Abstract: An operation apparatus for an automatic transmission is provided for vehicles of the A/T type, in which the automatic transmission is electrically controllable using a shift lever having a single knob and a detent for each driving position. The operation apparatus has an A/T switch for transmitting electric signals corresponding to desirable driving positions to the transmission side by operating a shaft lever swingably. The operation apparatus also has an electrically driven actuator for removing a contact pin from a contact slit provided on the detent plate to inhibit movement of the shift lever upon a predetermined condition of the automobile.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle incorporating a transmission equipped with an actuating logic performing the "shift-lock" and "key-lock" functions. The actuator (2) releasing the lever (1) from position P is actuated during a predetermined interval when the brake is applied and the key is in the post-ignition position and, upon expiration of this interval and following reapplication of pressure to the brake pedal (4) after a brief release of the brake pedal (4), the actuator (2) is instantaneously actuated. Similarly, the actuator (10) allowing removal of the key is actuated during a predetermined interval when the shift lever is in the position P. Upon expiration of this interval and following a return of the key to the "accessories" position following a brief movement of the key to the post-ignition position, the actuator is instantaneously actuated.

Abstract: A combined neutral sensing and shift lever interlock assembly senses when all of the shift rails of a transmission are in a neutral gear ratio and prevents more than one shift rail from being shifted out of a neutral position at any given time. The transmission includes a shift lever having a lower end that extends through an interlock bracket into selective engagement with the shift rails. The lower end of the shift lever has a sensor provided thereon, while the interlock bracket has a target provided thereon. The target is disposed adjacent to the sensor whenever the lower end of the shift lever is located in a central neutral position (indicating that all of the shift rails are also positioned in their central neutral positions). When this occurs, the sensor causes a neutral relay to be closed, thereby enabling the starter circuit of the vehicle to start the vehicle engine.

Abstract: In a shift lock mechanism of a column AT shift lever device, a select plate movable by operation of a select cable is pivotally connected to an end portion of a shaft that is turnable by a shift lever. A distal end of the select plate is engageable with a detent plate. A shift lock plate is provided on an outer surface of a retainer holding the shaft, in such a manner that the shift lock plate is slidable relative to the retainer. The shift lock plate cooperates with braking operation and key operation to restrict movement of the select plate, thereby performing a predetermined shift lock function.

Abstract: A start control system for a vehicle comprising: an electric motor brought into a starting state when an ignition key is operated to a starting position; an automatic transmission; and a shift unit having running ranges including drive, second speed, first speed and reverse ranges, and non-running ranges including parking and neutral ranges. Further comprised is a mechanism for allowing the shift unit to change the parking range to the drive range when the ignition key is operated to the starting position.

Abstract: A shift-lever device includes a key lever operating with key-lock mechanism, a sub lever independently rotatably arranged to the key lever and including a pin, a spring arranged to enable the key lever and the sub lever to rotate together, and a lock lever contacting the pin of the sub lever and operating with the key lever. The lock lever operates with the shift-lock mechanism to prevent and allow shifting of a shift lever from a predetermined position. The device also includes a release rod arranged to be operable from outside of the device and serving to rotate the lock lever to rotate the sub lever against the spring independently of the key lever.

Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle, including a gear system and hydraulic clutches which hold a member of the gear system stationary to produce gear reduction or reverse to transmit engine output, and a linear solenoid valve provided in the oil line which generates an oil pressure to be supplied to hydraulic clutches in response to a current supplied thereto. In the system, the current supply is initiated when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position where the engine is not started, producing a noise due to the solenoid valve operation. In order to avoid this, the current is limited to a predetermined value when the engine is not started and the vehicle is stopped. Moreover, since the predetermined value is slightly above the current at which the clutch pressure begins to rise, the automatic transmission can start its operation quickly when the engine is started.

