and passes through the flexible tube from the first interior cavity to the second interior cavity.

Abstract: A wire harness exterior member has a plurality of specified sections set along a tubular body longitudinal direction of a body portion, and the body portion has, for each specified section, a resin characterized portion molded using a resin material having characteristics adapted to the corresponding specified section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deformation element, in particular for bumper cross member (2) on a motor vehicle, having at least one predetermined breaking point (S) at which, in the event of a crash, the deformation element (1) breaks apart into a breaking segment (1a) facing the crash which is displaced over the course of the crash and into a stationary breaking segment (1b) facing away from the crash. According to the invention the deformation element (1) is produced with at least one material layer (4) made of a fibre-reinforced plastic having a fibre fabric (14) embedded in a bedding material (10), said fibre fabric being exposed, after the deformation element (1) breaks apart, between the breaking segments (1a, 1b) and connecting said breaking segments to each other.

Abstract: A tubular back beam assembly may include a plurality of main members, each of which is formed by cold rolling and hot stamping and the plurality of main members may be coupled to form a vertically stacked structure with flat portions coupled in a surface contact fashion or, the tubular back beam assembly may include a main member and at least one support member that are directly coupled to form a vertically stacked structure.

Abstract: A knee protection airbag apparatus is provided with a case, an airbag received in the case, and an inflator received in the case. The inflator includes a gas discharging port at one end side and a connection port portion at the other end side. The connection port portion is exposed through a connector opening of the case. A protruding piece that prevents the inflator from falling-out is formed on a peripheral edge of the connector opening. When the inflator is attached to the case, the inflator is guided by a guide portion to a location where falling-out of the inflator is prevented by the protruding piece.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods, and systems relating to flat panel airbag cushions that may be particularly useful in connection with passenger-side airbag systems. Some embodiments may comprise a first panel and a second panel having a larger cross-sectional area than the first panel in an unfolded state. The second panel may comprise a first set of pleats and a second set of pleats configured such that, upon inflation of the airbag cushion, the first set of pleats and the second set of pleats unfold to define a three-dimensional airbag cushion. The second panel may be sewn or otherwise attached to the first panel about a periphery of the two panels.

Abstract: A side airbag includes a panel having a first left face and a first right face and folded along a fold line to form a chamber, another panel having a second left face and a second right face and folded to form a chamber, wherein the second left face has a left edge part joined to the first left face along a line from an upper edge part to a lower edge part of the first left face at a position closer to the fold line than to a left edge part of the first left face, and the second right face has a right edge part joined to the first right face along a line from an upper edge part to a lower edge part of the first right face at a position closer to the fold line than to a right edge part of the first right face.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag comprises a primary chamber and a secondary chamber affixed to the primary chamber by a seam. A passage is defined between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber. The seam defines a closed shape, and an inner side of the seam is located between sides of the primary chamber, and is between sides of the secondary chamber.

Abstract: In an airbag, an airbag main body is formed into a bag so as to comprise at least a front panel and a rear panel in an inflated and deployed state, vent holes are formed on the rear panel, vent covers that open and close the vent holes are attached to an outer surface of the rear panel, patch members are attached to the vent covers, and opening degrees of the vent holes are regulated by the vent covers and the patch members inflating in cooperation using a portion of the pressurized gas supplied to the interior of the airbag main body when the airbag main body inflates and deploys.

Abstract: A system for protecting a colliding object from a secondary impact, after an initial impact with a vehicle, including a vehicle having a front end, an adhesive layer positioned on the front end of the vehicle, a coating positioned over the adhesive layer, wherein, upon the initial impact between the colliding object and the vehicle, the coating is broken exposing the adhesive layer to adhere the colliding object to the adhesive layer during the initial impact.

Abstract: An active hood apparatus for a vehicle may include a vehicle body bracket including a guide slot formed upwardly, an operation pin having one end configured to be inserted and slid into the guide slot and the other end connected to a hood by a link, an operation link pivotally coupled to the vehicle body bracket by a hinge pin and having one end configured for contacting the one end of the operation pin to slide the one end of the operation pin upwardly along the guide slot simultaneously with moving the operation pin in a length direction of one end at the time of being rotated, and an inflator rotating the operation link at the time of applying an operation signal thereto.

