Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle seat has a latch which is mounted pivotably about a second axis and is intended for locking a counter element, with a clamping eccentric which is mounted pivotably about a first axis parallel to the second axis and, by interaction with a first functional surface of the latch, secures a locked state of the latch. In the locked state, the clamping eccentric acts in a spring-loaded manner on the first functional surface via a clamping surface. The clamping eccentric is moveable from the locking position thereof into the unlocking position thereof. A pretensioned compression spring is provided, which is supported at one end thereof on an arm of the clamping eccentric in a manner spring-loading the latter into the locking position thereof and, at the other end thereof, acting upon the latch in the unlocking direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) with a framework (2) for fastening the vehicle seat (1) to a vehicle body (6), with a seat part (3), with a backrest (4) and with a head support (5) comprising a head support suspension (9), in which the seat part (3) and the backrest (4) are arranged on the framework (2), in which the head support suspension (9) is formed by the framework (2) or is fastened to the framework (2) and in which the head support suspension (9) has a suspension part (12) on the side towards the framework and a suspension part (13) on the side towards the backrest, wherein the suspension part (13) on the side towards the backrest is arranged outside the backrest (4).

Abstract: An armrest of a vehicle seat or a seat bench includes an arm support attached to a console element. A bearing arrangement enables swivel movement of the arm support between a support element of the arm support and the console element. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing arrangement is formed by at least three sliding bearings which are disposed so as to be distributed across the width of the armrest and which, in turn, are formed by the console element and the support element, which are made of a plastic material.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat with a ventilating device comprises (a) a ventilating insert (5) that is placed into a recess on the side of an upholstery core facing a seated person, (b) an air-permeable upholstery layer covering the side of the ventilating insert facing the seated person, and (c) a ventilator (12), at least partially inserted into an indentation in the side of the upholstery core facing the seated person, that sucks in the air from partial areas of the seating surface and provides it to those partial areas. At least a portion of the air flow between the ventilator and the upholstery covering occurs via an air-distribution layer (10) of the ventilating insert (5).

Abstract: The seat frame has a left and a right link, a left and a right side part and a transverse tube which connects the two side parts. The links are connected to the transverse tube for conjoint rotation. The transverse tube has a main tube located between the side parts, a left end piece assigned to the left side part and a right end piece assigned to the right side part. The main tube is connected to the two end pieces in respective overlapping regions. The main tube is manufactured from a material, preferably from steel, which has an at least 20% higher tensile strength than the material of the end pieces.

Abstract: An assistance device for entering and leaving a vehicle includes a handle member for supporting at least part of the weight of the user grasping a handle of the handle member, a striker pin insertion post for extending into the opening of a striker pin in the door frame, for supporting at least part of the weight of a user grasping the handle, and a pair of outrigger side portions extending transversely outwardly of the insertion post, on respective opposite sides of the handle member and insertion post, each having a transverse width greater than a transverse width of the insertion post for impeding entry of the insertion post into the opening of the striker pin when the handle member is outside the plane of the door frame.

Abstract: A rotating lift system and method for transporting oversized agricultural implements. The rotating lift system includes a rotator arm, a rotator arm guide, and an arcuate rotation track all mounted on a trailer frame. A load lift assembly is mounted on the rotator arm and is movable between lowered and raised positions and is adapted for connecting to a load. The rotator arm is pivotally connected to the trailer frame and rotates about a vertical axis. The rotator arm guide is connected to the opposing end of the rotator arm and engages the rotation track. The rotating lift system and method are adapted for engaging, lifting and rotating an implement and moving the implement between perpendicularly opposed field use and transport positions. A gas strut may optionally be equipped to aid in the lifting process. A telescoping light bar may be included to increase safety while in transport.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an access panel configured to conceal an access region of a fueling receptacle. A light source is disposed proximate the access region and is in communication with a controller. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one photoluminescent portion disposed proximate the access region and configured to illuminate at least a portion of the access region.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, via a sensor, data associated with a vehicle operator; determining, using a processor, a view of the vehicle operator based on the received data; associating the view with a characteristic of a collision avoidance system; and thereafter modifying the characteristic of the collision avoidance system. Other embodiments are described and claimed herein.

