Abstract: A rear-view side mirror assembly includes a base for attachment to a vehicle, one or more support arms extending from the base, and a mirror head attached to the support arm and configured for telescoping movement along the support arm. A camera is fixedly attached to the support arm so as to remain stationary relative to the mirror base and vehicle as the mirror head telescopes inward and outward. An elongated aperture in the mirror head housing ensures that the camera lens is not occluded as the mirror head telescopes between a retracted position and an extended position. A lens cleaning system is adapted to wipe the lens clean each time the housing telescopes between inboard and outboard positions.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes an adjustable support system for supporting a mirror. The adjustable support system includes a first peripheral support element and a second peripheral support element, each having an adjustable height, and optionally a third, central support element having a fixed height. Each of the first and second peripheral support elements is coupled with a respective linear actuator for adjusting their respective heights, thereby adjusting and/or rotating the mirror. In some embodiments, additional peripheral elements are included at opposite sides of each of the first and second peripheral support elements to provide additional balance and/or dampening when the mirror is adjusted.

Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes an attachment member attached at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield and an accessory module configured to detachably mount to the attachment member. The accessory module and attachment member are configured so that when the accessory module mounts to the attachment member, an electrical element of the accessory module is biased toward and against the inner surface of the windshield. The electrical element includes a camera and, with the accessory module mounted to the attachment member, the camera has a forward field of view through the windshield. The camera may be associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system, (ii) a lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control system, (iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a pedestrian detection system and (vii) a pre-crash avoidance system.

Abstract: A driver lift device lifts a driver to enter an elevated cab on farm equipment or the like. The device includes an elongated post vertically mounted to a vehicle proximate an entry into a cab of the vehicle. Each of a top end and a bottom end of a pole is coupled to the post such that the pole is positioned in parallel spaced relationship to the post. Each of a plurality of rollers is coupled to a housing defining a vertical path through the housing. The pole extends through the vertical path. A foot support is coupled to the housing. A winch is coupled to the top end of the pole. A strap couples the housing to the winch whereby operation of the winch elevates and lowers the foot support on the pole.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided for a cargo area of a motor vehicle. The cargo management system includes a first mounting element on a first side wall of the cargo area and a second mounting element on a second side wall of the cargo area. Further, the cargo management system includes a partition. The partition includes a plurality of retractable mounting pins displaceable between a retracted position for removing the partition from the first and second mounting elements and an extended position for engaging the partition with the first and second mounting elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for carrying objects, in particular medications or medical articles, in a vehicle. The arrangement includes a storage compartment for accommodating the objects to be carried and a regulating unit for regulating at least one parameter characteristic of the climatic conditions present in the storage compartment. The regulating unit is designed to carry out the regulation in dependence on the presence of one or more objects in the storage compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle dash panel storage compartment includes a storage bin disposed within the dash panel and a top-mounted storage bin closure. The storage bin closure is configured to translate between a deployed position covering the storage bin and a stowed position. A deployable tray is disposed within the storage bin, configured for translation between a stowed position and a plurality of deployed positions substantially parallel to a plane defined by a vehicle x-axis. In the deployed position, the deployable tray divides the storage bin into two vertically stacked sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a fishing rod carrier used by persons for transporting fishing rods inside a vehicle. Particularly to an improved fishing rod rack for vehicles that is mountable on the inside of the top of the form of sports utility vehicles, station wagons and hatchbacks. The rod rack retains a plurality of fishing rods securely and protected from damage while keeping the rods highly accessible. This rod rack is easily installed and removed and made of flexible materials so it can be rolled up and stored when not in use. The apparatus is mostly comprised of two carrier members, spaced apart at a desired distances and positioned, substantially parallel to each other across with width of a vehicles cab. The carrier holds fishing rods having a handle at one end and a rod tip at the opposite end.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a housing connected to one or more articulating arms. The housing may have a receiving section, such as a holster, for receiving an item for storage. The articulating arms may position the housing in a concealed location and then on command reposition the housing in a more readily accessible location so that the item may be retrieved.

Abstract: A three-dimensional rack useful in a pick-up truck or trailer having a bed with raised vertical side walls and a hinged rear tailgate. The rack has a first crossbar the ends of which are pivotally received at the opposed inside walls of the truck or trailer bed, a pair of matched spaced apart arms affixed to the first crossbar and a second crossbar affixed to said pair of arms, the arms being shaped so that the crossbars are horizontally and vertically displaced from each other while being parallel to each other.

