Manually Actuated Controlling Devices Patents (Class 180/315)
  • Patent number: 11958354
    Abstract: A foldable pedal apparatus of an autonomous vehicle and a method for controlling an operation thereof, includes an accelerator pedal assembly generating an acceleration-related signal and a brake pedal assembly generating a brake-related signal during a driver's operation, in which in an autonomous driving mode, an accelerator pedal assembly and a brake pedal assembly move forward and are fixed to a position as they are combined with a front inclined surface of a footrest panel, and in a manual driving mode, they move and are fixed to a position where a driver can comfortably operate them, so that in case of switchover from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode, the switchover to the manual driving mode becomes possible only in a state where all safety conditions for directivity of a driver's seat and positions of an accelerator pedal assembly and a brake pedal assembly are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Eun Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 11644002
    Abstract: An assembly for an engine includes a control module including a controller operable to control at least certain aspects of the operation of the engine, a display including an input connected to the controller, and a wireless receiver connected to the controller. The wireless receiver is arranged to receive a signal from a wireless device to cause the controller to send an engine start signal to cause starting of the engine and wherein the input when actuated causes the controller to send an engine start signal to cause starting of the engine. In at least some implementations, no keyed ignition switch is provided to start the engine and the engine is started only via the wireless device or the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: WALBRO LLC
    Inventors: Andreas D. Dixon, Justin T. Dolane, Sean M. Murphy, Duried F. Rabban, Bradley J. Roche, Elizabeth M. VanSipe
  • Patent number: 11608886
    Abstract: A selector unit includes a protruding portion and a dial member. The dial member is configured to be displaced between an initial position and a depressed position along an axial direction of the protruding portion, and to be rotationally operable in a circumferential direction when depressed to the depressed position. An offset angle at a rearward side when the dial member is at the initial position is greater than the offset angle at a forward side when the dial member is at the depressed position. The offset angle means an angle between an extended line obtained by extending an upper face of the protruding portion outwards in a radial direction and a tangential line in contact with both the upper face of the protruding portion and an upper face of the dial member, in a section including a rotation axis of the dial member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoki Yamada, Haruhisa Tokunaga, Junya Ono, Naofumi Ota
  • Patent number: 11589513
    Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame, a steering assembly, a first brake assembly, and a first biasing assembly. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle are operably coupled to the frame. The steering assembly includes a first steering lever and a second steering lever. The first and second steering levers are operably coupled to corresponding ones of the first and second drive wheels via a first hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic motor, respectively, to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of the first and second steering levers to control the first and second hydraulic motors. The first brake assembly is operably coupled to the first hydraulic motor to enable a braking force to be selectively applied to a motor shaft of the first hydraulic motor responsive to movement of the first steering lever from an inboard position to an outboard position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventor: Braxton W. Reese
  • Patent number: 11565749
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a zero turn riding lawnmower. The zero turn riding lawnmower is steerable solely via a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal. Each of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal coupled to a mower linkage of the zero turn riding lawnmower. The first foot pedal is constructed to cause at least one wheel on a first side the zero turn riding lawnmower to be powered in a forward direction or a reverse direction. The second foot pedal is constructed to cause at least one wheel on a second side the zero turn riding lawnmower to be powered in a forward or reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Bernard A. Womack
  • Patent number: 11554677
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an electric motor for transmitting torque to a wheel, a clutch pedal operated by driver, and a torque controller for controlling torque of the electric motor. The torque controller is configured to control torque of the electric motor in response to an operation amount of the clutch pedal. The electric vehicle may include a shift lever for selecting a mode of any one of a plurality of modes in which torque characteristics of the electric motor differ in stages with respect to a rotational speed of the electric motor. The clutch pedal is operated when the shift lever is operated. The torque controller is configured to control torque of the electric motor in response to the mode selected by the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoichiro Isami
