Abstract: In a transport system and method for operating a transport system the transport system includes a first mobile component and a second mobile component as well as a transport rack. Bearing rollers for moving the transport rack on a driving surface are disposed on the transport rack, in particular, the mobile component is drivable on the driving surface. Each mobile component has a linear axle and a control as well as wheels driven by an electric motor. The first mobile component is able to drive underneath the transport rack in a first region of the transport rack, and the second mobile component is able to drive underneath the transport rack in another, i.e. second, region of the transport rack. The transport rack is able to be raised by extending the linear axles of the mobile components, in particular is able to be raised in such a way that the bearing rollers of the transport rack lose physical contact with the driving surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure of the Improved Trailer Bed Load Plow concerns a highly customizable, legacy trailer compatible, removable, system for unloading trailer loads and/or flat bed loads. The system, generally speaking, comprises a sled, a plow, a controllable puller such as a winch, guide rails, detents, and an attachment point on the trailer. In some implementations, the plow and puller are attached to the sled, and the combined unit travels the length of the trailer bed, constrained by the guide rails to lateral travel, via the force created by the puller acting against the attachment point which is effectively positioned on an end of the trailer.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a ballast car hopper door includes logic and control circuitry, a hydraulic actuator, a door position sensor, and one or more sensors operable to measure system operational parameters. During normal operation of the hopper door the logic and control circuitry records the system operational parameters. In the event of failure, or absence, of the door position sensor the control circuitry compares real-time data to recorded data to maintain operation and correct positioning of the hopper door.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting cargo shipment within a load space of inflatable boats, rafts or any other similarly constructed container which includes a buoyant barrel receptacle containing a selectively adjustable telescoping pipe, each associated to symmetrically concavitated flange supports which are affixed to their respective distal end terminations, and being suitably mounted to provide for articulated movement on variably orientated and uneven sidewall surfaces, in order to become frictionally locked and unlocked by way of expansive force through a pivotally mounted fulcrum assemblage, and being incorporated with atmospherically impervious internally configured illumination systems.

Abstract: The light-guiding optical system comprises at least one light source (2) and a light guide (1) for coupling and guiding light rays (10) emitted by a light source (2). Furthermore, the light guide (1) may comprise a decoupling surface (4) on its rear side (13) and an output surface (3) for the exit of light rays (10) decoupled by the decoupling surface (4) on an opposite front side (14). The decoupling surface (4) comprises: (i) first decoupling elements (5) configured to decouple light rays (10) falling onto the first decoupling elements (5) out of the light guide (1) approximately in a pre-determined first output direction (p) to fulfill a first light function, and (ii) a second decoupling element (6) configured to uncouple light rays (10) falling onto the second decoupling elements (6) out of the light guide (1) approximately in a pre-determined second output direction (d), which is deflected from the first output direction (p), to fulfill the second light function.

Abstract: A light fixture for a vehicle includes a light housing for installation on the vehicle that has one part of a two-part mechanical coupling. A power input connects a lamp and electrical coupling in the light housing to a power source. A dummy fitting, with the other part of the two-part mechanical coupling, is mechanically connected by the other part to the light housing so as to be removeable from the light housing to expose the electrical coupling for the retrofitting of a camera that also has the other part of the two-part mechanical coupling and a complementary connector for engaging the electrical coupling. Also disclosed is a camera for retrofitting to the light fixture after removal of the dummy fitting.

Abstract: A vehicle front headlight device includes a light source, a rotating mirror configured by a plurality of mirror bodies, that are rotationally driven about a shaft, and, while rotating, reflecting light emitted by the light source, a lens transmitting light that is reflected by the rotating mirror, a recognition unit configured to recognize a leading vehicle traveling ahead, and a controller controlling a timing at which the light source is switched off and a timing at which the light source is switched on, such that light is not illuminated onto the leading vehicle recognized by the recognition unit and such that an illumination intensity of light illuminated in a vicinity of both ends in a vehicle width direction of the leading vehicle is lower than an illumination intensity of light illuminated at an outer side of the vicinity of the both ends in the vehicle width direction of the leading vehicle.

