Abstract: An apparatus for climbing and descending stairs or other obstacles has three flexibly connected sections and a pair of crawler belt systems on opposite sides of the unit. Each of the crawler belt systems comprised of three crawler belts are driven by one of a pair of motors that directly drives a pinion that engages two of the crawler belts, one of which then drives the last crawler belt through another pinion. The stair-climbing apparatus also includes a mounting platform for coupling a carrier device such as a wheelchair or a box. In order to provide cushioning and stability for movements from a horizontal surface to an inclined surface and vice versa, shock absorbers are provided between the three sections. A linear actuator is also provided to provide stabilization as well as the ability to raise and lower both the stair-climbing crawler unit as well as the wheelchair, providing three modes of operation including manually wheel driven mode, motor wheel driven mode, and motor crawler driven mode.

Abstract: Engineers have been seeking strategies to improve a work machine operator's comfort and to ensure the operator's safety. The present disclosure includes an operator control station that includes a seat assembly supported, in part, on a suspension system. At least one work machine operation controller is pivotably attached to the seat assembly between an egress position and a work machine operation position. A locking mechanism is operable to fix the work machine operation controller in the work machine operation position.

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: An industrial truck, such as a forward control fork-lift truck, has dual pedal control with one pedal (5) assigned to the operator's right leg for forward travel and another pedal (6) assigned to the operator's left leg for reverse travel. A driver's seat (2) can be swivelled about an approximately vertical axis of rotation (D). In order to decrease the expenditure and space required for the driver's seat (2) to swivel, the driver's seat (2) can be swivelled in a clockwise direction from a normal position associated with the forward travel direction by an amount of at most 15 to 25 degrees, such as 15 to 20 degrees, such as about 17 degrees, into an oblique position associated with the reverse travel direction. The axis of rotation (D) of the driver's seat (2) can be in the region of the seat front edge, within the seat contour.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing an erroneous operation of an electro-motion pedal device in an automobile and methods of use thereof, wherein an engine starting condition, positions of a shift lever and a parking brake activated condition are detected. When a safe condition of a non-moving automobile is detected, power is transmitted to an electro-motion pedal device to allow the pedal to be electronically adjusted, such that an erroneous operation of an electro-motion pedal device that might occur during an automobile in operation can be prevented to thereby avoid an accident in advance.

Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. The driver's console is rotated in the cab with the steering and speed control elements moved with the seat for the driver to face forwards and its position is detected by switches. In the engine forward position for transportation, the control system detects the seat position and operates the controls for higher speed drive and to prevent operation of the header. A vehicle emblem SMV is located on the back of the driver's seat so that it is visible to a person behind regardless of the direction of travel.

Abstract: A self-leveling and balancing vehicle composed of a base and a moving and driving mechanism installed on the base, the mechanism having two longitudinal moving seats installed on the guiding rails fixed on the base, a connecting frame extending to and connecting the two moving seats, and two sector gears installed on the two moving seats. A driving motor and a sensor are installed on the connecting frame, two level driving gears installed on two ends of the driving shaft and engaged with the two sector gears, a balance gear box installed on the driving shaft and having an output shaft extending to the connecting frame, and two driven gears installed on two ends of the output shaft and engaged with the racks fixed on the base.

Abstract: A controller tower positioning system for a work vehicle for securing the controller tower to one of at least two positions. The system employs a mounting bracket fixed to the floor or a frame member of the work vehicle, a movable controller tower rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket and a resistive element strategically mounted to the controller tower and the mounting bracket to provide resistance to movement away from either of the two positions and a toggle effect as the controller tower is moved from one of the two positions to the other. The controller assembly is physically restrained at the free end of the controller tower.

Abstract: A vehicle has multiple movable driving positions resulting from a seat which is movable with respect to the vehicle chassis and has a driver's vehicle interface which moves with the seat. A wire bundle interconnects the driver's vehicle interface with controls for driving the vehicle. In one embodiment, a carousel rotates and a seat on the carousel revolves and rotates so that the seat continues to face forward.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle is capable of being driven in a plurality of forward directions, the direction of travel being a function of the forward-facing orientation of a movable seat or movement of the driver to a different seat. The vehicle includes a frame, at least three wheels, a steering system, a braking system and an energy conversion system operable with respect to at least one of the wheels and controllable through non-mechanical control means. The vehicle has at least one movable seat connected to the frame and at least one operator interface operably connected to at least one of the steering system, braking system and energy conversion system that is usable to drive the vehicle in different directions when the seat is moved.

