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 alternately by means of one or the other control element.

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.

Abstract: Hydraulic device for directional control of a vehicle using a single lever, including: a hydraulic manipulator (1) with four outlets, forward-reverse and right-left; a selection device (4) with four selectors (5) in a bridge, which is connected to the manipulator and of which the outputs are connected to four directional drive controls, reverse-left, forward-left and reverse-right and forward-right for the running components of the vehicle; two slide valves (7) with two positions, respectively one with direct connections and one with crossed connections, which are inserted into the feed lines of the directional drive controls; first controls acting on a first end (8) of the slide valves being connected to the FORWARD or REVERSE outputs of the manipulator; and second controls acting on a second end (9) of the slide valves being connected to the RIGHT and LEFT outputs of the manipulator; by virtue of which the control of the vehicle remains fully ergonomic, including for a rotation of the vehicle on itself.

Abstract: Foot operated safety driving system, that realizes slow down of vehicle by driver's pushing a gas pedal (10). A foot toe pressure piezoelectric sensor (12T) and a foot heel sensor (12H), joined with gas pedal (10), convert all driver's foot pressure impulses to an electric signal; a sensors' cord (78) transmits the signal to an electric device (74). An input processing circuit of the device (74) selects from the electric signal a brake pulse by comparators (28) and (30), verifies and forms the brake pulse by a strobing transistor (22) and a conjunction gate (32), and uses the processed brake pulse to actuate a group of output thyristor controllable electron valves (34), (36), (38).

Abstract: A device for controllably moving a vehicle that includes a drive wheel. The device includes a drive motor that provides energy for moving the drive wheel, a steering tiller conjoined to the drive wheel for changing vehicle direction and a control grip attached to the steering tiller for increasing and decreasing power to the drive motor. The present invention also includes a control grip.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a camera mounting (11) providing a number of axes of movement for a camera supported on the mounting with a motor drive for each axis. A manually operable control system is provided for the motorized drives having a control member (16) and means operable in response to forces applied manually to the control member in the direction of the respective axes to energize the corresponding motor drive or drives for the mounting to produce movement of the mounting proportional to the force applied in the or each axis.

Abstract: An operating apparatus for a parking brake is provided with a parking brake switch and an engine key switch. The parking brake switch can be operated to an ON position, an OFF position and a RESET position. When the engine key switch is OFF, the parking brake maintains an engaged state regardless of the operating position of the parking brake switch. When the engine key switch is switched from OFF to ON, the parking brake is released only when the parking brake switch is first operated to the RESET position. Then, after the parking brake switch is operated to the RESET position, the parking brake is released when the parking brake switch is operated to the OFF position, but it is engaged if the parking brake switch is operated to the ON position. With this, the parking brake is released through one and the same operating procedure, regardless of the operating position of the parking brake switch.

Abstract: A steering and control system is disclosed which includes a steering wheel that not only allows for the operator to accomplish the steering of a vehicle, but also allows the operator to merely exert a force on the steering to control the braking mechanism of a vehicle. The steering wheel, acting as a unitary device for controlling two of the principal operations of a vehicle, provides the operator with improved handling capabilities and does so without the operator needing to use his/her feet which makes the control system of the vehicle particularly suited for handicapped individuals.

Abstract: A set of motor vehicle controls for the assistance of invalid drivers, especially those handicapped in the lower limbs, is provided. The system includes a set of controls mounted on the steering wheel for operating the accelerator and the brake, a set of controls mounted on the gear shaft lever for operating the clutch and brake, a set of motors controlling the position of each of the brake, clutch, and accelerator, at least one member transmitting commands to all controls by one of a wire control system and wire-free control system, at least one unit transmitting from each of the motors to the corresponding pedal, and an electronic unit controlling the motors. The system may be employed in any motor vehicle with a mechanical or automatic gear box.

Abstract: A steering stick (1) is disclosed for switching or actuating components of a utility vehicle, in particular a wheeled loader. In order to make handling and overview easier for the operator, the stick (1) has a handle (2) ergonomically adapted to the hand. Switching elements (6, 7) within reach of the thumb of the hand that grips the handle (2) are located in the head (3) linked to the handle (2). The switching elements (6, 7) are keys (10 to 13 and 15 to 17) and/or signaling elements, such as luminescent diodes. At least one further key (20) arranged on the back side of the handle (2) allows several keys to be actuated together.

