Abstract: A method of conditioning a seat includes operating a first thermal conditioning assembly in a seat back configured to support an occupant torso. The first thermal conditioning assembly provides a first heat transfer rate. A second thermal conditioning assembly is operated in a seat cushion configured to support occupant lower region. The second thermal conditioning assembly provides a second heat transfer rate simultaneously with and different than the first heat transfer rate.

Abstract: Described are passenger seat backs having tray tables pivotally coupled to the seat back frame and which rotate about a single axis. The tray table (20) may be directly connected to the seat back frame (10) without the need for a complex and heavy multi-axis pivot. The resulting seat and associated tray table are lighter, more compact, and easier to manufacture.

Abstract: A refuse bag support apparatus for use with a vehicle is provided. The support apparatus includes a base member having a frame and a first pad slidably mounted to a second pad, the first pad and the second pad oriented substantially parallel to each other and able to adjust to create space sufficiently large to permit a tire of the vehicle to be disposed between the first pad and the second pad to support the base member, and a collar mechanically coupled to the frame of the base member. The collar supports a refuse bag.

Abstract: A bed lift system for a vehicle includes a first moving member, a guide member, a second moving member, and a flexible drive member. The first and second moving member are configured to be coupled to a bed. The guide member is configured to be coupled to the vehicle and cooperate with the first moving member to guide vertical movement of the bed. The flexible drive member is coupled to the first moving member and the second moving member. The bed lift system is configured so that raising the first moving member exerts tension on the flexible drive member which raises the second moving member and lowering the first moving member releases tension on the flexible drive member which lowers the second moving member.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame, a powertrain assembly, a front suspension assembly, and a rear suspension assembly. A cargo bed may be supported by the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an operator seat and at least one passenger seat positioned within an operator area. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes doors to enclose the operator area.

Abstract: A robotic cargo system provides an ability to move cargo without requiring the use of additional material handling equipment such as forklifts and K-loaders. The robotic cargo system may operate as a vehicle during drive maneuvering, and may operate to lockdown on an aircraft as a pallet during flight. The system may navigate over rough terrain while carrying heavy loads through the use of a track-based propulsion system. The system may provide a cargo loading system, ramp ascent and descent algorithms, and autonomous navigation.

Abstract: An intermodal tank container and complementary chassis, and features and methods for use thereof, are disclosed. The intermodal tank container and chassis has an appearance and length substantially similar to a non-intermodal OTR tank trailer, while affording the same capacity as an intermodal tank container. The design of the tank container allows for an improved, lighter design for the chassis and for improved usability of the tank container in intermodal environments such as with rail cars. The reduced weight of the chassis allows for a greater payload while remaining within various applicable legal restrictions for gross vehicle weight, axle weight, etc.

Abstract: A tent assembly defining a tent portion for attachment to the bed of a pickup truck is disclosed. The tent topper has a plurality of openings therein at pre-selected locations which permit the tent to engage a plurality of adjustable pins. These pins, with their associated adjustment knobs, provide a means for stretching or making taut the tent to make the tent topper. Also, the tent portion is attached and fixed to a V-shaped roof support. Furthermore, the tent topper may be easily removed from the truck, disassembled, and stored in, for example, a suitcase type container in the truck cab behind the seat, as many truck owners do not like to permanently affix camper type shells on their truck beds.

Abstract: A device for covering at least part of a container using a tarpaulin, comprising: a rod for rolling the tarpaulin thereonto and unrolling of the tarpaulin therefrom; a support arm mountable to the container for rotatably supporting the rod, the support arm being pivotally movable relative to the container; a rod actuator for selectively rotating the rod; and an arm biasing element for biasing the support arm towards a predetermined position. Rotating the rod using the rod actuator to roll the tarpaulin therearound moves the support arm towards a support arm first position to move the tarpaulin to a tarpaulin retracted configuration and rotating the rod using the rod actuator to unroll the tarpaulin therefrom moves the support arm towards a support arm second position to move the tarpaulin to a tarpaulin extended configuration.