Abstract: An interior door trim component for an automotive vehicle. The door trim component includes a main body having an exterior surface for facing the interior of the vehicle and a door pull configured to allow for pulling thereon and closing of the door of the vehicle. The door pull is spaced apart from the main body by a distance that allows the fingers of a vehicle occupant's hand to extend into the area between the door pull and the main body. A light emitting assembly is mounted adjacent to the door pull and is oriented to emitt light in a direction away from the door pull and toward the exterior surface of the main body.

Abstract: A sound generation system for a vehicle includes a sound generator for operating a speaker of the vehicle to produce an audible sound. A controller detects a vehicle operation event and controls the sound generator to generate an audible indication of the event, an association of the audible indication with the event being programmable by a user.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for aircraft collision avoidance with speed-based collision alert time thresholds. In one example, a system is configured to determine predicted trajectories for an own aircraft and a target aircraft. The system is further configured to determine whether a violation of protected airspace is predicted between the own aircraft and the target aircraft. The system is further configured to determine whether a predicted time to closest approach between the own aircraft and the target aircraft is less than an alert threshold time based on a speed of the own aircraft. The system is further configured to generate an alert output, in response to determining that a violation of protected airspace is predicted and that the predicted time to closest approach between the own aircraft and the target aircraft is less than the alert threshold time based on the speed of the own aircraft.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a system multi-camera image processing method. The method includes performing geometric alignment to produce a geometric output, performing photometric alignment to produce a photometric output and blending output, using data from the geometric alignment and the photometric alignment for performing synthesis function for at least one of blending and stitching images from the multi-cameras, and displaying an image from the synthesis function.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective mirror element and a blind spot indicator system in optical communication with the reflective mirror element and configured to receive an input from a blind spot detector system, wherein the blind spot indicator system includes a first indicator assembly and a second indicator assembly each having a light source and an optic, the optic is in optical communication with the light source. The light sources are configured to emit light that at least partially propagates through the optics and the reflective mirror element if the input received from the blind spot detector indicates the blind spot detector is active or an object is detected in the blind spot.

Abstract: A step-up front bumper system is designed to be attached to the front frame of a truck, or other similar large vehicle. The purpose of this device is to provide a measure of protection from incidental contact and a step by which access to nearby portions of the vehicle may be gained. The device is configured to accommodate a variety of vehicles and step widths.

Abstract: A hitch step is adapted to be attached into a standard receiver-type hitch of a pickup truck, or other similarly equipped vehicle. The device is an attachable step enabling one to gain access to a rear portion of the vehicle. The device is configured to accommodate a variety of vehicles and step widths.

Abstract: A vehicle dash panel storage compartment includes a storage compartment including at least a top, a bottom, and sides defining a storage slot, and a pivoting mechanism configured to translate the storage compartment between a stowed configuration within an interior of a housing of the instrument panel and a variety of deployed configurations. Optionally, the top may be hingedly connected to the storage compartment. The pivoting mechanism may include at least one strut pivotally connected at a first end to a support and at a second end to the storage compartment.

Abstract: A modifiable rack system can be connected to a vehicle such as a truck or a tractor, and includes a receptacle for holding a variety of items including materials and equipment. The rack system includes a variety of add-ons for organizing and retaining equipment, and a hinged tail gate for easy access. The rack system includes a trailer hitch so a rolling trailer, or the like, can be daisy-chained off the back end. Wheels can be mounted to the rack system so the rack system can used as a rolling cart. The rack system is able to withstand large forces during use because of a tow support spine, and associated structures, which impart tremendous strength.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus for a vehicle may include guide rails symmetrically disposed under a rear bumper beam and extending in a front-rear direction, a carrier having a panel and sliding rails and stowed or drawn out under the rear bumper beam by sliding in the front-rear direction along the guide rails, tilting mechanisms that include fixing brackets disposed at rear ends of the guide rails and tilting brackets disposed behind the fixing brackets at the rear ends of the guide rails and capable of turning on the rear bumper beam, and tilting actuators disposed on the fixing brackets of the tilting mechanisms to be selectively connected to the tilting brackets, connected to the tilting brackets to restrict turning of the tilting brackets when not in use, and disconnected from the tilting brackets to allow the carrier to turn with the tilting brackets when the carrier is fully drawn out.

Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a bike rack to a vehicle including a support member located behind an exterior wall of the vehicle. An attachment assembly, including a receiver operative to move between the first, stowed position any second, use position is connected to the support member. The exterior wall includes a removable portion wherein upon removal provides access to the attachment assembly. Once the removable portion is removed, the attachment assembly, including the receiver is moved from the first, stowed position to the second, use position wherein the bike rack then connects to the receiver. Additionally, the removable portion may include a detachable license plate bracket, which upon being detached from the vehicle, can be mounted to the rear of a bike rack. Sensors are mounted on the license plate bracket to allow for a functional back-up or park assist when the bike rack is attached to rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a system determine track availability. The system is configured to be fitted to a guided vehicle liable to move downstream on a track. The system contains at least one camera able to capture images of a downstream section of track. The downstream section being a track portion extending from a first point of the track located downstream of the guided vehicle to a second point of the track located downstream of the guided vehicle. The distance separating the camera from the second point is being greater than the distance separating it from the first point. At least one image processing and analysis device is provided and is able to analyze each image taken by each camera, to locate the downstream section therein, to determine first a downstream safety distance, and second an availability state of the track between the first point and the second point.

Abstract: A vehicular decorative member is curved as a forward-bulging shape, and includes a transparent base, a transferred layer, a metallic layer, and a base layer. The transparent base includes a front face, and a rear face. The transparent base's rear face has an ordinary section, and a recessed section. The transferred layer, the metallic layer, and the base layer are disposed on the transparent base's rear-face side in this order. The vehicular decorative member further includes a transfer sheet turning into the transferred layer. The transfer sheet includes a support film, and an adhesive layer, a decorative layer and a release layer that are formed on the support film in this order. The transfer sheet makes the transferred layer when the support film is removed from the release layer after pressing the transfer sheet onto the transparent base's ordinary section while heating the transfer sheet.

Abstract: A trim made of plastics for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises a first component (7) made of plastics and a second component (8) made of plastics. To improve such trim, the first component (7) is at least partly transparent or semi-transparent. The second component (8) includes one or more recesses (10, 11, 12) for a display element and/or for an input element (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A seal assembly is mounted to a floor portion of an RV with a slide out room. The slide out room has a wall and a floor that is separated from the floor of the RV. The seal assembly has a wear bar with a ramped surface extending up from a flange at an obtuse angle, terminating in a flat top surface which then terminates in a wall that extends downwardly to another flange. The seal has a flexible wiper that seals to the slide out room floor. The seal assembly includes a splash shield with a resilient end that seals to the wall of the slide out room.

Abstract: A moldable composite with high heat resistance and noise absorption properties utilizes nonwoven fabrics and a heat resistance additive. The composition that provides both superior acoustic performance and excellent flex modulus that may be utilized in automotive products and applications in interior and exterior structures. A blowing agent may be utilized to create micro porous cells in a polymer non-woven structure. The cells or voids make the material lighter and allow the material to have superior acoustic properties that are useful in automotive applications.

Abstract: A corrugated plate portion of a core panel is sandwiched between an upper panel and a lower panel, and is formed in a shape in which upwardly-facing concave portions, that open toward a side of the upper panel and extend in a vehicle transverse direction, and downwardly-facing concave portions, that open toward a side of the lower panel and extend in the vehicle transverse direction, are lined-up alternately. A sum of contact surface areas of the upper panel and bottom wall portion sides of the downwardly-facing concave portions at the corrugated plate portion is smaller than a sum of contact surface areas of the lower panel and bottom wall portion sides of the upwardly-facing concave portions at the corrugated plate portion.

