Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a vehicle includes an alignment sensor that has a field of view and a vehicle alignment system operatively connected to the alignment sensor and to at least one positioning system of the vehicle. Movement of the vehicle varies an appearance of a fiducial surface within the alignment sensor's field of view. The vehicle alignment system is configured to implement a method that includes monitoring the appearance of the fiducial surface to the alignment sensor, comparing the appearance of the fiducial surface to a pre-determined set of benchmark appearances, and operating the at least one positioning system based on a determination by the vehicle alignment system of whether the appearance of the fiducial surface to the alignment sensor satisfies a pre-determined target appearance that corresponds to a desired location and position of the vehicle relative to a fixed location.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for communicating with a charging system comprising a plurality of charging stations configured to charge an electric vehicle. At least one first signal is transmitted to the charging system via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. At least one second signal is received from the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station, the second distance less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of a charging station identifier of the at least one charging station.

Abstract: A vehicle has a control system configured to perform, and a method for controlling a battery in a vehicle includes, the steps of modifying a state of charge of at least some battery cells in the battery, based on: a vehicle idle state, and the battery having at least a predetermined decay rate. The SOC of the at least some battery cells is modified such that the battery has less than the predetermined decay rate after the SOC is modified.

Abstract: A battery system may include a battery that in operation couples to an electrical system, and a battery control module that in operation electrically couples to the battery. The battery control module may read battery data, estimate a state of charge of the battery based at least in part on the battery data, and estimate a state of charge error of the battery based on magnitudes of state of charge error sources. Additionally, the battery control module may update a state of health estimation of the battery when the state of charge error of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems of an autonomous vehicle and the operations thereof are provided. During travel of an autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle can determine a charge is needed. Within the planned path of travel, the autonomous vehicle can determine when the autonomous vehicle may arrive at a charging station, what destinations are planned after reaching the charging station, the current temperature of the battery (and the temperature of the surroundings), the weather conditions at the charging station, etc. Based on these determinations and/or calculations, the autonomous vehicle can precondition the battery before the autonomous vehicle arrives at the charging station, for example, the autonomous vehicle starts cooling the battery at a quicker than normal rate so that the autonomous vehicle arrives at the charging station with the battery at the coldest possible temperature.

Abstract: A control system includes a bicycle includes a crank, a motor and a battery which provides power to the motor. An acceleration detector is connected to the bicycle and detects the riding acceleration of the bicycle. A torque detector is connected to the bicycle and consistently detects treading of the crank and generates multiple instant treading torque values. A controller is connected to the bicycle and electrically connected to the motor, the battery, the acceleration detector and the torque detector, and receives the riding acceleration, the treading acceleration and the instant treading torque values so as to control output of the motor and the battery instantly.

Abstract: A latch assembly can be used for a vehicle seat where the latch assembly includes a cushion latch coupled to a cushion pan where the cushion latch includes a support bracket and a pin. The pin may be coupled to at least one resilient element and a pull strap. The latch assembly additionally includes a latch catch bracket coupled to a support arm where the pin of the cushion latch engages the latch catch bracket to immobilize the cushion pan.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom and move relative to the seat bottom. The vehicle seat is coupled to a vehicle floor for movement relative to the vehicle floor between a use arrangement and a storage arrangement.

Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting two vehicle parts relative to each other is provided.

Abstract: A height adjustment apparatus for a vehicle seat may include a pinion gear mounted in a side frame having a front portion and a rear portion are connected to a seat bracket by links; a rack gear engaged with a top end of the pinion gear and coupled with the seat bracket via an hinge, the rack gear moving according to driving of the pinion gear to raise and lower the side frame; and a play adjustment bracket for guiding up and down motion of the moving rack gear by providing repulsive force to a top portion of the rack gear, the play adjustment bracket being fixedly positioned by being fastened with a plurality of support pins provided in the pinion gear and the side frame.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat body, a headrest, a headrest adjusting mechanism, and a harness component. A seat space is defined on the seat body. The headrest is movably disposed on a front side of the seat body facing the seat space. The headrest adjusting mechanism is for allowing the headrest to move relative to the seat body or restraining the headrest from moving relative to the seat body. The harness component includes a first part and a second part. The first part at least partially is received between the headrest adjusting mechanism and the seat body. The second part is connected to the first part and exposed out of the headrest toward the seat space.

