Abstract: An input device includes: a casing that includes a tubular portion in which an end portion of a column post is fitted, and to which a turn lever unit that a driver operates is attached, the column post rotatably supporting a steering shaft; and a biasing member disposed between a brim portion and the column post in a central axis direction of the tubular portion, the brim portion being provided on an inside surface of the tubular portion. The tubular portion includes an engaging portion that engages, in the central axis direction, with an engaged portion of the column post, and in a state in which the engaging portion is engaging with the engaged portion, the biasing member biases the brim portion in a direction in which the brim portion moves away from the column post, the direction being in the central axis direction.

Abstract: An axially adjustable steering column assembly includes an upper jacket. The steering column assembly also includes a lower jacket, wherein the upper jacket is received within the lower jacket and is telescopingly adjustable therein, the lower jacket defining a pair of slots extending in an axial direction of the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a column mounting bracket, wherein the lower jacket translates and rotates relative to the column mounting bracket. The steering column assembly yet further includes a pair of bushings positioned within the pair of slots. The steering column assembly also includes a geared rack operatively coupled to one of the pair of bushings, the geared rack correspondingly rotatable with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a sensor in operative contact with the geared rack to detect the axial position of the axially adjustable steering column assembly.

Abstract: An assembly includes a polymeric member and a unitary metal casting. The metal casting is engaged with and relatively moveably capturing the polymeric member on the metal casting. The polymeric member includes an opening extending through the polymeric member. The opening defines a rotational axis of the polymeric member and includes a central cylindrical portion and first and second end portions having diameters greater than the central cylindrical portion. The first and second end portions are disposed proximate opposite ends of the opening, and the metal casting substantially fills the central cylindrical portion and the first and second end portions of the opening, thereby rotatably disposing and axially capturing the polymeric member on the metal casting. The assembly can be adapted for use as a crank arm in a transmission shift mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes at least one rotatable component and is disposed in an environment at a first pressure. A transmission housing includes a sump portion disposed near a bottom portion of the transmission housing, where the transmission housing substantially encloses the at least one rotatable component. A hydraulic fluid is disposed at least partially in the sump portion of the transmission housing and a vacuum source is in pneumatic communication with the transmission housing. The vacuum source at least partially evacuates a gas from the transmission housing so that an interior of the transmission housing is at a second pressure. The at least one rotatable component is partially exposed to a gas at the second pressure and partially submerged in the hydraulic fluid when the transmission is under a predetermined dynamic load.

Abstract: A system for controlling gear changes in a vehicle. The system includes a steering wheel and a detent mechanism having an idle location, a first location, and a second location, the detent mechanism is coupled to the steering wheel. The system also includes a paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel and the detent mechanism, the paddle shifter having an idle position with no associated function when the paddle shifter is in the idle location, a first operating position with an associated first function when the paddle shifter is in the first location, and a second operating position with an associated second function when the paddle shifter is in the second location. The associated first function is different from the associated second function.

Abstract: A system for activating and deactivating a gear change in a vehicle. The system including a steering wheel, first and second paddle shifters coupled to the steering wheel or column, a switch having an activate state and a deactivate state and coupled to the steering wheel, a center console, an instrument panel, or an integrated display, and a locking mechanism connected to the first and second paddle shifters to inhibit movement or functioning of the first and second paddle shifters when the switch is in the deactivate state and to allow movement or functioning of the first and second paddle shifters when the switch is in the activate state as a stand-alone lock out method or integrated with an electronic lock out method.

