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

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle may include a light output unit; an interface unit; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to control the light output unit to generate light that illuminates an exterior of the vehicle. The at least one processor may also be configured to receive first information via the interface unit; and control the light output unit to display, via the light that illuminates the exterior of the vehicle, a visual image corresponding to the received first information. The at least one processor may further be configured to receive second information via the interface unit; and control the light output unit based on the received second information to change the visual image displayed by the light that illuminates the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A courtesy lighting system is provided for a door of a motor vehicle. That courtesy lighting system includes an audio speaker, a light source, a network interface connected to the audio speaker and the light source and a control module. The control module is connected to the network interface. The control module includes a controller configured to operate in (a) an ambient illumination mode, (b) a footwell illumination mode when the door is closed and (c) a puddle illumination mode when the door is opened. A method of lighting a door of a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle light assembly is provided that includes an extension mechanism coupled to an interior component on a vehicle and extendable between stowed and deployed positions, and a support member coupled to the extension mechanism. The vehicle light assembly also includes a rotary lamp rotationally coupled to the support member, wherein the lamp is rotatable relative to the support member to redirect light output from the lamp in a desired direction.

Abstract: A device for controlling the interior lighting of a motor vehicle comprises at least one lighting module capable of emitting a light beam in the passenger compartment, and means for detecting a plurality of gestures of an occupant of the vehicle forming a determined sequence triggering the control of the interior lighting module.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods of using sound detectors, motion detectors and temperature sensors inside vehicles for activating alarms to protect vehicle occupants that can include babies, children, infirm, elderly and pets. Mounted sound detector(s), motion detector(s) and temperature sensor are used wherein detected sound from the sound detector can activate the motion temperature sensor and motion detected to activate adjacent or remote alarms when unsafe cold and warm interior vehicle temperatures are reached. Low battery indicators such as audible alarms, chirp sounds and lights can be used to indicate low battery power supplies.

Abstract: A system for modifying distracted driving behavior includes a plurality of radio frequency receivers, each radio frequency receiver coupled to an antenna; and a controller including at least one system indicator, the controller coupled to the plurality of radio frequency receivers and to at least one vehicle indicator of a vehicle. A method with the system includes defining an operator space within a vehicle, detecting presence of a mobile communications device within the operator space, detecting an operator attempting to engage the mobile communications device while the vehicle is moving; and in response, interacting with system indicators and vehicle indicators to draw attention to the vehicle and to the operator of the vehicle, and employing more than one level of accountability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for notifying of objects are provided. The method includes detecting a presence of an occupant, detecting a position of an object associated with the occupant, and illuminating an area corresponding to the position of the object. The method may be used to notify occupants of a vehicle of an object placed in the vehicle by the occupant.

Abstract: The driver alert safety glove comprises a glove with a battery-operated drowsiness alarm coupled to the back of the glove. The drowsiness alarm comprises a control circuit, a first magnetized contact, a second magnetized contact, and a sound transducer in a housing on the back of the glove. The magnetized contacts are coupled to the material on the back of the glove such that when the driver's hand is attentively gripping the steering wheel the back of the glove is stretched and pulls on the magnetized contacts, causing them to separate. If the drive gets drowsy and relaxes their grip, the magnetic properties of the magnetized contacts draw them together and the contacts complete an electrical circuit. Completion of the electrical circuit causes the control circuit to emit an audible sound via the sound transducer to alert the driver.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a trailer having a plurality of light emitting diode devices includes a master control unit attached to an outside surface of the trailer. The master control unit includes a solar panel, a GPS receiver module, a cellular data transceiver module for communicating with a central tracking computer via a cellular data network interfaced to the Internet, and a local wireless network master transceiver module in wireless communication with a plurality of wireless sensors and a light out detection system. A microcontroller is provided for controlling the local wireless network master transceiver module to periodically obtain sensor data from the wireless sensors and light out detection system, and for controlling the cellular data transceiver module to transmit the location and the sensor data to the central tracking computer for storage in the tracking database.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for displaying the surroundings of a vehicle and to a driver assistance system having such an apparatus having at least one sensor for producing sensor data for the surroundings of a vehicle. In this case, the sensor data are conditioned to produce raw image data, if need be using a grid model of the surroundings of the vehicle, if need be the raw image data are processed to produce object information using a grid model of the surroundings of the vehicle, and the object information obtained is used to condition raw image data to produce image object data, and finally the image object data are displayed.

