With Transmission Control Patents (Class 180/336)
  • Patent number: 7726435
    Abstract: In a hydraulic excavator wherein a control valve unit having a plurality of control valves in a united form and an operation pattern switching valve for switching from one to another among combined patterns of operating valves and control valves are disposed side by side in front and rear positions respectively within a valve accommodating space formed between an upper frame base plate and a floor plate in an upper rotating body, the operation pattern switching valve is inclined forwardly downward in a state in which its upper surface side including an operating lever thereof faces an operation port being formed to the floor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanobu Nakayoshi, Hirokazu Imashige, Tomohiko Asakage, Kazuyuki Takeda
  • Patent number: 7721828
    Abstract: A retaining strip arranged to impede the rotation of a stop screw is disclosed. The retaining strip connects with the stop screw on both sides of an attachment bracket. The retaining strip is stretched over the bracket and applies a pressure to the screw that serves to maintain screw rotational position during vehicle operation. The retaining strip does not hamper the adjustment of the screw during adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Corey L. Fornes, Michael Paul Langseth
  • Patent number: 7721839
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hak Shin Kim
  • Patent number: 7721840
    Abstract: A creep steering control system for a utility vehicle is operable from a rearward-facing position. The creep steering control system includes a pivotable actuator alongside a rearward-facing seat that provides electronic output based on the position of the actuator. A linkage is provided between the pivotable actuator and steering wheel behind the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Christopher T. McCord, John R. Arthur, Julian Sanchez, David G. Reid
  • Publication number: 20100101887
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Shinya Kawashiri, Norikazu Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7703570
    Abstract: A steering wheel (20) that has an axis of turning (64) axis for steering a motor vehicle that has an engine, a drivetrain, a transmission that provides different gear ratios for coupling the engine to the drivetrain, and a transmission controller that in an automatic mode automatically shifts the transmission from one gear ratio to another in response to changing vehicle torque requirements and in a manual mode shifts the transmission from one gear ratio to another in response to manual actuation of a shift command device. A module (36) contains both the shift command device (58, 60) and a mode selection device (62) for selecting between the automatic and manual modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt A. Ringger, Matthew W. Hormann, Mark A. Thurber, Mary Mc. Wesler, John F. Rotz
  • Publication number: 20100059304
    Abstract: There are provided a handle grip mounted to one end of a handle bar steering a front wheel, a switch box mounted to the handle bar at a position adjacent to the handle grip and including a plurality of various switches, a first operation switch is disposed at a lower portion of the outer side surface of the switch box and is manipulated with the thumb of the driver griping the handle bar with the thumb positioned below the handle bar, and a second operation switch is disposed at an upper portion of the front surface of the switch box and is manipulated with the index finger of the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiromi DEGUCHI
  • Patent number: 7661505
    Abstract: A console system (10) configured to support a control module (44) (e.g., a user interface, etc.) operatively coupled to a vehicle system (e.g., a vehicle transmission, etc.), and which can be selectively and conveniently repositioned and/or reconfigured within a vehicle in a variety of positions is disclosed. The control module (44) is operatively coupled to the vehicle system without the use of conventional mechanical linkage. By providing flexibility in the positioning of the control module (44), the console system can be configured and/or reconfigured to meet the desires and/or needs of a variety of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: David J. Spykerman, Craig Flowerday
  • Patent number: 7648001
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a plurality of wheels; a propelling speed change device supported by the plurality of wheels and having at least one forward travel position and a reverse travel position with substantially the same speed reduction ratio as the forward travel position; a steering wheel for steering at least one of the plurality of wheels; a steering wheel support shaft for supporting the steering wheel; a speed change lever located in a position laterally of the steering wheel support shaft and operatively connected to the propelling speed change device to operate the propelling speed change device; a speed change lever guide for guiding the speed change lever, the guide including: a plurality of fore and aft channels extending substantially in the fore and aft direction of the work vehicle; a communication channel extending between the plurality of fore and aft channels; wherein one of the plurality of the fore and aft channels has a first lever position corresponding to the forward travel position a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Yanagihara, Shigeo Shoen, Kenkichi Hirakawa, Takahiro Komine, Tadashi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090288903
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed that includes a transmission and a gear selector. A controller determines the position of the gear selector and other conditions of the vehicle to control the operation of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce Allan Musmaker, Andrew William Neebel
  • Patent number: 7617904
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for a vehicle, the transmission assembly having an energy storing mechanism linking its gear selector to the gear shifting mechanism and adapted to limit the force applied to the gear shifting mechanism through the gear selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Fritz Einboeck, Roland Ennsmann