Abstract: An assembly includes a steering column, a steering wheel coupled to the steering column, and a shifter coupled between the steering column and the steering wheel. The shifter includes a shifter body and a shift actuator movably coupled to the shifter body. The assembly further includes a coupler movable through the shifter body between a first coupler position and a second coupler position. The coupler is configured to couple the shifter body to the steering wheel when the coupler is in the first coupler position to permit the shift actuators to rotate along with the steering wheel. The coupler is configured to couple the shifter to the steering column when the coupler is in the second coupler position to maintain the shifter body stationary relative to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A two stage clutch and shift actuation paddle assembly provides clutch disengagement through a first range of movement of a manually operated control lever or paddle and electronic shifting of a transmission upon movement through a second range. A return spring force generator causes a lower return force to be exerted on the generator paddle in a range of motion wherein the clutch is disengaged and a pronounced increased spring force to be exerted in advanced range of motion wherein the transmission shift actuation occurs.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent portion of the vehicle, the mounting bracket including at least one arm having a rake slot. A column jacket is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, the column jacket extending along a first axis and pivotable relative to the mounting bracket for adjustment in a rake direction and movable along the first axis for adjustment in a telescope direction. The adjustable steering column also includes a shift assembly having a shift mechanism secured to the column jacket and a shift cable bracket extending from the shift mechanism. The shift cable bracket is supported firstly by the shift mechanism and supported secondly adjacent to the mounting bracket at a distal anchor point.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent portion of the vehicle, the mounting bracket including at least one arm having a rake slot. A column jacket is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, the column jacket extending along a first axis and pivotable relative to the mounting bracket for adjustment in a rake direction and movable along the first axis for adjustment in a telescope direction. The adjustable steering column also includes a shift assembly having a shift mechanism secured to the column jacket and a shift cable bracket extending from the shift mechanism. The shift cable bracket is supported firstly by the shift mechanism and supported secondly adjacent to the mounting bracket at a distal anchor point.

Abstract: There are provided a forward/reverse switchover lever pivotally operably about, as a pivotal center, a position which is inwardly of an outer periphery of a steering wheel and laterally outer side of vehicle body of a rotational axis of the steering wheel as seen in a direction along the rotational axis and a pivotal support shaft pivotally supporting the forward/reverse switchover lever at a position lower than the steering wheel such that a pivotal end of the forward/reverse switchover lever projects to the laterally outer side beyond the outer periphery of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket including at least one arm having a rake slot through which a rake bolt extends. The steering column also includes a column jacket pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, the column jacket extending along a first axis and pivotable relative to the mounting bracket for adjustment in a rake direction and movable along the first axis for adjustment in a telescope direction, and a shift assembly. The shift assembly includes a shift mechanism secured to the column jacket and a shift cable bracket extending from the shift mechanism, the shift cable bracket having a slot formed therein, a telescope adjustment portion along a first length of the slot, an energy absorbing (E/A) release portion along a second length of the slot, and a raised collar formed in the telescope adjustment portion.

Abstract: A system for activating and deactivating a gear change in a vehicle. The system including a steering wheel, first and second paddle shifters coupled to the steering wheel or column, a switch having an activate state and a deactivate state and coupled to the steering wheel, a center console, an instrument panel, or an integrated display, and a locking mechanism connected to the first and second paddle shifters to inhibit movement or functioning of the first and second paddle shifters when the switch is in the deactivate state and to allow movement or functioning of the first and second paddle shifters when the switch is in the activate state as a stand-alone lock out method or integrated with an electronic lock out method.

Abstract: A system for controlling gear changes in a vehicle. The system includes a steering wheel and a detent mechanism having an idle location, a first location, and a second location, the detent mechanism is coupled to the steering wheel. The system also includes a paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel and the detent mechanism, the paddle shifter having an idle position with no associated function when the paddle shifter is in the idle location, a first operating position with an associated first function when the paddle shifter is in the first location, and a second operating position with an associated second function when the paddle shifter is in the second location. The associated first function is different from the associated second function.

Abstract: A system for controlling gear changes in a vehicle. The system may include at least one primary paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel and/or the steering column. The system also includes at least one auxiliary paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel, the steering column and/or the at least one primary paddle shifter. The primary paddle shifter may engage a primary function, such as one sequential gear shift up or down and the auxiliary paddle shifter may engage a secondary function, such as an optimal gear shift up or down.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly for operating a transmission of a vehicle includes a mounting shaft an extension shaft coupled thereto. The extension shaft is pivotable between an operating position and a collapse position relative to the mounting shaft. A latching mechanism is disposed within a bore defined by one of the mounting shaft and the extenstion shaft. The latching mechanism includes a compression spring biasing against a plunger. One of the mounting shaft and the extension shaft defines a seat. The plunger engages the seat in the interlocking engagement when the extension shaft is in the operating position. The plunger holds the extension shaft in the operating position until a force greater than a pre-determined value is applied to the extension shaft to compress the plunger and permit the extension shaft to pivot into the collapse position. The extension shaft is repeatably moveable between the operating position and the collapse position.

