Abstract: In one embodiment, a foot brake module is provided comprising: a sensor configured to generate a brake demand; a first transceiver configured to receive a brake demand generated by a second foot brake module of a vehicle; a processor configured to determine which of the brake demand generated by the second foot brake module and the brake demand generated by the sensor is greater; and a second transceiver configured to send the greater brake demand to a brake controller of the vehicle. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: An engine braking system includes a camshaft, a follower, an exhaust armature, a lever, and a hydraulically actuated piston. The camshaft includes at least one cam. The cam has a lobe and a brake bump. The follower engages the cam. The exhaust armature is coupled to the follower. The lever is coupled to the exhaust armature. The hydraulically actuated piston moves the lever. Hydraulic actuation of the piston causes a change in lash distance between the cam and the follower. In an engine brake mode, the follower contacts the cam throughout rotation of the cam.

Abstract: A control device and method for controlling a compression release brake arrangement is provided. The compression release brake arrangement comprises an exhaust valve actuator assembly, a first actuator valve and a second actuator valve. The method comprises controlling the first and second actuator valves to a first state in which one of the actuator valves is open and the other one is closed. The disclosure further relates to a computer program, a computer readable medium, as well as to a vehicle comprising the control device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving propulsion of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a change in a wheel configuration associated with modifying an arrangement of hub motors that are selectively attachable on wheels of the vehicle, identifying attributes of the hub motors coupled with the wheels of the vehicle. The hub motors are structured to be attached to the wheels of the vehicle without removing the wheels from the vehicle. The method includes determining properties of the hub motors according to the attributes and the wheel configuration. Further, the method includes managing electrical power delivery to the hub motors to propel the vehicle according to the properties.

Abstract: An information providing device 1 of a motorcycle includes: an image acquisition section 10 that acquires an image of a road; a lane detection section 12 that detects a lane from the image and detects a radius of curvature of the detected lane and a lateral distance from the host vehicle to the lane; a host vehicle trajectory curvature calculation section 14 that calculates a radius of curvature of a host vehicle trajectory on the basis of the radius of curvature of the lane and the lateral distance; a vehicle speed acquisition section 16 that acquires a vehicle speed of the host vehicle; an inclination angle calculation section 18 that calculates an inclination angle of the host vehicle on the basis of the radius of curvature of the host vehicle trajectory and the vehicle speed.

Abstract: An airbag assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position and reinforcements fixed to the airbags. The reinforcements are rigid relative to the airbag and are moveable with the airbag to the inflated position.

Abstract: Systems, vehicles, and assemblies that include a prime mover, a transmission, and a coupler. The coupler couples the prime mover and the transmission. A preferred embodiment includes a system for forming a rigid body that includes a rotational prime mover and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly transmits at least a portion of the rotational energy from the prime mover to a driven member at a frequency. The system includes a first and a second bridging member. Coupling the first bridging member to the second bridging member forms a symmetric bridge or coupler. The symmetric bridge is symmetric about a first plane of symmetry. Furthermore, coupling a first portion of the bridge to the rotational prime mover and coupling a second portion of the bridge to the transmission assembly forms the rigid body. The rigid body further includes the bridge.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage for a power machine includes first and second horizontal shafts extending sideways along respective first and second axes. First and second links are operably coupled to the respective first and second horizontal shafts. The links convert actuation of operator input devices of the power machine into rotation of the horizontal shafts about their axes. First and second valve actuators convert rotation of the respective first and second horizontal shafts into actuation of respective first and second spools in a hydraulic valve of the power machine.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a structure that reduces and minimizes adverse affects of snow on a throttle motor. The snowmobile includes a snowmobile body including an engine room therein, an engine which is disposed inside the engine room, a throttle valve arranged to adjust intake air supplied to the engine, a throttle motor arranged to drive the throttle valve and disposed ahead of the engine, and an air box arranged to pass the intake air through toward the engine, disposed ahead of the engine and including a portion located ahead of the throttle motor.

Abstract: An improved motor vehicle speed and braking control system configured to maximize performance and response times for braking to a driver's instinctual physiological and psychological response to a perceived need to decelerate. The system provides a throttle pedal and brake pedal system configured to cause braking and an immediate change of engine power to idle once a user touches or causes activation of safety switches by a proximity or contact with them directly or with the brake pedal or a sliding of the throttle pedal depending on the configuration. Accidental acceleration during any attempt to brake is thereby eliminated by the system.

