Abstract: An operating element arrangement and method controls the longitudinal and transverse movements of a motor vehicle by using a manually actuatable regulating element which is stationary in the vehicle longitudinal direction and controls the longitudinal movement of the vehicle as a function of the actuating force exerted on the regulating element in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The regulating element also serves to control the vehicle transverse movement of the vehicle. For this purpose, the regulating element is arranged movably in the vehicle transverse direction of the vehicle. The transverse movement of the vehicle is controlled as a function of the transverse deflection of the regulating element or as a function of the actuating force exerted in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a pedal that can be translated in a longitudinal fashion parallel to the vehicle floor. The apparatus includes a pedal pivotally attached to a pivot pin. The pivot pin is threadedly attached to a powered screw to allow translation thereon in response to rotation of the screw. The pivot pin is received in a second longitudinal slot formed in a base formation. An attachment link is pivotally attached to the pivot pin and includes an elongated opening for receiving a driving pin and a pushrod attachment. Driving pin and pushrod attachment are free to slide and pivot with their attachment to the attachment link. A power link is also provided. The power link is pivotally attached to the pedal at an elevation lower than the pivot pin. The power link also includes an elongated opening.

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).

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

Abstract: A foot pedal extension system for permitting a short user to reach the foot pedals of a vehicle comfortably. The foot pedal extension system includes a foot pedal of a vehicle with a pivot arm and a foot pad coupled to a lower end of the pivot arm. The pivot arm of the foot pedal has an upper end pivotally coupled to the vehicle. An elongate extension arm has an inner end coupled to the pivot arm of the foot pedal between the upper and lower ends of the pivot arm. The extension arm is outwardly extended from the pivot arm of the foot pedal in a direction towards the foot pad of the foot pedal. An extension pad is coupled to an outer end of the extension arm located distal the inner end of the extension arm.

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).

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

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

Abstract: An operating-element arrangement has a user-actuatable operating element which, when actuated in a first actuation direction, brings about an increase in the longitudinal direction of a motor vehicle. When actuated in a second actuation direction opposite to the first direction, the arrangement brings about a reduction in the longitudinal movement of the vehicle. The actuating force exerted on the operating element determines the change in longitudinal movement to be brought about. The rest position of the operating element is displaced in dependence on the longitudinal movement of the vehicle. The user consequently receives a perceptible and/or visible acknowledgement of the respective vehicle speed or of the deviation between the actual and the desired speed. Alternatively, the operating element can be configured isometrically, in that it remains in a fixed position irrespective of the actuating force.

Abstract: An auxiliary hydraulic system for a working vehicle having an operator station is disclosed herein. The system includes a hydraulic pump for providing hydraulic fluid under pressure, auxiliary hydraulic fittings for connection to auxiliary attachments, and electrically-actuated auxiliary valve assemblies for controlling the supply of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the fittings in response to control signals. The system also includes an operator control console mounted at the operator station and including control levers moveable between different flow positions, flow limit input devices for setting flow limits for the control levers, and a console control circuit for generating command signals based upon the positions of the control levers and the flow limits. The command signals are transmitted to an auxiliary control circuit which generates the control signals in response thereto and applies the control signals to the auxiliary valve assemblies.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable control device for a walk-behind mobile compactor includes a control box for generating a plurality of electrical control signals. A handle on the control box is adapted to be grasped by a single hand of an operator, without requiring an operator's thumb to support the control box. The handle is adapted to position an operator's thumb adjacent to the control box so as to permit the thumb to move freely in all directions. A flexible cable connects the control box to the compactor. Switches for activating electrical signals from the control box are positioned within a proximity of an operator's thumb, when the handle is grasped by an operator, the switches being movable among a plurality of activation positions in response to movement of an operator's thumb.

Abstract: A manual control arrangement for an adjustable control pedal system for a motor vehicle provides for pivotal adjustment of the control pedals relative to the vehicle driver. The manual control arrangement allows optimal adjustment of each of the control pedals of the motor vehicle (e.g. the brake and accelerator pedals for motor vehicles with automatic transmissions, or the brake, accelerator and clutch pedals for motor vehicle with manual transmissions) relative to driver so as to suit the needs of a particular driver for maximum comfort and operability. The manual control arrangement is preferably operatively arranged with each of the control pedals for simultaneous and uniform adjustment and is preferably interconnected with a plurality of camming devices corresponding in number to the number of control pedals.

