Abstract: A speed-changing device for a bicycle, comprising a derailleur, a control lever and a transmitting device formed of an outer cable and a less flexible inner wire. One end of the outer cable is fixed to the derailleur and the other end is fixed to the control lever. The lever is reciprocally operable to push or pull the inner wire for allowing a movable member of the derailleur to be reciprocated, whereby a single wire can, without a return spring, lightly effect the bicycle's speed change.

Abstract: A lever control for an engine transmission and the like having a transverse shaft secured in spaced frame plates and a face plate or cover traversing the outer edges of said spaced plates. A handle lever extends through the face plate and is connected to a control actuator plate rotatable on the shaft, and a detent operable from the handle lever is biased to normally engage selectively in a notched positioning gate mounted on one of said frame plates. An arcuate housing enclosing the gate and detent is mounted on the handle lever extending through the face plate. A preferred embodiment has a visual indicator showing the control positions which is illuminated to be visible day and night.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for coupling a control device, which is adapted to rotate, to a stationary switch which is adapted to energize and control a machine. The coupling is made through a rotatable swivel which connects a freely rotatable table to a stationary support. The control device is mounted on the table and the switch is mounted on the stationary support. A ring is coupled to the control means and moves up and down in response to the control means. The ring is further coupled to the table and freely swivels and turns with the table. A U-shaped bracket is connected to the switch means and alternately contacts both the upper and lower surfaces of the ring as the ring moves up and down. The stationary switch means is thus switched from the first position to a second position providing a mechanism to control the machine from a rotating table without control hoses or cables becoming tangled and twisted.

Abstract: A mechanical throttle control mechanism is provided for the remote control of an internal combustion engine. The mechanism comprises a speed selector arm movable between first and second limit positions, a friction lock operably associated with the speed selector arm and an arrangement of links connecting the speed selector arm to the throttle lever of the engine. The links of the mechanism are so positioned to cause a decreasing moment arm on the speed selector arm as the speed selector arm is moved from its first position toward its second position which respectively corresponds to the shut-off and full-throttle positions of the throttle lever. This arrangement reduces the need experienced heretofore for high friction disc pressure to hold the speed selector arm in a desired position between its limit positions, resulting in less disc wear and less frequent friction spring adjustment.

Abstract: A signal actuating device is provided for vehicles of the skid-steer type. The actuating device includes a summing bar that mechanically sums the positions of two manual control bars and that actuates a switch to warn pedestrians when the vehicle is backing up or doing other maneuvers that are potentially dangerous to pedestrians.

Abstract: A hand control system for a tractor having several controllable units such as hydraulic and brake units. A tubular member is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis and it connects to one of the units for actuating the same, and a member is pivotally mounted on the tubular member and has a handle thereon which connects to a linkage extending partly through the tubular member and connects to another of the units for operating same. The tubular member can be rotated to actuate its connected unit, without requiring actuation of the handle, and, conversely, the handle can be actuated to move its linkage and actuate its connected unit, without moving the tubular member and its unit. Also, another tractor unit, such as a brake, is connected into the system such that when the one member is pivoted upwardly on the tubular member the handle is placed in an inoperative position and the brake is automatically operated, as desired.

Abstract: A slat and modulatable flap control system for an aircraft having slats in the leading edge of the wing and having flaps in the trailing edge of the wing. A detent pin on a control handle, and any one of four detent slots on a detent crank, can be engaged to selectively, and automatically, set the flaps and the slats (because of the cooperative action of other constituent components of the control system) in optimum positional relationship for takeoff/"go-around," cruising, approach, and landing of aircraft. The control system is ideally suited for aircraft used in "short takeoff-and-landing" situations.

Abstract: A two cable differential and push-pull system uses both cables simultaneously to operate a controlled device. The two cables are tensioned together or pushed together, or one cable is tensioned while the other is pushed, to operate a single device. Controls which have used separate cables for separate functions use paired cables for the multiple functions, reducing stress on individual cables without increasing the number of cables in the installation. In the illustrated transmission control a differential motion, which includes pushing and pulling forces, is applied through the cables to select a rail. A coincident pushing or pulling force is applied through both cables to shift the rail.

