Shifter with automatic and manual shift modes and with shift position indicators
US6568294B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20067
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shifter includes a base and a shift lever pivoted to the base for movement along a single planar shift path. The single planar shift path includes a first portion having P, R, N, and D (i.e. an automatic-shift mode) and a second portion with 4, 3, 2, and 1 (i.e. a manual shift mode). A switch on the shift lever operates a solenoid for changing between an automatic shift mode where the first portion is operable, and a manual shift mode where the second portion is operable. A shift lever position indicator indicates a position of the shift lever in all its positions. The shift lever position indicator includes first and second polarized screens and a first and second polarized light sources arranged to selectively illuminate the first and second indicia when the shift lever is in the automatic or manual shift mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.