Abstract: A vehicle includes a glass clearing system that performs method of clearing a glass surface of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a glass surface. The glass clearing system includes a glass clearing device and a processor. The glass clearing device is configured for clearing a glass surface. The processor receives a signal from a remote device indicative of an instruction for operating the glass clearing device, selects the glass clearing device, and activates the glass clearing device to clear the glass surface based on the instruction.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include using piezoelectric devices to break laminated glass assemblies on demand (e.g., a windshield of a vehicle). An exemplary vehicle includes a laminated glass panel having an outer glass layer, an inner glass layer, and a bonding layer between the outer glass layer and the inner glass layer. The vehicle further includes a piezoelectric device including an actuator and a displaceable element coupled to the actuator. The actuator is made of a piezoelectric material that, responsive to receiving an activation voltage, induces a mechanical displacement in the displaceable element against at least one of the outer glass layer and the inner glass layer. The vehicle includes a controller electrically coupled to the actuator. The controller is configured to deliver the activation voltage to the actuator.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite panel includes arranging a continuous reinforcing fiber on a surface in a predetermined pattern to form a structural insert; encapsulating the structural insert in a first resin to form a composite panel; and at least one of painting an exterior surface of the composite panel; applying a film to the exterior surface of the composite panel; and using a transparent resin for the first resin to allow light to transmit through at least a portion of the composite panel.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to a child-resistant container comprising a lid and a vial. The lid has a side wall, an inner surface and a lid cover. The lid cover includes a top, a bottom, and a front surface and at least two lid hooks protruding from the bottom surface. The vial contains an opening accessing a cavity and a rim extending around at least a portion of the opening, the rim having at least two moveable tabs partially affixed to the rim and movable about a pivot point. The movable tabs contain tab hooks above the pivot point for engaging with the lid hooks to secure the lid cover to the vial. The moveable tabs are displaceable outwardly away from the lid to disengage the tab hooks from the lid hooks by pressing inwardly on the moveable tabs below the pivot point.

Abstract: Presented are flutter countermeasure devices and control logic for active aerodynamic systems, methods for making/using such active aero systems, and vehicles equipped with spoiler flutter countermeasure devices for increasing downforce and decreasing drag. A method of operating an active aerodynamic system of a motor vehicle includes detecting, via a system controller based on sensor data received from one or more sensing devices, a flutter excitation experienced by a spoiler of the active aero system during operation of the motor vehicle. The controller determines a harmonic oscillation amplitude of the flutter excitation experienced by the spoiler, and then determines if this harmonic oscillation amplitude exceeds a vehicle-calibrated threshold amplitude. If so, the system controller determines a damping force sufficient to mitigate or eliminate the harmonic oscillation amplitude.

Abstract: An extendable windshield wiper system includes a wiper blade assembly having: a resilient material wiper blade; and a wiper extension rod connected to the wiper blade. A wiper sleeve is configured to move about an arc of rotation with respect to an axis of rotation of the wiper sleeve. A bore of the wiper sleeve has the wiper extension rod slidably disposed within the bore. An actuation portion directs a pressurized fluid to outwardly extend the wiper extension rod from the wiper sleeve and thereby to outwardly extend the wiper blade in an extension direction during a first portion of the arc of rotation. The wiper blade is induced to traverse an extended arc of travel during rotation of the wiper extension rod and the wiper sleeve along the arc of rotation.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to a child-resistant container comprising a lid and a vial. The lid has a side wall, an inner surface and a lid cover. The lid cover includes a top, a bottom, and a front surface and at least two lid hooks protruding from the bottom surface. The vial contains an opening accessing a cavity and a rim extending around at least a portion of the opening, the rim having at least two moveable tabs partially affixed to the rim and movable about a pivot point. The movable tabs contain tab hooks above the pivot point for engaging with the lid hooks to secure the lid cover to the vial. The moveable tabs are displaceable outwardly away from the lid to disengage the tab hooks from the lid hooks by pressing inwardly on the moveable tabs below the pivot point.

Abstract: An alignment device includes a first body and a second body, at least one retention member flexibly coupled to the first body, and a locking member coupled to the first body. The second body has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical opening, a first retention opening extending through the cylindrical wall and a second retention opening extending through the cylindrical wall. The first body translates within the cylindrical opening of the second body and the locking member engages with the first retention opening to position the alignment device in a first position and the locking member engages with the second retention opening to position the alignment device in a second position.

Abstract: Presented are flutter countermeasure devices and control logic for active aerodynamic systems, methods for making/using such active aero systems, and vehicles equipped with spoiler flutter countermeasure devices for increasing downforce and decreasing drag. A method of operating an active aerodynamic system of a motor vehicle includes detecting, via a system controller based on sensor data received from one or more sensing devices, a flutter excitation experienced by a spoiler of the active aero system during operation of the motor vehicle. The controller determines a harmonic oscillation amplitude of the flutter excitation experienced by the spoiler, and then determines if this harmonic oscillation amplitude exceeds a vehicle-calibrated threshold amplitude. If so, the system controller determines a damping force sufficient to mitigate or eliminate the harmonic oscillation amplitude.

