Abstract: A charging system includes a high capacity charging circuit having the original internal engine alternator connected substantially in parallel with an auxiliary alternator by a simple wiring harness arrangement that easily plugs into the existing connectors for the internal engine alternator circuit so that the outputs of the alternators are cumulative. The auxiliary alternator is relatively compact, and the original engine alternator circuit remains substantially unaltered. The regulators for the two alternators include sensory inputs which are connected to each other. The alternators provide redundancy and a fail-safe backup mode so that if one of the systems fails, that system can be quickly disconnected from the remaining system without disabling the entire vehicle.

Abstract: In a utility vehicle operable in either a runabout or continuous mode, a foot operated accelerator pedal switch activates a main relay to start the engine and to maintain the engine running as long as the pedal is depressed with a key switch in the run position. When the pedal is released with the vehicle operating in the runabout mode, the main relay is deactivated and the engine is killed. Depressing the pedal activates the main relay to start the engine and maintain the engine running. The key switch is connected to latching relay structure and has a neutral run latch position. The latching relay structure is operably connected to the key switch and to a parking brake switch. The neutral run switch position and the latching structure permit continuous running of the engine as long as the parking brake is engaged.

Abstract: A relatively simple electromechanical cruise control for a vehicle includes a hydrostatic drive linkage having a flat portion connecting two links and extending adjacent an electromagnet fixed to the frame of the vehicle. Actuation of the control under preselected operating conditions activates the electromagnet to hold the flat portion stationary and thereby maintain a given hydrostatic control position. Interlock circuitry deactivates the magnet if the operator touches the brake, leaves his seat or turns off either the cruise switch or ignition switch.

Abstract: A clutch and brake control circuit includes first and second relays connected to an interlock circuit and to the brake and clutch coils on a vehicle. The relays are interconnected with the coils so that the clutch coil cannot be energized unless the brake coil circuit is complete. Preferably, the brake coil circuit includes a delay timer for assuring that the brake is energized for a preselected time period after the clutch coil is deenergized. The circuit is constructed such that if the clutch coil is reenergized during the time period, power to the brake coil is interrupted and the clutch coil turns on immediately without delay. Any time after the clutch coil is deenergized, a clutch switch connected to the interlock circuit and the relays must be actuated before the clutch will engage. The interlock circuit, which may include such elements as transmission, parking brake and seat switches, is fully integrated with the brake and clutch control.