Abstract: A laser unit (2) for a vehicle headlight with a laser diode (11) and, associated with the laser diode (11), adjustable optics with optical elements comprising at least one collimator, wherein at least one optical element selected from the group consisting of a collimator (13, 22) and a deflection mirror (20) is mounted so that it can pivot about at least one spatial axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a headlight (12) of a motor vehicle (10), which headlight (12) comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes, by receiving a request signal for a high-beam mode; determining a road class of a roadway on which the motor vehicle (10) is located; activating a first group of the plurality of light emitting diodes for providing a first high-beam distribution (20) with the headlight (12) in the event that a road class different from a highway (18) is determined; and activating a second group of the plurality of light emitting diodes for providing a second high-beam distribution (26) with the headlight (12) in the event that a highway (18) is determined as the road class.

Abstract: A headlight controller and a vehicle headlight system including an ADB can include a headlight controller and an optical unit. The headlight controller can include a system controller, a vehicle detector and a camera photographing forward vehicles located in a travelling direction of a subject vehicle, and the system controller can be configured to output a light-emitting control signal to provide favorable light distribution patterns by using vehicle data output from the vehicle detector in accordance with image data output from the camera. The optical unit can be configured to provide the favorable light distribution patterns using lights emitted from a right and left light-emitting device in accordance with the light-emitting control signal.

Abstract: A tail lamp assembly is provided to include a tail lamp and a tailgate lamp. The tail lamp assembly replaces the original taillights of a vehicle with the tail lamp, which is embedded in the rear side plate of the vehicle, whereas the tailgate lamp is attached to the tailgate of the vehicle. The tail lamp is directly controlled by the vehicle to selectively provide specific warning signals. The tailgate lamp is disposed on a surface of the tailgate, extending from the tail lamp at the position within a certain distance from the tail lamp. A light channel or electric channel is selectively established between the tail lamp and the tailgate lamp to link and synchronize the tailgate lamp with the tail lamp, so that the tailgate lamp provides specific warning signals accordingly.

Abstract: A rear combination lamp that includes a display disposed on a vehicle, the display including a plurality of light emitting devices and being oriented to display information toward one or more other vehicles located to a rear of the vehicle on which the display is disposed; and a processor configured to control the display to perform exterior styling using the plurality of light emitting devices by: determining at least one condition related to driving of the vehicle on which the display is disposed, selecting, from among multiple exterior style images, at least one exterior style image to display based on the determined at least one condition related to driving of the vehicle, and controlling the display to display the at least one exterior style image selected is disclosed.

Abstract: A tail lamp assembly is provided to include a tail lamp and a tailgate lamp. The tail lamp assembly replaces the original taillights of a pickup truck with the tail lamp, which is embedded in the side plate of the pickup truck, whereas the tailgate lamp is attached to the tailgate of the pickup truck. The tail lamp is directly controlled by the pickup truck to selectively provide specific warning signals. The tailgate lamp is disposed on a plain surface of the tailgate, extending from the tail lamp at the position within a certain distance from the tail lamp. A light channel or electric channel is selectively established between the tail lamp and the tailgate lamp to link and synchronize the tailgate lamp with the tail lamp, so that the tailgate lamp provides specific warning signals accordingly.

Abstract: An electronic brake lamp switch may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configured to generate a signal for turning on a brake lamp, an first output signal, and a second output signal, respectively, when a brake pedal is pressed and configured to package electrical elements for preventing failure when the failure such as outside overvoltage, abnormal surge or short circuit able to be generated on an output terminal occurs, and a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to receive power for operating the application-specific integrated circuit and to which the ASIC is mounted.

Abstract: A vehicle sound generator includes a transmission case, a differential case rotatable with respect to the transmission case, a striking member disposed on the differential case, and a vibration plate disposed on the transmission case. The striking member is disposed so as to come in contact with the vibration plate when the differential case rotates. The rotation of the differential case allows the striking member and the vibration plate to generate a striking sound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulation speed display apparatus of a vehicle. The apparatus causes a display device to display a detected regulation speed as a standard regulation speed when a traffic sign in a shot landscape is not a traffic sign with an auxiliary sign. The apparatus causes the display device to display the detected regulation speed as the standard regulation speed when the traffic sign in the shot landscape is the traffic sign with the auxiliary sign and the detected regulation speed is larger than an already displayed standard regulation speed. The apparatus causes the display device to maintain the display of the already displayed standard regulation speed when the traffic sign in the shot landscape is the traffic sign with the auxiliary sign and the detected regulation speed is equal to or smaller than the already displayed standard regulation speed.

