Abstract: A vehicle has an electric or hybrid-electric traction drive supported by an ungrounded vehicle frame. The vehicle also has a current collector, which can be electrically connected to the traction drive and which can be brought in galvanic contact with a contact line of a grounded contact-line system to supply traction energy. The vehicle contains an electrical protection system for avoiding dangerous contact voltages on the vehicle frame or on a vehicle part connected to the vehicle frame in a conductive manner. The protection system has a first protection stage, a second protection stage, and a switching element, by which the protection system can be switched between the first and the second protection stages. The first protection stage provides greater safety from dangerous contact voltages than the second protection stage. Thus, a protection system can be provided which provides sufficient safety in all operating states of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for presetting a vehicle seat (1) for a passenger (2) using the vehicle seat. Said vehicle seat comprises at least parts of a presetting device (12). The invention is characterized in that in a first step, information about the passenger is transmitted to the presetting device transmits and in a second step, the vehicle seat (1) is modified by said presetting device (12) such that the vehicle seat (1) adopts as the presetting for the passenger (2), a first vehicle seat configuration based on the transmitted information.

Abstract: An attachment device is provided for securing a first workpiece to a second workpiece. The attachment device includes an attachment head and a receiver. The attachment head includes a cantilever snap tab, a first outboard locator tab and a second outboard locator tab. The receiver includes an opening for receiving and holding the cantilever snap tab, the first outboard locator tab and the second outboard locator tab.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a slide mechanism including an inner-side slide rail and an outer-side slide rail; a seat cushion; and a biasing unit for applying a biasing force for flipping up the seat cushion toward a wall portion of a vehicle. The outer-side slide rail includes: a first slide rail fixed to the wall portion at a same position as the scat cushion in a vertical direction; and a second slide rail fixed to a portion of the wall portion located deeper in an interior than the first slide rail, at a position below the seat cushion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback having a coverstock defining a seat surface with a flexible lower region and a flexible upper region. The seatback further has a compressible upper bladder beneath the coverstock upper region and a compressible inflation bladder positioned beneath the coverstock lower region and in fluidic communication with the upper bladder. A first fixed quantity of a flowable medium is contained in and is partially transferrable between the upper bladder and the inflation bladder.

Abstract: A conveyance seat includes: a seat base; a support portion which supports the occupant from the back side; a flip-up mechanism which flips up the seat base; a biasing member which biases the support portion forward; an engagement portion which is engaged with the support portion to hold the support portion in a upright state against the biasing force; a cancel mechanism which cancels the engagement between the engagement portion and the support portion; and a return mechanism which returns the support portion from a state where the engagement with the engagement portion is canceled by the cancel mechanism to a state where the support portion is engageable with the engagement portion. The return mechanism performs the return operation in accordance with the inclination angle of the support portion inclined forward by the biasing member after the engagement between the engagement portion and the support portion is canceled.

Abstract: In a method of head and neck restraint the head of a subject is secured to a head and neck restraint assembly that limits movement of the head. In response to sudden force in a first direction, whereupon the head of the subject experiences a force in a second direction, the head and neck restraint assembly controls deceleration of the head in the second direction and avoids rebounding of the head after deceleration.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a cushion having a coverstock defining a seat surface with a flexible central region and a flexible edge region. The vehicle seat further includes a compressible edge bladder beneath the coverstock edge region and a first compressible inflation bladder positioned beneath the coverstock central region and in fluidic communication with the edge bladder. A first fixed quantity of a flowable medium is contained in and partially transferrable between the edge bladder and the inflation bladder.

Abstract: A vehicle seat capable of efficiently utilizing air delivered from an air conditioning device and thereby adjusting the temperature of heat generated by a seat heater is described. A vehicle seat comprises a seat heater between a cushion pad and a surface skin. A heater wire affixed to a seat base material of the seat heater is disposed at a position to partially overlap air passages formed on the cushion pad. Moreover, the heater wire is formed on the seat base material, is disposed at a position to partially overlap a plurality of through-holes having a greater width than the heater wire, and extends while avoiding center portions of the through-holes.

