Abstract: A method controls the reverse speed of a materials-handling vehicle having a forward-facing operator seat, a front end, a back end, a reverse-consent sensor, and a controller. The method detects, via the reverse-consent sensor, whether an operator of the vehicle is in a position to view a path of the vehicle when the vehicle is driven in a reverse direction; limits, via the controller, the reverse speed of the vehicle to a first maximum reverse speed when the operator is not detected to be in such a position when the vehicle is driven in a reverse direction; and limits, via the controller, the reverse speed of the vehicle to a second maximum reverse speed when the operator is detected to be in such a position. The first maximum reverse speed of the vehicle may be lower than the second maximum reverse speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fuel-fired device can include an air-moving device that mixes air and a fuel to generate a fuel-air mixture. The fuel-fired device can also include an air box that provides the air to the air-moving device, and a fuel valve that provides the fuel to the air-moving device, where the fuel valve includes a tracking port coupled to the air box, where the tracking port detects a pressure of the air box. The fuel-fired device can further provide a pressure-regulating device disposed between a pressurized component and the tracking port of the fuel valve. The flow regulating device can control, during an ignition phase of operation, an amount of the fuel provided by the fuel valve to the air-moving device.

Abstract: To reduce load on the operator and to establish traveling stability in the steering operation of a construction machine that has a pair of right and left traveling devices, and an engine as a driving power to the right and left traveling devices, a controller is provided which is responsive to a switch for traveling to drive or stop both a right and a left traveling devices. A switch for steering causes the controller to change the direction of travel of the construction machine, and the controller also acts to reduce the engine speed in accordance with the operation amount of the switch for steering.

Abstract: A steering wheel actuator mechanism includes a frame assembly and a rotating assembly. The frame assembly is attached to a steering wheel column and the rotating assembly is attached around the steering wheel column and over the frame assembly. In one example, the frame assembly and the rotating assembly can be located around the steering wheel column without removing the steering wheel. The rotating assembly is inserted down into an opening formed in the frame assembly and rotationally engaged with a motor housed in the frame assembly. Actuators are attached to the rotating assembly and positioned to extend upwards through the steering wheel next to spokes in the steering wheel. The rotating assembly causes the actuators to move the spokes and rotate the steering wheel.

Abstract: A velocity control mechanism for a vehicle operable to move in a forward direction and a rearward direction. The velocity control mechanism includes an acceleration control mode operable to accelerate the vehicle in one of the forward direction and the rearward direction, a velocity control mode operable to control a velocity of the vehicle in one of the forward and the rearward direction, and an intermediate control mode positioned between the acceleration control mode and the velocity control mode. An actuator is moveable between the acceleration control mode and the velocity control mode and is biased into the intermediate control mode.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wall having a cylindrical shape and surrounding a passenger compartment. The vehicle includes a table in the passenger compartment, a circular track fixed in the compartment and extending around the table, and a plurality of seats mounted to and independently slidable along the track.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a device and a system for retrofitting a vehicle for unmanned operation. The system can have a navigation computer that can provide commands to a plurality of actuators for manipulating the onboard controls of a vehicle. The navigation computer can receive input from one or more remote operators and from a variety of sensors. The plurality of actuators can include a steering actuator that surrounds a steering column or a steering column housing to engage with a steering wheel of the vehicle. The steering actuator can have tongs that engage the steering wheel. The tongs can be coupled to an inner gear ring that can rotate within an outer housing of the steering actuator. Rotation of the tongs can interact with and move the steering wheel in response to commands from the navigation computer.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for the transmissions of industrial and agricultural vehicles. The circuit comprises a feed pump driven by an internal combustion engine; a lubricating circuit; a main pressure regulator capable of bringing about a first change in the pressure of the working fluid in the circuit, this change in pressure being capable of regulation in relation to a first regulation pressure; a maximum pressure regulator for the lubrication circuit capable of bringing about a second change in pressure of the working fluid depending upon a second regulating pressure; and means for regulating regulation of the first and second regulating pressures.

Abstract: A steering column comprises (a) an upper column assembly and (b) a bevel gear box assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly to form an integrated structure. The bevel gear box assembly also is operatively coupled to the upper column assembly such that rotational movement is transferred from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly.

Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for controlling a motor vehicle drive train equipped with at least one drive motor, a torque converter, an automatic transmission and at least one electronic drive control device. In the drive control device, a function module is implemented for carrying out a creep control. This creep control can be activated independently of a brake actuation, when the actual rotational speed of the driving motor is greater than a defined desired rotational speed of the driving motor, and when the actual rotational speed of the driving motor cannot be reduced because of at least one defined condition as the minimally possible rotational speed of the driving motor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an operator station, a propulsion system, a steering system a hitch, and a vehicle positioning system. The positioning system includes positioning controls outside the operator station of the vehicle and adjacent to the hitch, such as on a rear fender. The positioning controls include a forward switch, a reverse switch, a left switch and a right switch. A controller is connected to the positioning controls, to the propulsion and steering systems. The controller moves the vehicle forward or rearward in response to actuation of the forward or reverse switches. The controller operates the steering system in response to actuation of the left or right switches. The steering system may include a brake control valve which brakes one of a pair of driven wheels while the other driven wheel is rotating. The steering system may include a steering control valve which is operable to turn steerable wheels.