  • Patent number: 11485335
    Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle (10) includes first and second drive wheels (32), a steering lever (34), a brake assembly (110), and a mechanical brake linkage assembly (120) including a cable tensioner (250). The brake assembly (110) may be operably coupled to at least one of the first and second drive wheels (32) to enable brakes to be selectively applied to the first and second drive wheels (32) based on a position of the steering lever (34). The cable tensioner (250) may be configured to activate the brake assembly (110) relative to the at least one of the first and second drive wheels (32) in response to the steering lever (34) being moved outwardly to an outboard position. The mechanical linkage assembly (120) may be configured to provide a greater amount of rotation of the cable tensioner (250) than a magnitude of rotation of the steering lever (34) when the steering lever (34) is moved from the inboard position to the outboard position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Jake Bagwell, Mark Wagner, Braxton Reese
  • Patent number: 11396736
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system may include a first input component to control a lean angle of at least one set of wheels of a machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the lean angle. The control system may include a second input component to control an articulation angle of an articulated joint of the machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the articulation angle. The control system may include a third input component to control a rotation angle of an implement of the machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Tevis, Michael C. Gentle
  • Patent number: 11358607
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a steering wheel including an annular rim portion and a spoke portion that extends inward from the rim portion, an indicator that is disposed on the spoke portion and is able to be lit, and a controller that controls a lighting state of the indicator according to a state of driving assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mimura, Masahiko Shimada
  • Patent number: 11306816
    Abstract: In a shift device, when a lock lever is disposed at a restriction position or an intermediate position, a detent groove of a lever is abutted by the lock lever, and pivoting of the lever from a D position toward an S position, and pivoting of the lever from the S position toward the D position, is restricted. However, when the lever is disposed at the D position or the S position, by moving the lock lever to a permitted position, the detent groove does not abut the lock lever and so pivoting of the lever from the D position toward the S position and pivoting of the lever from the S position toward the D position is permitted. Thus, pivoting of the lever from the D position toward the S position and pivoting of the lever from the S position toward the D position can be restricted and permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Kunihiro Morimura
  • Patent number: 11300090
    Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an engine includes providing power to a control module and/or a controller included in the control module, providing an engine start input where the engine start input is communicated with the controller, determining or detecting actuation of the engine start input, sending a signal from the controller to begin an engine starting procedure to start the engine, providing multiple engine operating mode inputs via the module, determining or detecting actuation of one of the engine operating mode inputs, and controlling the engine in accordance with one or more predetermined engine control instructions associated with the engine operating mode that is associated with the actuated engine operating input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: WALBRO LLC
    Inventors: Andreas D. Dixon, Justin T. Dolane, Sean M. Murphy, Duried F. Rabban, Bradley J. Roche, Elizabeth M. VanSipe
  • Patent number: 11124067
    Abstract: Method for controlling a car, in particular a sports car, provided with a relative power train, relative braking devices and relative steering means, the method being based on a joystick comprising a lever, arranged in the car to identify a forward tilt and a backward tilt parallel to a longitudinal development of the car for interacting with said power train and with said braking devices, and two side tilts to the left and to the right for interacting with said steering means so as to determine a trajectory of the car, wherein the method, according to a first operating condition, comprises a first step of respectively associating said forward tilt and said backward tilt with a proportional forward and backward acceleration of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: FERRARI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
  • Patent number: 11021056
