Abstract: An interior trim assembly of a vehicle extends along width and height directions. The interior trim assembly includes a headliner having a substrate and a cover together defining a folded portion. A first cross-section of the folded portion along the width direction includes first and second cover portions and a first substrate portion of the substrate positioned between the first and second cover portions.

Abstract: An end cap clip lock provides improved alignment of first and second vehicle trim components to a vehicle. The end clip lock includes a clip dimensioned for receipt between the first vehicle trim component or applique and the vehicle, such as the vehicle door. The clip includes a nose portion configured for receipt in the first vehicle trim component or reveal and a second, snap portion that interconnects with the second vehicle trim component or applique. The clip is joined to the vehicle door panel to hold the clip and the second associated vehicle trim component or applique thereto. Preferably, the end cap clip lock is installed into the reveal to form a subassembly, the subassembly is installed on the vehicle, and then the applique is installed on the subassembly/vehicle.

Abstract: An interchangeable applique assembly for an associated vehicle is disclosed. The applique assembly includes a base member or substrate dimensioned to cover a pillar of the associated vehicle. An applique insert is received on the base member and at least partially covers an outwardly facing surface of the base member. A fastener secures the applique insert to the base member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional panel assembly, and a vehicle, an electronic product and a building using the same, and more particularly to a multifunctional panel assembly that enables panels having various functions to be selectively mounted on all items or objects each having an inside or outside mounting surface and then allows the various functions to be performed concurrently. The multifunctional panel assembly includes one or more of the functions of: 1) protecting an inside or outside surface on which a panel has been mounted, 2) providing visibility, 3) improving an aesthetic effect, 4) generating power, 5) providing a large amount of image and sound information to an observer, 6) acquiring and displaying a large amount of image and sound data, 7) maximizing the ease of mounting, and 8) restoring overall functionality without replacement or repair of an overall device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pedal and a vehicle floor. The vehicle floor has a driver's side footwell area over which the pedal is positioned and a driver's seat area, and includes a rigid floor structure and a floor covering for the floor structure. The floor covering has a heel point for the pedal at the driver's side footwell area, and includes a sound attenuating silencer overlying the floor structure and carpeting overlying the silencer. The silencer's top surface slopes upward in the driver's side footwell area from the heel point to the driver's seat area.

Abstract: A strength-reinforcing metal sheet having repetitive concave and convex features is provided. Concave beads extend in repetitive quadrangular lattice features. A plurality of convex cells are defined between the beads, protrude above the beads, and have repetitive convex features. The upper portion of each of the cells has a pyramidal shape similar to a dome. The uppermost point thereof is formed at an eccentric point offset from the central point of the cell.

Abstract: A steering apparatus has a guide member (31) being received in a guide groove (25) and attached to an inner column (11), metal fittings that have conductivity, is in contact with the inner column to attach the guide member to the inner column, and an electricity-carrying plate (40) that is composed of a metal plate material having conductivity, is fixed to the inner column in contact with the metal fittings, and elastically deforms and in contact with an inside of a pair of guide walls at a predetermined contact pressure, so that a new electricity-carrying passage from a steering wheel to a vehicle body is secured.

Abstract: A wiring harness routing structure includes a wiring harness routing member configured to be attached to a vehicle body and a protector that accommodates and holds a wiring harness. The protector has a recess shape in which the protector is opened in one direction in a sectional view. At least one of the wiring harness routing member and the protector includes a fixing mechanism that fixes the protector to the wiring harness routing member. The protector and the wiring harness routing member are configured to be integrated via the fixing mechanism.

Abstract: A control system includes an information obtaining apparatus, a network, and a control apparatus. The information obtaining apparatus includes a distance information obtaining unit configured to obtain a distance information indicating a distance to an object and a transmission unit configured to transmit the distance information obtained by the distance information obtaining unit. The control apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive the distance information transmitted by the transmission unit via the network, a distance information correction unit configured to correct the distance information received by the reception unit, and a control unit configured to perform control using the distance information corrected by the distance information correction unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for enacting various driving profiles based on identifying the age and gender of the user. Initially, identifying information is acquired from a user of a vehicle. An identification program determines whether the driver is known, by comparing the identifying information to a set of stored identifying information. If the driver of the vehicle is known, as the identifying information from the user is similar to stored identifying information, then a specific driver profile associated with the specific driver is activated. If the driver is not known, as the identifying information from the user of the vehicle is not similar to the stored identifying information, then the age and gender of the user of the vehicle is determined. Based on the determined age and gender of the driver of the vehicle, various vehicle setting ranges are enacted.

