Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to an interface system for a vehicle having a starter motor and a transmission control lever. There is a need for such an interface system which senses control lever position and prevents starter motor operation unless the control lever is in a park position. The interface system includes a plurality of magnet members generating magnetic fields, and a plurality of magnetic sensors or Hall effect switches mounted to the lever so that movement of the lever causes the magnetic sensors to move through the magnetic fields. An interface circuit is connected to the starter motor and to the magnetic sensors. The interface circuit and the sensors cooperate to generate lever position signals. The interface circuit and the sensors also cooperate to prevent activation of the starter motor unless the lever is in its park position. Thus, the same lever position sensors are used by the transmission control system and are used to control operation of the starter.

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First Claim