Abstract: A vehicular monitoring system is configured to acquire GPS position data and vehicular operating data, write the data to a file, and detect and utilize public wireless communication (e.g., 802.11x/WiFi) Internet access points to communicate the file containing the acquired GPS position data and vehicular operating data to a remote computer. Compressed diagnostic data sets and reduced latency wireless transmissions are utilized to facilitate communication.

Abstract: A vehicular monitoring system is configured to acquire GPS position data and vehicular operating data, write the data to a file, and detect and utilize public wireless communication (e.g., 802.11x/WiFi) Internet access points to communicate the file containing the acquired GPS position data and vehicular operating data to a remote computer. Compressed diagnostic data sets and reduced latency wireless transmissions are utilized to facilitate communication.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening a vehicle closure such as a deck lid or hood is positioned at a work station such as a paint booth and includes interconnected gripper and floating arms mounted for rotary movement between a parked position, a pick-up position and a full-open position corresponding to an open position of the closure. The closure is utilized as a member of a four-bar linkage. Arm control linkage provides a two-stage harmonic motion including smooth acceleration and deceleration of the closure after a gripper mechanism mounted on the free end of the gripper arm has received the closure at the pick-up position. A fixture is mounted on the closure for engagement by a pair of opposing fingers of the gripper mechanism. Gripper control linkage is connected to the arm control linkage to open and close the fingers of the gripper mechanism in synchronism with the motion of the gripper arm. A system utilizing the opener mechanism includes a hydraulic power supply and a manifold assembly.