Abstract: Zones may be associated with respective seating positions of a vehicle. In-vehicle components may also be associated with at least one of the zones of the vehicle. A processor may locate a personal device as being within one of the zones; identify notification settings of the personal device; and invoke notification devices of the in-vehicle components associated with the zone when the notification settings indicate that the personal device has not been previously located in the zone. Invoking the notification devices may include invoking at least one of backlights of the in-vehicle components or existing lighting elements of the in-vehicle component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for enacting various driving profiles based on identifying the age and gender of the user. Initially, identifying information is acquired from a user of a vehicle. An identification program determines whether the driver is known, by comparing the identifying information to a set of stored identifying information. If the driver of the vehicle is known, as the identifying information from the user is similar to stored identifying information, then a specific driver profile associated with the specific driver is activated. If the driver is not known, as the identifying information from the user of the vehicle is not similar to the stored identifying information, then the age and gender of the user of the vehicle is determined. Based on the determined age and gender of the driver of the vehicle, various vehicle setting ranges are enacted.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bumper assembly includes a reinforcement beam that extends in a vehicle lateral direction, the reinforcement beam including a front face that extends in the vehicle lateral direction and a rear face that is positioned rearward of and spaced apart from the front face in a vehicle longitudinal direction that is transverse to the vehicle lateral direction, and a front spacer member coupled to an outboard end of the front face of the reinforcement beam, the front spacer member including an end plate that extends between the front face and the rear face of the reinforcement beam and is positioned at least partially within the reinforcement beam.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structure of a vehicle includes: a bumper reinforcement that extends along a vehicle transverse direction; an energy absorbing body including a hollow, fiber-reinforced resin tube provided at a vehicle longitudinal direction inner side of the bumper reinforcement; and a guide portion that is fixed to the bumper reinforcement and is disposed at an interior of the energy absorbing body. The guide portion includes: a plurality of abutting portions that, at a time of a collision, contact walls of the energy absorbing body; and a relief portion that is provided between the plurality of abutting portions, wherein a first interval between the relief portion and the wall is larger than a second interval between the abutting portions and the wall, the relief portion forming a space between the relief portion and the wall into which a crushed portion of the energy absorbing body enters.

Abstract: The a blind spot monitor arrangement for a truck bumper includes a polymeric bumper reinforcement having a blind spot monitor, a substantially horizontal surface, a substantially vertical face and a lower reinforcement arm. The lower reinforcement arm is substantially parallel to the substantially parallel horizontal surface. The lower reinforcement arm is integral to and connecting a lower end of the rear face to the lower end of the right face. A blind spot monitor is further mounted to the integrated sensor bracket and a bumper cover encloses the blind spot monitor and the polymeric bumper reinforcement.

Abstract: A protection device (100) for a vehicle chassis includes a first flange plate (211) obliquely disposed to a rear side of a beam (10); a second flange plate (221) having a front end face abuts against a rear end face of the first flange plate (211), and connected to the first flange plate (211) through a bolt; a left side plate (222) and a right side plate (223) provided in perpendicular to a rear end face of the second flange plate (221); a connecting plate (224) having a left end connected to the left side plate (222) and a right end connected to the right side plate (223), and arranged close to front ends of the left side plate (222) and the right side plate (223); and a bearing member provided to the rear end face of the second flange plate (221) and located between the left side plate (222) and the right side plate (223).

Abstract: A pair of vehicle door panels defines a cavity. An air sensor has an air inlet protruding into the cavity and senses an air pressure within the cavity. A shield covers the air inlet, has at least one side wall extending away from the air inlet, and defines a chamber configured to collapse in response to an increase in the air pressure to excite the air sensor.