Abstract: A shift lever device comprises: a case including a check projection, the check projection having a surface curved with respect to an axial direction of a steering column; an operation lever provided swingably to perform upshift and downshift, the operation lever including a switch actuation portion; a support shaft supporting the operation lever swingably to the case; a bias unit configured to bias the operation lever toward a standby position from an operation position; and a switch configured to be turned on or off by the switch actuation portion. The bias unit and the switch actuation portion are arranged in an axial direction of the support shaft. The check projection and the switch are arranged in parts of the case that are opposed to the bias unit and the switch actuation portion, respectively, and arranged in the axial direction of the support shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a steering wheel which is rotatable about a steering axis, a transmission, and a manually actuable selector device. The selector device is provided for selecting different states of the transmission, is arranged at a distance from the steering wheel on a side of the latter which faces away from a driver, and has a selector element which is rotatable or pivotable about an axis of rotation or pivot axis which is substantially transverse to the steering axis.

Abstract: This invention discloses a haptic interface system that uses Lorentz forces to provide magnetic levitation for a handle which can be manipulated by a person, typically a computer user.

Abstract: A shift mode system and method of operating includes a switch assembly that selectively and alternately connects a shift selector to one of the steering column and the steering wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly has a first locking member to connect the shift selector to the steering column, and a second locking member for connecting the shift selector to the steering wheel. A lever has first and second operative positions to selectively engage the first and second locking members or pins from the shifter into operative engagement with one of first and second cable reels, respectively.

Abstract: A shifter apparatus is associated with a neutral lock lever and includes a detent ball bearing, a shaft seal, a detent spring, and a retention pin. A shaft associated with the neutral lock lever can be inserted into a matching hole configured within or integrated with a shifter housing. The shaft can be rotated if a cammed lobe portion associated with the shaft moves into an inner wall of the shifter housing. The retention pin can be pressed via an end of the neutral lock lever into a groove located on an outside wail of the shifter housing after the neutral lock lever is rotated into position. The retention pin rides inside the groove thereby limiting the rotation of the neutral lock lever. The neutral lock lever locks the shift lever in a neutral position preventing accidental movement of the vehicle in a forward and a reverse direction.

Abstract: The invention is a transmission shifting system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a transmission having a push-pull and rotating member for operating the transmission movable in an H pattern. In detail, the invention includes a first reversible electric motor coupled to the member for moving the member backwards and forwards. A second reversible electric motor is coupled to the member for rotating the member clockwise and counter-clockwise. The second motor coupled to the member by means of a biasing assembly such that a biasing force can be applied to the member when the second motor rotates without the member rotating. A transmission shifter control system is provided for sequencing the operation of the first and second motors so to move the member in the H pattern upon receipt of an actuation signal.

Abstract: A shift mode system and method of operating includes a switch assembly that selectively and alternately connects a shift selector to one of the steering column and the steering wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly has a first locking member to connect the shift selector to the steering column, and a second locking member for connecting the shift selector to the steering wheel. A lever has first and second operative positions to selectively engage the first and second locking members or pins from the shifter into operative engagement with one of first and second cable reels, respectively.

Abstract: A universal shifter system that is adaptable to any of a variety of locations in a vehicle has a shift assembly with a frame supporting a shaft for rotation about a primary axis. An end of the shaft is exposed axially through the frame for circumferentially indexed attachment of either a shift arm or a cam device of the system dependent upon the selected system location in the vehicle. A side mount feature has a secondary axis that traverses the primary axis. The cam device rotates about both axes when selected. A shifter mechanism is supported by the frame and is constructed and arranged to rotate the shaft between park and drive positions. Preferably, a flexible park lock cable interfaces between the shifter mechanism and a start device of the vehicle to prevent the shaft from rotating from the park and into the drive position if the start device is not in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a shift-position changing mechanism that changes the shift positions of an automatic transmission mounted in a vehicle using a rotational force of an actuator based on a signal corresponding to the state of an operation member, including: a mechanism that generates a rotational force for moving the actuator toward a rotation stop positional-range corresponding to the shift position, based on a rotation stop position of the actuator; a detection unit that detects a rotation amount of the actuator; a control unit that controls the actuator based on the signal and the detected rotation amount; and a learning unit that learns the rotation stop positional-range corresponding to the shift position, based on an amount by which the actuator has been rotated since a control over the actuator executed by the control unit is stopped.

