Abstract: A wireless switching system includes a central transmitter unit which generates a plurality of electromagnetic frequencies. A plurality of switches within the electromagnetic field each selectively open and close a resonant circuit having a unique resonant frequency. When the user activated switch closes its associated resonant circuit, the resonant circuit consumes energy from the electromagnetic field at its resonant frequency. The central transmitter unit detects this energy consumption and the frequency at which the energy consumption occured and consequently activates a vehicle function associated with the closed user activated switch.

Abstract: A steering wheel control system (10) that employs a method for passing push-button commands from a steering wheel to a vehicle system where the method is not dependant upon the contact resistance of a sliding contact (32) located in the steering wheel column. The control system (10) uses a steering wheel electronics assembly (20) to generate tones corresponding to the commands, a signal transmission assembly (30) to transmit the tones from the electronics assembly (20) to an electronic control box (40) located elsewhere in the vehicle, and the electronic control box (40) to decode the transmitted tone. The use of discrete frequencies avoids operational problems associated with decreases in the overall system noise margin due to large voltage drops across the sliding contact (32). Furthermore, the use of off-the-shelf tone generation and decoding components allows for an (overall reduction in system cost and increase in system reliability.

Abstract: A rotatable connector with a turning angle detecting function wherein two concentric housing grooves are formed on the opposite surfaces of a stator core and a rotor core which face each other across an air gap; the coils being housing in the housing grooves; there are formed projection-depression portions which have projections and depressions alternately formed continuously at a specific pitch along the circumferential direction on both sides of outer coil pair; and a signal is transmitted from the stationary side to the movable side via the inner coils of the stator core and the rotor core, to thereby generate an angle signal by utilizing a change in magnetic resistance between the projection-depression portions in synchronization with the rotation of the rotor core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for a motor vehicle security system relating to immobilizing and enabling of a fuel pump for a motor vehicle engine. The system comprises data input means for receiving driver verification data, an engine control unit (ECU) including an ECU processor for controlling engine operation, a pump control unit (PCU) including a PCU processor for controlling the fuel pump, the PCU being separate from the ECU and integrally housed with the fuel pump. Communication links permit communication between the data input means and ECU, and between the ECU and PCU. The ECU processor is activated to control the PCU when valid driver verification data is received. The PCU processor is then activated to communicate a challenge code to the ECU. The ECU and PCU processors then compute respectively a first and a second response code associated with the challenge code.

Abstract: In a current interrupter for a battery lead for motor vehicles, with a contact element between the two connecting parts for their electrical connection and with an auxiliary drive for separating the two connecting parts, contact element applies only a transverse force that is directed essentially perpendicularly to the connecting parts. A retaining force which is directed opposite to the action of the auxiliary drive is mainly applied at one point and is spatially separated from the contact element.

Abstract: A gauge assembly is provided including a terminal carrier including a base portion, a head portion extending from a first side of the base portion, and a plurality of legs extending from a second side of the base portion. The head portion includes a twist lock locking element disposed on a side thereof. A bobbin and coil assembly is supported by the terminal carrier. The bobbin and coil assembly rotatably supports a spindle and magnet. A plurality of electrical terminals extend through the base portion of the terminal carrier and terminate at one end into a bent contact portion adjacent to the head portion which engage electrical contact pads disposed on the printed circuit board. The electrical terminals have a second end electrically connected to a coil of the bobbin and coil assembly.

Abstract: In a system of wire-bus linked control devices with a reduced bias current requirement, all of the control devices are permanently connected to two bus bars for operational power supply, and the bus bars in turn are connected permanently with the supply poles of an operating current source. One of the control devices is equipped with a standby operating function with prompting readiness, and is continuously active in prompting readiness. Apart from its communications connection with the bus the latter control device has at least one separate signal input through which it can be prompted as well as a control output which, when the normal operating state of this control device is reached (from prompting readiness), can deliver a connect signal. Each of the other control devices has internal control means for controlling its power supply from the two bus bars and a connect control input to which a control signal for activating the internal means can be supplied.

