Abstract:
A visor display includes a the visor body having a window to which a display is movably mounted such that the display, when the visor is in one of a raised or lowered use position, is visible through the window and, when the visor is moved to the other of the raised or lowered positions, the display can be moved to be directly visible. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the visor display includes a display housing movable into a storage pocket in the visor body and movable from a closed position where the display is aligned with a window formed through the visor body to an open position where the display is visible when the visor window is adjacent the vehicle roof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the visor window was formed in a vanity mirror in an area of the vanity mirror which is otherwise covered with a reflective material such that the display is viewed through the front surface of the mirror window. In another embodiment, the visor includes a housing for a display which provides a display surface extending to opposite sides of the visor to display information regardless of the visor position.
Abstract:
A warning system automatically alerts a vehicle operator to the fact that the next available exit should be taken for a desired or necessary service such as refueling. The system includes a source of information providing the current vehicle location as well as a source of information identifying the location of available selected service locations closest to each of the next two exits of a limited access highway. The system in a preferred embodiment includes a source of information indicating the available range of the vehicle (distance to empty or D.T.E.) and a microprocessor for calculating when the driver should take the next available exit to reach the desired service. The system further includes a suitable alarm which may be an audible alarm, a visual alarm or both to alert the vehicle operator that the next available exit should be taken.
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:
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:
A vehicle includes a mirror mounted near the roof for reflecting an image generated by a display source. The display source and mirror are shaped and positioned to provide a virtual image of the image generated by the display source which is focused at infinity.
Abstract:
A vehicle control system includes a microcontroller based switch programmable module which allows a variety of different vehicle options to be selectively actuated by different vehicle users. In one embodiment a remote transmitter provides a unique user code and the control system includes the capability of programming the transmitter code to allow use of multiple transmitters with different codes for different users.
Abstract:
A vehicle accessory includes a reflective element for reflecting light to a photo-sensor positioned within the accessory's housing for controllably detecting an ambient light level. The vehicle accessory may also include a display source for generating vehicle information which is positioned in the housing to utilize the reflective element to also reflect an image from the display source to a driver of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A visor system includes a generally planar visor body having parallel guide rails extending along opposite sides and extending beyond the visor body. The rails preferably have a circular cross-section and are slideably received in a pair of spaced polymeric guide tracks having slots of corresponding cross-section. The guide tracks in the preferred embodiment are defined by extruded members mounted in parallel spaced relationship to each other on the vehicle headliner for sliding movement of the visor panel in the space between the vehicle roof and the headliner. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rails are defined by a polymeric U-shaped circular rod extending around three sides of the visor panel and can be integrally formed with the visor panel or separately attached thereto.
Abstract:
An electrical transmission control employs in one embodiment, a rotary dial switch as a gear selector control which includes a plug means for connecting the switch directly into a receiving socket mounted to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle includes a plurality of sockets such that the gear selector control can be mounted at a preferred one of the locations. In another embodiment, the selector switch is a slide type switch. The switch can be removed from the socket and/or vehicle for providing anti-theft security preventing the transmission from being shifted without the gear selected control.
Abstract:
A modular interchangeable electronic system for providing a number of different options for a vehicle which can be selectively plugged into a base unit. The base unit can receive or be replaced by selected optional units which interface with vehicle controls or provide desired control or display functions.