Abstract: The invention relates to a system for operating a control apparatus in a motor vehicle. At least one input signal is applied to the control apparatus. The essence of the invention is that means are provided with the aid of which the control apparatus is activated in response to a change of the input signal. With the means of the invention, the control apparatus can correspondingly respond anytime to a change of the input signal. In an especially advantageous configuration, the means of the invention include a lower internal current draw than the activated control apparatus. According to the invention, one obtains a high operational reliability of the control apparatus without an excessive energy consumption because the means of the invention have only a low internal current draw and the control apparatus with the higher internal current draw is activated only as required (change of the input signal).

Abstract: A sensing system for detecting the position of a manually operated shift lever in an automatic transmission. The sensing system includes a plate member movable in response to movement of a shift lever. The plate member includes a generally flat contact surface having a predetermined pattern of electrically conductive and non-conductive areas. An electrical sensor unit is mounted in the transmission and positioned to communicate with the contact surface of the plate member. At least five electrical contact members engage the conductive and non-conductive areas on the contact surface generate binary codes having combinations that are indicative of the shift lever position in each of the predetermined operating modes. The engagement between the contact members and the contact surface further generates at least four unique binary codes indicative of the transitions between the predetermined operating modes.

Abstract: An automated shifting system for a manual transmission having a neutral clutch connecting an engine to a multiple ratio transmission, the transmission having servo operated gear shift mechanism. A driver-controlled gear shift switching mechanism is used to activate the servos that effect ratio range changes. A gear shift switching mechanism includes multiple switches for triggering operation of the servos that control the ratio range changes. A range sensing redundancy strategy for the ratio range switches provide improved protection against an unintended change in direction due to three-bit separation between bits of the valid codes and to a range sensing switch failure strategy by identifying when a range change commanded by the driver exhibits a single-point fault condition.

Abstract: A selecting arrangement having a display device, particularly for a motor vehicle, is described by which, by the deflection of a control element which is automatically restored for certain deflecting directions, particularly of a selector lever, a currently selected operating position and additional, optionally selectable operating positions, of a unit which can be controlled into several operating positions, particularly a motor vehicle transmission, are displayed. The currently selected operating position and the resulting shifting possibilities into additional, not selected operating positions are always displayed. More operating positions of the unit are adjustable than there are deflecting directions for the control element. The display of the currently selected operating position and the display of each individual additional selectable operating position are always displayed at the same point of the display device.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination system includes at least one electroluminescent light band arranged on the shell of the vehicle body. The electroluminescent light band is arranged in an indentation of the vehicle body shell such that, on its exterior, it extends essentially flush with respect to the adjoining shell area, continuously from a front head light to a rear light. It may be operated as a moving light during a certain driving maneuver, such that its moving direction corresponds to the driving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A siren disrupter, for use in a vehicle having a siren, having a parking brake, and having a gear selector having park and neutral positions. A parking brake switch is activated when the parking brake is engaged. A neutral switch is activated when the gear selector is place in one of the park and neutral positions. A siren control relay has a siren control relay switch and a siren control relay coil for controlling the siren control relay switch. The siren is supplied power through the siren control relay switch. When either the neutral switch or parking brake switch is activated, the siren control relay coil is energized to disconnect power to the siren and thereby deactivate the siren.

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: An automatic transmission shift indicator system is provided to electrically indicate the selected gear of an automatic transmission in a motor vehicle. The shift indicator system includes a gear selector, transmission locking plate, a switch and a visual shift indicator. The gear selector connects to a locking plate in the transmission and is manually operative by the vehicle's driver to rotate the locking plate within a range of positions that correlate to each of the selectable transmission gears. The park neutral safety switch is modified to movably engage a stepped cam surface of the locking plate, so that each step corresponds to one of the selectable transmission gears. As the gear selector is shifted from gear to gear, the switch is actuated and thus transmits an electrical signal that is indicative of a selected transmission gear. The visual shift indicator decodes the selected transmission gear based on the resistance value of the electrical signal and displays the selected gear to the driver.

