Abstract: The body of a vehicle has a floor and two sides, with a body longitudinal center line being defined midway between these two sides. A driver's seat is fixed to the floor on one side of this body longitudinal center line, and a front passenger's seat is fixed to the floor on the other side thereof. The approximate center of the driver's seat lies substantially closer to this body longitudinal center line than does the approximate center of the front passenger's seat. Thereby, more room is obtained for the driver, at the expense of somewhat diminishing the room available for the front passenger. Further, it becomes possible for the driver's seat directly to oppose the control pedals, without any slanting sitting attitude being required from the driver.

Abstract: The function control levers of an earth moving vehicle such as a motor grader are mounted on a pedestal which may be selectively pivotally tilted for optimum position for the operator, sitting or standing. The pedestal comprises a trapezoidal-type configuration of an upwardly extended pair of parallel panels pivotally mounted at their base and pivotally connected across their upper ends by a steering wheel unit such that two horizontally spaced pairs of vertically spaced shafts define the articulating corners of the pedestal. A series of hydraulic valves are mounted forwardly of the pedestal. The function controls are pivotally mounted on one of the upper pedestal shafts for manipulation and includes linkage connecting the function controls to the valves which maintain the controls in a substantially constant position relative to the operator regardless of the pedestal tilt position.

Abstract: A method of arranging function controls for a vehicle, which method provides a control system that is easily converted from a two-hand control for left and right blade lift functions to a one-hand control for the same functions. The method comprises the steps of placing the blade lift levers at the extreme left and right ends of a pivot shaft inserted through the control console, with the third lever for the optional functional control placed adjacent to the right blade lift lever; and placing the left and right blade lift control valves at opposite ends of the control valve stack similarly to the placement of the left and right control levers, with the optional functional control valve placed adjacent to the right blade lift control valve as with the optional control lever.

Abstract: A multi-function directional handle with control elements mounted for turning in both directions is arranged as a single structural unit, in which unit an axially supported control spoke with hand-grippable, individually movable control levers at its ends is provided adjustably fixed in a position within the region of grip in front of the driver's seat of a construction machine. The control levers each define an opening, wherein finger-displaceable dump lever is mounted in each such opening, the axes of swing of the control and dump levers extending, approximately parallel, to the pivot axes of the controlled tool parts, and the direction of turn of the human control movements agreeing with that of the movements controlled.

Abstract: A handle switch assembly for a motor vehicle having a bar-like handle member with handle grips, comprises a switch housing mounted on the handle member adjacent to the handle grip, at least two push button switch elements housed in the switch housing, and push buttons connected to each of the push button switch elements, the push buttons being movable in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle member, wherein the push buttons are disposed in a manner that a distances between an end of the push buttons on the side of the handle grip and the handle grip differ from one another so that the push buttons are distinguished from one another merely by touching head portions thereof.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive for a windrower includes wheel motors having speed control arms movable between "hi" and "lo" speed stops by means of a pair of push-pull cables coupled between the control arms and a speed control lever. The cables have housings mounted to the motor control arms so as to isolate the cable from noise and other vibrations induced in the control arms. The cable housings are also mounted to the frame by a shock absorber load assembly which acts through the cable housing to resiliently bias the control arms against their respective stops and to further isolate the cable from vibrations.

Abstract: In a forklifter with an operator's platform supported at the vehicle frame, the platform is formed by a floor plate underneath which are provided mounting supports for the actuating devices which are accessible from the operator's platform and are connected with the installations to be actuated by way of connecting lines; the actuating devices are supported in a tub-shaped housing open in the direction toward the floor plate which, together with the actuating devices and the connections thereof, forms a preassembled unit which is inserted between cross bearers of the superstructure and is retained thereat in a detachable manner.

Abstract: An intermediate-lever device for a vehicle parking brake system including a first brake cable connected to a hand- or foot-operated control member, and a second brake cable connected to a parking brake mechanism on a vehicle wheel. The device comprises an intermediate lever connecting the first brake cable to the second brake cable, and a bracket pivotally supporting the intermediate lever. The intermediate lever and the bracket are accommodated in a console box disposed between right and left seats of a vehicle, and the bracket is secured to an upper surface of a floor panel of the vehicle with which the seats are associated.

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.

Abstract: A sealing means on a vehicle cab for force and motion transmitting members between the control levers in the cab and the control devices external of the cab.The force and motion transmitting members or energy transmitting members are connected to the controls and extend through an opening in the corner of one of the cab walls and the floor. A carrier plate having slots receives the cables or wires and a plate having a deformable layer is clamped between the cover plate and the carrier plate to form an airtight seal around the cables or wires thereby closing the opening in the wall and floor and providing an airtight seal and a thermal insulating medium as well as a sound dampening device.

Abstract: A seat and hydraulic control lever interlock for lift trucks in which access to a battery compartment is in part enabled by pivoting the operator seat forwardly over the steering wheel, which pivotal movement causes interlocking lever means between the seat pivot and hydraulic control levers to actuate to an armed position. Forward pivotal movement of the control levers to an inoperative position to clear the battery compartment allows the lever means to move to a position in which the control levers are held in such inoperative position until the seat is pivoted rearwardly over the battery compartment.

