The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 28, 2004
Filed:
May. 30, 2003
Joseph E. Ploucha, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
An improved system for detecting the presence of an object in the path of a liftgate relies upon the sensor/transmitters that are used for collision avoidance systems to detect the presence of an object rearwardly of a vehicle moving in a reverse direction. Known sensors are provided to look for the presence of an object when the vehicle is being moved in a reverse direction. The sensors are now also actuated when the liftgate is being moved to its closed position. Should an object be detected, further movement of the liftgate is stopped. The present invention thus detects the presence of an object in the path of a liftgate prior to any contact. Further, the invention combines two prior control modules into a single control module.