Manually Actuated Controlling Devices Patents (Class 180/315)
  • Patent number: 6257610
    Abstract: A foot-operated propulsion apparatus for a wheelchair and/or other selected devices such as desk chairs and furniture. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure coupled to the selected device and having at least one roller aperture. A roller element having a circular cross-sectional shape is received in the roller aperture and is rotatable relative to the support structure about a rotation axis or a plurality of rotation axes. The roller element has a first external portion projecting upwardly from the aperture to engage the user's foot and a second external surface portion projecting downwardly through the aperture to engage the ground or other support surface. As the user engages the roller element and rotates the element by foot, the propulsion apparatus and the device to which it is coupled move along the ground. The user can directly engage the roller element or can engage a brake device coupled to the roller element to slow the propulsion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: David F. Plant
  • Patent number: 6237711
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for controlling the ground speed of a vehicle having an operator seat, an engine and a variable speed transmission drivingly coupled to a pair of ground wheel. The transmission is selectively movable among neutral, forward and reverse drive positions. The assembly includes a transmission control shaft connected to said transmission for selectively controlling the transmission such that said vehicle is driven in either a forward or a reverse direction. A forward foot control pedal and a reverse foot control pedal are each connected to the transmission control shaft, as is a hand lever rod. A hand control has a cruise control function and a hand operation function, and is coupled to the hand lever rod for engagement with the transmission control shaft. The hand control includes a lever portion and a plate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Kenneth Edward Hunt
  • Patent number: 6226582
    Abstract: A control system for an electric lift truck that controls a traction motor and a hydraulic pump motor is disclosed. The speed of rotation of both motors is controlled by a pulse width modulated current supplied from a battery source by the controller in direct response to a demand communicated to the controller through an interface manipulated by an operator. A pump driven by the pump motor supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a lift mechanism and a power assisted steering unit. A joystick with function switches mounted thereto is provided so that the operator steers with one hand while controlling truck propulsion and all functions of the lift mechanism with the other hand. The direct control of the pump motor speed enables a fully proportional control of the hydraulic system. The control system is a compact structure that requires minimal cabling and ensures that the hydraulic system operates with energy efficiency and minimal wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: SRE Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Adsett, Pierre C. Gadbois
  • Patent number: 6213244
    Abstract: Three independent functions are controlled from a single control lever. The lever is mounted on a universal joint having a slip yoke, a flanged yoke and a cross member extending between the two yokes and defining a first transverse pivot axis and a second transverse pivot axis. The slip yoke is provided with first and second ball joints located in the same plane as the cross member. The first function is controlled by the fore-and-aft movement of the control lever pivoting the slip yoke about the first transverse pivot axis moving the first ball joint up and down. The first ball joint is coupled to a first link that moves the first hydraulic control valve. The second function is controlled by the side-to-side movement of the control lever. Such a side-to-side movement pivots the slip yoke about the second transverse pivot axis moving the second ball joint and second link positioning the second hydraulic control valve. The third function is controlled by the twisting movement of the control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Van Earl Waggoner, William Damm Zopf, Douglas Brian Stickney
  • Patent number: 6202779
    Abstract: A mower having a cruise control system is provided. The mower includes a frame, a plurality of wheels including at least a first drive wheel operatively supported by the frame, an engine operatively mounted to the frame, a mower deck operatively connected to the frame, and a drive system for use in transferring power from the engine to the at least first drive wheel. The drive system includes an accelerator pedal fixedly connected to an accelerator rod. The cruise control system mechanically locks the accelerator pedal and accelerator rod in place. This permits the operator to release all pressure from the accelerator pedal (resting the foot of the operator) while maintaining the accelerator pedal in any predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: MTO Products Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Musat
  • Patent number: 6167772
