Abstract: Transmission shifting method with clutch pedal and accelerator pedal control for the automatic operation of manual shifting mechanisms in an automotive vehicle include gear shifting, open loop accelerator pedal control during shifting, acceleration from idle with slow clutch release, deceleration to idle, control of coasting, and determining clutch engagement point and shifter positions at various gear shift points.

Abstract: An automatic driver system includes an accelerator pedal actuator system with a contact sensor for sensing contact between the actuator system and the accelerator pedal. A mechanical actuation system is mounted in the vehicle to contact and move the accelerator pedal. An electronic actuator is mounted outside the vehicle for causing movement of the accelerator pedal and includes a motor coupled to a tachometer for measuring rotational speed, a lead screw assembly for transforming rotational movement to linear movement and a linear displacement transducer for measuring linear position of the lead screw assembly. The system permits a new reference point to be established each time the accelerator pedal actuator system is installed in a vehicle.

Abstract: Transmission gear and clutch shifting apparatus for the automatic operation of manual shift mechanisms in an automotive vehicle include gear and clutch actuation mechanisms mounted onboard the vehicle and coupled by cables to control actuation mechanisms mounted offboard the vehicle. The onboard gear shift actuator includes two intersecting movable slot means for causing movement of the shift lever.

Abstract: The determination of specific faulty components in an automotive type DC voltage regulator is accomplished by detecting the presence or absence of harmonic frequencies, of the base operating frequency of an associated DC voltage generator, on terminals of the regulator in its operating environment.

Abstract: A gear shifting mechanism includes an actuator for fore-aft movement with a tachometer and a linear displacement transducer to form a velocity and position feedback actuator. The gear shifting mechanism also includes a solenoid and a pivotal mounting to provide movement of the actuator assembly in a second direction, i.e. from first-second to third-fourth gear shift positions. A second pivotal mounting allows the actuator assembly to follow the curvilinear travel of the gear shift level which is facilitated by the ball joint attachment to the gear shift lever. A spring loaded mounting bracket provides force cushioning to the said gear shift lever. The actuator assembly is mounted on a base plate with legs to straddle the vehicle's floor hump and to secure the said base plate by mounting bolts to engage the vehicle's seat belt anchor openings.

Abstract: An automatic driving system for operating a vehicle on traction rollers of a chassis dynamometer includes an accelerator pedal actuator for moving the accelerator pedal. A sensing means senses vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position and accelerator pedal actuator velocity. Accelerator pedal control means drives the accelerator pedal actuator and is coupled to the sensing means for generating a triple loop accelerator pedal control signal using vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position and actuator motor velocity feedback to reduce throttle fluctuations.

Abstract: A signal analyzer for detecting engine defects includes sensors (11-17) for detecting engine operating parameters such as engine speed, engine exhaust manifold pressure, engine intake manifold vacuum, blowby gas pressure in the engine crankcase, and oil pressure. Electrical signals representing the frequency and magnitude of the engine operating parameters are used to produce a frequency domain spectrum signal characteristic of the engine being tested. The frequency domain spectrum signal being tested is compared to a frequency domain spectrum signal from a normal engine thereby determining at what frequencies differences between the two signals exist, such differences being indicative of engine defects.