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

Abstract: A construction machine includes: a work device; an operation device which receives a manipulation; a hydraulic unit including a hydraulic motor; an electric unit including an electric motor and an energy storage unit; a control device which makes the electric power of the energy storage unit assist the hydraulic unit upon the manipulation for the drive side, and makes the electric motor generate regenerative electric power unit upon the manipulation for the regeneration side; and a power-discharge command unit which issues a discharge command for the energy storage unit. Upon receiving the discharge command, the control device operates the electric motor to lower a voltage of the energy storage unit upon the manipulation for the drive side, and makes only the hydraulic unit decelerate or stop the work device upon the manipulation for the regeneration side.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a power take-off (PTO) of an engine equipped vehicle. Transceivers in a portable wireless remote control device (WRCD) and an in-vehicle control system (IVCS) wirelessly communicate (a) user generated PTO action requests to the vehicle, and (b) PTO and vehicle status information to the WRCD. A PTO control module (PTOCM) in the IVCS translates the wirelessly received user action requests into engine and PTO operating or action commands, monitors the engine and PTO status and has the IVCS transceiver send the status information back to the WRCD where it can be presented to the user on a display. In a preferred embodiment, maximum use is made of components already existing in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for driving a ripper is provided in which the movement of a ripper attached to the rear of the body of a bulldozer is controlled. The method includes a first step in which the ripper is operated while the bulldozer is moving forward or is stopped, a second step in which the bulldozer is reversed and the ripper is raised, and a third step in which the ripper is automatically raised.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a controller for a wheelchair. The controller includes a joystick for controlling the speed and direction of the wheelchair. A housing of the controller has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface has a weight bearing portion configured to support a user's weight when the user places at least a portion of his or her hand on the weight bearing portion to facilitate entering or exiting the wheelchair.

Abstract: An input device for a machine is provided. The input device includes a lever which is operable to select from a plurality of transmission modes of the machine. Further, a hoisting input device is disposed on the lever. The hoisting input device is operable to select from a plurality of hoisting functions associated with a payload carrier of the machine.

Abstract: When an operation lever is operated to either a speed changing path or a neutral path, a second link mechanism establishes no operative coupling between the operation lever and a parking brake mechanism. When the operation lever is operated from the neutral path to a linking path, the second link mechanism establishes operative coupling between the operation lever and the parking brake mechanism. Further, when the operation lever is operated to a braking path, the parking brake mechanism is activated. When the lever is operated to a locking path, a locking mechanism is activated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control system for a machine having a transmission. The control system includes an open gate shift pattern having a plurality of defined positions disposed within an outer perimeter. Each of the defined positions corresponds to one of a plurality of forward and reverse ranges of the transmission. A control lever is movably disposed within the shift pattern. A first set of defined positions is aligned in the shift pattern corresponding to the plurality of forward ranges and a second set of defined positions is aligned in the shift pattern corresponding to the plurality of reverse ranges. The control lever is moveable in a single movement to any of the plurality of defined positions for selecting between a forward range and reverse range.

Abstract: A multifunction bin utility apparatus comprises a mobile base, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the mobile base with each of the wheels being rotatable independently of each other to steer movement of the mobile base, a tool mount movable with respect to the mobile base, an arm assembly mounted on the mobile base and configured to move the tool mount with respect to the mobile base, at least one tool attachment mounted on the tool mount, and a control apparatus configured to control movement of the plurality of wheels and the arm assembly with the control apparatus being remotely controllable by a remote control device.

Abstract: A construction machine is provided. The construction machine includes a chassis and a ground engaging member (such as a wheel or a track) operable to support and move the chassis over ground. The construction machine further includes a work implement (such as a bucket) coupled to the chassis; a cab mounted on said chassis and having a user seat, and a first controller (such as a joystick) accessible to a user seated in the user seat. The joystick controls at least one of moving the work machine over ground and movement of the bucket. The joystick has a first actuator (such as a trigger button) that is operable to selectively engage ride control functionality.

