Abstract: In a double-lock type connector, terminals are primarily locked when inserted into terminal accommodating chambers in a connector housing, and the top wall of a spacer is depressed so that the latter is locked to the connector housing, thereby to secondarily lock the terminals. In the double-lock type connector, the spacer has a pair of elastically deformable flexible wall which are confronted with each other with a predetermined space between them and have first engaging parts on their inner surfaces which are confronted with each others, and the connector housing has a protruded portion which is slidably engaged with the flexible walls and has second engaging parts which are engageable with the first engaging part.

Abstract: A wire connector (10) is disclosed of the type having an outer clamp member (14) and an inner wedge (12) that is inserted into the clamp member to physically and electrically interconnect two conductors (16, 18) together. The clamp member (14) includes a resilient intermediate portion (60) having two walls (62, 64) attached at right angles thereto with opposing channels (66, 68) formed in the two walls. The wedge 12 is arranged to enter into the clamp member (14) and clamp the two conductors (16, 18) against the two channels (66, 68) A pair of flanges (72, 76) extend from the two walls toward each other and have flange surfaces (74, 78) that oppose bearing surfaces (50, 52) on the wedge. When conductors of a certain size combination are being interconnected the bearing surfaces (50, 52) pressingly engage the flange surfaces (74, 78) causing the walls (62, 64) to tend to move inwardly, thereby increasing the clamping force that is exerted on the conductors (16, 18).

Abstract: A terminal, and methods for manufacturing the terminal, in which the opening defined by the electric contact portion is filled with a material. As a result, plating solutions will not become entrapped in the opening so that corrosion of the terminal will be prevented. The terminal includes an electrically conductive plate including a wire connecting portion for clamping a wire thereto and an electric contact portion for mating with another terminal, the contact portion including a cavity therein; and a filler material disposed in the cavity. As a result, when the terminal is subjected to metal plating, solutions associated with the metal plating are substantially prevented from entering into the cavity. According to one method, the filler material is first adhered to the conductive plate before the plate is bent into the shape of the terminal. According to a second method, the filler material is injected into the cavity of the contact portion after the terminal has been bent.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for stabilizing an outboard motor during transport in two embodiments. A first preferred embodiment includes a rigid block which is pivotally mounted from a bracket so as to be adjacent to a yoke which connects between the push rod end of a steering cable and a link to the outboard motor. The block has a hole in a position to enable engagement of an extended bolt on the yoke and can be pivoted to cause such engagement. In the engaged position, a wing nut is tightened to hold the block in position over the bolt, thus preventing movement of the outboard motor.In the second embodiment, a split block is provided of a material possessing a highly frictional surface. The split block has a hole with a split to an outer surface and is permanently mounted with a push rod of the steering cable extending through the hole.

Abstract: A pistol and toy dragon figure assembly in which a pistol concealed in the figure is operable to cause the dragon to appear to be breathing fire and to be emiting roaring sounds. The pistol includes a barrel and a hand grip provided with a trigger. Housed in the pistol is a battery-operated electronic unit which is switched on when the trigger is pulled, the unit having a flashing light generator optically coupled to the barrel and an integrated circuit in which roaring sounds are digitally stored and converted into analog signals which are fed to a miniature speaker. The body of the dragon has an open cavity therein to receive the pistol, the barrel of which is socketed in the head of the dragon in line with its open jaws. When a player grasps the hand grip of the pistol, he then appears to be holding the dragon, and when the player pulls the trigger, red light flashes simulating fire are then emitted from the jaws of the dragon, the fire being accompanied by roaring sounds.

Abstract: In order to improve the effects which can be achieved with pre-recorded data, a toy telephone is provided with a suitable display such as a LCD. A suitable memory (e.g. IC memory) is included in the telephone enabling both audio and image data to be recorded by parents or the like, and played back in response to the manipulation of one or more of the buttons provided on the numerical key pad. A programmable timer is included in the device allowing calls containing suitable instructions or greetings to be "placed" to children at appropriate times.