Abstract: An image display system includes a display provided on an interior surface of a vehicle body structure, including a front pillar, and a camera that captures an image of an extended region including an image of a blind spot region outside the vehicle body structure. When the door is in a closed state, the image display system causes the display to display the image of the blind spot region. The image of the blind spot region is generated based on the image of the extended region captured by the camera, by extracting, from the image of the extended region, the image of the blind spot region in a shape of the display. An interior surface of the front pillar includes a curved shape. The display is provided in the interior surface of the front pillar along the curved shape of the interior surface of the front pillar.

Abstract: An automotive side view mirror attachment assembly includes first and second loading surfaces for engaging a mounting member of a side view mirror assembly, wherein the first and second loading surfaces are disposed within an interior of a vehicle door, such that, in assembly, a mounting member of the mirror assembly is substantially or fully disposed within the interior of a vehicle door, thereby minimizing the overall mirror footprint by eliminating the need for an external base for attachment of a mirror assembly to a vehicle door.

Abstract: A method for safeguarding a vehicle having a first image capturing device for capturing a first image, a second image capturing device for capturing a second image, and a position detector is disclosed. Based on the occurrence of alerting events along with positional information provided by the position detector, the disclosed method includes enabling the first image capturing device to capture the first image and the second image capturing device to capture the second image. The method further includes transmitting the captured first image, the captured second image, and the positional information to a pre-selected destination. The method also includes receiving a communication request asking for the first image, the second image, and the positional information and/or proactively initiating another communication request disregarding the occurrence of the alerting events.

Abstract: The audible alert system for truck operators comprises a mirror unit and a cab unit. The mirror unit attaches to an external mirror of the truck where it has an unobstructed view of the system. The mirror unit comprises a camera, which captures images of the area behind the truck and a processor that analyzes the images looking for a change in the dock light system. Whenever the mirror unit detects that the dock light system has changes, it wirelessly transmits a notification to the cab unit. The cab unit receives the notification and activates a sound transducer and/or indictor light to alert the truck operator. The truck operator may silence the sound transducer and/or extinguish the indicator light by pressing a reset button on the cab unit.

Abstract: A climbing apparatus body is supported by a main frame rotatably about a rotational shaft at one end. The climbing apparatus body is capable of taking an in-use posture in which the climbing apparatus body is inclined so that the other end is located below the one end and a folded posture in which the climbing apparatus body stands so that the other end is directed upward. A handrail is supported by the main frame. A pair of right and left banisters is attached to the climbing apparatus body and includes a portion extending toward the handrail relative to the position (perpendicular line) of the rotational shaft in the direction from the other end to the one end in the in-use posture in a side view of the climbing apparatus body.

Abstract: A coupling system includes a glovebox panel having inner and outer surfaces and a keyhole slot disposed therethrough having an enlarged portion leading to a narrowed portion. A ramped flange is disposed on the outer surface of the glovebox panel. A damper mechanism includes an abutment plate with a post and head member. The head member is received through an enlarged portion of the keyhole slot when the damper mechanism is in a pre-load position. The abutment plate engages the ramped flange to progressively drive the head member into engagement with the inner surface of the glovebox panel as the damper mechanism moves from the pre-load position to a seated position.

Abstract: An object storage assembly includes a pair of storage units. Each of the storage units may be positioned beneath a dashboard of a vehicle on a passenger side of the vehicle. Each of the storage units has a rear wall and a front side. The rear wall corresponding to each of the storage units is curved. Thus, the rear wall corresponding to each of the storage units may follow a contour of a floorboard of the vehicle beneath the dashboard. A passenger may sit in the passenger side of the vehicle when the storage units are positioned beneath the dashboard. The front side corresponding to each of the storage units is open to store objects.

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: In one series of embodiments, a carrier system includes a rack mountable on a vehicle to transport material. The rack includes a frame having one or more suction cups attached to the rear side of the frame, e.g., for attachment to a surface such as the side of the vehicle. A support bar mates with the frame. The support bar and the frame may include attachment configurations which mate with one another to selectively and securely attach the bar to the front side of the frame with the bar extending in a direction away from the one or more cups. With the rack comprising a plurality of suction cups, the frame may be configured as a plate or may comprise a series of arms or connected braces which extend away from a center position to the suction cups.

