Abstract: A work machine having a cab coupled to a frame, a steering system coupled to the frame, a controller configured to selectively articulate the steering system, a joystick assembly positioned in the cab and in communication with the controller, a steering wheel assembly positioned in the cab and configured to selectively articulate the steering system, and a steering wheel sensor coupled to the steering wheel assembly and in communication with the controller to identify movement of the steering wheel assembly. Wherein, the controller does not articulate the steering system responsive to movement of the joystick assembly when the steering wheel sensor identifies movement of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A drive device for a PTO shaft includes a parking switch to detect a parking state of a vehicle body, a permission switch constituted of a self-returning switch and connected to the parking switch, the permission switch being configured to be switched to permit driving a PTO shaft, the PTO shaft being configured to be driven by a power of a prime mover disposed on the vehicle body, and a first switch device to be switched to enable the PTO shaft to be driven when the permission switch is switched to permit driving the PTO shaft under a state where the parking switch detects the parking state of the vehicle body.

Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a control system for a terrain working vehicle having an operator protection apparatus. In some aspects, the control system instructs and ceases an actuation of the operator protection apparatus to and between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A work machine may include a steering system, a user interface, a detection device, and a control device. The user interface may generate an input signal corresponding to operator input. The detection device may generate a detection signal corresponding to a presence of an operator relative to the user interface. The control device may determine that the operator is unavailable based on the detection signal and the input signal, and enable a lockout mode based on determining that the operator is unavailable. The control device may determine, while the lockout mode is enabled, a readiness indicator. The readiness indicator may confirm a readiness of the operator based on determining that the detection signal satisfies a readiness criterion. The control device may disable the lockout mode based on determining that the readiness criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A restraint system for an occupant seat mounted in a motor vehicle includes a processor to produce at least one control signal to control either or both of an electronically controllable unit to disable or impede operation of the motor vehicle and a notification device to produce a notification unless, in sequence, a first sensor produces a first signal indicating detection of an occupant being seated in the occupant seat followed by at least one second sensor producing least one second signal indicating that a rotatable shaft of a web retractor coupled to a web of a restraint harness has rotated by at least a threshold amount followed by a third sensor producing a third signal indicating that a tongue of the restraint system is engaged with a buckle of the restraint system.

Abstract: A work machine having a cab coupled to a frame, a steering system coupled to the frame, a controller configured to selectively articulate the steering system, a joystick assembly positioned in the cab and in communication with the controller, a steering wheel assembly positioned in the cab and configured to selectively articulate the steering system, and a steering wheel sensor coupled to the steering wheel assembly and in communication with the controller to identify movement of the steering wheel assembly. Wherein, the controller does not articulate the steering system responsive to movement of the joystick assembly when the steering wheel sensor identifies movement of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An emergency park brake system of an aircraft may include an electrical power interface, an electromechanical actuator, and a hydraulic brake valve. The electrical power interface may be configured to receive electrical power from a power source. The electromechanical actuator may be in selective power receiving communication with the electrical power interface and the electromechanical actuator may be mechanically coupled to and configured to selectively actuate the hydraulic brake valve. The electrical connection between the electromechanical actuator and the electrical power interface may be based on an emergency braking input.

Abstract: An interlock system for a work vehicle includes a controller configured to output instructions to an actuator assembly to control an implement positioned rearward of a chassis of the work vehicle relative to a forward direction of travel. The controller is configured to instruct the actuator assembly to block movement of the implement while an access door positioned on a rear portion of the chassis relative to the forward direction of travel is in an open state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first controller operable to assume one of a plurality of respective states, in a first state the first controller being configured automatically to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque and cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the first controller being configured to receive a door state indicator signal indicative of whether a door is in an open or closed state, and an occupant presence indicator signal indicative of whether an occupant is present in a given seat of a vehicle, the system being configured not to permit operation of the first controller in the first state in dependence on the door state indicator signal and the occupant presence indicator signal.

