Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Anthony A Bosco

Robert Alan Dziurda

Mark C Graebner

Jake T Krapes

A lighting system is employed in a motor vehicle that includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The vehicle also includes a second vehicle body end opposing the first vehicle body end, and an aerodynamic-element having an aerodynamic-element body mounted to the second vehicle body end and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The lighting system includes a light source mounted to the vehicle body and configured to direct at least one beam of light at the aerodynamic-element body. The lighting system also includes a light-reflecting feature arranged on the aerodynamic-element body and having an orientation configured to reflect the at least one beam of light along the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the first vehicle body end.

Lighting system for a motor vehicle with active aerodynamic element

A vehicle includes a body with an underbody portion having an outer periphery. At least one traction wheel is rotatably coupled to the body. The traction wheel has a track width defined by an inboard plane and an outboard plane. A movable panel with an inboard edge and an outboard edge is coupled to the underbody portion. An actuator is coupled to the movable panel and configured to actuate the movable panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position the outboard edge projects outboard of the outboard plane of the track width, and in the stowed position the outboard edge is retracted within the outer periphery of the underbody portion. A controller is configured to, in response to an operating condition being satisfied during a drive cycle, control the actuator to actuate the movable panel from the stowed position to the deployed position.

Deployable debris protection device for an automotive vehicle

A tonneau cover system for a truck bed according to the present disclosure includes at least one tonneau panel configured to couple to a truck bed. The panel has a generally planar body with an exterior side and an interior side. The system additionally includes a generally planar movable flap coupled to the interior side. The movable flap is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position the flap is disposed proximate and coplanar with the panel body, and in the deployed position the flap extends generally orthogonal from the body. The system additionally includes retention mechanism configured to selectively retain the flap in the deployed position or the stowed position.

Tonneau cover assembly with tonneau divider

A system for controlling a sound level of a prime mover permitted to emanate from or within a vehicle includes a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver operable for receiving a GPS signal and a sound control device. The sound control device is operable for increasing or decreasing a sound level of the prime mover in response to a control signal. A controller in communication with the GPS receiver includes a calendar and clock, and is programmed to execute a method, including receiving the GPS signal via the GPS receiver, and determining an actual location of the vehicle using the GPS signal. The controller also determines an actual date and time of day using the calendar and the clock, respectively, and transmits the control signal to the sound control device to increase or decrease the sound level using at least one of the actual location, date, and time of day.

Sound control of an engine or other prime mover

A power cut off device includes a case and an actuator disposed in the case. The actuator includes a driver movable relative to the case. Specifically, the driver can move relative to the case between a first driver position and a second driver position. The power cut off device also includes a cutter defining a conductor receiving opening. The cutter is movably disposed in the case. Consequently, the cutter can move relative to the case between a first cutter position and a second cutter position. The cutter is operatively coupled to the actuator such that the driver is configured to drive the cutter from the first cutter position to the second cutter position when the driver moves from the first driver position to the second driver position in order to cut an electrical conductor disposed in the conductor receiving opening.

Power cut off device

A removable roof panel for a vehicle body having a compartment includes an outer panel, a perimeter frame connected to the outer panel and having a first locator feature configured to engage a second locator feature of the compartment, and latching handles operatively connected to the perimeter frame, and operable for latching and unlatching the perimeter frame from the vehicle body. The roof panel includes a lamp connected to the perimeter frame proximate the first locator feature, a battery electrically connectable to and operable for energizing the lamp, and a lamp actuator. The lamp actuator is configured to selectively connect the lamp to the battery when the removable roof panel is removed from the vehicle body to thereby illuminate the first and second locator features during stowing of the removable roof panel in the compartment. A vehicle includes the vehicle body and the removable roof panel.

Removable vehicle roof panel with stowing assistance lamps

A flow drill screw can retain a structure and includes a shank extending along a longitudinal axis. The shank includes a first shank end and a second shank end opposite the first shank end. The flow drill screw further includes a pointed tip coupled to the first shank end. The pointed tip includes at least one facet. The flow drill screw also includes a stud extending from the shank along the longitudinal axis and away from the first shank end. The stud includes a first stud end and a second stud end opposite the first stud end. Further, the stud includes external threads between the first and second stud ends. The flow drill screw includes an annular flange coupled to the second shank end and the first stud end. Moreover, the flow drill screw includes a head coupled to the second stud end.

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Macomb, MI, United States of America

Anthony A Bosco