Electric control signal monitoring and simulating apparatus for troubleshooting automatic transmissions

• US 4,562,729 A
• Filed: 02/22/1984
• Issued: 01/07/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John G. Maloney
• Original Assignee: John G. Maloney
• Inventors: Maloney, John G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Myracle, Jerry W.
• Application Number:
  US06/582,264
• Time in Patent Office: 685 Days
• Field of Search: 73/118, 73/432 SD, 364/578, 324/72.5, 307/29, 307/36, 340/286 M, 340/825.06, 340/656, 340/515, 340/660, 339/31 T, 339/113 R, 339/150 B, 339/151 B
• US Class Current: 73/115.02
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 13/02 Gearings; Transmission mechanisms

Abstract

Electric control signal monitoring and simulating apparatus for use with electrically controlled automatic automobile transmissions comprises a control box having electrical leads and connectors which enable the control box to be connected in electrical series with preexisting electrical connections between an automatic transmission and the associated engine or accessory which provides electric control signals to the transmission. Lights and switches in the control box enable monitoring and/or modifying of the electric control signals to the transmission. Alternatively, the control box may be electrically connected to battery voltage, to ground, and to only the transmission, switches in the control box enabling the electric control signals normally provided to the transmission to be simulated, for example, to bench test the transmission.

Claims

1. Electric control signal monitoring apparatus for use with an automobile automatic transmission which normally receives, through a preexisting electrical conduit, electric control signals from the automobile engine and its controls or the like;

said apparatus comprising;

(a) means for receiving and monitoring said electric control signals provided to an automatic transmission by said engine and its controls or the like; and

(b) means for connecting said receiving and monitoring means in electrical series with said preexisting electrical conduit through which the electric control signals are provided to the transmission so as to enable said receiving and monitoring means to monitor said control signals passing therethrough.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said connecting means include means for mating with preexisting electrical connectors in said preexisting electrical conduit.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said receiving and monitoring means include means for selectively interrupting said electric control signals so as to simulate an electrical system malfunction.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said receiving and monitoring means include means for changing the level of said electric control signals from the normally applied voltage to ground.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said receiving and monitoring means include means for simulating said electric control signals for controlling the automatic transmission in the absence of the providing of said signals from the engine and its controls or the like.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said simulating means include means for connecting the receiving and monitoring means to an automobile voltage supply or the like and to ground.

7. Electrical signal monitoring and simulating apparatus for use with an automobile automatic transmission which normally receives, through a preexisting electrical conduit electric control signals from an automobile engine and its controls or the like, said apparatus comprising:

(a) first means for receiving and monitoring said electric signals provided to an automatic transmission by said automobile engine and its controls or the like;

(b) second means for simulating said electric control signals;

(c) connecting means for selectively connecting said first means in electrical series with said preexisting electrical conduit so as to enable said first means to monitor said control signals passing therethrough to said transmission and for selectively connecting said second means in electrical series between a voltage supply and said transmission so as to enable the providing of simulated control signals to said transmission.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said first and second means include a plurality of signal interruption switches which are common to both of said means thereby enabling the control signals provided to the transmission to be selectively interrupted.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said first and second means include a plurality of voltage level changing switches which are common to both of said means, thereby enabling the voltage level of the central signals provided to the transmission to be selectively changed.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said first and second means include a plurality of signal indicating lights connected for being lit when said electric control signals are provided to the transmission.