Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a manipulator that is relatively compact and has a relatively large range of motion. The manipulator includes a linkage that folds back on itself, which reduces the footprint of the linkage. In a particular embodiment, the manipulator includes a linkage and a load balancing device. The linkage includes a first link, a second link, a third link and a fourth link. The first link and second links are rotatably connected to a base about first and second connection axes. The third and fourth links are connected to the first and second links respectively about third and fourth connection axes respectively. The third and fourth links are rotatably connected to a lift arm about fifth and sixth connection axes respectively, wherein the fifth and sixth connection axes are horizontally displaced from the third and fourth connection axes in the direction of the first and second connection axes.

Abstract: The invention is a decklid latch with a SMA actuator. The actuator includes a latch plate with a ratchet rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a released position and an engaged position operable to retain a striker. A pawl is rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a an engaged position operable to retain the ratchet, and a release position operable to allow the ratchet to pivot. An selectively-contractible wire is connected to the pawl by a lost motion connection and is operable to move the pawl to the release position when contracted to actuate the latch. Portions of the selectively contractible wire have been annealed to reduce brittleness. Multiple material crimps are used to further reduce strain on the selectively contractible wire.

Abstract: A window regulator having a rail (20) with a mounting hole (24). A bracket (30) is mountable to a vehicle door. The bracket (30) has a cam guiding feature (38) and a surface (34) for seating the rail (20). The seating surface (34) has an elongate slot (36) therein. A cam (40) having a keyhole (42) and a cam surface (44) engages the cam guiding feature (38) of the bracket (30). A fastener (50) has a shaft fitted through the rail mounting hole (24), cam keyhole (42) and elongate slot (36) and connects the rail (20), cam (40) and bracket (30). The fastener has a key (54) mating with the cam keyhole (42). Thus, rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the cam and a coincident translation of the rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioner (1) for an endless drive, in particular of an internal combustion engine, wherein the tensioner has base part (2) and a tensioning part (3) which can rotate relative to the former, a spring element (11) which is arranged between the base part and the tensioning part (3) so as to impart a force, and a friction apparatus (13) which is provided between the spring element (11) and the base part or the tensioning part (3) and by way of which the relative movement between the base part (2) and the tensioning part (3) is damped. In order to improve a tensioner of the generic type in such that a simple construction is possible with satisfactory tensioning, it is proposed to arrange the friction apparatus (13) radially outside the spring element (11).

Abstract: In an embodiment an adjustable window regulator lifter plate assembly is provided. The adjustable window regulator lifter plate assembly includes a base, a window holder and a cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism. The base is configured for movement along a path. The base has an inboard side and an outboard side. The window holder is configured to receive and hold a vehicle window. The window holder is movably connected to the base. The cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism is operable by a cross-car orientation adjustment tool and is operatively connected to the window holder to control the cross-car orientation of the window holder. The cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism includes a cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism tool-receiving member configured to receive the cross-car orientation adjustment tool. The cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism tool-receiving member is accessible from the inboard side of the base.