Abstract:
A tire pressure monitoring system identifies tire locations by recognizing that certain characteristics are unique to front-located tires verses rear-located tires as well as left-side tires and right-side tires. A control circuit is coupled to a temperature sensor and an accelerometer for each tire to receive information processed to discriminate between left and right and front and rear tires, respectively. With this information and a pressure signal, the monitoring system provides the operator with tire location and pressure information without reprogramming upon tire rotation. The system also alerts the operator to run-flat tire operational constraints.
Abstract:
A compass circuit has a magnetic field sensor adapted to be positioned in a vehicle near a source of varying magnetic fields. A detector is coupled to the compass circuit for providing a signal applied to the compass circuit which responds for displaying the compass heading prior to the magnetic field disturbance to provide accurate heading information. In a preferred embodiment, the detector senses when a door is opened and the compass heading prior to the opening of the door is displayed.
Abstract:
A modular electronic system for vehicles employing a microprocessor to facilitate the implementation of additional vehicular features embodied in electronic accessory modules. The system includes a housing with separate mounting areas for receiving at least one of a plurality of plug-in electrical modules and one of a plurality of display boards for displaying information relating to associated modules.
Abstract:
A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.
Abstract:
Vehicles embodying the present invention include a receiver, demodulator and control circuit which interfaces with various vehicle options to allow receipt of a vehicle address and control signal which is a personalization code to control the operation of one or more vehicle accessories. A display is provided for the display of information to the vehicle operator confirming the state of operation of an option change or addition when has been requested by the vehicle operator. In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle includes a display for displaying a telephone number from a land-based paging system to the vehicle operator. In another embodiment of the present invention, the receiver demodulator and display unit receives alpha-numeric information when allows messages and/or telephone numbers to be displayed to the vehicle operator. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, one vehicle personalization control system provides anti-theft protection such that upon receipt of a predetermined code, once the vehicle ignition has been turned off, the vehicle cannot be restarted.
Abstract:
A mounting assembly for a vehicle rearview mirror has breakaway capability and includes a base for attachment to an interior portion of a vehicle and a support for releasable attachment to the base. A rearview mirror assembly is mounted on an end of said support. The support and base include removable electrical connectors for removably, electrically connecting any one of a variety of selectable electrical circuits in the rearview mirror assembly to wiring in the vehicle roof structure. A spring clip is provided to releasably connect the support member to the base such that a predetermined level of force is required to cause the support to release from the base and thereby permit the rearview mirror to break away.
Abstract:
A universal connector mechanically couples any one or more of a variety of accessories to a vehicle. The universal connector comprises a first mounting member, which can extend along a section of a vehicle such as a door panel, instrument panel or the like and can be mounted in recessed relationship to the vehicle. The universal connector also includes a second mounting member associated with each accessory and shaped to lockably and removably engage the first mounting member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the mounting members is made of a resilient material to allow a snap-fit interconnection of the two members.
Abstract:
An illuminated vanity mirror assembly for a sun visor includes a resistor screen-printed on a polymeric film substrate mounted adhesively to the back face of a glass mirror. A wiper arm is coupled to the resistor for providing a variable resistance to control the illumination from a lamp coupled to the variable resistance.
Abstract:
A flexible sun shading membrane has an edge coupled to a window frame and an opposite edge attached to a moveable member which has at least two stable positions, one being closed adjacent and conforming to the window frame and a second position extended and lowered from the window frame to stretch the membrane into a sun blocking position.