Abstract: In a machine having a differential steering control system, uncommanded motion may be determined by comparing an actual speed of a steering motor to a commanded turn direction signal from an operator. Where uncommanded motion is occurring, the steering motor speed and time-rate-of-change of the steering motor speed may be used to determine a weighted steering motor speed that is accumulated over a series of sample cycles and compared to an integration limit to determine whether the operator should be warned of the occurrence of uncommanded motion. The integration limit may be based on a factor indicative of the responsiveness of the machine, such as the oil temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated clean machine with a steering mechanism wherein the steering mechanism of the automated clean machine which gets held up restricts one of conjoint wheels not to synchronously rotate in contrast to the other one during a steering process, minimizing wheel wear, and resuming the wheels' synchronous running in next normal movement.

Abstract: An electric power steering device wherein mechanical friction is electrically provided. A steering torque value is detected by a steering torque sensor according to the operation of a steering wheel. An assist current value is calculated by an assist control section on the basis of the steering torque value. A target current value based on the assist current value is determined. For providing friction to the operation of the steering wheel, a friction control section and a friction torque value/current value conversion section generate a corrected steering torque value. A second corrected target current value is created by correcting a first corrected target current value by a friction current value. The corrected steering torque value is obtained by correcting the steering torque value by a friction torque value. The target current value is generated, resulting in a motor being subjected to driving control.

Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus independently controls drive forces for a front-right drive wheel, a front-left drive wheel, a rear-right drive wheel, and a rear-left drive wheel using a front-right electric motor, a front-left electric motor, a rear-right electric motor, and a rear-left electric motor, respectively. The drive forces for the drive wheels of a vehicle incorporating the vehicle drive apparatus are determined based on the target moments in the yaw and roll directions of the vehicle, the total drive for the drive wheels, and the drive reaction forces at the drive wheels. Thus, the performance desired by the driver can be achieved, and the drivability therefore improves accordingly.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame pivotally connected to the lower end of a shock tower, the pivotal connection defining a frame leaning axis wherein the frame is adapted to lean to a right side and to a left side relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis. The leaning vehicle includes an actuator operatively connected to the frame and to the shock tower which is adapted to impart a leaning motion to the frame relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis.

Abstract: In control of a vehicle that is provided with a steering torque supply device that supplies a steering torque to a steering device coupled to a steered wheel and a steering transmission ratio variation device that changes a steering transmission ratio, the control includes: setting a target state quantity for keeping the vehicle in a target lane; controlling the steering transmission ratio variation device so that a state quantity of the vehicle becomes the set target state quantity; controlling the steering torque supply device so that a steering reaction restriction torque that restricts a steering reaction torque generated in the steering device is supplied with the steering device as the steering torque when the vehicle is kept within the target lane; and correcting the steering reaction restriction torque on the basis of a steering input when the steering input from a driver of the vehicle is produced.

Abstract: A work vehicle is disclosed with a propulsion system that is selectively operable in a first, turning mode or a second, straight mode. The vehicle includes a first traction device, a second traction device, a first steering input, and a second steering input. In the first, turning mode, an operator is able to steer the vehicle left, right, or straight by independently operating the first and second traction devices via the first and second steering inputs. In the second, straight mode, the operator is able to steer the vehicle straight by operating both the first and second fraction devices together via one of the first and second steering inputs.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus in which a mechanical coupling between a steering member and steered wheels is uncoupled, includes a steering actuator for driving a steered mechanism and a control unit for drive-controlling the steering actuator. The control unit reduces steering-stiffness using a PID control portion for drive-controlling the steering actuator according to a deviation between a target steered angle and a steered-angle detected by the steered angle sensor. A gain setting portion sets gains of the PID control portion to be relatively low when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: The invention relates to circumferential movement field, including all circumferential movement devices such as transport vehicle, toy vehicle, space vehicle, blender etc, especially for energy-saving vehicles utilizing force of gravity. The energy-saving vehicle utilizes force of gravity as driving force, the vehicle body connects with the wheel by swing structure method or eccentric swing structure to utilize force of gravity more efficiently. The invention also provides solutions about two-wheel gravitational vehicle and multi-wheel vehicle and train connected by integrated vehicles or two-wheel vehicles.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame and a steering assembly. Wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may be operably coupled to at least two drive wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the at least two drive wheels responsive to positioning of steering levers of the steering assembly. The steering assembly may include a vertical adjustment assembly configured to enable telescopic adjustment of a height of a corresponding one of the steering levers.

