Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery. The vehicle further includes a controller programmed to generate a capacity estimate of the traction battery and, in response to an amount of energy supplied to the traction battery during a charge cycle being less than an estimated amount of energy stored in the traction battery during the charge cycle, detect that the capacity of the traction battery has changed and alter an operating strategy of the traction battery until the capacity estimate is updated.

Abstract: A charge-discharge controller includes a resetter for executing a SOC reset charging and a timing calculator for executing a timing calculation process that calculates an execution timing of the SOC reset charging by the resetter. The timing calculator calculates a profit reduction amount by an execution of the SOC reset charging for each of a plurality of time ranges, and sets the execution timing of the SOC reset charging in one or more time ranges to minimize the profit reduction amount, in consideration of an economy of charging of battery besides SOC.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a drive motor, a fuel cell, an auxiliary machine, a secondary battery, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, and a control section. The control section controls the secondary battery for discharging by driving the drive motor or the auxiliary machine and for charging through power generation by the fuel cell or regeneration by the drive motor when a temperature measured by the temperature sensor is lower than a specified value.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell, a first electric component, a second electric component, a battery, a first switch, a second switch, and circuitry. The first electric component is to operate the fuel cell. The second electric component is not to be used to operate the fuel cell. The first switch is to electrically connect the first electric component to the battery to supply electric power from the battery to the first electric component. The second switch is to electrically connect the second electric component to the battery to supply electric power from the battery to the second electric component. The circuitry is configured to control the first switch to electrically connect the first electric component to the battery and to control the second switch not to electrically connect the second electric component to the battery when the fuel cell is started.

Abstract: A method for controlling a braking torque of a drive system and for braking a vehicle includes in a first state connecting phase connections of a synchronous machine to one another by a changeover apparatus and short circuiting the phase connections such that a first braking torque develops at the synchronous machine. In a second state the phase connections are connected to one another by the changeover apparatus and to a resistance, such that a second braking torque develops at the synchronous machine. The changeover apparatus periodically switches between the first and second states at a switching frequency of 10 Hz or higher to produce a pre-settable braking torque at the synchronous machine, with the changeover between the first state and the second state being controlled by a timing element in an unregulated manner.

Abstract: A mounting tile is utilized for mounting a vehicle seat to a vehicle floor. A method for mounting a vehicle seat using the mounting tile includes affixing angle iron to the side edges of the floor, affixing a layer of metal plating on top of the angle iron, affixing one or more mounting tiles to the metal plating, positioning filler material between the one or more mounting tiles, positioning a floor covering over the mounting tiles and filler material, aligning the fastener elements of the vehicle seat structure with apertures in the mounting tile, and attaching the fastener elements and the seat to the mounting tile.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom, a seat back, and a plurality of sensors operably connected to at least one of the seat bottom and the seat back to detect a seating condition of a seated occupant. A controller is in electrical communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller is programmed to receive input from the plurality of sensors indicative of a seating condition of the seated occupant. The seating condition is compared to a predetermined seating condition. An output indicative of the predetermined seating condition is transmitted. An actuator is in electrical communication with the plurality of sensors and operably connected to at least one of the seat bottom and the seat back for adjustment of at least one of a plurality of settings of the seat assembly. The actuator is adjusted to a predetermined setting corresponding to the predetermined seating condition.

Abstract: The vehicle seat (100) comprises a cover part (29) including a cover member (24) having a folded portion (24b) in the X direction at a position where it is overlapped with a hole part (21a) formed in a seat back (2), and a cover member (25) having a folded portion (25b) folded in the X direction at a position where it is overlapped with the hole part (21a). The cover part (29) includes two sewn parts (26, 27) for fixing the overlapped portion of the cover members (24, 25) in two locations in the Y direction, while no sewn part exists in such section of the overlapped portion as intervenes between the sewn parts (26, 27).