Abstract: A track-bound vehicle converter comprises a block-wave generator (20) configured to be connected to a direct voltage source (21) and connected to a series resonance link (34), or to an inductive link, for providing the input of a direct converter (41) with semi sinusoidal current pulses. The direct converter has at least one phase leg (42-44) having on one hand one switch (45-47) connected to the link (34) and able to block voltages in both directions thereacross and conduct current in both directions therethrough and on the other a capacitor (48-50) connected in series therewith. The voltage across the capacitor (48-50) of the direct converter is used to provide a converter output with an alternating voltage.

Abstract: An object is to provide a wire harness capable of protecting a wire, and also capable of facilitating the mounting of the wire and a soundproofing material to a place where soundproofing (e.g., sound absorption or sound insulation) is required. The wire harness includes a wire and a soundproofing sheet. The soundproofing sheet includes a sheet-like soundproofing material that is combined integrally with the wire along the wire. A plurality of holes are formed in the soundproofing sheet at positions along a route of the wire.

Abstract: Provided is a power feeding structure for a sliding door, in which the wire harness is routed from a swinging member placed near a rear portion of a vehicle body-side step portion to a sliding door-side swinging member through an opening behind the step portion, and a forward turning angle of the vehicle body-side swinging member is restricted so that the wire harness forms a projection which projects from the vehicle body-side swinging member toward an outer side of the vehicle than the step portion and a curved portion which projects in a convex form outward of the vehicle when the sliding door is slid forward of a vehicle and is fully closed. When the sliding door is fully closed, the sliding door-side swinging member is biased inward of the vehicle by a spring member.

Abstract: A network component has a signal processing device having a processor, at least one voltage source that can be connected to a supply network of the vehicle, and at least one coupling device connected to the signal processing device and the voltage source. Lines of at least one network segment of the vehicle network can be connected to the coupling device for the simultaneous signal connection of the network segment to the signal processing device and for the voltage supply of the network segment by the voltage source. The voltage source is configured such that a voltage ratio between at least one supply voltage provided by the voltage source and the voltage provided by the supply network can be selected from a selection of several predetermined voltage ratios.

Abstract: A plurality of remote module equipment centers (RMECs) distributed throughout a vehicle to aggregate sensor and control information into localized areas of the vehicle. The RMECs provide power and bidirectional communications to vehicle subsystems thereby localizing the computing and networking functions close to the associated electrical components of the subsystem. In one or more configurations, the RMECs are utilized outside the pressure vessel of an aircraft to minimize the routing distance and size of the wire bundle passing through the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A smart power outlet system for a vehicle has a power outlet control module and a plurality of power outlets. Each power outlet has an associated set of power switching devices with each power switching device of a set of power switching devices coupled to a different power source. The power outlet control module drives a display and is responsive to user input via the display. The power outlet control module energizes one of the power switching devices in each set of power switching devices corresponding to a power source selected by a user via the display to provide power to the power outlet associated with that set of power switching devices from the power source selected by the user.

Abstract: A power supply system suitable for use by an aircraft is disclosed. The power system converts power from an unregulated DC power source to multiple AC and DC voltage outputs. The power supply system comprises an interleaved buck converter, and interleaved full-bridge converter, an interleaved inverter, and a control system. In one configuration, the interleaved inverter uses high-voltage DC generated by the interleaved four-bridge converter as its power input to generate a high-voltage AC output.

Abstract: An electrical connector that has a first side configured to interface with a battery module and a second side configured to interface with a mating plug coupled to a first load. The electrical connector includes terminals extending through the first and second sides and configured to route power at a first voltage from the battery module to the mating plug; low voltage lines extending through the first and second sides, wherein the low voltage lines operate at a voltage less than the first voltage; and high voltage lines electrically coupled to the terminals via conductive leads and configured to route an electrical signal from the terminals to a second load. The electrical connector contains a secondary connection interface configured to allow access to the low and high voltage lines.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a system and method for reconfiguring a vehicle based on one or more preferences of a first user without the first user directly providing an input to the vehicle to reconfigure the vehicle. The method may include wirelessly receiving first user profile data at a vehicle. The first user profile data may be associated with a first user. The first user profile data may describe how one or more settings of the vehicle should be configured for the first user. Upon receipt of the first user profile data, the vehicle may be configured in accordance with second user profile data describing how the one or more settings of the vehicle should be configured for a second user. The method may include reconfiguring the one or more settings of the vehicle based on the first user profile data so that the vehicle is reconfigured for the first user.