Abstract: Adjustable driver's side and passenger's side side-facing sliding seat assemblies. Each side-facing sliding seat assembly is adjustable between an original seat orientation to an extended, sleeping surface configuration wherein the two side-facing sliding seat assemblies converge together, forming a flat sleeping surface. The side-facing sliding seat assemblies may also mate with a lay-flat sofa bed assembly for a larger flat sleeping surface. Each of the side-facing sliding seat assemblies may be powered and adjustable using a motor to transform between their two respective configurations.

Abstract: A seat backrest includes right and left side frame segments, a pressure receiving member disposed between the side frame segments movably in a front-back direction, and a cushion pad covering the front of the side frame segments and pressure receiving member. The pressure receiving member includes a main body part, and extending parts extending laterally from both sides of the main body part. The cushion pad includes a back receiving part covering the front of the main body part, and bank parts disposed on both sides of the back receiving part, protruding forward from both sides, and covering the front of the extending parts and side frame segments. A recess is formed at an area, facing a corresponding extending part of the extending parts, of a rear surface of each bank part.

Abstract: At least a part of a seat cover (4) covering a vehicle seat (1) is formed of a seat-cover skin material (5) including a surface material (10), a cushion material (11), and a backing material (12) which are laminated in this order and are integrally joined together, and a stitch portion (20) at which the surface material (10) and the backing material (12) are sewn together, wherein an elongation percentage of the surface material (10) is greater than an elongation percentage of the backing material (12) when the same load is applied.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a framework of a seat back, which includes an outer side frame located on an outer side of a vehicle and an inner side frame located on an inner side of the vehicle; a lower panel bridged between a lower portion of the outer side frame and a lower portion of the inner side frame; and a reinforcing member including: a first part attached to a surface of the outer side frame facing the inner side frame and extending along a longitudinal direction of the outer side frame; and a second part connected to the first part at one end thereof and extending toward the inner side frame, wherein, in a front view, the second part is located lower than an upper end of the lower panel.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including a panel frame including a fixed area which is one area of the panel frame partitioned by a line segment connecting a first fixed point and a second fixed point and includes a third fixed point at which the panel frame is fixed to a vehicle main body at a position different from positions of the first and second fixed point, an overhang area which is another area of the panel frame partitioned by the line segment; and a bead including a first and second bead pieces which respectively extend across the overhang area and the fixed area, and one of the first and second bead pieces has an extended portion which extends into an orthogonal area which is an area orthogonal to a portion of the line segment running between the first and second bead pieces.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including a panel frame including a fixed area, an overhang area, and a bead including a first bead piece extending across the overhang area and the fixed area from a position in a height direction closer to a first fixed point than a second fixed point toward the second fixed point, a second bead piece extending across the overhang area and the fixed area from a position in the height direction closer to the second fixed point than the first fixed point toward the first fixed point, and a third bead piece formed across the overhang area and the fixed area in a state of being provided between the first bead piece and the second bead piece and spaced apart from both the first bead piece and the second bead piece with a general surface provided therebetween.

Abstract: A cushion pan includes a front and rear support part that extends from the front end to the rear end of a seat cushion and faces the lower face of the femoral region of an occupant and side support parts that extend obliquely upward from both right and left side edges of the front and rear support part and face side faces of the buttocks of the occupant. In addition, the front and rear support part and the side support parts may be integrally formed to reduce the number of components and assembling steps.

Abstract: A headrest for a vehicle seat has a head support and a mounting assembly carrying the head support on a vehicle seat and comprising a four-pivot linkage having an upper holding element on the head support and a lower holding element fixed to the seat. First and second links interconnect the upper holding element at respective first and second upper pivots on the upper holding element and the lower holding element at respective first and second lower pivots on the lower holding element. Thus the four-pivot linkage can shift the head support relative to the vehicle seat between a front position moved forward toward the head of a seat occupant, and a rear position moved backward therefrom. The upper are at a different relative horizontal spacing on the upper holding element than the lower pivots on the lower holding element.