Abstract: There are provided a forward/reverse switchover lever pivotally operably about, as a pivotal center, a position which is inwardly of an outer periphery of a steering wheel and laterally outer side of vehicle body of a rotational axis of the steering wheel as seen in a direction along the rotational axis and a pivotal support shaft pivotally supporting the forward/reverse switchover lever at a position lower than the steering wheel such that a pivotal end of the forward/reverse switchover lever projects to the laterally outer side beyond the outer periphery of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An assembly including a polymeric member and a unitary metal casting wherein the metal casting relatively moveably captures the polymeric member on the metal casting. The assembly can be adapted for use as a crank arm in a transmission shift mechanism. In some embodiments of the assembly, the polymeric member includes an opening defining a rotational axis of said polymeric member. The metal casting extends into the opening and includes at least one enlarged diameter portion with the polymeric member being rotationally disposed on the metal casting and axially captured on the metal casting by the at least one enlarged diameter portion of the metal casting. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a shift device of which visibility and operability is excellent. The shift device 1 includes a shift lever 5 which operates a gear position of a transmission. The shift lever is arranged in an area R1 of an instrumental panel 11 which is outside of a steering wheel 20 and upper than the center axis O of the steering wheel 20 from the viewpoint of the driver and protruding toward the driver. A center part of the steering wheel 20 is provided with an air bag system, and the shift lever 5 is arranged in an expansion area of an air bag of the air bag system from the viewpoint of the driver.

Abstract: A transmission shift mechanism for use with a vehicle transmission. The transmission shift mechanism includes a user-operated selector and a sub-assembly operably disposed between said user-operated selector and the vehicle transmission. The sub-assembly includes a torque-transfer member having a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is pivotally secured to the transmission shift mechanism about a pivot axis and the second portion defines a section of a substantially spherical surface which is engageably disposed within a non-linear camming slot defined by the transmission shift section. The torque-transfer member takes the form of a molded polymeric body with a sheet metal insert disposed within the molded polymeric body. The second portion of the torque-transfer member may include flats to reduce the volume of polymeric material required in the manufacture of the member. A method of manufacturing such a torque-transfer member or crank arm is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two stage clutch and shift actuation paddle assembly provides clutch disengagement through a first range of movement of a manually operated control lever or paddle and electronic shifting of a transmission upon movement through a second range. A return spring force generator causes a lower return force to be exerted on the generator paddle in a range of motion wherein the clutch is disengaged and a pronounced increased spring force to be exerted in advanced range of motion wherein the transmission shift actuation occurs.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) having a central control unit (13) which supervises operation of active components of the vehicle (1), and modifies the operating parameters of the active components to modify the dynamic performance of the vehicle (1); and a selection device (15) which is located inside the passenger compartment (11) of the vehicle (1), and is operated by the driver to transmit a selected dynamic performance of the vehicle (1) to the central control unit (13); the selection device (15) includes a switch (16) fitted to the steering wheel (12) of the vehicle (1) and rotatable between at least four different positions (A, B, C, D), each corresponding to a respective dynamic performance of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: A universal shifter system that is adaptable to any of a variety of locations in a vehicle has a shift assembly with a frame supporting a shaft for rotation about a primary axis. An end of the shaft is exposed axially through the frame for circumferentially indexed attachment of either a shift arm or a cam device of the system dependent upon the selected system location in the vehicle. A side mount feature has a secondary axis that traverses the primary axis. The cam device rotates about both axes when selected. A shifter mechanism is supported by the frame and is constructed and arranged to rotate the shaft between park and drive positions. Preferably, a flexible park lock cable interfaces between the shifter mechanism and a start device of the vehicle to prevent the shaft from rotating from the park and into the drive position if the start device is not in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A steering column of a vehicle can protect a driver's knee by disposing an operation lever inside a column cover in a locked state of the operation lever. The steering column may include a main housing provided with a column tube therein; an upper housing rotatably connected to the column tube, and with gear teeth at a lower portion of the upper housing; a bracket having a first end rotatably connected to the main housing, and gear teeth at a second end of the bracket and engaged with the gear teeth of the upper housing; and an operation lever having one end rotatably connected to the column cover, the operation lever pushing the bracket and engaging the upper housing with the bracket.

Abstract: In the lever apparatus, a cover part (19) including a spherical-shaped outer surface and two thickness-reducing recessed portions (18) formed on the inner surface side thereof is disposed on the base end portion of a lever upper (12) and fitting recessed portions (21), instead of the rotatably-supporting shaft portions which are used in the conventional lever apparatus, are formed in the mounting part (20) of the lever upper. When molding the lever upper, molds for molding the thickness-reducing recessed portions can be slided in the projecting direction of the mounting part, thereby being able to facilitate the manufacture of the lever upper and thus lever (11).

