Steering And Controls Assemblies Patents (Class 74/484R)
  • Patent number: 6151980
    Abstract: A steering module comprises: a steering wheel attached to a member which is attached to a car body portion, the steering wheel being connected to a steering shaft which passes through the member; a pad having at least one electric part, the pad being attached to the member through the steering wheel. A first connector is arranged in the member. A second connector is arranged in the pad. The second connector electrically connects with the electrical part, and is electrically connected to the first connector. A car-body-side securing portion is arranged in the member. A pad-side securing portion is disposed on the pad. The car-body-side securing portion and the pad-side securing portion are engaged with each other so as to secure the member and the pad and connect the first connector with the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Keizo Nishitani, Toshifumi Okahira, Tomohiko Matsushita
  • Patent number: 6148688
    Abstract: A work machine lever for a work vehicle comprises a base end portion supported in a steering-wheel-support box and a free end portion disposed on a side of a steering wheel. The free end portion is provided with a lever-operating portion, which can be pivotally rotated between at least two positions, i.e., an operating position on the side of the steering wheel and a non-operating position in front of the steering wheel about a support base end portion of the steering-wheel-support box as a pivot and can be fixed at the respective rotation positions. Therefore, when the operator gets on and off the vehicle, the work machine lever is rotated to be fixed at a forward lever non-operating position to form a large passage space on a side of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Komatsu Est Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhito Nishimaki
  • Patent number: 6145402
    Abstract: A steering module comprises: a steering wheel attached to a member which is attached to a car body portion, the steering wheel being connected to a steering shaft which passes through the member; a pad having at least one electric part, the pad being attached to the member through the steering wheel; a first connector arranged in the member; and a second connector arranged in the pad, the second connector electrically connecting with the electrical part, and electrically connected to the first connector. The steering module further comprises: an external gear secured to the steering shaft; an internal gear connected to the steering wheel, the internal gear being arranged to surround the external gear; and an intermediate gear rotatably supported by the member attached to the car body portion, the intermediate gear being located between and engaged with the external gear and the internal gear. In the steering module, the first connector is located at an inside of the internal gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Keizo Nishitani, Toshifumi Okahira, Tomohiko Matsushita
  • Patent number: 6092403
    Abstract: A steering wheel and lock arrangement, which includes a steering wheel and a lock, the steering wheel being formed of an upper wheel half and a lower wheel half, the lower wheel half having a first oblong insertion hole and two second oblong insertion holes at a top side wall thereof and a respective coupling chamber respectively defined inside each oblong insertion hole, the upper wheel half having a downward rod with a transverse block pivotably coupled to the coupling chamber in the first oblong insertion hole, the lock being securely mounted in the upper wheel half and moved with the upper wheel half between the two second oblong insertion holes at the lower wheel half and operated to lock the steering wheel between the operative position and the non-operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Ching-He Sh
  • Patent number: 6092012
    Abstract: A power steering apparatus for generating a steering assist force by a hydraulic pressure generated by a pump driven by an electric motor. The apparatus includes: a steering torque detecting mechanism (13) for detecting a steering torque; a steering urgency level calculating section (S5) for calculating a steering urgency level by using a time-based second-order differential value of the steering torque detected by the steering torque detecting mechanism; a target speed determining section (31, S6, S7) for determining, on the basis of the steering urgency level calculated by the steering urgency level calculating section, an assist starting speed as an initial target speed at which the electric motor (M) is actuated; and a control section (31) for controlling driving of the electric motor to equate the speed of the electric motor to the target speed determined by the target speed determining section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6053066
    Abstract: A shifting device for a vehicle automatic transmission comprises a manual shift mode which permits a driver to manually change a speed ratio by displacing a shift lever to an upshift or downshift direction from its neutral position in a manual operation lane. An upshift signal input terminal and a downshift signal input terminal are provided in a control unit. Upshift signals transmitted from an upshift switch of a selector and a steering switch on a steering wheel are input into the upshift signal input terminal, and downshift signals transmitted from a downshift switch of the selector and the steering switch on the steering wheel are input into the downshift signal input terminal. In this way, the number of input terminals of the control unit is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Ishii, Masashi Sugiuchi, Mitsuru Fujioka
  • Patent number: 6041677
