Manually Actuated Controlling Devices Patents (Class 180/315)
  • Publication number: 20150060162
    Abstract: A standing wheelchair device includes a wheeled base for enabling the device to move on a supporting surface. A harness assembly includes a plurality of braces for attaching to parts of a body of a user of the device, at least some adjacent braces of being connected by joints. A lifting unit mounted on the base, supports a hip joint of the harness assembly, and is configured to raise or lower the hip joint. When the user is attached to the harness assembly and is in a sitting position, raising a height of the hip joint causes the user to assume a standing position. When the when the user is attached to the harness assembly and is in a standing position, lowering the hip joint causes the user to assume a sitting or reclining position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Amit GOFFER
  • Patent number: 8970363
    Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter to be worn on the wrist of the operator and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to the vehicle. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: James V. Kraimer, Jay G. Pollack, Timothy A. Wellman, Lewis H. Manci, Vernon W. Siefring, Mark E. Schumacher, Matthew M. Green, Anthony T. Castaneda
  • Patent number: 8960049
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vehicle brake system having a high degree of mounting freedom. The present vehicle brake system is configured in such a manner that an input device into which braking operation of the operator is inputted and a motor cylinder device which generates hydraulic brake pressure on the basis of an electric signal according to at least the braking operation are disposed so as to be separated from each other in the engine room partitioned in front of the dashboard. The vehicle brake system is characterized in that the input device is disposed behind a power device in such a manner that at least a part of the input device overlaps the power device in the front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Murayama, Takaaki Ohnishi, Toru Mabuchi, Kaoru Akahane, Kazuyoshi Akutsu, Tomoaki Kotaki, Takehiro Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 8950542
    Abstract: A system for driver-vehicle interaction has a soft key arrangement located on a steering wheel and a display key arrangement located on a dashboard and having a layout corresponding to that of the soft key arrangement. The vehicle has multiple function modes each of which has a set of selectable options in order to affect a behavior of the vehicle. Each function mode is associated with a respective layout of the display key arrangement in order to display the set of options. For each function mode layout, each display key is illustrates and corresponds to a selectable option for each soft key. Actuation of the soft key arrangement both commands changes between the function modes and selects among the available selectable options within the chosen function mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Mikael Gordh, Risto Vahtra
  • Patent number: 8942889
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for a vehicle having an onboard diagnostics connector and a connector interface connected to the onboard connector includes at least one external controller adapted for unfastenable connection to the connector interface; and at least one operator control connected to said at least one external controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Scott Crombez
  • Patent number: 8931586
    Abstract: A working vehicle includes a joy-stick lever which operates a front loader, and a main change lever etc., wherein a right side dashboard is located in the right side of the driver's seat, the forward end step part is located beside the steering wheel, and is provided with the joy-stick lever, a grip part of the main change lever is disposed at a lower position than the steering wheel, a grip part of the position lever is disposed at an outside position of the grip part of the main change lever on a plan view, and a grip part of the joy-stick lever is disposed at a front side position of the grip part of the main change lever on a plan view, and is disposed in a range of a height of the steering wheel on a side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Iseki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Wakino, Tomoo Kiyokawa, Satoru Kinoshita, Noboru Sagawa, Takanori Izutani
  • Patent number: 8925414
    Abstract: A device for inputting command signals to a marine vessel control system includes a lever that is selectively operable in a joystick mode and a lever mode. In the lever mode, the lever is confined to pivoting about a horizontal axis to thereby input throttle and shift commands to the control system. In the joystick mode, the lever is freely pivotable in all directions away from a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis to thereby input throttle, shift, and directional commands to the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: John I. S. Park, Steven J. Gonring
  • Patent number: 8905183
    Abstract: A contoured backrest for a material handling vehicle includes a support surface for supporting a vehicle operator, a rear surface facing away from the support surface, a top barrier ridge joining the support surface and the rear surface, a control module support extending upwardly from the rear surface and above the top barrier ridge, and a pocket formed in the control module support for receiving a control module. At least a portion of the pocket extends above the top barrier ridge to inhibit, restrict, and/or reduce inadvertent engagement with the control module as an operator enters, exits, and generally operates the material handling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Warner, Gregory W. Smiley, Thomas W. Confer