    Abstract: An arrangement for attaching a gearshift assembly for a motor vehicle is provided, wherein a shift lever device for performing a gearshift operation of a transmission of the vehicle is installed on an instrument panel, without causing variations in the position of installation of a shift lever. In the present arrangement, the shift lever device is positioned relative to the instrument panel by means of a guide pin, and a console panel is positioned relative to the instrument panel using positioning holes. Thus, the position of the console panel relative to the shift lever device is determined with high accuracy on the basis of the instrument panel, and the shift lever device is mounted on the instrument panel without causing a variation in the position of installation of the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 6148946
    Abstract: An excavator operator cab (10) has an operator seat (12) and a control console (15) mounted beside the seat. A forward control stick (20) and a rear control stick (22) are positioned in the console (15) such that the rear control stick supports the arm of the operator while he grips the forward control stick. The forward and rear control sticks (20,22) are manipulated independently or in concert with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Kobelco America, Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro Takahasi, Shu Yoshida, Michael P. Norris
  • Patent number: 6123377
    Abstract: A covering part for mounting on a front wall of an occupant compartment of a vehicle, having an instrument panel and a center console which starts in the center on a lower instrument panel area and continues in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle occupant compartment. For providing a sufficiently large free surface for a combined accommodation of a plurality of operating elements with or without control and display elements in a cohesive operating unit and of large-surface air outlet openings, the instrument panel is constructed with a hood-shaped center part which extends in a diagonally sloped manner with respect to the center console and changes into the center console at the end side. The center part is provided with a bridge console spanning the center part at a distance from its front surface, which bridge console extends from the upper instrument panel area to the center console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Franz Lecher, Anton Reichel, Bruno Sacco, Hubert Scheper
  • Patent number: 6070690
    Abstract: A cruise bar is provided for use with a lawn tractor. The lawn tractor includes a frame, a driving device for use in driving the lawn tractor, a first drive wheel for use in driving the lawn tractor, a console that is operatively connected to the frame, and a first control lever for use in controlling the speed and direction of the lawn tractor. The cruise bar is used to limit the motion of the first control lever. The first control lever is operatively connected to the driving device and to the first drive wheel. The first control lever is selectively moveable in a first direction. The cruise bar limits the motion of the first control lever in the first direction and is operatively connected to the console. The cruise bar may be adjusted relative to the first control lever thereby providing a method for limiting the top speed of the lawn tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Commercial Turf Products
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Gerald Hobrath
  • Patent number: 6059055
    Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 5960903
    Abstract: A driver restraint device is provided for an industrial truck which has a driver's seat. The driver restraint device has a belt (4) and a belt buckle (8). A closing latch (5) which is connected to the belt (4) can be fastened to the belt buckle (8). The belt (4) can be automatically retracted by means of a retractor (9), whereby when the belt (4) is retracted, the closing latch (5) is in a defined inoperative position. The belt (4) is fastened to a mounting device which is connected to the driver's seat so that when the closing latch (5) is in the defined inoperative position, it is located in front of a vertical transverse plane (12) which divides the seat surface (1) of the driver's seat in the middle. In an additional embodiment of the invention, the belt buckle (8) is fastened to a mounting device which is connected to the driver's seat so that the belt buckle (8) is located in front of a vertical transverse plane (12) which divides the seat surface (1) of the driver's seat in the middle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Theodor Abels, Hermann Meiller, Josef Kohl
  • Patent number: 5938282
    Abstract: A control device is disclosed for vehicles, in particular towing vehicles used for agricultural purposes which have a mounting located near the front of the armrest of the driver's seat for a group of control members used to control various functions of the vehicle. A group of control members consisting of a plurality of switches or buttons and a manually-operated lever are provided to minimize fatigue when the vehicle driver is seated for a long period of time. A hand support is also included near the control members to support the palm of the vehicle driver's hand. The switches or buttons and lever are arranged so that the switches or buttons can be reached and operated comfortably with the outstretched fingers and the switching lever is located between the thumb and index finger, while the hand is resting on the hand support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Agco GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Johann Epple
