Abstract: A control assembly for a work machine is disclosed which includes a movement actuator positionable between a drive position and a neutral position, wherein (i) the work machine is driven by the engine when the movement actuator is positioned in the drive position, (ii) the work machine is prevented from being driven by the engine when the movement actuator is positioned in the neutral position, and (iii) the movement actuator is spring biased into the neutral position.

Abstract: A dual control for vehicular cranes comprises two separate control units with control levers cooperating in pairs, which levers are protected by casings (7, 7') consisting of pivotable shell parts (9, 9') which in a closed position enclose and protect the control levers and in an open position expose the levers. In the two casings (7, 7') are arranged analogous locking mechanisms (14, 14') which comprise locking means (15, 15') being movable between locking and releasing positions. The two locking mechanisms are coupled to a transmission (18) which in a neutral position permits that the one casing (7') is opened and that in connection therewith transfers the opening motion of the movable shell part (9) to the locking mechanism of the other casing (7) in order to secure its locking means (15) in the locking position and, thereby, make the opening of the other casing (7) impossible as soon as the first one (7') is opened.

Abstract: A remote control mechanism is provided with a cam mechanism that allows an operator of a marine vessel or other type of apparatus to move a handle along a generally linear path to simultaneously select the gear selection and throttle selection for the marine vessel. Cam mechanisms within a support structure translate the linear motion of the handle into preselected motions that cause first and second actuators to affect first and second parameters of the propulsion system. Cam followers attached to a control member are moved in coordination with the handle movement to cause first and second cam tracks to rotate about pivot points relative to the support structure. This rotation of the first and second cam tracks causes first and second actuators to be moved. The actuators, which can be cables, are also connected to selectors of both gear position and throttle position.

Abstract: An operation lever unit includes an operation handle attached to an operating rod of an engine-powered portable working machine. The operation handle is equipped with a throttle lever for regulating the power of an engine, a lock lever for holding the throttle lever in a desired position, and a secondary throttle adjustment lever for achieving a fine adjustment of the position of the throttle lever. To hold the throttle lever in the desired position, the throttle lever is forced against a portion of the operation handle by the action of a thrust cam mechanism disposed between the throttle lever and the lock lever. For achieving the fine adjustment of the throttle lever position, the secondary throttle adjustment lever is forced by a thumb of the operator to forcibly turn the throttle lever against a frictional force acting between the throttle lever and the handle portion.

Abstract: Two-dimensionally balanced positioning device with two object holders, and lithographic device provided with such a positioning device.A positioning device (3, 97, 179) with a first displacement unit (25, 189) for displacing a first object holder (11, 181) and a second displacement unit (27, 191) for displacing a second object holder (13, 183). The object holders can be displaced by the positioning device alternately from a measuring position into an operational position and can be displaced by the respective displacement units independently of one another in the measuring position and in the operational position.The displacement units are provided with force actuators which each have a first part (47, 49; 117, 119; 215, 217) which is coupled to the relevant object holder and which is displaceable under the influence of a driving force relative to a second part (59, 61; 133, 135, 137, 139; 219, 221) which is fastened to a balancing unit (69, 149, 205) which is common to the two displacement units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-pedal system for controlling the speed of the engine and the braking effect in a motor vehicle. A pedal holder (1) is mounted for movement from a resting position for effecting braking of the vehicle. A pedal (3) is moveably supported on the pedal holder (1) for controlling the speed of the engine of the vehicle. A returning means is arranged to return the pedal holder (1) to the resting position. A locking means (10) is arranged to hold, in a non-braking state of function of the system, the pedal holder (1) in its resting position and, when passing to a braking state of function of the system, to release the pedal holder (1) from the resting position if a compressive force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus based on precision X-Y stages that are stacked. Attached to arms projecting from each X-Y stage are a set of two axis gimbals. Attached to the gimbals is a rod, which provides motion along the axis of the rod and rotation around its axis. A dual-planar apparatus that provides six degrees of freedom of motion precise to within microns of motion. Precision linear stages along with precision linear motors, encoders, and controls provide a robotics system. The motors can be positioned in a remote location by incorporating a set of bellows on the motors and can be connected through a computer controller that will allow one to be a master and the other one to be a slave. Position information from the master can be used to control the slave. Forces of interaction of the slave with its environment can be reflected back to the motor control of the master to provide a sense of force sensed by the slave.