Abstract: A child safety seat is for use on a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat has a safety belt. The child safety seat includes a seat base, a seat panel, and a seat body. The seat base has a seat assembly portion and a backrest portion. The seat panel is openably pivoted to the seat assembly portion for rotating between an open position and a closed position. The seat body is disposed on the seat panel. When the seat panel rotates to the open position, the safety belt passes over the seat base for attaching the seat base to the vehicle seat. When the seat panel rotates to the closed position, the seat panel clamps the safety belt cooperatively with the seat base.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pad configured to support an occupant, the seat pad having a through-hole provided so as to extend through the seat pad in a direction from an occupant sitting side toward a side opposite to the occupant sitting side; and a frame member attached to an opening end of the through-hole on the occupant sitting side, the frame member having an opening configured such that a fixation connecting portion of a child safety seat is inserted into the opening. The frame member is provided with a locking portion locked to the seat pad. The seat pad includes a locking pad portion constituting a part of an inner wall surface of the through-hole, a wire member is embedded in the locking pad portion, and the locking portion of the frame member is locked to the locking pad portion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pad configured to support an occupant and having a through-hole extending through the seat pad in a direction from an occupant sitting side toward a side opposite to the occupant sitting side; and a frame member attached to an opening end of the through-hole on the occupant sitting side, the frame member having an opening configured such that a fixation connecting portion of a child safety seat is inserted into the opening. The frame member is provided with an attaching portion attached to the seat pad. The seat pad includes an attachment pad portion provided integrally with an attachment member including an attachment portion to which the attaching portion of the frame member is attached, the attachment pad portion constituting a part of an inner wall surface of the through-hole. The attaching portion is fixed to the attachment portion with a fixing member.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a support base, a rotary platform and a child seat. The support base is suitable for placement on a vehicle seat and includes an anchoring portion and a bearing portion connected with each other, the anchoring portion having a belt path for passage of a fastening belt to attach the child safety seat on a vehicle seat. The rotary platform is pivotally connected with the bearing portion of the support base about a pivot axis. The child seat is connected with the rotary platform, wherein the child seat, the rotary platform and the bearing portion are movable in unison relative to the anchoring portion, and the child seat and the rotary platform are rotatable in unison as a seat unit relative to the support base between a plurality of positions including a forward facing position, a rearward facing position and a sideways facing position.

Abstract: A seatback includes a lower frame, an upper frame, and a hinge coupling the lower and upper frames. An actuator is fixed relative to the lower frame, and a cable extends from the actuator to the upper frame. In the event of a collision, the actuator pulls the cable, and the upper frame moves from an upright position to a bent position relative to the lower frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly, comprising a first seat component and a second seat component, is provided. The second seat component is adjustable relative to the first seat component—preferably about a pivot axis—and a resetting device is provided, by means of which a resetting force is exerted on the second seat component in direction of a neutral position, when the second seat component is adjusted with respect to the neutral position. The resetting device at least includes the following:—a spring element in which a portion is rotated about an axis of rotation, when the second seat component is adjusted with respect to its neutral position, and the spring element thereby is tensioned, so that via the tensioned spring element at least a part of the resetting force is provided, and—a force transmission element.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback. A back panel includes a front closeout panel. A carrier supports the seatback and includes an upper thoracic region having a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front closeout panel and the upper thoracic region. A bottom portion of the upper thoracic region includes a lower wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A lower lumber region includes a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front closeout panel and the lower lumber region. An upper portion of the lower lumbar region includes an upper wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of concave connectors couple the lower wall of the upper thoracic region with the upper wall of the lower lumber region.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback. A back panel includes a front closeout panel. A carrier supports the seatback and includes an upper thoracic region having a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front closeout panel and the upper thoracic region. A bottom portion of the upper thoracic region includes a lower wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A lower lumber region includes a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front closeout panel and the lower lumber region. An upper portion of the lower lumbar region includes an upper wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of concave connectors couple the lower wall of the upper thoracic region with the upper wall of the lower lumber region.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seatback having a frame and a cushion assembly. A cushion carrier includes a lower member defining a frame receiving cavity. A first set of ribs extend across the frame receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the lower member. The first set of ribs extend between the lower member and a lower brace of the frame. A second set of ribs are parallel with the first set of ribs. The second set of ribs are longer than the first set of ribs.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading containers of various sizes onto and off of a roll-off vehicle comprises a top frame and at least one lift actuator operable to pivot the top frame away from a horizontal home position to rearwardly incline the top frame. The top frame includes a main portion, a head portion longitudinally displaceable relative to the main portion, a plurality of sheaves, a cable extending through the sheaves, and a hoist actuator operable to displace the head portion between a retracted position and an extended position. The cable has a fixed end coupled to the head portion and a free end for coupling to a container. The hoist actuator is operated while the top frame is away from the home position to displace the head portion toward the extended position to load a container onto the vehicle, and toward the retracted position to unload the container.