    Abstract: A device for attaching a steering wheel hub to a steering wheel column, while simultaneously fixing a contact unit to the steering wheel, includes a fastener that has a head part engaging in the hub and a shank that engages partially in the hub and partially in the shaft. In a locked position, the fastener engages a recess in the contact unit to prevent the steering wheel hub from rotating relative to the stator of the contact unit. In an unlocked position, the fastener partially engages the hub, partially engages the column, and disengages from the recess in the contact unit to fixedly connect the hub to the column and allow the hub, and therefore the rotor of the contact unit, to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Petri AG
    Inventors: Stefan Reh, Hodac Hung, Karl Hock, Thomas Marotzke, Gunter Giegerich, Norbert Muller, Bruno Rettinger
  • Patent number: 5855144
    Abstract: A steering wheel of a transportation device includes controls positioned on the wheel. The controls are operable by operator's fingers and may be connected to the various electrical and electronic devices of the transportation device. Further, in one of the embodiments, controls are positioned on a circular grip member of the wheel. In one of the embodiments, the steering wheel includes a display positioned on the hub-like connecting member of the wheel, which can show radio frequency, time, temperature, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Nikolay Parada
  • Patent number: 5802924
    Abstract: A shroud for surrounding an upper end of a vehicle steering column includes first and second portions. The first portion defines a first opening through which the steering column extends. The second portion at least in part defines a second opening through which a turn signal actuator mounted on the steering column extends. The second portion can be mounted in different positions relative to the first portion depending on the position of the turn signal actuator relative to the steering column. The second portion at least partially closes the first opening defined by the first portion when the second portion is in the different positions. The second portion has a third opening through which the steering column extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Gary L. Dies, Mark A. Cartwright, Jonathan A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5765442
    Abstract: A portable pedal control device for use by a disabled person to control the brakes and accelerator in a vehicle. One such control device is to be attached to the brake pedal and another similar device is attached to the accelerator pedal. The control device includes: (a) an elongated shaft or body, (b) opposing claws on the lower end of the shaft, (c) a lever for moving one of the claws between open and closed positions, and (d) a spring to hold the movable claw in its closed position. The control device is easily attached to the desired pedal by operating the lever to open the claws, then the claws are placed around the pedal and closed again. No tools are required, and the operator (disabled person) can attach or detach the control device without any assistance and without having to reach to the floor of the vehicle to manipulate fasteners or the like. The control devices can be used on any vehicle by a disabled person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Rickie L. Judson
  • Patent number: 5724907
    Abstract: An accessory switch assembly is positioned between the steering wheel 12 and the bezel housing 14 surrounding the steering shaft 16. The assembly comprises a bracket including a mounting section 26 and two arms 28 which extend radially from opposite sides of the mounting section 26. The mounting section 26 includes a plurality of pairs 32 and 34 of mounting holes and a first plurality of mounting holes 30 disposed in a hexongonal pattern on a first circle for attachment to anyone of various different bezel housings 14. The mounting section 26 also includes access holes 36 for access therethrough for bolts to mount the bezel housing 14. Each radial arm 28 includes tabs 40 and side flanges 44 extending transversely along the sides of the arm 28 to define a pocket for a switch 38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry K. Castellucci
  • Patent number: 5707262
    Abstract: A system for controlling adjustment of the outboard drive unit of a boat by operation of switches mounted on the steering wheel of the boat. The system provides an "up switch, a "down" switch and a transmitter, each of which is adapted for attachment adjacent the gripping portion of the steering wheel. The transmitter provides wireless command signals to a receiver which is adapted for mounting behind the dashboard of the boat. The receiver in response to reception of the signals actuates an relay interface which in turn actuates a selected "up" or "down" trim relay which is a standard component on boats for which the kit is intended. The actuated trim relay provides electrical power to a conventional boat trim drive mechanism which in accordance with the switch command adjusts the position of the drive unit of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Huntley, William F. Huntley
  • Patent number: 5664638
    Abstract: A torque transducer has a circumferentially magnetized sleeve press fitted on the user-tiltable portion of a vehicle steering shaft and disposed axially intermediate the shaft support bearings. A stationary pickup coil is mounted over the sleeve and located with respect to the sleeve by a second pair of bearings. In an alternate embodiment, two circumferentially magnetized, axially spaced sleeves are utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Santo A. Padula
  • Patent number: 5662002
