Hand Operated Patents (Class 74/491)
  • Publication number: 20020194944
    Abstract: A remote brake release for elevator drive machine brakes includes a release lever attached to a shaft coupled by a clutch to a bellcrank. The clutch is normally engaged and can be a spring clutch or a friction type disc clutch. Movement of the lever to rotate the shaft moves the bellcrank which is coupled to a brake release mechanism. A solenoid is actuated to disengage the clutch preventing release of the brake. The solenoid can be connected to a control circuit responsive to a speed of rotation of the drive machine motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Koeppe
  • Publication number: 20020178854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for controlling machines, especially hydraulic machines, by hand or foot. The inventive device comprises an actuating element (1), especially a pedal or a control lever, which can be moved in several directions. The aim of the invention is to feel a resisting force when the actuating element (1) is displaced or adjusted, whereby said force is on the scale of hydraulic forces having a direct effect. The actuating element (1) engages with a transmitter device (3) which is not hydraulic or is hydraulically decoupled from the hydraulic system. A damping device (6) engages with the actuating element (1). Said damping device defies the movement in at least one direction of motion pertaining to the actuating element (1) by means of a fluid that is moved by the actuating element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jurgen Weber, Helmut Renner, Manfred Kurde
  • Patent number: 6481950
    Abstract: A control lever for a work vehicle having a work implement is provided with a shaft that operates a control linkage. The shaft and control linkage control two functions of the work implement by manipulating two hydraulic control valves. The shaft can be moved in two orthogonal directions or arcs. To prevent cross talk between the control functions the control lever is prevented from twisting by a stub shaft that is received in an elongated slot. The side walls of the elongated slot restrain the twisting movement of the control lever. The elongated slot is provided with a U-shaped slider made of an anti-friction material such as slippery urethane plastic. The U-shaped slider has legs that conform to the side walls of the elongated slot. That portion of the stub shaft located in the elongated slot has a cylindrical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas Brian Stickney, Ryan Matthew Lutze
  • Patent number: 6477914
    Abstract: A pilot valve control for the drive motors of an excavator utilizes four pilot valves, each of which has a linear actuable plunger. A control body having a cam type member is mounted on a universal swiveling connection so that in a centered position none of the plungers are moved to actuate the respective valves, but upon tilting of the control body the plungers are actuated. A motion alarm actuator is connected to the control body and is associated with a normally closed switch so that in a centered position of the control body the normally closed switch is held open, but when the control body moves to any one of its positions actuating a pilot valve, the switch, which forms an alarm switch, moves to its normally closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Daniel J. Krieger
  • Patent number: 6460640
    Abstract: This invention relates to an outdoor equipment unit such as a walk-behind utility loader. The loader has a tracked traction system in which endless tracks are entrained around a rear drive support member and a front support member. The front support member is spring biased forwardly, but can move rearwardly against the spring bias to allow debris that is caught between the front support member to clear itself to help prevent the track from detracking. A single control handle proximate to a fixed grab bar assembly can be rotated and/or twisted to control the traction system. Return to neutral systems ensure that the control handle will return to a centered, neutral position upon release of the control handle by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Ronald T. Keagle, Larry W. Schmidt, Joseph J. Walto
  • Patent number: 6443024
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an operating device with a control lever (1) and an operating console (2), and provided with two pivot axes about which the lever can be alternately pivoted relative to the operating console, for adjustment between a number of operating positions. The operating positions of the control lever about said pivot axes are intended for transmission into a corresponding operating condition of a device to be operated. Said pivot axes are created by four support members (3, 4, 5, 6) for the control lever (1) in the operating console, in pairs defining each one of the pivot axes for the control lever. The support members are biased towards their respective paths (7, 8, 9, 10) defined in the operating device, in which paths the support members, alternately and in pairs, are blocked and operable, respectively, to allow control movement of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Skogward
  • Patent number: 6419420