Abstract: A supplemental prisoner restraint system is mountable to the frame of a police car to secure a prisoner in a seated position. The supplemental restraint system includes a mounting plate that is secured to the frame, a restraint bar that is pivotally supported on the mounting plate for movement between a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position, and a locking mechanism that secures the restraint bar in any selected lowered position. An actuation lever selectively releases the locking mechanism to raise the restraint bar for release of the prisoner. A spring mechanism biases the restraint bar toward a raised position so that the restraint bar can be moved upwardly while the police officer is outside of the police vehicle. The supplemental restraint system can also be utilized in an office environment in conjunction with a seating device to temporarily secure a prisoner while being processed.

Abstract: A belt member includes: a strip member having an elongate shape; a fastener disposed along the longitudinal direction of the strip member; and an opening-closing device that opens or closes the fastener. For reducing a contact pressure of the belt member per unit area, the fastener is opened by the opening-closing device to unfold the belt member into a form of a wide strip so that the width of the belt member is increased. On the other hand, when the fastener is closed by the opening-closing device, the belt member takes a form of a narrow tube so that the width of the belt member is reduced.

Abstract: A belt retractor (5) for a vehicle seat belt includes a frame (10) made of plastic material and two side legs (16) between which a belt reel (22) equally made of plastic material is arranged. The belt reel (22) is provided with a flange (26) at each of its end faces and a retaining pin (32) to which the seat belt (7) is fastened is accommodated in the belt reel (22). The retaining pin (32) extends into the flanges (26) of the belt reel (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a support device for a windscreen-wiper blade comprising a wiping strip (3) and a structure element (8), the device having an open section (5a) designed for receiving the wiping strip (3) of the windscreen-wiper blade (2), to allow it to be held substantially flat. According to the invention, the support device (1) comprises, means (7) for positioning the windscreen-wiper blade (2) in the support device (1), means (6) for attaching the windscreen-wiper blade (2) in the support device (1), said attachment means being in the form of at least one attachment point (6a) acting on the structure element (8) of the windscreen-wiper blade (2). The invention also relates to a support assembly for windscreen-wiper blades comprising two support devices, a packaging integrating a support device or assembly and a method of mounting a windscreen-wiper blade in a support device.

Abstract: A motorized car wash device having a hand held washer with a telescopic handle for reaching up to ten feet, as well as a sealed control tube featuring a plurality of control buttons. The tube is connected to a head by a double ear axle joint. The head includes a soap reservoir. A soap pump and soap jets are disposed on a bottom side of the head. Variable speed choices are available for multi-speed motorized direct drive of a receiver selectively holding a plurality of spinning brushes and pads. Pivoting lights provide use of the device in low light conditions. Each of the pump, the jets, the multi-speed motor and the lights in operational communication with the control buttons and batteries.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for braking may control a brake between three states. Methods and apparatus for braking may comprise a sensor for sensing information about a brake input device, may comprise a brake control system coupled with the brake and the brake input device, and may control the brake based on the sensed information and input to the brake input device. Methods and apparatus for braking may control the brake to engage a friction material with a rotor if the brake input device indicates the brake should be engaged, and to remove the friction material from contact with the rotor if the brake input device indicates the brake should not be engaged. Methods and apparatus for braking may determine a condition of imminent braking based on the sensed information and may control the brake to enter a ready-to-engage state accordingly.

Abstract: A system for controlling release of an automatic parking brake device onboard an automobile, that includes a transmission mechanism transmitting an instruction several times for releasing the parking brake device, and an interface provided between the transmissions of the release instruction and for transmitting a release instruction of the parking brake device.

Abstract: A method, and related device, for operating a brake device of a vehicle with brake slip regulation (ABS) on roadways with different friction coefficients on different sides, as a result of which a braking yaw moment is imparted to the vehicle during braking, characterized in that, on at least one axle of the vehicle, an absolute brake pressure difference between the brake pressure at the wheel with the higher friction coefficient and the brake pressure at the wheel with the lower friction coefficient is adapted as a function of a steer input, intended to produce a yaw moment acting counter to the braking yaw moment, by the driver and/or by an automatically intervening auxiliary steering system.