Abstract: A seat belt attachment determining unit of a rough terrain vehicle determines whether or not a seat belt is being worn by a vehicle occupant. In the case it is determined by the seat belt attachment determining unit that the vehicle occupant is wearing the seat belt, the ECU switches a transmission gear stage of an automatic transmission using a first speed change mode. On the other hand, in the case it is determined by the seat belt attachment determining unit that the vehicle occupant is not wearing the seat belt, the ECU switches the transmission gear stage using a second speed change mode.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle equipped with a driver's seat; a seat belt apparatus provided for the driver's seat; a seat belt detecting device for detecting the set state of the seat belt apparatus provided for the driver's seat; and a controller for controlling the off-road vehicle. The controller has a rotation speed control mode for controlling the rotation speed of the engine to a predetermined rotation speed or less, and the controller releases the rotation speed control mode when the seat belt detecting device detects the set state of the seat belt apparatus provided for the driver's seat.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (“ECU”) limiter is disclosed. The electronic control unit may be configured to receive a user-specified vehicle limit, such as a speed limit, from an input device, such as a gauge interface of the vehicle or a diagnostic tool. The electronic control unit is further configured to enforce the received vehicle limit, without a need to reprogram (e.g., erase and rewrite) vehicle engine control data stored by the electronic control unit, such as lookup tables or maps that are used to determine the operational parameters (e.g., ignition timing, throttle) based on sensor inputs (e.g., engine revolutions per minute, engine temperature).

Abstract: A method and an evaluation system supervise correct belt utilization of at least one safety belt in a motor vehicle, the open and/or closed belt lock state being supervised at the respective belt lock of a vehicle seat occupied by a person and a warning signal being given and/or the safety system of the motor vehicle being influenced if an unclosed belt lock is detected. In particular, feigned belt utilization is also detected by evaluating the temporal sequence of belt lock actuations with respect to further operations and/or states determined in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle safety belt release system is disclosed having a seat belt, control unit, and power source, connected and operated by the vehicles transmission. The releasing system is incorporated with and will work concurrently with a manual vehicle safety release system. The system is automatically controlled by the vehicles transmission and designed so that when the transmission is put in a specified position an electric signal will be sent to a control unit that is connected to a power source which will send an electric signal to a specified vehicle safety belt latch which will automatically release the specified safety belt through an electronically operated mechanism in the seat belt.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes gears, torque-transmitting mechanisms, interconnecting members, an input member and an output member. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes data acquisition from the output shaft torque sensor, commanding a hydraulic fluid pressure pulse time and a pressure pulse value to engage a first torque-transmitting mechanism, calculating a rate-of-change of a first data output from the output shaft torque sensor, calculating a rate-of-change of a second data output from the output shaft torque sensor, comparing the results of the rate-of-change calculations and adjusting the hydraulic fluid pressure pulse time and a pressure pulse value if the rate of change of the second data output is not equal to the rate-of-change of the first data output.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes signaling a transmission to shift into a first gear ratio and sensing a current gear ratio of the transmission after signaling the transmission to shift into the first gear ratio. The method further includes implementing a diagnostic transmission shift control strategy to override a normal transmission shift control strategy when the current sensed gear ratio is not equal to the requested first gear ratio to verify proper functionality of a mode control valve that is responsible for shifting the transmission into the first gear ratio.

Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, directed to a system and method to encourage seat belt use among all passengers in a vehicle. The system and method use media driver and entertainment devices to reward seat belt usage in all seating positions.

Abstract: A device and method for tensioning a vehicle seatbelt are disclosed. The device has a motor, a pulley, a first cable, and a seatbelt buckle. The motor has a motor output for transferring rotational energy developed in the motor. The pulley is in communication with the motor output for receiving the rotational energy developed in the motor. The first cable has first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the pulley. The seatbelt buckle is coupled to the second end of the cable. The rotation of the pulley causes movement of the seatbelt buckle.

Abstract: When a seat belt 14 is unfastened, reactive force against treading pressure on the accelerator pedal is enhanced by a pedal reactive force enhancer 10 even if a driver tries to drive a vehicle by turning on an ignition switch 18 and pressing on the accelerator pedal. Thus, it is possible to prompt the driver to fasten the seat belt. When the seat belt is unfastened in an emergency, although the reactive force against treading pressure on the accelerator pedal is enhanced, the driver can drive the vehicle by pressing the accelerator pedal harder. In this way, the driver can deal with such emergency.