    Abstract: A manual control device for transmitting manual control signals of an operator including a plurality of interconnected lever elements, an elastically deformable bearing element, and a potentiometer element to facilitate manual control of a vehicle by persons with disabilities where each lever is swingably mounted on the elastically deformable element so that swinging one lever element from a rest position to a control transmission position swings the adjacent lever elements and causes deformation of the elastically deformable bearing element which in turn acts on the potentiometer before returning to the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Guidosimplex S.N.C. Di Giancarlo Venturini & C.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Venturini
  • Patent number: 5603674
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventors: Francisco Rivas, Michel Santa-Lucia
  • Patent number: 5575177
    Abstract: A turn signal cancellation mechanism has an actuator and a pawl engagably interfacing therewith. In one aspect of the present invention, the pawl is disposed on an opposite side of a steering shaft from a handle interfacing segment of the actuator. In another aspect of the present invention, a unique pawl movably engages with a modified T-shaped slot within an actuator. A further aspect of the present invention provides a modularized system wherein a common housing interchangeably retains differing circuit boards, pivoting actuators coupled to handles, and various switches, depending on the specific options desired. In still another aspect of the present invention, a detent plunger has a shaft with a quadrilateral cross sectional shape along a portion thereof and an integrally formed semi-spherical cap. An improved fastening means is also employed to attach the present invention turn signal cancellation mechanism onto the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: LeRoy A. Poleschuk, James B. Wright, Dale R. Jesselson
  • Patent number: 5520066
    Abstract: In the case of a motor vehicle comprising an operating device for the shifting of a power-shiftable transmission, the transmission can be automatically or manually shifted by way of a selector lever. The device comprises a finger-operated shifting rocker which is arranged in at least one steering wheel spoke, is held on a swivel shaft disposed in a housing and has an adjusting shifting element arranged between two electrical pressure switches. The shifting element comprises a lever which is connected with the housing and is arranged by means of its free end between operating surfaces of switches which are arranged coaxially with respect to one another. With respect to the housing, the shifting rocker can be swivelled about the shaft with a shifting travel in two directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Julius Tueri
  • Patent number: 5465632
    Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-function steering mechanism having a non-rotatable display panel located within the rim of the steering wheel. Wires of a wiring truss to the display panel are continuous through a hollow non-rotatable support shaft for the display panel. The rotatable steering shaft is offset from the support shaft and geared to a cylindrical gear hub of the steering wheel which is rotatably supported on either the support column or onto an outer housing for the mechanism. The steering shaft is made to be telescoping and or tilting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventors: T. Jack Oki, Martin D. Oki
  • Patent number: 5450769
    Abstract: A steering column assembly including a clock spring connector having a groove formed on a movable member for receiving a ridge formed on an engaging member of a steering wheel. The engagement of the ridge and the groove provides a reduced-noise operation of the steering column apparatus. A resilient clip is provided between the groove and the ridge to further reduce operating noise. A pair of flanges are formed on an outer wall of the clock spring connector to secure the clock spring connector to a lock fixture. A short forked locking finger is provided on a back surface of the clock spring connector for preventing damage during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Alps Electric (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hu, Vas R. Kommera, John E. Opie
  • Patent number: 5426993
    Abstract: A cover unit for sealing the passage of a steering wheel column through an opening in the partition wall of a motor vehicle having a front wheel steering assembly including a steering wheel column. The unit includes a coverplate to be positioned against the engine side of the partition wall, the coverplate having an annular sealing sleeve extending outwardly from one side of said coverplate for insertion through the opening in the partition wall. The steering wheel column is axially insertable through the annular sleeve of the coverplate and shoulder in the sleeve serving as a stop for a collar on the steering wheel column is provided to limit the travel of the column through the plate. The unit also includes a counterplate to be positioned against the driver's side of the partition wall, the counterplate having a cylindrical opening therein and a locking ring extending outwardly from one side of the counterplate coaxial with the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventor: Giuseppe Bodo
  • Patent number: 5385067
    Abstract: A turn signal cancellation mechanism is comprised of a handle, an actuator, a pawl and a biasing means. An engagement segment of the actuator has a modified T-shaped slot formed therein. The pawl is defined by a base having an arm projecting in an offset manner therefrom. A post is mounted perpendicularly upon the arm opposite from the base. The pawl is slidably juxtapositioned within the actuator such that the post of the pawl engagably extends through the modified T-shaped slot within the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Wiersing, LeRoy A. Poleschuk, David Guerra
  • Patent number: 5365803
