Abstract: An operation system includes: a force sensor; and a stick body configured to transmit, to a strain element of the force sensor, force or moment which has been received; and a control section configured to detect a direction of the force or moment received by the stick body, on the basis of an output of the force sensor, and to generate an operation signal for an object to be operated in accordance with the direction detected.

Abstract: A driving assistance device enables a driver who manually performs an accelerator operation and a steering operation to easily retain an accelerator operation state in a constant state. A driving assistance device includes a manually operable accelerator operation unit in the vicinity of a steering wheel provided in front of a driver seat in a vehicle cabin. The accelerator operation unit is operable in a state where the steering wheel is gripped and an operation reaction force of the accelerator operation unit exhibits an inflection point POI at which the operation reaction force rapidly becomes large in response to an increase in an operation amount of the accelerator operation unit.

Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments during a computer-assisted remote procedure can comprise a base; a steering interface having a portion configured to be grasped by a user; a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface by a user; and a switch operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cart may further include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and, on the condition that the switch is in the engaged position, to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism. A driven wheel mounted to the base of the cart may be configured to impart motion to the cart in response to the movement command.

Abstract: An integrated control apparatus for driving a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a lever housing mounted in an interior space of the vehicle; a joystick lever coupled to the lever housing and configured to be rotatable in a forward-backward direction and a leftward-rightward direction; and a gentle acceleration lever coupled to the joystick lever and configured to be rotatable in the forward-backward direction. When the gentle acceleration lever is operated, a gentle acceleration signal of the vehicle is generated, and when the joystick lever is operated, one of a sudden acceleration signal, a deceleration signal, a steering signal, or a braking signal of the vehicle is generated.

Abstract: A device (10) for transporting solids that comprises—a support frame (11), —an auger (15) connected to the support frame (11) rotatably about an axis of rotation, —a motor unit (30) configured to activate in rotation the auger (15) that comprises an output shaft (321) being rotatable about an axis of revolution (B), characterized in that the axis of revolution (B) of the output shaft (321) is parallel and eccentric to the axis of rotation (A) of the auger (15).

Abstract: A motorized movement device includes a frame, first and second wheels connected to the frame, and first and second motors connected respectively to the first and second wheels that are commandable by respective command signals. The motorized device also includes an inertial measuring unit configured to detect the longitudinal acceleration, pitch angular speed, and yaw angular speed of the movement device and for providing signals representative of the same. The motorized device also includes sensors for detecting speeds of the wheels and configured to provide signals representative thereof. The motorized device further includes a control unit comprising a module for estimating the slope, and longitudinal thrust exerted by a user to the device, yaw torque applied by the user. The control unit also includes a module for compensating the slope, a thrust amplifying module, a yaw torque amplifying module, and a torque allocating module.

Abstract: User-actuated switches that are integrated into the vehicle's interior, such as on the steering wheel, are re-purposed to control operational aspects of a snow plow and/or sand/salt spreader connected to the vehicle. A mode switch is interposed between the user-actuated switches and the vehicle chassis wiring, and also connects to a control system that controls a spreader, and/or a hydraulic subsystem that controls operational aspects of the snow plow. In a normal mode, the mode switch restores the factory connection between the user-actuated switches and the vehicle chassis wiring. In this mode, the user-actuated switches control the vehicle or peripheral functions, such as cruise control, the audio subsystem, or the like. In a snow mode, the mode switch connects the user-actuated switches to the control system.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the base to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the floor surface to assist users. A wheel drive system is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel to rotate the auxiliary wheel relative to the base at a rotational speed. A throttle assembly having a throttle operably coupled to the actuator. The throttle is movable in a first position, a second position, and intermediate positions between the first and second positions. The rotational speed of the auxiliary wheel changes in a non-linear manner with respect to movement of the throttle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering device that includes: a pair of armrests which are mounted on left and right sides of a seat for a vehicle and on which arms of a sitter are placed; and steering units which are provided on the pair of armrests, are formed to be grasped by the sitter, and are configured to change a steering angle of the vehicle by moving in a forward and backward direction of the seat. The steering units are formed to be movable between an operation position at which the sitter grasps and operates the steering units and a storage position at which the steering units are stored in the armrests, and are disposed at the storage position when a predetermined condition is established.

Abstract: A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.

