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 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.