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a vibrating tamper having a single control lever. The single control lever (4) can be set by an operator to any one of three releasably fixed positions with a snap-action detent device holding the control lever in the position selected by the operator. In the first position, the engine ignition is short-circuited, a fuel valve is closed, a fuel tank venting valve is closed and the throttle is fully closed. In the second position, the engine ignition circuit is enabled, the fuel tank venting valve is open, the fuel valve is open and the throttle control is in a starting/idling position. In the third position, the engine ignition circuit is enabled, the fuel tank venting valve is open, the fuel valve is open and the throttle control is in full-throttle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Svedala Compaction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Hedlund
  • Publication number: 20020066329
    Abstract: A single lever control assembly is disclosed that limits motion due to the inherent design of the assembly. In other words, no additional components are required to limit the motion of the single lever control assembly. The assembly includes two U-shaped members each having a base and parallel legs extending from the base, a lever connected to one of the U-shaped members and a pivot block interconnecting the parallel legs for allowing the U-shaped members to rotate relative to one another. The assembly has at least one of the parallel legs having a projection that engages one of the parallel legs of the other U-shaped member. In general, the single lever control assembly is a type of modified universal joint whose movement is limited by a projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Chad T. Brickner, John R. Connolly, Paul Gilbert, Thomas J. Hajek, Rudy V. Mills, David P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020066332
    Abstract: A locking lever is enabled to lock a drive control system of a working implement in an undrivable state, even if it does not reach a locking stroke end. The locking lever is extended into a state to obstruct the passage into the passageway to a driver's seat thereby to switch a control selector lever of the working implement drive control system into a controllable position through a mechanical linkage. When the driver gets off from the driver's seat, the locking lever is returned from the passage obstructing position to a retracted position thereby to switch the control selector lever to an uncontrollable position through a the mechanical linkage. These operations are switched midway of the rocking stroke of the locking lever by bringing the control selector lever to the stroke end so that the locking lever is made idle to the stroke end of the retracted position while retaining the control selector lever in the switched state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Kazuo Horikawa
  • Patent number: 6389922
    Abstract: A drive linkage that is used for controlling valves for the drive motors of an implement or machine, such as an excavator, has a pair of links that can be loaded in tension and compression by manually moving operating levers. The links in turn actuate a cam that tilts a swiveling disk to operate a pilot valve assembly normally used for a joystick control. The links are connected so that the pilot valve can selectively operate motors for driving opposite tracks on sides of the implement in either forward and reverse direction, and wherein motors for both sides can be operated in a forward direction and in a rearward direction. Additionally, each of the drive motors can be controlled so the motor for one side drives in forward direction and simultaneously the motor for the other side drives in reverse direction. A control disk for moving the plungers is operated through a cam plate that is in turn moved by moving the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Daniel J. Krieger
  • Publication number: 20020046619
    Abstract: The invention provides an optimal structure able to reduce sound leakage and improve transmission characteristics and control a vibration transmitting path of internal and external portions in a living organism conductive actuator. Therefore, the living organism conductive actuator has a communication signal transmitting portion for transmitting a communication signal in contact with an operator's wrist, hand, hand rear portion, finger, or nail tip, and a voice input portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: Tokin Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Uchida, Masaaki Fukumoto, Toshiaki Sugimura
  • Patent number: 6329029
    Abstract: A vehicle interior hand grip material for mounting on an existing gear shift lever arm, on a portion of a steering wheel and other items operated by hand inside a vehicle. The hand grip material includes a plurality of flexible “string like” elastomeric members extending outwardly from an attachment member. The attachment member may be a thin wire wrapped around a portion of the elastomeric members and tightened thereon. Also, the attachment member may be a liner with one end of the elastomeric members attached to the liner. The wire attachment member can be secured around a gear shift threaded housing threaded on an end of the vehicle's gear shift lever arm. Also, the wire attachment member can be attached to other hand operated items inside the vehicle. Further, the steering wheel liner attachment member can be placed around a portion of the vehicle's steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: James F. Robins, Greg K. Mock