Abstract: A selector mechanism for a vehicle transmission comprising an automatic transmission coupled to a range-change transmission having first and second ranges includes a ratio selector lever movable along three paths defined by an H-shaped gaze. The first path is defined by a first limb of the gate for shift selection in the automatic transmission with the first range of the range-change transmission selected. The second path is defined by a second limb of the gate substantially parallel with the first limb for shift selection in the automatic transmission with the second range of the range-change transmission selected and the third, transverse, path is defined by a limb of the gate transverse to the first and second limbs. Movement of the selector lever along the transverse path effects a change from one range to the other in the range-change transmission.

Abstract: The improvement in an industrial truck having a container, an operator station and an adjustable control valve fixed on the truck adjacent to the container comprising a control lever for the control valve mounted on a panel member pivotally mounted on the container. A rocking lever is operatively connected to the control lever and is pivotally connected to the control valve. The rocking lever is pivotally mounted on the panel member. The pivotal axis of the panel member and the pivotal axis of the rocking lever are the same so that the panel and the rocking lever can be pivoted out of an operating position wherein the control lever is within easy reach of the operator station into a service position providing access to the interior of the container on the truck.

Abstract: A remotely-controlled system for the operation of the gas and brake pedals of a vehicle wherein a limited physical input is translated into desired vehicle acceleration and braking. A single joystick lever is linked electronically to mechanical components connected to the gas and brake pedals so as to operate those pedals in a fly-by-wire manner. The joystick lever is optionally tied to a feedback mechanism that permits the driver to adjust the resistance felt upon movement of the lever. In that way, the feel for the vehicle's operation can be experienced more readily. The control system of the present invention permits able-bodied operation of the vehicle without any interference.

Abstract: A vehicle hand control assembly which, when installed on a motor vehicle, allows the user to control the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal with his hands. Two telescoping members are pivotally attached to a plate which is then secured to the individual pedal with a strap. The strap loops around the pedal and is then attached to the telescoping member with a hook and loop fastener in order to secure the strap, thereby allowing the user to easily install the device without reaching to the floor.

Abstract: An operator lever device for a tracked vehicle equipped with a steering valve for controlling steering operations, a first transmission valve for selecting forward/backward traveling operation and a second transmission valve for controlling speed changing operations, has a rotary yoke shaft which is disposed horizontally in the front-and-rear directions with respect to an operator, a yoke mounted on an end of the rotary yoke shaft so as to be pivotable in the left-and-right directions, a cruciform member which is mounted to the yoke by pivot pins so as to be pivotable in the front-and-rear direction, and a single operator lever which is mounted upright in the cruciform member so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the operator lever. The operator can easily steer, select forward/backward operation, and change the speed stage of the vehicle by using only the single operator lever.

Abstract: A steering control system provides a pilot pressure capable of ensuring excellent responsiveness and light operation force and constant shifting strokes of the control lever even in case of wear of the brake and the clutch. The control lever (1) for use in rightward and leftward steering is directly coupled to the pilot pressure control valve (2) and the pilot pressure control valve (2) is coupled to the clutch piston (4) for ON/OFF operation of the clutch (3) and to the brake cylinder (6) for ON/OFF operation of the brake (5) with piping (10,17). When the control lever (1) is shifted to the right or the left, the pilot pressure control valve (2) at the operation side is actuated to set the associated clutch to OFF and then the associated brake to ON.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle, particularly a wheelchair, having a joystick controller for controlling energization of driving motors which in turn drive vehicle wheels and control steering of the vehicle. The joystick controller includes fiber-optic arrangements which sense tilting movement of the joystick in forward, rearward, rightward or leftward directions, or a combination thereof. Light signals are generated of an intensity corresponding to the position of the joystick, which signals are converted into electric signals and supplied to a controller which in turn controls energization of the drive motors to control driving and steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering wheel (11) is fitted with a control (13) which, when operated in mutually independent control directions (41-45), controls the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle, as well as upward and downward gear changing, and activates one of a number of cruise control functions. The control (13) may preferably be mounted immediately adjacent to the steering wheel rim (15) on the upper side of a wheel spoke (12), so that it may readily be operated by the driver's thumb without the necessity of releasing the grip on the wheel. Thus, the control incorporates all of the most essential driving control functions. The control according to the present invention encourages the driver to select, at an early stage, those accelerator and gear-change parameters which are most advantageous to economic driving or are most suited to the prevailing traffic conditions, the control actions required involving a minimum of manual movements.