Abstract: The vehicle includes a seating section provided in a main body and configured such that a driver is able to take a seat by straddling the same, foot placement sections located beneath the seating section to be respectively provided at left and right positions of sides of the main body with the seating section interposed therebetween, feet of the seated driver being placed on the foot placement sections, and a grip section located in front of the seating section and disposed above the seating section, the grip section being gripped with a hand of the driver so as to be operated, an acceleration operation being performed by tilting the grip section in a forward direction, a deceleration operation being performed by tilting the grip section in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first control configured to operate the vehicle from a first operator position facing a front of the vehicle and a second control configured to operate the vehicle from a second operator position facing a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor configured to monitor for an operator presence in the first operator position or the second operator position and receive a vehicle operating request, wherein the operator presence is monitored independent of receiving the vehicle operating request. The processor is further configured to enable either the first control or the second control and select a vehicle operating parameter associated with the vehicle operating request, wherein the vehicle operating parameter varies according to which control is enabled.

Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface assembly comprises a base, an operator input device operable to move in a first direction in relation to the base to a second position and a third position, a first biasing member including a first spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the first spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, a second biasing member including a second spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the second spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at the second position, the second position different than the first position, and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, and a position sensor.

Abstract: A shifting range sensing system, may include a shift lever pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a shift range sensing apparatus to sense a pivotal movement of the shift lever, an inhibitor switch mounted in a transmission, and a controller taking an emergency measure when a signal of the inhibitor switch and a signal of the shifting range sensing apparatus do not indicate the same shifting range.

Abstract: A steering system for allowing an operator to control the direction of travel of a vehicle propelled on wheels. The steering system comprises a steering input device configured to include a handle pivotally coupled to a linkage assembly configured to swivel, wherein the handle is configured to move in the fore and aft direction, wherein the steering input device generates input data based on the position of the linkage assembly and/or the handle. The steering system further comprises a communication device to communicate the input data received by the steering input device to a lower steering system, wherein the lower steering system is configured to receive the input data from the steering input device and control the direction of the wheels based on the input data received.

Abstract: A shifting range sensing device may include an electronic communication unit that includes a housing fixed to an outside of an external bracket of a shift lever, a magnet being disposed in the housing and rotatable in a forward-backward direction therein wherein the magnet pivots with rotation of the shift lever in the forward-backward direction, and a Hall sensor sensing the forward-backward direction movement of the magnet, and a microswitch electrically connected with the electronic communication unit and engaged to a side of the shift lever, wherein the microswitch may be turned on/off in accordance with a left-right rotation of the shift lever, wherein the microswitch transmits on/off signal to the electronic communication unit and the electronic communication unit transmits information sensed by the Hall sensor and the on/off signal sensed by the microswitch to a transmission controller.

Abstract: A dual steering system for zero turning radius lawn mowers is provided which enables those without effective use of their arms to drive and steer such lawn mowers. The system hereof may include respective left and right control pedals which are shiftably mounted to respective pedal supports coupled to the mower for use by the operator's legs, and respective linkages which operatively connect the pedals to left and right control levers operatively connected to the mower's drive wheels for causing the drive wheels to move in forward or rearward drive directions. By operating the control pedals alone or in combination with the control levers, the operator may move the zero turning radius mower forward, rearward, or steer it in a desired manner.

Abstract: A power steering assist system for a hand-steered pallet truck includes a joint assembly having a pivot joint, handle biasing mechanism, and a torque sensing arrangement. The pivot joint includes a pair of needle bearings and pivot pin disposed within a pivot block that provides a flexible connection between a handle and a tiller arm. The handle biasing mechanism includes a cantilevered beam spring and two cam rollers that resists an operator steering force applied to the handle and further, centers the handle with respect to the tiller arm after the force is released. The torque sensing arrangement includes a magnet and a non-contact magnetoresistive (MR) sensor that measures movement of the handle relative to the tiller arm which is used to determine operator steering intent, i.e., the amount of steering force applied to the handle. The MR sensor provides accurate torque measurements regardless of the angle of the tiller arm.

Abstract: A control system for a saddle-type vehicle is provided. The control system includes a reverse lever, a hand brake lever, a throttle lever and at least one mount bracket. Each of the reverse lever, the hand brake lever and the throttle lever are pivotably coupled to the at least one mount bracket and the at least one mount bracket is configured to be connected to a first one of a right handlebar and a left handlebar of a saddle-type vehicle.

Abstract: A tractor includes a boom and a bucket being coupled with each other in series and having the same rotating direction, and a control lever for operating both the boom and the bucket. The control button is equipped in the control lever, and the control lever can operate either a boom or a bucket after either the boom or the bucket is selected by pressing the control button.

