Abstract: A loading/unloading device for attachment to a delivery vehicle to facilitate at least one of load and unloading of the delivery vehicle. The loading/unloading device comprises a fixed base member for attachment to the delivery vehicle. A movable base member is supported and axially movable, by a first drive, with respect to the fixed base member. A first end of a lifting arm is pivotably connected to a first end of the movable base member, and the lifting arm is pivotable mounted with respect to the movable base member by a second drive to facilitate pivoting movement of the lifting arm relative to the movable base member. A first end of a support arm is pivotably connected to a second end of the lifting arm, and the support arm is pivotably mounted with respect to the lifting arm to facilitate loading and unloading of the delivery vehicle.

Abstract: When vehicles become disabled on a road or race track, they may be towed away to be repaired or discarded. A disabled vehicle that is repairable but severely damaged may be susceptible to further damage caused by towing it away, which may prevent conventional tow trucks from quickly and easily towing the disabled vehicle away. The presently disclosed vehicle towing system incorporates a telescoping boom extending from a tow vehicle. The telescoping boom includes a first towed vehicle attachment mechanism extending from a distal end of the telescoping boom and a second towed vehicle attachment mechanism extending from a proximal end of the telescoping boom. The first and second vehicle attachment mechanism connect the boom to the disabled vehicle and the boom is used to lift and suspend the disabled vehicle behind the tow vehicle as the disabled vehicle is towed away.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a mobile refrigerant system including one or more system components is provided. The system includes a global positioning system, a performance monitor, and a processor. The global positioning system includes a receiver that provides a locator signal. The performance monitor provides a monitor signal indicative of operational performance of at least one of the system components of the refrigerant system. The processor is adapted to receive and combine the locator signal and the monitor signal, and produce a combined locator and monitor signal output.

Abstract: An adjusting device for headlights, in particular for truck headlights, comprising a linear drive unit containing a threaded rod mounted for rotation, in threaded engagement with a control element, which control element can be moved in the axial direction of the threaded rod by turning the threaded rod, a pivot lever which has an articulated connection to the actuator, and an engagement element of the pivot lever which can act on the lighting unit to be adjusted, wherein the articulated connection is formed by a bearing part of the pivot lever and by a supporting part of the actuator such that the pivot lever can be turned about a horizontal pivot axis extending through the articulated connection, such that the engagement element is arranged in an upper region of the pivot lever in the vertical direction, and such that the articulated connection is arranged in a lower region of the pivot lever in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of automatically adjusting the leveling of a pixel light headlamp for a vehicle, which may automatically adjust the leveling of a headlamp that is configured for implementing a pixel light using a DMD optical system.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a plurality of lamps provided on a vehicle; a sensing unit configured to sense information related to the vehicle; and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to, based on a determination, through the sensing unit, that at least a portion of the vehicle has entered a first area that is adjacent to an available parking space, activate, in a first illumination mode, at least one lamp among the plurality of lamps that has entered the first area that is adjacent to the available parking space.

Abstract: A vehicular lighting device includes a scanning light source. The scanning light source includes a semiconductor light source, and scans the output light of the semiconductor light source in a forward region ahead of the lighting device. A lighting circuit changes the light amount of the semiconductor light source in multiple levels in synchronization with the scanning of the scanning light source.

Abstract: A vehicle (2) comprises a plurality of vehicle lights (14a-k) to be matched by additional lights (8a-j) in use; respective connecting interfaces (20a-20h) associated with each of the vehicle lights (14a-k); and an electronic controller (24) for controlling supply of light-activating power to the vehicle lights (14a-k) and to the associated connecting interfaces (20a-20h). The controller (24) is configured, in a light testing mode, to supply said power to each of the vehicle lights (14a-k) and to each of the associated connecting interfaces (20a-20h) in a sequence for inspecting whether additional lights (8a-j) connected in use to the connecting interfaces (20a-20h) match the vehicle lights (14a-k). Related systems, methods and controllers are also described.

