A self-contained starting module for outdoor power equipment that has control circuit and a start button. The starting module includes internal control circuit that can be either microprocessor based or analog. The control circuit receives a start signal from a start button of the starting module. The control circuit monitors for the presence of an enable device and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device, provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the control circuit initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the control circuit activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the operation of the engine is terminated.

A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame includes a front frame portion, a mid-frame portion, and a rear frame portion. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the front frame portion. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat and an adjacent passenger seat spaced apart from the operator seat. The operator seat and the passenger seat are in a side-by-side arrangement. The utility vehicle also comprises an auxiliary power assembly having an attachment shaft configured to be operably coupled to the attachment. The attachment shaft extends in a generally longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle and projects outwardly from the front frame portion.

A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame includes a front frame portion, a mid-frame portion, and a rear frame portion. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the front frame portion. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat and an adjacent passenger seat spaced apart from the operator seat. The operator seat and the passenger seat are in a side-by-side arrangement. The utility vehicle also comprises an auxiliary power assembly having an attachment shaft configured to be operably coupled to the attachment. The attachment shaft extends in a generally longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle and projects outwardly from the front frame portion.

A safety and emergency-assistance system (1) for vehicles, constituted by at least one bracelet (E), a means for radio/telecommunication of the alarm signal (R1), a black box (BB), a plurality of sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4), and means (X) for remote automatic driving and management of the vehicle (A). In the case of emergency, with the driver/passenger present (A) and unwell while the vehicle is stationary with the engine off and without the key inserted into the ignition, or with the key inserted and the instrument panel off. The system (1) also enables automatic and autonomous activation of the devices present on board the vehicle, e.g. airbags, power window, and air-conditioning system.

A wireless communication system includes a wearable device transmitting advertising packet data, a vehicle, and a smart apparatus. The vehicle receives the advertising packet data, connects with the wearable device if a user is present in the vehicle, and transmits set packet data to the smart apparatus. The smart apparatus receives the advertising packet data, connects with the wearable device if the user is not present in the vehicle, and receives the set packet data to disconnect the wearable device.

A method for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system of an autonomous vehicle includes determining a vehicle operating status and operating the HVAC system according to the determined vehicle operating status. A control module comprising a sensor array and at least one controller operatively coupled to the sensor array and to the HVAC system controls operation of the HVAC system according to the determined vehicle operating status. The vehicle operating status is selected from one of vehicle occupied-in use, vehicle unoccupied-use requested, and vehicle unoccupied-standby. The HVAC system is operated at an operating setting providing a reduced energy consumption in a vehicle whose operating status is vehicle unoccupied-standby. The reduced energy consumption operating setting is determined according to a constant offset value or according to a variable offset value determined by inputs provided by the sensor array.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first controller operable to assume one of a plurality of respective states, in a first state the first controller being configured automatically to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque and cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the first controller being configured to receive a door state indicator signal indicative of whether a door is in an open or closed state, and an occupant presence indicator signal indicative of whether an occupant is present in a given seat of a vehicle, the system being configured not to permit operation of the first controller in the first state in dependence on the door state indicator signal and the occupant presence indicator signal.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first controller operable to assume one of a plurality of respective states, in a first state the first controller being configured automatically to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque and cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the first controller being configured to receive a door state indicator signal indicative of whether a door is in an open or closed state, and an occupant presence indicator signal indicative of whether an occupant is present in a given seat of a vehicle, the system being configured not to permit operation of the first controller in the first state in dependence on the door state indicator signal and the occupant presence indicator signal.

A tether kill switch for a motorcycle includes a sensor module and a key. The sensor module is adapted to receive the key and includes a magnetic substrate and at least one sensor. The key is adapted to magnetically couple with the sensor module. A vehicle control system includes a tether kill switch having a sensor module including a magnetic substrate and at least one programmable sensor. A first key and a second key each include at least one unique identifier, wherein the sensor module is adapted to receive either the first key or the second key that are each adapted to magnetically couple with the sensor module. The control system also includes a control unit, wherein the programmable sensor is adapted to identify at least one of the keys by the unique identifier, and send at least one information signal to the control unit based upon the unique identifier.

A tether kill switch for a motorcycle includes a sensor module and a key. The sensor module is adapted to receive the key and includes a magnetic substrate and at least one sensor. The key is adapted to magnetically couple with the sensor module. A vehicle control system includes a tether kill switch having a sensor module including a magnetic substrate and at least one programmable sensor. A first key and a second key each include at least one unique identifier, wherein the sensor module is adapted to receive either the first key or the second key that are each adapted to magnetically couple with the sensor module. The control system also includes a control unit, wherein the programmable sensor is adapted to identify at least one of the keys by the unique identifier, and send at least one information signal to the control unit based upon the unique identifier.