Abstract: A roofing material bundle transport trailer includes a steering assembly and a pair of transport wheels movably supporting a frame upon a support surface. An inner end of a brake pedal grips one of a plurality of frame rollers rotatably mounted to the frame spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis. The brake pedal can be moved by pivoting a handle relative to the frame for sliding a locking pin extending through the brake pedal. A ramp is pivotably mounted to the frame between an unloading position extending to the support surface and an upright position extending away from the support surface and being removably held by a pair of locking plates pivotably mounted to the frame. Rollers are rotatably mounted to the ramp and aligned with the frame rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for a collective transportation system. The system comprises a plurality of container automated vehicles and a plurality of containable automated vehicles each of which may be contained in a container vehicle, so that one or more containable vehicles are nested within a containable vehicle and may be transported by the container. The containable vehicles may move around within the interior of a container, preferably under control of a controller which controls the motion of all the containable vehicles within a container vehicle, so that the controller can rearrange the contained vehicles within the container. Preferably, two container vehicles can dock with each other to exchange containable vehicles between them, under control of a controller. Preferably, dockings and transfers may occur while the container vehicles are moving.

Abstract: An improved trailer for loading and unloading a heat exchanger tube bundle is disclosed. The trailer provides for the transport of tube bundles and includes seal pans which capture debris and other materials falling from the tube bundle during transport. The present invention also provides for the periodic placement of slideable supports under a bundle as it is pushed onto a trailer.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly for a vehicle includes a bolt having a head and a shaft and a face plate having an aperture configured to receive the bolt therethrough. A carrier includes an attachment surface configured to engage the faceplate and a first stop tab. A lock plate is configured to be disposed about the bolt comprising and includes an aperture configured to receive the bolt therethrough. A first edge of the lock plate is configured to engage the first stop tab, thereby preventing rotational movement of the lock plate in a first direction.

Abstract: The reduction gear box for a chain binder generally includes a housing member, a nozzle on the housing member to which a power tool may be connected, and an opening in the housing member within which the shaft portion of a chain binder may extend. The housing member includes a worm gear assembly and a main gear assembly therein. The worm gear assembly is in communication with the main gear assembly such that rotation of the worm gear assembly causes the main gear assembly also to rotate. In use, a shaft portion of a chain binder can be positioned within the housing opening and in communication with the main gear assembly. The power tool can be operated to rotate the worm gear assembly, and thereby effectuate rotation of the main gear assembly to extend or retract the chain binder in communication therewith.

Abstract: A limiting device for a loading area of a motor vehicle is provided. The limiting device has a height which is adjustable relative to a loading surface and may be set to a specific height according to the height of the loaded objects. A method is also provided by which the loading area of the motor vehicle is able to be loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: There is provided a position lighting device configured to emit at least one road irradiation beam from a vehicle onto a road, thereby making the other moving object which is positioned behind the vehicle or at a side of the vehicle recognize an existence of the vehicle. A lighting unit is configured to emit the at least one road irradiation beam onto at least a portion of areas on the road behind and at the side of the vehicle. A distance detecting unit is configured to detect a distance between the vehicle and the other moving object. A lighting control unit is configured to control the lighting unit on the basis of the distance between the vehicle and the other moving object detected by the distance detecting unit, thereby changing a state of the at least one road irradiation beam.

Abstract: Various aspects of a system and method to generate a parking alert are disclosed herein. The system comprises one or more circuits controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) in a first vehicle. The one or more circuits are configured to detect a second vehicle within a predetermined distance with respect to the first vehicle. A parking violation alert is communicated to the second vehicle and one or more users associated with the second vehicle. The communication of the parking violation alert is based on the detection of the second vehicle within the predetermined distance with respect to the first vehicle.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a display apparatus including a light blocking housing having a peripheral wall and formed at an inner side of the peripheral wall with a concave part, a light source arranged in the concave part, and a lid having an opposite surface to the housing, sealing the light source in the concave part, and having a light transmitting decorative surface formed at a part of the opposite surface except for an end portion, the manufacturing method includes: forming a top surface of the peripheral wall as a stepwise surface including an outer bonding surface and an inner stepped surface lowered more than the bonding surface by one step; and bonding the end portion of the opposite surface to the bonding surface in a state in which an end portion of the decorative surface is allowed to face the stepped surface.