  • Patent number: 5918697
    Abstract: An operating-element arrangement has a user-actuatable operating element which, when actuated in a first actuation direction, brings about an increase in the longitudinal direction of a motor vehicle. When actuated in a second actuation direction opposite to the first direction, the arrangement brings about a reduction in the longitudinal movement of the vehicle. The actuating force exerted on the operating element determines the change in longitudinal movement to be brought about. The rest position of the operating element is displaced in dependence on the longitudinal movement of the vehicle. The user consequently receives a perceptible and/or visible acknowledgement of the respective vehicle speed or of the deviation between the actual and the desired speed. Alternatively, the operating element can be configured isometrically, in that it remains in a fixed position irrespective of the actuating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Manfred Mueller, Werner Reichelt, Peter Frank
  • Patent number: 5902006
    Abstract: An ergonomically shaped exterior contour of a vehicle interior handle area, support area, or resting area is provided. The contour is formed by a flexible shaped element filled with an electro-rheologic fluid to which an electrical circuit operable from the interior is connected to reduce or increase the internal friction of the fluid to accommodate changes in shape of the contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Peter Janker, Willi Martin, Herbert Mehren
  • Patent number: 5875866
    Abstract: A controlling mechanism, particularly for operating a gear-shift-lever shaft of a gearbox for motor vehicles, having controlling units for introducing a sensor-monitorable rotational or translational movement to the gear-shift-lever shaft. A first controlling unit is connected to a second controlling unit and the first controlling unit can in turn be brought into active connection with the gear-shift-lever shaft via at least one articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Jens Dorfschmid, Lutz Leimbach
  • Patent number: 5836416
    Abstract: Setting-element arrangement controls the longitudinal speed and/or the steering angle of a motor vehicle. More specifically, a user-actuable setting element which, during forward motion, when actuated in a respectively first actuation direction, brings about a change of the parameter controlled thereby in a first change direction and, when actuated out of the position of rest into a respectively second actuation direction which is opposite the first, brings about a change of this parameter in a second change direction opposite to the first. In such a setting-element arrangement, the assignment of the two change directions of the longitudinal speed and/or of the steering angle to the respectively first or second actuation direction of the setting element is inverted, during reverse motion, in relation to that during forward motion. The driver's intuitive association of a setting-element actuation corresponding to the desired dynamic vehicle reaction is thus maintained, even during reverse motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Manfred Muller, Werner Reichelt, Peter Frank, Johannes Clauss
  • Patent number: 5830313
    Abstract: A self-propelled floor covering scraper machine including a frame having front and back ends, two independently controllable wheels, mounted on each side toward the back end of the frame, mechanisms for independently driving each wheel in either a forward or reverse direction, a control mechanism for steering the machine, engaging the driving mechanisms, and controlling the forward and reverse movement of each wheel, and a scraper blade mounted to the front end of the frame at an angle extending downward and forward. The adjustable scraper blade assembly includes a blade bracket, a generally flat scraper blade attachable to the blade bracket, and a shock absorber for the blade during use. The mechanism for controlling the steering and the forward and reverse movement of the vehicle uses a horizontal crossbar rotatably connected at each end to a support on the vehicle. The crossbar's axis of rotation is perpendicular to the forward motion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: MARCOR Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5816741
    Abstract: A hand-held, portable control device for a walk-behind mobile compactor includes a control box for generating a plurality of electrical control signals. A handle on the control box is adapted to be grasped by a single hand of an operator, without requiring an operator's thumb to support the control box. The handle is adapted to position an operator's thumb adjacent to the control box so as to permit the thumb to move freely in all directions. A flexible cable connects the control box to the compactor. Switches for activating electrical signals from the control box are positioned within a proximity of an operator's thumb, when the handle is grasped by an operator, the switches being movable among a plurality of activation positions in response to movement of an operator's thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: G. Louis Troppman, III
  • Patent number: 5797467