Abstract: An air supply device and a method of operating same are provided for a vehicle seat having an air discharge opening provided in the upper region of the vehicle seat, via which opening a head, shoulder, and neck region of the seat occupant can be supplied with an airflow. The airflow is adjustable by a control unit for controlling or regulating a fan rotational speed of a blower and can be heated via a heating element. The control unit is supplied at least one activation signal for activating the air supply device and a temperature signal that provides information about the interior temperature. The control unit activates the heating element and the blower according to the activation signal and then controls at least the blower as a function of the interior temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a seat back frame with a rear surface and a structural cover configured to attach to the seat back frame. The structural cover may have an opening in a center portion of the structural cover and may cover at least a portion of the rear surface of the seat back frame. The structural cover and the portion of the rear surface of the seat back frame may not be covered by any foam.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a cushion and a seatback rotatably coupled with the cushion, the seatback defining a height. The seatback further has an internal support unit with a connecting member extending through a portion of the height and a plurality of flexible ribs extending from the connecting member to ends fixed with the seatback. A link couples the connecting member with the cushion to move the connecting member along the height by rotation of the seatback.

Abstract: An assist grip attached to an inside of a vehicle cabin of an automobile is provided with a grip main member including a pair of concave portions formed at both ends in a longitudinal direction, and a pair of groove portions formed at sections opposing in the longitudinal direction on respective peripheral walls of the concave portions; a hinge including a pair of upright portions housed in the concave portions, and separated by a predetermined interval, and a pair of round boss portions protruding from both outer sides of the upright portions, and formed to respectively pass through the pair of groove portions; a bearing concave portion provided in one groove portion and into which the round boss portion is inserted; and a stopper member preventing a disconnection from a state of rotational shaft insertion wherein the round boss portion is inserted into the bearing concave portion.

Abstract: A mat system for a vehicle floor that has a floor mat retainer defining a fixed first vertical axis. The floor mat system includes an adapter portion and a mat portion. The adapter portion has a first receiver to enable engagement of the adapter portion to the mat and a plurality of second receivers to enable engagement of the adapter portion to the mat retainer at a selected one of a multitude of locations. Each engagement of the adapter portion to the mat retainer is rotational about the fixed first vertical axis, according to a selection from the plurality of second receivers.

Abstract: A cup holder system is provided for a motor vehicle. The cup holder system includes a storage bin having a housing and a cover. Further the cup holder system includes a cup holder, a first mounting feature in the storage bin for receiving and holding the cup holder in a first use position and a second mounting feature at a second location in the motor vehicle outside the storage bin for receiving and holding the cup holder in a second use position.

Abstract: A cup holder is provided, in which a control portion calculates a container-housing-portion temperature gradient ?T based on a temperature T detected by a thermistor disposed inside a convex portion located on a bottom portion of a container housing portion. The control portion automatically carries out heating or cooling relative to the container housing portion based on that the container-housing-portion temperature gradient ?T is a heating reference temperature gradient ? or above, or is a cooling reference temperature gradient ? or below. Thus, determinations of the heating or cooling is carried out based on only the container-housing-portion temperature gradient ?T, so that heating or cooling control can be accurately carried out only by one temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling an articulated machine having a first frame and a second frame and travelling on a ground surface is provided. The method includes receiving a speed signal indicative of a speed of the articulated machine through a speed sensor by a controller. The method includes receiving an inclination signal indicative of an inclination of the ground surface through an inclination sensor by the controller. The method further includes receiving a payload signal indicative of a payload carried by the articulated machine through a payload sensor by the controller. The controller controls a hoisting of the second frame with respect to the first frame based on at least one of the speed signal, the inclination signal and the payload signal.