Abstract: An improved brake light assembly is a brake light with a housing and internal light emitting diodes for attachment in the back window of a vehicle that illuminates when the brake pedal is depressed. When the Light Emitting Diodes are illuminated, the words “No Texting” are formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lamp for a vehicle including a housing in which an open surface is formed, a first substrate on which a light source is mounted and which is disposed in the housing such that the light source faces the open surface, a second substrate electrically connected to the first substrate and perpendicularly coupled to the first substrate, a terminal part coupled to an end portion of the second substrate to be in contact with a terminal of a socket connected to an external power source, and a lens coupled to the housing to cover the open surface, and thus may provide an advantageous effect in that areas of a heat sink and the substrate are minimized while electrical connectivity is secured.

Abstract: An airport terminal courtesy car indicator system that will prevent uncomfortable situations between operators of the courtesy cars and bystanders within an airport terminal. The courtesy car indicator comprises of an airport terminal transportation vehicle, that may be a golf cart, that is equipped with a synthesizer, an amplifier, and a speaker system that can be manually operated by an operator to give at least 4 instructions with regards to the positioning of the car within the terminal in relation any bystander within the vicinity of the courtesy car.

Abstract: A terrestrial vehicle such as a truck has one or more video cameras mounted to capture a field of view that includes looking forward and ahead of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes one or more rear-mounted, rear-facing displays that are operably coupled to such a camera. Forward-looking images from the front side of the vehicle are presented on the aforementioned displays to thereby provide a viewer positioned behind the vehicle with that forward-looking image of the road ahead. So configured, drivers looking to pass such a vehicle are provided with real-time information regarding circumstances that can greatly affect the safety of such an action and can use that information to better inform their decisions and actions.

Abstract: A parking assistance apparatus includes a first sensor configured to sense a first environment corresponding to a first distance around a vehicle; a second sensor configured to sense a second environment corresponding to a second distance around the vehicle that is greater than the first distance; and a display configured to display a graphic image. The parking assistance apparatus also includes at least one processor configured to: acquire first information regarding the first environment around the vehicle and second information regarding the second environment around the vehicle; detect an available parking space based on the first information and based on the second information; and based on an available parking space being detected outside of the first environment, control the display to display information regarding the available parking space.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a main housing defining an exterior surface, an interior, and an open side, the exterior surface having a recess therein. The assembly also includes a control module coupled within the interior of the housing, a mirror coupled over the open end of the housing, and a communication module. The communication module includes an antenna electrically coupled with the control module and an antenna housing at least partially enclosing the antenna and coupled within the recess of the exterior surface of the main housing.

Abstract: A door mirror includes a first attachment section in which an abutting portion is provided at a plating visor so as to extend along a vehicle up-down direction, and in which a restricting portion that abuts the abutting portion is provided at a visor cover; and a second attachment section in which an engagement portion is provided at the plating visor so as to extend along the vehicle up-down direction, and in which a catch portion that engages with the engagement portion is provided at the visor cover.

Abstract: Fixed-to portions of a visor cover are fixed to fixing portions of a bracket. Engagement hooks of the visor cover are disposed at back sides of outer peripheral end portions of a visor rim. When the fixed-to portions are caused to abut abutting portions of the bracket and the visor rim, the engagement hook is separated from the outer peripheral end portion in a vehicle width direction and the engagement hook is separated from the outer peripheral end portion in a vehicle front-rear direction. Thus, the fixed-to portions are caused to abut the abutting portions and are moved toward the fixing portions, enabling rubbing of the engagement hook and the engagement hook against the outer peripheral end portion and the outer peripheral end portion to be suppressed.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror device including: a support body supported on a vehicle body side; a housing body housing the mirror; a covering body that covers the housing body at a back face side of the mirror; an up-down restricting section that restricts relative movement of the first bottom wall section and the second bottom wall section in the up-down direction; a horizontal displacement restricting section that restricts relative movement of the first bottom wall section and the second bottom wall section in the extension direction of the boundary; and an engagement section that is provided at mutually adjacent sides of the first and second bottom wall sections, such that the first and second bottom walls engage with each other in a state bearing tension in a direction to separate the first bottom wall section and the second bottom wall section from each other in a bottom view.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror-display assembly adapted to pivotally attach at an interior surface of the vehicle. The mirror-display assembly includes a mirror reflective element and a display device that has a display screen. The mirror reflective element is disposed at a mirror side of the mirror-display assembly and the display screen is disposed at a display side of the mirror-display assembly. The mirror-display assembly is pivotable between a mirror position and a display position. When the mirror-display assembly is in the mirror position, a driver of the vehicle views the mirror reflective element and does not view the display screen, and when the mirror-display assembly is in the display position, the driver of the vehicle views the display screen and does not view the mirror reflective element. The mirror-display assembly pivots about a pivot axis between the mirror position and the display position.