Abstract: A two axis controller for controlling a tanker aircraft in-flight refueling boom while maneuvering prior to engagement with the receiver aircraft and including a boom load alleviation system after engagement. Movement of the control stick is transmitted mechanically to a position transducer. The transducer provides a signal to an actuator to effect boom control. The transducer output is also transmitted to a servo motor which is mechanically connected to the control stick. During the free flight mode, when the operator is manually controlling the boom, the servo motor provides a resisting force to stick movement that varies as a function of the transducer signal. Following coupling of the two airplanes, which initiates the automatic load alleviation system, the same servo motor back drives the control stick in response to boom force and position signals to alleviate boom forces. Manual override of the automatic system is possible at any time.

Abstract: In a shift mechanism for an automotive transmission of the type wherein the lower end of a shift lever is coupled through a control rod to a control shaft of the automotive transmission, means for pivotally supporting the shift lever for the select and shift operations is mounted on a parallelogram double rocker linkage consisting of a pair of parallel rockers the upper ends of which are pivoted to a chassis and a coupler the both ends of which are pivoted to said pair of parallel rockers in such a way that the line connecting between the pivotal points of the coupler may be in parallel with the line connecting the upper pivotal points of the pair of parallel rockers and that the parallelogram double rocker linkage pivots about said upper pivotal points of the pair of parallel rockers in a vertical plane in parallel with the axis of the control rod; and the lower end of one of the pair of parallel rockers is pivoted to one end of a support rod which extends in parallel with the control rod and which has its t

Abstract: A single lever control unit for sequentially operating a transmission and throttle and, selectively, for operating the throttle independently of the transmission. A throttle shaft assembly disengages from a throttle gear by pulling out the shaft while in the neutral position. A double key on the throttle shaft disengages from a keyway in the throttle gear and a spring-loaded pin engages a cavity in the throttle gear to lock both shift and throttle gears in the neutral position. Throttle only may then be applied. When the hand lever is returned to the neutral position, the throttle shaft automatically engages the throttle gear and the locking pin automatically disengages by means of spring loading. The locking pin prevents pulling out the shaft in other than the neutral position.A spring provides axial loading between a throttle arm connected to the shaft and a friction plate mounted on the shaft. This loading creates a frictional drag which prevents throttle creep.

Abstract: Pawl catch device for two reciprocally-rotating parts, for example for an awning. The first part has a spring-loaded pawl with a tongue to engage with teeth on a toothed sector provided on the second part. The second part also comprises a shaft about which the first part rotates. The teeth on the toothed sector are disposed at successively increasing distances from the shaft, and the pawl is adapted to catch automatically in any of a plurality of angular positions, such that when the two parts are rotated back toward the starting position, the tongue passes clear of the top of that tooth with which it has just been engaged. The pawl is held by spring force against the teeth in each of the catch positions.

Abstract: A control lever assembly wherein a plurality of levers are swingably mounted on a common shaft which is mounted in the housing of the unit. The assembly further includes interconnecting structure associated with the levers and associated apparatus connected to the links. The components are subassembled and tested prior to the placement of the assembly on a machine, such as a tractor, as a packaged unit.

Abstract: A control means for automatic or semi-automatic transmissions and other devices which includes an integral lock-out means, an integrally movable control lever seal, and a direct reading indicator system. The control comprises a housing having an opening therein and a control lever movable between a selectable number of placements or control positions. The movable control lever includes a lever arm which extends through the opening above the housing and a lever actuator within the housing. The lever control is pivotally mounted within the housing by a pivot means located between the lever arm and actuator. The actuator includes at least one means adapted to mount or receive means for transferring motion, such as a push-pull cable rod from the lever control to the device such as a transmission to be controlled and preferably includes mounting means for slidably mounting a detent pin. A quadrant plate, mounted to the housing, is provided which includes a substantially arcuate opening having at least one detent.

Abstract: A flush valve system for use in a flushing tank of a toilet has a pair of valve seats arranged at different levels within the tank. Valve elements normally blocking the valve seats are operated by a trip mechanism so as to unblock the valve seats independently of one another by turning the flush handle in opposite directions.