Abstract: A vehicular use power distribution apparatus includes a battery mounted in a vehicle; a main control means connected directly to the battery; a first switch means connected to the battery; a power feed line for loads connected to the first switch means and supplying power to loads mounted in the vehicle; a second switch means connected to the battery; a power feed line for control means connected to the second switch means and controlling the loads; and a sub control means connected to the power feed line for control means. In a first state, the main control means sets the first switch means and the second switch means to a connection state so as to supply power from the battery to the power feed line for loads and the power feed line for control means.

Abstract: An interface communicates with a computer mounted in a vehicle. The interface includes an input device, adapted to be removed from the vehicle, having a first electrical connector. A docking site, having a second electrical connector adapted to receive the first electrical connector, is mounted in the vehicle for supporting the input device. A communication cable connects the second electrical connector to the computer thereby providing a communication path between the input device and the computer. In one embodiment, the input device includes a transmitter circuit for producing and transmitting wireless control signals. In this manner, the input device may be used to remotely control an electrical accessory device in the vehicle, such as a door lock/unlock motor. In another embodiment, the input device is used to enable the engine ignition system of the vehicle. In this manner, the vehicle may be started without an ignition key yet still be protected against theft.

Abstract: A light leakage preventing structure of a combination meter includes: a plurality of scale plates being arranged so that their edges face each other with a gap being provided therebetween; and a light shielding member to be mounted to rear surfaces of facing portions of the edges. In the structure: the edges of the facing portions of the scale plates are formed into a flat plate shape; and the light shielding member has a dark space opened towards the facing portions.

Abstract: A method and device for switching an inductor are described. A first terminal of the inductor may be connected to ground via a first switching device. A second terminal of the inductor is always connected to a voltage power supply. A second inductor may be connected to ground via a second switching device. The energy released in the second inductor when the current flow is interrupted is used to switch the first inductor.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle includes a controller for learning a unique code of a remote transmitter to define a learned remote transmitter capable of causing performance of a function associated with the vehicle, for example. The controller performs remote transmitter verification to generate an indication relating to whether a new uniquely coded remote transmitter has been learned by the controller. The remote control system is advantageously used, in one embodiment, for a vehicle security system. Transmitter verification may also be incorporated in a remote keyless entry system, remote engine starting system, and a door access system, for example. In one embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon the controller being recently entered into the remote transmitter learning mode. According to another embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon a number of learned remote transmitters, a change in that number, or a change in a learned code of a remote transmitter.

Abstract: According to the present invention, underneath a vehicle power window button face a pair of cams are sized such that depression of the face a first distance causes momentary window movement whereas depression of the face a second distance causes express window movement. In the alternative, bumpers for receiving the cams and causing switch actuation can be sized or contoured such that depression of the face a first distance causes momentary window movement whereas depression of the face a second distance causes express window movement.

Abstract: Motorized operating mechanisms for vehicle portal closure members, such as windows, sunroofs, sliding doors, hatches, or convertible tops are common in modern automobiles. Inadvertent operation of such closure members, however, has been known to cause injury and entrapment when such a member is directed to close at an inappropriate moment. A vehicle entrapment prevention system is provided which prevents undesired and possibly injurious operation of such a vehicle portal closure member. Undesired operation often occurs when younger occupants, such as small children, accidentally trigger the operating mechanism, which can cause the closure member to entrap an unsuspecting victim. Such an entrapment prevention system ensures safe operation by determining the presence of a responsible operator through the use of various sensors, and permits operation of a portal closure member only in the presence of such a responsible operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit layout for a serial transmission and reception interface, in particular for a vehicle occupant protection system, as well as a procedure for controlling the same. Existing central units, in particular vehicle occupant protection systems, featured in most cases separate serial transmission and reception interfaces for the various modules to be connected, causing costs to increase whenever an additional diagnosis module is to be connected. By means of a switchable circuit layout for the interface, this will be connected either to a communication module or to the diagnosis module. The circuit layout is particularly simple and space-saving, being set up by means of diode switches, and preferably features a potential tapping point for automatic switchover into diagnosis mode.

Abstract: When a control unit for controlling a 2-motor-3-relay type locking system makes a transition to, for example, an N/L (lock) state, the two motors are turned on or off such that operation timings of the motors are shifted from each other by a period of time longer than a shift amount (variation) of required operation times of the relays.

