Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a low beam lens, a low beam light-emitting device disposed behind the low beam lens, a plurality of high beam lenses disposed along a periphery of the low beam lens, and a plurality of high beam light-emitting devices disposed behind the plurality of high beam lenses in one-to-one correspondence. At least one of the plurality of high beam lenses includes, on a circumferential edge, a textured surface having light diffusing characteristics.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting apparatus that emits light diagonally toward a road surface from a vehicle includes: a light source; an image generation part that modulates light emitted from the light source and that generates an image; a light-focusing optical system that focuses light having the image generated by the image generation part; and a reflection part that reflects light focused by the light-focusing optical system toward the road surface, wherein the reflection part has a reflection surface having a curvature that is gradually increased from a projection direction rearward side toward a projection direction frontward side.

Abstract: In a vehicle headlamp that uses a light source having high output intensity, turn off the light source quickly when an abnormality occurs. A lighting control device of a vehicle headlamp includes a lighting control part that controls an on state of the vehicle headlamp, an obstacle detecting part for detecting an obstacle that exists in front of the vehicle, and a collision prediction processing part that, when the obstacle exists on the basis of detection results from the obstacle detecting part, predicts a possibility of collision between the obstacle and the vehicle on the basis of a distance between the obstacle and the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle and, when it is determined that the possibility of collision exists, instructs the lighting control part to relatively decrease an output light of the vehicle headlamp to below a normal intensity of the vehicle headlamp.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus is described that includes a set of illumination components. The illumination apparatus also includes a housing structure having an overall width and an overall length. The housing structure includes a cavity to house the set of illumination components, which is defined by, at least, a first lateral wall of the housing structure and a second lateral wall of the housing structure that each extends along the overall length, and a base of the housing structure. The housing structure includes a set of openings on the base, where each opening extends from the first lateral wall to the second lateral wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart brake warning system, wherein the system is installed on a vehicle body either directly or using a base. The system comprises at least a warning light device, which is used to emit different modes or degrees of light to serve as a warning for vehicles approaching from the rear, and at least one inertia detection device, which is used to detect the inertia of the vehicle at that instance, and control the warning light device to emit different degrees of light mode according to the size of the inertia force. Even if the vehicle driver does not step on the vehicle brake, the present invention is still able to produce a warning signal to vehicle drivers approaching from the rear, achieving a forced warning effect that prevents accidental rear-end collisions.

Abstract: The present invention is a retractable alert system for emergency vehicles. The alert system is a bar connected by a mechanical hinge to the rear quarter panel of a motor vehicle. When the bar is in a stowed position, it is approximately flush with the rear panel of the motor vehicle. When it is deployed, the bar rotates outwardly via the hinge approximately 90 degrees. The hinge is wired to an electrical motor powered through the car battery. The bar is deployed through actuating an interior button, which is operatively connected to the motor. The bar is further wired to the horn of the motor vehicle, such that displacement of the bar, through contact with another vehicle, causes the horn to sound. The system increases safety of emergency personnel by providing a zone around the emergency vehicle safer from oncoming traffic.

Abstract: Visible built-in component for the interior fittings of an aircraft, comprising a partially transparent stone layer or glass layer and a luminous layer arranged thereunder for backlighting the stone layer or glass layer, wherein the luminous layer comprises a plurality of luminous strips and a partially transparent intermediate layer is provided between the luminous layer and the stone layer or glass layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic effects are disclosed. One disclosed system comprises an actuator, a non-volatile memory configured to store a haptic effect profile, and a processor in communication with the actuator and the non-volatile memory. The processor may be configured to receive a sensor signal indicating a movement of a manipulandum, to identify an effect parameter associated with the sensor signal in the haptic effect profile, and to generate an output signal based, at least in part, on the effect parameter. The generated output signal may be configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the effect parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element. The PCB may be thermally coupled to a heat exchange component such that heat from the light element is transferred from the PCB to the steering wheel grip.

Abstract: A climate status indicator for a vehicle includes a light guide positioned around a vent perimeter. The climate status indicator additionally includes a light device coupled to at least one vent fin. The light guide and/or the light device are configured to provide a visual indicator of a climate status.