Abstract: A light system for a vehicle is provided herein. The light system includes a trim member defining an aperture. A light guide is disposed within the aperture. The light guide has a proximal portion operably coupled with a light source. A lens is integrally formed with the light guide and is disposed at a distal portion of the light guide. A deformable attachment mechanism is integrally formed on the light guide between the proximal and the distal portions of the light guide. The light guide is compressively retained within the aperture by a forward portion of the attachment mechanism and a rearward portion of the lens.

Abstract: A vehicle light system is provided herein. The light system includes a trim member defining an aperture. A light guide is disposed within the aperture. The light guide has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a body portion between the proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion includes a connector portion. A lens is integrally formed with the light guide and is disposed at a distal portion of the light guide. A connector is disposed over the connector portion of the light guide. The connector is operably coupled to a housing having a light source.

Abstract: A soft top assembly for SUV/UTV vehicles having connected thereto at least one lighting source, such as a fixed light emitting diode lighting device, a rope/flexible light emitting diode lighting device, a solid fiber optic lighting device, to illuminate the interior of the vehicle. The lighting device has at least one water resistant housing that is low profile. The lighting device is also shock resistant. The lighting device has a predetermined ON/OFF feature and at least one power source is provided such as battery powered, powered by replaceable/rechargeable batteries, via connection to the vehicle by a wired harness or electrical contacts, or solar powered.

Abstract: An automatic driving system includes: an interior light configured to illuminate a vehicle compartment of a vehicle; an interior light control unit configured to control the interior light; and a driving control unit configured to perform automatic driving control of automatically driving the vehicle, end the automatic driving control when the automatic driving control is being performed, and switch driving of the vehicle from automatic driving to manual driving. The interior light control unit is configured to perform, when the interior light is lighted while the automatic driving control is being performed, dimming control of decreasing an illuminance of the interior light before the driving control unit switches the driving of the vehicle from the automatic driving to the manual driving.

Abstract: A system and method for synthesizing an engine sound may receive one or more vehicle operational data signals. One or more tone parameters associated with a Shepard tone generator may be modified responsive to the one or more vehicle operation data signals. A Shepard tone may be generated responsive to the modified one or more tone parameters. The Shepard tone may be reproduced using one or more audio transducers.

Abstract: Provided is a device for controlling an operation of a modem for a vehicle in order to prevent battery discharge, comprising: a modem for a vehicle mounted on the vehicle; and a TCU (Telematic Control Unit) for frequently or periodically detecting a communication environment of the modem for the vehicle when the modem for the vehicle enters a standby state mode, and, when the number of times of repetition of a normal service state and a no-service state is larger than or equal to a reference value or when the number of times of repetition of communication network registration is larger than or equal to the reference value, cutting off standby power of the modem for the vehicle even before a standby time preconfigured in the modem terminates.

Abstract: A method for assisting a driver of a vehicle towing a trailer includes providing a plurality of cameras and processing image data captured by the cameras while the vehicle is towing the trailer. Responsive to processing of captured image data, images are generated for display at a video display screen to provide a top view of the vehicle towing the trailer to the driver to assist maneuvering the vehicle towing the trailer. A dynamic vehicle and trailer icon is generated and displayed at the video display screen along with display of the top view of the vehicle towing the trailer. The dynamic vehicle and trailer icon comprises a top view representation of the vehicle and the trailer with at least one projected path for the vehicle towing the trailer so the driver can readily determine where the trailer will travel when the driver turns a steering wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method or system is able to adjust an exterior mirror of a vehicle via an automatic mirror-setting (“AM”) model managed by a virtuous cycle containing a cloud based network (“CBN”). The system includes a set of mirrors, a set of inward facing cameras, a vehicle onboard computer (“VOC”), and AM module. In one embodiment, the mirrors, attached to a vehicle, are configured to capture at least a portion of external environment in which the vehicle operates. The inward facing cameras, mounted in the vehicle, are configured to collect internal images including operator facial features showing operator visual characteristics. VOC, which is coupled to CBN, is configured to determine operator vision metadata based on the internal images, operator visual characteristics, and historical stored data. The AM module is able to adaptively set a mirror to an optimal orientation so that area of external blind spot is minimized.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head adjustably mounted at a mounting arm and adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position. The mirror reflective element is oriented to provide a driver of the vehicle a field of view rearward and sideward of the vehicle with the mounting arm attached at the side of the vehicle when the mirror head is in the retracted position and when the mirror head is in the extended position. The mirror head is connected to the mounting arm via pivotable first and second links that cooperatively pivot relative to the mounting arm and the mirror head to move the mirror head between the retracted and extended positions. An actuator is disposed at an end of the first link and operates to pivot the first link to move the mirror head between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: A workpiece support is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The tailgate includes a retractable step including a pair of step support members. The attachment brackets include a workpiece support bar and a riser that are attached to the step support members and to each other at a right angle. The workpiece support bar and riser may be fixedly attached to each other or attached by a pivot connector. Detachable connectors are provided to connect a workpiece support bar and riser detachably to the step support members.

