Abstract: An excavator includes a lower traveling body; an upper turning body turnably mounted to the lower traveling body; an actuator configured to change an orientation of the upper turning body; and a control apparatus configured to perform front-face control to operate the actuator such that the upper turning body is caused to front-face a target surface, based on information regarding the target surface and information regarding the orientation of the upper turning body, wherein the control apparatus performs the front-face control such that the upper turning body maintains a state of front-facing the target surface.

Abstract: In a hydraulic excavator including a machine body and a front work device, when an object is detected by sensors for detecting an object around the machine body when operation limiting control for limiting the operation of at least one of the machine body and the front work device is enabled, or when an operation device is operated, the detection of the object is notified to an operator by a first state warning, and when the operation limiting control is enabled and when the operation device is not operated, the detection of the object is notified to the operator by a second state warning that is weaker in warning intensity than the first state warning. Accordingly, the botheration for the operator can be suppressed while securing the effectiveness of an alarm in periphery monitoring, and the safety performance can be enhanced.

Abstract: A wheel loader representing a work vehicle includes an operator's seat, an armrest, and a seat operation portion. The armrest is provided lateral to the operator's seat. The seat operation portion controls a position or a posture of the operator's seat. The seat operation portion is attached to the armrest.

Abstract: A utility vehicle such as a loader includes a drive control system that includes an electronic controller and a manually actuated drive command device, such as one or more joysticks. The electronic controller is configured to control the drive control system to supply propulsive power at a predetermined output that is lower than that which is commanded by the drive command device for so long as an output of the drive control system is beneath a designated threshold, maintaining vehicle speed lower than a commanded vehicle speed. The electronic controller is further configured to control the drive control system to ramp up the propulsive power supply toward that which is commanded by the drive command device when the output of the drive control system is above the designated threshold, causing the vehicle speed to approach a commanded vehicle speed. The vehicle may include a EH drive system such as a hydrostatic drive system.

Abstract: An operating device of an electric vehicle enables an electric vehicle to be operated, the electric vehicle having: left and right driving wheels; and left and right driving motors respectively independently driving these left and right driving wheels. The operating device has: a joystick operable to move so as to issue a turning direction instruction of the vehicle; and a traveling instruction portion issuing a traveling instruction of the vehicle by operation different from movement operation of this joystick. The joystick has a grip operable to be gripped by an occupant of the vehicle. By making a difference between rotating speeds of the left and right driving motors based on a combination of the turning direction instruction of the joystick and the traveling instruction of the traveling instruction portion, a gentle turn or a pivotal brake turn of the vehicle is performed.

Abstract: A rotary mixer can include a frame, a rotor attached to the frame, four wheels attached to the frame for moving the rotary mixer, and a drive system for driving the four wheels, the drive system can include four independent hydrostatic drive loops, each of the independent hydrostatic drive loops associated with one of the wheels such that each one of the independent hydrostatic drive loops independently drives one of the four wheels; wherein the drive system includes a pressure balance mode of operation for relatively good traction ground or road conditions, and a wheel speed synchronization mode of operation for relatively poor traction ground or road conditions.

Abstract: A handle head of an electric transport vehicle includes a first body and a second body, with the second body being releasably connected to the first body. The second body conveniently may be disassembled from the first body when the vehicle is going to be shipped, and then reassembled for use of the vehicle. Disassembly of the second body from the first reduces the length of the handle and the volume of the handle head that otherwise need to be accommodated during shipping.