  • Patent number: 7607368
    Abstract: A locking assembly for a motor vehicle of a saddle riding type includes, a reverse lock disposed in a transmission of the vehicle for preventing a shift change of the transmission into reverse when the vehicle is traveling forward, and a lock release mechanism having an actuator, wherein the lock release mechanism is disposed in an opening in a front fender of the vehicle, such that the actuator projects above the opening. Further the locking assembly includes a cable operatively connecting the lock release mechanism with the reverse lock, such that actuation of the actuator causes the reverse lock to be released, a main body of the lock release mechanism housed beneath the opening on an underside of the fender for covering the lock release mechanism, and a cover body disposed on the fender, such that sides of the actuator and the opening are covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Takahashi, Nobuhiko Nakano
  • Publication number: 20090260912
    Abstract: There is provided a power transmission device for a working vehicle, in which a drive takeoff shaft for front wheels can be easily mounted on or dismounted from a transmission case and hence the workability of assembly, maintenance, and the like can be improved but the cost of manufacturing the transmission case and the like can be easily reduced. In the power transmission device for a working vehicle provided with: an engine mounted on a running vehicle body having front wheels and rear wheels; a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission for variably transmitting power from the engine; and the transmission case for transmitting a transmission output from the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, the drive takeoff shaft for front wheels for transmitting a driving force to the front wheels and the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission are arranged on a center plate disposed on the front side of the transmission case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Takayuki Isogai
  • Publication number: 20090223736
    Abstract: A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly of the motor grader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Deere and Company
    Inventors: Martin Lavern Ruhter, Josh Dean Graeve, Neil Vincent Harber, Michael Eugene Kennedy, Darrel Jeffrey Rowan, Jed Douglas Polzin
  • Publication number: 20090218160
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a vehicle transmission shifter and methods of adjusting the vehicle transmission shifter. The vehicle transmission shifter comprises a stalk, a paddle extending from the stalk, and an adjustment mechanism responsive to a driver input to position the paddle in relation to the steering wheel. The paddle is configured to receive a driver's fingers while manually engaging the steering wheel. The method comprises providing driver input to the adjustment mechanism through a user control and adjusting the adjustment mechanism in response to the driver input to position the paddle in relation to the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen William Baluch, Brandon Dawe
  • Patent number: 7584039
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling starting, driving and shifting processes of a motor vehicle with a drive motor (2) and a gearshift (6), which can be brought into effective drive connection with one another using a starting and shifting clutch (4), with a clutch actuation device (25, 26) as well as with a control apparatus (13) which stands in connection with a power element of the same for controlling the power of the drive motor (2), and which is connected using signal engineering with sensors (14, 17, 19, 21) which ascertain an accelerator deflection angle (A), a motor rotational speed (C) and a transmission input shaft rotational speed (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Döbele, Norbert Wiencek
  • Patent number: 7571788
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Wescon Products Company
    Inventor: Michael A. Barnard
  • Patent number: 7533755
    Abstract: A shift-lever device of a vehicle is provided. The device includes a single shift lever provided so as to be pivotable, and a gate plate having a gate through which the shift lever is inserted up to a predetermined length to guide a shift operation thereof. The device is configured to be coupled with a single shift shaft of a gear transmission mechanism through a single push-pull cable so as to operate the shift shaft. The transmission is configured so that the shift shaft interlocks with a single shift fork to shift gears of the transmission. The gate has a shape such that the shift lever is movable more greatly at each of shift positions as much as a clearance between an outer casing and inner cable of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Miyazaki, Hiroyuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7500535
    Abstract: A control device for a construction machine according to the present invention is configured so that in the construction machine provided with an automatic stop function which automatically stops an engine by an engine controller upon a predetermined automatic stop condition being met, and a hydraulic lock function which sets a hydraulic actuator locked in an inactive state by a hydraulic lock controller, there is provided a restart switch, where after an automatic stop of the engine, when the restart switch is operated, a restart command is transmitted to the engine controller via a route independently of that of an engine switch and independently of a hydraulic unlock condition, and the engine is restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Kamon, Yoshiyasu Umezu, Tomohiko Asakage, Norihiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7467682
