Abstract: In a drive train for a working machine, in particular, a wheel loader, the driving speed is preselected via a driving pedal (11) and the working hydraulic system is actuated via a selector lever (8), whose signals are fed to an electronic control unit (10) which regulates a drive engine (1) and a clutch (2) arranged between the drive engine (1) and a pump impeller (3) of a hydrodynamic torque converter in such a manner that an auxiliary drive (6) for a pump (7) of the working hydraulic system is operated at a sufficient speed, while the preselected driving speed is not exceeded.

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.

Abstract: An ATV is provided including a frame structure and a power unit coupled to the frame structure and including a rotatable output shaft extending therefrom. A brake system is coupled to the output shaft and includes a friction member fixedly coupled to the output shaft. A brake pad member is movable relative to the friction member. A lever arm member is pivotably mounted to the power unit between proximal and distal end portions of the lever arm member, the proximal end portion being in engagement with the brake pad member to effect movement thereof. A brake actuating structure is configured to be manually movable and has a wedge member thereon. The wedge member is in engagement with the distal end portion of the lever arm member to effect pivotal movement thereof upon manual displacement of the brake actuating structure.

Abstract: A shift selector system is provided for selecting an operating mode of a vehicle axle. The system includes an operator shift mechanism including a rotatably supported cam rotatable between a forward position, a neutral position and a reverse position, and a spring operably interconnected to the cam for selectively biasing the cam toward one of the forward and reverse positions. An axle shift mechanism is operably interconnected to the vehicle axle and in remote communication with the operator shift mechanism. The axle shift mechanism includes a shift lever respectively rotatable with rotation of the cam for establishing the operating mode of the vehicle axle. The axle shift mechanism includes a compression spring assembly for enabling delayed rotation of the shift lever. A neutral lock mechanism is operably supported by the cam for selectively prohibiting rotation of the cam from the neutral position.

Abstract: In a differential limiting torque control section, a target differential rotation speed between front and rear drive shafts is established according to a dial position inputted by a driver of a variable dial. Further, an actual differential rotation speed between front and rear drive shafts is calculated and a deviation between the target differential rotation speed and the actual differential rotation speed is calculated. Based on the deviation, a first differential limiting torque and based on a dial position of a variable dial a second differential limiting torque are calculated. Further, a third differential limiting torque is calculated based on the dial position and a throttle opening angle. A final differential limiting torque between front and rear drive shafts is obtained by summing up these first, second and third differential limiting torques.

Abstract: A shift selector system is provided for selecting an operating mode of a vehicle axle. The system includes an operator shift mechanism including a rotatably supported cam rotatable between a forward position, a neutral position and a reverse position, and a spring operably interconnected to the cam for selectively biasing the cam toward one of the forward and reverse positions. An axle shift mechanism is operably interconnected to the vehicle axle and in remote communication with the operator shift mechanism. The axle shift mechanism includes a shift lever respectively rotatable with rotation of the cam for establishing the operating mode of the vehicle axle. The axle shift mechanism includes a compression spring assembly for enabling delayed rotation of the shift lever. A neutral lock mechanism is operably supported by the cam for selectively prohibiting rotation of the cam from the neutral position.

Abstract: A transmission control system, such as for a self-propelled, walk-behind lawn mower, is provided for controlling first and second hydrostatic transmissions in which each one of the transmissions has a hydraulic dump actuator and a brake actuator. The transmission control system includes a control lever and a linkage. The linkage is engaged with the control lever, the hydraulic dump actuators, and the brake actuators of the first and second hydrostatic transmissions. The control lever and the linkage have a drive position which place both of the hydraulic dump actuators in a drive mode, a neutral position which place both of the hydraulic dump actuators in a neutral mode, and a brake position which place both of the brake actuators in a brake mode. The transmission control system can have a shift slot pattern which defines the drive, neutral, and brake positions of the control lever.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes an armrest and a plurality of operating members. The armrest extends in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle. The operating members are arranged in front of the armrest. At least two of the operating members each have an operating portion. The operating portions are arranged along an operational orbit of an operator's hand in a state that the operator's arm is rested on the armrest.