Abstract: When a lever (48) is rocked either rightwardly or leftwardly while the lever (48) is rocked forwardly and the vehicle is moving forwardly, the vehicle is steered in the direction in which lever (48) is rocked. When the lever (48) is rocked either rightwardly or leftwardly while the lever (48) is rocked backwardly and the vehicle is moving backwardly, the vehicle is steered in the direction in which lever (48) is rocked. For the above operation, a valve body (44) comprising a pilot valve (420) and a change valve (421) is coupled to the lever (48). The lever (48) is rocked rightwardly or leftwardly, and pressure oil supplied through the pilot valve (420) actuates a rotary direction changing valve (25). When the lever (48) is rocked backwardly, the change valve (421) switches the direction in which the pressure oil is supplied through the pilot valve (420) to the reverse direction.

Abstract: This invention provides a force neutralizing mechanism 500 coupled to a single lever control 10 and a transmission controlled by the lever 10 for overcoming the transmission linkage forces F.sub.2 associated with controls of a pair of mechanical transmissions 532 so that the mechanical transmissions 532 may be comfortably controlled by the single lever control 10.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for ergonomically controlling a vehicle. A vertical control stick provides acceleration, brake, and turn functions in the vehicle. The apparatus may include a pivotal attachment or a slidable attachment at the lower end of the stick to a fixed surface in the vehicle. The stick is restricted to movement along the line of direction of the vehicle, both forward and rearward, of a neutral stick position. A braking means is interconnected with the stick such that movement of the stick forward from the neutral stick position causes vehicle braking. Similarly, an acceleration means is interconnected with the stick such that movement of the stick rearward from the neutral stick position causes vehicle acceleration. A steering collar on the stick is included such that the collar may be manually rotated about the longitudinal axis of the stick in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions from a neutral collar position.

Abstract: Method for loading and unloading semitrailers on a train of flat cars by coupling the semitrailers to power driven stanchions respectively, providing the power driven stanchions with automatic control in the form of proximity sensors for governing movement of the semitrailers in accordance with proximity of adjoining semitrailers and automatically steering the stanchions along a guide path to load and unload the train.

Abstract: Apparatus, for the remote control of a carrier vehicle from the cab of an excavator which is rotatably mounted upon the back bed of the carrier vehicle through a center pin assembly, is accomplished with a hydrostatic pump operably connected to the crankshaft of the carrier engine. Electric controls in the excavator cab connect to the pump which selectively directs fluid to a motor which rotates a first gear which meshes with a second gear fixed to the carrier vehicle drive shaft. In alternate embodiments, the motor connects to a power take-off on the transmission. Carrier steering, braking, and throttle functions are also remotely controlled at the excavator cab through a combination of electric and hydraulic controls with the electric wires extending from the electric controls in the excavator cab, through a slip ring on the center pin assembly and to the respective function controls at various sites on the carrier vehicle.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle control device for maneuvering a vehicle (1) from a position other than the driver's position is disclosed which includes an operations unit (3) composed of an operating panel, a drive unit (40) and a control unit (23). The control unit (23) is mounted beneath the steering wheel (20) of the vehicle and coacts with the steering wheel (20) through a multi-disc clutch. The drive unit (40) is disposed in the region of the universal joint of the vehicle and coacts with a flange or collar on the output shaft of the gearbox, through a slip coupling arrangement. The front of the vehicle is equipped with a collision guard (50) which, when activated, is operative to activate devices, via operating devices, which apply one of the standard brake systems of the vehicle. The auxiliary vehicle control device can be fitted advantageously to many different types of vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically actuated and controlled auxiliary hydraulic system for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure to mounted attachments on a skid steer loader. In one embodiment, an electrically actuated auxiliary control valve is coupled to the front and rear mounted attachments through an electrically actuated diverter valve. In a second embodiment, a front and a rear auxiliary control valve is coupled to the front and rear mounted attachments. An operator can select between control of either the front or rear attachments by selectively actuating the forward, reverse and latch switches on the control handles. A mode control switch electrically coupled to an auxiliary mode control circuit allows the cyclical selection between the disable mode, the momentary mode, and the latch mode. In the disable mode, the actuation of the forward, reverse or latch switches has no effect.

