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: An engine control device capable of decreasing engine output while giving less uncomfortable feeling to the rider in the event of a failure, with a simple configuration. Engine output is decreased when a failure has been detected in a throttle valve. When engine speed after the occurrence of the failure is larger than preset target rotational speed at the time of the occurrence of the failure, an ignition of the engine is cut off. The engine speed thereby can be decreased according to the preset target rotational speed. Thus, engine output can be decreased uniquely.

Abstract: A user input for controlling acceleration of a vehicle. The user input has a movable member capable of deflection by a user such that a degree of deflection corresponds to a specified velocity commanded by the user. The correspondence between the degree of deflection and the specified velocity may include a plurality of zones, each zone characterized by a distinct sensitivity that may be capable of customization for a specific user. The user input may also include a neutral position of the movable member, wherein a substantially sudden motion of the movable member to the neutral position causes a slewed slowing of the vehicle.

Abstract: A recessed control panel for a grass mowing machine includes a panel mounted in a recess in a top surface of a side cover on the grass mowing machine. Several controls are attached to panel. The panel has a lower forward end and a higher rearward end, is hinged at the lower forward end, and is releasably secured at the higher rearward end. A throttle lever extends less than one inch above the top surface of the side cover while the throttle is in a full position.

Abstract: A throttle limit control for an internal combustion engine throttle control is disclosed. Rate limiting is applied to prevent excessive rates of change in throttle actuation. Throttle pedal authority is continually maintained and throttle headroom is not compromised thereby. Application to various systems including conventional and adaptive cruise systems and power take-off systems is envisioned.

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 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.

Abstract: An auxiliary control station for a rear dispensing concrete truck that controls the truck's steering, braking, and throttle. A seat with controls accessible from the seat may be positioned outside of the cab, such as to allow control of the truck from a position with an unobstructed view of the rear of the truck. The concrete dispensing chute may be modified so as to allow mechanical control of the left and right swing of the chute. The auxiliary control station also controls the drum and positioning of the chute.

Abstract: The mower has at least two independently driven wheels that are each capable of bi-directional rotation. The at least two wheels are independently driven so that operation of the at least two wheels causes the at least two wheels to independently rotate which propels and steers the mower. A microprocessor controls the operation of the at least two wheels in accordance with signals received by the microprocessor. The mower has at least one controller. The at least one controller sends signals to the microprocessor that the microprocessor uses to control the operation of the at least two wheels. The operation of the at least one controller causes the at least two wheels to propel and steer the mower.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle having a seat placed in a driver's room provided in a vehicle body to be rotatable at a predetermined angle in at least one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction with respect to a forward facing position, wherein the driver's room includes a main accelerator pedal at a position corresponding to the seat in the forward facing position and an auxiliary accelerator pedal at a position corresponding to the seat in a position rotated at a predetermined angle from the forward facing position and the main accelerator pedal is interlockable with the auxiliary accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A system is provided for the control of multiple engines in a multi-combination vehicle having at least two engines, each engine having its own power source and an electronic control module. The system includes an electronic throttle control having a power input and a variable output representative of a desired operation of each of the engines. The system further includes a throttle control module that is provided power from each of the electronic control modules and selectively provides power to the power input of the electronic throttle control from a selected one of the electronic control modules. The variable output of the electronic throttle control is in communication with at least the selected one of the electronic control modules. In other embodiments, the system of the present invention is effective for the control of multi-combination vehicles having at least three engines.

