Abstract: A power conditioning system that includes a fuel cell to be connected to a load, a fuel cell converter connected between the fuel cell and the load, the fuel cell converter converting an output voltage of the fuel cell at a predetermined required voltage ratio, a battery connected in parallel with the fuel cell with respect to the load, the battery serving as a power supply source different from the fuel cell, a battery converter connected between the battery and the load, the battery converter converting an output voltage of the battery at a predetermined required voltage ratio. The power conditioning system includes a converter direct coupling unit configured to directly couple an input side and an output side of the fuel cell converter during startup of the power conditioning system and a fuel cell output voltage increasing unit configured to increase the output voltage of the fuel cell to a predetermined voltage by supplying oxidant gas during startup of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A system (18) for a transmission (16) of an electric vehicle, including: a pump (34), accumulator (36), control valve (38), sensor (40), check valve (42), and sequence valve (44). The accumulator (36) stores fluid from the pump (34). The control valve (38) modulates pressure to the transmission (16) from the pump (34). The sensor (40) is between the control valve (38) and transmission (16) and generates a signal. The check valve (42) is between the accumulator (36) and pump (34). The sequence valve (44) has: an input (56) communicating with the pump (34), an output (58) communicating with the accumulator (36), a closed position (44A) wherein flow is interrupted between the accumulator (36) and pump (34), and an open position (44B) wherein fluid from the pump (34) can be stored in the accumulator (36); and is movable between positions (44A, 44B) in response to changes in the sensor (40) signal.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat including an adjustment device configured to move a front end of a seat cushion to adjust the length of the seat cushion in a front-to-back direction, the adjustment device has a support portion movable back and forth relative to a seat cushion frame, and a roller portion rotatably supported by the support portion and configured such that a pad material is wound around an outer peripheral portion at a front end portion of the seat cushion. The length of the seat cushion is adjustable by a change in an amount of winding of the pad material around the outer peripheral portion corresponding to a rotation of the roller portion during front-to-back movement of the support portion. The outer peripheral portion of the roller portion is made of a soft material.

Abstract: A stop (11, 11?), in particular an abutment for a longitudinal adjustment mechanism, includes a stop element (15, 15?) that can be placed in various positions. The stop element is configured to automatically lock into a retaining position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat longitudinal adjustment device (1, 10) includes a seat rail (2.1, 20.1) secured to the vehicle and a seat rail (2.2, 20.2) attached to the seat, which mutually engage to form a rail profile and move in relation to one another in a longitudinal direction, a rail lock (3, 30) to lock the seat rails to one another; and an actuation assembly (4, 40) for actuating the rail lock. An adapter (5, 50) is arranged between the actuation assembly and the rail lock. The adapter is configured as a force transmission element with a connection region (5.1, 50.1) that protrudes from the rail profile for connecting the actuation assembly. An integrated unlocking element (5.6, 50.6) is provided on the adapter for unlocking the rail lock. The unlocking element is configured to operatively engage in the rail lock, when the actuation assembly is actuated, in order to unlock same.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided and includes a base assembly, a seat frame assembly attached to the base assembly, and a seat tilt control mechanism attached to the base assembly and the seat frame assembly. Actuation of the tilt drive assembly adjusts a tilt position of the seat frame assembly with respect to the base assembly.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a conversion mechanism that converts a disposition of a seatback between a normal position to a converted position, the normal position being a position at which the seatback is disposed at a rear section of the seat cushion and a sitting direction of an occupant is facing forward, the converted position being a position at which the seatback is disposed at a front section of the seat cushion and a sitting direction of an occupant is facing rearward, and a reclining mechanism that biases the seatback toward a neutral position at which the seatback stands upward and that reclines the seatback forward and rearward from the neutral position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat assembly (1). The vehicle seat assembly includes a chassis (7) and a pivotally mounted backrest support (5). A recline control mechanism (26) having a pinion gear (28) and a drive rack (29,129) is provided to control the recline angle of the backrest support. The recline control mechanism having reaction means for maintaining engagement of the drive rack with the pinion gear. The recline control mechanism includes a deformable link (30) connected to the drive rack for controlling the transmittal of a force from the backrest support to the chassis. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle incorporating a vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque, and the spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

Abstract: A folding truck bed bench includes: an elongate bench portion hingedly attached along a length of a bed rail of the truck bed such that the elongate bench portion is substantially parallel to the bed rail of the truck bed; one or more foldable supports attached to the elongate bench portion for supporting the elongate bench portion. In a deployed position, the elongate bench portion is substantially parallel to a floor of the truck bed to such that the elongate bench portion provides a support surface. In a stowed position, the elongate bench portion is folded downward such that the elongate bench portion is adjacent a side of the truck bed.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly comprises a body with a center portion and four corner portions and a seating surface. A supporting layer is disposed below the body. A thermal transfer node is disposed in the body. The thermal transfer node includes a heat sink and a thermoelectric device. The heat sink is located between the seating surface and the thermoelectric device. The heat sink and the thermoelectric device are configured to draw heat away from the heating surface. A fluid moves proximate the thermal transfer node and into the supporting layer to draw heat away from the thermal transfer node. A phase change material is disposed between the seating surface and the heat sink.