Abstract: A hoist assembly is disclosed. The hoist assembly can include a frame, a first sheave assembly fixed relative to the frame, a second sheave assembly movable relative to the frame, and a cable engaged with the first sheave assembly and the second sheave assembly. The first sheave assembly can include a first sheave comprising a first axis of rotation and a second sheave comprising a second axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The second sheave assembly can comprise a third sheave comprising a third axis of rotation and a fourth sheave comprising a fourth axis of rotation angularly-oriented relative to the third axis of rotation. The third axis of rotation and the fourth axis of rotation can be coplanar. The sheaves can be removable and replaceable.

Abstract: A method of storage for this tire storage system will be Semi-Trailers in various length and width, some being drop-deck van boxes, some straight van box trailers and various lengths from 24? to 53?. Also included are ground level containers ranging from 20? to 53? long; sometimes referred to as Conex boxes or overseas shipping containers. The inside of the trailer/container will have from one to thirty sections, each having one to six layers of storage space for the vertical storage of tires. Each section beams are adjustable from floor to ceiling. Beams will be between 3? and 15? in length.

Abstract: Embodiments of a connector with integrated lighting are provided. The connector may be used with an awning assembly of an RV, for non-limiting example. The connector includes a retaining channel having a relief opening from which an awning canopy may extend. The retaining channel may be directly connected to a luminaire mount or may be connected to the luminaire mount by the connector. The connector may be mounted to a rail on an RV or sidewall of other structures.

Abstract: A system and method for moving cargo shipping containers includes a tractor with a first unit and a separate second unit. The first and second units grip the front and back ends of the container to lift it, using the tractor for the front chassis and the second unit for the back chassis. The cargo container becomes its own trailer. The second unit may be towed by the tractor behind the first unit, maneuvered into position at the back of the container, and then coupled to the container for lifting. The tractor may then position the first unit to the front of the container for attachment, and then proceed to a destination. Hydraulic cylinders operated off the tractor's power take off provide the lifting force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a headlight system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The headlight system can be actuated in at least two control modes, each having an associated, predetermined maximum main beam width. First, a current driving situation of the motor vehicle is captured on the basis of at least one operating, parameter of the motor vehicle. A current control mode is ascertained based on which control mode from at least two control modes matches a control mode assigned to the captured driving situation on the basis of the captured current driving situation and at least one-time or temporal parameter. The controller is shifted into the assigned control mode when the current control mode does not match the assigned control mode, wherein a maximum main beam width is set for the current driving situation.

Abstract: A vehicle defining an opening with a closure panel adapted to cover the opening generally includes a window in the closure panel. Furthermore, a rear window defrosting wire is often mounted to the window. A user interface system is disclosed to include a capacitive switch wire having a portion mounted to the window proximate to, and overlapping with, the rear window defrosting wire, and a capacitive switch control unit connected to the capacitive switch wire and adapted to interpret a change a capacitance near the terminus of the capacitive switch wire as a command request. The system includes a projector and a controller adapted to control the projector to project an image onto the window proximate to the terminus of the capacitive switch wire, receive an indication of receipt of the command request and transmit a command to cause a state change in an element of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering device for at least partially covering a recess, a flat section, a curved section, and/or a stepped section of at least one body component and/or one vehicle element of a vehicle, wherein the covering device comprises a lighting device or can be coupled to a lighting device and wherein the covering device is designed in such a way that at least a section of the covering device can be shone through by means of the lighting device. The invention further relates to a system, comprising a covering device and a lighting device, and to a body component, to a body component system, and to a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently outputting information on generation of an event in a vehicle, when multiple smart devices are connected to the vehicle. The method and apparatus implement outputting event information by an AVN system of a vehicle, using multiple smart devices by detecting generation of an event, determining priorities of the smart devices for outputting event information corresponding to the generated event, determining whether the smart devices are connected to the AVN system, and requesting only a smart device having a highest priority among the connected smart devices, to output the event information.