  • Patent number: 8857558
    Abstract: A zero-turn-radius mower includes a chassis, a pair of drive wheels for supporting the chassis above a ground surface, an engine, and a pair of transmissions or other drive mechanism for driving the drive wheels. A manually-moveable brake lever enables an operator to selectively brake the drive wheels and a manually-moveable bypass lever enables the operator to selectively engage bypass functions of the transmissions. The brake lever and the bypass lever are mechanically coupled such that engaging the brake lever causes the bypass lever to be engaged with the brake lever, but engaging the bypass lever does not cause the brake lever to be engaged. The brake lever and the bypass lever each including a locking mechanism that retains the respective lever in an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Swisher Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Samuel Poe
  • Publication number: 20140290201
    Abstract: An assist handle for assisting an operator with climbing on to, or off of, a ground maintenance vehicle such as a mower, and a ground maintenance vehicle incorporating the same. The assist handle includes, in one embodiment, a grip portion movable between a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, a platform such as a seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Todd A. Porter
  • Patent number: 8844657
    Abstract: A stand on mower includes a left foot pedal and a right foot pedal. Each foot pedal is spaced from the other and is dimensioned to support one of the operator's feet. Each foot pedal is biased to a neutral position generally parallel to a horizontal surface of a foot platform located generally between or behind a pair of traction drive wheels. The left foot pedal and the right foot pedal pivot independently forwardly and rearwardly to forward and reverse traction drive positions, and are connected to a pair of wheel motors respectively that rotate each of the traction drive wheels in either forward or reverse based on the traction drive positions of the foot pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Richard Hugo Clark
  • Publication number: 20140262592
    Abstract: A contoured backrest for a material handling vehicle includes a support surface for supporting a vehicle operator, a rear surface facing away from the support surface, a top barrier ridge joining the support surface and the rear surface, a control module support extending upwardly from the rear surface and above the top barrier ridge, and a pocket formed in the control module support for receiving a control module. At least a portion of the pocket extends above the top barrier ridge to inhibit, restrict, and/or reduce inadvertent engagement with the control module as an operator enters, exits, and generally operates the material handling vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Brian M. Warner, Gregory W. Smiley, Thomas W. Confer
  • Patent number: 8836485
    Abstract: A remote control system includes a mobile device and a receiver connected to a control target. The mobile device includes an input unit accepting user's input operation; an operation signal transmission unit wirelessly transmitting an operation signal corresponding to the input operation during the input operation; a frequency switching determination unit determining whether to switch the transmission frequency band from a first frequency band to a second frequency band based on at least any one of a manner of the input operation and a state of wireless communication; and a transmission frequency switching unit switching the transmission frequency band when the frequency switching determination unit determines to switch the transmission frequency band. The receiver includes an operation signal reception unit receiving the operation signal; and a control unit controlling the control target on the basis of the received operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroko Murakami, Hiroki Okada, Arinobu Kimura, Kazuhiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8820463
    Abstract: A power control system, and a method of controlling supplied power, to be used with heavy equipment, the power control system including a power source to provide a power signal to be used in a mechanical operation of the heavy equipment, a mechanical device to perform the mechanical operation in response to receiving the power signal, first and second manual controls to maneuver the mechanical device, and first and second safety switches respectively integrated with the first and second manual controls such that the power signal is only received by the mechanical device while both the first and second safety switches are actuated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Shane Phillips
  • Patent number: 8812210
