Abstract: This invention provides a metal mounting member for mounting a vehicle accessory such as a sunshade to the sheet metal structure of a vehicle such as the vehicle roof with minimal insertion force. The mounting member does not require use of tools or other fasteners. The mounting member is made from one piece of spring steel. This invention also includes a fast and efficient electrical contact that does not require a separate step of making an electrical contact during installation.

Abstract: Bearing systems, such as magnetic bearings, are widely used today in a variety of applications. All bearing systems are, however, subject to failure. Therefore, backup bearing systems are often utilized in conjunction with a main bearing system in order to provide backup to the main bearings if they should fail. The backup bearing system for the re-centering of magnetic bearings includes a first conical member disposed about an axis and having at least one bearing disposed substantially therein; a second conical member spaced from the first conical member and disposed about the axis, the second conical member having at least one bearing disposed substantially therein; and an actuator assembly spaced from the second conical member and bearing in a first or operative position.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation circuit includes a transistor pass element alternately switched on and off by an oscillator and connecting a power source to a load. Current through the transistor pass element is compared to a reference signal by a comparator. If the current through the transistor pass element exceeds the reference signal, the comparator generates a fault signal, and the transistor pass element is switched off for the remainder of the cycle. After a predetermined number of faults, the transistor pass element is switched off for a plurality of cycles. The pulse width modulation circuit prevents damage to the transistor pass element caused by the low initial resistance of the load and supplies sufficient current to slowly heat the load to steady state operation. This also allows for downsizing of the pass element for steady state conditions thereby saving product cost.

Abstract: An optical anti-theft system incorporates a member having a plurality of reflective surfaces. The plurality forms a pattern corresponding with the security code. The system additionally incorporates a base for receiving the member. The base incorporates a light source for generating a light beam to illuminate the plurality of reflective surfaces, and a light detector for sensing the illuminated plurality of reflective surfaces and for initiating a security function in response to the sensed illuminated plurality of reflective surfaces having the pattern.

Abstract: An electrical switch for use in an automotive vehicle includes an actuator and a carrier movable to electrically actuate a steering column tilting device and a steering column telescoping device. A post and a receptacle assist to align the carrier during its linear switching movement. An actuator assembly is provided which includes a shaft, a partially spherical ball, a first set of crossed arms and a second set of crossed arms while a centering spring biases an actuator toward a centralized neutral position. A modularized electrical switch is also mechanically and electrically connected to a second circuit and housing in a single assembly motion.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame having an inner surface and a trim panel having an outer surface adapted to overlie the inner surface of the frame. A plurality of electrical devices are secured in the frame and the trim panel for carrying out various tasks and operations. A plurality of electrical wires are secured to the outer surface of the trim panel and electrically connect to the several electrical devices. Wire routing elements extend from the outer surface of the trim panel for individually and sequentially securing the plurality of electrical wires on the outer surface of the trim panel to eliminate the need for a prefabricated wiring harness. In a preferred embodiment, the routing element comprises opposed retainers. The opposed retainers ensure the wire is securely held on the trim panel.

Abstract: An improved switch includes two moving contact members which move in parallel planes. The switch may be moved to either of two positions to complete either of two circuits. The contact members are normally biased to a central neutral position. Since the contact members move in a plane, rather than pivoting on a yoke, there is greater tolerance in positioning the moving contact members.

Abstract: A control is provided for allowing a user to actuate various home security systems such as garage door openers, home alarm systems, lights, etc., remotely. A transmitter is provided with encryption logic such that its signal is not easily duplicated. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter is provided with separate channels for each of several systems which are to be actuated by the transmitter. Receivers are provided with logic to recognize the encrypted signal. The encrypted signal varies sequentially on each actuation of the transmitter. In another preferred feature of this invention, add-on receivers may be incorporated into the existing circuitry for the systems that are to be controlled by the inventive transmitter. In this way, existing systems may be utilized with the inventive transmitter.

Abstract: A linkage has a coupled state, where actuation of a multi-functional apparatus causes an interference device to move between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the interference device does not allow a handle for opening door latches to actuate, and in the unlocked position the interference device allows the handle to actuate. The linkage further has a decoupled state, where actuation of the manual actuation device causes the decoupling linkage to uncouple from the multi-functional apparatus, and causes the interference device to move between the locked and the unlocked positions without moving the multi-functional apparatus. This arrangement allows for a manual override of the power liftgate lock multi-functional apparatus.

Abstract: A drive-away prevention security system used in connection with an RF remote keyless entry system. A microprocessor and associated circuitry are configured within the head of an ignition key for a vehicle such that when a function switch on the key head is activated, a coded signal is transmitted to be received by a receiver within the vehicle. The receiver deciphers the received coded transmission to determine if a valid signal has been transmitted, and performs a vehicle function, such as locking or unlocking the vehicle doors, if the coded signal is valid. When the ignition key is inserted in the ignition switch of the vehicle, an ignition signal is sent to a microprocessor associated with the receiver. The microprocessor causes an on/off signal to be applied to an oscillator at the ignition switch in accordance with a data scheme.

Abstract: An improved membrane switch includes multiple detents. A pair of electric circuits are completed by the membrane switch, and a pair of flexing portions are located on said membrane. A first flexing portion is overcome by a first lower insertion force to allow a first circuit to be complete, and a second flexing portion is only overcome by further insertion force. The second flexing portion is eventually overcome and completes a second circuit. The inventive membrane switch provides the operator with a clear indication and a detent feel for each of the two circuits.