Abstract: A single lever control is disclosed. The single lever control comprises a lever, a lever mount, and a control rod having first and second ends, the lever is attached to the lever mount and the control rod and the lever is movable in a first plane about any axis and causes both tandem and reciprocal movement of said first and second control rod ends with respect to one another in response to movement of the lever.

Abstract: A safety device for an automobile including an electrical switch operable by a passenger in an automobile, the switch having a closed position and an open position, the switch having an engine control circuit for stopping the automobile engine, a brake circuit for applying the brakes of an automobile to stop the automobile, and an emergency flasher light actuating circuit for activating the emergency flashing lights of an automobile when the switch is closed.

Abstract: A remotely controlled system for the operation of a vehicle wherein a limited physical input is translated into desired vehicle movement. The invention uses a unitary manipulator with two axes of movement to direct the steering, acceleration and braking functions of the vehicle. The surplus current available from the main battery of the vehicle powers the control system. The steering function of the invention involves the conversion of a mechanical input into a frequency-based signal which is processed by a primary steering microprocessor. This microprocessor in turn directs a frequency-based motor controller to operate a motor which rotates a steering shaft of the vehicle. The acceleration and braking functions operate in the same way, wherein a primary acceleration microprocessor acts upon a frequency-based signal to direct a frequency-based motor which is connected to the accelerator and brake pedals of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular steering and transmission shifting control mechanism includes a transversally rockable control handle and a steering actuator element connected at the bottom thereof to selectively depress either a left or right actuating plunger of a hydraulic pilot valve assembly for effecting steering. The control handle is contoured to be easily grasped and to position an electrical switch actuating element for comfortable movement by an operator's thumb to change the speed of a multi-speed transmission through an associated electronic transmission control system. A three-way electrical switch actuating element at the front of the control handle is adapted to be rocked to select one of forward, neutral, and reverse modes of the transmission.

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.

Abstract: The work implements on earthmoving and material handling vehicles are generally controlled with two or more operator control handles or pedals that do not intuitively correspond to the movement of the implement. Generally, the assignment of the implement linkages to the controls is entirely arbitrary, and there exists little correlation between the direction of movement of the implement linkages and those of the control levers and pedals. Inconsistencies also abound between manufacturers and even among different type vehicles within a single manufacturer. These problems compromise the ability and productivity of even the most skilled operator. The invention comprises of two multi-axis joysticks that provide the operator an intuitive control interface to the vehicle. The control system of the invention also provides a coordinated control for spatial placement of the end effector of the work implement.

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.

Abstract: A control linkage for use on a tractor to control hydraulic implements associated therewith is disclosed wherein a control lever controlling the raising and lowering of the header forming a part of an implement mounted on a tractor is provided with a control device detachably connected thereto and engageable with a second control lever operably controlling the speed of a hydraulic motor powering the components of the implement attached to the tractor. The control device automatically moves the control lever for the speed of the hydraulic motor to a slow position whenever the header lift control lever is moved to effect a raising of the header relative to the ground. The speed control lever is spring-loaded toward the fast position so that a return of the header lift control lever to lower the header into an operating position will result in an automatic return of the speed control lever to a fast position.

Abstract: An electrically controlled auxiliary hydraulic system for both front and rear mounted attachments on a skid steer loader. An electrically actuated auxiliary control valve is coupled to the front and rear mounted attachments through an electrically actuated diverter valve. An operator can select between control of either the front or rear attachments by actuating a diverter switch located on a steering lever. The auxiliary control valve is then used to control the selected attachment by actuating forward, reverse and forward latch switches on the control handles. The selected attachment can also be operated in a high pressure mode by actuating a high pressure switch when extra horsepower needs to be delivered to the attachment.

Abstract: A device for manually operating the brake and accelerator pedals of a vehicle. The device is removably clamped to each of the conventional brake and accelerator pedals of a vehicle and includes a control lever that extends between respective pivot points that are fixed relative to and spaced outwardly from each of the brake and accelerator pedals. The control lever includes an outwardly extending portion that extends beyond the brake pedal in a direction opposite from the accelerator pedal, and a control handle is pivotally connected at the outer end of the lever extension. The control handle is operable by the user, and when pulled in a direction toward the user the device causes the braking actuator to move in a brake releasing direction while simultaneously causing the accelerator to open the throttle and thereby permit the vehicle to move.