Abstract: A vehicle safety apparatus (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (44) and first and second electrically actuatable devices (30, 32) for, when actuated, effecting flow of inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable device. The apparatus (12) further includes an electrical connector (10) electrically connected with the first and second actuatable devices (30, 32) for supplying electric current to the first and second electrically actuatable devices. The electrical connector (10) includes electrical components, such as diodes, (80, 82) responsive to the direction of current flow through the electrical connector for actuating a selected one of the first and second actuatable devices (30, 32).

Abstract: Described herein is an in-dash automotive accessory having a detachable faceplate with a keypad and a medium resolution color graphics display. The graphic display has a rectangular array of addressable pixels. A serial interface is used to transfer data to and from the faceplate. Although the serial interface has a clock rate of only 7.5 MHz, it allows refreshing of a 64.times.256 pixel display panel at a 70 Hz pixel refresh rate. This is accomplished through a variety of techniques, including the use of efficient command code protocol, by packing or compressing pixel intensity data, and by double buffering incoming control messages.

Abstract: In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

Abstract: A system for controlling power in a remote signalling device includes an electronic controller, a transmitter portion and a signal conditioning portion. The electronic controller preferably determines the characteristics of the desired transmitted signal and provides information regarding those characteristics to the transmitter portion. The electronic controller also provides a power control signal to the transmitter portion. The controller determines the characteristics of the power control signal depending on the characteristics of the desired transmitted signal and other preselected factors. The power control signal preferably is processed by the signal conditioning portion so that it provides the desired voltage to the transmitter portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle tailgate of the type in which the tailgate carries a series of accessories, characterized in that a least some of the accessories are pre-mounted on a mounting plate which is attached to the tailgate on the inside of an external cladding panel of the tailgate and which carries a local managing circuit for connecting the accessories to electric circuits of the vehicle for supplying power to, controlling and monitoring the accessories.

Abstract: A display unit is provided, the display unit including a housing configured for mounting to the ceiling of an automobile, and a screen mounted on the housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the screen is at least partially embedded in the ceiling and a deployed position wherein the screen projects from the housing to reveal a viewing surface of the screen. When the screen is deployed, the viewing surface typically is at an angle of between approximately 45-degrees and 90-degrees from horizontal, promoting viewability of the screen.

Abstract: A control circuit for an air-bag mounted in a motor vehicle comprises an acceleration sensor for producing an acceleration signal indicative of acceleration of the vehicle, an ignition timing circuit for processing the acceleration signal to predict the time when a passenger's head will reach a front surface of the air-bag in fully deployed condition and producing a first air-bag deploying signal in accordance with the predicted time, and a damage discrimination circuit for processing the acceleration signal and judging the need of activation of the air-bag when the cumulative effect of the acceleration exceeds a predetermined limit. The damage discrimination circuit produces a second air-bag deploying signal when judging the need of activation of the air-bag. A so-called AND circuit is further employed which actually activates the air-bag when receiving the first and second air-bag deploying signals concurrently.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes a reverse image display and a rearview mirror. The reverse image display is positioned rearwardly of a driver of the vehicle such that an image of the message being displayed is reflected from the rearview mirror and received in reverse order and thus readable by the driver. A control may be included which activates the reverse image display in response to an input and may vary the intensity, color and/or frequency of repeat of the display in response to other inputs. The control may convey multiple messages through a single reverse image display or through multiple displays.

Abstract: Proposed is a control device (50) for a windshield wiper that serves in actuating a further window wiper. The control device (50), having an inventive embodiment, includes a control (18), whose signal output (20) provides first control signals (42) for actuating the windshield wiper, preferably a front windshield wiper (26) of a motor vehicle, and whose further signal output (22) provides further control signals (42) for actuating a further windshield wiper, preferably a rear window wiper (30).

Abstract: A two terminal dual battery with a micro-processor base controller is incorporated into a single unit. Two 12 volt batteries are contained in a single housing sharing a common negative terminal and a single positive terminal. The auxiliary battery is permanently coupled to the external terminals of the battery. A starter section may be coupled to the external battery terminals in parallel with the auxiliary section using a latching electromechanical relay. The relay is controlled by the micro-processor in response to external inputs and battery parameters. One section of the battery is constructed for deep cyclic uses and normally provides power to run auxiliary loads while the other battery section is constructed to fulfill requirements of low internal resistance and efficient low duration high current output.