Abstract: The invention is an automatic transmission shifting system for automobile, the automobile having a steering column assembly including a steering wheel at one end and steering column, and an electrical wire having first end terminating at the steering wheel and a second end terminating at least partially down the steering column. The system includes a first shifting actuator mounted to the steering wheel assembly, the first shifting actuator for initiating up shifts in the transmission by movement thereof and providing a first up shift signal to the first end of the wire. A second shifting actuator mounted is on the steering wheel assembly, the second shifting actuator for initiating down shifts in the transmission by movement thereof and providing down shift signals to the first end of the wire. Transmission actuation means is provided for up shifting and down shifting the transmission in response to the first up shifting and the second down shifting signals, respectively.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission apparatus (10) for a vehicle provided with a shift lever (20) manually changing a position of an automatic transmission (50), a torque detector (30) for detecting a changing operation force of the shift lever, and an assist force applying means (40) for applying a backup force to the manual operating force of the shift lever so as to transmit to the automatic transmission via a transmitting means (52–54), thereby changing to a desired position, a lever base (26) of the shift lever (20) is mounted to an input shaft (31a) of the rotation axis (31) of the torque detector (30), and an output gear (43) of the assist force applying means (40) is mounted to an output shaft (31b) of the rotation axis (31) of the torque detector (30), and the rotation axis of the shift lever (20), the rotation axis (31) of the torque detector (30) and the rotation axis of the assist force applying means (40) are arranged in a line.

Abstract: The steering column assembly includes a housing having a longitudinal axis, a support member supported by the housing for movement about a shift axis, and a shift lever operatively connected to the support member and extending radially from the shift axis for shifting movement in a limited space. The present invention includes a break-away device having a shear container that extends through a translating bracket and the support member for limiting movement of the shift lever upwardly toward a parallel relationship with the shift axis and for releasing the shift lever for the movement toward the parallel relationship in response to a crash condition.

Abstract: In a locking device for a selector lever of a motor vehicle transmission comprising a locking member, which is pivotally supported on a support structure, and an adjustable locking element is supported on the support structure and engages the locking member for fixing the selector lever, a locking part is mounted resiliently on the locking member so as to bear against the support structure and to engage the selector lever, the locking part being movable by the selector lever between a first rest position to second position by application of a predetermined force by the selector lever.

Abstract: A column-type shift lever structure for an automatic transmission with a manual shifting mode, which permits a diver to manually shift a gear at his convenience, thus providing more dynamic driving feel and improving performance and convenience of the vehicle. An upper plate is rotated by a shift lever, a lower plate has locking jaws that perform catching and releasing actions when the shift lever is pivoted, and a cable actuating lever is pivoted by a ball joint to actuate a transmission control cable. The shift lever can be rotated to a predetermined manual shifting mode set up by the lower plate. A select switch is provided for transmitting a signal causing the transmission to be converted from a driving mode to a manual shifting mode or vice versa to a TCU.

Abstract: A shifting system for a motor vehicle transmission shifts the transmission into the neutral and returns a steering column shift lever to the neutral position from the reverse position, when the vehicle speed is above a pre-determined positive value and the shift lever is shifted into the reverse position. The system may further shift the transmission into the neutral and returns the steering column shift lever to the neutral position from the forward drive position, when vehicle speed is below a pre-determined negative value and the shift lever is shifted into the forward drive position.

Abstract: A shift control device for a transmission mechanism for a motor vehicle having a shift control lever 2 provided in the vicinity of a steering wheel 1 for column shifting, a steering shaft 16 movable in response to the operation of the steering wheel 1, and a shift shaft 22 rotatable when the shift control lever 2 is operated in a first direction d2 and axially movable when the shift control lever 2 is operated in a second direction which is different from the first direction, wherein an axial direction S2 of the shift shaft 22 is different from an axial direction S1 of the steering shaft 16. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a transmission mechanism shift control device for preventing the occurrence of a gear shift that the driver does not intend and improving further the operability thereof.

