Abstract: A mode of transpiration type employing a plurality of inner-motorized omniwheel apparatus comprising at least one electric motor or an ignited fueled motor, and supported by a zero degree rotating motorized yoke having hydraulic actuation, and managed by control system modes that enables a said vehicle type to transport an operator, a passenger and cargo in any given manner, and powered by a battery array that is charged by an electrical grid source, and by a renewable energy power system.

Abstract: A vehicle including a controller with a steering input module and a brake input module is disclosed. The steering input module (11) has a mechanical interface to which the exchangeable operating elements (12) for steering the vehicle can be attached. The brake input module (21) has a mechanical interface with touchless sensors (211a, b), to which the exchangeable operating elements (22) for braking can be attached. Per the steering input module (11) and/or brake input module (21), at least one main controller board (131a, b, 231a, b, 321, 332) is provided. For the steering input module, the main controller board sets the individual parameters with respect to the steering angle and straight-ahead position of the exchangeable operating elements (12) for steering the vehicle. For the brake input module, the main controller board sets the individual parameters with respect to the brake distance of the exchangeable operating elements (22) for braking.

Abstract: An operator's station for a machine having at least two stations comprises a seat mounted to swivel between at least a first position and a second position, at least first and second windshield portions disposed generally opposed or at an angle to one another and generally corresponding to the first and second positions, and at least first and second windshield wipers movably mounted to selectively sweep the first and second windshield portions, respectively. At least one control device selectively renders the first windshield wiper selectively operable when the seat is disposed in the first position and inoperable when the seat is disposed in the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a lawn mower including a frame, a seat or operator station, one or more handles, and a suspension unit coupled between the frame and the seat or operator station. The lawn mower can include one or more pivot members with a first portion coupled to the frame at a pivot location forward of the seat or operator station and a second portion coupled to the seat or operator station. The one or more pivot members can allow the seat or operator station and the one or more handles to move with respect to the frame while the suspension unit absorbs a portion of shock caused by riding over the uneven terrain. The seat can be positioned at least partially between a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel and at least partially along a drive axis. 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.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: The control system 10 of the first preferred embodiment includes a user interface 12 with a first control 14 that designates a maximum bound of a sub-range of engine speeds and a second control 16 that designates a minimum bound of a sub-range of engine speeds. The control system 10 of the first preferred embodiment also includes a processor 18 connected to the engine and to the user interface 12 that functions to, based on the required power output of the vehicle system, select a discrete engine speed from the sub-range of engine speeds. The control system 10 of the first preferred embodiment was designed for controlling engine speed of a vehicle system having an engine and a required power output, but may be used in any suitable environment.

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.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes an operator compartment having a floor. A step is disposed in the operator compartment and spaced above the floor. A first deadman switch is disposed in the floor for actuation by an operator standing on the floor in the operator compartment. A second deadman switch is disposed in the step for actuation by an operator sitting in the operator compartment, wherein simultaneous actuation of the first deadman switch and the second deadman switch disables operation of both deadman switches.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural machine comprises a travel drive, a control element (46), able to be moved by the driver, for controlling the speed of travel of the machine, and at least one work-performing unit (2, 3, 5-13, 24, 27, 28) which, while the machine is travelling, can assume an active state and an inactive state as selected by the driver. The machine is set up to decide whether a movement of the control element (36) which is sensed is a regular control movement or an emergency stop movement, and to change the work-performing unit (2, 3, 5-13, 24, 27, 28) to the inactive state if it is decided that the movement sensed is an emergency stop movement.

Abstract: A controller controlling the drive mechanism of a powered industrial truck has two Hall effect sensors, which are located at a lateral distance from one another, and a source of lines of magnetic flux, which can be displaced relative to the Hall effect sensors when the controller is actuated, so that the magnetic flux density changes in the Hall effect sensors.

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.

