Abstract: An articulating window assembly is adapted for use with a support structure. The assembly includes a windowpane with an inner surface. A hinge is adjacent to the inner surface. The hinge includes a cylindrical member having a pivot axis and a stud member attached to the cylindrical member. A polymeric member surrounding at least a portion of the hinge member so as to permit, the hinge member to articulate about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An electronic control pedal assembly includes a fixed support structure and a pedal arm. The pedal arm has a lower end carrying a pedal and is pivotable relative to the support structure. A potentiometer is at least partly carried by the fixed support and operable to generate an electric control signal that varies in magnitude in proportion to the extent of movement of the pedal arm relative to the fixed support structure. The potentiometer has at least one resistive track trimmed after assembly of the potentiometer to the fixed support so that the potentiometer provides a first fixed electric control signal at a idle position of the pedal arm and the potentiometer has at least one resistive track trimmed after assembly of the potentiometer to the fixed support so that the potentiometer provides a second fixed electric control signal at a full throttle position of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A slide cover assembly for an automatic transmission includes a shift lever housing having a track formed therein. The track includes inner and outer surfaces. A slide member having opposing lateral edges is received within the track and extends from the inner to the outer surface of the track. The slide member includes a plurality of retention features integrally formed along the opposing lateral edges for maintaining the slide member within the track.

Abstract: A shifter mechanism includes a shift lever movable along a shift path and a detent assembly. The detent assembly includes a detent profile defining a plurality of gear positions, a bore, a detent plunger located at least partially within the bore, a spring member resiliently biasing the detent plunger into engagement with the detent profile, a split bushing located between the detent plunger and the bore, and a spacer located between the spring member and the bushing. The bushing is located between the spacer and an abutment of the detent plunger, and the spring member is located between the spacer and an abutment of the bore. Contact surfaces between the bushing and the abutment and between the bushing and the spacer are each angled so that a force of the spring member automatically expands the bushing to remove any free-play formed between the detent plunger and the bore.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly has at least one sliding pane mounted for travel along a travel path between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in an offset second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The window assembly has travel guide apparatus for guiding its movement along the travel path between the open and closed positions. The travel guide apparatus includes a track defining an elongate slot corresponding to the travel path, a fixed guide surface having a fixed position relative to the track, e.g., a pivot pin, and components cooperatively operative as a cam and slide movement for guiding travel of the sliding pane between its open and closed positions. Typically, for generally rectilinear sliding panes, a track, guide surface and cam and slide movement are provided for each corner of the sliding pane.

Abstract: Automotive push-pull type transmission shift cable assemblies are disclosed that meet new specifications for extended performance at high temperatures, including certain embodiments suitable for use at elevated temperatures of at least 165° C. The cable comprises a conduit and a core wire extending through the ends of the conduit to a shifter end portion and transmission end portion. The transmission end portion comprises a core wire length adjuster and a conduit end fitting. The core wire length adjuster comprises a core wire adjuster isolator and a retainer cap. At least certain embodiments of the transmission shift cable assemblies pass one or a combination of the following tests: a. Lash 200,000 Cycles Test, b. Attachment Pin Installation 200,000 Cycles Test, c. Attachment Pin Extraction 200,000 Cycles Test, and d. Cable Efficiency Test e. In-Vehicle Routing 165° C. Cable Strength Test.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch includes a drive shaft having central rotational axis and a groove, a spring member secured to the drive shaft for rotation with the drive shaft about the central rotational axis, a plate adjacent the spring member and rotatable about the drive shaft, and a retaining clip located within the groove of the drive shaft and engaging the plate to retain the plate on the drive shaft. The plate has a pocket forming an axial-facing first abutment engaging the retaining clip and a radial-facing second abutment located outward of the retaining clip to prevent release of the retaining clip from the groove.

Abstract: A tire carrier assembly for storing a spare tire on a vehicle which includes a carrier adapted for supporting the spare tire and a winch operatively connected to the carrier to raise and lower the carrier between a stowed position wherein the carrier is inaccessible and a deployed position wherein the carrier is accessible. The winch has a flexible member secured to the carrier and one of an electric motor and a manual device which selectively raises and lowers the carrier between the stowed and deployed positions. A sensor is activated when the carrier is in the stowed position. A warning indicator is operably connected to the sensor so that the warning indicator is activated and provides the operator with a warning when the carrier is out of the stowed position and the sensor is not activated.

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: A motor vehicle seat lift assembly includes a seat pan and a seat frame positioned beneath the seat pan. Each of a pair of first linking members has a first end pivotally secured to the seat pan and a second end pivotally secured to the seat frame. Each of a pair of second linking members has a first end pivotally secured to the seat pan and a second end pivotally secured to the seat frame. A pinion gear is rotatable with respect to the seat pan. An actuator is operably connected to the pinion gear. A rack member has a plurality of teeth, with the pinion gear meshing with the teeth of the rack member. A first end of the rack member is pivotally secured to the first end of one of the first linking members and a second end of the rack member is slidably connected to the seat pan.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having an aperture formed therein and a spool positioned in the housing. A drive shaft is connected to the spool, and a cable is wrapped about the spool. A cable guide assembly extends through the aperture and has a first portion positioned in the housing and a second portion positioned outside the housing. The first portion has an aperture extending therethrough. The second portion has an aperture extending therethrough that is in communication with the aperture in the first portion. The cable extends through the aperture in the first portion and the aperture in the second portion.