Abstract: An on-vehicle apparatus according to an embodiment includes a communication unit that communicates with another on-vehicle apparatus, and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the other on-vehicle apparatus through the communication unit and performs an operation mode in which the controller controls a control target when a supply voltage value is equal to or larger than a first threshold. The controller is able to communicate with the other on-vehicle apparatus through the communication unit when the supply voltage value is equal to or larger than a second threshold which is smaller than the first threshold.

Abstract: A surroundings monitoring system includes: a detection device that is disposed in a work vehicle and configured to be able to detect an object around the work vehicle; and a display device that is disposed in the work vehicle so as to display the work vehicle on a screen and display a detection area of the detection device in which an abnormality has occurred around the work vehicle on the screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting vehicle speed during an indirect vision driving task. A further method and apparatus for optimizing the display of a camera return during an indirect vision driving task based on operator perceived vehicle speed as set by the display characteristics and the field-of-view of the camera. A further method and apparatus for using the perceived speed as a driving task aid, in particular, as an electronic aider for optimizing the driving scene display characteristics of scene compression and camera field-of view. In this manner, the invention adjusts the perceived speed in order to match the operator's cognitive flow to the control dynamics needed from the operator for the task. The invention has application to autonomous driving where manual intervention is incorporated during critical events for particular tasks; and with limited display space within the vehicle, the display format is adjusted by the invention according to the operator's task needs.

Abstract: A rear view assembly includes a housing, which is fixedly secured to a motor vehicle. The housing includes an optical sensor that is housed therewith. A lens focuses light for the optical sensor to capture a wide-angle image. The optical sensor creates electrical signals representative of the focused light. The electrical signals are transmitted to a display device, which is operatively connected to the optical sensor for receiving the electrical signal and displaying the electrical signal as a rear view image for a driver of the motor vehicle such that the rear view image includes distortions created by the lens.

Abstract: An onboard periphery image display device for adjusting transformation rule of each camera mounted on an automobile is provided. A predetermined calibration pattern of a calibration member is placed in a capture area of a reference camera and another calibration pattern of the calibration member is placed in a capture area of an adjustment-targeted camera. The onboard periphery image display detects a coordinate of an image of a reference calibration pattern based on the image of the predetermined calibration pattern captured by the reference camera, detects an coordinate of an image of an adjustment calibration pattern based on the image of the another calibration pattern captured by the adjustment-targeted camera, and adjusts the transformation rule determined for the adjustment-targeted camera based on the detected coordinates.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a mirror housing including a half-mirror a display and a driving plate pivotally coupled to the housing adapted for attachment to an interior of the vehicle; an actuator switch lever pivotally attached to the driving plate for moving the housing in at least two angular positions causing the display to be switched on/off depending on the housing angular positions; and a mechanism for adjusting at least one of said mirror housing angular positions. The system comprises said assembly and a rear-view camera device for capturing images from the outside of the vehicle to be displayed on the display. The installation method includes the step of adjusting the positioning mechanism for determining at least one mirror housing angular position.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted system for recording video and audio. The system uses distributed processing, including encoding the video and audio at their source(s), and a high-speed, e.g., Ethernet, bus connecting the various system components and external devices. The system may include a display monitor which is integrated into the same housing as a rear view mirror of the vehicle, with the display monitor being located behind the mirror and video displayed on the monitor being visible through the mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 for attaching an article 3 to a vehicle 9, having a first engagement member 24 and a second engagement member 26 spaced from the first engagement member along a longitudinal axis and that is slidable relative to the first engagement member along the longitudinal axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The apparatus 1 has a transverse plane extending generally through the apparatus and coincident with the longitudinal axis. The first and second engagement members 24, 26 each have a retaining portion 24b, 26b that is non-perpendicular relative to the transverse plane and configured to be received by respective engagement features 103, 107 on the article 3.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting quarry. One apparatus includes a basket with webbing and a pair of handles, a coupler, and a stabilizer. The basket couples to the rear of a vehicle via the coupler and, optionally, a stabilizer installed on the vehicle. The method includes placing the basket into a substantially horizontal position, loading the basket with quarry, fixing the quarry into the basket via webbing, rotating the basket as needed to place the quarry in the proper position, and raising the quarry to a substantially vertical position relative to the back of the vehicle, optionally using the handles for leverage. Once positioned, the basket may be locked in place in a position in which the quarry is not in contact with the vehicle. The bagged game does not rest on the vehicle but remains in the basket in the vertical position behind the vehicle.