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a floor, a forward pedal arm, a reverse pedal arm, a forward rotation shaft, and a reverse rotation shaft. The floor has a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole. The forward pedal arm is placed in the first insertion hole and provided with a forward pedal. The reverse pedal arm is placed in the second insertion hole and provided with a reverse pedal. The forward rotation shaft serves as a rotation shaft of the forward pedal arm, and is oriented so that an outer end thereof is directed toward the rear of a vehicle body of the work vehicle. The reverse rotation shaft serves as a rotation shaft of the reverse pedal arm, and is oriented so that an outer end thereof is directed toward the rear of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuichi Mitani, Yoshiaki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 10940901
    Abstract: A tractor in which various main manipulation parts are arranged on the right side of a driver, to allow the manipulation parts and a steering wheel to be reliably grasped with different hands, thus improving workability for the driver; and the various main manipulation parts are arranged within a semi-arc range over which a right arm of the driver turns about his/her right elbow which rests on an arm rest, thus improving workability for the driver and relieving driver fatigue. The tractor includes an operation unit in which a loader manipulation part and a hydraulic manipulation part are arranged near a driver seat disposed at the rear of a steering wheel, the loader manipulation part and the hydraulic manipulation part being arranged within a semi-arc range over which a right arm of a driver turns about his/her right elbow which rests on a right arm rest of the driver seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 10507843
    Abstract: A vehicle control system including: a driving controller configured to execute any one of automated driving for performing at least one of velocity control and steering control over a vehicle by executing any one of multiple driving modes having different automatic control levels, and manual driving for performing both of the velocity control and steering control over the vehicle based on operation on a main operator by an occupant of the vehicle; an armrest for an occupant sitting on a driver's seat of the vehicle to put his/her arm on; and an armrest relative position controller configured to control a drive unit so that a position of the armrest relative to the occupant sitting on the driver's seat varies between the automated driving and the manual driving executed by the driving controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Abe, Kunimichi Hatano, Masahiko Asakura, Naoto Sen
  • Patent number: 10440513
    Abstract: An inventory tracking system includes a plurality of emitters that each emit a wireless signal and are placed at known locations relative to a plurality of storage areas in a warehouse, including a first storage area for storage of a specified item. The system further includes a mobile device that travels with a material handler. The mobile device: receives a first wireless signal from a first emitter that is one of the plurality of emitters; calculates a first distance between the material handler and the first emitter based on the first wireless signal; determines that the material handler is located at a stocking location for the first storage area based on the first distance and the known location of the first emitter; and sends a notification indicating that the material handler is at the stocking location for the first storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: INTERMEC, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Todeschini, Mehul Patel
  • Patent number: 10408337
    Abstract: A movable switch module for an automatic transmission of a vehicle includes an actuating cylinder including a body and a rod extendable to a vehicle interior space through the center fascia, a body rotating unit provided at the body of the actuating cylinder, a switch box connected to an end of the rod, to move in accordance with operation of the actuating cylinder, and provided with switches at one side of the switch box, a pressure-sensitive touch pad disposed in the interior space at a position spaced apart from the center fascia, to sense a variation in pressure applied thereto, and a controller for controlling the actuating cylinder and the body rotating unit when sensing an intention of a driver to operate one switch, based on a signal from the touch pad, to control the switch box to protrude to a position where a hand of the driver is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Eun Sik Kim, Jeong Seop Lee
  • Patent number: 10391983
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction machine, said construction machine comprising a brake assembly for braking the machine, as well as an operator platform. The operator platform comprises at least one operator seat with a total of at least two operating positions for a machine operator at opposite ends of the operator platform, and an actuation device for foot actuation of the brake assembly. According to essential aspects of the present invention, the actuation device for the brake assembly comprises a brake beam which extends transversely to the working direction of the construction machine and which can be operated by foot from said two operating positions, and the actuation device further comprises an actuator for the brake beam, which is arranged below the brake beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Klein, Thomas Haubrich
