US4533030A — Clutch actuating system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 138 words

A method for actuating a normally engaged clutch of a manual transmission type vehicle, which comprises: applying a first pressure level that is different than atmospheric pressure to a pressure differential operated clutch servo to cause said servo to disengage said clutch; establishing a second pressure level in clutch re-engagement control chamber means; substantially simultaneously cutting off said application of said first pressure level to said servo and placing said control chamber means and its second pressure level in communication with said servo so as to allow partial release of said first pressure level into said control chamber means and thereby effect a first stage of clutch re-engagement; and venting said servo to atmospheric pressure so as to allow complete release of said first pressure level from said servo and thereby allow said clutch to become fully re-engaged.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 138 words

A method for actuating a normally engaged clutch of a manual transmission type vehicle, which comprises: applying a first pressure level that is different than atmospheric pressure to a pressure differential operated clutch servo to cause said servo to disengage said clutch; establishing a second pressure level in clutch re-engagement control chamber means; substantially simultaneously cutting off said application of said first pressure level to said servo and placing said control chamber means and its second pressure level in communication with said servo so as to allow partial release of said first pressure level into said control chamber means and thereby effect a first stage of clutch re-engagement; and venting said servo to atmospheric pressure so as to allow complete release of said first pressure level from said servo and thereby allow said clutch to become fully re-engaged.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said first pressure level is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said first pressure level is above atmospheric pressure.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said second pressure level is intermediate said first pressure level and atmospheric pressure.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 43 words

The method of claim 4, wherein said second pressure level is established by applying said first pressure level through pressure regulator means to said control chamber means during the time said first pressure level is applied to said servo to cause clutch disengagement.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said second pressure level is substantially atmospheric pressure.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 6, wherein said second pressure level is established by venting said control chamber means to atmospheric pressure during said venting step.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 1, wherein said venting step comprises venting both said servo and said control chamber means to atmosphere..

Claim 10

Independent Claim 23 words

The method of claims 1 or 8, wherein said venting step comprises venting through orifice means that is variable according to throttle displacement.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 24 words

The method of claims 1 or 8, wherein said venting step comprises venting through orifice means that is not variable according to throttle displacement.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 37 words

The method of claims 1 or 8, wherein said venting step comprises both venting through orifice means that is variable according to throttle displacement and venting through orifice means that is not variable according to throttle displacement.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 67 words

The method of claims 1 or 8, wherein said servo comprises actuating chamber means to which said first pressure level is applied and with which said control chamber means is placed in communication, and said control chamber means has a volume at least about 11/2 times the volume of said actuating chamber means when said first pressure level has been fully released from said actuating chamber means.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 12, wherein the volume of said control chamber means is not more than about 41/2 times said volume of said actuating chamber means.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of claim 1, which comprises initiating said first stage of clutch re-engagement automatically in response to the initial displacement movement of a throttle member from its closed throttle position.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 1, which comprises initiating said first stage of clutch re-engagement in response to movement of a tiltable gearshift knob.

Claim 17

Independent Claim 250 words

A system for actuating a norma11y engaged clutch of a manual transmission type vehicle, which comprises: a pressure differential operated clutch servo connected for disengaging said clutch upon application to said servo of a first pressure level that is different than atmospheric pressure, for allowing a first stage of clutch re-engagement upon partial release of said first pressure level from said servo, and for allowing said clutch to become fully re-engaged upon complete release of said first pressure level from said servo; a source of said first pressure level; clutch re-engagement control chamber means; means for establishing a second pressure level in said control chamber means at least during the time that said first pressure level is applied to said servo and said clutch is disengaged; electrically operable valve means fluid-connected to said servo, to said source, and to said control chamber means; said valve means having an energized position in which it connects said servo to said source to disengage the clutch, but disconnects said servo from said control chamber means; said valve means having a de-energized position in which it disconnects said servo from said source and connects said servo to said control chamber means to allow partial release of said first pressure level into said control chamber means and thereby effect said first stage of clutch re-engagement; and means for venting said servo to atmospheric pressure to allow complete release of said first pressure level from said servo and thereby allow said clutch to become fully re-engaged.

