With Adjustable Operator Engageable Control Patents (Class 180/334)
  • Patent number: 7275615
    Abstract: A walk-behind self-propelled apparatus having a mobile structure and a handle assembly coupled to the mobile structure. The handle assembly includes a pair of grip portions. A ground engaging traction member is rotatably coupled to the mobile structure and imparts traction movement to the mobile structure for movement on the ground. A power source outputs drive power and a drive system, coupled between the power source and the ground engaging traction member, selectively transmits the drive power to the ground engaging traction member. A speed control actuation system is then coupled to the drive system and includes a control member pivotable about an axis. The axis is generally parallel to a plane extending between the pair of grip portions of the handle assembly to permit an operator to operate the control member merely through thumb actuation without removing their hands from the pair of grip portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Harry L. Derby, V, Bryan E. Holby
  • Patent number: 7237645
    Abstract: A steering arm for a walkie/rider truck which has a truck body, a driving motor and load bearing means, a platform for the operator and a steering rod. Button portions extend adjacent both lateral surfaces of the horn of a steering above the grip portions and extend approximately parallel to the lateral surfaces and are supported for pivoting movement approximately about horizontal axes. The button portions are arranged such that they can be actuated by the thumb or the index finger of the hand engaging the associated grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Jungheinrich AG
    Inventors: Helmut Lohmann, Michael Niebuhr
  • Patent number: 7213673
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least energy conversion system, a steering system and a braking system. The chassis is configured for releasable engagement with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A system for adjustable, reconfigurable foot pedals is also shown for generating driver input to the by-wire braking systems and energy conversion systems and for providing control and comfort for the driver and/or a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mohsen D. Shabana, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Robert Louis Vitale
  • Patent number: 7159687
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: James Thomas Dunn, Don MacGregor, Brent Gabriel, Leonard Bergman
  • Patent number: 7104356
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that pertains to an adjustable foot support of a motorized vehicle. An insert is placed in a bore of the foot support mounting member or the mounting bracket mounting member to enable coupling of a foot support to a mounting bracket attached to the motorized vehicle. The insert can be inserted from either an upper side or a lower side of the mounting member, which will adjust the lateral position of the foot support relative to the mounting bracket, thereby ergonomically accommodating different riders' needs and preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: ProMoto Billet
    Inventor: Joshua Paris
  • Patent number: 7040448
    Abstract: A hand control mechanism to produce a selectively changeable effect on a continuously variable input shaft is disclosed. The mechanism selectively varies the length of a lever arm to effect a change in the amount of rotation of a continuously variable input shaft of a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Schiller-Pfeiffer, Inc.
    Inventor: Ervin H. Good
  • Patent number: 7036250
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert Paul Dressler, James Gerard Merten, Robert Joseph Hachmann
  • Patent number: 7036248
    Abstract: A backhoe control pattern selection arrangement is provided for a backhoe controlled by two control levers. The two levers are operatively connected to hydraulic systems that operate the boom and crowd hydraulic cylinders. An electrically operated valve block is electrically connected to a source of power and to a control switch, and hydraulically connected to the hydraulic systems. Changing the state of the control switch actuates the valve block and modifies the hydraulic systems to reverse the correspondence between the control levers and the boom and crowd functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Rian Scot Meyeres, Kristen Dawn Cadman Bishop
  • Patent number: 7032703
    Abstract: In order to enhance an operator's ability to control a work machine, an operator control station includes a seat assembly that is moveably mounted to a body of the work machine. The operator can control, at least in part, primary operator controllable aspects of the work machine by manipulating work machine operating controls attached to move with the seat assembly. The operator can monitor a work machine operating condition, at least in part, via a work machine operating condition display panel also attached to move with the seat assembly. In addition, the operator control station is interchangeable among a plurality of work machines of different types and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne J. Wulfert, Sukhwinder S. Guron, James I. Portscheller, Lyle E. York
  • Patent number: 7014022
