Abstract: A tamper-resistant actuator includes a valid input, configured to deliver an input electrical current through a circuit. A high-pass filter is positioned within the circuit that degrades components of the input electrical current that are outside of a predefined current range. Components that are within the predefined current range define an output current. A transistor activates a switch when the output current from the high-pass filter is received by the transistor.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant actuator includes a valid input, configured to deliver an input electrical current through a circuit. A high-pass filter is positioned within the circuit that degrades components of the input electrical current that are outside of a predefined current range. Components that are within the predefined current range define an output current. A transistor activates a switch when the output current from the high-pass filter is received by the transistor.

Abstract: A bi-polar hybrid stepper motor includes a stator having a primary winding. The stator and the primary winding are positioned within a housing. A rotor has a magnetic component. The rotor is rotationally operable relative to the stator. An axial coil assembly is positioned within the housing and located proximate ends of the rotor and having a secondary winding. At least a portion of the magnetic component of the rotor is produced by the axial coil assembly in an energized state. The energized state produces an electromagnetic communication between the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: A selector apparatus comprises a shift lever operably supported on a base for movement between gear positions, and a feel positioner mechanism with offset detent members, where a first detent engages first undulations for biasing the shift lever toward a center of a selected gear position from a first direction, and a second detent engages second undulations for biasing the selector lever toward the center of the selected gear position from a different second direction to the common center point. By the arrangement, the first and second undulations define opposing angled slopes toward the common center point. This allows the undulations to be designed to provide any desired level of biasing force toward the center point without the limitations of a single undulation defining the center point.

Abstract: The present rotary shifter includes a rotary locking mechanism, a feel positioner mechanism, and a return-to-home-position (park) mechanism that causes the shifter/rotor to remain locked in park while the locking mechanism resets after the shifter is returned to park. The design allows any number of locking positions based on a height of the drum cam and a position of the follower. As illustrated, a dial-type rotor is moved into home position by pusher features on the drum cam and an actuator motor, while the feel positioner is disengaged, thus allowing for a smoother rotary movement. Once in the home (park) position, a lock ring (also called “follower”) is forced upwards by a spring (or other method) and rides on a track at a different height than the original, therefore keeping it engaged in the rotor until the drum cam rotates back to its locking position.

Abstract: A bi-polar hybrid stepper motor includes a stator having a primary winding. The stator and the primary winding are positioned within a housing. A rotor has a magnetic component. The rotor is rotationally operable relative to the stator. An axial coil assembly is positioned within the housing and located proximate ends of the rotor and having a secondary winding. At least a portion of the magnetic component of the rotor is produced by the axial coil assembly in an energized state. The energized state produces an electromagnetic communication between the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: A selector for a vehicle includes a stepper motor. A manually operable rotating portion is in communication with the stepper motor. A display screen is positioned proximate the rotating portion. A position sensor is in communication with the stepper motor and the manually operable rotating portion. The rotating portion is coupled to the stepper motor at a drive shaft of the stepper motor. Manual operation of the rotating portion also rotates the drive shaft. The stepper motor applies a haptic component to the manual operation of the rotating portion.

Abstract: The present rotary shifter includes a rotary locking mechanism, a feel positioner mechanism, and a return-to-home-position (park) mechanism that causes the shifter/rotor to remain locked in park while the locking mechanism resets after the shifter is returned to park. The design allows any number of locking positions based on a height of the drum cam and a position of the follower. As illustrated, a dial-type rotor is moved into home position by pusher features on the drum cam and an actuator motor, while the feel positioner is disengaged, thus allowing for a smoother rotary movement. Once in the home (park) position, a lock ring (also called “follower”) is forced upwards by a spring (or other method) and rides on a track at a different height than the original, therefore keeping it engaged in the rotor until the drum cam rotates back to its locking position.

Abstract: A selector apparatus comprises a shift lever operably supported on a base for movement between gear positions, and a feel positioner mechanism with offset detent members, where a first detent engages first undulations for biasing the shift lever toward a center of a selected gear position from a first direction, and a second detent engages second undulations for biasing the selector lever toward the center of the selected gear position from a different second direction to the common center point. By the arrangement, the first and second undulations define opposing angled slopes toward the common center point. This allows the undulations to be designed to provide any desired level of biasing force toward the center point without the limitations of a single undulation defining the center point.

Abstract: A selector for a vehicle includes a stepper motor. A manually operable rotating portion is in communication with the stepper motor. A display screen is positioned proximate the rotating portion. A position sensor is in communication with the stepper motor and the manually operable rotating portion. The rotating portion is coupled to the stepper motor at a drive shaft of the stepper motor. Manual operation of the rotating portion also rotates the drive shaft. The stepper motor applies a haptic component to the manual operation of the rotating portion.