Abstract: A combination carrier adapted to be mounted at a rear of a vehicle consists of an upper frame and a lower frame interconnected by a transverse connecting element. The upper frame is formed by first and second upper arms. The lower frame is formed by first and second lower arms. The first upper arm, the first lower arm; the second upper arm and the second lower arm are pivotably connected to each other at respective first and second hubs. A proximal support assembly is movably arranged at the first hub at the junction between the first upper arm and the first lower arm. The distal support assembly is movably arranged at the second hub at the junction between the second upper arm and the second lower arm.

Abstract: In an in-vehicle camera 1, when an in-vehicle camera body 5 is hooked on a hook portion 33 of a bracket 3 attached to a windshield, a leaf spring 34 presses the in-vehicle camera body 5 against the bracket 3 to fix the in-vehicle camera body to the bracket 3. Therefore, the in-vehicle camera body 5 can be attached to the windshield without permitting the windshield to come off from the vehicle by the bracket's being strongly pushed such as by a jig, or without permitting the jig to scratch the windshield. Since the in-vehicle camera body is fixed to the bracket 3 by being pressed against the bracket 3 by the leaf spring 34, there is no problem of causing backlash relative to the bracket 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system for a vehicle, namely a truck, that adjusts the height of the storage compartment to provide an access through the sidewalls of the storage compartment to the interior of the compartment.

Abstract: An exterior component is disclosed for attachment to a vehicle surface of an external vehicle structure. The exterior component comprises a primary body having a pad support wall and a profile wall extending therefrom, the profile wall defining an exterior profile of the exterior component, and presenting an exterior surface having a desired aesthetic finish. The pad support wall is an elongate continuous structure that runs substantially the entire length of the exterior component. The pad support wall presents a continuous tape pad configured to receive a suitable adhesive for bonding the exterior component to a receiving vehicle surface. The exterior component is exemplified in the form of a door cladding, and a wheel-flare molding.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed structure includes a bed floor with an accessory attachment track, a tailgate and a tailgate gap cover. The tailgate gap cover has an attachment structure that includes a first part and a second part. The first part is inserted into a channel between side walls of the accessory attachment track. The second part is positioned above the side walls of the accessory attachment track with a fastening member extending between the first part and the second part clamping the attachment structure to the accessory attachment track. The tailgate gap cover is removable and re-attachable to the accessory attachment track. The tailgate gap cover is pivotal between a horizontal orientation with an adjacent tailgate in an open position and an upright orientation with the tailgate in the closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle an electric parking brake mechanism including a power source, unshielded power wires connected to the power source and covered by an outer sheath, and a brake caliper configured to receive a power from the power source via the unshielded power wires, and an ABS mechanism including an ABS sensor detecting a rotation speed of a wheel, unshielded signal wires connected to the ABS sensor and covered by the outer sheath together with the unshielded power wires, and a control unit for conducting an ABS control based on a signal input from the ABS sensor via the unshielded signal wires.

Abstract: A tubular outer member which houses and protects a conductive path, the tubular outer member includes a fixing member mounting portion in which a conductive path fixing member is to be mounted so as to fix the conductive path. The fixing member mounting portion includes a guide groove configured to guide a conductive path winding portion of the conductive path fixing member extending like a line or a belt, and a pair of lead-in/out portions. The conductive path winding portion is to be inserted to and pulled out from the pair of lead-in/out portions.

Abstract: A system for contactless energy transmission includes a transformer formed by a primary winding and a secondary winding, which transformer is designed so as to be resonant as a result of capacitors. By measuring and comparing electrical state variables on the primary side and on the secondary side the efficiency of the transmission of electrical power from the primary side to the secondary side is determined, and by varying the resonance frequency of the transformer or of the frequency of a primary voltage applied to the primary winding the resonance frequency and the primary voltage frequency are attuned to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for applying driver preference settings for a vehicle. A electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle determines whether a touch sensor disposed on a driver door handle of the vehicle is triggered. Upon determining that the touch sensor is triggered, the ECU transmits an exterior search signal from at least one antenna associated with the driver door. The ECU further determines whether a valid response signal was received from a fob in response to the transmitted exterior search signal, the valid response signal include an identification code unique to the fob (e.g., the driver). The ECU can assign a driver preference settings based on the identification code received in the valid response signal.