Abstract: A headlamp control apparatus may include: an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a forward image of a vehicle; a driving information acquisition unit configured to acquire driving information including one or more of driving environment information and driving state information of the vehicle; and a control unit configured to decide a shadow area for a position of a forward vehicle, which is recognized based on the forward image acquired by the image acquisition unit, and control light emission of a headlamp according to the decided shadow area, wherein the control unit controls the light emission of the headlamp by variably adjusting the shadow area based on the driving information acquired by the driving information acquisition unit.

Abstract: The angle-adjusting vehicular headlights comprise a housing, a swivel bracket, a distance checker, a tilt mechanism, a controller, and a headlight socket. The angle-adjusting vehicular headlights may change an elevation angle of a headlight responsive to a determination by the controller that an inclination angle of a vehicle has changed. As non-limiting examples, the inclination angle may have changed due to a cargo load that has been placed into the vehicle thus compressing the vehicle suspension or the inclination angle may have changed due to the cargo load being removed from the vehicle and the resulting decompression of the vehicle suspension. angle-adjusting vehicular headlights may generally be deployed in pairs.

Abstract: An adaptive forward lighting system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the camera to determine presence of an object in the field of view of the camera. The control receives vehicle data via a communication bus of the vehicle, with the vehicle data including vehicle trajectory data. The image processor processes captured image data to determine presence of lane markers in the field of view of the camera. The control adjusts a light beam emitted by a headlamp of the vehicle at least in part responsive to determination of the presence of the object in the field of view of the camera. Adjustment of the light beam of the vehicle headlamp may depend, at least in part, on trajectory of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a rotating element of the apparatus with as few as a single light source and a method for assembling such apparatus are disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a center, a clear substrate element that may rotate about the center, and a light source for evenly illuminating the clear substrate element. The light source is configured to emit light toward the clear substrate element at an angle, which is predetermined based on one or more attributes of the clear substrate element, such as the geometry and the index of refraction.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a tail lamp housing including a first cutout, a body panel including a second cutout, and at least one light source positioned to transmit light through the first and second cutouts to illuminate a cargo surface. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, providing a cargo member that is moveable between an open position and a closed position and mounting at least one tail lamp adjacent to the cargo member, wherein the tail lamp includes a first cutout. The method further includes forming a second cutout in a body panel and transmitting light through the first and second cutouts to illuminate a cargo surface when the cargo member is in the open position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for operating an electric motor, wherein a vehicle dynamics controller transmits a driving-performance-related torque setpoint to an acoustic controller configured as a control device. The acoustic controller receives an input value for defining an acoustic signal as well as a phase angle of a rotor of the electric motor from the power electronics as well. To generate a dynamic torque setpoint, the acoustic controller modulates onto the driving-performance-related torque setpoint at least one torque pattern that depends on the phase angle of the rotor of the electric motor, wherein the dynamic torque setpoint is such that a sound according to the input value is generated by the electric motor and/or a drive train. The dynamic torque setpoint is transmitted to power electronics.

Abstract: A foldable warning triangle assembly (100) comprising three arms (112,114,116) configurable as a triangle. The three arms (112,114,116) are configurable as a triangle, wherein the three arms (112,114,116) are pivotably connected together at pivot points (118,120,122) such that they can pivot into a collapsed arrangement without disconnecting the three arms (112,114,116). The assembly (100) also comprises an electrical switch within a first arm of the three arms (112,114,116) arranged adjacent a pivot point between the first arm of the three arms and a second arm of the three arms. Further, a surface of the second arm is arranged to apply force on the electrical switch such that the electrical switch is configured to close when the three arms (112,114,116) are fully configured as a triangle thereby completing an electrical circuit of the warning triangle.