Abstract: An amusement and recreational apparatus includes a rotatable support having at least one elongated flexible member in engagement therewith which includes a flexible light transmitting portion spaced from the rotatable support. Chemiluminescent liquid material is disposed within the interior of the flexible light transmitting portion. Structure is provided to rotate the rotatable support. The elongated flexible member changes shape during rotation to provide a variable light display.

Abstract: The invention provides A toy vehicle comprising a body being divided into two parts on front and rear sides, a chassis being divided into two parts on front and rear sides on which the front and rear side body parts are mounted respectively, the front and rear side chassis parts being so coupled with each other as to bend those at its coupling portion in upward and downward directions, driving mechanisms for coupling front and rear tires on left side with front and rear tires on right side respectively which are provided to the chassis, driving motors being engaged with the left and right side driving mechanisms respectively and a controller for controlling the driving motors to allow the left side front and rear tires and the right side front and rear tires to rotate mutually in the same direction or in opposite directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of polishing a thin film layer to be polished, which is formed on the surface of a substrate, by pressing the substrate on the surface of a polishing pad and relatively moving the substrate and the polishing pad, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the position of a front surface of the thin film layer to be polished using a first sensor and also detecting the position of a bottom surface of the thin film layer using a second sensor, on the way of the polishing; calculating the residual thickness of the thin film layer on the basis of the detected positions of the front and bottom surfaces of the thin film layer; and controlling the processing condition of the subsequent polishing on the basis of the calculated residual thickness of the thin film layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for honing, sharpening or grinding a curved peripheral cutting surface of a slicer blade are provided. Included is the use of one of a set of interchangeable cams that generally follows the curved shape of the blade cutting surface, whether same has a constant radius or varying radii. In order to minimize downtime and sanitation operations, the honing is accomplished off-line of the slicer equipment. Preferably, the slicer blade remains perfectly flat during honing, and the movement of one or more honing or grinding wheels is closely controlled so as to provide honed or ground cutting edges which are of substantially uniform width throughout their respective peripheries. Honing is accomplished in accordance with objectively measured sharpness standards by which superior sharpness levels are attained.

Abstract: Fly lines become dirty in use and need to be cleaned periodically. A fly line can retain good shootability for a longer period of time when cleaned by a flexible, pliable abrasive article bearing abrasive granules having diameters substantially within the range of 5 to 30 .mu.m. Microscopic examination shows that the cleaning leaves longitudinal striations along the surface of the line. The abrasive article can have a backing of a nonwoven mat of fibers bearing of composite of the abrasive granules in a binder. The uncoated face of the backing can be laminated to a spongelike substrate such as an open-cell polymeric foam by which a lubricant can be applied to a freshly cleaned fly line.

Abstract: There is provided a wafer chamfering machine, wherein chamfering of a notch of a wafer can be accurately performed the space of the wafer chamfering machine is compact size, the costs are reduced and the time required for chamfering is shorten.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a profiler device having a linear drive mechanism with enhanced tool holder support to effectively guide the substantially linear reciprocating movement of the tool holder so to maintain accuracy during machining operations and to extend the life of the tool and the device. The linear drive mechanism includes a reciprocating sleeve guided for substantially linear movement in a main guide sleeve, which is fixed to a profiler housing. The main guide sleeve includes a square socket formed in one end for receiving a square end of the tool holder. The surfaces of the square socket and the square end slidably engage one another for guiding and supporting the tool holder. The square end of the tool holder also includes a central bore which receives with a friction fit one end of reciprocating sleeve for being driven linearly with the reciprocating sleeve.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an abrasive sheet on a rotary abrading tool having a circular mounting member fastenable to the tool drive shaft and having an opposite surface bearing a typically square raised backup pad to which a square sheet of abrasive material can be fastened. Other straight edged backup pad configurations can be used if desired. Entrance holes are formed through the mounting member adjacent to the backup pad. A circular shroud is provided on the mounting member surface opposite the backup pad covering the exit holes. Air and dust are evacuated from said shroud and holes with a vacuum or built-in impeller evacuation system. The shroud has a diameter less than that of the mounting member and may have an edge engaging a circular groove in the mounting member to minimize air leakage between shroud and mounting member. The back up pad may be a reversible, double sided pad snapped into a mounting member recess. Additional dust evacuation holes and grooves may be formed in the backup pad itself.

