Donald W Ellison

US Patent:

50279319, Jul 2, 1991

Filed:

Jan 18, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/467097

Inventors:

Richard Ratke - Dearborn MI
Jonathan Dahlstrom - Highland MI
Donald E. Ellison - Mount Clemens MI

Assignee:

United Technologies Automotive, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60K 4126
G05G 510

US Classification:

192 9

Abstract:

A brake/shift interlock assembly is mounted on the steering column in operational cooperation with a column mounted shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission. The brake/shift interlock assembly includes a pivotal latch for selectively locking the detent bar of the shift control mechanism in the park position, a solenoid assembly with an actuator rod for magnetically holding the latch in the locking position, a return spring for normally biasing the actuator rod and latch in the locking position, a spring lever for selectively moving the latch to an unlock position and an electrical control circuit for energizing the solenoid when the ignition system is on and the foot brake switch is open.

US Patent:

50279297, Jul 2, 1991

Filed:

Nov 20, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/440554

Inventors:

Richard Ratke - Dearborn MI
Donald E. Ellison - Mount Clemens MI

Assignee:

United Technologies Automotive, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60K 4126
B60K 4104
H01F 708

US Classification:

192 4A

Abstract:

A brake/shift interlock for, e. g. , a vehicle having a shift mechanism (10) for an automatic transmission. The shift mechanism includes a shift lever (12) and a detent mechanism (24) having a latch (26) and latch plate (28) with a detent notch at the "Park" position. A Park/Lock member (34) is actuable to lock the latch in the Park position (FIGS. 1 and 6). In addition to an ignition lock mechanism (38) for actuating the Park/Lock member based on the status of the ignition switch (36A; FIG. 8), a brake/shift interlock is also provided for actuating the Park/Lock member when the ignition switch is in "Run" position (FIG. 2), except for being released during actuation of a brake switch (82). A solenoid (160; FIGS. 4 and 5), when energized, applies a tensioning force to the Park/Lock member via a cable (44) actuating the P/L member.

US Patent:

50782428, Jan 7, 1992

Filed:

Dec 24, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/614415

Inventors:

Richard Ratke - Dearborn MI
Donald E. Ellison - Mount Clemens MI

Assignee:

United Technologies Automotive, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60K 4126
B60K 4104
H01F 708

US Classification:

192 4A

Abstract:

A brake/shift interlock for, e. g. , a vehicle having a shift mechanism (10) for an automatic transmission. The shift mechanism includes a shift lever (12) and a detent mechanism (24) having a latch (26) and latch plate (28) with a detent notch at the "Park" position. A Park/Lock member (34) is actuable to lock the latch in the Park position (FIGS. 1 and 6). In addition to an ignition lock mechanism (38) for actuating the Park/Lock member based on the status of the ignition switch (36A); FIG. 8), a brake/shift interlock is also provided for actuating the Park/Lock member when the ignition switch is in "Run" position (FIG. 2) , except for being released during actuation of a brake switch (82). A solenoid (160; FIGS. 4 and 5), when energized, applies a tensioning force to the Park/Lock member via a cable (44) actuating the P/L member.