Abstract: Multitask vehicles for military use, rescue, transport, and explosive detection and removal. In one embodiment, the multitask, motorized vehicle, includes: a vehicle body having a rigid frame with a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels mounted thereon; and a rotary mounting platform disposed on top of the vehicle body and which has a mounting portion being configured to interchangeably mount and remove various secondary systems or components, thereby permitting the multitask, motorized vehicle to change functions. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An operating device is provided for a vehicle, in particular for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle. The operating device comprises a manually actuatable control lever. The control lever is used to adjust or modify the speed of the vehicle. The control lever is adjustable in a longitudinal direction, in order to adjust the speed of the vehicle. An implement with which at least one working function may be performed may be fitted to the vehicle. In order to enable ergonomic operation, it is proposed that the control lever comprise at least one operating element, with which the implement may be driven, and that the operating element be arranged so as to be movable together with the control lever in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a steering column of a vehicle includes a steering column starting lock module, a functional module, and a support plate. The starting lock module has a lock element for fixedly connecting the steering column starting lock module to a steering column extending in an axial direction. The functional module has a guide groove extending in the axial direction. The starting lock module is connected to the support plate. The support plate is insertable along the axial direction into the guide groove of the functional module to connect with the functional module and thereby connect the functional module with the starting lock module such that the functional module is connected to the steering column via the starting lock module when the starting lock module is connected to the steering column.

Abstract: A golf cart actuating system includes a golf cart that includes a seat assembly vertically spaced from a foot rest wall. A support wall extends between the foot rest wall and the seat portion. A direction rod extends through the support wall. The direction rod is rotated to a first position to select forward movement and rotated to a second position to select rearward movement. A bracket is attached to the foot rest wall. A pivot member is pivotably coupled to the bracket. A crank is attached to the direction rod. A lifting post is attached to and extends between the crank and the pivot member. A control post is attached to and extends upwardly from the pivot member. Movement of the control post away from or toward the seat assembly alternates the direction rod from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A riding mower has a frame supported by a plurality of wheels including a pair of front drive wheels covered by front fenders. A plurality of cutting units are arranged in advance of the frame. The operator sits on a seat atop the frame at the front of the frame. The operator mounts and dismounts the seat from behind the front fenders and the front wheel and not from the front, access to the seat from the front being prevented by the placement of the cutting units. A pivotal armrest along one side of the seat normally blocks access to the seat from that side. However, the armrest can be pivoted to a raised position in which it clears the seat to allow the operator to reach the seat from that side of the seat.

Abstract: A tiller head with a switch arrangement for operating a lifting mechanism of a forklift includes an operating element mounted on the tiller head, where the operating element has an actuator, and a magnetic field sensor operatively connected with the actuator without contact so that the magnetic field sensor's electrical characteristic varies when the operating element is actuated. The actuator includes magnetic field sources arranged on both sides of the magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor and the magnetic field sources being arranged so that magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic field sources pass through the magnetic field sensor. The operating element comprises a rocker switch that pivots about an axis on the tiller head, the rocker switch having a recess which extends transversely to an operating direction defined by the axis and into which the magnetic sensor extends.

Abstract: Calibration of an FNR lever, wherein signal outputs as the FNR lever is transitioned to and from the neutral position and through a range of positions, are determined. It is then determined whether the values are within expected norms. If not, a fault condition exists. The operator is also prompted to input acknowledgments when the FNR lever is at the fully rearward and forward positions. Signal values outputted by a neutral switch are sensed when the lever is initially moved to the neutral position, and at a predetermined time thereafter, to test a propulsion enable or latch relay which is to provide a predetermined output for a predetermined time after the lever moves into the neutral position, for transitioning of the system to neutral operation.

Abstract: In a remote control system, the remote control of a vehicle function is executed. The remote control system includes a control terminal and a cancellation device. The control terminal transmits a request for the remote control of the vehicle function to a vehicle. The cancellation device cancels the remote control of the vehicle function if the local control of the vehicle function is requested before the remote control of the vehicle function is executed according to the request for the remote control.

Abstract: A crop sprayer, including: a chassis; a number of wheels which support the chassis; an engine for driving at least one of the number of wheels so as to propel said chassis; a chemical receptacle, supported by the chassis, for receiving and holding a chemical solution therein; a boom arm mounted to the chassis including a plurality of nozzles operable for dispersing chemicals; a control handle for controlling the position of the boom arm and the dispersion of the chemicals through at least a portion of the plurality of nozzles, wherein the control handle has an adjustable position to accommodate various size operators.

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.

Abstract: A driving operation device includes an input portion, an output portion and a form modifying portion that transmits an amount of operation of the input portion to the output portion. The form modifying portion can modify an orientation of the input portion depending on a position of the output portion. This can maintain the input portion vertical or horizontal, for example. The form modifying portion also can modify a ratio of an amount of operation of the input portion to an amount of change in the output result based upon the position of the output portion.