Abstract: A vehicle state detecting device 1 includes a sensor section (acceleration sensor 11) for detecting the behavior of a vehicle; an integration processing section (integrating circuit 12) for generating an output signal indicating a state of the vehicle by integrating physical quantity based on the sensor output; and a diagnostic section 2 for supplying the sensor section with a self-driving signal, and for carrying out self-diagnosis of the sensor section by comparing the output signal from the integration processing section with upper and lower permissible limits preset for the output signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrodynamic retarder having a rotor which can be brought into rotation via a drive unit and a fixed stator or a stator rotating in opposite direction to the rotor, whereas the rotor and the stator comprise bladed wheels, which form together a working chamber which can be filled with working medium; the drive unit is provided with a separating clutch, by means of which the rotor can be disconnected for its immobilisation, comprising a driven primary side and a secondary side associated with the rotor; having a control device which controls the opening and closing of the separating clutch for switching the retarder (17).

Abstract: An arrangement contains a brake piston for operating at least one disk brake pad and a nut-and-screw unit for producing an axial thrust, from the rear to the front, of the piston containing a nut arranged in the piston's interior, and secured thereto to prevent rotation, and mounted therein to slide axially, whose front axial end face interacts with an internal section facing the piston's front wall to push the piston axially towards the front when the screw is rotatably driven in the unscrewing direction, and the screw containing a front section screwed into the nut, an intermediate radial flange and a rear section, wherein the piston screw contain centering elements that interact with one another when the screw is in a predetermined front axial mounting position in relation to the piston in order to center the rear section of the screw radially in relation to the piston.

Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle having a hydraulic brake device for applying a friction brake force to at least one wheel of the vehicle includes a master cylinder and a mechanically controlled backup hydraulic cylinder. The master cylinder is in fluid communication with a reserve of brake fluid and in fluid communication with the hydraulic brake device. The master cylinder is operative to control the hydraulic brake device upon actuation. The mechanically controlled regulation backup cylinder is in fluid communication with the reserve of brake fluid and in fluid communication with the master cylinder. The backup hydraulic cylinder is mechanically controlled to move brake fluid therein and thereby actuate the master cylinder by delivering brake fluid to the master cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system having a hydraulically actuable disc brake device which has an electromechanical actuating device for activating a parking brake function, wherein the vehicle brake system has a hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic pressure source and actuable hydraulic functional elements, in order to hydraulically actuate the disc brake device in accordance with a service brake action of a driver or an automatic activation of a driving assistance system, wherein, furthermore, the vehicle brake system has a control device, in order to actuate the electromechanical actuating device in accordance with a parking brake action of the driver or an automatic activation of the parking brake function.

Abstract: A brake pedal unit for coupling to a brake pedal includes a housing and a pedal simulator housed within a simulation chamber formed in the housing. The pedal simulator includes a spring for providing force feedback. A first piston is mounted in the housing. The first piston is operable to generate brake actuating pressure at a first pressure output. A second piston is mounted in the housing. The first piston is operable to generate brake actuating pressure at a second pressure output. An input piston is connected to operate the pedal simulator during a normal braking mode, and wherein the input piston is coupled to actuate the first and second pistons during a manual push-though mode.

Abstract: A motor vehicle brake, in particular an electromechanically actuable motor vehicle brake, having an actuator subassembly, including a housing, a servo element which is movable in relation to the housing, for moving a brake pad, a motorized drive, a movement mechanism arranged between the motorized drive and the movable servo element, a gear arrangement associated with the movement mechanism, wherein the movement mechanism has a ball screw with a spindle that can be driven in rotation and a nut that can be displaced linearly in the housing, wherein the nut may be moved, for moving the servo element, by driving the spindle in rotation within the housing.

Abstract: In a railroad train having a brake system including a fluid carrying brake pipe (14) having an exhaust (52) and connecting a lead locomotive (12) and at least one remote locomotive, the train further comprising a communication system (24) for communicating between the lead locomotive and the remote locomotive, a method for adaptively determining a brake application for signaling a remote locomotive of a train during a communication loss includes determining a brake system operating condition of the train (72). The method also includes determining an operability condition of the communication system (74) and identifying an operator commanded brake application level at the lead locomotive during a communication system inoperability condition (76). The method further includes determining a signaling brake application level sufficient for signaling the remote locomotive via the brake pipe responsive to the monitored brake system operating condition (78).

