Abstract: A seat may comprise a contact surface that may contact a person sitting in the seat. One or more elongated depressions may be disposed in the contact surface and, together with the person, form at least one duct wherein fluid may flow. The seat may be connected to a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system which may cause fluid to flow into the at least one duct to regulate the temperature of the person. Such fluid may then dispense into a passenger compartment and change a temperature thereof.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a pair of planar bodies each defining a rim, and a pair of fabric pouches that are each attached to one of the rims. The planar bodies are pivotably attached to each other and are configured such that, in a folded position, the rims are stacked and the fabric pouches are nested within each other, and in a deployed position, the rims and fabric pouches are side-by-side.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting bulk material has a container mounted on a chassis and wheeled suspension. The container has opposing sidewalls, a floor, a front wall, and a rear opening. The trailer further has an unloading system comprising a plow and a plow motor system. The plow is disposed in the container and shaped and sized to span substantially a transverse cross-section of the container. The plow motor system is operable to move the plow longitudinally in the container to urge or push the bulk material in the container toward and out of the rear opening of the container. At least one of the sidewalls comprises a removable panel installed longitudinally along a bottom of the sidewall, wherein an inward-facing surface of the removable panel and an inward-facing surface of the sidewall are substantially coplanar.

Abstract: A dump body which dissuades material from sitting on a top surface of a sidewall of the dump body and thereby reduces spillage while hauling material is disclosed. The dump body may additionally allow an operator of a loader to clearly distinguish the edge of the dump body to facilitate loading and reduce structural damage. The dump body may further create a lower center of gravity while hauling the same payload, which may reduce the risk of rolling the dump body. The dump body may include a pair of sidewalls attached on opposing sides of a bottom wall and extending upwardly, with each having a top surface inclined toward an interior of the dump body. The incline may start at an inside edge of the sidewall and extend upwardly to an outside edge of the sidewall residing at a very outer extent of the sidewall.

Abstract: A trailer assembly for simultaneously transporting a personal watercraft and a pontoon includes a trailer that may be towed. A first support is hingedly coupled to the trailer and the first support may support a pontoon. A second support is coupled to the trailer and the second support may support a personal watercraft beneath the pontoon.

Abstract: A wrecker-type recovery vehicle for recovering other, disabled vehicles, and a method for doing so, which may use a CAN Bus, and which may employ wrecker controls located a distance from a side surface of the vehicle exterior. Traveler rollers may be used to facilitate longitudinal movement of a travel base assembly supporting the boom, relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An assembly includes a motor vehicle headlamp and a mounting device to mount the headlamp on the vehicle. The headlamp includes a casing. The mounting device includes a pivot connection that pivots about a fixed rotation axis with respect to the technical front end of the vehicle, which carries the cooling unit for the propulsion unit of the vehicle. The rotation axis is contained in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and is positioned such that an impact along a line of force located on one side of the rotation axis causes an edge of the headlamp raise above the adjacent edge of the fender on the other side of the rotation axis. The headlamp is shaped and the rotation axis is oriented such that the headlamp pivots about this rotation axis, remaining inscribed within a predetermined surface of revolution outside the contour of the adjacent fender.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a retractable handle having a proximal end portion in connection with a tailgate. The retractable handle forms an internal passage therethrough from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the retractable handle. A light source is disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit a first emission through the internal passage. At least one light emitting portion is disposed along a length of the retractable handle and configured to output light derived from the first emission to an outside environment.

Abstract: An optic assembly has a reflector with a reflective surface, one or more light sources, and a mask with one or more apertures. Facets on the reflective surface direct light rays so that a substantial portion of the light rays within the optic assembly can be managed as if they were emitted from a focal point located outside the optic assembly.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems describe a turn signal activation system. As the navigation system determines that the vehicle is approaching a turn or other operation, the turn signal may be automatically activated in the appropriate direction (e.g., right-turn signal for a right turn, and a left-turn signal for a left turn). Once the navigation system determines that it is appropriate to deactivate the turn signal, the turn signal may be automatically deactivated. In this fashion, other drivers on the road may be able to anticipate the actions of the vehicle based on the activation and deactivation of the turn signals, and thereby prevent accidents from occurring.

Abstract: A retaining device for retaining a fiber-optic cable. The retaining device includes an elongated hollow part configured to receive the fiber-optic cable and a retaining element extending away from the hollow part, when viewed in a cross-section. The retaining element is configured to be inserted into a groove.

