Abstract: Example embodiments of systems and methods for data transmission system between transmitting and receiving devices are provided. In an embodiment, each of the transmitting and receiving devices can contain a master key. The transmitting device can generate a diversified key using the master key, protect a counter value and encrypt data prior to transmitting to the receiving device, which can generate the diversified key based on the master key and can decrypt the data and validate the protected counter value using the diversified key.

Abstract: A shellfish positioning and opening apparatus having at least one processing lane whereby the apparatus includes the following stations of an in-feed and singulation station followed by a reorientation assembly station utilizing a vision system and a holding and opening assembly station. The said processing stations are operatively connected in that order together to receive shellfish having meat therein to position said shellfish according to their shape and orientation to enable shellfish to be halved so that one shellfish half has the shellfish meat thereon.

Abstract: A method is provided for adaptively determining an anti-lock braking strategy that includes monitoring a distance differential of at least one target in proximity to a driven vehicle. An anti-lock braking strategy is determined as a function of the distance differential. The anti-locking braking strategy is applied as a function of the distance differential.

Abstract: A shellfish positioning and opening apparatus having at least one processing lane whereby the apparatus includes the following stations of an in-feed and singulation station followed by a reorientation assembly station utilizing a vision system and a holding and opening assembly station. The said processing stations are operatively connected in that order together to receive shellfish having meat therein to position said shellfish according to their shape and orientation to enable shellfish to be halved so that one shellfish half has the shellfish meat thereon.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a soft-stop control to the vehicle brake actuators of a vehicle during a vehicle stop operation. A brake apply operation is detected. A determination is made whether the vehicle speed is below a first threshold stopping speed. Braking pressure to the vehicle actuators is reduced as a function of vehicle speed, vehicle deceleration, and brake apply pressure if the vehicle speed is below the first threshold stopping speed.

Abstract: The flame arrester comprises a flow passage in which are disposed a plurality of generally aligned rods such that fluids flowing in the passage must pass between the rods. Rows of rods are used to construct the flame arrester element, ideally closely spaced and these present a natural surface over which air can flow with minimal flow resistance. The rods can be of any size and the gaps between them can be selected to arrest explosions due to different gases or vapours in air. The rod diameter can be altered to withstand different levels of explosion pressure, making it possible to construct both deflagration and detonation flame arresters. If tubes are used these can carry cooling fluid making the arrester more effective at coping with continuous burning. Rods in parallel rows can be offset with respect to the adjacent row. Suitable offset angles can vary.

Abstract: A protective towing shield or curtain attachable to the rear of a towing vehicle. The towing shield has a flexible mesh panel which is coupled to a retractor. When in use, the panel is deployed and attached to the front of the towed vehicle. The deployed curtain extends horizontally between the vehicles to downwardly direct and deflect road debris, rock, gravel, salt and the like. The curtain is readily attached and detached to the towed vehicle at fasteners such as by detent pins engageable in eye bolts. A turn support strut is attached when the curtain is deployed. The curtain, including the strut and fasteners, may be stored on the retractor when not in use.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a passenger compartment, a floor pan, a cable-actuated component (such as a transmission) located outside the passenger compartment, and a telescopeable cable assembly (such as a transmission cable) operably connected to the cable-actuated component. The telescopeable cable assembly includes an end (such as a sheath on a sleeve of the cable assembly) attached to the floor pan via a bracket and a telescopeable cable having a first connector on an end of the telescopeable cable. A control assembly (such as a transmission shifter assembly) is provided for connection to the cable-actuated component. The control assembly includes a base configured for attachment to the vehicle in the passenger compartment, a lever pivoted to the base, and a second connector operably attached to the lever.

Abstract: The present apparatus includes a park/lock mechanism mounted on a transmission for controlling operation of the transmission and, more particularly, for preventing the transmission from being shifted out of the park position until predetermined vehicle operating conditions are met. The park/lock mechanism is remotely actuated by an actuator physically connected to the park/lock mechanism and electrically connected to the shift lever. The park/lock mechanism includes a linkage having a pair of links connected in an overcenter arrangement, the toggle links providing a mechanical advantage and moving overcenter as the park/lock mechanism moves to a park/lock position. A hydraulic circuit and electrical circuit for operating the actuator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cable connector for a vehicle shifter includes an anchor configured to mateably receive a sheath of a cable assembly, and further includes a connector rod configured to receive a telescopable cable rod extending from the cable assembly. The vehicle shifter includes a base having a bracket supporting the anchor, and a shift mechanism pivotally attached to the base and operably connected to the connector rod. The shifter is installed in the vehicle by manipulating the shifter so that the sheath is inserted into the anchor with the cable rod extending through the anchor into the connector rod. The shifter is secured to the vehicle by clips that snap attach to a vehicle mounting bracket. The anchor is secured to the sheath by a first spring clip, and the cable rod is secured to the connector rod by a second spring clip, which clips snap attach to the respective parts of the cable assembly as the shifter is snap attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A shifter assembly for a shifting a vehicle transmission via a telescopeable transmission shift cable is provided. The shifter assembly includes a base, a shift lever pivoted to the base, a cable-actuating arm pivotally attached to the shift lever and adapted for operative connection to the transmission shift cable, and a coupler for securing the cable-actuating arm to the shift lever in an adjusted position. The coupler is movable between an adjustment-permitting position where a length variation in the transmission cable can be accommodated, and an interlocked position where the cable-actuating arm is secured to the shift lever. A manual, pawl-biased actuator on the shift lever is adapted to engage the coupler to move the coupler from the installed position to the interlocked position when the transmission cable is at a desired position.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission shifter having a locking mechanism for controlling the shifting of a lever for an automatic transmission responsive to the condition of a vehicle. A locking member is provided to lock into a detent member movable with the shifting lever and which detent member controls the shifting of the gears in the transmission. The position of the locking member is controlled by an electrical module, the energization of which is controlled by a condition of the vehicle and the actuation of a switch in the handle of the shifting lever. Preferably the detent member which includes a plurality of gear position notches is an elongated member movable in a linear direction to provide a low profile shifter. In a preferred embodiment a novel module detent member sub-assembly is provided for use on various shifter mechanisms. Also in one embodiment the movement of the detent member is sensed so as to produce electrical signals for controlling an electronically operated transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle park/lock mechanism with a novel control module in which is located a locking mechanism, an electrically actuated actuator means for actuating said locking mechanism said module including a control switch which is actuated in response to the actuation of the locking mechanism. A restraining member is provided to prevent actuation of such switch to assure complete unlocking of the locking mechanism before the switch is actuated. The restraining member includes one of three different constructions.