Abstract: A method for controlling a passenger airbag may include determining whether an occupant is present on a passenger seat; determining whether the occupant seated on the passenger seat has fastened a safety belt; determining whether deployment of a passenger airbag is required; and deploying, when the deployment of the passenger airbag is required, a main chamber of the passenger airbag, and further deploying a sub-chamber connected to the main chamber of the passenger airbag to be interlocked with the deployment of the main chamber when the occupant is present on the passenger seat and has fastened the safety belt.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a method to verify engagement between a passenger airbag module and an instrument panel chute comprising: providing a passenger airbag module with a plurality of snap-locks and an instrument panel chute with a plurality of chute tabs; pressing the passenger airbag onto the instrument panel chute so that the plurality of snap-locks engage with the plurality of chute tabs; placing a ring bracket around the plurality of snap-locks and the plurality of chute tabs and attaching the ring bracket to the passenger airbag using a first screw and a second screw to verify whether the plurality of snap-locks are engaged with the chute tabs.

Abstract: A protection arrangement for an occupant of a vehicle includes an air bag package and a structural component. The structural component includes a reception with a profile geometry for the air bag package. The air bag package includes a receiving section which is received in the reception. The receiving section includes a permanent press contour corresponding and/or equals to the profile geometry of the reception.

Abstract: A knee protecting air bag system includes an air bag, folded to be housed in a housing portion on a lower side of a body side member in front of a seated occupant, including a plurality of thickness controlling tethers that are provided so as to connect an occupant side wall portion and a body side wall portion when the air bag inflates completely, wherein: the plurality of thickness controlling tethers includes an upper tether and a lower tether that are provided to extend into a belt-like shape along a left-to-right direction in an upper and lower positions in the lower inflating portion when the air bag inflates completely; and an abutment portion that is formed between a portion where the upper tether is connected to the body side wall portion and a portion where the lower tether is connected to the body side wall portion.

Abstract: An occupant safety system includes an airbag module mountable to a vehicle seat frame. The airbag module includes a base and a retaining mechanism receivable by the frame. The base is attachable to the frame.

Abstract: In a vehicle occupant protection device (20) comprising an airbag (22), especially for a passenger, including a fastening portion (24) as well as an inflatable restraining portion (26) being especially adjacent to the fastening portion (24), it is provided that the fastening portion (24) Is arranged beside the sitting position of the vehicle occupant (12) and the restraining portion (26) is configured so that in the fully inflated unloaded state the airbag (22) extends in front of the vehicle occupant (12). There is further provided a vehicle seat (10) comprising a vehicle occupant protection device (20) of this type, wherein the fastening portion (24) and/or the inflator (28) are arranged on the side of or within the vehicle seat (10), especially on or within the seat cushion (14).

Abstract: Airbag cushion assemblies comprising cushion orientation features and related methods. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cushion comprising a throat region comprising an inflator opening. An inflator comprising an inflator collar may be coupled with the airbag cushion. The inflator collar may comprise a non-circular shape. The assembly may further comprise an inflator coupling member coupled with the airbag cushion at the inflator opening. The inflator coupling member may similarly comprise a non-circular opening configured to be aligned with the inflator opening and to mate with the non-circular shape of the inflator collar so as to prevent the inflator from being coupled with the airbag cushion in a non-desired rotational orientation.

Abstract: An air bag includes an air bag main body and a guide member. The air bag main body includes an expansion portion that expands with expansion gas flowing from an inflator and a tubular connecting port, which is connected to the inflator by inserting a side of a gas outlet port of the inflator thereinto, to cause the expansion gas to flow into the expansion portion, and is formed of a sheet material with flexibility so as to be able to be folded. The guide member has a shape holding property of maintaining an opening state of the connecting port so as to be able to be attached to the connecting port of the air bag main body and guide the insertion of the inflator into the side of the gas outlet port.

Abstract: An airbag textile containing a woven textile having an inner side and an outer side, a primer layer on the outer side of the textile and a gas barrier layer on the primer layer. The primer layer contains a first thermoplastic polymer and has a surface roughness and a plurality of holes extending at least partially through the thickness of the primer layer. The gas barrier layer contains a second thermoplastic polymer and at least partially fills in the surface roughness and holes of the primer layer.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag system can be configured to be mounted to a frontal region of a vehicle. The inflatable airbag system includes an airbag base cushion and one or more pluralities of cushion portions. In response to a collision event, the base cushion and pluralities of cushion portions may transition from a compact state to a deployed and expanded state. The airbag may receive the head of a vehicle occupant. One or more inner cushion portions may deflate as they receive the head of the vehicle occupant. An outer plurality of cushion portions may be configured to maintain a fully expanded state as they receive the head of the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: An airbag device 1 includes a retainer 14, a bag body 12, and an inflator 13. The retainer 14 is installed on the inner side of a deployment wall 15 of an instrument panel 11 that is openable by breaking. The retainer 14 has a bottom wall 14B arranged opposite to the deployment wall 15, and a front side wall 14F continuous with the bottom wall 14B. The bag body 12 is folded in a deployable manner, and is held in the retainer 14 in the folded state. The inflator 13 is installed in the front side wall 14F of the retainer 14, and generates gas to be fed into the bag body 12 when impact is inputted. All folded parts of the bag body 12 are arranged on the side closer to the deployment wall 15 than an end part of the inflator 13 on the side of the bottom wall 14B of the retainer 14.

