Abstract: One purpose is to smoothly raise and lower a telescopic post used in a floodlight. There is provided a floodlight that includes: a telescopic post that has a plurality of posts whose outer diameters are made gradually smaller, into which the posts can be loosely fitted, and that can be extended and contracted in an up-down direction; a lighting unit attached to the post located on the innermost side; a raising and lowering unit that extends and contracts, in the up-down direction, the posts in conjunction with each other; a base that the post located on the outermost side is fixed to; and dampers that connect a side surface of the post located on the outermost side and a side surface of the post located on the second outermost side.

Abstract: A gear shift operation device for a vehicle to which a multiple-stage automatic transmission is mounted, is provided. By a control lever being manually operated in a range switchable mode, a range position is switched at least between a D-range where automatic transmission is performed and an R-range, and by the control lever being manually operated in a manual transmission mode, a gear change is performed. An operation reaction force when the control lever is manually operated is set larger when the gear change is performed in the manual transmission mode than when the range position is switched in the range switchable mode.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) seal segment for use in a segmented turbine shroud for radially encasing a turbine in a gas turbine engine. The CMC seal segment comprises an arcuate flange having a surface facing the turbine and a portion defining a bore for receiving an elongated pin, with the bore having a length that is at least 70% of the length of the elongated pin received therein. The CMC seal segment is carried by the carrier by at least one of the elongated pins being received within the bore. The CMC seal segment portion defining a pin-receiving bore is radially spaced from the arcuate flange by a spacing flange extending radially outward from the arcuate flange.

Abstract: A shift lever housing for a manual transmission may include a shift cable base portion sealed to not have a hole that is open downward to a bottom located between a shift cable through-hole and a shift cable connector; and a select cable base portion positioned at one side of the shift cable base portion and having a base hole that is open downward to a bottom located between a selector lever installation hole and a select cable connector.

Abstract: A shift-lever assembly of a manual transmission is provided. The assembly includes a lower lever that is rotatable forward and backward with respect to a shift-lever housing and is connected with one of a shift cable and a selection cable. Additionally, an upper lever is coupled to the lower lever to be rotatable left and right and is connected with a remaining one of the cables.

Abstract: A transport device for shock sensitive packages maintains an object in a near zero gravity spatial orientation to reduce or eliminate potentially harmful mechanical shock and or vibration to a body, object or device needing protection. This device has active impact cancellation, and is controlled by a computer via attached sensors that return positional data and reduce or eliminate the deceleration rate of the protected body via programmed algorithms, and rapidly compensating linear actuators.

Abstract: A spring assembly defining an elongated axis and includes an axially elongated connector articulately connected toward a first end to a first member and articulately connected toward a second end to a second member for joining and permitting pivotal movements between the first and second members. Two springs are arranged axially relative to each other along and about the connector between the first and second ends thereof. An alignment member is disposed between the two springs for aligning adjacent ends of the two springs relative to each other and relative to an elongated axis of the spring assembly. The alignment member defines a generally centralized opening adapted to slidably move along and relative to the connector.

Abstract: A handle returning apparatus includes an input member rotating in conjunction with an operation handle operated to rotate in first and second directions including a neutral position, and a spring member including a plurality of spring portions integrally formed and including different spring forces, each of the spring portions including first and second spring end portions separating from each other in a circumferential direction and being configured to generate a returning force for returning the operation handle to the neutral position by being resiliently deformed on a basis of the rotation operation of the operation handle to bias the input member in a state where one of the first and second spring end portions engages with the input member and the other engages with a fixation member. The plurality of spring portions is selectively switchable therebetween to generate the returning force depending on a condition of the rotation operation.

Abstract: A sliding arrangement, in particular an extension apparatus for drawers, sliding doors, hinged doors, etc., has an extending arrangement which comprises a sliding piece (21) that is displaceable by means of a spring element (22) between an inserted position and an extended position. In order to enable user-friendly opening of the drawer, provision is made according to the present invention that the sliding piece is displaceable over a first displacement distance in spring-impinged fashion, and in an adjacent second displacement distance is displaceable without spring impingement in a free-running portion of the extension apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a patient side-system is provided that includes a column with a rail and a counterbalance subsystem. The patient side-system may further include a braking subsystem. The counterbalance subsystem includes a spring assembly coupled at one end to the column with a spring member, and a housing movably coupled to the rail. The housing includes a drum to receive the spring member and a plurality of roller elements to guide a movement of the spring member winding or unwinding on the drum. If present, the braking subsystem includes a first pulley rotatably coupled to the column, a second pulley with a locking mechanism spaced apart from the first pulley and rotatably coupled to the column, and at least one brake cable wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley with ends coupled to the housing. The locking mechanism can set a position of the housing along the column.