Abstract: A composite polishing pad is provided, with a supporting layer, nodes attached to the supporting layer, and an upper layer attached to the supporting layer which surrounds but does not cover the nodes. The support layer, nodes, and upper layer may all be of different hardnesses.

Abstract: An abrasive grinding wheel (1) is described which has a concavity (8) in the abrasive in which a metal ring (4) is embedded. The metal ring (4) is non-abrasive but is sufficiently hard to resist wear by rubbing against the material being ground. The grinding wheel (1) hence removes material only until the metal ring (4) encounters the summit of the convex shape obtained. The metal ring (4) therefore operates as a stop-rest which automatically prevents superfluous removal of material.

Abstract: A meat skinning machine has a supporting surface with a discharge edge adjacent the surface of a toothed gripper roll, with an elongated skinning blade spaced from and opposite to the discharge edge. A curved deflector plate is located downstream from the blade and curves upwardly and rearwardly to cause a chunk of meat departing the blade to move upwardly and rearwardly for redeposit on the supporting surface. A method of skinning a meat product with a gripper roll and a blade by moving a skinned chunk of meat upwardly and rearwardly with respect to the blade after departing the blade for purposes of skinning another surface of the meat chunk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that control the volume and/or pressure of gas injected into an animal carcass to reduce the forces and ergonomic stresses encountered during the separation of meat from adjacent animal bone or tissue. The device and method can utilize stored data to optimize injection parameters to reduce meat contamination and packaging problems resulting from excessive gas retention in packaged meat.

Abstract: A bait cutting board with a cutout portion on its perimeter to allow attachment of the bait cutting board to a cleat on a boat. An adjustable brace closes across the cutout portion to securely attach the bait cutting board to the boat cleat so that a portion of the bait cutting board may be suspended over water during use. Shims attached to the lower surface of the bait cutting board engage the boat and level the working surface of the bait cutting board. In its preferred embodiment a rail, which is supported by rail posts, is positioned around the perimeter of the bait cutting board to keep desirable parts of the bait from falling off the working surface of the bait cutting board, while at the same time allowing undesirable parts of the bait to be easily swept under the rail and into the water below. The rail may be omitted from the near edge of the perimeter to provide a user with easier access to the working surface of the bait cutting board.

Abstract: A combination damper and chimney cap apparatus is provided to ventilate a fireplace and a flue connected thereto to provide a draft through the flue. The apparatus includes a platform constructed and arranged to be removably mounted to the flue and formed with an aperture extending therethrough in communication with the flue. An element senses temperature-smoke at the flue and at an area external to a fireplace connected to the flue to provide a signal in response to the temperature-smoke. A ventilation fan is connected to the a support to provide a draft sufficient to exhaust the smoke from the fireplace and the flue and to cool a electronic motor for the apparatus.

Abstract: A telescoping cotton harvester basket includes latches adjacent the four corners of the basket and spring loaded to automatically lock a basket extension in position as the extension moves from a retracted storage position to an extended harvest position. The latches are connected by fore-and-aft extending linkages and a transverse shaft for operation in unison from a single location to release the basket extension for movement back to the retracted storage position. A reset mechanism automatically moves the latches to a closed or locking position in preparation for the subsequent movement of the basket back to the extended harvest position so that only one manual activation of the latches is required for a complete basket extension-retraction cycle.

