Abstract: A manually actuated control device comprises an operating component 1 and an adjusting component 4 which are connected to each other via spring elements 3 and 5 in order to achieve a non-linear output motion of the adjusting component 4 responsive to movement of the operating component 1.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for minimizing the transmission of vibrations from a vibratory source through a pair of shafts to a handle mounted transversely to the shafts. The handle is mounted to the shafts through resilient, elastomeric, hourglass-shaped shock absorbers. The mass of the handle and the spring stiffness of the shock absorbers are selected to provide the handle with a characteristic frequency (F.sub.c) such that F.sub.s >.sqroot.2 F.sub.c. To limit axial deflection of the shock absorbers when transverse forces are applied to the handle, each of the elastomeric elements is mounted between and inside a respective pair of nested cups having their open ends facing one another, one cup of each pair being connected to the handle and the other cup of each pair being connected to a shaft.

Abstract: A safety device for a self-propelled machine with a steering rod guided by an operator's handle includes a safety handle positioned proximately below the operator's handle in parallel to at least a portion of the operator's handle for grasping by the operator. The safety handle has first and second arms projecting vertically downward. A shaft is rotatably mounted in the steering rod below the safety handle, and a sleeve is journalled on the shaft. The first and second arms of the safety handle are rigidly attached to opposite ends of the shaft. An operating disc for controlling the motion of the machine is rotatably mounted in the steering rod. A spring normally biases the operating disc to maintain the machine in a stationary position. A locking arm is rigidly attached to the sleeve and engages teeth in the operating disc for securing the operating disc in a fixed position whereby the motion of the machine is constant.