Abstract: In an adjustable foot pedal assembly for a vehicle, a brake pedal is supported on a carrier, which is adjustable fore and aft. A brake valve has a valve body fixed relative to the path of carrier movement, and a plunger movable in a direction transverse to the path of carrier movement. A transfer arm, pivoted on the carrier, is operatively connected to the foot pedal and the plunger, for effecting movement of the plunger in response to depression of the foot pedal so that the relationship between the movement of the foot pedal and the responsive movement of the plunger is independent of the position of the carrier. The brake valve does not need to be moved as the pedal position is adjusted, and the brake pedal characteristics are therefore unaffected by adjustment of the position of the pedal.

Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel having one or more engines and a transmission associated with each engine is disclosed. The control system includes one or more control stations, each having a control arm and arm position means coupled to the control arm for providing an electrical signal that represents a position of the control arm within its operating range. The system includes one or more electronic control units, each of which is electro-mechanically coupled to an engine and a transmission. A first electronic control unit (ECU) includes input means for receiving the electrical signal, control means for controlling a throttle of a first engine and shift position of a first transmission based on the electrical signal, and output means for providing a control signal that represents a current position of the control arm to a second ECU.

Abstract: A brake cover (18) and shaft (24) rotate with a pedal lever (20) relative to a central section (14) of the housing (12) rotate a pedal gear (76). The pedal gear (76) rotates a sensor gear (74) to rotate a sensor arm (46) about a sensor axis (48). The sensor arm (46) supports sensor members (58) that move along sensor bands (50) to generate an electrical signal. As the brake cover (18) rotates with the pedal lever (20) it uncoils coil springs (84) to cause brake shoes (80) to pivot radially outward about respective posts (82) frictionally engage the interior surface (78) of the central section (14) to thereby provide a resistance or hysteresis to movement of the pedal lever (20).

Abstract: A brake cover (18) and shaft (24) rotate with a pedal lever (20) relative to a central section (14) of the housing (12) rotate a pedal gear (76). The pedal gear (76) rotates a sensor gear (74) to rotate a sensor arm (46) about a sensor axis (48). The sensor arm (46) supports sensor members (58) that move along sensor bands (50) to generate an electrical signal. As the brake cover (18) rotates with the pedal lever (20) it uncoils coil springs (84) to cause brake shoes (80) to pivot radially outward about respective posts (82) frictionally engage the interior surface (78) of the central section (14) to thereby provide a resistance or hysteresis to movement of the pedal lever (20).

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 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). A controller (56) is programmed to detect a stall of either of the motors (52). The assembly (10) is characterized by the controller (56) having a coordinator (66) to automatically reposition at least one of the motors (52) to a corrected position in response to a stall by at least one of the motors (52).

Abstract: Four embodiments of an adjustable pedal assembly 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).

Abstract: A retainer (22) is supported on a body (12) and includes a pair of tabs (24) for engaging a pair of recesses (26) in the edges (18) of the slot to retain the body (12) in a slot. The assembly (10) is characterized by the retainer (22) being disposed axially adjacent the slot groove (16) with the tabs (24) extending axially over the slot groove (16). The body (12) and the ring (34) present a rib (32) and a shoulder (40) extending annularly about the interior surface (36) of the ring (34) for retaining the retainer (22) in the retainer groove (28) on the body (12).

Abstract: A pedal assembly 10 for use in a vehicle 11 includes a pedal arm 100 that moves in a normal operating range between a rest position and an applied position under a normal operating load. The pedal arm 100 moves in a plane about an axis of rotation. The pedal assembly 10 includes a mechanism 102 for releasing the pedal arm 100 from its support 16 in response to a predetermined force applied to the pedal arm 100.

Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel having one or more engines and a transmission associated with each engine includes one or more control stations, each having a control arm. The system includes one or more electronic control units, each of which is electro-mechanically coupled to an engine and a transmission. A first electronic control unit (ECU) controls a throttle of a first engine and a shift position of a first transmission based on the electrical signal. The second ECU is coupled to the first ECU via the communications link, and controls the throttle of a second engine and the shift position of a second transmission based on a control signal from the first ECU.

Abstract: A pedal assembly (10) having a housing (12) and a pedal arm (14) pivotally connected to the housing (12) for movement between a rest position and an operative position. A pair of springs (38, 40) are mounted within the housing (12). The springs (38, 40) have first distal ends (42, 46) seated against the housing (12) and second distal ends (44, 48) engaging a second end (20) of the pedal arm (14) to provide resistance during the movement of the pedal arm (14). A cap (60) is disposed over the second end (20) of the pedal arm (14). The pedal assembly (10) is characterized by the cap (60) including a first portion (62) and a second portion (64) with the second distal ends (44, 48) of the springs (38, 40) engaging the cap (60).

Abstract: A connector (26) connects a disc-shaped head (22) supported on a post (24). The connector (26) presents a surface (28) and a flange (30) is spaced and parallel to the surface (28) to define a pocket between the surface (28) and the flange (30) for receiving the disc-shaped head. The connector is characterized by a catch (40) extending upwardly a beam (48) forwardly of the circular opening (32) for allowing insertion of the head (22) into the pocket and for retaining the head (22) in the pocket. The catch (40) includes an inclined ramp (46) extending downwardly and forwardly from the top (44) of a retaining shoulder (42). A slot (50) extends around the beam (48) for allowing the beam (48) to flex.