Abstract: A three-function control lever is provided with a main ball joint operatively coupling the control lever to a console. An operator plate is coupled to the control lever for manipulating a first and second control link for manipulating an first and second hydraulic control valve. The first and second control links are coupled to the operator plate by first and second auxiliary ball joints. A radially extending arm projecting from the control lever controls the positioning of a third link for manipulating a third hydraulic control valve. The third link is coupled to the radially extending arm by a bell crank and auxiliary link. The auxiliary link is operatively coupled to the radially extending arm by a third auxiliary ball joint. A stabilizing link is operatively coupled to the operator plate and a fixed element to preventing the rotation of the operator plate when the control lever is twisted.

Abstract: A highly reliable remote control system is disclosed that is particularly well adapted for controlling a vehicle, and, more particularly, for controlling the throttle, brake, steering and transmission mechanisms of a motor vehicle. The system includes a remote manipulator that enables control of the adapted vehicle remotely with one hand and with minimal control force and range of motion, with the manipulator controlling a plurality of actuators through interfacing redundant digital/analog electronics. The remote manipulator may be a bilateral input device utilizing a plurality of pressure sensors, but could also be a two-axis joystick, with the manipulator, in conjunction with an adjacently positioned transmission controller, controlling linear and rotary actuators powered by electric motors to effect throttle, brake, steering and transmission control of a motor vehicle adapted to include the remote control system as a part of the overall vehicle controlling system.

Abstract: Electrically driven wheelchair with an essentially horizontal worktop (7) and a control unit (1) connected thereto, said control unit in the operational position fits into a corresponding aperture in the worktop and is connected to the worktop in such a way that it pivots and slides in a horizontal plane, and after pivoting and sliding the bottom side of the control unit fills the gap in the worktop.

Abstract: A hand controller for a control system, such as a flight control system, includes a control grip and an support assembly for supporting an operator's forearm so that the operator's wrist joint and hand extend forwardly of the support assembly and the operator's hand is positioned to grip the control grip. The controller also includes roll, pitch and yaw gimbal components. The roll gimbal component is movable about a fore-and-aft extending roll axis defined along a base line of the operator's forearm. The pitch and yaw gimbal components are movable about respective side-to-side extending pitch and up-and-down extending yaw axes defined through the center of the operator's wrist joint in orthogonal relation to one another and to the roll axis. The roll, pitch and yaw gimbal components are coupled to one another and to the control grip in a given sequence for facilitating pivotal motion of the operator's hand about the roll, pitch and yaw axes to activate hand control functions with minimal forearm movement.

Abstract: A control system for a working machine which has a boom equipped with a working implement at its forward end and pivoted to a vehicle body movably about a vertical axis, and control valve for controlling the movement of the boom. The system comprises a variable resistor for setting a target position where the boom is to be stopped to produce a setting signal, a sensor for detecting the moved position of the boom to produce a detection signal, differential device for determining the difference between the setting signal and the detection signal to produce a difference signal, a detector for detecting the direction of movement of the boom from the magnitude of the difference signal, a pulse-width modulator for subjecting the difference signal to pulse-width modulation to produce a pulse signal, and a driver for driving the control valve by the pulse signal in the detected direction in proportion to the difference signal.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair has at least two power-steered, driven wheels (15,16,17,18). Preferably, all of the wheels (15,16,17,18) are driven and power-steered such that the wheelchair turns about a point on a transverse axis (X) of the vehicle, and may preferably also pivot on the spot. This turning is preferably achieved by a rotatable steering assembly (1) having steering drive cams (3,4), steering return cams (5,6) and flexible transmission members (13,14).

Abstract: An off-road vehicle has a hydraulic brake operating assembly mounted on a steering handle. The steering handle has a base, a rectangular handle portion integral with the base, and a cover covering the base. The brake operating assembly has a brake oil reservoir, two brake levers pivotally supported on lateral sides of the handle portion for braking front and rear wheels, respectively, and two brake master cylinders communicating with the brake oil reservoir through hoses and responsive to operation of the brake levers for generating hydraulic pressure. The brake oil reservoir is centrally fixedly mounted on the rectangular handle portion. The brake master cylinders are fixedly mounted respectively on the lateral sides of the handle portion.

