Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: A vehicle back-up alarm system includes a sensor capable of determining when a vehicle is at least one of in a reverse gear and moving backwards. The vehicle back-up alarm system also includes a transmitter module capable of transmitting a warning signal in response to the sensor determining that the vehicle is at least one of in the reverse gear and moving backwards.

Abstract: A shift position detection apparatus for a variable speed gear wherein a shift shaft is moved in an axial direction to perform a speed changing operation. A variable speed gear includes a clutch sleeve disposed for movement in an axial direction on a counter shaft with a shift shaft disposed so as to extend in parallel to the counter shaft. A shift fork is coupled and attached to the shift shaft and has an end engaged with the clutch sleeve. The clutch sleeve is moved in the axial direction through the shift fork to select a shift position. A shift position detection apparatus includes F, R and N shift detection portions provided on the shift fork. The F shift detection portion and the R shift detection portion are spaced by approximately 60 degrees in a circumferential direction on substantially the same plane perpendicular to the axis of a cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A shift control ECU includes the steps of storing a position of a shift lever; starting a count-up timer when the shift lever comes to a neutral position; and recognizing a driver's request for the neutral position when a count-up timer value attains TN(1) if the stored shift lever position is a home position and when a count-up timer value attains TN(2) if the stored shift lever position is not the home position. Here, TN(1) is set to be smaller than TN(2).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising an audio alert device, a timer, a processor; and a four-wheel drive device for a subject vehicle. The processor may activate the timer when the four-wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four-wheel drive state. The processor may activate the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the timer has reached a limit. The apparatus may include a distance counter. The processor may activate the distance counter when the four-wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four-wheel drive state. The processor may activate the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the distance counter has reached a limit.

Abstract: A simple and easily-installed system for vehicles equipped with an extensible pole, mast, boom, or other structure, providing an audible alarm when the operator attempts to drive away without first completely retracting the pole, mast, boom, or other extensible structure. The system includes a sensor for sensing a first position and a second position of a vehicle's gearshift lever, and a control module. The control module receives an electrical signal from an extensible structure when the extensible structure is fully or partially deployed and communicates the electrical signal to an audible alarm if the sensor senses that the vehicle's gearshift lever has been moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A performance enhancement system incorporating a controller, an engine tachometer and a visual indicator light which illuminates within a predetermined range of engine RPMs and which may be separately mounted as required in the driver's visual focal plane to reduce visual distractions, aiding the driver in optimizing torque transference to the tires of a drag racing vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor generates a continuous signal in response to operation of a shift lever, and a range is determined for each of the various control operations by comparing the output value of the signal with a range determination pattern set arbitrarily for each of the control operations. Accordingly, each of the control operations can be performed appropriately by using optimal range information.

Abstract: A system for protecting the clutch of a vehicle from a harmful operating state. Included in the clutch protection system are means for monitoring the operating state of the clutch, along with means for estimating the amount of energy being dissipated by the clutch. A control unit compares the estimated amount of energy dissipated by the clutch to one or more predetermined threshold energy levels. One or more actions designed to reduce the amount of energy dissipated by the clutch are initiated when the estimated amount of energy dissipated by the clutch exceeds the one or more predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: An electronically-active vehicle gear-shift knob (10) consisting of a hand-grasping section (12), an electronics enclosure (44) that is attached to an upper edge (14) of the hand-grasping section (12), and an electronics control circuit (90) consisting of a transmitting circuit (92) and a remotely located receiving circuit (94). The enclosure (44) includes a set of four pushbutton switches (92E) that are connected to the transmitting circuit (92). The closure of any one of the pushbutton switches (92E) allows the transmitting circuit (92) to produce an RF output signal (19) that is radiated via an antenna (92H) to the receiving circuit (94). The receiving circuit (94) subsequently processes the RF output signal (19) and produces an output control signal (29) that energizes an LED light corresponding to the specific pushbutton switch (92E)that has been closed.