Abstract: The disclosed invention comprises an electronic control circuit for transferring power and data signals between an electronic circuit associated with a vehicle steering column and an electronic circuit associated with a vehicle steering wheel. Communication between the column circuit and the wheel circuit is accomplished by a rotary transformer having a primary and a secondary magnetic coil, wherein the primary magnetic coil is associated with the steering column and the secondary magnetic coil is associated with the steering wheel. The column circuit and the wheel circuit both include data signals that are transferred to the other across the rotary transformer. The column circuit also includes a power supply which provides power to the wheel circuit across the rotary transformer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system of an auxiliary power system for a hybrid electric vehicle in which a circuit of the control system of the auxiliary power system is constructed by a digital method. The control system has a function for monitoring a battery charging state and a function for controlling an engine at a constant speed. The auxiliary power system for a hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine, a generator, a battery, and a load. The control system includes a rectifier, a first shunt circuit, a smoothing circuit, a contactor, a main control circuit portion, an engine constant-speed control portion, an auxiliary battery, DC/DC converter, a battery charge voltage monitoring portion, a control state display portion, and a second shunt circuit.

Abstract: A circuit for current limiting in a protection system, in particular for the firing of the firing pellet of an airbag system. The circuit has a switched-mode regulator connected to a low-pass filter that cooperate to limit the average and the peak value of the current flowing through the firing pellet. The switched mode regulator has switches that are switched on when the current flowing through the firing pellet falls below a reference value.

Abstract: A display unit is provided, the display unit including a housing configured for mounting to the ceiling of an automobile, and a screen mounted on the housing for pivot about a first axis between a stowed position wherein the screen is embedded in the ceiling and a deployed position wherein the screen projects from the housing to reveal a viewing surface of the screen. The screen also is pivotal about a second axis transverse to the first axis, promoting viewability of the screen.

Abstract: A vehicle-equipment control apparatus comprises a plurality of types of control instruction units respectively having different switch functions and incorporating different diode-connected circuits therein, unit mounting portions to which the plurality of types of control instruction units are mountable, and a control instruction unit determinator which, when any of the plurality of types of control instruction units is fit to the unit mounting portions, determines the type of the fit control instruction unit based on the output of each built-in diode-connected circuit. In this case, the diode-connected circuit is made up of two or more diodes or comprised of two or more diodes and one resistor.

Abstract: A steering wheel (10) is proposed, especially for controlling a motor vehicle, which is provided with a device that detects the elastic deformation of the sheath of the steering wheel (10) caused by its being gripped by the driver, and which controls vehicle-specific functions on the basis of this deformation. To that end, a fiber-optical sensor is mounted on the steering wheel (10). This sensor has an optical fiber (14), into which a transmitter (16) injects a light signal (16.1), which is received by a pickup (18). Exertions of pressure or force on the optical fiber (14) cause a change in polarization of the light signal (16.1), which is evaluated by an evaluation circuit (15) to form a driver signal (20.x).

Abstract: There is provided a control circuit which can perform a control of opening and closing an opening/closing device, a sun roof in a vehicle, or the like. Usually, an I UP direction current is supplied to a motor 9 according to an ON-operation by an UP switch 3, and an I DOWN direction current is supplied to a motor 9 according to an ON-operation by a DOWN switch 5. If any failures occur, even if the I UP direction current is supplied to the motor 9 when the UP switch 3 is not on-operated, in accordance with the ON-operation of the DOWN switch 5, the current is switched over to the I DOWN direction, and then, is supplied to the motor 9.

Abstract: A window wiper motor system for an automotive vehicle includes an incremental wiper position detection device. A window wiper feedback pattern is disposed on a stationary circuit board mounted within a gear enclosure with its electronic components facing inwardly toward a main gear. A low profile, flip chip integrated circuit attachment to the printed circuit board is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating between a host and a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle including an on board computer system having a bus for communicating with a plurality of motor vehicle systems. The apparatus includes an electronic tag having a transceiver for transmitting data to and receiving data from the host, a memory for storing bus requests and bus response data, a decoder for decoding requests from the host, a bus interface for reading data from and writing data to the bus, a controller and a filter. The bus interface extracts responses from the bus responsive to requests from the host. The responses may be stored in the memory. The controller is responsive to write requests from the host to transfer data to the bus interface and responsive to read requests from the host to transfer data stored in memory back to the host. The filter is operable to filter responses received from the bus and includes a filter database.

