Abstract: A rotary position sensing including a first and second magnet spaced from one another. A first and second triangular magnetic flux director are arranged in a generally diamond shaped configured with an air gap between the two magnetic flux directors. A magnetic field sensor system is positioned in the air gap between the magnetic flux directors. The magnets and the magnetic flux directors, with the magnetic field sensor system in the air gap, are rotatable relative to one another about an axis generally normal to a plane including the magnets and magnetic flux directors. The magnetic field sensor system provides an output in response to a rotational position of the magnets relative to the magnetic flux directors.

Abstract: A failsafe actuator for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition is provided. The failsafe actuator may include mechanical or electrical means to provide a failsafe function. Such a failsafe actuator may be used in a stabilizer bar system of a vehicle to ensure that at least one stabilizer bar is returned to a failsafe or engaged condition should a failure condition occur when the stabilizer bar is disengaged. Various failure conditions can include loss of electrical power to the actuator or some internal actuator failures.

Abstract: A stalk switch having an energy storage element disposed coxially about a handle to store energy when the handle is in a contact position and release energy to provide a force to drive the handle back to the neutral position from the contact position. The energy storage element may be a sleeve made of an elastomeric material. Such a sleeve may also provide for overload protection for contact closures of the switch. The stalk switch may also have at least one microswitch to align operation of a contact closure with actual motion of the handle.