Abstract: A seat adjusting assembly for a vehicle including a lower track member secured to the floor of the vehicle. An upper track member is slidingly coupled to the lower track member. The lower track member includes at least one slot formed therein. A lead screw having opposing first and second ends is disposed between the lower and upper track members. A support member is connected to the first and of the lead screw. The support member is additionally coupled to the lower track member. The support member includes at least one boss formed thereon. The at least one boss is received in the at least one slot of the lower track member for connecting a support member to the lower track member. The support member includes a neck portion deformable in response to bending of the lead screw for reducing breakage of the lead screw.

Abstract: A tire carrier assembly includes a rotation shaft and a housing have a bottom wall including a first aperture for receiving the rotation shaft. The housing also includes a sidewall extending upward from the bottom wall defining an interior space. The sidewall includes inner and outer surfaces. A sheave is disposed within the interior space of the housing and has a second aperture that receives the rotation shaft. The sheave also includes a gear member associated with it. Also included is a torque plate having a base, the base having opposing first and second surfaces and a third aperture formed therein. The third aperture has a gear portion formed around a periphery of the aperture. The torque plate also includes an arm portion projecting radially from the base. The gear portion of the torque plate is in operable engagement with the gear member of the sheave.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch includes a drive shaft having central rotational axis, a disk-shaped spring member secured to the drive shaft for rotation therewith, and a plate adjacent the spring member and having a plurality of grooves receiving bosses of the spring member. The spring member has a plurality bosses formed at an outer edge of the spring member that each form a generally V-shaped engagement surface. The grooves each form a generally V-shaped engagement surface engaging the bosses. A retaining clip retains the plate relative to the spring member to obtain a predetermined spring pretension. Engagement of the bosses with the grooves causes rotation of the plate upon rotation of the drive shaft when below a predetermined torque limit and deflection of the bosses out of the grooves prevents rotation of the plate upon rotation of the drive shaft when above the predetermine torque.

Abstract: A motor vehicle tire carrier actuator and retriever includes a first elongate member having a first end configured to mate with a rotatable shaft of a tire carrier. A second elongate member has a first end and a second end, with an aperture formed in a central portion of the second elongate member to receive a second end of the first elongate member to form a T-shaped actuator for the tire carrier in a first configuration. A recess is formed in the first end to receive the second end of the first elongate member in a second configuration to form a retriever for a tire positioned beneath a vehicle. A flange is formed at the second end of the second elongate member to grasp a tire beneath the vehicle in the second configuration.

Abstract: A light guide for a transmission shifter assembly includes a light member having a top light transmitting surface, and a reflective bottom surface. The light member also includes first and second ends, as well as first and second sides. At least one light emitting diode is integrally formed with the light member. The light emitting diode produces light for backlighting the transmission shifter assembly.

Abstract: A conduit end fitting includes a length of conduit having a core wire extending therethrough and a fitting at an end of the length of conduit. An abutment is rotatably secured to the fitting and has an exterior groove configured to be seated on a substantially U-shaped bracket and a central aperture extending therethrough. A swivel guide tube has an aperture through which the core wire extends and extends through the central aperture of the abutment. A flexible joint member secures one end of the swivel guide tube to the abutment such that the swivel guide tube is rotationally fixed with respect to the abutment.

Abstract: An electric actuator for an automatic transmission includes an adapter to transmit rotary motion between the adapter and the automatic transmission. An electric motor has an output shaft operably connected to the adapter by a gear set which includes a ring gear. The gear set reduces speed and increases torque supplied by the output shaft of the electric motor and applied to the adapter. A release mechanism is operably connected to the gear set and includes a lock member movable between a first position wherein the lock member is in engagement with the ring gear to lock the ring gear against rotary motion in both directions and a second position wherein the lock member is out of engagement with the ring gear to permit rotary motion of the ring gear in both directions.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat adjuster includes a DC motor and a control system operably connected to the motor to control seat motion to a desired motion profile. Power to the motor is variable from less than 100% of normal power to greater than 100% of normal power. The desired motion profile preferably includes a normal operating power and a boost operating power and the control system automatically increases motor power to the boost operating power after one of a predetermined period of time, a predetermined distance of travel, or a predetermined sensed condition. Parameters of the motion profile are preferably customizable.

Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter assembly comprises a shift lever support configured for attachment to a vehicle, a shift lever mounted to the shift lever support to shift between transmission gear settings; a brake transmission system interlock (BTSI) comprising a shift lever control member controllable by actuation of a solenoid or other powered actuator to selectively block the shift lever from moving out of the PARK position. An electronic ignition switch, an ignition actuator and an ignition key interlock are mounted to the shift lever support. The ignition key interlock comprises an interlock member controllable by the ignition actuator to selectively block the solenoid from moving the shift lever control member to the unblock position.