Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and methods that detect the presence of a life form inside of a vehicle and attempts to rescue the life form in the event certain trigger events are detected. More specifically, the present invention utilizes advanced detection algorithms and communication protocols to minimize the instances of false detection alarms, relieving the emergency responder system from unneeded emergency calls. Furthermore, some embodiments of the devices are capable of autonomous responses to these trigger events and in some circumstances are capable of having emergency responders remotely respond to these trigger events.

Abstract: Vehicle visual systems are disclosed to produce seamless and uniform surround-view images of the vehicle using a number of Ultra Wide-Angle (UWA) lens cameras and optionally HUD systems. A distributive system architecture wherein individual cameras are capable of performing various image transformations allows a flexible and resource efficient image processing scheme.

Abstract: An on-vehicle image processing device is provided. The on-vehicle image processing unit includes a signal conversion circuit arranged to convert an image signal acquired from an imaging unit into image data of a predetermined standard responding to an external command, and a control circuit arranged to acquire the image data, display an image of the imaging unit on a display unit through starting multiple modules in order, and perform data processing to the image. Upon a user performing a reversing operation, the control circuit starts a first module to display the image data acquired from the signal conversion circuit on the display unit as it is, and subsequently starts a second module to perform predetermined data processing to the image data.

Abstract: A surrounding image display apparatus for a vehicle includes: left and right side cameras respectively configured to take left and right obliquely rear images of the vehicle including at least side regions of left and right rear wheels; a display device arranged in a vehicle cabin; and an electronic control device configured to control an image displayed on the display device. When a preset condition is satisfied, the electronic control device displays on the display device at least one of the left and right obliquely rear images, which are taken by the side cameras, respectively, such that a rear side of the vehicle corresponds to an upper side of the image.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing and a prismatic interior reflective element. The reflective element comprises a wedge-shaped glass substrate having a perimeter edge about a periphery of the glass substrate and extending between first and second surfaces thereof. The glass substrate has a mirror reflector established at the second surface. A front surface of the perimeter edge provides a smooth curved transition at the perimeter edge between a perimeter region of the first surface and the mirror casing. The front surface of the perimeter edge is rounded with a radius of curvature of at least about 2.5 mm. No portion of the mirror casing encompasses the first surface of the glass substrate.

Abstract: A folding device to move a mirror head relative to a mirror foot of a motor vehicle exterior mirror. The folding device includes a carrier operatively connected to one of the mirror head or the mirror foot, a motor attached to the carrier, the motor having a motor shaft, an output drive operatively connected to one of the mirror head or the mirror foot, a gear mechanism to operatively connect the output drive to the motor shaft, and a pressure device operatively connected to the carrier to engage and press the motor shaft against the motor.

Abstract: A folding device to move a mirror head relative to a mirror base of a motor vehicle exterior mirror, the folding device including a carrier operatively connected to one of the mirror head or the mirror base, a motor arranged in the carrier, and which has a motor shaft, an output device operatively connected to one of the mirror base or the mirror head, and a gear mechanism to operatively connect the output device to the motor shaft. The motor shaft and the output device are located parallel with each other, and the motor, the output device, and the gear mechanism are positioned relative to each other via the carrier, such that the axial spacings of the motor shaft, the output device, and the gear mechanism located therebetween are determined via the carrier.

Abstract: A cover assembly has a support defining a pivot axis, a cover pivotal relative to the support about the pivot axis between an open position and a closed position, and a torque spring having first and second ends, a biasing coil part from which the first end extends, and a gripping coil part extending from the biasing coil part and from which the second end extends. The first end is seated in the cover, and the gripping coil part, except when is installed or adjusted, frictionally tightly and elastically engages the support and nonrotatably secures the second end to the support against rotation relative to the pivot axis. The gripping coil part is elastically deformable during installation or adjustment to disengage from the support and allow angular or axial movement of the gripping coil part and repositioning on the support.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave shielding structure of a console installed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle has an electrical instrument installed in the console from which electromagnetic waves are radiated, a transmission including a metal member that receives the electromagnetic waves and transmits the electromagnetic waves to the passenger compartment and separated by a distance from the electrical instrument, and a shielding member located between the electrical instrument and the transmission to function as a shield against the electromagnetic waves radiated from the electrical instrument. The transmission is located in a shield region defined such that an electromagnetic wave radiating portion provided at the electrical instrument from which the electromagnetic waves are radiated is connected to a circumferential edge of the shielding member via a straight line, and the line is continuously moved along the circumferential edge of the shielding member around the electromagnetic wave radiating portion.