Abstract: A seat including an exterior seat surface. The exterior seat surface is movable inward and outward relative to an interior of the seat. A flexible material overlays the exterior seat surface. The flexible material is lockable to restrict movement of the flexible material towards the exterior seat surface. Movement of the exterior seat surface into the seat defines a gap between the exterior seat surface and the flexible material to permit air to circulate between the exterior seat surface and the flexible material to cool an occupant of the seat.

Abstract: A trim clip is provided for attaching a trim cover to a cushion. The trim clip includes a clip body having a first opening for receiving an engagement feature attached to the trim cover, and a second opening for receiving a retainer attached to the cushion. Furthermore, the clip body may be configured to be snap fit onto the engagement feature and the retainer.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a seat frame; a seat pad covering the seat frame, a back surface of the seat pad including a seat frame covering part that covers the seat frame; and a back surface material made of cloth and covering a part of the seat frame covering part other than an edge of the seat frame covering part, the back surface material being interposed between the seat frame covering part and a surface of the seat frame, wherein, in a state where the seat frame is covered with the seat pad, at least the edge of the seat frame covering part is distanced from the surface of the seat frame.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a seatback that supports a back of a person sitting on the seat apparatus and that includes a first support body and a second support body, the first support body being one side of the seatback in a seatback width direction and the second support body being the other side of the seatback in the seatback width direction, one of the first support body and the second support body being a movable support body, and a moving mechanism that displaces the movable support body from a back support position, where the movable support body is placed in order to support the back of the person sitting on the seat, to a retracted position where the movable support body is placed in order to create an open space where the movable support body was placed.

Abstract: A multi-piece floor mat for a vehicle is provided. The floor mat includes a first section and a second section that are configured to assemble to one another to create a single floor mat assembly that spans across two or more floor regions of respective seating areas of the vehicle. The first section has a projection extending therefrom and entirely from a front edge to a rear edge thereof. The second section has a corresponding groove defined therein and extending entirely from a front edge to a rear edge thereof. The groove is configured to receive the projection to interlock the first and second floor mat sections. The projection may be provided with a stem and a bulbous head for additional securement.

Abstract: A vehicle seat control system (1) includes an angle detection unit (308a) that detects an angle of a connection unit (308) that rotatably connects a seat surface portion to a backrest portion (302), a frame body (311) that includes a pair of vertical frames (311a, 311b) and a horizontal frame (311c) connecting the pair of vertical frames to each other and is provided to be stored in the seat surface portion, a leg support portion (312) including a first rotation shaft (Lb) parallel to an extending direction of the horizontal frame and is provided inside the frame body to be rotatable with respect to the frame body, a driving unit (315) that is provided at a proximal end (B1) of at least one of the pair of vertical frames and rotates the frame body taken out from the seat surface portion around a second rotation shaft (La) parallel to the extending direction of the horizontal frame, and a control unit (160) that controls the driving unit on the basis of a detection result of the angle detection unit at least a

Abstract: A dump truck configured to move in both front and back directions and dump loads in a first one of the directions includes: a chassis including an engine within a wheelbase; and a dump body covering an upper portion of the chassis across an entire length in travel direction and an entire width in vehicle width direction, the dump body supported so as to be able to be raised and lowered via a hinge by a side of the chassis near which loads are dumped. The dump body includes: a first inclined a side of the dump body from portion rising upward from a bottom portion of the dump body toward the side thereof from which loads are dumped; and a second. inclined portion inclined downward from an upper end of the first inclined portion to an end of the side of the dump body from which loads are dumped.