Abstract: A vehicle park/lock mechanism with a novel control module in which is located a locking mechanism, an electrically actuated actuator for actuating said locking mechanism said module including a control switch which is actuated in response to the actuation of the locking mechanism. A restraining member is provided to prevent actuation of such switch to assure complete unlocking of the locking mechanism before the switch is actuated.

Abstract: An electrical operated control module for a locking mechanism in which is located a locking mechanism and an electrically operated actuator member. The electrically operated actuator member has a magnetic force associated therewith and is actuated by a metal core in said coil. In one of the energized or de-energizes states of the coil the actuator member is attracted to said core and thereby urged to lock the locking mechanism and when the coil is in the other energized or de-energized state the actuator member is repelled by said core and thereby urged toward the locked position of the locking member. The actuator member is preferable a part of a toggle joint.

Abstract: A cable connector for a vehicle shifter includes an anchor configured to mateably receive a sheath of a cable assembly, and further includes a connector rod configured to receive a telescopable cable rod extending from the cable assembly. The vehicle shifter includes a base having a bracket supporting the anchor, and a shift mechanism pivotally attached to the base and operably connected to the connector rod. The shifter is installed in the vehicle by manipulating the shifter so that the sheath is inserted into the anchor with the cable rod extending through the anchor into the connector rod. The shifter is secured to the vehicle by clips that snap attach to a vehicle mounting bracket. The anchor is secured to the sheath by a first spring clip, and the cable rod is secured to the connector rod by a second spring clip,. which clips snap attach to the respective parts of the cable assembly as the shifter is snap attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A manual transmission shifter includes a base, and a shift lever pivoted to the base by a ball and socket arrangement. An ignition-key-interlock mechanism includes a bell crank pivoted to the base for movement between a key-interlocked position and a key-released position. The bell crank includes a slot configured to be engaged by a protrusion on the shift lever when the shift lever is moved from neutral to a reverse gear position. The ignition-key-interlock mechanism further includes a key-interlock cable assembly operably connected between the bell crank and the key-receiving ignition device of the vehicle. When the shift lever is moved out of the reverse position, the ignition-key-interlock mechanism is moved to the key-locked position such that the ignition key cannot be removed from the ignition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle shifter having a cable actuator that is responsive to the ignition key steering lock mechanism of a vehicle and actuates a cable attached to and extending between the key mechanism and the shifter. A cam responsive to the shifting of the shifter's handle is operatively connected to the cable actuator so that when the key is turned off, the cam locks the handle in "Park" and when the ignition key is turned on, the cam can be pivoted by the handle to actuate the cable actuator which actuates the cable to prevent the ignition key from being withdrawn. Preferably, the cable actuator is also a cam which is engaged and pivoted by the first-mentioned cam to actuate the cable. A safety mechanism is provided to prevent damage to the cable and other elements in the event an inadvertent force is exerted on the shift lever.

Abstract: A vehicle shifter having a cable actuator that is responsive to the ignition key steering lock mechanism of a vehicle and actuates a cable attached to and extending between the key mechanism and the shifter. A cam responsive to the shifting of the shifter's handle is operatively connected to the cable actuator so that when the key is turned off, the cam locks the handle in "Park" and when the ignition key is turned on, the cam can be pivoted by the handle to actuate the cable actuator which actuates the cable to prevent the ignition key from being withdrawn. Preferably, the cable actuator is also a cam which is engaged and pivoted by the first-mentioned cam to actuate the cable.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission shifter in which a locking member is movable along aligned and opposite directions to a locked or unlocked position. A mechanical advantage means, preferably a toggle joint, is connected to one end of the locking member for either restraining or moving the locking member in response to the electromagnetic attracting and repelling force. One of the magnetic attracting or retracting forces causes the locking member to move and be held in the locked position and the other of the magnetic attracting or retracting force causing the locking member to be moved to an unlocked position.