    Abstract: A motorcycle shifting arrangement is connected to a transmission of the motorcycle for shifting the transmission between a higher gear and a lower gear. The motorcycle includes an original shifting structure having an original shift member pivotally mounted on an original pivot shaft coupled to the transmission at a location adjacent a foot rest attached to a bottom portion of the motorcycle. A supplemental shifting structure is pivotally attached relative to a supporting structure at a forward location on the motorcycle and has a foot engaging shift member adjacent the foot rest for permitting shifting of the motorcycle between higher and lower gears while the motorcycle operator has a foot supported on the foot rest by applying downward force of the operator's toe on either of the original shift member or the foot engaging shift member of the supplementary shifting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: SWH Enterprise, LLC
    Inventor: Scott W. Hahm
  • Publication number: 20080223650
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: REMA LIPPRANDT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Kurt Standke
  • Publication number: 20080135311
    Abstract: A retaining strip arranged to impede the rotation of a stop screw is disclosed. The retaining strip connects with the stop screw on both sides of an attachment bracket. The retaining strip is stretched over the bracket and applies a pressure to the screw that serves to maintain screw rotational position during vehicle operation. The retaining strip does not hamper the adjustment of the screw during adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Corey L. Fornes, Michael Paul Langseth
  • Patent number: 7367420
    Abstract: A rider interface for electronic or mechanical shifting of an ATV provided on the ATV handlebars. An up-shift mechanism is located on one side of the ATV and a down-shift mechanism is located remotely from the up-shift mechanism on an opposite side of the ATV. Preferably, the up-shift mechanism is in the form of a paddle lever and the down-shift mechanism is in the form of a trigger lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Sherrod, Matt Iandrup
  • Publication number: 20080060868
    Abstract: A straddle-type four wheeled vehicle according to the present invention includes: a gear-type transmission capable of switching forward/backward traveling gears; a change drum, which is disposed substantially in parallel to a crankshaft of an engine and is turned at every predetermined angle to thus change the gear of the gear-type transmission; and a reverse lock device. The reverse lock device has: a stopper rotated integrally with the change drum; a reverse lock pin disposed substantially perpendicularly to an axial direction of the change drum and capable of moving in a direction of a pin length between a lock position, at which the reverse lock pin is locked to the stopper so as to prevent the change drum from being rotated to a backward traveling position, and an unlock position, at which the reverse lock pin is unlocked from the stopper; and an unlocking transmission mechanism for moving the reverse lock pin to the unlock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Kiyohito Takano, Noboru Meguro
  • Patent number: 7341124
    Abstract: A driving operation device includes an input portion which inputs an amount of operation by the driver, an output portion to which the amount of operation is transmitted and a form modifying portion which modifies an orientation of the input portion based on an output of the output portion corresponding to the amount of operation. This can maintain the input portion vertical or horizontal, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Yanaka
  • Patent number: 7306062
    Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. The driven wheels are driven by hydraulic motors each having their own drive pump the output of which is controlled by a cam plate. The speed control is effected by a manually operable lever through a servo-cylinder which locates a speed control arm moving both cam plates to the set position. In a maximum speed position both cam plates are engaged against a stop. The steering is effected by moving the cam plates differentially to drive the wheels at different speeds. The piston rod of the servo-cylinder includes a spring relief so that the speed control arm can back off from the maximum position by moving the servo-cylinder body when steering in the maximum speed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: James Thomas Dunn
  • Publication number: 20070267243
    Abstract: A vehicle operation control switch for a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The vehicle operation control switch includes an ‘Off’ setting or position. When the switch is placed in the ‘Off’ position, the switch disables a vehicle prime mover that generates motive forces utilized to propel the vehicle when enabled. The switch additionally includes a ‘Forward’ setting or position, whereby when the switch is moved to the ‘Forward’ setting, the vehicle prime mover is enabled and the vehicle is configured in a ‘Forward’ movement operational mode. Furthermore, the switch includes a ‘Reverse’ setting for enabling the vehicle prime mover and placing the vehicle in a ‘Reverse’ movement operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver A. Bell,, Aric Singletary, Michael J. Hebert, Warren Clark, Gregory Schlachter
  • Patent number: 7278510
    Abstract: The invention is an automatic transmission shifting system for automobile, the automobile having a steering column assembly including a steering wheel at one end and steering column, and an electrical wire having first end terminating at the steering wheel and a second end terminating at least partially down the steering column. The system includes a first shifting actuator mounted to the steering wheel assembly, the first shifting actuator for initiating up shifts in the transmission by movement thereof and providing a first up shift signal to the first end of the wire. A second shifting actuator mounted is on the steering wheel assembly, the second shifting actuator for initiating down shifts in the transmission by movement thereof and providing down shift signals to the first end of the wire. Transmission actuation means is provided for up shifting and down shifting the transmission in response to the first up shifting and the second down shifting signals, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: American Supercars and Prototypes, LLC