Abstract: A dynamic image stitching system for stitching images captured by multiple cameras of a vision system of a vehicle includes a first camera disposed at a vehicle and having a first field of view exterior the vehicle and a second camera disposed at the vehicle and having a second field of view exterior the vehicle. The first and second fields of view at least partially overlap. A processor is operable to process image data captured by the first and second cameras. The processor processes captured image data to determine characteristics of features or objects present in the overlapping region of the first and second fields of view. The processor is operable to adjust a stitching algorithm responsive to a determination of a difference between a characteristic of a feature as captured by the first camera and the characteristic of the feature as captured by the second camera.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior observation device is provided with imaging devices (1L, 1R) and an image control unit (2). The imaging devices (1L, 1R) are each provided with: an imaging element (13) having an imaging surface; a first image-producing optical system (14t) configured so as to form, on the imaging surface, a first image of a first imaging area (13t) of the vehicle exterior at a first imaging magnification; and a second image-producing optical system (14w) configured so as to form, on the imaging surface, a second image of a second imaging area (13w) of the vehicle exterior at a second imaging magnification different from the first imaging magnification.

Abstract: A park-aid system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing color video camera and at least three other color video cameras, with a first one of the three other color video cameras having a field of view at the driver-side of the vehicle and a second one of the three other color video cameras having a field of view at the passenger-side of the vehicle. A video display screen is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. During a parking maneuver of the vehicle, images derived, at least in part, from image data captured by at least the forward-viewing camera are displayed by the video display screen to assist the driver in operating the vehicle. At least one indication may be provided to the driver of the vehicle during the parking maneuver.

Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle is presented that includes a full display module and an electro-optic element that includes a first substantially transparent substrate having first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate has third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium is operable between generally clear and darkened states. A first electrical connection and a second electrical connection are positioned on the same side of the electro-optic element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a side pack that may be on a utility vehicle. In example embodiments, a top panel of the side pack includes channels that are used to connect an option, for example, mechanical equipment, to the side pack. Disclosed also is a method of moving the side pack.

Abstract: A closure device for fastening an object, for example an electronic instrument, to a carrier element includes a first closure part and a magnet device which acts in a magnetically attracting manner between the first closure part and the second closure part. At least one thread is arranged on one of the connection portions and at least one engagement element is arranged on the other of the connection portions. The connection portions are screw-connectable together by rotation with respect to one another as a result of the at least one engagement element running onto the at least one thread. The first closure part includes at least one first anti-rotation portion and the second closure part includes at least one second anti-rotation portion.

Abstract: A camera assembly of a motor vehicle includes a carrier which is adapted to be fastened to the motor vehicle and a camera unit which is immovably fastened to the carrier and has an objective. A cleaning unit is supported on the carrier and is connected to a fluid line that conducts a cleaning fluid which is used to clean the objective. A flap element is provided which is adapted to be moved into a cleaning position and into a resting position. The flap element is retracted in an accommodating chamber of the carrier in the resting position and is extended out of the accommodating chamber so that the flap element covers the objective of the camera unit in the cleaning position.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a plurality of panels defining a vehicle body. The plurality of panels include a first panel and a second panel. The second panel has an aperture therethrough. The vehicle additionally includes a camera housing and a camera having a lens. The camera is disposed at least partially within the camera housing. The vehicle further includes a mounting feature coupling the housing to the first panel, with the camera lens disposed in register with the aperture.

Abstract: A composite applique assembly for a vehicle interior trim piece includes a flexible receiver element and a flexible insert connected to the flexible receiver element by a sliding joint. An end of the flexible receiver element is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. An end of the flexible insert opposite to the flexible receiver element end is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. The flexible receiver element defines an internal channel configured for slidingly receiving the flexible insert therein. The flexible receiver element further defines at least a partial-length slot providing fluid communication with the internal channel.

Abstract: A system and method for allocating drivers to procure targets, such as automobiles. These targets are then transported to a desired drop-off destination. The entire system is automated, such that a requestor may hire drivers that are certified by the system and would satisfy requirements associated with the target, such as proper driver's license and location of the driver relative to the target. The system is powered by an internet based mobile application that is designed to match individual drivers to auto dealers, auction houses, driving transport companies and other businesses and individuals (“requestors”) seeking to move automobiles, goods, services, tasks, etc. from one location to another. The system has been designed to find, organize, and manage drivers and all aspects of the trip on a real time basis and reduce the cost of the existing system.