Abstract: A transmission control for an engine of an automotive vehicle wherein the vehicle has a steering column assembly having a steering wheel unit pivoted to a rear end portion of a steering column for limited arcuate movement provided with a key-operated cylinder forming part of an ignition system for the engine. A gate is mounted on the steering column and has a plurality of spaced detents corresponding to the usual gearshift positions. A gearshift lever is movable relative to the gate and has a part selectively engageable in the detents. A gearshift blocker is supported on the steering column for pivotal movement to and from an operative position blocking movement of the gearshift lever away from the PARK position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is described which has an engine and an automatically shifted transmission. As an operating element, the transmission has at least one selecting device by which a driver controls an electric transmission control device. As a function of a driving position selected on the selecting device and of other operating parameters of the motor vehicle, the electric transmission control device controls a parking position function of the automatic transmission among other functions. In this case, the parking position will be engaged in the automatically shifted transmission when the driving speed of the motor vehicle is equal to zero and simultaneously the ignition circuit was interrupted by the ignition key and after a predetermined time period has elapsed or when a vehicle door is opened. Alternatively, the parking position is engaged or no later than when the ignition key is removed from the ignition lock.

Abstract: An automotive shifter interlock in which a slidable shift lever release member is mechanically locked in a shift-release-inhibit position by the combination of an electromagnet bolt and an ignition switch bolt. The ignition switch bolt mechanically locks the electromagnet bolt in a position locking the shift lever release member even though no power is supplied to the electromagnet. After the ignition switch is closed and the ignition switch bolt withdrawn, the electromagnet continues to provide an electromagnetic lock until the brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: In a column AT shift lever device, a base portion of a shift lever is fixed to a central portion of a shaft that is rotatably supported by a retainer. A select plate is pivotally connected to an end portion of the shaft. The select plate is capable of being moved by operation of a select cable, in a plane that includes a rotational axis of the shaft. A flat plate-like detent plate perpendicular to the rotational axis of the shaft is mounted outwardly of the retainer, and engaged with an end portion of the select plate.

Abstract: A manual shift tower has a selector lever pivotally mounted for manipulation by an operator along a path to a plurality of forward drive ratio positions and a reverse ratio position. The tower has a solenoid control bellcrank which is operable to position a pin in the path of the lever to permit removal of the shift lever from the reverse ratio position when the solenoid is in a first position. The bellcrank of the solenoid is also drivingly connected with an ignition cable which is operable to position a stop member for preventing removal of the ignition key until the shift lever is in the reverse ratio position and the ignition is turned to "Off".

Abstract: A transmission control has a manual selector valve for distributing fluid pressure to various transmission elements. A linear voltage displacement transducer (LVDT) is coupled with the selector valve to provide a variable electrical signal through the range of movement of the selector valve. However, each selector position is described or defined by a discrete or distinct electrical signal from the LVDT. The LVDT electrical signal is directed to a powertrain control module (PCM) which processes the electrical signal to effect proper powertrain control.

Abstract: Locking device for the automatic transmission gearshift lever of automobile vehicles.This device includes a reset mechanism (MR) and a securing mechanism (MF) linked by a control cable (C). The reset mechanism (MR) includes a contact stem (10) linked to the two-position ignition key, parking position and drive position, which correspond with the coupling of the key with the starter switch, and a retaining stem (11) linked to the cable (C). The securing mechanism (MF) includes a traction body (22) linked to the lever (2), to its support (1) and to the cable (C). When the contact (10) and retaining (11) stems are coupled, the traction body (22) locks the trigger (3) of the lever (2), preventing its actuation. Uncoupling of the ignition key requires the lever (2) to be in the parking position, the coupling of both stems (10, 11) taking place automatically.