Abstract: A ladder rack for a motor vehicle similar to what is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,764,268, but differing therefrom in that the top surfaces of the stationary bar member and the movable bar member are coplanar and in a side-by-side relationship when the load being carried is atop the vehicle's roof rather than being stacked, one-above-the-other, as in the prior art. As such, the ladder rack of the present invention exhibits a reduced height profile.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a utility vehicle front body cowl assembly. The cowl assembly generally comprises a front body cowl and a cargo rack disposed within a reservoir of the front body cowl. More particularly, the front body cowl is connectable to at least a portion of a utility vehicle chassis forward of a passenger compartment dash console of the vehicle, and comprises a pair of opposing shoulders and a rack reservoir or recess provided between the shoulders. The cargo rack is disposed within the reservoir/recess such that the cargo rack and any gear disposed with cargo rack create little or no impedance to a line-of-sight an operator of the vehicle 10. Accordingly, the front cowl assembly provides good visibility and a substantially unimpeded field-of-view for the vehicle operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable rack apparatus that increases the storage, protection, accessibility, security, safety, and organization potential for items packed, for example, utility vehicle beds. The adjustable rack apparatus may be used in conjunction with a storage box that is either fixed to, separate from, or separable from, the adjustable rack. The adjustable rack apparatus comprises a frame, a fixed length rotatable arm, a variable length arm, and an adjustable storage rack. Level substantially vertical movement of the adjustable storage rack is achieved by proper positioning of the fixed length rotatable arms and the variable length arms relative to each other and the frame and the adjustable storage rack. Changing the length of the variable length arm causes movement of the fixed length rotatable arm and level substantially vertical movement of the storage rack.

Abstract: A trunk for a bed of a truck is disclosed wherein the trunk provides an isolated enclosed space in an area of the truck bed. The trunk is configurable into different configurations and traversable between front and back positions in order to make best use of the bed of the truck. Moreover, the trunk may be configured and traversed easily so that one without great strength may still manipulate the trunk to make full use of the truck bed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a window and a body having a storage space with an opening facing toward the window. A flexible electronic display is movable from a first position overlying the window and a second position within the storage space. The window may be a windshield, and the storage space may be within a roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: Various examples of an apparatus for mounting a camera on a vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first bracket having a first end configured for attaching to a camera and a second end configured for mounting to a vehicle and a second bracket separate from the first bracket configured for holding the camera in a calibrated position. The second bracket is capable of deforming upon an impact to the apparatus and returning the camera to a calibrated position upon replacement.

Abstract: A wireless checking system of a switch and operation unit that are provided in a vehicle includes: a switch disposed at a predetermined location in the vehicle; an operation unit wirelessly connected with the switch and disposed at a predetermined location in the vehicle to be operated by the switch; and a diagnosis equipment wirelessly connected with each of the switch and the operation unit and configured to wirelessly operate the switch and the operation unit, detect an operation state of the switch and the operation unit, and diagnose a wireless connection state of the switch and the operation unit.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle electrical system component, such as a pre-fuse assembly, that includes an integrated hinge and locking mechanism. The integrated hinge allows a pivoting cover portion to easily be rotated out of the way in order to give access to an underlying component (e.g., a jump post), while the integrated locking mechanism allows that same cover to be securely locked onto itself when no access is needed. The cover is not limited to a pre-fuse assembly and may be used with other vehicle electrical system components, such as a power distribution device (e.g., a power distribution box, an electrical connection box, a junction box assembly, etc.), a wire harness protector, etc.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a control device which is arranged in a cockpit module and has a cable harness, which includes at least one data and/or power cable, for connecting the control device to an on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle. The control device has at least one connection for making electrical contact with the cable harness. An improved utilization of the available installation space in the cockpit region and a shortening of the requisite length of the cable harness is obtained by the connection of the control device being arranged on a side of the control device which faces an interior of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A cable structure includes a first cable, a second cable, a communicating portion, and a ventilation-tube connecting portion. The first cable includes a first power line, a first connector, a second connector, and a first tube. The first tube covers the first power line and has a first space. The second cable includes a second power line, a third connector, a fourth connector, and a second tube. The second tube covers the second power line and has a second space. The first space communicates with the second space via the communicating portion. The ventilation-tube connecting portion is provided at the first tube or the second tube. The ventilation-tube connecting portion is connected to a ventilation tube through which the first space and the second space are ventilated.