Abstract: In a resin vehicle body grounding structure, a positive terminal of a battery is connected to positive terminals of a first load and a second load, a negative terminal of the battery is connected to a first grounding structure element, a negative terminal of the first load is connected to the first grounding structure element, a positive terminal of an alternator is connected to the positive terminal of the second load, the negative terminal ? thereof is connected to a second grounding structure element, and the negative terminal of the second load is connected to the second grounding structure element.

Abstract: An electric wire holder includes a fixed portion to be fixed to a support panel provided on a vehicle body and a holding portion that extends from one end of the fixed portion and is configured to hold an electric wire to be routed to an electric parking brake. The holding portion is provided with an opening for receiving the electric wire, the opening being open between a leading end of the holding portion and the one end of the fixed portion, and a recessed portion for accommodating the electric wire that has passed through the opening. In the recessed portion, a serration is formed on an inner surface at a position corresponding to a region to be crimped by a crimping tool.

Abstract: A method for making electrical connection to a mirror reflective element for a vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes providing a mirror reflective element having a front substrate and a rear substrate with an electro-optic medium disposed therebetween and in contact with a transparent conductive coating and a third surface reflector. A metallic electrical connector is provided that includes an attachment portion and a wire receiving portion. An electrical wire is inserted in the wire receiving portion such that at least one tang of the wire receiving portion engages the electrical wire to secure the electrical wire in the wire receiving portion and to make electrically-conductive connection with the electrical wire. The attachment portion is attached at the front or rear substrate to attach the electrical connector at the mirror reflective element such that the attachment portion electrically conductively connects to the transparent conductive coating or the third surface reflector.

Abstract: A cable holding structure includes: an elastic member (23) having through holes (23h) through which cables (18) are passed; and a fixing portion (21, 22) having openings (21h, 22h) through which the cables are inserted, and disposed on a vehicle body-side member (19) to fasten the elastic member. The cables inserted through the through holes are restrained by the elastic member subjected to a fastening force.

Abstract: Multi-voltage on-board electrical system of a motor vehicle, comprising at least three flat cables extending substantially in parallel with one another in the longitudinal direction thereof, and at least two voltage sources, wherein a first of the flat cables is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a first pole of a first of the voltage sources, a second of the flat cables is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a first pole of a second of the voltage sources, and a third of the flat cables arranged between the first and the second flat cable is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a second pole of the first and/or second voltage source.

Abstract: The bumper reinforcement has a front surface flange, an upper surface web, a lower surface web, an upper lip, and a lower lip. An end of the upper surface web on the upper lip side is thicker than a center. When a collision load is applied to the front surface flange, the upper surface web extending in a direction orthogonal to the front surface flange from vicinity of an upper end of the front surface flange is deformed in an outward opened direction, and the upper lip extending downward from an extension end of the upper surface web is deformed in an inward closed direction.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame and a bumper pivotally connected to the frame. An actuator is mounted to the frame and coupled to the bumper. The actuator is operable to pivot the bumper relative to the frame between a substantially vertical position and an angled position. A user interface is used to activate the actuator. A vehicle controller is programmed to receive a signal from the user interface, and responsive to receiving the signal, activate the actuator to pivot the bumper. The controller may also issue warnings to the driver when the bumper is in an incorrect position for the current driving conditions.

Abstract: A method for disconnecting at least one ignition output stage for a squib of a pyrotechnic protection device for a vehicle. The method includes a step of setting an activation signal at an activation level when an amperage of the trigger current for the ignition output stage exceeds a predefined current threshold value, a step of determining a period of time during which the activation signal is set at the activation level, and also a step of supplying a switch signal for disconnecting the ignition output stage, as a function of a comparison of the period of time with a predefined minimum current flow duration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator (10) for a vehicle occupant safety system comprising an outer casing (20) and a filter structure (30) for purifying and/or cooling gas released inside the outer casing (20), wherein the filter structure (30) is integrated in the outer casing (20). The invention further relates to an airbag module and a vehicle occupant safety system comprising said gas generator as well as to a manufacturing method.

Abstract: A buckle apparatus includes a buckle, a moving member, a sliding member and a guide member. A tongue of a seatbelt apparatus can be engaged with the buckle. By being moved, the moving member moves the buckle. The sliding member is provided at the moving member and moves together with the moving member. The guide member allows the sliding member to slide in accordance with movement of the moving member and guides the sliding member. Friction between the guide member and the sliding member is less than friction between the guide member and the moving member.