Abstract: A vehicle dome lighting system is provided and includes a headliner and a photoluminescent structure coupled to the headliner. At least one excitation source is operable to emit at least one inputted electromagnetic radiation for exciting an associated area of the photoluminescent structure to produce at least one outputted electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The vehicle illumination apparatus comprises a console rotatably connected to a portion of a seat. The console is operable to rotate from a first position to a second position. A light source is disposed proximate the console and configured to emit a first emission of light. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one light guide configured to direct the first emission to a first photoluminescent portion disposed on the console when the console is oriented in the first position.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an optical axis ascertaining device for an in-vehicle camera which can simply adjust and correct the optical axis of the camera. This device comprises image processing device (image recognition portion and tracking portion) detecting a static obstacle (for example, wheel stopper disposed on ground surface) from an image acquired by rear camera through image recognition and tracking the static obstacle and rear wheel rotation sensor as a sensor detecting a movement distance of a vehicle, for example; and ascertains the optical axis direction of the camera, based on an attachment position of the camera and the movement distance of the vehicle from where a static object being tracked is out of an image capturable region of the rear camera due to an approach of the vehicle to where the vehicle comes into contact with the static object.

Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes a rear-mounted video camera, a front-mounted video camera, and first and second side-mounted video cameras at respective sides of the vehicle. Captured image data is processed at a central data processor to generate video images for display on a video screen. The captured image data is processed at the central data processor in order to detect objects that are within the combined field of view of the video cameras. At least one non-visual sensor captures sensor data in a region external of the vehicle and the captured sensor data is provided to the central data processor. An alert to the driver of the equipped vehicle is generated when, via processing at the central data processor of at least one of received image data and received sensor data, a potential hazard is determined to exist.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting portion mountable at a side of a vehicle and a mirror head portion pivotally adjustable relative to the mounting portion. An actuator is operable to impart pivotal movement of the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion to adjust the mirror head portion relative to the side of the vehicle at which the mounting portion is mounted. The actuator includes a first motor and a second motor operable in tandem to cooperatively drive a common drive gear of a gear system to adjust the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion. Operation of the first and second motors is synchronized. Operation of the first motor drives a first gear that rotatably drives the common drive gear and operation of the second motor drives a second gear that rotatably drives the common drive gear.

Abstract: A system is configured to reduce glare form a trailing vehicle. The system may include a forward facing light sensor, partially enclosed in an interior mirror housing. This forward facing light sensor is configured to detect ambient light, such that the system can determine a day time condition or a nighttime condition. The system may also include rear facing light sensors, each included in separate mirror assemblies. Based upon an ambient light detected and a glare of a trailing vehicle, the system may be configured to change the reflectance of an electro-optic element in order to reduce glare independently in the separate mirror assemblies.

Abstract: A reflective element assembly for a vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes front and rear substrates with an electro-optic medium disposed therebetween. An electrical connector has an attachment portion and a wire receiving portion for receiving an electrical wire therein. A flange of the attachment portion is configured to be disposed at a fourth surface of the rear substrate and a tab is configured to extend at least partially across a perimeter edge of the rear substrate. An electrically conductive material is disposed in an uncured state and uncured electrically conductive material flows at least partially through the aperture and is cured to secure the electrical connector at the rear substrate. The wire receiving portion of the electrical connector is configured to receive the electrical wire therein and includes at least one tang that engages the electrical wire when the electrical wire is inserted into the wire receiving portion.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle cargo compartment includes a shade having a first end and a second end. The shade extends from the first edge at a distance from a floor of the cargo compartment. The second end is anchored between two side panels. The cover further includes a storage pocket attached to the first edge of the shade. The storage pocket extends in the plane of the shade to a gate. The storage pocket is selectively attached to the gate. The storage pocket defines a pocket including an upper portion, a lower portion, and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism detachably connects the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for utility vehicles is disclosed. The visibility system may enhance an operator's view from the utility vehicle by making an obstruction appear transparent to the operator.

Abstract: A method for mounting a bicycle to a bicycle rack on an exposed roll can include: providing the bicycle rack comprising: a crossbar having an elongate longitudinal length section with laterally curved end sections extending from each side of the longitudinal length, the crossbar having a top side that includes one or more bicycle receivers and having a length sufficient to extend across the roll cage; and a mounting bracket on an end of each laterally curved end section, the mounting brackets each being planar and having an aperture extending through the bracket from a top surface to an opposite bottom surface, the mounting brackets each having bottom surface received on the roll cage with fastener extending through each aperture and a vertical hole in the longitudinal bars such that the crossbar is elevated off the longitudinal bars.