Abstract: Under a specified condition where a torque converter is kept in a lockup state to prolong the fuel-cutoff time, because of vehicle coasting with an accelerator opening APO=0, a downshift command is generated and then an automatic transmission causes a reengagement downshift by a drop in a release-side clutch hydraulic pressure Poff and a rise in an engagement-side clutch hydraulic pressure Pon. During the reengagement downshift, the engagement-side clutch hydraulic pressure Pon is reduced from a high lockup-ON hydraulic pressure to a low lockup-OFF hydraulic pressure after the time when the lockup is predicted to be released, thus preventing a torque drawing-in tendency of transmission output torque, which may occur at the time of the beginning of the inertia phase, from increasing, and also reducing in the width of a subsequent change in vehicle deceleration G, and consequently enhancing the shift quality.

Abstract: A method for controlling a mild hybrid vehicle with an electric motor is provided. The electric motor is arranged to selectively output torque and to selectively operate as a generator to harvest electrical power during operation of an internal combustion engine of the mild hybrid vehicle. An interface is provided in a location accessible outside of the vehicle. The interface is configured to control non-driving movement of the mild hybrid vehicle. An input is received from a human operator via the interface. In response to the input, the vehicle moves solely under power of the electric motor of the mild hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A drive control device of a hybrid vehicle including a motor torque instruction value calculator, an electric power loss predictor, an electric power upper limit/lower limit value calculator, and a target electric power calculator are arranged, and the motor torque instruction value calculator calculates torque instruction values of a plurality of motor generators using a torque balance equation including target engine torque required at a target engine operating point and an electric power balance equation including target electric power.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid electric vehicle coordinates operation of an internal combustion engine, a motor, and friction brakes to mitigate a driveline lash crossing without delaying generation of negative torque. In response to a request to transition from positive torque to negative torque, the engine and motor are controlled to rapidly reduce powertrain torque to a small positive value, slowly reduce powertrain torque through the driveline lash zone, and then rapidly reduce powertrain torque to the target. To avoid delay, the friction brakes are applied in a coordinated manner to supply the negative torque during the transition.

Abstract: A launch control system which maximizes hybrid vehicle acceleration from a standing start. A hybrid vehicle includes wheels, an engine, a motor-generator, a processor, and an actuation device. The processor controls an engine speed and an engine torque independently from a wheel speed and a wheel torque. While the hybrid vehicle is at a standstill, the actuation device is switched to an on state, and the engine speed and engine torque is raised to optimal values. When the actuation device is subsequently switched to an off state, the engine speed and the engine torque is applied to the plurality of wheels to launch the hybrid vehicle. The processor blends or further adjusts the torque applied to the plurality of wheels to maximize the acceleration while optimizing an amount of wheel slip. The processor then learns the launch to improve performance on subsequent launches.

Abstract: An engine operation control device for a hybrid vehicle, including: an engine provided in a vehicle; a power generator that is driven by the engine to generate electric power; a driving battery that is chargeable with electric power supplied from the power generator; and a front motor and a rear motor that drive wheels with electric power supplied from the driving battery or the power generator, and allowing a series mode in which the front motor drives front wheels and the rear motor drives rear wheels while the engine is operated at a predetermined set rotational speed to drive the power generator to generate electric power, wherein the set rotational speed is set to increase with decreasing of the atmospheric pressure in a present position of the vehicle in the series mode.

Abstract: Unique apparatuses, systems, methods, and techniques for control of engine systems are disclosed. One embodiment is a unique controls process providing engine start/stop functionality. In one form, the controls process includes engine stop controls which evaluate a plurality of engine stop request conditions and a plurality of engine stop capability conditions, as well as engine start controls which evaluate a plurality of engine start request conditions and a plurality of engine start capability conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation for a driveline disconnect clutch is provided. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling highly automated driving of a vehicle includes: a vehicle guiding device autonomously guiding the vehicle, an evaluation device evaluating a condition of a driver of the vehicle, and a control device controlling activation and deactivation of the vehicle guiding device. The control device activates or deactivates the vehicle guiding device on the basis of the remaining autonomous driving time during which the vehicle can be autonomously controlled by the vehicle guiding device and the reaction time of the driver.