Side-by-side Patents (Class 180/322)
  • Patent number: 11827269
    Abstract: Provided is a steering apparatus. The steering apparatus includes a console unit allowed to be switched left and right in front of a driver's seat and a front passenger seat in a vehicle, a handle unit connected to the console unit and configured to steer the vehicle, and a rail unit disposed on a bottom surface of the console unit and configured to provide a path through which a position of the console unit is switched left and right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Joon Ahn, Seung Hwan Lee, Kyung Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 11667324
    Abstract: A steering apparatus of a smart mobility vehicle includes: a cockpit module disposed in front of a driver seat and a passenger seat within a vehicle; a steering wheel part connected to the cockpit module, and switchable between a position toward the driver seat and a position toward the passenger seat in a longitudinal direction of the cockpit module; and a locking part to fix the steering part according to a preset condition. The cockpit module includes a first flat section disposed in front of the driver seat and a second flat section disposed in front of the passenger seat; and a locking section curved upward to connect the first flat section and the second flat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Joon Ahn, Seung Hwan Lee, Tae Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 11338856
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a steering wheel configured to output an output based on an input from a user, and a controller configured to: determine a target orientation of front wheels of a vehicle based on vehicle environment information, determine whether an orientation of the front wheels of the vehicle based on the output from the steering wheel deviates from the target orientation, disengage the steering wheel from the front wheels in response to determination that the orientation of the front wheels deviates from the target orientation, adjust the orientation of the front wheels to the target orientation and provide a feedback in response to adjusting the orientation of the front wheels to the target orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen McGill, Luke Fletcher, Kazunori Nimura, John Leonard, Gill Pratt
  • Patent number: 10836390
    Abstract: The systems and methods provided herein are directed to an automated driver assistance system that monitors the area around the pedals of a vehicle and modifies the automated operation of the vehicle based on detected motion of the driver near the pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Amin Tahmasbi-Sarvestani
  • Patent number: 10633025
    Abstract: A vehicle system for operating a vehicle is provided. The vehicle system includes a first output device configured to output a first output, and a second output device configured to output a second output. The vehicle system operates the vehicle based on the first output from the first output device while obtaining vehicle environment information, determines whether an autonomous take-over event occurs based on the vehicle environment information, operates the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode in response to determining that the autonomous takeover event occurred, determines whether the vehicle system receives a take-over signal from the second output device, and operates the vehicle based on the second output from the second output device in response to determining that the vehicle system received the take-over signal from the second output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen McGill, Luke Fletcher, Kazunori Nimura, John Leonard, Gill Pratt
  • Patent number: 10328911
    Abstract: An auxiliary brake stabilizing support carries an instructor's brake in a given car. The support interacts with both the floor section and the firewall section of a car in front of the passenger seat, without necessarily being secured to these sections by penetrating fasteners. The brake support fits against a firewall of a car and is elevated with respect to the firewall to carry the brake over a passage with open lateral edges and supporting standoffs at top and bottom edges of the platform. A massive anchor plate rests against the floor at the base of the firewall to resist slippage. A hinged connection between the platform and anchor plate allow precise fit with the configuration of the car, while allowing the stabilizing support to fold into a compact shipping configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Michael S. Rieber
  • Patent number: 10112639
    Abstract: A single vehicle steering arrangement is provided. The steering arrangement includes a steering wheel and at least one human machine interface configured to allow a human to steer the vehicle, the human machine interface being a component separate from the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: John F. Schulz, Richard K. Riefe
  • Patent number: 10108218
    Abstract: An assembly for actuating a vehicle's brake system from a dual-driver position includes an auxiliary brake pedal coupled to the vehicle remotely from the primary brake pedal. A master cylinder's piston is actuated when the auxiliary brake pedal pivots, and a hydraulic line provides hydraulic fluid to and removes hydraulic fluid from a slave cylinder in response. A lever is provided near the primary brake pedal and has one end coupled to the slave cylinder. The lever pivots in response to provision or removal of hydraulic fluid to or from the slave cylinder. A connector is coupled to the lever's opposite end and moves with the lever. The connector is coupled to a movable member that directly applies force to a rod of a primary brake system actuator and applies force to the movable member at the same location where the primary brake pedal applies force to the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Fontaine Modification Company
    Inventors: Brandon Hall, Josh Haynes
  • Patent number: 9802638