Abstract: Bumper crossbeam (10, 10?), having a plane of symmetry (Y) and globally oriented in a direction (T) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (Y), comprising two attachment areas (12a, 12b) symmetrically arranged with respect to the plane of symmetry (Y) and distant from each other by a distance D, said beam being designed to absorb the energy dissipated by a shock generated by a force substantially horizontal and oriented in a direction (L) perpendicular to said direction (T), made from a globally tubular body (11) with a monotonically varying nominal cross-section (Sn) over most of its length between said attachment areas (12a, 12b), except in two weakened areas (15a, 15b), which are symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry (Y), which are remote from the said plane of symmetry by a distance of between 0.10*D and 0.40*D, wherein the second moment of area about the axis (Z) perpendicular to the plane (L, T) is lower in the said weakened areas than expected from the nominal cross-section.

Abstract: A hierarchical sandwich box impact beam for a vehicle that includes spaced apart micro-truss sandwich structures defining an open area therebetween. The impact beam includes an outer facing sandwich structure including an outer facesheet, an inner facesheet and a micro-truss core formed therebetween, and an inner facing sandwich structure including an outer facesheet, an inner facesheet and a micro-truss core formed therebetween. One or more structural connecting sections are coupled to the inner and outer facing sandwich structures so as to define the open area between the structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle occupant protection in unintentional roadway departure by a vehicle having at least one vehicle seat with a seat cushion mounted on a seat frame, the height of which is adjustable through a motor operated height adjustment device. Vehicle travel is monitored using a remote sensor and/or a vehicle dynamics sensor. The remote sensor detects edges of the road. The vehicle dynamics sensor determines vehicle dynamics parameters. Road edge signals and/or vehicle dynamics signals are processed to determine whether the vehicle is about to leave the road. Operation of the height adjustment device to move a seat cushion towards a crash-position is triggered in response to an off-road signal indicating that the vehicle is about to leave the road.

Abstract: A system for detecting when a vehicle occupant exits the vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a sensor device is configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle along one direction or accelerations of the vehicle along several directions and to make available a time-dependent signal(s) that represents the acceleration(s). The system also includes an evaluation device configured to evaluate the time-dependent signal(s) in a way to ascertain whether the signal(s) contains a sequence of acceleration values characteristic of the occupant exiting the vehicle.

Abstract: A rollover protection system for a motor vehicle has a deformation crossbar (2) with a profiled strut (3) extending along a vertical axis (6) of the vehicle, and a deformation element (4) is held at a first end (9) of the profiled strut (3). The first end (9) faces away from a floor of the motor vehicle. The deformation element (4) has a first outer surface (11) that faces away from the profiled strut (3) to define an impact surface, and the deformation element (4) is designed as a strut profile extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis (8) of the motor vehicle. The profiled strut (3) has a contact surface (10) that faces the deformation element (4) and on which the deformation element (4) is held. The deformation element (4) is designed to at least partially match an inner contour of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for a vehicle seat having a seat back, a seat cushion and a frame includes an inflatable pelvis restraint device having a flexible member extending laterally across the seat cushion and having a first end and a second end. The flexible member includes at least a portion that is inflatable for increasing a height of the seat proximate a forward edge of the seat. In one embodiment, both the first and second ends are attached to the frame. In another embodiment, the safety restraint system includes a continuous webbing that defines a pelvis restraint portion, a lap belt portion and a shoulder belt portion. The lap belt portion, the shoulder belt portion, or both may be additionally inflatable.

Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle includes a seat bottom having a seat cover, an upholstery and a support structure, and a seat back having a seat cover, an upholstery and a support structure. Two lateral support parts are fastened to a front section of the support structure of the seat back for increasing the lateral support of an occupant on the seat. The lateral support parts are fastened to the support structure of the seat back.