Abstract: A lashing pin for engaging a hole in member to facilitate lashing the member to a fixture or vehicle. The lashing pin combines a cam pin sleeve assembly having a flange and sleeve with an eccentric hole formed therethrough with a cam pin assembly having a cam pin passing through the eccentric hole and connecting a cam disk with an eccentrically mounted cam. Rotation of the cam disk with respect to the flange aligns and misaligned the cam with respect to the cam sleeve, thereby enabling insertion through the hole at first position, and retention of the cam against removal at a second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a logistic rail assembly configured to be installed within a composite panel of a vehicle, the composite panel being comprised of an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a core member positioned between the inner and outer sheet, the logistic rail comprising a central portion including a plurality of apertures formed therein, the central portion defining a first thickness and first and second outer flange portions coupled to the central portion to position the central portion therebetween, wherein the first and second outer flange portions are configured to be coupled to the inner sheet of the composite panel, and wherein the first and second outer flange portions define a second thickness that is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A device for securing loads on a loading surface of a vehicle, comprising at least one floor plate retained on the loading surface and having recesses arranged to be distributed in a grid-like manner, rods or tubes which are able to be releasably fixed in the recesses and at least one limiting element which at two ends in each case comprises at least one fastener, the ends of the limiting element being able to be releasably fastened thereby to a free end of the rods or tubes. The at least one limiting element is configured as a flexible strap.

Abstract: A vehicle information device to be installed into a vehicle, comprises a data acquisition interface, configured to receive data corresponding to the vehicle, the data being received for a plurality of attributes, a control unit configured to receive the data from the data acquisition interface and determine one or more of a previous, a current and a future state of the vehicle from the data and a projector unit configured to display one or more of the previous, the current and the future state of the vehicle, in form of a hologram projected through exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery charger and an exterior lamp assembly. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity, and an electrical port including at least one electrical terminal disposed within the cavity, electrically connected with the battery charger, and configured to be electrically connected with an electrical power grid remote from the vehicle.

Abstract: A lamp device mounted on a vehicle includes a housing, a first translucent member defining a housing space together with the housing, a lamp unit housed in the housing space and including a light source, a sensor housed in the housing space and configured to detect information outside the vehicle based on invisible light, and a second translucent member housed in the housing space and covering the sensor. The second translucent member has transmittance of visible light lower than that of the first translucent member.

Abstract: A modular light and accessory bar for a vehicle includes a top rail having a length selected to span a width of the vehicle along the top of the windshield, a right end, and a left end. A right side pillar is configured to be attached to the top rail at the right end thereof and extend downwardly therefrom. A left side pillar is configured to be attached to the top rail at the left end thereof and extend downwardly therefrom. The top rail is formed with at least one T-slot that extends along the length of the top rail. At least one bracket is configured to support a lighting fixture or accessory and is attachable to the T-slot of the top rail at a desired location therealong. The T-slot is configured to permit the at least one bracket to be slid to a desired location along the top rail and secured at that location. The top rail may be curved forwardly relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a reference position of an optical axis of a projection lens of a lens unit has a reference axis perpendicular to the optical axis and disposed in a plane which intersects with a focal point of the projection lens. The lens unit moves in an extension direction of the reference axis in accordance with rotation of a second screw. An acting point of a force to move the lens unit is disposed in a plane formed by the optical axis and the reference axis.

Abstract: A multifunctional lamp unit includes a side turn indicator including a housing for at least one light conductor with at least one illuminant, and a projection unit. A rearview device including the multifunctional lamp unit, a method of operating the rearview device, and a vehicle including the rearview device are also described.

Abstract: A hazard notification system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of exterior lights and a positioning system configured to identify a location of the vehicle. The system further comprises a controller. The controller is configured to identify the vehicle in an unestablished parking region based on the location and receive an indication of a parked condition of the vehicle. In response to the parked condition and the vehicle located in the unestablished parking region, the controller is configured to activate the exterior lights.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved instrument panel design with reduced buzz, squeak and rattle as well as reduced light leakage to instrument panel telltales.

Abstract: A luminescent feature on a vehicle and a method for installing the same on a vehicle includes a transparent window panel positioned on the vehicle, a conductive material extending along at least a portion of a perimeter of the window panel and at least one electroluminescent pigment strip. The window panel has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Each at least one electroluminescent pigment strip has a first end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a first location along the perimeter of the window panel and a second end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a second location on the perimeter of the window panel that is spaced apart from the first location.

Abstract: Caution indicators are disclosed relating to transportation safety that include a sleeve, a primary opening and a protruding end opposite the primary opening. The sleeve may be 5 or more feet long; with the primary opening being at least as big as the protruding end. The sleeve may include both florescent material and retroreflective material. Use of such caution indicators may increase safety in the transport of long objects such as utility poles.