Abstract: A machine employing controllable mounts and a method for controlling such mounts based on operator input are disclosed. The controllable mount may include a housing, a pin, rheological fluid within the housing and coils provided proximate to the rheological fluid. As current is applied to the coils, the apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid is increased, and in so doing so is the stiffness and damping of the controllable mount. Depending on various factors, the operator may want a particular level of feedback. For example, when fine grading, the operator may want to feel every vibration and thus the controllable mounts should be as stiff as possible. The present disclosure therefore provides the operator with the ability to select the desired level of feedback.

Abstract: In a hydraulic excavator wherein a control valve unit having a plurality of control valves in a united form and an operation pattern switching valve for switching from one to another among combined patterns of operating valves and control valves are disposed side by side in front and rear positions respectively within a valve accommodating space formed between an upper frame base plate and a floor plate in an upper rotating body, the operation pattern switching valve is inclined forwardly downward in a state in which its upper surface side including an operating lever thereof faces an operation port being formed to the floor plate.

Abstract: A method is described of operating a working machine which includes a body, a ground engaging structure, and a working arm carrying a working implement, and an operator control for operating hydraulic actuators for effecting operating functions of the machine, the operator control mounting an additional control which is controllable to operate at least one selected actuator for effecting a selected operating function, the additional control providing inputs to a control device which responds proportionally to operate the selected actuator, the method including controlling the additional control to operate the selected actuator, and with the additional control being controlled to provide an input to the control device to achieve a desired operation of the actuator, activating a memory mode whereby the control device memorises the input and continues to operate the selected actuator in accordance with the memorised input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to powered vehicles (e.g., lawn mowers) and, more particularly, to a velocity control system for use with such a vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a power source such as an internal combustion engine and one or more drive control levers incrementally movable between a neutral position and a maximum velocity position. The system may also include a velocity adjustment member and associated mechanism that permits changing of a ratio between control lever movement and velocity of associated drive members or wheels. Thus, the system may limit a maximum ground velocity of the vehicle while the drive control lever(s) are positioned in the maximum velocity position and while an output level of the power source is maintained at a constant level.

Abstract: An operator's seat for heavy equipment having optimized switch arrangements for controlling the equipment is provided, in which arrangements of various kinds of switches and components of operating devices that are frequently used by an operator in the seat due to the characteristic of the equipment are integrated within a radius that an operator's hand reaches (i.e. in a hand arm operation zone), and thus physical inconvenience and fatigue that the operator who repeatedly operates working devices for a long time suffers can be reduced.

Abstract: An accelerator operating device including a body fixed to a handlebar; an accelerator lever supported on the body so as to rotate freely around a predetermined axial line and that rotates between a close position and a maximum open position; a first return spring that returns the accelerator lever to the close position; and a load generation mechanism that generates a load on a rotational operating force of the accelerator lever by frictional resistance. The load generating mechanism includes a rotational slider arranged to freely rotate around the axial line that can be pressed and rotated by opening rotation of the accelerator lever; a slide receiving part formed in the body that allows the rotational slider to slide; a biasing spring that biases the rotational slider toward the slide receiving part; and a second return spring that returns the rotational slider to a rest position.

Abstract: Steering control apparatuses and methods for a vehicle are provided. A steering control apparatus can include a steering shaft drivingly linked to a pair of front wheels of a vehicle. A movable steering handle can also be provided and disposed about the steering shaft, with the steering handle being capable of selectively turning the pair of front wheels to direct the movement of the vehicle. A first and second brake clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging first and second drive wheels, respectively, can be provided. First and second brake clutch control levers can selectively control the first and second brake clutch mechanism, respectively, to engage and disengage the first and second drive wheels. The steering handle can include a coupling base.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle has a tilt-able platform, with walls on three sides and mounted to and supported by powered drive wheel portions of two motor scooters, one scooter at each side of the platform, and further supported by the front wheel assembly separated from one motor scooter and located at the front of the vehicle. The rear end of the platform has a tailgate. A handle on the platform is accessible to a wheelchair occupant to tilt the platform and fold the bottom-hinged tailgate downward to form a ramp so the wheelchair occupant can drive up the ramp and tilted platform to the front of the platform, returning it to level. Handle bars on the front wheel assembly are used for steering, and have throttle, horn, lights, turn signals, and braking controls for the wheelchair occupant to use while in the wheelchair to drive the vehicle on city and town streets and at speed ranges common to motor scooters.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle having an improved parking locking mechanism disposed within the housing of a transmission assembly. The parking locking mechanism includes a locking-lever guide disposed eccentrically about the axis of rotation of the shift drum and a locking lever having a body with an opening therein engaging the locking-lever guide. The guide and the opening constructed and arranged to cooperate with each other such that rotation of the shift drum moves the locking lever into locking engagement with one gear of the transmission.