Abstract: A control element for a motor vehicle having at least two steerable wheels provides that the actuating force in the transverse direction of the vehicle is measured redundantly by a control element transverse force sensor system and the control element angle is influenced by at least one electromotive control element actuator, whose rotational speed and torque are converted by a control element gearbox. Further, a control for a motor vehicle, provides for averaging the actuating forces exerted in the transverse direction of the vehicle on two control elements and using the averaged forces for influencing the radius of the trajectory of the motor vehicle while the actuating forces exerted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on the control elements are used for calculating a desired change of float angle of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable operator console for machine control is disclosed. The operator console may include a mount with a mount bracket configured to be mounted to an operator station of a machine and a control mount configured to support a control unit. The control unit may be configured to control an operation of a component of the machine. The mount may include an armrest bracket configured to support an armrest, an armrest mount configured to support the armrest bracket, a first actuator control configured to permit an adjustment to a position of the armrest relative to the control mount, and a second actuator control configured to permit an adjustment to a position of the armrest and the control unit relative to the operator station of the machine.

Abstract: A handle and tiller head plug-in module for a material handling vehicle. The handle having an elongated tiller having an upper portion including at least one steering handgrip member and an upward extending wall surrounding electrical contacts associated with operator control functions. The tiller head plug-in module includes a housing having a downward extending wall surrounding electrical contacts, with the housing supporting a plurality of operator control interface elements, including at least one lift control element, and at least drive control element. The tiller head plug-in module is configured to be removably electrically connected to the handle when the upward extending wall surrounding the electrical contacts of the upper portion of the tiller is plugged into and received by the downward extending wall surrounding the electrical contacts of the housing.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for smart transportation and sensing systems. In one example, an apparatus for smart transportation sensing includes a reflector integrated in a contoured roadway unit configured to protect the reflector from damage by vehicles traveling along a transportation surface; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag integrated in the contoured roadway unit. In another example, a system for smart transportation includes a vehicle including a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to interrogate RFID tags integrated in reflector units disposed along a transportation surface; and a processing system in communication with the RFID reader, the processing system configured to process data obtained from at least one of the RFID tags to determine vehicle location along the transportation surface.

Abstract: A steering system for a marine vessel comprises a helm, a control head, and a joystick. The helm and control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a first CAN network. The joystick and the control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a second CAN network. The helm may provide user inputted steering commands on the first CAN network. The control head may provide user inputted shift and throttle commands on the second CAN network. The joystick may provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on either the first CAN network or the second CAN network.

Abstract: A pressure limiting system for a dual path machine wherein an input propel command from a propel device is scaled based upon the largest detected pressure in a hydraulic system to determine a modified propel command. Also, response time is adjusted within an electrical control system based upon the type of input propel command signal received.

Abstract: A riding type vehicle has a driving source, a left wheel and a right wheel, a transmission configured to receive power from the driving source to independently operate and drive the left wheel and the right wheel with regard to a rotation direction and a rotation speed, and caster wheels separately provided in a front-rear direction with respect to the left wheel and the right wheel, the riding type vehicle including two first sensors arranged on both left and right sides more to a front side than a rear end of the vehicle, the two first sensors configured to detect an obstacle target located on a rear side, the obstacle target being a target becoming an obstacle at the time of reversing or turning.

Abstract: A vehicle control lever which has a moveable control panel provided on the lever. The control panel has a plurality of operating elements to control different vehicle functions, wherein the configuration of the operating elements can be re-assigned to control different vehicle functions based on the position of the control panel on the control lever.

Abstract: A system includes a seat. The system includes a steering assembly including a support shaft and a user interface, the steering assembly movable between a first position and a second position. The steering assembly is disposed in front of the seat in the first position and below the seat in the second position.

Abstract: A utility implement may include a frame, traction members supported by the frame, a propulsion unit supported by the frame and operably coupled to the traction members, a handle bar coupled to the frame, a control handle extending from the handlebar and located to be gripped by an operator while the operator is maneuvering the utility implement and as the utility implement is being driven by the traction members and a control transmission associating the control handle to the propulsion unit such that manipulation of the control handle adjusts operation of the propulsion unit to adjust propulsion of the utility implement by the traction members.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated harvesting combine of a forward powered processing unit (PPU), a rear grain cart, and an articulation joint connecting the PPU and rear grain cart. Loss sensor pads in the straw discharge stream are graphically displaying to the operator. Articulation joint sensors rear teeth on an articulation joint arcuate beam and are used to display the degree of articulation to the operator. A jog motor permits the operator to move the feed house forwards/backwards to clear blockages. A right hand joystick and a left hand joystick provided control of all combine functions.