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

Abstract: An operator interface for advanced transmission control of a vehicle is disclosed. The operator interface may include a hand operated joystick mounted on a vehicle and a roller mounted on the joystick, the roller having at least two detents for providing at least four distinct states of speed control, the at least four distinct states including one or more increasing states and one or more decreasing states. In another embodiment, the roller of the operator interface may include at least one detent for providing at least three distinct states of speed control, the at least three distinct states including at least one increasing state, at least one decreasing state, and at least one other speed state provided in one of either an increasing state or a decreasing state.

Abstract: A track type tractor incorporates control over lift, tilt, angle and pitch into an implement control joystick. The pitch cylinder and the tilt cylinder share segments of the hydraulic circuit, and a diverter valve prioritizes pitch control over tilt control in the rare occurrence when the operator is requesting both tilt and pitch changes to the dozer blade. Angle control and pitch control may be accomplished by finger controllers incorporated into the implement control joystick. Thus, the operator can control the dozer blade in four degrees of freedom without losing contact with the implement control joystick.

Abstract: A vehicle motion controlling apparatus has an allocating unit for selecting steering or braking control mainly performed in cooperative control, receiving a desired value of vehicle turning motion, allocating steering and braking controls for the motion, determining main yaw rate from vehicle conditions, and determining a non-main yaw rate from difference between the desired value and the main yaw rate. Setting units set assist torque corresponding to the main yaw rate and braking torque corresponding to the non-main yaw rate when the steering control is selected and set braking torque corresponding to the main yaw rate and assist torque corresponding to the non-main yaw rate when the braking control is selected. The assist torque is generated for assisting a change of steering angle of vehicle in steering control. The braking torque is generated for applying braking force to wheel of vehicle in braking control.

Abstract: An operator interface for advanced transmission control of a vehicle is disclosed. The operator interface may include a hand operated joystick mounted on a vehicle and a roller mounted on the joystick, the roller having at least two detents for providing at least four distinct states of speed control, the at least four distinct states including one or more increasing states and one or more decreasing states. In another embodiment, the roller of the operator interface may include at least one detent for providing at least three distinct states of speed control, the at least three distinct states including at least one increasing state, at least one decreasing state, and at least one other speed state provided in one of either an increasing state or a decreasing state.

Abstract: A work machine (10) comprises an operator input device (28), an electro-hydraulic system (64), and a controller unit (46) that communicates with the operator input device (28) and the electro-hydraulic system (64). The controller unit (46) is programmed to operate the electro-hydraulic system (64) in a manual-control mode and an auto-control mode, and is adapted to activate the auto-control mode in response to displacement of the operator input device (28) to an activate-auto position relative to a neutral position (42) of the operator input device (28), and both deactivate the auto-control mode and activate the manual-control mode in response to displacement of the operator input device (28) from the neutral position through a non-responsive deadband (72) about the neutral position (42) to an activate-manual position. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: When an operation lever is operated to either a speed changing path or a neutral path, a second link mechanism establishes no operative coupling between the operation lever and a parking brake mechanism. When the operation lever is operated from the neutral path to a linking path, the second link mechanism establishes operative coupling between the operation lever and the parking brake mechanism. Further, when the operation lever is operated to a braking path, the parking brake mechanism is activated. When the lever is operated to a locking path, a locking mechanism is activated.

Abstract: A control system for a saddle-type vehicle is provided. The control system includes a reverse lever, a hand brake lever, a throttle lever and at least one mount bracket. Each of the reverse lever, the hand brake lever and the throttle lever are pivotably coupled to the at least one mount bracket and the at least one mount bracket is configured to be connected to a first one of a right handlebar and a left handlebar of a saddle-type vehicle.

Abstract: A handlebar control system for a motorcycle. The system includes a controller, a network interface, a plurality of user actuated devices coupled to the controller, an electronic switch coupled to the controller, a first connector having terminals linking to motorcycle power and a network bus, and a second connector coupled to a device external to the control system.