Abstract: A control lever safety apparatus for preventing operation of a work apparatus when a control lever is operated or touched in an equipment started state has a safety lever and consol box tilting lever rotatably fixed to a first support in which a consol box is fixed, an operation switch assembly connected with the consol box tilting lever on a link movement method to support the safety lever in a horizontal direction and tilt the safety lever in a lower direction when the consol box tilting lever is rotated for thereby disconnecting power, and a latch assembly connected with the operation switch assembly on a link movement method to tilt the consol box in an upper direction when the consol box tilting lever is rotated for also thereby disconnecting the power.

Abstract: The invention discloses an assembly and method of controlling the use of an automobile while encouraging the use of occupant restraints (12). The assembly consists of an actuator (16) that blocks the movement of the shift mechanism (10) until occupant restraint sensors (14) detect the occupant restraints (12) in the fastened positions or the expiration of the predetermined time. The length of the predetermined time must be long enough to frustrate the operator to fasten the occupant restraint (12). The predetermined time of blocking may be zero after the a pattern of consistent fastening of the restraint is established, with the blocking being reinstated if the pattern is broken by an unfastened restraint.

Abstract: A seat belt shifter lock microprocessor system is used with a vehicle having an automatic transmission for preventing the shifting from park gear position into a moving gear position of the vehicle until the driver and all passengers are properly secured into their seats and the driver depresses the brake.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor is capable of winding a seatbelt webbing on a spool driven by a spring and a motor. The seatbelt retractor includes a motor-power transmission device for controlling a motor-power transmission path to turn on and off transmission of motor power to the spool. The motor-power transmission device turns on only when the motor rotates in the belt winding direction to connect the motor-power transmission path and transmit the motor power to the spool. After a specific period of time since a buckle-releasing signal detecting release of a tongue from a buckle is received from a buckle switch, the motor control device rotates the motor in the belt winding direction. When a winding speed of the seatbelt webbing by the spring becomes less than a constant value, the motor-power transmission device is set to turn on so as to connect the motor-power transmission path.

Abstract: An apparatus to ensure use of seat belts in motor vehicles comprises a first transmitter transmits a signal when a seat is occupied. A second transmitter transmits a signal that such seat belt is unlatched or latched. A third transmitter receives such signal and transmits a signal when such seat belt is latched but does not encircle such occupant. A fourth transmitter receives the signal indicating a seat is occupied enabling it to transmit a signal when it is activated by also receiving the signal indicating that such seat belt corresponding to an occupied seat is unlatched and the signal that such seat belt is latched but does not encircle such occupant. A disabling unit is connected to receive the signal, for preventing gear engagement when it receives the signal indicating a seat belt corresponding to an occupied seat is unlatched and latched but does not encircle such passenger.

Abstract: A system (20) comprising a buckle presenter (100) and/or a tongue presenter (200) and mechanism to activate and control each presenter. The buckle presenter and tongue presenter (200) are used to respectively move a seat belt buckle (26) and a corresponding tongue (24) from a stowed position to activated positions generally in front of the occupant to make the process of inserting the tongue into the buckle more convenient.

Abstract: The invention discloses an assembly and method of controlling the use of an automobile while encouraging the use of occupant restraints (12). The assembly consists of an actuator (16) that blocks the movement of the shift mechanism (10) until occupant restraint sensors (14) detect the occupant restraints (12) in the fastened positions or the expiration of the predetermined time. The length of the predetermined time must be long enough to frustrate the operator to fasten the occupant restraint (12). The predetermined time of blocking may be zero after the a pattern of consistent fastening of the restraint is established, with the blocking being reinstated if the pattern is broken by an unfastened restraint.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a belt spool, at least one locking member which at least largely prevents a belt spool rotation in the case of restraint, and a force limiter. The force limiter opposes a defined force to a rotation of the belt spool on unwinding of the safety belt. Furthermore, a blocking mechanism and an adjusting element for the blocking mechanism are provided. The blocking mechanism is able to be moved by the adjusting element at least partially toward a blocking position. In the blocking position, the blocking mechanism deactivates the force limiter. After a primary impact, a non-used force limiter is force transmitting, or the force limiter or force limiters are deactivated.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system requiring seat belt use including a car seat positioned within the vehicle. The car seat has a seat portion and a back portion. A seat belt is coupled with respect to the car seat. The seat belt is comprised of a shoulder harness and a waist belt together joined with a belt buckle. The seat belt includes a buckle receptacle secured to the seat portion for receiving the belt buckle in a locked orientation. The buckle receptacle includes a release button for releasing the belt buckle from the buckle receptacle in an unlocked orientation. A sensor system is disposed within the vehicle. The sensor system includes a main sensor in communication with the transmission of the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly and method of controlling the use of an automobile while encouraging the use of occupant restraints (12) including a switch (18) that moves an actuator (16) to and from a blocked position. The actuator (16) blocks the movement of the shift mechanism (10) until occupant restraint sensors (14) detect the occupant restraints (12) in the fastened positions or the expiration of the predetermined time. The predetermined time can begin at a variety of points during the method. The length of the predetermined time also varies based upon which seats in the vehicle are occupied and the weight of the passengers. The length of the predetermined time must be long enough to frustrate the operator to fasten the occupant restraint (12).

