Abstract: A foot pedal is pivotally connected to a bracket member wherein it operatively communicates with a Hall Effect sensing device for use in sensing the position of the foot pedal. A Hall Effect sensing device communicates with a control module, whereby the combination of the assembly operates to logically determine the position of the foot pedal with respect to driving the vehicle in the forward or reverse positions as well as a neutral position. The control module in conjunction with the Hall Effect sensing device is operable to engage various vehicle components such as reverse indicating lights and the like. Additionally, the Hall Effect sensing device and control module may be used to disengage a secondary power source or power take off from the engine when driving the vehicle in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A control valve and feedback system has three operating states including a lifting state, a neutral state, and a lowering state. The feedback control system comprises a cylinder, a pump, a reservoir for holding working fluid, and a control valve. The control valve comprises a valve body having first and second ends with a bore defined therebetween. The valve body further comprises an inlet port, a return port, a first work port and a second work port. The inlet port, return port, and first and second work ports are defined in the valve body. The inlet port communicates with the bore and the pump. The return port is in fluid communication with the bore and the reservoir. The first work port is also in communication with the bore and the cylinder in the lifting state. The control valve is plumbed backwards so that the first work port and the second work port are in fluid communication in the lowering state. The valve also comprises a check valve disposed in the first work port.

Abstract: A control valve and feedback system has three operating states including a lifting state, a neutral state, and a lowering state. The feedback control system comprises a cylinder, a pump, a reservoir for holding working fluid, and a control valve. The control valve comprises a valve body having first and second ends with a bore defined therebetween. The valve body further comprises an inlet port, a return port, a first work port and a second work port. The inlet port, return port, and first and second work ports are defined in the valve body. The inlet port communicates with the bore and the pump. The return port is in fluid communication with the bore and the reservoir. The first work port is also in communication with the bore and the cylinder in the lifting state. The control valve is plumbed backwards so that the first work port and the second work port are in fluid communication in the lowering state. The valve also comprises a check valve disposed in the first work port.

Abstract: A foot pedal is pivotally connected to a bracket member wherein is operatively communicated a Hall effect sensing means for use in sensing the position of the foot pedal. A Hall effect sensing means is communicated to a control module, which in combination the assembly is operable to logically determined the position of the foot pedal with respect to driving the vehicle in forward or reverse positions as well as a neutral position. The control module in conjunction with the Hall effect sensing means is operable to engage various vehicle components such as reverse indicating lights and the like. Additionally the Hall effect sensing means and control module may be used to disengage a secondary power source or power take off from the engine when driving the vehicle in the reverse correction. Finally an electromagnet is electrically communicated with the control module so that when engaged by the control modules, the electromagnet fixedly holds the foot pedal in place to serve as a cruise control function.

Abstract: A lawn tractor has a pivoting shaft mechanism and a tilt steering mechanism. The lawn tractor includes a frame, a first wheel, a steering implement for steering the wheel, and a power steering pump for use in providing power for the steering of the first wheel. The pivoting shaft mechanism includes a steering shaft having a first end that is connected to the steering implement and that is pivotable about its second end. The pivoting shaft mechanism also includes a pin operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft, a connecting shaft having a first end operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft and a second end operatively connected to the power steering pump, and a pivot coupling for translating rotational motion from the pin to the first end of the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an associated device includes a vacuum actuator, connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the associated device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, and activating means for selectively electrically activating the vacuum actuator. To engage an associated PTO shaft, an operator switches an electric switch opening a control valve and activating a vacuum actuator. Next a clutch arm is pivoted causing a brake arm to take a PTO pulley out of braking engagement and forcing an idler pulley into operative engagement with a PTO belt. This connects the PTO pulley with a drive pulley thereby rotating the PTO shaft. When the PTO is to be disengaged, the brake arm is effective to stop the motion of the implement driven by the PTO, and to stop the implement within a very short time.