    Abstract: The design and manufacture of past steering and transmission shifting control devices utilized an upright and rockable control handle for the steering function and an actuating element in close association with the control handle for effecting a speed change function of a multi-speed transmission. The design of the control handle does not offer a rotatable steering member which is familiar and easy to operate. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a steering wheel for steering a vehicle. A means for changing the speed ratio of the transmission is mounted on a front portion of the steering wheel and extends from a front surface so that the changing means may be conveniently accessed by an operator. A means for selecting either the forward or reverse drive condition of the transmission is mounted on the back portion of the steering wheel and extends from the back surface so that the selecting means may be conveniently accessed by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. Kelley, David E. Nelson, Peter M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5328112
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus of the U-turn type in which the extending direction of a flexible flat cable is reversed in the middle of the cable. The apparatus comprises a planet roll located between a center barrel and an outer case. The planet roll is fitted with a planet gear which is in mesh with a sun gear fixed to the center barrel, and an internal gear fixed to the outer case. When the center barrel rotates, the planet roll revolves in the same direction as the rotating direction of the barrel, thereby guiding the U-turn portion of the cable. At the same time, the planet roll rotates around its axis in the direction opposite to the rotating direction of the center barrel, whereby a guide tape is wound on the barrel and wound off the planet roll. The guide tape serves to guide and prevent the cable from slackening, so that the potential rotational frequency of the center barrel can be made high for the cable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Obata
  • Patent number: 5285695
    Abstract: A steering wheel and deflection unit for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, is described, of the type in which a steering wheel is connected in an angularly rigid manner to a steering shaft and a control lever for a direction signalling device is supported radially in the vicinity of this steering wheel; the rest position of the control lever with respect to the steering wheel can be adjusted into a plurality of different angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.
    Inventor: Nevio Di Giusto
  • Patent number: 5261291
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventors: Paul T. Schoch, Marvin G. Schoch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5259262
    Abstract: A non-involute gear used in a gear pair. A first gear has a plurality of radially extending, circumferentially spaced teeth, each with a generally cylindrical, arcuate shaped end surface. A second gear has a plurality of spaced, non-involute shaped teeth. Each tooth of the second gear is formed with opposed base faces disposed at an identical radius. A pair of flats extend in parallel from the ends of each circular base face and terminate in inwardly extending, end portions extending from the flats to the top land of each gear tooth. A tooth space is formed between two adjacent non-involute gear teeth having a semi-circular base portion formed by the opposed circular base faces of two adjacent gear teeth and two parallel flat portions formed by the pair of parallel flats extending from the semi-circular base portion which combine to form a generally U-shaped space for receiving a gear tooth on the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. DuRocher, Ellsworth S. Miller
  • Patent number: 5144857
    Abstract: The improved steering mode selector assembly includes a selector member having a slot, a carrier and a selector lever mounted on such carrier. The selector lever is movable along the slot between a first position, a second position and a third position, each of which corresponds with a selected steering mode. The lever is laterally biased in a first direction so that movement of the lever to the third position requires the lever to be manually biased in a second direction. The lever is thereby substantially prevented from being inadvertently moved to the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Philip T. Kemper
  • Patent number: 5099720
    Abstract: A control mechanism for an automatic transmission (1) of a motor vehicle including one electronic control unit (2) for determining the shift points for the change of gear. The latter results at least from the information from the vehicle speed (3) and the required load (4). The shift points are overridden by orders issued by the adjusting means needed for operation of the vehicle. A flasher unit (6) known per se for indicating the direction of travel is additionally connected via a line (61) with the electronic control unit (2) and via a flash-unit signal the generally known determination of the shift point is overridden either by an immediate downshift by at least one gear or a control of the downshift and upshift points in the sense of increasing them. The activity of the flash-unit signal can remain limited to the higher gears of an automatic transmission. The signal from the flasher unit (6) also overrides all eventually selected programs (such as economic program) and can also suppress intended upshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Reimund Raue
  • Patent number: 5072628