Abstract: A method for controlling and selecting massage functions of a motor vehicle seat and include the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; scrolling through massage functions that are organized in a block-by-block manner, wherein the massage functions that are organized in a block-by-block manner include a specific massage zone per block; confirming a selection of the massage block by way of a user selection; and terminating the selection mode.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seating surface which has a front edge and a rear edge, and a backrest arranged at the rear edge and situated at an angle to the seating surface. The seating surface is divided into a main part and at least one front part. The main part and the at least one front part can be moved relative to one another by means of an adjusting device to enable a distance between the front edge and the rear edge of the seating surface to be adjusted dynamically. At least two inflatable chambers are arranged between the main part and the at least one front part, which chambers can be inflated and emptied in accordance with the distance of the front edge from the rear edge.

Abstract: A table apparatus for a vehicle including: a table having a substantially horizontal upper surface in a region directly above a seating surface of a vehicle seat; a heat source provided to the table and configured to perform heat radiation from a lower surface side of the table; and a table moving mechanism configured to move the table so as to change a position of the table with respect to the vehicle seat, wherein a position of the heat source with respect to the vehicle seat is changed by moving the table by the table moving mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a child restraint including a seat shell and an armrest coupled to the seat shell. The child restraint also includes a cupholder coupled to the armrest.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing liquid flame retardant mixtures mounts in the bucket of mine scoop. The apparatus has a housing which is generally sized to fit within a mine scoop bucket while leaving space in the bucket for moving mine material. The housing has a reservoir within it for holding a fire prevention mixture. The mixture is a liquid mixture and the apparatus has a motor, pump, tubes, and nozzles for dispersing the fire prevention mixture. The apparatus accommodates a hydraulic cylinder for moving the mixture dispersing apparatus back and forth within the scoop bucket. Some embodiments of the apparatus have a front face with scraper blade elements that operate as a scraper blade similar to scraper blades in scoop buckets that do not have the apparatus in place.

Abstract: A transportable container apparatus includes an elongate container having a central axis and a base attached to a bottom end of the container. The container and base are substantially symmetrical about the central axis and the container is oriented substantially vertically with the base resting on a ground surface when in a working position. The container having an upper container section with upper walls substantially parallel to the central axis and a lower container section with lower walls substantially parallel to the central axis. The upper container section includes a sloping hopper at a bottom thereof to direct granular material into the lower container section. A floor of the container is sloped toward an outlet port defined in a ported wall of the lower container section such that granular material stored in the container slides down the floor to the outlet port.

Abstract: A cargo space includes a rear lift gate moveable between opened and closed positions to allow movement of palletized containers into and out of the cargo space. The cargo space has a substantially horizontal floor with first and second sets of laterally spaced, parallel, longitudinal tracks. The tracks extend from the front to the lift gate at the rear of the cargo space. At least one set of tracks is positioned transverse to the longitudinal tracks. The tracks slidably support cargo container pallets. A system of actuators, guides and locks enable programmed movement of the pallets along the tracks into and out of the cargo space as well as within the cargo space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and system for blending multi-component granular compositions such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing in well drilling. The system includes the control and management of an on-site storage system for each of the components, regulating the delivery of specified quantities of each component to a blender, and coordinating the flow of materials into and out of the blender.

Abstract: Hybrid power systems include an internal combustion engine and a motor/generator connectable with the engine. A reefer unit is configured to receive power from the motor/generator via a reefer power system that includes an export power inverter and an energy storage device.

Abstract: A method for storing cargo items includes determining characteristics of a cargo space, where the cargo space includes at least one seat and the at least one seat is capable of being moved between a first position within the cargo space and a second position within the cargo space. A set of cargo items including one or more cargo items to be positioned in the cargo space is determined. A configuration of the cargo space is determined based at least in part on the set of cargo items, where the configuration of the cargo space includes the second position of the at least one seat. A layout of the set of cargo items within the cargo space is determined based at least in part on the set of cargo items and the determined configuration, and the at least one seat is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A resilient clip can be used for covers for equipment. The resilient clip has a portion that can be inserted into a channel on the equipment, a portion that can be attached to a cover, and a portion that can be used to remove the clip from the channel.