Abstract: An electric step control device for a vehicle having a step provided movably by power of a motor from a retraction position where the step is retracted under a vehicle body to an overhang position where the step appears from the vehicle body or vice versa according to an opening and closure operation of a door, has a control unit. The control unit executes an overhang drive control that moves the step from the retraction position to the overhang position according to an occurrence of the opening operation of the door having been at a closure position. And the control unit starts a retraction drive control that moves the step from the overhang position to the retraction position according to an occurrence of the closure operation of the door having been at a full open position at a predetermined timing before the door reaches the closure position.

Abstract: A key catcher for a storage unit including a trim panel, a compartment housing, and an openable compartment door having a length and an outer surface includes a sweeper and a biasing member. The sweeper is connected to the compartment housing and is configured to conform to the outer surface of the compartment door along the length of the compartment door. The biasing member is connected to the compartment housing and the sweeper and is configured to urge the sweeper toward the outer surface of the compartment door. The sweeper contacts the outer surface of the compartment door along the length of the compartment door when the compartment door is in an open position, a closed position, and any position between the open and closed positions such that a small item, such as a key, credit card, or change, cannot fall between the openable door and the trim panel.

Abstract: An equipment mounting device and an installation arrangement for mounting an equipment to two fittings. The mounting device comprises a longitudinal carrier configured to be coupled to the equipment, and sized to span a space between the two fittings. A first coupling is disposed at a first end of the longitudinal carrier. The first coupling is configured to be coupled with a first of the two fittings and, when coupled with the first fitting, to prevent movement of the carrier in a first direction different from a direction along a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal carrier. A second coupling is configured to detachably couple with a second of the two fittings by receiving a part of the second fitting and, when coupled with the second fitting, to prevent movement of the carrier at least in the first direction and the direction of the longitudinal axis of the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted crane system for mounting a crane on a vehicle includes a vehicle has a bed and a hitch. A mounting unit is removably coupled to the hitch. A crane unit is removably coupled to the mounting unit. The crane unit selectively lifts an object thereby facilitating the vehicle to transport the object.

Abstract: A rack for supporting an article on a rear hatch of a vehicle includes a bracket mounted to an inner panel of the rear hatch. The rack also includes a hinge having a fixed portion mounted to the bracket and a pivotable portion. A support bar is connected to the pivotable portion and includes an article-receiving member. The support bar is pivotable via the hinge between a stowed position in which the support bar is nested with the rear hatch and a carrying position in which the support bar extends outwardly from the rear hatch allowing an article to be disposed on the article-receiving member.

Abstract: A frame having one or more linear guide systems includes a mounting mechanism for attaching the frame to a personal mobility device. One or more carriages are slidingly engaged to a linear guide system. The carriages include components such as a cup holder, an umbrella holder, a basket, a cane holder or other storage device.

Abstract: A mobile, spherical robot includes a spheroid shell, an internal assembly secured to the shell, and a head disposed atop the shell. The internal assembly is disposed within the shell for propelling the mobile robot. The internal assembly includes a base, a flywheel assembly rotatably secured to the base, a drive assembly rotatably secured to the spheroid shell and configured to propel the mobile robot by rotating the spheroid shell about the base a pivoting arm pivotably secured to the base, and the pivoting arm. The head is secured to the magnetized end of the pivoting arm through the spheroid shell. The head is configured to move relative to the spheroid shell and relative to the base by the pivoting of the pivoting arm.