Abstract: A first shifting control device is located at a first position on the bicycle, and a second shifting control device is located at a second position on the bicycle. The first shifting control device includes a first shifting lever for causing the first shifting control device to pull and release a first transmission element, and the second shifting control device includes a second shifting lever for causing the second shifting control device to pull and release a second transmission element. An interlocking mechanism interlocks the first shifting lever and the second shifting lever so that movement of either the first shifting lever or the second shifting lever causes the bicycle shifting control apparatus to shift the bicycle transmission.

Abstract: A device for controlling the operational sequence of brake assemblies for bicycles includes a box within which a frame is slidably received, a first member and a second member juxtaposedly and slidably received in the frame, two cables extending from two brake levers respectively connecting to the two members respectively, each of the two members having a recess for receiving a barrel end of a front brake cable extending from a front brake assembly when the two recesses are not in alignment with each other by grasping eitherone of the brake levers, a drop recess defined below the corresponding recess in each of the members so that a barrel end of a rear brake cable is received in a space formed by the two drop recesses when the two brake levers are grasped or released simultaneously. Accordingly, whichever brake lever is grasped, the rear brake assembly is engaged first.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a first downshift control device and a first upshift control device. The first downshift control device is spaced apart from the first upshift control device. When used with a handlebar having an intermediate handlebar stem attachment portion, the first downshift control device may be mounted on one side of the handlebar stem attachment portion, and the first upshift control device may be mounted on an opposite side of the handlebar stem attachment portion.

Abstract: A welding device is disclosed having an elongated actuator arm which is secured to a main post by a cross arm. The cross arm is both slidably and pivotally mounted to the main support post and also pivotally and slidably secured to the actuator arm by an arcuate link. An elongated linkage bar extends through the actuator arm and a welding gun is attached to one end of the linkage bar. An elongated handle is perpendicularly secured to the linkage bar at its other end adjacent the opposite end of the actuator arm so that movement of the handle simultaneously moves the welding gun. The handle, furthermore, includes a hand grip at each end and the linkage bar is secured to the handle at a position closely adjacent one of the hand grips and thus at a position between the center of the handle and one of the hand grips.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for a bicycle handle bar provides an extension bar as well as a brake operating device therefor. The extension bar, together with the handle bar, provides a pair of gripping portions, while the brake operating device provides a pair of hand portions for operating a brake. The brake operating device is coupled to the free end of the extension bar and provides a pair of hand portions such that the rider can grasp the first hand portion from the extension bar and the second hand portion from the grip portion formed on the primary handle bar. In a first embodiment, the brake operating device is integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member with a part of the extension bar, while in another embodiment, the brake operating device is formed as a separate unit which is releasably coupled to the extension bar.

Abstract: An auxiliary shift lever assembly for use with a bicycle shift device includes a support for supporting the auxiliary shift lever on the bicycle, an auxiliary shift lever body pivotably coupled to the support, one or more lever engaging parts disposed on the auxiliary shift lever body for contacting corresponding shift levers of the shift device, and one or more operating parts disposed on the auxiliary shift lever body. The operating parts are typically disposed at one or more remote locations and are structured to be manipulated by a user for pivoting the auxiliary shift lever body. This, in turn, causes the lever engaging parts to rotate the corresponding shift levers of the shift device.

Abstract: A finger operated throttle control lever for snowmobiles and other vehicles which is a secondary acceleration device to the primary thumb throttle. A finger operated lever mechanism, the motion of which, compels the motion of a thumb throttle, where by, depressing the finger throttle causes the thumb throttle to depress and normal acceleration to occur. When the operators throttle thumb becomes tired, the finger throttle is used to continue riding while resting the thumb.

