Automatic clutch control

An apparatus for automatically controlling the position of a pressure actuated single plate or multiple plate clutch in a housing between a power source and a drive train of a vehicle which has a manual transmission comprising:

• (a) a power source mounted in the vehicle for driving the vehicle;
• (b) a drive train with a manual transmission, said drive train associated with the power source for driving the vehicle;
• (c) a single plate or multiple plate clutch mounted on the vehicle between the power source and the drive train, the clutch connecting the power source with the drive train;
• (d) a clutch engaging means which engages the clutch when positive pressure is applied to the clutch engaging means and disengages the clutch when positive pressure is withdrawn from the clutch engaging means;
• (e) pneumatic, hydraulic or electrically activated pressure source means mounted on the vehicle, the pressure source means being driven by the power source;
• (f) computer means for sensing a performance variable of the power source;
• (g) throttle means for controlling the power output from the power source;
• (h) manual transmission means, coupled to the clutch engaging means, for engaging gear shifting when positive pressure is withdrawn from the clutch enabling means;
• (i) a control means which regulates pneumatic, hydraulic or electrically activated pressure generated by the pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrically activated positive pressure source means to the clutch engaging means according to the computer means sensed performance variable of the power source;
• and
• (j) a control valve wherein the pressure to the clutch engaging means is controlled through the control valve between the pneumatic, hydraulic or electrically activated pressure source means and the clutch engaging means, which control valve is opened or closed according to the computer sensed performance variable of the power source.