Abstract: A cable actuating lever is disclosed wherein the lever is operable when shifted in any direction within a 360.degree. range. This mechanism is easily attached to the handle bars of bicycles, motorcycles, and similar vehicles where a readily accessible manual control means is required to actuate braking, clutchings or other mechanical operations.Due to its capability to flex in any direction, the danger of breakage, bending, or becoming inoperable by an impact force applied contrary to its normal operating direction is virtually eliminated.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission drive pump swash plate control including a control arm and a cam which are mounted on axes perpendicular to one another. The control arm is connected to the swash plate to effect simultaneous movement of the control arm and swash plate. Cushioned link means operatively interconnect the cam and a manual control member. The cam includes a cylindrical portion with a cam slot which is shaped similar to the first 90.degree. of a sine wave between full speed reverse and neutral and similar to the first 90.degree. of another sine wave from neutral to full forward speed. A resilient cam roller on the control arm absorbs fluctuating stroking forces of the pump and cooperatively engages the cam slot to produce a low rate of ground speed change near the neutral condition of the hydrostatic transmission and also near maximum forward and maximum reverse ground travel speed.

Abstract: A dual braking arrangement is provided for a vehicle whereby setting the hand brake will not affect the positioning of the foot-brake pedal and conversely the actuation of the foot-brake pedal will not affect the positioning of the hand-brake lever. A split linkage is provided whereby the brake actuator is splined to a dual operative lever, such that actuation of the dual operative lever by either the linkage connected to the hand-brake lever or the linkage connected to the foot-brake pedal, will actuate the brake.

Abstract: An automotive transmission shifting mechanism wherein a gearshift lever whose lower end is connected through a control rod to a control shaft of a transmission pivots about a ball fulcrum mounted on links each of which in turn is supported on the floor for pivotal movement in a vertical plane in parallel with the longitudinal axis of an automotive car, the lower end of the link being pivoted to one end of a support rod which is extended substantially parallel with and upwardly of the control rod and whose the other end is pivoted to a transmission housing, whereby upon displacement of the transmission relative to the car body, the link may be permitted to be swinged relative to the floor and consequently no vibration of the transmission may be transmitted to the knob at the upper end of the shift lever.

Abstract: A gearshift lever assembly provides vibration isolation between the gearshift lever and its associated housing and additionally provides elastic restoring forces in opposition to movement of the gearshift lever into one of its shift positions. In the preferred embodiment the gearshift lever is supported by a member made from elastic material which surrounds the gearshift lever and is assembled with permanent pretensioning in a direction opposite to the movement of the lever into one of its shift positions.

Abstract: A pre-adjusted control module comprises a bracket assembly adapted for attachment to a support structure of a construction vehicle. A control lever is pivotally mounted within the bracket assembly along with a bellcrank having a roller mounted on a first arm thereof. The roller is adapted to selectively engage either one of two notches formed on a lower end of the control lever and is biased in that direction by a tension coil spring connected between the bracket assembly and a second arm of the bellcrank. A control rod is reciprocally mounted in the bracket assembly and has its first end pivotally connected to the control lever and is adapted to have its second end connected to a self-centering valve spool of a directional control valve.

Abstract: A two axis side controller, for use in manned aircraft, having the roll axis controller adjustably supported on a bracket which is secured to the arm rest. The input axis of the controller is positioned below the front center of the arm rest. A pitch axis controller is secured to the operating arm of the roll axis controller. A hand grip is connected to the control input of the pitch axis controller with an adjustable linkage. Adjustable counterweights are provided on the operating arms of the controllers to adjust the bobweight effect. Springs are provided in the controllers to provide simulated aerodynamic feedback forces to the pilot. Adjustable preloading apparatus is provided for the springs to provide adjustable breakout force. Vibration dampers are also provided in the controllers.