Abstract: The opening control mechanism includes a frame, a support shaft, a first pulley, a second pulley, a first elastic member and a second elastic member. A position taken by the second pulley when no force acts on the grip is referred to as a second reference position. The second pulley can be rotated in a second direction of rotation, starting from the second reference position. A processing unit performs a specified operation when the second pulley has been rotated in the second direction of rotation, starting from the second reference position, by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the acceleration of a motor vehicle comprising a manually operable control member, a throttle pedal (4) actuatable by the control member and a computer (3). The control member may comprise a known-per-se throttle ring. There is provided a speed sensor (2) to detect the speed of the motor vehicle and to generate a corresponding speed signal (V). Computer (3) has stored therein transmission ratio curves (V1, V2, V3 . . . Vn) each applicable to a different vehicle speed, with each such transmission ratio curve (V1, V2, V3 . . . Vn) representing a ratio of transmitting the amount of actuation of the control member to the applicable stroke of throttle pedal (4). Computer (3) uses the speed signal (V) provided by speed sensor (2) to select one of transmission ratio curves (V1, V2, V3 . . . Vn) for actuating throttle pedal (4) with a stroke corresponding to the transmission ratio curve (V1, V2, V3 . . . Vn) selected.

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 quick release electric throttle assembly connected to a supplemental electric propulsion system, wherein the propulsion system may be moved from one vehicle to another, and the throttle must be correspondingly moved among the vehicles as well is disclosed. The quick release interface may incorporate a disengaging and disengageable electric connection to permit electrical wiring to be quickly plugged and unplugged from the hand actuated accessory. The throttle may be further be configured as a low profile throttle, such as having a flat surface with at least one button by which the throttle may be actuated. The throttle may be secured and released from the control surface of a vehicle by wrapping the laminar flexible sheet at a desired position and wrapping a Velcro like strap over one another about the manual control surface.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame, a tunnel, an endless drive track, at least one ski, an engine, a handlebar being pivotable about a steering axis, a first throttle lever pivotably connected to the handlebar and operatively connected to the engine, the first throttle lever being disposed on a first side of the steering axis, and a second throttle lever pivotably connected to the handlebar and operatively connected to the engine, the second throttle lever being disposed on a second side of the steering axis. A throttle lever assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle having a structure that supports a handle is provided. A handle cover includes first and second covers and a pulley cover. The first cover covers a front or rear part of a handle. The second cover covers the other side of the front or rear part of the handle. The pulley cover is provided in a space surrounded by the first and second covers. The first cover is provided with a pulley providing groove that covers a part of a pulley. The pulley is provided in the pulley providing groove. The pulley cover is provided on a side where the second cover is provided to the first cover. The pulley cover is attached to the first cover and covers the pulley together with the pulley providing groove.

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: Inside of a swing arm (30) that pivotally supports a rear wheel (WR) of an electric two-wheeled vehicle (1) and that is freely swingably attached to a vehicle body, a battery (56), an electric motor (M) for driving the rear wheel (WR), and a board (50) serving as a control device for controlling the electric motor (M) are equipped. Coupling a throttle grip (80) and a throttle position sensor (60) by physical transmission means (62, 85, 86) therebetween allows a configuration so that a turning angle of the throttle grip (80) can be detected, and the throttle position sensor (60) is attached to the board (50). The board (50) is disposed with a planar portion oriented in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle having a structure that supports a handle is provided. A handle cover includes first and second covers and a pulley cover. The first cover covers a front or rear part of a handle. The second cover covers the other side of the front or rear part of the handle. The pulley cover is provided in a space surrounded by the first and second covers. The first cover is provided with a pulley providing groove that covers a part of a pulley. The pulley is provided in the pulley providing groove. The pulley cover is provided on a side where the second cover is provided to the first cover. The pulley cover is attached to the first cover and covers the pulley together with the pulley providing groove.