Abstract: A tailgate latching system includes a pair of latches configured to removably secure to an external latch positioned on either side of a pickup truck tailgate and within the latching mechanisms thereof. A connecting plate has a slot adjacent to each end and is configured to span the distance between each latch while simultaneously being secured about each latch.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle lamp including: a light source; and a light guide extending in a predetermined extension direction and configured to guide therethrough a light from the light source such that the light is incident from a rear surface and emitted from a front surface. The light guide includes a guide element including a front incident surface formed in a portion of the rear surface facing the light source; a side incident surface formed on a side of the front incident surface on the rear surface, and a reflecting surface formed on a side of the side incident surface on the rear surface and configured to totally reflect the light incident from the side incident surface toward the front surface. A joint portion between the front incident surface and the side incident surface is formed as a curved surface.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a lighting device including: a light source module including at least one light source and a light guide member that buries the light source; a shielding module accommodating the light source module therein, the shielding module having an opening region and a shielding region, which are provided above the light guide member; and a diffusion member disposed in the light guide member.

Abstract: A front structure of a vehicle is provided with a vehicle front lamp disposed at each end portion of a vehicle front portion in a vehicle width direction. The vehicle front lamp includes a headlight, a cover member, and a lighting accessory. The cover member is disposed above the headlight. The lighting accessory is disposed above a rear portion of the headlight and below the cover member. The vehicle front lamp is provided with a ventilation path that is formed outward or inward of the headlight in the vehicle width direction below the cover member and that allows traveling wind from a vehicle front side to pass toward a vehicle rear side.

Abstract: A device for micro-adjustment of a lighting module has a first end including a thread to be driven into a surface of the lighting module. A second end of the device includes a micro-adjustment thread for attachment of a nut. A flange is positioned between the thread of the first end and the micro-adjustment adjustment thread of the second end. The device also includes a driving feature positioned between the flange and the micro-adjustment adjustment thread. The driving feature has an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the flange.

Abstract: To provide a technique capable of accurately obtaining the attitude of a vehicle in the pitch direction. A device controls the optical axis of a vehicular lamp in accordance with an attitude change in pitch direction of the vehicle having (a) an angle calculation part which obtains acceleration associated with the vertical and the horizontal direction at a predetermined time interval, obtains a first and a second acceleration related to the vertical and the horizontal direction by eliminating the gravitational acceleration component from each acceleration, calculates a vehicle traveling direction acceleration based on the two accelerations, and obtains a vehicle attitude angle based on a correlation between the acceleration and the vehicle traveling direction acceleration, and (b) an optical axis setting part which generates a control signal for controlling the optical axis of the lamp based on the vehicle attitude angle, and provides the control signal to the lamp.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp control system comprises a light source unit in which a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in a predetermined direction, an electric current setting unit that can set a first electric current distribution and a second electric current distribution in which electric current value is smaller than that of the first electric current distribution, and a control unit. When a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements of each of second lamp units are turned off after an additional light distribution pattern employing a first electric current distribution is formed, a headlamp control unit controls so that all the semiconductor light emitting elements are turned off after the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are turned on based on a second electric current distribution.

Abstract: In a vehicle lamp device, light emitted by a LED enters a concentration element of a lens and is irradiated from an irradiating face of the concentration element. The reflecting face of the concentration element surrounds a central axis of the concentration element. Light that enters the concentration element is reflected by the reflecting face toward a central axis side of the concentration element, and light reflected by the reflecting face is irradiated from the irradiating face. The concentration element is thus able to efficiently concentrate light emitted by the LED.

Abstract: An illumination assembly configured to emit diffuse light through an indicator is disclosed. The assembly comprises a substrate having an applique disposed thereon. The applique forms an opening configured to transmit light through the substrate. The assembly further comprises a light source in connection with a circuit and configured to emit light through the shape. A diffusing layer is applied to a surface of the assembly between the circuit and the substrate. The diffusing layer comprises a resin material configured to cure in response to exposure to ultraviolet light or heat. The diffusing layer further comprises a filler material comprising a plurality of beaded structures configured to diffuse light from the light source.