Abstract: A control lever assembly mounted on a panel including a mounting bracket adapted to be mounted to one side of the panel over an opening therein and a pivot pin fixed to the bracket having its axis disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the opening in the panel. A rotary bearing device surrounds the pin and is journaled thereon to rotate about the pin axis. A handle is fixed to the bearing device and extends through the opening in the panel with the distal end portion of the handle being disposed on the opposite side of the panel. A centrally-apertured, flexible seal member surrounds the handle and is disposed between the bearing device and the mounting bracket to seal the assembly to the one side of the panel.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor control mechanism is provided in which cyclic and collive rotor control functions are performed by a single integrated control having three degrees of freedom and operable by either or both hands of the pilot as desired. The integrated control comprises a floor mounted control column rotatable about a fore and aft collective pitch control axis and a pair of hand grips mounted for rotation about two independent cyclic control axes (by one or both hands of the operator) in a control head assembly mounted on the upper end of the floor mounted control column. The floor column and control head effect displacement of collective pitch, cyclic pitch and cyclic roll output rods for ultimate control of the helicopter rotor.

Abstract: The system includes a holder for a microphone, a mounting structure for mounting the holder from a dashboard in the drivers compartment of a vehicle, and mechanisms for operating the microphone while operating the vehicle. The operating mechanisms include a lever arm pivotally mounted on the holder with a plate portion of the lever arm located adjacent to and spring biased outwardly from a control button extending from one side of the microphone situated in the holder, a trigger which is mountable on a control arm extending from a steering column of a vehicle and a cable connected between the trigger and the lever arm. Typically the vehicle control arm is one used by a handicapped person having limited use of his legs and includes acceleration and brake controls. The system permits a vehicle operator to operate the microphone without removing his hands from the steering wheel and control arm of the vehicle while operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A speed change gear apparatus for an automobile transmission including a shift lever having its one end pivotally connected with one end of a control rod, the other end of which is connected with one end of a control shaft extending from a transmission through a joint; the apparatus comprising a pair of support members in the form of links of an oscillation isolating material, one end of the support links being rigidly or pivotally connected with a car body while their other end carry a shift lever housing which supports the shift lever in suspension in a pivotal manner, and a support rod disposed substantially in parallel relationship with the control rod, the support rod having its opposite ends pivotally connected with the shift lever housing and the transmission, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to floor treatment machines, e.g. for scrubbing and polishing floors comprising a pair of driving wheels with independent speed control, a pair of independently movable manually operable control members mounted side-by-side on the machine, with each of said control members being operably connected to an individual electrical component forming part of the speed control for one of the driving wheels, whereby synchronized movement of the control members provides equal adjustment of the wheel speeds, whereas differential movement of the control members provides a steering effect. When operated by a walking operator, such machines have been found to exhibit a tendency to hunt for a selected speed, and in order to avoid this damping means is provided between the operator's control and the electrical components to reduce the sensitivity of the mechanism.

Abstract: In the controls of a work vehicle having first and second shafts each movable between first and second positions along pathways generally parallel one to the other, a knob is eccentrically connected to each shaft with the largest overhanging position of each knob being controllably movable to preselected positions about the center line of the shaft for positioning the knobs to accommodate the size of the operator's hand.

Abstract: Gear changing mechanism comprises spaced-apart camming plates and three gear changing levers mounted on a common axis which extends between the camming plates. The levers have control arm portions which have slots to receive a camming pin by means of which the levers are selectively oscillated with respect to the common axis. Camming means on the camming plates controls the movement of the camming pin to determine which lever will be oscillated by the camming pin. The camming pin, in turn, is controlled by a gear shift lever to which the camming pin is linked.

Abstract: A manually operable shift control mechanism operatively connected with a transmission through an electro-hydraulic control circuit for selectively establishing one of a plurality of speed ratios in the transmission, the control mechanism including a pivoted lever angularly movable between successively arranged positions for establishing one of the speed ratios in the transmission, and a detent device coacting with detent cut-outs on a control plate for releasably maintaining the lever in each of the transmission settings and affording a distinct "feel" to the operator for each transmission setting, as well as an electric circuit board on the control plate operatively interconnected with the transmission control circuit, with the circuit board being provided with a plurality of spaced electric proximity switches that are activated by a magnet means carried by a pivot arm member movable with the lever.