Abstract: A mobile ice fishing shelter assembly for permitting quick and easy movement of a mobile shelter designed to facilitate ice fishing. The mobile ice fishing shelter assembly is positionable on a vehicle having a seat portion and a drive assembly, and may comprise a shelter assembly for coupling to the vehicle. The cover assembly is adjustable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The seat portion may include at least one pivotable seat member for adjusting a position of a user to selectively facilitate driving the vehicle and fishing to a side of the vehicle while seated on the seat portion.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle having a seat placed in a driver's room provided in a vehicle body to be rotatable at a predetermined angle in at least one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction with respect to a forward facing position, wherein the driver's room includes a main accelerator pedal at a position corresponding to the seat in the forward facing position and an auxiliary accelerator pedal at a position corresponding to the seat in a position rotated at a predetermined angle from the forward facing position and the main accelerator pedal is interlockable with the auxiliary accelerator pedal.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle driving position adjusting device which adjusts an optimum driving position of a driver by moving the seat and the pedal to positions which are adapted to a standard physique of the driver. When the reclining position of the seat is within the driving region while the vehicle is parked and the driver operates the standard key, the seat control device and the pedal control device move the seat and the pedal respectively to the return point on the standard physique characteristic curve which is adapted to a plurality of standard physiques. When the driver manually moves the position of the seat, the pedal control device automatically adjusts the position of the pedal based on the standard physique characteristic curve.

Abstract: A personal all-terrain vehicle is provided which is suitable for driving between rows of a vineyard for trimming vines. The vehicle includes a frame and an engine. A driver seat of the vehicle is positioned at an end of the frame beyond the wheels of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle facing perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Drive controls are foot and leg so that the operator's hands are free for performing work. A hitch member is supported at a rear end of the vehicle adjacent the seat for towing a cart including a tub for carrying trimmings therein. A chipper unit on the cart shreds the vine trimmings into smaller particulates.

Abstract: A fork lift including a fixing member for fixing a seat to a forward facing position or a clockwise or counterclockwise rotated position, and a release for releasing a seat fixed in the position by the fixing member. The fixing member includes a fixed plate fixed to a body side and an engaging lever provided on the seat, the fixed plate having first to third notches formed corresponding to each of the forward facing position and clockwise and counterclockwise rotated positions. The engaging lever is formed to be engageable with and disengageable from the first to third notches and removed from the first to third notches by the release.

Abstract: A seat assembly is for a construction vehicle, preferably a compacting vehicle, and includes a base attached to the vehicle and having an axis and a rail movably connected with the base so as to be angularly displaceable about the base axis. The rail has a longitudinal centerline extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the base axis. A seat carriage is movably connected with the rail so as to be linearly displaceable along the rail centerline. A linkage is connected with the base and with the seat carriage and is configured to linearly displace the carriage along the rail centerline when the rail angularly displaces about the base axis, preferably between a most proximal position with respect to the base axis and a most distal position with respect to the axis. Preferably, the linkage includes a cam connected with the base and a follower connected with the carriage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: A fork lift apparatus for allowing a user to easily move from one steering mechanism to the other steering mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle is capable of being driven in a plurality of forward directions, the direction of travel being a function of the forward-facing orientation of a movable seat or movement of the driver to a different seat. The vehicle includes a frame, at least three wheels, a steering system, a braking system and an energy conversion system operable with respect to at least one of the wheels and controllable through non-mechanical control means. The vehicle has at least one movable seat connected to the frame and at least one operator interface operably connected to at least one of the steering system, braking system and energy conversion system that is usable to drive the vehicle in different directions when the seat is moved.

Abstract: The present invention includes a tiltable control console positioned within a rear interior portion of a cab of a work machine, such as a backhoe loader. The work machine includes a seat rotatable between front and rear positions. The control console includes a tower assembly that enables tiltable movement of the control consoles between stowed and operating positions and a controller connected with the tower assembly. When the seat is in the front position, an operator may operate specific functions for a loader bucket of the work machine. When the operator is ready to operate specific functions for a backhoe bucket of the work machine, the operator may rotate the seat from the front position to the rear position. However, the seat may remain in the front position to operate the specific function for the backhoe bucket. At that time, the operator may move the control console from the stowed position to the operating position through the movement of the tower assembly.