    Abstract: A device for preventing an accelerator from being erroneously operated when an accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle is erroneously pushed down includes a magnetic coupling device comprising an accelerator interlocking member interlocking with an accelerator pedal and a throttle interlocking member connected to a throttle cable. When the accelerator pedal is pushed down during normal operation the throttle cable is operated through the magnetic coupling device to cause the motor vehicle to be accelerated. When the accelerator pedal (14) is erroneously pushed down in spite of the brake pedal being intended to be pushed down, the magnetic coupling device decouples and prevents the throttle valve from being operated and the motor vehicle from being accelerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Masaei Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5775456
    Abstract: Disclosed is an emergency driver system for a motor vehicle. The emergency driver system allows a passenger in the motor vehicle to safely maneuver the motor vehicle should the driver become incapacitated by exposing a brake actuator and an accelerator actuator concealed by a cover. Upon opening the cover, a cover sensor actuates emergency lights, headlights, and a horn, and disengages the operation of the driver brake pedal and accelerator pedal. This allows the passenger to control the steering with the left hand and the acceleration and braking of the motor vehicle with the right hand, via the brake actuator and the accelerator actuator positioned on an emergency control panel located under the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: George S. Reppas
  • Patent number: 5595259
    Abstract: A center controlled pallet truck includes a power unit located at a forward end of the truck, an operator platform in a central portion of the truck, load carrying forks located at a rear end of the truck, a steering arm mounted on and extending upwardly from a forward section of the power unit for controlling the direction of travel of the truck. A control handle mounted on said steering arm includes twist grips for controlling the speed of both forward and reverse movement of the truck. Each twist grip is provided with a generally horizontally disposed, forward facing paddle located at the outer ends of the twist grips to permit the outside fingers on the hand of an operator to move the paddle either upwardly or downwardly and thus rotate the twist grip with minimum force either while the operator is walking along side or riding on the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Gilliland, Larry A. Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 5595089
    Abstract: An actuator for steering rear wheels is reduced in size and its construction is simplified while preventing a degradation in the reliability. An electric coil 2 is disposed on the outside while a rotor is disposed on the inside, assisting in heating dissipation. One of bearings 10 which support a rotor and an electric coil 2 are integrally secured to a casing 1 when a resin 3 is molded thereon. At the same time, a ring gear 12 is formed by the molding of the resin 3. In addition, the molding operation of the resin forms one of sun gears, 11a, integrally with a rotor 4. The casing 1 is formed with a recess or projection 1a, 1b, thus preventing a slip of the resin member 3 from occurring. A permanent magnet 13 which is separate from a permanent magnet 5 used for driving is mounted on the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsukasa Watanabe, Mutsumi Miyashiro, Shuuetsu Suzuki, Takeshi Goto, Kozo Fujita
  • Patent number: 5579863
    Abstract: In many instances it has been a recent trend to incorporate the use of electronic controls into various machine functions to reduce the fatigue of an operator. When incorporated into the steering functions of a machine, the electronic controls often do not provide an operator with an "automotive" feel and thus do not work as well in some machine applications as they do in others. The present invention incorporates a mechanical feedback through the steering controls to provide the operator with a feel similar to that of an automotive environment. In addition, the steering controls operate in a manner which provides a variable ratio of steering wheel rotation to steering control valve actuation depending upon the articulation angle of the machine. In so doing, the function of the steering controls will vary with and enhance the operation of each specific mode of machine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Nelson, Dean A. Wiechman
  • Patent number: 5529134
    Abstract: According to the present invention, front visibility is improved, entry into a cab or exit therefrom by an operator is facilitated, fine operability by a traveling pedal is improved, and foot fatigue is decreased. To achieve this, when the palm rest (56) is detected in its neutral position N, forward or rearward speed signals for respective traveling hydraulic motors in response to detection signals of control input detectors (19a, 20a) of left and right traveling knobs (19, 20) are outputted to respective control valves from a controller (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventor: Makoto Yomogita
  • Patent number: 5520258