    Inventor: Arthur K. Richards
  • Publication number: 20070186705
    Abstract: A control method for a transmission for a motorcycle having a plurality of shift gear trains such that the combination of gears meshing with each other is changed by driving an actuator to change a shift position. When a vehicle body inclination angle ? as a sideward inclination angle of a vehicle body of the motorcycle during running of the motorcycle becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, a change in shift position in the transmission is inhibited. The method controls the transmission for the motorcycle in order to reduce an operational load on a rider during turning of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventor: Osamu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7213674
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus of an all-terrain vehicle includes: a non-stage transmission; a forward and backward movement switching device capable of switching to a forward movement position, a neutral position, or a backward movement position; and a shift operation device of rotary type for switching forward and backward movement disposed on a handle bar at a position adjacent to a handle grip. The shift operation device includes a rotary member for a shift operation and a locking mechanism for locking the rotary member so as not to move toward at least a position for backward movement from a position for neutral. The locking mechanism is configured to be handled by a hand griping the handle grip to make the locking mechanism unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Asashi Denso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Maeda, Koji Watanabe, Eiichi Tamaki
  • Patent number: 7188991
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Five Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Weiler
  • Patent number: 7168519
    Abstract: A switch mounting assembly that adapts a switch to detect a position of a vehicle control, such as the position of a drive control actuator of a lawn and garden tractor or similar vehicle. The switch mounting assembly includes a switch support member and a lever pivotally connected to the switch support member. The switch support member mounts a switch that includes an actuator that is biased to an extended position and a may be selectively depressed to a retracted position. The lever is pivotable between a first position that allows the actuator to be biased to the extended position and a second position that depresses the actuator to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur James Harvey, Michael Eric Liedtke
  • Patent number: 7150341
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus of an all-terrain vehicle includes: a non-stage transmission disposed in a power transmission path from an engine to drive wheels; a forward and backward movement switching device capable of switching to a forward movement position, a neutral position, or a backward movement position, the forward and backward movement switching device being disposed in the power transmission path at a position near said engine; and a shift operation device for switching forward and backward movement disposed on a handle bar at a position adjacent to a handle grip, the shift operation device and the forward and backward movement switching device being interlocked with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Maeda, Koji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7137499
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for shifting an automatic transmission having a shift position select lever. The invention selectively shifts the transmission to one of a plurality of different transmission shift positions. The invention includes a steering column positionable in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A switch is mountable in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and operable to emit a first signal representative of a desired change with respect to a transmission shift position. A motor generates a moving force and a linkage associated with the motor to transmit the moving force from the motor to a shift lever of a transmission of the vehicle. A sensor is responsive to a current transmission shift position and emits a second signal corresponding to the sensed current transmission shift position. A controller is responsive to the switch and to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Riefe, Tamara J. Reppuhn, Michael C. Vermeersch, David M. Byers, Ravindra Jwalapathy
  • Patent number: 7137475
    Abstract: A shift device, which sends a command signal to an electric actuator for shifting a plurality of gear ranges of a transmission of a vehicle by the electric actuator. The gear ranges include a plurality of drive ranges and a parking range. A shift lever is arranged to move between a neutral position and a plurality of manipulation positions located about the neutral position. A restoration mechanism restores the shift lever to the neutral position. A first sensor electrically detects a manipulation performed to select one of the drive ranges. A second sensor electrically detects a manipulation performed to select the parking range. The first sensor detects toward which of the manipulation positions the shift lever is manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Shiomi, Yoji Matsumoto, Akihiro Takezaki, Haruo Tuge, Akinosuke Shindou, Hideki Miyata, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu
  • Patent number: 7117970