Abstract: An information providing apparatus includes a tactile information provider and a controller. The tactile information provider is arranged within a rim portion of a steering wheel of a vehicle and provides a tactile sense to a driver. The controller controls the tactile information provider to provide support information to the driver. The support information is defined as information that supports a driving of the vehicle. The tactile information provider includes a trench arranged in a circumferential direction of the rim portion, a ring-shaped ring portion, and a driving portion. The ring portion is rotatably arranged in the trench and has an exposed surface such that the exposed surface contacts with at least one hand of the driver. The driving portion is controlled by the controller to drive the ring potion rotate in the circumferential direction to provide the support information to the driver.

Abstract: An unmanned autonomous vehicle for displacing feed lying on a floor is provided with two wheels that are separately drivable, a distance determining device for determining the distance from the vehicle to a wall portion, an orientation determining device for determining the orientation of the center line of the vehicle relative to the wall portion, a torque difference determining device for determining the torque difference between the wheels, a control unit for controlling the vehicle and moving it in a direction of travel, and a feed displacing arrangement for displacing feed substantially sidewardly. The control unit may be programmed in such a way that during operation the vehicle will maintain a distance determined by the distance determining device to the wall portion, which distance is greater than or equal to a pre-adjusted minimum distance to the wall portion.

Abstract: A power wheelchair with guard for playing sports for eliminating G-Force effects and improving safety. The power wheelchair with guard for playing sports includes a frame assembly; a mobility system including drive wheels and casters upon which the frame assembly is mounted and also including a motor and a power control module for actuating the drive wheels; a seat assembly being secured to the frame assembly and including a seat support member and a seat; and a guard assembly being attached to the frame assembly and extending forwardly thereof.

Abstract: A dual-path hydrostatic drive arrangement for driving ground wheels at the opposite sides of the front of a self-propelled windrower is controlled for effecting steering and ground speed changes by a control mechanism including a gear train defined by a steering input gear and idler gear and steering output gears carried by a gear support member mounted for pivoting about a fixed axis of rotation of the input gear. The output gear is coupled for transmitting movement to first and second pump displacement control rods and steering is effected by turning a steering wheel which is coupled for rotating the input gear so as to impart rotation to the output gear which rotates so as to cause the control rods to move different amounts or in different directions. Speed changes are effected by a speed control device that is coupled for selectively swinging the speed/direction control arm.

Abstract: A drive and steering apparatus for an industrial truck with a drive wheel, which is rotatably suspended in a drive wheel suspension, which is swivel-mounted around a mainly vertical axis, a steering device, which has a handlebar and a bearing component, which is swivel-mounted coaxially or axially parallel to the drive wheel suspension, and a steering wheel control device, which has at least one sensor, which is permanently arranged with respect to the drive wheel suspension or the bearing component and captures a differential angle between the drive wheel suspension and the bearing component, and a steering drive, with which the drive wheel suspension is pivotable as required by the measured differential angle, characterized by a sensor arm, which is connected in a torque-proof manner with a sensor shaft of the at least one sensor, and a counter piece, which is permanently arranged with respect to the bearing component or respectively of the drive wheel suspension and works together with the sensor arm such

Abstract: An omnidirectional vehicle 1 includes: a main wheel 3 which is able to be driven in all directions; a base 2 which supports the main wheel 3; and a sub wheel 4 which is connected to the base 2 via an arm 15 and is grounded at a position apart from the ground contact point of the main wheel 3. The sub wheel 4 is attached so as to circularly move about the center of rotation of the main wheel 3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving assistance apparatus for assisting a driving operation by outputting a reverse sound at the time of a reversing maneuver of a vehicle. The apparatus includes an information acquisition unit for acquiring driving assistance information including a vehicle condition and a vehicle surrounding condition, a reverse sound management unit for managing reverse sounds belonging in a musical scale including the reverse sound as the tonic note thereof as musical scale reverse sounds, an output reverse sound determination unit for determining a sequence of musical scale in the form of temporal sequence corresponding to the driving assistance information, and a reverse sound output control unit configured to select from the reverse sounds managed by the reverse sound management unit and output to a speaker reverse sounds suitable for the sequence of the musical scale determined by the reverse sound determination unit.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a drive axle configured to rotate with a driving torque, a first clutch pack assembly located at an end of the drive axle, and a second clutch pack assembly located at an opposite end of the drive axle. A first drive wheel assembly is operatively connected to the first clutch pack assembly, wherein the first clutch pack assembly is configured to convert the driving torque of the drive axle to a first driving torque of the first drive wheel. A second drive wheel assembly is operatively connected to the second clutch pack assembly, wherein the second clutch pack assembly is configured to convert the driving torque of the drive axle to a second driving torque of the second drive wheel.