Abstract: A steering system includes a steered tire and a steering control device that controls the steered tire from a first operating position. Further including a steering control mount that supports the steering control device and is configured to allow the steering control device to rotate to a second operating position opposite the first position. An interlock is operable to disable the steering control device as it rotates between the first and second operating positions. A method detecting a position of a steering control that is configured to provide a steering function of a vehicle in either of a first or a second operating position, where the first position is oriented opposite that of the second operating position. Further receiving an interlock signal and enabling the steering function and a traction function when the interlock signal indicates that the position of the steering control is in the first or second operator position and disabling when the steering control is not an operating position.

Abstract: An operator input assembly includes an operator input device. The operator input device includes a paddle and a leaf spring interfacing with the paddle so as to bias the paddle to a predetermined position. The paddle includes a region which interfaces with the leaf spring.

Abstract: Dual lever steering controls with control stops are provided for a zero turning radius mower. Each control arm is mounted to a neutral position lever that is pivotable between a full forward drive position and a full reverse drive position. Each control stop is mounted to block the control arm and neutral position lever from pivoting to a position under a minimum forward speed. Each control stop may be biased to the minimum forward speed position, and also may be pivotable between an operating position and a non-operating position.

Abstract: A golf cart actuating system includes a golf cart that includes a seat assembly vertically spaced from a foot rest wall. A support wall extends between the foot rest wall and the seat portion. A direction rod extends through the support wall. The direction rod is rotated to a first position to select forward movement and rotated to a second position to select rearward movement. A bracket is attached to the foot rest wall. A pivot member is pivotably coupled to the bracket. A crank is attached to the direction rod. A lifting post is attached to and extends between the crank and the pivot member. A control post is attached to and extends upwardly from the pivot member. Movement of the control post away from or toward the seat assembly alternates the direction rod from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A tiller head with a switch arrangement for operating a lifting mechanism of a forklift includes an operating element mounted on the tiller head, where the operating element has an actuator, and a magnetic field sensor operatively connected with the actuator without contact so that the magnetic field sensor's electrical characteristic varies when the operating element is actuated. The actuator includes magnetic field sources arranged on both sides of the magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor and the magnetic field sources being arranged so that magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic field sources pass through the magnetic field sensor. The operating element comprises a rocker switch that pivots about an axis on the tiller head, the rocker switch having a recess which extends transversely to an operating direction defined by the axis and into which the magnetic sensor extends.

Abstract: A vehicle operator input device for controlling the vehicle with the operator input device including an operator interface lever moveable by a vehicle operator in first and second directions about an axis. The operator input device includes a sensor system with a sensor target. The sensor system senses the moveable operator interface lever and provides an operator interface lever position signal as a function of a position of the operator interface lever.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method to control the operability of a motorized vehicle such as an industrial pallet truck. The apparatus includes a coast control system, a steer arm, and an actuation cylinder attached to the steer arm that maintains the steer arm in an operator selectable position where the coast control system is activated.

Abstract: A motorized wheeled vehicle includes a support frame, a head tube secured on the support frame, a front fork pivotally mounted on the head tube, a front wheel rotatably mounted on the front fork, a steering tube pivotally mounted on the head tube and secured on the front fork, a speed reduction control switch mounted on the head tube and provided with a plurality of contact points, and a contact board mounted on the steering tube and movable relative to the speed reduction control switch to press or detach the contact points of the speed reduction control switch. Thus, the speed reduction control switch has a multi-stage and micro-adjustment speed reduction function so as to reduce the speed of the motorized wheeled vehicle gradually when the motorized wheeled vehicle is turned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft head comprising a switch arrangement for actuating the lifting device of a floor conveyor, said switch arrangement comprising an actuating element which is applied to the shaft head and provided with an actuator and a sensor that is actively connected to the actuator in a contactless manner, the electrical property thereof, such as inductance, capacitance or electrical voltage, varying during the actuation of the actuating element.

Abstract: A panel mount cable control assembly is provided which is useful with a vehicle having controllable mechanisms such as a throttle and choke of an internal combustion engine. The cable control assembly includes independently actuated shifters operatively connected to respective Bowden cables connected to the controllable mechanisms, which each shifter having a different mode of operation. A first shifter is preferably maintained in a desired position through frictional engagement, while a second shifter operates for a free return though a spring which biases the shifter to an initial position. Both shifters are preferably mounted to substantially enclose a chamber of a housing, and are positioned for side-by-side independent pivotal movement with the shifters in abutment.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for detecting an operation amount of or an operation state quantity by an operation force on each of two independent operation elements to thereby control a steering unit based on a difference between the operation state quantities so detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control adapter for use with an existing dual lever lawn tractor that allows an operator to use a single hand in operating tile dual lever lawn tractor. Existing dual lever lawn tractors require an operator to use one hand on each lever to operate the lawn tractor. The control adapter of the present invention is operatively connected to the first control lever and to the second control lever of the dual lever lawn tractor which allows the operator to use a single hand in operating the dual lever lawn tractor.