    Abstract: A shift device, which sends a command signal to an electric actuator for shifting a plurality of gear ranges of a transmission of a vehicle by the electric actuator. The gear ranges include a plurality of drive ranges and a parking range. A shift lever is arranged to move between a neutral position and a plurality of manipulation positions located about the neutral position. A restoration mechanism restores the shift lever to the neutral position. A first sensor electrically detects a manipulation performed to select one of the drive ranges. A second sensor electrically detects a manipulation performed to select the parking range. The first sensor detects toward which of the manipulation positions the shift lever is manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Shiomi, Yoji Matsumoto, Akihiro Takezaki, Haruo Tuge, Akinosuke Shindou, Hideki Miyata, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu
  • Patent number: 7044260
    Abstract: An electronic control system for shifting the direction in an off road vehicle such as a lawn and garden tractor or a utility vehicle is disclosed. The control system consists of a control mechanism that activates a control circuit that in turn activates an actuator to shift the transmission. The control mechanism receives inputs from the operator and sends the appropriate output to the control circuit which thereby actuates the actuator. The control system further includes a sensor that senses neutral or not neutral. The sensor additionally supplies a neutral or not neutral input to the control mechanism. The combination of the input from the operator and the sensor indicates the direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventors: Axel Schaedler, Scott Bly
  • Patent number: 7040448
    Abstract: A hand control mechanism to produce a selectively changeable effect on a continuously variable input shaft is disclosed. The mechanism selectively varies the length of a lever arm to effect a change in the amount of rotation of a continuously variable input shaft of a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Schiller-Pfeiffer, Inc.
    Inventor: Ervin H. Good
  • Patent number: 7028574
    Abstract: A sled system for mounting a parking brake hand lever assembly and a gear shift assembly to a vehicle floor pan, the sled system having a predetermined configuration to mount on a vehicle floor pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Bell, John G. Thomas, Robert N. Maley, Derrick Dysart, Richard L. Kelley, E. Mackey King
  • Patent number: 6997281
    Abstract: A vehicle driver control input device includes a non-rotatable wheel having at least one track. First and second hand grips are movably engaged with the track so that the first and second hand grips are movable along the track to facilitate sending steering signals to a steer-by-wire system of a vehicle. At least one of the first and second hand grips has an accelerator demand input mechanism to facilitate sending acceleration signals to an energy conversion system of the vehicle. At least one of the first and second hand grips have a braking demand input mechanism to facilitate sending braking signals to a brake-by-wire system of the vehicle. Alternatively, the wheel and hand grips may rotate with respect to a support post to facilitate generating steering signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Joseph F. Szczerba, Julien Montousse
  • Patent number: 6951151
    Abstract: A manual transmission shifting device in which a shifting force is transmitted only by a first rod from a shift lever to a transmission and the shifting force transmitted to the first rod is supplied to the transmission via a simple mechanical link system, such that the number of components is reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of transmitting the shifting force to a transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seung-Doon Ryu
  • Patent number: 6948582
    Abstract: A shift device, which sends a command signal to an electric actuator for shifting a plurality of gear ranges of a transmission of a vehicle by the electric actuator. The gear ranges include a plurality of drive ranges and a parking range. A shift lever is arranged to move between a neutral position and a plurality of manipulation positions located about the neutral position. A restoration mechanism restores the shift lever to the neutral position. A first sensor electrically detects a manipulation performed to select one of the drive ranges. A second sensor electrically detects a manipulation performed to select the parking range. The first sensor detects toward which of the manipulation positions the shift lever is manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Shiomi, Yoji Matsumoto, Akihiro Takezaki, Haruo Tuge, Akinosuke Shindou, Hideki Miyata, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu
  • Patent number: 6913104
    Abstract: A shift interlock mechanism that requires an operator to press a brake mechanism before changing transmission gears to prevent extra motion in the transmission, insuring a smoother shifting operation. The shift interlock mechanism with a brake arm that moves in a first direction to stop motion of at least a first ground engaging drive wheel and a shift arm that moves in a second direction to change movement of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Hartmut Kaesgen, E. Ray Goodwin, Jr., Bryan Gochneaur
  • Patent number: 6904996
    Abstract: A gearshift operation device for a tiltable cab over type truck comprises a shift lever placed at an instrument panel, and a select cable and a shift cable which connect an operation lever unit for the shift lever and a manual transmission. After coming out of a cab, the cables curve to pass close by a hinge pivot which supports the cab, and extend toward the manual transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Mita, Tadaharu Suga, Hiroyuki Dohi
  • Patent number: 6886677
    Abstract: In a vehicle, such as a lawn and garden tractor, having an engine that drives a hydrostatic transmission and having forward and reverse pedals that control the hydrostatic transmission, an operator-actuated transmission locking mechanism locks the forward and reverse pedals in a neutral position. The vehicle includes a parking brake that has a manually set portion to cause engagement of the parking brake. The transmission locking mechanism is mechanically connected to the manually set portion such that the manually set portion and the transmission locking mechanism are actuated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Co.