Abstract: A bumper includes a supporting member, a base, a flange, a connecting arm, and a resetting assembly. The base is fixedly connected to the supporting member. The connecting arm has a rotating portion rotatably positioned between the flange and the supporting member. The resetting assembly includes a resisting member and an elastic member. The resisting member is slidably connected to the supporting member. The elastic member is configured for producing an elastic force to drive the resisting member to resist the rotating portion of the connecting arm. One of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a receiving groove, and the other one of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a restricting protrusion rotatably engaging in the receiving groove.

Abstract: A steering stabilizer includes a device connecting a fixed part of a vehicle to a steering mechanism of the vehicle, a control mechanism, and a centering mechanism. The control mechanism, which normally maintains an equilibrium configuration, includes a first member connected to a cylinder portion of a gas spring and a second member secured to a rod portion of the gas spring. A centering mechanism maintains alignment of the gas spring with the device. When the stabilizer is extended from the equilibrium configuration, the gas spring is activated to responsively and automatically return the stabilizer to the equilibrium configuration; and when the device is compressed from the equilibrium configuration, the gas spring is activated to responsively and automatically return the stabilizer to the equilibrium configuration.

Abstract: The spring box contains a base piece, a front plate, a back plate, a rotational piece, and a torsion spring. The base piece and the front and back plates have aligned through holes. A radial gap is configured on the rim of the base piece. The rotational piece has a curved sliding element along a section of the circumference. The sliding element has a groove, a weight block configured at one end of the sliding element, and a notch at the other end. The rotation piece is placed in the through hole of the base piece. The two ends of the torsion spring are embedded in the gap and the notch. The rotational and base pieces are sandwiched between the front and back plates. Then, by the weight of the weight block and the resilience of the torsion spring, a door handle is restored to its default position after being turned.

Abstract: The spring device contains an upper plate, a lower plate, and a base sandwiched between the upper and lower plates. The base has a major opening and a side opening for accommodating a first elastic element and a second elastic element, respectively. The first elastic element has its two ends fixed to two positioning posts on the lower plate. A rotational seat also positioned in the major opening of the base has an arm fixed to a central part of the first elastic element. The upper and lower plates are then riveted together to house the other components inside to form the spring device. After the spring device is configured with a door handle, the door handle can be turned clockwise or counterclockwise to open/close a door and the door handle is then automatically restored to its original position after turning.

Abstract: A method for providing torque to assist in moving a component of a mobile platform. Biasing forces may be applied to opposing portions of a torque transferring member that enable the torque transferring member to be maintained in a position of equilibrium. A torque may be applied to one of the component and the torque transferring member such that the biasing forces cooperatively exert a torque on the torque transferring member to assist in moving the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium. Motion of the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium may be used to assist in moving the component.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus is provided with a return to neutral mechanism for returning a trunnion control bracket arm to a neutral position. The return to neutral mechanism comprises a pair of springs, one spring connecting a fixed bracket to a first rotatable bracket and the other spring connecting the fixed bracket to a second rotatable bracket. The mechanism uses springs with different spring constants and the springs are attached to the brackets in a single plane.

Abstract: A fixing mechanism includes a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate corresponding to the first fixing plate, and a screw connecting the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate. The first fixing plate defines a receiving hole comprising a connecting portion. The second fixing plate defines a locking hole corresponding to the connecting portion. The screw comprises a threaded shank matching with the connecting portion and the locking hole. The fixing mechanism further comprises an elastic member positioned in the receiving hole, the threaded shank abuts against the corresponding elastic member, and an elastic resistance of the elastic member limits back and forth movement of the screw.

Abstract: A vibration isolation device can more effectively restrain vibration in the horizontal direction rather than in the vertical direction with a simple construction. In addition, vibration of a frequency of a machine mode caused by an internal structure of the vibration isolation device is reduced with a simple construction.

