Abstract: A solar panel support apparatus comprising: a support frame for holding the solar panel; a support post pivotally connected to the support frame at a post pivot connection and anchored to an adjacent supporting surface, the support post for positioning the support frame above the supporting surface; and a linear actuator coupled at a proximal end to the support post by a support pivot connection and at a distal end by a frame pivot connection with the support frame, the post pivot connection and the frame pivot connection spaced apart from one another on the support frame; wherein a change in a length of the linear actuator results in pivoting of the support frame about the post pivot connection.

Abstract: An electronic latch system for a motor vehicle includes an electronic latch (e-latch) including an e-latch controller within a door of the vehicle. A plurality of radar sensors are located within the door for performing non-contact detection of objects around the vehicle. The radar sensors include an outside-face sensor adjacent an outside face of the door to sense an object within a first sensing zone extending from the outside face. The radar sensors also include an inner sensor adjacent an inside surface of the door to sense an object within a second sensing zone extending from the inside surface. The radar sensors also include a shut-face sensor adjacent a shut face of the door to sense an object within a third sensing zone extending from the shut face. The e-latch includes a light source for projecting a warning image and an audio source for generating an audible warning.

Abstract: A non-contact obstacle and gesture detection system and method are disclosed. The system includes first and second electronic control units in communication with one another and obstacle and gesture sensors coupled to the first electronic control unit. First and second power actuators are coupled to the first and second electronic control units for moving first and second closure members, respectively. The first electronic control unit detects the obstacle or gesture using the obstacle and gesture sensors, communicates the detection of the obstacle or gesture to the second electronic control unit, and controls movement of the first closure member using the first power actuator. The second electronic control unit is configured to request the detection of the obstacle or gesture adjacent the motor vehicle from the first electronic control unit and control movement of the second closure member using the second power actuator accordingly.

Abstract: A deployable applique assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a housing having a wall with at least one through opening extending through the wall and a panel configured to overlie at least a portion of the wall when in a stowed position, with an outer surface of the panel being configured to form a smooth surface with a body panel of the motor vehicle. The assembly includes a drive link extending through the at least one through opening and having a first end operatively coupled to the inner surface of the panel and a second end. An actuator has a drive member operably coupled with the second end of the drive link, wherein the actuator is operable to selectively pivot the drive link to move the panel between the stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A detection module for a closure panel of a motor vehicle and method for sensing at least one of an object and a motion adjacent a closure panel of a vehicle to facilitate operation of the closure panel is provided. The detection module includes a housing and a radar emitting sensor disposed in the housing. The radar emitting sensor is configured to sense at least one of an object and a motion adjacent the closure panel and to output data corresponding to at least one of an object and motion. A radar shield portion is operably attached to the housing. The radar shield portion is configured to shape a radar beam and form a patterned detection zone emitted from the radar emitting sensor.

Abstract: A detection system and method of operating the detection system are provided. The system includes a power supply unit and at least one sensor for sensing at least one of an object and a motion. A communication unit is electrically coupled to the power supply unit for communicating with a plurality of vehicle system controllers. A microprocessor is operable in a plurality of modes and electrically coupled to the power supply unit and the at least one sensor and the communication unit. The microprocessor is configured to determine which of the plurality of modes should be active based on communication with the vehicle system controllers and to receive and process the data from the at least one sensor. The microprocessor is also configured to initiate movement of the closure panel in response to processing the data corresponding to the at least one of the object and the motion.

Abstract: A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position.

Abstract: A touch and gesture pad for a swipe/tap entry verification system and a method of operating the touch and gesture pad are disclosed. The touch and gesture pad includes a housing that defines a compartment. The touch and gesture pad includes a wiring connector for attachment to a wiring harness to provide power and communication with a processing unit. A PCB is disposed in the compartment. A plurality of IR TOF sensors are disposed on and electrically connected to the PCB for sensing gestures and touches to the touch and gesture assembly. The plurality of IR TOF sensors each includes a transmitter for transmitting an infrared beam and a receiver for receiving the infrared beam after reflection from an object near one of the plurality of IR TOF sensors and for outputting an IR TOF signal to the processing unit indicating touches or gestures.

Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect an obstacle and cease movement of the closure member in response to the obstacle being detected. Additionally, the control unit is configured to release a latch and apply power to a motor in response to the obstacle not being detected. The control unit is also configured to determine whether the closure member is in a full open position, and continue to apply power to a motor coupled to the closure member if the closure member is not in the full open position.