Abstract: A ground engaging vehicle having a frame, a power unit connected to the frame, at least one ground traction device, a power transfer device directing power from the power unit to the at least one ground traction device. The control system controls the power transfer device. An input device accepts commands from an operator and provides a signal to the control system. The input device includes a first bracket, a second bracket pivotally connected to the first bracket and a joystick device connected to the first bracket.

Abstract: A neutral adjustment mechanism for dual lever steering controls. The dual lever steering controls include two levers that are each independently pivotable forward and reverse to drive a zero turning radius mower. The neutral adjustment mechanism includes a control pivot connected to each lever of the dual lever steering controls that pivots with forward and reverse pivoting of each lever. A steering link has a first end with an adjustment point, a ball joint adjacent the adjustment point connecting the steering link to the control pivot, and a second end pivotably connected to an input control lever of a hydrostatic transmission pump. An operator seat may be positioned over the steering links. Under the operator seat, adjustment access holes are provided for adjusting the steering links while the operator seat remains in place.

Abstract: A control console for a work machine having at least one work tool has a rest and a plurality of operator control devices. The plurality of operator control devices are adjustable relative to the rest and configured to control at least one function of the at least one work tool.

Abstract: A technique for controlling vehicle functions is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as an apparatus for controlling vehicle functions. Such an apparatus may comprise a support member configured to attach to a steering wheel of a vehicle, a switch assembly fixedly attached to the support member for electrically controlling functions of the vehicle, and a prosthetic steering device rotatably attached to the support member for manually controlling steering of the vehicle. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, such an apparatus may comprise a support member configured to attach to a steering wheel of a vehicle, and a prosthetic device rotatably attached to the support member for manually controlling steering of the vehicle, wherein the prosthetic device has a switch assembly for electrically controlling functions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A work vehicle with a working implement, comprising: a control lever 49 for controlling the working implement 3, the control lever being rockably disposed laterally of a driver's seat 16 mounted on a vehicle body 7; a control valve 52 disposed laterally of the vehicle body for controlling actuators 32, 44 that drive the working implement; and interlocking links 56, 57 for interlocking the control lever and spools 54, 55 of the control valve 52, and transmitting rocking of the control lever to the spools; wherein the control lever 49 and the spools 54, 55 are staggered transversely and longitudinally of the vehicle body 7, and the interlocking links 56, 57 are bent, one end of each interlocking link being connected to a first link connector 72, 68c connected to the control lever, the other end of each interlocking link being connected to a second link connector connected to one of the spools.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural machine comprises a travel drive, a control element (46), able to be moved by the driver, for controlling the speed of travel of the machine, and at least one work-performing unit (2, 3, 5-13, 24, 27, 28) which, while the machine is travelling, can assume an active state and an inactive state as selected by the driver. The machine is set up to decide whether a movement of the control element (36) which is sensed is a regular control movement or an emergency stop movement, and to change the work-performing unit (2, 3, 5-13, 24, 27, 28) to the inactive state if it is decided that the movement sensed is an emergency stop movement.

Abstract: An operating system for a tractor to which an implement is attachable, the operating system comprises: a steering wheel provided rearwardly of a hood that houses an engine located in a forward region of the tractor; a control panel provided rearwardly of the hood and adjacent the steering wheel; a center cover extending generally vertically below the steering wheel; an operation lever provided at a position laterally of the control panel; a valve unit with a pair of spools, the valve unit being located at a lower position with respect to the steering wheel and being covered by the center cover; a link mechanism that links the operation lever and the pair of spools, the link mechanism being covered by the center cover.