Abstract: A well-known connector (26) extends from at least one of a terminal (18, 20) and a conduit support (16) for connection to a disc-shaped head (22) supported on a post (24). The connector (26) presents a surface (28) and a flange (30) is spaced and parallel to the surface (28) to define a pocket between the surface (28) and the flange (30) for receiving the disc-shaped head. The connector of the assembly is characterized by a catch (40) extending upwardly of the surface (28) forwardly of the circular opening (32) for allowing insertion of the head (22) into the pocket and for retaining the head (22) in the pocket. The catch (40) includes a shoulder (42) extending upwardly to a top (44) for retaining the head (22) in the pocket. The catch (40) includes an inclined ramp (46) extending downwardly and forwardly from the top (44) of the shoulder (42). A slot (50) extends around the beam (48) for allowing the beam (48) to flex relative to the connector (26) for snapping the catch behind the head (22).

Abstract: A retainer (22) is supported on a body (12) and includes a pair of tabs (24) for engaging a pair of recesses (26) in the edges (18) of the slot to retain the body (12) in a slot. The assembly (10) is characterized by the retainer (22) being disposed axially adjacent the slot groove (16) with the tabs (24) extending axially over the slot groove (16). The body (12) and the ring (34) present a rib (32) and a shoulder (40) extending annularly about the interior surface (36) of the ring (34) for retaining the retainer (22) in the retainer groove (28) on the body (12).

Abstract: A pedal assembly (10) having a housing (12) and a pedal arm (14) pivotally connected to the housing (12) for movement between a rest position and an operative position. A pair of springs (38, 40) are mounted within the housing (12). The springs (38, 40) have first distal ends (42, 46) seated against the housing (12) and second distal ends (44, 48) engaging a second end (20) of the pedal arm (14) to provide resistance during the movement of the pedal arm (14). A cap (60) is disposed over the second end (20) of the pedal arm (14). The pedal assembly (10) is characterized by the cap (60) including a first portion (62) and a second portion (64) with the second distal ends (44, 48) of the springs (38, 40) engaging the cap (60).

Abstract: A cable assembly (11) has a conduit (12) and a core element (14) passing through the conduit (12). A terminal assembly (15) is secured to one end of the core element (14). The subject invention incorporates both an interlock device (46) and an adjustment device on the same cable assembly (11). The interlock device (46) is disposed adjacent the terminal assembly (15) and is movable between a release position allowing relative movement between the terminal assembly (15) and the interlock device (46) and an engaged position preventing the relative movement between the terminal assembly (15) and the interlock device (46). The adjustment device includes an adjustment housing (20) partially disposed about a base portion (28) for allowing axial adjustment of the base portion (28) to tension the core element (14).

Abstract: A pedal assembly is mounted on a body structure of a motor vehicle and is used to generate a control signal for vehicle system. The pedal assembly includes a support mounted to the body structure and a pedal arm with an upper end pivotally mounted to the support for movement relative to the body structure and a lower end for supporting a pedal pad. The pedal arm is movable between a plurality of operational positions as a force is applied to the pedal pad. A magnet is mounted to the pedal arm for pivotal movement with the pedal arm between the various operational positions. The magnet is preferably permanent magnet having a cylindrical shape and including multiple poles alternating between positive and negative orientations about the circumference of the magnet. A noncontact sensor is mounted adjacent to the magnet such that the sensor remains fixed relative to the pedal at all operational positions.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and assembly for calibrating a pedal assembly (10) having a pedal arm (16) pivotally mounted in an open housing (12). An electrical resistor system is disposed in the housing (12), which allows for changing relative resistance in response to pivotal movement of the pedal arm (16). The pedal arm (16) pivots to a first position, sending an electrical current through the resistor system providing an electrical resistance. The resistance is compared to a specific value and then an adjustment resistor (24) is laser trimmed until the resistance reaches the specified value.

Abstract: A pedal assembly (10) for use in a vehicle comprising a pedal arm (12) having a pivot (14) for movable connection to a vehicle structure (16) to allow the pedal arm (12) to pivot in a normal operating range between a rest position and a fully applied position under a predetermined normal operating load. The pedal arm (12) further includes a mechanism (18, 46) connecting the pedal arm (12) to a brake system (20) for transmitting normal operating loads through the pedal arm (12) to the brake system (20). The mechanism (18, 46) includes a fuse (22, 50) for allowing the pedal arm (12) to move independently from the brake system (20) in response to a predetermined load that exceeds the normal operating load. The pedal assembly (10) is characterized by the fuse (22, 50) being frangible for destruction in response to the predetermined load and by including a pocket member (24, 52) for supporting the fuse (22, 50) and for receiving a replacement fuse (22, 50).

Abstract: A second conduit (30) is disposed in parallel relationship with a first conduit (28) with both extending between the legs (13) of a support bracket (12) with a first ends (32 and 34) attached to an adjustment member (16) for movement therewith along a rod (14) during the adjustment of a pedal lever (18) between the operational positions. The assembly is characterized by the second ends (45) of the conduits being attached directly to the support bracket (12) instead of being attached to the vehicle structure. A plunger (46) is slidably supported by the support bracket and a cross bar (50) is attached to the plunger (46) to extend transversely thereto. The core elements (40 and 42) are attached to the cross bar (50) on opposite sides of the plunger (46).

Abstract: An assembly for shifting gear positions (10 and 110) in an electronically controlled transmission including a single lever control for moving between various gear positions. The assembly includes a shift lever (118) mounted to either a column support (14) or a base (112). The shift lever (118) either moves a detent finger (38) between a plurality of gear positions or moves a plurality of detent valleys (26) of a detent housing (20) into contact with a detent finger mechanism (22). The distal end (36) of the detent finger (38) includes a magnet (32) for generating a magnetic field. The detent valleys (26 and 126) represent each gear position and a Hall effect sensor (30) is disposed in the predetermined depth of each detent valley (26 and 126). The sensor (30) is activated by the magnetic field generated by the magnet (32) attached to the distal end (36) of the detent finger (38). In response, the sensor (30) generates an output voltage to a control module.