Abstract: An apparatus includes a latch assembly, having a housing and a latch carried in the housing, a heating feature, and a rechargeable battery connected to the heating feature. That heating feature includes a thermoelectric cooler controller and a resistive heating element. The resistance heating element may be a heater film molded to a face of the housing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle with a portable signature light assembly, and a corresponding method. In an example, a signature light assembly configured to promote brand recognition of the motor vehicle is operable in a first mode in which the signature light assembly is connected to the motor vehicle and a second mode in which the signature light assembly is removed from the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a vehicle body panel and a camera having a field of view. The camera is disposed on the vehicle body panel. A grille assembly is coupled to the vehicle body panel. The grille assembly includes a plurality of light sources, an optic layer defining channels disposed adjacent to the light sources, and a metalized sheet disposed on the optic layer.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a vehicle body panel and a camera having a field of view. The camera is disposed on the vehicle body panel. A grille assembly is coupled to the vehicle body panel. The grille assembly includes a plurality of light sources, an optic layer defining channels disposed adjacent to the light sources, and a metalized sheet disposed on the optic layer.

Abstract: A material includes a base polymer, cellulose fibers dispersed through the base polymer, a pigment coloring the base polymer and the cellulose fibers, and a sealant selected from epoxidized soybean oil and polyolefin. The sealant coats and seals the cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A composite material includes polypropylene in an amount between 60 wt. % and 95 wt. %, glass bubbles in an amount between 3.0 wt. % and 20.0 wt. %, a secondary structural filler of magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite in an amount greater than 0.0 wt. % and up to 30.0 wt. %, and at least one additive. In one form of the composite material, the secondary structural filler is either magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite. In another form the magnesium oxysulfate is in an amount between 2.0 wt. % and 6.0 wt. %. in yet another form the wollastonite is in an amount between 6.0 wt. % and 12.0 wt. %.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is provided herein. The grille assembly includes a panel sealingly coupled to a substrate and defining a cavity therebetween. A light source is disposed within the cavity. A diffuser is disposed between the light source and a portion of the panel.

Abstract: A sensor and a system using the sensor are described. The sensor may comprise: a cover; and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) shroud located at a periphery of the cover. The system may include one or more such sensors in a passage of a housing. The system further may comprise a blower that moves air through the passage and across at least a portion of the sensor(s).

Abstract: A sensor and a system using the sensor are described. The sensor may comprise: a cover; and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) shroud located at a periphery of the cover. The system may include one or more such sensors in a passage of a housing. The system further may comprise a blower that moves air through the passage and across at least a portion of the sensor(s).

Abstract: A B-pillar vehicle warning system includes a plurality of regions that can be illuminated to provide green, yellow, and red light. The warning system may be configured to utilize inputs from an autonomous driving sensing system to determine a location of a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle, etc. relative to the vehicle. The system may be configured to illuminate specific lights in a predefined sequence based on a position of a pedestrian to alert/warn a pedestrian approaching the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is provided herein. The grille assembly includes a panel sealingly coupled to a substrate and defining a cavity therebetween. A light source is disposed within the cavity. A diffuser is disposed between the light source and a portion of the panel.

Abstract: A B-pillar vehicle warning system includes a plurality of regions that can be illuminated to provide green, yellow, and red light. The warning system may be configured to utilize inputs from an autonomous driving sensing system to determine a location of a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle, etc. relative to the vehicle. The system may be configured to illuminate specific lights in a predefined sequence based on a position of a pedestrian to alert/warn a pedestrian approaching the vehicle.

Abstract: A material includes a base polymer, cellulose fibers dispersed through the base polymer, a pigment coloring the base polymer and the cellulose fibers, and a sealant selected from epoxidized soybean oil and polyolefin. The sealant coats and seals the cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A molded metallized polymeric structure includes a metal plate-able polymer component having a metallized surface wherein the component includes one or more locking members. The molded metallized polymeric structure additionally includes a polymer resin coupled to one or more binding regions of the metallized surface wherein the polymer resin is positioned to be in contact with the one or more locking members. The molded metallized polymeric structure has one or more visually exposed portions of the metallized surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for punching and attaching components to vehicle fascia are disclosed. The system may include a first robot including a punching end of arm tool (EOAT) and configured to punch openings in a vehicle fascia and a second robot configured to attach components having an adhesive applied thereto to the vehicle fascia adjacent to the openings. The system may further include a third or more robots configured to attach components to the vehicle fascia. The method may include punching one or more openings into a vehicle fascia using a first robot EOAT and placing and holding the one or more components having adhesive applied thereto in contact with the vehicle fascia adjacent to the one or more openings using a second EOAT. The system and method may provide flexibility, scalability, and cost effectiveness to the punching and attaching process.

Abstract: An illuminated emblem assembly that includes a power source; a light-producing assembly that is coupled to the power source, supported by a backing member and comprises a plurality of light-emitting diode sources; a chromatic layer comprising an emblem shape over the light-producing assembly, wherein the shape is visible under ambient lighting; and a polycarbonate sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. Further, the sealing structure can comprise a design feature. In addition, the plurality of light-emitting diode sources can be dispersed in the light-producing assembly. The light-emitting diode sources can also be micro-sized elements comprising gallium nitride that are arranged on a positive electrode layer in the form of an ink.

Abstract: A method is provided of producing a component part for a motor vehicle. That method includes the steps of molding a first portion of an integral body from a chrome-platable material and molding a second portion of the integral body from a molded-in-color, non-platable material. This is followed by the applying of a chrome plate layer to the chrome-platable material. A component part or exterior grille made without masking and painting steps is also disclosed.

Abstract: An emblem assembly is provided that includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly may include an electroluminescent light source. The emblem assembly further includes a chromatic layer over the light-producing assembly that comprises and emblem shape, and a translucent sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. The emblem assembly exhibits a chrome- or mirror-like finish when viewed under ambient lighting conditions. Further, the emblem assembly possesses a glowing appearance when activated under low light or nighttime conditions.

Abstract: An illuminated emblem assembly that includes a power source; a light-producing assembly that is coupled to the power source, supported by a backing member and comprises a plurality of light-emitting diode sources; a chromatic layer comprising an emblem shape over the light-producing assembly, wherein the shape is visible under ambient lighting; and a polycarbonate sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. Further, the sealing structure can comprise a design feature. In addition, the plurality of light-emitting diode sources can be dispersed in the light-producing assembly. The light-emitting diode sources can also be micro-sized elements comprising gallium nitride that are arranged on a positive electrode layer in the form of an ink.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an access panel configured to conceal an access region of a fueling receptacle. A light source is disposed proximate the access region and is in communication with a controller. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one photoluminescent portion disposed proximate the access region and configured to illuminate at least a portion of the access region.