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

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

Abstract: A control assembly for operating an agricultural tractor has control members (21, 22, 23, 25, 26) grouped onto a control unit (20) carried by an arm rest (1) intended to be associated to the driver's seat of the tractor. The arm rest (1) comprises a body (2) connected to a support (3) in a swingable way with adjustable inclination, as well as in a longitudinally slidable and adjustable way, and also in a rotatable way with adjustable angular position.

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

Abstract: A movable control console for an agricultural tractor is disclosed wherein the console is movable independently of the operator's seat to position the operative controls at the convenience of the operator. The orientation of the console is controlled by a guide assembly supported from the tractor chassis. The guide assembly is provided with non-linear slots cooperable with guide members on the console to rotate the console clockwise as it is moved rearwardly to mimic the rotation of the operator's seat to an implement operating position. Fore-and-aft movement of the console is effected by an electric actuator controlled through a switch mounted on the console.

Abstract: A movable instrument console for an asphalt paving machine includes a hollow instrument body movable back and forth along support rails extending widthwise of the machine and a brake shoe locking mechanism for locking the instrument console in place, and for unlocking it for movement to either side of the paving machine.

Abstract: A compartment of a motor vehicle has a steering wheel and a dashboard including a generally vertically-extending front surface and a movable sub-panel for carrying controls for one or more vehicle accessories. The sub-panel is supported for movement between a first position at the front surface of the dashboard and a second position in which the controls are readily accessible by the eyes and hands of the operator. A command device is provided for commanding movement of the sub-panel between the first and second positions and is operable without requiring the operator to look significantly away from the road or to reach with one hand to a location far away from the steering wheel.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a gear-shift lever in a vehicle in which a lever operating flexible cables for gear selection and engagement is disposed on a plate which is mobile by pivoting and is provided with a slot member engaged with a pin provided with a locking lever. The position assumed by the plate and consequently the position assumed by the gear-shift lever are determined by sliding the slot member engaged with the pin. As an alternative to the slot member with the pin and locking lever a motor-reduction gear unit can be used to impose movement on the plate via a strut.

Abstract: A reversible actuation linkage associated with a control lever determining the speed and direction of travel of a hydrostatically driven tractor in which the control is mounted with an operator's station pivotally supported to permit orientation of the operator in a selected one of opposing directions is disclosed wherein the linkage includes a cable actuator pivotally connected to a fixed linkage mechanism. The actuator cable includes a clevis mounted for pivotable movement about a vertical pivot axis coinciding with the axis about which the operator's station is rotatably movable. As a result, the actuator cable reversibly effects operation of the hydraulic system to effect movement of the tractor in the direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the control lever irrespective of the rotated position selected for the operator's station.

Abstract: Electrically driven wheelchair with an essentially horizontal worktop (7) and a control unit (1) connected thereto, said control unit in the operational position fits into a corresponding aperture in the worktop and is connected to the worktop in such a way that it pivots and slides in a horizontal plane, and after pivoting and sliding the bottom side of the control unit fills the gap in the worktop.

Abstract: A control arrangement for construction equipment of the type having a number of actuators disposed at the operator's station advantageously transfers the pivotal movement of the actuators about a shaft to a position inboard of actuators to cause a sympathetic movement of crank arms disposed on the pivot axis of the shaft at the inboard position. The transfer of the pivotal movement is completed by elongate bridge connectors suitably placed about the circumference of the bearing portions of the actuators to avoid interference. Independent movement of the actuators is maintained while transferring the pivotal movement to the inboard position in that only a limited pivotable movement is required and the full circumference of the bearings is available for selective placement of the bridge connectors.

Abstract: An improved steering assembly 2 for a vehicle comprises a pivotal steering column 10 which supports a tiltable steering wheel 32. A locking rod 52 is secured to column 10 and a locking flange 60 to support assembly 32 for wheel 32. Rod 52 and flange 60 have slots received on a cross shaft 17 with interposed friction discs 70 also being received on shaft 17. A single rotatable control handle 24 compresses or releases the discs 70 from engagement with rod 52 and flange 60 to simultaneously lock or unlock column 10 and steering wheel 24 for a pivotal adjustment relative to vehicle seat 6.