Abstract: An opening into which a shift lever is inserted is formed on a cover slide main body. Normally, the cover slide main body moves with the shift lever. A side wall and auxiliary walls project from the opening at the rear surface side portion of the opening. The side wall blocks the opening side from the mark piece portion side. The auxiliary walls maintain rigidity of the cover slide main body around the opening. The side wall prevents light irradiated to the mark piece portion from escaping through a gap between the opening and the shift lever, and prevents water or the like from entering and splashing into the main body from outside thereof.

Abstract: The marking device includes a plurality of LED diodes (10,20,30,40,50,60,70) fitted to respective translucent marking plates (L1,L2,L3,L4,L5,L6,L7) whose number corresponds to that of the selectable positions of the gear shift lever arm (6). Each LED diode is electrically connected to a respective voltage divider consisting of two series-connected resistors (11,12; 21,22; 31,32; 41,42; 51,52; 61,62; 71,72) connected in series with the respective LED diode. A lever switch (2) cooperating with the gear switch lever arm (6) is connected with the voltage dividers so that all LED diodes are energized but the LED diode corresponding to the selected lever arm position emits a higher-level light flux than the remaining LED diodes.

Abstract: A position sensor including a rotational shaft (7), a plurality of brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) supported by the rotational shaft (7), a housing (3), a printed circuit board (21) fixed to the housing (3), a main conductor (M) provided on the printed circuit board (21) and contacting with the brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) for generating a primary signal in accordance with which a predetermined number of positions has been attained by the rotational shaft (7), and a subordinate conductor (S) provided on the circuit board (21) and contacting with the brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) for generating a secondary signal in accordance with the which a predetermined number of positions has been attained by the rotational shaft (7). The secondary signal keeps the same voltage level around a predetermined position. According to the present invention, the predetermined position of the rotational shaft (7) may be detected accurately. Further, the cost of the position sensor may be reduced.

Abstract: A gear availability indicator for multi-gear transmissions of motor vehicles includes a signal processing unit for receiving input signals representative of vehicle speed and engine speed. The signal processing unit can determine a gear ratio value representative of the relationship between vehicle speed and engine speed for each gear in the vehicle transmission and can generate output signals for operation of a display. The display includes a first section displaying a range of acceptable engine speeds and a second section displaying gear symbols representative of gear ratio values. The displayed range of acceptable engine speeds and the displayed gear symbols are relatively moveable. The mutual alignment of the displayed range of acceptable engine speeds and one or more of the displayed gear symbols indicates that one or more gears represented by the one or more gear symbols are available for engagement in the transmission.

Abstract: A put-in-park alarm which is energized whenever an automatic shift vehicle is stopped but the shift lever is not in park. The put-in-park alarm is energized when the driver moves his door handle in a door opening direction. Not only is the alarm energized but the door cannot be opened until the shift lever is moved to park whereupon the signal is deenergized, but the door is unlocked upon a second movement of the handle in a door opening direction. The invention includes a broken/maladjusted alarm which is different from the put-in-park alarm but produces substantially similar results.

Abstract: A method of shifting in a manual mode of an electronically-controlled automatic transmission system includes the steps of determining whether a shift lever of a shift lever mechanism is presenting a position error when the shift lever is in a manual position, determining whether at least one switch on the shift, lever mechanism is presenting an error if a shift lever position, error is not determined, determining whether a temperature of an, automatic transmission or engine coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold if the at least one switch is not presenting an error, determining whether the manual position conditions have been met, determining whether an upshift or downshift of the automatic transmission is scheduled if the manual position conditions have been met, and executing either an upshift or a downshift of the automatic transmission based on the determined upshift or downshift being scheduled.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a bicycle includes a movable member that changes position in accordance with the state of a bicycle transmission, a sensor that detects the position of the movable member without contacting the movable member, and a display mechanism operatively coupled to the sensor for displaying indicia corresponding to a state of the bicycle transmission.

Abstract: Novel gear shift knob flashes randomly utilizing a battery, motion responsive switch, a timing and illumination circuit.