Abstract: The vehicle mounting structure comprises an electronic device, a first bracket, a drive train and a first vibration isolating bush. The electronic device is fixed on the drive train via the first bracket, and the electronic device and the drive train define a gap therebetween. The first vibration isolating bush is provided between the first bracket and the electronic device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided. That motor vehicle has a storage area and a hybrid mechanic creeper/utility cart integrated into the storage area.

Abstract: A panel-ECU bracket attachment system that prevents the placement of an ECU at an incorrect location within a motor vehicle. The panel-ECU bracket attachment system includes a panel, e.g. an instrument panel, with a first ECU bracket attachment site and a second ECU bracket attachment site. The first ECU bracket attachment site has a first pair of alignment pins spaced apart by a first distance therebetween and the second ECU bracket attachment site has a second pair of alignment pins spaced apart by a second distance therebetween. The second distance is not equal to the first distance. The instrument panel-ECU bracket attachment system also includes a first ECU bracket with a first pair of pin apertures that are spaced apart from each other by the first distance and a second ECU bracket with a second pair of pin apertures that are spaced apart from each other by the second distance.

Abstract: A retention clip for an interior vehicle component may include a base and a pair of frame members extending from the base. Each of the frame members may include a primary wing arranged with the base to secure the clip to a sheet metal portion and may have a body including a flared portion partially cutout from the body. The flared portion may define a secondary wing extending from the primary wing and may be configured to contact the metal when the primary wing is dislodged from an installed position. The secondary wings may define distal ends spaced apart from one another at a distance greater than a width of a slot defined by the sheet metal.

Abstract: A temporary vehicle plate attachment system includes a first plate frame adapted for mounting to a vehicle license plate receiving area, the first plate frame having a plurality of opposed corners with a magnetic member positioned adjacent to each corner and a second plate frame having a plurality of opposed corners with a magnetic member positioned adjacent to each corner and arranged in substantially the same relative geometry as the magnetic members of the first plate frame. The second plate frame is attached to the first plate frame by aligning the magnetic members. A method of attaching a temporary plate includes fastening the first plate frame to a vehicle license plate receiving area, magnetically attaching the second plate frame to the first plate frame and positioning a temporary vehicle plate against an outer surface of the second plate frame such that the temporary vehicle plate is visible.

Abstract: A wiring harness assembly for a vehicle includes wiring harness assembly for a vehicle including a plurality of overlay wiring harnesses, each of the overlay wiring harnesses including a first harness connector with a plurality of first wires, a source splice overlay adapted to be coupled to a source of the vehicle, a second harness connector with a plurality of second wires, and a weld coupling the source splice overlay to the first harness connector and the second harness connector to form a circuit.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for displaying information to a driver in a vehicle, where the information includes an image, and where information is displayed by a textile material positioned on the floor of the vehicle and the information displayed is a condition outside of the vehicle, where the information is displayed in the direction in which the condition occurs outside of the vehicle. Information can be displayed to a driver of a vehicle by an information arrangement not used for other information.

Abstract: Method for operating a fail operational power system for a vehicle includes monitoring voltages on first and second power distribution paths arranged in parallel. Each path includes a respective first or second isolator switch effective when operative in a closed state to power the respective path by a respective energy storage device for supplying electrical power to one or more loads partitioned on each of the paths. A third isolator switch controllably operative between open and closed states is monitored. The closed state of the third isolator switch connects the paths and the open state opens the connection between the paths. When a predetermined operating mode requiring fail operational power is enabled, the third isolator switch is controlled to the open state when at least one of the monitored voltages violates a reference voltage and is controlled to the closed state when neither one of the monitored voltages violate the reference voltage.

Abstract: A battery module and a method of manufacture are provided. The battery module may include a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. The PCB assembly may include a PCB designed to be disposed in a battery module for controlling operations of the battery module. The PCB may also include voltage sensing circuitry. In addition, the PCB assembly may include a bus bar cell interconnect. The bus bar cell interconnect may electrically couple batteries of the battery module. The PCB assembly may also include a voltage sense connection tab. The voltage sense connection tab may carry a voltage between a bus bar cell interconnect of the battery module and the voltage sensing circuitry on the PCB.