    Abstract: The following are provided: an input device via which an operator inputs brake operations; a motor cylinder device that generates hydraulic brake pressure on the basis of electric signals based on said brake operations; and a VSA device that assists in stabilizing the behavior of the vehicle on the basis of the aforementioned hydraulic brake pressure generated by the motor cylinder device. Said input device, motor cylinder device, and VSA device are disposed, separated from each other, in an engine compartment partitioned off forwards of a dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Arata Inoue, Kenji Hattori, Kunimichi Hatano, Takaaki Ohnishi, Kazuaki Murayama, Kazuyoshi Akutsu, Kaoru Akahane, Makoto Sawai, Takehiro Horiuchi, Toru Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 8763746
    Abstract: A mounting structure of a handle switch device with which a panel can be replaced by manipulating fasteners for fastening two outer casings of the handle switch device together. A rear casing is temporarily mounted to an inner casing that is mounted to a handle pipe, engagement pieces of a design panel are inserted through through holes of a front casing, and the front and rear casings are fastened together by mounting screws, thereby completing assemblage of the handle switch device. To replace the design panel, the mounting screws are loosened to bring them into a half-engagement state and the front casing is displaced toward a driver side to disengage projection ribs of the inner casing from the through holes. Next, the design panel is dismounted from the front casing, a new design panel is mounted to the front casing, and the mounting screws are tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Denso Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tozuka, Shigeharu Nazu, Keisuke Hojo
  • Patent number: 8761980
    Abstract: A start support apparatus to be disposed in an electromotive vehicle includes a requested driving force calculation portion, the startable driving force calculation portion, and an indication portion. The requested driving force calculation portion calculates a requested driving force that is generated at a motor based on operation by a driver of the electromotive vehicle. The startable driving force calculation portion calculates a startable driving force that is required to be generated at the motor for starting the electromotive vehicle. The indication portion shows a degree of gap between the requested driving force and the startable driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yu Kimoto
  • Patent number: 8757315
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control system for a machine having a transmission. The control system includes an open gate shift pattern having a plurality of defined positions disposed within an outer perimeter. Each of the defined positions corresponds to one of a plurality of forward and reverse ranges of the transmission. A control lever is movably disposed within the shift pattern. A first set of defined positions is aligned in the shift pattern corresponding to the plurality of forward ranges and a second set of defined positions is aligned in the shift pattern corresponding to the plurality of reverse ranges. The control lever is moveable in a single movement to any of the plurality of defined positions for selecting between a forward range and reverse range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Giovanni Ananda Wuisan, Charles Jon Paul Asp, Nathan Joseph Hortsman, Ronald James Huber, Daniel Robert Klein, Jed Douglas Polzin, Brent Allen Smith
  • Patent number: 8672083
    Abstract: A tool can be attached to a vehicle key in the ignition switch of a vehicle and the operator can turn on the key, crank the engine, bump start, or turn off the engine. These operations can be performed while the operator is under the hood, for example, by operating a cable pull and release unit. The tool can be used to turn the ignition switch on to perform various diagnostic and vehicle lighting tests. The tool includes a hand held control unit that moves a cable within a housing when the handles of the control unit are squeezed from an initial position, toward each other. The cable causes a key turner to turn. A spring-loaded return mechanism causes the key turner to turn the key in reverse (in an off position) when the handles of the hand held control unit are moved back to the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tony Alan Lee
  • Patent number: 8640808
    Abstract: A motorcycle (10) has a foot-operated accelerator pedal (32) for operating the throttle (58) of the engine (12). The pedal (32) and an adjacent brake pedal (34) have shapes correlated to not interfere with each other when they are depressed. The pedals may be provided as original equipment, or retrofitted to an existing motorcycle that has a hand-operated throttle controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Edwin Dennis Kissick, Grant Spencer Manning, Joseph David Hill
  • Patent number: 8630771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for a steering system with electric power assistance, comprising a steering wheel, an electric power assist motor, an electric control unit, which includes a memory for storing digital data, a motor driver unit which based on a target engine torque that is delivered to the motor driver unit, determines and sends out electrical signals for controlling the electric power assist motor, at least one sensor device for determining a control variable introduced into the steering wheel, for example a manual torque, wherein in the control unit with the help of the control variable a preset value is determined for a engine torque of the power assist motor, characterized in that in the memory an upper threshold value for the target engine torque is stored and for a case A, in which the preset value exceeds the upper threshold value, the control unit sends out the upper threshold value as the target engine torque to the motor driver unit and in a case B, in which the preset value