Abstract: A system reduces the amount of work exerted by an ATV operator to change transmission gears. The system includes a foot lever assembly with a mechanical portion, such as a mechanical linkage, attached to an automated portion, such as an electrical switch. When the ATV operator applies a predetermined amount of force to the foot lever assembly, a clutch assembly and a gear box are actuated in a single motion, assisted by the automated portion of the foot lever assembly. Thus, the operator is able to exert less work in order to change the gears.

Abstract: A foot pedal is pivotally connected to a bracket member wherein it operatively communicates with a Hall Effect sensing device for use in sensing the position of the foot pedal. A Hall Effect sensing device communicates with a control module, whereby the combination of the assembly operates to logically determine the position of the foot pedal with respect to driving the vehicle in the forward or reverse positions as well as a neutral position. The control module in conjunction with the Hall Effect sensing device is operable to engage various vehicle components such as reverse indicating lights and the like. Additionally, the Hall Effect sensing device and control module may be used to disengage a secondary power source or power take off from the engine when driving the vehicle in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A vehicle having a fuel tank mounted about the central upper part of the vehicle is disclosed. A tank cover covers the fuel tank, and a gearshift lever for an automatic transmission is located on a side of the fuel tank. A recess is formed in the side of the fuel tank, by cutting an opening toward the inside of the vehicle. The gearshift lever is disposed in a space formed between the recess and the tank cover. This arrangement provides a saddle-type vehicle with a larger, more comfortable leg space for the driver and permits the mounting of an automatic transmission with a gearshift lever located as close to the driver as possible.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a shifting apparatus for a vehicle transmission which can easily adjust the initial load and the following shock load over a predetermined stroke with keeping the static strength of the shock absorbing members.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a shifting device fastened stationarily in the motor vehicle for actuating the gear change box. The connection between the motor vehicle and the shifting device comprises at least one locking device in the form of a snap-in connection. The snap-in connection may be two complementary snap-in elements which detachably engage one another. The locking device is used with at least one fixing device comprising a bushing and a complementary sleeve that can be inserted into the bushing.

Abstract: A device manually controls the acceleration system of a tractor having both a foot pedal accelerator and a hand lever accelerator which can be positioned at different heights above the ground. The acceleration control mechanism includes a first lever hinged at a first end to a fixed pin; a first tie connecting a second end of the first lever to the acceleration system; and a second lever hinged at a first end to the fixed pin. The control mechanism also includes a pedal, which when activated rotates the first lever in a given direction to control the acceleration system by means of the first tie. A third lever is fitted to a fixed structure and can be activated manually to control the acceleration system by rotating the second lever in the aforementioned direction. A second tie connects the third lever to the second lever which rotates the first lever in the aforementioned direction to also control the acceleration system by manually activating the third lever.

Abstract: A gear shift arrangement for an all terrain vehicle is provided. The all terrain vehicle comprises a frame defining an engine compartment. The frame is supported by two or more front wheels and two or more rear wheels. An engine is mounted in the engine compartment and is drivingly coupled to one or more of the wheels through a suitable drive train. A fender assembly is disposed above the front wheels and has a recess formed therein. A gear shift actuator is at least partially disposed in the recess. The recess can be disposed inboard of an inner surface of the front wheels and rearward of the rearmost surface of the front wheels. The actuator is sized and positioned to lie generally below an upper plane defined through either a front fender assembly, a carrying rack mounted to the front assembly, or both.

Abstract: A system reduces the amount of work exerted by an ATV operator to change transmission gears. The system includes a foot lever assembly with a mechanical portion, such as a mechanical linkage, attached to an automated portion, such as an electrical switch. When the ATV operator applies a predetermined amount of force to the foot lever assembly, a clutch assembly and a gear box are actuated in a single motion, assisted by the automated portion of the foot lever assembly. Thus, the operator is able to exert less work in order to change the gears.