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes a computing system and a set of user input buttons for communicating requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to the destination with the computing system The vehicle has no steering wheel and no user inputs for the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than the set of user input buttons. In order to safely test the vehicle, a removable manual control system may be used. The system may include a housing having an electronic connection to a computing system of the vehicle. The housing includes a steering input configured to allow a passenger to control the direction of the vehicle. The system also includes one or more computing devices configured to receive input from the steering input and send instructions the computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Stoffel, Brian Douglas Cullinane, Nathaniel Fairfield, Alex Khaykin, Brian Torcellini
  • Patent number: 9637095
    Abstract: A platform for use with a temporary or auxiliary brake in a vehicle. An upper portion of the platform has a raised wall and stabilization flanges. The temporary or auxiliary brake is mounted on the raised wall. The raised wall is spaced from a floorboard of the vehicle. The stabilization flanges engage the floorboard to stabilize the upper portion. An extension plate, joined with a specialized and flexible weld, extends from the upper portion to provide increased stabilization of the platform and maintain the platform and the temporary or auxiliary brake in position on the floorboard of the vehicle, allowing the platform to fit virtually any year, make, or model of vehicle. The use of the platform and the temporary or auxiliary brake does not require drilling or deformation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Inventive Driver Education Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Jay Blank
  • Patent number: 9637129
    Abstract: A driver training vehicle system includes a driver training vehicle and an interface system with an auxiliary control unit that is removably installable in the vehicle. A vehicle control system can receive a brake input from a vehicle driver via a floor pedal in the vehicle as well as a brake input from a vehicle passenger via the auxiliary unit. The control system adjusts an engine torque and a brake torque based on the received brake inputs to decelerate the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tobias John Pallett
  • Patent number: 9477227
    Abstract: A driver assistance system and a method for operating a driver assistance system are disclosed. The driver assistance system includes an actuation device configured for automatically actuating a brake unit, a drive unit or a steering unit. An input device enters a user request for a driving maneuver executable by the driver assistance. A releasing device selectively releases an operation of the driver assistance system based on whether a release for the driver assistance system to be operated by the passenger of the motor vehicle is effected by the driver of the motor vehicle by means of the releasing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Uwe Hahne
  • Patent number: 9038761
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual steering system including a first front wheel and a second front wheel, a lateral steering linkage connecting the first and second front wheels, a first steering system with a first steering wheel and a power steering module that assists steering inputs applied to the first steering wheel, and a second steering system with a second steering wheel and a torque sensor in communication with the power steering module of the first steering system and monitoring steering inputs applied to the second steering wheel, whereby the power steering module may provide power assist to the steering inputs applied to the second steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: VOLVO GROUP NORTH AMERICA, LLC
    Inventor: Eisenbarth Mark Alton
  • Publication number: 20130264139
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Bernd Braun
  • Patent number: 7775317
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: NMHG Oregon, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Goodwin, Knut A. Raade, Eugene A. Helmetsie
  • Publication number: 20070289801
    Abstract: A control apparatus having a moveable steering console for vehicles. The steering console includes a steering a steering platform carried by and moveable relative to the vehicle. The steering platform includes a steering device for receiving a user input, a moving means operably connected to the steering device for moving the steering platform in response to the user input, and a directing means for receiving the user input and selectively directing the user input to the moving means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: ARGES MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Larry Dean Potter, Ronald Lynn May
  • Patent number: 7210552
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Edward H. Priepke
  • Patent number: 7127341
    Abstract: A failsafe steering device for a steer-by-wire system includes a main Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that detects manipulating states of a main steering wheel and a rack mechanism via a plurality of sensors, actuates a reaction motor that provides the reaction force to the main steering wheel in relation to a driver's steering force, and controls a steering motor that executes the steering by actuating the rack mechanism. The failsafe steering device further includes a battery providing power to the steering motor, a relay restraining the power supply between the battery and the steering motor, a failsafe ECU that determines the malfunction state of the main ECU and controls the relay accordingly, and a steering shaft that transmits the rotational force of a supplement steering wheel to the rack mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Juhn-Sub Whang
  • Patent number: 6971194
    Abstract: A modular excavator-backhoe control station is disclosed, the station having two control towers with joystick on their upper ends that are pivotally coupled adjacent a floor of an excavator or backhoe. They have one piece polymeric boots that cover them as well as several additional operator controls. The towers are held in fore-and-aft position by a locking fluid cylinder that is adjustable to a many fore-and-aft positions. The towers also have upper portions that are laterally pivotal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Katrina L. McClelland, Curtis R. Lyons, Larry A. Johnson, Dennis J. Heyne