    Abstract: The invention concerns a multi function steering mechanism having a non-rotatable display panel located within the rim of the steering wheel. Wires of a wiring truss to the display panel are continuous through a hollow non-rotatable support member for the display panel. A rotatably steering link is off set from the support shaft and geared to a cylindrical gear hub of the steering wheel which is rotatably supported on either the support column or onto an outer housing for the mechanism. The support member, steering link and wheel, with or without the actual display panel, may be provided as a replacement unit for a conventionally mounted steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: T. Jack Oki
  • Patent number: 5037131
    Abstract: A harness protecting device of a steering column having a telescopic function includes a protector, having a cable penetrating section in the front and the rear, equipped so as to contract and expand at will across the fixing and moving sides of the steering column having the telescopic function. A pair of flexible bow-like holders in the protector, for dividing a plurality of single core cables from the penetrating section, into two in the width direction of the protector in order to retain the cables. The cables, which are connected to electrical equipment attached to the moving side of the steering column, and which are wired along the steering column, are wired along the bow-like holders in the protector so as to contract and expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Kuramoto, Hiroyuki Bannai, Shunichi Toyomasu, Kazuyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 5010970
    Abstract: A power-assisted steering system for an automotive vehicle has a steering shaft rotatably supported by a steering column, a steering wheel and an electric motor for assisting in rotating the steering shaft when the steering torque is too great. The electric motor has an output shaft offset from the steering shaft. A power-assisting structure includes a motor driven member and is mounted on the steering shaft for selectively connecting a steering torque transmitted from the steering wheel or the motor output transmitted from motor driven member to the steering shaft. A torque detector is disposed between the steering wheel and the steering shaft to detect a predetermined torque imparted to the steering wheel so as to actuate the electric motor, whereby assisting in rotating the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4993278
    Abstract: A column-mounted gear selector mechanism comprises a gear shift lever assembly including a control arm integrally connected to a shift tube and projecting radially outwards therefrom to have a free end, a bell crank installed in the control arm and having a first lever arm pivotally connected to a compression rod, a knob pivotally installed on the free end of the control arm and formed with an elongated guide opening, a guide pin movable in the guide opening, and a connecting rod interconnecting the guide pin and a second lever arm of the bell crank such that turns of the knob in the opposite direction about the axis thereof are transmitted through the connecting rod and the bell crank to the compression rod to cause the compression rod to reciprocate between first and second positions. The shift tube is rotatable about its axis for shift of gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 4849585
    Abstract: A modularly constructed motor vehicle control stalk 10 comprises a handle base 20 that engages any of a plurality of vehicle steering column switch actuator assemblies 14. The base 20 accommodates an interchangeable trim sleeve 48 for styling the control stalk 10 to be cosmetically compatible with any of a variety of vehicle interiors. The trim sleeve 48 is secured to the base 20 and supported by a standardized stalk handle 56 which also acts as a receptacle for a switch knob 84 for actuating any of a variety of vehicle operator functions. The switch knob includes interiorly mounted contacts which engage contact surfaces of a printed circuit board when the switch knob is compressed or rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: George Vidican, Dragon Bogovican, Victor Herrera, Jeffrey Wiersing
  • Patent number: 4840078
    Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle which comprises steering column members fixed to a body of the vehicle, a steering shaft rotatably mounted on the steering column members, a steering wheel fixedly connected to an upper end of the steering shaft, the steering wheel having first and second recesses, a receiving case member disposed coaxially with the steering shaft, the receiving case member being provided with first and third projections and rotatable together with the steering wheel by an engagement of the first projections and the first recess in the steering wheel, and a cancelling cam member disposed coaxially with respect to the steering shaft, the cancelling cam member being provided with a second projection that is engageable with the second recess in the steering wheel and with a third recess that is engageable with the third projection formed in the receiving case member, whereby the cancelling cam member is rotatable together with the steering wheel by the engagement between the second recess and the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuaki Shitanoki
  • Patent number: 4798099
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: George F. Alexander, Alan R. Coutant, David M. Fee, Craig W. Riediger
  • Patent number: 4796482
    Abstract: The steering wheel comprises a column section, a steering shaft passing through the column section, a boss portion secured to the top of the steering shaft, a boss plate secured on the boss portion, a pad section, a plurality of sun gears of the helical gear type, a plurality of planetary shafts, a plurality of pairs of planetary gears of the helical gear type attached to either end portion each of the respective planetary shafts and gearing with the corresponding sun gears, and a resilient member for urging the planetary gears of a pair mounted on at least one of the plural planetary shafts. At least one of the paired planetary gears is attached movably in the longitudinal direction of the axis of that planetary shaft, so that these planetary gears approach mutually or separate from each other in the axial direction of the respective planetary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsushi Hiramitsu, Satoshi Ono, Atsuo Hirano, Zenzaburo Murase