    Abstract: A forklift truck, in particular an electric reach truck, having an operator's compartment with a battery compartment located to the side of the operator. An operator's console is pivotally mounted above the battery compartment so as to be movable into a position where access to the battery can be obtained for servicing or exchange of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Kemshall
  • Patent number: 5519378
    Abstract: A a three-pole toggle switch intended for mounting upon the handlebar of a motorcycle proximate one handlebar grip and wiring enabling connection to the electrical system of a motorcycle allows control of the turn indicator signals. With proper installation the wiring of the motorcycle is supplanted, and the device functions as an override control of the turn indicator system. This device is intended particularly for systems requiring constant application of pressure upon a button contact to maintain activation of a turn signal which action precludes the use of either the clutch or the front brake and control of the throttle during use of the turn signal, depending upon whether the left or right side indicator, respectively, is employed. An appropriately wired and positioned device enables the rider to activate and maintain activation of either turn indicator by positioning of the toggle without restriction to the use of either hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Alvin Queensbury
  • Patent number: 5497846
    Abstract: A face plate to be affixed to the interior of the operator's cab of an agricultural tractor around the electronic control devices within the reach of the operator is disclosed wherein the face plate is provided with an outwardly projecting hand brace affixed to the face plate. The face plate is mounted around the electronic device such that the hand brace is positioned below the electronically controlled device to provide a brace against which the operator's hand can be steadied to permit the manipulation of the control device while the tractor is operating through uneven terrain. By resting the hand against the hand brace the fingers can be steadied sufficiently to allow the electronic controls to be properly manipulated, irrespective of the unevenness of the terrain over which the tractor is traversing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell W. Strong
  • Patent number: 5375674
    Abstract: A control for a lawn and garden vehicle, such control utilizing a "U" shaped main direction control pivotally mounted to the handlebars. The control being physically interconnected to a transmission such that movement of the direction control forward causes the vehicle to move forward, and movement of the direction control backward causes the vehicle to move in reverse with the control being spring biased into a central neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: Tim Peter
  • Patent number: 5361644
    Abstract: A control panel (24) of an industrial truck is provided, on two sides, with combination control grips (2a, 2b), which can both be rotated in the circumferential direction and deflected vertically, and on which control levers (45a, 45b) are arranged. Signal transmitters (51, 52), which can be operated by the fingers, and by means of which various types of movements of an internal load pickup means of the truck can be selected and can be preset as a set value for the control lever (45) of the respective opposite combination control grip (2), are integrated within the control levers (45a, 45b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Wagner Fordertechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Nedele, Hartwig Schnabel
  • Patent number: 5335751
    Abstract: A console box for automobile includes a bracket for fixing a boot which is fastened to the peripheral edge of shift lever opening of a console box body and a shift lever boot which is installed over the bracket, in which the bracket is provided with a pair of flanges disposed with a vertical distance therebetween, a tightening portion is disposed near the inner edge of said flanges, and a receiving portion for receiving said shift lever boot is defined over the tightening portion, by which the peripheral edge of shift lever opening of the console box body is clasped between the pair of flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Kuroki
  • Patent number: 5257673
    Abstract: An emergency braking system for a vehicle driven by an electric motor. The vehicle includes a manually operable accelerator lever, a displacement detector for detecting displacement of the accelerator lever, an emergency detector disposed in a region of the accelerator lever for detecting an operating force applied to the accelerator lever, a braking device, and a control unit for receiving detection signals from the displacement detector and emergency detector, and outputting control signals to the electric motor and braking device. The control unit outputs the control signal to the braking device to brake the vehicle when the operating force detected by the emergency detector exceeds a predetermined value. In addition or as alternative to the emergency detector, the vehicle may include an emergency detector disposed in a driver's foot rest region for detecting a treading force of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Naoaki Sato, Jiro Kuramoto, Gonshiro Kawabata, Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Shigenori Kimura
  • Patent number: 5230403