Abstract: An integrated carrier rack and storage system for vehicles is provided. Generally, the system includes a receiving unit, installed in a motor vehicle that receives a carrier bar device. The system further includes an immobilizing system attached carrier bar and various attachment units which facilitate in transportation and storage. The integrated carrier rack and storage system is user friendly and may be applied to any motor vehicle to carry an assortment of items and store them using the same system.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a mounting bracket configured to mount to a surface of a body panel of a vehicle, adjacent to an opening in the body panel. A latch mechanism is coupled to the mounting bracket. An elongate member comprising a body and a coupling mechanism is configured to couple to the latch mechanism so that, when secured, at least a portion of the body of the elongate member is positioned within an inside cavity of the body panel of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the body panel is a truck tailgate and the elongate member is a retrieval hook.

Abstract: A mounting system that is used to mount a handheld electronic device, such as a smart phone, to the rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle or similar mounting point. A hanger is provided. The hanger has a mounting structure that engages the rearview mirror assembly and enables the hanger to hang suspended under the rearview mirror assembly. The hanger supports at least one magnet. A metal plate is affixed to the handheld electronic device or to any protective case that surrounds the handheld electronic device. When the handheld electronic device is brought into close proximity of the hanger, the magnet attracts to the metal plate and creates a magnetic connection. The magnetic connection attaches the handheld electronic device to the hanger under the rearview mirror assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle upper back panel structure including: an upper back panel, provided at a rear section of a vehicle, that is formed in a rectangular plate shape with a length direction along a vehicle width direction in vehicle plan view, that is fixed to a vehicle body at end portions on both vehicle width direction sides by respective fixing portions, and that includes a horizontal wall section disposed horizontally between the fixing portions; and a front-rear direction bead that is formed continuously along a vehicle front-rear direction from a front end portion to a rear end portion of the horizontal wall section of the upper back panel, at a position including a central portion in the vehicle width direction between one of the fixing portions and the other of the fixing portions of the upper back panel.

Abstract: A modular shelving assembly for use in a vehicle, including a cargo space at least partially defined by a floor and a side wall of the vehicle, includes at least two interconnected upright assemblies. Each of the upright assemblies includes a first panel, a second panel, and a coupler member separate from and unitizing the first and second panels. The modular shelving assembly further includes a rail secured to one of the floor and the side wall to which at least one of the interconnected upright assemblies is anchored.

Abstract: A molding includes: a long molding body; and an endcap closing an end surface of the molding body. Also, the molding body includes: a base part composed of a plurality of dividing parts that are separated from one another and arranged in an extending direction of the molding body; and an edge part having higher elasticity than the elasticity of the base part and connected to an edge of the base part over the plurality of the dividing parts.

Abstract: A power supply structure for a sliding door includes other end-side holding portion which holds the other end of the electric wire. The other end-side holding portion includes first and second turning arms which are rotatably supported directly or indirectly by the sliding door and hold the electric wire at a tip end thereof, and biasing unit which biases the first turning arm in a direction to absorb an extra length of the electric wire. The tip end of the second turning arm inclines with respect to a longitudinal direction of a vehicle at climbing-over timing at which the electric wire climbs over a predetermined climbing-over position of a lower end edge of a door trim which configures the sliding door on an inner side of the vehicle when the sliding door is slid and moved.