Abstract: A slot machine is provided with a plurality of motors each arranged for rotating a respective one of a plurality of reels. A first drive device starts driving the motors in response to a start signal, and stops driving the motors in accordance with stop signals sequentially generated for respective ones of the motors. A second drive device is provided for driving a part of the motors when it is determined that there is at least an effective winning symbol combination, to rotate those ones of the reels which stop with symbols of the obtained winning symbol combination, again in a special fashion to make an appeal to the winner.

Abstract: A television or video game data reception apparatus receives a data signal of television games transmitted from a base station in a wireless manner or through wire on a local station side so that the received data signal is used to play a game. The reception apparatus is provided, in addition to a game operation memory for storing a data signal of a predetermined game, a save memory for storing a predetermined state of a game, for example, at the time of termination of the game. The save memory is write protected when the save memory does not perform save operation so that for example when a game is terminated in the midway thereof, the data of the state at that termination can be saved in accordance with necessity.

Abstract: A damper disc assembly comprises a radially flanged hub, connectable to an output shaft, flanked by lateral subplates, and surrounded by an input rotation member; a first torsional vibration damping mechanism; a second torsional vibration damping mechanism; and an action limiting member. The first torsional vibration damping mechanism elastically connects the hub and the lateral subplates and includes a first, low-rigidity elastic member and a first hysteric damping mechanism developing lesser hysteresis. The second torsional vibration damping mechanism, also elastically connecting the lateral subplates and the input rotation member, includes second and third elastic members more rigid than the first elastic member, and a second hysteretic damping mechanism developing greater hysteresis.

Abstract: A cage for a constant velocity universal joint has an increase in the fracture strength of the cage and thus the torque capacity of the entire constant velocity universal joint. This is achieved in that the apertures for the windows in the cage at the circumferentially extending contact faces do not extend parallel to the central axis but contact a virtual sphere arranged at the point of intersection between the radial center plane of the cage and the joint axis. As a result, the webs of the cage comprise a larger cross-section and in consequence, its fracture strength is improved.

Abstract: A compact golf ball driving range net apparatus has a rigid frame with a substantially fabric ramp 14 having a lower leading edge 60 releasably connected to a lower portion of the frame and an upper trailing edge releasably connected to an upper end of the frame. The ramp 14 curves upwardly from the leading edge 60 to the trailing edge and is supported on the frame in a substantially tensioned state. A generally cylindrical ball receiving member 12 supported generally horizontally at an upper end of the frame has a longitudinal opening 110 adjoining the ramp trailing edge for receiving a ball thereinto. Golf balls hit from an adjacent teeing area 82 impact the ramp and are guided upward thereby to enter and rotate along the interior of the ball receiving member a number of times under observation of the golfer. The path of the rotating ball indicates the manner in which it was hit.

Abstract: The golf training device fits onto a golf glove at a location where the golfer can look at its mirrored surface to see the head of his golf club at address. The device has a wedge shape to permit rotation of the device and thereby vary the angle of reflection afforded on its mirrored top surface. This provides the golfer with a consistent view of the golf club head at address provided that he uses a consistent grip on the club shaft with his gloved hand.

Abstract: An impressionable medium, such as a element 56, is secured to an impact face 30 of a head 22 of a golf club 20. Alterations, such as grooves 46, are formed in a surface 42 of a target object 40. The object 40 is placed on a level surface such as a surface pad 64 with the grooves 46 being perpendicular with a plane of the pad and positioned for being struck by the element 56 and the impact face 30. Impression lines 66 are formed in the element 56 by the grooves 46 when the club 20 is swung and the head 22 strikes the object 40. Impression lines 66 are a representation of the angular relationship between a bottom 34, or grooves 32, of the head 30 and the plane of the pad 64 at the instant the element 56 and the impact face 30 strike the target object 40. This representation can be used to determine the dynamic lie of the club 20 at the instant the target object 40 is struck.