Abstract: A brake system is provided for a straddle-type ATV. The brake system includes a brake caliper configured to mount to a gear box of the ATV and a brake disk configured to connect to a coupling member of the gear box coupled to a shaft and positioned in operative relation relative to the caliper. The brake system additionally includes a brake-actuating control mechanism in communication with the brake caliper. The brake-actuating control mechanism controls the brake caliper to provide selective frictional engagement between the brake caliper and the brake disk.

Abstract: A differential lock actuating arrangement comprises a pedal assembly including a substantially elongate member, mounting means to mount the said elongate member on the chassis of a vehicle, means to connect the said elongate member to a differential lock actuator, rotating means to rotate the said substantially elongate member about its longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting means mounts the said elongate member for movement between a first differential lock engaging position and a second differential lock disengaging position, and wherein the arrangement further comprises biasing means to hold the elongate member in one of the said first and second positions.

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.

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: An agricultural tractor is provided with a steering column, a gearbox forming part of the vehicle drive train and having a selection lever and a gear change mechanism mounted on the steering column for remotely operating the selection lever of the gearbox. The gear change mechanism comprises a collar mounted for rotation about the axis of the steering column, a first bevel gear fast in rotation with the collar, a second bevel gear meshing with the first bevel gear and mounted for rotation about a fixed axis that extends generally radially from the steering column, a crank arm connected for rotation with the second bevel gear, and a flexible cable connecting the crank arm to the selection lever of the gearbox, the cable enabling the end of the selection lever to be pulled and pushed by rotation of the collar about the steering column.

Abstract: A vehicle having a fuel tank mounted about the central upper part of the vehicle is disclosed. A tank cover covers the fuel tank, and a gearshift lever for an automatic transmission is located on a side of the fuel tank. A recess is formed in the side of the fuel tank, by cutting an opening toward the inside of the vehicle. The gearshift lever is disposed in a space formed between the recess and the tank cover. This arrangement provides a saddle-type vehicle with a larger, more comfortable leg space for the driver and permits the mounting of an automatic transmission with a gearshift lever located as close to the driver as possible.

Abstract: A gate-type shift lever device in which a pin is formed at a mounting piece formed at a back wall portion of a base, which pin axially supports a plate switch. Two levers are formed at the plate switch. A shift lever abuts and presses one of the levers during a shift operation from a “D” position to a “4” position. The shift lever abuts and presses another of the levers, during a shift operation from a “2” position to an “L” position. In accordance with rotation of the plate switch due to the pressing forces received by the levers, a holder contact moves transversely. Thus, the shift operations from the “D” position to the “4” position and from the “2” position to the “L” position can be detected.

Abstract: A system operated by what is referred to as a clutch pedal, which adjusts the traction power of an infinitely variable, hydrostatic-mechanical transmission. The transmission contains at least one pump (1) and at least one motor (2), arranged in a hydraulic circuit. In order to reduce the traction power, pressure is leaked between the two sides of the motor (2) by reducing the pressure at the control parts (14a) of two proportional valves (14, 15) in respective lines bridging the motor (2). The control parts (14a) of the proportional valves (14, 15) are connected via a shift valve (19) to an intermediate valve (24), the closing force of which is reduced as the clutch pedal (26) is opened by means of a closing spring (36).

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A selecting device facilitates selecting operating positions of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle by the deflection of a selector lever which moves back automatically from all deflecting directions for selecting the individual operating positions. The automatic transmission can be controlled by this selector lever in a first operating mode—selecting individual driving positions in the automatic operation—or, in a second operating mode—step-by-step shifting of the gears in the manual operation. For each operating mode, one operating position of the automatic transmission respectively is assigned to each deflecting direction of the selector lever. The selector lever is movable, in two shifting channels which are essentially disposed perpendicularly with respect to one another such that maximally four operating positions can be selected in each of the two operating modes. In a third operating mode, cruise control functions can be controlled by means of the selector lever.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for controlling the ground speed of a vehicle having an operator seat, an engine and a variable speed transmission drivingly coupled to a pair of ground wheel. The transmission is selectively movable among neutral, forward and reverse drive positions. The assembly includes a transmission control shaft connected to said transmission for selectively controlling the transmission such that said vehicle is driven in either a forward or a reverse direction. A forward foot control pedal and a reverse foot control pedal are each connected to the transmission control shaft, as is a hand lever rod. A hand control has a cruise control function and a hand operation function, and is coupled to the hand lever rod for engagement with the transmission control shaft. The hand control includes a lever portion and a plate portion.

