Abstract: A vehicle, such as an automobile, is provided with friction and regenerative braking systems. A sensor detects an obstacle in the vehicle's path and a brake controller, when operated by a user, automatically deploys either or both braking systems to decelerate the vehicle so that its speed corresponds to that of the obstacle when the vehicle is a predetermined distance from the obstacle. The brake controller is arranged to deploy the braking systems in order to optimize recovery of kinetic energy by the regenerative braking system. The brake controller may be operated in a standard mode, in which it deploys the braking systems to provide a retarding force on the vehicle which depends on a driver's input. The brake controller may be controlled by a brake pedal. The pedal may have a position part way along its travel at which resistance to further travel temporarily increases and operation of the pedal beyond that position causes the brake controller to operate in the standard mode.

Abstract: An electric circuit used in a vehicle having an idling stop function of automatically stopping and automatically restarting an engine includes an electric generator, a first electricity storage capable of charging and discharging electric power generated by the electric generator, a second electricity storage connected in parallel to the first electricity storage, capable of charging and discharging the generated electric power, and having high durability against repetitive charge and discharge compared to the first electricity storage, an engine restarter, which is connected to the first electricity storage and the second electricity storage, configured to crank the engine at a time of the automatic restart, and a switch, which is connected between the engine restarter and the first electricity storage, configured to block a flow of current between the engine restarter and the first electricity storage. The switch includes at least a semiconductor switch.

Abstract: An exemplary creep torque selection method includes selecting an amount of reverse creep torque for a vehicle. The selecting is independent from an amount of forward creep torque for the vehicle.

Abstract: A quick adjust power adjuster for adjusting the position of an upper track relative to a lower track of a seat track assembly comprises an elongated guide rod extending axially between opposite first and second ends and fixedly secured to the lower track. A tubular lead screw is slidably coupled to the guide rod. A driven assembly is operatively coupled to the tubular lead screw for axial travel along the tubular lead screw in response to rotation of the driven assembly. A drive assembly is fixedly coupled to the upper track and operatively coupled to the driven assembly for selectively rotating the driven assembly in opposite first and second directions for axial travel along the tubular lead screw.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a latch having multiple teeth configured to engage respective windows within a rail to selectively block movement of a vehicle seat relative to the rail. The latch includes a first tooth and a second tooth longitudinally separated from one another. The first tooth includes an inner surface configured to contact a longitudinal end of a first window while the first tooth is engaged with the first window to block movement of the latch relative to the rail along a first longitudinal direction, and the second tooth includes an inner surface configured to contact a longitudinal end of a second window while the second tooth is engaged with the second window to block movement of the latch relative to the rail along a second longitudinal direction, opposite the first longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A motor-equipped gear box mounting structure includes a motor-equipped gear box. This motor-equipped gear box includes a motor and a gear box. The gear box has a main body portion that is fixed to the frame member and within which is housed a reduction gear group that transmits driving force from the motor to an output shaft, and a motor mounting portion that mounts the motor to the main body portion. The gear box also has a weak portion between the main body portion and the motor mounting portion. A rotating shaft of the motor is coaxially and detachably connected to a rotating shaft of a worm gear that is one gear in the reduction gear group.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is provided. The seat includes a seat base and a seat back coupled to the seat base so as to be rotatable with respect to the seat base about a seat back rotation axis. The seat also includes a first linkage having a first link rotatably coupled to the seat back at a first connection and a second link rotatably coupled to the seat base at a second connection. The first link is also rotatably coupled to the second link at a third connection. The third connection is structured to be movable with respect to the seat base responsive to rotation of the seat back about the rotation axis.