Abstract: A system and method is described for improving situational awareness, fatigue management, and navigation via tactile feedback to vehicle operators, such as via a piezoelectric device. The tactile feedback may be provided to a vehicle operator in response to data gathered from external, headset integrated or aircraft integrated navigation sensors, such as may be used to identify navigational deviations outside of pre-established tolerances. The tactile feedback may be provided to a vehicle operator in response to physiological operator metric gathering and processing. One or more physiological sensors may be included on an operator headset, and may be either proximate to or separated from the tactile feedback device. As data is provided to the operator of a vehicle, equivalent data may be provided to a third party (e.g. a control center, dispatch, mission control, or similar). The data may be used to determine alertness levels remotely and intervene as necessary.

Abstract: A lamp, for a vehicle, that includes at least one light source configured to generate light; a transparent display configured to allow at least a portion of the light to pass through the transparent display; and a processor configured to control the transparent display to display, on a projection surface using the light, information related to the vehicle or driving conditions for the vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: A driver alert system for a vehicle and a method for operating the driver alert system are disclosed. The driver alert system for the vehicle includes an alert system triggering event detection module for detecting a driver alert system triggering event. The alert system triggering event detection module includes at least one of a steering event detection module for detecting a steering event, a blind spot detection module for detecting a blind spot event, and a front collision warning event detection module for detecting a front collision warning event. The driver alert system for the vehicle includes a driver alert level determination module for determining a driver alert level for the driver alert system triggering event. The driver alert system also includes a driver alert module for alerting the driver of the vehicle using a driver alert device based on the driver alert.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for avoiding collisions between vehicles, comprising receiving data that represent a first travel path of a vehicle, the first travel path being a most probable path of the first vehicle, receiving data that represent at least one second travel path of at least one further vehicle, the second travel path being a most probable path of one of the further vehicles, determining whether the first travel path collides with the second travel path and, upon determination of a travel path collision, initiating generation of a signal to warn a driver of at least one of the vehicles of a possible collision with another vehicle. Additionally disclosed is a similar method for avoiding collisions between vehicles, which is executed by a device in a first vehicle. In this method, additionally, a current position of the first vehicle can be detected, and the travel path of the first vehicle is determined on the basis of the detected current position.

Abstract: In an alert control apparatus mounted in a vehicle, when collision avoidance control is being performed to automatically activate brakes of the vehicle to avoid collision with a forward object, an alert determiner determines whether or not a predefined alert condition for determining that the collision with the forward object cannot be avoided is met, based on a distance to the forward object and a stopping distance. The stopping distance is a distance the vehicle travels until the vehicle stops moving and is calculated based on the traveling speed of the vehicle and a collision avoidance deceleration at which the traveling speed is decreased under the collision avoidance control. An alert controller, if the alert condition is met, activates at least one alerting device to alert surroundings of the vehicle, and if the alert condition is not met, inhibits operation of the at least one alerting device.

Abstract: Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles include a rechargeable traction battery. An automated vehicle charging system is configured to charge the traction battery with minimal operator intervention. The vehicle charging system includes at least one tire pad including a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged at known locations of the tire pad and outputting signals having a magnitude indicative of a pressure applied by a tire at the known locations. The vehicle charging system also includes at least one controller programmed to receive the signals and control movement of a transmit coil according to a position of the tire on the tire pad that is derived from the signals. The known locations may be generally equally spaced or unevenly spaced across the tire pad. The tire pad may include a tire stop to limit motion of the tire in one direction.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a camera and a display device. The camera is configured to capture an image and the display device is programmed to display the image. Each image includes a target, and the display device displays a virtual overlay on the image. The virtual overlay is displayed on the display device at a fixed location.