  • Patent number: 10351201
    Abstract: The personal mobility shopping cart is a vehicle intended for use in a retail environment by a person with a disability. The cart is electrically motorized and powered from self-contained batteries. The cart provides a wheel or castor at each corner of the frame to provide high stability and use a central steerable wheel to guide the cart. A large, grocery cart sized basket and flat grill space under the basket allow the driver to collect items intended to be purchased. The cart provides a brake to prevent motion and a USB charging port for recharging a cell phone. An optional oxygen bottle holder on the rear of the cart allows the driver to have access to oxygen while shopping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Chester Wright
  • Patent number: 10214236
    Abstract: A vehicle (100) comprises a docking port and a selectively demountable switch (10) having a body and a rotary knob (40) on the body, and an interface between the switch and the docking port to enable commands entered by operation of the rotary knob to be communicated to the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) incorporates a tow-assist system to facilitate reversing of a trailer, the vehicle (100) being of the type having a positive power-assisted steering mechanism (350) for its steerable wheels (250). The system comprises computing means (310) and the demountable switch (10). The computing means (350) is arranged to interpret rotational movement of the knob (40) on the body as desired steering movements of the trailer when the vehicle (100) is being reversed and to effect steering commands for the positive power assisted steering mechanism (350) to achieve said desired steering movements of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventor: Gustavo Jaramillo-Moscoso
  • Patent number: 10207585
    Abstract: An input apparatus, a method of inputting a command, and a vehicle equipped with the input apparatus are provided. The input apparatus includes a base frame and a movable manipulation unit installed at the base frame to be movable to at least one selectable position of a plurality of selectable positions. Additionally, a controller is configured to select an application to be executed according to the at least one selectable position to which the movable manipulation unit has moved and operate the movable manipulation unit to execute an operation that corresponds to the selected application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Min Oh, Gi Beom Hong, Jung Sang Min
  • Patent number: 10207586
    Abstract: A control panel comprising a proximal wall, a pair of opposing sidewalls attached at a proximal edge thereof to and extending distally from the proximal wall, a distal wall attached to a distal edge of the pair of opposing sidewalls, and a panel wall attached to an upper portion of and carried by at least one of the proximal wall, one of the opposing sidewalls, and the distal wall. The panel wall comprises at least one aperture formed therein configured to receive a control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: John D. Trischler
  • Patent number: 10208835
    Abstract: A speed reducer includes: a case; an input shaft rotationally driven by an electric motor and having an eccentric shaft portion; an externally toothed gear wheel rotatably supported on the eccentric shaft portion; an output shaft rotatably supported on the case coaxially with the input shaft and having an internally toothed gear wheel; a guide plate formed with a guide recess recessed parallel to the input shaft, and disposed between the input shaft and the externally toothed gear wheel; a guide protrusion provided in the case to protrude parallel to the input shaft to guide sliding of the recess; and a guide portion provided between the externally toothed gear wheel and the guide plate to guide movement of the externally toothed gear wheel relative to the guide plate, thereby guiding the externally toothed gear wheel so as to be revolvable but non-rotatable in cooperation with the recess and the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masao Noguchi, Toshiaki Nagata
  • Patent number: 10175713
    Abstract: An accelerating and braking device is disclosed for a vehicle. The accelerating and braking device includes a support tube pivotably coupled adjacent to the steering column. A brake tube links the control tube with the brake pedal for activating and deactivating the brake pedal. A position sensor is coupled to the control tube. A control engaging the position sensor for producing a variable signal output from the position sensor during rotation of the control. The position sensor electrically coupled to the electronic control module. A first rotational displacement of the position sensor causing an increase in velocity of the vehicle. A second rotational displacement of the position sensor causing a decrease in velocity of the vehicle. A first spring and a second spring engaging the control for causing the second rotational displacement and the decrease in velocity of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: HOWELL VENTURES LTD.
