Abstract: A shaft assembly (15) includes an outer member (48) having an aperture (44), a shaft (20) having an end (40) configured to be received in the aperture of the outer member, and an insertion aid (70) coupled with the end of the shaft to facilitate insertion of the shaft into the aperture in the outer member. The insertion aid can take the form of a plug coupled to the end of the shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for controlling step-over between pedal levers (16, 24) is provided. A first pedal lever (16) is supported for rotation about an operational axis. A first adjustment mechanism (20) adjusts the first pedal lever (16) between a first plurality of adjusted positions. A second pedal lever (24) is supported for rotation about a second operational axis. A second adjustment mechanism (32) adjusts the second pedal lever (24) between a second plurality of adjusted positions. First and second drives (40) simultaneously move the pedal levers (16, 24) between the adjusted positions. Linear potentiometers (56), each having a wiper (66) fixed to nut assemblies (44) of the adjustment mechanisms (20, 32), generate control signals that indicate a position of each of the pedal levers (16, 24). A controller (78) is programmed to detect a stall of either of the adjustment mechanisms (20, 32) based on the control signals to prevent step-over between the pedal levers (16, 24).

Abstract: Four embodiments of an adjustable pedal assembly are disclosed wherein a pedal lever is adjustable along a rod. Each assembly is characterized by the rod (116, 216, 316 and 416) being arcuate or curved, e.g., in an arc, between its connection to a support (112, 212, 312 and 412) and its distal end for changing the angle of the longitudinal axis of the pedal lever (118, 218, 318 and 418) relative to the support (112, 212, 312 and 412) during the adjustment of the pedal lever (118,218,318 and 418) along the rod (116, 216, 316 and 416). Consequently, the angle of the pedal pad (120, 220, 320 and 420) is changed to accommodate different operators.

Abstract: A pair of adjustment mechanisms (21, 41) interconnect a support (12) and first (14) and second (34) pedal levers. The adjustment mechanisms (21, 41) adjust the operational position of the pedal levers (14, 34) relative to the support (12). In particular, a stepper motor (52) and screw (32) unit moves the respective pedal levers (14, 34) along rods (28, 48). A controller (56) sends pulses of energy to each of the motors (52), measures a time to reach a predetermined resistance condition of each motor (52) during each pulse, and terminates energy to both motors (52) in response to the time being below a predetermined time period in any pulse to either motor (52), thereby synchronizing the movement of both pedal levers (14, 34).

Abstract: A fluid relief device (40) is responsive to a sensor (38) for relieving the hydraulic fluid pressure in hydraulic line (30) in response to the crash conditions. A fuseable link (52) abuts the distal end of a shaft (46) and holds the piston (42) in the normal operating position until a crash where the fuseable link (52) is consumed or removed to allow movement of the shaft (46) and the piston (42) to the accumulator position to relieve pressure in the hydraulic system. A resilient curved leaf spring member (60) reacts between the cross beam (16) and the pedal arm (20) in the event of rearward movement of the pedal arm (20) out of the normal operating range due to a crash to limit movement of the pedal arm (20) toward the operator space. The resilient spring (60) and the fluid relief device (40) are reusable.

Abstract: A pair of first (14) and second (34) pedal levers is pivotally supported for rotation by a support (12). A pair of adjustment mechanisms (21, 41) interconnect the support (12) and the respective pedal levers (14, 34) and include rods (28, 48) for adjusting the operational position of the pedal levers (14, 34) along the rods (28, 48) between a plurality of adjusted positions. A stepper motor (52) and screw (32) unit is attached to the inner end of each rod (28, 48) for moving the respective pedal levers (14, 34) along the respective rods (28, 48). The assembly (10) is characterized by a controller (56) sending pulses of energy to each of the motors (52), measuring the time to reach a predetermined resistance condition of each motor during each pulse, and terminating energy to both motors (52) in response to the time being below a predetermined time period in any pulse to either motor, thereby to synchronize the movement of both pedal levers together.

Abstract: A pedal assembly (12) for electronically controlling an engine throttle (38). The pedal assembly (12) includes a pedal housing (14), a pedal arm (18) pivotally engaging the pedal housing (14), and an electrical generator (30) supported by the pedal housing (14). The pedal arm (18) is operable between an idle position (24) and a plurality of operable positions. When the pedal arm (18) is pivoted to a predetermined operable position (50), a kickdown member (46) provides a kickdown feel to a user. Simultaneously, the electrical generator (30) generates a control signal having a predetermined magnitude causing the automatic transmission (42) to downshift to a next lower gear. The kickdown member (46) is adjustable to synchronize the kickdown feel provided by the kickdown member (46) with the downshift to the next lower gear.