Abstract: A throttle sensor mounting structure by which a throttle sensor can be mounted so that shock resistance thereof is enhanced and detection errors are reduced. Fork portions of a front fork are connected to each other at upper end portions thereof through a top bridge and on the lower side thereof through a bottom bridge. The opening of a throttle grip, i.e., the throttle opening is transmitted to a throttle sensor as a displacement of a throttle cable. The throttle sensor has its base member screwed to bosses provided at two positions on the front side of the top bridge by screws whereby it is so fixed that its major portion including a sensor portion is disposed between the top bridge and the bottom bridge.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling an accelerator pedal (1) provide a signal to the driver of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine of the entry into an uneconomical driving pattern via the accelerator pedal. A reset force (FPED) is applied to the accelerator pedal (1). A desired value (FPEDSOLL) for the reset force is increased in dependence upon a drop below a pregiven value for a degree of efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for steering a motor vehicle, the device comprising at least one steering means to be actuated by a driver, the means being coupled electrically with at least one steerable wheel of the motor vehicle. The device further comprises a seat for the driver, the seat including a seat part which forms a seat area, and a backrest part. The steering means are coupled with the seat part and are longitudinally displaceable together with it.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a speed control rotary throttle grip and a pivoted brake lever both mounted on a steering handlebar, is provided with a split clamp ring surrounding the throttle grip and movable to releasably clamp the throttle grip against rotation from a preset position of cruising speed. A catch pin supported by one section of the split clamp ring is movable with the other section of the clamp ring to releasably secure the sections together. The catch pin is movable either manually by physical force or automatically by movement of the brake lever during braking of the motorcycle speed. Manual force may be applied to move a clamp lever, while automatic operation is achieved by movement of the brake lever into engagement with the clamp lever.

Abstract: A multi-function control system for use with an articulated vehicle for controlling speed and forward and rear movement of the vehicle through a single control. The system includes an operating lever connected to the vehicle by a double pivot and movable in a first direction to control the forward and reverse movement of the vehicle and in a second direction, normal to the first, to control movement of attachments carried by a hitch attached to the front of the vehicle simultaneously. A second operating lever may be connected to the vehicle by a double pivot and connected to the hydraulic valve for the hitch so that the hitch may be operated independently upon movement of the second lever alone in the second direction. The first and second operating levers are connected for movement together in the first direction.

Abstract: A throttle controller includes an electrical position sensor having a movable element and being mounted on a steering mechanism, such as a handlebar, and a mechanical interface from the position sensor to a throttle handle. The movement of the throttle handle actuates the mechanical interface which, in turn, alters the position of the movable element in the position sensor. The changeable position of the movable element thus provides an electrical indication of the position of the throttle handle suitable for controlling the internal combustion engine or electric motor. The position sensor may be a rotary position sensor having a rotor as the movable element, wherein rotating the throttle handle rotates the rotor. The throttle controller is particularly useful on a personal water craft, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, etc. Potentiometers or Hall effect devices are both suitable for use as the position sensor.

Abstract: A throttle lever device for a small-sized vehicle includes an operating lever which is rotated manually about a pivot shaft to pull or return a cable connected to a throttle valve in a fuel supply unit such as a carburetor. The throttle lever device includes a first link adapted to rotate about the pivot shaft of the operating lever in accordance with the pivotal motion of the operating lever, and a second link supported rotatably through a shaft on a front end side of the first link. One end portion of the second link is engaged with the cable. The first link has a restricting portion for restricting the rotation of the second link. A stopper member disposed in the rotating direction of the second link is adapted to abut the second link. The amount of cable pulled changes relative to the amount of operation of the operating lever which controls the throttle valve.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a housing (16) and a pedal arm (14) pivotally connected to the housing (16) with a first end supporting a pedal pad (12) and a second end forming a pedal pivot arm (26). The pedal pivot arm (26) has at least one cam lobe (38) extending therefrom and the housing (16) has a cylindrical collar portion (30) recessed in the housing (16) for receiving and retaining at least one coil spring (24). The interaction of the spring (24) between the pedal pivot arm (26) and the collar portion (30) generates a hysteresis effect. The collar portion (30) has a notch (32) extending through the side wall of the housing (16). The coil spring (24) has a first distal end (34) seated in the notch (32) and a second distal end (36) that is in bias contact with the cam lobe (38).

Abstract: An emergency brake is provided for use with a snowmobile with a braking mechanism for precluding movement of the snowmobile upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a tether worn by a rider of the snowmobile. A release mechanism is coupled to the braking mechanism and the tether for actuating the braking mechanism upon the rider inadvertently falling off the snowmobile.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the manual feeding of gas in motor vehicles with a gas hand ring (3) that is movable against the force of an energy accumulator, which activates an actuating mechanism (11, 11', 69, 71, 73). A mechanism (15, 17, 19, 29) is provided between the gas hand ring (3) and the actuating mechanism (11, 11', 69, 71, 73), which is arranged in a space between an airbag (9) of the motor vehicle and a hub part (5) of the steering wheel (1). The gas hand ring (3) has a ring part (13) affixed to the mechanism (15, 17, 19, 29).