Abstract: A hand brake and an integrated gear selector including a lever which is pivotably mounted at one end and a handle mounted for rotation about its axis on the lever. The pivoting motion of the lever actuates the hand brake and rotation of the handle selects a transmission gear or driving condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shift mechanism position sensor for a transfer case or transmission includes a plurality of Hall effect sensors disposed adjacent a ferrous, metallic plate having a plurality of apertures arranged to provide multi-bit binary signals in gray code. The metallic plate is secured to an internal component such as a shift control rod of the transfer case or transmission and translates bi-directionally adjacent the Hall effect sensors. Data coded in numerous distinct three or four bit binary numbers provides high resolution of the position of the shift mechanism, shift fork and associated clutch. Many four wheel drive motor vehicle transfer cases include a gear reduction assembly which provide direct and reduced speed drives. Such gear selection is often achieved by an electronic control system and it is important to provide information regarding the actual physical position of such gear selection mechanism to the control system.

Abstract: A method of displaying a shift lever position for an electronically-controlled automatic transmission system having an automatic transmission, a shift lever mechanism, a transmission controller interconnecting the automatic transmission and the shift lever mechanism, a body controller, and a communication bus interconnecting the transmission controller and a body controller, said method comprising the steps of sending a gear position indicator message from the transmission controller to the body controller, determining from the gear position indicator message whether the transmission system is in an automatic or manual mode of operation, indicating a position of the shift lever mechanism if the transmission system is in the automatic mode of operation, and indicating a gear selected of the automatic transmission if the transmission system is in a manual mode of operation.

Abstract: An ignition interlock with PRNDL powering switch has a mechanism for locking a lock slider in position for prohibiting movement of a gear selector. The mechanism includes a plate for locking the slider in position and a cable for connecting with the gear selector. A sensor is associated with the mechanism and a PRNDL indicator. The sensor senses the position of the lock slider such that upon activation of the sensor, power is applied to the PRNDL indicator, causing a display within the PRNDL indicator to illuminate.

Abstract: A gear shift actuated deceleration indicator is provided including a gear shift module. A switch is included for indicating when the gear shift module switches from a first gear to a second lower gear. A brake light is mounted to a rear of the vehicle and is adapted for illuminating only upon the receipt of power. Finally, a control mechanism is connected between the switch and the brake light for transmitting power to the brake light upon the indication by the switch.

Abstract: The detection device engages with a selector rod able to move in axial translation and in angular rotation to select the row of the gear and engage/disengage the gear in a vehicle gearbox. The detection device comprises a rotary sensor provided with an activating member and able to output a signal correlated with the angular position of the activating member, and a motion conversion device interposed between the activating member and the selector rod and able to convert the movements of both translation and rotation of the selector rod into a rotation of the activating member. The motion conversion device comprises a supporting part fixed on the selector rod and having a cam defining a striker surface extending along a portion of a helix, and a follower fixed on the activating member and having a contact portion able to slide along the aforesaid striker surface.

Abstract: A device for transmitting sensor signals in a bicycle includes a sensor for sensing an operational condition of a bicycle component and for outputting a sensor signal having a selected type. A digital transmission circuit operationally associated with the sensor outputs a digital message in response to the sensor signal. The digital message includes 1) a digital sensor value comprising a series of bits representing a value of the sensor signal; and 2) a digital identification value for indicating the selected type of the sensor signal. Such a message allows a sensor having any physical design to be connected to the computer.

Abstract: A method of splaying a shift lever position for an electronically-controlled automatic transmission system having an automatic transmission, a shift lever mechanism, a transmission controller interconnecting the automatic transmission and the shift lever mechanism, a body controller, and a communication bus interconnecting the transmission controller and a body controller, said method comprising the steps of sending a gear position indicator message from the transmission controller to the body controller, determining from the gear position indicator message whether the transmission system is in an automatic or manual mode of operation, indicating a position of the shift lever mechanism if the transmission system is in the automatic mode of operation, and indicating a gear selected of the automatic transmission if the transmission system is in a manual mode of operation.

Abstract: A put-in-park alarm which is energized whenever an automatic shift vehicle is stopped but the shift lever is not in park. The put-in-park alarm is energized when the driver moves his door handle in a door opening direction. Not only is the alarm energized but the door cannot be opened until the shift lever is moved to park whereupon the signal is deenergized, but the door is unlocked upon a second movement of the handle in a door opening direction. The invention includes a broken/maladjusted alarm which is different from the put-in-park alarm but produces substantially similar results.