Abstract: An automotive control system includes a plurality of control units including a touch sensor. The automotive control system also includes a control unit recognizer that recognizes a control unit of the plurality of control units that a driver has touched through the touch sensor. The automotive control system also includes a voice recognizer that recognizes selection of a function of an automotive information appliance by analyzing a voice command from the driver. The automotive control system also includes a controller that connects the selected function with the recognized control unit and controls the selected function according to operation of the recognized control unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag apparatus for a two-wheeler vehicle. The airbag apparatus includes at least one front airbag mounted near each leg of a rider of the two-wheeler vehicle, the at least one front airbag to be deployed and inflated for protecting the knees, legs and feet of the rider during emergency conditions. Further, the airbag apparatus includes at least one rear airbag mounted near each leg of a pillion rider of the two-wheeler vehicle, the at least one rear airbag to be deployed and inflated for protecting the knees, legs and feet of the pillion rider during emergency conditions. Yet further, the airbag apparatus includes at least one inflator configured to supply inflation gas to the at least one front airbag and the at least one rear airbag when activated.

Abstract: A vehicular emergency alert device mounted on a vehicle (100) and configured to issue an emergency alert signal to notify an emergency service center outside the vehicle of a location of the vehicle in the event of a collision of the vehicle includes: a collision detecting unit (11) that detects the collision of the vehicle (100) to output a collision detection signal; an emergency alert unit (13) that issues an emergency alert signal in response to the collision detection signal and relays the collision detection signal to the vehicle; and one or more modules (12) each of which performs a predetermined operation in response to the collision detection signal relayed by the emergency alert unit (13).

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 load exerted on one of supporting parts supporting a seat of a vehicle is detected and is corrected according to an inclination of the vehicle. A load object on the seat is determined a plurality of times of turning on and turning off an ignition of the vehicle using the load thus corrected or the load detected. The load object is determined as an adult at least when the load is greater than or equal to a first threshold and determined as other than an adult at least when the load is less than a second threshold that is less than the first threshold. A function is further provided of determining the load object from a combination of a magnitude relation between the load and a third threshold less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold and the inclination of the vehicle.

Abstract: A side airbag device-installed vehicle seat including: an inner bag section that extends out from a side airbag main body, past a seat front of a side frame, and to a seat width direction inner side of the side frame, and that inflates within a side section of a seatback when an internal portion of the inner bag section in communication with an inside of the side airbag main body is supplied with gas from a gas generator; and a reaction force member including a fixing portion that is fixed to the side frame, and a reaction force application portion that is interposed between the inner bag section and the side frame at the seat width direction inner side of the side frame and that applies reaction force to the inner bag section during inflation, the inner bag section being anchored to the reaction force application portion.

Abstract: An airbag system for a vehicle is provided that prevents a passenger seated in each seat from being struck and injured by a roof airbag when the roof airbag is deployed in the event of vehicle collision. In addition, the airbag system for a vehicle secures safety by effectively protecting the passenger using the roof airbag.

Abstract: A first airbag has a first joining panel. A second airbag has a second joining panel. The first and second airbags are both inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The first and second joining panels are spaced from each other in the uninflated position. In the inflated position, the first joining panel is fixed to the second joining panel.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion for a side of a vehicle is provided, the inflatable cushion having a first sheet of material; a second sheet of material, the first sheet of material being secured to the second sheet of material at a seam to define the inflatable cushion; and wherein the seam consists only of: a first plurality of stitches; a peripheral edge portion of the first sheet of material; and a peripheral edge portion of the second sheet of material; and wherein no adhesives or sealants are applied to the first sheet and the second sheet when the seam is formed by applying the first plurality of stitches.

Abstract: A vehicle curtain airbag device has a curtain airbag. The curtain airbag is configured such that: a front end side is Z-folded toward a vehicle width direction inner side, the curtain airbag is further folded top-to-bottom, and, in the stowed state, a front end portion at the Z-folded region is covered by a rear end portion of a front pillar garnish; a corner portion at a front end side and an upper end side of the front side sub chamber is formed in a circular arc shape; and in a mid-deployment state, a front end side and an upper end side of the Z-folded region are covered, the corner portion overlaps a vehicle width direction outer side of the rear end portion, and a rear end of the corner portion is positioned further to a vehicle rear side than a rear end of the front pillar garnish.

