Kathleen A Brown

US Patent:

54385164, Aug 1, 1995

Filed:

Oct 29, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/145692

Inventors:

Keith A. Neubauer - Milwaukie OR
Jay D. Byler - Beaverton OR
Kathleen K. Brown - Beaverton OR

Assignee:

Williams Controls, Inc. - Portland OR

International Classification:

B60T 826
B60T 1302

US Classification:

36442601

Abstract:

An integrated throttle position validation sensor includes electrically independent throttle position and position validation components responsive to a single mechanical input applied to a protective sensor housing. By suitable mounting to the throttle control device, the mechanical input corresponds to accelerator pedal position. Within the sensor housing a potentiometer moves with the mechanical input whereby a variable voltage throttle position signal is generated. Also, within the housing a separate validation switch responsive to the mechanical input provides an independent representation of throttle control device position in the form of, for example, a bi-state validation signal. The sensor integrates previous separate throttle control position and position validation functions into a single environmentally secure housing which requires no calibration. The integrated sensor is more reliable and less costly than previously available separate throttle control and idle validation functions.