    Abstract: A clutch pedal (1) for a vehicle, in particular, a motor vehicle, includes at least one side plate (2a, 2b) mounted for rotation spindle (3) connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle. A peg (5) is fixed to one end of a pedal web (4) and slides in a first slot (21) provided in the side plate. A movement mechanism (7) causes the peg to slide in the slot, defining a length (L) between the rotation spindle of the side plate and the other end of the pedal web. A stud (8) is mounted in the side plate (2a) at a distance (R) from the rotation spindle, for receiving the end of the rod of the clutch mechanism of the vehicle. The clutch pedal operates to provide a constant step-down ratio (L/R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignees: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA, Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Franck Sauvonnet, Brian N. Orr, Waldemar W. Gmurowski
  • Patent number: 6990875
    Abstract: A pedal box for a motor vehicle, comprising clutch (1), brake (2), and accelerator (3) pedals that are mounted to respectively rotate about a corresponding pivots (X1, X2, X3) between a rest position and a position of maximum actuation after passing through a multitude of intermediate positions. A link (4) located between the accelerator pedal (3) and the brake pedal (2) places the brake pedal (2) in an intermediate position or a rest position depending on whether or not the accelerator pedal (3) is in a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Attard
  • Patent number: 6975930
    Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of a mechanism is provided. A first rate limit is assigned to a first input device that is operable to generate a first signal to control the operation of the mechanism. A second rate limit is assigned to a second input device that is operable to generate a second signal to control the operation of the mechanism. At least one of the first and second input devices are manipulated to effect a desired change in the operation of the mechanism. A maximum allowable rate of change in the operation of the mechanism is identified based on the first and second signals and the first and second rate limits. A rate of change in the operation of the mechanism to achieve the desired change in the operation of the mechanism is determined based on a comparison of the maximum allowable rate of change in the operation of the mechanism with a last used rate of change in the operation of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Drake, Timothy M. Gutzwiller, Michael F. Coffman, Timothy A Feucht
  • Patent number: 6971194
    Abstract: A modular excavator-backhoe control station is disclosed, the station having two control towers with joystick on their upper ends that are pivotally coupled adjacent a floor of an excavator or backhoe. They have one piece polymeric boots that cover them as well as several additional operator controls. The towers are held in fore-and-aft position by a locking fluid cylinder that is adjustable to a many fore-and-aft positions. The towers also have upper portions that are laterally pivotal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Katrina L. McClelland, Curtis R. Lyons, Larry A. Johnson, Dennis J. Heyne
  • Patent number: 6962231
    Abstract: A steering handle of a pallet truck is arranged over a battery box on the truck. The steering handle is journaled so that it is in a turnable relation to an arm about a journaling point. The arm is journaled so that it is pivotable around a second pivot point. By pivoting the arm laterally a position may be achieved where the handle is easily accessible from the side of the truck. The steering handle is pivotably arranged in the outer end of the arm in a pivot bearing that in turn is pivotable in the arm and parallel controlled in relation to the truck. Between the steering handle and the journal for the pivot movement detection means are arranged to detect the mutual turning that is then used to electronically/electrically turn the steered wheel of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: BT Industries AB
    Inventors: Magnus Carlsson, Gert Précenth, Sven-Eric Wernborg
  • Patent number: 6918316
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly includes a mounting arrangement (1) for attachment to a vehicle structure (37), an accelerator pedal (6), a brake pedal (7), and a clutch pedal (8). The pedals (6, 7, 8) are pivotally supported with respect to the mounting arrangement (1) and define a first pivot axis (9). An adjustment element (5) is pivotally supported with respect to the mounting structure (1) and defines a second pivot axis (4). The adjustment element (5) selectively moves the pedals (6, 7, 8) between a plurality of operable positions. The adjustable pedal assembly is characterized by the pedals (6, 7, 8) being pivotally supported with respect to the adjustment element (5) wherein the second pivot axis (4) is generally parallel to the first pivot axis (9). A driving mechanism with an electric motor (11) and gear assembly (12) is used to rotate the adjustment element (5) about the second pivot axis (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Technology Holding Company
    Inventors: Mattias Johansson, Gunnar Fornell
  • Patent number: 6904995
    Abstract: An arrangement of operator controls in a vehicle which are arranged in a plurality of operator control arrays in such a way that only one of these operator control arrays is active in an actuation position and it is easily possible to change over between the groups. The operator control arrays are accommodated on a rotatable carrier element in the armrest of a vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Emil Dinkel, Bernd Schmidt, Juergen Schrader