Abstract: This invention relates to construction machinery or a utility vehicle with at least one vehicle cabin or at least one driver's cab with a first seat with first control devices for a first operator, from which all of the essential driving and/or operating functions of the utility vehicle/construction machinery can be controlled. At least one second seat with second control devices for a second operator is provided in the vehicle cabin/the driver's cab in accordance with the invention, from which all of the essential driving and/or operating functions of the utility vehicle/construction machinery can likewise be controlled, including a steering function for the vehicle. Control elements are provided by means of which a higher standing is assigned to the second control devices when the first and second control devices are simultaneously actuated, so that the second control devices override the first control devices.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first control configured to operate the vehicle from a first operator position facing a front of the vehicle and a second control configured to operate the vehicle from a second operator position facing a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor configured to monitor for an operator presence in the first operator position or the second operator position and receive a vehicle operating request, wherein the operator presence is monitored independent of receiving the vehicle operating request. The processor is further configured to enable either the first control or the second control and select a vehicle operating parameter associated with the vehicle operating request, wherein the vehicle operating parameter varies according to which control is enabled.

Abstract: This invention relates to construction machinery or a utility vehicle with at least one vehicle cabin or at least one driver's cab with a first seat with first control devices for a first operator, from which all of the essential driving and/or operating functions of the utility vehicle/construction machinery can be controlled. At least one second seat with second control devices for a second operator is provided in the vehicle cabin/the driver's cab in accordance with the invention, from which all of the essential driving and/or operating functions of the utility vehicle/construction machinery can likewise be controlled, including a steering function for the vehicle. Control elements are provided by means of which a higher standing is assigned to the second control devices when the first and second control devices are simultaneously actuated, so that the second control devices override the first control devices.

Abstract: A charge pressure reduction circuit for a loader backhoe in which a directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a system pressure high enough to adequately supply a clutch circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is operating in a loader or transport mode. The directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a lower pressure as, for example, required for a lubrication circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is in a backhoe operating mode.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first control configured to operate the vehicle from a first operator position facing a front of the vehicle and a second control configured to operate the vehicle from a second operator position facing a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor configured to monitor for an operator presence in the first operator position or the second operator position and receive a vehicle operating request, wherein the operator presence is monitored independent of receiving the vehicle operating request. The processor is further configured to enable either the first control or the second control and select a vehicle operating parameter associated with the vehicle operating request, wherein the vehicle operating parameter varies according to which control is enabled.

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.

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 tractor ground positioning system includes ground positioning controls outside of an operator station of the tractor that can be actuated by an operator while maintaining contact with the tractor to move the tractor forward or reverse to connect an implement. A controller commands the tractor to move at a desired ground speed only while the operator continues actuating the controls.

Abstract: An electronic steering assembly is disclosed for a dual motor vehicle having a first and a second motor for driving a first and a second drive wheel. The electronic steering assembly comprises a handlebar rotatably mounted relative to a base. A sensor senses the rotational position of the handlebar relative to the base. A control is interposed between the sensor and the first and second motors for powering the first and second motors in accordance with the rotational position of the handlebars for steering the dual motor vehicle through the rotational movement of the handlebar.

Abstract: A work vehicle operable in a rearward facing position using a simple construction is disclosed. The work vehicle includes a hydrostatic stepless change speed device for transmitting power from an engine to a traveling device, a change speed pedal mechanism operable in a forward facing position for changing speeds in the hydrostatic stepless change speed device, and a travel-control lever provided at a rear position of a vehicle body and operable in the rearward facing position. The travel-control lever and the change speed pedal mechanism are linked to each other through a mechanical interlocking mechanism so as to control the hydrostatic stepless change speed device by the travel-control lever through the change speed pedal mechanism.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes an operator compartment having two operator control handles, a deadman switch accessible by an operator using either control handle, and a traction system. The traction system is controlled by the control handles to drive the vehicle in a selected direction, wherein an operator can control the traction system while facing one of the selected directions and the deadman switch is selectively activatable to enable operation from both control handles.

Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes two control station locations. One location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on one side of a ditch, and the other location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on an opposite side of the ditch. Another pipeline padding machine includes a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a material conditioning assembly for conditioning the material. Another pipeline padding machine includes a main frame attached to a transport assembly for transporting the machine, a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a cutting edge for cutting through the material prior to the material being elevated by the escalator assembly. The escalator assembly is pivotable relative to the main frame, and the cutting edge is pivotable relative to the escalator assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transmission and steering system of a double-head vehicle, comprising a first steering wheel; a front wheel group; a first signal acquisition and transceiver device which can output steering information according to the steering angle of the first steering wheel; a first motor group; a second signal acquisition and transceiver device which can receive the steering information output from the first signal acquisition and transceiver device; a rear wheel group; and a second motor group; such that through the aforementioned structure, when the first steering wheel is turned, the first motor group may be controlled by the first steering wheel to drive the front wheel group to turn and in the mean time, the second signal acquisition and transceiver device may receive the steering information and transmit it to the second motor group to drive the rear wheel group.

Abstract: A control assembly for an industrial vehicle is herein disclosed as including a first control arm oriented in a substantially upright position, and a second control arm extending from the first control arm in a reclined position. The first control arm is operable to control a speed of the vehicle from a first operator position, and the second control arm operable to control the speed of the vehicle from a second operator position oriented opposite the first operator position.

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: A creep steering control system for a utility vehicle is operable from a rearward-facing position. The creep steering control system includes a pivotable actuator alongside a rearward-facing seat that provides electronic output based on the position of the actuator. A linkage is provided between the pivotable actuator and steering wheel behind the seat.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes an operator compartment having two operator control handles, a deadman switch accessible by an operator using either control handle, and a traction system. The traction system is controlled by the control handles to drive the vehicle in a selected direction, wherein an operator can control the traction system while facing one of the selected directions and the deadman switch is selectively activatable to enable operation from both control handles.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.

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 control system for use with a mobile machine. The control system including a hand-grip bar having right and left curved sections. The curved sections each define an approximate center. The control system further including joysticks positioned at the approximate center of the curved sections. The curved sections each have a radius such that an operator can operate one or both joysticks without releasing his grip from the hand-grip bar.

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 material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support. The traction device includes a storage position and a use position.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for operating six hydraulic valves from two different positions. The control apparatus is particularly suitable for operating the hydraulic controls of a six function trash loader. First and second three-function joysticks are mounted at the first position, and third and fourth three-function joysticks are mounted at the second position. A first set of three rotatable rods extends between the first and third joysticks, and a second set of three rotatable rods extends between the second and fourth joysticks. Each joystick includes a handle which is movable along a first axis for rotating a first rod of one of the sets, along a second axis for rotating a second rod of the set, and about a third axis for rotating a third rod of the set. A crank arm on each of the six rods is connected to one of the six hydraulic valves so that rotation of each of the rods operates one of the valves.

Abstract: An earth moving machine comprises a vehicle (2), a working device (10) mounted on the rear part (4) of the vehicle (2), a seat (14) rotatably attached to the vehicle (2) and able to rotate between a front position in which it is facing the front part (3) of the vehicle (2) and a rear position in which it is facing the rear part (4) of the vehicle (2), driving means (15) for the vehicle (2), and means (19) for moving the working device (10).

Abstract: A quick-release steering wheel for a work vehicle is configured to engage with and quickly release from one or more steering posts in an operator compartment of a vehicle. The operator compartment has two operator stations, each station having a steering post to which the steering wheel can be quickly and releasably attached. In use, the operator can pivot the operator seat in the operator compartment to face one or another of the two steering stations. The operator can quickly move the steering wheel from one operator station to the other without tools by depressing a spring-loaded pin. By removing the wheel from one station and moving it to the other, the operator makes additional room into which he can pivot or slide the seat. This arrangement permits the operator compartment to be made smaller and more compact by positioning the two steering posts and operator stations closer together.

Abstract: A steering wheel mounted on a forklift 1 is provided with a steering wheel knob 17 which can be operated with one hand holding it. The steering wheel knob 17 has an approximately egg-like shape with switches 46, 47 provided on its end face. Incorporated in the steering wheel knob 17 are a transmission circuit 49, which radio-transmits a signal when the switches 46, 47 are operated, and a battery 51. The signal transmitted from the steering wheel knob 17 is received by a reception section 68 on a vehicle body 2 and a controller 48 executes predetermined control based on that signal.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The control system receives inputs from each of the first and second control handles and determines an appropriate travel direction and speed based on those inputs. In a normal mode, one of the handles is in the neutral state, and the input of the second handle is therefore used to direct motion of the truck. In a conflict state, each of the first and second control handles is providing a non-neutral travel request, and the control system determines an appropriate travel direction and speed based on a most conservative choice algorithm.

