Abstract:
A position sensor including a sensor assembly adapted to mount to a first rail of an automotive seat rail assembly. The sensor assembly includes a Hall device and a magnet. The assembly is mountable to the first rail to cause a first output of the Hall device when the first rail is in a first position relative to a second rail of the automotive seat rail assembly, and to cause a second output of the Hall device when the first rail is in a second position relative to the second rail.
Abstract:
A failsafe actuator is provided for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition. The actuator includes a drive assembly for driving a plunger from a first plunger position to a second plunger position. The actuator additionally includes a stored energy element for driving the plunger from the second plunger position to the first plunger position on the occurrence of the failure condition, wherein the actuator driven element is responsive to the plunger such that the actuator drive element is driven to the failsafe position when the plunger is driven to the first position.
Abstract:
A failsafe actuator for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition is provided. The failsafe actuator may include mechanical or electrical means to provide a failsafe function. Such a failsafe actuator may be used in a stabilizer bar system of a vehicle to ensure that at least one stabilizer bar is returned to a failsafe or engaged condition should a failure condition occur when the stabilizer bar is disengaged. Various failure conditions can include loss of electrical power to the actuator or some internal actuator failures.
Abstract:
An actuator including a plurality of mounts (42-50) for facilitating connection of the actuator to a variety of mounting bracket configurations for securing the actuator within an assembly. Also provided is a clutch assembly (26) including an input member (90), an output member (80),and pawls (104). Torque is transferred through the clutch when applied to the input member in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. When torque is applied to the output member, the clutch permits rotation in only one direction of rotation.
Abstract:
An electro-mechanical actuator including a motor for driving an actuator output shaft through a gear train and a drive belt for coupling torque from the motor to the gear train. In one embodiment, elastomeric motor supports are provided between the motor and an actuator housing.
Abstract:
An electro-mechanical actuator (10) including a brushless DC motor (12) for driving an output (14) of the actuator (10); and a motor controller (22). The controller (22) is configured to interrupt operation of the motor (12) in response to at least one feedback signal representative of a motor parameter that varies with variation in a load on the output. The actuator output (14) may be coupled to a window lift mechanism (19) for moving a vehicle window between open and closed positions.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a PTC heater array having a heat dissipation fin (18) and in which an electronic controller (100) is positioned adjacent the heat dissipation fin and the PTC heaters (10). The electronic controller directly controls the heat output of the entire array by delivering a controlled, time-averaged power level to the PTC heaters. The electronic controller is cooled by the heat dissipation fin, and thus contributes to the efficiency of the heater array.
Abstract:
An acoustic sensor (52) is disclosed to detect quality of oil or a lubricating liquid resident in a machine (30). The acoustic sensor (52) may include a piezoelectric element (56) configured as a resonator to indicate a change in the property of an oil or lubricating liquid as a function of resonant frequency. Such a sensor (52) may be positioned in an engine (32) having a lubrication system (40) and coupled to a signal processor (62) to provide an indication of when the lubricant has degraded to an extent requiring replacement. Processor (62) may be part of a monitoring system (60) including an output device (66) to provide the indication. In further aspect, sensor (52) is employed to detect viscosity of oil or another liquid residing in a machine in situ.
Abstract:
An actuator for a vehicle driveline component includes a motor, a housing, a gear train that is arranged in the housing and coupled to the motor, and an output shaft that is arranged in the housing and coupled to the gear train. The output shaft is configured to move between multiple positions in response to rotational drive from the motor via the gear train. The output shaft is configured to be operatively connected to the vehicle driveline component. The actuator further includes a manual release shaft that extends through the housing to expose a feature that is configured to cooperate with a tool. The manual release shaft has a decoupled position in which the manual release shaft is immobile during rotation of the output shaft and a coupled position in which the manual release shaft is operatively connected to the output shaft to rotate the output shaft in response to an input provided at the feature.
Abstract:
A cylinder position sensor system including a cylinder barrel; a piston disposed within the cylinder barrel; a piston rod coupled to the piston, at least one magnet coupled to the piston; and at least one sense element positioned outside of the piston barrel. The magnet establishes a field sensed by the sense element for providing an indication of the position of the piston.