Abstract: An improved adjustable control device for multi-lever hydraulic controls on earth-moving equipment, which conveniently and easily positions the control levers to accommodate different operators. The device includes a pair of spaced supports, a pair of axially aligned end members each movably mounted on one of the supports, a main shaft extending between the end members used for pivot mounting of the levers, and a device to adjust the end members on the supports. Parts are positioned and arranged such that end member adjustment moves the main shaft vertically, which in turn moves the range of control lever motion force or aft as desired.

Abstract: A valve control structure for a working vehicle comprising a control lever rockable crosswise, a first input rod pushed and pulled by rocking movements in a first direction of the control lever, a second input rod pushed and pulled by rocking movements in a second direction of the control lever, a first output rod connected to a first valve, a second output rod connected to a second valve, and an interlock switching device including bellcranks provided between the input rods and the output rods. The interlock switching device is operable to switch interlocking relationship between the input and output rods through the bellcranks. In one interlocking relationship, the first valve is controlled by rocking movements in the first direction of the control lever and the second valve by rocking movements in the second direction of the control lever.

Abstract: A steering and operating apparatus used mainly for motor graders and which enables positions and attitudes of a steering wheel and operating levers to be varied in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. The apparatus has a steering wheel mounted box and support frames for the operating levers. Both the steering wheel mounted box and the support frames are respectively tilted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by the actions of mechanical arrangements which are different from each other and operated independently of each other. Thus, both the steering wheel mounted box and the support frames for operating levers can be tilted independently of each other.

Abstract: An armrest including a pivotal forward section containing hand controls and an adjustable second section to align with the forward section.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a vehicle having foot pedals which are shiftable longitudinally to vary the distances between the pedals and the driver. The pedal assembly is made up of a frame, one or more rotatable pedals fixed to the frame, and a power transmission device coupled to the frame and to the pedals for providing an output in response to pedal rotation.

Abstract: A steering unit and control console for a vehicle comprising a pedestal assembly for supporting the vehicle steering unit and at least one vehicle control lever, a platform device secured to the vehicle and pivotally mounting the pedestal assembly in an upwardly position thereon for movement of the pedestal assembly about a transverse axis to adjust the position of the pedestal assembly, a locking unit pivotally mounted on the platform device for locking the pedestal assembly against the pivotal movement out of any one of a plurality of adjusted positions of the pedestal assembly, and a release unit for disengaging the locking unit whereby the pedestal assembly is pivotally movable to an adjusted position, the console including further the release unit having a handle which protrudes forwardly from the pedestal assembly and which is disposed below the steering unit, and further wherein the locking unit provides for a firm locked engagement of the locking mechanism to eliminate potential means of looseness.

Abstract: The function control levers of an earth moving vehicle such as a motor grader are mounted on a pedestal which may be selectively pivotally tilted for optimum position for the operator, sitting or standing. The pedestal comprises a trapezoidal-type configuration of an upwardly extended pair of parallel panels pivotally mounted at their base and pivotally connected across their upper ends by a steering wheel unit such that two horizontally spaced pairs of vertically spaced shafts define the articulating corners of the pedestal. A series of hydraulic valves are mounted forwardly of the pedestal. The function controls are pivotally mounted on one of the upper pedestal shafts for manipulation and includes linkage connecting the function controls to the valves which maintain the controls in a substantially constant position relative to the operator regardless of the pedestal tilt position.

Abstract: A method of arranging function controls for a vehicle, which method provides a control system that is easily converted from a two-hand control for left and right blade lift functions to a one-hand control for the same functions. The method comprises the steps of placing the blade lift levers at the extreme left and right ends of a pivot shaft inserted through the control console, with the third lever for the optional functional control placed adjacent to the right blade lift lever; and placing the left and right blade lift control valves at opposite ends of the control valve stack similarly to the placement of the left and right control levers, with the optional functional control valve placed adjacent to the right blade lift control valve as with the optional control lever.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control apparatus for a vehicle comprising a tiltable steering wheel. The control apparatus includes a hand lever tiltable in unison with the steering wheel and substantially on the same axis on which the steering wheel tilts. Operability of the hand lever is unaffected by tilted positions of the steering wheel and hand lever.

Abstract: An adjustable control console is provided that includes an operator controlled latch mechanism wherein the console and the control lever therein can be pivoted to a position selected by the operator. The steering levers and the engine speed lever include extensions which extend through the pivotal axis of the console whereby repositioning of the console does not affect engine speed or steering control of the dozer.