  • Patent number: 6883625
    Abstract: Supplemental walk along control for walkie/rider pallet trucks is provided by supplemental controllers such as jog and coast release switches and/or twist grips (or other drive motor speed controllers) provided adjacent the base of load carrying forks. The supplemental controllers are enabled during coasting operation so that operators can advance to the base of the forks to accelerate the trucks between closely spaced picks located along substantially straight portions of pick routes. For application of the trucks' brakes, the operators activate the coast release switches to release the coast mode and enable deadman brake mechanisms to brake the trucks and/or by plug braking with the twist grips. A steering direction detector is provided to determine the direction of the steered wheel so that if the steered wheel is not directed substantially straight ahead, then operation of the truck from the supplemental controls is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Allen T. Trego, John I. Koeper, Robert J. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 6746067
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Schmidt, Vicki Mabee, Norman Becker, Aaron S. Deneweth, Jeffery K. Wiersing, Mark G. Feldman
  • Patent number: 6736233
    Abstract: An actuator including a motor having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train includes a plurality of output gears and an associated plurality of output ports for providing a mechanical output from the actuator. The gear train may be provided in a variety of configurations, and may include a worm gear and worm wheel configuration for reducing audible noise. Position sensing may be provided for determining the position of a movable element, e.g. one or more adjustable pedals of an adjustable pedal system. A controller may control the position of the movable element in response to a user input, and may facilitate auto-calibration of the element upon installation. Various configurations for isolating actuator components for reducing audible noise, including a sub-frame isolation configuration, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Beishline, Tom Schregardus, Kevin Hughes, Jeff Finkelstein, Andrew Mark Oakes
  • Patent number: 6684987
    Abstract: A motor-driven feedback mechanism for a braking pedal. A pedal is linked to a shaft and a bi-directional motor capable of operating in a first and a second direction is linked to the shaft. A gearbox is driven by the bi-directional motor and the gearbox is attached to the shaft to effect rotation of the pedal. A motor controller is linked to the motor and a microprocessor capable of controlling the motor controller is linked to the motor controller. At least one sensor for measuring a parameter of the pedal and providing feedback to the microprocessor is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Techologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Stachowski, Kevin J. Pavlov, Randy C. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20030234131
    Abstract: An adjustment stop screw or bolt is provided for adjusting the full forward speed position of at least one steering lever on a skid steer loader. The stop screw will engage a member movable with the steering lever below the operator's platform. The stop screw can be adjusted through an opening in operator's platform to change the stopped forward speed position of the lever, and thus the full forward speed position of the linkage that controls the motor operated by that lever. This in turn adjusts the speed of the drive motor in a full forward position of the lever. The adjustment is made to match the output speeds of the drive motors on both sides of the skid steer vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: John F. Woytassek
  • Patent number: 6647820
    Abstract: A mounting system for an operator control implement comprises a manipulation tube which defines a first axis and upon one end of which an operator control implement is adapted to be mounted. The manipulation tube extends through a housing within which a first clutch assembly is disposed, and in conjunction with which there is disposed a first cam member. A first fixed support member defines a second axis, and a second support member is rotatably mounted upon the first support member. The second support member is fixedly mounted upon the housing, and a second clutch assembly is interposed between the first and second support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James Edward McKeown, Stephen Paul Foisy
  • Patent number: 6646891
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting a height of control boxes, which enables a driver to drive with an optimal posture according to his body condition by adjusting a height of the control boxes having operation levers. The apparatus for adjusting a height of control boxes according to the present invention distributes a weight of the control boxes to the upper and lower arms not to be directly transferred to the adjustment shaft, so a large force is not required for the rotations of the adjustment shaft, and, by using the same rotation shaft, has an advantage of enabling the left and right control boxes to simultaneously and constantly have the same height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hak Shin Kim
