Patent ID: 7518327
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: B60H,E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
1. A system comprising: a controller operable for transmitting a panel control signal to a motor for the motor to move a movable panel of a vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions while the motor receives power from a power source, wherein the motor receives power from the power source upon receiving the panel control signal; a sensor operable for detecting objects in the path of the panel without monitoring the motor, wherein the sensor generates an object signal indicative of an object being detected in the path of the panel; and wherein, when the panel is moving in a closing direction, the controller transmits a panel control signal to the motor to reverse movement of the panel to an opening direction upon receiving the object signal in order to prevent the panel from entrapping an object; wherein the controller communicates with vehicle modules over an in-vehicle local area network (LAN).