Abstract: A supporting structure is provided for a bike-carrying rack which includes a main body. The supporting structure includes a supporting member having a pivot portion pivoted to the main body, and a position-restricting assembly. The pivot portion has an axis, and the supporting member pivotally swings about the axis to be in a carrying position or a folded position. The position-restricting assembly has two restricting members assembled on the main body, the two restricting members are located by two opposite sides of the pivot portion, and a connection direction of the two restricting members is oblique to the axis. When being in the carrying position, the supporting member abuts against the two restricting members; and when being in the folded position, the supporting member at least non-abuts against one of the two restricting members. A bike-carrying rack including the supporting structure is further provided.

Abstract: Holders, devices and methods for storing identification information, such as but not limited to driver's licenses, insurance and vehicle registration and safety tip information for quick and easy retrieval from storage containers that can be mounted in easy to reach and clearly visible locations for vehicle drivers, such as but not limited to being mounted on steering wheel columns, where the storage locations are clearly visible to outside law officers approaching a vehicle.

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 vehicle driving assistance device can include a display unit that displays a front pattern that is shaped like a vehicle front of a vehicle and is positioned within a forward view, and to superimpose the front pattern on a forward image that is an image of the forward view of the vehicle. A controller can be provided that can execute a process of controlling the display unit and causing the display unit to display driving assistance information for the vehicle, using the front pattern.

Abstract: A system and method for determining when to display frontal curb view images to a driver of a vehicle, and what types of images to display. A variety of factors—such as vehicle speed, GPS/location data, the existence of a curb in forward-view images, and vehicle driving history—are evaluated as potential triggers for the curb view display, which is intended for situations where the driver is pulling the vehicle into a parking spot which is bounded in front by a curb or other structure. When forward curb-view display is triggered, a second evaluation is performed to determine what image or images to display which will provide the best view of the vehicle's position relative to the curb. The selected images are digitally synthesized or enhanced, and displayed on a console-mounted or in-dash display device.

Abstract: A cord connection assembly of a vehicle includes a wall, a door movable to and defining a space from the wall, and a receptacle received within the space and to detachably connect a plug with a cord. At least one of the wall and the door include a through-aperture to receive the cord such that first and second parts of the cord are positioned respectively inside and outside of the space when the plug is connected to the receptacle.

Abstract: A mounting structure for an electric device of a vehicle includes a case body configured to accommodate the electric device inside the case body, at least one fixing portion provided continuously with the case body and configured to be fixed to a vehicle body of the vehicle, and at least one hollow portion disposed between the case body and the fixing portion. When a load from the vehicle body is transmitted to the fixing portion, the hollow portion is deformed and/or broken by the load so that the load can be absorbed. Thus, transmission of the load to the case body can be suppressed.

Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.

Abstract: A base station for providing dynamic power management is disclosed, comprising, a processor within an enclosure mounted in a vehicle, a power management unit coupled to the processor, a controller area network (CAN) bus monitoring system coupled to the power management unit and to a CAN bus of the vehicle, a voltage measurement module also coupled to the power management unit and to a battery of the vehicle; a baseband processor coupled to the processor, a first wireless access functionality coupled to the baseband processor, and a second wireless access functionality coupled to the baseband processor, wherein the power management unit is coupled to each of the first and the second wireless access functionality to enable access radio bringup, access radio shutdown, and graceful user detach based on a power state at the power management unit.

Abstract: A transport facilitation system can receive a pick-up request from a user device running a designated application of a transportation arrangement service managed by the transport facilitation system, where the pick-up request comprising a unique identifier and a pick-up location. Using the unique identifier, the transport facilitation system can perform a lookup in the database for a comfort profile indicating vehicle setup preferences for a user of the user device, and based on the pick-up location, select a service vehicle to service the pick-up request. Based on the vehicle setup preferences indicated in the comfort profile, the transport facilitation system can transmit a set of configuration instructions to the selected service vehicle, where the set of configuration instructions to configure a number of adjustable components of the selected service vehicle for the user prior to the selected service vehicle arriving at the pick-up location.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a user about a temperature condition of a passenger compartment of a vehicle after a lapse of a remote start of a drive system of the vehicle. The system and method include retrieving a weather forecast for an area in which the vehicle is located and estimating a future temperature of the passenger compartment in response to a remote start request. The future temperature of the passenger compartment is a temperature of the passenger compartment after a lapse of a predetermined runtime. In response to determining that the estimated future temperature is outside of the predetermined temperature range a notice is sent to a computing device.