Abstract: A vehicle safety release system effecting an automated release and having, inter alia, a seatbelt, an integrated circuit (control unit), a power source, a transmitter, and a collision detection sensor, is contemplated. The safety release system also contemplates a manual release built to work in tandem with the system's automated release. The safety release system may be operated by both a manual input and the input from one or more collision detection sensors. When a push button is depressed a signal is sent to the control unit to release the seatbelt. Aspects of embodiments of the invention also contemplate access to the seatbelt's base latch to enable removal, if needed.

Abstract: A belt retractor including a self-orienting vehicle-acceleration-sensitive sensor device (18) including a belt shaft, and a first blocking device blocking the belt shaft in the belt extraction direction, which is controllable by the sensor device (18). The sensor device (18) includes a sensor housing (1) pivotable about a pivot axis (S), which is fixable with respect to the frame using a second blocking device (17). A contact surface (5) for an inertial mass is provided in the sensor housing (1).

Abstract: In a load limiting device (10), especially for a seat belt in a vehicle, comprising a controllable braking device (16) which has a fluid-filled compartment (24) including a conduit (34) through which the fluid (23) can flow, an element to be decelerated (32) which is coupled to the seat belt, at least one sensor (18) for detecting vehicle operating data, especially an acceleration sensor, a sensor (20) for detecting the webbing extension, and a controller (22) for controlling the braking power of the braking device (16) as a function of the vehicle operating data measured and the webbing extension measured, the fluid (23) is a magnetorheological fluid and a control magnet is provided which is adapted to generate a variable magnetic field inside the conduit (34) and to vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid inside the conduit (34).

Abstract: An electrical system includes a contactor having a pair of contacts and a coil configured to electrically close and open the contacts. The electrical system also includes a high voltage (“HV”) circuit including a power supply electrically connected to at least one of the contacts of the contactor. The electrical system further includes a low voltage (“LV”) circuit electrically connected to the coil and configured to selectively energize the coil of the contactor. A disconnect mechanism is coupled with the LV electrical circuit and operable to electrically open the LV electrical circuit to actuate electrical opening of the contacts of the contactor.

Abstract: Protocols for wireless communications between controllers in vehicles, key fobs, and sensors are shown. In particular, methods of parallel processing and interweaving data in signals are provided.

Abstract: A remote access system for a vehicle may include at least one receiver configured to detect a location of a mobile device, and a controller having a processor. The processor may be configured to determine an association of the mobile device to an authorized user when the mobile device is within a first range from the vehicle, and authenticate the user when the mobile device is within a second range from the vehicle, wherein the second range is smaller than the first range. The processor may also be configured to determine a vehicle function to perform based on data associated with the mobile device or the user, and perform the vehicle function when the mobile device is within a third range from the vehicle and the user is authenticated, wherein the third range is smaller than the second range.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus for controlling operation of a vehicle system. The apparatus includes a processor operable in an automatic mode to output a control signal to automate operation of the vehicle system. The processor is configured to receive a measurement signal from a sensor associated with the vehicle system. The processor outputs the control signal in dependence on a comparison of the measurement signal to a control function. A user override of the automated operation of the vehicle system is detected and the processor re-calibrates the control function in dependence on the detected user override. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle and to a method of controlling operation of a vehicle system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a total reflection type rain sensor using a mirror, which is attached to a glass of a vehicle to detect raindrops falling onto the glass of the vehicle and outputs a signal capable of controlling speed and cycle of a wiper of the vehicle according to the amount and falling frequency of raindrops detected.

Abstract: A self-cleaning camera device includes: a housing that includes a reservoir configured to hold a fluid within the housing; a frusto-spherical member that is transparent, that is located within the housing; an electric motor configured to rotate the frusto-spherical member in a predetermined direction about an axis; a support member that (i) extends through a second opening of the frusto-spherical member and into the inner cavity of the frusto-spherical member and (ii) does not rotate with the frusto-spherical member; a camera that is located on the support member within an inner cavity of the frusto-spherical member and that includes a lens that one of: (i) faces a first opening in the housing; (ii) extends into the first opening in the housing; and (ii) extends outwardly past the first opening in the housing; and a wiping member is configured to wipe the fluid from the exterior surface of the frusto-spherical member.