Abstract: A display device may comprise a transmittance control structure having a variable transmittance and a mirror type display panel disposed on a rear surface of the transmittance control structure. The mirror type display panel may comprise a substrate, a display member disposed on the substrate, the display member including a light emission region, a first transmission region, and a peripheral region surrounding the light emission region and the first transmission region, and a reflective member facing the substrate with respect to the display member, the reflective member including an opening region corresponding to the light emission region, a second transmission region corresponding to the first transmission region, and a reflective region surrounding the opening region and the second transmission region.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a forward viewing camera disposed at a mirror head of an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle and having a forward field of view through the windshield of the vehicle. A sensor is disposed at the mirror head and determines a change in position of the mirror head relative to a mirror mount of the mirror assembly when the vehicle driver adjusts the mirror head. A control includes a processor operable to process image data captured by the forward viewing camera. Responsive to determination by the sensor of a change of position of the forward viewing camera relative to the mirror mount, the control selects an active sub-array of photosensors to provide an effective field of view of the forward viewing camera. The processor processes image data captured by the active sub-array of photosensors for a driver assistance system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.

Abstract: A motor vehicle hybrid panel assembly includes a body formed of a metallic sheet having multiple apertures created therein. At least one reinforcement member of a polymeric material is integrally connected to the body proximate to and surrounding at least two of the multiple apertures. At least one connecting member of the polymeric material is integrally connected to each of the at least one reinforcement member, and extends away from the at least two of the multiple apertures on the body. At least one joining member of the polymeric material is integrally connected to the at least one reinforcement member and integrally connected to the body.

Abstract: A storage bag for use with a tonneau cover is provided. The storage bag has a main body having at least one pocket, and at least one first fastener secured to the main body for releaseably fastening the main body to a bottom surface of a tonneau cover.

Abstract: A holder with a holding structure and a flexible structure that attaches to a sun visor hardware mounting and allows positioning of the holding structure independent of sun visor position and orientation.

Abstract: An integrated ladder rack is provided for a truck. That integrated ladder rack includes a first side frame, a second side frame, a first cross member and a second cross member. The first side frame and the second side frame are translated from a stowed position to a deployed position and the first cross member and the second cross member are displaced to span between the deployed side frames to form a ladder rack. The related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for holding an electronic device includes a body and a connection device for connecting an electronic device to the body, at least a portion of the connection device attached to the body. The system further includes a clip, the clip having a top portion and a bottom portion, the clip attached to the body. The system further includes a cam lever, the cam lever oriented in the body and in communication with the clip, the cam lever having a first position and a second position, the first position characterized by the cam lever not engaging the clip, the second position characterized by the cam lever engaging the clip, and causing the top and bottom portion of the clip to be pushed together.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, a decorative film positioned on the first surface of the substrate, and an over-mold positioned over the film. The over-mold defines at least one diffraction grating and a light source is positioned proximate the second surface of the substrate. The light source is configured to emit light through the substrate and the over-mold.

Abstract: A reversible load floor is provided for a motor vehicle. The reversible load floor includes a body having a first user surface and a second user surface wherein the first user surface is opposed to the second user surface.

Abstract: Temporary vehicle protection devices and methods of using the same are generally described herein. The devises generally include a flexible form fitting strip of impact absorbing material adapted to encircle a vehicle when parked thus protecting the front, sides, and rear of vehicle and wherein the device secures to itself upon closure by a device locking mechanism.

Abstract: A heat protector for a vehicle, includes: a first protrusion pattern having a plurality of protrusions formed with an elliptical shape, and the plurality of protrusions are radially disposed based on a first center point, and a second protrusion pattern having a second plurality of protrusions formed with an elliptical shape, and the second plurality of protrusions are radially disposed based on a second center point, wherein at least one protrusion of the first protrusion pattern is included in the second protrusion pattern.

Abstract: Multi-layer composite material, production and use thereof A multilayered composite material comprises as components: (A) a sheet material, (B) a material capable of absorbing water or aqueous fluids, (C) at least one bonding layer and (D) a polyurethane layer with capillaries passing through the entire thickness of the polyurethane layer, wherein the polyurethane layer (D) comes into direct contact with sheet material (A) or absorption-capable material (B) in one or more places.