Abstract: An auxiliary throttle control arrangement is partially housed in and forms an integral part of a handle assembly for a gear shift lever. The actuator component of the control arrangement is in the shape and general configuration of a trigger. Together, the trigger and handle assembly are ergonomically styled to form fit the hand. The trigger is spring loaded to provide initial resistance to movement and to return the trigger to its original position as applied pressure is released. The trigger is mechanically coupled to a potentiometer device housed in the handle assembly. As the trigger position is changed by the vehicle operator, the resulting movement of the potentiometer produces a control signal having a variable output voltage that is used by a control mechanism to change the engine throttle position. Thus, the subject invention provides a secondary method of accelerating an automotive vehicle from a stopped position.

Abstract: A manual braking mechanism is adapted for manually overridable remote conl. The mechanism is disposed in a generally planar region forward of a vehicle's handle bar that does not interfere with the vehicle body or a human vehicle driver. The mechanism includes a base plate releasably clamped to the vehicle's handle bar and a housing fixed on the base plate. A brake cylinder in the housing connects to a control lever swingable on the base plate about a lever axis, and the cylinder's reaction force biases the lever toward a brake releasing position. A link pivots on the plate at the lever axis, has a hinge connection remote from the lever axis and has a carrier closer to the lever axis to the hinge connection. The carrier cammingly rotates the lever as the link swings on the lever axis. The mechanism has a frame whose first leg connects to the base plate at the lever axis and the frame's second leg is releasably clamped to the handle bar.

Abstract: In a transmission control for a motor vehicle, the load acting on the motor vehicle, the engine rpm and the engine torque are taken into consideration when determining a point for shifting gears. A circuit determines if the engine torque lies above a first threshold value characterizing a traction operation of a motor vehicle, as a first condition; if an amount of acceleration lies below a second threshold value characterizing unaccelerated drive, as a second condition; and if the engine torque lies above a torque characterizing a movement resistance on a level surface plus a third threshold value, as a third condition. A signal is generated when the first, second and third conditions have been met for displacing the point for shifting gears in a direction of increased output rpm.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a foot pedal to a sensor used to control the throttle of a vehicle's engine. A shaft assembly is provided including a shaft having ends configured to interconnect the rotative movement of a pedal with the shaft of a potentiometer. The shaft is provided with bearings, a cross pin and the mounting for pedal return springs. A housing assembly is produced from a pair of identical castings that together provide the seats for the bearings, cross pin and springs mounted to the shaft. The housing halves split the housing lengthwise. With the halves separated, the shaft assembly is placed in the seats of the bottom half and the top half is assembled to the bottom half to complete the assembly. The seat for the cross pin provides the stops to prevent axial movement of the shaft and to provide restricted rotative movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A steering wheel (11) is fitted with a control (13) which, when operated in mutually independent control directions (41-45), controls the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle, as well as upward and downward gear changing, and activates one of a number of cruise control functions. The control (13) may preferably be mounted immediately adjacent to the steering wheel rim (15) on the upper side of a wheel spoke (12), so that it may readily be operated by the driver's thumb without the necessity of releasing the grip on the wheel. Thus, the control incorporates all of the most essential driving control functions. The control according to the present invention encourages the driver to select, at an early stage, those accelerator and gear-change parameters which are most advantageous to economic driving or are most suited to the prevailing traffic conditions, the control actions required involving a minimum of manual movements.

Abstract: An accelerator foot pedal suspended from a support structure affixed to the front wall of a vehicle cab, a drum at the proximal end of the foot pedal defining, with the support structure, an enclosure which houses an internal rack-and-pinion gearing. A sensor mounted to the support structure generates a control signal representing the angular position of the foot pedal, the rack and pinion translating rotational movement of the foot pedal to an input of the sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle which has a foot actuated speed control and linkage, a hand actuated control for selecting the forward or reverse mode, a brake pedal and linkage, and a mechanism connecting the speed control linkage and the mode control. The connecting mechanism comprises a rod coupled to an idler arm of the speed control linkage and a swingable connecting arm. The arm comes in contact with a selection arm of the mode control linkage to prevent the mode from being shifted when the speed control is depressed, and to limit the speed in reverse. A stop rod swings down over an arm of the speed control linkage as a parking brake is applied to block the movement of the speed control.