Abstract: An airbag includes an outer shell defining an interior of the airbag, and a divider positioned in the interior so as to divide the interior into a first chamber and a second chamber. The divider includes a body portion and at least one flap attached to the body portion along an edge. The divider is attached to the outer shell so as to form a gas-tight seal between the outer shell and the body portion and so as to form a gas flow passage between the at least one flap and the outer shell.

Abstract: A vehicle safety restraint arrangement includes a retractable and extractable belt, a belt reel on which the belt is windable, a retraction mechanism adapted to retract the belt from an extracted position, and a belt retraction brake adapted to limit the retraction speed of the belt during retraction of the belt by imparting a braking force to the belt reel during retraction of the belt via inductance. The present disclosure also relates to a method for limiting the retraction speed of a belt arranged on a belt reel.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying an occupant of a vehicle as an authorized user and managing settings and configurations of vehicle components based on personal preferences of the authorized user includes detecting occupant characteristics from multiple sensors, determining whether the occupant is an authorized user of the vehicle based on a comparison of the occupant characteristics with a user database including registered user profiles, and automatically adjusting vehicle cabin and/or control components based on personal preferences of the occupant identified as a registered user.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for a keyless authentication system for a vehicle including a sensor, a control module, and a portable transceiver and a method of authenticating the portable transceiver. The sensor can be configured to transmit a first sensor signal when a brake or clutch pedal of the vehicle is pressed. The control module can be configured to receive the first sensor signal and to wirelessly transmit a first inquiry signal if a power plant of the vehicle is on and the control module receives the first sensor signal. The portable transceiver can be configured to receive the first inquiry signal and to wirelessly transmit a first response signal in response to receiving the first inquiry signal. The control module can be configured to receive the first response signal and to shut off the power plant of the vehicle if the first response signal is not an authorized signal.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper blade device comprising a wiper strip unit (12) which has a wiper strip element (14), a wind-deflector unit (15) and a wiper lip (18). According to the invention, the wind-deflector unit (15) has at least two separate wind-deflector elements (16).

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the special feature that the longitudinal groove has a closed circumference, wherein the connecting device is connected to the wiper blade.

Abstract: A wiper blade having a spoiler-integrated lever assembly. The lever assembly of the wiper blade includes a connector seat to which a connector assembly for connection to a wiper arm is detachably connected. The connector assembly is detachably joined to the connector seat by inserting an insertion protrusion of the connector assembly to an insertion slot of the connector seat and then rotating the connector assembly towards the connector seat and thus bringing snap protrusions of the connector seat into snap-engagement with snap slots of the connector assembly.

Abstract: A pivot link for a wiper blade of a vehicle window in a motor car is disclosed. The pivot link includes a substantially cylindrical shaft configured to be attached to a mechanical connector of the blade, and includes fluid-distribution means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper device, comprising a nozzle unit (10a-10c), which is provided for arrangement on a wiper arm (12a; 12c) and for applying washing water on a vehicle window (14a-14c). It is proposed that the nozzle unit (10a-10c) is designed to apply in one operating state washing water on both sides of a wiper blade (16a-16c) fixed to the wiper arm (12a-12c) on the vehicle window (14a-14c).

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a wash package selection zone where a vehicle operator is presented with a plurality of different vehicle wash packages. Each of the vehicle wash packages has an associated unique color identifier. The system includes a controller configured to receive a selection from the vehicle operator of one of the plurality of different vehicle wash packages. The system includes a vehicle treatment zone, including at least one illumination element associated therewith. The at least one illumination element is in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to emit light from the at least one illumination element in a color that corresponds to the color identifier of the vehicle package selected by the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A position determination unit determines whether a position of the vehicle is in proximity to a carwash. A shift determination unit determines a shift position of a transmission device of the vehicle. A brake determination unit determines activation of a brake device of the vehicle. A control unit determines that a condition to implement a carwash preparation is satisfied when the position determination unit determines that the position of the vehicle is in proximity to the carwash, when the shift determination unit determines that the shift position is in a neutral position, and when the brake determination unit determines that the brake device is deactivated.

