Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for shifting an automatic transmission having a shift position select lever. The invention selectively shifts the transmission to one of a plurality of different transmission shift positions. The invention includes a steering column positionable in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A switch is mountable in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and operable to emit a first signal representative of a desired change with respect to a transmission shift position. A motor generates a moving force and a linkage associated with the motor to transmit the moving force from the motor to a shift lever of a transmission of the vehicle. A sensor is responsive to a current transmission shift position and emits a second signal corresponding to the sensed current transmission shift position. A controller is responsive to the switch and to the sensor.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column having a selectively collapsible structure that enables said column to collapse in the event of an impact force resulting from a vehicle crash. An adaptive energy absorbing device is associated with said column and operates in a first condition to absorb a first level of energy of the collapsing column and in a second condition to absorb a second level of energy of the collapsing column. The assembly includes a telltale detection device that is associated with the adaptive energy absorbing device and is responsive to a change in condition of the energy absorbing device prior to a collapse event to provide a signal to a user of the condition of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing energy includes first and second steering column members connected for sliding movement. A first anvil is associated with one of the first and second steering column members and an energy absorbing member is provided having a first portion that extends around and operable to be drawn over the first anvil in response to the sliding movement between the first and second steering column members. A dead loop is formed in the energy absorbing member between its mounting location and the first anvil and is operative to enable the dead loop to straighten in response to application of an applied force prior to movement of the energy absorbing member across the first anvil.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for absorbing energy in a collapsible steering column of a vehicle. A portion of the apparatus is deformable in response to an excessive frontal impacting force to the steering column so that injury to the vehicle operator is reduced. The apparatus includes a first steering column member and a second steering column member connected to one another such that the first steering column member slides relative to the second steering column member. The apparatus also includes a first anvil associated with a said first steering column member and a second anvil associated with said second steering column member. The apparatus also includes an energy absorbing member having a first portion extending around and operable to be drawn over said first anvil and a second portion extending around and operable to be drawn over said second anvil.

Abstract: The telescoping steering column includes a fixed jacket, and telescoping a translating jacket, and an inner tubular member. A wedge, is moved by a screw, into wedging engagement with the inner tubular member to force the inner tubular member into engagement with the translating jacket and the translating jacket into the fixed jacket for preventing relative longitudinal movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for absorbing energy in a collapsible steering column. The energy absorbing device includes an anvil rotatable relative to a strap. The anvil defines a plurality of profiles corresponding to different rates of energy absorption. The plurality of profiles are radially adjacent to one another about the rotational axis of the anvil. The anvil can be rotated by explosive charges. For example, the anvil can define a follower portion and first and second explosive charges can be disposed on opposite sides of the follower portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for absorbing energy. The energy absorbing device includes an anvil movable relative to a spaced axis. The anvil defines a plurality of profiles corresponding to different rates of energy absorption. The plurality of profiles are radially adjacent to one another with respect to axis. The anvil can be moved by explosive charges. For example, the anvil can define a follower portion adjacent a first explosive charge and move in response to an explosion of the first explosive charge.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a compression bracket for attachment to a vehicle body, and an adjustable steering column assembly movably supported by the compression bracket along a longitudinal axis between adjusted positions. A pair of locking elements are operably connected to the compression bracket and movable between a locked position for preventing longitudinal movement therebetween and a release position for allowing longitudinal adjustment of the steering column. The first element presents a detent recess, and the second locking element is movable between the locked position engaging the detent recess and the release position out of engagement with the detent recess.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column of a vehicle is able to compensate for the severity of a crash and the weight of the driver to better manage the absorption of energy in a crash event. A housing has at least one fixed abutment surface, and at least one adjuster disposed in the housing for selective lateral slidable movement. At least one anvil is disposed adjacent an initial abutment surface of the adjuster in spaced relation to the fixed abutment surface of the housing in a first position of the anvil associated with high energy absorption. A plastically deformable strap is supported between the anvil and the housing. The adjuster slides out of the path of the anvil in a crash event in response to input of a control signal allowing the anvil to slide into contact with the fixed abutment surface of the housing to define a second position of the anvil associated with lower energy absorption.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly (20) providing variable energy absorption from an energy transmitting component (10) is mounted upon a mounting bracket (16) for mounting the energy absorbing assembly (20) to the energy transmitting component (10). An elongated strap (22) immovably secured at a first end (24) absorbs energy received from the energy transmitting component (10) during a collision. Cooperating anvils (30A,B) are slidably received by the mounting bracket (16) and the elongated strap (22) is interwoven between the anvils (30). The anvils (30A,B) include generally parallel axes (a) along which each anvil (30A, 30B) defines stepped diameters (A,B,C,D), and are slidable along the axes (a) in response to a predetermined force to provide variable energy absorption relative to the stepped diameters (A,B,C,D).