Abstract: Airbag cushion assemblies comprising internal stabilizers and related methods. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cushion comprising a first side and a second side opposite from the first side and a hub comprising a hub opening configured to be coupled with an inflator so as to receive inflation gases during deployment of the airbag cushion through the hub opening. A stabilizer, such as, in some embodiments, a diffuser or another inflatable structure, may be positioned within the airbag cushion and may be non-releasably coupled with the airbag cushion along at least a portion of the first side, along at least a portion of the second side, and adjacent to the hub opening.

Abstract: An occupant protection device, including an airbag that is inflated and deployed on being supplied with gas, the airbag configuring an integral bag body including a front inflating portion that is inflated and deployed at a seat front side of the head of an occupant and that limits movement of the head toward a seat front side, and a pair of lateral inflating portions that are inflated and deployed at both seat width direction sides of the head of the occupant and that limit movement of the head toward a seat side, wherein an energy absorption amount with respect to displacement of the head by at least the lateral inflating portion, from out of the pair of lateral inflating portions, positioned at a vehicle width direction outside is greater than an energy absorption amount with respect to displacement of the head by the front inflating portion.

Abstract: A vehicle pop-up hood device actuator includes a main body section; a cylinder that covers a portion on one axial direction side of the main body section, that is moved toward the one axial direction side of the main body section by generated gas to lift a hood of a vehicle to a lifted position, and that is configured so as to be capable of moving to a retention position; a sealing member that is formed in a ring shape and that forms a seal between the main body section and a general face; a retention member that abuts on an inner peripheral face of the cylinder and retains the cylinder at the retention position; and an enlarged diameter face that is disposed at a radial direction outer side of the main body section with respect to the sealing member at the lifted position.

Abstract: A vehicle pop-up hood device includes: a hinge base; a first arm that has a rear end portion coupled to the hinge base, and that has a front portion disposed offset toward the vehicle width direction inner side with respect to the rear end portion; a second arm that is coupled to the front portion of the first arm so as to be capable of swinging, and that moves the hood toward a vehicle upper side; an actuator that spans between the first arm and the second arm, and that lifts the hood from a closed position to a lifted position; and a link mechanism that includes a first link and a second link. A coupling location of the hinge base to the first link is disposed further to the vehicle width direction inner side than a coupling location of the hinge base to the first arm.

Abstract: An occupant protection system includes: arm rests that are disposed on first and second width direction sides of a seat back and are rotatable between a substantially vertical storage position and a substantially horizontal use position; slide members that are slidable along the arm rests and have belt guides; a retractor that takes up webbing of a belt; and an electronic control unit that, (i) in a state before an occupant is seated in a vehicle seat, causes the arm rests to be held in the storage position and causes the slide members to slide in the seat upward direction above the head of the occupant, and that, (ii) when the occupant is seated, causes the arm rests to rotate to the use position, causes the slide members to slide toward base sides of the arm rests, and causes the webbing to be taken up by the retractor.

Abstract: On a belt tensioner cable guide member (10) comprising a guide duct (42) for a cable of a belt tensioner and comprising a pressure duct (40) for fluid communication between an inflator and a pressure chamber to which a displacement body to be driven and being coupled to the cable is assigned, a first sealing element (44) sealing the guide duct (42) against the cable and especially enclosing the cable in the peripheral direction is provided within the guide duct (42).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for anti-theft and tracking of automobile and automobile wheels. The system comprises of an alert and tracking device (105) installed on the inside of an air stem of a wheel along with tyre pressure monitor system (TPMS), wherein the alert and tracking device (105) detects and alerts of theft when there is an unauthorized movement such as lifting, tampering, removal of the wheel and also tracks and monitors the position of the stolen wheel. The system further comprises of a remote tracking application (111) to control and track the stolen wheel from the remote location.