Abstract: In a vehicular combination meter, dials for a speedometer and tachometer and colored segments for a shift indicator are provided on a single gauge board made of a flexible synthetic resin. The gauge board is joined to a light distribution board and installed on a rear side of a face plate in a housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a drive motor and a gearbox with a device for automatically actuating a clutch in the drivetrain, and to a control method. According to said method, if the gear ratio is less than a threshold value and the actuation of a driving pedal is not equal to zero and is less than a threshold value, warning measures are initiated to alert the driver to misuse.

Abstract: A novel graphical display apparatus (and methods) for motor vehicles. The apparatus has a display coupled to an interior portion of a motor vehicle and facing a driver of the motor vehicle. The display is coupled to an output for identifying a revolution per minute (RPM) value of an engine of the motor vehicle. The display has a first graphical display portion of the display for outputting a current gear indication of a current gear. The current gear is one of a plurality of gears in the motor vehicle. A second graphical display portion of the display for outputting one or more indication(s) of a past gear is coupled to the first portion of the display. The past gear is one of the plurality of gears in the motor vehicle that is used before the current gear. A third graphical display portion is also coupled to the display. The third display portion outputs an RPM value indication that corresponds to a current RPM value of the engine of the motor vehicle. The RPM value indication is coupled to the output.

Abstract: In a system for the control of an automatic or automated vehicle variable transmission (2) with a transmission control (6) and a display device (20, 22, 24) for the driver, the display device (20) is provided in order to indicate to the driver the imminent gear shift. After advanced indication of the gear shift, the driver can make a correction engagement in the transmission control (6) or prevent the gear shift.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for determining the position of a shift rail 12 which is employed within a vehicle having a transmission 14. Apparatus 10 includes an offset lever or member 18, and a pair of proximity sensors 30, 32 which detect the distance between the sensors 30, 32 and the respective surfaces 21, 23 of member 18, and which selectively generate signals corresponding to the measured distances. A controller 38 receives the generated signals and utilizes the signals to determine the linear and angular position of shift rail 12.

Abstract: A simple and easily-installed system for vehicles equipped with an extensible pole, mast, boom, or other structure, providing an audible alarm when the operator attempts to drive away without first completely retracting the pole, mast, boom, or other extensible structure. The system includes a sensor for sensing a first position and a second position of a vehicle's gearshift lever, and a control module. The control module receives an electrical signal from an extensible structure when the extensible structure is fully or partially deployed and communicates the electrical signal to an audible alarm if the sensor senses that the vehicle's gearshift lever has been moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A shift device that enables optimally operation. The shift device is provided in a vehicle including a transmission and shifts a shift range of the transmission. The shift device includes a shift operation unit, a controller, and a light emitting device. The shift operation unit is connected to the transmission of the vehicle and shifts the shift range of the transmission. The controller determines whether the shift range of the transmission should be shifted in accordance with a driving environment and generates a shift instruction signal when determining that the shift range of the transmission should be shifted. The light emitting device gives a notification for operation of the shift operation unit in accordance with the shift instruction signal.

Abstract: A novel graphical display apparatus (and methods) for motor vehicles. The apparatus has a display coupled to an interior portion of a motor vehicle and facing a driver of the motor vehicle. The display is coupled to an output for identifying a revolution per minute (RPM) value of an engine of the motor vehicle. The display has a first graphical display portion of the display for outputting a current gear indication of a current gear. The current gear is one of a plurality of gears in the motor vehicle. A second graphical display portion of the display for outputting one or more indication(s) of a past gear is coupled to the first portion of the display. The past gear is one of the plurality of gears in the motor vehicle that is used before the current gear. A third graphical display portion is also coupled to the display. The third display portion outputs an RPM value indication that corresponds to a current RPM value of the engine of the motor vehicle. The RPM value indication is coupled to the output.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine controller which controls a running state of the engine, a motor controller which controls both driving and battery recharging power-generating states, and an indicator which is connected to the motor controller. The indicator is turned on when the recharging power generating control is executed during slowdown of the hybrid vehicle. The indicator is turned on and off when the recharging power generating control is not executed during slowdown of the hybrid vehicle and is in a state that execution is possible. Therefore, by turning on the indicator or by turning it on and off, a driver is informed positively whether the recharging power generating control is executed or the recharging power generation control is not executed. As a result, the driver can operate the vehicle differently so that recharging power generation during vehicle slowdown can be executed efficiently.

