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AssigneeAutomotive Product plc
InventorsKeith V. Leigh-Monstevens, Richard A. Nix, Claude A. Patalidis, deceased
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An interlocking proximity switching device operated by the reciprocating member assembly of a hydraulic slave cylinder controlling the operation of the release mechanism of a motor vehicle mechanical clutch, the slave cylinder being hydraulically connected to a master cylinder having an input member operable by the motor vehicle clutch pedal. The switching device is adapted to close the motor vehicle starter relay circuit for a position of the slave cylinder output member, piston and/or push-rod, corresponding to full release of the clutch, such that the clutch must be fully released in order to allow starting the motor vehicle engine. Preferably, the switching device takes the form of a proximity transducer and of an appropriate circuitry for detecting full release of the clutch mechanism, irrespective of the amount of wear of the clutch.
In a hydraulic apparatus for remotely actuating a motor vehicle mechanical clutch, said apparatus comprising a master cylinder having an input member operable by a clutch control pedal, a slave cylinder having a piston associated with an output member operating a release mechanism for the clutch to disengage the clutch, and a conduit connecting said master cylinder to said slave cylinder, the improvement comprising a proximity sensor mounted on said slave cylinder in proximity to the path of movement of said output member and operative to provide an output signal representing a position of said output member corresponding to disengagement of the clutch, means deriving from said sensor output signal an appropriate control signal corresponding to disengagement of the clutch, an electrical starter motor circuit for the engine of the motor vehicle and including interlock switching means, and control means operable by said control signal for operating said interlock switching means to enable said starter motor circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.