Abstract: A splitter gearbox for a four wheel drive, hydrostatically driven tractor integrates both the input drive train and the output drive train into a single gearbox. The drive mechanism eliminates the need for a separate mechanical gearbox by establishing pre-set fixed displacement settings that are electronically controlled along with the variable displacement of the hydrostatic motor and hydrostatic pump, to provide a smooth power shift through all ranges without requiring the tractor to stop. The drive mechanism is configured so that essentially all components are individually controlled so that the entire power generated by the tractor engine can be diverted to any one of the traction drive, the PTO mechanism, the auxiliary hydraulic drive or, to a somewhat lesser extent, the tractor hydraulic system. The splitter gearbox is mounted to the rear axle housing to allow the sharing of a common oil sump.

Abstract: A mower having a cruise control system is provided. The mower includes a frame, a plurality of wheels including at least a first drive wheel operatively supported by the frame, an engine operatively mounted to the frame, a mower deck operatively connected to the frame, and a drive system for use in transferring power from the engine to the at least first drive wheel. The drive system includes an accelerator pedal fixedly connected to an accelerator rod. The cruise control system mechanically locks the accelerator pedal and accelerator rod in place. This permits the operator to release all pressure from the accelerator pedal (resting the foot of the operator) while maintaining the accelerator pedal in any predetermined position.

Abstract: To provide a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle which enables it to easily change shift position with a simple operation of moving a speed change lever in one direction. A speed change lever 15 having a substantially vertical axis of rotation C is provided below the fuel tank 2, while the speed change lever 15 has a first arm 18 extending outwardly from the axis and a second arm 19 extending upward along a side of the fuel tank 2 continuously from the first arm 18, so that shift between forward, neutral and reverse positions and selection of high speed or low speed can be done by swinging the first arm 18 in a substantially horizontal plane, and a first rod and a second rod are provided for locking the speed change lever at a selected shift position.

Abstract: A shift tower housing for a vehicle transmission that can receive either a push button selector or a lever selector at a comfortable and ergonomic location. The surfaces of both the push button and the lever selectors are at about 15% to the horizontal, which renders surface indicia on the selectors in a comfortable vision range for the operator. The inclined upper surfaces of the selectors also places lever and push buttons at comfortable ergonomic position for the operator. Replacing a single mounting part can make a conversion from a push button selector unit to a push button selector unit. The shift tower also includes mounting mechanism upon which a stand-alone electronic control unit is mounted, that is compatible with either the push button selector or the lever selector control. The vibrations of the shift tower are minimized as a result of mounting it directly to vehicle floor support member.

Abstract: A racing go-cart vehicle includes a chassis having a top surface, a bottom surface, and front, rear and mid portions; a pair of steerable front wheels and a pair of rear wheels having at least one drive wheel and supporting the chassis; and a body-shell cover attached to the chassis. The racing go-cart vehicle also includes a steering wheel having buttons thereon for push-button shifting; a tie rod operatively connected to the front wheels; a steering column connecting the steering wheel and the tie rod; and a universal joint assembly for articulating the steering column. The racing go-cart vehicle further includes a braking system having a bias control member and an equalizer control assembly attached to the front and rear wheels; the wheels each having an adjustable suspension assembly connected thereto; an engine mounted on the mid portion of the chassis; a transmission system assembly adapted to transfer the output of the engine to the rear drive wheels.