Claim 18

Independent Claim 250 words

A system for actuating a norma11y engaged clutch of a manual transmission type vehicle, which comprises: a pressure differential operated clutch servo connected for disengaging said clutch upon application to said servo of a first pressure level that is different than atmospheric pressure, for allowing a first stage of clutch re-engagement upon partial release of said first pressure level from said servo, and for allowing said clutch to become fully re-engaged upon complete release of said first pressure level from said servo; a source of said first pressure level; clutch re-engagement control chamber means; means for establishing a second pressure level in said control chamber means at least during the time that said first pressure level is applied to said servo and said clutch is disengaged; electrically operable valve means fluid-connected to said servo, to said source, and to said control chamber means; said valve means having an energized position in which it connects said servo to said source to disengage the clutch, but disconnects said servo from said control chamber means; said valve means having a de-energized position in which it disconnects said servo from said source and connects said servo to said control chamber means to allow partial release of said first pressure level into said control chamber means and thereby effect said first stage of clutch re-engagement; and means for venting said servo to atmospheric pressure to allow complete release of said first pressure level from said servo and thereby allow said clutch to become fully re-engaged.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 16 words

A system as defined in claim 16, wherein said first pressure level is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 16 words

A system as defined in claim 16, wherein said first pressure level is above atmospheric pressure.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 21 words

A system as defined in claim 16, wherein said second pressure level is intermediate said first pressure level and atmospheric pressure.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 107 words

A system as defined in claim 19, wherein said means for establishing said second pressure level in said control chamber means comprises a fluid connection having pressure regulator means therein from said valve means to said control chamber means, such communication establishing said second pressure level in said control chamber means each time said valve means is energized to connect said servo to said source so as to disengage the clutch, thus preparing said control chamber means for effecting said first stage of clutch re-engagement upon de-energization of said valve means to disconnect said servo from said source and connect said servo to said control chamber means.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 16 words

A system as defined in claim 16, wherein said second pressure level is substantially atmospheric pressure.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 25 words

A system as defined in claim 21, wherein said means for establishing said second pressure level in said control chamber means comprises said venting means.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 19 words

A system as defined in claim 16, wherein said source of said first pressure level comprises storage chamber means.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 38 words

A system as defined in claim 16, wherein said venting means is operable in said de-energized position of said valve means to simultaneously vent both said servo and the additional volume of said control chamber means to atmosphere.

Claim 27

Independent Claim 20 words

A system as defined in claims 16 or 24, wherein said venting means comprises variable aperture throttle-controlled bleed valve means.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 17 words

A system as defined in claims 16 or 24, wherein said venting means comprises bleed orifice means.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 13 words

A system as defined in claim 26, wherein said orifice means is adjustable.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 25 words

A system as defined in claims 16 or 24, wherein said venting means comprises both variable aperture throttle-controlled bleed valve means and bleed orifice means.

Claim 31

Independent Claim 66 words

A system as defined in claims 16 or 24, wherein said servo comprises actuating chamber means, said fluid connection between said valve means and said servo is to said actuating chamber means, and said control chamber means has a volume at least about 11/2 times the volume of said actuating chamber means when said first pressure level has been fully released from said actuating chamber means.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 29 words

A system as defined in claim 29, wherein the volume of said control chamber means is not more than about 41/2 times said volume of said actuating chamber means.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 45 words

A system as defined in claim 16, which comprises electrical switch means electrically connected to said electrically operable valve means, said switch means having an open position in which said valve means is de-energized and a closed position in which said valve means is energized.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 67 words

A system as defined in claim 31, wherein said switch means is operatively associated with a throttle member so as to be automatically closed to energize said valve means and automatically cause clutch disengagement upon closing of said throttle member, and to be automatically opened to de-energize said valve means and automatically effect said first stage of clutch re-engagement upon initial opening movement of said throttle member.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 17 words

A system as defined in claim 31, wherein said switch means comprises gearshift knob tilt switch means.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 209 words

