Abstract: A dampened electronic control for manual operation to control a machine includes a housing, a movable element pivotally supported in the housing upon a shaft with a rotation axis, and an electronic sensor configured to detect rotational movement of the shaft. A non-hydraulic damping mechanism is coupled to the moveable element, wherein the damping mechanism includes a piston disposed in a cylinder of the housing and configured to operate with air inside the cylinder as the working fluid and a spring to resiliently bias the piston towards the moveable element. Movement of the moveable element towards the piston causes the piston to compress the air inside the cylinder to thereby provide a resistance force against the moveable element to thereby dampen the movement of the moveable element.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping mechanism for a throttle control device on a handlebar of a vehicle includes a throttle lever and a clamp assembly that retains the throttle control device at a desired angular position upon said handlebar. The clamp assembly includes a body having a main section and a secondary section, the secondary section being disposed in a slot of the main section. A clamping member provides a clamping force upon the main section and secondary section. In an engaged position of the clamping member, the clamping member provides a clamping force to retain the throttle lever in a predetermined angular orientation upon said handlebar during operation of said vehicle. In a disengaged position of the clamping member, the clamping member does not provide the clamping force in order to permit the throttle lever to rotate about a longitudinal axis of said handlebar.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the general art of motor vehicles, and to the particular field motor vehicle components, especially sensors for electronic throttle controls. Particular embodiments include configurable Hall-effect sensors for use in vehicle controls. In various embodiments, the configurable sensors may include a flexible over molding that may allow the sensor assemblies to achieve an environmental rating conforming International Protection Rating IP 67 and/or IP 66. Additionally, because the sensor assemblies are modular, a single assembly may be configured in any number of different ways, including direct drive and indirect drive applications and multiple different proprietary interface connections, while maintaining compliance with Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing haptic feedback to an operator of a vehicle is described including a pedal, torque motor, actuator and controller. The pedal is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. The torque motor applies rotational force to the pedal. The actuator is rotatably positioned between the torque motor and pedal. The controller provides haptic feedback to the operator by sending a haptic signal via the torque motor, actuator and pedal in which rotational force is applied to the pedal to rotate the pedal toward the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing haptic feedback to an operator of a vehicle is described including a pedal, torque motor, actuator and controller. The pedal is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. The torque motor applies rotational force to the pedal. The actuator is rotatably positioned between the torque motor and pedal. The controller provides haptic feedback to the operator by sending a haptic signal via the torque motor, actuator and pedal in which rotational force is applied to the pedal to rotate the pedal toward the closed position.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the general art of motor vehicles, and to the particular field motor vehicle components, especially sensors for electronic throttle controls. Particular embodiments include configurable Hall-effect sensors for use in vehicle controls. In various embodiments, the configurable sensors may include a flexible over molding that may allow the sensor assemblies to achieve an environmental rating conforming International Protection Rating IP 67 and/or IP 66. Additionally, because the sensor assemblies are modular, a single assembly may be configured in any number of different ways, including direct drive and indirect drive applications and multiple different proprietary interface connections, while maintaining compliance with Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to pedal assemblies, particularly pedal assemblies having a kickdown device that includes one or more deformable tactile domes adapted to uniformly deform or invert on application of sufficient force. This deformation, flattening, or inversion may result in a kickdown effect that may correspond to an engine kickdown. Additionally, the device may be adapted for engagement with a pedal assembly to impart a hysteresis effect as the pedal moves relative to the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a rotary based hand control that provides hysteresis to an operator. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to bidirectional rocker pedal assemblies that may be adapted for use in vehicular operations. In various embodiments, a subassembly may be coupled to a treadle and the vehicle to allow for bidirectional rotation of the treadle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular compressed natural gas fuel unit comprising generally a tank adapted to contain compressed natural gas and a fuel supply unit integrally attached to the main valve of the tank.