Abstract: A universal accessory mount having bracket mounting portions and spacing segments that are configurable together to match the shape or curve of the vehicle exterior or other aftermarket vehicle accessory. Right-side and left-side and U-shaped brackets are each attachable to the bracket mounting portions to accommodate vehicle accessories of varying dimensions.

Abstract: A portable device holder includes a device attachment element and a mounting element rotatably attached to one another. The device attachment element includes a main body and is configured to be selectively attached to a portable device. The mounting element is configured to attach the portable device holder to a mounting surface. The mounting element includes mounting arms including a mounting slot defined therebetween. The mounting element is rotatable and pivotable relative to the device attachment element and thereby enables the mounting slot to be selectively pivoted and selectively rotated between vertical and horizontal arrangements relative to the device attachment element.

Abstract: A support comprising a holding assembly for holding portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort. The holding assembly comprises a rotatable front wall and a rotatable back wall that receive one or more portable electronic devices therebetween. The front wall is typically biased to help secure a portable electronic device by applying pressure to the portable electronic device. A slide may be connected to the front wall to aid in rotating the front wall when inserting or removing a portable electronic device. Induction charging may be provided as well.

Abstract: A work table is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The work table is received in a pocket defined in a rear portion of the truck bed and is deployed to overlie an inner surface of the tailgate. Guide members and followers provided on a pivot connector guide the work table as it is lowered into and raised from the pocket. Right and left panels are provided on either side of the main panel to cover right and left portions of the tailgate. The pocket is disposed between the spare tire and bumper and between the right and left frame rails at the rear sill of the truck bed.

Abstract: A liner for installation in an interior space of an emergency vehicle to prevent surface contamination. The liner is secured with a system of grommets and clips, allowing the liner to be easily installed when needed and removed after use. The liner is designed to be easily installable and disposable, while enabling medical staff to operate within the emergency vehicle essentially unhindered by its presence. In some embodiments, the liner is stored in a container under put into use and then disposed of in that same container.

Abstract: A seal assembly is mounted to a floor portion of an RV with a slide out room. The slide out room has a wall and a floor that is separated from the floor of the RV. The seal assembly has a floor portion, a separate wear bar and a separate bulb seal. The floor portion has a mounting portion that receives the wear bar and an exterior leg that connects the bulb seal using a tongue and groove. Fasteners connect the wear bar and floor portion to the floor of the RV. The floor portion includes a wiper that extends upwardly from an inner lateral edge. A catch wall extends adjacent the wiper and cooperates with it to form a trough for drainage. The catch wall can receive a corner piece to direct drained water to the outside of the RV.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat shield for a heat- and sound-radiating component in a vehicle. The heat shield includes a carrier which has an inner side which, in the mounted state, faces the component and on which a continuous insulating material is arranged, for the absorption of heat and sound which are produced by the component. The carrier has a plurality of apertures in order to reduce sound radiation of the carrier. The provided embodiment and arrangement of the apertures, and the arrangement of the insulating material on the inner side significantly improve the sound- and heat-insulating properties of the heat shield.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed for a vehicle power plug converter. An example disclosed plug-in converter for a vehicle power socket includes a wireless node, a plug, a switch, an accessory power socket and a controller. The example a wireless node wirelessly receives service messages. The example plug is configured to plug into the vehicle power socket. The example switch is between the plug and the accessory power socket. Additionally, the example controller, in response to receiving the service messages, closes the switch to electrically couple the plug and the accessory power socket.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a contactor including a coil and relay, a traction battery, a load, and a controller configured to transfer current from the traction battery through the coil to pre-charge the load without causing the relay to close such that a voltage drop across the relay falls below a threshold value, and subsequently cause the relay to close.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing configured to be supported by an attachment object and a terminal configured to be supported by the housing, and the terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a counterpart terminal of a counterpart connector when the counterpart connector is fitted to the connector. The housing includes a body portion having an inner cylinder portion to which the terminal is assembled and to which a counterpart housing of the counterpart connector can be fitted and an attachment portion having an outer cylinder portion which is configured to be fixed to the attachment object and to which the inner cylinder portion is fitted. The body portion is assembled to the attachment portion in a state that the inner cylinder portion fitted to the outer cylinder portion penetrates the outer cylinder portion.