Abstract: A cushion for inserting in the legwell between individual seats in rows of seats, for example in a vehicle, is disclosed. The top of the cushion can act as a surface for a user to lie down. The cushion can be inflatable and can be deflated for easy transport. The cushion can have multiple reservoirs so the internal pressure can be separately adjusted for the base and for the mattress of the cushion, similar to a box spring and a mattress in a common bed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actively isolating a payload from a disturbance. In one example, a seat system for a vehicle includes a seat, a support structure that allows the seat to move about an axis of a pivot, a first sensor positioned to detect movement of the vehicle, a second sensor positioned to detect lateral acceleration of the pivot, an actuator configured to move the seat, and a controller configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor and a second signal from the second sensor, generate a command signal based at least on the first and the second signal to instruct the actuator to position the seat at a desired command angle, wherein the controller is configured to correct the command signal for lateral accelerations caused by steering the vehicle, and provide a force command to the actuator to move the seat at the desired command angle.

Abstract: A holder for a replaceable mat used in a vehicle having a base and at least one flap with a free edge that secures the replaceable mat. The flap may be integral to the base and may also be flexible to improve the efficiency of loading the replaceable mat. In other embodiments the flap is independent from the base and operatively secured by an attachment device to the base. Other features improve the ease of use and protective capabilities of the holder. The holder also improves safety for use in vehicles and is inexpensive to manufacture. The replaceable mat is preferably absorbent and freely disposable.

Abstract: A leg rest device of a power vehicle includes: a supporting unit; a first lifting unit pivotally provided at the supporting unit and pivotable with respect to the supporting unit; a second lifting unit mounted to the first lifting unit and movable in a telescoping manner; an actuation unit connected to the supporting unit and configured to drive the first lifting unit; and a linkage unit having a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a third connecting member, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are separately and pivotally connected to the supporting unit while the third connecting member is separately and pivotally connected to the first connecting member, the second connecting member, and the second lifting unit.

Abstract: A beverage holding device includes a support platform, a spine, an upper support and a fixation mechanism. The spine includes a bottom portion and a top portion defining a spine length, and the bottom portion is fixed to the support platform. The upper support is configured and arranged to be adjustable along the spine relative to the support platform between a plurality of positions. The upper support includes at least one arm configured to at least partially encircle a portion of a beverage container when a bottom of the beverage container is seated on the support platform. And, the fixation mechanism is configured and arranged to secure the upper support to the spine at a selected one of the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A method and system to control movement of a dump bin for a dump vehicle having a frame. The dump bin is configured to move through a range of angular positions with respect to the frame, wherein the range of angular positions includes a bin down position at one end of the range and a bin up position at the other. An angular sensor generates angular position information throughout the range of angular positions. An automatic calibration is made at the bin down position and at the bin up position to account for changes to the system caused by sensor drift or mechanical deformation of the dump vehicle and its various parts. By continuous adjustment of the bin positions using the calibrated positions, false positives of the bin alarm are reduced, bin height restrictions are avoided, engine derating is reduced, and float mode is more accurately controlled.

Abstract: A seed carrier includes a frame and a main hopper mounted to the frame. The seed carrier also includes a support arm extending upwardly in relation to the frame, the support arm having a first end and a second end. The seed conveyor also includes a conveyor coupled to the support arm, the conveyor having an intake end and a discharge end and being pivotable relative to the support arm between a self-loading position and an unloading position. The conveyor also includes a main conveyor having a lower end and an upper end and an intake conveyor pivotally connected to the lower end of the main conveyor. The conveyor also includes a lift-assist assembly coupled between the main conveyor and the intake conveyor, the lift-assist assembly applying a force with an upward component to the intake conveyor at a position spaced from the pivot, whereby the weight of the intake conveyor is counterbalanced so as to render the intake conveyor manually pivotable.

Abstract: A laminated panel is provided with: a core panel having a vertical wall portion which extends in a direction which intersects with a panel surface, and a flat portion which is formed to extend along the panel surface from an end portion of the vertical wall portion; a pair of face plates which sandwich the core panel from both sides; and a structural material in which a rectangular cross-section portion which sandwiches the flat portion of the core panel between the rectangular cross-section portion and one of the face plates is disposed. The structural material is provided with peripheral edge structural materials which are disposed along a pair of opposing edge portions of a peripheral edge of the laminated panel, and connecting structural materials which extend in a direction which intersects with the peripheral edge structural materials.