Abstract: An ozone cleaning system includes a cabinet defining a cleaning space, and an ozone generator disposed in fluid communication with the cleaning space and configured to produce and introduce ozone therein for cleaning items with ozone. An ozone neutralization unit is attached to the cabinet and includes an inlet and outlet tube each disposed within the cabinet. The ozone neutralization unit includes a heater/blower assembly in fluid communication with each tube and operable for heating and recirculating the ozone within the cleaning space. A method of operating the ozone cleaning system includes receiving an input to commence an ozone cleaning cycle, and then producing and introducing ozone into the cleaning space. The method proceeds by determining if the ozone cleaning cycle is complete, and then initiating and executing an ozone neutralization cycle to accelerate the rate of ozone neutralization after the ozone cleaning cycle is complete.

Abstract: A variable resistance conductive rubber sensor and method of detecting an object/human touch therewith is provided. The sensor has a sensor body constructed from electrically conductive rubber. The sensor body extends between opposite first and second ends. A first wire is operably connected to the first end and a second wire may be operably connected to the second end, with the first and second wires being brought into electrical communication with one another by the intermediately extending electrically conductive rubber of the sensor body. A microcontroller is operably connected to the sensor body to detect the presence of an applied force or human touch on the sensor body.

Abstract: A tire inflation apparatuses is provided for maintaining a predetermined inflation pressure of a pair of tires mounted a dual wheel unit of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a first and a second pump unit that are connected to a housing that includes a mounting structure for engaging a complementary mounting structure of the dual wheel unit. The first and second pump include first and second pump rods configured to translate in response to rotation of the dual wheel unit. A gearset and an eccentric drive mechanism are arranged to reciprocate the first and second pump rods.

Abstract: A skate shield for use with ice skates. The skate shield includes a rigid shell made at least of outer and inner layers of fiber reinforced plastic or polymer (FRP), and a fastener assembly for releasably securing the shell to a boot portion of the ice skate. The shell includes a medial side portion interconnected to a lateral side section via a top portion. A reinforced section formed by reinforcing layers laminated between the outer and inner layers is provided in at least one of the medial side portion and the lateral side portion of the shell.

Abstract: A power door actuation system for moving a vehicle door relative to a vehicle body between an open position and a closed position includes a motor assembly connectable to one of the vehicle door and the vehicle body that is configured to generate a rotational force. A drive shaft is interconnected to the motor assembly and extends from a first end disposed adjacent the motor assembly to a second end. The second end of the drive shaft is rigidly attached to one of a body strap or a door strap of a hinge for transferring the rotational force from the motor assembly to the respective rigidly attached strap to rotate the respective rigidly attached strap relative to the other of the door strap and the body strap for automatically moving the vehicle door between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A power door actuation system for moving a vehicle door relative to a vehicle body between an open position and a closed position includes a motor assembly connectable to one of the vehicle door and the vehicle body that is configured to generate a rotational force. A drive shaft is interconnected to the motor assembly and extends from a first end disposed adjacent the motor assembly to a second end. The second end of the drive shaft is rigidly attached to one of a body strap or a door strap of a hinge for transferring the rotational force from the motor assembly to the respective rigidly attached strap to rotate the respective rigidly attached strap relative to the other of the door strap and the body strap for automatically moving the vehicle door between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A skate shield for use with ice skates. The skate shield includes a rigid shell made at least of outer and inner layers of fiber reinforced plastic or polymer (FRP), and a fastener assembly for releasably securing the shell to a boot portion of the ice skate. The shell includes a medial side portion interconnected to a lateral side section via a top portion. A reinforced section formed by reinforcing layers laminated between the outer and inner layers is provided in at least one of the medial side portion and the lateral side portion of the shell.

Abstract: A power actuator for automotive door latches. The actuator includes an electric motor mounted in a housing. A worm is operatively coupled to the motor for driving rotation of the worm about an axis. A worm gear, which meshes with the worm, is mounted to a tubular mount in the housing for rotation about an axis substantially orthogonal to the worm axis. A cam mounted to the worm gear engages the lever of a latch. An integral camshaft depends from the cam and extends into a central aperture on the worm gear, making the rotation axis of the two coincident. The distal end of the camshaft includes at least one resilient finger received through the aperture and in abutting contact with an opposing surface of the gear to preclude axial withdrawal of the camshaft from the wheel aperture. The power actuator uses a reduced number of components.