Abstract: A control system for a vehicle transmission implements a method of controlling the transmission. The system includes a device for selecting the desired operating mode of the transmission, such as a gear shift lever, and a transmission sensor for sensing the actual operating mode of the transmission. A display is in communication with the device and the transmission sensor and displays both the desired operating mode and the actual operating mode of the transmission. A controller is in communication with the transmission and controls the operating mode of the transmission. An occupancy sensor, in communication with the controller, verifies that the driver is in the driver seat before the controller allows the transmission to be shifted out of a park mode.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a longitudinal lock mechanism having a locked position for preventing longitudinal movement and an unlocked position for permitting longitudinal movement, and a tilt lock mechanism having an engaged position for preventing tilting movement and a disengaged position for permitting tilting movement. A lock select mechanism is coupled to the tilt lock mechanism and the longitudinal lock mechanism to engage the tilt lock mechanism and simultaneously unlock the longitudinal lock mechanism. Similarly, the lock select mechanism disengages the tilt lock mechanism and simultaneously locks the longitudinal lock mechanism. The steering column assembly further includes a drive mechanism operatively connected to the lock select mechanism.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle transmission implements a method of controlling the transmission. The system includes a device for selecting the desired operating mode of the transmission, such as a gear shift lever, and a transmission sensor for sensing the actual operating mode of the transmission. A display is in communication with the device and the transmission sensor and displays both the desired operating mode and the actual operating mode of the transmission. A controller is in communication with the transmission and controls the operating mode of the transmission. An occupancy sensor, in communication with the controller, verifies that the driver is in the driver seat before the controller allows the transmission to be shifted out of a park mode.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a longitudinal lock mechanism having a locked position for preventing longitudinal movement and an unlocked position for permitting longitudinal movement, and a tilt lock mechanism having an engaged position for preventing tilting movement and a disengaged position for permitting tilting movement. A lock select mechanism is coupled to the tilt lock mechanism and the longitudinal lock mechanism to engage the tilt lock mechanism and simultaneously unlock the longitudinal lock mechanism. Similarly, the lock select mechanism disengages the tilt lock mechanism and simultaneously locks the longitudinal lock mechanism. The steering column assembly further includes a drive mechanism operatively connected to the lock select mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including a housing and a spool disposed in the housing for rotation. The apparatus also includes a wire disposed in the housing and having a first end fixedly engaged with the housing and a second end fixedly engaged with the spool. The wire is moveable between a first configuration generally wound around the spool and a second configuration generally unwound with respect to the spool and arranged along an inner surface of the housing. The wire moves between the first and second configurations in response to relative rotation between the spool and the housing. The apparatus also includes at least one guide member disposed in the housing and movable along an arcuate path. The guide member moves in an opposite direction of rotation of the spool to guide movement of the wire between the spool and the housing.