Abstract: A driver may provide preferred vehicle setting data to a system through a user interface or the system may detect the preferred driver vehicle setting data by communicating with a particular vehicle. The preferred vehicle setting data may be generalized/abstracted so that the data is not specific to any one vehicle. When the driver sits in any vehicle, the system may identify the type of vehicle and translate the abstracted driver vehicle setting data to driver vehicle setting data that is particular to the identified vehicle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for enhanced comfort prediction. A system includes one or more external databases connected through a network to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a navigation unit for obtaining navigational map information, one or more sensors that monitor an environment of the vehicle, a memory to store a route history, a plurality of comfort adjustable vehicle components and an electronic control unit (ECU) that is coupled to at least the navigation unit, the one or more sensors, and the plurality of comfort adjustable vehicle component. The ECU may determine a predicted route set and one or more predicted ride interruption event based on the navigational map information, vehicle information and a route history. The ECU may detect a ride interruption event and send a first signal to the first comfort adjustable vehicle component to have the first comfort adjustable vehicle component operate in an enhanced comfort mode.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a stud and a nut. The stud has a proximal end and a distal end with a body therebetween. The stud also has a central axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end has a flange for coupling to a surface. The body has a cavity opening to an orifice at the distal end. The nut is retained within the cavity. Rotation of the nut about the central axis is inhibited.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper beam including an outer member, and an inner member such that a pair of second standing walls of the inner member are configured to be tilted at a tilt angle of 20° or less so as to open outward and symmetrically in the vertical direction as the second standing walls extend farther away from an inner member second projecting wall, and a pair of first standing walls of the outer member are configured to be tilted at substantially the same angle as the tilt angle of the second standing walls so as to open outward and symmetrically in the vertical direction as the first standing walls extend farther away from a first projecting wall.

Abstract: A method and vehicle control system for controlling stiffness of at least one support structure of a vehicle includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a braking sensor and a corner sensor for providing a driving condition of the vehicle. A controller obtains information from the sensors to determine the driving condition and control the stiffness of a support structure of the vehicle. A magnetic field generator provides a magnetic field to control the stiffness of the support structure having a magnetorheological fluid or elastomer. An electrical source provides electrical current to a support structure including an electrorheological fluid or a support structure including a meta-material. When a vehicle collision is predicted no energy is provided to the support structure to minimize the stiffness and maximize energy absorbance by the support structure in a collision.

Abstract: An activation control device for at least one occupant protection device is applied to a vehicle including occupant protection devices. The activation control device includes a front left sensor, a front right sensor and an activation control unit. The front left sensor is configured to detect an acceleration in a vehicle widthwise direction, and the front right sensor is configured to detect an acceleration in the vehicle widthwise direction. The activation control unit is configured to calculate a movement amount of the front left sensor in the vehicle widthwise direction based on GLy, calculate a movement amount of the front right sensor in the vehicle widthwise direction based on GRy, and determine to which region out of regions each defined in advance for each collision form a point defined by those movement amounts belongs, thereby specifying a collision form.

Abstract: Provided is an occupant's leg restraint device suitable for restraining the legs of an occupant when an automobile has an oblique collision or an offset barrier collision. The occupant's leg restraint device has an airbag and an inflator for supplying gas to the lower part of the airbag to inflate the airbag, and the airbag has a first panel on the occupant side and a second panel on the side opposite thereto. An upper part of the inside of the airbag is divided into small chambers by vertical separating panels that are joined to the first panel and the second panel and that extend vertically. In a state where the airbag has inflated, recessed portions having a depth of 20 to 40 mm are formed in the occupant-side surface of the airbag along the vertical separating panels.