Abstract: A system for detecting failure in one of a plurality of remote sensing devices utilizes a plurality of counters, each associated with one of the remote sensing devices. Each counter is initially loaded with an initial value. When a signal is received from a remote sensing device, its associated counter is reset to the initial value while the counters of the other remote sensing devices are stepped down. If a sensing device does not send a signal, its associated counter is stepped down numerous times, but never reset to the initial value. When a counter reaches a pre-determined value, typically zero, the associated sensing device is deemed to have failed.

Abstract: A three state switch detection circuit converts a three state input to a two-bit binary output readable by a micro-controller or other digital logic. The circuit utilized complementary NPN and PNP transistors having coupled emitters and coupled bases connected by a resistor. The collector of the PNP transistor is connected by a resistor to ground while a complementary resistor ties the collector of the NPN transistor to V.sub.BATT. Additional circuitry preferably converts the voltage output from the collectors to a suitable voltage level readable by the micro-controller or other digital logic device.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel assembly includes an integrated switch housing that includes the stalk switch for the vehicle, and further provides the fixed housing for a clock spring. The integrated switch housing reduces the overall size and length of the switches adjacent the steering wheel. Moreover, the integrated switch housing is preferably used with a modular steering wheel and air bag combination that is attached to the wheel after pre-assembly of the modular units. Locking structure ensures there is no relative rotation between the clock spring rotating plate, the clock spring fixed housing, and the modular steering wheel combination until the entire assembly is mounted to the steering column. The combined integrated modular assembly allows testing of all electrical connections prior to mounting the combined assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-position, multi-directional switch mechanism that provides switch actuation in multiple directions using opposing detent mechanisms. The multi-position, multi-directional switch mechanism has a sleeve that pivots within a base and an operator that pivots within the sleeve. Each of the pivoting members has a detent mechanism to maintain the pivotal members in a selected position. The spring loaded detents of the detent mechanisms are linearly opposing. The resulting multi-position, multi-directional switch mechanism achieves better functionality with fewer parts.

Abstract: A clock spring and steering wheel rear cover arrangement are particularly well-suited for a modular steering wheel and air bag sub-assembly. The clock spring is attached to the rear of a hub in the steering wheel assembly, and the rear cover snaps behind the clock spring. The clock spring and rear cover may be pre-assembled with the modular steering wheel and air bag such that the entire assembly is attached as a unit to a steering column. A tab from the rear cover may snap into an opening on the rear of the hub. The clock spring may include a hard connection into an air bag igniter, or may utilize a wire harness connection. A single opening in the rear of the hub for the steering column may receive an electrical connection for accessories on the steering wheel along with providing a connection to the air bag igniter. Also, the clock spring housing includes structure to be aligned on the steering column.

Abstract: A method for assembling a multifunctional switch stalk includes the steps of providing a handle having an inner end and an outer end, the handle including a base portion at the inner end for being mounted on a vehicle steering column, mounting a shaft having an axis and an outer end on the outer end of the handle, mounting a control ring on the shaft, the control ring being rotatable to selectively actuate a first predetermined vehicle function, mounting a control knob on the shaft, said control knob being rotatable to selectively actuate a second predetermined vehicle function, and mounting a push button on an outer end of the control knob, the push button being axially compressible to selectively actuate a third predetermined vehicle function.

Abstract: An improved gear train for the adjustment structure in a mirror includes a slip clutch disk connection that allows a pinion gear to rotate relative to an intermediate gear reduction. The pinion gear is engaged to rotate a rack, and the rack is connected to the mirror to adjust the position of the mirror. The rack is spring biased into engagement with the pinion, thus insuring that the two move with each other quietly and smoothly. The rack can be biased into engagement with the pinion gear, since it need not be able to slip relative to the pinion gear, as was the case in the prior art. The clutch disk allows the pinion gear to move with the rack when the mirror is manually adjusted. The inventive clutch disk is relatively simple, including a clutch drive gear rotatably journaled on a drive shaft. The drive shaft is fixed to rotate with the pinion gear. A spring biases a friction face of the clutch drive gear into engagement with the clutch disk, which also rotates with the pinion gear.

Abstract: A balanced and buffered oscillator and transmitter arrangement includes a first and second oscillator, each of which include a resonator for generating a reference signal, an amplifier for amplifying the reference signal, a resonant tank for generating an oscillating output signal in response to the amplified reference signal, and a buffer circuit for buffering the respective oscillating output signal such that the effects of a parasitic impedance are minimized.

Abstract: A brake/shift interlock for, e.g., a vehicle having a shift mechanism (10) for an automatic transmission. The shift mechanism includes a shift lever (12) and a detent mechanism (24) having a latch (26) and latch plate (28) with a detent notch at the "Park" position. A Park/Lock member (34) is actuable to lock the latch in the Park position (FIGS. 1 and 6). In addition to an ignition lock mechanism (38) for actuating the Park/Lock member based on the status of the ignition switch (36A); FIG. 8), a brake/shift interlock is also provided for actuating the Park/Lock member when the ignition switch is in "Run" position (FIG. 2 ) , except for being released during actuation of a brake switch (82). A solenoid (160; FIGS. 4 and 5), when energized, applies a tensioning force to the Park/Lock member via a cable (44) actuating the P/L member. The solenoid includes a plunger (162) having a centrally located, axial opening (171) through it, through which the cable extends.