Abstract: A multifunction operating device includes a carrier; an input part which has an input surface comprising an array of operating surfaces and which is to be mounted so as to be able to move relatively to the carrier; a touch sensor system which is designed to detect a touching of the input surface by an operating member of an operator, which touching is spatially resolved on the different operating surfaces, and to provide it as a touch detection result; a control unit electrically connected to the touch sensor system; an actuator electrically connected to the control unit and having an effective direction (W) for driving the input part so as to move it relatively to the carrier in order to generate an active haptic; the control unit is designed to trigger the active haptic depending on the touch detection result; an electromechanical switching element electrically connected to the control unit and arranged between the input part and the carrier in order to detect an actuation exerting a minimum actuating force

Abstract: A system and method configured to monitor use conditions of a vehicle and provide feedback to a user of the vehicle to maintain use within certain parameters is described. The description includes a plurality of sensors located proximate to the vehicle, each sensor configured to monitor at least one vehicle parameter, the plurality of sensors selected from an accelerometer, speed, temperature, mileage, oil level, oil pressure, run-time and location sensors, each sensor generating a signal encapsulating the monitored vehicle parameter and transmitting the generated signal to a control unit. The description includes a control unit that receives the generated signal from each of a plurality of sensors, the control unit including a memory that stores the received signal and selectively combines the received signal with other signals received from others of the plurality of sensors. The description includes a first transmitter coupled to the control unit capable of transmitting the combined signal.

Abstract: A driver assistance system of a vehicle can adjust a warning time-point for a hands-off detector configured to detect that a hand of a driver is off of a steering wheel. To this end, the driver assistance system can include an image acquisition device configured to acquire image data of an area outside of the vehicle, a sensor configured to acquire behavior data of the vehicle, a hands-off detector configured to detect that a hand of the driver is off of the steering wheel, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a driving situation of the vehicle based on the image data and behavior data, and to determine a warning time-point for the hands-off detector based on the driving situation. The controller can further control a warning device to output a warning message for the hands-off at the determined warning time-point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate pedestrian detection during remote-controlled maneuvers. An example vehicle comprises external indicators and a processor and memory. The processor and memory are in communication with the external indicators and a remote device. The processor is configured to: determine whether the remote device is in a travel zone related to the vehicle; determine a risk assessment if the remote device is in the travel zone; and communicate a warning based on the risk assessment via the external indicators.

Abstract: A camera system for a vehicle includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing, with the imager assembly including (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens assembly having a lens barrel accommodating a lens. A bracket is configured to attach at the vehicle windshield and to receive the camera module. The lens barrel extends from a portion of the lens assembly that is enclosed by the camera housing through an aperture to protrude outside the camera housing. With the camera module received by the bracket and with the bracket attached at the windshield, a forward portion of the camera housing is below the lens barrel. A separate stray light shield is disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing to reduce incidence of stray light at the lens.

Abstract: A mounting angle detection device converts, into a bird's-eye view image, an image captured of the ground on which a target marking having two straight line parts parallel to each other and equal in width is marked, and searches for a mounting angle at which the two straight line parts in the bird's-eye view image are parallel to each other and equal in width. Even with a vehicle including an in-vehicle camera on the front or back, the mounting angle detection device detects an actual mounting angle of the camera and calibrates the mounting angle of the camera. The mounting angle detection device detects the mounting angle using, as the target marking, even a parking space that lacks a transverse line crossing the two straight line parts parallel to each other and equal in width, and calibrates the mounting angle to a correct mounting angle of the camera.

Abstract: A display system includes a work vehicle, a first camera, a computation device, and a display device. The first camera is attached to one side portion of the work vehicle. The first camera has an optical axis inclined downward with respect to a horizontal direction. The first camera captures a first image including a surrounding environment of the work vehicle and a first vehicle body portion. The computation device generates a display image from the first image. The display image includes a surrounding image that depicts the surrounding environment of the work vehicle in a bird's-eye view, and a vehicle image. The vehicle image may combine a vehicle model depicted in the work vehicle and an image of the first vehicle body portion captured by the first camera, or may be an image of the first vehicle body portion. The display device displays the display image.