Abstract: Provided is an extended view method and apparatus, the method including generating a virtual viewpoint image of a vehicle based on a surrounding view of the vehicle, generating an extended virtual viewpoint image based on the virtual viewpoint image of the vehicle and a received virtual viewpoint image of another vehicle, and displaying the extended virtual viewpoint image to a user.

Abstract: In a parking assistance device, a ground mark indicating the coil axis direction and position of a ground coil is placed at a parking space, and a vehicle mark indicating the coil axis direction and position of a vehicle coil is displayed in an image displayed on a display unit. Then, the vehicle mark is displayed in the image in such a way as to be superimposed on the ground mark when the vehicle on which the vehicle coil is mounted reaches a position and angle at which the vehicle can be wirelessly charged.

Abstract: An adjustment unit for a rear view device for a vehicle includes a pivot and a carrier. The carrier is tiltably mounted to the pivot. The adjustment unit includes at least one first bending actuator, which has its largest dimension in a first direction and which is bendably adjustable in an angular or crosswise direction relative to the first direction. The first bending actuator has a first end fixed to a first fastening means and a second end fixed to the carrier. At least one second bending actuator has its largest dimension in a second direction oriented angularly or crosswise relative to the first direction and is bendable angular or crosswise relative thereto. The second bending actuator has a first end fixed to the first fastening means or a further fastening means and a second end fixed to the carrier. The adjustment unit is characterized in that the first direction of the first bending actuator and/or the second direction of the second bending actuator run through the center of the pivot.

Abstract: An adjustable rearview device, especially a side-view mirror for a motor vehicle, has a mirror head, a mirror base and at least one joint device. The joint device is arranged between the mirror head and mirror base and includes at least one elastomeric element and an axis of rotation around which the mirror head can move. The mirror head is configured to move, particularly by rotating or folding relative to the mirror base, from a first functional position to at least one second functional position. In the first functional position, the elastomeric element holds the mirror head. In at least one second functional position, the elastomeric element is stretched or compressed. The adjustable rearview device has at least one electrical conductor, which extends at least between the mirror base and mirror head. The electrical conductor is elastically deformable at least in the direction of its longitudinal dimension.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that provide for the automatic adjusting and/or optimization of vehicle mirrors. In general, a camera, either real or virtual, is located at an appropriate place, e.g., reasonably proximate to the driver's eyes or on the mirror itself The images received by the camera are then analyzed as the mirror is moved, and an optimized and/or adjusted mirror setting is determined. The optimized setting may be determined by minimizing the sum of the incremental changes of sampled points between successive images for a given incremental rotation angle. The optimized setting may also be determined by maximizing the area of a polygonal figure generated in part by converging lines that represent an adjacent lane.

Abstract: A vehicle having first and second seat rows supported by a floor and a lift gate for accessing a cargo area partially defined by the second seat row, the floor, and the lift gate includes first and second flexible covers positioned within at least one cassette in a retracted position. The at least one cassette is positioned adjacent a floor of the vehicle behind the second seat row. At least one of the first and flexible covers may include a pass through door allowing for storage of elongated cargo when at least a portion of the second seat row is folded down. The pass through door may be secured in a closed position by a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, at least one magnet, or at least one snap.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: a cargo attachment system having: a base unit comprising an attachment piece, and a rail comprising a slide face; and a cargo attachment mechanism comprising a knob, a cargo attachment component, and a slider mechanism mechanically coupled to the slide face wherein the slider mechanism is constructed and arranged to slide the cargo attachment mechanism along the slide face and statically lock the cargo attachment mechanism at a position along the slide face, and wherein the cargo attachment component is constructed and arranged to pivotally rotate into a plurality of fixed positions about the knob.

Abstract: A load carrier foot of clamping type includes a tensioning arrangement. The tensioning arrangement includes a cam member and a separate lever. The lever can be operated to pivot the cam member to impart a clamping force to retain the load carrier foot. The lever or a separate release member can be used pivot back the cam member to detach the load carrier foot.

Abstract: A mount adapter (100, 200) for mounting a display device (D) on a vehicular rearview mirror (R) is configured such that a convex mirror (160, 260) is disposed on the opposite side of the rearview mirror (R) to the driver's seat side when viewed from the driver's seat, with the display device (D) mounted on the driver's seat side of the rearview mirror (R) in such a manner as to cover the rearview mirror (R).

