Abstract: A torque sensor assembly comprises a shaft configured to receive an applied torque. The shaft comprises at least one region, which is magneto-elastic and configured to generate a magnetic field in response to the applied torque. A pair of sensing coils disposed adjacent to the region is configured to sense the magnetic field. One or more sensors sense a temperature of each of the sensing coils. A controller is coupled to the pair of sensing coils and the sensor(s). The controller is configured to receive the sensed temperature of each of the sensing coils, determine a temperature difference between the sensing coils and generate an output signal based on the sensed magnetic field. The output signal accounts for the temperature difference between the sensing coils.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprises a collar port having a passage and a collar, a connector to be coupled to the collar port and comprising a tube portion to be received in the passage, a flange on the tube portion, a sealing ring received in a groove on the tube portion, and a locking clip for engaging the collar and an engagement surface of the connector to lock the connector against axial movement. With the connector in a mounted state, the flange has extensions extending along the tube portion beyond the collar, the extensions carry a terminal ring with a surface facing the flange forming the engagement surface spaced from the collar, the clip arranged to lock the connector on the collar port against axial movement, and the groove is axially formed on the tube portion such that the groove is closer to the flange than the engagement surface.

Abstract: One example of a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back, a seat bottom coupled to the seat back, and a bladder support system coupled to at least one of the seat back and the seat bottom. The bladder support system includes air cells and a pump fluidly connected to the air cells to selectively inflate the air cells when the pump receives an activation signal. A valve system defining flow paths fluidly connected between the pump and the air cells. The valve system includes at least three control valves, with each control valve generating a control valve output when receiving the activation signal. The valve system also includes passive valves movable to an open position to inflate the corresponding air cell when receiving at least three control valve outputs. A controller is configured to send the activation signal to the control valves and the pump.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a steering column, a steering wheel rotatable about an axis between rotational positions, and a magnetic paddle shift system for selecting a gear of a transmission. A sensor assembly has a sensor array. First and second paddle shifters are rotatable with the steering wheel and extend from a proximal end to a distal end. First and second magnets are disposed at the proximal end of the first and second paddle shifters, respectively, in alignment with the sensor array in any of the rotational positions. Actuation of the first and second paddle shifters move, respectively, the first and second magnets relative to the sensor array between first and second positions, the magnets being closer to the sensor array in the second position. The sensor array is configured to sense the first and second magnets in the second position for any of the rotational positions.

Abstract: A control system for use by a rider of a vehicle, comprising a handlebar with a grip extending along a grip axis, and a throttle assembly with a housing and mount adapted for attachment to the handlebar along a housing axis arranged coincident to the grip axis and laying in a longitudinal reference plane defining a forward side and a rider side. A thumb trigger is arranged for movement between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, and comprises a thumb pad arranged for engagement by the rider, and a trigger interface supported for rotation about a pivot axis defined by the housing and arranged at an oblique angle relative to the housing axis taken normal to the longitudinal reference plane such that at least a portion of the thumb pad remains on the rider side as the thumb trigger moves between the first and second trigger positions.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an actuation assembly, with the actuation assembly including an actuation housing, includes a valve support adapted to be coupled to the actuation housing. The valve support has a body portion defining a plurality of solenoid bores. The valve assembly also includes a plurality of solenoids with each one of the plurality of solenoids disposed within a corresponding one of the plurality of solenoid bores and directly mounted to the valve support for controlling a flow of fluid. The valve assembly further includes an electrical power distribution device at least partially coupled to the valve support and connected to each of the plurality of solenoids. The valve assembly also includes a tray coupled to the body portion of the valve support to support a portion of the electrical power distribution device.

Abstract: An electric powered steering assembly and system for a vehicle. A sensor is coupled to a housing for detecting input from a user, such as to a steering member. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and controllable by a computer module. The electric motor supplies an assistive torque to a steering shaft of the vehicle. A coupler couples the housing to a chassis of the vehicle. The coupler prevents rotational movement of the housing about the steering shaft while permitting axial movement of the housing along with the steering shaft. The coupler may permit relative movement between the housing and the chassis in five degrees of freedom. A mounting bracket may be rigidly connected to the chassis. The coupler may comprise a coupling bracket and a link having a spherical joint coupled to the mounting bracket. Methods of installation and operating electric powered steering system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic lounging system includes an inflatable support unit and an inflatable unit. The inflatable support unit includes an inward layer, an outward layer, and a support air nozzle. The inward layer and the outward layer define an air cavity, and the outward layer is attached to the inward layer. The support air nozzle is attached and adapted to provide direct fluid communication of air with the air cavity. The inflatable unit includes an inward wall, an outward wall, and an air nozzle. The inward wall and the outward wall define at least one air chamber, and the inward wall is attached to the outward layer. The air nozzle is adapted to provide direct fluid communication of air with one of the at least one air chamber. There is no fluid communication between the inflatable support unit and the first inflatable unit.

Abstract: A lever assembly (20) has a lever (24) mounted to a lever housing (22), a plunger (26), an auto-return housing (28) pivotable relative to the lever housing (22), a trigger mechanism (30) movable relative to the auto-return housing (28), and a yoke member (32) pivotable relative to the auto-return housing (22) independent of the auto-return housing. The trigger mechanism (30) is movable to an extended position in response to movement of the plunger (26) for engaging a cam element (12) of the steering column (10) for auto-return of the lever to a rest position. The yoke member (32) interacts with the plunger (26) when the plunger (26) pivots with the lever (24) to cause the yoke (32) to pivot toward an engaged position, and the yoke (32) interacts with the trigger mechanism (30) when the yoke (32) is pivoted to move the trigger mechanism (30) toward the extended position.

Abstract: An articulating multi-body system includes first, second and third bodies, and a displacement clutch. The clutch is mounted to the second body, and includes first and second spools, and first and second cables. The first and second spools include respective first and second mating threads centered about the centerline. The first and second spools are each adapted to rotate about the centerline between fully spooled states, mid-states, and unspooled states. The first and second cables extend between, and are connected to, the respective first and third bodies and the respective first and second spools for cable spooling. A maximum axial distance exists between the first and second spools when in the fully spooled states, and the first and second spools make axial contact with one-another when one is in the fully spooled state and the other is in the unspooled state.

Abstract: A control system for an inflatable support mechanism having a fluid inlet includes at least one inflate valve including an inlet, and a purge valve including an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The inlet portion is fluidically connected to the inlet. No more than one absolute pressure sensor is fluidically connected between the fluid inlet and the inlet of the at least one inflate valve and the inlet portion of the purge valve the no more than one absolute pressure sensor selectively sensing pressure within the inflatable support mechanism and atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A seamless convoluted hose assembly. The assembly includes: a tubular inner liner having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner liner wall therebetween which defines a passageway. The assembly further includes a helical coil or a plurality of annular loops which produce convolutions in the outer surface of the tubular liner when the tubular inner liner is forced through the helical coil or plurality of loops under heat and pressure.