Abstract: A bumper beam for a vehicle has a hat beam profile, i.e. a generally U-shaped cross-section with the crown (12-16) pointing outwards. In each attachment region (20) it has a transverse bulkhead (25) fastened between the crown's sides (12, 13) and running generally in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper includes: a bumper beam, a bumper face, covering a vehicle body front surface of the bumper beam, and a buffer component, provided between the bumper beam and the bumper face. The buffer component includes a platelike component configured to be folded upon collision load. The buffer component includes a folded part, and two surface parts that are connected through the folded part and are opposite to each other with a gap therebetween in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. A pressure pipe configured to be deformed by being clamped between the two surface parts so as to detect impact is provided in the gap. A lower space part that avoids interference between the bumper beam and a setting part for the pressure pipe in the buffer component is provided below the bumper beam.

Abstract: A load introduction system of a vehicle for introducing a load counter to the direction of travel of the vehicle includes a left load support on a left side of the vehicle and a right load support on a right side of the vehicle, wherein the left load support is connected in a force-transmitting manner to a left deformation module on the left side of a front portion of the vehicle and the right load support is connected in a force-transmitting manner to a right deformation module on the right side of the front portion. The load introduction system also includes a crossmember which extends transversely with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle, wherein the crossmember is connected in a force-transmitting manner to the two deformation modules.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a fascia of a vehicle includes a riser having an upper end defining a hole and a fascia retainer defining a first threaded bore in a center portion thereof. The adjustment mechanism further includes an externally threaded sleeve received in the first threaded bore, the sleeve defining a lower end configured to engage the upper end of the riser, and a bolt extending through a sleeve bore defined in the sleeve and into the hole in the upper end of the riser. The bolt is threadably coupled to the upper end of the riser.

Abstract: An arrangement for absorbing kinetic energy acting on a front bumper of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, includes at least one pedestrian protection element which can be arranged on a cross member of the bumper, at least one absorption element which can be arranged on the cross member and is movable on the cross member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the cross member between a front absorption position and a rear release position, and at least one locking device which can be arranged on the cross member by which the absorption element can be temporarily arrested in the absorption position thereof. The absorption element, in the absorption position thereof, is switched parallel to the pedestrian protection element in respect of a force initiated by the kinetic energy into the bumper.

Abstract: A protection device of self-propelled vehicle including a main body, a frame body, and at least two pivoting members is provided. The main body has a rail or a moving block, and the frame body has a moving block or a rail. The frame body moves on a plane relative to the main body via the moving block being removably coupled to the rail. The two pivoting members being removably pivoted to the main body and the frame body along two normal lines of the plane respectively. The frame body is forced to be rotated on the plane with one of the two pivoting members relative to the main body.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a hood assembly that is located above an engine compartment. A hood latch assembly includes an auxiliary latch assembly. The auxiliary latch assembly includes an auxiliary lever that unlatches the auxiliary latch assembly from the hood assembly. A front grille assembly has an auxiliary lever access location formed as an opening between the hood assembly and the front grille assembly. An auxiliary lever access panel has a closed configuration that conceals at least a portion of the opening and an open configuration that exposes the opening to access the auxiliary lever.

Abstract: A method for activating a safety actuator of a motor vehicle, including: ascertaining an endangerment model of the motor vehicle with the aid of an anticipatory sensor system and at least one characteristic value of a driving operation of the motor vehicle; ascertaining a controllability of the motor vehicle by a driver of the motor vehicle with the aid of the at least one characteristic value; and activating the safety actuator to an extent which is a function of the endangerment model and the controllability.

Abstract: A seatbelt payout measuring device with a rewind spring having a first end connected to a center spool and a second end connected to a rewind spring housing. A dielectric material layered immediately adjacent to the rewind spring forming a first layer and an electrolytic coil with dielectric material layered on both sides forming a second layer, isolating the rewind spring from the electrolytic coil. A capacitive measuring device having a first lead connected to the first end of the rewind spring and a second lead connected to a first end of the electrolytic coil. The capacitive measuring device measuring capacitance with belt pullout.

Abstract: An instrument panel component includes a wall, a first projection, and a second projection. The wall is configured to be supported by the instrument panel. The first and second projections are supported by the wall and extend in a common direction away from the wall. The length of the first projection is different than the length of the second projection and both projections are of a different material than the material of the wall.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes an operator cabin, a transmission-supporting frame, and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a first mount configured to couple to the operator cabin, and a second mount configured to couple to the transmission-supporting frame. The first mount includes a first plate, and the second mount includes a second plate. The first plate and the second plate are coupled to one another at an interface, and at least one of the first plate and the second plate are configured to deform proximate to the interface to separate from one another when under tension during a roll-over event.

