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 method and apparatus for testing semi-conductor chips is disclosed. The individual semiconductor chips have I/O contacts. The apparatus is provided with an interposer that has contacts corresponding to the contacts on the semiconductor chip. Both the chip and the interposer contacts can be any known type including metal ball, bumps, or tabs or may be provided with dendritic surfaces. The chip contacts are first brought into relative loose temporary contact with the contacts on the interposer and then a compressive force greater that 5 grams per chip contact is applied to the chip to force the chip contacts into good electrical contact with the interposer contacts. Testing of the chip is then performed. The tests may include heating of the chip as well as the application of signals to the chip contacts. After testing the chip is removed from the substrate.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle transfer case shifter system including a shifter mechanism with a cable actuator for actuating the pivot arm of a transfer case. The shifter mechanism includes two plates, one connected to the shifter handle and the other to the cable. The one plate is vertically slidable relative to the other plate and uniquely coupled to the other plate.

Abstract: A park lock mechanism having a lockout arm which, if it is accidentally moved to a lock position while the pawl of the shifting lever is in another gear position, it is movable by the pawl from such lock position to a third position permitting entry of the pawl into the park position and the lockout arm is then returned to its original lock position.

Abstract: A shifter for a vehicle transmission includes a base having a pair of parallel flanges, and a shift stick having a structure adapted to fit between the flanges. The flanges and the structure include apertures that can be co-axially aligned such that pivot pins can be extended through the flanges into the structure to thus form a low friction bearing. Specifically, the pivot pins include a shaft section with an end adapted to snap-lock into the structure and further include a non-uniform surface with ribs that non-rotatably frictionally engage the structure when extended into the apertures in the structure. The pivot pins further include a head adapted to rotatably engage the apertures in the flanges, the head and the flange apertures forming a low friction bearing arrangement for supporting the shift stick on the shifter base. The pivot pins are preferably made from a lubricous polymeric material such as acetal.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission shifter in which a locking member is movable along a line in opposite directions to a locked position 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 energization of an electrical coil of an electrical module which actuates an armature, or so-called module actuator, in a direction orthogonal to the toggle joint. The module actuator is biased to substantially align the axes of the toggle joint in which position the locking member is in locked position restrained from movement. When the brake of the vehicle is applied, the coil is energized and the module actuator is moved by the energization of the coil to break the knee of the toggle joint to unlock the locking member.

Abstract: A modular vehicle transmission shifter mechanism and method of manufacture in which the shifter mechanism is so constructed that it is adapted for use with different transmissions of different vehicles by providing standard components for supporting a pawl detent member and a position feel detent member. The standard components include a detent support member having attachments cooperating with attachments on the detent members, such attachments for each pawl member and said attachments for each position feel detent member being identical requiring only the change in configuration in the notches of the pawl detent member and the undulations in the position feel detent member. This shifter includes a unique shifting handle assembly and an improved support structure for the detent support member.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission shifter mechanism having a shift lever frame including a roller detent, a shift lever shiftable to a plurality of different shift positions and a feel positioner for providing a feel to a vehicle operator for establishing each of the shift positions is provided with an improvement, the improvement being a leaf spring configured in a U-shaped arrangement at one end to quick connect into a pair of spaced apertures in a plate on the shift lever, and configured at the other end with opposing fingers to snappingly quick connect to a roller for rollingly engaging the roller detent. The roller is biased against the roller detent which generates reactive forces on the one end of the leaf spring causing the one end to be securely retained in the spaced apertures in the plate and causing the roller to be securely retained in the opposing fingers on the other end.

Abstract: A locking mechanism and system for a vehicle shifter in which the shifting lever is locked in a park lock position until the brakes of the automotive vehicle are applied and the steering lockout mechanism located in the steering column of the vehicle is released by the ignition key of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, two electrical modules are operatively connected to the brake mechanism, the steering mechanism and the ignition key switch which controls the steering lockout mechanism, one of the two modules being controlled by a solid state switch. In other embodiments, a logic control circuit controls a solenoid driving circuit to control the modules.

