Abstract: A power swing door actuator for moving a passenger swing door relative to a body portion of a motor vehicle. The power swing door actuator includes a housing rigidly fixed to the swing door, a motor mounted to the housing, a connector link having a first end pivotably coupled to the vehicle body portion and a second end pivotably coupled to a drive nut of a spindle drive mechanism. A leadscrew of the spindle drive mechanism is rotatably driven by the motor for causing relative translational movement between the drive nut and the leadscrew which, in turn, results in pivoting movement of the connector link while the vehicle door swings between open and closed positions in response to selective actuation of the motor. The power swing door actuator is further equipped with an integrated door check mechanism.

Abstract: A power swing door actuator for moving a passenger swing door relative to a body portion of a motor vehicle. The power swing door actuator includes a housing rigidly fixed to the swing door, a motor mounted to the housing, a connector link having a first end pivotably coupled to the vehicle body portion and a second end pivotably coupled to a drive nut of a spindle drive mechanism. A leadscrew of the spindle drive mechanism is rotatably driven by the motor for causing relative translational movement between the drive nut and the leadscrew which, in turn, results in pivoting movement of the connector link while the vehicle door swings between open and closed positions in response to selective actuation of the motor. The power swing door actuator is further equipped with an integrated door check mechanism.

Abstract: A power swing door actuator for moving a passenger swing door relative to a body portion of a motor vehicle. The power swing door actuator includes a housing rigidly fixed to the swing door, a motor mounted to the housing, a connector link having a first end pivotably coupled to the vehicle body portion and a second end pivotably coupled to a drive nut of a spindle drive mechanism. A leadscrew of the spindle drive mechanism is rotatably driven by the motor for causing relative translational movement between the drive nut and the leadscrew which, in turn, results in pivoting movement of the connector link while the vehicle door swings between open and closed positions in response to selective actuation of the motor. The power swing door actuator is further equipped with an integrated door check mechanism.

Abstract: A power door actuation system including a swing door actuator assembly having a rotatable drive nut assembly operable to move the door between a closed position and at least one open position to provide a power opening and closing function.

Abstract: A power swing door actuator for moving a passenger swing door relative to a body portion of a motor vehicle. The power swing door actuator includes a housing rigidly fixed to the swing door, a motor mounted to the housing, a connector link having a first end pivotably coupled to the vehicle body portion and a second end pivotably coupled to a drive nut of a spindle drive mechanism. A leadscrew of the spindle drive mechanism is rotatably driven by the motor for causing relative translational movement between the drive nut and the leadscrew which, in turn, results in pivoting movement of the connector link while the vehicle door swings between open and closed positions in response to selective actuation of the motor.

Abstract: A power door actuation system including a swing door actuator assembly having a rotatable drive nut assembly operable to move the door between a closed position and at least one open position to provide a power opening and closing function.

Abstract: A powered deployable spoiler assembly includes a support member adapted for mounting to a motor vehicle and a spoiler panel disposed in a recessed segment of the support member. A pair of power-operated drive units interconnect the spoiler panel to the support member and are operable to move the spoiler panel between a non-deployed position, a first deployed position to provide aerodynamic assistance at a first vehicle speed, and a second deployed position to provide augmented aerodynamic assistance at a second higher vehicle speed. Each drive unit defines a guide slot and includes a stanchion fixed to the spoiler panel and a follower assembly fixed to the stanchion and disposed for movement within the guide slot. Electric motors are coupled to rotary-to-linear conversion mechanisms for converting rotation into translation of the follower assemblies to control movement of the spoiler panel.

Abstract: A power swing door actuator for moving a passenger swing door relative to a body portion of a motor vehicle. The power swing door actuator includes a housing rigidly fixed to the swing door, a motor mounted to the housing, a connector link having a first end pivotably coupled to the vehicle body portion and a second end pivotably coupled to a drive nut of a spindle drive mechanism. A leadscrew of the spindle drive mechanism is rotatably driven by the motor for causing relative translational movement between the drive nut and the leadscrew which, in turn, results in pivoting movement of the connector link while the vehicle door swings between open and closed positions in response to selective actuation of the motor. The power swing door actuator is further equipped with an integrated door check mechanism.

Abstract: A power swing door actuator for moving a passenger swing door relative to a body portion of a motor vehicle. The power swing door actuator includes a housing rigidly fixed to the swing door, a motor mounted to the housing, a connector link having a first end pivotably coupled to the vehicle body portion and a second end pivotably coupled to a drive nut of a spindle drive mechanism. A leadscrew of the spindle drive mechanism is rotatably driven by the motor for causing relative translational movement between the drive nut and the leadscrew which, in turn, results in pivoting movement of the connector link while the vehicle door swings between open and closed positions in response to selective actuation of the motor.