Abstract: A wheel chock includes a convex load surface configured to be engaged by a vehicle tire. The resultant force exerted by the vehicle tire on the wheel chock can be expressed as a vector normal to the convex surface, at a contact angle ?. As dynamic loading forces push the vehicle into the wheel chock, the tire rides up the convex surface of the chock, thereby increasing the contact angle ?. For contact angles greater than 45°, the vertical component of the resultant force will increase, and the horizontal component will decrease. The net effect is that, under dynamic loading, the chock will tend to anchor itself downwards rather than slide backwards or tip over. Also disclosed is a chock extractor secured to the wheel chock. Rotating the extractor handle in turn rotates an extractor foot, which pivots and lifts the wheel chock off the ground to disengage the chock.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the operation of an automated parking brake of a motor vehicle with a hydraulic operating brake and an automated parking brake. The parking brake can adopt at least a disengaged position, an engaged position, and an intermediate position between the disengaged position and the engaged position. The method includes determining a parking variable representing a parking process of the motor vehicle, and bringing the parking brake into the intermediate position in response to the determined parking variable.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a brake system of a motor vehicle having at least one parking brake which can be activated, having a plurality of means for operating the parking brake and having at least one control device which has at least one of the means, characterized in that at least one further control device has at least another of the means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic brake system using an integrated sensor, which includes a hydraulic block configured to distribute and supply a fluid to a wheel brake, and having a through-hole penetrated at both sides thereof, a sensor module installed at one side of the hydraulic block having the through-hole, for sensing a linear displacement of a brake pedal and a position of a motor, and an electronic control unit installed to a side of the hydraulic block opposite to the sensor module, in order to determine a movement distance of the pedal, based on the linear displacement of the pedal sensed by the sensor module, and control rotation of the motor depending on the linear displacement of the pedal.

Abstract: A brake system may comprise a controller, a vehicle management system (VMS) in communication with the controller, a valve in communication with the controller, and a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicate with the controller, the tangible, non-transitory memory having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the controller, cause the controller to perform operations comprising determining, by the controller, that a first enable signal is received by the controller from the VMS, determining, by the controller, that a second enable signal is received by the controller from the VMS, and disabling, by the controller, the controller from control of the valve in response to the first enable signal and the second enable signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling an emergency braking system of a motor vehicle having a stability control system when the stability control system is deactivated or placed in a reduced mode. The method includes the step of determining whether the stability control system is in a deactivated or reduced mode and keeping the automatic emergency braking system active even if the stability control system is deactivated or in a reduced mode. The system includes temporarily activating the stability control system if a hazardous situation exists requiring generation of an emergency braking command.

Abstract: A method for controlling braking of a vehicle is configured to prevent a jerk which occurs when a driver removes his or her foot from a brake pedal when the vehicle is parked or stopped using a parking gear. The method is carried out such that a constant braking force is transferred to front and rear wheels, and braking pressure is gradually removed by using Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in consideration of a longitudinal direction acceleration in a state where the vehicle is parked or stopped.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for brake control of a vehicle braking system which is operated using pressure medium includes a relay valve arranged in a housing, and a solenoid valve configured for controlling the relay valve. The relay valve has an axially displaceable relay valve piston with a first annular sealing seat configured to be acted on with a control pressure which is directed into a control pressure chamber and which can be adjusted by the solenoid valve, having an axially displaceable plate valve having a radial sealing face, and having an insert secured to the housing which separates an operating chamber from a pressure chamber and which has a second annular sealing seat which is arranged coaxially relative to the first annular sealing seat of the relay valve piston. The first and second annular sealing seats cooperate simultaneously or alternately with the radial sealing face of the plate valve.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle configured such that a sun gear, a carrier and a ring gear of a planetary gear are respectively connected with a rotating shaft of a motor MG1, a crankshaft of an engine and a driveshaft and that a motor MG2 is connected with the driveshaft, when a required braking force that is to be output to the driveshaft is equal to or less than a reference value Tref in an accelerator-off state, the braking force by engine braking is output to the driveshaft by motoring of the engine by the motor MG1. When the required braking force becomes greater than the reference value Tref, on the other hand, the power output from the engine by load operation of the engine in a reverse rotating direction is output as the braking force to the driveshaft.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system having a combustion engine, an electric motor and a transmission includes a first clutch operatively connected between the engine and the motor and a one way clutch. The one way clutch is connected in parallel with the first clutch that permits the engine to increase speed with the clutch disengaged until the engine speed matches the motor speed. The engine provides positive torque through the one way clutch to the motor and transmission upon matching the motor speed. The first clutch and the one way clutch may be a hybrid rocker one way clutch.