Abstract: Changing operating characteristics of an implement can expand the capabilities of and enhances the productivity of the implement. The disclosed method and apparatus for changing operating characteristics of an implement comprises, providing the operating characteristics of the implement with a predetermined operational range consisting of a plurality of values, connecting the implement with a work machine, sending a first input signal identifying the operational range to an electronic control module, operating the implement at a first value within the operational range, sending a second input signal relating to a second value within the operational range to the electronic control module, and sending an output signal from the electronic control module to one of the work machine and the implement to change from the first value to the second value.

Abstract: An operational state sensor for controlling certain operations of a work machine such as a skid steer loader based upon the fulfillment of certain operator conditions, the operational state sensor including a first switch coupled to an operator restraint mechanism and actuatable between a first mode of operation corresponding to the condition when the operator restraint mechanism is in a non-restraining condition and a second mode of operation corresponding to the condition when the operator restraint mechanism is in a restraining condition, a second switch coupled to the operator seat and actuatable between a first mode of operation corresponding to the condition when an operator is not present in the seat and a second mode of operation corresponding to the condition when an operator is present in the seat, and an electronic controller coupled to the first and second switches for receiving signals therefrom, the controller being operable to receive a first signal indicative of when the first switch is either

Abstract: An interlock control system for controlling certain operations of a work machine wherein such system includes a first switch coupled to an operator restraint mechanism, a second switch coupled to the operator seat, a third switch operable to control the operation of the parking brake mechanism, and an electronic controller coupled to all three switches for receiving signals therefrom, the controller outputting a signal to enable the drive mechanism and the implement control system when the controller receives signals from the first, second and third switches indicative of the fact that the operator is present in the seat, the operator restraint mechanism is positioned in its restraining position, and the parking brake switch has been actuated to release the parking brake. With the drive mechanism and implement control system enabled, a second activation of the parking brake switch will disable the drive mechanism and set the parking brake, but it will not disable the implement control system.

Abstract: An auxiliary hydraulic control system for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid within an auxiliary hydraulic circuit associated with a particular work machine wherein such system includes a first bi-directional proportional switch actuatable to control the direction of flow within the auxiliary hydraulic circuit in either a first or a second direction and at a flow rate which is proportional to the amount of pressure being exerted on the switch in the selected direction, a second switch actuatable to provide continuous flow in the selected direction and at the selected flow rate, and an electronic controller coupled to the first and second switches for receiving signals therefrom, the controller outputting a signal to initiate continuous flow in the selected direction and at the selected flow rate when the controller receives signals indicative of the first switch being actuated, the second switch being actuated, and the first switch being released within a predetermined period of time after the second swi

Abstract: A vehicular control mechanism is known that incorporates a steering assembly swingable about an upstanding axis in either direction from a central NEUTRAL position. Even if the transmission is not powerably driving an associated cross drive mechanism the angular displacement of the steering assembly away from NEUTRAL could cause an input to the cross drive and an undesirable movement of the vehicle under some circumstances. To obviate this, an indexing device is provided that is responsive to the movement of an actuating lever pivotally mounted on a steering assembly between BRAKE-OFF and BRAKE-ON positions. The vehicle frame defines an indexing pocket, and an elongate locking element is reciprocally mounted on the steering assembly and interconnectable with the pocket when the steering assembly is angularly positioned in NEUTRAL.