    Inventors: Keith Howell, Timothy E. Smith, Dane N. Millar
  • Patent number: 10053346
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes a frame defining a main structural component of the vehicle, a load handling assembly, and an operator's compartment provided within the frame. The operator's compartment includes a control module including structure for controlling at least one vehicle function. The control module may include a fin-shaped handhold element extending generally vertically upward from an upper surface defined by the upper surface. The fin-shaped handhold element may include structure for controlling at least one vehicle function. Further, a moveable palm rest may be provided to allow an operator to position their hand at a desired position relative to the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Christoph Babel, James V. Kraimer
  • Patent number: 10041229
    Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a machine is disclosed. The system includes an image capturing device and a controller. The image capturing device generates a signal indicative of a surrounding area of the machine. The controller is in communication with the image capturing device. The controller determines a preceding work cycle of the machine comprising a dig segment and determines a preceding segment associated with the preceding work cycle to be a dump segment. The controller further identifies a work aggregate within the surrounding area of the machine, when the preceding segment of the preceding work cycle is the dump segment. Further, the controller determines a distance between an implement of the machine and the work aggregate and issues a shift request to downshift a gear drive of a transmission system of the machine, if the distance is less than a predefined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Zhijun Cai, Bradley K. Bomer, Jeffrey S. Alig, Aaron R. Shatters, Eric Cler, Brad R. Van De Veer, Thomas E. Beccue
  • Patent number: 9981832
    Abstract: A control panel assembly for mounting to an interior compartment of a wrecker, the control assembly comprising an extendable arm assembly and a control panel. The extendable arm assembly is mounted to the interior compartment and comprises arms which are foldable relative to each other for adopting a compact configuration and an extended configuration. The control panel is mounted to the extendable arm assembly and comprises wrecker controls. The control panel is movable between an inner position, wherein the extendable arm assembly is in the compact configuration and the wrecker controls are located within the interior compartment, and an outer position, wherein the extendable arm assembly is in the extended configuration and the wrecker controls are located outside the interior compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Francis Dionne
  • Patent number: 9970531
    Abstract: In a shift device, a “D” switch, an “N” switch, and an “R” switch are respectively installed to a right installation face, a front installation face, and a rear installation face of an installation body. The “D” switch, the “N” switch, and the “R” switch are separated from each other. This thereby enables easy identification of the positions of the “D” switch, the “N” switch, and the “R” switch, and enables simultaneous press-operation of two out of the “D” switch, the “N” switch, and the “R” switch to be suppressed, thereby enabling incorrect operation of the “D” switch, the “N” switch, and the “R” switch to be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Yohei Nakano
  • Patent number: 9969480
    Abstract: Various embodiments for measuring and interpreting a vessel operator's intent and control inputs are disclosed. Various stations on a vessel comprise user control devices to receive vessel control commands from a vessel operator in conjunction with associated transducer information capturing physical conditions or attributes of the operator at, or proximate to, one of the user control devices. A processor determines whether the vessel control command was deliberate, based on the physical condition or the attribute captured by the transducer. Upon determination of a valid user control input, the processor optionally performs transformation of the user vessel control command based on an operator identity and vessel environmental factors, and then sends a corresponding control command to one or more vessel physical control devices, such as a rudder or an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventors: Oliver Michaelis, Howard W Speaks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9944179
    Abstract: To secure and improve the support rigidity of an electric AT device without any structural difficulty. A center console includes a console body which has a pair of side wall parts, and an AT finisher which is provided between upper ends of the pair of side wall parts. An electric AT device is mounted on a lower surface side of the AT finisher directly or through a mounting bracket. A rigid member is mounted in at least one inner surface of the pair of side wall parts. A device holding part which is supported by an upper portion of the rigid member is provided in the mounting bracket or the electric AT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Toriumi
  • Patent number: 9919694
