Abstract: A tailgate assembly for providing access to a cargo bed of an automotive vehicle. The tailgate assembly includes a tailgate and a ramp assembly having a casing and a multi-panel ramp unit. The ramp unit includes a plurality of panels that extend in telescoping relationship with one another and are slideably moveable between a collapsed position with the panels in overlying relationship with one another inside the tailgate, and a lengthened position with the panels extending in generally end to end relationship with one another away from the tailgate. The casing is removeably disposed in the tailgate and receives the ramp unit. A retaining mechanism is coupled to the tailgate and is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly includes a light concentrator attached to one face of a solar cell. The solar cell is attached to an electrical connector having an insulating substrate, a first electrically conductive terminal including a flat plate portion mounted to the insulating substrate, and a second electrically conductive terminal mounted to the insulating substrate. The second terminal has a U-shaped plate portion that partially circumscribes the first terminal, including opposing first and second legs and a web interconnecting the first and second legs. Each leg includes a flexibly resilient wing, the two wings being disposed in opposing relationship.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly having a foundation tube, a rotary actuator mounted in the foundation tube for changing the azimuth of the panel and a linear actuator mounted to the foundation tube for controlling the elevation angle of the panel. The linear actuator utilizes a spindle drive. The rotary actuator includes a motor and gearbox; a drive screw connected to the motor; a spindle screw, one end of which provides an output of the rotary actuator; a drive nut having a first threaded hole for receiving a thread of the drive screw and a second threaded hole for receiving a thread of the spindle screw, the guide nut having a guide fin; and a guide rail interacting with the nut guide fin to constrain the nut from rotating, whereby the rotation of the drive by screw by operation of the motor causes the nut to translate linearly which in turn causes the spindle screw to rotate.