Abstract: An access door for a vehicle including an open bed assembly including a front wall, two side walls and a rear wall. A door portion on one of the side walls of the liftgate opening on a substantially vertical hinged axis for providing side access to the truck bed.

Abstract: A process for welding of at least two separate vehicle panels (12, 14) to form an integral part (16) for a vehicle. There is provided at least one first panel (12) including a first weld line area (18) and at least one second panel (14) including a corresponding second weld line area (19), the second weld line area (19) abutting in a weldable relationship to the first weld line area (18). The first and second weld line areas (18, 19) have at least one first weldable portion (22) and at least one second portion (24) at which welding is substantially hindered during welding attachment of the first and second panels (12, 14). The process includes applying a curable adhesive at each second portion (24), placing in a welding fixture and welding the panels (12, 14) at each first weldable portion (22) such that the panels (12, 14) are held together during curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A tool head assembly for crimping, the assembly including an internal cam that spins freely on a stationary shaft in one direction and locks onto the shaft in the other direction. That cam rotates against the moving slide forcing to move away from the stationary shaft opening a gap between rollers. A controller is programmed to have the drive rotate in one direction for a set time period, then reverse the rotation to begin the crimp process. The start rotation of the drive rotates the cam and opens the roller gap. The forward rotation allows the cam to swing, closing the gap and rotating the rollers around a seal. The tool eliminates the air cylinder and related pneumatic hoses and valve making the head smaller and allows a controller to communicate with any OEM production system to verify the tool has been used and was used correctly.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting device provides two or more lighting functions using the same exit surface of a light guide panel. A first lighting function is a vehicle lighting function such as a rear tail light function or rear combination lamp function (e.g., brake signal, turn signal, and backup light) provided by a first light source comprising a light emitting diode (LED) light source inputted at an edge surface of the light guide panel. At least one more lighting function is implemented by a second light source outputting light toward a rear surface of the light guide panel and controlled to operate in accordance with one or more second light functions including one or more of: at least part of another vehicle lighting function, and a display including one or more display elements presenting at least one of: a designated pattern, a symbol, a pictogram, and an animation.

Abstract: A T-flange with a snap fit feature will ensure a tight fit once the operator overcomes the snap feature.

Abstract: A stackable paintable moveable multi-purpose parts tray comprising at least one parts holding location for securing a part to be processed in a multistep process including painting of the part and other downstream processing of the part. A process for multi-processing of a part comprising the steps of: A. Providing a stackable paintable moveable multi-purpose parts tray comprising at least one parts holding location for securing a part to be processed; B. Placing the part to be subjected to a plurality of processes in the tray; and C. Subjecting the part to at least one process including painting the part while it remains in the tray.

Abstract: A multi-way liftgate assembly providing a plurality of dividers dividing the rear cargo area of a passenger vehicle into a plurality of secure areas assessable from a plurality of panels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of those compartments. The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargo area can be selectively accessed. The multi-way liftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area of a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area.

Abstract: A liftgate support bracket connection arrangement for a vehicle liftgate. The liftgate can be for a rear vehicle liftgate or any other type of liftgate found on a vehicle. Connected to the composite inner panel are support brackets. The inner panel of a liftgate has a plurality of bosses formed on an outer surface of the inner panel. Each of the support brackets has a plurality of apertures corresponding in number to the plurality of bosses. Each one of the plurality of apertures is configured to align with one of the plurality of bosses and then screws are used to mechanically fasten the support bracket to the inner panel.

Abstract: A combination step and obstacle side guard for a vehicle has a first hollow housing portion including an outer robust housing which has a top surface step and bottom obstacle guard surface and a side surface. The side surface including outer edges and forming an inset cavity. An automated deployable running board which has a step portion which is stowed in the inset cavity. A drive linkage mechanism is situated within and protected by said hollow portion of said first hollow housing portion for driving the step between a stowed position in the inset cavity and a deployed step position wherein the step portion can be used for stepping into the vehicle.

Abstract: An access door for a vehicle including an open bed assembly including a front wall, two side walls and a rear wall. A door portion on one of the side walls of the liftgate opening on a substantially vertical hinged axis for providing side access to the truck bed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a foldable step assembly for a vehicle. The step assembly includes a linkage arrangement for connection to a vehicle and articulating a step assembly from a deployed position to a stowed position. A drive mechanism is positioned remotely from the step assembly and is operatively in communication with the linkage arrangement for articulating said step assembly between the deployed position to the stowed position.