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
    Inventors: Bernd Sternecker, Caroline Dannoehl, Roland Lohninger, Imre Szepessy, Adam Varga
  • Patent number: 8573350
    Abstract: A console assembly having a seal, such as a bead, operable to prevent water seeping though the opening from coming into contact with the electrical component is provided. A top panel of the console assembly includes an opening, and a stick shift disposed within the opening. The shifter housing is disposed within the center console is configured to hold an electrical component. An elongated member extends outwardly from the first shifter housing side wall towards the first cover wall. The seal is disposed above the electrical component. The seal is engaged between the first cover wall and the elongated member. A bead biases a portion of carpet against the side wall to retain the carpet in an upright position and prevent moisture from entering the shifter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Jeffrey John Pehler
  • Patent number: 8567550
    Abstract: Disclosed is a booster assembly for vehicles capable of reducing assembly time of a vehicle. The booster assembly includes a booster including a casing having a front shell and a rear shell sealingly coupled to each other and a hollow tube mounted through the casing, a master cylinder including a flange part coupled to the casing, and a mounting bolt inserted through the flange part and the tube in the casing to fix the booster and the master cylinder to a panel of a vehicle body. The tube has a clip slot formed by cutting a circumferential surface of an end portion thereof. The clip slot is coupled with a clip to firmly secure the mounting bolt to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Tae Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20130268145
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Robert R. Ambrogi
  • Patent number: 8522901
    Abstract: A dual steering system for zero turning radius lawn mowers is provided which enables those without effective use of their arms to drive and steer such lawn mowers. The system hereof may include respective left and right control pedals which are shiftably mounted to respective pedal supports coupled to the mower for use by the operator's legs, and respective linkages which operatively connect the pedals to left and right control levers operatively connected to the mower's drive wheels for causing the drive wheels to move in forward or rearward drive directions. By operating the control pedals alone or in combination with the control levers, the operator may move the zero turning radius mower forward, rearward, or steer it in a desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy A. VanLue
  • Patent number: 8505673
    Abstract: A control system for a saddle-type vehicle is provided. The control system includes a reverse lever, a hand brake lever, a throttle lever and at least one mount bracket. Each of the reverse lever, the hand brake lever and the throttle lever are pivotably coupled to the at least one mount bracket and the at least one mount bracket is configured to be connected to a first one of a right handlebar and a left handlebar of a saddle-type vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 8494733
    Abstract: A prime mover rotation speed control system for hydraulically driven vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover; a hydraulic motor for traveling driven with pressure oil supplied from the hydraulic pump; an operation member that outputs a travel command in accordance with an amount of operation by the operation member; a flow control device that controls one of a flow of the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor and a flow rate of the pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic motor, based on the travel command that is output in accordance with the amount of operation by the operation member; a target rotation number outputting device that outputs a target rotation number of the prime mover based on a command; a rotation number control device that controls a rotation number of the prime mover to be the target rotation number; a vehicle speed detection device that detects a vehicle speed; and a vehicle speed calculation device that calculates a target vehicle speed in acco
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Kodaka, Hidetoshi Satake, Youichi Kowatari, Yuuki Gotou, Kazuhiro Ichimura
  • Patent number: 8469138
    Abstract: A vehicle including a plurality of ground engaging propulsion devices and two foot actuated controls. The plurality of ground engaging propulsion devices include a first and a second ground engaging propulsion device. The first ground engaging propulsion device is associated with one side of the vehicle and the second ground engaging propulsion device is associated with an opposite side of the vehicle. The two foot actuated controls include a first and a second foot actuated control. The first foot actuated control is controlingly connected to the first ground engaging propulsion device. The second foot actuated control is controlingly connected to the second ground engaging propulsion device. The first foot actuated control includes a pedal, a footrest and a peg. The pedal is pivotally connected to the vehicle. The footrest extends from a side of the foot actuated control. The peg extends from the side of the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Adam J. Koehler
