Automatic transmission control method

An improved method for controlling an automatic transmission system for devices having a throttle-controlled engine, an operator actuated throttling control means and a transmission having a plurality of gear ratio combinations selectively engageable between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft, said transmission input shaft being operatively connected to said engine, said transmission system comprising, an information processing unit having means for receiving a plurality of input signals including (1) an input signal indicative of the position of said throttle controlling means and (2) an input signal indicative of the rotational speed of said engine, said processing unit including means for processing said input signals in accordance with a program to provide a predetermined gear ratio for a given combination of input signals and for generating output signals whereby said transmission system is operated in accordance with said program, and means associated with said transmission effective to actuate said transmission to effect engagement of one of said gear ratio combinations in response to said output signals from said processing unit, the improved method comprising:

• sensing the presence or absence of operator selected stable operation of the device by causing said processing unit to process at least one of said input signals in accordance with predetermined logic rules;
• and,
• modifying said program by lowering the engine speed at which an upshift will be commanded in response to said processing unit sensing the presence of operator selected stable operation of the device.