Abstract: A robotic cargo system provides an ability to move cargo without requiring the use of additional material handling equipment such as forklifts and K-loaders. The robotic cargo system may operate as a vehicle during drive maneuvering, and may operate to lockdown on an aircraft as a pallet during flight. The system may navigate over rough terrain while carrying heavy loads through the use of a track-based propulsion system. The system may provide a cargo loading system, ramp ascent and descent algorithms, and autonomous navigation.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis, a cab mounted on the chassis, and a body. The body includes a bottom, a top and sides. The sides partially enclose an interior space and define an opening for accessing the interior space. The vehicle also includes a closure moveable between an open position and a closed position and a ladder compartment positioned in the interior space adapted for receiving a ladder having a length of at least about 12 feet. The ladder compartment has a lower surface positioned at a level no more than about 42 inches above ground level. The ladder compartment has an open end facing generally toward the opening. The storage compartment is configured so a ladder can slide longitudinally into and out of the ladder compartment through the open end of the ladder compartment.

Abstract: A slide-out room and operating mechanism includes a plurality of corner units and a plurality of wall panels connected to the corner units. The slide-out room is receivable in a mounting structure. Each corner unit includes a drive mechanism therein. The drive mechanisms cooperate with the mounting structure to enable selective translation of the slide-out room through the mounting structure in first and second opposing directions.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes a frame that provides an opening and includes laterally spaced apart guide rails and includes a drive system. A flexible cover has laterally opposing edge portions with intermittent retainers received in the guide rails. The retainers are configured to slide relative to the guide rails between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. Multiple spaced apart bows extend laterally between guide rails. The bows provide a laterally and outwardly extending arc that maintains tension on the flexible cover laterally between the retainers.

Abstract: An equipment mounting system may include a quick mount track having a backing plate with a center slot, a first outer slot, and a second outer slot, the first outer slot and the second outer slot comprise a plurality of diamond contour target regions, and a plurality of locking pin apertures along the center slot in the backing plate, the locking pin apertures are in horizontal alignment with the plurality of diamond contoured target regions. The equipment mounting system also may include a mount removably coupled to the quick mount track wherein the plurality of diamond contour target regions allow for a round head of a t-shaped stud of the mount to engage the first outer slot and the second outer slot at an angle to the backing plate.

Abstract: A current control apparatus for controlling current of a lamp in a vehicle includes: a plurality of output pins to output currents of different values; an output signal feedback part connected to each of the plurality of output pins, and to generate one of a plurality of output feedback signals; a reference signal generation part to generate one of a plurality of reference signals; a signal selection part configured to select one of the plurality of output feedback signals, and to select one of the plurality of reference signals; a comparator to compare the received output feedback signal to the received reference signal, and to output a signal difference between the receive output feedback signal and the received reference signal; and a constant current driver configured to constantly adjust a current output through one of the plurality of output pins based on the signal difference.

Abstract: A slip plane bracket for a front end sub-assembly of a vehicle and method of assembling the front end of the vehicle is disclosed. The slip plane bracket attaches a headlamp module to a bolster at a front end of a vehicle to facilitate adjustment of the headlamp module location relative to the front fascia, headlamps and grille. Headlamp modules are assembled to a bolster through a slip plane bracket interface that is adjustable in X (longitudinal) and Y (lateral) directions to achieve improved fit relative to adjacent modules. According to the method, a pair of headlamp modules is attached to the bolster with an adjustable fastener to set the height of the modules. Slip plane brackets are assembled to tabs provided on the headlamp modules and the location of the slip plane brackets is adjusted in a longitudinal plane and a lateral plane.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight control device that controls a light distribution of headlight, includes: an obtaining section that obtains a distance from a driver's vehicle to a forward vehicle and the position of a forward vehicle; and a light distribution control section that changes the light distribution of the headlight based on the position of the forward vehicle, and set an illumination region, and a non-illumination region provided in a vicinity of the forward vehicle so as to include the forward vehicle and a margin distance from an end of a body of the forward vehicle. The light distribution control section determines a distance, in a vehicle width direction, between: a boundary between the illumination region and the non-illumination region; and each of left and right lateral ends of the forward vehicle, such that the greater the distance is, the less the distance in the vehicle width direction is.

