Gated selector lever and controls for automatic transmission and transfer case
US6000296A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20177
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic transmission and transfer case operatively mounted in a four wheel drive vehicle controlled by a single selector lever that is moved to predetermined detented positions along a longitudinal gate to select the transmission drive ranges, reverse, neutral and park. A special pivot construction allows the selector lever to be moved laterally with respect to the normal longitudinal movement for transfer case gear ratio changes and neutral selection. A small lateral gate is employed to receive the selector lever located in alignment with the neutral detent position of the automatic transmission requiring the transmission to be in neutral when the transfer case is shifted. When moved into the lateral gate, the selector lever activates electronic controls effecting operation of a motor for shifting transfer case gear ratios and for selecting transfer case neutral.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.