Abstract: A linear motor system for providing XY motion comprises a first linear motor directed for effecting movement of a first element in a first of two orthogonal directions. There is a second linear motor directed for effecting movement of a second element in a second of the orthogonal directions. The motors are mounted on a base such that the elements are located and movable in a single plane in the respective orthogonal directions relative to each other over the base. A shuttle is reactive with the two elements such that movement of the elements effects XY movement of the shuttle. The elements and the shuttle are connected through a bearing force. The bearing force is created selectively by a vacuum attracting force cooperating with an air bearing repelling force, a magnetic attracting force cooperating with an air bearing repelling force, an air bearing repelling force in a first direction and an air bearing repelling force in an opposite direction, or a mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A linkage has a coupled state, where actuation of a multi-functional apparatus causes an interference device to move between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the interference device does not allow a handle for opening door latches to actuate, and in the unlocked position the interference device allows the handle to actuate. The linkage further has a decoupled state, where actuation of the manual actuation device causes the decoupling linkage to uncouple from the multi-functional apparatus, and causes the interference device to move between the locked and the unlocked positions without moving the multi-functional apparatus. This arrangement allows for a manual override of the power liftgate lock multi-functional apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote-control apparatus having a base and a first slider supported with respect to the base. A first cable includes a first conduit and a first core coupled to the slider and movable in the first conduit. An output cable includes a clamped conduit supported with respect to the base and having an output core movable in the clamped conduit. In the improvement, the apparatus includes a second slider supported with respect to the base. A second cable has a second conduit and a second core coupled to the second slider and movable in the second conduit. The first core and the output core are coupled to the first slider and the second core is coupled to the second slider. A new method for remotely controlling a mechanism, e.g., a boat outboard engine throttle or clutch, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for collapsing a backrest of a backseat of a car for placing in communication a rear trunk with the passenger compartment of the car. The backrest is biased from an upright position to a collapsed position forwardly by a coiled biasing spring. A latch rod fixed to the backrest is received and held by a releasable latch of a backseat lock so that the backrest is releasably held in an upright position against the biasing force of the biasing spring. The lock is connected to a control cable operable manually from the vicinity of the front seat of the car or from the vicinity of the rear trunk to render the latch holding action ineffective and release the latch rod. The biasing spring will then collapse the backrest forwardly. The backrest is restored manually to an upright position and locked in readiness for collapsing by the biasing spring. The control cable has a flexible outer casing and an inner cable slidable longitudinally therein.

Abstract: A linear motor system for providing XY motion comprises a first linear motor directed for effecting movement of a first element in a first of two orthogonal directions. There is a second linear motor directed for effecting movement of a second element in a second of the orthogonal directions. The motors are mounted on a base such that the elements are located and movable in a single plane in the respective orthogonal directions relative to each other over the base. A shuttle is reactive with the two elements such that movement of the elements effects XY movement of the shuttle. The elements and the shuttle are mounted on air bearings and interaction of the shuttle with the elements is also through an air bearings to control angular movement of the shuttle. This system provides for very fine movement in an XY direction which can be precisely controlled while angular movement of the shuttle is prevented.

Abstract: A manual braking mechanism is adapted for manually overridable remote conl. The mechanism is disposed in a generally planar region forward of a vehicle's handle bar that does not interfere with the vehicle body or a human vehicle driver. The mechanism includes a base plate releasably clamped to the vehicle's handle bar and a housing fixed on the base plate. A brake cylinder in the housing connects to a control lever swingable on the base plate about a lever axis, and the cylinder's reaction force biases the lever toward a brake releasing position. A link pivots on the plate at the lever axis, has a hinge connection remote from the lever axis and has a carrier closer to the lever axis to the hinge connection. The carrier cammingly rotates the lever as the link swings on the lever axis. The mechanism has a frame whose first leg connects to the base plate at the lever axis and the frame's second leg is releasably clamped to the handle bar.

Abstract: A welding device is disclosed having an elongated actuator arm which is secured to a main support post by a cross arm. The cross arm is both slidably and pivotably mounted to the main support post and also pivotably and slidably secured to the actuator arm to enable a wide range of movement for the actuator arm. An elongated linkage bar extends through the actuator arm and a welding gun is attached to one end of the linkage bar. A handle is secured to the linkage bar adjacent the opposite end of the actuator arm so that movement of the handle simultaneously moves the welding gun. A second lever is also secured to the linkage bar at a midpoint along the actuator arm such that movement of the lever also moves the welding gun in the same fashion as the handle.

Abstract: A stage positioning apparatus including a stage and a servo control system. The servo control system includes a compensation circuit. The compensation circuit determines the cosine of the angle between the off-axis drive bar and the direction of travel. A voltage, proportional to the cosine, is multiplied by the on-axis drive error signal to develop an off-axis compensation voltage. Each drive's new error signal is compensated by its respective off-axis compensation voltage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry shaving apparatus with at least one short-hair cutter disposed on a housing and an actuating switch for turning an electric drive mechanism on and off as well as for adjusting a switch slide provided with a long-hair trimmer by means of a transmission device, wherein the transmission device is comprised of two pivotally mounted transmission elements, the first transmission element is pivotally mounted on the actuating switch and acted upon by a spring element, the second transmission element which is provided with notches and a control cam is pivotally mounted on the housing, is coupled to the switch slide through a control element engaging the control cam as well as a spring element, and is actuatable by the first transmission element through a detent element.

