Abstract: An actuator for a vehicle transmission having both a shift-by-wire mode and a manual override mode includes a motor and a gear assembly driven by the motor when the vehicle transmission is in a shift-by-wire mode. An output member of the gear assembly is configured to mate with the vehicle transmission. A release member is operable to drive the gear assembly when the vehicle transmission is in a manual override mode.

Abstract: An electric motor including a rotational sensor is provided. Certain examples of the rotational sensor are operative to output a sinusoidal signal that corresponds to the rotational position of the motor armature in response to the potential at a single point or multiple points on the commutator. Certain other examples of the motor and rotational sensor disclosed here are operative to provide multiple pulses per rotation of the armature, which can allow for finer adjustment of devices attached to the motor. The motor and rotational sensor provides a simpler and less costly design requiring fewer parts subject to mechanical failure.

Abstract: A flexible drive cable assembly for powered adjustable pedals includes an elongate flexible casing having a unitary connector which cooperates with an end fitting to secure the casing to the end fitting and hold the casing stationary relative to the end fitting. In one embodiment, the unitary connector and the end fitting form a snap-fit connection having both an interlock and an interference fit between the casing and the end fitting to reduce vibration. In another embodiment, the casing is heat staked to the end fitting such that casing material flows into grooves to form protrusions which interlock with the end fitting and an interference fit between the casing and the end fitting to reduce vibration. In another embodiment, the unitary connector includes an elongate portion press fit into an aperture of the end fitting and a flange engaging the end fitting adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: A transom window assembly is provided that comprises a windowpane and an openable transom pane, the windowpane and the transom pane being adjacent to each other. A transom hinge hingedly connecting the windowpane and the transom pane to each other comprises a first hinge portion attached to the interior surface of the transom pane along a lower edge, preferably directly attached, and a second hinge portion attached to the interior surface of the windowpane along the transom opening edge. The transom window is capable of being swung between a closed position and an open position. Certain embodiments of the window assemblies have a flush appearance. Also provided are vehicles comprising a vehicle window assembly in accordance with those just described.

Abstract: A highly accurate, long life, low cost gas sensor is disclosed, particularly useful for measuring carbon monoxide and other toxic gases in an environment. The gas sensor has a first, sensing electrode and a second, counting electrode. Positioned between the first and second electrodes is an ion conducting, solid electrolyte membrane. In response to the presence of a toxic gas introduced to the first electrode, an electric signal is produced between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electric signal changes in response to changes in the concentration of the toxic gas. Detection circuitry measures the electric signal to determine the concentration of the toxic gas. An electrically conductive, hydrophobic top membrane electrically connects the first electrode to the detection circuitry while preventing liquid water from contacting the first electrode. An electrically conductive, hydrophobic bottom membrane electrically connects the second electrode to the detection circuitry.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a pivotable upper pedal arm having a slot formed therein, a link pivotable relative to the upper pedal arm, and a lower pedal arm having an upper end pivotably connected to the link and a lower end carrying a pedal. A nut is pivotally connected to the link such that the link pivots relative to the upper pedal arm upon movement of the nut along a drive screw. A pin is connected to the lower pedal arm and laterally extends into the slot such that the pin moves along the slot upon pivotal movement of the link. Also disclosed is a control pedal having a drive block or a pair of spaced apart pins located in a single slot of the upper pedal arm.

Abstract: A reclining vehicle seat hinge assembly includes a first housing, a second housing having a plurality of teeth, a primary cam member having a pair of primary camming surfaces, and a secondary cam having a plurality of camming surfaces and driveable by the primary cam. Each of a pair of primary pawls is configured to be driven into an engaged position by a primary camming surface of the primary cam and into a disengaged position by a corresponding camming surface of the secondary cam. Each of a pair of secondary pawls has the same construction as the primary pawls and is configured to be driven into engaged and disengaged positions by corresponding camming surfaces of the secondary cam.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a support structure having a guide surface and a pedal arm carrying a pedal at a lower end of the pedal arm. The pedal arm is pivotable relative to the support structure about a pivot axis between a released position and an applied position. A hysteresis device is secured to an upper end of the pedal arm and engages the guide surface so that the hysteresis device slides along the guide surface as the pivot arm pivots between the released position and the applied position. A distance between the guide surface and the pivot axis varies so that the hysteresis device applies an increasing normal force to the guide surface to create an increasing friction force that opposes sliding motion of the hysteresis device as the pedal arm pivots from the released position to the applied position.

Abstract: The release mechanism includes a hollow abutment member fastened to one end of the flexible outer conduit of the cable. The abutment member is mounted for sliding movement in a housing, but is normally prevented from sliding by a stop member associated with the housing for engaging a shoulder on the abutment member. The stop member establishes a reaction surface against which the abutment member and outer conduit bear when the cable is tensioned. An actuating mechanism is provided to selectively move the stop member so that the stop member is out of engagement with the shoulder of the abutment member, for example by a rotary movement, to permit axial movement of the abutment member in the housing when it is desired to release tension in the cable.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a first member having a slot formed therein, a pin laterally extending into the slot and having an abutment facing the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member, and a second member rigidly secured to the pin and movable relative to the first member along the slot. A plastic bushing encircles the pin and extends into the slot. The bushing has a flange engaging the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member. A plastic washer encircles the pin and is located between the first and second members. A spring washer such as a wave or Belleville washer is located between the abutment and the flange and resiliently biases the second member relative to the first member to resist relative lateral movement between the first and second members to reduce lash therebetween. The pin can be ether a guide pin or a drive pin of the control pedal.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier with an annular sleeve member is disposed about a flexible member. A stop is attached to the sleeve. The sleeve has one end, an opposite end, an inner surface and one of a polymeric layer, a contoured interior surface and a polymeric insert to prevent wear and failure of the flexible member. The interior surface forms a flared inside surface that extends from the one end toward the opposite end. The inside surface defines a first diameter D1 near the one end, a second diameter D2 extending away from the one end and a length L that extends between D1 and D2. The difference between D1 and D2 divided by L is in a predetermined range. A method of preventing failure to the flexible member with a contoured surface, a polymeric insert or a polymeric layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a lower arm which moves relative to an upper arm to adjust the position of a pedal. A control system includes a sensor and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller determines a position of lower arm based on signals from the sensor and automatically stops movement when the lower arm reaches a stored position or an end of travel without engaging mechanical stops, when sensors indicate that there is a failure in the drive system, and when sensors indicate that a predetermined fore/aft offset between two pedals is not maintained. The controller automatically moves the lower arm to a predetermined position when signals indicate the driver may egress the vehicle. A lock-out switch prevents movement of the lower arm so that the lower arm is not accidentally moved.