Abstract: A parking system for a vehicle provides a self-contained vehicle lift with jacks on wheels and mounted on a vehicle frame, wherein the jacks are operable between a retracted position permitting the vehicle to move in a normal fashion, and an extended position effective to raise the entire vehicle off the ground to allow the wheels move the vehicle into the parking position.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a vehicle disc brake including: a caliper body; a caliper bracket having a pair of caliper support arms; a pair of friction pads; and a pad return spring. Each caliper support arm has a pair of pad guide grooves, and a pair of lug pieces extending from the friction pad are supported movably therein. An outer surface of each lug piece is stepped such that a projecting length on a radially outer side is shorter than a projecting length on a radially inner side, thereby defining a space portion between the lug piece and the pad guide groove. A first imaginary line, which is defined to pass a gravity center of the friction pad and to intersect perpendicularly a center line connecting a center of a disc rotor and a center of a piston, passes the space.

Abstract: In a method for setting a parking brake that has an electromechanical brake device having an electrical brake motor, the release time duration for displacing the electrical brake motor in the release direction is determined from the closing time duration in which the brake motor was previously displaced in the closing direction.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure involve a collision mitigated braking system employed in vehicles operating in a self-driving (autonomous) mode. Collision mitigated braking provides redundancy to the vehicle's main driving system in emergency situations. The collision mitigated braking system is configured to cause the vehicle to come to a stop when an imminent collision is perceived and the main driving system has not initiated a braking maneuver. A perception component employs information received from vehicle sensors, analyzing the sensor data to identify nearby objects of interest that are determined to be in the vehicle's path or that could otherwise collide with the vehicle. A control component evaluates the objects of interest to determine whether immediate braking is required. If this is the case and the main driving system has not begun to brake, the control component causes the vehicle to perform immediate braking to avoid a possible collision.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing disturbances that may result from using gain scheduling in brake controls. This method may include the steps of detecting a control signal, comparing the control signal to a threshold value, and gradually increasing or decreasing a controller gain in response to amplitude of the control signal being above or below the threshold value.

Abstract: A brake system (1) for a commercial vehicle (100) with a trailer includes a trailer control valve (24), a supply pressure line (46), a control pressure line (44), a valve arrangement for selectively connecting either the supply pressure line (46) or the control pressure line (44) to the trailer control valve (24), and an electronic control unit (10) that is arranged to perform electronic brake control. The valve arrangement is embodied as a structural valve unit (40), that can be switched by the electronic control unit (10) between the switching states connecting a trailer-side pressure line (52) to the control pressure line (44), and connecting the trailer-side pressure line (52) to the supply pressure line (46), and is arranged to subject the trailer-side pressure line (52) to a control pressure in a brake control situation depending on corresponding commands of the electronic control unit (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a master cylinder for a brake system. The master cylinder includes a cylinder body that has a bore therein; at least one piston provided in the bore to be moved forwards and rearwards; a liquid pressure chamber compressed by the piston; a brake liquid port that is connected to a reservoir and configured to supply brake liquid to the liquid pressure chamber; and a brake liquid discharge opening for discharging the brake liquid in the liquid pressure chamber to a wheel brake of a wheel. A valve unit that includes a check valve to control the unidirectional flow of the brake liquid that is introduced from the reservoir to the liquid chamber and a fluid resistance hole opened in two directions and is smaller than the size of the brake liquid discharge opening is provided in the brake liquid port.

Abstract: A system for retarding the speed of a railcar comprises a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on the wheel of a railcar, and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar; a hydraulic circuit provided with a pump arrangement for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; and a control circuit coupled to the hydraulic circuit for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to move the brake between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A mode control apparatus of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a first clutch that is disposed between an engine and a motor generating power and a second clutch that is disposed between the motor and a transmission. In addition, a controller is configured to execute engagement and disengagement of the first clutch and the second clutch. The controller is also configured to adjust the speed of the motor and the transmission to be synchronized by generating slip in the second clutch when a transition from an EV mode to an HEV mode is requested.

Abstract: A control device for controlling an electric vehicle includes a driving source that rotates wheels, a braking device that applies braking force to the wheels, a creep torque control portion that controls magnitude of creep torque to be applied to the wheels, wherein the creep torque control portion includes a braking force detecting unit that detects the braking force applied by the braking device, a fundamental creep torque calculating unit that calculates fundamental creep torque corresponding to vehicle speed, a creep suppression torque calculating unit that calculates creep suppression torque smaller than the fundamental creep torque based on a result of the detection of the braking force detecting unit and a creep torque calculating unit that calculate the creep torque by subtracting the creep suppression torque from the fundamental creep torque.