Abstract: A transmission shifting mechanism (10) and position sensor assembly. The shifting mechanism includes a member (32) of known flux-conducting or flux-insulating properties movable therewith, which will variably extend (42, 44, 46) into an electric coil (36), which is periodically charged and then allowed to discharge. The rate of discharge is variable with the position of the member in the coil and, thus, provides a signal indicative to mechanism condition (H, N, L).

Abstract: An indicator (10) for providing a prominent and distinct indication of the selected operating mode among a plurality of selectable operating modes of an automatic transmission in a motor vehicle. The indicator (10) comprises a housing (70) with a plurality of indication compartments (82-92) which each communicate with an associated indicator window (152-162). An indicator light source (32-42) is disposed in each of the indication compartments (82-92). Light emitted by an illumination light source (56-60) disposed in an illumination compartment (104) passes through a light filter (106) to provide filtered light to the indication compartments (82-92).

Abstract: A handle-bar for a race bicycle has a display device arranged on one appendage carried by the body supporting the brake lever.

Abstract: An electronic gear display for an electronically-controlled automatic transmission system having an automatic transmission, a shift lever mechanism, a transmission controller interconnecting the automatic transmission and the shift lever mechanism, a body controller, and a communication bus interconnecting the transmission controller and the body controller includes a first set of indicators connected to the body controller to indicate that the shift lever mechanism is in an automatic mode of operation of the automatic transmission, and a second set of indicators connected to the body controller to indicate that the shift lever mechanism is in a manual mode of operation of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle alert system for indicating changes in vehicle operation mode. The automotive vehicle rear end collision prevention system includes a power source, brake switching apparatus connected in series to the power source and responsive to the position of the brake pedal of the automotive vehicle, accelerator switching apparatus connected in series to the power source and responsive to the position of the accelerator pedal of the automotive vehicle, and a light disposed at a high point of the automotive vehicle rear and connected in series to the power source. When the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are both released, the brake switching apparatus and the accelerator switching apparatus closes illuminating the light and warning a trailing automotive vehicle that the automotive vehicle is changing operation which prevents rear end collisions, discourage tailgating and panic stops under normal traffic conditions, and improve visibility and perception.

Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling a magnetic switch connected to a remote start control module for remotely starting the engine of a vehicle having a manual transmission. The control device includes a rotational device rotatably mounted adjacent to the magnetic switch and includes a line for rotating the rotational device relative to the magnetic switch. The line is attached to a gear shift of the manual transmission and rotates the rotational device to a closing position for closing the magnetic switch. The rotational device includes an upper disc having a plurality of cavities for receiving a magnet at the closing position to close the magnetic switch and to make an electrical connection with the remote start control module for remotely starting the engine of a vehicle with a manual transmission.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle lighting system is disclosed having one or more emergency vehicle lights with a switch operable by movement of the emergency vehicle transmission shifter. An electronic circuit for disconnecting power to the emergency lights is provided when the emergency vehicle shifter is shifted into a park or neutral position. The circuit can comprise discrete components including a flip flop or a micro-processor circuit connected to the shifter switch to provide power to the emergency lights, and which has been programmed to cut off the lights when the switch indicates that the shifter has been placed in a park or neutral position.

Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle includes at least one exterior mirror having a reflective element, a housing for the reflective element, a positioning device for selectively positioning the reflective element, and a light for emitting light generally downwardly from the mirror housing on an area adjacent the side of the vehicle. A control is responsive to the vehicle reverse gear selector being in reverse gear for causing the positioning device to position the reflective element to a downwardly tilted position, wherein the driver can view an area adjacent a side of the vehicle. The control actuates the light when the reflective element is in the downwardly tilted position in order to illuminate objects in that area. In a preferred embodiment, the control actuates the light through a lockout circuit which normally allows the light to be activated only when the vehicle is not operating.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a bicycle has a display panel (3). The display panel (3) includes a plurality of rear speed stage display sections (21-28) for displaying a speed stage of a rear derailleur. The rear speed stage display sections are formed of a plurality of sets of display elements. The display panel further includes a plurality of front speed stage display sections (29a-29c) for displaying a speed stage of a front derailleur. Each of the front speed stage display sections includes one set of display elements. An indicating device is provided for controlling one of the display elements in one set, thereby to indicate the speed stages of the front derailleur and rear derailleur.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle multiple sound siren disabling circuit is disclosed having a multiple sound siren circuit for emanating signals equivalent to a particular type of sound with an amplifier adapted for connection to a speaker. The siren circuit has a switch for selecting respective siren sounds and a circuit for disabling the multiple sound siren when the emergency vehicle transmission is placed in a park or neutral position. The circuit further disables the multiple sound siren after the emergency vehicle transmission is removed from the park or neutral mode, and enables it again after selective inputs thereto.