  • Publication number: 20040016588
    Abstract: A drive-by-wire control console for a vehicle has a transversely movable control module on a transversely movable, elongated beam which is supported on a longitudinally movable support column which supports the elongated beam. The control module includes steering devices and display screens for vital vehicle information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Louis Vitale, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Mohsen D. Shabana, Adrian B. Chernoff
  • Patent number: 6446747
    Abstract: A control element arrangement is disclosed for controlling a motor vehicle without conventional pedals and steering wheel. Two control elements are provided which can be operated independently of one another, in which case at least the longitudinal speed and/or at least the steering angle can be controlled optionally by operating one or the other control element. As a result, with respect to the longitudinal and/or the lateral dynamic control, on the one hand, a redundancy is created which increases the operating reliability and, on the other hand, the control-comfort-increasing possibility is created of being able to guide the vehicle alternated by means of one or the other control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Manfred Müller, Werner Reichelt, Peter Frank, Christopher Rhoades
  • Patent number: 6276476
    Abstract: A right-hand drive vehicle steering system (10) that may be factory built or converted from a left-hand drive steering system or vice versa. The method of conversion begins with the removal of the left-hand drive steering components. A left-hand drive designed steering gear is engaged to an adapter bracket (50). The adapter bracket allows the orientation of the left-hand drive designed steering gear to remain the same in a right-hand drive installation as when installed in the left-hand drive. As a result, the pitman arm (18) that directs the wheel direction of steering and is outboard of the steering gear for left-hand drive applications, is inboard of the steering gear for right-hand drive applications. The adapter bracket allows displacement of the steering column and associated steering equipment to further outboard in the right-hand drive system relative to the outboard position in left-hand drive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: International Truck and Engine Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Farwell, Robert J. Haverstick, Lee A. Williams, Derek R. Scheetz, Bruce C. Noah, John A. Budzik, Robert W. Hammond
  • Patent number: 5971318
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Tony Lustre
  • Patent number: 5952730
    Abstract: A method selects one of several equivalent operating elements for controlling the lengthwise and/or transverse dynamics of a motor vehicle. Inadvertent control of the lengthwise and/or transverse dynamics of the motor vehicle is prevented and manual switching between various operating elements is allowed without a transition to be safely feasible for the participants even while driving. The selected operating element is activated simultaneously when the previous operating element is deactivated, after activation of the selected operating element has been made possible by a selector switch. The method therefore takes place in two steps, with activation of an operating element first being made possible by activating a selector switch. The actual activation takes place at a later point in time, namely when the operating element to be activated is in fact actuated to control the lengthwise and/or transverse movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Uwe Haller, Harald Leschke
  • Patent number: 5845735
    Abstract: A control element arrangement is disclosed for controlling a motor vehicle without conventional pedals and steering wheel. Two control elements are provided which can be operated independently of one another, in which case at least the longitudinal speed and/or at least the steering angle can be controlled optionally by operating one or the other control element. As a result, with respect to the longitudinal and/or the lateral dynamic control, on the one hand, a redundancy is created which increases the operating reliability and, on the other hand, the control-comfort-increasing possibility is created of being able to guide the vehicle alternately by means of one or the other control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Manfred Muller, Werner Reichelt, Peter Frank, Christopher Rhoades
  • Patent number: 5775456
    Abstract: Disclosed is an emergency driver system for a motor vehicle. The emergency driver system allows a passenger in the motor vehicle to safely maneuver the motor vehicle should the driver become incapacitated by exposing a brake actuator and an accelerator actuator concealed by a cover. Upon opening the cover, a cover sensor actuates emergency lights, headlights, and a horn, and disengages the operation of the driver brake pedal and accelerator pedal. This allows the passenger to control the steering with the left hand and the acceleration and braking of the motor vehicle with the right hand, via the brake actuator and the accelerator actuator positioned on an emergency control panel located under the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: George S. Reppas
  • Patent number: 5612577
    Abstract: An improved symmetric circuit connection board may be utilized on both the driver and passenger sides of a vehicle or in left and right-hand orientations. In the past, two distinct boards have been provided for use on the driver and passenger sides. The inventive symmetric boards includes central circuit stampings surrounded by a molded body. Openings extend symmetrically, through the molded body to the circuit stampings such that the assembler may selectively place one opposed face of the board facing outwardly and connect the board as appropriate. Should the board be utilized on the other side of the vehicle, the opposed face of the board faces outwardly for connection. The symmetric board may thus be utilized for either left or right hand side applications in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Schmidt, John R. Cranick
  • Patent number: 4921066