Abstract: A light control apparatus for controlling brightness of a lighting unit indicating a charging state of a battery of a vehicle includes: an interface configured to communicate with an external illuminance detector; a memory configured to store illuminance information corresponding to a first reference illuminance and a second reference illuminance lower than the first reference illuminance and to store brightness information set based on the first reference illuminance and the second reference illuminance; a controller configured to receive the illuminance information via the interface, to set the brightness information based on the first reference illuminance and the second reference illuminance, and to control the brightness of the lighting unit based on the set brightness information; and a driver configured to regulate power of the lighting unit in response to a command of the controller.

Abstract: A method includes determining a gaze parameter for how a user gazes relative to a mobile device and based on the gaze parameter, determining whether the user is a driver of a vehicle or a passenger of the vehicle. When the user is determined to be the driver, an alert is sent.

Abstract: A computing device for a vehicle proximity condition detection and haptic notification system is provided. The device includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to enable a user to specify operation of an active suspension system of an ego-vehicle so as to generate at least one pulse at at least one wheel of the vehicle, responsive to a vehicle proximity condition, and operate the active suspension system in accordance with the user's specification.

Abstract: A display control apparatus mounted in a vehicle is provided with a viewpoint conversion unit, an image enhancement unit and an image outputting unit. The image recognition unit recognizes an object in images captured by a plurality of imaging devices, mounted on a vehicle to captures images surrounding the vehicle. The viewpoint conversion unit specifies an imaging device, which captures an image having an object recognized by the recognition unit, as a recognition imaging device, and converts the captured image to a viewpoint converted image, viewed from a virtual viewpoint corresponded to the recognition imaging device. The image enhancement unit enhances an imaging area of the object included in the viewpoint converted image. The viewpoint converted image having the imaging area of the object enhanced is output to a display from the image output unit as a driving support image.

Abstract: A surroundings monitoring apparatus includes an image acquisition portion acquiring captured image data, an image conversion portion converting the captured image data to virtual image data with a plurality of virtual viewpoints, and a data control portion sequentially displaying the virtual image data at a display unit in a state where each of the virtual viewpoints moves from a first virtual viewpoint position at which an opposite side of the vehicle is viewed, through a second virtual viewpoint position at which the vehicle is viewed from an overhead region of the vehicle, and to a third virtual viewpoint position at which the one side of the vehicle is viewed. The data control portion rotates the virtual image data with reference to a line of sight of the virtual viewpoint while the virtual image data is displayed so that the virtual viewpoint passes through the second virtual viewpoint position.

Abstract: A vehicle system is provided herein. The vehicle system includes an imager generating images of a scene rearward of a vehicle. The imager is configured to separate a plurality of the images into a first portion or a second portion. A display is disposed within the vehicle and is configured to display the first portion of images. A controller is configured to analyze the second portion of images contemporaneously with the displaying of the first portion of images within the vehicle, adjust an image capture setting of the imager based on a status input, or modify each image in the second portion to increase a size of an imaged target relative to a total size of the captured scene.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rear-view mirror and a method for adjusting the reflectivity thereof. The rear-view mirror includes: a partially transmissive and partially reflective layer which has a light incidence surface for receiving external light, wherein one part of the external light reaching the light incidence surface is reflected and the other part is transmitted through the partially transmissive and partially reflective layer; and a reflective layer arranged at a side of the partially transmissive and partially reflective layer opposite to the light incidence surface, the reflective layer having a light reflection surface which is configured to at least partly reflect the light transmitted through the partially transmissive and partially reflective layer back to it, wherein an optical distance between the light incidence surface of the partially transmissive and partially reflective layer and the light reflection surface of the reflective layer is adjustable.

Abstract: An image display device includes: a camera mounted on a movable member of a vehicle to take an image representing a surrounding of the vehicle; a display that displays the taken image; a state detector that detects a state of the movable member; and a controller that controls the display to display the taken image. The state detector detects that the state of the movable member is a first state and detects that the state of the movable member is a second state different from the first state. The controller controls the display to display the taken image when the state detected by the state detector is the first state. The controller controls the display not to display the taken image when the state detected by the state detector is the second state.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device that can be used as a step on a vehicle. A vehicle step device and system can provide a vehicle step in a use disposition, and can retract and automatically return to the use disposition when impacted. Such a device and system can comprise a bracket that is fixed to a vehicle, such as at the bumper, and a step component that is slidably engaged with the bracket. A biasing component can be coupled between the step component and bracket, to apply a biasing force between the two, thereby keeping the step component in a sue position. Upon impact, the step can retract into the bracket, such as into the bumper, and after impact, the biasing component can return the step to the use position.

Abstract: A signage storage system for storing signs in a vehicle includes a vehicle that has a trunk. A storage unit is provided and the storage unit is removably positioned in the trunk. The storage unit has a plurality of removable shelves and each of the removable shelves contains an associated one of a plurality of signs.