  • Patent number: 8439149
    Abstract: A brake equipment of the driver-seat-direction changeable vehicle includes: a driver-seat-direction detector configured to detect whether the driver seat is facing the one or the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body; a braking unit configured to brake one-side wheels, which are located closer to the one side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, and other-side wheels, which are located closer to the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, while controlling brake-force distribution between brake forces of the one-side wheels and the other-side wheels in such a manner that the brake-force distribution becomes a set brake-force distribution based on ideal brake-force distribution characteristics; and a switching unit configured to change the set brake-force distribution in accordance with the direction of the driver seat detected by the driver-seat-direction detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Tamura, Tomoki Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 8380402
    Abstract: Heavy equipment includes a main body, a drivetrain, a work implement, and a control system. The drivetrain includes a first and second actuator providing speed and direction movement of the heavy equipment. The work implement includes a third and fourth actuator providing position and orientation of the work implement. The control system includes first and second main interfaces and first and second auxiliary interfaces, to allows an operator to simultaneously control the drivetrain and the work implement. The first main interface is operated by a first hand of the operator, and the control system operates the third actuator responsive to a signal from the first main interface. The first auxiliary interface is integrated with the first main interface, and operates simultaneously with the first main interface by a finger of the first hand. The control system operates the first actuator responsive to a signal from the first auxiliary interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bucyrus Intl. Inc.
    Inventor: Lane C. Hobenshield
  • Publication number: 20120325575
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a controller for a wheelchair. The controller includes a joystick for controlling the speed and direction of the wheelchair. A housing of the controller has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface has a weight bearing portion configured to support a user's weight when the user places at least a portion of his or her hand on the weight bearing portion to facilitate entering or exiting the wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Invacare Coropration
    Inventor: Damon Jurkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8333258
    Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for use in an electric vehicle having a throttle input device. The throttle input device is operable by a rider for generating a throttle signal for controlling the speed of the electric vehicle. The control apparatus, which adjusts the throttle signal, includes a rider input mechanism and a control device. The rider input mechanism can be manipulated by the rider to provide a given input. The control device is coupled to the rider input mechanism and to the output of the throttle input device. The control device adjusts the throttle signal based on the given input provided by the rider input mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Brammo, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Wismann, Aaron Bland, Daniel M. Riegels, Lawrence O. Hilligoss, Craig A. Bramscher, Charles R. Lee
  • Patent number: 8276476
    Abstract: A joystick including a base portion, a grip portion extending from and pivotally attached to the base portion, and an offset control portion connected to the grip portion and offset from the grip portion such that the offset control portion moves with the grip portion relative to the base portion. A gap is provided between the offset control portion and the grip portion. The offset control portion includes an input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Amory R. Diccion
  • Patent number: 8261872
    Abstract: A work machine having an engine, a hydraulic system powered by the engine, a source of electrical power, and electrical systems which run on the electrical power includes an ignition system and a modular ignition switch keypad to control the ignition system. The modular ignition keypad is mounted to the work machine in the operator compartment and generates a latching output to control electrical power distribution to the electrical systems and to control ignition functions to turn on and turn off the engine. The modular ignition switch keypad includes a start user input, a run user input, a stop user input and latching logic circuitry providing the latching output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Shawn R. Vasichek, Scott R. Rossow
  • Publication number: 20120205180
    Abstract: Disclosed is a booster assembly for vehicles capable of reducing assembly time of a vehicle. The booster assembly includes a booster including a casing having a front shell and a rear shell sealingly coupled to each other and a hollow tube mounted through the casing, a master cylinder including a flange part coupled to the casing, and a mounting bolt inserted through the flange part and the tube in the casing to fix the booster and the master cylinder to a panel of a vehicle body. The tube has a clip slot formed by cutting a circumferential surface of an end portion thereof. The clip slot is coupled with a clip to firmly secure the mounting bolt to the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Tae Hwan KIM