    Abstract: A steering platform includes a main floor supported by a body framework extending longitudinally of a vehicle, and footrests extending from the main floor laterally outwardly of the framework. A brake pedal and a shift pedal are arranged on the footrests. The framework in a steering platform region supports cross shafts extending transversely through the framework. These shafts include a brake control shaft for pivotally supporting a brake lever, and a shaft for driving a raising and lowering link mechanism of a grass cutting unit. The cross shafts include outward extensions for supporting the footrests through brackets, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Matsuda, Osami Fujiwara, Hironori Tsuchihashi, Jinnosuke Takakura
  • Patent number: 5161422
    Abstract: An electrical transmission control employs in one embodiment, a rotary dial switch as a gear selector control which includes a plug means for connecting the switch directly into a receiving socket mounted to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle includes a plurality of sockets such that the gear selector control can be mounted at a preferred one of the locations. In another embodiment, the selector switch is a slide type switch. The switch can be removed from the socket and/or vehicle for providing anti-theft security preventing the transmission from being shifted without the gear selected control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Suman, David A. Muyres
  • Patent number: 5011363
    Abstract: A fork extension and retraction system for use with stockpickers automatically extends and retracts hydraulically extendable forks of a stockpicker when the load handler carrying the forks has moved to its extended position on the load side of the vehicle, and it also automatically retracts the forks if they have drifted from a home position before performing other fork related activities. Switches in the fork carriage assembly sense when the extendable forks are in the home position and near the home position. Other switches sense when the load handler assembly has reached its extreme positions on either side of the operator's platform. Still other switches are used to slow the traverse movement of the load handler assembly as it approaches its extreme positions, thus to cushion the shock of the load handler stopping. A control circuit senses the condition of these switches and controls the operation of both the load handle and the fork extension hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Conley, III, Ned E. Dammeyer, Kim A. Klopfleisch
  • Patent number: 4993509
    Abstract: A vehicle hand control device operable to control the brake pedal or accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle. The device includes an elongated support tube connectable to and along the steering column of the vehicle, a control arm tube pivotally connected at one end to, and extending from, the upper end of the support tube, and a slender, elongated control arm mounted for rotation only within the control arm tube. The control arm includes an elongated handle extending from one end of the control arm, the handle preferably having its longitudinal axis disposed from the longitudinal axis of the control arm. A control arm lever is connected at the other end of the control arm which also extends somewhat beyond the end of the control arm tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Keith Howell
  • Patent number: 4991382
    Abstract: A lawn mower has a hydraulic motor mounted on each drive wheel and each motor is independently driven by a separate pump. Each pump includes a control lever for regulating fluid pressure and flow direction so that each wheel may be driven independently in the forward and reverse directions and at varying speeds. The control levers are independently connected to two speed control levers mounted on the mower's hand grips. A speed control index is mounted on each hand grip for releasably maintaining the speed control levers in a plurality of forward speed positions so that it is not necessary for the operator to exert hand pressure on the control levers in order to maintain a desired forward speed. A neutral control assembly returns the pump control levers to a neutral position when the control levers are moved into neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Scag Power Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Dane T. Scag
  • Patent number: 4938302
    Abstract: An interlock mechanism for use on a tractor to limit the engagement of the tractor power-takeoff only when the tractor engine is running at or below a predetermined speed of operation is disclosed wherein an interlock clip interconnects the control levers for the engine throttle and the power-takeoff engagement control such that the power-takeoff control lever is locked against moving into an on position whenever the throttle control lever has been moved to a predetermined position. The clip includes a first member having a cam surface thereon engageable with the throttle control lever and a second member movable into the path of movement of the PTO control lever whenever the first member is moved into a lockout position by the throttle control lever. The clip also includes a spring to permit yielding movement of the first and second members under conditions where the PTO control lever is moved into the on position and the throttle is subsequently moved into the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Ford New Holand, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan N. Schott, Mark B. Oleski