Abstract: A signal lamp assembly including a transparent shell, an electric box mounted inside the shell to hold an electric box, a neon tube mounted within the shell outside the electric box and electrically connected to the circuit board inside the electric box, and a mount for mounting the shell on the top end of the gear lever of a car by a socket, wherein the electric box has a control panel disposed outside the shell, and a 3-step switch mounted on the control panel and controlled to turn on/off the neon tube or to drive the neon tube to flash. The signal lamp assembly can be detached from the gear lever and attached with an elongated battery box to form a hand-held signal lamp.

Abstract: A put-in-park alarm which is energized whenever an automatic shift vehicle is stopped but the shift lever is not in park. The put-in-park alarm is energized when the driver moves his door handle in a door opening direction. Not only is the alarm energized but the door cannot be opened until the shift lever is moved to park whereupon the signal is deenergized, but the door is unlocked upon a second movement of the handle in a door opening direction. The invention includes a broken/maladjusted alarm which is different from the put-in-park alarm but produces substantially similar results.

Abstract: A transmission includes a plurality of shift rails, each of which is axially movable forwardly and rearwardly from a center neutral position to respective gear engaging positions. The lower shift rails are provided for manual shifting among the lower gear ratios of the transmission. The highest shift rail is provided for selective manual or automatic shifting among the highest two gear ratios of the transmission. An idler rail is disposed adjacent to the highest shift rail. For manual shifting, the idler rail is connected to the highest shift rail, and a manually operable shift lever is used to move both the idler rail and the highest shift rail. For automatic shifting, the idler rail is disconnected from the highest shift rail, and an automatic shift member is moved into cooperation with the highest shift rail. Rotation of the automatic shift shaft causes corresponding movement of the automatic shift member.

Abstract: A position sensing apparatus (10) for detecting the manually selected operating mode of an automatic transmission (14) in a motor vehicle comprising a digital position sensor (20) for providing a digital position signal and an analog position sensor (22) for providing an analog position signal. The position sensing apparatus 10 may be used to advantage in a position selection and detection system which further includes a selector (12) for selecting one of a plurality of predetermined selectable positions and a decoder (18) responsive to both the digital position signal and the analog position signal for determining the selected position.

Abstract: A gear selection indicator for manual transmissions includes a shift lever knob with lights arranged thereon for indicating the usual gear selections of "1" to "5", and "R." The lights are independently controlled by separate switches, each of which are arranged to be engaged by the shift lever at a different gear position. Moving the lever to select a particular gear causes it to engage the corresponding switch, which activates the corresponding light to provide a positive visual indication of the currently selected gear.

Abstract: A gear shift mechanism particularly suited for a drag racing car is disclosed that causes the gear shifts of a transmission to be sequenced upon the attainment of selectable predetermined conditions so that the drag racing car obtains its desired acceleration in an optimum manner. The gear shift mechanism comprises electrically or pneumatically operated cylinders that move the gear shift lever upon sensing optimum conditions related to the acceleration performance of the drag racing car. The cylinders are positioned on opposite sides of the gear shift lever and provide counter-forces during shifting through at least one gear and yet allow the gear shifting to preferably be accomplished in a single direction. The counter-acting cylinders eliminate overshooting of the gear shift lever during movement of the lever arm. Alternatively, manual input instead of predetermined conditions may be substituted into the gear shift mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic transmission lever position indicating device comprising a housing including a face wall structure presenting within an opaque background a sequence of translucent characters corresponding in sequence with the positions of the lever. A circuit board is mounted within the housing including leads for receiving and transmitting signals including the input signals of the automatic transmission. An illuminating assembly is carried by the circuit board for illuminating all of the sequence of translucent characters and additionally indicating by illumination one of the sequence of translucent characters corresponding to the position the lever is in.