Abstract: A jack includes a base, a load rest, first and second lower arms each pivotable to the base, and first and second upper arms each pivotable to the load rest. The first lower arm and the first upper arm are pivotably connected at a first joint and the second lower arm and the second upper arm are pivotably connected at a second joint. A drive screw moves the joints toward and away from each other upon rotation of the drive screw. A bearing receives the drive screw therethrough. The arms each form a longitudinally extending channel and the bearing is located outside the channels. The bearing has a lateral width greater than a lateral width of the channels and is located between a bearing engagement surface of a bearing support and an abutment of the drive screw.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly includes a lower frame member forming a channel, a guide bracket within the channel and slideable along the length of the channel, and a sliding pane carried by the guide bracket between closed and open positions. A pull-pull cable drive assembly is operably secured to the guide bracket to move the sliding pane between the closed and open positions. The drive assembly includes a drive motor, a drive drum rotateable by the drive motor, and drive cable connecting ends of the guide bracket with the drive drum. The guide bracket and the transition blocks are each mechanically locked to limit vertical movement relative to the frame member in order to reduce inadvertent tilting of the sliding pane. In one embodiment, the guide bracket includes tabs which are adhered to faces of the sliding pane to form a mechanical lock therebetween.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first control pedal including a first pedal adjustable in a fore-aft direction upon operation of a first motor and a second control pedal including a second pedal adjustable in a fore-aft direction upon operation of a second motor. The first pedal and the second pedal have a predetermined fore-aft relationship. A controller is operably connected to the first motor and the second motor. The controller is programmed to operate the first and second motors to simultaneously move the first and second pedals in the fore-aft direction and to reestablish the predetermined relationship if the predetermined fore-aft relationship is not maintained as a result of the movement of the first and second control pedals.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a pivotable upper pedal arm having a slot formed therein, a link pivotable relative to the upper pedal arm, and a lower pedal arm having an upper end pivotably connected to the link and a lower end carrying a pedal. A nut is pivotally connected to the link such that the link pivots relative to the upper pedal arm upon movement of the nut along a drive screw. A pin is connected to the lower pedal arm and laterally extends into the slot such that the pin moves along the slot upon pivotal movement of the link. Also disclosed is a control pedal having a drive block or a pair of spaced apart pins located in a single slot of the upper pedal arm.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle includes a support structure, a pedal arm pivotally mounted to the support structure and carrying a pedal, and a sensor for detecting rotation of the pedal arm and sending an electrical signal to a control device indicating the rotation of the pedal arm. The pedal assembly also includes a hysteresis device adapted to generate a desired feel in response to pivotal movement of the pedal arm. The hysteresis device is secured to the support structure and includes a plunger engaging the pedal arm and is movable within a chamber between an extended position and a depressed position upon rotation of the pedal arm. A pair of coaxial compression springs resiliently bias the plunger to the extended position. The chamber forms a first friction surface and the plunger has a plurality of prongs forming a second friction surface engagable with the first friction surface to resist pivotal movement of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A terminal assembly for connecting a core member of a remote control cable assembly to a control member includes a housing, an isolator secured to the housing with a snap-fit connection and having a deflectable wall at least partially forming a passage for receiving the control member, an adjuster movable between an installed position wherein the adjuster prevents outward deflection of the wall away from the passage and an uninstalled position wherein the wall is free to outwardly deflect away from the passage. The adjuster is secured to the isolator with a snap-fit connection in the installed position. The isolator includes a flange within the passage which is adapted to cooperate with the control member to secure the control member to the isolator when the adjuster is in the installed position.

Abstract: A window alignment device for use in a door having a recess and a peripheral edge and a window regulator is provided. A window panel is adjacent to the window regulator. The panel has a peripheral edge and a portion adapted to conform to the shape of the door and disposed in the recess of the door. Additionally, a locator member is adjacent to the peripheral edge; the locator member is disposed between the door and the window panel. When the panel is fixedly fastened to the regulator, the locator member is removed to form a predetermined gap between the edge of the window panel and the corresponding seal in the door or the body.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes an upper arm, a lower arm supported by the upper arm and operatively connected to the upper arm for selected movement relative to the upper arm, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the lower arm to selectively move the lower arm relative to the upper arm. A hall-effect sensor is located adjacent a drive screw and cooperates with a ring magnet rotatable with the drive screw to detect motion information. A controller receives the motion information and activates an electric motor upon initialization of the controller to move the lower pedal arm in a first direction until a first mechanical stop is engaged and establish a home stop position and to move the lower pedal arm in the other direction until a second mechanical stop is engaged and establish a travel stop position.