  • Patent number: 6327931
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the operational states of a motor vehicle comprising a maneuvering console including a maneuvering lever, a pivot hinge for the maneuvering lever so that the maneuvering lever can be actuated into a number of positions corresponding to the operational states of the motor vehicle, the pivot hinge being mounted to permit pivoting of the maneuvering lever with respect to the maneuvering console about an unlimited number of spatial pivot axes, a plurality of hydraulic pistons and cylinders mechanically coupled to the maneuvering lever for selectively limiting the pivoting movement of the maneuvering lever, a plurality of sensors for detecting a maneuvering force applied to the maneuvering lever and the position of the maneuvering lever so that the pivoting movement of the maneuvering lever can be selectively limited by the plurality of hydraulic pistons and cylinders based upon those detections, and a controller for controlling the plurality of hydraulic pistons and cylinder
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Skogward
  • Patent number: 6295892
    Abstract: The assembly (10) is for use with a mechanical leverage system (24) mounted on a frame (14), for instance the frame of a vehicle (12), to move an implement (16) between a lowered position and a lifted position. The assembly (10) comprises an elongated first lever arm (30) and a second lever arm (40) that is in motion-transmitting engagement with a lower end (32) of the first lever arm (30). A detent member (50) is provided to lock the second lever arm (40) in an intermediary position located between a first and a second limit position thereof. The intermediary position corresponds to the lifted position of the implement (16). The detent member (50) is released by further pivoting the first lever arm (30) so as to move the second lever arm (40) from its intermediary position to its second limit position. The detent member (50) is then released without having to independently operate a locking mechanism or to move the first lever arm (30) sidewards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: Normand Roy, Yves St-Pierre
  • Patent number: 6286385
    Abstract: A shift lever device includes a shift lever which allows selection of an arbitrary shift range by shift operation and which is rotatably supported by a structure that breaks when an axial impact force above a preselected magnitude is applied to the shift lever. The breakage of the supporting structure allows safer absorption of an impact force applied to the shift lever. The breakable supporting structure may take the form of a portion of a thin portion of a circular wall forming a bearing that rotatably supports the shift lever, or a frangible pin or bracket that pivotably supports the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masaya Nishimura, Kazuhiro Sato, Masaki Fujita, Yoshitaka Watanabe, Hitoshi Kanazawa, Noriyasu Shamoto
  • Patent number: 6269853
    Abstract: A planing machine includes a carriage locking mechanism disposed above a cutter carriage, which in turn, is connected movably to left and right pairs of vertical posts. The carriage locking mechanism includes an elongated mounting plate disposed fixedly on the cutter carriage, a left locking unit having a pair of left clamping claws that press respectively and releaseably against the left pair of posts, and a right locking unit having a pair of right clamping claws that press releaseably against the right pair of posts. A cam member is disposed pivotally on the mounting plate. The cam member has two projections that engage respectively the left and right locking units. A pivot end of a rotary lever is mounted pivotally on the mounting plate, and is connected to the cam member so as to rotate synchronously with the cam member. The rotary lever is rotatable so as to remove the projections of the cam member from the left and right locking units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: P & F Brother Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Chiu-Tsun Chang
  • Patent number: 6267023
    Abstract: An assembly with a lower steering arm has a strut 1 and an attaching end 16. To achieve a cost-effective design while at the same time reducing the play between the attaching end 16 and the end of the strut 1 received therein, the attaching end 16 includes a base member 18 and a cover 19. A blocking pawl 34 is supported in the base member 18. The cover 19 is welded to the base member 18 and comprises a stop face 30 for the end face 10 of the strut 1. Thus, any tolerances in the region of the base member 18 provided in the form of a forging do not affect the position of the stop face 30. The latter can be aligned when connecting the base member 18 and the cover 19. Because of its setting contour, the actuating lever 43 can be used for both the right hand and the left hand lower steering arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventor: John Sayer
  • Patent number: 6253634