  • Patent number: 4926959
    Abstract: An operator control for vehicle components includes drive and driven members respectively operating a power actuator and a mechanical drive for moving a vehicle component between its operative positions. The drive and driven members move as a unit between operative positions of the driven member corresponding to the operative positions of the component. The drive member is uncoupled from the driven member at the operative positions of the latter for independent movement to its operative positions which also correspond to the operative positions of the component. The drive and driven members respectively operate the power actuator and the mechanical drive at their respective operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic R. Adams, Jeffrey M. Boyer, Ronald N. Schultz, Barry Taylor
  • Patent number: 4895040
    Abstract: A manually actuated adjusting device for control valves of a hydraulic lift mechanism of a vehicle, especially of a fork lift truck, includes a shifting lever with an armrest supporting a lower arm which is connected with an adjusting mechanism arranged below the same and consisting of a guide joint and support elements. A formed-out support surface extends over the entire length of the lower arm which terminates at one end in an approximately vertical shifting lever that is formed-in into the armrest. Within the area of its transition to the support surface, the latter includes a trough-shaped recess formed out of the plane of the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Richard Soederberg
  • Patent number: 4864886
    Abstract: A hand-operated brake actuator defining an integral portion of a console for an automobile seating arrangement. The actuator includes a primary lever arm (32) which defines a portion of the frame of the console and carries a compartment access cover. The primary lever arm is mounted for independent pivotable movement with respect to a secondary lever arm. The primary lever arm pivots the secondary lever arm which is retained in an engaged position to hold a brake cable in tension by a pull-to-release pawl mechanism. In the engaged position of the actuator, the primary lever arm is independently returnable to the stored position. A stationary ratchet sector member and a pawl are mounted on the secondary lever. The pawl ratchets over the ratchet sector and holds the secondary lever in the engaged position. A brake cable is attached to the secondary lever and is thereby held in tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Russell J. Burgei
  • Patent number: 4821837
    Abstract: A control arrangement for construction equipment of the type having a number of actuators disposed at the operator's station advantageously transfers the pivotal movement of the actuators about a shaft to a position inboard of actuators to cause a sympathetic movement of crank arms disposed on the pivot axis of the shaft at the inboard position. The transfer of the pivotal movement is completed by elongate bridge connectors suitably placed about the circumference of the bearing portions of the actuators to avoid interference. Independent movement of the actuators is maintained while transferring the pivotal movement to the inboard position in that only a limited pivotable movement is required and the full circumference of the bearings is available for selective placement of the bridge connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Champion Road Machinery Limited
    Inventor: Jerry R. Fifer
  • Patent number: 4776416
    Abstract: A control assembly for an electric powered wheelchair having a forward steering column (13) on which a handle bar (14) and a control lever (119) are mounted, said control lever adapted when pressed forward to move the chair forwardly, and when pressed rearward to move the chair rearwardly, a second control lever (120) mounted on an idler shaft (130) and operatively engaged with said first control lever (119) whereby pressing either lever forward or rearward will cause the chair to move in the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventor: John F. Morse
  • Patent number: 4755100
    Abstract: An operating control system for a lift truck controlled from a single multi-function operator hand control which is located and designed for improved operator comfort, convenience, simplicity and to reduce operator fatigue. The sole hand control for directional and speed control and the operation of all hydraulic functions of the truck related to the handling of loads is recessed in a compartment adjacent one side of the truck and supported from a control shaft which extends forwardly, leftwardly and downwardly and along which the control handle may be pushed or pulled linearly to control all such hydraulic truck functions. The grip handle is rotatable to control direction and speed of the truck. Switch controls are located conveniently adjacent the one end of the rotatable grip handle for selecting a variety of hydraulic functions by the same movements forwardly and rearwardly of the operator control handle along the control shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Schultz, Louis A. Haddock, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4741222