  • Patent number: 6601670
    Abstract: Controllability of a vehicle such as a skid steer loader is improved and the burden on an operator is reduced. When operation is conducted according to the first operation pattern, the pattern switching lever of the first switching valve is switched to the first operation pattern side and the pattern switching lever of the second switching valve is switched to the first operation pattern side. Furthermore, when operation is conducted according to the second operation pattern, the pattern switching lever of the first switching valve is switched to the second operation pattern side and the pattern switching lever of the second switching valve is switched to the second operation pattern side. Moreover, when operation is conducted according to the third operation pattern, the pattern switching lever of the first switching valve is switched to the third operation pattern side and the pattern switching lever of the second switching valve is switched to the third operation pattern side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohisa Kaneda, Shuuji Hori
  • Patent number: 6595306
    Abstract: Supplemental walk along control for walkie/rider pallet trucks is provided by supplemental jog switches and coast release switches provided adjacent to the base of load carrying forks. The supplemental jog switches are enabled during coasting operation so that operators can advance to the base of the forks to accelerate the trucks between closely spaced picks located along substantially straight portions of pick routes. For application of the trucks' brakes, the operators activate the coast release switches to release the coast mode and enable deadman brake mechanisms to brake the trucks. A steering direction detector is provided to determine the direction of the steered wheel so that if the steered wheel is not directed substantially straight ahead, then operation of the truck from the supplemental jog switches is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Allen T. Trego, John I. Koeper, Robert J. Henshaw
  • Publication number: 20030121712
    Abstract: A steering handle (1) of a truck is arranged over the battery box (2) of the truck. The steering handle (1) is journaled turnable in relation to an arm (3) around a journaling point (4), while the arm (3) in turn is journaled pivotable around a pivot point (5). By pivoting the arm laterally a position may be achieved where the handle is easily accessible from the side of the truck. The steering handle is pivotably arranged in the outer end of the arm in a pivot bearing that in turn is pivotable in the arm and parallel controlled in relation to the truck. Between the steering handle and the journal for the pivot movement detection means are arranged to detect the mutual turning that is then used to electronically/electrically turn the steered wheel of the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: BT INDUSTRIES AB
    Inventors: Magnus Carlsson, Gert Precenth, Sven-Eric Wernborg
  • Patent number: 6564896
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Fred D. Proksch, Hugh Rillie
  • Patent number: 6553298
    Abstract: A control pedal assembly for a vehicle. Two or more control pedals are engaged to a pedal mounting system base component through a number of components that are slideably engaged to one another. The construction and arrangement of the components that are slideably engaged to one another and the engagement of those components to the control pedals and the pedal mounting system base component is such that the position of at least two control pedals is adjustable relative to one another. One or more positioning actuators are engaged to the components that are slideably engaged to one another. The positioning actuators, when activated, slide the slideably engaged components relative to one another and thus change the position of one or more control pedals. One or more position control apparatus are connected to the positioning actuators so that an operator of the vehicle can activate the positioning actuators to adjust the position of the control pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lawrence Smythe
  • Patent number: 6550560
    Abstract: A control handle pivot apparatus includes a pair of control handles movable toward and away from each other. A lap bar is movable between a raised position, spaced above the control handles, and a lowered position adjacent the handles. A linkage assembly interconnects the lap bar and the control handles. The linkage assembly is connected to move the handles away from each other in response to the lap bar being moved to the raised position, and is connected to move the control handles toward each other in response to the lap bar being moved to the lowered in-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory B. Carleton
  • Patent number: 6536825
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Tim McAndrew, Robert M. Schmidt, Paul C. Babcock, Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 6520045