Abstract: A golf training apparatus constructed in the form of a golf club and having a handle, a shaft and a head wherein the head is constructed to have an elongated rod having one end affixed to the shaft and a flat, blade-like weight affixed to the end portion of the rod opposite the shaft. The weight of the rod and blade-like weight is substantially the same as the weight of a typical golf club head, but the center of mass of the head is displaced from the axis of the shaft by a distance of at least about four inches. The blade-like weigh advantageously is somewhat rectangular in plan view with a narrowed neck portion intermediate its ends or trapezoidal with its minor and major bases extending transverse to the rod.

Abstract: A thread-wound golf ball includes a wound core (3) consisting of a center (1) and a thread rubber layer (2) thereon, and a cover (4) having a plurality of dimples (5). The core (3) wherein the thread rubber layer (2) has a thickness of 5 to 9 mm and a larger weight than the center (1) is enclosed in the cover (4) made of an ionomer resin having a thickness of 1 to 2.5 mm and a Shore D hardness of 52 to 68. The ball has an outer diameter of 42.9 to 46 mm. The total volume of dimples is 300 to 400 mm.sup.3. The ball having a relatively large diameter and an increased amount of thread rubber provides an increased flying distance and improved feeling on impact.

Abstract: A tool for use in the game of golf, comprised of a polygonal prongs along with a radiused edge, which is used to remove ball marks such as indentions and ridges from golf ground surfaces. These ball marks are formed when the ball impacts the ground surface. The tool additionally incorporates a case for the carrying of small objects. These small objects include a moistened sponge or similar material to clean golf balls or club heads. A substantially leak-proof engagement between the body and the cover of the case allows the sponge or similar material to remain moist over extended periods of time, thus prolonging the material's cleaning capability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video-based, combined informational/training system for user activity related applications. In one embodiment, the system (2) includes a video recording assembly (10) and a measuring device (4) located at a user activity site (6) such as a tee box of a golf driving range. A video tape (60), including activity specific information on a first, pre-recorded portion thereof, is provided to the user for use in the video recording assembly (10) at the user activity site (6). The video tape (60) is cued for recording user specific information on a second portion of the video tape (60) during a practice session. The sensor (4) determines corresponding parameter information, such as estimated golf ball carry distance, for display on video tape (60). The video tape (60) and video recording assembly (10) cooperate to provide a mechanism for preventing or discouraging use of unauthorized tapes and to ensure proper usage of the system (2).

Abstract: A method of restoring a used golf ball in which a small portion of the old cover is removed and a new layer of material added, which new layer includes dimples. The new layer may be transparent with an indicia on its outer surface or on the outer surface of the remaining old cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement on bicycle freewheel gear cluster gear-shifting mechanism having at least at least a large-diameter sprocket wheel, an intermediate-diameter sprocket wheel. The improvement includes a plurality of protrusions provided on the rim of the large-diameter sprocket wheel on the side facing the intermediate-diameter sprocket wheel. The plurality of protrusions can be used to prevent the drive chain from overshooting to the large-diameter sprocket wheel when the drive chain is being shifted from the small-diameter sprocket wheel to the intermediate-diameter sprocket wheel. Additionally, a plurality of protrusions are provided on the rim of the large-diameter sprocket wheel near the gear-up assistant hooking members. The plurality of protrusions can be used to prevent the drive chain from being hooked up by the gear-up assistant hooking members when the drive chain is being shifted from the large-diameter sprocket wheel down to the small-diameter sprocket wheel.

Abstract: An automatic transmission is provided with a gear train comprising a plurality of rotation elements for selecting one of a preset plurality of gear ratios between an input shaft and an output shaft. Further provided is a one way clutch which prevents rotation of a specific rotation element in one direction. By decreasing the acceleration of this rotation element in the reverse direction when there is a gear change such that the rotation direction of the element changes to reverse, acceleration of the element in the reverse direction is suppressed to a small value when the one way clutch prevents reverse rotation of the element, and impact due to stopping reverse rotation is thereby damped.