Abstract: In order to more easily control movement of a vehicle such as a tractor, an operator's left hand can twist a directional actuating member or a juxtaposed speed actuating member about an outstanding axis. These actuating members are rotatably mounted on a tiller arm extending radially from a housing assembly so that the operator can simultaneously use the actuating members and steer the vehicle by pushing or pulling the tiller arm and rotating the housing assembly in the desired direction about an upstanding axis. Push-pull controls are associated with each actuating member and protected within the housing assembly. A bearing assembly guidably supports and permits relative angular movement of each of the push-pull controls to prevent twisting thereof when the housing assembly is rotated.

Abstract: A control mechanism for operating a vehicle has a housing assembly mounted for swinging movement about an upstanding axis, and a brake actuating member is mounted on the housing assembly for swinging movement about a second axis. A push-pull control rod assembly is connected to the brake actuating member and depends within the housing assembly to move a brake control element between brake-off and brake-on positions. A transmission actuating member is mounted on the housing assembly and a coupling apparatus is provided for urging the transmission actuating member to a neutral position when the brake actuating member is moved to the brake-on position. This prevents inadvertent movement of the vehicle when the brake actuating member is subsequently placed in the brake-off position.

Abstract: An improved vehicle control system for a vehicle having an engine which produces output torque through an output sheave and a transaxle mounted to the vehicle's frame, the transaxle being selectively operational in forward, neutral and reverse modes in response to a mode selection link operatively connected to the transaxle. The transaxle functions as a gear box having a single gear ratio between the input sheave and the drive axles in both the forward and reverse operating modes, a transaxle and a brake. The output sheave of the engine is in communication with the input sheave through a first and second belt drivingly mounted to a plurality of sheaves and a variator such that an increase in tension on a first belt causes the variator to increase the rate of rotation of a second belt. A speed range sheave mounted to an arm is operatively connected to the first belt.

Abstract: A versatile recreational vehicle adapted to be towed by a ski lift includes a frame-shaped chassis and six wheels which are rotatably mounted on the chassis and include steerable wheels which are mounted on the chassis for turning about respective substantially vertical axes. A turning arrangement is provided for turning the steerable wheels about the vertical axes to steer the vehicle, and brakes are provided for braking at least some of the wheels. A single control element is provided for controlling the operation of both the steering arrangement and the brakes, this single control element being constituted by a control lever which is mounted on the chassis for omnidirectional movement. A winding roller is rotatably mounted on the chassis and a fabric seat element having one portion connected to the chassis and another portion wound around the winding roller. A towing cable is being used for towing the vehicle. A connecting mechanism releasably connects the vehicle to the towing cable.

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.

Abstract: A hovercraft includes a rigid body and a flexible skirt pending from a lower periphery thereof. A main engine and propeller are coupled to the rigid body and provide a main propeller thrust. A plurality of thrust control vanes are located downstream of the propeller and divide the main propeller thrust into a horizontal thrust component directed rearwardly of the thrust control vanes and a vertical thrust component directed to a location under the rigid body so as to cooperate with the flexible skirt to form an air cushion on which the hovercraft rides. A plurality of steering control vanes are located downstream of the thrust control vanes and control the forward direction of the hovercraft. A single control stick controls the operation of both the thrust control vanes and the steering control vanes.

Abstract: A valve control structure for a working vehicle comprising a control lever rockable crosswise, a first input rod pushed and pulled by rocking movements in a first direction of the control lever, a second input rod pushed and pulled by rocking movements in a second direction of the control lever, a first output rod connected to a first valve, a second output rod connected to a second valve, and an interlock switching device including bellcranks provided between the input rods and the output rods. The interlock switching device is operable to switch interlocking relationship between the input and output rods through the bellcranks. In one interlocking relationship, the first valve is controlled by rocking movements in the first direction of the control lever and the second valve by rocking movements in the second direction of the control lever.

Abstract: A control device and system for the operation of a motor vehicle by a single joystick device. The device and system includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders, one connected to and between the vehicle and the brake pedal and the other to and between the vehicle and the acceleration pedal, a position limiting spring located within each hydraulic cylinder, a pressure regulator for maintaining a constant feed pressure from the vehicle's own hydraulic pump, a control valve for each cylinder mounted between the feed source and each hydraulic cylinder which is responsive to input signals provided by the hand operable joystick, a double port hydraulic steering cylinder integrally connected to the steering system and fed by the same hydraulic source, the steering cylinder being regulated by a double port pressure control valve which is also responsive to the same hand operable joystick.