Abstract: A locking mechanism and system for a vehicle shifter in which the shifting lever is locked in a park lock position until the brakes of the automotive vehicle are applied and/or the steering lockout mechanism located in the steering column of the vehicle is released by the ignition key of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention the pawl of the shifting lever is restrained by a lockout arm through which the brake mechanism and the lockout cable extending to the steering column are connected. In another embodiment, the lockout cable is eliminated by providing two electrical control modules operatively connected to the brake mechanism and the ignition key switch which controls the steering lockout mechanism. These two modules are connected in a unique circuit so that the shifting lever cannot be shifted out of park to other gear positions until the brake is applied and the steering lockout mechanism is released by the ignition key switch.

Abstract: A locking mechanism and system for a vehicle shifter in which the shifting lever is locked in a park lock position until the brakes of the automotive vehicle are applied and/or the steering lockout mechanism located in the steering column of the vehicle is released by the ignition key of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention the pawl of the shifting lever is restrained by a lockout arm through which the brake mechanism and the lockout cable extending to the steering column are connected. In another embodiment, the lockout cable is eliminated by providing two electrical control modules operatively connected to the brake mechanism and the ignition key switch which controls the steering lockout mechanism. These two modules are connected in a unique circuit so that the shifting lever cannot be shifted out of park to other gear positions until the brake is applied and the steering lockout mechanism is released by the ignition key switch.

Abstract: In a vehicle shift lever assembly for a vehicle in which the shift lever is offset to one side of the transmission actuator arm and in which the lockout mechanism is released by depressing the shift lever, a means is provided to minimize undesirable tipping or turning of the shift lever. Within the preferred form, a plunger and plunger housing combination is provided with sufficient bearing surfaces to minimize tipping and an anti-rotation pin is provided to minimize turning of the shift lever. A detent is also provided to minimize the lockout pin from jumping out of the notch in the lockout plate except when a depressing force is applied to the shift lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved disposable diaper that is biodegradable, sanitary and environmentally safe. In general, the improved diaper has a removable inner sheet of material disposed of by flushing in a toilet or water closet. The remainder of the diaper is made of a biodegradable material that is disposed of in a conventional landfill.

Abstract: A pull-type actuator for an automotive transmission shifter is disclosed comprising a stationary base adapted to be mounted in an automotive vehicle. One or more gates are disposed in the base. A pivotable upstanding shift lever extends from the base and detent means is mounted for reciprocal movement in the base adjacent the lower end of the shift lever. The detent means must be aligned with a gate to allow entry into a locked out gear position. A manually actuable pull is disposed on the upper end of the shift lever and a flexible actuator link extends from the detent means to the pull. The actuator link is tensioned between the detent and the pull by a rack of teeth disposed on the upper end of the actuator link and a tooth engaging means disposed on the pull for engaging the teeth on the actuator link in a one way ratchet-like fashion.

Abstract: A gimbal-type automotive transmission shifter and gear lockout is provided comprising a gear selecting shift lever; a pivotable shift lever carrier; and a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter in an automotive vehicle. The shift lever and shift lever carrier are pivotable about first and second generally orthogonal axes, respectively. The shift lever is pivotable relative to the carrier about the first axis and the carrier is pivotable relative to the base about a second axis. Appropriate linkage is provided for translating these pivotable movements to the transmission for selecting a desired transmission drive ratio. A gear lockout is provided by a first gate disposed on the base. A detent is mounted for reciprocal movement with respect to the base. Biasing means is provided for biasing the detent into engagement with the base. The biasing means thereby prevents entry of the detent into the first gate and thus provides a positive first lockout for at least one gear position.

Abstract: A transmission shifter for vehicles, the shifter being of the type for transmitting gear shift movements to a transmission through a pair of .Iadd.elongated actuators such as .Iaddend.flexible shielded cables. The shifter comprises a shift lever which is pivotable about mutually orthogonal axes. Pivotal movement of the shifter about one axis is translated into a linear displacement of one of the .[.flexible shielded cables.]. .Iadd.actuators.Iaddend.. Pivotal movement of the shifter about the other axis is translated .Iadd.through a member that is pivotably mounted about an axis offset from the aforesaid orthogonal axis .Iaddend.into a linear displacement of the other .[.flexible shielded cable.]. .Iadd.actuator.Iaddend.. A push button actuated lockout means is provided for locking out the reverse position.