Abstract: A method for operating an in-vehicle charger and an in-vehicle charger mounted to a vehicle. The in-vehicle charger includes a charging coil for performing non-contact charging to a mobile device placed in the vehicle; and a control unit connected to the charging coil. The control unit instructs start or stop of supplying power to the charging coil in response to detecting a first signal indicating the engine is driven and a second signal indicating a state of a vehicle component of the vehicle other than the engine. The method includes a step of detecting the first signal; a step of detecting the second signal; and a step of instructing a start or stop of supplying power to the charging coil in response to detecting both of the first and second signals.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided that is able to (i) identify a particular driver from other potential drivers and (ii) monitor various vehicle functions in order to determine if the identified driver repeatedly performs the same behavior when the vehicle is at or near the same location. When the control system determines that the identified driver repeats the same behavior in response to the vehicle being at or near the same location, the controller learns that behavior and associates it with the identified driver so that it can be automatically performed, without driver interaction, when the vehicle is at or near the same location in the future.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided that is able to (i) identify a particular driver from other potential drivers and (ii) monitor various vehicle functions in order to determine if the identified driver repeatedly performs the same behavior at approximately the same time of day on the same day of the week. When the control system determines that the identified driver repeats the same behavior in response to the same temporal conditions, the controller learns that behavior and associates it with the identified driver so that it can be automatically performed, without driver interaction, under the same temporal conditions in the future.

Abstract: A rental vehicle has features that can be activated or deactivated wirelessly. Additional features can be purchased and activated after a customer has paid for an initial set of features and started to use the vehicle. Configuration of the vehicle is automated by transmitting a configuration message to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for obtaining rule sets for a motor vehicle to be automated includes receiving with a stationary central server arrangement from each respective one of a plurality of other motor vehicles at least one item of activation information regarding a vehicle function activated in the respective motor vehicle in an actual situation encountered by the respective motor vehicle, and a respective data set including vehicle data determined by the respective motor vehicle in the respective actual situation; generating with the centralized server rule sets on the basis of the respective data set and the at least one item of activation information, wherein each rule set defines an activation condition and a vehicle function to be activated when the activation condition is satisfied; and transmitting the rule sets to the motor vehicle to be automated.

Abstract: A bumper includes a bumper reinforcement beam and a reinforcement bracket positioned on a front side of the bumper reinforcement beam at an outboard end of the bumper reinforcement beam. An energy diverting bumper structure is positioned on a front side of the reinforcement bracket. The energy diverting bumper structure is connected directly to the reinforcement bracket and is connected indirectly to the bumper reinforcement beam through the reinforcement bracket.

Abstract: A seat passenger determination apparatus includes: a first determination processing unit configured to determine a passenger is not seated on a vehicle seat by having gotten out of the vehicle and transfer the mode to a not-seated recognition mode when a load variation width detected by a load detection apparatus falls within a first threshold value in a state in which a non-fastened state of a seatbelt is detected; and a second determination processing unit configured to determine the passenger is not seated on the vehicle seat by having gotten out of the vehicle and transfer the mode to the not-seated recognition mode when the load variation width detected by the load detection apparatus falls within a second threshold value which is larger than the first threshold value during a predetermined time when the fact that the seatbelt has changed from the fastened state to the non-fastened state is detected.

Abstract: A housing for an airbag module includes an extrusion incorporating a body portion and a cover extruded integrally with the body portion so as to form a single monolithic unit.

Abstract: Provided is a curtain airbag apparatus that prevents a head of an occupant from being moved forward. To this end, according to the curtain airbag apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an auxiliary airbag is installed on an outer surface of a curtain airbag in order to prevent the head of the occupant from being moved forward.

Abstract: A gas hag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises an inflatable gas hag, wherein the gas bag includes at least one vent device for venting gas from the gas bag, wherein the vent device in a first condition has a first outflow cross-section and in a second condition a second outflow cross-section; as well as a release mechanism which initially fixes the vent device and which releases the same after activation. The release mechanism includes an element to be filled with gas, with which the vent device is connected such that before filling of the tillable element it is fixed at the same and during filling of the fillable element is detached from the same, wherein the vent device is directly or indirectly connected with the tillable element via a releasable connection which will tear during filling of the fillable element and release the vent device.

Abstract: An airbag includes an outer shell defining an interior, at least one vent opening structured to enable fluid communication between the interior and an exterior of the airbag, and a divider dividing the airbag interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The divider is deflectable in a first direction toward the lower chamber and in a second direction toward the upper chamber. A vent cover is coupled to the at least one vent opening and to the divider so as to close over and restrict a flow of gas through the at least one vent opening when the divider is deflected in the first direction, and so as to permit the vent cover to open so as to enable an unobstructed flow of gas through the at least one vent opening when the divider is deflected in the second direction.