Abstract: A trunk mounted storage rack for sport utility vehicles (SUV) securely restrains grocery bags and prevents damage to fragile items contained therein. The trunk mounted storage rack includes a top shelf, a center shelf, a bottom shelf, an upper support frame, a center support frame, a lower support frame, a safety net, and a top-level barrier. The top shelf, the center shelf, and the bottom shelf are sized to closely fit in the trunk of the SUV. The center support frame suspends the top shelf over the center shelf. Similarly, the lower support frame suspends the center shelf and the top shelf over the bottom shelf. The upper support frame allows the top-level barrier and the safety net to mount onto the top shelf. The safety net prevents grocery bags from falling out of the back of the top shelf, the center shelf, and the bottom shelf.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage assembly for storing a foldable ladder within a structure. The assembly includes a first protrusion connectable to first rails of the ladder. The assembly includes a second protrusion connectable to second rails of the ladder. Each of the protrusions includes an enlarged distal end portion. The assembly includes a linear guide track connectable to the structure and to which the distal end portions of the protrusions are slidably received and retained when the ladder is in a folded position. The ladder couples to the structure thereby.

Abstract: A roof rack system has a clamping system comprised of handles, a ratcheting mechanism, and a pair of jaws. The jaws provide a universal clamping system that will attach to most roof rack cross bars with an easy-on/easy-off, quick-release actuator, such as a ratcheting mechanism or lever system, that will integrate with a wide variety of accessories. The ratcheting mechanism provides compression of the attached accessory, securing it to a roof rack cross bar. This system is easier to use, more versatile, and less expensive than conventional roof rack accessory systems.

Abstract: In order, in the case of a roof rail, which is to be fastened to a roof structure of a motor vehicle and which has a load-absorbing rail profile which is fastened to the motor vehicle via fastening means acting on a fastening leg, to make it possible, with a simultaneously simple manufacturing capability, to securely and permanently mount a decoration of very high-grade appearance, provision is made to connect a decorative profile to the rail profile via the fastening leg.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes an internal panel, upper panel, lower panel, pair of side panels, and pair of tie-down brackets. The internal panel extends from the upper panel to the lower panel and between the pair of side panels. The side panels are rotatably secured to a cargo bed proximate to the lower panel. The pair of tie-down brackets is secured to an exterior of the internal panel between the upper and lower panels. The tie-down brackets define C-channels that extend in a direction that is substantially parallel with the side panels.

Abstract: A bracket for supporting a vehicle control module, such as a powertrain control module, is disclosed. The bracket includes a body having a base wall, nodes or support posts, and side walls. The base wall includes back and module-receiving sides. An array of intersecting ribs is formed on the back side while at least one array of honeycomb segments is formed on the module-receiving side. At least one of the honeycomb segments includes a top layer. Substrate attachment arms extend outwardly from the side walls. Support posts extend from the back side of the base wall. Three intersecting ribs are provided, generally forming a triangle. One or more additional ribs may be provided. The intersecting ribs are hollow. The individual ribs function as structural beams that connect to and thus work in conjunction with the nodes or support posts and the honeycomb to provide optimum stiffness to the bracket.

Abstract: A method of collecting information via a vehicle, the method including arming a panoramic surveillance system, triggering the surveillance system, obtaining a series of instantaneous 360 degree panoramic images and storing the series of panoramic images. The panoramic surveillance system may include a panoramic camera system mounted to the roof of a vehicle, a control system in electronic communication with the camera system, a processor unit configured to process electronic instructions, data storage configured to store image data, and a short-range receiver configured to receive instructions and pass them to the processor unit.

Abstract: Provided is an exterior structure of a vehicle door. The exterior structure includes a first exterior member which is attached to the vehicle door and a second exterior member which is attached to the vehicle door. The first exterior member and the second exterior member are provided with an alignment portion which determines the position of the first exterior member in the vehicle forward and rearward directions via the second exterior member.

Abstract: A system for controlling airflow through a syphon tube associated with a vehicle cowl airbox disposed within an engine compartment associated with a vehicle may include a drain valve disposed on one of a first open end and a second open end associated with a hollow tubular portion of the syphon tube. The drain valve may include a connecting portion configured to be received by a portion of a first passageway defined by a divider extending between the first open end and the second open end. The drain valve may further include a flap attached to the connecting portion, the flap configured to, in response to the vehicle cowl airbox being drained through a second passageway defined by the divider, allow air to flow through the first passageway and, in response to a negative pressure within the vehicle cowl airbox, prevent air from being drawn into the syphon tube.