Abstract: An in-vehicle equipment control system includes a wire harness configured to be connected with a power source mounted on a lower side of a vehicle than a ceiling of the vehicle, and provided in an extending manner from the lower side to the ceiling along a pillar of a vehicle body; and a ceiling side controller configured to control an equipment provided at least to the ceiling, the ceiling side controller being provided to the ceiling, electric power of the power source being supplied to the ceiling side controller via the wire harness passing through the pillar.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes an accelerometer, and a controller electrically coupled to the accelerometer and configured to respond to a signal indicative of an accident of the vehicle. The controller's response to the signal includes activating an emergency mode, requesting biometric data of occupants of the vehicle, and transmitting data identifying the vehicle, a location of the vehicle and a time of activation, and biometric data.

Abstract: A restraining device is provided to improve the safety and comfort of a vehicle occupant. The restraining device has a safety belt and an airbag device arranged on the safety belt, which airbag device has a first airbag, which is arranged on the side of the safety belt facing the vehicle occupant, and a second airbag, which is arranged on the side of the safety belt facing away from the vehicle occupant. The first airbag and/or the second airbag can be filled with air and/or can be emptied. A method for operating the restraining device controls the filling state of the first airbag and of the second airbag in an open-loop and/or closed-loop manner in accordance with the state of the motor vehicle provided with the restraining device.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) having a seat (16 or 22) for receiving the occupant (20) includes an inflatable protection device (14) inflatable from a stored condition in the vehicle (12) adjacent a reaction surface (19, 23, 36) to a deployed condition between the reaction surface and the vehicle occupant (20). The protection device (14) includes a front portion (62) presented toward the seat (22) and an inflatable volume for receiving a penetrating occupant (20?) when the protection device (14) is in the deployed condition. A rear portion (64) connected to the front portion (62) has an inflatable volume spaced from the front portion (62) by a space (110). The front portion (62) is positioned between the vehicle occupant (20) and the rear portion (64) when the protection device (14) is in the deployed condition.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus capable of protecting an occupant by restraining movement of the occupant in an obliquely forward direction and towards a far side during a collision. A far side airbag apparatus (102), which is an airbag apparatus, deploys between a driver seat (106) and a front passenger seat (108) arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction of a vehicle cabin (100). The apparatus (102) includes a cushion (120) which is embedded in a floor of the vehicle cabin (100) and reaches a height at least equal to that of a pelvis region (160) of an occupant (156) seated in either one of the driver seat (106) and the front passenger seat (108) during inflation and deployment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including, in a cylindrical housing, a gas generation chamber accommodating a gas generating agent and an ignition device, the ignition device being disposed at a first end surface of the cylindrical housing, and a second end surface, which is axially opposite to the first end surface, being closed by a closing member, the closing member having a fragile portion formed such that a part thereof is ruptured when the first surface on the side of the gas generation chamber receives a pressure of a gas including a combustion gas, and the ruptured portion is bent and opened to the axially opposite side of the first surface, a gas discharge port for the combustion gas being formed by the ruptured portion which is bent and opened from a surface of a non-ruptured portion after the part of the closing member is ruptured along the fragile portion, a control device restricting an angle between the second surface of the closing member and the bent ruptured portion to be 5 deg

Abstract: A gas pressure actuator includes a cylindrical housing, a piston rod; the piston rod being accommodated inside the housing prior to driving the gas pressure actuator; a gas generator arranged at one end side in an axial direction of the housing, wherein, during driving the gas pressure actuator, the gas generator causes the piston rod to extend from the housing by generating high pressure gas; and a holding assembly that secures the gas generator to the one end side in the axial direction of the housing, wherein the holding assembly is provided with a first coupler hole for coupling the gas pressure actuator to a first hinge at a first position on an axis line of the gas pressure actuator.