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 control system is provided for selectively placing a vehicle transmission in a neutral condition after startup of the vehicle. The transmission is of the type including a plurality of intermeshing gears and associated clutches. The clutches are engageable and disengageable in predetermined combinations in response to energization and de-energization of actuator coils to establish predetermined gear ratios between input and output shafts of the transmission. The control system includes a neutral circuit and a control circuit. The neutral circuit causes a current carrying path through the coils to be interrupted under the control of the control circuit. The neutral circuit preferably also causes the transmission to be placed in a neutral condition upon startup of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A vehicle transceiver is employed in a keyless entry system for gaining entry into a vehicle and also for starting the vehicle's engine. The transceiver includes means for providing a start engine signal representative that the vehicle's engine is to be started, a brake signal representative that the vehicle's brake pedal has been depressed and a seat occupied signal representative that an occupant is located in the vehicle's driver seat. In response to these three signals, the transceiver transmits an interrogation signal to a remote transceiver which responds with a reply signal. The reply signal from the remote transceiver includes a security code that uniquely identifies the remote transceiver from similar remote transceivers. The vehicle's transceiver stores a prestored security code representative of a remote transceiver that may validly gain entry into the vehicle.

Abstract: A manual transmission shifter and ignition interlock is provided for a vehicle having a manual transmission operated by a shift lever (20). A bi-stable solenoid (86) is movable between positions blocking and unblocking movement of the vehicle ignition (78) to OFF. Another bi-stable solenoid (66) has an output arm (68) which operates a control linkage (54) and raise and lower a locking lever (48) to engage and disengage the locking level from a locking probe (34) on the shift lever to lock and unlock shift lever (20) when in REVERSE. The solenoids (66, 86) are controlled by a controller (74) that is provided with high and low current inputs from branch circuits (90, 92) that include control switches (94, 96) operated by ignition position. The controller (74) causes solenoid (66) to extend the control linkage (54) when the shift lever (20) is moved to REVERSE, and the ignition (78) is moved to ACCESSORY.

Abstract: An automotive shifter interlock in which a slidable shift lever release member is mechanically locked in a shift-release-inhibit position by the combination of an electromagnet bolt and an ignition switch bolt. The ignition switch bolt mechanically locks the electromagnet bolt in a position locking the shift lever release member even though no power is supplied to the electromagnet. After the ignition switch is closed and the ignition switch bolt withdrawn, the electromagnet continues to provide an electromagnetic lock until the brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a failure of an automatic transmission for a vehicle employing a speed shift range switch operation signal from a speed shift range switch as one of the control signals to control the automatic transmission. The method is carried out by: detecting a speed shift range from the speed shift range switch; generating a start signal indicating a starting state of a starter for expediting a start of an engine for the vehicle; and automatically controlling the automatic transmission so as to maintain the speed shift range in the case where "P" or "N" range is not detected when the start signal is "ON".

Abstract: A neutral start mechanism having first and second arm members coupled with an input control shaft of a hydrostatic transmission and which extend at angles to one another for being pulled back to a neutral position by a spring. First and second slots are formed in the second arm member for receiving first and second pin members which are positioned in the end portions of the slots when the linkage is in its neutral mode. First and second switches are positioned adjacent the end portions of the first and second slots for sensing the presence of the pin members within the end portions of the slots. The switches are coupled with the vehicle power source for preventing the power source from being started when the pins are not in the end portions of the slots and the linkage and transmission are not in a neutral, non-driving mode.

Abstract: A shifting apparatus for an automatic transmission mounted on a steering column (10), comprises: a shift lever (30) shifted from a park position to drive positions formed in a shift plate (61); a selector member (50) formed with a detent portion (51) selectively engaged with one of shift positions of the shift plate when the lever (30) is shifted; a shift lever lock mechanism having: a shift lock member (90) for locking the selector member (50);a switch (70) turned on by the selector member (50) when the shift lever is set to the park position; an actuator (80) energized when the switch (70) is turned on to move the shift lock member (90) to a shift lock position; and an actuation member (100) associated with the selector member (50) and the shift lock member (90) between the shift lock position and a shift unlock position; and a key lock mechanism (200) for locking and unlocking the actuation member (100) via a key lock cable (105).