Abstract: A lawnmower includes a chassis; a seat supported on the chassis for permitting an operator to sit or stand on the chassis; a pair of drive wheels for supporting the chassis above a ground surface; an engine and a pair of transmissions for driving the drive wheels; and a pair of manually-moveable handle assemblies for controlling the transmissions. Each handle assembly includes a substantially vertically-extending control handle, wherein the control handles are mounted outboard of opposite sides of the seat so as not to block the operator's ingress or egress from the seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for a steering system with electric power assistance, comprising a steering wheel, an electric power assist motor, an electric control unit, which includes a memory for storing digital data, a motor driver unit which based on a target engine torque that is delivered to the motor driver unit, determines and sends out electrical signals for controlling the electric power assist motor, at least one sensor device for determining a control variable introduced into the steering wheel, for example a manual torque, wherein in the control unit with the help of the control variable a preset value is determined for a engine torque of the power assist motor, characterized in that in the memory an upper threshold value for the target engine torque is stored and for a case A, in which the preset value exceeds the upper threshold value, the control unit sends out the upper threshold value as the target engine torque to the motor driver unit and in a case B, in which the preset value

Abstract: A mobile frame, for instance for moving less able-bodied persons, comprising a castor with a wheel drive and pivot drive and operating means for operating the wheel drive and the pivot drive for moving the frame, wherein the operating means comprise a handle connected to the bearing structure, a force detection assembly provided on the handles and/or on the bearing frame, and which is configured for producing signals which contain information about both the size of force and the direction of force exerted on the handle, a control which is configured for energizing the pivot drive for controlling the rotational position of drive wheel support about the pivot depending on the direction of force, and wherein the control is configured for energizing the wheel drive depending on the size of force exerted on the handle.

Abstract: A steering assembly for steering a vehicle. The steering assembly comprises a first steering knuckle having a first wheel rotatably mounted thereto, a first swing mechanism for enabling displacement of the first steering knuckle along a first arced path and a first guiding mechanism for pivoting the first steering knuckle when the first steering knuckle is displaced along the first arced path in order to maintain the first wheel oriented tangentially relative to the first arced path. The first arced path is concave relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced from the first frame member, away from a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle, by a distance sufficient to prevent the first wheel from contacting the first frame member when the first steering knuckle is pivoted. There is further provided a method of operating the steering assembly.

Abstract: A control system for use in a vehicle having left and right clutch assemblies, each including a brake mechanism and a drive mechanism. The control system includes a steering switch having multiple steering positions to actuate the corresponding brake mechanism and opposite drive mechanism and a neutral position to actuate both drive mechanisms. The system may also include an operator switch having a first position to actuate the brake mechanisms and disable the steering switch, and a second position that enables control of the brake clutch assemblies by the steering switch. The system may include a brake switch having a brake position that actuates both brake mechanisms and disables the operator and steering switches, and a drive position that passes control of both clutch assemblies to the operator switch.

Abstract: In an inverted pendulum type vehicle having a lower frame (22) and an upper frame (21) detachably joined to an upper end of the lower frame, the lower and upper frames each defining a hollow interior, a drive unit (3) is incorporated in the lower frame, and a battery unit (10) is received in the upper frame and configured to supply electric power to the drive unit via an electric unit (11) received in a narrow section intermediate between the upper and lower frames. Thereby, the vehicle may be of a compact and small foot print design. In particular, when this structure is applied to a vehicle using a main wheel having a relatively small width, by matching the upper part of the vehicle to have a corresponding small width, the overall profile of the vehicle may have a highly small width. Furthermore, the total weight of the vehicle can be relatively evenly distributed between the upper and lower parts for easy handling and control.