Abstract: A vehicle side marker is provided herein. The side marker may include a translucent lens having a texture thereon. A substrate may be attached to the lens. A first photoluminescent structure and a second photoluminescent structure are disposed between an exterior surface of the lens and the substrate. The first and second photoluminescent structures are configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light source. The first photoluminescent structure may include a long persistent photoluminescent material therein.

Abstract: A device for indicating lock status of a motor vehicle door includes a door lock status indicator carried on a window of the motor vehicle door. A device for indicating a turn signal of a motor vehicle includes a turn signal indicator carried on a window of the motor vehicle. These devices may be combined into a single lighting module.

Abstract: A deployable safety zone system includes at least a first arm mounted on a support member and being movable between stored and operating positions relative to the support member. The support member and first arm define a safety zone between then when the first arm is in the operating position. The safety system may include reflective mechanisms, light sources, and an alarming system. The alarming system may include a transmitter positioned on one part of the safety system, a receiver positioned on another part of the safety system and an alarm mechanism. A signal may be sent between the transmitter and receiver and if that signal is interrupted, a visual or audible alarm may be generated. Alternatively, the deployable safety zone system may comprise a sensor assembly disposed adjacent the support member The alarmed safety zone is defined between the support member and the sensor assembly.

Abstract: An image display device includes an illuminator and a detector. The illuminator is configured to send out light on a road surface frontward of a vehicle, to display an image on the road surface. The detector is configured to detect a pedestrian frontward of the vehicle. The illuminator is configured to cause a notification image to be on chronologically-changeable display on the road surface. The notification image notifies information to the pedestrian detected by the detector.

Abstract: A lighting glazing includes a first sheet of transparent glass or plastic with a first main face, a second main face and a rim; a flat waveguide with a first main face, a second main face, an injection rim and a beveled rim, opposite the injection rim; a light source positioned facing the injection rim of the flat waveguide, the flat waveguide being fixed via the second main face to the first main face of the first sheet of glass.

Abstract: An indicator assembly is disclosed having a first light source and a second light source positioned relative to a surface. An overlap region may be formed between the first light source and second light source depending upon the relative intensity of the light sources, which may be used to convey information to a user and/or to provide an alternative visual indicator of a gauge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling interior lighting of a motor vehicle interior including at least one light source, a projection support and a control module. The control module is capable of configuring the projection support so that it can receive at least one image emitted by the light source. The invention also relates to a method for lighting at least a part of an interior space of a motor vehicle by such an interior lighting device.

Abstract: A signal transmission control method, system, and computer program product, include an advanced vehicle signal transmission control according to a context of the vehicle where a differential signal transmission action is performed based on the context.

Abstract: A method for warning a vehicle of a risk of lane change is provided. The method includes steps of: (a) an alarm device, if at least one rear image captured by a running vehicle is acquired, segmenting the rear image by using a learned convolutional neural network (CNN) to thereby obtain a segmentation image corresponding to the rear image; (b) the alarm device checking at least one free space ratio in at least one blind spot by referring to the segmentation image, wherein the free space ratio is determined as a ratio of a road area without an object in the blind spot to a whole area of the blind spot; and (c) the alarm device, if the free space ratio is less than or equal to at least one predetermined threshold value, warning a driver of the vehicle of the risk of lane change.

Abstract: A land-based automotive vehicle comprising an apparatus for estimating the depth of water about the vehicle. The apparatus comprising at least one light source, at least one imaging means such as a camera mounted to the vehicle and a control unit, the apparatus being structured and arranged such that a first light signal is emitted toward a water surface about the vehicle, the at least one camera is configured for imaging the first light signal and the control unit is configured and arranged to compute from the imagery obtained by the at least one camera an estimation of a depth of water about the vehicle.

Abstract: Sign information of a traffic sign or a road marking ahead of a vehicle is detected. When two or more kinds of sign information having overlapping effective sections are detected or when the sign information contains textural information including a predetermined or more number of characters, simplified information obtained by simplifying the sign information is displayed on an MID in the vehicle.