  • Patent number: 8240420
    Abstract: A steering lever mechanism for a mower vehicle includes a lever assembly and a base which is fixed to the mower vehicle for mounting the lever assembly to the mower. The lever assembly includes a pivot assembly and a lever portion. The lever portion is pivotably mounted to the pivot assembly for rotation about a longitudinal axis between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pivot assembly is also pivotably mounted to the base for rotation of the pivot bracket portion and the lever portion about a transverse axis between a rear position, an intermediate neutral position and a forward position. A rotation measuring device is associated with the base and the pivot assembly for measuring the forward and rear rotation of the lever assembly. A sensor for activating parking breaks is also associated with the base for sensing the lever assembly when it is in the outboard position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan J. Bartel, Brian R. Funk
  • Patent number: 8235151
    Abstract: A return to neutral control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower is disclosed. The return to neutral control mechanism includes a pair of control levers pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions. A brake pedal is moveable between a disengaged position to an engaged position. In response to engagement of the brake pedal, a control pivot attached to each control lever moves each control lever to the neutral position. The return to neutral control mechanism may include a cam that rotates in response to engagement of the brake pedal, and a control pivot that follows the cam during engagement of the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dimitri Nunez, Franklin Patrick Lewis, Damon C. Green, Brad A. Hoffman, John W. Wall, Michael David, Curtis Ayers, Thomas G. Bartlett, William B. Lambeth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8225902
    Abstract: In a propulsion unit having a hydrostatic drive, a pair of pedals 14 are clamped to the axle 12 in such a manner as to be comfortably positioned for the feet of the operator. The angular position of each pedal 14 relative to the axle 12 may be adjusted such that the two pedals 14 may have different angular orientations if desired. One pedal 14 may be comfortably positioned for directing forward motion of the vehicle while the other may be more comfortable for reverse motion. Set screws 16 are accessed through holes 14a in pedals 14 from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Mark M. Kiviahde, James C. Schroeder, Harold D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8220577
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide outdoor power equipment including a frame, a seat and at least one leg support angled from a horizontal plane. The outdoor power equipment can include one or more handles, a suspension unit coupled between the frame and the seat. In some embodiments, the seat can be declined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the operator's upper torso leans forward at an angle with respect to a vertical plane when the operator is sitting on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Marshall, Matthew R. Hatch, Derrick R. Camenga, Joshua S. Williams, William J. Decker
  • Patent number: 8195366
    Abstract: A control system for controlling motion of a pallet truck vehicle includes three modes of operation for controlling coasting of the vehicle. In a first, constant pressure mode, the vehicle coasts for as long as an activation button is depressed. In a second, time controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined period of time. In the third, distance controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined distance. Each of these functions can be activated from a remote location using a remote activation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Paul P. McCabe, Douglas D Fett, Bryce A. Gregory
  • Patent number: 8172028
    Abstract: A vehicle driving control is provided. The vehicle driving control includes a dead man's system (VACMA) processing device and a lever arm capable of moving in a predetermined actuation direction with a handle. The handle is arranged at one end of the arm and includes an upper face, at least one lateral face, and a touch button which is electrically connected to the processing device. The touch button is located in the region of the lateral face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Alstrom Transport SA
    Inventors: Denis Miglianico, Jean-Michel Delemotte
  • Patent number: 8172029
    Abstract: A saddle-riding vehicle mounted with a V engine between a front wheel and a rear wheel, the V engine having a front cylinder portion extending obliquely forwardly and upwardly from a crankcase and a rear cylinder portion extending obliquely rearwardly and upwardly from the crankcase. A main switch is disposed between the front cylinder portion and the rear cylinder portion, and also an intake system is disposed between the front cylinder potion and the rear cylinder portion, wherein the main switch is fixed to the intake system. The main switch is disposed efficiently in terms of space utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenta Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8151928