Abstract: Disclosed a towbarless airplane tug and method of operating thereof.

Abstract: An information providing device includes: a vehicle condition detector for detecting a vehicle condition; a support information generating element for generating support information for a driver; and a tactile sensibility notification element in a steering wheel for notifying the support information to the driver. The steering wheel includes a wheel element having a base, a movable portion and a driving unit. The movable portion is relatively movable with respect to the base. The driving unit drives the movable portion according to the support information. The movable portion and the driving unit provide the tactile sensibility notification element. Movement of the movable portion provides notification of the support information.

Abstract: An emergency braking system for use in connection with a drive apparatus including a drive belt and pulley system for transferring power from a prime mover to a transmission or transaxle. The braking system includes a pulley engaged to the drive belt and a spring engaged to the pulley to provide a bias force thereto. When tension from the belt is removed from the pulley, the spring forces the pulley into engagement with an actuator to engage a brake mechanism.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a safety steering mechanism for an automobile. The mechanism comprises a steering wheel mechanism for changing a direction of movement of the automobile. A jack is connected to an automobile wheel for providing backward and forward movement of an axle with respect to the steering wheel movement. A hydraulic pump is providing in a hydraulic stream. A control valve regulates a direction of motion of the hydraulic stream. A plurality of directional control valves cut a hydraulic stream between the control valve and the jack. A main valve controls the backward and forward motion of the jack. At least one sensor installed on each tire of the automobile generates signals corresponding to a tire pressure. A plurality of electronic units processes signals from the plurality of the sensors and passes an output signal to an electronic control unit (ECU).

Abstract: An electronic control unit determines that a vehicle is traveling in a straight line if a state in which the steering torque is less than a predetermined steering torque and an amount of change in the steering angle is less than a predetermined steering angle continues for a predetermined period of time when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined vehicle speed. Also, if the steering angle of the steering wheel is not 0, while the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, the electronic control unit calculates the steering amount of rear wheels that matches the steering amount of front wheels, using the steering angle of the steering wheel. Then the electronic control unit steers the rear wheels by driving an electric motor until a controlled neutral steering position of the rear wheels that corresponds to the steering amount matches an absolute neutral steering position.

Abstract: An omni-wheel based driving mechanism includes a spherical wheel, a pair of first omni wheels, and a pair of second omni wheels. The first omni wheels are arranged at two sides of the spherical wheel to space from each other by a predetermined distance in a first direction, so that the spherical wheel is rollably positioned between the first omni wheels. The second omni wheels are arranged at another two sides of the spherical wheel to space from each other by a predetermined distance in a second direction, so that the spherical wheel is rollably positioned between the second omni wheels. Therefore, a good driving efficiency can be obtained between the spherical wheel and the first omni wheels and the second omni wheels.

Abstract: A tractor has a base for supporting a motive power source, left and right driven wheels, and left and right transmissions for the respective left and right wheels. A handle structure is coupled to the base for grasping by an operator from behind the tractor. A drive system drives each of the left and right transmissions with motive power from the motive power source. A single lever hand control is provided for operation by a single hand of the operator for controlling both left and right transmissions seamlessly each between reverse speed through neutral and forward speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling the side slip angle of a rear-wheel drive vehicle when turning; the control method provides for the steps of: detecting the position of an accelerator control which is displaced along a predetermined stroke; using a first initial part of the stroke of the accelerator control for directly controlling the generation of the drive torque so that the generated drive torque depends on the position of the accelerator control; and using a second final part of the stroke of the accelerator control to directly control a side slip angle of the vehicle when turning so that the side slip angle depends on the position of the accelerator control.

Abstract: A motion assembly that produces pitch and roll motions includes lower and upper plates. A pivotable coupling having upper and lower shafts extending from its center is coupled between the upper and lower plates. At least two linear actuators are coupled between the plates. Extension and retraction of the actuators pivots the upper plate about the pivotable coupling relative to the lower plate. A vehicle includes two steerable propulsion wheels coupled to a chassis. A lower plate of a pitch and roll assembly, similar to that just described, couples to the chassis via a slew bearing. Seating is coupled to the upper plate. The seating rotates with respect to the chassis via controlled rotation of the slew bearing with reference to the chassis. The seating can be rotated to point in any direction with respect to the chassis regardless of the direction the steerable propulsion wheels move the chassis.