Abstract: A portable vehicle throttle lock which includes a base member having opposite end portions. An accelerator pedal engagement means is formed in or connected adjacent to one of the opposing ends of the base member and a brake pedal engagement means is formed in or connected adjacent to the remaining opposing base member end. Also included are means for adjustably lengthening or shortening the base member. In operation the throttle lock is engaged between the brake and accelerator pedals of a conventional motor vehicle. An operator may lengthen the throttle lock via the adjustable lengthening means in order to adjust the rate of engine shaft rotation. The throttle lock may be manufactured and installed such that an operator may return the engine to idle by simple depressing the accelerator pedal thereby causing the throttle lock to disengage.

Abstract: A traction control system comprises a control piston mounted within a control cylinder disposed between a throttle lever and an accelerator pedal, a first cable an end of which is connected to the control piston whereas the other end is connected to the throttle lever, a second cable an end of which is connected to the control piston whereas the other end is connected to the accelerator pedal, fixed pulleys guiding the second cable, a movable pulley urged by a balance spring toward a direction in which the second cable stretches, and a pressure control device supplying a fluid pressure to a control chamber of the control cylinder so that the control piston moves toward a direction in which the first cable slacks thereby allowing the throttle lever to return.

Abstract: A foot pedal arrangement wherein a support structure is mounted to the front wall of a diesel powered truck cab. A spring biased spool is mounted to the support structure and is interconnected to a potentiometer. A foot pedal includes a projecting arm that is pivoted to the support structure. A flexible link connection between the foot pedal arm and the spool forces rotation of the spool with pivoting of the pedal. The connection is designed to translate the traditional pedal movement to the required spool rotation as needed for monitoring by the potentiometer.

Abstract: A vehicle engine throttle valve control device (10) is applied intermediate the vehicle operator's accelerator pedal (14) and the engine's throttle body (12) to selectively override or modify the operator's ability to control vehicle/engine speed and to assert independent control thereof as a function of various input parameters (49,50,52,54). Linkages (26,28) interconnect opposed ends of an assembly of half levers (21,23) with accelerator and throttle. The half levers rotate upon a pivot (20) which is selectively displacable to effectively shorten or lengthen the linkage in response to an operator independent signal from a control circuit (42). A half lever stop (27) fixes the relative positions of the half levers whenever the throttle body is in an off-idle position.

Abstract: An excavating vehicle includes an operator compartment, a front end loader, a backhoe and a hydrostatic drive having a hydraulic pump. An operator seat is mounted in the operator compartment and rotates between a drive position facing the front end loader, and a backhoe control position facing the backhoe. When the seat is in its drive position, the operator controls the hydrostatic drive and drives the vehicle by actuating a foot pedal mounted in the front of the operator compartment and coupled to the hydrostatic drive by a linkage. Backhoe control levers and a creep lever are pivotally mounted in the back of the operator compartment at a location accessible to the operator when the operator seat is in the backhoe control position. A bell crank is movably mounted adjacent the creep lever and is coupled to the foot pedal by a linkage mechanism.

Abstract: In an installation for the slippage limitation, respectively, prevention of driven wheels of a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine controllable by an actuatable output adjusting member, an adjustable abutment for the output adjusting member serves for the purpose to so correct the driving torque of the internal combustion engine that the slippage is reduced to the permissive extent.

Abstract: In a motor saw with an engine unit separated from a handle system by devibration elements, difficulties arise by in the use of a link system of iron plate or lever elements in performing a movement transfer without "backlash" etc. As a consequence thereof there is an involuntary speeding of the engine, great inherent moving play, propagation of vibrations between the carburetor and the finger grip, and sizing of elements adapted to every saw model. The invention eliminates these inconveniences by introducing a gear-driven, flexible shaft, e.g. a tightly wound helical spring which can transfer movements to the throttle by turning. The influence of relative movements between the engine and the handles can thus be eliminated.