    Abstract: Vehicle pedal device assembly including a brake pedal device having brake pedal and adjusting mechanism operable to pivot adjusting link about support shaft and move the brake pedal through drive link in longitudinal direction of vehicle when the brake pedal is in non-operated state, and further including an accelerator pedal device having accelerator pedal, and pedal holding member which pivotally supports the accelerator pedal and which is disposed pivotally about mounting shaft, and wherein connecting link is provided to connect the pedal holding member and stationary member fixed to vehicle body, such that the pedal holding member and the accelerator pedal are moved in the longitudinal direction together with the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignees: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Fukase, Soshi Mitsuyama
  • Publication number: 20020148668
    Abstract: A control pedal assembly for a vehicle. Two or more control pedals are engaged to a pedal mounting system base component through a number of components that are slideably engaged to one another. The construction and arrangement of the components that are slideably engaged to one another and the engagement of those components to the control pedals and the pedal mounting system base component is such that the position of at least two control pedals is adjustable relative to one another. One or more positioning actuators are engaged to the components that are slideably engaged to one another. The positioning actuators, when activated, slide the slideably engaged components relative to one another and thus change the position of one or more control pedals. One or more position control apparatus are connected to the positioning actuators so that an operator of the vehicle can activate the positioning actuators to adjust the position of the control pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Lawrence Smythe
  • Publication number: 20020134611
    Abstract: An actuator including a motor having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train includes a plurality of output gears and an associated plurality of output ports for providing a mechanical output from the actuator. The gear train may be provided in a variety of configurations, and may include a worm gear and worm wheel configuration for reducing audible noise. Position sensing may be provided for determining the position of a movable element, e.g. one or more adjustable pedals of an adjustable pedal system. A controller may control the position of the movable element in response to a user input, and may facilitate auto-calibration of the element upon installation. Various configurations for isolating actuator components for reducing audible noise, including a sub-frame isolation configuration, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Beishline, Tom Schregardus, Kevin Hughes, Jeff Finkelstein, Andrew Mark Oakes
  • Patent number: 6453767
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal apparatus is used in a motor vehicle. The pedal apparatus includes a pedal assembly mounted to a support bracket mounted to the vehicle by a pivot shaft. The pivot shaft contains a worm gear. The pedal assembly includes a pedal arm pivotally mounted to an inner arm. A jack screw extends between the inner arm and pedal arm. The jack screw has a pinion portion on one end which is driven by the worm gear of the pivot shaft. A threaded portion of the jack screw is threadably received in a slide block mounted to the pedal arm. Rotation of the pivot shaft by a motor correspondingly turns the jack screw to adjust the position of the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: KSR Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Larry G. Willemsen, Gregory Scott Kolwich
  • Patent number: 6450284
    Abstract: A cab for a construction machine includes an operator's seat within a cab box. Consoles are provided on the left and right sides of the operator's seat, respectively, and a switch box is provided on an outer side of an operating lever of the right console. Provided on the switch box are a control dial for variably controlling rotational speed of an engine, a working mode selector switch, and a vehicle drive mode selector switch. An operator who is seated on the operator's seat can manipulate the switches on the switch box by stretching a right arm toward the operating lever and by blind touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sakyo, Toichi Hirata, Takashi Nakagawa, Akitaka Takeuchi, Kazuhiko Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 6450278
    Abstract: A construction machine including a maneuvering seat on which an operator sits, a guard cover for supporting the maneuvering seat thereon, and a control box arranged on one side of the maneuvering seat. The control box having a control valve and an operating lever for operating the control valve. The control box turning about a turning fulcrum so as to facilitate getting on and off when an operator gets on and off from the maneuvering seat. The construction machine further including hydraulic hoses which hang from the control valve and are pulled out of the control box. The hydraulic hoses having bent portions externally of the control box, the bent portions being displaced when the control box turns to absorb the up and down movement of the hydraulic hoses. Accordingly, the up and down movement of the hydraulic hoses caused when the control box is forced up is absorbed by bent portions provided externally of the control box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Shirogami, Tomohiko Ochi, Tokuo Fujii
  • Patent number: 6446747