Abstract: A control valve system for a multiple ratio transmission with a high ratio clutch and an intermediate ratio brake servo including a first solenoid operated valve that generates a control pressure for intermediate servo apply and a second solenoid operated valve that generates a control pressure for intermediate servo release and for the high clutch. The second and the first solenoid valves control the intermediate servo stroke phase and the second solenoid valve controls, either closed or open loop, the deceleration of a high clutch drum. Pressures electronically controlled by the solenoid valves are distributed to the clutch and brake servo pressure chambers by a shift valve configuration, whereby high quality upshifts and downshifts are achieved.

Abstract: A new anti-theft system for permitting removal of the gear selection shaft from a vehicle having a gear selection console with an aperture extending through it that permits external gear selection of a transmission, thereby preventing theft of the vehicle. The inventive device includes a transmission engaging lever that is movably mounted to a transmission. The first end of the transmission engaging lever is insertable into the lower end of a shaft member that extends through the aperture in the console. A release lever extends from the aperture of the shaft member towards the lower end of the shaft member. The second end of the release lever has a flange extending from it that is inserted into a notch in the transmission engaging lever when the release lever is in an engaged position, thereby coupling the shaft member to the transmission engaging lever.

Abstract: An inadequate original equipment transmission in a right hand drive vehicle, for example a postal vehicle, is replaced with a more suitable transmission designed for a left hand drive vehicle. A right-to-left change-over linkage connects the shift rod emanating from the driver's gear selector lever to the shift lever on the left side of the replacement transmission. A kit containing necessary parts for replacing the transmission is disclosed. Also disclosed is a step-by-step operational procedure for carrying out the transmission replacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for operating a control apparatus in a motor vehicle. At least one input signal is applied to the control apparatus. The essence of the invention is that means are provided with the aid of which the control apparatus is activated in response to a change of the input signal. With the means of the invention, the control apparatus can correspondingly respond anytime to a change of the input signal. In an especially advantageous configuration, the means of the invention include a lower internal current draw than the activated control apparatus. According to the invention, one obtains a high operational reliability of the control apparatus without an excessive energy consumption because the means of the invention have only a low internal current draw and the control apparatus with the higher internal current draw is activated only as required (change of the input signal).

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

Abstract: Mower drive system interlocks and methods of interlocking mower drive systems with non-contact sensors are disclosed. The mowers may include two driven ground engaging means for supporting the mower above the ground; two drive systems for driving the driven ground engaging means, one of the drive systems driving each of the driven ground engaging means independently of the other drive system and its driven ground engaging means, wherein each of the drive systems has a neutral condition in which its driven ground engaging means is not being driven by the drive system; a drive system interlock operatively connected to an engine of the mower; and two non-contact sensors operatively connected to the drive system interlock, the sensors providing a signal to the drive system interlock when both of the drive systems are in the neutral condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shifting gears in a multi-speed manual transmission. Shifting is accomplished through translation of a linear axial movement of a rotary channel cam indexer to an angular rotation of a rotary channel cam. The rotary channel cam has a cam groove supporting cam followers to translate angular rotation of the rotary channel cam to axial movement of a plurality of transmission shift shafts. The positioning of the plurality of transmission shift shafts places the multi-speed manual transmission into a desired gear.

Abstract: A communications device for a control device is provided which includes a signal line communicating with the control device, and a transmitter that transmits a pulse signal including digital information to the control device through the signal line. The transmitter varies a duty ratio of the pulse signal so that the duty ratio corresponds to the logical value 1/0 of the digital information. The control device reads a binary signal from the signal line at a predetermined frequency based on a first processing program, and processes the binary signal according to the first processing program. The control device detects passage of a leading edge of the pulse signal from a change in the received binary signal, and reproduces the digital information based on the binary signal read at a time when a first predetermined time elapses after the passage of the leading edge of the pulse signal is detected. The first predetermined time is set to be intermediate between the varied duty ratios.