    Abstract: Control systems and methods for facilitating human control of complex systems, including complex mechanical systems, are provided. The control system can include one or more user input devices adapted to receive user inputs in various forms. Electronic signals generated by the user input devices in response to the user inputs are provided to a controller, which processes the signals, validates and prioritizes those signals, and generates appropriate control signals. The control signals are then provided to the controlled system. User feedback regarding the operation of the control system, the controlled system, an operating environment, or the like, can be delivered to the user through the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Glen R. Geisen, Scott S. Grigsby, Joe L. Gribble, Robert Mastronicola, Benjamin D. Ausdenmoore
  • Patent number: 9902423
    Abstract: A method for operating a steering system of a motor vehicle includes controlling with a control device a superimposition gearing of a superimposition steering of a front axle of the motor vehicle via an actuator so as to impose via the superimposition gearing a superimposition angle on a steering angle of a steering wheel of the motor vehicle as a function of a speed of the motor vehicle and of the steering angle of the steering wheel, wherein within a predetermined angular range of the steering wheel measured from a position of the steering wheel during a neutral straight ahead drive with neutral superimposition angle, the superimposition angle is positive resulting in a direct steering response; and wherein outside the predetermined angular range the superimposition angle is negative resulting in an indirect steering response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Jakob Herman, Johannes Agostini
  • Patent number: 9863526
    Abstract: Improved rotary switch systems and methods are disclosed. Such systems and methods may be used in vehicles that implement shift-by-wire transmission systems. The switch systems and methods may include programmable end-stops and/or variable tactile feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Kostal of America
    Inventors: Steven R. Hoskins, Michael F. Tefend, Josef Kortan
  • Patent number: 9855173
    Abstract: An all terrain wheelchair is provided. The wheelchair includes a frame. The frame includes an upper bracket, a lower bracket, a first side, a second side, a front end and a rear end. At least one motor is mounted to the lower bracket of the frame. A first drive sprocket and a second drive sprocket may be disposed on the first side and the second side respectively. The motor may rotate the first and second drive sprockets. A first track drive wheel is rotatably connected to the first side and a second track drive wheel is rotatably connected to the second side. The first and second track drive wheels each include a wheel sprocket connected to the first and second drive sprockets respectively by a drive chain. A plurality of roller wheels are rotatably connected to each of the first side and the second side. A first track surrounds the plurality of wheels on the first side and a second track surrounds the plurality of wheels on the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TRAC FABRICATION INC.
    Inventor: David Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9845159
    Abstract: A system of conjoined gas turbine engines has a first engine with a first propulsor having a first axis and a first engine core having a second axis, and a second engine with a second propulsor having a third axis and a second engine core having a fourth axis. The first axis and third axis are parallel to one another; and the second axis and fourth axis are angled from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry
  • Patent number: 9796248
    Abstract: A switch (10, 200) is provided for installation in the air conditioning (A/C) system (12) in a vehicle (16) for intermittently operating the clutch (20) in the A/C system (12) each time the control (44) in the A/C system (12) provides power to operate the clutch (20) to prevent slugging. This turns the compressor (14) a few turns each time the clutch (20) is energized during intermittent operation to purge liquid refrigerant and lubricant from the compressor (14) to prevent slugging. The switch (10, 200) can be installed in existing vehicles by connecting the switch (10, 200) in the wiring harness (18) of the A/C system (12) to the power lead (38) from the control (44) to the clutch (20) and between the ground lead (40) from the clutch (20) and a ground. The switch (10, 200) can include a microcontroller (52) for controlling the operation of a power transistor (70) to intermittently ground the clutch to provide the intermittent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Standard Motor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky W. Dull
  • Patent number: 9751572
    Abstract: It is an object to secure a state where an operator easily reaches various operating means with a hand, and to reliably maintain an original function of an arm rest (to put the hand on the arm for rest). A working vehicle is configured such that speed of power from an engine provided in a traveling machine body is changed by a hydraulic continuously variable transmission, and the power is transmitted to a traveling unit and a working unit. An arm rest on which the operator's arm and hand are put is placed on a side of a cockpit in the traveling machine body. A main transmission lever which changes traveling speed by the traveling unit is arranged on a front end of the arm rest on the side of the cockpit. An elevating dial which hoists and lowers the working unit is arranged on a side surface of the arm rest on the opposite side from the cockpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gaku Higashiguchi, Tsutomu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9695864
