Abstract: The inventive cable operated actuator assembly includes an actuator element, a reaction element, a conduit defining a lumen therethrough, a cable longer than the conduit slideably disposed through the lumen of the conduit, and at least one pivoting ferrule defining a bore therethrough. One of the ends of the conduit is secured to the actuator element and the other end of the conduit is secured to the pivoting ferrule. The reaction element is pivotally secured to the other end of the pivoting ferrule. While the cable is slideably disposed within the bore, the second end of the cable extends out of the second end of the pivoting ferrule. At least one of the pivoting ferrule and the reaction element may pivot substantially about the axis created by the cable as it exits the second end of the pivoting ferrule. A specific application of the inventive assembly includes a steering column tilt actuator assembly.

Abstract: A push button actuator including a plunger movable between return and actuating positions, a conduit with an axial bore therethrough and a core slideably disposed within the bore. The first end of the conduit is operatively connected to the plunger and moves substantially with the plunger. The second end of the conduit and the first end of the core are fixed with respect to the movement of the plunger between its return and activating positions. Movement of the plunger from its return position to its actuating position pushes the first end of the conduit away from the first end of the core, causing the second end of the core to be drawn towards the second end of the conduit. The movement of the second end of the core may be used to activate a reaction mechanism operatively connected to the second end of the core.

Abstract: The present invention is a push button actuator including a plunger movable between return and actuating positions, a flexible conduit with an axial bore therethrough and a flexible core slideably disposed within the bore. The first end of the conduit is operatively connected to the plunger and moves substantially with the plunger. The second end of the conduit and the first end of the core are fixed with respect to the movement of the plunger between its return and activating positions. Movement of the plunger from its return position to its actuating position pushes the first end of the conduit away from the first end of the core, flexing the conduit and causing the second end of the core to be drawn towards the second end of the conduit. The movement of the second end of the core may be used to activate a reaction mechanism operatively connected to the second end of the core.

Abstract: A push button actuator including a plunger movable between return and actuating positions, a flexible conduit with an axial bore therethrough and a flexible core slideably disposed within the bore. The first end of the conduit is operatively connected to the plunger and moves substantially with the plunger. The second end of the conduit and the first end of the core are fixed with respect to the movement of the plunger between its return and activating positions. Movement of the plunger from its return position to its actuating position pushes the first end of the conduit away from the first end of the core, flexing the conduit and causing the second end of the core to be drawn towards the second end of the conduit. The movement of the second end of the core may be used to activate a reaction mechanism operatively connected to the second end of the core.

Abstract: A column tilt actuator assembly for use on an automotive vehicle. The column tilt actuator assembly including a bracket member connected to a steering column. The column tilt actuator assembly further including a swing arm housing having a swing arm rotatably connected thereto. The swing arm housing and the swing arm are connected to the bracket with integrated fasteners. The swing arm also includes a swing arm knob for use in activating a tilt steering mechanism.

Abstract: A cable strand end-fitting having a housing which defines a longitudinal bore with internal threads to receive a screw member with external threads, the threads cooperate to allow axial movement of the screw member relative to the housing. A longitudinal passageway through the screw member receives a cable strand extending therethrough, one end of the cable strand is a terminal end bulb which abuts the screw member so the axial movement of the screw member adjusts the cable strand. The housing includes a mounting portion having a cylindrical opening generally perpendicular to the longitudinal bore, the cylindrical opening is adapted to be disposed over a mounting post along the longitudinal axis of the mounting post. A retainer clip secures the end-fitting to the mounting post with opposed locking teeth which are adapted to be positioned through diametrically opposed slots in the mounting portion of the housing thereby engaging the mounting post for securement.

Abstract: A cable assembly secured inside the trunk compartment of a motor vehicle having dual actuator cables. The cable assembly includes a housing, a pulley member rotatably mounted to the housing and a slide lock member. A first actuator cable slidingly cooperates through the housing and pulley member with one end attached to a pull-strap inside the trunk compartment and the second end attached to a release latch. A second actuator cable has one end attached to a pull-strap located in the proximity of the driver's seat and the second end attached to the pulley member to rotate the pulley member upon pulling the pull-strap. Rotating the pulley member allows the pulley member to engage a ball slug on the first actuator cable to drive the second end and actuate the release latch. A slide lock member is capable of engaging the pulley member to prevent rotation, and therefore, prevent the pull strap in the passenger compartment from actuating the release latch.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a cable strand to a ball stud. The connector includes a body and a socket formed in the body. The socket includes a pair of lever arms and a pair of bosses. The lever arms include lock projections used to retain the ball stud in the socket.

Abstract: A cable assembly for actuating a remote member in response to an actuation input bwherein one end of the cable is attached to the remote input and a second end of the cable is attached to the actuation input. The cable assembly includes a first cable portion and a second cable portion utilizing a connector assembly to interconnect the respective portions. The connector assembly further includes an adjustment feature having a plurality of positions which automatically adjusts the conduit and corresponding cable strand length upon engagement.

Abstract: A cable assembly for rotating a member in response to a rotating input, including first and second pulleys and at least one conduit extending longitudinally and interconnecting the first and second pulleys. At least one strand extends longitudinally through the conduit and at least partially about the first and second pulleys. The first pulley includes a slack adjustment mechanism for adjusting slack in the strands.

Abstract: A strand end fitting includes a housing adapted to be attached to a mounting pin located on a moveable member and having a passageway extending therethrough. The strand end fitting also includes a longitudinal member having an aperture therethrough telescopingly disposed within the passageway whereby a strand extends through the longitudinal member and has a retainer member secured thereon which abuts the longitudinal member. Once the longitudinal member is properly positioned within the housing a locking structure prevents relative movement between the longitudinal member and the housing.

Abstract: A cable assembly for rotating a member in response to a rotating input, including first and second pulley members and a conduit extending longitudinally and interconnecting the first and second pulley members. A pair of spaced strands extend longitudinally through the conduit and at least partially about the first and second pulley members. The first pulley member includes a slack adjustment mechanism for adjusting the slack in the strands.