Abstract: A cable assembly may include a cable, a connector and a retainer coupled to the connector. The connector may be carried by the cable and include a reduced diameter portion and a head extending from the reduced diameter portion with at least a portion that is larger than the reduced diameter portion. The retainer may be coupled to the connector and include a body with a cavity and a tip that defines an opening leading to the cavity. In assembly, the head is received within the cavity with the reduced diameter portion extending out of the cavity and into the opening. The opening is noncircular and has a minimum diameter that is smaller than at least the largest diameter portion of the head so that at least a portion of the tip radially overlaps the largest diameter portion of the head to retain the head within the cavity.

Abstract: A knurled wheel is subject to a mechanism capable of creating a system of detents. The knurled wheel is fitted with sensors for detection and selection, by processing of information about the speed of rotation of the knurled wheel, either of a step-by-step manual operating mode, in one or other direction of rotation of the wheel, or of an automatic continuous operating mode until an end-of-travel or stop position is reached, in one or other direction, or until an action is performed on the knurled wheel.

Abstract: A device for controlling a robotised gearbox of a motor vehicle is connected to a computer/electronic control unit to switch, at will, from a manual mode to an automatic mode. The control member is a touch screen subjected to the following steps: standby; storing of first coordinates of a digital pressure; storing of second coordinates at which the pressure is released; calculating a vector between the first and second coordinates; comparing length of the vector to a predefined length, and if the vector is shorter than the predefined length, the control member returns to standby; and if equal to or longer than the predefined length, orientation of the vector is compared to a predefined angular range; if the orientation of the vector is outside the range, the control member returns to standby; if the orientation is within the range, a desired command is validated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for synchronous extension and retraction of two wire segments that are wound onto a storage spool in such a way that upon a rotary motion of the storage spool in one rotation direction, both wire segments are synchronously unwound, and upon a rotary motion of the storage spool in the other rotation direction they are synchronously rewound, the wire segments being separated from one another and being fastened at their storage-spool ends to the storage spool, the storage spool comprising a catch that is effective in that rotation direction in which the wire segments are unwound from the storage spool, and is releasable via an actuation device. The invention furthermore relates to a motor vehicle using such a unit.

Abstract: Modular drop-glass window assemblies include a vertically slidable pane, at least one stationary pane having an inboard vertical edge proximate to the exterior surface of the slidable pane and framing holding the stationary pane(s) and at least partially defining a window opening that is opened and closed by movement of the slidable pane. The framing includes vertical frame portions defining run channels for guiding the slidable pane between its open and closed positions. No portion of the vertical frame portions extends exteriorly beyond the plane of the exterior surface of a stationary pane.

Abstract: A window assembly configured for installation in a recessed window aperture comprises one or more transparent fixed position panes, one or more sliding panes, and a mounting frame. The mounting frame comprises at least a substantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member and reinforcement integral with the frame member. The mounting frame at least partially defines a window opening. The mounting frame, e.g., the frame member, forms upper and lower slider runways extending laterally above and below the window opening. The sliding pane is slidably positioned in the upper and lower slider runways for sliding movement between open and closed positions. The mounting frame mounts the fixed position pane(s) by adhesive surface bonding to the interior surface of the fixed position pane. The exterior surface of the fixed position pane is free of adhesive.

Abstract: In one aspect a pick-up truck comprises a truck body with a rear cargo bed and a stowable access step mounted for movement between a stowed position and an extended position. The access step has a tread portion dimensioned to receive at least one human foot and can be used, at least in the extended position, for stepping up for better access to the cargo bed. Optionally, the stowable access step is configured to form, in the stowed position, a portion of a running board. One or more stowable access steps can be provided on each side of the cargo bed. In another aspect, a stowable access step assembly is provided, having a first mounting structure configured to be fixedly integrated with the bed of a pick-up truck and a second mounting structure mounted for sliding or other movement relative to the first mounting structure. The access step is integral with the second mounting structure and moveable with the second mounting structure between an extended position and a stowed position.

Abstract: A telescoping steering shaft, especially an intermediate steering shaft, with an inner rod (1) and an outer tube (2), placed thereon in twist-proof fashion and able to slide lengthwise by means of a roller bearing unit (3), while the roller bearing unit (3), which can move axially relative to the inner rod (1) and outer tube (2), has a plurality of rolling elements (5) held in a retainer (4), and is configured such that at least one driver (6) is mounted in the roller bearing retainer (4), engaging by form fit with the wall of the inner rod (1) and the outer tube (2).

Abstract: A steering shaft for motor vehicles which comprises an inner and an outer shaft part. Each shaft part has a polygonal cross section. The shaft parts engage one another in telescoping fashion and are positively connected to one another by barrel-shaped rolls that are effective as rolling elements for the transmission of a torque. The running paths of the rolls are fashioned between vertices on the outer sides of the inner shaft part and the inner sides of the outer shaft part and are designed so that the running paths are fashioned as troughs of a concavity approximating to the convexity of the rolls.

Abstract: Novel terminal connectors or fittings and terminal connector assemblies using such novel terminal connectors are disclosed. The terminal connector assemblies have uses which include, for example, on load- or motion-transmitting cable assemblies, e.g., for aircraft, automotive, and marine vehicle applications. Certain exemplary embodiments of the terminal connectors and terminal connector assemblies have features that, either alone or in combination, provide desirable characteristics such as, e.g., reduced lash or vibration in such cable assemblies. Such features include, but are not limited to groove(s) disposed in an arm of the fitting, tab member(s) extending from an arm of the terminal connector, projection(s) positioned on an arm of the fitting, etc.

