Abstract: A shifter assembly for a shifting a vehicle transmission via a telescopeable transmission shift cable is provided. The shifter assembly includes a base, a shift lever pivoted to the base, a cable-actuating arm pivotally attached to the shift lever and adapted for operative connection to the transmission shift cable, and a coupler for securing the cable-actuating arm to the shift lever in an adjusted position. The coupler is movable between an adjustment-permitting position where a length variation in the transmission cable can be accommodated, and an interlocked position where the cable-actuating arm is secured to the shift lever. A manual, pawl-biased actuator on the shift lever is adapted to engage the coupler to move the coupler from the installed position to the interlocked position when the transmission cable is at a desired position.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission shifter having a locking mechanism for controlling the shifting of a lever for an automatic transmission responsive to the condition of a vehicle. A locking member is provided to lock into a detent member movable with the shifting lever and which detent member controls the shifting of the gears in the transmission. The position of the locking member is controlled by an electrical module, the energization of which is controlled by a condition of the vehicle and the actuation of a switch in the handle of the shifting lever. Preferably the detent member which includes a plurality of gear position notches is an elongated member movable in a linear direction to provide a low profile shifter. In a preferred embodiment a novel module detent member sub-assembly is provided for use on various shifter mechanisms. Also in one embodiment the movement of the detent member is sensed so as to produce electrical signals for controlling an electronically operated transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle park/lock mechanism with a novel control module in which is located a locking mechanism, an electrically actuated actuator means for actuating said locking mechanism said module including a control switch which is actuated in response to the actuation of the locking mechanism. A restraining member is provided to prevent actuation of such switch to assure complete unlocking of the locking mechanism before the switch is actuated. The restraining member includes one of three different constructions.

Abstract: A vehicle park/lock mechanism with a novel control module in which is located a locking mechanism, an electrically actuated actuator for actuating said locking mechanism said module including a control switch which is actuated in response to the actuation of the locking mechanism. A restraining member is provided to prevent actuation of such switch to assure complete unlocking of the locking mechanism before the switch is actuated.

Abstract: An electrical operated control module for a locking mechanism in which is located a locking mechanism and an electrically operated actuator member. The electrically operated actuator member has a magnetic force associated therewith and is actuated by a metal core in said coil. In one of the energized or de-energizes states of the coil the actuator member is attracted to said core and thereby urged to lock the locking mechanism and when the coil is in the other energized or de-energized state the actuator member is repelled by said core and thereby urged toward the locked position of the locking member. The actuator member is preferable a part of a toggle joint.

Abstract: A manual transmission shifter includes a base, and a shift lever pivoted to the base by a ball and socket arrangement. An ignition-key-interlock mechanism includes a bell crank pivoted to the base for movement between a key-interlocked position and a key-released position. The bell crank includes a slot configured to be engaged by a protrusion on the shift lever when the shift lever is moved from neutral to a reverse gear position. The ignition-key-interlock mechanism further includes a key-interlock cable assembly operably connected between the bell crank and the key-receiving ignition device of the vehicle. When the shift lever is moved out of the reverse position, the ignition-key-interlock mechanism is moved to the key-locked position such that the ignition key cannot be removed from the ignition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle shifter having a cable actuator that is responsive to the ignition key steering lock mechanism of a vehicle and actuates a cable attached to and extending between the key mechanism and the shifter. A cam responsive to the shifting of the shifter's handle is operatively connected to the cable actuator so that when the key is turned off, the cam locks the handle in "Park" and when the ignition key is turned on, the cam can be pivoted by the handle to actuate the cable actuator which actuates the cable to prevent the ignition key from being withdrawn. Preferably, the cable actuator is also a cam which is engaged and pivoted by the first-mentioned cam to actuate the cable. A safety mechanism is provided to prevent damage to the cable and other elements in the event an inadvertent force is exerted on the shift lever.

Abstract: A vehicle shifter having a cable actuator that is responsive to the ignition key steering lock mechanism of a vehicle and actuates a cable attached to and extending between the key mechanism and the shifter. A cam responsive to the shifting of the shifter's handle is operatively connected to the cable actuator so that when the key is turned off, the cam locks the handle in "Park" and when the ignition key is turned on, the cam can be pivoted by the handle to actuate the cable actuator which actuates the cable to prevent the ignition key from being withdrawn. Preferably, the cable actuator is also a cam which is engaged and pivoted by the first-mentioned cam to actuate the cable.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission shifter in which a locking member is movable along aligned and opposite directions to a locked or unlocked position. A mechanical advantage means, preferably a toggle joint, is connected to one end of the locking member for either restraining or moving the locking member in response to the electromagnetic attracting and repelling force. One of the magnetic attracting or retracting forces causes the locking member to move and be held in the locked position and the other of the magnetic attracting or retracting force causing the locking member to be moved to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A vehicle transfer case shifter system including a shifter mechanism with a cable actuator for actuating the pivot arm of a transfer case. The shifter mechanism includes two plates, one connected to the shifter handle and the other to the cable. The one plate is vertically slidable relative to the other plate and uniquely coupled to the other plate.

Abstract: A park lock mechanism having a lockout arm which, if it is accidentally moved to a lock position while the pawl of the shifting lever is in another gear position, it is movable by the pawl from such lock position to a third position permitting entry of the pawl into the park position and the lockout arm is then returned to its original lock position.