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:
Jul. 16, 2013
Filed:
Aug. 05, 2011
Scott P. Charnesky, Birmingham, MI (US);
James S. Netherland, Iii, Clarkston, MI (US);
Graham J. Spence, Troy, MI (US);
Scott P. Charnesky, Birmingham, MI (US);
James S. Netherland, III, Clarkston, MI (US);
Graham J. Spence, Troy, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A system for controlling an access opening in a vehicle body includes first and second doors arranged to selectively open and close first and second portions of the opening. The system also includes a device operatively connected to the first door and configured to be selectively retracted before at least one of the first and second doors is opened. The device is also configured to be protracted when the first and second doors are closed to thereby seal the first and second portions of the access opening. The system additionally includes a controller configured to selectively retract and protract the device. Furthermore, the system includes a sensor arranged on the vehicle and configured to detect an impact exceeding a threshold intensity on the body and communicate a signal indicative of the impact to the controller. The controller retracts the device upon receipt of the signal from the sensor.