Abstract: A small or mini loader is operated by a platform standing on the ground or other surface supporting the loader, and at the rear of the machine. Hydraulic control levers operate drives on opposite sides of the machine, and the control levers are pulled rearwardly from a stopped position to effect the rearward drive. A pivoting panel is mounted on the rear of the frame and has a wall portion that protrudes outwardly from the rear of the machine. When the lower end of the pivoting panel engages an obstruction or other item that provides a force tending to move the lower end of the panel forwardly relative to the frame, an actuator arm will move to cause control levers that are in a rearward drive position to be moved to the stopped position.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a personal vehicle that provides for separation of the motion of a body support from a ground contacting assembly of the vehicle in case of accident. In one embodiment, the body support is attached to the ground contacting module via a slide mechanism that permits the body support to continue upright motion despite overturning of the ground contacting assembly in order to prevent injury to the passenger. Another embodiment provides for coupling of the body support or the ground contacting assembly via either a real or virtual pivot located above the respective centers of mass of the body support and ground contacting assembly.

Abstract: A control panel for a vehicle includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing and has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller positioning structure for a vehicle in which the controller such as a shift lever can be positioned at a front to rear position that is optimum for the driver. Since the shift lever or controller is movable in the front to rear direction and stoppable at any desired position, the driver can adjust the front to rear position of the shift lever at the optimum position. Therefore, operation of the shift lever is made easy.

Abstract: A skid-steer mini-loader (10) has a compact chassis formed by two side walls (11,12) fixed to either side of a tank (13) which forms an oil reservoir for a hydraulic drive system for the mini-loader. A hydraulic pump (30) is located within the tank (13), and is driven by a motor (31) mounted directly on top of the tank. A panel (19), which forms the rear wall and top of a cover for the power plant, is pivotally mounted at its lower end to the chassis, enabling the panel (19) to be opened out and allow access to the power plant. The mini-loader has a lifting arm (17) of inverted channel configuration with a relatively wide central web which forms the front face of the arm. The lifting arm has a mounting plate (16) pivotally mounted at its free end for mounting a bucket (15) or other attachment. A toggle arm (34) is provided on the mounting plate (16) for automatically locking the attachment to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A vehicle driving position adjusting device which adjusts an optimum driving position of a driver by moving the seat and the pedal to positions which are adapted to a standard physique of the driver. When the reclining position of the seat is within the driving region while the vehicle is parked and the driver operates the standard key, the seat control device and the pedal control device move the seat and the pedal respectively to the return point on the standard physique characteristic curve which is adapted to a plurality of standard physiques. When the driver manually moves the position of the seat, the pedal control device automatically adjusts the position of the pedal based on the standard physique characteristic curve.

Abstract: A lock mechanism (32) is constituted by a slide plate (36) with a slot (37) and a notched groove (39), and a lock pin (41) which is provided on the side of a console (24). Through the slot (37), the slide plate (36) is slidably supported on a couple of support projections (34) which are provided on the side of an operator's seat (7). By engaging the notched groove (39) with the lock pin (41), the console (24) is locked in an operating position. When an entrance gating lever (29) is manipulated by an operator, the slide plate (36) is pulled by a push-pull cable (43) to slide in a rearward direction against the action of a tension spring (42). Whereupon, the notched groove (39) is disengaged from the lock pin (41), and the console (24) is swung back into an upturned position by the action of a gas spring (28).

Abstract: A stow-away vehicle transmission shift system adapted to be pivotally attached to a drivers seat of said vehicle is provided according to the invention. The stow-away vehicle transmission shift system includes an axle affixed to the drivers seat, a swing arm having an upper end and a lower end, with the lower end being pivotally attached to the axle, and an electronic wire shift mechanism and an associated gearshift lever mounted on the upper end of the swing arm, wherein the stow-away vehicle transmission shift system is capable of being pivoting with respect to the drivers seat between a forward in use position and a rearward stowed position.

Abstract: A work machine lever for a work vehicle comprises a base end portion supported in a steering-wheel-support box and a free end portion disposed on a side of a steering wheel. The free end portion is provided with a lever-operating portion, which can be pivotally rotated between at least two positions, i.e., an operating position on the side of the steering wheel and a non-operating position in front of the steering wheel about a support base end portion of the steering-wheel-support box as a pivot and can be fixed at the respective rotation positions. Therefore, when the operator gets on and off the vehicle, the work machine lever is rotated to be fixed at a forward lever non-operating position to form a large passage space on a side of the steering wheel.

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.