Abstract: A manual transmission and ignition interlock is provided for a vehicle having a manual transmission operated by a shift lever. A solenoid is movable between positions blocking and unblocking movement of the vehicle ignition to OFF. A latch bar carried by the shift lever is biased to a latched position and can be moved to unlatched position by a pull-up ring on the shift lever. The latch bar is cammed downward against the spring bias out of latched position when it is extended through a slot in a latch retainer when the shift lever is moved to REVERSE, and then snaps up to latch the shift lever. Another solenoid has a plunger which extends to underlie the latch bar and trap it, thus locking the latched shift lever in REVERSE. In one embodiment, bi-stable solenoids are controlled by a controller that is provided with high and low current inputs from branch circuits that include control switches operated by ignition position.

Abstract: A vehicle brake-transmission-ignition interlock system includes a bi-stable solenoid operable to lock and unlock the shift lever in PARK position. Another bi-stable solenoid is operable to block and unblock ignition key movement to OFF position for removal. A controller is responsive to high and low input signals to operate both solenoids. An electric circuit connects to the controller and includes a brake switch closed and opened by applying and releasing the service brake and a parallel shift lever switch opened and closed by movement of the shift lever into and out of PARK position. An ignition switch in series with the brake switch is opened by key movement to OFF position and is closed by key movement to ACCESSORY and RUN positions. Another ignition switch in series with the shift lever switch is opened by key movement to OFF and ACCESSORY positions and is closed by key movement to RUN position.

Abstract: A selector device of an automatic gear-changing appliance of a gearbox of a motor vehicle is actuated by a withdrawal combined key unit into the positions P, R, N and D. The combined key unit can be withdrawn only in the P position so that an on-board voltage source is positively blocked relative to electrical consumption units.

Abstract: A directional control system for an off-highway implement including a self-propelled engine with a transmission assembly connected thereto for operation in a multitude of speed ranges. The directional control system includes an electrical power source, and a directional selector that is movable to any of three different positions corresponding to forward, neutral, and reverse modes of operation for the implement. The directional control system includes a controller having forward and reverse actuators for conditioning the transmission assembly for operation in forward and reverse modes. The controller is also capable of conditioning the transmission assembly for operation in a neutral mode. An electrical system is connected between the power source and the controller for deriving the control signals used to condition the implement.

Abstract: To prevent an erroneous operation of the key interlock mechanism (cylinder key) (60) and further to improve the function of the key interlock mechanism and the operability of the shift lever (30), a shift lever apparatus comprises: a shift lever (30) having a position pin (31) shifted between a park position (P) and drive positions; a shift lever lock mechanism (40) for locking the position pin located at the park position having: a key lock lever (41) formed with a first arm portion (41a) and a second arm portion (41b); a support lever (42) pivotally supported by the second arm portion (41b) of the key lock lever and formed with an end arm portion (42a), the position pin (31) being pinched between the first arm portion (41a) of the key lock lever (41) and the end arm portion (42a) of the support lever (42); a first spring (44) for urging the first arm portion (41a) of the key lock lever (41) toward the position pin; a second spring (45) for urging the end arm portion (42a) of the support lever (42) toward th

Abstract: An electronic transmission shifter interlock system in which an electronic module is mounted directly on a shift lever for pivotal movement therewith. The module contains two electromagnetic devices which operate on the spring-biased, shift lever core rod to control the PARK lock release so as to inhibit and/or enable operation of the shift lever according to the status of the ignition lock and the position of the brake pedal. The interlock module is electrically coupled with the ignition lock to prevent the ignition key from being removed while the shift lever is other than the PARK position.

Abstract: A common type engine controller controlling an automotive engine in accordance with the kind of the associated transmission (i.e., automatic or manual) includes an electronic control unit 54 consisting of a microcomputer. When used with an automatic transmission, the power supply circuit includes a neutral switch 53 inserted between the starter switch 51 of the vehicle and the magnet coil 52 controlling the current supply to the starter motor, wherein the starter signal S.sub.T is supplied to the electronic control unit 54 from the junction between the neutral switch 53 and the magnet coil 52, the neutral signal N.sub.T being supplied from the junction between the starter switch 51 and the magnet coil 52 (FIG. 2 ). When used with a manual transmission, on the other hand, the starter signal S.sub.T is supplied from the junction between the starter switch 51 and the magnet coil 52, and the neutral signal N.sub.T is grounded. Upon detecting the high level of the starter signal S.sub.