    Abstract: An opener device having an operation lever rotatably supported so as to open a lid member through a remote operation, and a spring hooked at one end to spring hooking member of the operation lever so as to elastically urge the operation lever, and hooked at the other end to a fixing member. The opener device is improved such that the spring hooking member includes: a recess located at the base end of the operation lever; and a hook-receiving portion provided in the recess, while being located in an internal position of the thickness direction of the operation lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., LTD
    Inventor: Katsumi Nakagome
  • Patent number: 6223621
    Abstract: A brake operating device having a brake lever pivotally attached to a mounting bracket secured to a handlebar, the brake lever rotatable about a rotation axis that is offset from the pivot axis, and a transmission mechanism for converting a rotational force applied to the brake lever into a rectilinear force drawing the brake lever toward the handlebar. The transmission mechanism and brake lever configured to force rotation about the rotation axis in response to rotation of the brake lever about the pivot axis, the resulting compound motion of the brake lever following the natural arched motion of the rider's fingers during lever actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sram Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin F. Wesling, Kent A. Solberg, Brian T. Jordan, John D. Cheever, David J. Zimberoff
  • Patent number: 6178841
    Abstract: A manually controlled operating lever for a vehicle operator's platform has an electrical actuation transducer for transmitting control signals to a working function as a function of the pivoting of the lever and/or as a function of the actuation of at least one actuation element arranged on the lever. In order to avoid an undesired release of working functions, a manually operated activating element is mounted near a hand grip of the lever, and is coupled to a switching element which operates to activate the actuation transducer for the transmission of control signals as a function of actuation of the activating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dieter Ruckert, Jorg Hofle, Tilo Kempf
  • Patent number: 6145401
    Abstract: In the operation of construction machines it is quite common to provide a myriad of control levers for the various machine functions. Since the requirements for the implements controlled by the various levers are different, the control levers themselves are different, in operation as well as in physical configuration. The present invention comprehends a modular control handle having a grip assembly that is adaptable to accommodate one of a plurality of different control modules mountable therein. The control modules may be varied to accommodate various machine operations but the size and shape of the grip assembly may remain the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Brush, Julien J. Schrenk
  • Patent number: 6122986
    Abstract: A shift lever assembly is provided including a cylindrical member having a fixed axis. An annular member is supported for rotation about the axis of the cylindrical member. A lever is connected to the annular member and is moveable within a first shift lane and a second shift lane substantially parallel the first shift lane. The second lane is connected to the first lane by a bisecting lane. A compliant member is provided to move the lever from the first lane to the second lane. The compliant member is provided between the cylindrical member and annular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Michael Cook
  • Patent number: 6109130
    Abstract: A control lever for a vehicle or a machine tool, in particular for an industrial truck, is disclosed for the generation of an electrical control signal. The actuation travel of the control lever is limited by a stop point that is defined by a stop and the control lever has means to generate a restoration force. The stop has an elastic component, as a result of which an at least slight deflection of the control lever beyond the stop point is possible. The elastic component of the stop is realized so that in the event of a deflection beyond the stop point, the restoration force, as a function of the deflection, increases to a greater extent than in the event of a deflection of the control lever between a neutral position and the stop point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Will
  • Patent number: 6085608
    Abstract: A handle assembly, of the type used in railway locomotives, which includes a base plate, a cam mount attached to the base plate, a cam disk and a shaft assembly interconnecting the mount and disk to allow rotation of the disk. The improvement includes a yoke, a bail bar, first and second bearing members anchored to the plate and first and second switches attached to the plate. Pivotally connected to the disk and accommodating a handle, the yoke rotates along with the disk as the handle is moved along its range of motion and tilts as the handle is moved perpendicularly thereto. The bail bar is rotatable between the first and second bearing members. A first mechanism imparts a rotational force to the bail bar so that its middle section presses against an upper portion of the yoke. A stop limits rotation of the bail bar to a point at which the yoke and handle attain an untilted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Co.