    Abstract: A control element arrangement is disclosed for controlling a motor vehicle without conventional pedals and steering wheel. Two control elements are provided which can be operated independently of one another, in which case at least the longitudinal speed and/or at least the steering angle can be controlled optionally by operating one or the other control element. As a result, with respect to the longitudinal and/or the lateral dynamic control, on the one hand, a redundancy is created which increases the operating reliability and, on the other hand, the control-comfort-increasing possibility is created of being able to guide the vehicle alternated by means of one or the other control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Manfred Müller, Werner Reichelt, Peter Frank, Christopher Rhoades
  • Patent number: 6431304
    Abstract: A control pedal assembly for a vehicle. Two or more control pedals are engaged to a pedal mounting system base component through a number of components that are slideably engaged to one another. The construction and arrangement of the components that are slideably engaged to one another and the engagement of those components to the control pedals and the pedal mounting system base component is such that the position of at least two control pedals is adjustable relative to one another. One or more positioning actuators are engaged to the components that are slideably engaged to one another. The positioning actuators, when activated, slide the slideably engaged components relative to one another and thus change the position of one or more control pedals. One or more position control apparatus are connected to the positioning actuators so that an operator of the vehicle can activate the positioning actuators to adjust the position of the control pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lawrence Smythe
  • Publication number: 20020100632
    Abstract: A control pedal assembly for a vehicle. Two or more control pedals are engaged to a pedal mounting system base component through a number of components that are slideably engaged to one another. The construction and arrangement of the components that are slideably engaged to one another and the engagement of those components to the control pedals and the pedal mounting system base component is such that the position of at least two control pedals is adjustable relative to one another. One or more positioning actuators are engaged to the components that are slideably engaged to one another. The positioning actuators, when activated, slide the slideably engaged components relative to one another and thus change the position of one or more control pedals. One or more position control apparatus are connected to the positioning actuators so that an operator of the vehicle can activate the positioning actuators to adjust the position of the control pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Lawrence Smythe
  • Patent number: 6397967
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Jaden Charters Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas William McIlwraith
  • Publication number: 20020053479
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle includes left and right electric motors mounted on a vehicle body for independently rotating left and right driving wheels, respectively, at variable speeds, and an actuator for causing the left and right electric motors to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions, thereby ensuring that the vehicle making a turn through a desired angle while staying at the same position. The actuator includes left and right turn control levers respectively mounted to left and right handlebars so as to extend along left and right handgrips. The turn control levers are operationally connected to left and right brakes and the left and right electric motors for causing the simultaneous rotation of the motors in opposite direction based on the position of the turn control levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Tsutomu Wakitani, Tsutomu Inui, Kenji Kuroiwa, Jitsumi Hanafusa
  • Patent number: 6374695
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly includes a mounting arrangement (1) for attachment to a vehicle structure (37), an accelerator pedal (6), a brake pedal (7), and a clutch pedal (8). The pedals (6, 7, 8) are pivotally supported with respect to the mounting arrangement (1) and define a first pivot axis (9). An adjustment element (5) is pivotally supported with respect to the mounting structure (1) and defines a second pivot axis (4). The adjustment element (5) selectively moves the pedals (6, 7, 8) between a plurality of operable positions. The adjustable pedal assembly is characterized by the pedals (6, 7, 8) being pivotally supported with respect to the adjustment element (5) wherein the second pivot axis (4) is generally parallel to the first pivot axis (9). A driving mechanism with an electric motor (11) and gear assembly (12) is used to rotate the adjustment element (5) about the second pivot axis (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Mattias Johansson, Gunnar Fornell
  • Patent number: 6364047