    Abstract: A control cable assembly includes a yoke having a body and a first and second end. The yoke includes a first hinge at its first end and a second hinge at its second end. The first and second hinges may each comprise a pair of eyelets. The first eyelet on each hinge may form a closed loop, and the second eyelet on each hinge may form a partially open loop, having a gap. A first control cable may be connected to the first hinge. A second control cable may be connected to the second hinge. The control cables may be configured to pivot with respect to the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hi-Lex America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ed Leither
  • Patent number: 9683655
    Abstract: A shift device for a vehicle has a D-switch operation unit corresponding to a drive range, an N-switch operation unit corresponding to a neutral range, an R-switch operation unit corresponding to a reverse range, and a P-switch operation unit corresponding to a parking range. The R-switch operation unit is operated toward the back in the front-back direction of the vehicle to select the reverse range, and the switch operation units other than the R-switch operation unit are pressed downward from above to select respective ranges. The direction of operation of the R-switch operation unit is set to differ from the directions of operation of the other switch operation units when selecting a range other than the reverse range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Ishino, Osamu Mihashi
  • Patent number: 9683654
    Abstract: An electronic shift system for a vehicle may include a card smart key including a permanent magnet, a base bracket formed with a guide slot for insertion and mounting of the smart key, the guide slot being configured to guide movement of the smart key mounted therein, and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fixedly disposed on the base bracket, the PCB configured to identify a mounting state of the smart key based on whether the permanent magnet approaches thereto when the smart key is inserted into the guide slot and to identify a shift stage based on variation in position of the permanent magnet when the smart key mounted in the guide slot is moved along the guide slot, so as to output a signal corresponding to the identified shift stage to a transmission control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Eun Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 9623875
    Abstract: A system for evaluation of an operator of a vehicle including a steering system under observation of an evaluator within the vehicle includes a steering sensor system adapted to measure intervention of the evaluator in operating the steering system. A method for evaluating vehicle control of a driving entity of a vehicle under observation of an evaluator in the vehicle includes providing at least one sensor system adapted to measure intervention of the evaluator in operating the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Nahom Minassie Beyene, Amy Karas Lane, Rory Alan Cooper, Joshua D. Brown
  • Patent number: 9618960
    Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a multifunctional operating device for operating a motor vehicle. The operating device includes a handle and an operating head fixed to the handle. The operating head includes a head housing, a circuit board with at least one switch element, and a support part, mounted inside the head housing, upon which the circuit board is mounted. The switch element is configured to emit an acoustic response when actuated. The head housing is formed as a resonance body for amplifying the acoustic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KEHREL AG
    Inventor: Jörg Federer
  • Patent number: 9592758
    Abstract: In a seat (1) for a driver of a construction machine, in particular for a road roller, featuring a seat surface (2), a seat backrest (4) which feature a vertical central plane (26) in longitudinal direction, and featuring no less than one armrest (10) attached in an adjustable basic position by means of an armrest support (8), where the armrest (10) extends from the seat backrest (4) next to the seat surface (2) towards the front, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: a seat console (6) carries, as a minimum, the seat surface (2) and the seat backrest (4), and the armrest support (8) features no less than one each first adjustable connection unit (12) to the armrest (10) and one each second adjustable connection unit (14) to the seat console (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hamm AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Mahler, Axel Roemer, Dieter Stoecklein
  • Patent number: 9505387
    Abstract: A wiring structure includes brake cable, a shift selection device, and a support bracket. The brake cable links a foot-operated operation pedal disposed in front of a seat and brake units provided to rear wheels rearward of the seat and is directed toward a top surface of a floor tunnel in front of the seat in the vehicle. The shift selection device outputs a signal for switching a driving range position and is supported by the support bracket in a position to the side of the seat, so as to allow a cable insertion space to be disposed between the shift selection device and the top surface of the floor tunnel. The brake cable is wired so as to pass through the cable insertion space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsunori Tanigaki, Nobuhiro Mori, Daisuke Yamamoto, Ryo Saitou, Minoru Kaho