  • Patent number: 4796736
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Fee, Craig W. Riediger
  • Patent number: 4768394
    Abstract: A steering wheel apparatus is disclosed. It has a steering shaft and a boss fitted onto the steering shaft. A base is mounted on the rear portion of the boss in such a manner as to be fixed with respect to the axial direction but free with respect to the rotary direction of the steering shaft. A locking disc is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the base. A pin holder having a plurality of through holes is mounted on the front portion of the boss. The same number of slide pins are arranged in such a manner as to penetrate through the corresponding through holes in the pin holder for engaging with the stopper. A steering wheel is mounted on the boss through a boss plate. The steering wheel is improved in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shigeo Mizuno, Kazuhisa Kubota, Takafumi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 4759235
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a steering wheel structure which has a stationary pad. On a steering shaft, there are mounted a boss plate of the steering wheel and column-side and pad-side sun gears. The boss plate is formed with at least one mounting recess which is opened to the outside. In this mounting recess, there is rotatably mounted through an intermediate member at least one planetary shaft which has column-side and pad-side planetary gears at its two ends. Upon assembly, the two planetary gears are brought into respectively meshing engagements with the two sun gears from the radially outer sides of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsushi Hiramitsu, Hiroshi Sugita, Satoshi Ono, Zenzaburo Murase
  • Patent number: 4753599
    Abstract: An automotive steering assembly which has a steering pad maintained stationary independently of the steering wheel operation is disclosed. The assembly employs a sun and planetary gear system in transmission of rotary motion to the steering shaft. The steering wheel is rigidly attached to the steering shaft while the sun and planetary gear system contributes to maintenance of the orientation of the steering pad. In the sun and planetary gear system, the role of the sun portion is played by a timing belt whereas that of the planetary portion is played by a rotary gear wheel. The above timing belt and planetary gear wheel are adapted to be disengaged from each other upon entry of foreign matters including sand grains or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Sadao Kokubu, Yasuo Miyake, Shinji Mizutani
  • Patent number: 4742727
    Abstract: A steering wheel apparatus is disclosed. It has a steering shaft and a boss fitted onto the steering shaft. A base is mounted on the rear portion of the boss in such a manner as to be fixed with respect to the axial direction but free with respect to the rotary direction of the steering shaft. A locking disc is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the base. A pin holder having a plurality of through holes is mounted on the front portion of the boss. The same number of slide pins are arranged in such a manner as to penetrate through the corresponding through holes in the pin holder for engaging with the stopper. A steering wheel is mounted on the boss through a boss plate. The steering wheel is improved in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shigeo Mizuno, Kazuhisa Kubota, Takafumi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 4729254
    Abstract: There is disclosed a mechanism for stationarily supporting an operation panel mounted on a steeering wheel of a movable body. This mechanism includes two external gears between which said steering wheel is interposed, and two satellite gears resiliently urged toward the external gears. One of the external gears is stationary and the other has an operation panel secured thereto. Two satellite gears are rotated in the same direction and as a result, the operation panel is rotated in the opposite direction to that of the steering wheel and keeps substantially stationary. Further, there is disclosed a signal transmitting system for a radiotelephone in the movable body. A microphone is provided on the operation panel and a speaker unit is located at any position in the movable body. A duplex signal transmitting path having a howling control function is provided between the microphone and the speaker unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignees: Isumi Corporation Industries, Inc., Izumi Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masateru Nogami, Hozumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4728923
    Abstract: The indicator is especially useful for an industrial truck with a steerable wheel which can be turned through a steering arc of as much as one hundred eighty degrees. The indicator includes a potentiometer mechanically coupled to be rotated in synchronism with the steering rotation of the steerable wheel, and a multiple voltage threshold detector circuit connected to receive the variable voltage from the potentiometer and operable to provide one out of N discrete output signals in response to potentiometer voltages which have predetermined voltage level relationships to the respective voltage thresholds. At least N discrete indicator lamps are arranged in an array for indicating steerable wheel direction, and the indicator lamps are connected to receive the discrete output signals from the multiple voltage threshold detection circuit for indicating travel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Curtis Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene P. Finger