Abstract: A uni-lever system for controlling operation of multiple functions. A uni-lever is coupled to linkage for actuating the multiple functions and supported for pivotal movement through a spherical bearing permitting controlled movement in predetermined planes effecting corresponding movement of the actuating linkage. Auxiliary equipment being controlled is coupled through the linkage connected to the uni-lever to respond only to movement of the uni-lever in a particular plane. Movement in the remaining planes is restricted due to the spherical joint and stabilizing linkage.

Abstract: A selectable dual ratio connection between the rudder pedals and the control elements of an aircraft for steering the aircraft by means of the nose mounted landing gear wheel thereof. The connection includes a control arm and a control segment selectively related either by a link, walking beam and bungee or by means of a pivoting link mechanism. The arm and segment are rotatably mounted upon axes that coincide with the pivoting link mechanism which in one position locks the arm and the segment together while in another position enables differential motion therebetween.

Abstract: A control linkage for controlling operation of a control valve of a remote hydraulically operated device is mounted in a vehicle cab and includes a control lever located between the vehicle seat and a door to the cab so as to be within easy reach of a seated operator. When in a normal working position, the lever is located such that it may present an obstacle to operator entry and exit and may be accidently bumped so as to effect actuation of the control valve.

Abstract: The invention comprises a console attachable to a vehicle to control a transmission thereof. The console comprises an enclosure which includes a plate atop the enclosure. The plate includes an indentation which forms a trough therein and further includes a channel passing through the plate in an upraised portion thereof adjacent the trough. A gearshift regulator extends through the channel, the regulator serving to control the transmission of a vehicle. A parking brake actuator is recessed within the trough. The actuator serves to control a parking brake of the vehicle.

Abstract: A captive pivot nut is fastened to a panel either by a separate bolt or, in the case of a toggle switch, by being threaded onto the switch and a rocker arm is pivotably snapped onto the captive nut and actuates the switch by being pivoted about the nut to depress the switch, or, in the case of a toggle switch, the rocker arm is mounted over the switch toggle arm.

Abstract: Two transmission shift levers are pivotally movable, one universally and the other about a single axis, by respective control members operative thereon through concentric shafts, the shaft associated with the universally pivotable lever being axially slidable relative to the shaft associated with the other lever in response to translational movement of its control member.

Abstract: A sealing device for a control lever extending through an opening in an element. Of an opening-surrounding sealing member, which is tightly secured to the control lever, a portion is by one end of a spring pressed into contact with an opening-surrounding guide groove in the element. The other end of the spring is connected to the device to be influenced by the control lever, thus allowing relative motion between the element and said device.

Abstract: An articulated handle comprises a firm arm pivotally mounted on a stationary support and a second arm pivotally mounted on the first arm to pivot perpendicular relative to pivotal movements of the first arm. A lever is also pivotally mounted on the support and a connecting rod is pivotally interconnected between the lever and the second arm. The valve stems of adjacent control valves are operatively connected to the first arm and to the lever, respectively, whereby movement of the handle in one direction will actuate one valve and movement of the handle in a second, perpendicular direction will reciprocate the other valve.

Abstract: A shift lever handle comprising a generally U-shaped member, one leg of which comprises an elongated handle grip, the other leg of which has means at the end thereof adjacent the end of said one leg for receiving thereon a shift range selector and having thereon as well means for mounting said handle on a shift lever.

Abstract: A manipulator is described for moving a platform in translation in a plane. An actuator is mounted for rotation about an axis aligned parallel with the plane. A manual control lever is pivotly supported by the actuator which engages the platform through a similarly pivotly mounted coupling device. The coupling device engages the platform through a universal sliding movement in a slot to enable pivot motions from the control lever to produce translational position changes of the platform. Low frictional engagements of the moving elements together with a selectable motion reduction enable minutely accurate manual positioning of the platform.

Abstract: Hand control apparatus for an aircraft usable by a person lacking use of his legs comprising a handle supported for three independent movements for respectively controlling the course of the aircraft, the throttle, and heating of the carburetor. The handle carries control buttons for controlling the operation of the alternator, the flaps, and the fuel pump. A second joy stick adjacent the conventional joy-stick serves for respectively operating the left, and right brakes.