Abstract: In a vehicle far side airbag device, a far side airbag is fixed to a seatback frame using stud bolts of an inflator. The far side airbag includes a bag portion at a face opposite a side face of the seatback frame. A support plate is retained in the bag portion and is fixed to the seatback frame using the stud bolts. The support plate is formed to be longer to both sides in a vehicle vertical direction than the inflator, and is engaged with the seatback frame at the vehicle upper side relative to the inflator. During inflation and expansion of the far side airbag, the support plate supports the far side airbag at both sides in the vehicle vertical direction of the inflator.

Abstract: An airbag assembly includes a housing having a chute defining an opening. A panel is joined with the chute at a first end and extends over the opening to a second end opposite the first end and elevated with respect thereto. A substrate overlies the panel such that the elevated second end is closer to the substrate than the first end, and a foam layer extends from the substrate to the panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag for vehicles, having a flat, two-dimensional shape when being in an uninflated, vented condition and a three-dimensional shape in an inflated condition, the gas bag having a main piece with opposite end portions, each of the end portions having an end contour, and two minor pieces which each have a connecting portion with a contour with corresponds to the end contour of the main piece, and which each have a filling portion, the two filling portions having similar shapes and similar dimensions. The invention also relates to a method of sewing this gas bag.

Abstract: An occupant protection device is provided including (1) an airbag that covers the head of the occupant, and that has (i) a front deployment section that is housed in a headrest, and that is deployed at a seat forward direction with respect to the head of a seated occupant, and (ii) a pair of left and right lateral deployment sections that are inflated and deployed at seat sides with respect to the head of the seated occupant, (2) a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the vehicle seat, and (3) a controller that uses the lifting mechanism to lower the vehicle seat to an airbag deployable height in cases in which a vehicle collision has been determined to be unavoidable and a height of the vehicle seat is higher than the airbag deployable height, and that inflates and deploys the airbag after lowering the vehicle seat.

Abstract: An airbag can include a first cushion portion that defines a first inflatable chamber and a second cushion portion that is connected to the first cushion portion and defines a second inflatable chamber. The first inflatable chamber can receive inflation gas from an inflator to expand the first cushion portion, and the second cushion portion can receive inflation gas from the first inflatable chamber to expand the second cushion portion. A one-directional valve permits inflation gas to flow from the first inflatable chamber to the second inflatable chamber and restricts backflow of inflation gas from the second inflatable chamber to the first inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A method for delegating control of a vehicle feature to a wearable electronic device. The method includes the following: wireless pairing the wearable electronic device to at least one of a smart device or a vehicle controller onboard a vehicle; delegating control of the vehicle feature to the wearable electronic device using at least one of the smart device or the vehicle controller such that a wearer of the wearable electronic device can control the vehicle feature using the wearable electronic device; and operating the vehicle feature based on commands generated by the user using the wearable electronic device.

Abstract: A vehicle system and method that include a smart phone for communicating with a vehicle by an authorized user. The vehicle includes an FM transmitter that transmits vehicle information, including an authorization code, using an FM signal. The FM signal is received by the smart phone which deciphers the information, and automatically transmits a command signal back to the vehicle to perform a pre-programmed vehicle operation, such as unlocking the vehicle doors.

Abstract: A wiper coupler adaptor for use in releasably attaching a wiper assembly to a bayonet style wiper arm having an attachment end includes a pair of sidewalls each including a post that extends transversely toward the other to operatively engage structure of a wiper assembly and a deck disposed between the sidewalls that cooperates with a portion of the sidewalls to define a rest adapted to operatively receive the attachment end of the wiper arm. The sidewalls each include a ledge that extends transversely toward the other to operatively engage the attachment end of the wiper arm. The wiper coupler adaptor also includes a locking mechanism including a cantilevered body and a head disposed at a terminal end of the cantilevered body. The head includes a lip depending therefrom that is adapted to extend through an aperture in the base of the attachment end and receive a portion of the base of the attachment end to prevent undesired release of the wiper coupler adaptor from the attachment end of the wiper arm.