Abstract: A powered deployable spoiler assembly includes a support member adapted for mounting to a motor vehicle and a spoiler panel disposed in a recessed segment of the support member. A pair of power-operated drive units interconnect the spoiler panel to the support member and are operable to move the spoiler panel between a non-deployed position, a first deployed position to provide aerodynamic assistance at a first vehicle speed, and a second deployed position to provide augmented aerodynamic assistance at a second higher vehicle speed. Each drive unit defines a guide slot and includes a stanchion fixed to the spoiler panel and a follower assembly fixed to the stanchion and disposed for movement within the guide slot. Electric motors are coupled to rotary-to-linear conversion mechanisms for converting rotation into translation of the follower assemblies to control movement of the spoiler panel.

Abstract: A brake assembly has a frame configured to mount to a vehicle. A link is pivotally mounted to the frame. A pedal is pivotally mounted to an end of the link, defining a pedal pivot point. A latch is mounted on the frame and is operable to selectively engage and disengage the link. The link is able to move selectively between an operational position and a crash position. When the link is in the operational position, the link supports the pedal and positions the pedal pivot point for normal operational movement of the pedal through a normal operating range to operate braking of the vehicle. When the link is in the crash position, the latch is released and the pedal pivot point moves to allow the pedal to move beyond the normal operating range minimizing risk of injury to the driver.

Abstract: A pedal assembly including a bracket, a pedal lever pivotally mounted to the bracket, a spring mounted to the bracket, and a cam pivotally mounted to the bracket. The cam engages one end of the spring so as to load the spring while the cam pivots. The cam has a pre-determined profile and the pedal lever engages the cam profile to pivot the cam and load the spring during the stroke of the pedal lever, thus enabling the assembly to provide a pre-determined force versus stroke profile.

Abstract: The present inventor believes that one of the advantages of the present invention is that when washer 66 abuts the second shoulder 76 and the pin 80 is disengaged from the washer 66the assist mechanism 54 is effectively disengaged from pedal arm 32 and does not impact its operation over the balance of its stroke. Thus assist mechanism 54 only has an effect at the initial portion of the stroke of pedal arm 32, as desired.

Abstract: A quiet apply push to release control pedal system includes a frame to mount the system to a vehicle. The frame also includes a geared rack and a pedal arm and a quiet apply carriage are rotatably mounted to the frame. The quiet apply carriage has a geared quiet apply mechanism which engages the geared rack and a cable carrier to which a control cable can be attached. Pushing the pedal moves the carriage to tension a control cable attached thereto by rotating the quiet apply mechanism along the geared rack. The quiet apply mechanism includes a clutch which prevents the gear from rotating in a direction to release the tension in the cable unless the clutch is released. The carriage also includes a pawl and toggle mechanism which locks the pedal arm to rotate with the carriage to tension the cable when the pedal is first pressed.

Abstract: A pedal assembly including a bracket, a pedal lever pivotally mounted to the bracket, a spring mounted to the bracket, and a cam pivotally mounted to the bracket. The cam engages one end of the spring so as to load the spring while the came pivots. The cam has a pre-determined profile and the pedal lever engages the cam profile to pivot the cam and load the spring during the stroke of the pedal lever, thus enabling the assembly to provide a pre-determined force versus stroke profile.

Abstract: A brake assembly has a frame configured to mount to a vehicle. A link is pivotally mounted to the frame. A pedal is pivotally mounted to an end of the link, defining a pedal pivot point. A latch is mounted on the frame and is operable to selectively engage and disengage the link. The link is able to move selectively between an operational position and a crash position. When the link is in the operational position, the link supports the pedal and positions the pedal pivot point for normal operational movement of the pedal through a normal operating range to operate braking of the vehicle. When the link is in the crash position, the latch is released and the pedal pivot point moves to allow the pedal to move beyond the normal operating range minimizing risk of injury to the driver.

Abstract: A control pedal for vehicles includes an assist mechanism to reduce the force require to operate the pedal over a portion of the pedal stroke. The assist mechanism includes a body having a first end pivotally connected to one of the frame and pedal arm and having a second end with a slot to slidably receive a pin mounted to the other of the frame and pedal arm. A biasing means acts between a portion of the body and a moveable stop on the body and the body is mounted between the pedal arm and the pin such that, when the pedal arm is in an “at rest” position, the pin acts against the moveable stop to compress the biasing means and as the pedal is moved from the “at rest” position, the biasing means exerts force between the pedal arm and the pin to assist the movement of the pedal arm along its stroke until the moveable stop reaches an end stop, after which further movement of the pedal arm is unassisted.

Abstract: A quiet apply push to release control pedal system includes a frame to mount the system to a vehicle. The frame also includes a geared rack and a pedal arm and a quiet apply carriage are rotatably mounted to the frame. The quiet apply carriage has a geared quiet apply mechanism which engages the geared rack and a cable carrier to which a control cable can be attached. Pushing the pedal moves the carriage to tension a control cable attached thereto by rotating the quiet apply mechanism along the geared rack. The quiet apply mechanism includes a clutch which prevents the gear from rotating in a direction to release the tension in the cable unless the clutch is released. The carriage also includes a pawl and toggle mechanism which locks the pedal arm to rotate with the carriage to tension the cable when the pedal is first pressed.