  • Patent number: 4700033
    Abstract: A repair kit for repairing a lever switch, such as a turn signal lever. The repair mounting includes a bore dimensioned so as to insertably receive the broken end of the lever arm therein. A correspondingly shaped switch engaging portion is permanently affixed to the sleeve opposite the bore. The lever arm is affixed in the bore by a fastener, threading, adhesive, or the like. The repair kit includes the sleeve, an affixed and correspondingly shaped switch engaging portion, means for manipulating the broken switch engaging portion and removing it from the column, and an adhesive for attaching the broken lever arm to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Inventor: Bernal H. Clark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4674352
    Abstract: A steering wheel apparatus is disclosed. It has a steering shaft and a boss fitted onto the steering shaft. A base is mounted on the rear portion of the boss in such a manner as to be fixed with respect to the axial direction but free with respect to the rotary direction of the steering shaft. A locking disc is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the base. A pin holder having a plurality of through holes is mounted on the front portion of the boss. The same number of slide pins are arranged in such a manner as to penetrate through the corresponding through holes in the pin holder for engaging with the stopper. A steering wheel is mounted on the boss through a boss plate. The steering wheel is prevented from being locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shigeo Mizuno, Kazuhisa Kubota, Takafumi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 4667529
    Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rotatable steering shaft, a boss fixed onto the steering shaft, a pad non-rotatable mechanism mounted on the boss and used to hold pad means stationary, a support member for attaching the column-side non-rotatable member of the pad non-rotatable mechanism to the boss in such a manner that the column-side non-rotatable member is rotatable relative to the boss and stopper means provided on the column-side non-rotatable member and used to make the column-side non-rotatable member non-rotatable relative to a column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ono, Tetsushi Hiramitsu, Atsuo Hirano
  • Patent number: 4655308
    Abstract: An arrangement for the steering wheel and control mechanisms for a motor vehicle. Transverse arms are attached to the steering arm near the steering column below the plane of steering the wheel. The lateral ends of the transverse arms are rigidly connected with a U-shaped frame portion for switches in order to form a closed frame member having an inner hollow space. The frame member is essentially parallel to the plane of the steering wheel. Switch levers and rotary switches are disposed on the lateral arms of the frame member, and monitoring devices for the vehicle are disposed on the upper cross member of the frame. The switch members and monitoring devices are disposed in an optimum visual and accessibility region for the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Iveco Magirus AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Kraus, Elmar Egle, Leonhard Schmude
  • Patent number: 4649768
    Abstract: A controller device for a wheeled construction machine has a variable speed lever for electrically controlling steps of speed of a transmission disposed near a steering wheel. It comprises a combination switch box disposed at the top of a steering column, a variable speed lever of a length enough for the leading end thereof to protrude slightly from the periphery of the steering wheel disposed on the left side of the combination switch box in such a manner as to approximate the steering wheel, and a control lever for turning on and off various lamps disposed protrudingly on the right side of the combination switch box. At least either of the variable speed lever and the control lever is attached to the combination switch box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kohei Kusaka, Masaaki Ichimura, Yuuichi Anami
  • Patent number: 4633731
    Abstract: A hub portion of a steering wheel has coaxial upper and lower sleeve sections. Upper and lower internal gears are mounted on the sleeve sections by way of bearings. A bracket is fixedly mounted on the hub portion and rotatably carries thereon a pinion meshing with the upper and lower internal hears. The internal gears are made of the same material as that of which the bracket is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidenori Kurata
  • Patent number: RE32641
    Abstract: An improved mounting bracket for a steering column mounted control stalk is disclosed. The bracket includes a generally flat base portion having an aperture formed therein for receiving a boss formed on the steering column. A hollow intermediate portion extends from the base portion and has an internal diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the base portion aperture. A slot is formed in the base and intermediate portions for receiving a key formed on the steering column boss. A hollow end portion extends from an end of the intermediate portion opposite the base portion and has an internal diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the intermediate portion. The end portion further includes means for releasably engaging the stearing column mounted control stalk. Means are provided for securing the base portion to the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Jack E. Swoveland