Abstract: A base control module for vehicles comprises, a controller which includes a housing, a programmable processor, on-board memory, and a plurality of inputs and outputs. The module also comprises, a set of pluggable module interfaces each comprising a standardized connector for any of a plurality of interchangeable pluggable modules, with each pluggable module having a different functionality, and each connector having a plurality of pins. A standardized communication protocol is provided between the base control module and any of the pluggable modules. Adaptable software on the base control module that can assign different configurations for the pins of the connector dependent upon the functionality of the pluggable module for those pins. The same base control module and set of pluggable module interfaces can be used for different pluggable modules.

Abstract: A power locking door handle with capacitive sensing is provided for heavy duty vehicles. The door handle includes a base surface mounted to the exterior of the vehicle door and a hand grip mounted or formed with the base. The handle may be a pull type or push button type. A power lock motor and printed circuit board with a capacitive sensor are sealed within the base. When an operator's hand is inserted between the hand grip and the base, the capacitive sensor sends a signal via the PCB to the motor to unlock the door latch. A key lock cylinder on the base overrides the lock motor if power to the motor is disabled.

Abstract: A power locking door handle with capacitive sensing is provided for heavy duty vehicles. The door handle includes a base surface mounted to the exterior of the vehicle door and a hand grip mounted or formed with the base. The handle may be a pull type or push button type. A power lock motor and printed circuit board with a capacitive sensor are sealed within the base. When an operator's hand is inserted between the hand grip and the base, the capacitive sensor sends a signal via the PCB to the motor to unlock the door latch. A key lock cylinder on the base overrides the lock motor if power to the motor is disabled.

Abstract: A base control module for vehicles comprises, a controller which includes a housing, a programmable processor, on-board memory, and a plurality of inputs and outputs. The module also comprises, a set of pluggable module interfaces each comprising a standardized connector for any of a plurality of interchangeable pluggable modules, with each pluggable module having a different functionality, and each connector having a plurality of pins. A standardized communication protocol is provided between the base control module and any of the pluggable modules. Adaptable software on the base control module that can assign different configurations for the pins of the connector dependent upon the functionality of the pluggable module for those pins. The same base control module and set of pluggable module interfaces can be used for different pluggable modules.

Abstract: A power locking pull or push button handle assembly is provided for a vehicle door having a lock and a latch. The handle assembly includes a base with a housing. A handle is pivotally mounted on the base, a power lock assembly is mounted within the housing on the base, and a keypad on the handle is operatively connected to the power lock assembly for keyless unlocking of the door. The handle includes a cover and backbone secured together, with the keypad sandwiched between the cover and backbone. The keypad is reinforced with a steel plate. Loads on the handle are shared by the backbone, cover, and keypad.

Abstract: A control module provides for immobilization of a vehicle. The control module includes an intelligent control disposed within a housing of the control module, a plurality of discrete inputs and a plurality of discrete outputs operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one network interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one user interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, and software stored for execution by the intelligent control, the software providing instructions to control functions of a vehicle associated with the control module, the functions including vehicle immobilization functions.

Abstract: A power locking pull or push button handle assembly is provided for a vehicle door having a lock and a latch. The handle assembly includes a base with a housing. A handle is pivotally mounted on the base, a power lock assembly is mounted within the housing on the base, and a keypad on the handle is operatively connected to the power lock assembly for keyless unlocking of the door. The handle includes a cover and backbone secured together, with the keypad sandwiched between the cover and backbone. The keypad is reinforced with a steel plate. Loads on the handle are shared by the backbone, cover, and keypad.

Abstract: A system for providing secured access to and/or control of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a vehicle network such as a CAN. A remote communications device is used for sending a signal for controlling functions associated with the vehicle. There is a receiver operatively connected to the vehicle network and adapted to receive the signal from the remote communications device. At least one access module is adapted to provide control of functions of the vehicle by a user from outside of the vehicle, the access module is electrically connected to the vehicle network. There is at least one user input device associated with the access module and there are a plurality of outputs associated with the access module wherein the access module is adapted to directly control access to the vehicle through control of the plurality of outputs.

Abstract: A control module provides for immobilization of a vehicle. The control module includes an intelligent control disposed within a housing of the control module, a plurality of discrete inputs and a plurality of discrete outputs operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one network interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one user interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, and software stored for execution by the intelligent control, the software providing instructions to control functions of a vehicle associated with the control module, the functions including vehicle immobilization functions.

Abstract: A system for providing secured access to and/or control of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a vehicle network such as a CAN. A remote communications device is used for sending a signal for controlling functions associated with the vehicle. There is a receiver operatively connected to the vehicle network and adapted to receive the signal from the remote communications device. At least one access module is adapted to provide control of functions of the vehicle by a user from outside of the vehicle, the access module is electrically connected to the vehicle network. There is at least one user input device associated with the access module and there are a plurality of outputs associated with the access module wherein the access module is adapted to directly control access to the vehicle through control of the plurality of outputs.

Abstract: A vehicle grab handle is provided to assist entry into the vehicle, such as an RV, semi tractors, emergency vehicles, utility vehicles, construction equipment and agriculture equipment and other vehicles. The handle includes a pair of spaced apart end bases and a grab bar extending between the bases. A keypad is provided in one of the bases to provide keyless entry into the vehicle or other controls of the vehicle. An LED is provided in the opposite end base so as to illuminate the grab bar. Multiple LEDs having different colors may be provided, with electrical circuitry connected to the door lock and to a vehicle alarm so that solid or blinking lights and different colored lights provide a visual display corresponding to the locked or unlocked status of the door, the activated or deactivated status of the alarm, or status of other vehicle accessories including diagnostics.

Abstract: A key radio frequency (RF) fob for remote control of vehicle functions includes a key fob body, a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter disposed within the key fob body and a metal loop extending from the key fob body for fastening the key RF fob to a keyring. The key RF fob may further include a plurality of wedge-shaped buttons such as four wedge-shaped buttons. The key RF fob may include a first cross member and a second cross member wherein the first cross member and the second cross member intersect to form four apertures each of the four wedge-shaped buttons disposed within one of the apertures. Preferably the metal loop extends substantially a length of the bottom side or the width of the key fob body.