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Rupiper, John Franklin Ferree, Michael Charles Lee
  • Patent number: 6883633
    Abstract: In a propulsion unit having a hydrostatic drive, a pair of pedals are clamped to the axle in such a manner as to be comfortably positioned for the feet of the operator. The angular position of each pedal relative to the axle may be adjusted such that the two pedals may have different angular orientations if desired. One pedal may be comfortably positioned for directing forward motion of the vehicle while the other may be more comfortable for reverse motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Schroeder, Bradley K. Voigt
  • Patent number: 6857499
    Abstract: A transmission for an all-terrain vehicle includes: a variable-speed drive operatively connected to an engine, and a gear transmission mechanism operatively connected to the drive. The mechanism includes: a single shifting fork for selecting at least a forward high-speed ratio, a forward low-speed ratio, neutral or reverse, a shifting lever disposed at a position below a right end part or a left end part of a handlebar at a level above the engine, the shifting lever extending substantially upward, a single change lever shaft connected with the shifting fork, the change lever being disposed on the same side as the side on which the shifting lever is disposed with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the all-terrain vehicle, and the change lever shaft extending substantially upward at a rear end part of the engine, and a single connecting member connecting the change lever shaft and the shifting lever. The connecting member is extending at a side of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Kawamoto, Kiyohito Takano
  • Patent number: 6851495
    Abstract: A speed control system for a utility vehicle, the vehicle having a forward-facing driving position and a rearward-facing seat, includes a creep control system for moving the utility vehicle, controlled from the rearward-facing seat. The vehicle includes a speed-controllable transmission operable to output power to drive a wheel. The vehicle includes a creep speed control actuator located adjacent to the rearward-facing seat and a creep speed control system operatively connected to the actuator and to the transmission. The system converts movement of the actuator to speed change of the transmission. The transmission can be a mechanically or electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission, or an electronically controlled reverser transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Co.
    Inventors: David Laverne Sprinkle, John D. Sundberg
  • Patent number: 6817263
    Abstract: Disclosed are a transmission lever unit for vehicle comprising: a single transmission lever for operating the transmission unit; a first lever member swingable around a first pivot and having a second pivot; and a second lever member integrally attached to a base end portion of the transmission lever and swingable around the second pivot orthogonal to the first pivot, the transmission lever unit being adapted to select a desired combination of gear trains of first and second systems of the transmission through independent connecting means of the first and second systems by an operation of the lever, wherein the first connecting means is adapted to operate by swing operation of the transmission lever around the first pivot, and the second connecting means is adapted to operate by swing operation of the transmission lever around the second pivot, and a mounting structure of a coil spring held by two members disposed such that at least part of the members are substantially parallel to each other, for elastically
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akio Miguchi
  • Publication number: 20040211617
    Abstract: A vehicular automatic power transmission operating device includes an operating lever, a lever case, a torque sensor, a mounting member and a power assist unit. The operating lever creates operational force to shift into a position of an automatic power transmission. The lever case accommodates a lower end portion of the operating lever therein. The torque sensor detects operational force of the operating lever. An input shaft and an output shaft of the torque sensor serve as a rotary shaft of the operating lever. The mounting member is divided into first and second members by the input shaft and the output shaft of the torque sensor. Provided in the first and second members, respectively, are first and second fixing members by which the input shaft is fixed to the mounting member, and first and second bearing portions by which the output shaft is rotatably supported to the mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Ogasawara, Daisuke Kondo, Takeshi Satoh, Takanori Mori