Abstract: Circuitry, particularly for function modules that can be fitted in a motor vehicle and can be connected to a voltage supply and/or a control circuit. A central unit (12) is provided that includes at least one circuit arrangement (16, 36) for all of the function modules (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 56, 58, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 96, 98), for conditioning voltage and/or control signals to be used by the modules; the central unit (12) is connected to the function modules, and the function modules are connected among themselves, by a bus system (62, 66). Moreover, the control unit (12) is coupled to a driver information module (40) by mechanical connections.

Abstract: A power supply unit for use by on-vehicle equipment, including a booster portion and a circuit portion. The booster portion boosts a supply voltage from an onboard battery of a vehicle and feeds the boosted supply voltage to the circuit portion. The booster portion is separated from the circuit portion and located close to the onboard battery of the vehicle.

Abstract: A charge transfer load sensor. A first and second electrode are disposed a fixed distance apart, and a third electrode is disposed between the first and second electrodes. The third electrode is grounded and its position between the first and second electrodes varies in response to an applied force. A switch arrangement applies a predetermined voltage level to the first electrode and couples the second electrode to ground during a first predetermined timing interval. During a second predetermined timing interval, the first electrode is coupled to the second electrode to transfer the charge of a first capacitor formed by the first and third electrodes to a second capacitor formed by the second and third electrodes. An output port coupled to the second electrode provides an output voltage as a function of the applied force.

Abstract: An improved driver interface system provides prompts to an operator to adjust several vehicle parameters. In this way, the operator is assured to adjust the necessary components upon start up of the vehicle. This is particularly important when the driver is unfamiliar with the car, as with a rental car. In one embodiment, the driver may be provided with a transmitter that stores desired settings for at least some parameters. The transmitter can then transmit the operator's desired parameters to a control, and the vehicle components can then begin to be moved to the desired positions as the operator approaches the vehicle. In other aspects of this invention, improved switches are disclosed. A rotary switch rotates on a steering wheel rim. This switch is easily accessible to an operator, and does not require the operator to divert attention from the road. A second type switch includes an element which is sensitive to touch by the operator.

Abstract: 1. An integrated vehicle and building alarm system for protecting at least one vehicle located adjacent a building, comprising at least one vehicle alarm device, located within the vehicle, having means for detecting an intrusion into the vehicle, means for producing an audible alert in response to said intrusion, and means for activating an alarm signal when said intrusion occurs. The system also comprises a building alarm device having a plurality of input ports corresponding to a number of protected zones, the device is located within the building and has means for detecting the alarm signal on the input ports. In addition, the device has means for generating an alert signal when an alarm signal occurs. A junction box, having at least one input port and at least one output port, is located inside the building. An attachment cable is electrically connected between the vehicle alarm device and the input port of the junction box.

Abstract: A process for replacing a multi-functional original installed harness for a harness or cable for a mobile vehicle in a efficient and time saving manner. More specifically, the procedure involves: (i) identifying the critical electrically engaged components engaged to a multi-functional original installed harness for an engine that requires replacement; (ii) disconnecting the original installed electrical harness from only those critical components; (iii) running an electrical service overlay harness physically adjacent to the original harness; and (iv) engaging the critical components to the service overlay harness. This triage-like repair saves a significant amount of time and effort.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system for allowing a user to easily align a hitch of a vehicle with a trailer hitch. The inventive device includes a control that is mountable to a visor of the vehicle in view of the driver, a receiver unit attachable to the bumper of the vehicle and in communication with the control unit, a transmitter unit removably attachable to a trailer hitch that transmits a locating signal that is detectable by the receiver unit, and a storage case. Electronic circuitry within the control unit determines the position of the transmitter unit from the receiver unit from the reception of the locating signal. The control unit includes a turn right indicator and a turn left indicator for visually indicating to the user whether to turn left or right while backing toward the conventional trailer. The control unit also includes a buzzer and stop indicator light for indicating to the user when the ball hitch is positioned below the coupler of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: An operating device with a two-dimensional dialogue movement for selecting and calling functions and groups of functions, especially for use in motor vehicles. The dialogue can be moved in a first dimension by rotating a rotary switch that is in a first axial position. The dialogue can be moved in a second dimension by turning the rotary switch which is in a second axial position. The selected functions or groups of functions can be called by another switch. A device feeds back the selected functions or groups of functions optically, acoustically, and/or haptically.