Abstract: A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for a direct downshift or upshift into a preselected start ratio, under certain predefined conditions. The preselected start ratio is that ratio actually utilized in the immediately preceding vehicle start from stop operation.

Abstract: An electronic device for a vehicle detects the number of rotations of a wheel of a vehicle, calculates the distance covered by the vehicle, measures the atmospheric pressure to provide data on the atmospheric pressure, obtains a height corresponding to the measured atmospheric pressure from a height-atmospheric pressure conversion table stored in a RAM on the basis of the measured atmospheric pressure data, calculates an tilt of a road where the vehicle travels on the basis of the height and the measured covered distance, detects a gear corresponding to the calculated tilt from a gear change conversion table, drives a transmission to put the gear in the meshed state. In order to apply a barometer to a weather forecast, an actual height where the vehicle travels is calculated on the basis of data on a tilt of the road measured by an inclinometer attached to the vehicle and the calculated covered distance.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a manual transmission and means for indicating to the operator a point in operation for upshifting to the next higher gear from the present gear. A method of determining the shift point is provided based upon actual operating parameters of the motor vehicle effecting current wheel torque and predicted wheel torque in the next higher gear. Calibration to a single value representing the ratio of predicted wheel torque to current wheel torque allows simple balancing between fuel economy and performance.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lighting system for automatically turning headlights on when a transmission is shifted from neutral or park to forward or reverse, reducing electrical loads on batteries during vehicle start-ups and automatically resetting headlights from high beam to low beam. The lighting system also includes indicators to remind drivers, while driving, that their headlight high beams, turn signals or emergency signals are turned on. The lighting system is comprised of an electronic control unit and a reset circuit. The electronic control unit receives signals from the vehicle's ignition switch and a transmission gear sensing device to control the flow of current to the exterior lighting systems. The reset circuit latches when the headlights are switched to high beam and unlatches to switch the circuits back to low beam when the vehicle is stopped and the ignition switch is turned off.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a shift lever position sensor that is inexpensive and has a simple structure. A shift lever position sensor is described wherein, in the composing of a position sensor of a shift lever 2 that rotates along positioning plate 1, said position sensor detects the position of said shift lever 2 with the operation of switch 10 by providing oscillating lever 9 which positions said shift lever 2, one end of which is pivotally attached to said shift lever 2 rotating along the lateral surface of said positioning plate 1 using end 3 as fulcrum 4, the other end of which constantly makes resilient contact with irregularly formed portion 8 of said positioning plate 1 with resilient member 6 locked at said pivoting location, and controlling said switch 10 attached to said shift lever 2 by linking with the movement of said oscillating lever 9.

Abstract: A transmission includes a plurality of shift rails, each of which is axially movable forwardly and rearwardly from a center neutral position to respective gear engaging positions. The lower shift rails are provided for manual shifting among the lower gear ratios of the transmission. The highest shift rail is provided for selective manual or automatic shifting among the highest two gear ratios of the transmission. An idler rail is disposed adjacent to the highest shift rail. For manual shifting, the idler rail is connected to the highest shift rail, and a manually operable shift lever is used to move both the idler rail and the highest shift rail. For automatic shifting, the idler rail is disconnected from the highest shift rail, and an automatic shift member is moved into cooperation with the highest shift rail. Rotation of the automatic shift shaft causes corresponding movement of the automatic shift member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for indicating transmission operating mode based upon actual operating mode as determined by the transmission controller. The apparatus receives input signals from the PRNODDL switch of the electronically controlled automatic transmission in addition to pressure switch and speed data to determine and confirm transmission operating mode. The signals are processed by the automatic transmission controller and communicated to the instrument cluster for displaying transmission operating mode.

Abstract: A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for a scrolling display of allowable ratios in either the upshift or downshift direction, and for a direct shift into the selected one of the displayed ratios. In one embodiment, retaining the control (1) lever in a displaced position for one or two seconds will initiate the scrolling display, while retaining the transmission engaged in the initial ratio, and subsequently release of the control lever to its centered position will cause a direct shift into the then displayed ratio.