Abstract: An apparatus for lifting an object for placement in a vehicle cargo area is provided. The apparatus comprises a liftgate for opening and closing relative to the vehicle cargo area including dual hoists for lifting an object in a balanced manner. The dual hoists may be stowed in a compartment in the liftgate, such as in individual pockets covered by a door formed by a liftgate trim panel. The actuator forming part of the hoist may also be covered by the liftgate trim panel, and thus hidden from view.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat base, a cushion on the seat base, one or more channels formed in the cushion, and a moisture sensor located in the seat base to sense liquid in the one or more channels. The sensed liquid indicates a wet seat condition which may be used to control usage of the seat and drying of the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting an object for placement in a vehicle cargo area is provided. The apparatus comprises a liftgate for opening and closing relative to the vehicle cargo area including dual hoists for lifting an object in a balanced manner. The dual hoists may be stowed in a compartment in the liftgate, such as in individual pockets covered by a door formed by a liftgate trim panel. The actuator forming part of the hoist may also be covered by the liftgate trim panel, and thus hidden from view.

Abstract: A fluid leakage detection system includes a fluid leakage sensor and an alarming system. The fluid leakage sensor is electrically coupled to the alarming system, and is configured to send signals pertaining to any detected fluid leakage. Further, the fluid leakage sensor includes an electrically non-conductive body and an electrical circuit. The non-conductive body is positioned proximal to a leakage region and it collect and absorbs leaking fluid from the region. The electric circuit includes a first portion embedded within the non-conductive body, and a second portion connected to the first portion. The second portion of the electrical circuit lies exterior to the non-conductive body. The electrical circuit is open-circuited under no fluid leakage detection conditions, and is closed-circuited under leakage detection conditions. The alarm system is configured to generate an alarm signal when the electric circuit is closed-circuited.