Abstract: Devices and methods to relieve lift chains from being maintained under constant, or nearly constant, tension are provided.

Abstract: A mining shuttle car that trams on underground roadways includes a conveyor system and an operator's compartment adjacent to the conveyor system. The operator's compartment includes a rotatable seat and a control station. The operator's seat module is coupled to one or more joysticks that control the car, and the operator's seat module and the control station are mounted on a rotatable platform so as to be rotatable as a unit between a plurality of secured positions for operating the mining shuttle car. Forward movement of the joystick control relative to the seat steers the shuttle car about a point in front of the seat, and rearward movement of the joystick control relative to the seat steers the shuttle car about a point behind the seat. Forward and rearward movement of one of the joysticks steers the mining shuttle car in the same manner regardless of the rotational position of the rotational position of the seat.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle includes a parking operator for allowing the lever to be lengthened without affecting the surrounding members. A parking lever is arranged more forward than the tip of a first finger of an operator when the first finger is fully extended forward. Therefore, there is no concern that the hand holding the left grip section may touch the parking lever. Thus, the lever can be sufficiently lengthened. In addition, the parking lever is sufficiently far from the grip section toward the vehicle front. As a result, there is no concern that the parking lever may interfere with a normal gripping operation. In addition, a handle switch or other part can be readily arranged on a switch box on the base portion of the grip section without being affected by the parking lever.

Abstract: An electronic control system for controlling movement of a work machine is disclosed. The control system may include a first and a second joystick, each of the first and second joysticks configured to move between a neutral and an operational position. Moreover a first and second resistive device may be operatively coupled to the first and second joysticks respectively. The first and second resistive devices may be configured to generate a resistive force to selectively retain the first and second joysticks in the operational position. Additionally, the control system may include a controller in communication with the first and second joysticks and the first and second resistive devices. The controller may transmit a first and second resistive force signal to activate one of the first and second resistive devices to generate the resistive force such that one of the first and second joysticks is retained in the operational position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intelligently gated operation of hydraulic equipment. Control logic for operating a number of hydraulic functions of hydraulic equipment using the same physical controls is disclosed, including dynamic gating functions that allow the same controller to operate gated and ungated functions. By adjusting control inputs for each axis, the controls can be operated jointly, mutually exclusively or in a blended fashion. Additionally, control signals for one axis can be adjusted based on the control signal for the other axis to prevent abrupt transitions from controlling one function to controlling another function.

Abstract: A steering system is provided which more appropriately alleviates driver's discomfort in the wrists. A steering ECU has an estimated grip angle calculating circuit, a deviation calculating circuit, an automatic steering torque command value calculating circuit, and a grip angle command value calculating circuit. The estimated grip angle calculating circuit calculates an estimated grip angle based on a steering angle. The deviation calculating circuit calculates a deviation based on the steering angle, a steering angle deviation, and the estimated grip angle. The grip angle command value calculating circuit calculates a grip angle command value that is a sum of a grip angle and the deviation.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided having a first sensor (pedal travel sensor) and a second sensor (motor position sensor). The first sensor having a first coil and a first coupler. The second sensor having a second coil and a second coupler. A shield element is positioned at least partially between the first coupler and the second coupler so as to prevent unwanted interaction between the first coil and the second coil. In one embodiment, the shield element is made of ferrite. In other embodiments, the shield element includes at least one layer of ferrite and at least one layer of aluminum, wherein the shield element include a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of ferrite. More specifically, the shield element is a flux field directional material (FFDM).

Abstract: A shovel control method includes performing a plane position control or a height control of an end attachment by an operation of one lever. The plane position control is performed while maintaining a height of the end attachment. The height control is performed while maintaining a plane position of the end attachment.