Abstract: A user interface for managing energy from multiple energy sources on a hybrid vehicle displays information on the amount of energy available from a battery pack and liquid fuel tank, and allows the user to select when and how much stored energy is used from each energy source. The user interface may include an operator actuated control and a pair of gauges showing the amount of stored energy for the battery pack and the liquid fuel tank. The operator control may move the control between end settings that disable the internal combustion engine or minimize battery pack use.

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

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a controller for a wheelchair. The controller includes a joystick for controlling the speed and direction of the wheelchair. A housing of the controller has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface has a weight bearing portion configured to support a user's weight when the user places at least a portion of his or her hand on the weight bearing portion to facilitate entering or exiting the wheelchair.

Abstract: A tractor includes a boom and a bucket being coupled with each other in series and having the same rotating direction, and a control lever for operating both the boom and the bucket. The control button is equipped in the control lever, and the control lever can operate either a boom or a bucket after either the boom or the bucket is selected by pressing the control button.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new hand-operated system for actuating acceleration and brake pedals in a vehicle. The system comprises main body adapted to be fixedly attached to the vehicle in the vicinity of the driver's hands, a handle connected to the main body wherein the handle is adapted to be moved forwardly and backwardly in order to operate the vehicle; two levers pivotally connected to the main body wherein the levers are engaged with the acceleration and brake pedals through connecting rods; and a cable connecting the lever that actuate the acceleration pedal.

Abstract: A vehicle driving control is provided. The vehicle driving control includes a dead man's system (VACMA) processing device and a lever arm capable of moving in a predetermined actuation direction with a handle. The handle is arranged at one end of the arm and includes an upper face, at least one lateral face, and a touch button which is electrically connected to the processing device. The touch button is located in the region of the lateral face.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly of the motor grader.

Abstract: An operator input assembly includes an operator input device. The operator input device includes a paddle and a leaf spring interfacing with the paddle so as to bias the paddle to a predetermined position. The paddle includes a region which interfaces with the leaf spring.

Abstract: A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly of the motor grader.

Abstract: A user interface for managing energy from multiple energy sources on a hybrid vehicle displays information on the amount of energy available from a battery pack and liquid fuel tank, and allows the user to select when and how much stored energy is used from each energy source. The user interface may include an operator actuated control and a pair of gauges showing the amount of stored energy for the battery pack and the liquid fuel tank. The operator control may move the control between end settings that disable the internal combustion engine or minimize battery pack use.

Abstract: A steering and engine speed control mechanism for operating a vehicle. The control mechanism has a control handle mounted on the vehicle. The control handle is configured to deflect about an axis by movement of an operator's hand. A steering direction of the vehicle is related to a deflection angle of the control handle about the axis. An actuating element for changing the speed of the engine of the vehicle is attached to the control handle and is conveniently movable by an operator's digit to a plurality of positions to effect the desired speed of the engine.

Abstract: A joystick for controlling the functions of machines and/or vehicles comprises an actuator which can be moved in different directions by means of a joint having preferably two degrees of freedom, wherein the back-and-forth motions of the actuator occurring in a first plane are subjected to an active force feedback in the form of an electromotor and a reduction gear, and the back-and-forth movement of the actuator which occurs in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane is subjected to a passive force feedback in the form of a sprung reset device. In order to make such a joystick which allows for a low-cost serial production, the invention proposes that the reduction gear is designed with low backlash and is connected on the output side to the actuator via a preferably leaf-spring assembly which connects a swing arm to a joint part.

Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle having an accelerator operator includes an accelerator operation amount detecting unit connected to a second end portion of an accelerator cable having a first end portion connected to the accelerator operator, the accelerator operation amount detecting unit is disposed at a location less susceptible to the effect from an external force and steering of the steering handlebar with a space to permit removal of screws and other parts that may be dropped during the assembly process. An accelerator operation amount detecting unit includes a rotatable member connected to an accelerator cable so as to be rotated according to displacement of the accelerator cable and a cover plate extending in a longitudinal direction to cover the rotatable member from an upward direction. The accelerator operation amount detecting unit is disposed near a head pipe.