Abstract: A wire harness configured to protect the group of lead wires having a large curve such that there is no risk of the binding tape-type protection portion exposing the group of lead wires is provided. The wire harness includes a group of lead wires and a binding tape-type protection portion that covers the group of lead wires. The binding tape-type protection portion is formed by overlapping a binding tape member around the group of lead wires. The binding tape member includes a tape member body that is made of a synthetic resin and is molded such that the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the lengthwise direction is a four-triangle wave shape, and an adhesive layer formed on one surface of the tape member body.

Abstract: A contactor control system having a primary microprocessor, a secondary microprocessor, a high side contactor control circuit, and a low side contactor control circuit is provided. The primary microprocessor sends a first command signal to the secondary microprocessor. The secondary microprocessor sends a command signal to the secondary grounding circuit for outputting a ground level voltage to a logical OR circuit to induce the logical OR circuit to output a ground level voltage to a second end of the contactor coil. The primary microprocessor sends a command signal to the secondary microprocessor, and in response the secondary microprocessor sends a command signal to the secondary pull-in circuit to activate the secondary pull-in circuit for energizing the contactor coil.

Abstract: An ECU controls drive signals output to relays. A current sensor detects current flowing between one of the relays and a power supply port. A connection circuit is configured to electrically connect a first section with a second section when only one of the drive signals is placed into an active state by the ECU. The first section is a portion of a first one of power lines between the current sensor and the power supply port. The second section is a portion of a second one of the power lines between the relay and the power supply port.

Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.

Abstract: Charging for one or more powered devices on a vehicle may be implemented on support components of a vehicle which may be movable with respect to one another to accomplish a function. When the support components are in a first position, a power unit in communication with a power source of the vehicle may be used to charge a rechargeable power storage unit proximal to the power unit. The power storage unit, in turn, may provide power to one or more powered devices which may be separately housed. When the support components are in a second position, such as to accomplish a work function, the charged power storage unit may continue to provide power to the powered device(s) despite the power storage unit and the powered device(s) being distal to the power unit and the power source. In addition, or in the alternative, contact based charging may be implemented to charge the rechargeable power storage unit in the first position.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: an airbag assembly having a material constructed and arranged to exhibit dry adhesion to grip a contact surface in a first direction and release the contact surface in a second direction.

Abstract: A system for detecting a mismatch between first and second input signals includes first and second analog-to-digital converters, a time-division multiplexing circuit, first and second processors, a time-division de-multiplexing circuit, and a gating circuit. The first processor includes a first sinc filter, a first trimmer, a first infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, and a first high pass filter (HPF). The second processor includes a second sinc filter, a second IIR filter, and a second HPF. A bandwidth of the second IIR filter and the second HPF is greater than a bandwidth of the first IIR filter and the first HPF. A transfer function of the first IIR filter and the first HPF uses floating-point coefficients and a transfer function of the second IIR filter and the second HPF uses coefficients that are an integral power of two.

Abstract: A system to monitor vehicle accidents using a network of aerial based monitoring systems, terrestrial based monitoring systems and in-vehicle monitoring systems is described. Aerial vehicles used for this surveillance include manned and unmanned aircraft, satellites and lighter than air craft. Aerial vehicles can also be deployed from vehicles. The deployment is triggered by sensors registering a pattern in the data that is indicative of an accident that has happened or an accident about to happen.

Abstract: A vehicular emergency alert device mounted on a vehicle (100) and configured to issue an emergency alert signal to notify an emergency service center outside the vehicle of a location of the vehicle in the event of a collision of the vehicle includes: a collision detecting unit (11) that detects the collision of the vehicle (100) to output a collision detection signal; an emergency alert unit (13) that issues an emergency alert signal in response to the collision detection signal and relays the collision detection signal to the vehicle; and one or more modules (12) each of which performs a predetermined operation in response to the collision detection signal relayed by the emergency alert unit (13).