A system as defined in claim 33, wherein said knob tilt switch means comprises: an electrically conductive mounting post adapted to be rigidly mechanically connected to the free end of a gearshift lever so as to form an extension of the lever, said post comprising one electrical terminal of the switch; an electrically conductive pivot ball mounted on said post in electrically conducting relationship with said post; a first annular contact mounted on said post in electrically insulated relation to said post, said first annular contact comprising another electrical terminal of the switch; a gearshift knob member having upper and lower . ends and having a downwardly opening, electrically conductive cup member therein, said cup member comprising a socket at its upper end pivotally seated in electrically conducting relationship over said pivot ball and comprising a second annular contact proximate its lower end annularly facing said first contact; and a resilient annular centering ring engaged between said post and one of said members for normally biasing said knob into a centered position on said post with said contacts spaced apart, tilting of said knob in any direction relative to said post causing said contacts to engage and close an electrical circuit between said terminals, thereby energizing said valve means.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 30 words

A system as defined in claim 34, wherein said mounting post terminal of the switch means is adapted to be in electrically conducting relationship with an electrically grounded gearshift lever.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 108 words

A system as defined in claim 34, wherein said knob has a most bulbous portion proximate its upper end, and wherein said pivot ball and socket are located proximate the lower end of the knob, whereby gear shifting force on said bulbous upper end portion of the knob will automatically tilt the knob and close the switch means so as to automatically energize said valve means and automatically cause clutch disengagement, and release of said gear shifting force will automatically allow the knob to become centered with said contacts spaced apart so as to aytomatically de-energize said valve means and automatically effect said first stage of clutch re-engagement.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 62 words

A system as defined in claim 34, wherein said knob has a most bulbous portion at a location intermediate the ends of the knob, and wherein said pivot ball and socket are located proximate said bulbous portion to minimize accidental tilting of the knob and closing of the switch means resulting from inadvertent lateral forces against said bulbous portion of the knob.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 196 words

A gearshift knob tilt switch which comprises: an electrically conductive mounting post adapted to be rigidly mechanically connected to the free end of a gearshift lever so as to form an extension of the lever, said post comprising one electrical terminal of the switch; an electrically conductive pivot ball mounted on said post in electrically conducting relationship with said post; a first annular contact mounted on said post in electrically insulated relation to said post, said first annular contact comprising another electrical terminal of the switch; a gearshift knob member having upper and lower ends and having a downwardly opening, electrically conductive cup member therein, said cup member comprising a socket at its upper end pivotally seated in electrically conducting relationship over said pivot ball and comprising a second annular contact proximate its lower end annularly facing said first contact; and a resilient annular centering ring engaged between said post and one of said members for normally biasing said knob into a centered position on said post with said contacts spaced apart, tilting of said knob in any direction relative to said post causing said contacts to engage and close an electrical circuit between said terminals.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 196 words

A gearshift knob tilt switch which comprises: an electrically conductive mounting post adapted to be rigidly mechanically connected to the free end of a gearshift lever so as to form an extension of the lever, said post comprising one electrical terminal of the switch; an electrically conductive pivot ball mounted on said post in electrically conducting relationship with said post; a first annular contact mounted on said post in electrically insulated relation to said post, said first annular contact comprising another electrical terminal of the switch; a gearshift knob member having upper and lower ends and having a downwardly opening, electrically conductive cup member therein, said cup member comprising a socket at its upper end pivotally seated in electrically conducting relationship over said pivot ball and comprising a second annular contact proximate its lower end annularly facing said first contact; and a resilient annular centering ring engaged between said post and one of said members for normally biasing said knob into a centered position on said post with said contacts spaced apart, tilting of said knob in any direction relative to said post causing said contacts to engage and close an electrical circuit between said terminals.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 36 words

A gearshift knob tilt switch as defined in claim 38, wherein said mounting post is adapted to be in electrically conducting relationship with an electrically grounded gearshift lever, so that said switch is a grounding switch.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 59 words

A gearshift knob tilt switch as defined in claim 38, wherein said knob has a most bulbous portion proximate its upper end, and wherein said pivot ball and socket are located proximate the lower end of the knob, whereby gear shifting force applied against said bulbous portion of the knob will automatically tilt the knob and close the switch.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 64 words

A gearshift knob tilt switch as defined in claim 38, wherein said knob has a most bulbous portion at a location intermediate the ends of the knob, and wherein said pivot ball and socket are located proximate said bulbous portion to minimize accidental tilting of the knob and closing of the switch resulting from inadvertent lateral forces against said bulbous portion of the knob.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1988-08-05	1989-02-04	1989-08-06	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1992-08-05	1993-02-04	1993-08-06	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1996-08-05	1997-02-04	1997-08-06	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Clutch actuating system

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