Abstract: A throttle sensor mounting structure for suppressing the influence on the arrangement of a lighting device located on the front side of a head pipe. A throttle sensor mounting structure in a saddle seat type vehicle includes a handle, a throttle grip rotatably mounted on the handle, a throttle sensor for detecting an operational amount of the throttle grip, a controller for controlling a power unit according to a detection value from the throttle sensor, a pair of right and left main frames extending to the rear from a head pipe, and a headlight provided on the front side of the head pipe. The throttle sensor is located on the rear side of the head pipe and between the right and left main frames so as to be superimposed on the main frames as viewed in a side elevation.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a component, that is able to be moved into at least two end positions with the aid of a drive, especially of a flap for controlling fluid flows in an internal combustion engine, includes the following steps: providing an electric signal that indicates the speed of motion of an element of the drive, determining a change in position of the component by the integration of the electric signal, and determining the absolute position of the component from the change in position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method move a speed control lever of an engine automatically in response to movement of a manual actuator to engage a driven member.

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 control apparatus is provided for use in an electric vehicle having a throttle input device. The throttle input device is operable by a rider for generating a throttle signal for controlling the speed of the electric vehicle. The control apparatus, which adjusts the throttle signal, includes a rider input mechanism and a control device. The rider input mechanism can be manipulated by the rider to provide a given input. The control device is coupled to the rider input mechanism and to the output of the throttle input device. The control device adjusts the throttle signal based on the given input provided by the rider input mechanism.

Abstract: A throttle sensor mounting structure for suppressing the influence on the arrangement of a lighting device located on the front side of a head pipe. A throttle sensor mounting structure in a saddle seat type vehicle includes a handle, a throttle grip rotatably mounted on the handle, a throttle sensor for detecting an operational amount of the throttle grip, a controller for controlling a power unit according to a detection value from the throttle sensor, a pair of right and left main frames extending to the rear from a head pipe, and a headlight provided on the front side of the head pipe. The throttle sensor is located on the rear side of the head pipe and between the right and left main frames so as to be superimposed on the main frames as viewed in a side elevation.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes an engine, a handle, an operation portion, an operation input detector, an operation amount detector, and a control portion. The handle includes a grip grasped by the rider. The operation portion is provided near the grip to control driving of the engine. The operation input detector is provided near the grip to detect whether operation of the operation portion has been carried out by the rider. The operation amount detector electrically detects the operation amount of the operation portion. The control portion controls driving of the engine based on the operation amount detected by the operation amount detector when operation of the operation portion by the rider is detected at the operation input detector.

Abstract: It is determined whether a vehicle enters a halting state or a slow moving state. It is detected that an accelerator opening degree of the vehicle is zero during a deceleration duration up to the time to enter the halting state or the slow moving state. Further, an accelerator zero duration is calculated which is a duration for which the vehicle is in the halting state or the slow moving state while the accelerator opening degree is zero. Furthermore, an accelerator zero travel distance is calculated which the vehicle runs during the calculated accelerator zero duration. Based on the accelerator zero travel distance, it is determined whether the fuel saving driving operation is performed in traveling during the accelerator zero travel duration. Even in the state where the travel speed of the vehicle changes more than needs during inertia travel, the fuel saving driving operation is diagnosed appropriately.

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 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: In a motorcycle engine, an air-intake port is opened upwardly, a throttle body is arranged so as to be inclined toward the front, and an idle-adjusting apparatus having an idle-adjusting lever is arranged at a position above a cylinder head and close to a cylinder head cover. The idle-adjusting lever is arranged at a relatively high position where a driver's hand reaches easily, thereby improving operability thereof. A fuel injection apparatus integrally includes the throttle body, an injector, and the idle-adjusting lever. The idle-adjusting lever is ergonomically arranged at a position substantially surrounded by the cylinder head cover, the throttle body and the injector, such that the idle-adjusting lever is arranged in a compact space, by which a compact layout of the engine is achieved.

Abstract: A vehicle drain hole structure includes an enclosure (e.g., an air intake tube, an intake enclosure, a resonator, a cleaner, etc.) defined by at least one wall. The at least one wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. A drain hole is defined in the at least one wall for providing drainage from the enclosure. The drain hole extends from a first end defined in the inner surface to a second end defined in the outer surface. The first end of the drain hole at the inner surface has a larger cross-sectional area than the second end of the drain hole at the exterior surface to reduce the likelihood of a liquid film forming across the drain hole.