Abstract: A spring operation device and a method for assembling the same are disclosed. A switching device including the spring operation device is also disclosed. In the spring operation device disclosed in at least one embodiment of the present invention, by way of a smooth corrugated protuberance, the protuberance can push the operation mechanism of the spring operation device to rotate accurately and efficiently under the effect of a spring at the moment when the spring's energy storing process is completed, so as to accomplish the release of energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a torque to an external member to assist in twisting or deforming the external member. In one implementation the apparatus is useful for providing a force to a torque tube to assist in rotating, bending or twisting a wing, an airfoil, or a rotorcraft blade. The apparatus includes at least one biasing member which provides a biasing force to a linkage assembly, where the linkage assembly is pivotally coupled to a torque tube. The torque tube is fixedly coupled to the structure which needs to be bent, twisted or flexed. The energy stored in the biasing member provides the great majority of mechanical force required to rotate the torque tube and bend, twist or deform the structure when the structure is urged back into an unflexed or un-deformed state, the energy stored in the structure is transferred back to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus to control displacement of a body spaced-apart from a surface includes a flexure system having a first flexure member defining a first axis of rotation and a second flexure member defining a second axis of rotation. A body is coupled to the flexure system to move about a plurality of axes. An actuation system is coupled to the flexure system to selectively constrain movement of the body along a subset of the plurality of axes.

Abstract: A fastening system has at least one peripheral spring and at least one peripherally expandable bushing, with the peripheral spring being at least partially enclosed within the peripherally expandable bushing. The peripheral spring and peripherally expandable bushing each contain axial openings for receiving an elongated fastening member to secure two dissimilar structures together. The peripheral spring can be a spring bushing. The spring bushing can comprise a series of radially outwardly bowed ribs joined at one end by a fixed hoop. The axial spring can be a spring washer. The peripherally expandable bushing can be a split bushing.

Abstract: A spring loaded grommet assembly comprises a housing, a grommet, and a spring member. The housing has an outer surface and an inner surface. The grommet has an outer surface and a central aperture for receiving an elongate element. The spring member is disposed between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the grommet to allow lateral movement of the grommet.

Abstract: The rotational spring includes a base member which is in the form of a ring and includes elements for fixedly attaching it to a body of an appliance, such as a power toothbrush, which includes a drive element such as a drive shaft portion of a motor. Also included is an upper member in the form of a disc having a central opening through which the drive shaft is fitted, such that the disc member rotates with rotation of the drive shaft. Three leg members extend between the upper disc member and the base ring member. The spring is made from a material and is so configured and arranged that it has a symmetric spring rate for clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation.

Abstract: A robot is provided with a robot weight compensation device having at least one hose element including an internally pressurized gas-tight inner hose portion cooperating with a high tensile strength outer portion. The high tensile strength outer portion includes non-elongatable fibers oriented relative to an axis of the at least one hose element by an angle not equal to 0° and 90°. An outer flexible protective jacket covers the fibers. A first fixing element is fixed to a first end of the hose element. The fixing element is connected to a first part of the robot. A second fixing element is fixed to a second end of the hose element. The second fixing element is articulated to a second part of the robot being movable relatively to the first robot element.

Abstract: An ambulance stretcher support is described for an ambulance having a floor with a top floor surface. In one embodiment, each support includes a stretcher leg receiving member that is adapted to releasably receive an ambulance stretcher leg. A base, configured to be mounted to the ambulance floor, mounts the stretcher leg receiving member for movement between a position substantially coplanar with the top floor surface, and a position below the top floor surface. A vibration reduction device is mounted between the base and the stretcher leg receiving member such that the stretcher leg can be releasably supported on the stretcher leg receiving member and the vibration reduction device will reduce transfer of vibration from the ambulance floor to the stretcher.

Abstract: Multiple isolators are configured with respect to an assembly (101), such as a sensor assembly in an inertial navigation system or other system where cross-axis acceleration or rotation coupling is undesirable. The system utilizes a set of isolators (203, 209, 215, and 221; 305, 307, 311, 313, 317, 319, 323, 325; or 403, 405, 407, 411, 413, and 415) that are substantially matched to each other, but may have uncorrelated axial stiffness and radial stiffness. The system configuration does not introduce cross-axis coupling, such as cross-axis translational coupling and cross-axis rotational coupling.

