US4363389A — Vehicle transmission control system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 151 words

A transmission control system adapted for controlling the operation of a vehicle automatic transmission having a fluid coupling and means for interrupting the driving connection between a vehicle engine and a transmission output shaft, the control system including vehicle speed sensing means, brake sensing means for detecting when the vehicle brakes have been applied, control means, and means interconnecting the speed sensing means and the brake sensing means to the control means, the control means including means actuating the interrupting means when the speed sensing means indicates that the vehicle speed is at or below a predetermined value and simultaneously the brake sensing means indicates that a minimum predetermined braking force has been applied, the means for actuating the interrupting means including means for restoring the driving connection prior to complete release of braking force whereby reduced engine load will be achieved with smooth vehicle operation during braking and subsequent acceleration.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 151 words

A transmission control system adapted for controlling the operation of a vehicle automatic transmission having a fluid coupling and means for interrupting the driving connection between a vehicle engine and a transmission output shaft, the control system including vehicle speed sensing means, brake sensing means for detecting when the vehicle brakes have been applied, control means, and means interconnecting the speed sensing means and the brake sensing means to the control means, the control means including means actuating the interrupting means when the speed sensing means indicates that the vehicle speed is at or below a predetermined value and simultaneously the brake sensing means indicates that a minimum predetermined braking force has been applied, the means for actuating the interrupting means including means for restoring the driving connection prior to complete release of braking force whereby reduced engine load will be achieved with smooth vehicle operation during braking and subsequent acceleration.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 36 words

A transmission control system adapted for controlling the operation of a vehicle automatic transmission constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the minimum predetermined braking force is between 10% and 30% of the maximum braking force.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 130 words

A transmission control system adapted for controlling the operation of a vehicle automatic transmission constructed in accordance with claim 1 further including fuel flow sensing means for detecting when the fuel flow to the engine is at or below a predetermined value, means interconnecting the flow sensing means and the control means, the control means including means actuating the interrupting means only when the speed sensing means indicates that the vehicle speed is at or below the predetermined value, the brake sensing means indicates that the vehicle brakes have been applied and the fuel flow sensing means indicates that the fuel flow is at or below the predetermined value whereby the vehicle operator may restore the driving connection or prevent actuation of the interrupting means by engaging an accelerator pedal.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 43 words

A transmission control system adapted for controlling the operation of a vehicle automatic transmission constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the interrupting means comprises a cut-off clutch and the control means comprises valve means for operating hydraulic controls for the cut-off clutch.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 44 words

A transmission control system adapted for controlling the operation of a vehicle automatic transmission constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a hydraulic braking system and the brake sensing means comprises a pressure sensitive switch operatively connected to the braking system.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 55 words

A transmission control system adapted for controlling the operation of a vehicle automatic transmission constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein each sensing means comprises electrical switch means and the control means comprises an electromagnetic valve having a coil, each of the sensing means being electrically interconnected in a parallel circuit for energizing the coil.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 43 words

A transmission control system adapted for controlling the operation of a vehicle automatic transmission constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the automatic transmission includes a driven speed tachometer for actuation of automatic gear shifting functions, the speed sensing means comprising the tachometer.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 58 words

A transmission control system adapted for controlling the operation of a vehicle automatic transmission constructed in accordance with claim 4 wherein the vehicle includes a driven speed tachometer and an accelerator pedal position transmitter for actuation of automatic gear shifting functions, the speed sensing means comprising the tachometer and the fuel flow sensing means comprising the position transmitter.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 115 words

A method of controlling a vehicle automatic transmission clutch which is operable to interrupt the driving connection between a vehicle engine and a transmission output shaft comprising the steps of: (a) monitoring the vehicle speed and detecting when the vehicle speed is at or below a predetermined value, (b) monitoring the condition of the vehicle braking system and detecting when the vehicle brakes have been applied, (c) disengaging the clutch when both the detected speed is less than or equal to the predetermined value and, at the same time, the vehicle brakes have been applied, and (d) reengaging the clutch when the vehicle is stopped during release of the vehicle brakes prior to complete release.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 115 words

A method of controlling a vehicle automatic transmission clutch which is operable to interrupt the driving connection between a vehicle engine and a transmission output shaft comprising the steps of: (a) monitoring the vehicle speed and detecting when the vehicle speed is at or below a predetermined value, (b) monitoring the condition of the vehicle braking system and detecting when the vehicle brakes have been applied, (c) disengaging the clutch when both the detected speed is less than or equal to the predetermined value and, at the same time, the vehicle brakes have been applied, and (d) reengaging the clutch when the vehicle is stopped during release of the vehicle brakes prior to complete release.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 78 words

A method in accordance with claim 9 further including the steps of: (e) monitoring the status of the fuel flow to the engine by observing the position of an accelerator pedal, (f) determining when the fuel flow is at or below a predetermined value, the clutch being disengaged when the vehicle speed is at or less than the predetermined value, the vehicle brakes have been applied and the fuel flow is at or less than the predetermined value.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1985-12-13	1986-06-14	1986-12-14	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1989-12-13	1990-06-14	1990-12-14	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1993-12-13	1994-06-14	1994-12-14	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Vehicle transmission control system

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