Abstract: A method is indicated according to which the triggering of a restraining device or devices in a vehicle can be adjusted to specific characteristics of the vehicle involved in the impending crash in such a way as to furnish optimum protection for the vehicle occupants. To this end, before a crash between two vehicles, each vehicle transmits data concerning its own vehicle-specific characteristics that can affect the course of the crash, and each vehicle receives the vehicle-specific data transmitted by the other vehicle and derives from them control data for triggering its restraining device or devices.

Abstract: A control system on a power machine which includes a first sensor sensing a first operating condition and providing a first sensor signal. An operator actuable override mechanism provides an override signal in response to actuation thereof. A controller is coupled to the first sensor, a power circuit, a traction lockout mechanism, and the override mechanism. The controller is configured to instate a lockout condition in response to the first sensor signal. The controller selectively overrides the lockout condition based on the override signal, and the first sensor signal.

Abstract: A loader includes a vehicle body with a canopy and a seat, a hydraulically operated working implement and a hydraulic control valve unit for controlling flow of working fluid to and from the working implement. Mounted to the canopy of the vehicle body is a seat bar for swinging movement between a lowered position in which an operator is secured to the seat and a raised position in which the operator is released from the seat. A pedal with a dog plate is operatively associated with the control valve unit and tiltable about a horizontal axis between an operative position wherein the control valve unit allows the fluid to be fed to the working implement and a neutral position wherein the control valve unit inhibits delivery of the fluid to the working implement.

Abstract: An interlock control system for controlling certain operations of a work machine wherein such system includes a first switch coupled to an operator restraint mechanism, a second switch coupled to the operator seat, a third switch operable to control the operation of the parking brake mechanism, and an electronic controller coupled to all three switches for receiving signals therefrom, the controller outputting a signal to enable the drive mechanism and the implement control system when the controller receives signals from the first, second and third switches indicative of the fact that the operator is present in the seat, the operator restraint mechanism is positioned in its restraining position, and the parking brake switch has been actuated to release the parking brake. With the drive mechanism and implement control system enabled, a second activation of the parking brake switch will disable the drive mechanism and set the parking brake, but it will not disable the implement control system.

Abstract: A loader includes a seat bar swingable between a lowered, operator protective position and a raised, non-protective position. A pedal is movable between an operative position and a neutral position and has a plate member with a slot opened at it's top end. A pedal side crank is provided adjacent the pedal for rotation between a locking position and an unlocking position. Normally biased into the locking position, the pedal side crank has a lug member and is operatively coupled to the seat bar by virtue of a connecting rod and a seat bar side crank. Movement into the raised position of the seat bar causes the lug member of the pedal side crank to engage with the slot of the plate member of the pedal, thus locking the pedal in the neutral position.

Abstract: An apparatus controls operation of a power machine which has a frame, a seat supported by the frame, wheels supporting the frame, a drive mechanism for driving the wheels, a lift arm structure manipulated by power actuators, and a power circuit for controlling the actuators. An occupancy sensor is coupled to the power machine for providing an occupancy signal indicative of occupancy in the seat. A traction lockout mechanism locks the drive mechanism to preclude the drive mechanism from driving the wheels. A controller is coupled to the occupancy sensor, the traction lockout device and the power lockout device and controls the traction lockout device and power lockout device based upon the input from the occupancy sensor. A display is coupled to the controller for displaying the indicia indicative of an operational state based on a display output signal provided by the controller.