Abstract: An automotive engine forming part of a motor vehicle is controlled to avoid slipping or spinning of a driven wheel by controlling the maximum rate of change of fuel which can be supplied to the engine, for example, by limiting the speed of deflection of a throttle flap (6) driven by a servo motor (7). The deflection speed, limited for example by a voltage divider (14) can be controlled as a function of operating parameters of the engine or the vehicle, for example, vehicle speed (V.sub.F), engine speed (n.sub.M), engine loading or a percentage of engine loading, actual wheel slip, actual angle or deflection position of the throttle flap, and the like. Further, non-linearities between deflection of an operator actuated pedal, such as a gas pedal (1) and actual deflection of the control flap (6) can be compensated for, for example, in a difference forming circuit (9) providing an output error signal for the servo motor (7) or by software, e.g.

Abstract: An electric setting drive for an automotive vehicle speed control or regulating system has an electric motor (1), a gearing (2) which is connected to said motor, and has an electromagnetic rapid-disconnect coupling as well as elements for converting a rotation of the gearing into a linear motion. The linear motion can be transmitted via a pull cable to a spring-loaded throttle valve. For the conversion of the rotary movement into linear movement there is provided a threaded spindle (3) which is turnably connected with the gearing (2) and engages into a thread of a displaceably mounted electrically energizable pot magnet (4). Facing the pot magnet (4) there is a linearly movable armature plate (6) to which the pull cable (7) is attached.

Abstract: The two-wheeled vehicle assembly includes a motorcycle, motorbike or powered bicycle having a frame, a pair of wheels, one behind the other, a steering column, including a pair of handlebars and handles, a seat and a motor, and a throttle, throttle linkage as well as a throttle control, the latter connected to one of the handlebars, directly or indirectly. The assembly also includes a moveable auxiliary steering device which extends rearwardly from at least one of the handlebars or steering column, adjacent the seat and which enables the rider to lean back in a relaxed position in the seat, with his or her hands off of the handlebars and still be able to fully and precisely steer the vehicle. The auxiliary steering device can be made to pivot out of the way when desired and is individually repositionable for maximum ease and convenience. It includes an elongated arm, preferably with multiple articulated sections.

Abstract: An accessory for snowmobiles for safety and increased mobility including a throttle control mounted on each of the handlebars and a grab bar mounted between the handlebars. On hillsides and on sharp turns, throttle control is maintained by either hand while the other hand engages the grab bar for stability. The two throttle controls may be connected by an adjustable tie bar for simultaneous movement of the two controls.

Abstract: Two embodiments of automatic speed control devices for motorcycles that permits release of the device from automatic mode in response to throttle closing movement of the accelerator grip. In one embodiment, the release is effective by permitting a protective sheath of a wire actuator of the throttle mechanism to move in response to throttle closing movement of the accelerator grip and this movement is employed to actuate a switch. In another embodiment, a control wire and surrounding housing afford a switch that is closed when the accelerator grip is moved in a closing direction.

Abstract: An anti-slip apparatus is provided for controlling a slip rate of a drive wheel of a wheeled vehicle to the optimum level. The vehicle has an engine, a fuel control device for controlling a supply of fuel-air mixture to the engine, and an accelerator member operatively connected to the fuel control device by an operating wire. Drive and driven wheel speed sensors sense the rotational speeds of the drive and driven wheels of the vehicle, respectively. A wire control device is operatively connected to the drive and driven wheel speed sensors and is operable to activate the operating wire to reduce the supply of fuel-air mixture from the fuel control device to the engine when the ratio of the rotational speed of the drive wheel to the rotational speed of the driven wheel exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A neutral lock mechanism for a direction and speed control pedal. Forward or down-toe motion on the pedal produces forward movement of a vehicle and rear, or down-heel, motion produces rear movement, while increased displacement of the pedal in either direction will produce an increase in speed. The neutral lock mechanism includes a latch pivotally connected to the pedal and spring loaded to a latching position in which the latch will engage the floor plate of the vehicle and prevent pivotal movement of the pedal. A lever is connected to the latch and projects upwardly through an opening in the pedal. The operator's foot, when in a normal operating position, will depress the lever and release the latch while mere accidental engagement of the operator's foot with the pedal will not release the latch and will retain the pedal in the neutral lock position.

Abstract: A device for electrically controlling the speed of travel of an automotive vehicle, having a desired-value transmitter 2 which can be displaced by a gas pedal and whose output signal can act on a setting member 5 of a throttle valve 7. A pedal contact 14 can be acted on by the gas pedal 1 in such a manner that when the gas pedal 1 is moved out of the idling position, energy can be supplied to a unit which controls the speed of rotation of the engine. In series with the pedal contact 14 there is arranged a safety contact 15 which can be closed by mechanical actuation of the gas pedal 1 out of its idling position.