Abstract: A working vehicle comprising two pumps for driving hydraulic motors provided for opposite running devices individually and a valve mechanism for bringing the vehicle into a low-speed state wherein a fluid is supplied from the pumps to the motors individually, or alternatively into a high-speed state wherein the combined fluid from the pumps is supplied to the motors in series. The vehicle is provided with an operating assembly for preventing the vehicle from turning at a high speed even when the vehicle is inadvertently so operated by the driver in the high-speed state.

Abstract: A motor vehicle provided with an engine space or trunk arranged in the forward end thereof and with an end wall located between the space or trunk and the passenger compartment. A brake pedal, mounted in a suspended fashion connected to a braking device located outside of the passenger compartment, extends through the end wall. The braking device is arranged so that, upon a frontal structural deformation caused by a collision, the brake device executes a pivotal motion by which the brake pedal is guided away from the driver of the vehicle and against the end wall. A two-stage deformation member is provided which includes a rigid upper pot-shaped deformation member to which the braking device is attached. A pedal shaft of the brake pedal is mounted in an upper zone of the upper pot shaped member, the upper pot shaped member passes over by way of a step or shoulder into a larger deformable lower pot-shaped member connected with the end wall.

Abstract: A motor vehicle support group for mounting an instrument and control device carrier assembly, accessory elements, and an electric interconnection group for the instruments, control devices and accessory elements, in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, the support group comprising a first support part and a second support part adapted to be adjustably secured together, the first support part being mounted on the steering column of the motor vehicle and the second support part being mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle, the support parts and the components mounted thereon being adapted to be preassembled so that the assembly may be tested prior to installation in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A controller (10) for the traction motor of an industrial truck comprises an actuator spool (56) which is axially shiftable by a manual selector member (12) for actuating a plurality of control switches (44,46,48). The controller comprises a unitary body (24) with a first passage (62) for slidably supporting the actuator spool (56) and a second passage (203) which is orthogonally related to the first passage for slidably supporting an actuator plunger (202) for a speed control member (222). A box (26) is mounted on the unitary body and contains the plural control switches adjacent the actuator plunger and also contains the speed control member and a starting switch (52).

Abstract: An inhibit lock arrangement for a marine engine controller including a valve-operating shaft axially movable by an operator's handle, when set in a "start" position, for opening a valve whereby a fluid pressure signal is transmitted to the engine to start the engine. Axial movement of the shaft may be blocked by a piston rod actuated by a cylinder when the cylinder is pressurized by a pressure signal indicating an undesirable engine operating or malfunctioning condition. A pair of pivotable latches disposed on each side of the operator's handle for retaining the handle in a neutral position until a release piston is actuated by the operator for releasing the latches and permitting the handle to be moved through a slot but not into the "start" positions until the undesirable condition has been eliminated.

Abstract: An offset type tractor with attachment of a first working implement longitudinally between front and rear wheels and of a second working implement rearwardly of the rear wheels, with the possibility of separate, independent maneuvering as well as common, simultaneous maneuvering modes of raising and lowering the first and the second implements. A mechanism for raising and lowering the first implement is disposed so as not to impair a clear front view from the offset type tractor.

Abstract: An automatic tire chain for driver operated vehicles includes a chain device that is moved to the road contact surface of a tire from a position adjacent thereto by means of a spring mechanism placed under tension when the chain is held away from the road contact surface of the tire. A pair of rings, one being fixed to the wheel and the other being slideably mounted thereon are provided with indexing slots. The slideable ring has a chain affixed thereon and is moved relative to the fixed ring by an operator activated engaging mechanism mounted on the vehicle. The engaging means engages the indexing slots and moves the slideable ring relative to the fixed ring while the vehicle moves along the road at a speed less than 10 miles per hour placing the chain adjacent to the road contact surface of the tire.

Abstract: A tractor includes a dash which houses various components of the tractor. A pair of dash panels enclose the top and sides of the dash. Each side of the tractor includes lower front and upper rear hinge members mounted thereon. Each panel includes complimentary hinge members pivotally engagable with the front and rear tractor hinge members. The hinge members are disposed so that the panels may swing between closed and open positions without engaging other components of the tractor, such as the steering wheel or foot pedals.

Abstract: An aid for turning a motor vehicle ignition switch (22) with flanges or mounts (24) comprises a handle (10) having a substantially straight portion (12) for engaging the flanges (24) and an angled portion (14) extending outwardly from the flanges (24). A knob (16) is attached to the end of the angled portion (14) of the lever arm for grasping and transmitting rotational forces to the ignition switch (22). Screws (26) are provided for connecting the handle (10) to the flanges (24).