Abstract: For a planetary gear unit including several tubular pinion gear shafts which are located by a carrier member in a generally circular pattern, an oil delivery and lubricating assembly which includes plural plug and funnel members, the plug portions being inserted within the tubular pinion gear shafts which thereby orients the funnel member exteriorly of the shafts to intercept lubricating oil and deliver it to a bearing positioned about the pinion gear shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission means for transmitting a rotary movement, having a driven toothed wheel (1) provided with an internal toothing (2), which engages with an external toothing (12) of a driving toothed wheel (11). The internal toothing (2) and the external toothing (12) comprise-interchangeable entrainment means (4, 14), which are mounted in receiving means (3, 13) and have a circular cross-section (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a full-time transfer case with its input angled relative to its outputs by means of a constant velocity (CV) universal joint. More specifically, the transfer case input includes a first rotary member adapted to be rotatably driven about the rotary axis of the transmission output shaft, a second rotary member supported for rotation about a second rotary axis that is angled relative to the first rotary axis, and a CV joint interconnecting the first and second rotary members. The transfer case outputs include a pair of rotary output members supported for relative rotation about a common third rotary axis that is offset from the second rotary axis. A torque transfer arrangement is provided for transferring torque from the transfer case input to its outputs. The CV joint allows the transfer case to be angulated so that reduced departure angles are achieved with respect to the prop shaft connections.

Abstract: A facing fabric covering tooth faces of tooth rubber layers of a belt body is treated with a rubber composition in which hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber is mixed with N,N'-m-phenylenedimaleimide.

Abstract: A planetary gear speed reducer and a machining method for a planetary gear supporting pin which enable the supporting pin to be formed as an integral part of a flange section by forging so as to reduce the number of parts, permit greater ease of assembly, and achieve lower cost and also to make it easier to obtain perpendicularity of the supporting pin with respect to the flange section. A plurality of supporting pins which are formed in hollow cylindrical shapes are pressed out at equal angle pitches on the same circumference on the rear end surface of a flange section which is made integral with an output rotary shaft. The front end surface of the flange section has recessed sections which are formed coaxially with the supporting pins. The outside diameters of the supporting pins are made smaller than the inside diameters of the recessed sections. The distal ends of the supporting pins are open and the hollow sections of the supporting pins are communicated with the recessed sections.

Abstract: A clutch operational control apparatus (75) controls an engaging force of a starting clutch (5) which is provided in a power transmitting path including an automatic transmission (CVT). The control apparatus comprises an idling state detector of an engine, a vacuum pressure detector for detecting an actual intake vacuum pressure of the engine, a range judging unit for judging a shift position of a manual shift lever, a target intake vacuum pressure determining unit for determining a target intake vacuum pressure, and clutch engaging force control means for controlling the clutch engaging force. The target intake vacuum pressure determining unit determines the target intake vacuum pressure based on the actual intake vacuum pressure when it is judged that the shift position is in the non-driving range and further when it is detected that said engine is in the idling state.

Abstract: A CVT is operated in both a continuously-variable mode and in a simulated stepped-ratio mode. In the stepped ratio mode, the highest preset transmission ratio (e.g., "first gear"), is variable and responsive to vehicle driving conditions. A control senses a low vehicle speed operating condition and adapts the highest ratio to reduce the step up to the next preset ratio. The control also senses a vehicle start condition and adapts the highest ratio to the current engine torque to improve drivability.

Abstract: A control system for a servo-assisted automatic gearbox in which the gearbox control unit communicates by means of a data line with the engine management unit in such a way as to optimise the gear-change operation. In particular, the gearbox control unit transmits to the engine management unit, during the course of the various phases A, B, C, D, E of the gear-change operation, the target speed of rotation or desired torque and receives instantaneous information relating to the speed of rotation and delivered torque so as to be able to perform the clutch engaging and disengaging operations and the gear engaging and disengaging operations in an optimal manner.