    Inventors: Ralph Santoro, Jr., Paul J. Kettle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6067872
    Abstract: A speed change operation device for a vehicle with continuously variable transmission having a running apparatus, a power source and a continuously variable transmission for transmitting power from the power source to the running apparatus. The speed change operation device comprises a first movable member operated by a speed change operation member to rotate; a second movable member connected to a speed change operation quantity input section of the continuously variable transmission directly or indirectly through a transmission means to change speed of the continuous variable transmission; a first rotation support shaft pivotally supporting the first movable member; and a second rotation support shaft disposed in parallel with the first rotation shaft for pivotally supporting the second movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Miyahara, Jitsumi Hanabusa, Tooru Kimura, Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6041673
    Abstract: A dual function throttle control system is disclosed for earthmoving machines. The throttle control system includes a hand lever that is electrically connected to a proportional directional hydraulic valve. Rotation of the hand lever controls actuation of an engine speed actuator and thus the speed of the engine. A foot pedal is connected through a three position spring-centered hydraulic valve to the engine speed actuator. The direction of flow of hydraulic fluid through the three position spring-centered hydraulic valve is controlled by the position of the hand lever. When the hand lever is set at the lowest speed setting, rotation of the foot pedal in a first direction increases the engine speed. When the control lever is set at the highest speed setting, rotation of the foot pedal in the first direction decreases the speed of the engine. Thus, the foot pedal operates both as a decelerator or an accelerator depending on the position of the hand lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Edward E. Schmillen
  • Patent number: 6029533
    Abstract: A control system for the axes of movement of handling machines with linear drives and/or pivoting drives for transporting and for positioning workpieces relative to and in a target point, particularly relative to and on processing machines. The control system combines a speed adjustment or speed control of the axes of movement of the handling machine for moving a workpiece into the area of a target point, on the one hand, and a position control of the axes of movement for the precise positioning of the workpiece in the target point, on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dango & Dienenthal Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Frank Notzel
  • Patent number: 6009770
    Abstract: Actuation lever for the actuation of a control lever in an automobile, in particular for the actuation of a seat, comprising an eccentric element having an eccentric circumferential surface and a bore, a bearing pin having a threaded portion at one end thereof, the threaded portion being adapted to be threaded into the bore of the eccentric element, the other end of the pin having engagement surfaces for a tool, said actuation lever having a bore, the pin being rotatable supported within the bore of the with a rotation of the eccentric element changing the spacing between the circumferential surface and the control lever, rotation limiting elements being provided upon the eccentric element and upon the control lever adjacent the bore such that in a first axial position of the bearing pin the limiting elements engage each other in order to prevent the eccentric element from rotating, and in a second axial position spaced from the first position the limiting elements are disengaged so as to permit rotation of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: ITW-ATECO GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Och
  • Patent number: 5988587
    Abstract: A control device for controlling a fluid supplying machine. The control device includes a first handle and a second handle connected by a resilient attachment member. The resilient attachment member is configured to allow the first handle to move with respect to the second handle in response to an input from an operator. The control device further includes a sensor attached to the first handle for producing a variable control signal indicative of a distance between the first handle and the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Invasatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Duchon, Vince Copa
  • Patent number: 5988010
    Abstract: A steering column including a mast jacket adjustable vertically and horizontally and clamp. The clamp includes a housing having a pair of piston bores and a control shaft bore intersecting each of the piston bores. A control shaft is rotatable in the control shaft bore and connected to a manual operating lever. A pair of passages in the control shaft define gates in the piston bores which are fully open and partially open in an unlocked position and in a locked position, respectively, of the manual operating lever. Aggregates of media grains in the piston bores traverse the open gates without interference in response to relative linear translation between the pistons and the piston bores. The media grains bridge the partially open gates and clump in the piston bores to define solid plugs which rigidly immobilize the pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Leland Nels Olgren
  • Patent number: 5921142
    Abstract: A neutral biasing system is disclosed using a neutral biased biasing system on a control column to bias a remote power unit into a neutral condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: Tim Peter
  • Patent number: 5907976
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and encoding the position of a control handle on a control stand of a locomotive or other railway transit vehicle utilizing a rotational, absolute encoder rigidly mounted adjacent to the axle to which the control handle is attached for pivotal motion, wherein a drive transfer means interconnecting the control handle and/or axle with encoder has a driving ratio that will permit full partial rotation of the control handle, which is typically less than 90 degrees, to rotate the encoder axle through a significantly greater rotational angle not exceeding 360 degrees, for the purpose of making fuller use of the sensitivity and resolution range of the encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Co.
