Abstract: An apparatus for occupant detection in a vehicle, including a dielectric substrate with a reference plane, and a plurality of electrodes forming a capacitive array on said dielectric substrate and coupled to said reference plane. Each of the plurality of electrodes being formed of a conductive polymer thick film ink. The plurality of electrodes and the reference plane are connected to a controller that detects a change in capacitance between the plurality of electrodes and the reference plane, and identifies the presence and type of occupant in the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes a first data ring (72) rotatable with a member (24) and includes bit indicators (76) for indicating an absolute angular position of the member. Sensors (100, 102) read the bit indicators (76) of the first data ring (72) and provide a first signal indicative of the absolute angular position of the member (24). A second data ring (74) is rotatable with the member (24) and includes bit indicators (76) for indicating incremental changes in the angular position of the member. Sensors (104, 106) read the bit indicators (76) of the second data ring (74) and provide a second signal, having about twice the resolution of the first signal, indicative of incremental changes in angular position of the member (24). A processor (200) receives the first and second signals and calculates an absolute angular position of the member (24) having a resolution equal to the second resolution.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes a vehicle steering wheel (14), a device (220) mountable on the steering wheel, a rear cover (60) that at least partially covers the steering wheel, a rotary connector (100) including a housing (110) for providing an electrical connection with the device. A first electrical connector (210) includes a first connector piece (212) and a second connector piece (214). The first connector piece (212), housing (110) and rear cover (60) are molded as a single piece of plastic material. The second connector piece (214) is guided to interconnect with the first connector piece (212) when the device (220) is installed on the steering wheel (14). The first and second connector pieces (212 and 214) when interconnected provide, an electrical connection between the device (220) and a cable (150) of the rotary connector (100).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes a vehicle steering wheel (14), a device (220) mountable on the steering wheel, a rear cover (60) that at least partially covers the steering wheel, a rotary connector (100) including a housing (110) for providing an electrical connection with the device. A first electrical connector (210) includes a first connector piece (212) and a second connector piece (214). The first connector piece (212), housing (110) and rear cover (60) are molded as a single piece of plastic material. The second connector piece (214) is guided to interconnect with the first connector piece (212) when the device (220) is installed on the steering wheel (14). The first and second connector pieces (212 and 214) when interconnected provide, an electrical connection between the device (220) and a cable (150) of the rotary connector (100).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes a first data ring (72) rotatable about an axis (30) with a member (24). The first data ring (72) includes binary bit indicators (76) for indicating an absolute angular position of the member (24). Sensors (100, 102) read the binary bit indicators (76) of the first data ring,(72) and provide a first signal, having a first resolution, indicative of the absolute angular position of the member (24). A second data ring (74) is rotatable about the axis (30) with the member (24). The second data ring (74) includes binary bit indicators (76) for indicating incremental changes in the angular position of the member (24). Sensors (104 and 106) read the binary bit indicators (76) of the second data ring (74) and provide a second signal, having about twice the resolution of the first signal, indicative of incremental changes in angular position of the member (24).

Abstract: A switch pod assembly (10) includes a hub portion (30) fixedly connected to a steering column (12) adjacent a steering wheel (20). First and second arms (40, 50) extend radially from opposite sides of an outer surface (32) of the hub portion (30). First and second switch pod modules (60, 70) extend transversely from second ends (44, 54) of the first and second arms (40, 50), respectively. Each switch pod module (60, 70) has a curved outer surface (62, 72) that has a radius generally concentric with and smaller than a radius of the steering wheel (20). The outer surfaces (62, 72) are positioned proximate the steering wheel (20). The first and second switch pod modules (60, 70) support a plurality of switches (80), including actuators (112) positioned along the curved outer surfaces (62, 72) of the first and second switch pod modules.

Abstract: A switch pod assembly (10) includes a hub portion (30) fixedly connected to a steering column (12) adjacent a steering wheel (20). First and second arms (40, 50) extend radially from opposite sides of an outer surface (32) of the hub portion (30). First and second switch pod modules (60, 70) extend transversely from second ends (44, 54) of the first and second arms (40, 50), respectively. Each switch pod module (60, 70) has a curved outer surface (62, 72) that has a radius generally concentric with and smaller than a radius of the steering wheel (20). The outer surfaces (62, 72) are positioned proximate the steering wheel (20). The first and second switch pod modules (60, 70) support a plurality of switches (80), including actuators (112) positioned along the curved outer surfaces (62, 72) of the first and second switch pod modules.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a base (20) and a plurality of electrically conductive frets (14) connected to the base. The frets (14) have exposed portions (82) on a first surface (40) of the base (20). The apparatus (10) further includes a cover (22) and a pad (80) that is connected with a second surface (62) of the cover (22). The cover (22) is connected with the base (20) such that the second surface (62) of the cover overlies the first surface (40) of the base and the pad (80) overlies the exposed portions (82) of the frets (14). The pad (80) is compressed between the frets (14) and the cover (22).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a base (20) and a plurality of electrically conductive frets (14) connected to the base. The frets (14) have exposed portions (82) on a first surface (40) of the base (20). The apparatus (10) further includes a cover (22) and a pad (80) that is connected with a second surface (62) of the cover (22). The cover (22) is connected with the base (20) such that the second surface (62) of the cover overlies the first surface (40) of the base and the pad (80) overlies the exposed portions (82) of the frets (14). The pad (80) is compressed between the frets (14) and the cover (22).