Abstract: A neutral start switch assembly for a vehicle transmission including a case having a plurality of generally parallel shift rails supported therein is disclosed. Each of the shift rails is longitudinally movable forwardly and rearwardly from a central neutral position to first and second gear engaging positions. A notch is formed in the outer surface of each of the shift rails. These notches are aligned with one another when all of the shift rails are in their central neutral positions. The neutral start switch assembly includes an actuator lever which is pivotably mounted to the transmission case. One end of the actuator lever cooperates with the notches formed on each of the shift rails. The other end of the actuator lever cooperates with a neutral start switch mounted on the transmission case. When all of the shift rails are in their central neutral positions, the actuator lever is moved to a first position.

Abstract: A clutch control system for a motor vehicle having an engine (10), a gearbox (12) having a plurality of gear ratios, and a clutch (14) providing a drive connection between the engine and the gearbox. The control system includes a clutch actuation means (22) for controlling the state of engagement of the clutch and a control unit (36) which receives signals from a plurality of vehicle operating parameter sensors including a gear sensor (32) which indicates that a gear ratio is engaged in the gearbox. The control unit (36) processes these signals to produce a command signal for operation of the clutch actuating means. The control unit (36) ensures that if on powering-up of the control unit (36) the control unit receives a signal from the gear sensor (32) indicating that a gear ratio is engaged in the gearbox (12), the control unit inhibits disengagement of the clutch (14) by the clutch actuation means (22).

Abstract: A gear shift lever and ignition lock cylinder are interlocked by a pair of independantly actuatable solenoids. Key removal from the ignition lock cylinder is prevented when the gear shift lever is not properly in a predetermined park position, and the gear shift lever, once properly in the predetermined park position, is inhibited from moving until the key removal is inhibited. Solenoid control is preferably by a programmable controller and logic.

Abstract: A shift lever apparatus for an automatic transmission includes first and second levers, which are pivotally supported on the positioning plate by a shaft, and a lock lever, which is pivotally supported by a shaft parallel to the shaft of the second lever. The apparatus also includes a spring for energizing the first and second levers so as to draw the arms of the first and second levers close together and to restrain the positioning pin positioned at the parking position. Even though an actuator is connected to and actuates the lock lever so as to rotate it in predetermined directions, since the lock lever of the arm is pressed by the first lever when the positioning pin is positioned at the parking position, the lock lever can be stabilized under The positioning pin to lock it at the parking position.

Abstract: A device is provided for influencing starting of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle that has an electronically controlled gearbox, an electrically acting interlock that prevents the internal combustion engine from being put into operation when a gearbox status causing a driving force connection is selected, and a starter with an electromagnetic disengagement switch that is suppliable with battery current from an ignition switch during actuation of the starter. The device has an electronic engine control unit for at least one of ignition and metering of fuel, with a communicative connection communicatively connecting the engine control unit to the gearbox control. A direct connection is provided from the ignition switch to the electromagnetic disengagement switch for supplying battery current to the electromagnetic disengagement switch without an intermediate disabling switch.

Abstract: An automatic start/stop apparatus for an automobile including a timer (22) adapted to activate or deactivate a circuit designed to turn on the accessory circuit (42), the ON circuit (44) and the start circuit (50) of an automobile. An oil pressure switch (48) is adapted to stop the starter motor once the engine is running. If the engine failed to start, a solid state timer (46) is adapted to allow cranking of the starter motor only for a preselected amount of time. A hood switch (24) is included to prevent the device from operating when the hood is opened for maintenance. A park switch (26) is also included to stop the device from operating, to prevent unauthorized person to drive away the vehicle.