    Inventors: Ralph Santoro, Jr., Paul J. Kettle, Jr., Vincent Ferri, Craig A. Miller
  • Patent number: 5820071
    Abstract: A coupler/decoupler is suitable for connecting one mechanical system to another and, upon application of sufficient force, resettably disengaging the first mechanical system from the second. In particular, the coupler/decoupler couples the pilot's or co-pilot's controls to the primary flight control system in a helicopter. In the event that the primary flight control system jams, applying a selected force to the controls causes the coupler/decoupler to disengage the primary flight control system, allowing the control to move again. In addition, the coupler/decoupler is configured to transmit a signal when the primary flight control system is disengaged, which activates a backup flight control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company
    Inventor: Peter J. Cross
  • Patent number: 5768947
    Abstract: An implement control system for use with an article of construction machinery includes an implement adapted for mounting to an article of construction equipment, the implement including first and second ranges of motion, a hand support adapted for mounting to the article of construction equipment in the vicinity of an operator, the hand support including a base, an end portion upstanding at a first angle from the base and a hand grip extending outwardly from the end portion, the hand grip defining a distal end thereof and an opening between the hand grip and the base adapted for permitting an operator's fingers to extend therebetween in order to grip the hand grip, a first control lever movably mounted to the distal end of the hand grip, the first control lever being operably connected to the implement for controlling the first range of motion and adapted for movement thereof by an operator's thumb, a second control lever movably mounted to the base, the second control level being operably connected to the im
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Fee, Stephen A. Haytcher
  • Patent number: 5697258
    Abstract: The present invent provides an improvement in the handling and operation of portable working machines, particularly in a loop front handle and an operation lever adjacent to the handle for easy operation. An operation lever mechanism for a handle according to the present invention includes: a rotatably supported body; a swingable operation lever pivotally supported by the rotatably supported body; and an operating portion movable in a direction along an axis X--X of the rotatably supported body, the operating portion connected to a swinging end of the operation lever, wherein the rotation axis X--X of the rotatably supported body is situated so as to encompass a virtual center X of a loop handle or a point adjacent to the center X, and the grip portions of second swinging end of the swingable operation lever rotate and move along an arc of the loop handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventor: Fumihiko Aiyama
  • Patent number: 5655414
    Abstract: An assembly for actuating a cable, and a release mechanism connected to one end of the cable, includes a substantially flat plate with first and second connecting portions bent at a right angle to the plate. The plate has a plurality of through holes and threaded devices which are used to connect the plate to a wall portion of a machine. An actuating lever is connected to the center portion of the plate and a cable assembly is connected to one of the connecting portions with a cable connected to the actuating lever. The actuating assembly is adapted to move the cable for releasing a latch mechanism from a position remote from the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism holds a door of a machine in an open position and the actuating assembly releases the latch mechanism from ground level without having to enter the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Brewer, Alan A. Davidovich
  • Patent number: 5640885
    Abstract: The nailer extension device has a handle, a trigger system near the handle to actuate the nailer, and a cable system running inside the cylindrical part of the device. The cable system connects the trigger of the extension handle with the trigger of the nailer. An adjustable knuckle allows the user to set the angle of the nailer in reference to the extension handle. The adjustable knuckle allows the user to nail objects at different heights while keeping the nailer on a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Randy Spence
  • Patent number: 5522279
    Abstract: A shift lever structure (E) for operating an automatic transmission of a vehicle, includes a frame (10) fixed to a floor of the vehicle, a shaft (20,21,22) rotatably supported by the frame, a shift lever (30) and a select lever (40) connected with the automatic transmission. Both the shift lever and the select lever are molded integrally with the shaft by the insert-molding technique. In the arrangement, the lower end portion of the shift lever is engaged with the upper end portion of the select lever at an L-shaped bend (41). In operation, a force applied on the shift lever can be transmitted to the select lever directly, thereby reducing any twisting movement applied to the shaft. Therefore, it is possible to improve the strength of both levers and to decrease the strength required for the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Fujikiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Kataumi