Abstract: A short prevention control apparatus of an air conditioner for electric vehicles comprises a circuit breaker for a high voltage power source used to drive a compressor of the air conditioner, a drive circuit for driving a compressor motor and a short detecting circuit connected between a coupling wire and ground, wherein the wire connects the circuit breaker and the drive circuit. The short detecting circuit detects a short at a position between ground and a polar bus terminal of the drive circuit or an internal terminal of the compressor motor, when supply of a high voltage direct current is interrupted by the circuit breaker. A short in the air compressor side may be detected and determined without affecting the running of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: An instrument panel unit for easily assembling a number of parts by eliminating instrument panel sublines, wherein the instrument panel is provided with a plurality of windows on a front wall thereof, a first fixture guide is attached to a position where corresponds to the respective windows at the back of the front wall, a second fixture guide is respectively attached at the back of the front wall of the instrument panel, function parts, such as center displays, second displays at the driver seat, and safety functions such as an air bag system at passenger seat, are installed in the respective windows of the instrument panel unit, control parts are also accommodated in the instrument panel unit for controlling the function parts, and a circuit element is provided within the instrument panel unit along the back of the front wall, which circuit element has branches extending to the first and second fixture guides and connecting the function parts and the control parts with each other through connectors attache

Abstract: A driver switch 1 moves a slider 9 supported in a recess 12 provided on a control equipment main body 4 through an arm 8 integrated with a knob 7. On the slider 9, a movable contact 10 is provided, which contacts with stationary contacts formed on an auto circuit board 11 piled on a rear face of the control equipment main body 4 and can switch a manual operation and an auto operation. This output of the driver switch 1, in either case of the manual operation and the auto operation, controls a motor of the driver side window through the relay 18. An assistant side switch is a manual switch and controls directly the motor of an assistant side window through operating a manual circuit integrated with the control equipment main body 4 by the switch formed thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle memory mirror system includes a vehicle mirror assembly and a control module. The vehicle mirror assembly includes a reflective element, a motor for positioning the reflective element about an axis, a monitor for monitoring the position of the reflective element with respect to the axis, and a mirror-based control including a position control which is operatively connected with the motor and the monitor in order to position the reflective element at a particular position. The control module is interconnected with the mirror-based control by an analog interface and includes a processor for providing analog signals on the analog interface indicative of a desired position of the reflective element with respect to the axis. The mirror-based control preferably includes a servo-amplifier circuit. The control module can control the speed of movement by formatting a series of sequential signals on the interface, each representing an incremental movement of the reflective element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security system for a motor vehicle opening leaf, comprising at lest one sensor capable of emitting or of receiving an electromagnetic signal so as to detect, remotely, the presence of a user's hand, wherein the hand-detecting means comprise an internal module which contains the control circuit and which is arranged on the inside of the bodywork panel, and an external module comprising at least one casing which bears the sensor, and the external and internal modules comprise means of connecting the sensor to the control circuit, which automatically come into contact with one another when the two modules are mounted on the opening leaf.

Abstract: A central control panel (P) and accessory control components (U2, U3) are selected in correspondence with the type of vehicle, and are electrically and mechanically integrally connected to each other together with a signal control component (U1). The control components (U1-U3) are stored in an opening portion (2) of an instrument panel (1), and the opening portion is covered by the central control panel (P). Upon operation of a given switch (7) on the central control panel (P), a switch signal is output to the signal control component (U1), which outputs an activation signal representing the activation condition corresponding to the switch signal to the accessory control components (U2, U3), and the accessory control components (U2, U3) output display control signals according to the activation signal to the central control panel (P).

Abstract: In the case of a process for the wireless transmission of energy and data between two parts, preferably the steering wheel and the steering column of a vehicle, having a transformer-type transmitter and consisting of a primary and secondary winding assigned to the parts, and a rectangular carrier frequency on the primary side, the data transmission is carried out in one direction by the modulation of the carrier signal and in the other direction outside the switching flanks of the carrier signal.