Abstract: A glass filled SMC composition having an effective amount of graphene for providing improved Izod impact strength, flexural strength and tensile properties over and SMC composition without graphene as an additive.

Abstract: A closure panel for a vehicle having an anti-pinch sensor attached at an outer peripheral area of the closure panel. A closure panel including an outwardly extending flange portion. An anti-pinch sensor mount including a U-shaped cross section which is adapted to fit over and secure to the outwardly extending flange portion. An anti-pinch sensor attached to the mount for sensing an interference in opening or closing of the closure panel and reversing the opening or closing of the closure panel.

Abstract: An active aerodynamic assembly that includes a lift gate having a cavity formed between two panels. An aperture of formed on the outer panel providing access to the cavity. A frame connected to the lift gate within the cavity. A spoiler slidably connected to the frame and moveable along the deployment axis between a stowed position and a deployed position. At least one coupler link connected between the spoiler and the frame that is driven by the actuator along one of the plurality of tracks on the frame. There is also a moveable D pillar contained with the cavity that moves between a stowed position within the cavity and an extended position such that a winglet of the moveable D pillar extends outside of the cavity past the outside surface of the lift gate.

Abstract: A solar cell base layer surrounded by a layer of protective material that has a softening temperature which is useable in post processing of the solar cell in a thermoforming environment.

Abstract: An active liftgate spoiler used on a liftgate of a vehicle. The liftgate has an upper surface and is typically a rear liftgate or hatch on the rear side of the vehicle. A housing is connected to the upper surface of the liftgate. There is a moveable panel connected to the housing using a connection. The connection is formed by a four bar linkage that forms a portion of the connection between the moveable panel and the housing. An actuator, which in one embodiment is a single rotary actuator is connected to the four bar linkage and causes the movement of the moveable panel.

Abstract: All designs have features that prevent the running boards from over deploying and stowing. This ensures the mechanism does not exceed the design range of motion and prevents any excess forces on the system or vehicle. All designs use kinematic locks to prevent back driving in stowed and deployed positions, which allows more efficient gearboxes to be used.

Abstract: A tool head assembly for crimping, the assembly including an internal cam that spins freely on a stationary shaft in one direction and locks onto the shaft in the other direction. That cam rotates against the moving slide forcing to move away from the stationary shaft opening a gap between rollers. A controller is programmed to have the drive rotate in one direction for a set time period, then reverse the rotation to begin the crimp process. The start rotation of the drive rotates the cam and opens the roller gap. The forward rotation allows the cam to swing, closing the gap and rotating the rollers around a seal. The tool eliminates the air cylinder and related pneumatic hoses and valve making the head smaller and allows a controller to communicate with any OEM production system to verify the tool has been used and was used correctly.

Abstract: An active rocker aerodynamic shield integrated into an automated running board for a motor vehicle. By using the existing automated running board linkages as a mounting location for the panels, the addition of a dedicated motor, linkage/pivot, and vehicle attachment scheme is no longer need for the aero benefit since components can be shared. The use of the moving linkages (Inner link, outer link, & lower mount) as attachment points for a panel(s) that is used to limit the flow of air to the underbody of a vehicle. When the miming board is in its stowed position. The panel is also stowed out of the line of sight and airflow. When the benefit of the aero panel is desired, the running board moves to the deployed position, orienting the aero panel in a position to reduce the amount of airflow under the vehicle.

Abstract: A weather resistant autonomous driving sensor unit for an autonomous vehicle driving system. The sensor unit further includes a cover having an inside surface facing the one or more light detection and ranging sensors, and an external surface facing an external environment of a vehicle. The cover is formed of molded polycarbonate and also forms a vehicle component selected from the group consisting of a vehicle grille, bumper and front end module. A hydrophilic coating applied to the external surface of the coating. The hydrophilic coating can be made of several different compounds that are applied to the external surface using spraying, dipping or vapor deposition. The hydrophilic coating selected must provide a droplet thickness to diameter ratio of less than 0.3 when the water contact angle on the external surface of the cover is less than 40 degrees or between about 25 degrees to about 40 degrees.