Abstract: A rotary lock actuator for manual or powered actuation of a lock for vehicle doors is disclosed. The actuator has a motorized drive train and an actuating member movable between first and second positions. A manual drive member and a powered drive member each have first and second drive surfaces spaced apart from one another. A drive wedge is disposed in the spaces between the first and second drive surfaces of each drive member such that the drive wedge is engageable with the actuating member. The first driving surface of each drive member engages the wedge for moving the actuating member from a first position toward a second position upon movement of one of the drive members. The drive wedge is engageable by the second driving surface of each drive member for moving the actuating member from a second position toward the first position upon movement a drive member.

Abstract: A rotary latch has a housing having first and second posts therein. A catch is mounted for rotation about the first post between latched and unlatched positions. A pawl is mounted for rotation about the second post between a catch-retaining position and a catch-releasing position. When the catch is in the latched position and the pawl is in the catch-retaining position, the pawl engages the catch and prevents it from rotating out of the latched position. When the pawl is in the catch-releasing position the catch is movable to its unlatched position. A motor and gear train mounted in the housing includes an output gear mounted for rotation about the second post. The output gear is in engagement with the pawl such that activation of the motor causes the output gear to rotate the pawl to the catch-releasing position.

Abstract: A rotary latch has a housing having first and second posts therein. A catch is mounted for rotation about the first post between latched and unlatched positions. A pawl is mounted for rotation about the second post between a catch-retaining position and a catch-releasing position. When the catch is in the latched position and the pawl is in the catch-retaining position, the pawl engages the catch and prevents it from rotating out of the latched position. When the pawl is in the catch-releasing position the catch is movable to its unlatched position. A motor and gear train mounted in the housing includes an output gear mounted for rotation about the second post. The output gear is in engagement with the pawl such that activation of the motor causes the output gear to rotate the pawl to the catch-releasing position.

Abstract: A rotary lock actuator for manual or powered actuation of a lock of the type typically used on vehicle doors or storage compartments. The actuator has a housing with a motorized drive train therein. The housing is connected to a swage hub which is connected to a lock cylinder body by a cylindrical nut.

Abstract: A rotary lock actuator for manual or powered actuation of a lock of the type typically used on vehicle doors or storage compartments. The actuator has a housing with a motorized drive train therein. An actuating member is movable between first and second positions. A manual drive member and a powered drive member each have first and second drive surfaces spaced apart from one another. A drive finger is disposed in the spaces between the first and second drive surfaces of each drive member such that the drive finger is engageable with the actuating member. The first driving surface of each drive member engages the finger for moving the actuating member from a first position toward a second position upon movement of one of the drive members. The drive finger is engageable by the second driving surface of each drive member for moving the actuating member from a second position toward the first position upon movement one of the drive members. A bi-stable spring assists movement of the actuating member.

Abstract: A drive system for rotating an assembly, such as an external vehicle mirror housing, about an axis is provided with a drive housing containing a worm drive assembly coupled to an axis gear mounted about the axis. The worm drive assembly is rotated by an electric motor. The axis gear is stationary with respect to the axis, such that rotation of the worm drive assembly will cause it to travel about the axis gear. Such movement of the worm drive assembly will cause the drive housing and the associated external vehicle mirror housing to rotate about the axis. Thrust transmitted to the worm drive assembly is transmitted to a central portion of the drive housing by a shaft retainer associated with the worm drive assembly. Play between the axis gear and the worm drive assembly is prevented by eliminating separation between adjacent components of the worm drive assembly.

Abstract: A rotary lock actuator for manual or powered actuation of a lock of the type typically used on vehicle doors or storage compartments. The actuator has a housing with a motorized drive train therein. An actuating member is movable between first and second positions. A manual drive member and a powered drive member each have first and second drive surfaces spaced apart from one another. A drive finger is disposed in the spaces between the first and second drive surfaces of each drive member such that the drive finger is engageable with the actuating member. The first driving surface of each drive member engages the finger for moving the actuating member from a first position toward a second position upon movement of one of the drive members. The drive finger is engageable by the second driving surface of each drive member for moving the actuating member from a second position toward the first position upon movement one of the drive members. A bi-stable spring assists movement of the actuating member.

Abstract: A thermal cutout module is insertable into the starting circuit of a vehicle. The module places a thermal cutout in intimate physical contact with the ignition switch. In the event of a failure in the ignition switch creating an overheating condition the thermal cutout will open and stop current from flowing in the starting circuit. The module includes a control relay which allows the starting current to flow through the relay and not through the ignition switch contacts. LED's are provided to indicate the status of the cutout module. A portion of the module is mounted on a bracket attached to the vehicle firewall.