Abstract: An integrated throttle position validation sensor includes electrically independent throttle position and position validation components responsive to a single mechanical input applied to a protective sensor housing. By suitable mounting to the throttle control device, the mechanical input corresponds to accelerator pedal position. Within the sensor housing a potentiometer moves with the mechanical input whereby a variable voltage throttle position signal is generated. Also, within the housing a separate validation switch responsive to the mechanical input provides an independent representation of throttle control device position in the form of, for example, a bi-state validation signal. The sensor integrates previous separate throttle control position and position validation functions into a single environmentally secure housing which requires no calibration. The integrated sensor is more reliable and less costly than previously available separate throttle control and idle validation functions.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a lever to a sensor, e.g., a potentiometer for remote control of the throttle speed of a motor. The coupling includes a die cast housing wherein configured end cavities are interconnected by a through bore. One of the cavities is configured to have bosses that form rotative stops. A bushing is positioned in the through bore and the combination provides a sub-assembly. A second sub-assembly includes a shaft with a cross pin that is adapted to seat between the bosses with the shaft inserted into the bushing. With the shaft assembly seated, a retainer ring is placed on the opposite end of the shaft to cooperatively (cooperative with the cross pin) retain the shaft sub-assembly to the housing. A lever is attached to one end and the other end is connected to the sensor. The spaces between the bosses provide the desired rotative limits for the shaft to generate the range of throttle positions between full throttle and idle.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a foot pedal to a sensor used to control the throttle of a vehicle's engine. A shaft assembly is provided including a shaft having ends configured to interconnect the rotative movement of a pedal with the shaft of a potentiometer. The shaft is provided with bearings, a cross pin and the mounting for pedal return springs. A housing assembly is produced from a pair of identical castings that together provide the seats for the bearings, cross pin and springs mounted to the shaft. The housing halves split the housing lengthwise. With the halves separated, the shaft assembly is placed in the seats of the bottom half and the top half is assembled to the bottom half to complete the assembly. The seat for the cross pin provides the stops to prevent axial movement of the shaft and to provide restricted rotative movement of the shaft.

Abstract: An integrated throttle position validation sensor includes electrically independent throttle position and position validation components responsive to a single mechanical input applied to a protective sensor housing. By suitable mounting to the throttle control device, the mechanical input corresponds to accelerator pedal position. Within the sensor housing a potentiometer moves with the mechanical input whereby a variable voltage throttle position signal is generated. Also, within the housing a separate validation switch responsive to the mechanical input provides an independent representation of throttle control device position in the form of, for example, a bi-state validation signal. The sensor integrates previous separate throttle control position and position validation functions into a single environmentally secure housing which requires no calibration. The integrated sensor is more reliable and less costly than previously available separate throttle control and idle validation functions.

Abstract: An accelerator foot pedal suspended from a support structure affixed to the front wall of a vehicle cab, a drum at the proximal end of the foot pedal defining, with the support structure, an enclosure which houses an internal rack-and-pinion gearing. A sensor mounted to the support structure generates a control signal representing the angular position of the foot pedal, the rack and pinion translating rotational movement of the foot pedal to an input of the sensor.

Abstract: An electronic foot pedal for outputting an electrical signal proportional to the degree a treadle is pivoted. The electronic foot pedal has an improved spring arrangement for yieldably biasing the treadle toward its home position. Dual springs are provided, independently mounted and supplementary to each other. Each spring has an adequate biasing force to urge the treadle to its home position. The springs are of a ribbon-like material that are wound into a flat spiral. The springs are subjected mainly to bending forces and have flexure as the treadle is pivoted to its pivotal limits.

Abstract: An electronic foot pedal for outputting an electrical signal proportional to the degree a treadle is pivoted. The electronic foot pedal has an improved spring arrangement for yieldably biasing the treadle toward its home position. Dual springs are provided, independently mounted and supplementary to each other. Each spring has an adequate biasing force to urge the treadle to its home position. The springs are of a ribbon-like material that are wound into a flat spiral. The springs are subjected mainly to bending forces and have flexure as the treadle is pivoted to its pivotal limits.

Abstract: A foot pedal arrangement wherein a support structure is mounted to the front wall of a diesel powered truck cab. A spring biased spool is mounted to the support structure and is interconnected to a potentiometer. A foot pedal includes a projecting arm that is pivoted to the support structure. A flexible link connection between the foot pedal arm and the spool forces rotation of the spool with pivoting of the pedal. The connection is designed to translate the traditional pedal movement to the required spool rotation as needed for monitoring by the potentiometer.

Abstract: A proportional remote control having an air regulating controller and an air operated actuator that have matched components to provide a true linear control of the displacement of a valve spool in proportion to lever displacement on the controller. Minimal displacement of the hand lever applies an initial stepped output pressure to the actuator which moves the spool just short of fluid flow. The controller regulates the air pressure applied to the actuator from the initial stepped pressure to its maximum output in proportion to the displacement of its control lever.