Abstract: An airbag safety system is provided with two or more safety airbags which can be adjoined to protect the rider when a crash occurs. A stabilizing mechanism is used to cause the inflated airbags to adjoin each other so as to form a stable protection space between the vehicle and the adjoined airbags. The adjoined airbags are shaped to meet a rider's ergonomics, making sure the rider can be caped for head protection and can be protected within the space surrounded by the airbags from being thrown away off the vehicle and subject to serious injuries.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle seat includes an inflatable cushion and an inflator for providing inflation gas. The module is mounted on an inboard side of a second vehicle seat located adjacent to the vehicle seat containing the occupant. The cushion is configured to inflate into a position between the seats and includes a forward inflatable chamber that is a larger volume than a rearward inflatable chamber. The forward chamber extends vertically from the bottom of the vehicle seat to a position suitable to receive impact from the head of the occupant in the event of a far-side crash event. The rearward inflatable chamber is configured to deploy into a position inboard of the vehicle seats. The forward and rearward inflatable chambers are separated by a cleft that opens toward the occupant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid inflator (10) comprising a combustion chamber (20) and a pressure gas tank (30), wherein in the idle state of the hybrid inflator (10) an outlet opening (31) of the pressure gas tank (30) is closed by a bursting element (32) which in the case of function of the hybrid inflator (10) can be destroyed by means of a penetration element (40), wherein a mixing chamber (70) is formed between the pressure gas tank (30) and the combustion chamber (20). In accordance with the invention, between the combustion chamber (20) and the mixing chamber (70) at least in portions a partition wall (80) having a combustion chamber side (81) and a mixing chamber side (82) is formed, wherein the partition wall (80) includes at least one combustion chamber opening (85) which in the idle state of the hybrid inflator (10) is closed by a cover (88) formed on the mixing chamber side (82) of the partition wall (80).

Abstract: A firing mechanism (25) for activation of a pneumatic stored energy system having a motor (50) connected to a vessel (20) by a tether, the vessel (20) containing a pressurised fluid. Activation of the motor (50) causes the tether to wind, applying a linear force to an attachment region of the vessel, fracturing the vessel (20) to release the pressurised fluid thereby activating the pneumatic stored energy system.

Abstract: A hood assembly for a vehicle includes an inner hood, an outer hood, and a plurality of deployable devices. The outer hood is fixed relative to the inner hood. The plurality of deployable devices are spaced apart from each other between the inner hood and the outer hood. The deployable devices each define an inflation chamber and are formed of thermoplastic elastomer. Upon detection of impact between the vehicle and a pedestrian, the deployable devices are deployed to separate the outer hood and the inner hood. As such, during impact of the pedestrian with the outer hood, the outer hood may deform and/or the outer hood may space the pedestrian from relatively hard components under the hood assembly.

Abstract: A hood assembly for a vehicle includes an inner hood, an outer hood, and a deployable device. The outer hood is fixed relative to the inner hood and defines a gap between the inner hood and the outer hood. The deployable device is disposed in the gap. The deployable device defines an inflation chamber and is formed of thermoplastic elastomer. Upon detection of impact between the vehicle and a pedestrian, the deployable device is deployed to separate the outer hood and the inner hood. As such, during impact of the pedestrian with the outer hood, the outer hood may deform and/or the outer hood may space the pedestrian from relatively hard components under the hood assembly.

Abstract: A reduction in the durability of a coupling member coupled to a buckle is suppressed. A lift-up buckle device includes a buckle that engages with a tongue inserted through webbing worn by an occupant, and wires that each have a portion fixed to the buckle and that are displaced to move the buckle. The lift-up buckle device also includes a wire guide that includes a guide groove that guides the wires, and a soft lower cover that engages with the wire guide and covers the wires. A dimension of an end portion on the buckle side of the guide groove is set so as to increase on progression toward the buckle side.

Abstract: A buckle guide formed in the shape of a cross-sectionally rectangular tube is inserted from a vehicle rear and lower end portion of a buckle cover of a buckle, and guide ribs that project from an inner surface of the buckle cover are in abutting contact with a rectangular guide surface that is an outer surface of the buckle guide. Because of this, swiveling of the buckle cover relative to the buckle guide is limited.

