For Single Control Means Patents (Class 180/323)
  • Patent number: 11358625
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a steering wheel and/or pedals that can be moved from an active driving position to an inactive or stowed position. The motor vehicle may include a pedal shield that substantially blocks a driver's access to the pedals when the pedals are in an inactive position. The steering wheel and pedals may shift laterally simultaneously between the active and inactive positions or configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael John Harmon
  • Patent number: 11215095
    Abstract: A mobile emissions control system having an emission capturing system and emission control system is provided for diesel engines operated on ocean-going ships at-berth. The emissions control system may be mounted on a towable chassis or mounted on a barge, allowing it to be placed alongside ocean-going ships at-berth. A crane or boom transfers a duct of the emissions capturing system extending from the emissions control system to the ship to capture exhaust from its engine. Alternatively, the system may be mounted on an automated guided vehicle (AGV) equipped with a tower and a crane. The crane mounted on the AGV then lifts the duct forming part of the emissions capture system to the ship's exhaust system to capture exhaust from the ship's diesel engine and transfers it to the emissions control system, which cleans the exhaust and then passes clean air into the atmosphere through an exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Clean Air-Engineering—Maritime, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas G. Tonsich
  • Patent number: 8439149
    Abstract: A brake equipment of the driver-seat-direction changeable vehicle includes: a driver-seat-direction detector configured to detect whether the driver seat is facing the one or the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body; a braking unit configured to brake one-side wheels, which are located closer to the one side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, and other-side wheels, which are located closer to the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, while controlling brake-force distribution between brake forces of the one-side wheels and the other-side wheels in such a manner that the brake-force distribution becomes a set brake-force distribution based on ideal brake-force distribution characteristics; and a switching unit configured to change the set brake-force distribution in accordance with the direction of the driver seat detected by the driver-seat-direction detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Tamura, Tomoki Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 7828107
    Abstract: A forward/reverse control system for a work machine cancels a second control state, in which forward/reverse switching control is performed by a second forward/reverse control means, by an operation of a first forward/reverse control means to return to a first control state in which forward/reverse switching control is performed by the first forward/reverse control means. The system is provided with a F-N-R lever unit 30 (the first forward/reverse control means) and F-N-R switch unit 40 (the second forward/reverse control means) that instruct forward, reverse or neutral, a controller 42 which performs forward/reverse switching control by giving priority to an instruction from the F-N-R lever unit 30 over an instruction from the F-N-R switch unit 40, and a selector switch 41 which by an operation of a switching control member 41a, instructs the controller 42 to switch to the second control state or to cancel the second control state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Yoshikawa, Jujitsu Murota, Yasuo Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7789187
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a frame, a patient support coupled to the frame, a push handle coupled to the frame and having a handle post, and at least one user input coupled to the handle post. The handle post is movable between a first position presenting the at least one user input to a caregiver standing at an end of the frame and a second position presenting the at least one user input to a caregiver standing alongside the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Steven V. McCaig
  • 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: 20100126793
    Abstract: A power wheel chair is disclosed having an improved motion control comprising a frame having a seat for transporting an occupant. A right and a left caster wheel are located in proximity to a front frame end. A right and a left drive wheel are located in proximity to a rear frame end. A motor drives the right and left drive wheels through a differential gearbox. A right and a left handle are connected to frame for enabling an attendant to steer the power wheel chair. An electronic control has a control lever located in proximity to one of the right and left handles for enabling the attendant to control the speed and braking of the power wheel chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Flowers, Jordan M. Flowers
  • Publication number: 20090018745
    Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine includes a body, an engine, a seat assembly, an electronic control module, a first throttle, and a second throttle. The engine is mounted within the body and powers the machine. The seat assembly is rotatably mounted to the body and moveable between a first position and a second position. The electronic control module is in electrical communication with the engine and the seat assembly. The first throttle is in electrical communication with the electronic control module and operable to control engine speed with a first throttle command when the seat assembly is in the first position. The second throttle is in electrical communication with the electronic control module and operable to control engine speed with a second throttle command when the seat assembly is in the second position and the second throttle command is greater than the first throttle command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC
    Inventors: Eko A. Prasetiawan, Satyaki Guha
  • Patent number: 5890562
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle for transporting loads includes a vehicle body and a control console connected to the vehicle body in a first position. The control console can be moved to a second position on the vehicle body by a user. The vehicle may include various devices for positioning the control console with respect to the body. For example, the devices may include separate post openings, a slot, a track, or a pivoting arm. In addition, the control console may include a stability support for the operator and various controls for operating the vehicle. The operator is able to maintain stability by holding the stability support with his or her hand. Furthermore, the operator does not need to remove his or her hand from the stability support in order to operate the various controls. The controls may be mounted on the stability support or may be located in relatively close proximity to the stability support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: BT Prime Mover, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Bartels, William S. Cawiezell
  • 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: 5246084
    Abstract: As the automotive market becomes more global, and manufacturers are competing in many markets around the world, the need arises for a means of adapting a left hand drive vehicle to right hand drive and visa versa with a minimum of change to existing components, while at the same time maintaining comparable pedal geometry and compliance with applicable government standards. This invention provides for the flexibility of maintaining the brake booster on the left hand side of the vehicle, although not necessarily in the same location as with a left hand drive vehicle, and communicating with the brake pedal on the right hand side through a torque rod with additional links positioned on it to transfer the motion of the brake pedal to the brake booster push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Diamond G. Ferraiuolo, Richard C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5205181
    Abstract: An override control system for a ground-supported machine. A hand lever is used to adjust the equilibrium position of a self-centering device which is interconnected to a drive system of the machine so that a principal ground speed of the machine is selected and set by adjustment of the hand lever. A second control lever is connected to the drive system through the self-centering device and is operable to adjust the speed and direction of motion of the machine away from that set by the hand lever. Upon release of the second control lever, the self-centering device returns the ground speed of the machine to the preselected principal value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Stephen D. Wright
  • 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: 4705450
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle is provided which includes a lower truck chassis and an upper material handling structure pivotally supported by the lower chassis, all functions of which vehicle are driven by a single engine. The material handling vehicle is controllable from a main truck cab on the truck chassis or from an upper operator's cab mounted on the upper structure. The single engine provides highway travel power and power to all excavator functions, while the vehicle, including remote travel and implement manipulation capabilities, may be controlled from the upper operator cab. The main engine, when used for over the highway travel, powers the driven wheels through a power shift transmission in a conventional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: The Gradall Company
    Inventor: John W. Gano
  • Patent number: 4262769
    Abstract: A universal command signal producing apparatus adapted for use in an electrically operated vehicle. The apparatus includes a rotatable electrical element for use in controlling a drive function of the vehicle, such as a speed control function or a braking function. The apparatus is arranged to act as a transducer between a foot pedal, adapted to be actuated by the user of the vehicle, and the propulsion control to selectively control the electric drive motor of the vehicle or the braking system thereof. The transducer apparatus may include a sprocket associated with the rotatable electrical control device and driven by a chain forming a part of the transducer. The chain may be mounted on a suitable carrier which is adapted to be moved by movement of the foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Gould Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Bernoteit, Robert F. Bourke