Abstract: A spring bushing, in particular for prestressing a piezoelectric actuator in a valve for controlling fluids, is disclosed, which is a one-piece deep-drawn part, which is hollow and at least approximately cylindrical. The one-piece body is provided with a number of openings distributed over the circumference and length of the body.

Abstract: It is designed that an oil pressure signal can be output by operating an operation lever in a twisting direction; a structure can be made simple and its assembly and adjustment are easy; an operation force can be reduced; and a layout is not restricted. It is also designed that when the operation lever is left free after it is twisted, it returns smoothly to the original neutral position. When the operation lever is twisted about the lever axis, the shaft supported by bearings is twisted. The twist of the shaft is converted into the movement in a direction to move the pistons by first and second levers, and the pistons are moved. When the pistons are moved, the oil pressure signal is output from the discharge ports. A disk plate is separated into a first disk plate to which the root of the operation lever is attached and a second disk plate which is tiltably supported by a tilting fulcrum.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to improve the production efficiency by making its bonding process unnecessary to simplify the production process. The method of production comprises the step of integrally incorporating a magnetic material when the stationary holders 21 and 22 of the stationary member and the movable holder 31 of the movable member 30 are molded with a non-magnetic material such as a plastic material and the like. Therefore, a magnet unit in which the stationary magnets 23 and 24 or the movable magnet 32 is integrally incorporated into the stationary holders 21 and 22 or the movable holder 31 can be provided only by giving magnetization treatment on the magnetic material without using a bonding process.

Abstract: A shift switch-actuating mechanism for a dual mode shift lever unit is provided, including a shift lever pivotally connected to a pivot shaft supported by a lever housing and a cable block pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft outside the lever housing, the lever housing having an opening on its wall facing the cable block such that the shift lever and the cable block interact with each other, wherein the shift switch-actuating mechanism is mounted on an upper wall of the shift lever housing below an indicator panel so as to be operated in a manual mode and includes a base plate having an indented portion for receiving the shift lever, an up shift switch mounted on the base plate for detecting up shift manipulations of the shift lever, a down shift switch oppositely mounted on the base plate for detecting down shift manipulations of the shift lever, a manual mode switch mounted inside the indented portion of the base plate for detecting manual mode conversion of the shift lever, and a switch actuator for mount

Abstract: A shock absorbing transport frame is provided. The frame comprises an inner frame and an outer frame capable of supporting a transportation device. The outer frame is secured to the inner frame in a manner that will control movement between the inner and outer frames. A four bar linkage operating between the inner and outer frame provides the movement control. The frame includes a pneumatic self-adjusting mechanism to maintain a constant gap between the inner and outer frame. The mechanism includes an air valve that adjusts air pressure to an air bag connected to the four bar linkage, wherein changes in the distance between the inner and outer frame create changes in the pressure to the air bag thereby exerting a counter acting force to return the inner and outer frame to a neutral position.

Abstract: A shock absorber for mounting between a first frame member and a second frame member of a bicycle includes a first member adapted to couple to the first frame member and a second member adapted to couple to the second frame member, wherein the first member and the second member rotate relative to each other. The first member includes a first member protrusion extending inwardly from an inner surface thereof and forming a first border surface at a junction of the first member protrusion and the inner surface. Similarly, the second member includes a second protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof and forming a second border surface at a junction of the second member protrusion and the outer surface. The first member protrusion faces the second member protrusion in a circumferential direction. An elastic member is disposed between the first member protrusion and the second member protrusion and contacts at least one of the first border surface and the second border surface.

Abstract: A clutch arm centering device is disclosed. The device is mounted on a clutch using to operate piston valves on a crane or other heavy machine. The piston valves may be operated using a valve arm which has two operative positions and a neutral position between the two operative positions. A clutch arm of the clutch is linked to valve arm to allow the valve arm to be manipulated by a remote control coupled to the clutch. As parts of the linkage between the clutch arm and the valve arm wear, the centering device biases the clutch arm to a central position which corresponds to the neutral position of the valve arm, thereby avoiding problems of understroking and overstroking which arise in the prior art.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shock absorber for dampening the vertical physical movement transferred from the wheel assembly of a vehicle to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The electromagnetic shock absorber includes a housing with a perimeter wall extending between a first end portion and a second end portion, a first electromagnetic assembly positioned within the housing and coupled to the first end portion of the housing, a second electromagnetic assembly positioned within the housing and coupled to the second end portion of the housing, a rod assembly with a first portion being slideably positionable in the housing, and a moving electromagnetic assembly coupled to a first end of the first portion and positioned between the first electromagnetic assembly and the second electromagnetic assembly within the housing.