Abstract: An omnidirectional vehicle 1 includes: a main wheel 3 which is able to be driven in all directions; a base 2 which supports the main wheel 3; and a sub wheel 4 which is connected to the base 2 via an arm 15 and is grounded at a position apart from the ground contact point of the main wheel 3. The sub wheel 4 is attached so as to circularly move about the center of rotation of the main wheel 3.

Abstract: A swather tractor has a frame defined by a main tractor frame carrying the cab, engine and drive system, rear axle with castor wheels and a transverse front frame assembly mounted at a front of the main frame. The front rigid frame assembly carries the header and comprises a cross member and a pair of upstanding legs each carrying a front ground wheel hydraulically driven so that steering is controlled by the rate of forward movement of the front wheels. In order to provide improved suspension, the main frame is connected to the front frame assembly by a coupling which allows up and down suspension movement of the main frame relative to the front frame assembly.

Abstract: Traveling environment information, which is information on a traveling environment around a vehicle, is obtained. If the automation level of the vehicle, which is set according to the traveling environment information, is decreased, the driving assistance level is decreased in a stepwise manner to execute a driving assistance control.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring driver fatigue and inattention. A device introduces a controlled disturbance requiring driver compensation into a steering system of a vehicle and monitors for an expected driver compensation in response to the disturbance. When the actual compensation does not sufficiently match the expected compensation the driver is alerted and vehicle functions can automatically be activated or reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle behavior control device (S) determines, by using a vehicle velocity (V), a transmission function (K(s)) which is determined based on a specification of the vehicle, receives as an input a wheel turning speed (?) obtained by differentiating a wheel turning angle (?) of left and right front wheels (FW1, FW2) with respect to time, and outputs a target yaw moment (My). The device (S) also calculates, by using the determined target yaw moment (My), a left-wheel-side forward/backward force (FxCL) imparted to a left wheel side (left front wheel FW1 and left rear wheel RW1) of a vehicle (10) and a right-wheel-side forward/backward force (FxCR) imparted to a right wheel side (right front wheel FW2 and right rear wheel RW2) of the vehicle (10).

Abstract: A displaceable system including at least one set of at least two wheels arranged in pairs for movement in a plane, said set being disposed on at least one wheel axle parallel to the plane. A single electric drive motor, a differential having variable torque distribution, and an electric servomotor are provided on the wheel axle for both wheels of a set. The electrical servomotor acts on the differential such that the torque generated by the single electric drive motor is distributed within the wheel axle individually to the wheels.

Abstract: An electric motor is driven with high output at the time of low-speed running, and a steering at a high resolution is enabled at the time of fast-speed running. An electric power steering device causes the electric motor to generate auxiliary torque in accordance with the largeness of steering wheel torque by the steering operation of a wheel made by a driver and reduces the steering wheel torque to the driver. A control device drives, based on a vehicle-speed signal (Vs) from a speed sensor, the electric motor with high output at the time of low-speed running, and enables steering at a high resolution at the time of fast-speed running without increasing an electric-motor output.

Abstract: When the steered wheels are driven, there is a problem of the torque steering that the steering is disturbed by the difference in the driving forces between a pair of left and right steered wheels. Before such a problem, there is a problem that, since the vehicle is apt to run straight ahead more strongly as the driving force increases even when a uniform driving torque is given to a pair of steered wheels, a larger force is required to steer the vehicle leftward or rightward by overcoming such a tendency of running straight ahead. In view of the above, the steering assist force is increased according to an increase of the driving torque of the steered wheels in a manner of harmonizing the steering assist force to the magnitude of the steering resistance due to the driving torque of the steered wheels, so as to improve the steering feeling.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission controller, a gear shift control unit has a target rotational angle position calculator for calculating a target rotational angle position of a gear shift motor, an actual rotational angle position calculator for calculating the actual rotational angle position of the gear shift motor, and an F/B gain setting unit. When a gear shift instruction from a gear shift controller is a gear shift pattern for driving at least a select motor, the F/B gain is set to be larger that of the gear shift pattern in which the select motor is not driven, and also a motor driving mode and a motor braking mode are switched to each other in accordance with the difference between the target rotational angle position and the actual rotational angle position.