Abstract: A drawbar for power-operated industrial trucks with a drawbar handle which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis in a large angular range between an approximately upright position and a position inclined obliquely to vertical. The drawbar includes a drawbar head arranged at a free end of the drawbar handle, the head including a horn arranged in the extension of the drawbar handle, rod-like grips extending on both sides of the horn and approximately transversely thereto that are connected to carrier sections connected to the horn on both sides via arm sections attached to the end of a grip. The arm and carrier sections form a protective yoke with grip openings and at least one control element for a function of the industrial truck on one grip opening is arranged in the vicinity of the associated carrier section, such that it can be actuated from above by pressure from one finger, even when the hand grasps the rod-like grip facing it.

Abstract: A motorized pallet truck includes an angular indicator on the steering arm mechanism providing an internal controller with an angular position of the steering arm or tiller. The controller applies a brake when the tiller is in either of a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal position, limits the speed of the truck for a predetermined rotational movement from the vertical position, and allows full speed of the vehicle when the tiller arm is pulled into a predefined fast driving arc. The controller further limits the rate of acceleration of the truck when the truck is transitioned between a slow and a fast mode of operation to prevent rapid acceleration in the speed of the truck during the transition.

Abstract: A steering control console for a mobile machine is disclosed. The control console has an armrest extending adjacent a seat in a forward direction generally parallel with a seat plane of symmetry. The control console also includes an operator interface device operatively connected to the armrest. The operator interface device is tiltable about a pivot axis through a range of approximately 70-90 degrees. The pivot axis is substantially aligned with the forward direction.

Abstract: A walk behind powered apparatus having a mobile structure, a work implement drive system coupled to the mobile structure, a power device driving the work implement, and a handle structure coupled to the mobile structure. The handle structure includes a cam slot having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is orthogonal to the first portion. A bail member is pivotally coupled to the handle structure and includes a pin extending therefrom. The pin cammingly engaging the slot such that when the bail member is in a first position the pin is disposed in the first portion of the slot and when the bail member is in a second position the pin is disposed in the second portion of the slot. A switch device is coupled to the work implement drive system and selectively actuates the work implement drive system in response to the movement of the bail member between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A steering arm for a walkie/rider truck which has a truck body, a driving motor and load bearing means, a platform for the operator and a steering rod. Button portions extend adjacent both lateral surfaces of the horn of a steering above the grip portions and extend approximately parallel to the lateral surfaces and are supported for pivoting movement approximately about horizontal axes. The button portions are arranged such that they can be actuated by the thumb or the index finger of the hand engaging the associated grip portion.

Abstract: A pole for a hand pallet truck that includes a pole bar which is linked to a support for a steerable wheel at its lower end and connected to a loop-shaped handle at the other end. An operating device is disposed within the space defined by the handle. The operating device is attached to a holding extension projecting into the handle in prolongation of the bar, and is connectable to a lifting apparatus of the hand pallet truck via a traction and/or pushing element. If applicable, it is connectable via a second traction and/or pushing element to a brake of the hand pallet truck, wherein an operating lever is disposed on either side of the extension. The operating levers are pivotally mounted on the holding extension in a plane essentially defined by the handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handlebar tilting apparatus having upper and lower pivotally attached brackets, a lever, and appropriate connectors to fasten the brackets and lever to each other in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the brackets each adopt a generally U-shaped configuration with opposing side members and a transition member extending therebetween and integral therewith. The lower bracket is stationary and is attached to the steering column of a vehicle using a handlebar for steering. The upper bracket is attached to the handlebar of the vehicle. The lever is pivotally attached to the upper bracket by a lever pin and supports a latch pin that selectively engages notches disposed in the lower bracket.