Abstract: A ZTR vehicle includes true or proper ZTR steering in the forward and reverse directions. The vehicle has independently driven locomotive drives that drive the wheels to provide mobility and steering to the vehicle. A steering wheel is included that pivots one of two steering input members that rotate to independently shift the drive units. A speed and direction pedal is also included, which is communicated to provide direction and magnitude input to the drive units. The steering input and speed and direction inputs coordinate propelling the vehicle such the vehicle turns in the same direction when traveling forward as well as in reverse.

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.

Abstract: A battery is arranged outside a compartment. A service plug is arranged in the compartment. The service plug is a shutoff device that can shut off an output path of the battery by a manual operation. When a vehicle is hard hit at the front and a circuit of PCU is damaged, an excessive current may flow to the PCU, possibly generating heat or smoke from the PCU. When the vehicle goes wrong, a person on board the vehicle may pull out the service plug, whereby the power supply path from battery to PCU can be shut off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control console assembly with a hand rest. There is a need for a control console hand rest which reduces the possibility of unintentional throttle control lever movement. A throttle control lever projects above a console deck. A dome projects from the deck. The lever projects through a slot in a center portion of the dome. The center portion and a first side portion of the dome are connected together by a side wall which faces towards the center portion and lies in a vertical plane. A thumb-receiving recess is formed in a second side portion adjacent to the slot. The deck includes an upper deck and a lower deck. A depression formed by a finger of the lower deck extends around an end of the first portion and is bordered by a side wall. The depression can receive and support part of an operator's hand.

Abstract: Described is a method of installing a cruise control on a motorcycle. A throttle member of the motorcycle is initially maintained with an installation fixture. The installation fixture may be a cube having six different sized bores to accommodate different sized throttle members. The cruise control is situated to encircle the throttle member and affixed with attachment means (e.g., screws). The throttle member is then attached or reattached to the handlebar thereby allowing the cruise control to control the motorcycle's speed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a foot-operated accessory pedal located on the floor area of a vehicle interior. The accessory pedal is depressible to activate one of a plurality of vehicle functions. Further included with the present invention is a hand-operated input device operative to assign which of the plurality of vehicle functions the accessory pedal will influence upon selective depressions. Moreover, a display unit is included operative to indicate which of the plurality of vehicle functions the accessory pedal is operative to influence.

Abstract: A control device for a construction machine according to the present invention is configured so that in the construction machine provided with an automatic stop function which automatically stops an engine by an engine controller upon a predetermined automatic stop condition being met, and a hydraulic lock function which sets a hydraulic actuator locked in an inactive state by a hydraulic lock controller, there is provided a restart switch, where after an automatic stop of the engine, when the restart switch is operated, a restart command is transmitted to the engine controller via a route independently of that of an engine switch and independently of a hydraulic unlock condition, and the engine is restarted.

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.

Abstract: A method is provided for dissipating power in a propelled machine having an electric drive system and a mechanical brake system. An inclination of the machine is determined. A speed of the machine is determined. A retarding requirement is determined based on the determined inclination and speed. A first portion of the retarding requirement is allocated to be met by the electric drive system, the first portion being less than or equal to a retarding capacity of the electric drive system. A second portion of the retarding requirement is allocated to be met by the mechanical brake system if the retarding requirement is greater than the retarding capacity of the electric drive system.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) such as a heavy-duty truck (10) has an operator cab and a body section. The truck (10) has controls that control operating parameters associated with the operator cab and controls that control operating parameters associated with the body section. The truck (10) has a control system (12) that integrates the controls for the operator cab and the controls for the body section.

Abstract: A loader control device for controlling a loader implement attached to a tractor is disposed in a position adjacent a driver's seat and does not obstruct the driver boarding or alighting from the tractor. For this purpose, the tractor includes a vehicle body; a loader implement detachably attached to a front part of the vehicle body; a driver's seat mounted on the vehicle body; a steering device disposed forwardly of the driver's seat; a step laid between the driver's seat and the steering device; rear wheel fenders at opposite lateral positions of the driver's seat; and a shifting unit disposed between the driver's seat and one of the rear wheel fenders; wherein a mounting unit for mounting a loader control device for controlling the loader implement is provided in a forward position of an upper surface of the one of the rear wheel fenders.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a vehicle combination including a towing vehicle and a trailer, includes determining at least one vehicle state variable describing the state of the vehicle from a comparison with an assigned nominal value. A correcting variable is produced, which is supplied to an actuator in the vehicle. The correcting variable acts upon a steering actuator in order to adjust the wheel steering angle.