Abstract: A method for operating an airbag carrier is provided herein. The method includes the steps of moving carrier containing an airbag along a guide-channel of a seating assembly from a stowed position to a use position, and deploying the airbag into an occupant space of the seating assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for customizing driving operations of a vehicle based on occupant(s) of the vehicle. An autonomous vehicle that includes a passenger compartment can determine a presence of an occupant of the passenger compartment. The autonomous vehicle can determine a location of the occupant within the passenger compartment. Additional information about the occupant can be determined. A driving operation can be selected from among a plurality of driving operations based on the location and additional information about the occupant. The selected driving operation can be performed, perhaps by the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A passenger seat system for a means of transport has a carrier structure which can be attached, fixedly with respect to a structure, and a seat having a seat frame being displaceable and arrestable on the carrier structure, a bottom side lying on the carrier structure, and a top side holding a seat surface. The seat frame has an arresting device on the bottom side and has an operating unit coupled to the arresting device. The operating unit is movable into an arresting position and an unlocking position. The arresting device has an arresting body movable perpendicularly with respect to the carrier structure and which can be moved into an engagement position and a release position. An arresting mechanism mechanically directly couples the arresting device to the operating unit such that the position of the arresting body is determined exclusively by the position of the operating unit.

Abstract: An information provision device (60) includes: an emotion engine (66) which estimates an emotion of a test driver P1 of a vehicle (1); an action detection unit (65) which detects an action performed on the vehicle (1) by the test driver P1; a function-of-interest estimation unit (67) which estimates a specific function that interests the test driver P1 from among the functions possessed by the vehicle (1) based on the action of the test driver P1 detected by the action detection unit (65) and the emotion of the test driver P1 estimated by the emotion engine (66) when an action is detected; and an information provision unit (69) which provides the test driver P1 with information on the specific function.

Abstract: A vehicular airborne particulate detection system in one embodiment includes a particulate matter concentration sensor positioned in a passenger space of a vehicle. The particulate matter concentration sensor generates a signal associated with an airborne particulate matter concentration in the passenger space which is analyzed by a controller to identify a cyclical particulate matter concentration pattern which is classified as a smoking event. The controller then generates an output using a user interface based upon the classified smoking event.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods implemented in algorithms, software, firmware, logic, or circuitry may be configured to process data and sensory input in real-time to determine whether an object external to an autonomous vehicle may be a potential collision threat to the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may be configured to deploy one or more bladders positioned external to the autonomous vehicle to absorb forces from an impact to the vehicle by the object. A perception system of the vehicle may receive a sensor signal and generate object data associated with the object. A planner system of the vehicle may process the object data to predict an impact time and an impact location on the vehicle. The planner system may cause a drive system of the vehicle to maneuver the vehicle to position an impact-absorbing structure and/or one or more bladders of the vehicle to coincide with the predicted impact location.

Abstract: A bearing temperature sensor system is a temperature monitoring system for wheel hub bearings with data from the system capable of being transmitted to a portable electronic device for subsequent analysis. The system has a plurality of temperature monitoring sensors disposed adjacent non-rotating sections of axle assemblies which wirelessly transmit temperature data to a computer controller system located upon the vehicle being monitored.

Abstract: A method and electronic control unit having a functional module are provided for controlling the auto-hold function and the parking brake function in a motor vehicle, by use of a single common operating element. When the parking brake function is switched on at a standstill, the auto-hold function is simultaneously activated. When the accelerator pedal is actuated, a switched-on parking brake function is automatically switched off without the actuation of the operating element, wherein the auto-hold function remains activated. In addition, when switching off the parking brake function at a standstill, the auto-hold function is also deactivated via the actuation of the operating element.

Abstract: A vehicle perimeter alert system and, more particularly, to a vehicle perimeter alert system which is capable of detecting, using a plurality of proximity sensors such as infrared sensors or radar sensors and a display unit, the approach of any unauthorized person to a vehicle, is disclosed. Video cameras may be associated with one or more of the proximity sensors to provide a visual image display to the user of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a pedestrian collision accident, a system having the same, and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a pedestrian sensing unit that senses a pedestrian moving into a dangerous area and calculates velocity and direction information of the pedestrian. A communication unit transmits the velocity and direction information of the pedestrian to a surrounding vehicle. A time-to-collision (TTC) calculating unit calculates a TTC using velocity and direction information of a subject vehicle and second velocity and direction information of the pedestrian, when the TTC calculating unit receives the second velocity and direction information of the pedestrian from another vehicle. A controller outputs based on the TTC a warning to a driver of the subject vehicle or the pedestrian.

Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion for a vehicle that includes a seat cushion support structure, and a lattice-structured support that is supported by the seat cushion support structure. The lattice-structured support provides a first resistive force in response to a vertically applied force that is less than a second resistive force in response to a force aligned with an H-point travel path of the vehicle occupant during a vehicle impact event.

Abstract: A safety exit assist system and a method therefor are provided. The system includes a plurality of child lock latches configured to be respectively located in left and right doors of a vehicle and execute child lock or child lock release and a controller configured to control the plurality of child lock latches and instruct the plurality of child lock latches to execute the child lock if receiving a proximity warning signal relative to a rear of the vehicle from a blind spot detection (BSD) device.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a motor vehicle includes a pedal arm pivotably arranged about a rotation shaft at its first end when in an operating position. A bracket is rotatably arranged around the rotation shaft and connected to the first end of the pedal arm through a pedal connection shaft. A locking arrangement, when in a locked state, locks the bracket in a first bracket position relative the pedal arm such that the bracket rotates with the pedal arm, and the pedal arm is held in an operating position. When the locking arrangement changes from the locked state to an unlocked state, the bracket is unlocked from the pedal arm such that, under influence of gravity, the pedal arm is released from the rotation shaft and displaced from the operating position to a safety position, the first end of the pedal arm being connected to the rotation shaft via the pedal connection shaft and the bracket, and the bracket rotated relative the pedal arm to a second bracket position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wheelchair configured to reposition an occupant between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair can include a frame, a seat moveable relative to the frame, a drive wheel, and one or more pairs of arm assemblies. The arm assembly includes a wheel configured to move from a first spatial location when the wheel chair is operating on flat, level ground to a second spatial location that is different than the first spatial location. Arm limiters that can selectively engage the arm assembly dependent on the position of the arm assembly and surface conditions of ground and can limit the range of motion of the arm assembly and sometimes other operational aspects of the chair.

Abstract: A selectively autonomous steering column assembly includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Yet further included is at least one signal indicating when the steering column shaft is in the driving position. When steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, direction control via the steering input device is enabled.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The vehicle occupant detection device includes a sensor unit disposed in a vehicle to detect biometric information of an occupant located in a front seat of the vehicle and a rear seat of the vehicle, a control unit analyzing the biometric information measured by the sensor unit, and an output unit outputting a warning message on the basis of the information analyzed by the control unit, wherein the control unit determines that the occupant located in the rear seat is in a dangerous state when the biometric information is not detected in the front seat but detected in the rear seat.

Abstract: A door locking device for preventing a door from opening during a side collision comprises a base having one surface provided with an outside lever and another surface provided with a door latch to extend from the outside lever to contact an extending part which has a guide part extended through the base to be horizontal with the extending part. An inner side part of the guide part has a plurality of long grooves and a plurality of short grooves which are horizontal with the extending part. A rotator is inserted into the guide part and has a plurality of long ribs and a plurality of short ribs. A cap-shaped button has a bottom surface in contact with the plurality of long ribs. A blocking lever is linked to en upper end of the button and pivotably mounted in the base.

Abstract: A method of image processing is provided. The method may include: determining a candidate tuple from at least two images that are taken at different times, wherein the candidate tuples are determined using at least odometry sensor information. The couple of subsequent images have been detected by a moving image sensor moved by a vehicle. The odometry sensor information is detected by a sensor moved by the vehicle. The method may further include classifying the candidate tuples into a static tuple or a dynamic tuple. The static tuple represents a static object within the couple of subsequent images, and the dynamic tuple represents a moving object within the couple of subsequent images.

Abstract: A driving advice apparatus includes: an operation determiner; and an advice generator. The operation determiner uses a difference between an emotion of a driver and an emotion of a passenger to determine a specific driving operation of the driver. The advice generator generates an advice for the driver about the specific driving operation on a basis of a difference between a driving feature of the driver and a driving feature of the passenger.

Abstract: An attitude estimation apparatus for estimating the attitude of a movable body includes an attitude estimation unit for estimating the roll angle of the movable body and for using a calculation process to estimate the offset error for at least one of first and second angular velocity detection units and first, second and third acceleration detection units. The attitude estimation unit includes a plurality of Kalman filters that each receive at least two or more imaginary offset quantities for a detection unit of interest, the imaginary offset quantities being different from each other. Each of the Kalman filters uses detected values from the detection units, estimated values from the previous estimation operation and the imaginary offset quantities to calculate a likelihood, which indicates how reliable the estimated values are. The attitude estimation unit weights the estimated values from the Kalman filters based on the likelihood to estimate the roll angle of the movable body.