Abstract: A foot pedal locking device for cargo-handling vehicles, for preventing cargo-handling equipment of the vehicle from starting if an operator accidentally steps on a foot pedal when getting off the vehicle. An operating means, when operated by the operator, works to move a restricting means on the basis of a detection signal from a detecting means for detecting the state of utilization of the cargo-handling vehicle, thus locking or unlocking the foot pedal. Furthermore, the foot pedal locking device has a restraining means which can be switched between a restraining position where the operator occupying a seat is restrained and a waiting position where the restraining means does not interfere with the operator when he gets on or off the seat. With the switching operation of this restraining means from the restraining position to the waiting position, a lock control means forcibly operates the restricting means regardless of the operation of the operating means, thereby locking the rotation of the foot pedal.

Abstract: A passive safety seat belt system for an occupant on a seat of a motor vehicle having a frame and at least a door, comprises a first guide disposed on an outboard side of the seat secured to the frame below the door; a retractor adapted to move along the first guide between a first position behind the door and a second position in front of the door; a second guide disposed above the door; a buckle adapted to move along the second guide between a third position behind the door and a fourth position toward the front of the door; an anchor disposed inboard of the seat; a belt having a first end secured to the buckle, a second end operably secured to the retractor, and an intermediate portion operably secured to the anchor; a first drive operably associated with the retractor for positioning the retractor at the first and second positions; a second drive operably associated with the buckle for positioning the buckle at the third and fourth; whereby the belt secures the occupant to the seat when the retractor and

Abstract: A seat belt retractor comprises a take-up shaft which is spring biased in a belt retracting direction; a planetary gearing having a sun gear nonrotatably mounted to the take-up shaft, a ring gear and a planet pinion; a mechanical tensionless mechanism which prevents the planet pinion from orbiting in the same direction as the belt retracting direction; and a motor actuated slack control mechanism meshing with the ring gear, wherein the tensionless state is established by preventing the orbiting movement of the planet pinion and the slack control is effected by rotating the ring gear.

Abstract: A front end loader in the form of a skid-steer loader which includes a power operated working implement and control apparatus that has a plurality of operative positions for supplying power to the working implement and at least one neutral position where power cannot be supplied to the working implement. The control apparatus is capable of being manipulated by the operator of the loader to place the control apparatus in any one of the selected operative positions or the neutral position. An operator restraint member is mounted on the skid-steer loader and has an engaged position for securing the operator to the operator position during operation of the loader and a disengaged position to permit the operator to enter or leave the loader. A locking member is engaged with the control apparatus when the restraint member is in its disengaged position and is disengaged from the control apparatus when the restraint member is in its engaged position.

Abstract: An operator restraint member having two ends is pivotally mounted at each end to a skid-steer loader. The restraint member has an engaged position for securing the operator to the operator position during operation of the loader and a disengaged position to permit the operator to enter or leave the loader. A friction device is connected to one end of the restraint member to retain the restraint member in the rotative position selected by the operator until repositioned. An automatic lock-quick release latch is connected to the other end of the restraint member for selectively locking the seat bar in its engaged position. A locking assembly is engaged with the control apparatus when the restraint member is in its disengaged position and undergoes pivotal movement to become disengaged from the control apparatus when the restraint member is in its engaged position.

Abstract: A front end loader in the form of a skid-steer loader which includes a power operated working implement and control apparatus that has a plurality of operative positions for supplying power to the working implement and at least one neutral position where power cannot be supplied to the working implement. The control apparatus is capable of being manipulated by the operator of the loader to place the control apparatus in any one of the selected operative positions or the neutral position. An operator restraint member has two ends and is pivotally mounted on the skid-steer loader at one of its ends. The restraint member is swingably movable between an engaged position for securing the operator to the operator position during rough ride conditions and a disengaged position to permit the operator to enter or leave the loader. A latch is provided to selectively secure the restraint bar in the engaged position.

Abstract: A seat belt safety system for motor vehicles wherein all seat belts of the vehicle are elements of a common electrical circuit operative to control the drive system of the vehicle, but independent from the operation of the vehicle's engine, wherein an unbuckled seat belt in any occupied seat of the vehicle will automatically prevent putting the vehicle in motion, except in reverse gear or the lowest forward gear.