Abstract: When an overdrive cut is performed to an automatic transmission control when climbing uphill slopes, the actuator position An is stored in overdrive cut aperture storage value C with overdrive cut demands to the automatic transmission executed until the actuator position changes by a first predetermined value Ct1. If the condition C-An>Ct1 is satisfied for a predetermined period of time T0 until timer counter TMR becomes zero, then restoration to overdrive is allowed. Accordingly, even when cruising along long uphill roads, up-shifts to overdrive are prohibited during this time and because there are no up-shifts to overdrive during this time, vehicular speed does not change in fixed periods and thus, a high-level of passenger comfort is achieved.

Abstract: An engine overrun preventing system for a vehicle, in which the overrun of an engine is prevented when the overrun of the engine is detected, by (i) switching a lock-up system provided in a torque convertor OFF to cause a slip, if it is detected that the lock-up system is in its ON state; (ii) shifting a transmission into a speed range which is one grade lower than a presently selected speed range and reducing vehicle speed by engine brake, if it is detected that the lock-up system is in its OFF state and that the transmission is placed in another speed range than a first speed; and (iii) actuating a brake to reduce vehicle speed, if it is detected that the lock-up system is in its OFF state and that the transmission is placed in the first speed and if a detected vehicle speed is equal to a predetermined vehicle speed or more.

Abstract: An electronic engine control controls the selection and confirmation of automatically selectable gears in a manual/automatic transmission. Failure to disengage the engine from the transmission within a predetermined time period, failure to reach a predetermined synchronous engine RPM window within another predetermined time period and failure to confirm gear engagement within yet another predetermined time period are three automatic shift failure modes which may cause an automatic shift attempt to fail or be aborted. A fourth automatic shift failure may occur if the clutch pedal is depressed during an automatic shift attempt. If any of the foregoing automatic shift failure mechanisms is detected, an error recovery algorithm which forms a part of the present invention determines the easiest/safest transmission gear to command to prevent the driver from having to manually attempt to engage the transmission after a failed automatic shift attempt.

Abstract: A speed change control apparatus of an automatic transmission has a transmission control unit. When determining a fault of a power-on/off determining section on the basis of engine load information from an engine control unit, the transmission control unit controls an oil pressure controller by regarding an engine as being in a power-on state in upshifting and by regarding the engine as being in a power-off state in downshifting. As a result, in either of upshifting and downshifting, the moment when a disengagement-side friction element of the transmission begins to slip and the moment when an engagement-side friction element is engaged are made proper. This makes it possible to surely prevent undesired rise in the engine rotation during the speed change in upshifting and inability in speed change in downshifting, which are caused by a fault of the power-on/off determining section.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a lock-up mechanism for a torque converter in an automatic transmission of an automotive vehicle includes the steps of sensing vehicle speed and engine speed, calculating a vehicle speed to engine speed ratio based on the sensed vehicle speed and engine speed, knowing when the torque converter transitions between unlock and lock are initiated, determining whether the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold when the torque converter transitions between unlock and lock, and concluding that a failure of the lock-up mechanism has occurred if the calculated ratio is not greater than the predetermined threshold within a predetermined time since transition of the torque converter.

Abstract: An improved lockup control system for a lockup-type torque converter including a lockup clutch performs a lockup releasing control of the lockup clutch with a satisfactory response characteristic at any input torque of the torque converter without causing a lockup releasing shock. The control system includes a controller which is operative when the driving condition of a vehicle as represented by the throttle valve opening and the vehicle speed is judged to belong to a lockup releasing region, to reduce the differential pressure across the lockup clutch for disengaging the lockup clutch and thereby releasing the lockup. On such occasion, in the first place, the differential pressure is set to an initial differential pressure immediately before the lockup clutch begins to slip, depending upon the input torque of the torque converter at the instant of the lockup releasing command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle having an automatic transmission operable with a working fluid. The automatic transmission is coupled to an engine through a torque converter operable in a lockup mode where a mechanical connection is completed between the engine and the automatic transmission in response to a lockup command signal. A degree to which the working fluid is degraded is detected while the torque converter is operating in response to the lockup command signal which is produced when the vehicle speed exceeds a reference value. When the detected degree exceeds a predetermined value, the reference vehicle speed value is increased.