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly (10) includes two pedal mechanisms (12 and 14) disposed on a top side (16) of a carrier plate (18). Two parallel tracks (20 and 22) are disposed on a bottom side (24) of the carrier (18) for supporting the carrier (18) for movement between a fore and an aft position. The parallel tracks (20 and 22) are spaced apart a first distance for minimizing torque when either of the pedal mechanisms (12 and 14) is actuated. Additionally, the pedal mechanisms (12 and 14) are within the first distance separating the tracks (12 and 14). The carrier plate (18) has a periphery (26) extending about and spaced from the parallel tracks (20 and 22) to overlie the peripheral surface (34) of the floorboard (32) and limit access to the recess (36). An adjustment mechanism (28) for adjusting a fore and an aft position of the carrier (18) is disposed on the bottom side (24) of the carrier (18) between the parallel tracks (20 and 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher A. Bortolon
  • Patent number: 6352133
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsugu Ojima
  • Patent number: 6318209
    Abstract: A neutral shift lever position control device for an automotive vehicle includes a swing block pivotally connected to a vehicle body by a rod, a shift lever at one end thereof pivotally connected to the pivot shaft, a neutral position selector which is cylindrical such that the shift lever is inserted therethrough, and a knob screwed onto a free end of the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young-Hee Park
  • Patent number: 6305239
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly includes a mounting arrangement (1) for attachment to a vehicle structure (37), an accelerator pedal (6), a brake pedal (7), and a clutch pedal (8). The pedals (6, 7, 8) are pivotally supported with respect to the mounting arrangement (1) and define a first pivot axis (9). An adjustment element (5) is pivotally supported with respect to the mounting structure (1) and defines a second pivot axis (4). The adjustment element (5) selectively moves the pedals (6, 7, 8) between a plurality of operable positions. The adjustable pedal assembly is characterized by the pedals (6, 7, 8) being pivotally supported with respect to the adjustment element (5) wherein the second pivot axis (4) is generally parallel to the first pivot axis (9). A driving mechanism with an electric motor (11) and gear assembly (12) is used to rotate the adjustment element (5) about the second pivot axis (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Mattias Johansson, Gunnar Fornell
  • Patent number: 6186547
    Abstract: To facilitate the joint raising and lowering and pivoting of the steering wheel (2) or the steering column (1) and the dashboard (4) of a motor vehicle, it is suggested to form an assembly consisting of the steering column (1) and the dashboard (4), which can be secured in a motor vehicle as a pre-manufactured unit by using a suitable bracket (7). The dashboard (4) is associated with a stabilizing device (18) including slideway guide arrangements (40/41 and 37) combined with a toothed wheel/rack connection (35/36 and 33/34) provided on each of widely spaced guide rails (19/20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Klaus Skabrond, Gunther Bartholomai
  • Patent number: 6176337
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle having front and rear chassis members interconnected by a locking means. The rear chassis member includes alignment means for aligning the rear chassis with a suspension assembly of the front chassis. An adjustable seat assembly supports a user while preventing accidental disengagement of the locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Golden Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Christopher McConnell, Fred Kiwak, Chad Morgan
  • Patent number: 6170598
    Abstract: An electrically-driven wheelchair is provided with a frame, drive wheels, an operator control panel and a support lever. The operator control panel controls action of the drive wheels. The lower side of the operator control panel is supported to the upper side of the support lever. The support lever is connected to the frame, and supports the operator control panel. The lower side of the support lever is connected to the frame so that the support lever can be rotated in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction and can be adjustable. The upper side of the support lever is connected to the operator control panel so that the operator control panel can be rocked forward and rearward and leftward and rightward and can be movable. In the support structure of the operator control panel of the invention, not only the arrangement position of the operator control panel at the front and rear sides and the left and right sides but also the height of the operator control panel can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Nissin Medical Industries, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisashi Furukawa
  • Patent number: H2024
    Abstract: An adjustable control assembly includes a plurality of control members. The control members preferably include moveable portions such as levers that are manipulable to accomplish a desired operation of heavy duty machinery such as construction equipment, for example. The control members are supported on support plates that are pivotally moveable relative to each other about a single pivot axis. A locking mechanism is provided to selectively lock the support plates into a chosen position relative to each other. By adjusting the positions of the support plates, a variety of operator needs and preferences are readily accommodated providing effective and efficient access to the control members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. Kelley, Daniel E. Shearer, Susan M. Boast