Abstract: A vehicle steering column stalk switch includes a multifunction switch lever having a rotatable actuator which drives a first rotatable gear. Gear teeth on the first gear engage gear teeth on a second gear mounted within a housing with zero backlash. The second gear is biased into compliant engagement with the first gear. The biasing is effected by means of at least one leaf contact resiliently cantilevered from conductive elements carried in the housing into engagement with the second gear.

Abstract: This invention deals with a system and method for manufacturing a drive gear having a plurality of teeth in cross section where the teeth are situated on a drive shaft in a substantially parallel manner. The drive gear is characterized in that the teeth are substantially parallel to each other and contact mating driven teeth at points which define an arc which is not concentric about an axis of the driven gear. The drive gear is characterized in that it has multi-tooth contact points which do not contact the teeth of the mating gear at exactly the same contact point on the mating teeth, thereby lengthening the life of the driven gear as well as distributing the torque load to a plurality of teeth. A method and procedure for generating a drive gear having the features of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention deals with a system and method for manufacturing a drive gear having a plurality of teeth in cross section where the teeth are situated on a drive shaft in a substantially parallel manner. The drive gear is characterized in that the teeth are substantially parallel to each other and contact mating driven teeth at points which define an arc which is not concentric about an axis of the driven gear. The drive gear is characterized in that it has multi-tooth contact points which do not contact the teeth of the mating gear at exactly the same contact point on the mating teeth, thereby lengthening the life of the driven gear as well as distributing the torque load to a plurality of teeth. A method and procedure for generating a drive gear having the features of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A restraining end clip is mounted on a component of a vehicle power seat adjuster and has a portion coupled to and rotatably supporting the free end of a rotatable drive shaft for minimizing resonance of the free end of the drive screw. The end clip has a first end detachably mountable in an aperture on one of the seat adjuster components. A second end depends from the first end and carries a receiver having an internal recess conformed to the shape of the free end of the drive screw.

Abstract: A check valve, for use in a vacuum accumulator. The check valve includes a movable gate, which blocks fluid flow. The gate carries a first electrical contact, which mates with a second electrical contact, when the gate closes, thereby issuing a signal which indicates closure. The invention eliminates the need for a separate pressure sensor, for sensing pressure within the accumulator.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for automotive vehicles includes a mechanism for causing a wiper blade assembly to swing, relative to the wiper arm, between an extended position of the wiper blade assembly and a retracted position of the wiper blade assembly. More specifically, the mechanism causes a link, which is attached to the wiper blade assembly, to swing as the wiper arm moves into and out of the hidden park position. A first embodiment includes a "four-bar linkage" which transfers to oscillatory movement of a drive arm of a wiper system to pivotal movement of the link over a limited range of motion of the drive arm corresponding to movement of the wiper blade assembly into and out of the hidden park position. A second embodiment includes a cam element which selectively engages a fixed pin over a range of motion of the drive arm corresponding to movement of the wiper blade assembly into and out of the hidden park position.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system in which a flexible cantilever arm to which a wiper blade is attached is preloaded against a rigid support. An additional preload is induced in the cantilever arm as the wiper system is installed on a vehicle with the wiper blade in the horizontal inwipe position and bearing against the windshield. This creates an initial separation between the cantilever arm and the rigid support. As the rigid support and the cantilever arm move together from the horizontal inwipe position to the vertical outwipe position, the separation between the rigid support and the cantilever arm decreases, so that, with the increased contact between the rigid support and the cantilever arm, there is a change in the cantilever arm support location and a shortening of the cantilever arm beam.

Abstract: A locking unit for a motor which is to be locked in which a plurality of fingers at the ends of flexible arms, coupled to a locking motor, move into and out from engagement with a plurality of spaces bounded by ridges in a member which is connected to the shaft of the motor to be locked.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for automotive vehicles includes a rack and pinion arrangement in the wiper arm for causing movement of a wiper blade assembly relative to the wiper arm between an extended position of the wiper blade assembly and a retracted position of the wiper blade assembly. More specifically, the rack and pinion arrangement causes a link, which is attached to the wiper blade assembly, to swing such that the wiper blade moves between the extended position and the retracted position. The movement of the wiper blade assembly into the extended position increases the amount of the surface area of the windshield which is wiped. A planetary gear arrangement is driven by a standard wiper drive and selectively drives the rack and pinion arrangement to move the wiper blade assembly between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A feedback control circuit limits current being supplied to an electric drive motor. The motor drives a load cyclically along a path, and the load closes a switch when it passes a predetermined position. This activates a timing circuit which times out after a predetermined delay. If the load does not return to the predetermined position at the end of the prescribed delay time, then an oscillator circuit is triggered into operation to periodically terminate current flow to the motor. This provides cooling periods and enables the motor to exert repeated, temporary high torque efforts to restore normal operation.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for automotive vehicles includes a power source and a driver for causing a wiper blade assembly to swing, relative to the wiper arm, between an extended position of the wiper blade assembly and a retracted position of the wiper blade assembly. The power source and driver, which are selectively connected to one another, cause a link, which is attached to the wiper blade assembly, to swing as the wiper arm moves into and out of the hidden park position. A first embodiment uses a pressure fluid source as the power source and a piston as the driver to cause pivotal movement of the link as the wiper blade assembly moves into and out of the hidden park position. A second embodiment uses an electrical source as the power source and an electrical motor as the driver to cause pivotal movement of the link as the wiper blade assembly moves into and out of the hidden park position.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism uniquely tailored to a space crank wiper system is used to adjust the wipe angle, specifically to lower the inwipe to give a depressed park position. The characteristic spacing of a four bar spatial mechanism that drives the wiper post is shortened by a jack screw mechanism that shifts an input crank closer to the wiper post. This lowers the inwipe position. A worm wheel selectively holds or turns the jackscrew, which axially moves a splined stub shaft in the end of a drive shaft to move the crank back and forth.