Abstract: A method of creating in situ an acoustic enclosure in a space that is between body panels of a motor vehicle, wherein the space defines an empty volume, the method comprising placing into the space between body panels a molding tool that comprises a solid barrier that divides the space between body panels into an interior portion on an inside of the molding tool and an exterior portion that is external to an outside of the molding tool, where the outside of the molding tool is exposed to the space between body panels, and while the molding tool is in the space between the panels, introducing a fluid material into the exterior portion of the space between the body panels, wherein the fluid material is configured to cure into a solid shell.

Abstract: An in-vehicle device covering structure comprises an in-vehicle device attached to a ceiling surface of a vehicle, a cover that covers the in-vehicle device from below, and a plate-shaped bracket attached to the ceiling surface and covered by the cover from below together with the in-vehicle device, the cover hanging from the bracket. The bracket has a first attachment surface attached to the ceiling surface on the vehicle rear side relative to the in-vehicle device, a second attachment surface attached to the cover and arranged overlapping at least a chassis of the in-vehicle device when viewed in a vehicle upper-lower direction and at a distance from the in-vehicle device, and a vertical wall connecting the first and second attachment surfaces, the vertical wall being arranged on the vehicle rear side relative to the in-vehicle device and at a distance from the in-vehicle device.

Abstract: A glide controller includes a glide solver and a glide control interface. The glide solver generates at least one vehicular glide schedule including a plurality of discretized targets. The solver generates a plurality of vehicular glide control outputs corresponding to the plurality of discretized targets. The glide control interface outputs the plurality of vehicular glide control outputs, intended to result in a performance adjustment of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling a seat is performed by a mobile device in cooperation with a database. The database contains at least one reference data set which contains a physical characteristic data and a seat setting data. The method includes the steps of: a) upon receipt of an input, searching the database to identify which one(s) of the at least one reference data set contains the physical characteristic data that matches the input, the one(s) serving as candidate data set(s); and b) when a total number of the candidate data set(s) identified in step a) is one, outputting, to the seat, the seat setting data contained in the candidate data set for controlling the seat.

Abstract: The bumper beam of a motor vehicle comprising a chassis and comprising at least one horizontal flank and at least one vertical flank extending longitudinally to the beam comprises at least one bearing member arranged so as to be supported on the chassis and to exert a reaction force in one direction on said at least one horizontal flank during the absorption of an impact by said beam, said bearing member being stronger than said at least one horizontal flank in the direction of the reaction force.

Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure includes: a front side member; a load-bearing member provided at an outer side face of a vehicle width direction outer side of the front side member, the load-bearing member including a load transmission portion that protrudes to the vehicle width direction outer side and to a vehicle front from the outer side face; a front bumper reinforcement; an inner side collision-absorbing portion that couples a front end of the front side member with the front bumper reinforcement; and an outer side collision-absorbing portion disposed at the vehicle width direction outer side of the inner side collision-absorbing portion, at least a portion of the outer side collision-absorbing portion being disposed between a front end of the load transmission portion and the front bumper reinforcement, and the outer side collision-absorbing portion being higher in compression strength in the vehicle front-and-rear direction than the inner side collision-absorbing portion.

Abstract: A computer is programmed to receive data from one or more vehicle sensors. The computer identifies an incident based on the data. The computer sends a first instruction to a wearable portable device requesting data representing movement of the portable device for a first predetermined time period. The computer receives data from the portable device representing movement of the first portable device for the first predetermined time period.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a vehicle interior panel for covering an airbag and a method of fabricating a vehicle interior panel for covering an airbag. The vehicle interior panel includes a substrate with an opening, a chute channel assembly inserted into the opening, a surface skin, and a foam layer disposed between the surface skin and the substrate. The chute channel assembly includes a wall section surrounding a chute channel for the airbag and a cover plate covering the chute channel and closing the opening. The cover plate includes an airbag door, wherein an outer surface of the cover plate is in contact with the foam layer. The outer surface of the cover plate has a rough surface structure, the outer surface having a surface roughness parameter Ra of at least 4 ?m.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an inflatable air bag, an inflator for inflating the air bag, a housing for supporting the air bag and inflator, and a cover for enclosing the air bag in the housing. The cover includes a fabric panel and a steering panel. The fabric panel has a main portion that at least partially envelops the air bag in a deflated and stowed condition and includes a tear seam that is rupturable upon inflation of the air bag to permit the air to deploy from the housing. The steering panel is for directing the air bag to deploy from the housing along a predetermined trajectory. The steering panel includes a panel of reinforcing material that overlies a portion of the fabric panel and is connected to the fabric panel. In a closed condition of the cover, the steering panel is fastened to the housing.