Abstract: Vibration absorbers are provided which utilize a torsional spring and a dynamic mass to control vibrations that occur within the structure to which they are attached. Additionally, pipeline systems are provided which utilize such vibration absorbers including a mass and a torsional spring to control the vibrations that occur within the pipeline system. In various embodiments of the present invention, the torsional spring is one or more elastomer elements coupled between the dynamic mass and a support frame to produce a spring force responsive to pivotal rotation of the dynamic mass relative to the support frame. In various embodiments, one or more elastomer elements arranged in series or in parallel may be used as the torsional spring to provide a desired vibratory dampening characteristic for applications, such as pipelines. Use of such torsional springs may provide a more simplified design with less mechanical joints which may be less susceptible to failure in harsh environments.

Abstract: Spring arrangement for mounting a vibration- or shock-sensitive device attached to a supporting member in a housing, with the supporting member being fastened to the housing by helical spring elements. The supporting member is suspended in the housing by helical spring elements so that each elastic force component of one spring applied to the supporting member in a specific direction is counteracted by at least one elastic force component of another spring applied in the opposite direction so that the supporting member remains approximately in the center of the vibration clearance provided regardless of the position in which the housing is mounted in a motor vehicle. Due to the opposing elastic forces of the springs, the spring constant and therefore the natural frequency of the overall system can be advantageously increased, thus avoiding undesired points of resonance at low frequencies.

Abstract: A motion stabilizer for yieldingly urging a relatively movable load member toward a normal or centered position relative to another load member includes a telescoping body that shortens (retracts) as the load members move toward one another and lengthens (extends) as the load members move apart. A reaction unit is mounted within an axially extending internal chamber defined within the body. The reaction unit has a normal length and a displaced length. The reaction unit may include a spring such as a gas spring or coil spring, and the spring may operate in compression or in expansion. The reaction unit may provide damping. Depending of the characteristics of the reaction unit, the displaced length may be either longer or shorter than the normal length.

Abstract: A self centering, angularly displacable joystick allowing multiple compound torque profiles is provided. The self centering joystick includes a first mount and a base. The first mount located a fixed distance away from the base. The joystick extends from a restoring plate having an upper surface and a multi-faceted lower surface pivotally mounted to said first mount to partially rotate about a first axis. A linearly displaceable force plate having a substantially flat upper surface is disposed between said base and said multi-faceted surface, and a spring is provide between the base and the force plate, the spring biasing the force plate against the multi-faceted surface to provide a centering force there against. The multifaceted surface includes a center position facet oriented such that the centering force applied by the force plate is evenly distributed on each side of the first axis when said center position facet is aligned parallel with the upper surface of the force plate.

Abstract: A system for centering a relatively movable member relative to a relatively fixed member includes telescoped inner and outer cap tubes with opposed closed ends adapted to be connected to the fixed and movable members. A strut tube assembly within the cap tubes includes a gas spring unit that is compressed by a force transfer tube assembly when the system is compressed or extended. Resilient bumpers smooth the force transition near the centered position. A set screw permits adjustment of the system to have preload or no preload or to have free play at the centered position. The system is easily adapted to specific requirements by selection of the gas spring unit and the material of the bumpers and by adjustment of the set screw.

Abstract: A stabilizer system including generally first and second pivotal components interconnected by at least one stabilizer member that dampens both compressive and tensile loads applied to the stabilizer member. The stabilizer member has opposing ends pivotally coupled to an upper anchor of one of the first and second pivotal components and a lower anchor of the other of the first and second pivotal components. The stabilizer member includes a resilient compressible member disposed in a housing between first and second substantially radial flanges of a linking member. The resilient compressible member is compressible between a first end portion of the housing and the second substantially radial flange when the housing and the linking member are in compression, and the resilient compressible member is compressible between a second end portion of the housing and the first substantially radial flange when the housing and the linking member are in tension.

Abstract: A self-centering spring assembly which is a column located between first and second vertically spaced frame members including a first end on the column movably secured to the first frame member, a second end on the column secured to the second frame member, a member having a first end movably mounted on the column and a second end in movable engagement with the first frame member, and a liquid spring connected between the second end of the movable member and the column.