Abstract: A tactical-gear-accommodating seatbelt system and method adapted to provide enhanced safety and easier, more reliable means of engaging and disengaging the seatbelt for persons wearing tactical gear on the waist and chest, by providing an extender unit having an extender strap coupled with and extending from the standard seat-level receptacle or anchored in lieu of the standard seat-level receptacle, and a sure-release double receptacle attached to the free end of the extender strap such that the double receptacle sits generally in front of the lower torso in use, and having receptacle fittings to accommodate separate lap and shoulder straps anchored at lower and upper anchor points, respectively, with free ends terminated in plug fittings, thereby allowing easier and safer engagement and disengagement of the seatbelt system for a person wearing tactical gear.

Abstract: A tactical-gear-accommodating seatbelt system and method adapted to provide enhanced safety and easier, more reliable means of engaging and disengaging the seatbelt for persons wearing tactical gear on the waist and chest, by providing an extender unit having an extender strap coupled with and extending from the standard seat-level receptacle or anchored in lieu of the standard seat-level receptacle, and a sure-release receptacle attached to the free end of the extender strap such that the double receptacle sits generally in front of the lower torso in use, and having receptacle fittings to accommodate separate lap and shoulder straps anchored at lower and upper anchor points, respectively, with free ends terminated in buckle tabs, thereby allowing easier and safer engagement and disengagement of the seatbelt system for a person wearing tactical gear.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor for a seat belt device for a vehicle with a belt shaft that is rotatably supported in a belt retractor frame, and a blocking device with a locking catch. A sensor device (2) is provided with a first blocking lever (5) which actuates the locking device based on vehicle deceleration via movement of a first blocking lever (5). A second blocking lever (7) supported on the belt extractor for fixing the first blocking lever (5) when there is a predetermined belt extraction length. A counter gear (3) driven by the belt shaft is provided being formed by an eccentric (27) that drives the belt shaft and a wobble plate (8) having a first toothing (19) that can be driven by eccentric (27) to perform a wobbling movement.

Abstract: A pretensioner includes a driving wheel and a power transmission unit. A spool is disposed to be rotatable in the driving wheel. The spool winds a webbing which restrains an occupant. The power transmission unit transmits power to the driving wheel during an emergency. The power transmission unit includes a resin-made long body, a pipe and a gas generator. The resin-made long body rotates the driving wheel. The pipe contains the resin-made long body. The gas generator supplies an operation gas into the pipe. The resin-made long body discharged from the pipe is configured to rotate the driving wheel while the resin-made long body is wound around the driving wheel.

Abstract: A device for controlling the correct operating state of a restraining harness, intended for a safety seat, including at least one retaining strap that is under tension when the harness is in the state of restraining the occupant, the device being intended to be disposed in a predefined area of the latter, the device including: at least one sensor device including an elongate flexible element that is suitable for being positioned on the strap, and in particular rigidly connected thereto in the predefined area, and that is provided with a measuring system to measure, in the predefined area, at least a level of bending and/or tilting of the strap, a device to collect values linked to the level of bending and/or tilting, and internal or external device configured to analyse the values and of communicating with a receiver for receiving information on the operating state of the retaining harness.

Abstract: A detection device for use with a master device is provided. The detection device includes an electric power source that is intermittently driven to generate electric power, a detector switched between a number of states by occurrence of a predetermined event or a predetermined state, an electric power accumulator that is charged or discharged by switching the state of the detector, and a controller powered by the electric power source. The controller is configured to determine the state of the detector and notify the master device of detection information corresponding to the state of the detector. Activation of the controller powered by the electric power source is followed by acknowledgment of the state of the detector by the controller based on a state of the electric power accumulator.

Abstract: A method for producing a heatable luminaire cover is described. The heatable luminaire cover has: a polymeric main body, a first busbar, a second busbar and at least two conductor tracks on the inside of the polymeric main body.

Abstract: A windshield touch and clean system that can clean either the entire windshield of an automobile or spot clean a localized area of the windshield is disclosed. The windshield touch and clean system may control a cleaning head in a number of ways including but not limited to two articulating extension members or a gantry system. The cleaning head may be retrofitted with a spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid and also a vibration unit to assist in cleaning of residue on the windshield.