Abstract: A motor causes a shaft of an actuator to be displaced in an axis direction thereof, at least part of a circuit for driving the motor being mounted on a circuit board. A notch is formed in an end edge of the circuit board. A protrusion is formed inside a case. The protrusion is fitted into the notch, whereby the circuit board is independently supported inside the case.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp light distribution control device includes: a detector that is configured to detect a reference position from an image of a frond region of a vehicle; and a controller that is configured to control, during a time period until the reference position is detected by the detector, a light distribution of a headlamp of the vehicle in accordance with a sensed inclination of the vehicle or a physical amount expressing the inclination of the vehicle, and to control, after the reference position is detected by the detector, the light distribution of the headlamp on the basis of calibrated information obtained by calibrating information obtained from the image in accordance with the detected reference position.

Abstract: A headlight control apparatus 1 that controls an illumination state of a headlight 10 that illuminates an area ahead of a vehicle includes an illuminance sensor 21 that detects luminance around the vehicle, an illumination control section 31 that switches on or off the headlight 10 in accordance with the luminance detected by the illuminance sensor 21, a forward detection sensor 22 that detects an object that is present within a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle, and a dimming control section 32 that dims the headlight 10 when the forward detection sensor 22 detects an object after start of the vehicle.

Abstract: A luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alphanumeric characters particularly suitable for mounting upon the planar surfaces of a vehicle. Preferably the luminescent planar sheet can produce visible light, infrared light, or both. A switching system is connected to the luminescent planar panels for selectively controlling power to produce visible light and/or infrared light. The luminescent planar sheet includes a protective coating which permits the passage of both visible light and infrared light, but substantially blocks most or all ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A step assembly for a truck includes a plurality of bases, lamps, upper rods, lower rods, at least one front rod(s), at least one rear rod(s) and two side covers as main components combined together. The step assembly uses a special base which can be hidden to make the light inside the step assembly be revealed from the gaps or hole(s) of the upper rods, lower rods, front rod(s) and rear rod(s). So that the step assembly can show its three-dimensional structure at night or in the dark room, to facilitate the user to identify the position of the step assembly.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a housing adapted for mounting on a vehicle, wherein the housing includes a brake light input coupled to the light source and a marker light input coupled to the light source. An electrical circuit is configured to energize the light source at a brightness suitable for an identification lamp when at least one headlight of the vehicle is illuminated and also is configured to energize the light source at a brightness suitable for a stop lamp when the vehicle brake is applied, whether or not the identification lamp is energized. In this configuration, the can function as an identification light and as a center high mount stop light (CHMSL).

Abstract: Illuminated inner trim for vehicles comprising a substrate, a decorative lining, and integrated between these a set of LEDs that can provide a decorative illumination such that when on they are visible through the decorative lining as well-defined points of light, while when off they are unseen. Specifically, when said LEDs are on and the vehicle occupants change their angle of vision with respect to the LEDs, a set of points of light will be seen with variable intensity due to the contrast between areas of direct light and areas of shade, causing a sparkling effect.

Abstract: A method for vehicle control includes receiving physiological data from one or more wearable computing devices, where each of the one or more wearable computing devices is associated with one or more vehicle occupants in the vehicle, and determining a health state of the one or more vehicle occupants based on the physiological data. The health state describing a current condition of each of the one or more vehicle occupants. The method includes determining a priority level for the health state of each of the one or more vehicle occupants. Further, the method includes controlling one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle based on the health state of each of the one or more vehicle occupants and according to the priority level of the health state of each of the one or more vehicle occupants.

Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle housing and a bowl cover. The axle housing may have a center portion that may define a bowl opening and a differential carrier opening that may receive a differential. The bowl cover may be mounted to the axle housing and may cover the bowl opening.

Abstract: A composite running board for use with an automotive vehicle. The running board includes a step portion formed by a top deck and an aerodynamic bottom cover. A mounting portion is formed integrally with the step portion and includes a vertical mounting plate and a horizontal mounting plate for attaching the running board to the vehicle. A plurality of support ribs are sandwiched between the top deck and the bottom cover and connected to the mounting portion to provide structural rigidity to the running board.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold, interior, or roof of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may provide 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. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. 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. Finally, the vehicle step may be configured into at least two different arrangements for attachment to a vehicle utilizing the same components.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively latching a drawer for storing objects and movable in a travel direction from beneath an automotive seat. The apparatus comprises one or more latches movable transverse to the travel direction from a latched position retaining the drawer closed and an unlatched position, the latch including a follower. A vertically movable handle including a cam cooperating with the follower for moving the latch to the unlatched position for releasing the drawer for opening. The latches and handle may be securely supported for sliding movement by vertical and lateral guides on a front wall of the drawer.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly, and a vehicle including the roof rack assembly, includes a support structure and a multifunctional apparatus supported by the support structure. The multifunctional apparatus is configured to operate as an awning structure, a concealment structure and a storage structure. At least a portion of the multifunctional apparatus is movable relative to the support structure between a storage position in which the multifunctional apparatus is not operable and a use position in which the multifunctional apparatus is operable.

Abstract: A removable apparatus being configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle which enables an individual to load and unload a canoe atop a vehicle. The apparatus includes a base which is adapted to rotate 360-degrees perpendicular of horizontal of the vehicle and includes a tube which is adapted to lock upright or pivot downwardly 30-degrees away from vertical of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a mechanism to position a receiving device configured to mate to a device mounted to the canoe.

Abstract: A stowable computer workstation (“SCW”) for a workplace within a vehicle is described, where the workplace has an inner sidewall of the vehicle. The SCW may include a video display mount assembly and a deployment support attached to the video display mount assembly. The deployment support is configured to deploy and stow the video display mount assembly against the inner sidewall and the deployment support is secured to the inner sidewall.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a cradle disposed in a headrest in a vehicle, and a primary adapter. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned to receive the primary adapter. The primary adapter includes first to fourth lips forming a recess in the primary adapter. The recess is shaped and dimensioned to receive a first computing device or a secondary adapter. The first computing device, or a bezel of the secondary adapter, is substantially flush with an outer surface of the headrest upon mounting the first computing device or the secondary adapter to the primary adapter.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The method includes steps of generating activation fields with a plurality of proximity sensors associated with a plurality of proximity switches, monitoring amplitude of a signal generated in response to each of the activation fields, subtracting the smallest signal from each of the other signals, and determining activation of one of the plurality of proximity switches based on the subtracted signals. A proximity sensor assembly and method of suppressing noise for a plurality of proximity sensors is also provided, which includes subtracting the smallest signal from each of other signals associated with a plurality of proximity sensors and determining activation of one of the plurality of proximity sensors based on the subtracted signals.

Abstract: A wiring protection device in a vehicle comprises a support base and a support branch. The support base includes a fixed end and a free end opposite the fixed end and extending away from the fixed end, and a guide rail. The support branch is slidably connected to the support base and includes a first end, a second end and a main body. The first end is adjacent to the free end of the support base at a retracted position, and at least a portion of the main body extends outside the support base at a use position. The extended portion of the support branch and the support base at least partially encloses wiring disposed between a first part and a vehicle part at the use position.