Abstract: A shift device for a motor vehicle transmission includes a steering-column shift lever which is movable in two directions arranged orthogonally to one another, the steering-column shift lever being capable of being transferred along the first direction into at least one forward driving position (D) and at least one neutral position (N1 or N2) and along the second direction into positions for successive (sequential) gear selection. To provide a cost-effective shift device, the transmission shift state may be reproduced by an indicator, and the first direction is in the circumferential direction of a steering wheel and includes a reversing position (R), two neutral positions (N1 and N2) and a forward driving position (D) whereas the second direction is essentially in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An integrated gear shift selector switch assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a park position switch and a brake transmission shift interlock switch combined in a unitized housing as an integrated structure. The park position switch has a movable component that moves within the housing between a park and non-park position corresponding to a movement of a gear shift selector lever from a park to at least one non-park position. The brake transmission shift interlock switch also has a movable component supported by the switch housing for movement in to and out of selective locking engagement with the movable component of the park position switch to selectively unlock and lock the gear shift selector lever in the park position.

Abstract: A vehicle shifter and method in one form involves tilting a shift lever relative to a steering wheel as the steering wheel is tilted and also raising and lowering the shift lever respectively as the steering wheel is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A shifter assembly (10) for mounting on the steering column (12) of a vehicle (14) and for shifting a transmission (16) having a shift position indicator (30). The shifter assembly (10) comprises a base (50) for supporting the shifter assembly on the vehicle steering column (12), and a shift lever (120) supported on the base (50) for pivotal movement relative to the base about a pivot axis (60). An actuator plate (70) is supported for pivotal movement with the shift lever (120) relative to the base (50) about the pivot axis (60). The actuator plate (70) has first and second attachment portions (96, 110) spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the pivot axis (60). A transmission actuator cable (150) has a first end portion (152) connected with the first attachment portion (96) of the actuator plate (70) and a second end portion (154) for connection with the vehicle transmission (16).

Abstract: A shift control device for a transmission mechanism for a motor vehicle having a shift control lever 2 provided in the vicinity of a steering wheel 1 for column shifting, a steering shaft 16 movable in response to the operation of the steering wheel 1, and a shift shaft 22 rotatable when the shift control lever 2 is operated in a first direction d2 and axially movable when the shift control lever 2 is operated in a second direction which is different from the first direction, wherein an axial direction S2 of the shift shaft 22 is different from an axial direction S1 of the steering shaft 16. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a transmission mechanism shift control device for preventing the occurrence of a gear shift that the driver does not intend and improving further the operability thereof.

Abstract: Gear selector device of an automatic transmission in which a first lever which can be operated manually is movable between a rest position and a first operating position to control an down-shift of the gear and a second lever which can be operated manually is movable between a rest position and a first operating position to control an up-shift of the gear engaged. The first and the second lever produce respective second operating positions to control the following operations: the engagement of reverse gear; the selection of an automatic mode of operation of the automatic transmission; and the selection of a ‘sports’-type of mode of operation of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A column shift device for motor vehicles includes a steering column, and a hand lever secured to the steering column in the vicinity of the upper end and including a knob arranged in the vicinity of the steering wheel and comprising two different and separate portions.

Abstract: A steering-column gearshift lever includes a molded tube comprised of a polymeric material and forming a conduit from an operative end to an attachment end, a metal insert secured to the attachment end which is sized and shaped for mechanical cooperation with components auxiliary to the lever, and a molded covering of polymeric material which extends over at least a portion of an exterior surface of the tube and the insert. The plastic tube and the plastic covering are formed in separate injection molding operations. The lever further includes an electrical switch supported by the operative end of the tube and wires connected to the electrical switch which pass through the conduit of the tube from the operative end to the attachment end. The wires extend from the attachment end of the tube through a passage in the insert where they can be suitably connected to auxiliary components at the steering column when the gearshift lever is attached to the steering column.

Abstract: An assembly for shifting gear positions (10 and 110) in an electronically controlled transmission including a single lever control for moving between various gear positions. The assembly includes a shift lever (118) mounted to either a column support (14) or a base (112). The shift lever (118) either moves a detent finger (38) between a plurality of gear positions or moves a plurality of detent valleys (26) of a detent housing (20) into contact with a detent finger mechanism (22). The distal end (36) of the detent finger (38) includes a magnet (32) for generating a magnetic field. The detent valleys (26 and 126) represent each gear position and a Hall effect sensor (30) is disposed in the predetermined depth of each detent valley (26 and 126). The sensor (30) is activated by the magnetic field generated by the magnet (32) attached to the distal end (36) of the detent finger (38). In response, the sensor (30) generates an output voltage to a control module.