Abstract: An improved shift input module may be moved to a stowed position where it is out of the way of a vehicle operator. This allows the operator to move easily about the cab of the vehicle. The module also carries the cruise control buttons, such that they are easily accessible.

Abstract: A dynamic seat leveling device for a riding lawnmower or tractor has a virtual rotational point located below the leveling device itself. When operated on hilly terrain, such an arrangement accomplishes three objectives: 1) the operator remains level; 2) the operator's center of gravity remains centered directly above a critical balance point which is at ground level, midway between the right and left wheels; and 3) the operator remains at a constant elevation. Keeping the operator at a constant elevation, as the leveling device shifts from one side to the other, minimizes the power that would otherwise be needed to repeatedly raise and lower the operator as the tractor tilts from left to right. Minimizing the power required allows the use of a compact leveling drive that fits between the seat and frame of the tractor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an operator seat sliding control console located in the cab of a combine harvester. The console contains a variety of controls and is attached to the chair and may be adjusted forward or rearward, up or down so as to suit a variety of operators or to decrease fatigue. The invention consists of a support plate attached to the chair assembly. Attached to the support plate is an inclined plate with angled inclined length. The console is slideably attached to the inclined length by a series of parallel tracks. The movement between the console and inclined length is controlled by a release mechanism. The operator moves a handle which permits the tracks to slide relative to each other. This permits the console to be placed in a comfortable position. Maintenance of the controls can be accomplished by opening the control surface by means of a console hinge. The console may also be removed by unplugging the wire harness from the harness plug and by removing four bolts in the inclined plate.

Abstract: An industrial truck, in particular a front seat forklift truck, has a driver's seat which can swivel around an at least approximately vertical axis of rotation. A foot space for the operator's feet which corresponds to the driver's seat. The axis of rotation is at some distance from the driver's seat and is closer to the foot space than to the driver's seat. The axis of rotation is preferably located in the vicinity of a pedal for reverse travel. In one embodiment, the pedal is swivelled along with the driver's seat.

Abstract: A high-lift order picking industrial truck is equipped with a driver's stand which can be moved up and down together with a load picking device on a lifting framework. At least one operating console is disposed in the area of the driver's stand and is designed as a "standing seat" which allows the operator to face towards the load side. The controls of the operating console are disposed at the sides of the seat of the operating console. A folding seat is disposed under the operating console and the operating console forms the backrest for the folding seat.

Abstract: An industrial truck having a lift mast and a man-carrying platform with a driver's console and a load carrying device are mounted on the lift mast for vertical movement. Control elements and a folding driver's seat are located on the man-carrying platform in the vicinity of the driver's console. The seat portion and the backrest of the driver's seat are arranged so that when the seat is folded up they form a rest member against which the driver can lean when in the standing position. The control elements are located in the vicinity of the driver's seat for ready accessibility by the driver.

Abstract: The golf vehicle has steerable front wheels on a front portion of a frame together with a steering mechanism which includes an upstanding rearwardly inclined handle bar. A pair of drive wheels and a power source drivingly connected to the drive wheels are on a rear portion of the frame. A seat unit is mounted on the rear portion of the frame and has adjustment means for moving the seat rearwardly and forwardly along a plurality of longitudinal positions and for pivoting the seat 360.degree. in any of these longitudinal positions. The pivot axis of the seat is so located that when the seat is pivoted 180.degree. from a front operating position, the front edge of the seat will extend rearwardly beyond the rear end of the frame rear portion so as to readily enable an occupant of the vehicle to make golf shots while seated. In a modification, the seat is fixed on a seat frame which is pivotable and lockable in any of the pivoted positions.

Abstract: A steerable, powered wheelchair with a mobile base, and two movable arms that are attached to a seat. The seat is attached to the arms with pivots that permit rotation of the seat in both vertical and horizontal planes. The arms can move through three positions. The first position is the at rest position. Here, the seat rests near or directly on the base. In the second position, the seat is spaced vertically above the mobile base. In the third position, the seat is extended forward of the mobile base 2 and can drop down to floor or ground level. A feature of the mobile base it that when the seat is in the third position, the mobile base can rotate vertically about the front wheels. This allows the wheelchair to run on two wheels, increasing the wheelchair's angular mobility. In this operational mode, the user can exercise his or her legs by bouncing them against the ground.