Abstract: A cargo management system includes a guideway and a panel displaceable between a plurality of operating positions along that guideway. The guideway includes opposed guide tracks. Each of the opposed guide tracks includes an inclined trunk and a plurality of branches extending from that inclined trunk. The panel includes opposed pivot pins received in the opposed guide tracks.

Abstract: An operating system for moving an item stored in a vehicle storage device is provided. The storage device includes a first storage container and a second storage container disposed in the storage device. The operating system comprises a first operating device connected to the first storage container; a second operating device connected to the second storage container; a user intention detecting device for detecting an intention of a user to take an item; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an intention signal from the user intention detecting device and control one of the first and second operating devices based on the intention signal obtained to move the first or second storage containers to a use position which is easier for the user to take the item.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted bike carrier comprising: a carrier member configured to support a bicycle, a supporting structure a bike supporting device comprising: a first wheel supporting member having a first end having a pivotal connection on the carrier member where the connection is configured to be positioned proximal to the rotational axle of a first bicycle wheel, and a second free end configured to support said bicycle wheel, a second wheel supporting member having a first end having a connection on the carrier member where the connection is configured to be positioned distal to the rotational axle of said first bicycle wheel and a second free end configured to support said bicycle wheel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes, among other things, a roof structure, a bracket projecting from the roof structure, a roof panel configured to attach to the roof structure such that the bracket is beneath the roof panel, and an accessory configured to attach to the bracket. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ceiling material for a vehicle includes a ceiling interior material facing a vehicle cabin inner surface of a roof panel for a vehicle, and a reinforcement member arranged on an upper surface of the ceiling interior material on the side of the roof panel. The reinforcement member may include a rod-like member and supporting members for respectively supporting at least two sections in a slidable manner in a longitudinal direction of the rod-like member. Each of the supporting members includes a fitting portion which allows the rod-like member to be fitted from a radial direction.

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: A grommet is provided with a small-diameter tubular portion that is fixated to an outer circumferential surface of a wire harness, a large-diameter tubular portion that is fixated to a through-hole of a fixed member, and an increasing-diameter tubular portion that connects the small-diameter tubular portion and the large-diameter tubular portion. The increasing-diameter tubular portion includes a small-diameter tubular portion-side end portion provided isolated from the small-diameter tubular portion on the outer circumference side of the small-diameter tubular portion, and a flexible connecting portion connecting an inner circumferential surface of the increasing-diameter tubular portion to the small-diameter tubular portion.

Abstract: A switching circuit includes: an input/output terminal section including four SW terminals; lines connecting between these terminals; switches disposed in paths of the respective lines; and diodes disposed in the paths of the respective lines. The switches are single-pole switches. The diodes are connected to normally closed terminals of the switches, respectively.

Abstract: An electric power system of a vehicle includes: a high-voltage circuit, which includes a high-voltage battery connected to a main circuit; a system ECU, which controls the main circuit; a first system control power line, which connects a low-voltage battery to the system ECU; a second system control power line, which connects the high-voltage circuit to the first system control power line; a voltage-reducing device, which reduces a voltage of the electric power from the high-voltage circuit; a second switch, which is arranged on the second system control power line; and a backup power supply ECU, which turns the second switch off when a pre-charge of smoothing condensers arranged on the main circuit is performed by supplying the electric power of the high-voltage battery.

Abstract: A structural member includes an inner member and an outer member formed of a material different from that of the inner member, the outer member being positioned outside the inner member so as to surround the inner member and including a first adjacent surface adjacent to an outer surface of the inner member, wherein an insulator is disposed between the first adjacent surface and a second adjacent surface of the inner member, the second adjacent surface being adjacent to the first adjacent surface.

