Abstract: An actuator assembly may include a drive, a gear set coupled with the drive, an interface member coupled to the gear set, and an output coupled to the interface member. In at least one position of the interface member the gear set binds to prevent backdrive of the output.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly which includes a brake lever, a rotary clutch and a lock-release mechanism which cooperate to selectively lock and release a parking brake. The clutch allows actuation of the brake lever in one direction and prevents movement of the brake lever in an opposite direction. The lock-release mechanism allows selective movement of the rotary clutch and the brake lever together in the opposite direction. The rotary clutch may be disposed generally coaxially with a pivot axis of the brake lever.

Abstract: A releasable hood hinge assembly having a reset member, a return block, an overjump and a landing offset from the return block, the return block having a positive stop, wherein the reset member is idle in the pre-crash condition, engages the landing in the post-crash condition and is blocked by the positive stop from returning to the pre-crash condition in the post-crash operating condition.

Abstract: A shifter assembly that includes a base and a shift lever pivotal relative to the base along a straight shift path. A cable mount is linked to the shift lever and a cable is attached to the cable mount. A clutch is linked with the shift lever and cable mount. The clutch selectively transmits motion of the shift lever to the cable mount for a first travel position and decouples the cable mount from the shift lever at a second travel position.

Abstract: At least one implementation of a gear shift control system includes an output mechanism coupled to a vehicle transmission, a first drive member coupled to the output mechanism to drive the output mechanism to shift between gears of the transmission and a drivetrain. The drivetrain may include a first input driven by the drive member during a first mode of operation of the gear shift control system and an output coupled to both the first input and the output mechanism to drive the output mechanism as commanded by the drive member. During a second mode of operation of the gear shift control system a second input is coupled to the output. A second drive member is coupled to the second input to drive the output mechanism through the second input and the output during the second mode of operation to cause a transmission gear shift.

Abstract: A spare tire handling device mounted on a vehicle and adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored and an accessible position relative to the vehicle, and including a winch and a flexible member attached to the winch at one end and the other end to the spare tire. The device includes a tire carrier with a housing and one extending portion pivotally connected to the housing. The extending portion being movable from a retracted to an extended position. Additionally a biasing member urges the extending portion to an extended position. A secondary lock assembly and a rim spacer are also disclosed.

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 releasable hood hinge assembly having a reset member, a return block, an overjump and a landing offset from the return block, the return block having a positive stop, wherein the reset member is idle in the pre-crash condition, engages the landing in the post-crash condition and is blocked by the positive stop from returning to the pre-crash condition in the post-crash operating condition.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a multiple piece shifter cable system. The cable pieces may each have a core section with a connector and a conduit section with a connector. The core connectors may be coupled together to connect the core sections of the cable pieces and the conduit connectors may be coupled together to connect the conduit sections of the cable pieces. When the conduit connectors are mated together the core connectors may automatically be mated together, and the core connectors may automatically be locked together as well. In at least some implementations, the conduit connectors may permit adjustment of the total length of the conduit during assembly, and a clamp may be provided to maintain the conduit connectors in a desired assembled position.

Abstract: A park brake includes a brake lever that is movable about a pivot. A release mechanism is associated with the brake lever. The release mechanism is actuable for allowing selective movement of the brake lever. A cable is connected to the release mechanism. The cable is isolated from movement of the brake lever.

Abstract: A heated sliding window assembly for a vehicle that includes at least one fixed window. A rail is attached to the at least one fixed window. The fixed window may include an electrical contact. A sliding window is moveable along the rail and is moveable between open and closed positions. The sliding window includes a heater grid and an electrical contact. A drive mechanism is attached to the sliding window for moving the sliding window between the open and closed positions. An electrical circuit is included for carrying current to the heater grid. A switch is disposed within the electrical circuit that cuts off current to the heater grid when the sliding window is moved.

Abstract: A shift cable assembly in one implementation may include a conduit, a core received within the conduit, a rod coupled to an end of the core, a slide tube in which the rod is received, and a multi-directional connector. The connector may have a housing coupled to the rod, a first surface with a first opening, a second surface with a second opening, and a cavity communicated between the first and second openings. The cavity is adapted to receive a component through either one of the first and second openings, and a fastener extends into the cavity between the first and second openings to engage a component received in the cavity and retain the component relative to the housing.

Abstract: In one implementation, a shifter assembly for a vehicle transmission, may include a shifter adapted to move between at least two positions corresponding to different modes of operation of the transmission, a cable connection feature associated with the shifter, and a cable connected to the cable connection feature and adapted to be connected to the transmission such that movement of the shifter is transmitted to the transmission by the cable. The cable may include a conduit, a core received within the conduit, and a dampener connected to the conduit. The dampener in the preferred embodiment bends the conduit and engages the core with the conduit.

Abstract: A slider window assembly for a motor vehicle includes a peripheral frame, at least one fixed panel located within the frame and adjacent an opening and a slider panel located within the frame and movable between a closed position wherein the slider panel covers the opening and an open position wherein the slider panel does not entirely close the opening. A drive assembly is operably connected to the slider panel to selectively move the slider panel between the closed and open positions. The drive assembly includes a rack secured to the slider panel, an electric motor secured to a fixed position on the slider window assembly, and a gear operably connected to the motor and operably engaging the rack so that operation of the motor in opposite directions moves the slider panel in opposite directions between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a mount and an anchor. The mount may include a bracket having an edge, a slot formed in the bracket and extending from the edge, and a recess extending at least partially around the slot. The anchor may be an end fitting that includes an adjuster body having a flange, a slide collar movable toward and away from the flange, and a spring member biasing the slide collar toward the flange. The adjuster body may extend through the slot with the flange and the slide collar on opposed sides. The spring member may bias the slide collar into the recess to form an interlock between the end fitting and the bracket that resists removal of the end fitting from the slot. A preferred end fitting has a drop in swivel tube and an internal isolator that completely isolates a conduit sleeve.

Abstract: A motion transmitting cable assembly includes a cable having a conduit and a core longitudinally movable within the conduit, a core attachment secured to an end of the core, and a conduit abutment fitting secured to an end of the conduit. The core attachment is molded of plastic and is over-molded onto the end of the core. The core is preferably provided with both an upset and a wire wrap within the core attachment. The core attachment includes a terminal and a rod extending from the terminal and is molded as a unitary component. A guide tube extends from the conduit abutment fitting and slidably receives the rod therein. The core meets the core attachment within the guide tube and preferably extends within the rod for the entire length of the rod and a portion of the terminal.