Abstract: A back-up alarm for a motorized vehicle is disclosed comprising: a sounder having an audible emitter activated by an electrical signal input, and an electrical contact coupled to the input of the sounder and having electrical contacts to connect with a preexisting electrical socket to a trailer hitch mounted on a motorized vehicle.

Abstract: A digital signal fuel sensor includes a digital sensor and a wiper assembly for rotation relative to the digital sensor. The digital sensor has a plurality of sensing portions having at least one conductive segment thereon forming a fuel level portion. The wiper assembly also includes a plurality of contact arms extending toward the digital sensor for contacting the sensing portions of the digital sensor as the wiper assembly rotates to produce a binary output.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic gearbox for motor vehicles, comprising an electronic drive control device and an electric gear range selecting element. In case the drive control device fails such that the gears can no longer be changed when the gear range selecting element is actuated with a view to changing gear range, and if the gears which can be changed by means of the gear range selecting element can be identified, the driver receives a corresponding optical, acoustic and/or haptic feedback signal which indicates said failure. In case the gera rage selecting element fails in such a way that the gear ranges adjustable by means of said gear range selecting element can no longer be identified, a corresponding optical, acoustic and/or haptic feedback signal which indicates said failure is immediately transmitted to the driver.

Abstract: In a vehicular combination meter, dials for a speedometer and tachometer and colored segments for a shift indicator are provided on a single gauge board made of a flexible synthetic resin. The gauge board is joined to a light distribution board and installed on a rear side of a face plate in a housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a drive motor and a gearbox with a device for automatically actuating a clutch in the drivetrain, and to a control method. According to said method, if the gear ratio is less than a threshold value and the actuation of a driving pedal is not equal to zero and is less than a threshold value, warning measures are initiated to alert the driver to misuse.

Abstract: A shift device that enables optimally operation. The shift device is provided in a vehicle including a transmission and shifts a shift range of the transmission. The shift device includes a shift operation unit, a controller, and a light emitting device. The shift operation unit is connected to the transmission of the vehicle and shifts the shift range of the transmission. The controller determines whether the shift range of the transmission should be shifted in accordance with a driving environment and generates a shift instruction signal when determining that the shift range of the transmission should be shifted. The light emitting device gives a notification for operation of the shift operation unit in accordance with the shift instruction signal.

Abstract: A sensor device is used for sensing position of a movable component. The sensor device can be applied to multiple applications. For example, proper alignment between a shifter spline and a shifter position sensor of a transmission assembly can be confirmed by applying the sensor device of the present invention to confirm alignment of the transmission shifter with a transmission shifter position sensor during transmission assembly. A rotary sensor converts angular movement to a proportional electrical output. A converter then converts the proportional electrical output to an input which can be read. The location of the movable component is then determined, and displayed.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided to determine if a passenger is present or not because the weight value corresponding to when the seat is empty has shifted. The passenger detection system detects when the door has changed from the closed state to the open state based on a signal from a door switch. The passenger detection system then senses the decrease in weight that occurs thereafter and stores the weight value obtained after the decrease as the empty seat value.

Abstract: A connecting structure for an indicator display is provided that utilizes only a single electric wire of a wire harness used in a circuit to display gear position. The circuit is designed so that the resistances of respective circuits corresponding to the gear positions in an inhibitor switch of the automatic transmission are made different. A judging circuit is provided to discriminate and judge electric current values in a gear indicator. A respective display lamp corresponding to the selected gear position is lighted, and the connection of the inhibitor switch with the gear indicator is carried out by a wire harness having a single electric wire.