Abstract: A structural component connected to a structural element is provided. The structural component includes an extension extending in a longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, the rear end facing the structural element. The structural component also includes a stop element protruding from a longitudinal wall of the extension. The stop element has a contact surface facing a region of the structural element. When the extension is subject to an impact creating forces in the longitudinal direction, the contact surface comes into contact with the region and transmits a part of the forces created by the impact to the region.

Abstract: A breaker device for connecting in an electrical circuit, the device includes a pyrotechnic initiator and a body having present therein: a pressurizing chamber in communication with an outlet from the pyrotechnic initiator; at least one electrically conductive portion for connection to the electrical circuit; at least one fusible element connected in series with the conductive portion, the initiator being connected to the terminals of the fusible element and the fusible element being configured to trip when the current passing through it exceeds a predetermined value, thereby actuating the initiator; and a movable breaker element; the pyrotechnic initiator being configured to cause the breaker device to pass from a current-passing first configuration to a circuit-breaking second configuration, the movable breaker element being moved on passing from the first configuration to the second in order to disconnect the conductive portion.

Abstract: A shock absorption structure has an exterior member made of a first fiber-reinforced composite material, an interior member made of a second fiber-reinforced composite material, and a first intermediate member made of resin, extending along the exterior member and the interior member, and sandwiched between the exterior member and the interior member. The first intermediate member has a lower elongation percentage than the exterior member. The first intermediate member has lower strength than the exterior member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wheelchair configured to reposition an occupant between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair can include a frame, a seat moveable relative to the frame, a drive wheel, and one or more pairs of arm assemblies. The arm assembly includes a wheel configured to move from a first spatial location when the wheel chair is operating on flat, level ground to a second spatial location that is different than the first spatial location. Arm limiters can selectively engage the arm assembly based on at least one of a seat position, position of the arm assembly and surface conditions of ground surface. The arm limiters can limit the range of motion of the arm assembly and sometimes other operational aspects of the chair.

Abstract: Arrangements related to operating an autonomous vehicle in view-obstructed environments are described. At least a portion of an external environment of the autonomous vehicle can be sensed to detect one or more objects located therein. An occupant viewable area of the external environment can be determined. It can be determined whether one or more of the detected one or more objects is located outside of the determined occupant viewable area. Responsive to determining that a detected object is located outside of the determined occupant viewable area, one or more actions can be taken. For instance, the action can include presenting an alert within the autonomous vehicle. Alternatively or in addition, the action can include causing a current driving action of the autonomous vehicle to be modified.

Abstract: A selectively autonomous steering column assembly includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Yet further included is at least one signal indicating when the steering column shaft is in the driving position. When steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, direction control via the steering input device is enabled.

Abstract: A vehicle drive assistance system is provided, which includes a processor configured to execute an individual driver model learning engine configured to build an individual driver model unique to a vehicle driver based on driving data of the driver, and an on-board controller provided in a vehicle of the driver and configured to perform particular vehicle control processing. The individual driver model learning engine analyzes a current state of the driver based on the driving data, determines recommending processing that corresponds to the analyzed state based on the individual driver model, and instructs the on-board controller to perform the recommending processing.

Abstract: A DC overcurrent protection apparatus includes an ignition current-controlled irreversible high-current switch-off element, an overcurrent detection unit which is electrically connected in a high-current path in series with the ignition current-controlled irreversible high-current switch-off element, and control contacts configured to control the ignition current-controlled irreversible high-current switch-off element. The control contacts are arranged such that they are electrically connectable to one another.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit, when switching a traveling mode of the vehicle, is configured to control an amount of torque change produced in a drive power source for traveling subjected to switching in operation upon switching of the traveling mode, such that the amount of torque change during manual driving is larger than that during autonomous driving.

Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure includes a cover; an absorber provided rearward of the cover of a vehicle, the absorber being configured to absorb energy of a collision between the cover and a collision body while allowing the cover to move rearward; a front grill provided rearward of the cover and above the absorber, the front grill being configured to move rearward along with the cover during the collision between the cover and the collision body; a radar device attached to the front grill; and a deformation limiting member provided outside a radio wave irradiation range of the radar device and in a space between the radar device and the front grill or the cover, the deformation limiting member being configured to limit deformation of the front grill or the cover to the radar device side during the collision between the cover and the collision body.

Abstract: A system for determining a state of a driver includes a face tracking device configured to detect coordinates and a direction vector of a face at intervals of a sampling time from a face image of the driver, an event detecting device configured to detect valid behavior of a vehicle as an event, and a determination device configured to determine an impaired state of the driver based on a reflex response time of the driver when the event is detected by the event detecting device.

