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Arms full vehicle closure activation apparatus and method

  • US 8,091,280 B2
  • Filed: 06/01/2007
  • Issued: 01/10/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A vehicle comprising:

  • a closure panel;

    an actuator configured to automatically move said closure panel in at least one direction;

    a radio frequency (RF) receiver that detects an RF signal emitted by an RF emitter to thereby detect the presence of a potential occupant of the vehicle;

    an optical sensor that detects a response of said occupant wherein the optical sensor selectively generates and projects a concentrated light beam onto a surface, and detects a predetermined gesture of the occupant made with respect to the light beam without using the RF receiver; and

    a controller having a stored expected response of said occupant that is selectable by the occupant and recorded by the controller to provide a unique coded command, including an expected interruption of the concentrated light beam via the predetermined gesture of the occupant;

    wherein said controller receives the detected response of the occupant from the optical sensor, compares said detected response of said occupant to said stored expected response of said occupant, and activates said actuator to thereby automatically move said closure panel in said at least one direction when both said presence is detected and said detected response of said occupant equals said stored expected response of said occupant.

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