Abstract: To provide a work machine in which traveling devices and an implement device can be operated by common operating levers, wherein switching operation is easy and a changeover is easily confirmed. Inside a cab of the work machine, there are provided travel pedals, with which the traveling devices can be operated, and operating levers, with which the traveling devices and the implement device can be operated. A changeover switch is provided on a console positioned in the vicinity of one side of an operating sheet. The changeover switch switches over between a traveling mode, in which traveling operation is possible by the operating levers, and a work mode, in which implement operation is possible by the operating levers.

Abstract: A drive train of a motor vehicle, with a drive engine, a torque converter, an additional brake, a retarder, a manual actuator device for a power control element, a manually operated preselector element for an operating range of the torque converter, a manually operated preselector element for selecting braking resistance of the additional brake, a manual control element for actuating a brake that decelerates the motor vehicle and an electronic control unit for exchanging and processing signals and data of the drive train and/or of the motor vehicle. The preselector element for the additional brake is connected to the electronic control unit such that starting from a zero position “0”, it can be actuated in a direction “I” for signaling the selection of a braking resistance of the additional brake, and also in another direction “II” for signaling the activation of a drive-power-off rolling or coasting operation mode.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) has a frame (12), at least two wheels (14, 16), a straddle seat (28), a handlebar (18) having first (20) and second (22) handles, an engine (30), a semi-automatic transmission (32), and a housing (24) disposed adjacent the first handle. A shift lever (108) is pivotally connected to the housing. At least a portion of the shift lever extends away from the handle side of the housing towards an end of the first handle and is disposed at least in part vertically below the first handle. The shift lever has rear (140) and front surfaces (142). The shift lever is movable to an up-shift position by pressing one of the front and rear surfaces, is movable to a down-shift position by pressing a remaining one of the front and rear surfaces, and is biased towards a rest position intermediate the up-shift and down-shift positions. The shift lever is operatively connected to the semi-automatic transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle including a controller with a steering input module and a brake input module is disclosed. The steering input module (11) has a mechanical interface to which the exchangeable operating elements (12) for steering the vehicle can be attached. The brake input module (21) has a mechanical interface with touchless sensors (211a, b), to which the exchangeable operating elements (22) for braking can be attached. Per the steering input module (11) and/or brake input module (21), at least one main controller board (131a, b, 231a, b, 321, 332) is provided. For the steering input module, the main controller board sets the individual parameters with respect to the steering angle and straight-ahead position of the exchangeable operating elements (12) for steering the vehicle. For the brake input module, the main controller board sets the individual parameters with respect to the brake distance of the exchangeable operating elements (22) for braking.

Abstract: An operator's station for a machine having at least two stations comprises a seat mounted to swivel between at least a first position and a second position, at least first and second windshield portions disposed generally opposed or at an angle to one another and generally corresponding to the first and second positions, and at least first and second windshield wipers movably mounted to selectively sweep the first and second windshield portions, respectively. At least one control device selectively renders the first windshield wiper selectively operable when the seat is disposed in the first position and inoperable when the seat is disposed in the second position.

Abstract: A steering and engine speed control mechanism for operating a vehicle. The control mechanism has a control handle mounted on the vehicle. The control handle is configured to deflect about an axis by movement of an operator's hand. A steering direction of the vehicle is related to a deflection angle of the control handle about the axis. An actuating element for changing the speed of the engine of the vehicle is attached to the control handle and is conveniently movable by an operator's digit to a plurality of positions to effect the desired speed of the engine.