Abstract: A remote-controlled mobile machine has a pair of flexible shafts (10) formed by inserting torque transmission driving wires (11) into tubes (12). One ends of the flexible shafts (10) are respectively connected to power sources (2), and the other ends thereof are respectively connected to a pair of left and right crawler mechanisms (102). The crawler mechanisms (102) are driven/controlled by remote control via the flexible shafts (10) to make the mobile machine travel.

Abstract: An omni-wheel based driving mechanism includes a spherical wheel, a pair of first omni wheels, and a pair of second omni wheels. The first omni wheels are arranged at two sides of the spherical wheel to space from each other by a predetermined distance in a first direction, so that the spherical wheel is rollably positioned between the first omni wheels. The second omni wheels are arranged at another two sides of the spherical wheel to space from each other by a predetermined distance in a second direction, so that the spherical wheel is rollably positioned between the second omni wheels. Therefore, a good driving efficiency can be obtained between the spherical wheel and the first omni wheels and the second omni wheels.

Abstract: A three-wheel pedal-style wheelchair which includes a roller at a side, close to the ground, of the wheelchair, wherein the roller prevents the wheelchair from turning over, a steering wheel arranged at a side of the wheelchair, and two front wheels respectively arranged at two opposite sides of the wheelchair, wherein the two front wheels comprises a driving wheel led to rotate forward or backward by a user stepping and a loose wheel, wherein when the wheelchair turns to a direction in a small radius, the steering wheel is considerably rotated to a direction and the driving wheel is rotated forward, wherein when the wheelchair turns to another direction, the steering wheel is considerably rotated to a direction and the driving wheel is rotated backward. Accordingly, the wheelchair is easily controlled to have a small turn, like whirling in one spot, to move and to turn safely.

Abstract: The method consists of, when the instantaneous speed of the vehicle is greater than a pre-determined threshold: identifying that the vehicle travels in a straight line without torque exerted on the steering wheel; if the prior condition is met, determining an average residual torque for the steering wheel by calculating a sliding scale of measures of torque on the steering wheel; calculating a correction, if the average residual torque on the steering wheel is greater than a pre-determined minimum torque, which is proportional to the average residual torque to be applied to the torque measures on the steering wheel; calculating effective correction limited in terms of the speed of variation and amplitude in relation to the correction applied to the measures of torque on the steering wheel, said corrected measures being subsequently treated by the electronic calculator in order to control the electronic booster motor.

Abstract: A riding work vehicle includes right and left wheels, at least one caster wheel, and a working machine. The lawnmower vehicle further includes traveling motor, steering motor, a traveling system clutch, and a steering system clutch. The traveling system clutch is configured to disable transmission of the rotational force from an axle of the caster wheel to the traveling motor in a state where the traveling motor is deactivated. The steering system clutch is configured to disable transmission of the rotational force from a steering shaft for the caster wheel to the steering motor in a state where the steering motor is deactivated.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimal steering angle in understeer situations of a vehicle is described. To assist a driver in reliably stabilizing the vehicle during an understeer situation while driving, a model-based driving traction coefficient factor, a model-based kinematic factor, and a float angle are taken into account in the determination of a steering angle. A limited steering angle ?v,lim at which a maximum lateral force is set, is determined by addition of the driving traction coefficient factor, the kinematic factor, and the float angle. A system suitable for implementation of the method is also described.

Abstract: A return to neutral control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower is disclosed. The return to neutral control mechanism includes a pair of control levers pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions. A brake pedal is moveable between a disengaged position to an engaged position. In response to engagement of the brake pedal, a control pivot attached to each control lever moves each control lever to the neutral position. The return to neutral control mechanism may include a cam that rotates in response to engagement of the brake pedal, and a control pivot that follows the cam during engagement of the brake pedal.

Abstract: A control system for use in a vehicle having left and right clutch assemblies, each clutch assembly including a brake mechanism and a drive mechanism. The control system includes a steering switch having a left steering position to actuate the left brake mechanism and the right drive mechanism, a neutral steering position to actuate the left and right drive mechanisms, and a right steering position to actuate the left drive mechanism and the right brake mechanism. The system may also include an operator switch having a first position to actuate brake mechanisms and disable the steering switch, and a second position that passes control of both brake clutch assemblies to the steering switch. The system may further include a brake switch having a brake position that actuates both brake mechanisms and disables the operator switch and the steering switch, and a drive position that passes control of both clutch assemblies to the operator switch.