Abstract: Improved paint striper control, speed and quality is achieved by articulating a motor driven push tractor unit to a steerable walk behind paint striping unit. In a preferred embodiment, a two wheeled rear push tractor unit supporting a drive motor and driver's seat is coupled through a quick release ball-socket pivot joint behind a three wheeled handlebar steered push-to-paint manual striping unit. The articulation joint with help of a hydrostatic trans-axle transmission in the tractor unit produces a sharp turning eighty degree radius. Also the transmission unit functions to drive the assembly in straight lines. The user controls steering to deviate from a straight line at the handlebar grips in substantially the same manner as if walking behind the paint striper. Thus the user rides quickly along the striping path with a good view at the paint spray jets to monitor performance and achieve higher output volume and quality.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a collapsible nose at the front. Behind the collapsible nose is a motor compartment, and behind the motor compartment is a luggage compartment. The passenger compartment is located rearwardly of the collapsible nose, the engine compartment, and the luggage compartment. The driver's seat is located adjacent the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A camera crane for use in motion picture and television productions, has a mast on a wheeled chassis. A weight bucket on the chassis around the mast securely holds counterweights used to balance arm. The steering section of the mobile base can be pivoted into a low position, to allow the arm to swing around the mobile base, without interference. A leveling system on the mast levels the mast, regardless of the orientation of the chassis. Outriggers are provided as an accessory to help stabilize the mobile base. Stiffening tubes on the arm stiffen the arm and protect the arm core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a road roller primarily for compacting road surfacing materials such as asphalt. The road roller provides an ergonomic workplace for the operator in the cabin of the road roller and offers an unobstructed view of the rollers (4 and 12) and especially of the lateral edges (4a and 12a), respectively, thereof. This is of major importance when positioning the road roller on the surface to be compacted. This is achieved with an asymmetrical arrangement of the cabin; that is, one side of the cabin extends beyond the lateral edges (4a and 12a), and the operator's seat 6, with the steering wheel 7 and controls 8, is pivotally and laterally displaceable within the cabin.

Abstract: A pedestal control console is disclosed which includes a trapezoidal linkage for moving control actuators and a steering wheel forwardly and rearwardly, according to an operator's requirement. The console includes a narrow footprint at the base thereof to improve visibility past the console. The console includes a back upright pivotally secured on a shaft at the base of the console. This shaft also supports bell cranks connected by connecting rods to actuators at the upper part of the console. The actuators are widely spaced at the upper part of the console and the connecting rods converge to the narrow footprint at the base of the console.

Abstract: A movable gear shift console assembly positioned in the driving compartment of a vehicle and movably coupled to a seat portion of a driver seat in the vehicle driving compartment. The movable gear shift console assembly includes a pair of pivot arms that are pivotally connected at outer ends to the seat portion, such that the outer ends of the pivot arms pivot about vertical pivot axes. The inner ends of the pivot arms are connected to a shift console. The shift console includes a gear shifter operatively connected to a vehicle's transmission, and a housing structure partially surrounding and protecting the gear shifter. The shift console is movable relative to the driver seat between a forward, operating position for use while driving the vehicle, and a rear, stored position for storing the shift console rearwardly adjacent to the driver seat.

Abstract: According to the present invention, front visibility is improved, entry into a cab or exit therefrom by an operator is facilitated, fine operability by a traveling pedal is improved, and foot fatigue is decreased. To achieve this, when the palm rest (56) is detected in its neutral position N, forward or rearward speed signals for respective traveling hydraulic motors in response to detection signals of control input detectors (19a, 20a) of left and right traveling knobs (19, 20) are outputted to respective control valves from a controller (15).

Abstract: A forklift truck, in particular an electric reach truck, having an operator's compartment with a battery compartment located to the side of the operator. An operator's console is pivotally mounted above the battery compartment so as to be movable into a position where access to the battery can be obtained for servicing or exchange of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination trailer and self propelled vehicle which combines the maximum gradeability of all wheel drive with the ability to be efficiently and conveniently towed by conventional means at maximum permissible highway speeds. As this invention relates to concrete mixing, it provides an advance in the ability to get to a job site quickly and then efficiently transport and place concrete mix at the job site.

Abstract: A shiftable control console for an agricultural tractor is disclosed wherein the console is movable independently of the operator's seat to position the operative controls at the convenience of the operator. The console is mounted on pivoted linkages that are oriented to rotate the console clockwise as it is moved rearwardly to mimic the rotation of the operator's seat to an implement operating position. Fore-and-aft movement of the console is effected by an electric actuator controlled through a switch mounted on the console.