Abstract: An industrial sweeper has brushes, a drivewheel a power source, a lever and cables connecting the lever to clutches which engage the brushes and drive wheel to the power source. When the level is partially depressed, only the brushes are engaged. Full depression of the lever continues engagement of the brushes and also engages the drivewheel to propel the sweeper forward.

Abstract: A lost motion drive assembly has a base mounting upper and lower levers which connect to the louvers of an air plenum, such as in an automobile's ventilation system. A user turns a knob between a plurality of selections, causing a gear-operated actuator to rotate. A clutch mechanism operable between the actuator and levers engages the lower lever to drive it one way in response to rotation of the knob. Upon continued rotation of the knob, a drive lug on the actuator engages the upper lever to drive it the same way while the clutch disengages from the actuator and holds the lower lever fixed. Reverse motion is obtained when the clutch engages the actuator and upper lever, after which it releases the actuator and a second drive lug engages the lower lever to return it to its starting position.

Abstract: A remote control mechanism for controlling an outboard drive, throttle and transmission from either of two selected remote operators. When one operator is controlling the outboard drive, control of the outboard drive from the other operator is not permitted because of a series of interlocks. Each of the interlocks include a respective detent members and detent recesses. The detent recesses are sized larger than the detent members so as to provide some lost motion and to accommodate misalignments caused by flexure in the associated actuating cables.

Abstract: A control system for regulating starting and various operations of a walk behind and self-propelled trencher. The control system conditions the trencher for forward, neutral, and reverse operation through use of a single control lever mounted for sliding movement in a common plane extending between a neutral/start position and a drive position and thence in another plane to forward or reverse positions to control the direction of the trencher. When the control lever is in a neutral/start position, a power assembly on the trencher is ineffective to drive wheels used to propel the trencher across a field. When the control lever is shifted to a drive position, a drive path is established between the power assembly and at least one of the wheels on the trencher. The control system is configured to allow the power assembly to be started only when the control lever is in a neutral/start position and prevents starting of the power assembly when the control lever is in other than a neutral/start position.

Abstract: A speed control system for a vehicle having a braking device and a stepless transmission. A change speed member for controlling the stepless transmission is shiftable between a forward drive zone and a backward drive zone across a neutral position. The change speed member is urged to the neutral position, and operatively connected to a change speed pedal and a shift lever. The shift lever is lockable to a selected shift position. Switching may be made between a connection enable state for enabling connection between a first interlocking member connected to the change speed member and a second interlocking member connected to the shift lever, and a connection prohibit state for prohibiting the connection between the first interlocking member and second interlocking member.The connection between the first interlocking member and second interlocking member is canceled with operation of the braking device.

Abstract: An override control system for a ground-supported machine. A hand lever is used to adjust the equilibrium position of a self-centering device which is interconnected to a drive system of the machine so that a principal ground speed of the machine is selected and set by adjustment of the hand lever. A second control lever is connected to the drive system through the self-centering device and is operable to adjust the speed and direction of motion of the machine away from that set by the hand lever. Upon release of the second control lever, the self-centering device returns the ground speed of the machine to the preselected principal value.

Abstract: In a walk-behind power lawn mower with a propelling mechanism and a blade brake clutch, an improved control system. A preferred embodiment includes a substantially U-shaped control arm (34), pivot shaft (36, 38) operatively connecting control arm (34) to handlebar (28) wherein the pivot shafts (36, 38) establish a pivot axis.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a vehicular clutch and brake control system, well suited for use on a crawler tractor. The system is of the type having a pair of primary pedals each controlling both clutch and brake operation for one track. The improvement includes an auxiliary pedal moving a hinge-mounted clevis to which a swinging link is pivotably mounted. In one operating mode (using only one or both primary pedals), either or both tractor tracks are de-clutched prior to brake application. In another mode, depression of the auxiliary pedal simultaneously depresses both primary pedals and track de-clutching is prevented even though both track brakes are applied. The operator is thereby better able to maintain control of the tractor in operating environments such as steep hills, embankments, foundation back-filling and the like.

Abstract: Asymmetrical mechanical linkages for sidestick roll controllers located at the pilot and copilot stations of aircraft and other vehicles with fly-by-wire control systems. The asymmetrical character of the linkage reduces the level of exertion required to rotatably displace the sidestick in the outboard direction and, as an important consequence, significantly reduces pilot fatigue.

