Abstract: A grease gun extension device that supports a flexible grease gun extension tube allowing the user to securely position the grease tip onto a grease fitting without having to use a second hand to force the grease tip onto the grease fitting. A series of rigid elongate tube supporting members are pivotably attached via spring biased locking knobs and radial gear tooth panels located at the ends of each rigid tube supporting member, allowing the user push on the locking knob, bend the flexible extension tube to the desired angle and release the locking knob to have the radial gear tooth panel sets lock the flexible tube at a fixed angle.

Abstract: A grease gun extension device that supports a flexible grease gun extension tube allowing the user to securely position the grease tip onto a grease fitting without having to use a second hand to force the grease tip onto the grease fitting. A series of rigid elongate tube supporting members are pivotably attached via spring biased locking knobs and radial gear tooth panels located at the ends of each rigid tube supporting member, allowing the user push on the locking knob, bend the flexible extension tube to the desired angle and release the locking knob to have the radial gear tooth panel sets lock the flexible tube at a fixed angle.

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: 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: 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 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: An adjustable pedal assembly (10) for controlling step-over between adjacent pedal levers (18,32). A first pedal lever (18) is supported for rotation about an operational axis (A). A first adjustment mechanism (20) includes a first motor (26) to adjust the first pedal lever (18) between a first plurality of adjusted positions. A second pedal lever (32) is supported for rotation about a second operational axis (B). A second adjustment mechanism (40) includes a second motor (48) to adjust the second pedal lever (32) between a second plurality of adjusted positions. Each of the motors (26,48) is a brushless DC motor comprising a motor shaft (54,60), a plurality of sensors (H1,H1′,H2,H2′,H3,H3′) adjacent to the motor shaft (54,60), and a plurality of windings (W) surrounding the motor shaft (54,60). The plurality of sensors (H1,H1′,H2,H2′,H3,H3′)of each motor (26,48) generates a position signal indicating a position of each motor (26,48).

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 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 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 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). The assembly (10) is characterized by each of the motors (52) being one that sequentially moves in increments of movement. The normal operation consists of discrete angular motions of uniform magnitude rather than continuous motion. A controller (56) coordinates the operation to maintain the movement of the two pedal levers in synchronization with one another.

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). The assembly (10) is characterized by each of the motors (52) being one that sequentially moves in increments of movement. The normal operation consists of discrete angular motions of uniform magnitude rather than continuous motion. A controller (56) coordinates the operation to maintain the movement of the two pedal levers in synchronization with one another.

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 (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: 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.