Abstract: A car reverse alerting and multi-functional display is disclosed. A display and trumpet are mounted on the multi-functional rear view mirror of a car. A charge coupling device, a microphone, and a car reverse sensor for monitoring the images, sounds and distance at a backside of the car are installed. The monitored analog electronic signals are decoded through a decoder so that the electronic signal is converted into a digital signal from an analog signal. Then, these signals are transferred to the multi-functional rear view mirror by cable or wireless devices. Then the signals are processed by a central processing unit. Then an image signal is outputted to a display for displaying; and meanwhile, the display outputs the sound signal from the microphone. The driver can reverse a car safely from the image and speech alert.

Abstract: A gear indicator provides a display to a motorcycle driver of which gear the motorcycle is currently operating in. The gear indicator is used with a gear position switch providing ground signal indication to a motorcycle CPU at a connection with a plurality of leads which reflect the gear a motorcycle is operating in, no indication indicating that the motorcycle is in first gear. The gear indicator bridges the gear position switch to the motorcycle CPU receiving this ground information through a bridge and a similar number of leads communicate with the gear indicator processor from this bridge. The processor of the gear indicator processes the information received to drive a display to reflect the gear to the operator.

Abstract: A method for providing a shift position indication in an automatic transmission comprising the steps of providing a display device, sensing a position of an input device, the input device being responsive to manipulation by a driver and having a plurality of input positions, sensing an active gear ratio, and modifying the display device to display the position of the input device and the active gear ratio. An apparatus for displaying information on both the position of the shift lever and the activated gear ratio is also provided.

Abstract: A method of supporting first and second indicators for a bicycle is provided, which involves mounting an indicator holder to a mounting portion of the bicycle; slidably supporting a first housing of the first indicator on the indicator holder for sliding adjustment along a first longitudinal axis of the indicator holder; and slidably supporting a second housing of the second indicator on the indicator holder for sliding adjustment along a second longitudinal axis that is parallel to the first longitudinal axis on a second surface of the indicator holder. In one embodiment, the step of mounting the indicator holder includes mounting the indicator holder on a handlebar that forms the mounting portion of the bicycle.

Abstract: The present invention improves the maintainability of a vehicle by properly identifying a worn endless belt in a belt-type automatic transmission and informing a driver of the proper belt replacement interval. The belt replacement timing annunciator relies upon the radii of the endless belt wound around a drive pulley and around a driven pulley that vary to produce shifting change gear ratios. Various operating conditions and the actual change gear ratio for the specific operating condition are detected, and a comparison between a reference change gear ratio and the actual change gear ratio is made to determine if belt replacement is necessary. A timer device provides a predetermined observation interval for avoiding erroneous readings and a display is also provided for indicating the necessity of belt replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shift position indicating device for indicating a recommended shift position to a driver of a hybrid vehicle having an engine for driving a drive shaft of the vehicle, a motor for assisting a drive force applied to the drive shaft by electrical energy, and a battery for supplying power to the motor and storing electrical energy output from the motor. The motor having a regenerative function of converting kinetic energy of the drive shaft into electrical energy. According to the shift position indicating device, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a high-load running condition, and when the vehicle is in the high-load running condition, the shift-down is recommended.

Abstract: A position switch of a select lever can switch in the ranges including “P”, “R”, “N”, “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” and the like. Code signals having combinations of “1” and “0” signals (on and off signals) to be respectively applied to a plurality of signal lines are arranged in such predetermined patterns as to correspond to the respective range positions and range-to-range intermediate positions “Z1”-“Z6”. Patterns of code signals corresponding to the respective operating positions of a select lever are set in the whole operating position of the select lever in such a manner that even when a signal in any one of the signal lines L1-L5 remains to be “0”, the combination of on and off signals is prevented from coinciding with the pattern of the signal corresponding to any operating position other than operating positions adjacent to each of the operation positions.