Abstract: A vehicle drive assembly includes a rotating shaft driven by an endless belt which engages and travels about forward and reverse pulleys attached to the shaft and also about an idler pulley which indirectly enables rotation of the forward and reverse pulleys in the forward and reverse directions, respectively. The drive assembly also includes an oscillating clutch assembly, operable by a clutch pedal, which allows both selective engagement of clutch plates with either of the forward and reverse pulleys and neutralization of the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly is also operably linked to the vehicle braking system such that actuation of the brake pedal also effects neutralization of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety control device for operator-presence controls, particularly for lawnmowers.The device disclosed comprises a movable control lever (20) linked to a deadman handle (28) by a pin (36) which is movable relative to a guide slot (44). The guide slot (44) has one or more recesses (46,48) which receive the pin (36) to prevent movement along the slot.When the pin (36) is in recess (46), the control lever (20) is locked into an inoperative position. Conversely, when the pin (36) is in recess (48) the control lever (20) is locked into an operative position. The control lever (20) and the deadman handle (28) are biased to assume respective inoperative positions when released.

Abstract: A modular, pedal-type rudder, brake, and nose gear steering control assembly for an aircraft. The modules are installed below the instrument panel in the cockpit of the aircraft, thus avoiding the need for floor or bulkhead penetrations. Mechanical linkage arrangements are provided for dual side-by-side pilot stations. Adjustable positioning of control pedals relative to each pilot is provided. Pedal adjustment is accomplished by moving the pedals toward or away from a pilot along an arcuate path to an extent dependent upon the length of the pilot's legs. The arcuate path of adjustment is inclined upwardly with respect to the horizontal, providing ergometrically improved operation of the control pedals.

Abstract: A foot pedal operated control positioning device for a continuously variable transmission wherein a movable bushing is aligned with a preset stop in order to set the transmission into a known neutral condition.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for a motor-driven convertible roof for a motor vehicle has a linkage system formed of a front roof frame, a rear roof frame, and a main roof arch pivotally connected to the motor vehicle body by a tension bracket and another bracket. A motor drive and a transmission system are connected to the main roof arch and the tension bracket and provide the driving force for the linkage system. The main roof arch and the tension bracket are each driven by a separate lever and connecting rod. One of the levers entrains the other over a certain range of movement and the motor drive includes a drive motor and shaft for driving the levers about separate spaced axes for effecting the drive of the linkage system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for actuating a braking device for bringing a motor-driven work tool of a work apparatus to standstill. The braking device is actuated by a brake lever and the brake lever is connected to a pivotably journalled throttle lever via a first actuator. The throttle lever controls the carburetor of the engine driving the work apparatus via a second actuator. In order to bring the work tool rapidly to standstill in idle, the second actuator is attached to a drag lever which is pivotable relative to the throttle lever. After passing through an idle movement path, the throtle lever takes the drag lever along via a follower in a pivot direction.

Abstract: A brake mechanism wherein a bracket is attached to a small engine. The bracket comprises two rotating arms, a spring, a brake pad and cable attachments. When an operator of a small engine releases a cable attached to the brake assembly, the spring rotates an arm which further engages a brake pad for slowing the engine and stopping it. The cable may be attached to either arm for releasing and engaging the brake pad, which allows the small engine to be mounted on an apparatus in more than one orientation.

Abstract: A change-speed construction for a propelling system of a work vehicle. The construction has a neutral return mechanism for causing a stepless transmission to return to the neutral in response to disengagement of a main propelling transmission clutch. Then, when the clutch is engaged again to resume vehicle run after a temporary stop for e.g. replenishment of materials to be worked, the vehicle does not make a sudden start.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the ground speed and enhancing the maneuverability of an off-road vehicle having systems for initially establishing and thereafter automatically returning the hydrostatic transmission to the neutral position, a pedal system interconnected with the neutral location and return system for selectively driving the vehicle in either the forward or the reverse direction, a brake system consisting of a left foot operated left and right turn brake subsystem which enhances the vehicles maneuverability, a right foot operated master brake system which is used to bring the vehicle to a complete halt and for emergencies, and a park brake system which is used to lock the brakes when the vehicle is at rest, a cruise control system which is interconnected with the pedal system and the brake system.