Abstract: A vehicle (18) having a license plate tamper detection system comprising: a first sensor (4) arranged to provide monitor data corresponding to presence of a first license plate (20) on the vehicle; and a second sensor (6) arranged to provide reference data. The license plate tamper detection system is arranged to compare the monitor data with the reference data and generate a tampering event if the comparison yields more than a predetermined difference between the monitor data and the reference data.

Abstract: A vehicle front section structure includes a hood; a front windshield glass; a cowl louver; a front pillar; a front side door; a wiper arm comprising an area base portion; and a flow regulating member that is provided at the cowl louver, that is disposed in a wiper storage section at a vehicle width direction outer side and at a vehicle front side of the arm base portion in a state in which the arm base portion is stored in the wiper storage section, and that comprises a vertical wall extending in a vehicle front-rear direction and an inclined wall disposed at the vehicle front side of the arm base portion, in the state in which the arm base portion is stored in the wiper storage section, and extending out from a rear end portion of the vertical wall toward the vehicle width direction outer side and toward the vehicle front side along the arm base portion.

Abstract: A wiper blade is presented having a wiper strip, a primary frame, and a pair of secondary frames. The primary frame having a connection device capable of connecting the wiper blade to a wiper arm disposed on a top side of the primary frame, and a connection structure disposed, on opposite ends of the primary frame. The pair of secondary frame, each have a central pivot connection portion and two leg portions extending from the central pivot connection portion, a pivot structure disposed on the central pivot connection portion of the secondary frames wherein the pivot structure of the secondary frames are connected to the connection structures on the ends of the primary frame. A wiper blade is also presented having a wiper strip, a force distribution structure having opposite ends, and a cover.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an elongated elastic support element 16 for a wiper blade 10 intended to be inserted in a support 14 for a wiper blade 10, the elongated elastic support element 16 being formed integrally between two longitudinal ends 16a and through which passes a median longitudinal plane P1, the elongated elastic support element comprising locking means 50 each intended to cooperate with a complementary locking member 56 carried by the wiper blade 10, and of which at least one locking means 50 is arranged at each longitudinal end 16a of the elongated elastic support element 16, characterized in that the locking means 50 comprise a single locking notch 50 per longitudinal end 16a, a first locking notch 50b extending from one side of the median longitudinal plane P1 and a second locking notch 50c extending from the other side of the median longitudinal plane P1. The invention also concerns a wiper blade 10 and a windscreen wiper 1 of a motor vehicle comprising said blade.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pane of glass and a flush mount washer assembly. The flush mount washer assembly includes a panel, and the panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The panel defines an aperture through the outer and inner surfaces. The assembly further includes a mount coupled to the inner surface of the panel. The assembly also includes a nozzle secured to the mount. The nozzle includes a show surface substantially aligning with the aperture and positioned such that the show surface does not extend beyond the outer surface of the panel to create a flush exterior appearance of the panel.

Abstract: A housing has an inner wall defining an inner aperture, an outer wall defining an outer aperture, and an inlet having an inlet opening. The inner aperture and the outer aperture are aligned with other to form an optical path. A shield is non-opaque and is located on the optical path. The housing forms an inner channel to draw air from the inlet opening to pass around the shield toward the outer aperture.

Abstract: A lighted dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system including a housing portion, having a head portion, a body portion, and an outlet portion. The head portion includes an air inlet portion for drawing air into the head portion and an outlet for passing the air to the body portion. The outlet portion has a plurality of exit nozzles that are configured to emit high velocity air therefrom for removing water from an exterior surface of a vehicle while disposed in a vehicle treatment area. The body portion includes an upper portion where air is received from the head portion and a lower portion disposed remote from the upper portion. A light source is disposed within the housing portion and configured to emit light that can be seen by a vehicle disposed in the vehicle treatment area.

Abstract: A dryer unit for a vehicle wash system including an upper head portion with an air inlet. An impeller having a plurality of vanes rotatably disposed adjacent the air inlet. The impeller configured to rotate in a predetermined direction about an axis of rotation to draw air into the upper head portion through the air inlet. A flow channel formed in the upper head portion around a periphery of the impeller. A cut-off portion located adjacent a discharge area of the flow channel. A body portion disposed generally beneath the upper head portion with respect to a direction of fluid flow through the dryer unit. A plurality of outlet nozzle portions integrally formed with the body portion and in fluid communication with the air inlet. The plurality of nozzle portions configured to direct high velocity air flow toward a vehicle treatment area. At least one of the plurality of nozzles being located above the cut-off portion.