Abstract: A setting unit dynamically sets a first area and a second area on a touch sensor mounted on a grip portion that a driver grips on a steering wheel. A first detector is configured to detect a state where a first area in a touch sensor mounted on a grip portion that a driver grips on a steering wheel is touched. A second detector is configured to detect a state where a particular input operation is performed on a second area located on the upper side of the first area in the touch sensor. A controller is configured to control an operation target device to be operated with the touch sensor according to the particular input operation when the first detector detects the state where the first area is touched and the second detector detects the state where the particular input operation is performed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a suspension system coupled to a main frame of ride-on equipment including at least one subframe coupled to the main frame with a pivot including pivot axis. Some embodiments include at least one transaxle assembly supported on the at least one subframe coupled to a drive wheel, and a power source supported on the main frame coupled to the at least one transaxle assembly. Some embodiments include driven pulleys, idler pulleys and backside idler pulleys supported by the at least one subframe coupled to a power source not supported by the at least one subframe. Some embodiments include two independently suspended subframes, each independently pivotable on the pivot axis with respect to each other and the main frame.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a transaxle, a battery and a load carrying bed. The transaxle includes a casing incorporating a drive train and supporting an axle and includes an electric motor mounted on the casing to drive the axle via the drive train. The battery is provided for supplying electric power to the electric motor. The transaxle and the battery are disposed below the load carrying bed so as to overlap the load carrying bed when viewed in plan.

Abstract: A brake control system is provided for a vehicle having steerable front wheels, left and right brake units for braking left and right rear wheels, and a single manually operated brake input device. A main brake valve has a supply port, a return port, an outlet and a valve spool for controlling communication therebetween. The valve spool is coupled to a brake input device. A normally open left turn valve controls communication between the outlet and the left brake unit. A normally open right turn valve controls communication between the outlet and the right brake unit. A normally open balance valve controls communication between the left and right brake units. The system includes a brake input device sensor, a turn angle sensor and a vehicle speed sensor. A control unit controls the left and right turn valves and the balance valve as a function of signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes: an automatic control for controlling an operation of the vehicle; and a lever having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the lever is selectively operable to turn the automatic control from an off state to an on state; wherein when the automatic control is in the off state, manual control is required for the operation of the vehicle; and wherein when the automatic control is in the on state, the automatic control is configured to control the operation of the vehicle on behalf of a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: The example embodiments relate to a single lever system. In an example, the system may include a condition cable controlling mechanism configured for controlling adjustment of a condition cable, a power cable controlling mechanism configured for controlling adjustment of a power cable, and a single lever coupled to the condition cable controlling mechanism and to the power cable controlling mechanism. During manipulation of the single lever to control adjustment of the power cable, the condition cable controlling mechanism is configured to prevent adjustment of the condition cable. During manipulation of the single lever to control adjustment of the condition cable, the power cable controlling mechanism is configured to prevent adjustment of the power cable.

Abstract: A mast and integral display mount for a material handling vehicle are shown. The mast mounts a locating apparatus such that a locating axis of the locating apparatus is coaxial with a steering axis of the steerable drive wheel of the material handling vehicle. An integral display mount may include a display unit and display screen housed in a display housing that is integral with the steering handle of the vehicle. The integral nature of the display mount allows the display unit to move with the steering handle during steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: A transmission device for a vehicle is provided. The transmission device includes a first rotating unit configured to be rotatably coupled to a first rotating axis and a second rotating unit configured to be rotatably coupled to a second rotating axis separated from the first rotating axis. A joint unit is configured to connect the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit to allow the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit to rotate relative to each other. A shift mode selection unit is mounted on at least one of the first rotating unit, the second rotating unit, and the joint unit. Additionally, a driving unit is configured to rotate the second rotating unit about the second rotating axis in response to receiving an operating signal to change an angle between the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit with respect to the joint unit.

Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic brake system includes left and right manually operated brake pedals, and left and right hydraulic brake units. A pedal lock is movable to a locking position wherein the left and right brake pedals operate in unison. Left and right brake valves are operatively coupled to the corresponding brake pedal. A solenoid operated normally closed balance valve is connected between the left and right brake units. Optional left and right solenoid operated normally open blocking valves may be connected the corresponding brake valve and the corresponding brake unit. The blocking valves and the balance valve are controlled by an ECU as a function of sensed vehicle speed and brake pedal operation.

Abstract: A first detector is configured to detect a state where a first area in a touch sensor mounted on a grip portion that a driver grips on a steering wheel is touched. A second detector is configured to detect a state where a particular input operation is performed on a second area located on the upper side of the first area in the touch sensor. A controller is configured to control an operation target device to be operated with the touch sensor according to the particular input operation when the first detector detects the state where the first area is touched and the second detector detects the state where the particular input operation is performed.

Abstract: Method and system for guiding a person to a location includes providing a processor, coupling an operator control such as a user interface to the processor to enable the person to enter a phone number which is provided to the processor, the processor being arranged to determine a physical location associated with the entered phone number, and guiding the person to the physical location associated with the entered phone number as determined by the processor. The method may be implemented in a vehicle context whereby the processor is arranged on a vehicle and the person is guided to the physical location by controlling a steering system, a throttle and/or brakes of the vehicle to automatically guide the vehicle to the physical location. Alternatively, the person may be guided to the physical location by providing audible and/or visual directions to the person operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A structure of a lever for a drive-by-wire system installed in a vehicle may include a lever body rotatably mounted on a console surface of the vehicle, and an acceleration lever and a steering roller installed in the lever body, such that it is possible to control a change of a gear shift stage, acceleration, and a change of a proceeding direction of the vehicle in a unified manner, and there is no risk of erroneous manipulations of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, and acceleration and a proceeding direction is changed using a finger, thereby improving performance in manipulating the vehicle.

Abstract: A lever for a drive-by-wire system installed in a vehicle, may include a lever body that is rotatably mounted on a console surface of the vehicle, and an acceleration lever and a steering roller that are installed in the lever body, such that it is possible to control a change of a gear shift stage, acceleration, and a change of a proceeding direction of the vehicle in a unified manner, and there is no risk of erroneous manipulations of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, and acceleration and a proceeding direction may be changed using a finger, thereby improving performance in manipulating the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an application store on board a vehicle. The application store contains, in one configuration, a plurality of applications for installation on an on board computer of the vehicle, with the applications provided to the vehicle operator being provided to the operator being based on predetermined types of information related to the vehicle, its state, operation, and/or configuration, vehicle location, vehicle type, make, model, and/or year of manufacture, and/or occupant(s) and/or occupant(s) of other vehicles.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of provided boosted actuation to an aircraft flight control device includes receiving an input from a pilot input device via a mechanical input member, providing mechanical energy to a driving member of a controlled-slippage actuator, and varying the strength of a magnetic field applied to a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the driving member and a driven member of the controlled-slippage actuator based on the relative positions of the mechanical input member and a mechanical output member that is in mechanical communication with the driven member and the aircraft flight control device.

Abstract: A steering wheel and associated control system to execute a corresponding algorithm, the steering wheel including a rim which is rotatable about a first axis to steer a vehicle, and a throttle dial disposed in a surface of the rim. The throttle dial controls a throttle of the vehicle and has a variable output to control an amount of the throttle in proportion to an amount the throttle dial is displaced from a nil output position. A similar brake dial is also provided, and is also disposed in the surface of the rim at another location, thus providing hand operation of a throttle and brake of a vehicle without having to remove one's hands from the steering wheel.