Abstract: A special `kart`-type vehicle is disclosed having independent suspension on all four wheels, featuring a rigid central structure which cradles the driver seat, and incorporating interchangeable and adjustable mechanical features designed to give adaptability to different conditions of use, and to the physical stature of a given rider. The special kind of adjustable, accessory-orientated design is such as to recommend the vehicle for dirt track, rough terrain and general off-highway use as well as for running on metalled road surfaces; likewise, a vehicle of the type might be used either for utility purposes or simply for sports or liesure activities.

Abstract: In the operator's station of a vehicle, it has been common practice to mount the steering wheel and the control levers needed to manipulate the vehicle on an adjustable control console. The control console may then be moved fore and aft to accommodate the individual operators that may operate the vehicle to enhance their comfort. Mechanical latching mechanisms have been used that provide only a selected number of positions to which the control console may be placed, and are often rather cumbersome. Hydraulic cylinders have also been incorporated into an adjustable control console design to provide an unlimited number of positions that the control console may assume. These designs, however, are quite complex, involving a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and extensive valving componentry. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing an actuating mechanism that is positioned about one of the pivot shafts that is utilized in the pivotal mounting of the control console to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: In the operator's station of a vehicle, it has been common practice to mount the steering wheel and the control levers needed to manipulate the vehicle on an adjustable control console. The control console may then be moved fore and aft to accommodate the individual operators that may operate the vehicle to enhance their comfort. Mechanical latching mechanisms have been used that provide only a selected number of positions to which the control console may be place, and are often rather cumbersome. Hydraulic cylinders have also been incorporated into an adjustable control console design to provide an unlimited number of positions that the control console may assume. These designs, however, are quite complex, involving a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and extensive valving componentry. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing an actuating means that is positioned about one of the pivot shafts that is utilized in the pivotal mounting of the control console to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An improved adjustment means for Operator controls in a crane having a sub-floor having a plurality of fore and aft slots with both extending therethrough to engage the floor and support the sub-floor. A pair of inner pedals are mounted on the sub-floor and operate valves carried by the sub-floor. A pair of outer pedals are also mounted on the floor and are connected by bowden cables to a control shaft mounted on the floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial vehicle comprising a frame supported by ground wheels and/or caterpillars or the like. A driver seat is supported by said frame and provided with at least one armrest (elbow rest) and one or more control-members disposed near the elbow rest for controlling the movements of the vehicle and/or members connected with the vehicle. The elbow rest and the control-member(s) are disposed near the top end of a supporting column which is pivotable about a pivotal shaft located near the bottom side of the column and extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the driver seat and fixable in at least two positions.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a number of cooperating protective features to protect riders against injury in high speed crashes or other accidents. A motorcycle of the usual basic configuration, having a pair of wheels in tandem with a motor therebetween connected by a basic frame which supports at least one rider's seat assembly and a steering assembly for steering the front wheel is surrounded by a cage assembly of high strength, light-weight tubing fastened to the frame and forming part of the frame. The steering assembly includes handlebars which are padded and mounted on a folding mechanism to move forwardly as the rider moves forwardly into contact with the handlebars upon front impact. The seat assembly is in the form of a padded "bucket" type seat with sides that extend partially around the rider's sides. A padded body restraint surrounds the front of the rider's torso and includes side portions which extend around into contact with the seat sides to completely surround the rider's torso.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric vehicle, comprising a chassis having a pair of rear wheels and a steerable front wheel driven by an electric motor, a tread board disposed between the wheels for a standing user or driver, and a foot-operated speed control element, wherein control element is formed by a portion of the tread board (6) being designed as a rocking pedal (7) for controlling the electric motor by depression of the front portion of the pedal, and for actuating the brakes by depression of the rear pedal portion.

Abstract: An adjustable steering wheel and control lever console which is movable fore and aft of an operator about a pivot axis to a desired locked position. The console further provides a pivotal mounting of the steering wheel housing to allow the steering wheel to be adjusted independently of the console. Separate lock release mechanisms permit the operator to release the console or steering wheel from a locked position for the selected adjustable movement. Adjustability of the console and steering wheel is effected through manipulation of separate release devices.