Abstract: An improved occupant restraint system is provided which includes a torso support unit that provides external support to an upper torso of an individual, who may be the occupant of a vehicle exposed to upward acceleration events. The torso support system provides support to the occupant's upper torso including rib cage, arm pit, upper arm and/or shoulder region. This support can be accomplished by one or more straps, one or more bars, one or more hooks or any other support device(s) that are connected to structure of the vehicle, such as a seat or standing platform, and in turn connected to the upper torso of the occupant to transfer upward vehicle forces to various parts of the upper torso independently of the forces transferred to the lower body such as the feet, legs and seat through other vehicle structure.

Abstract: A system for remotely opening a land vehicle door is provided. The system includes a mobile communication device supported on the vehicle and operative to produce a first signal in the form of a first electromagnetic field defined by a field envelope. A hand-held communication device is operative to detect the first electromagnetic field and produce a second signal in the form of a second electromagnetic field when the hand-held device is located within the field envelope. Control logic is coupled to the mobile device and is operative to determine if the hand-held device is an authorized hand-held device. The control logic is operative to determine if a pedestrian carrying an authorized hand-held device is located within the field envelope and to generate a door-opening command signal when the authorized device is located within the field envelope for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle may include a transponder configured to communicate with a mobile device, and a controller comprising a processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to: receive a control request to perform a vehicle function from the mobile device; receive an authentication signal from the mobile device, the authentication signal being generated by the transponder; and perform the vehicle function based on the authentication signal.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a vehicle control apparatus mounted on a vehicle, a first portable device (electronic key) performing communication with the vehicle control apparatus, and a second portable device (smartphone) performing communication with the first portable device. The second portable device transmits, based on a predetermined operation by a user, a notification signal notifying about the operation to the first portable device. When the first portable device receives the notification signal from the second portable device, the first portable device transmits the notification signal with an identification code of the first portable device to the vehicle control apparatus. When the vehicle control apparatus detects a gesture of the user after receiving the notification signal and the identification code from the first portable device, the vehicle control apparatus extracts a feature of the gesture from a detection signal, and stores the feature to be associated with the identification code.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a vehicle control apparatus, a first portable device, and a second portable device. The first portable device transmits a first signal to the vehicle control apparatus based on the fact that a first operation by a user is performed on the second portable device. When the vehicle control apparatus receives the first signal from the first portable device, the vehicle control apparatus intermittently transmits a second signal to the first portable device. The first portable device measures a signal strength of the second signal received from the vehicle control apparatus, based on the fact that a second operation by the user is performed on the second portable device after the first operation. The vehicle control apparatus or the first portable device sets, as a distance threshold, a distance between the first portable device and the vehicle calculated from the measured signal strength.

Abstract: A vehicle wiper system includes a plurality of first sensor elements, an adjustable wiper, and a second sensor. The plurality of first sensor elements is configured to be disposed at a periphery of a vehicle window to form a boundary. The adjustable wiper has a distal end and a proximal end, and an adjustment mechanism that enables a distance between the distal end and the proximal end to change. The adjustable wiper is configured to travel along a windshield to define a wiper path. The second sensor element is disposed adjacent the distal end, and is configured to operate in conjunction with the first sensor element to adjust the adjustable wiper such that a distance between the distal end and the proximal end changes, and a distance between the distal end of the wiper and the boundary remains substantially consistent as the adjustable wiper travels along the wiper path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a window-wiping device (100) for a vehicle, comprising a wiper blade (2) having an elongate upper part (10) and an elongate lower FIG. 1B part (12), which are designed to be at least partially flexible. Also provided is a plurality of connecting elements (18) for connecting the upper part (10) and the lower part (12), the connecting elements (18) being spaced apart along a longitudinal extent (8) of the wiper blade (2) and being attached to the upper part (10) and/or the lower part (12) by a rotary joint, and the connecting elements (18) being designed to allow a motion of the upper part (10) and the lower part relative to each other with a motion component along the longitudinal extent (8) of the wiper blade (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter 9 designed to be interposed between a connector 8 and an end portion of a drive arm, the adapter 9 including a first attachment member 32 designed to cooperate with a second attachment member 72 of the connector 8, the first attachment member 32 having at least one attachment wall arranged in a longitudinal plane of the adapter 9 and that bears a pivot shaft Ad of the connector 8, characterized in that the attachment wall has at least one recess 38c designed to receive a stiffening rib 70 of the connector 8.