Abstract: An actuator for power door locks having a bi-directional spring holder assembly. The assembly has a substantially cylindrical housing having a projection formed on a rim of its cylindrical wall. The projection is provided with first and second abutments facing in opposite directions along the circumference of the rim. A spring is mounted around a shaft which passes through a longitudinal axis of the housing. A first, internal spring end is engaged to the shaft while a second, external spring end projects radially outward of the cylindrical wall. The assembly also includes a spring cover provided with a cover abutment which similarly projects radially outward of the cylindrical wall. When the holder assembly is assembled, the spring is coiled and the cover abutment pushes against the projection's first abutment while the external spring end pushes against the second abutment.

Abstract: A neutral biasing system is disclosed using a neutral biased biasing system on a control column to bias a remote power unit into a neutral condition.

Abstract: A self centering, bi-directional, non-cavitating damper that includes a cylindrical damper body and a piston assembly having a piston reciprocally movable in the damper body and a piston rod connected and movable with the piston. A tube is connected with the piston rod and is spaced about and radially from the damper body so that the tube and damper body may move axially, relative to each other, but are normally positioned in centered positions with respect to each other. First and second plastic washers are positioned between the damper body and the tube. At least one coil compression spring is positioned between the damper body and the tube and biases the washers apart axially to their normal positions. Each washer is prevented from moving apart beyond its normal position, but is movable toward the other washer, against the bias of the spring, when relative movement, from their normal positions, occurs between the damper body and the tube.

Abstract: A self-centering spring assembly including a liquid spring having a cylinder and a piston, a casing slidably mounted on the cylinder and having the outer end of the piston connected thereto, a first pivotal connector between an extension of the cylinder and a bracket member and a second pivotal connection between a member extending laterally of the casing and an external member, the second pivotal connection lying outwardly of the first pivotal connection.The foregoing basic structure plus a liquid spring axially mounted thereon. The foregoing basic structure plus a resilient rubber sleeve mounted between the liquid spring and an external sleeve which supports a member.

Abstract: An elastic mount for a vehicle engine including an outer armature (1) intended to be connected to the engine, an inner armature (2) intended to be connected to the body (4) of the vehicle, and arms (5) made of elastic material connecting these two armatures together. The elastic material is bonded to the inner armature via the respective ends, of the arms the inner armature thus is radially covered with the elastic material. The two armatures have respectively complementary bearing surfaces capable of interacting so as to maintain the mutual centering of these two armatures in the axial direction in which the bearing surfaces are nested together as long as the mount is not subjected to the load of the engine. This interaction and the maintaining of centering are both automatically eliminated as soon as the mount is loaded by the engine.

Abstract: A wave-producing decoration including an elongated liquid container which has an outwardly and downwardly projecting bubble collector integrally formed at a bottom center. The bubble collector communicates with the liquid container and collects any possible bubbles in the container. In addition, the bubble collector has a shape suitable for engaging a seat member partially exposed from a support member of the decoration, such that the liquid container may laterally sway with the pivoting seat member, causing liquid in the container to flow in waves.

Abstract: In the method, a reed (3) for a weaving machine is continuously driven from a drive means (2) and the kinetic energy of the reed is stored in order to reduce the drive energy. The apparatus comprises an energy storer (1) and a drive means (2) in order to move the reed (3) back and forth. The matched oscillatable system formed by the energy storer and the reed reduces the drive torque at the uniformly rotating drive means whereby a reduction of the power consumption results.

Abstract: A spring biased shifter assembly is disclosed for use with a manually operated multi-speed transmission. The shifter assembly includes a shift tower to which a shift lever of a shift mechanism is pivotally mounted. A pair of spaced apart single leaf flat springs continuously downwardly bias a portion of the shift mechanism, thereby biasing the shift lever to a neutral position. The springs are located within slots defined by the shift tower and are further held in place by a cover that is fastened to the shift tower. The particular configuration of the single leaf flat springs provides improved shifter feel, substantially eliminates play in the shifter assembly, and automatically self-centers the shift lever to a neutral position while maintaining a constant downward biasing force thereon. The single leaf flat springs are preferably constructed of a fiber reinforced composite material, thereby providing excellent noise attenuation properties.