Abstract: A system for controlling a work vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a controller configured to control motion of the work vehicle and an electronic joystick communicatively coupled to the controller. The electronic joystick may be configured to transmit signals to the controller as it is moved between a neutral position and a full stroke position. The joystick may also be configured such that a varying joystick force is required to move the joystick between the neutral and full stroke positions. In addition, a rate of change of the joystick force may be varied as the electronic joystick is moved across a start/stop position defined between the neutral and full stroke positions.

Abstract: A steering system applied to motor vehicles comprising a body (10) arranged on the dashboard (200) of the vehicle, wherein the internal portion of the body (10) has a guide rail (1121) that guides the upward and downward movement of a trigger (112) pushed by a counter spring (1122) when the driver pushes or pulls the control portion (101) of the steering wheel (100) for braking or accelerating, respectively, wherein a first electronic sensor (401) is arranged on the upper portion of said trigger (112), and a second electronic sensor (402) is arranged on the upper portion of the guide rail (1121), wherein said sensors (401) and (402) are interconnected with the acceleration system of the vehicle, and a steering wheel (100) arranged in the internal portion of the body (10), wherein said steering wheel (100) has a bearing in the lower portion of an axle (111) which is interconnected with the steering shaft (300) or an electronic control unit (500), and has a control portion (101) arranged on the front and a pres

Abstract: A mouse AT lever includes a pair of A/B buttons generating control signals when being pressed and an operation dial turning to implement P, R, N, D, and M shift ranges, and can implement a basic function of outputting operation signals for the positions of the selected shift ranges and implementing operation feeling according to the shifting in various ways using the pressing time of A/B buttons, a function of preventing mis-operation in the shifting by using H-MATIC functions, a shift-lock function that prevents the ranges from being switched under a predetermined condition, a function of starting the engine by using a button, a customer-directional safety control function that is set by the customer, and an interface function for communicating with an DIS (Driver Information System) controlling the devices mounted in the vehicle.

Abstract: In an electric vehicle, a throttle spring restores a throttle opening on the side of a minimum opening when the accelerator is not operated. A driving section drives a motor according to the throttle opening. The throttle spring pushes an accelerator grip to a creep speed reference opening so as to reduce the throttle opening. A creep speed control section supplies a motor driving instruction to the driving section so that the electric vehicle is advanced at minute vehicle speed. The electric vehicle can also be backed at predetermined minute vehicle speed when the throttle opening is smaller than the creep speed reference opening.

Abstract: A system for controlling an implement of a machine is disclosed. The system may have a machine velocity sensor that senses an actual machine velocity and a targeted machine velocity sensor that senses a targeted machine velocity. The system may also have a controller, and an actuator configured to move an implement responsive to commands received from the controller by an actuator controller. The controller may be configured to receive the actual machine velocity from the machine velocity sensor, receive the targeted machine velocity from the targeted machine velocity sensor, compare the actual machine velocity to the targeted machine velocity, and send a command to the actuator controller to shake the implement based on the comparison of the actual machine velocity to the targeted machine velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for a vehicle having an onboard diagnostics connector and a connector interface connected to the onboard connector includes at least one external controller adapted for unfastenable connection to the connector interface; and at least one operator control connected to said at least one external controller.

Abstract: A driver assistance system is provided for a motor vehicle, which has a first ascertainment device, the first ascertainment device implemented to ascertain at least one parameter that characterizes a possible fatigue of a current driver of the motor vehicle. In addition, the driver assistance system has a second ascertainment device, which is implemented to ascertain a degree of fatigue of the driver based on the at least one ascertained parameter. In addition, the driver assistance system has an opening device, which is implemented to at least partially open at least one window of the motor vehicle if the ascertained degree of fatigue of the driver exceeds a first predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a motor associated with selectable movement of a frame by a first operator control. The frame structurally carries a cab structure and a manipulating structure associated with an implement for performing work. The manipulating structure is selectably movable by a second operator control located in the cab structure. All control functions associated with positioning the implement with respect to three different rotational axes are manipulable using the second operator control.