Abstract: A display device for displaying transmission selected speeds and ratios is provided. In order to create a display device in which the space requirement for the display is reduced, it is proposed to use as the display elements the scale elements such as scale numbers or divisional lines of a display instrument. In preferred embodiments, the display instrument is a tachometer.

Abstract: In addition to two rotation angle sensors which output a signal corresponding to each notch position representing “power”, “neutral” and “brake” and are interlocked to rotation of a handle of the master controller, a position sensor for detecting the “neutral” position is provided separately. When the handle is set to the “neutral” position, it is determined whether the rotation angle sensor detects the “neutral” position or not based on the output of the position sensor, and an output of the rotation angle sensor which does not detect the “neutral” position is released.

Abstract: A park system alarm is provided which is energized when operation of the park mechanism fails to open the park system switch, even though the shift lever is in the park position, and the driver initiates the process of opening his or her door. An external alarm is also energized through the park system switch and a seat switch if the driver leaves his normal driving position when the shift lever is not in park and when the shift lever is in park but the park system is broken or maladjusted. A put-in-park alarm is energized through the park system switch, a gear switch, and a door switch if the driver initiates the process of opening his or her door with the shift lever in any position except park. A seat switch circuit causes the parking pawl to engage the parking gear if the driver leaves the vehicle without placing the shift lever in park.

Abstract: A gear indicator for use on a bicycle is provided remotely from the shift operating device. The gear indicator is coupled to a shift operating device via an indicator cable. The gear indicator basically includes a housing with an indicator member slidably coupled to the indicator cable with in the housing. The location of the indicator member relative to the housing indicates a gear currently engaged by the chain. In the most preferred embodiments, an indicator member is frictionally mounted on the inner wire of the indicator cable for automatically adjusting of the indicator member in the event that the cable becomes elongated or the indicator member becomes misaligned. The housing has a biasing member coupled between one wall of an interior cavity and the first end of the inner wire of the cable indicator for biasing the indicator member to one of its end positions.

Abstract: A semi-automatic transmission for a vehicle having a diesel engine is provided which, upon start up of an engine ignition, goes through a warm up stage before the engine begins normal operation. An electronic controller is connected to the engine, a clutch, a gear box, and a signal transmitter. During start up of the engine, the electronic controller cause the signal transmitter to emit a signal which notifies the driver of the vehicle, based upon the position of an ignition key in the ignition lock, to disengage the clutch. Alternatively, during start up of the engine, the electronic controller detects whether the gear box is in a neutral position and whether the clutch is not disengaged. If the gear box is not in the neutral position or if the clutch is not disengaged, the electronic controller causes the signal transmitter to emit a signal which notifies the driver of the vehicle to disengage the clutch.

Abstract: A control device (1) for a motor vehicle, for an automatic or semi-automatic transmission, is provided on a supporting arm (2). The control device comprises two actuation elements (7, 8), comprising as touch contact switches (5, 6), and a liquid crystal display (3) which, in addition to the shifting position which has been set, also represents all the other possible shifting positions. The control device (1) is located in constant field of vision of the motor vehicle driver and thus makes control easier.

Abstract: An analog output Hall effect sensor provides a proportional output representative of the angular position of a rotary shift member in a transfer case, transmission or the like. The rotary shift member is driven by a bidirectional electric motor through a speed reducing gear train. A wheel having a single spiral bipolar (N-S) magnetic track rotates with the output of the gear train and the shift member. The analog output Hall effect sensor is proximate the spiral magnetic track and provides an analog (ramp) output proportional to the position of the rotary shift member relative to first and second end points.

Abstract: A bicycle display unit is provided for displaying information to the rider. The bicycle display unit is preferably part of a bicycle computer that is battery operated. The bicycle display unit has a display panel with a front display surface and a backlight arranged to illuminate the front display surface for viewing the information displayed thereon. The battery is electrically coupled to the backlight to supply electrical energy thereto. The bicycle display unit also has a backlight switch command operatively coupled between the backlight and the battery to selectively turn the backlight “on” and “off”, and a control unit that extends the life of the battery by controlling the illumination of the backlight. The backlight switch command turns “on” the backlight upon receiving a predetermined operational command. The predetermined operational command can be a pre-selected time period, a shifting operation, a mode change, etc.