Abstract: A pole for a hand pallet truck includes a pole bar linked to a support for a steerable wheel at its lower end and connected to a loop-shaped handle at a remaining end. The handle is centrally grappable at its near end and includes an operating device therein attached to a holding extension projecting into the handle. The holding extension is connectable to a lifting apparatus of the hand pallet truck via a traction and/or pushing element with operating levers being disposed on either side thereof The operating levers are pivotally mounted on the holding extension in a plane defined by the handle, each operating lever acting on a common displacement element connected to the traction or pushing element wherein pulling the operation levers from a neutral position away from the pole bar causes a lowering operating and pushing the operating lever's out of the neutral position towards the pole bar allows a lifting operation of the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: An industrial truck having a steering assembly used to steer the industrial truck about a steering axis when a pivotally attached tiller is swung around the truck by an operator. The steering axis is tilted towards the forks of the truck an angle between 2 and 5 degrees from vertical. By tilting the pivot axis, the distal end of the tiller is tilted toward the forks of the truck when rotated to a fully turned position. This improves the maneuverability of the truck near obstacles and allows longer tillers and larger/more comfortable handles to be used without increasing interference with obstacles near the back of the truck.

Abstract: A hand control mechanism to produce a selectively changeable effect on a continuously variable input shaft is disclosed. The mechanism selectively varies the length of a lever arm to effect a change in the amount of rotation of a continuously variable input shaft of a machine.

Abstract: A motorized pallet truck includes an angular indicator on the steering arm mechanism providing an internal controller with an angular position of the steering arm or tiller. The controller applies a brake when the tiller is in either of a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal position, limits the speed of the truck for a predetermined rotational movement from the vertical position, and allows full speed of the vehicle when the tiller arm is pulled into a predefined fast driving arc.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is disclosed having a frame with front, rear, right, and left sides. The frame defines a frame centerline extending longitudinally between the front and the rear sides. The ATV includes an engine with at least one cylinder having an axis that defines an engine centerline. The all terrain vehicle also includes an output shaft defining an output shaft centerline. A continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) operatively connects the engine to the output shaft and defines a CVT centerline. The engine centerline, output shaft centerline, and CVT centerline are positioned with respect to one another and the frame centerline. In one embodiment, the engine centerline is disposed between the output shaft centerline and the CVT centerline. In this embodiment, the engine centerline also may lie between the frame centerline and the CVT centerline.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle has wheels mounted on a vehicle body for undergoing rotation to cause the motorized vehicle to undergo travelling, electric motors for selectively undergoing forward and reverse rotation to rotationally drive respective ones of the wheels, brakes for applying brake forces to respective ones of the wheels, handlebars extending from the vehicle body, and turn control levers mounted on the handlebars to undergo angular movement within a range of preselected angular positions. The turn control levers are connected to respective ones of the brakes and respective ones of the electric motors so that the electric motors undergo rotation simultaneously in opposite directions in accordance with the preselected angular positions of the turn control levers to turn the motorized vehicle while the motorized does not undergo travelling.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to vehicles, and particularly relates to a “personal mobility vehicle”, which is typically used by a single rider on relatively flat terrain and can be powered by rechargeable batteries. The vehicle is configured to be “broken down” into smaller subapparatuses for purposes of transport. Also included is the use of a single elongate pivoting control bar, which can be grasped by an operator's fingertips while the operator keeps the operator's palms on main handle grips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for steering a motor vehicle, the device comprising at least one steering means to be actuated by a driver, the means being coupled electrically with at least one steerable wheel of the motor vehicle. The device further comprises a seat for the driver, the seat including a seat part which forms a seat area, and a backrest part. The steering means are coupled with the seat part and are longitudinally displaceable together with it.

Abstract: A coast control device for a walkie/rider pallet truck locks the position of a steering arm of the truck to prevent movement by a deadman mechanism. The disclosed locking device is a brake: an armature plate mounted to the steering arm; and an electromagnet coupled to a steering head that is operated to activate coasting operation. The brake force can be overcome by an operator to manually apply the truck brake or to reposition the steering arm to a new position where it is again locked. For controlling coasting operation, the brake is manually engaged by an actuator mounted adjacent to or on a grab bar that is to be gripped by an operator riding on the truck. With the actuator so located, coasting operation can be conveniently engaged while the operator is walking beside the truck.

Abstract: A control element arrangement is disclosed for controlling a motor vehicle without conventional pedals and steering wheel. Two control elements are provided which can be operated independently of one another, in which case at least the longitudinal speed and/or at least the steering angle can be controlled optionally by operating one or the other control element. As a result, with respect to the longitudinal and/or the lateral dynamic control, on the one hand, a redundancy is created which increases the operating reliability and, on the other hand, the control-comfort-increasing possibility is created of being able to guide the vehicle alternated by means of one or the other control element.

Abstract: A user input device in accordance with one features of the present invention includes one or more joysticks, movable by a user in an operator compartment of a power machine. The joysticks control direction of movement of the power machine, as well as travel speed.