  • Patent number: 5379663
    Abstract: A device for remotely controlling a multi-axial device has: an arm on which an operator's arm is set; a handle connected to front end of the arm; and joints for the arm and the handle. By the operation of the operator's arm and hand set on the arm and handle, the arm can be extended and horizontally and vertically pivoted, and the handle can be horizontally and vertically pivoted and, preferably, rolled as well. The arm portion outputs operational changes with respect to three axes of the horizontal rotation, the vertical rotation and the extending movement. The arm front portion outputs operational changes with respect to the three axes of the horizontal, vertical and rolling rotations. Thus, the number of axes employed in the master can be increased to detect a variety of movements thereof. The operational directions of the joy stick agree with the directions of the three rectangular coordinate axes. Thus, the device provides three-dimensional data regarding position and angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Hara
  • Patent number: 5361644
    Abstract: A control panel (24) of an industrial truck is provided, on two sides, with combination control grips (2a, 2b), which can both be rotated in the circumferential direction and deflected vertically, and on which control levers (45a, 45b) are arranged. Signal transmitters (51, 52), which can be operated by the fingers, and by means of which various types of movements of an internal load pickup means of the truck can be selected and can be preset as a set value for the control lever (45) of the respective opposite combination control grip (2), are integrated within the control levers (45a, 45b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Wagner Fordertechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Nedele, Hartwig Schnabel
  • Patent number: 5301568
    Abstract: A stick lever device including a mechanism for shifting a neutral position and capable of decreasing the number of parts of the device and facilitating the assembling. A pivotal shaft of a variable resistor mounted on a mounting member is securely mounted with a pivotal operation section including a stick lever. The mounting member is formed with two shaft holes and a support shaft of an arm member is selectively fitted in any one of the shaft holes. The pivotal operation section is provided thereon with three projections. The arm member which is urged by a spring is abutted against predetermined two of the projections depending on the position of the support shaft of the arm member, so that the neutral position of the pivotal operation section and stick lever may be shifted as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Toru Kono
  • Patent number: 5277081
    Abstract: A parking brake apparatus for use in a motor vehicle, mounted on a floor member which operatively connects a hand-operated brake actuator to a wheel brake is disclosed. The parking brake apparatus comprises a link member for reversing and transmitting an input force from the brake actuator to an output force on a cable linkage. The apparatus allows a hand operated parking brake actuator to be used in a vehicle with a cable linkage routed into the front of the actuator rather than into the rear of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Brown
  • Patent number: 5249480
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a controller having a power handle to control both the propulsion function and the braking function, and a reverser handle to control the direction in which the locomotive travels. The power handle is operatively connected to a propulsion and brake control device which controls the propulsion and braking functions of the locomotive, while the reverser handle is operatively connected to a reverser control device which controls direction of travel. The propulsion and brake control device preferably includes a propulsion controller to control the propulsion function of the locomotive, a braking controller to control the braking function and an indexing mechanism to independently operate either the propulsion controller or the braking controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin E. Harmon, John B. Bendig, Dennis Mahoney
  • Patent number: 5244066
    Abstract: Control consoles are normally utilized to provide ready access to the operator of the controls necessary to perform the various operating functions of the vehicle. Since vehicles, such as construction vehicles, are traversing rough terrain, it is advantageous to stabilize movement of the hand of the operator relative to the controls of the vehicle. In this subject arrangement a control console assembly is provided and has a handrest located thereon. The handrest is adapted to receive the hand of the operator such that the heel of the operator's hand remains in intimate contact with a raised portion of the handrest. A pair of levers are mounted on the control console assembly adjacent the handrest and operatively actuated by the fingertips of the operator's hand. A rotary knob is oriented on the side of the handrest and operative to be rotated by the thumb of the operator's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Mackoway, Phillip P. Kartcheske
