Abstract: A light emitting assembly is disclosed. The light emitting assembly comprises a first electrode and a second electrode extending parallel to the first electrode. The assembly further comprises an LED strip comprising a plurality of LEDs in a semiconductor ink disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to emit a first emission. The first electrode and the second electrode are of an electrically conductive polymer configured to transfer heat away from the plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The illumination assembly includes one or more decorative elements each having a substrate and a film attached thereto. A light source is configured to emit an excitation light. The light source is disposed within a tail-light assembly and the excitation light exits the tail-light assembly through a light transmissive portion towards the decorative element. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed within the decorative element and is configured to convert the excitation light emitted from the light source into a converted light of a different wavelength.

Abstract: An edge-emitting light bar assembly for a vehicle includes a light-transmitting, edge light-diffusing optical fiber and an at least partially light-transmitting extruded or pultruded coating surrounding the optical fiber to provide a single-layer coated optical fiber. At least one light source is provided for emitting light rays to impinge on an end of the optical fiber. A housing connected to an end of the coated optical fiber and surrounding the at least one light source is provided. The light bar assembly may include a light source disposed at each opposed end of the optical fiber. The single layer coating may include one or more of a colored tint or dye, a frosted material, and a plurality of light reflective or refractive inclusions. Optionally, a portion of the single-layer coating includes an opaque material disposed to direct emitted light rays in a predetermined direction relative to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A badge is provided herein. The badge includes a housing having an integrally formed first layer and second layer. A light source is disposed within the badge. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed between the light source and housing. The first photoluminescent structure is configured to emit outputted light in response to inputted light emitted from the light source. The outputted light exits the housing through a light transmissive portion. A substrate is attached to the housing.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprise a light source disposed on a step portion. A first coating layer is molded over the step portion and the light source. A photoluminescent portion is disposed proximate a tread portion of the step portion. The light source is configured to emit a first emission to excite the photoluminescent portion to emit a second emission.

Abstract: A molding for a vehicle is provided herein. The molding includes a plurality of light sources. A photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light sources. A viewable portion is illuminated by the photoluminescent structure.

Abstract: A structural body component, such as a rocker panel or rear spoiler, and a method of manufacture. The method may include heating a mixture having a polymer and a blowing agent, pressurizing a cavity of a mold, injecting the mixture into the cavity in a single shot such while exerting backpressure against the mixture as it is injected, and cooling the mixture in the mold to form the component.

Abstract: A running board of a vehicle is provided herein. The running board includes a housing and a light-producing assembly disposed inside the housing. The light-producing assembly includes a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from the plurality of light sources, wherein luminescent light escapes the housing via a first light permeable portion and a second light permeable portion.

Abstract: A proximity sensing system may include a conductive first trace and a conductive second trace adjacent to, interleaved with, and electrically isolated from the first trace. A density of the traces varies along a first axis such that rates of change of capacitance between the traces associated with movement, through an electric field, of an object in a direction of the first axis at a constant velocity are indicative of the direction. The sensing system may further include a conductive third trace adjacent to, interleaved with, and electrically isolated from the first trace. A first area between the first trace and second trace is independent of and isolated from a second area between the first trace and the third trace. Also, a density of the first and third traces may vary along the first axis.

Abstract: A warning indicator system for a vehicle includes an indicator for providing visible signals within a reflective surface of a rear-vision mirror, operatively connected to at least a turn signal control system of the vehicle. The indicator is defined by a plurality of images activated sequentially to present an animated image to a viewer. The plurality of images is provided by a plurality of printed LED symbols disposed adjacent to one another within the rear-vision minor reflective surface. At least one processor operatively connected to the plurality of printed LED symbols and to the turn signal control system is configured to iteratively activate and deactivate the plurality of printed LED symbols in response to a signal from the turn signal control system. In this fashion, an animated turn signal indicator is provided within a reflective surface of a rear-vision minor such as a side minor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A keypad having a plurality of switches identifies a numerical value according to user input to the plurality of switches. The numerical value may be computed as a total count of the plurality of switches that are swiped across in a consistent direction or may be computed as a total count of the plurality of switches that are simultaneously pressed. The keypad may further send the numerical value to a controller configured to facilitate access to vehicle unlock functionality.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an external keypad, having a touchpad. The keypad may be configured to identify an access code according to user input to the touchpad, the access code including one of (i) a numerical value indicating a count of simultaneously pressed keys of the touchpad, and (ii) a swipe pattern including a press, slide, and release from the touchpad; and send the access code to a controller to facilitate access to a vehicle unlock user interface. The controller may direct the keypad to display the vehicle unlock user interface on the keypad when the access code matches a predefined access code stored to the controller. The keypad may display a background logo when the keypad is available to receive user input and may display a vehicle unlock user interface on the touchpad when the access code is validated.

Abstract: An integrated deck lid module is provided. That module includes a single circuit board for the light source to illuminate the license plate, an integrated camera chip, camera control hardware and a single electrical connector for all of these components.

Abstract: A keyless entry system having a single entry point display coupled to a processor that generates one or more characters to be displayed. The processor accepts an entry at the single entry point and initiates a task associated with the entry. An indicator at the display provides feedback to a user that the entry has been selected and accepted by the processor. An input mechanism at the display may also encompass a control point to control the character displayed at the single entry point display.

Abstract: A running board of a vehicle is provided herein. The running board includes a housing and a light-producing assembly disposed inside the housing. The light-producing assembly includes a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from the plurality of light sources, wherein luminescent light escapes the housing via a first light permeable portion and a second light permeable portion.

Abstract: A molding for a vehicle is provided herein. The molding includes a plurality of light sources. A photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light sources. A viewable portion is illuminated by the photoluminescent structure.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprise a light source disposed on a step portion. A first coating layer is molded over the step portion and the light source. A photoluminescent portion is disposed proximate a tread portion of the step portion. The light source is configured to emit a first emission to excite the photoluminescent portion to emit a second emission.

Abstract: A roof ditch molding and a method of manufacture. The roof ditch molding may include a channel and a skin that are co-extruded from different polymeric materials.

Abstract: A structural body component, such as a rocker panel or rear spoiler, and a method of manufacture. The method may include heating a mixture having a polymer and a blowing agent, pressurizing a cavity of a mold, injecting the mixture into the cavity in a single shot such while exerting backpressure against the mixture as it is injected, and cooling the mixture in the mold to form the component.