Abstract: An assembly includes a steering shaft and a primary drive system eccentrically coupled to the steering shaft and configured to transfer a torque applied to the steering shaft to a vehicle steering system. The assembly also includes a secondary drive system coupled to the steering shaft and configured to transfer the torque applied to the steering shaft if the primary drive system is inactive and substantially unable to transfer the torque.

Abstract: A power steering system includes a first linkage arm pivotally coupled to a cross-link member extending in a transverse direction. Also included is a first shaft generally orthogonal to the first linkage arm and configured to rotate the first linkage arm. Further included is a second linkage arm pivotally coupled to the cross-link member with a pivot location. The power steering system yet further includes an electric actuator. Also included is a linkage member extending from the electric actuator and operatively coupled to an assist portion of the second linkage arm to reduce the steering effort required by a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A joint assembly having a first shaft having an end and extending along a first axis and a second shaft having an end and extending along a second axis is provided. A first inner ring coupled to the first shaft, a second inner ring coupled to the second shaft, and a sleeve coupled to the first and second inner rings are also provided. The first and second inner rings are disposed within the sleeve and a centering device engages the ends of the first and second shafts. The centering device is configured to maintain the angular positions of the first and second shafts relative to the sleeve. The centering device is substantially fixed from rotation during rotation of the first and second shafts and the centering device includes a receiving socket defining a socket path, the socket path having a different orientation than the second axis.

Abstract: A joint assembly includes a first shaft having an end, a second shaft having an end, a first inner ring coupled to the first shaft, and a second inner ring coupled to the second shaft. The assembly further includes a sleeve coupled to the first and second inner rings, the first and second inner rings disposed within the sleeve, and a centering device engaging the ends of the first and second shaft. The centering device is configured to maintain the angular positions of the first and second shafts relative to one another, and the centering device is substantially fixed from rotation during rotation of the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A torque feedback system for a vehicle includes a steering shaft having a longitudinal axis, a jacket surrounding the shaft, the shaft rotatable with respect to the jacket, and at least one mechanical energy storing element arranged to provide torque feedback when the steering shaft is rotated. The at least one mechanical energy storing element includes a first mechanical energy storing element having a first end engageable with the jacket and a second end engageable with the shaft, and a second mechanical energy storing element having a first end engageable with the jacket and a second end engageable with the shaft. The first mechanical energy storing element provides resistance to rotation of the shaft in a first rotational direction, and the second mechanical energy storing element provides resistance to rotation of the shaft in a second rotational direction.

Abstract: A joint assembly including a first yoke and a second yoke is provided. A sleeve is coupled to the first and second yokes and a centering device engages the ends of the first and second yokes. The centering device is configured to maintain the angular positions of the first and second yokes relative to one another, and is substantially fixed from rotation during rotation of the first and second yokes.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a hollow upper shaft, a lower shaft extending at least partially within the upper shaft, and a cage having a plurality of bearing apertures. Each bearing aperture includes a pair of opposed loading pads having a distinct inner wall surface sector extending radially inward into the at least one bearing aperture. The cage receives at least a portion of the lower shaft and is positioned within the hollow upper shaft. The assembly further includes at least one upper tilt pin extending through the upper shaft and a bearing aperture of the plurality of bearing apertures, and a lower tilt pin extending through the lower shaft and a bearing aperture of the plurality of bearing apertures.

Abstract: A joint assembly is provided. The joint assembly includes a first yoke having a base portion and an end, a second yoke having a base portion and an end, a sleeve coupled to the first and second yokes, and a centering device engaging the ends of the first and second yokes. The centering device is configured to maintain the angular positions of the first and second yokes relative to one another and is substantially fixed from rotation during rotation of the first and second yokes. A portion of the centering device extends into and supported by the second yoke base portion.

Abstract: A steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes a column shaft rotatable about an axis and configured to couple to a steering wheel rim and a hub support configured to be non-rotatably coupled to a support structure of the vehicle. A stationary hub is coupled to the hub support, the steering wheel rim being rotatable relative to the stationary hub.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a hollow upper shaft having an inner surface, a lower shaft extending at least partially within the upper shaft, and a cage receiving at least a portion of the lower shaft, the cage positioned within the hollow upper shaft. The assembly further includes at least one upper tilt pin extending through the upper shaft and the cage, at least one groove formed in the inner surface of the upper shaft, and a lower tilt pin extending through the cage and the lower shaft. The lower tilt pin extends into the at least one groove.

Abstract: An assembly includes a steering shaft and a primary drive system eccentrically coupled to the steering shaft and configured to transfer a torque applied to the steering shaft to a vehicle steering system. The assembly also includes a secondary drive system coupled to the steering shaft and configured to transfer the torque applied to the steering shaft if the primary drive system is inactive and substantially unable to transfer the torque.

Abstract: A joint assembly including a first yoke and a second yoke is provided. A sleeve is coupled to the first and second yokes and a centering device engages the ends of the first and second yokes. The centering device is configured to maintain the angular positions of the first and second yokes relative to one another, and is substantially fixed from rotation during rotation of the first and second yokes.

Abstract: A joint assembly is provided. The joint assembly includes a first yoke having a base portion and an end, a second yoke having a base portion and an end, a sleeve coupled to the first and second yokes, and a centering device engaging the ends of the first and second yokes. The centering device is configured to maintain the angular positions of the first and second yokes relative to one another and is substantially fixed from rotation during rotation of the first and second yokes. A portion of the centering device extends into and supported by the second yoke base portion.

Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, the air bag deployable to one of a first size and a second size, the second size greater than the first size. When the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable to the first size, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is deployable to the second size.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a clip nut for shaft assembly having a tubular shaft is provided. The clip nut includes a first end having a first aperture, a second end having an inwardly extending projection portion with a second aperture extending therethrough, and a connecting portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first and second ends are configured to extend around the tubular shaft such that the projection portion extends into the tubular shaft, and the first and second apertures are configured to receive a fastener to couple the clip nut to the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle includes a steering wheel hub. Also included is a first portion of the steering wheel hub having an electronic display. Further included is a second portion of the steering wheel hub having a keyboard, the keyboard being in operable communication with the electronic display.

Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, the air bag deployable to one of a first size and a second size, the second size greater than the first size. When the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable to the first size, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is deployable to the second size.

Abstract: A selectively autonomous steering column assembly includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Yet further included is at least one signal indicating when the steering column shaft is in the driving position. When steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, direction control via the steering input device is enabled.

Abstract: A steering wheel configured to be rotatable and non-rotatable includes a hub, a rim disposed about the hub and connected thereto, and a tray table integral to at least a portion of the steering wheel and rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the tray table rotatable about at least one hinge.

Abstract: A driver interface for a vehicle includes a steering column assembly and a structural facial. The steering column assembly includes a column constructed and arranged to move between a retracted state and an extended state, and an attachment projecting outward from the column. The structural facial defines an alcove for receipt of the attachment when the steering column is in the retracted state.