A solenoid system for a vehicle can include an electromagnetic device, permanent magnet, and sensor. The electromagnetic device can include a housing, armature, and solenoid to move the armature axially relative to the housing. When the armature is in an extended position, a first end of the armature can extend further in a first direction relative to the housing than when in a retracted position. The sensor can be fixedly coupled to the housing and can detect a magnetic field of a permanent magnet based on the position of the armature.

A multi-directional operating device includes an operating member, a support body, movable members, a pair of movable magnetic members, a facing magnetic member, stopper portions, a drive member, and a cam member. One of the drive member and the cam member has a guide surface having a first projection, and another of the drive member and the cam member has a sliding surface having a second projection. When the operating member is inclined in a first direction, one of the movable magnetic members is inclined, and inclination of another movable magnetic member is stopped by one of the stopper portions. When the operating member is inclined in a second direction, the first projection and the second projection are moved beyond projecting portions of each other and slide on each other. This multi-directional operating device is preferably applied to a vehicle shift apparatus.

A car seat abandonment prevention system for alarming a driver of the presence of a child within a vehicle by sending a signal to a mobile device includes a vehicle having a driver seat and a back seat. A car seat is removably attached to a base to define a safety seat. A door position sensor is mounted to the vehicle and is activated when a driver positions a driver door of the vehicle in a closed position or in an open position. A seat position sensor is mounted to the safety seat and is activated when the driver attaches the car seat to the base of the safety seat or removes the car seat from the base of the safety seat.

A novel securing device includes a frame having an anchor, a tether coupled to the anchor, and an attachment device coupled to the frame. The attachment device is configured to facilitate selective attachment to a planar surface. In a particular embodiment, the attachment device is a magnetic attachment device. Optionally, the magnetic attachment device is encased between the frame and a cover that prevents scratching of the planar surface to which the device is secured. In another particular embodiment, the attachment device is a suction cup. The magnetic attachment device and the suction cup may be interchangeable.

A novel securing device includes a frame having an anchor, a tether coupled to the anchor, and an attachment device coupled to the frame. The attachment device is configured to facilitate selective attachment to a planar surface. In a particular embodiment, the attachment device is a magnetic attachment device. Optionally, the magnetic attachment device is encased between the frame and a cover that prevents scratching of the planar surface to which the device is secured. In another particular embodiment, the attachment device is a suction cup. The magnetic attachment device and the suction cup may be interchangeable.