Abstract: An automotive racing simulation apparatus has an electronic controller which controls a series of Christmas lights each of which is separately activatable. In addition, the electronic controller controls a sound generator activated immediately prior to the activation of the Christmas lights to more realistically simulate automotive racing conditions.

Abstract: An improved automatic transmission has a reverse gear piston which can be engaged as a transmission brake. The piston is movable in a first direction and has a surface. A hydraulic system supplies transmission fluid to a space between the surface and the housing to engage the piston and removes the hydraulic fluid from the space to disengage the piston thereby releasing the transmission brake. In one embodiment, the hydraulic means has a passageway with the first cross-sectional area through the housing and a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area in the housing that is exposed to the space thereby reducing friction between the fluid and the second cross-section which reduces the release time of the fluid from the space. In another embodiment, the transmission has an apparatus for adjusting the cross-sectional area of the passageway through the housing.

Abstract: A cross-over compensation circuit for use in controlling the start of a vehicle has a delay apparatus which can be programmed to set the handicap period and the delay period. In addition, the delay apparatus has user selectable means for setting a compensation period. A counter circuit stores the time period representative of the compensation period as a number of pulses. A faster clock signal is generated which is supplied to the counter and to the delay apparatus to subtract the compensation period from the handicap period to generate an adjusted handicap period. Upon expiration of the adjusted handicap period and the delay period, the delay apparatus disengages the brake means for the vehicle and starts the vehicle. The circuit can also be implemented by a microprocessor. A delay on circuit wherein the delay box is activated only after the switch is held for a pre-determined period of time is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved automatic transmission has a reverse gear piston which can be engaged as a transmission brake. The piston is movable in a first direction and has a surface. A hydraulic supplies transmission fluid to a space between the surface and the housing to engage the piston and removes the hydraulic fluid from the space to disengage the piston thereby releasing the transmission brake. In one embodiment, the hydraulic has a passageway with the first cross-sectional area through the housing and a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area in the housing that is exposed to the space thereby reducing friction between the fluid and the second cross-section which reduces the release time of the fluid from the space. In another embodiment, the transmission can adjust the cross-sectional area of the passageway through the housing.

Abstract: A circuit for providing an adjustable period of delay in a vehicle which is started by engaging the engine of the vehicle and a brake means, then disengaging the brake means after the period of delay, has a relay for selectively engaging and disengaging the brake. A variable time delay provides the period of delay. A switch selectively causes the relay to engage the brake and then to disengage the brake after the period of delay. A safety activation means prevents the relay from engaging the brake means in the absence of the switch selected to cause the relay to engage the brake means.

Abstract: A circuit for providing an adjustable period of delay in a vehicle which is started by engaging the engine of the vehicle and a brake means, then disengaging the brake means after the period of delay, has a relay for selectively engaging and disengaging the brake. A variable time delay provides the period of delay. A switch selectively causes the relay to engage the brake and then to disengage the brake after the period of delay. A safety activation means prevents the relay from engaging the brake means in the absence of the switch selected to cause the relay to engage the brake means.