Abstract: A lighted dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system including a housing portion, having a head portion, a body portion, and an outlet portion. The head portion includes an air inlet portion for drawing air into the head portion and an outlet for passing the air to the body portion. The outlet portion has a plurality of exit nozzles that are configured to emit high velocity air therefrom for removing water from an exterior surface of a vehicle while disposed in a vehicle treatment area. The body portion includes an upper portion where air is received from the head portion and a lower portion disposed remote from the upper portion. A light source is disposed within the housing portion and configured to emit light that can be seen by a vehicle disposed in the vehicle treatment area.

Abstract: A dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system includes a plastic translucent housing having an exterior surface and a generally hollow interior. The housing includes an inlet opening with a motor unit in communication with the inlet opening for drawing air through the inlet opening into the hollow interior. The housing includes a plurality of nozzle portions in communication with the inlet opening and configured to emit high velocity air therefrom to remove water from an exterior surface of a vehicle while disposed in a vehicle treatment area. The housing includes a light source associated therewith for emitting light through the housing for viewing by the vehicle disposed in the vehicle treatment area. The housing includes lettering formed on the exterior surface of the housing with the lettering configured such that light emitted from the light source will not pass therethrough.

Abstract: An electronic interface control system for a pneumatic vehicle safety lift system has a computer that receives sensor inputs, presents outputs, and receives commands from a user. The computer has its power from an automobile and operates an air compressor for air hoses. The computer operates a pneumatic jack upon an automobile. The computer reads sensors related to jack position and triggers indicators to the user so the jack raises the vehicle after a footplate rests below it in a safe manner. The system lifts a vehicle stuck or undergoing repair. The computer checks that a certain number of jacks, preferably one, activate at once. The computer checks by inquiring of the sensors and switches deployed upon a vehicle and within a carrying case. The carrying case has a safety strut for the jack and a torque gun for a user.

Abstract: There is provided a brake assembly for a height-adjustable walker apparatus. The brake assembly includes a brake actuator, a wheel-engaging brake member and a brake cable assembly. The brake cable assembly includes a flexible, inner cable. The brake cable assembly includes a flexible, outer casing through which the inner cable extends and is moveable relative to. The inner cable has a first end coupled to the brake actuator and a second end coupled to the wheel-engaging brake member. The brake assembly includes a brake cable housing shaped to enclose a slack portion of the brake cable assembly.

Abstract: A rear cross traffic avoidance system includes an object detection device sensing remote objects rearward of a host vehicle. An object classifier distinguishes a remote dynamic object from remote static objects. The object classifier identifies a shape of the dynamic object. A tracking system tracks the remote dynamic object. A processor determines the remote object being on an intersecting path to the remote vehicle. The processor determines a warning threat assessment as a function of a time to intersect between the host vehicle and the remote dynamic object. The processor determines a brake threat assessment in response to an actuated warning of a collision. A brake actuation system actuates a braking operation for mitigating the collision.

Abstract: A driver assistance apparatus includes a sensor unit sensing an obstacle around a vehicle; a memory storing a stopped-vehicle movement range; a brake driving control unit turning on or off a vehicle brake; and a processor controlling the brake driving control unit to turn on or off the vehicle brake according to the obstacle around the vehicle and the stopped-vehicle movement range, wherein the processor provides a stopped-vehicle movement mode in which the vehicle moves, when a user is not in the vehicle.

Abstract: A machine includes: an axle having wheels mounted to it; a brake system configured to provide service braking to the wheels; a brake pedal operatively connected to the brake system to provide a braking power to the wheels in proportion to the position of the brake pedal; a pedal sensor operatively connected to the brake pedal to sense the position of the brake pedal; a retarder system configured to selectively slow the wheels down; a speed sensor operatively connected to the machine to detect a speed associated with the machine; a controller operatively connected to the speed sensor, brake pedal position sensor, and retarder system wherein the controller is configured to operate the retarder system based on signals received from the speed sensor and brake pedal position sensor. A method for providing an indication to an operator may also be included.