Abstract: A grommet assembly to support a wiring harness passing through an opening in a panel, the assembly including two rotationally symmetrical components coupled together along a primary coupling face to form a harness-receiving passage therethrough. Each rotationally symmetrical component including a first, thermoplastic structural portion integrated with a second, resilient sealing portion. The structural portions including a plurality of interlocking elements cooperating to couple the components together, and a plurality of retention arms engageable against the panel to retain the assembly and panel together. The sealing portion forming an outer sealing lip having a lip distal edge engageable against a surface of the panel adjacent the opening. The outer sealing lip including lap joints adjacent opposite sides of the primary coupling face. The structural portions including reinforcement tabs extending over each lap joint and designed to resist separation of the lap joints.

Abstract: A power outlet seal for a vehicle includes an iris seal and an actuator knob configured to translate the iris seal between an opened configuration and a closed configuration. The iris seal is defined by a plurality of blades disposed concentrically on a base ring. The actuator knob includes an actuator ring for biasing the plurality of blades to the opened configuration. One or more resilient members are disposed to bias the plurality of blades to the closed configuration. Power outlet seal assemblies including the power outlet seal, and console or trim pieces including the power outlet seal assemblies, are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided in the present disclosure is a fingerprint bookmark system which may be implemented in a vehicle with one or more configurable interior settings. The fingerprint bookmark system may contain a scanner which may be configured to record a fingerprint from a vehicle occupant such that a fingerprint image showing the fingerprint and a duration data for the fingerprint image are recorded by the scanner. The system may contain one or more processors which may be configured to compare the duration data associated with the fingerprint image with a duration threshold. The one or more processors may be configured to initiate a search to obtain a bookmark for the fingerprint shown in the fingerprint image when the duration data is less than the duration threshold. The one or more processors may be further configured to create a new bookmark when the duration data exceeds the duration threshold.

Abstract: At a front bumper, supporting members that are bodies separate from a bumper RF are assembled to vehicle transverse direction both end portions of the bumper RF, and the supporting members extend from vehicle transverse direction both ends of the bumper RF toward vehicle transverse direction outer sides and a vehicle rear side. Further, the supporting members are disposed adjacent to vehicle rear sides of absorber side portions and pressure tube side portions.

Abstract: A guard for a restraints control module includes a corrugated base and right and left corrugated sidewalls. The sidewalls extend above the base and are spaced from a restraints control module secured to the base. The sidewalls diverge from each other in a vertical direction above the base and include alternating furrows and ridges that form the corrugations. The furrows and ridges are connected by rib walls that strengthen the guard against lateral collision forces. A method is disclosed for protecting a restraints control module in a side impact collision. According to the method, in a side impact collision, an object driven into the guard bends the sidewall towards the restraints control module to absorb the impact force applied by the object.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a supply of stored gas containing carbon dioxide, and a magnesium supply or source, such as magnesium mesh, that is readily ignitable in the presence of carbon dioxide in the presence of heat.

Abstract: Vehicle occupant restraint systems that include a compact, web-mounted airbag that can be deployed during a crash event are described herein. In some embodiments, the web (e.g., a shoulder belt) passes through the stowed airbag during normal use and, when the airbag inflates and deploys, the airbag extends along the length of the web (for example, along the entire length, or at least most of the length, of the web) to protect the occupant. In some embodiments, the restraint systems include shoulder belts having first and second overlapping web portions, and when the airbag inflates and deploys, the airbag extends along the length of the first web portion between the first web portion and the second web portion.

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

Abstract: An airbag includes a panel, a secondary panel, and an opening. The panel defines an inflation chamber inflatable to an inflated position and includes a valley in the inflated position. The secondary panel is connected to the panel on opposite sides of the valley and extends across the valley to define a secondary chamber between the secondary panel and the panel. The opening extends through the panel from the inflation chamber to the secondary chamber. During a vehicle impact, the momentum of the occupant may move the occupant towards the secondary panel. The secondary panel may absorb energy from the occupant and reduce or prevent the head of the occupant from rotating.