Abstract: The steering column assembly includes a housing having a longitudinal axis, a support member supported by the housing for movement about a shift axis, and a shift lever operatively connected to the support member and extending radially from the shift axis for shifting movement in a limited space. The present invention includes a break-away device having a shear container that extends through a translating bracket and the support member for limiting movement of the shift lever upwardly toward a parallel relationship with the shift axis and for releasing the shift lever for the movement toward the parallel relationship in response to a crash condition.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has a tilt head for rotating a steering column. A spring lock assembly locks the tilt head in any of an infinite number of pivotally adjusted positions and includes a locking bar and a coil spring. The coil spring has coils which are wrapped around and grip the locking bar to lock the tilt head in a selected pivotally adjusted position. A tilt release is provided to release the grip of the coils on the locking bar to enable the tilt head to be pivoted to another pivotally adjusted position.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a steering wheel of a vehicle in a desired position. The invention includes a steering column having a steering wheel supporting portion for supporting the steering wheel. The steering column also includes first and second members movable relative to one another. The first and second members are moved relative to one another to move the steering wheel supporting portion, and the steering wheel, along either tilting path of movement, or a telescoping path of movement, or both. The invention also includes a locking device that selectively engages the first and second members to lock the first and second members with respect to one another. The locking device substantially prevents movement of the steering wheel supporting portion, and the steering wheel, along the path of movement. The locking device includes an electric motor. The first and second members are locked and unlocked with respect to one another in response to activation of the electric motor.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column of a vehicle is able to compensate for the severity of a crash and the weight of the driver to better manage the absorption of energy in a crash event. A housing has at least one fixed abutment surface, and at least one adjuster disposed in the housing for selective lateral slidable movement. At least one anvil is disposed adjacent an initial abutment surface of the adjuster in spaced relation to the fixed abutment surface of the housing in a first position of the anvil associated with high energy absorption. A plastically deformable strap is supported between the anvil and the housing. The adjuster slides out of the path of the anvil in a crash event in response to input of a control signal allowing the anvil to slide into contact with the fixed abutment surface of the housing to define a second position of the anvil associated with lower energy absorption.

Abstract: An interactive energy absorbing system including a steering column housing that is moveable along a collapse stroke corresponding to a force of impact by an operator. The interactive energy absorbing system includes an energy absorbing component that exerts a resistant force for resisting the movement of the steering column housing along its collapse stroke. The energy absorbing component includes a deformable strap that engages a stationary reaction member and a moveable reaction member. The stationary and moveable reaction members have an adjustable total active surface area for engaging the deformable strap and generating the resistance force. The moveable reaction member moves to adjust the total active surface area due to mechanical translation corresponding to the force of impact by the operator.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column of a vehicle is able to compensate for the severity of a crash and the weight of the driver to better manage the absorption of energy in a crash event. A housing has at least one fixed abutment surface, and at least one adjuster disposed in the housing for selective lateral slidable movement. At least one anvil is disposed adjacent an initial abutment surface of the adjuster in spaced relation to the fixed abutment surface of the housing in a first position of the anvil associated with high energy absorption. A plastically deformable strap is supported between the anvil and the housing. The adjuster slides out of the path of the anvil in a crash event in response to input of a control signal allowing the anvil to slide into contact with the fixed abutment surface of the housing to define a second position of the anvil associated with lower energy absorption.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has a tilt head for rotating a steering column. A spring lock assembly locks the tilt head in any of an infinite number of pivotally adjusted positions and includes a locking bar and a coil spring. The coil spring has coils which are wrapped around and grip the locking bar to lock the tilt head in a selected pivotally adjusted position. A tilt release is provided to release the grip of the coils on the locking bar to enable the tilt head to be pivoted to another pivotally adjusted position.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column has a rake adjustment mechanism which includes a rake bracket having a rake slot provided with rake slot teeth. A tooth lock is supported in the rake slot with teeth opposing the rake slot teeth. A rake bolt is rotatable to a first rotative position to move the tooth lock to a retracted position with the teeth of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake slot teeth. The bolt is axially rotatable to a second rotative position permitting the tooth lock to be moved to a locking position by a spring in which the teeth of the tooth lock engage the rake slot teeth. The bolt, when in the second rotative position, is movable, in response to an application of an impact force on the steering column to collapse the steering column, into bearing engagement with the tooth lock to positively retain the tooth lock in the locking position. The steering column is also provided with a release mechanism having shear pins and an energy absorption mechanism.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column has a plurality of plastically deformable straps each with one end connected to the steering column and an opposite end bent around an anvil connected to stationary vehicle support structure. When the steering column collapses, the straps unwind from the anvils, thereby resisting steering column collapse and absorbing energy. One or more of the straps may be cut in two by a knife at the time of the collision, thereby removing it from the energy absorbing system. In another form of the invention, an energy absorbing strap extends around a piston which has two or more different size anvils. The piston is axially movable in a cylinder to positions surrounding one or another of the anvils. The strap is drawn over the anvil it surrounds when the steering column collapses, thereby resisting collapse of the steering column and absorbing a certain amount of energy depending on the size of the anvil.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly providing variable energy absorption from an energy transmitting component is mounted upon a mounting bracket for mounting the energy absorbing assembly to the energy transmitting component. An elongated strap immovably secured at a first end absorbs energy received from the energy transmitting component during a collision. Cooperating anvils are slidably received by the mounting bracket and the elongated strap is interwoven between the anvils. The anvils include generally parallel axis along which each anvil defines stepped diameters, and are slidable along the axis in response to a predetermined force to provide variable energy absorption relative to the stepped diameters.