Dana Corporation

William H Graumlich

David C Kaminski

A vehicular lever control apparatus includes two relatively movable levers, a first being constrained to pivotal movement about a first axis and having a multiple position switch affixed thereto. A second lever is pivotally connected to the first lever and moves axially therewith as well as transversely about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Transverse movement of the second lever actuates the switch on the first lever. In a preferred embodiment, the switch is a three-position electric toggle switch for selection of reverse, neutral and forward modes of a transmission. Movement of the second lever about the first axis thus causes like movement of the first lever, which effects changes of gear ratios in a continuously variable speed transmission. The second lever thus acts as a dual function control lever for (1) varying speed ratios when moved about the first axis, and (2) selection of transmission directional modes when moved about the second axis.

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Toledo, OH, United States of America

William H Graumlich