    Abstract: An operator input assembly includes an operator input device. The operator input device includes a paddle and a leaf spring interfacing with the paddle so as to bias the paddle to a predetermined position. The paddle includes a region which interfaces with the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. States, Wolfgang Grabner, David J. Klas
  • Publication number: 20120067662
    Abstract: A drive assistance device for a wheelchair having a drive motor, a running wheel and a sensor device which is adapted to detect a driving force manually induced into the running wheel. A control unit which is adapted to control the drive motor for driving the running wheel depending on a driving force manually induced by the user into the running wheel has a user force determination operational mode in which the maximum force of the user can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Ulrich Alber GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Birmanns, Ralf Ledda, Bernd Engels, Paul-Gerhard Bitzer
  • Patent number: 8104566
    Abstract: A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly of the motor grader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Neil Vincent Harber, Nathan Joseph Horstman, Charles Jon Paul Asp, James Michael Frett, Martin Lavern Ruhter, Michael Eugene Kennedy, Darrel Jeffrey Rowan, Richard John Gotto, Richard Arnold Valenzuela, Josh Dean Graeve, Maurice Thomas Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 8100030
    Abstract: A joystick for controlling the functions of machines and/or vehicles comprises an actuator which can be moved in different directions by means of a joint having preferably two degrees of freedom, wherein the back-and-forth motions of the actuator occurring in a first plane are subjected to an active force feedback in the form of an electromotor and a reduction gear, and the back-and-forth movement of the actuator which occurs in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane is subjected to a passive force feedback in the form of a sprung reset device. In order to make such a joystick which allows for a low-cost serial production, the invention proposes that the reduction gear is designed with low backlash and is connected on the output side to the actuator via a preferably leaf-spring assembly which connects a swing arm to a joint part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: CoActive Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Henning Koschke, Thomas Goebelt, Michael Cemerika, Christian Buchhold-Tomazic, Joachim Meyer-Quade
  • Patent number: 8100218
    Abstract: A steering and engine speed control mechanism for operating a vehicle. The control mechanism has a control handle mounted on the vehicle. The control handle is configured to deflect about an axis by movement of an operator's hand. A steering direction of the vehicle is related to a deflection angle of the control handle about the axis. An actuating element for changing the speed of the engine of the vehicle is attached to the control handle and is conveniently movable by an operator's digit to a plurality of positions to effect the desired speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Michael D. Case, Joseph M. Biggerstaff, William Ryan Haar, Tim Newlin, Eric Potter
  • Patent number: 8100217
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a vehicle that includes a hand control system that allows for vehicle acceleration and braking by using hand controls. The hand controls are electronically connected to vehicle controllers, which electronically control the propulsion system and brake system. The hand controls do not mechanically manipulate the accelerator and brake pedals and so can be easily removed from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dale S. Crombez
  • Patent number: 8033354
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide outdoor power equipment including a frame, a seat and at least one leg support angled from a horizontal plane. The outdoor power equipment can include one or more handles, a suspension unit coupled between the frame and the seat. In some embodiments, the seat can be declined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the operator's upper torso leans forward at an angle with respect to a vertical plane when the operator is sitting on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Marshall, Matthew R. Hatch, Derrick R. Camenga, Joshua S. Williams, William J. Decker
  • Publication number: 20110168478
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interface apparatus for manipulating a wheelchair which is capable of controlling the translation/rotation of the wheelchair by means of a pair of sliding mechanisms. In addition, there is at least one physiological sensor being disposed on each sliding mechanism for detecting physiological status of a user sitting on the wheelchair so as to monitor the bio-status of the user via a closed bio-potential circuit. The pair of sliding mechanisms are disposed respectively on their corresponding arm rest of the wheelchair so that the user can manipulating the wheelchair by two hands grasping the corresponding sliding mechanism while the physiological sensor can detect the physiological status of the user. With the aforesaid apparatus and wheelchair, it not only can provide a directly operating way with human-factor concerns but can also monitor the physiological status of the user so as to improve the safety in manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: CHUNG-HSIEN KUO, Kuo-Wei Chiu, Yang-Hua Lin