    Abstract: An improved foot-operated gearshift mechanism wherein a foot-operated pedal is operable to cause the pedal to move, generally, up or down. This movement, in turn, causes the gear-shift shaft to rotate so as to change gears. The improvement lies in providing a shifting lever assembly which has three sections. The first section is attached to the foot-operated pedal at one end and has an elbow at the other end. The second section proceeds to a second elbow. From that second elbow, the third section continues to a gearshift handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Thomas J. Berndt
  • Patent number: 4733745
    Abstract: An adjustable control attachment includes a pivot plate pivotally attached to each side of a control console with a control lever shaft connected and movable with each pivot plate. A plurality of control levers are pivotally mounted on each shaft and a flexible control cable is connected to each lever and adapted to be connected to a hydraulic control valve. A cable supporting bracket is connected to each of the pivot plates and is connected to and supports the control cables. A control actuating rod is pivotally connected between the vehicle and each of the pivot plates for creating an elliptical movement of the controls as the console is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Machinery Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: George T. Lumpkins
  • Patent number: 4729447
    Abstract: A safeguard for an electric powered wheelchair having a forward steering column (13) on which a handle bar (14) and a control lever (20) are mounted, said safeguard comprising a platform (25) underlying said lever (20) and extending rearwardly thereof to provide contact with the body of an occupant of the chair when rising to dismount therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventor: John F. Morse
  • Patent number: 4716980
    Abstract: An electric rider vehicle control system is disclosed which includes a dead man brake that is normally set to prevent coasting, and controls which release the brake and permit normal transport operation of the vehicle at multiple speeds by an operator on the operator's platform. The controls also include a selector switch for selecting between such normal operation and another mode in which the brake is held in a release position by an electrical solenoid, the first controls are disabled or bypassed, and the propulsive drive is operated by jogging control switches mounted on the sides of the vehicle for convenient manipulation by an operator walking alongside. An adjustable hydraulic snubber also is provided to control brake application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: The Prime Mover Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Butler
  • Patent number: 4699239
    Abstract: A driving control device in a crawler type tractor comprises a lever capable of being operated in the forward or reverse (backward) direction and capable of being operated in the right or left direction when the lever is operated so as to move to the end of the forward or reverse direction, and a speed-stage command device capable of generating and transmitting commands for speed stages for the forward and the reverse directions. When a first sensor detects the lever operation in the forward or reverse direction; the transmission speed stages can be selected in accordance with the first sensor output and the output of the speedstage command device, and the operation amount of the lever in the right or left direction is detected by a second sensor so that steering clutches of the tractor can be controlled in accordance with the output of the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ishino, Hideo Omatsu, Takao Shiraishi, Hideaki Kawakami
  • Patent number: 4690241
    Abstract: A construction for mounting a service hole blank cap of a console box is disclosed, wherein a portion of a slit formed in the console box, through which a hand brake lever penetrates, is a service hole. The undersurface of the peripheral edge of the blank cap abuts against the top surface of the rim of the service hole, and an engaging piece formed on the undersurface of the blank cap engages the undersurface of the rim of the service hole to thereby mount the blank cap. At least one fixing hole is formed in the top surface of the rim on each longitudinal side of the service hole. The blank cap is formed at the undersurface thereof with at least one fixing piece on each longitudinal side of the blank cap. Each fixing piece has a shape and location adapted for reception within a corresponding fixing hole to prevent longitudinal and transverse movement of said blank cap in said service hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Miyadera
  • Patent number: RE32474
    Abstract: A circuit for providing an adjustable period of delay in a vehicle which is started by engaging the engine of the vehicle and a brake means, then disengaging the brake means after the period of delay, has a relay for selectively engaging and disengaging the brake. A variable time delay provides the period of delay. A switch selectively causes the relay to engage the brake and then to disengage the brake after the period of delay. A safety activation means prevents the relay from engaging the brake means in the absence of the switch selected to cause the relay to engage the brake means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Inventor: Dennis Reid