Abstract: A bicycle speed change lever assembly according to the present invention comprises a first lever, a second lever and a reversal connecting mechanism. The first lever is pivotally supported by a first pivot shaft and connected to one end of a control cable. The second lever is pivotally supported by a second pivot shaft which is displaced from the first pivot shaft but extends in parallel thereto. The reversal connecting mechanism connects the first lever to the second lever in such a way that when one of the levers is progressively pivoted in one direction, the other lever is progressivley pivoted in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An auxiliary cable control system in a hand lever control system for a walk-behind traction vehicle is directly responsive to movement of a first hand control lever and acts to latch a second hand control lever in its operable position in response to the first hand control means being moved to its operable position, thus freeing one hand of the operator as long as the first hand control lever remains depressed. The auxiliary control cable has a cable support and a pivotal cam-slot lever that cooperates with a stop member associated with the second hand control lever. Once the traction drive hand lever is released, that is, the traction is stopped, both drives are immediately disconnected by means of the auxiliary cable control system.

Abstract: A compact, versatile lawnmower control is provided which is especially useful for holding and releasing ground drive and blade clutch cables and which allow connection and removal of the cable end without dismantling the control, allows the optional inclusion of a releasable handle lock, and allow the use of a deadman handle to release two cables at differing release distances. The preferred control includes an operating handle having a tubular body rotatably mounted within a housing; a coupling element rotatably mounted coaxially with the handle body for coupling with a deadman handle; and a holding and releasing means intercoupling the element and the body for holding the handle in a second position when the element is in the operating position and for releasing the handle for shifting to a first position when the element shifts to a relaxed position.

Abstract: A first computer and a first servo with connecting apparatus are used to drive a first engine throttle. A second servo and a second computer together with second connecting means are used to drive a second engine throttle. In addition, a cross connection capstan, cable, pulley and electrically clutched capstan are used to selectively connect the two engine throttles, thereby allowing for the operation and regulation of both engine throttles by either the first servo/computer combination or the second servo/computer combination.

Abstract: The invention is a system to override electric control units which normally overns the transmission and fuel regulating valve of an automotive vehicle. The system includes a first linkage to mechanically operate the automatic transmission, a bypass valve hydraulically in parallel with the fuel regulating valve, and a second linkage to mechanically operate the bypass valve. The linkages are connected to a control assembly in the driver's compartment of the vehicle, the assembly having two moveable members for manually actuating the linkages. The control assembly has a mechanism for keeping the bypass valve closed during selected gears or modes of the transmission. This mechanism also prevents the the transmission from shifting gears when the bypass valve is open.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the ground speed and enhancing the maneuverability of an off-road vehicle having systems for initially establishing and thereafter automatically returning the hydrostatic transmission to the neutral position, a pedal system interconnected with the neutral location and return system for selectively driving the vehicle in either the forward or the reverse direction, a brake system consisting of a left foot operated left and right turn brake subsystem which enhances the vehicle maneuverability, a right foot operated master brake system which is used to bring the vehicle to a complete hault and for emergencies, and a park brake system which is used to lock the brakes when the vehicle is at rest, a cruise control system which is interconnected with the pedal system and the brake system.

Abstract: In the braking systems of many vehicles, a parking brake is utilized that is spring applied and fluid pressure released. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, a mechanical device or other specialized tools must be used to bring about the disengagement of the parking brake so that the vehicle may be towed. The present invention overcomes this problem by providing an auxiliary actuating mechanism for a spring applied, fluid pressure released parking brake that includes an auxiliary accumulator that will maintain a preselected amount of pressure upon the loss of the primary source of pressure. An auxiliary actuating valve is positioned between the accumulator and the parking brake to selectively communicate fluid therebetween. The auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided with two remotely located actuators that may be utilized to selectively position the valve to permit the communication of the pressurized fluid within the accumulator with the parking brake assembly to achieve the disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A combined hand and foot control for a prime mover throttle member 10 including a hand control 12, a foot control 13, and a combining device 14 for combining the hand and foot controls. The combining device includes a plastics support housing 14a,14b and a combining member 34 slidable within the housing in first and second opposite directions. A first cable linkage 17 connects the combining member 34 with the throttle member 10 so that movement of the combining member in the first direction moves the throttle member towards a fully open position. A spring 38 act to bias the throttle member towards an idle position and hence bias the said combining member 34 in the second direction via the first cable linkage 17.

Abstract: A first computer and a first servo with connecting apparatus are used to drive a first engine throttle. A second servo and a second computer together with second connecting means are used to drive a second engine throttle. In addition, a cross connection capstan, cable, pulley and electrically clutched capstan are used to selectively connect the two engine throttles, thereby allowing for the operation and regulation of both engine throttles by either the first servo/computer combination or the second servo/computer combination.