Abstract: A front bumper arrangement support structure for a motor vehicle includes a crossmember having a front end region that extends substantially transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction, a fastening plate located to the rear of the crossmember and at least one deformation element that extends between the front end region of the crossmember and the fastening plate. Here, an integrated bumper element is provided. The bumper element extends in an arcuate manner between the front end region of the crossmember and the fastening plate and protrudes to the front or forward relative to the crossmember. The integrated bumper element, the deformation element and the fastening plate form an approximately triangular structure.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a bumper. The vehicle includes a pair of swing arms. The vehicle includes a beam pivotally supported by the swing arms. The vehicle includes a crossmember fixed to the beam and movable from a retracted position toward the bumper to an extended position. The vehicle includes a lock operatively engaging one of the swing arms when the crossmember is in the extended position.

Abstract: A system for protecting an automobile from a collision. The system including: a bumper having one or more bumper segments disposed on the automobile for absorbing at least some energy of the collision; and one or more actuators for deploying the bumper when conditions indicative of an impending collision is detected; wherein the one or more actuators comprise: one or more hydraulic actuators; one or more pneumatic actuators; one or more actuators actuated by one or more detonation charges; one or more fluid-filled bellows; one or more compressively pre-loaded springs; and one or more actuators connected to rotatable joints of links in a linkage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (AGS) for controlling the air intake for a front face module for a motor vehicle, comprising shutters (SHT1, SHT2), an actuator (ACT) arranged so as to control the shutters (SHT1, SHT2), and a flexible connection (STR, ROD) connecting the actuator (ACT) to the shutters (SHT1, SHT2), which can displace the actuator (ACT) in order to prevent it (ACT) from causing damage to an entity (PED, OBS) in the event of a collusion between the motor vehicle and said entity (PED, OBS). The invention also relates to a front face module for a motor vehicle comprising such an air intake control device.

Abstract: This supporting structure for an underrun protector includes a stay body that connects a beam and a frame to each other; a stay reinforcing body that reinforces the stay body from an outside in a vehicle width direction; and a gusset provided between the stay reinforcing body and the beam. A stay body web face of the stay body is provided with an opening part. A pair of wall face parts provided to extend outward in the vehicle width direction from both ends of the opening part in a vehicle forward-rearward direction is provided so as to face each other. Each of the wall face parts is provided at a height corresponding to an installation position of the gusset and abuts against an inner surface of the stay reinforcing body in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: An assembly includes a base. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the base. The assembly includes an airbag guide supported by the base. The assembly includes a linchpin securing the airbag guide to the base. The linchpin includes a first marking and one of the base or the airbag guide includes a second marking, the first marking and the second marking align to collectively be a readable indicium.

Abstract: A headliner bar assembly for securing a compliant airbag within a vehicle, the assembly including a front mounting plate, including a first front end and a first rear end, a rear mounting plate, including a second front end arranged adjacent to the first rear end, and a second rear end, a mounting bracket arranged adjacent to the first front end, wherein the compliant airbag is secured to at least the front mounting plate and the rear mounting plate, and a panel operatively arranged to cover at least the compliant airbag, the front mounting plate, and the rear mounting plate.

Abstract: An airbag device for a motor vehicle, the airbag device can be provided on and secured to a seat frame and is designed to protect the head and rib cage of an occupant in the event of side impact or vehicle rollover. The airbag device has a gas generator, an airbag cushion and a first securing system, the first securing system, the gas generator and the airbag cushion being connected to one another to secure the airbag device to the seat frame. A second securing system is provided in the side region of the airbag cushion above the connecting region with the first securing system The second securing system is designed to secure the airbag cushion, with an additional securing point in the side region, to the seat frame above the first securing system.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus may include: a first chamber connected to an inflator, and supporting the head of a passenger in case of a head-on collision of a vehicle; a second chamber connected to one side of the first chamber so as to be supported by the first chamber, and suppressing the head of the passenger from moving in a diagonal direction in case of an oblique collision of the vehicle; a communication part formed in the first chamber so as to introduce gas of the first chamber into the second chamber; and a valve tether installed along the circumference of the communication part, connected to the first chamber, and closing the communication part when the first chamber is completely deployed.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes: a cover that covers a vent hole which is formed on an airbag bag body from an inner part of the airbag bag body; a fixation part that supports the cover movably; and a strap that is connected to the cover, wherein a width of the strap is smaller than a diameter of the vent hole.

