Abstract: A modular device backbone may include a controller and two or more backplates configured to be distributed throughout a user space and further configured to couple with swappable devices. Any of the two or more backplates may include a configuration storage device to store backplate-based configuration information including a backplate identifier and a controller address for communicating with the controller, and a communication unit to transmit the backplate-based configuration information. Upon coupling of a particular swappable device to a particular backplate, the particular swappable device may receive the backplate-based configuration information from the particular backplate and further communicate with the controller using the controller address to receive controller-based configuration information from the controller, which may include information for communicating with additional swappable devices.

Abstract: A modular device backbone may include a controller and two or more backplates configured to be distributed throughout a user space and further configured to couple with swappable devices. Any of the two or more backplates may include a configuration storage device to store backplate-based configuration information including a backplate identifier and a controller address for communicating with the controller, and a communication unit to transmit the backplate-based configuration information. Upon coupling of a particular swappable device to a particular backplate, the particular swappable device may receive the backplate-based configuration information from the particular backplate and further communicate with the controller using the controller address to receive controller-based configuration information from the controller, which may include information for communicating with additional swappable devices.

Abstract: A modular device backbone includes two or more backplates configured to be distributed throughout a user space and further configured to couple with swappable devices. Each of the one or more backplates may include a configuration storage device to store configuration information for communicating with additional swappable devices coupled to additional backplates. Each of the one or more backplates may further include a communication unit to provide the configuration information to a coupled swappable device, where the coupled swappable device unit establishes a communication link to the additional swappable devices based on the configuration information.

Abstract: A power liftgate device for a liftgate of a vehicle having a power drive unit and a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator is pivotally coupled between the liftgate and the vehicle and exerts a force opposing retraction of the liftgate. A driven gear is fixed to the pneumatic actuator to pivot therewith and is selectively driven by the power drive unit. The liftgate assembly further includes an engaging device that is coupled to the vehicle for engaging the power drive unit with the driven gear, thereby enabling the power drive unit to drive the driven gear. Specifically, the engaging device is positionable between an engaged and a disengaged position, wherein the engaging device is operable in the engaged position to engage the power drive unit into driving connection with the driven gear. The engaging device is also operable in the disengaged position to disengage the power drive unit from the driven gear to enable the actuator to actuate freely.

Abstract: A liftgate self-closing device for a vehicle includes a power drive unit and a track drive member drivingly interconnected with the power drive unit. The power drive unit selectively drives the track drive member. A pneumatic actuator is pivotally coupled at one end to the liftgate and at the other end to the track drive member. The actuator exerts a force opposing retraction of the liftgate. The power drive unit is operable in a first and a second direction. The first direction of the power drive unit drives the track drive member such that the pneumatic actuator is lowered to a predetermined position to enable the liftgate to automatically close. The second direction of the power drive unit drives the track drive member in an opposite direction such that the pneumatic actuator is raised to a predetermined position to enable the liftgate to be opened by an operator.

Abstract: A power liftgate assembly for a liftgate of a vehicle having a power drive unit and a plurality of driven gears. The plurality of driven gears is selectively driven by the power drive unit. The assembly further includes a first drive arm pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a second drive arm pivotally coupled to the liftgate at a first end and pivotally coupled to the first drive arm at a second end. The liftgate assembly still further includes an engaging device selectively coupled to at least one of the plurality of driven gears. The engaging device engages at least one driven gear with the first drive arm, thereby enabling the driven gear to drive the first drive arm. The engaging device is positionable between an engaged and a disengaged position, wherein the engaging device is operable in the engaged position to engage the driven gear into driving connection with the first drive arm.