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: The invention provides a working vehicle which can easily couple the accelerator arm of the governor of the engine and the shift peal in spite that the rotating speed of the engine can be easily changed on the basis of the operation of the shift pedal, and the manufacturing cost can be easily reduced. In a working vehicle provide with an engine mounted to a traveling machine body provided with traveling wheels, a hydraulic continuously variable transmission shifting a power from the engine, and a shift pedal operating so as to increase and decrease a shift output of the hydraulic continuously variable transmission and an accelerator arm of the engine are coupled via an interlocking mechanism.

Abstract: The control system 10 of the first preferred embodiment includes a user interface 12 with a first control 14 that designates a maximum bound of a sub-range of engine speeds and a second control 16 that designates a minimum bound of a sub-range of engine speeds. The control system 10 of the first preferred embodiment also includes a processor 18 connected to the engine and to the user interface 12 that functions to, based on the required power output of the vehicle system, select a discrete engine speed from the sub-range of engine speeds. The control system 10 of the first preferred embodiment was designed for controlling engine speed of a vehicle system having an engine and a required power output, but may be used in any suitable environment.

Abstract: A controller controlling the drive mechanism of a powered industrial truck has two Hall effect sensors, which are located at a lateral distance from one another, and a source of lines of magnetic flux, which can be displaced relative to the Hall effect sensors when the controller is actuated, so that the magnetic flux density changes in the Hall effect sensors.

Abstract: A vehicle power control that includes a throttle mounting portion and a throttle that is movably mounted to the throttle mounting portion and configured for manipulation and operation by a rider. The power control also includes a sensor in contactless association with at least one of the throttle and throttle mounting portion. The sensor is configured for sensing a position of the throttle with respect to the mounting portion, in the contactless association, and generating a signal based on the sensed position for controlling motive power of a vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for use with a ground maintenance vehicle such as a lawn mower. The control system may include one or more control handles movable between a neutral position and at least a first drive or reverse position. The system may further include a biasing mechanism operable to bias the control handle from the first drive position to the neutral position. The biasing mechanism may be pre-deflected when the control handle is in the neutral position, yet provide little or no biasing effect to the handle until the handle is moved towards the first drive position.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes an engine, a handle, an operation portion, an operation input detector, an operation amount detector, and a control portion. The handle includes a grip grasped by the rider. The operation portion is provided near the grip to control driving of the engine. The operation input detector is provided near the grip to detect whether operation of the operation portion has been carried out by the rider. The operation amount detector electrically detects the operation amount of the operation portion. The control portion controls driving of the engine based on the operation amount detected by the operation amount detector when operation of the operation portion by the rider is detected at the operation input detector.

Abstract: An operator's seat for heavy equipment having optimized switch arrangements for controlling the equipment is provided, in which arrangements of various kinds of switches and components of operating devices that are frequently used by an operator in the seat due to the characteristic of the equipment are integrated within a radius that an operator's hand reaches (i.e. in a hand arm operation zone), and thus physical inconvenience and fatigue that the operator who repeatedly operates working devices for a long time suffers can be reduced.

Abstract: A snowmobile throttle control apparatus includes a pair of bushings with a hole and closed ends and a separate axle pin. The bushings are assembled to a thumb lever and mounted over the axle pin. The axle pin allows for a controlled gap to be maintained between the throttle lever, bushing assembly and the control housing. The thumb lever is allowed to flex open when a side load is applied. Thus allowing the thumb lever assembly to travel without binding on the control housing. This insures proper functioning of the RPS feature.

Abstract: A throttle linkage for a vehicle engine is provided comprising a vehicle engine and a throttle actuation arm secured for pivotal movement about an axis substantially fixed relative to the engine, the throttle actuation arm having an axis extending from the pivotal axis. A throttle control arm extending from the engine and capable of actuation to adjust engine power is also provided, the throttle arm having an axis extending from a point of connection to the throttle and substantially intersecting the throttle actuation arm axis, along with a coupling for engaging the throttle control arm and throttle actuation arm at approximately the point of intersection of their respective axes, the coupling allowing sliding of the arms along their respective axes, relative to each other.