Abstract: A transport system and method for securely transporting subjects such as prisoners or persons that include a belt and a slideably engagable channel positioned across a part of a vehicle seat or bench for securing the belt and subject within the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat back with a top edge. A cover mount is attached to the seat back adjacent to the top edge. An outlet trim is attached to the cover mount. The cover mount includes a belt guide that is configured to accommodate a shoulder belt. The outlet trim includes a trim belt outlet that is aligned with the belt guide and is configured to allow the shoulder belt to pass through the outlet trim.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a vehicle seat belt buckle comprising a switch housing defining an interior and a pocket, a cable extending into the interior and including hook-shaped ends extending around posts in the interior of the switch housing. In one embodiment, the interior of the switch housing includes first and second posts positioned in a co-linear and spaced apart relationship and the hook-shaped ends face each other and extend around the first posts and abut against the second posts. In one embodiment, the Hall Effect sensor is positioned in the pocket of the switch housing in an inclined relationship.

Abstract: A system for detecting unauthorized access to an area includes a sensor configured to be coupled to a body and to detect access to an area inside the body. The sensor is configured to transmit a signal in response to detecting access to the area. The system also includes an alert feature configured to receive the signal and to generate an alert in response to receiving the signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums for rental vehicle driver verification. In an example, a system may include a camera configured to capture an image of a user in a vehicle. The system may obtain, from a vehicle rental system, vehicle rental information corresponding to the vehicle, the vehicle rental information including rental reservations scheduled for the vehicle. The system may also determine whether the user is a designated driver of the vehicle based on the image of the user and the vehicle rental information. The system may also indicate to the user that the vehicle is an incorrect rental vehicle in response to determining that the user is not the designated driver.

Abstract: A composite pane is described. The composite pane has a first pane, at least one intermediate layer, a second pane, a transparent, electrically conductive first coating between the intermediate layer and the first pane and/or between the intermediate layer and the second pane, a first busbar and a second busbar, and a transparent, electrically conductive second coating.

Abstract: A vehicle defroster includes an inlet for receiving an air flow, a wall dividing the air flow into a primary airflow and a secondary airflow, a primary duct guiding the primary airflow out a primary outlet onto a first portion of a windshield, and a secondary duct guiding the secondary airflow out a secondary outlet onto a second portion of the windshield. The defroster may include a primary chamber receiving the primary airflow and a secondary chamber receiving the secondary airflow. The primary chamber may be formed by a front section and a rear section. The wall may include a proportioning member, and the proportioning member may extend toward the primary chamber.

Abstract: A device for use in dispensing tire chemical onto a cylindrical car tire brush, comprising, an elongated shield having a concave inside surface having a curvature generally matching the outside curvature of the cylindrical brush, a port entering into the inside surface of the shield for receiving a chemical, and at least one distribution groove formed into the inside surface, which distribution groove communicates with the port and is inclined downwardly at an angle so as to distribute the chemical longitudinally along the said inside surface.

Abstract: A method of diagnosis and prognosis for various operative systems is provided so that maintenance can be efficiently and effectively scheduled and provided. The invention is applicable to a broad range of systems, but particularly to aircraft brake systems and tires. An aircraft brake may be modeled by attributing brake wear factor values to various parameters associated with the aircraft brake that impact wear. Over the course of time and during braking events, the brake wear factor values are summed and a running total of that sum is kept over the life of the brake. At a point in time when the sum of weighted factors exceeds a preset threshold, an indicia is generated that service is required.