Abstract: An exemplary clip assembly for adjusting a length of a cable includes a base including a tab and a first stop member, a cover rotatably coupled to the base, and a barrel assembly nesting within the base and the cover. The base and the cover define a first passage extending longitudinally through the cover and the base. The barrel assembly includes a first barrel member having a first interaction surface and a first threaded channel, and a second barrel member includes a second interaction surface and a second threaded channel. The first and second interaction surfaces form a barrel interaction surface and the first and second channels define a second passage through the barrel assembly. The first and second passages have a common longitudinal axis and rotation of the barrel interaction surface results in longitudinal translation of the cable through the second passage of the barrel assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining an upgrade readiness metric of a tenant in a cloud environment. One method includes receiving, with an electronic processor, device telemetry data for a plurality of devices associated with a first plurality of tenants in the cloud environment and receiving, with the electronic processor, software telemetry data for a second plurality of tenants in the cloud environment. The method also includes determining, with the electronic processor, the upgrade readiness metric for the tenant based on the device telemetry data and the software telemetry data and displaying the upgrade readiness metric within a user interface.

Abstract: An extendable windshield wiper system includes a wiper blade assembly having: a resilient material wiper blade; and a wiper extension rod connected to the wiper blade. A wiper sleeve is configured to move about an arc of rotation with respect to an axis of rotation of the wiper sleeve. A bore of the wiper sleeve has the wiper extension rod slidably disposed within the bore. An actuation portion directs a pressurized fluid to outwardly extend the wiper extension rod from the wiper sleeve and thereby to outwardly extend the wiper blade in an extension direction during a first portion of the arc of rotation. The wiper blade is induced to traverse an extended arc of travel during rotation of the wiper extension rod and the wiper sleeve along the arc of rotation.

Abstract: An obstacle detection sensor system for a movable panel of a motor vehicle includes an obstacle detection sensor disposed on an articulating mount, the obstacle detection sensor and articulating mount being hidden from view by an exterior surface of the motor vehicle in a first position, and the articulating mount providing the obstacle detection sensor with a sensor detection range including an exterior surface of the movable panel in a second position. Movement of the articulating mount from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position is coupled to movement of the movable panel.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a closure arranged relative a closure frame to selectively cover an opening to the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an actuator configured to move the closure among a plurality of positions including open and closed positions, and a first sensor configured to detect motion of the closure among the plurality of positions. The vehicle additionally includes a latch assembly with an engaged state to retain the closure in the closed position and a disengaged state to permit the closure to move among the plurality of positions. A second sensor is configured to detect the engaged or disengaged state of the latch assembly. The vehicle further includes a controller which is configured to, in response to the first sensor detecting motion of the closure among the plurality of positions and the second sensor detecting the latch assembly in the engaged state, provide a diagnostic signal.

Abstract: An exemplary clip assembly for adjusting a length of a cable includes a base including a tab and a first stop member, a cover rotatably coupled to the base, and a barrel assembly nesting within the base and the cover. The base and the cover define a first passage extending longitudinally through the cover and the base. The barrel assembly includes a first barrel member having a first interaction surface and a first threaded channel, and a second barrel member includes a second interaction surface and a second threaded channel. The first and second interaction surfaces form a barrel interaction surface and the first and second channels define a second passage through the barrel assembly. The first and second passages have a common longitudinal axis and rotation of the barrel interaction surface results in longitudinal translation of the cable through the second passage of the barrel assembly.

Abstract: An obstacle detection sensor system for a movable panel of a motor vehicle includes an obstacle detection sensor disposed on an articulating mount, the obstacle detection sensor and articulating mount being hidden from view by an exterior surface of the motor vehicle in a first position, and the articulating mount providing the obstacle detection sensor with a sensor detection range including an exterior surface of the movable panel in a second position. Movement of the articulating mount from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position is coupled to movement of the movable panel.

Abstract: A check link assembly includes a link movable between a first position and a second position. Furthermore, a vehicle includes the check link assembly. The check link assembly also includes a braking apparatus coupled to the link. The braking apparatus includes a brake member movable between an applied position and a released position. The brake member is configured to apply a force to the link when the brake member is in the applied position. The brake member is configured to release the link when the brake member is in the released position.

Abstract: An alignment device includes a first body and a second body, at least one retention member flexibly coupled to the first body, and a locking member coupled to the first body. The second body has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical opening, a first retention opening extending through the cylindrical wall and a second retention opening extending through the cylindrical wall. The first body translates within the cylindrical opening of the second body and the locking member engages with the first retention opening to position the alignment device in a first position and the locking member engages with the second retention opening to position the alignment device in a second position.

Abstract: A check link assembly includes a link movable between a first position and a second position. Furthermore, a vehicle includes the check link assembly. The check link assembly also includes a braking apparatus coupled to the link. The braking apparatus includes a brake member movable between an applied position and a released position. The brake member is configured to apply a force to the link when the brake member is in the applied position. The brake member is configured to release the link when the brake member is in the released position.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a closure arranged relative a closure frame to selectively cover an opening to the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an actuator configured to move the closure among a plurality of positions including open and closed positions, and a first sensor configured to detect motion of the closure among the plurality of positions. The vehicle additionally includes a latch assembly with an engaged state to retain the closure in the closed position and a disengaged state to permit the closure to move among the plurality of positions. A second sensor is configured to detect the engaged or disengaged state of the latch assembly. The vehicle further includes a controller which is configured to, in response to the first sensor detecting motion of the closure among the plurality of positions and the second sensor detecting the latch assembly in the engaged state, provide a diagnostic signal.