Abstract: An upper and lower lever type shift assembly is disclosed, suitable for use as a shifter for a motor vehicle. The shift assembly has a housing with a top opening and a side opening, an upper lever adapted to be connected to a shifter knob, a lower lever and a pivot block connecting the upper lever and the lower lever, wherein the pivot block is pivotably mounted in the housing, and a pivot cover cooperating with the housing to form a bearing surface for the pivot block proximate the side opening, wherein the pivot cover is connected to the housing by snap fit. The bearing surfaces cooperate with a pocket in the housing to support the pivot block. Such upper and lower type shift assemblies can be used to control, for example, transfer cases or transmissions of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle fold-and-flip seat assembly includes a first track and a second track supported for movement relative to the first track for horizontal seat adjustment. A seat bottom is supported on the second track for movement with the second track and is movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position. A seat back is supported on a pivot bracket mounted to the second track and pivots relative to the seat bottom between an upright position and a folded position. A first lever is rotatably supported on the second track to control the movement of the seat back between the upright and folded positions when selectively actuated by a control assembly. A latch mechanism is used to secure a rear portion of the first track to the vehicle structure and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position.

Abstract: An electrically powered parking brake and a system and method for controlling and operating the parking brake, both during parking and during vehicle operation. The parking brake includes an electronic control module determining the amount of tension in the cable as a function of current drawn by an electric motor and a feature that allows determination of the distance traveled by the brake tensioning cable upon release of the brake. The brake is operable during vehicle motion using a modulated mode. Other features include use of a screw mechanism for cable tensioning, automatic adjustment of the brake in response to brake wear, and sensing of vehicle transmission position and vehicle speed for use in conjunction with modes of operation.

Abstract: A latch mechanism, particularly for securing a pivoting member of a motor vehicle seat with respect to a fixed member is disclosed, comprising a sector rotatable about a sector pivot point and having a front wall. A release lever is rotatable about a release lever pivot point between a locked position and an easy entry position. A latch is rotatable about a latch pivot point and has a front face and a rear catch. When the release lever is in the locked position the release lever holds the latch so that the front face contacts the front wall at a contact angle of about 15 to 22 degrees. The contact angle is formed between a first line defined by the front wall and a second line perpendicular to a line between a contact point between the front face and the front wall. As the release lever rotates toward the easy entry position the release lever contacts the rear catch, urging the latch to rotate out of engagement with the sector. This permits the release lever and the latch to move with respect to the sector.

Abstract: A vehicle hood latch and release mechanism is latched when the hood striker engages the latch portion of the mechanism as the hood is moved to its closed position. The mechanism is actuated to release the hood striker by a pushing action on the cable or strand movable in the sheath of a cable assembly rather than by the typical pulling action on current hood releasing mechanisms. The pushing action is obtained with actuation of a hood latching and releasing control, by movement of a handle which operatively pushes on the cable or strand, transmitting a longitudinally compressive force rather than a longitudinally tensional force to the latch mechanism and moving that mechanism to the striker-released position. Release of the control permits one or more springs to cause the control handle to be returned to its position wherein the latching and release mechanism is ready to again be latched to the hood striker.

Abstract: An infinitely adjustable seat track assembly is provided with a lower track assembly and an upper track assembly releasably slidable on the lower track assembly. The lower track assembly comprises at least one lower track, and a wrap spring wrapped around a rod and aligned with the lower track. The upper track assembly has at least one upper track which can slide in forward and rearward directions over the lower track. A lever is mounted on the upper track assembly. The lever is pivotable from a latching position where the wrap spring wraps tightly around the rod, to an unlatching position where the lever urges the wrap spring to partially unwrap around the rod, thereby permitting the wrap spring to slide along the rod.

Abstract: A parking brake control having an improved release rod assembly comprising a release rod and a pawl. The pawl can be retained by the release rod so that the release rod and pawl can be stored and transported as a subassembly. Compression force is transmitted coplanarly from the release rod to the pawl. The release rod can be molded as a single piece and can dampen any rattling noise caused by contact between the release rod, the pawl and other parts of the parking brake control.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back supported with respect to a seat bottom and is attached to the vehicle by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a locking device rotatably mounted on an upper track that moves relative to a lower track. The locking device includes at least one locking tooth that engages one or more slots on the lower track so that the upper track and the seat are maintained in a fixed position relative to the lower track. The mounting assembly includes a release member for disengaging the locking device and adjusting the position of the seat. The release member is rotatably supported on the second track and selectively moves into a release position when actuated by a substantially vertical force. This causes the locking device to rotate out of the locked position and into the unlocked position such that the second track can move relative to the first track allowing the seat position to be adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is attached to a vehicle support structure by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a first track and a second track supported for movement relative to the first track. This allows the seat assembly to be adjusted forwardly or rearwardly by a seat occupant. The seat assembly preferably includes a seat belt assembly that is supported solely by the seat assembly. Thus, all forces that are exerted on the seat assembly are transferred to the mounting assembly. An aluminum track assembly is provided to reduce weight and overall cost of the mounting assembly. The first track has a first pair of sidewalls interconnected by a first base portion and the second track has a second pair of sidewalls interconnected by a second base portion. The first pair of sidewalls each have a first arcuate bearing surface and the second pair of sidewalls each have a second arcuate bearing surface opposite from the first arcuate bearing surface.

Abstract: A check valve which is positioned in the vacuum air line of an internal combustion engine. The check valve includes a single-piece valve body having an outlet port and two or more inlet ports, with one outlet port located substantially in line with the inlet port and connected by a venturi tube. The second inlet port is separated from the main air flow line by the valve stem and a diaphragm which allows communication there between and prevents back pressure. The second inlet port communicates with the outlet port through the valve stem and a second venturi tube which provides a vacuum boost to a device, usually vehicle brakes, connected to the inlet.