Abstract: An airbag assembly including an airbag module mounted to a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is mounted to an outside surface of a side member of a back frame of a vehicle seat frame and partially covers the outside surface of the side member and extending along a length of the side member. The assembly includes a load transfer device mounted to an inside surface of the side member. The load transfer device distributing a load originating at the airbag module from the mounting bracket to the vehicle seat frame.

Abstract: An A-pillar grab handle attachment bracket configured to connect a grab handle to an A-pillar structure of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The bracket comprises a first flange, a second flange, and a body portion connecting the first and second flanges. The first flange is configured to couple to the grab handle and the second flange is configured to couple to the A-pillar structure of the motor vehicle. The first and second flanges are spaced apart and the body portion extends between the first and second flanges and at least partially defines a channel configured to receive an inflatable portion of a side air curtain bag of the motor vehicle, such that the inflatable portion of the airbag deploys through an open side of the channel between the first and second flanges.

Abstract: A gas bag arrangement with a gas bag and a filling mechanism arranged in an opening of the gas bag for filling the gas bag with gas is provided. It is provided that the filling mechanism is elastically held in the opening by a holding mechanism arranged in the region of the opening, wherein the holding mechanism has elastic properties due to which it exerts holding forces on the filling mechanism.

Abstract: An animal restraint device restrains an animal relative to a vehicle seat having two lower anchors laterally spaced apart at a rear bottom of the seat and an auxiliary anchor separate from the lower anchors. The harness includes a chest panel and a plurality of straps for securement about the torso of the animal. Two lower tethers are securable between the harness and the two lower anchors of the vehicle. An upper retractable tether can be secured between a separate upper connector on the harness and the vehicle. In one embodiment, a retractable tether assembly is coupled between the harness and an anchor on the vehicle typically used for anchoring the upper tether of a vehicle child restraint seat. In another embodiment, an adapter allows the seatbelt of the vehicle to be used as the upper retractable tether.

Abstract: A reversible seat belt retractor including an electric motor (2), a belt shaft (1) on which a seatbelt is windable, a drive wheel (10) disposed coaxial to the belt shaft (1), and a coupling (11) provided between the belt shaft (1) and the drive wheel (10). The electric motor (2) includes an extended drive shaft (12), via which the electric motor (2) is in direct driving connection with the drive wheel (10).

Abstract: A control system includes a vehicular device equipped to a vehicle and a portable device carried by a user. The vehicular device transmits, at a first transmission time interval, an RF signal in synchronization with an RF clock signal after a transmission of an LF signal. The portable device counts a reception time interval of the RF signal and determines, based on the reception time interval, a second transmission time interval of a response signal, and transmits the response signal at the second transmission time interval. The vehicular device further determines whether a duration time from transmission of the LF signal or the RF signal to reception of the response signal is within an appropriate range set based on the RF clock signal, and permits a predetermined manipulation to the vehicle when the duration time is within the appropriate range.

Abstract: A system includes a remote control unit, such as a fob, and a base station at a target, such as a vehicle. The control unit and the base station are configured to communicate authorization signals and time-of-flight (ToF) ranging signals concurrently between one another. The base station is further configured to confirm from the authorization signals whether the control unit is authorized for controlling a target function and to confirm from the ToF ranging signals whether the control unit is within range of the target. The base station is further configured to prevent the target function from being controlled by the control unit when the control unit is not within range of the target.