Abstract: A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly of the motor grader.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural machine comprises a travel drive, a control element (46), able to be moved by the driver, for controlling the speed of travel of the machine, and at least one work-performing unit (2, 3, 5-13, 24, 27, 28) which, while the machine is travelling, can assume an active state and an inactive state as selected by the driver. The machine is set up to decide whether a movement of the control element (36) which is sensed is a regular control movement or an emergency stop movement, and to change the work-performing unit (2, 3, 5-13, 24, 27, 28) to the inactive state if it is decided that the movement sensed is an emergency stop movement.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: A hand control apparatus in a vehicle allows a disabled driver to operate the vehicle without using their feet. The push-pull style handle control apparatus is attached either to the steering column mount or instrument panel. An operation lever is cross-car (left-to-right) oriented and pivotally mounted at its mid-section through a pivot bracket to the steering column or instrument panel. A brake lever and an accelerator at both of near ends are pivoted to the bracket and both operate using the operation lever; with one oriented to the left and the other to the right. In this way, when the free end of the operation lever is pressed down, it pushes down the far end of the brake lever and an OEM brake arm through a brake rod. Similarly, when the free end operation lever is lifted up, it pushes down an OEM accelerator arm through an accelerator rod.

Abstract: A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly of the motor grader.

Abstract: In a work machine equipped with a switchover means enabling selective operation of traveling devices and a work device by means of common operating levers, switchover can easily be performed and also easily recognized. In a work machine having traveling devices and a work device, operating levers that are capable of operating the traveling devices and the work device are respectively disposed at the sides of an operating seat. A foot switch connected to a controller is disposed in the proximity of and operable with a foot of an operator seated at the operating seat. While the foot switch is being operated with the foot, the traveling devices are operated by the operating levers through the controller. While the foot switch is not being operated, the work device is operated by means of the operating levers through the controller.

Abstract: An integrated parking brake and clutch control system for a vehicle is provided that includes a clutch perch configured for mounting on a handlebar assembly of a vehicle. A clutch lever is pivotably coupled to the clutch perch and is pivotable between rest and clutch-applied positions, and between the rest position and a parking-brake-applied position. A brake lever is pivotably coupled to the clutch perch and is pivotable between rest and depressed positions. A lock pin is supported by and moveable with the brake lever. The clutch lever defines a pin-receiving aperture and is configured to receive respective ends of a clutch cable and a parking brake cable. The lock pin is selectively insertable into the pin-receiving aperture when the clutch lever is in the parking-brake-applied position, which prevents the clutch lever from pivoting to either the rest position or the clutch-applied position.

Abstract: A remote control for shifting the gears of a snowplow truck automatic transmission with the remote control being positioned adjacent the remote controller for the truck's snowplow. The driver of the snowplow vehicle may steer the vehicle with his/her left hand and will have the remote controller for the truck snowplow and the remote controller for shifting the gears of the snowplow truck in his/her right hand which eliminates the need for the gear shift of the vehicle to be manually manipulated at the beginning or end of forward or rearward snowplow runs.

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

Abstract: A system for a vehicle that includes a movable chassis and an operator station rotatable relative to the chassis. The system includes a sensor, an indicator assembly, and a controller. The sensor can detect an orientation of the operator station relative to the chassis, and generates a signal indicative of the orientation of the operator station. The indicator assembly is disposed on the operator station, and includes a first indicator indicative of the operator station oriented in a first direction, and a second indicator indicative of the operator station oriented in a second direction. The controller is in communication with the sensor to receive the signal indicative of the operator station orientation from the sensor, and further is in communication with the indicator assembly to selectively vary the indicator assembly between the first indicator and the second indicator based on the signal indicative of the operator station orientation.

Abstract: An electrically operable wheelchair having a seat, a base with a pair of motors respectively coupled with the main support wheels, a position detection assembly, and a controller coupled with the position detection assembly and the motors for controlling wheelchair operation in order to effect desired wheelchair movements. The hands-free input device of the invention, which includes the position detection assembly and a position detection device, provides input signals representative of desired wheelchair movements to the controller. The position detection device detects the position of the seat. Movement of the seat, rather than a joystick, creates the voltage signals which are then transmitted to the wheelchair controller.