  • Patent number: 9395743
    Abstract: A knob body is provided for a control lever. The knob body includes a lower segment, and an upper segment. The lower segment extends out from a vertical axis of the control lever and includes a pair of upright protrusions extending out from an upper portion thereof. The protrusions define a gap therebetween. The lower segment further includes a movable switch located within the gap. The upper segment is disposed about the vertical axis and is located proximate to the upper portion of the lower segment. The upper segment is in a spaced relationship relative to the protrusions. The upper segment can include at least one of a locking switch that is operable to allow selective movement of the control lever and an actuation switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jared S. Anderson, Anthony S. Cooksey, Ian A. Tiggemann, Brad R. Van De Veer, Daniel J. Whiting, Kurt L. Winckler
  • Patent number: 9386739
    Abstract: A zero-turn-radius mower includes a chassis, a pair of drive wheels for supporting the chassis above a ground surface, an engine, and a pair of transmissions or other drive mechanism for driving the drive wheels. A manually-moveable brake lever enables an operator to selectively brake the drive wheels and a manually-moveable bypass lever enables the operator to selectively engage bypass functions of the transmissions. The brake lever and the bypass lever are mechanically coupled such that engaging the brake lever causes the bypass lever to be engaged with the brake lever, but engaging the bypass lever does not cause the brake lever to be engaged. The brake lever and the bypass lever each including a locking mechanism that retains the respective lever in an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Swisher Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Samuel Poe
  • Patent number: 9185982
    Abstract: Embodiments described relate generally to chairs for outdoor use. For example, a chair is provided having elbow pockets/channels, a media compartment with collapsible shade and ventilation, a solar powered media charging station, and a mid-section/lumbar support device. In some embodiments, the chair is a folding chair. In at least some embodiments, the chair provides a selection of seated positions for the user. In various embodiments, the chair is a lounge chair, a folding lounge chair, a sand chair (seat height less than 9?), a folding sand chair, an elevated chair (seat height 16? or higher), and a folding elevated chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Susan B. Kilzer
  • Patent number: 9067624
    Abstract: A cross member for a frame of a vehicle. The cross member provides a particularly high stiffness of the frame and has a particularly low weight. A first support arrangement (18) having 4, 5, 6 or more support legs connects a cross member (10) to a first frame rail (16a) of the frame (12), and a second support arrangement (24) having 4, 5, 6 or more further support legs (26a-d) connect the cross member (10) to a second frame rail (16b) of the frame (12). At least two of the four support legs of the respective first and second support arrangement are bent upwards from the base portion, the other support legs (20b, 20c) being bent downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Barry Outen, Justin Yee, Maik Ziegler
  • Patent number: 9010793
    Abstract: An adapter kit for motorcycles, particularly touring motorcycles moves the operator's foot pad forwardly and downwardly to increase the included angle between the upper leg and lower leg at the knee, as well as the angle at the ankle for operating the respective brake and shift controls. The kit includes adapter brackets to move the foot pads forwardly and downwardly relative to the position of the footpad as originally assembled. The kit also includes modified linkages to maintain a correct relationship between the respective control levers and the footpads. The linkage for the shift lever is modified to provide a pivot to accommodate the change in location, and yet maintain easily operated shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Trike Shop, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Lindholm, Michael P. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9004218
    Abstract: A system for controlling a work vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a controller configured to control motion of the work vehicle and an electronic joystick communicatively coupled to the controller. The electronic joystick may be configured to transmit signals to the controller as it is moved between a neutral position and a full stroke position. The joystick may also be configured such that a varying joystick force is required to move the joystick between the neutral and full stroke positions. In addition, a rate of change of the joystick force may be varied as the electronic joystick is moved across a start/stop position defined between the neutral and full stroke positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Navneet Gulati, Duqiang Wu, Aditya Singh