Abstract: A jacket securable to the accelerator foot pedal of a truck cab has a slotted plate on the top thereof. A threaded rod having one end pivotably carried by the fire wall of the cab is receivable within the slot. A nut is threadedly received on the free end of the rod and an abutment member is carried by the rod intermediate the nut and the pivoted end. When the rod is positioned within the slot the abutment member may be disposed against the face of the plate remote from the fire wall, and when so disposed rotation of the nut will control depression of the pedal and thus the idle speed of the engine of the truck so that the idle speed may be increased when the truck is stationary in extreme temperature environments.

Abstract: In an idling controller, particularly for automotive vehicles, there are present both a control amplifier with integral time portion (3) and a limiter (6) with proportional time portion. The inputs of the limiter are acted on by the correcting variable from the output of the control amplifier and by a limiter reference variable formed with the actual-speed value. The output of the limiter is fed back to an input of the control amplifier. In order to obtain the desired time action of the idling controller upon sudden drops in speed, at least one time member (12) with differential time portion is provided between the input (1) of the actual-speed value and the output of the limiter (6). The limiter (6) is so dimensioned and coupled with the output of the control amplifier (3) that, upon a drop in speed beyond a predetermined value, the correcting value (y) is controlled by the output variable of the limiter (6) (control limit).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling the position of an element of an automobile internal combustion engine which controls the fuel-air mixture, comprising a desired-value transmitter 2 for producing an electric desired-value signal which can be fed to a electronic control unit 14. A setting member 19 for displacing a throttle valve 20 into a position corresponding to the position of the desired-value transmitter 2 can be controlled by the electronic control unit 14. In order to make smooth starting possible, a controller unit 15, by which the control of the setting member 19 is regulated upon the starting, is arranged between the desired-value transmitter 2 and the electronic control unit 14.

Abstract: A control linkage for a diesel engine in a skid-steer loader is disclosed wherein the control rods for both the fuel shut-off valve and the rate of flow control valve are operably interconnected by a bracket slidably receiving the control rods. The bracket is actuatable by a single control lever in the operator's compartment to vary the rate of flow of fuel to the engine without manipulating the fuel shut-off valve and to terminate the flow of fuel by manipulating the shut-off valve after the rate of fuel flow has been reduced to a predetermined point.

Abstract: A tractor control structure is provided including a pivotal flip-up control console that automatically engages a parking brake and shuts off the fuel supply to the engine when the console is moved to a vertical inoperative position. The console is selectively movable to a vertical inoperative position where it is out of the way when the operator is getting onto or out of the operator's seat. Further, the console is movable to a generally horizontal operative position where conventional transmission control handles are easily accessible from the operator's seat. When the console is moved to its vertical inoperative position, a push-pull cable attachment is automatically pushed forward to actuate an on-off valve for shutting off the fuel supply to the engine and thereby making the machine inoperative. A parking brake is also attached to the pivotal console by means of a tension brake cable.

Abstract: A combination car system is made up from a first car and a second car, both of which are capable of running independently. The first car includes a pair of front wheels by which it is driven, a pair of rear wheels, and an engine the output of which is controlled by a first engine output control element. The second car includes a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels by which it is driven, and an engine the output of which is controlled by a second engine output control element. When the cars are running independently, displacement of an accelerator pedal in the first car is transmitted by a first displacement transmission mechanism to the first engine output control element, and displacement of an accelerator pedal in the second car is transmitted by a second displacement transmission mechanism to the second engine output control element.

Abstract: A gas pedal movement dampening arrangement has a spring assembly disposed on a base plate located directly beneath the gas pedal for a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the damping unit comprises a spherical hollow elastic body having an air outlet nozzle which affords a linearly progressively increasing resistance force to further downward movement of a gas pedal until beyond a certain point whereupon the resistance force decreases. This enables free movement to full-throttle positions of the gas pedal if such is desired. In another embodiment, the damper unit comprises a spring assembly with a U-shaped spring biasing against downward movement of the gas pedal. Switch means operating upon movement of the gas pedal are also provided for controlling an indicator system informing the vehicle operator of his driving condition as a function of gas pedal movement.