Abstract: A working vehicle in which engine speed can be easily varied by operation of a speed change pedal, and in which an acceleration arm of a governor of an engine and the speed change pedal can be connected in a simple manner to reduce production costs easily. The working vehicle has the engine mounted on a traveling body having traveling wheels, a hydraulic stepless transmission for transmitting power from the engine, and the speed change pedal for increasing and decreasing output speed of the transmission. A speed return mechanism and the acceleration arm are connected via an interlocking mechanism.

Abstract: A control device is configured for use with an engine of a power equipment apparatus. The control device includes a base, a first knob, and a second knob. The first knob is positioned adjacent to the base and is rotatable about an axis with respect to the base while being substantially restrained from axial movement along the axis with respect to the base. The first knob has an aperture surrounding and extending along the axis to define a passageway extending through the first knob. The second knob has an end portion slidingly received within the aperture of the first knob such that the second knob is axially movable along the axis with respect to the base and the first knob. Power equipment apparatus and saddle-type vehicles including control devices are also provided.

Abstract: A drive by wire contactless throttle control which includes a contactless Hall-effect magnetic sensor. The Hall-effect magnetic sensor can be located in a mounting bracket in contactless association with a thumb lever on a handle bar. A magnet can be placed in a slot inside the thumb lever with a bonder and filled with an epoxy. The Hall-effect magnetic sensor senses the magnetic field produced by the magnet as the thumb lever rotates and determines position of the thumb lever and generates a signal based on the sensed position. The signal can be sent to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) utilizing electrical wires in the form of varying voltage, which in turn controls throttle of a vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, snowmobile, etc.

Abstract: A speed limit assembly for a vehicle includes a cam member having varying thickness, a frictional member, and a handle. The frictional member maintains sufficient frictional forces to resist movement of the cam member during ordinary operation of the vehicle. The handle may be manipulated by an operator of the vehicle to overcome the friction created by the frictional member and move the cam member into a desired position. A portion of a speed control handle on the vehicle abuts against the cam member to define an end of the range of motion of the speed control handle. A desired permitted range of motion may be set by moving the a portion of the cam member having a corresponding thickness into the path of the portion of the speed control handle.

Abstract: In a motorcycle engine, an air-intake port is opened upwardly, a throttle body is arranged so as to be inclined toward the front, and an idle-adjusting apparatus having an idle-adjusting lever is arranged at a position above a cylinder head and close to a cylinder head cover. The idle-adjusting lever is arranged at a relatively high position where a driver's hand reaches easily, thereby improving operability thereof. A fuel injection apparatus integrally includes the throttle body, an injector, and the idle-adjusting lever. The idle-adjusting lever is ergonomically arranged at a position substantially surrounded by the cylinder head cover, the throttle body and the injector, such that the idle-adjusting lever is arranged in a compact space, by which a compact layout of the engine is achieved.

Abstract: A throttle control apparatus includes a throttle control sleeve rotatably mounted on a handlebar of a vehicle, a throttle control housing fixed to the handlebar, and a throttle sensor unit housed in the throttle control housing. The throttle sensor unit is operable to detect a rotational angle of the throttle control sleeve. The throttle control housing is rotatably engaged with an outer periphery of the throttle control sleeve. The throttle sensor unit includes a rotary member having a spline hole formed therein, a fixed contact and a movable contact for detecting rotation of the rotary member. The throttle control sleeve and the throttle sensor unit are engaged with each other by spline fitting. A throttle return mechanism and the sensor unit are arranged in an overlapping manner in an axial direction. Handle switches are arranged on a vehicle body center side of the throttle control housing.

Abstract: A panel mount cable control assembly is provided which is useful with a vehicle having controllable mechanisms such as a throttle and choke of an internal combustion engine. The cable control assembly includes independently actuated shifters operatively connected to respective Bowden cables connected to the controllable mechanisms, which each shifter having a different mode of operation. A first shifter is preferably maintained in a desired position through frictional engagement, while a second shifter operates for a free return though a spring which biases the shifter to an initial position. Both shifters are preferably mounted to substantially enclose a chamber of a housing, and are positioned for side-by-side independent pivotal movement with the shifters in abutment.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for detecting an operation amount of or an operation state quantity by an operation force on each of two independent operation elements to thereby control a steering unit based on a difference between the operation state quantities so detected.

Abstract: At least one further accelerator actuating device in a motor-drivable or motor-driven vehicle comprising a first accelerator actuating device, which can be manually actuated.