Abstract: A shift stage display device for an automatic transmission of a vehicle includes a power supply for supplying stable power to a circuit while the vehicle is running; a control device for determining a shift stage according to running states of the vehicle to output a predetermined shift control signal; an interface circuit for controllably turning on and off a solenoid valve according to the control signal output from the control device to thereby output a predetermined signal corresponding to a shifting state of the running vehicle according to a prior established program; and a shift stage display for displaying each position of the shift stage of the running vehicle according to the predetermined signal output from the interface circuit, such that the ground of automated vehicle and the ground of the display device are separated, in order to preclude no influence of surge voltage, and to display at which speed the running shift range is in.

Abstract: A multi-function, composite apparatus for mounting on a drag racing vehicle is described which includes: (i) a terminal panel having leads coupled to various vehicle control components of the vehicle to affect operation of the vehicle; (ii) a display means to depict a plurality of different racing indicia selectable by a user wherein at least one of said indicia relates to vehicle performance during racing such as delay box timers, throttle stop controllers, cross over delay timers, etc. and a second indicia relating to a non-racing function such as driver reaction time tester or race playback function; and (iii) a keypad having a plurality of user-operable keys including function keys to control what indicia is shown on the display means and data input keys to modify the data in the apparatus. All required outputs can be shown on a single visual display means.

Abstract: A shifting device for the transmission of a motor vehicle with a curved printed circuit board inserted under the curved cover and to a process for preparing this curved printed circuit board with the components inserted. The shifting movements performed at the gearshift lever of the shifting device are electronically transmitted to the transmission. The components are inserted according to the present invention on a rigid printed circuit board in the flat state and the printed circuit board is soldered in the curved state, wherein the printed circuit board, consisting of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin, remains in this curved state after cooling due to its inner structure.

Abstract: A transfer case motor controls the rotation of a cam. The cam actuates various gear states of a transfer case of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. A contact plate rotates with the cam and encodes the position of the cam as a four-bit binary code. The code is such that when the cam travels between any two gear states, one bit of the four-bit code stays constant from the initial gear state until the final gear state is reached. The single bit can thus be observed to determine that the final gear state has been reached. The encoding scheme is also such that the bit which stays constant always assumes the same state.

Abstract: A high performance tachometer is provided for use in high performance racing vehicles, such as dragsters. The tachometer has an input signal indicative of the vehicular engine speed and an output display for displaying the instantaneous engine speed as indicated by the input signal. The tachometer includes input controls for directing the control and operation of the tachometer. Special features associated with the tachometer include a shift indicator. The system is designed to monitor an engine speed or RPM profile and utilize information from this profile to operate the shift setpoint selection, shift display enablement and the shift indicator.

Abstract: A park system alarm is provided which is energized when operation of the park mechanism fails to open the park system switch, even though the shift lever is in the park position, and the driver initiates the process of opening his or her door. An external alarm is also energized through the park system switch and a seat switch if the driver leaves his normal driving position when the shift lever is not in park and when the shift lever is in park but the park system is broken or maladjusted. A put-in-park alarm is energized through the park system switch, a gear switch, and a door switch if the driver initiates the process of opening his or her door with the shift lever in any position except park.

Abstract: A control lever for a vehicle or a machine tool, in particular for an industrial truck, is disclosed for the generation of an electrical control signal. The actuation travel of the control lever is limited by a stop point that is defined by a stop and the control lever has means to generate a restoration force. The stop has an elastic component, as a result of which an at least slight deflection of the control lever beyond the stop point is possible. The elastic component of the stop is realized so that in the event of a deflection beyond the stop point, the restoration force, as a function of the deflection, increases to a greater extent than in the event of a deflection of the control lever between a neutral position and the stop point.