Abstract: A wiper connector arranged to a bolt-type wiper arm includes a sleeve tube, a fastening member and a tube body. The sleeve tube has a tube body, a first and a second flange. The first flange defines a receiving compartment therein. The fastening member has a circular ring body and a plurality of abutting portions, and is fixed within the receiving compartment of the sleeve tube. The bolt is inserted into the fastening member. The circumferential portion of the bolt is tightly engaged by the plurality of abutting portions. The base has a clutching trough, a first and a second restricting trough. The first and the second flanges of the sleeve tube are received respectively in the first and the second restricting troughs, and the tube body is secured in the clutching trough. The instant disclosure further provides a bolt-stabilizing sleeve adaptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window-wiper spray nozzle (350) for a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, comprising first detachable mounting means designed to cooperate with second mounting means of a support (390) for mounting said spray nozzle, the spray nozzle comprising at least one actuating means (370), such as a push-button, independent from said mounting means and designed to release the spray nozzle from the mounting support and thereby allow the spray nozzle to be dismounted from the mounting support.

Abstract: A combination tool for use with ice and snow is provided to perform a plurality of different functions with as device. The combination tool includes a shovel that can also serve as a traction pad that grips a tire that has lost traction in the snow. The shovel has a scoop near its forward end that has an apex of an arcuate profile configured to align a tire with lugs on a vehicle. The shovel may be reinforced with a plurality of strengthening ribs or gussets to support the weight of snow during shoveling actions and support the weight of vehicles when used as a traction pad. The shovel may be formed as a monolithic uniform unibody member. A brush may be provided to enable the combination tool to have a first configuration with the brush and shovel nested together and a second configuration where they are connected end-to-end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring coolant temperature to ensure the proper amount of coolant for refilling or servicing a coolant system, such as an automobile coolant system, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a measurement display for viewing the temperature of air conditioning output inside a vehicle while the user is outside the vehicle refilling or servicing a coolant system. The measurement display is in communications with a temperature sensor measuring the air temperature at a vent inside the vehicle to allow a user to ensure the proper amount of coolant is refilled.

Abstract: Devices and systems for securing and locking tractor trailer support legs in the down position are described herein. A securing pin passing through one of the support legs of a trailer while in the down position prevents the trailer legs from being raised. The pin can be locked in place such that only authorized users may remove the pin, raise the support legs, and move the trailer. A variety of kits for retrofitting existing trailers with securing devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method is described for operating a vehicle, including the following steps: determining a respective traction of the vehicle wheels; determining which of the respective tractions of the vehicle wheels per axle of the vehicle is the highest traction; determining which of the respective highest tractions per axle is the lowest traction; controlling a admission pressure-generating device as a function of the determined lowest traction of the respective highest tractions per axle such that the admission pressure-generating device regulates a brake pressure in a single-channel brake circuit for the vehicle wheels as a function of the determined lowest traction such that the vehicle is decelerated according to the regulated brake pressure. Also described are a corresponding device, a corresponding system, and a computer program product.

Abstract: A control system identifies vehicle systems for combining into a larger convoy. Each the vehicle systems is formed from at least one propulsion-generating vehicle and at least one non-propulsion-generating vehicle. The control system directs the identified vehicle systems to couple with each other for travel as the convoy from a first location toward a different, second location. The control system directs a first vehicle system in the convoy to separate from the convoy and/or a second vehicle system to join the convoy by coupling with at least one of the vehicle systems in the convoy in an intermediate location between the first and second locations. The vehicles in each of the vehicle systems in the convoy remain connected during separation of the first vehicle system from the convoy and/or during joining of the second vehicle system to the convoy.

Abstract: A method of controlling the braking of a vehicle descending a slope. The method includes receiving one or more electrical signals each indicative of a value of a respective vehicle-related parameter. The method further includes detecting that the vehicle is descending a slope based on the value(s) of one or more of the vehicle-related parameters. The method still further includes automatically modifying an amount of brake torque being applied to at least certain of the wheels of the vehicle in response to the detection of the vehicle descending a slope by increasing the amount of brake torque being applied to one or more trailing wheels of the vehicle, and decreasing the amount of brake torque being applied to one or more leading wheels of the vehicle.