Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Thomas Overbeck

Mark Anthony Cuddihy

Hubert Szawarski

Paul Gerard Ferraiuolo

Christopher James Kiehler

Karl Otto Sonnenberg

Craig Pattinson

Min Weng

A vehicle driver interface eliminates the need for the direct driver selection of a park mode. Instead, a park mechanism is automatically engaged in response to either a transition into an ignition Off state, or detection of the absence of a driver. The park mechanism is released in response to selection of a drive mode, which can be either a forward drive mode or a reverse drive mode. To permit idling with the driver present, an electronic park brake is automatically engaged when the vehicle comes to a stop in a drive mode, and is automatically released when the driver taps the accelerator pedal. A stay-in-neutral mode overrides the automatic engagement of the park mechanism or the electronic parking brake to permit operations such as towing the vehicle.

Driver interface with inferred park logic

A cross member assembly for adjusting a reclinable vehicle seat includes a joint. The joint permits the cross member assembly to deflect during a vehicle impact if the reclinable vehicle seat is occupied.

Automotive seat reclining system

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Dearborn, MI, United States of America

Thomas Overbeck