Abstract: In some examples, a sensor device is to mount to a barrier pivotable between an open position and a closed position, the barrier being on a moveable platform. The sensor device includes an accelerometer to measure acceleration data and a rotation sensor to measure rotation about an axis. The sensor device includes at least one processor configured to determine an open/close status of the barrier based on the acceleration data and the rotation data, and an orientation of the moveable platform.

Abstract: Provided is a protection device for a vehicle electrical component capable of preventing damage to a predetermined electrical component due to hitting by a battery, and also capable of reducing noise/vibration. The disclosure is a protection device which protects a starter in a vehicle in which a battery and the starter are disposed to face each other with a space therebetween in an engine room of the vehicle in which components constituting a power plant or a power train are supported by a vehicle body via a mount and a bracket. The skid block serving as the protection device includes bracket attachment portions attached to a transmission attachment portion of the bracket, and a skid block main body extending upward from the bracket attachment portions and gradually away from the bracket extension portion, and having a distal end portion positioned between the battery and the starter and facing the battery.

Abstract: The present invention proposes power battery pre-charge system and device for an electric vehicle, said power battery pre-charge device comprises a pre-charge circuit formed by a current source circuit and a bus capacitor, wherein said current source circuit provides a current for charging the bus capacitor, wherein said current source circuit includes a triode, a first resistor, a second resistor and at least two high-voltage MOSFET transistors. The power battery pre-charge system and device for an electric vehicle as disclosed in the present invention have high charging efficiency, low cost and low failure rate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a point cloud comprising several points, wherein each point corresponds to a location on a surface of an object located in three-dimensional space; determining whether each point in the point cloud is part of a linear structure, a planar structure, or a volumetric structure; identifying a plurality of point clusters, wherein each point cluster comprises one or more points that are located within a grid segment on a two-dimensional grid derived from the three-dimensional space; determining, for each point cluster, whether the point cluster represents a vertical-linear structure or a portion of a vertical-linear structure; identifying one or more point-cluster pairs, wherein each point-cluster pair includes two point clusters corresponding to one or more vertical-linear structures within a threshold distance in the three-dimensional space; and determining, for each point-cluster pair, whether a line-of-sight exists between each point-cluster in the point-cluster pa

Abstract: An underrun protection system for arranging on a rear of a vehicle includes a crossmember and two support arms for supporting the crossmember and for mounting on a mounting structure of the vehicle. The underrun protection system further includes two connecting devices for mounting the crossmember on the support arms. The connecting devices serve as reinforcing parts for the partial reinforcement of the crossmember and/or the connecting devices are designed for adjustability along the crossmember.

Abstract: A device for destroying dangerous objects such as shells, munitions or other charges that are to be destroyed by detonating them, which device includes a packaging produced from a flat blank folded on itself along three folds, four folds or more in order to form at least three sides and two half, four sides or four sides and a flap for closing the packaging which is produced in the form of a tubular package of polygonal and notably square or rectangular cross section once the flat blank has been folded up, with explosive charges placed on the sides that are to be folded, the flat blank being of dimensions suited to being able to house, in the middle of the tubular package in contact with the explosive charges, one or more of the dangerous objects that are to be destroyed.

Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag, straps, and strap covers. The airbag is stored in a cowl portion. The airbag configured to be deployed on the front surface side of windshield glass, and to cover the cowl portion and front pillars at least in part. A first end of each of the straps is attached to an upper portion of an outer surface of the airbag in the vehicle up-down direction and a second end of each of the straps is attached to the cowl portion. The straps pass between the airbag and the strap covers. The strap covers are sewn to the outer surface of the airbag and cover the straps.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for aligning a bellhousing without a centered opening at the transmission mounting surface to an engine block. The device and method of using the device permit the alignment of the bellhousing to be performed without requiring the user remove a portion of the transmission for use in the alignment process.

Abstract: A method for operating a hill hold controller of a motor vehicle including at least one parking brake. The parking brake is disengaged according to an actuation of a gas pedal of the motor vehicle. The disengagement of the parking brake is released according to a variable representing a road gradient. The release to disengage the parking brake is granted, independently of the variable and/or the availability of the variable, when the gas pedal of the motor vehicle reaches or exceeds a predefinable release position by way of the actuation thereof.

Abstract: The pedestrian safety system includes a vehicle crossing arm system, an alarm annunciator, a plurality of sensors, and an in-vehicle display device. The vehicle crossing arm system may include a crossing arm and a crossing arm motor. Methods of using the pedestrian safety system function to detect movement of pedestrians in proximity to a vehicle are disclosed. In particular, for detecting movement of children in proximity to a school bus.

