Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Rafic Jergess

Spencer Monroe Dinkins, Iii

Howard Paul Tsvi Linden

Adrian Nania

Onoyom Essien Ekanem

John Robert Van Wiemeersch

Rajesh K Patel

Donald Paul Iacovoni

Paul L Heirtzler, Jr

John Thomas Ricks

Christopher Matthew Radjewski

Laura Viviana Hazebrouck

Jason Meyer Quint

Alexander Petniunas

Constantin Manolescu

Jennifer Ann Prescott

Howard Paul Linden

Marc Beeman

Hassan Mehdi

Andrew Mcmullen

Spurthi Varma Ganna

A vehicle handle assembly includes, among other things, an attachment bracket secured to a powered closure assembly of a vehicle, a handle core that is mounted to the attachment bracket, and a switch mounted to the handle core. The switch is configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to a user grasping the handle core. The powered closure assembly can move between a first position and a different, second position in response to a transition of the switch.

Vehicle powered closure handle assembly and powered closure actuating method

An automatic door system for a vehicle may comprise a hinged door in connection with the vehicle configured to selectively enclose a continuous opening formed between a first and a second pillar of the vehicle, wherein the sliding door and the hinged door are configured to enclose the continuous opening without an intermediate support pillar. The system may also comprise the hinged door in a hinged position and controlled by a first power actuator. The system may also comprise the sliding door in connection with the vehicle configured to selectively enclose the continuous opening, wherein a second power actuator controls a sliding position of the sliding door. The system may further comprise proximity sensors and interference sensors to detect interfering obstructions, objects, and/or persons located within the interference zone.

Automatic closing doors system with obstruction detection

A smart hinge assembly includes a fixed hinge pin, a rotary drive cup including a hinge pin socket to engage the fixed hinge pin and a drive cup position sensor. That drive cup position sensor is configured to monitor current rotary position of the rotary drive cup.

Smart hinge assembly for a tailgate of a motor vehicle

A powered hinge assembly includes a first gate hinge feature, a drive unit connected to the first gate hinge feature and a controller configured to displace the first gate hinge feature to an installation position upon connection to a power source. A powered tailgate assembly, incorporating the powered hinge assembly, and a method of installing a tailgate are also disclosed.

Powered hinge assembly and powered tailgate assembly incorporating that powered hinge assembly

A hinge assembly for moving a tailgate about a hinge axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part for mating with the first hinge part. The second hinge part may be moved to a release position for releasing from the first hinge part, and a lock is provided for locking the second hinge part in the release position. A tailgate including the hinge assembly is also disclosed, which may also be provided with a powered raising and lowering capability. A related method is also disclosed.

Removable tailgate with locking hinge

A method of generating warnings associated with a vehicle is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (a) receiving an indication that a warning relating to operation of an electric motor is appropriate; (b) generating a drive current for the electric motor; (c) superimposing a warning signal onto the drive current; and (d) driving the electric motor with the drive current and the superimposed warning signal such that the electric motor produces the warnings. The warning signal may produce an audio warning, a tactile warning, or a combination thereof.

Method of generating warnings using a vehicle motor

A method for re-initializing a moon roof control system includes sequentially re-initializing first a sunshade controller and then a moon roof panel controller. The step of sequentially re-initializing is implemented by actuating one or more sunshade and/or moon roof panel actuators for a predetermined re-initializing time period that is less than a full duration of the re-initializing.

Method of re-initializing a vehicle power-operated moon roof or sunroof

A warning system for a vehicle includes a vehicle door-mounted exterior illuminable signal, a door-open indicator associated with the vehicle door, and a controller configured to actuate the exterior illuminable signal to emit light in a selected one of multiple operating modes. The operating modes may include an increased visibility operating mode differing from other operating modes in an intensity and/or pattern and/or color of light emitted by the door-mounted exterior illuminable signal. The vehicle door may be a rear-hinged door and the illuminable signal may be associated with a handle of the door. The controller may actuate the exterior illuminable signal in a different operating mode on receiving both of a signal from the door-open indicator and a signal from a vehicle navigational system.

Illuminated door-open warning for center-opening door

A method of controlling a movable closure member of a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining an initial position of the movable closure member; initiating movement of the movable closure member; and switching power between a first shunt and a second shunt when the movable closure member is at an intermediate position between the initial position and a final position of the movable closure member. The shunt may be traces on a printed circuit board. Within the method, the initiating step may include switching power to the first shunt when the initial position of the movable closure member is determined to be a closed position, and switching power from the first shunt to the second shunt when the movable closure member is at an intermediate position. The movable closure member may be a side door window, a rear gate window, a power sliding door, a sunroof, or a moon roof.

Method of controlling a movable closure member of a vehicle

Systems and methods are disclosed for a vehicle communication status indicator. An example disclosed vehicle includes a body control module and a keyless entry unit. The example body control unit determines whether a mobile device is authorized to act as a key. The example keyless entry unit is communicatively coupled to the body control module. The example keyless entry unit activates an indicator LED when the mobile device is connected to a wireless node. The indicator LED emits a first color when the mobile device is authorized.

Vehicle communication status indicator

A doorlock status display system is provided for a motor vehicle. That system includes a door module and a lock status display module. The door module includes a controller, a doorlock and a doorlock status sensor for each door of the motor vehicle. The lock status display module includes a lock status controller, a first indicator for door unlocked status, a second indicator for all doors locked status and a third indicator for all doors locked and closed status.

Growing community of inventors

Warren, MI, United States of America

Rafic Jergess