Abstract: A remote throttle control device for snowmobiles includes a throttle coupler for releasable mounting to a snowmobile throttle controller. The throttle coupler mounts to a first end of a flexible push/pull cable. A manually operable remote actuator is mounted to an opposite second end of the push/pull cable. The remote actuator is for pushing or pulling the push/pull cable, so as to respectively push or pull the throttle coupler for actuation of the throttle controller when the throttle coupler is mounted to the throttle controller. The remote actuator is mounted to a pull handle. A strap is mountable at one end to the handle and at its opposite end to the ski of the snowmobile so that the ski may be pulled on by a user while the user simultaneously remotely controls the snowmobile throttle.

Abstract: A manual control means for electrically driven and controlled steering, and/or accelerating and/or decelerating of a road vehicle, comprises a hand grip means, sensors for sensing a force and/or a movement imposed on the hand grip means which correspond to a desired steering direction, and/or acceleration and/or deceleration of the vehicle, as well as a manual lever means comprising at least one mechanical connection for mechanically steering, and/or accelerating, and/or decelerating (e.g. maintenance parking etc.) of the vehicle in the absence of electric power, e.g. in the case of an electric power failure or in the case of electric power switched off, maintenance, garage parking etc., said manual lever means being swivable or rotatable about at least one axis for actuating said at least one mechanical connection.

Abstract: A method of automatically setting an auxiliary hydraulic valve's flow rate and returning to that flow rate automatically is disclosed. The work vehicle such as a backhoe has two hand controls, one of which has a button, and the other has a thumb wheel. To set the hydraulic flow rate, one both presses the button one hand control and moves the thumb wheel on the other hand control until the proper flow rate is reached. At this point, both button and thumb wheel are released. This causes the flow rate to be saved in RAM or ROM memory. The flow rate can be varied at any time by rolling the thumb wheel up or down. One can return to the previously save flow rate by pressing the button. Both controls are preferably spring loaded.

Abstract: A speed control system for a utility vehicle, the vehicle having a forward-facing driving position and a rearward-facing seat, includes a creep control system for moving the utility vehicle, controlled from the rearward-facing seat. The vehicle includes a speed-controllable transmission operable to output power to drive a wheel. The vehicle includes a creep speed control actuator located adjacent to the rearward-facing seat and a creep speed control system operatively connected to the actuator and to the transmission. The system converts movement of the actuator to speed change of the transmission. The transmission can be a mechanically or electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission, or an electronically controlled reverser transmission.

Abstract: An electric vehicle has two driving operation blocks with the same appearance that are provided at both the front and rear ends of the body of the vehicle symmetrically around a point. The vehicle employs a collapsible driver's seat. The vehicle has four driving and steering blocks. Each of the driving and steering blocks contains a wheel, a drive motor that rotates the wheel and a steering gear motor that changes the direction of the wheel. A service floor of the vehicle does not have a wall and a floor height is extremely low for easy access by a senior citizen or a person in a wheel chair.

Abstract: A method of automatically setting an auxiliary hydraulic valve's flow rate and returning to that flow rate automatically is disclosed. The work vehicle such as a backhoe has two hand controls, one of which has a button, and the other has a thumb wheel. To set the hydraulic flow rate, one both presses the button one hand control and moves the thumb wheel on the other hand control until the proper flow rate is reached. At this point, both button and thumb wheel are released. This causes the flow rate to be saved in RAM or ROM memory. The flow rate can be varied at any time by rolling the thumb wheel up or down. One can return to the previously save flow rate by pressing the button. Both controls are preferably spring loaded.

Abstract: A control system for an electric lift truck that controls a traction motor and a hydraulic pump motor is disclosed. The speed of rotation of both motors is controlled by a pulse width modulated current supplied from a battery source by the controller in direct response to a demand communicated to the controller through an interface manipulated by an operator. A pump driven by the pump motor supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a lift mechanism and a power assisted steering unit. A joystick with function switches mounted thereto is provided so that the operator steers with one hand while controlling truck propulsion and all functions of the lift mechanism with the other hand. The direct control of the pump motor speed enables a fully proportional control of the hydraulic system. The control system is a compact structure that requires minimal cabling and ensures that the hydraulic system operates with energy efficiency and minimal wear.

Abstract: A dual throttle system for an internal combustion engine includes first foot pedal throttle and a second hand controller throttle. The system includes a throttle position signal generator that produces a throttle position signal at an input to an electronic engine control module (ECM). The engine control module uses the throttle position signal input to determine an engine speed and issues appropriate commands to a fuel system controller. The throttle position generator includes a first potentiometer having its wiper mechanically connected to the first throttle and its output electrically connected to the throttle position signal input of the ECM. The first potentiometer is connected in series between a voltage source in the ECM and the wiper of a second variable resistance component driven by the second throttle. The output of the second component is connected to ground to complete the series circuit.

Abstract: A safety system for visual flight reference system for simulating the geography around an airplane during the landing and the take-off under zero visibility conditions. The inventive device includes a display screen, a keyboard, a hold-down bracket and a central processing unit.