    Abstract: An improved dual control driving system is provided for a combustion engine powered vehicle moveable on wheels and having a pair of steering systems, a pair of braking systems and a pair of accelerator systems. The steering systems work in tandem with each other; the braking systems work in tandem with each other. The accelerator systems, however, work independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Refuse Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: Challie Conley
  • Patent number: 4911261
    Abstract: A passenger side controlled driving system is provided for a combustion engine powered vehicle moveable on wheels and having a passenger side steering system that is engaged to a portion of the factory provided steering system. A passenger side braking system and a passenger side accelerator system is provided and similarly dependent upon and engaged to factory provided systems. The passenger side system can be readily adapted between it and a dual control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Refuse Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: Challie Conley
  • Patent number: 4815331
    Abstract: A right-hand steering wheel for an automobile which is generally equipped with a left-hand steering wheel and at least a front right door, includes a clamp which is releasable attached to the left-hand steering wheel. A right-hand steering wheel is provided with a frame interconnecting the clamp with the right-hand steering wheel. Apparatus is provided for turning the left-hand steering wheel when the right-hand steering wheel is turned. The frame is attached to the right-hand door using an angle member which slips between the glass and the weather stripping belt of the right-hand automobile door. A telescoping rod is mounted in the frame and is connected pivotally to the angle member in a manner so that any misadjustment of the clamp on the left-hand steering wheel which would cause a lateral motion is accommodated by the telescoping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: John F. Land
  • Patent number: 4802549
    Abstract: A vehicle has first and second drivers' seats and a control console, the control console carrying a plurality of individual controls and display means. The drivers' seats are in side-by-side relation. By this invention, a pivot carries the control console to permit the console to pivot between at least a first position facing the first driver's seat and a second position facing the second driver's seat. Thus, two drivers may operate the vehicle from the same control console in alternating manner. Typically a, releasable lock provides retention of the control console in either of the two positions described above, and also in an intermediate rotating position in which the control console faces between the two seats. Also, cable may communicate with the control console, the cable extending through the pivot for communication with the rest of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Elgin Sweeper Company
    Inventor: Mario J. Martinez
  • Patent number: 4756552
    Abstract: A vehicle having a steering system controlled by either of a pair of steering wheels also includes first and second steering wheel shafts means, each carrying one of the steering wheels. A wheel steering mechanism is mechanically connected to the first and second steering wheel shafts means. In accordance with this invention, a third shaft is attached at one end to the first steering wheel shafts means. The third shaft means is connected at its other end without intermediate, intervening gears to a gear for rotationally interconnecting the third shaft, the second steering wheel shaft, and the wheel steering mechanism. This structure can eliminate an expensive 90 degree gear box when compared with prior art designs, for significant cost savings while providing equivalent or superior function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Elgin Sweeper Company
    Inventors: Mario J. Martinez, Roy F. Engelbrecht
  • Patent number: 4726441
    Abstract: An improved dual control driving system is provided for a combustion engine powered vehicle moveable on wheels and having a pair of steering systems, a pair of braking systems and a pair of accelerator systems. The steering systems work in tandem with each other; the braking systems work in tandem with each other. The accelerator systems, however, work independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Inventor: Challie Conley
  • Patent number: 4505356
    Abstract: An ergonomically advantageous operator's seat and controls arrangement for tandem road rollers comprises on the transverse center line of an operator's platform operator's seats arranged side by side and rotatable about vertical axes. A control stick pivotable in two mutually orthogonal directions is located on the longitudinal center line of the operator's platform in the middle between the operator's seats. Two steering devices are mounted with their steering columns rotatable about a longitudinal, central axis on two opposite transverse sides of the platform. Thus by rotation of the seats through 180.degree., four possible seat positions for the operator are achieved. By pivoting the control stick towards the respective occupied seat and by corresponding rotation of one steering device to in front of this seat, all controls are always within easy reach of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Losenhausen Maschinenbau AG.
    Inventors: Heinrich Baier, Hans-Georg Waschulewski, Hans-Werner Kurten
  • Patent number: 4312246
    Abstract: An educational vehicle is provided in which the driver-student is provided with a conventional braking pedal and the passenger-teacher is provided with a braking pedal to override the driver-student braking pedal in order to effect a braking operation. Furthermore, there is provided a counter braking pedal which is employed to override the operation of the brake by the driver-student. The counter braking arrangement may involve a mechanical system provided with a mechanical advantage so constructed and arranged that the operation of the counter braking device is capable of preventing or reversing the operation of the brake by the driver-student.The counter braking operation can also be effected through an electrical or hydraulic apparatus or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Inventor: Zina V. Barresi