Abstract: An automatic-transmission wheeled motor vehicle having a wheel service brake applied by a brake pedal and an engine speed control operated by an accelerator pedal, the pedals being pivotally mounted side-by-side as to be operable by the vehicle operator's feet, is provided with a service brake anti-creep (original equipment or retrofit) device extending from the vehicle fire wall toward the pedals, the device including a stationary member having a slot and a spring latch with a rear lock edge and a front cam edge normally resiliently positioned in the slot, the brake pedal having a member extending toward the device and adapted, on final braking travel of the brake pedal, to cam the latch out of the slot and enter the slot to a position behind the lock edge so that the latch can re-enter the slot and retain the brake pedal member therein in the brake-on position, the device having structure adapted, upon initial operation thereof for increasing engine speed from idle, to pivot the latch away from the slot and

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (10) for mounting control members including tilt cylinders (12, 14), a brake pedal (16) and, optionally, a creeper pedal (88). Problems with prior devices include the space requirements and number of parts needed to mount or anchor these members. The invention solves these problems through the use of a supporting device (18, 20, 26, 34, 38, 40, 42, 66, 76) for both the tilt cylinders (12,14) and brake pedal (16) and apparatus (90, 92, 94, 98, 104, 106) for optically installing the creeper pedal (88) on the supporting device (18, 20, 26, 34, 38, 40, 42, 66, 76) for both the tilt cylinders (12,14) and brake pedal (16) and apparatus (90, 92, 94, 98, 104, 106) for optionally installing the creeper pedal (88) on the supporting device (18, 20, 26, 34, 38, 40, 42, 66, 76). The apparatus (10) can be used principally on fork lift trucks having either standard transmissions or an optional torque converter transmission with or without creeper control.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (10) for supporting in common loads including a brake pedal (14) and tilt cylinder (16), as well as for mounting a brake master cylinder (42). The invention overcomes problems in isolating one load from another and in conveniently mounting the master cylinder. The apparatus (10) includes a frame (12), a bifurcated bracket (20) having ears (24,26) and being coupled to the frame (12), an elongated sleeve (52 or 60 or 62) supported on the ears (24,26) and an elongated cross pin (32) rotatably supported in the ears (24,26). The brake pedal (14) is coupled to one end of the pin (32) and the cylinder (16) is coupled to the sleeve (52 or 60 or 62) between the ears (24,26), both inside an inboard side of the frame (12). The master cylinder (42) is mounted on an outboard side of the frame (12) and is coupled to the other end of the pin (32).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for releasing a clutch through clutch cables in an automobile having an engine which is connected to a clutch housing containing a clutch release fork and a clutch pedal. The clutch cables comprise an outer cable which is located forwardly of an exhaust pipe of the engine and an inner cable which extends longitudinally through the outer cable. The outer cable is secured to the body of the automobile and to the engine at one end and at the other end respectively, while the inner cable is connected to the clutch pedal and to the clutch release fork at one end outwardly extending from the one end of the outer cable and at the other end outwardly extending from the other end of the outer cable respectively. By virtue of this construction, the outer cable is protected from the high temperature of the exhaust pipe, and there is no relative displacement between the other end of the outer cable and the inner cable when the clutch is not worked.

Abstract: A two pump, two motor hydrostatic drive vehicle is provided with service brakes having an operating linkage interconnected with the speed control linkage for the hydrostatic pump in such a manner that depressing the brake pedal returns the pump swash plate control arms to neutral and releasing the brake pedal returns the control arms to the forward speed position previously set by the operator speed control lever.

Abstract: This specification discloses an off-road vehicle employing an improved hydrostatic drive system including engine driven variable displacement pumps having respective actuating members for varying displacement in two directions equivalent to forward and reverse directions, wheel motors at each wheel representing hydraulic actuating device operable by the fluid from the pump, hydraulic reservoir, serially interconnecting supply and return lines, and an improvement comprising one or more operator control members and a sensitivity control means for controlling the range of movement of the actuating member responsive to movement of the operating control member in a respective direction. Also disclosed is a preferred embodiment in which four wheel hydrostatic drive is employed with an option of converting the hydraulic fluid output that normally goes to one set of wheels such that all of the fluid goes to the other set of wheels for road speed operation.

Abstract: Magnetic control apparatus (32) for intensifying a magnetic field to actuate a magnetic control member (34) and for preventing simultaneous actuation of a pair (34, 36) of magnetic control members. In one (32) of several embodiments a pair (38, 40) of selectively movable magnets each respectively produces a magnetic field which, when a magnet is moved into position, is directed by a pair (42, 54) of elongated bars across the pair (34, 36) of control members to actuate one of the members in response to the field. The pair (42, 54) of bars bypass the magnetic fields from the control members (34, 36) when both magnets (38, 40) are in such a position to attempt to actuate the control members (34, 36). The pair (42, 54) of elongated bars intensify the magnetic fields at the control members (34, 36), thereby permitting the use of relatively weak magnets at a substantial distance from the members (34, 36).

Abstract: A farm vehicle comprising reversible steering handles, a pair of right and left steering clutches, a pair of right and left control means for the clutches, and a clutch connection switch mechanism to switch connection between the clutches and the control means. The clutch connection switch mechanism includes a disc cam or cams and a pair of cam followers in order to be operable by reversing oscillations of the steering handles.