Abstract: A system and method for determining when a trailer is located behind a vehicle includes at least one detection device configured to detect objects located behind the vehicle and a processor. The processor is in communication with the at least one detection device and a plurality of signals generated by the vehicle. The processor receives data from the at least one detection device. The data includes a plurality of targets detected by the at least one detection device. Next, the processor determines if one or more clusters exists and clusters the targets into at least one cluster to form cluster features when one or more clusters exist. The processor determines vehicle state based on the vehicle dynamic features from the plurality of signals generated by the vehicle as well as global features from data from the at least one detection device and determines when the trailer is located behind the vehicle based on the cluster features, the vehicle state, and/or the global features.

Abstract: A metering system includes a first meter roller, such that the first meter roller includes many protrusions, such that each protrusion of the many protrusions drives flowable particulate material downwardly in response to rotation of the first meter roller. Furthermore, the metering system includes a drive shaft that is driven in rotation and a first transmission assembly that establishes a first direct mechanical linkage between the drive shaft and the first meter roller, such that the first transmission assembly shifts between a first plurality of gear ratios to drive the first meter roller in rotation at a respective first plurality of different speeds relative to the drive shaft.

Abstract: An electrically power assisted bicycle includes an electric motor, a detachable battery that supplies electric power to at least the electric motor, and an operation panel including a controller configured or programmed to control the display in a time display area and a built-in battery that supplies electric power to the controller. When the detachable battery is attached to the electrically power assisted bicycle and the electrically power assisted bicycle is in a power-on state, the controller is supplied with the electric power from the detachable battery. When the electrically power assisted bicycle is turned on from a power-off state in a state where a remaining capacity of the built-in battery is insufficient, the controller displays, in the time display area, information indicating that the remaining capacity of the built-in battery is insufficient.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The vehicle includes a seat-base coupled to a seatback. A guide-channel and an armrest are coupled to at least one of the seatback and the seat-base. A carrier having an airbag is slidably coupled to the guide-channel, wherein the carrier is operable between a stowed position and a use position. The carrier is disposed vehicle downward of the armrest while in the stowed position. An airbag deployment side of the carrier is generally directed seating assembly rearward while the carrier is in the use position.

Abstract: Apparatus detecting driving incapability state of a driver includes: a head detection portion that successively detects a head portion, which is higher than a neck of the driver, based on an image of a driver's seat captured by an imaging device mounted in a vehicle; and an out-of-frame state detection portion that detects that the driver is incapable of driving, when the head portion detected by the head detection portion is out of a predetermined scope in the image during travelling of the vehicle.

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

Abstract: The truck snow-melting system comprises a pair of three-port diverting valves which may, under electrical control from within the cab of a truck, be transitioned between directing exhaust gases out of the vehicle's exhaust pipe and directing exhaust gases to a left transport pipe and a right transport pipe. The left transport pipe directs exhaust gases to a left exhaust outlet located in front of driven wheels on the left side of the truck and the right transport pipe directs exhaust gases to a right exhaust outlet located in front of driven wheels on the right side of the truck. The exhaust gases melt wintery precipitation so that the truck may gain traction. A plurality of adjustment points allow the horizontal and vertical positions of the exhaust outlets to be changed.

Abstract: A gearshift assembly for a transmission includes a shift lever which is mounted for pivotal movement in a select direction between a shifting gate for automatic mode and a shifting gate for manual mode. The gearshift assembly also includes a return mechanism including a push member, an electric motor mechanically acting on the shift lever through the push member, a driven member connected to the push member, a spring acting between the push member and the driven member, and a blocking element which can be actuated to move out of a blocking position in which the blocking element blocks the movement of the shift lever from the shifting gate for automatic mode to the shifting gate for manual mode. The return mechanism also includes a wheel drivable for rotation by the electric motor.

Abstract: A system for detecting an occupant in a vehicle seat that includes a sensing electrode located in a seat bottom of a vehicle seat. The system also includes a shield electrode located in the vehicle seat below the sensing electrode. A sensing circuit is operatively coupled to the sensing electrode and the shield electrode. A controller is operatively coupled to the sensing circuit, wherein the controller operates to configure the sensing circuit to apply current to the shield and sensing electrodes. The controller is configured to detect the presence of an object in the seat by comparing a measure of the quadrature component of the sensing current to a threshold wherein the measure is adjusted by an offset value that varies based on a value of a non-volatile counter.