Abstract: An active bolster includes a plastic trim wall that deploys toward a passenger compartment and a plastic-molded bladder member joined with the trim wall by a hot weld seam to form an inflatable bladder. The bladder member includes at least one substantially circumferential pleat for unfolding in response to an inflation gas. A reaction member is joined to a central region of the bladder member to provide a reaction surface. The pleat has a peak disposed proximate to the reaction member and an outer band between the peak and the weld seam at least a portion of which extends perpendicularly to the reaction member. A buffer zone is formed circumjacent the outer band between the trim wall and the reaction member. The pleat has a vent opening formed in the outer band providing an unobstructed path for inflation gas from the inflatable bladder to the buffer zone.

Abstract: An airbag module assembly includes a module housing that defines a storage chamber. A thrust neutral inflator device is at least in part disposed within the storage chamber. The inflator device releases airbag inflation gas within the storage chamber in a cross-car manner. In specific embodiments, the cross-car release of the airbag inflation gas involves substantially all the airbag inflation gas being released at an angle of no more than ±60° and preferably at an angle of no more than ±50° from horizontal when viewed in a top planar view of the inflator device disposed within the housing.

Abstract: An initiator assembly for placement in an associated opening in an initiator-containing device includes an initiator device having at least one igniter element and an elastomeric overmoulding. The initiator device includes at least one of a thermoplastic initiator base and a thermoplastic adapter integrally joined to a base of the initiator-containing device. The elastomeric overmoulding is integral with at least one structural component such as the initiator base, the adapter and the base of the initiator-containing device. The elastomeric overmoulding serves to sealingly mate the initiator assembly in an initiator-accepting opening in the initiator-containing device. Also provided are corresponding methods of making an initiator assembly.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for raising the front hood of a vehicle having at least one extension part, by whose extension movement the front hood of the vehicle can be raised or is raised. It is provided that the extension part is at least partially formed by a planar formation, which is deformable from a first shape (e.g., a starting shape) into a second shape (e.g., an intermediate shape or final shape) to raise the front hood. Furthermore, a motor vehicle is provided that has an actuator for raising the vehicle front hood and a pedestrian protection system for a vehicle.

Abstract: A system for pretensioning a seatbelt includes a minispool and a drive rod. The drive rod includes a spiral portion that, when driven along a longitudinal axis, causes the minispool to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The spiral portion of the drive rod engages the minispool, which includes corresponding structure that tracks the spiral portion. The minispool is restricted from longitudinal travel such that tracking the spiral portion causes the minispool to rotate and the drive rod passes through the minispool. In another form, the minispool can be arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis, with the translation of the drive rod causing the minispool to translate in the same direction of the drive rod. The minispool can include teeth that engage a bracket, such that the translation of the minispool causes the minispool to rotate as it translates.

Abstract: A vehicle opening monitoring device for monitors and indicates the presence of unclosed openings of a vehicle when the vehicle is being locked. The device includes a vehicle having a plurality of openings. Each of the openings has a closed position and an open position. A vehicle locking assembly is coupled to the vehicle for locking doors of the vehicle. Each of a plurality of monitors detects when an associated one of the openings is in the closed position. Each monitor is communicatively coupled to a processor operationally coupled to the vehicle locking assembly. The processor allows locking of the vehicle locking assembly when the monitors detect all the openings are in the closed position.

Abstract: A steering lock device includes a lock bolt configured to correspond to rotation of a key cylinder and to unlock a steering shaft, and an ignition switch configured to correspond to the rotation of the key cylinder and to perform switch operation. In the steering lock device, the lock bolt is provided to a rear side of a body in a direction of a body side orthogonal to a rotation axis of the key cylinder. Also, the ignition switch includes a first switch and a second switch and is arranged to a side part of the body in a direction different from the forward movement direction of the lock bolt. The first switch is configured as the ignition switch and the second switch is configured as a key detection switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, in particular a wiping device for a motor vehicle pane, comprising a retaining element (10a-10c) with at least one longitudinal guide channel (18a-18c) for guiding at least one spring element (20a-20c). According to the invention, the retaining element (10a-10c) has at least one mounting code (34a-34c) that is designed to define exactly one explicit mounting position with a wiper blade adapter (12a-12c).

Abstract: Flat wiper blade for use in windscreen wiper modules of vehicles, essentially consisting of a wiping rubber in addition to two spring rails, extending in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade, spaced apart from one another and receiving the wiping rubber in a subsection between them, which each respectively project over the wiping rubber on the wiper blade longitudinal sides and with at least one jet or injection strip provided on one longitudinal side of the wiper blade, having at least one injection or washing duct with a large number of jet or injection openings for application of a washing and cleaning fluid to a vehicle windscreen and which, with use of clip-like fixtures spanning the wiper blade on the upper side of the wiper blade, is retained on the external peripheries of the spring rails.