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering column assembly is disclosed in which a steering column shaft (3a, 3b) is supported within a two part steering column housing. The two part housing comprises a first part (1) secured to the vehicle body and a second (2) part which is supported by the first part (1) and adapted to slide telescopically relative to the first part in an accident. A spring (5) is provided in a space between the two parts, and upon relative movement between the first and second part (1, 2), the spring (5) slides along at least one of the two parts to generate a friction force which provides a damping effect. An additional, separate embodiment is also disclosed in which the two part housing (1, 2) is fixed to the vehicle through an energy controlling mechanism (300, 400) which comprises a first portion which is “squeezed” along or through an opening on a second portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering column stalk switch apparatus includes the steps of fixedly engaging a hub attached to an elongated shaft to one end of a hollow housing have apertures formed at opposite ends, movably mounting a button in one of the apertures in the housing, the button being movable between first and second positions and biased to the first position, mounting a first electrical contactor having first electrical contacts thereon in the button, movably mounting a second electrical contactor with second electrical contacts thereon in the housing, the first and second electrical contacts being co-planarly aligned, mounting a circuit board with conductive tracings in the housing such that the first and second contacts slidably engage the conductive tracings and complete circuits therebetween depending upon the position of the first and second electrical contacts, mounting the second electrical contactor on a movable carrier in the housing, biasingly mounting a detent paw on the carrier, aligni

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering column stalk switch apparatus includes the steps of fixedly engaging a hub attached to an elongated shaft to one end of a hollow housing having apertures formed at opposite ends, movably mounting a button in one of the apertures in the housing, the button being movable between first and second positions and biased to the first position, mounting a first electrical contactor having first electrical contacts thereon in the button, movably mounting a second electrical contactor with second electrical contacts thereon in the housing, the first and second electrical contacts being co-planarly aligned, mounting a circuit board with conductive tracings in the housing such that the first and second contacts slidably engage the conductive tracings and complete circuits therebetween depending upon the position of the first and second electrical contacts, mounting the second electrical contactor on a movable carrier in the housing, biasingly mounting a detent paw on the carrier, alig

Abstract: A steering column mounted stalk switch apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a hub fixedly mounted at one end. The hub fixedly engages one end of a hollow knob housing. An aperture is formed in the opposite end of the housing and movably receives a button therein having at least one electrical contact mounted thereon. A carrier is slidably mounted in the housing for movement between a plurality of discrete positions and includes a projection extending externally through a side wall of the housing. Electrical contacts are mounted on the carrier and engage conductive tracings on the circuit board as the carrier is moved between the discrete positions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering column stalk switch apparatus includes the steps of fixedly engaging a hub attached to an elongated shaft to one end of a hollow housing having apertures formed at opposite ends, movably mounting a button in one of the apertures in the housing, the button being movable between first and second positions and biased to the first position, mounting a first electrical contactor having first electrical contacts thereon in the button, movably mounting a second electrical contactor with second electrical contacts thereon in the housing, the first and second electrical contacts being co-planarly aligned, mounting a circuit board with conductive tracings in the housing such that the first and second contacts slidably engage the conductive tracings and complete circuits therebetween depending upon the position of the first and second electrical contacts, mounting the second electrical contactor on a movable carrier in the housing, biasingly mounting a detent paw on the carrier, alig

Abstract: A steering column mounted stalk switch apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a hub fixedly mounted at one end. The hub fixedly engages one end of a hollow knob housing. An aperture is formed in the opposite end of the housing and movably receives a button therein having at least one electrical contact mounted thereon. A carrier is slidably mounted in the housing for movement between a plurality of discrete positions and includes a projection extending externally through a side wall of the housing. Electrical contacts are mounted on the carrier and engage conductive tracings on the circuit board as the carrier is moved between the discrete positions.

Abstract: An improved turn signal cancel mechanism for a vehicle. The cancel mechanism uses a dual finger cancel pawl which rotates into and out of the necessary operational position for contact with a cancelling member of a vehicle's steering column. The cancel mechanism obviates the need for a complicated centering system and also lessens the amount of force required by restoring plungers which results in less operational noise, easier assembly and more reliable operation.

Abstract: A non-involute gear used in a gear pair. A first gear has a plurality of radially extending, circumferentially spaced teeth, each with a generally cylindrical, arcuate shaped end surface. A second gear has a plurality of spaced, non-involute shaped teeth. Each tooth of the second gear is formed with opposed base faces disposed at an identical radius. A pair of flats extend in parallel from the ends of each circular base face and terminate in inwardly extending, end portions extending from the flats to the top land of each gear tooth. A tooth space is formed between two adjacent non-involute gear teeth having a semi-circular base portion formed by the opposed circular base faces of two adjacent gear teeth and two parallel flat portions formed by the pair of parallel flats extending from the semi-circular base portion which combine to form a generally U-shaped space for receiving a gear tooth on the first gear.

Abstract: A collapsible steering shaft apparatus includes first and second telescopingly arranged steering shaft members. A plurality of longitudinally extending projections are formed in one of the steering shaft members and engage a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves formed in the other steering shaft member. The mating projections and grooves join the steering shaft members together for longitudinal sliding movement under external forces exerted on the steering shaft apparatus. The mating projections and grooves also prevent rotation of the two steering shaft members relative to each other and insure that the two steering shaft member rotate together as a unit without backlash upon rotation of the vehicle steering wheel. A method of forming the projections and grooves in the tubular steering shaft members is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-functional electromechanical vehicular switch having a linear ignition switch and a headlamp dimmer combined in a single unit. The ignition switch is constructed as a conventional design. The headlight dimmer employs a self-adjusting mechanism to insure the actuator gear remains in contact with a rack through a biased action if the rack over travels the partial gear of the dimmer mechanism.