Transmission shift position sensor

Abstract

A transmission shift position sensor that is adapted to provide an indication of the position of a transmission shift lever. The transmission shift position sensor includes a rotary position sensor and a rooster comb formed as an assembly. The direct coupling of the sensor to the rooster comb provides a positive indication of the automatic transmission shift sensor without the need for compensating for tolerances in mechanical linkages.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A transmission shift position sensor comprising: 
 a rotary position sensor;    a rooster comb; and    an adapter mechanically coupled to said rooster comb and to said rotary position sensor.    
     
     
         2 . The transmission shift position sensor as recited in  claim 1 , further including a bracket for rigidly carrying said rotary position sensor.  
     
     
         3 . The transmission shift position sensor as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said bracket includes an aperture for rotatably receiving an end of said adapter.  
     
     
         4 . The transmission shift position sensor as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said drive arm includes an increased diameter portion, said increased diameter position forming a pair of opposing surfaces for contact with said bracket and said rooster comb.  
     
     
         5 . The transmission shift position sensor as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said bracket includes one or more mounting flanges for enabling said sensor to be secured within an automatic transmission housing.  
     
     
         6 . The transmission shift position sensor as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said rotary position sensor is a non-contact sensor.  
     
     
         7 . The transmission shift position sensor as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said rotary position sensor includes a Hall effect IC.