  • Patent number: 5237888
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling from a remote operator station a drive means of a ground-traveling machine. A handle accessible to an operator seated at the remote operator station is moveable in a substantially T-shaped pattern. Movement of the operator handle in a line of travel defined by the stem section of the T-shaped pattern engages a clutch mechanism which connects the operator handle to a linkage arm for operating a main motion control apparatus of the drive system located at a main operator station of the machine. Upon release of the operator handle, springs bias the return of the operator handle to the home position and disengagement of the clutch mechanism. In the home position, the remote control apparatus does not interfere with operation of the main motion control apparatus from the main operator station. A safety interlock system prevents operation of the drive system of the machine at other than low speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John C. McCombs
  • Patent number: 5222414
    Abstract: A remote control system for controlling the actuation of a pair of control levers through a control unit and an actuator unit from a remote location by a moveable operator. The operator is attached to a drive plate for rotation when the operator is moved. A contact element is associated with the drive plate and is adapted to make contact with one or the other of a pair of friction plates after the operator is rotated through a predetermined angle from its upright position so that the frictional force between the contact element and the friction plate increases as the angle of rotation of the operator increases from the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyonobu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5209137
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a marine engine comprising an operating lever inserting into an opening from the back side to the fore side of hull board and disposed in the fore side of the hull board to control the marine engine by rotating a main body which is disposed in the back side of the hull board to transform a rotational movement of the operating lever into an operational force of a control cable and a set block installed on the fore side of the hull board to fix the main body to the hull board, the main body having a shaft which is connected with the operation lever to transmit movement of the operational lever and a plurality of first installation holes which are arranged radially, the set block having a slit for receiving the shaft in the lateral direction and a plurality of second installation holes arranged, along with a circle having the same diameter as a pitch circle of the first installation hole and part of which are located in the position accorded with the first installation holes when the shaf
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System Inc.
    Inventor: Mikiya Yagi
  • Patent number: 5190243
    Abstract: A device for the adjustment of the maneuver forces of movable members of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Bruno Guimbal
  • Patent number: 5184699
    Abstract: In a control device for forklift on which a flow control signal is sent from a controller in accordance with a manipulated variable of work machine lever operated by the operator and this flow control signal regulates the degree of opening of an electromagnetic proportional control valve in an oil pipe line to control the working speed of lift cylinders, the degree of opening of the electromagnetic proportional control valve is regulated by a flow control signal having a characteristic such that the value of flow control signal changes in accordance with the load of lift cylinders in the inching zone where the manipulated variable of work machine lever is relatively small, which improves the operability in the inching zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, MHI Sagami High Technology & Control
    Inventors: Kanji Aoki, Yukio Uchiyama, Toshiyuki Midorikawa
  • Patent number: H2024
    Abstract: An adjustable control assembly includes a plurality of control members. The control members preferably include moveable portions such as levers that are manipulable to accomplish a desired operation of heavy duty machinery such as construction equipment, for example. The control members are supported on support plates that are pivotally moveable relative to each other about a single pivot axis. A locking mechanism is provided to selectively lock the support plates into a chosen position relative to each other. By adjusting the positions of the support plates, a variety of operator needs and preferences are readily accommodated providing effective and efficient access to the control members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. Kelley, Daniel E. Shearer, Susan M. Boast