Abstract: A knee protecting air bag system includes an air bag, folded to be housed in a housing portion on a lower side of a body side member in front of a seated occupant. The air bag includes thickness controlling tethers that are provided so as to connect an occupant side wall portion and a body side wall portion when the air bag inflates completely. The thickness controlling tethers include an upper tether and a lower tether that are provided to extend into a belt-like shape along a left-to-right direction in upper and lower positions in the lower inflating portion when the air bag inflates completely. An abutment portion is formed between a portion where the upper tether is connected to the body side wall portion and a portion where the lower tether is connected to the body side wall portion.

Abstract: An occupant protecting device including: a seat provided in a vehicle, the seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and the seat being provided with an air bag that inflates and deploys at least to a front and both of left and right sides of a head of a seated occupant; and a control device that in the case of having detected or predicted a collision of the vehicle, causes the air bag to inflate and deploy, and in the case that the seat is facing an opposite side to a collision side when the collision has been detected or predicted, delays a timing of causing the air bag to inflate and deploy more compared to in the case that the seat is facing the collision side.

Abstract: A crash pad for a vehicle having an integrated airbag door and housing may include a main body including a crash pad core, and an airbag housing integrally formed at a center of the crash pad core defining a space for accommodation of an airbag cushion therein, and an airbag door integrally injection-molded with the main body selectively to open and close the space in the airbag housing, the molded airbag door disposed upright in a direction in which the molded airbag door may be discharged from a mold to open the airbag housing.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may be a trim component configured to support an airbag module providing an airbag configured to be deployed through an opening into the vehicle interior. The trim component may comprise a panel comprising a first material and providing a front side and a back side; and a structure formed from a second material molded on the back side of the panel. The panel may comprise a compression-formed component. The compression-formed component may be configured to provide the opening through a door established upon deployment of the airbag to facilitate deployment of the airbag. The structure may be configured to support the airbag module and to direct the airbag toward the door during deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: A passenger protecting device 10 for a vehicle has: a side airbag portion 20 that is accommodated at an interior of a side support portion 14B, and that, by receiving a supply of gas and inflating at a time of an oblique side collision of a vehicle, causes the side support portion 14B to bulge-out toward the seat upper side; and a seat cushion airbag portion 22 that is accommodated at an interior of the seat portion 14A, and that, by receiving a supply of gas and inflating at a time of an oblique side collision of the vehicle, causes the seat portion 14A to bulge-out toward the seat upper side and raises the femoral region D of the passenger P, and whose inflation is completed later than the side airbag portion 20.

Abstract: A vent for an inflatable chamber, such as an airbag cushion, can include a first flap and a second flap. The first flap and second flap can be opposing and/or overlapping. The first flap and the second flap impede fluid flow through the vent when the vent is in a closed state. Free ends of the first flap and the second flap can be positioned at an exterior of the inflatable chamber when the vent is in the open state.

Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator that provides inflation gas to inflate the airbag. A filter module may be positioned such that inflation gas exiting the inflator must first pass through the filter module. The filter module may be formed of a sheet of metal that is wrapped into a generally spiraling tubular shape. The filter module may have an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. The intermediate layer generally encircles the inner layer, and the outer layer generally encircles the inner layer and the intermediate layer in a spiraling fashion. The inner layer, the intermediate layer, and the outer layer each may have a pattern of holes and dimples that are separate from and/or displaced from each other. The dimples may protrude toward an adjacent layer to maintain spacing to enable relatively unrestricted gas flow from the holes of the inner layer through unaligned holes of the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a headlamp assembly, an upper bumper assembly, and a reinforcement bracket. The headlamp assembly includes a headlamp housing and a brace portion. The brace portion includes a front end that extends forward beyond the headlamp housing in the vehicle-longitudinal direction. The upper bumper assembly extends in a vehicle-lateral direction. The upper bumper assembly is positioned forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the brace portion. The reinforcement bracket is attached to the brace portion. The reinforcement bracket has a rigidity higher than a rigidity of the brace portion. The reinforcement bracket reinforces the brace portion upon engagement with the upper bumper assembly as the upper bumper assembly deflects rearward in the vehicle-longitudinal direction in response to a front impact to the upper bumper assembly to inhibit movement of the upper bumper assembly rearward in the vehicle-longitudinal direction.