Abstract: A push-button actuated system for an ATV transmission such as those used on a Honda 300 where a DC motor is connected to a cable linkage, which in turn is connected to the gear change pedal now used to upshift and downshift gears of a semi-automatic transmission. The cable linkage is arranged so that a clockwise rotation of the DC motor causes a cable to pull upwardly on the gear change pedal. A counterclockwise rotation of the DC motor causes the cable linkage to pull downwardly on the pedal. Variations do away with the pedal and cause rotation of the operative transmission shaft in the same manner as the pedal.

Abstract: A position sensor including a rotational shaft (7), a plurality of brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) supported by the rotational shaft (7), a housing (3), a printed circuit board (21) fixed to the housing (3), a main conductor (M) provided on the printed circuit board (21) and contacting with the brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) for generating a primary signal in accordance with which a predetermined number of positions has been attained by the rotational shaft (7), and a subordinate conductor (S) provided on the circuit board (21) and contacting with the brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) for generating a secondary signal in accordance with the which a predetermined number of positions has been attained by the rotational shaft (7). The secondary signal keeps the same voltage level around a predetermined position. According to the present invention, the predetermined position of the rotational shaft (7) may be detected accurately. Further, the cost of the position sensor may be reduced.

Abstract: A work vehicle having an improved transmission control circuit, that is responsive to a shuttle shift lever and associated switch that generates a forward signal, a reverse signal and a neutral signal, whereby the transmission control circuit engages the transmission in a forward gear ratio on receipt of the forward signal, a reverse gear ratio on receipt of the reverse signal and places the transmission in neutral on receipt of the neutral signal, and further wherein the transmission control circuit further places the transmission in neutral whenever it receives both a forward and neutral signal, or both a reverse and neutral signal.

Abstract: A cover plate for the opening of a shift assembly covering with a gate in this plate for receiving a selector lever of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, the selector lever to be moved in the plate on a shift assembly. The cover plate must always be closed with separate mounting of the plate and the covering despite necessary compensating dimensional tolerances, that in arrangements of these two parts within the entire tolerance range, no visually disturbing impression is created. A cover plate permanently connected with the shift assembly covers the edge area of the opening of the covering with play over a covering area that takes into account the dimensional tolerances between the installation positions of the covering and the shift assembly.

Abstract: A controlling mechanism, particularly for operating a gear-shift-lever shaft of a gearbox for motor vehicles, having controlling units for introducing a sensor-monitorable rotational or translational movement to the gear-shift-lever shaft. A first controlling unit is connected to a second controlling unit and the first controlling unit can in turn be brought into active connection with the gear-shift-lever shaft via at least one articulation.

Abstract: Setting-element arrangement controls the longitudinal speed and/or the steering angle of a motor vehicle. More specifically, a user-actuable setting element which, during forward motion, when actuated in a respectively first actuation direction, brings about a change of the parameter controlled thereby in a first change direction and, when actuated out of the position of rest into a respectively second actuation direction which is opposite the first, brings about a change of this parameter in a second change direction opposite to the first. In such a setting-element arrangement, the assignment of the two change directions of the longitudinal speed and/or of the steering angle to the respectively first or second actuation direction of the setting element is inverted, during reverse motion, in relation to that during forward motion. The driver's intuitive association of a setting-element actuation corresponding to the desired dynamic vehicle reaction is thus maintained, even during reverse motion.

Abstract: A counterweight is proposed for engagement to a lower end of a truck transmission shift lever in a manner to extend forwardly therefrom, relative to the vehicle. The counterweight maintains a center of gravity of the shift lever vertically aligned over a pivot point of the shift lever regardless of the rearward degree of pivoting of the lever from a neutral, vertically oriented equilibrium position thereof. Such maintained vertical alignment of the lever center of gravity relative to the pivot point significantly decreases the tendency of the lever to return to vertical orientation, such return causing a disengagement of the transmission gears, particularly in high gear and during periods when power is not being transferred through the transmission while the truck is traveling over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A speed limiting device for a vehicle equipped with a deployable utility device such as a bunker rake. An adjustable mechanical linkage connects a limiting mechanism to the deployable utility device such that when the utility device is deployed, the limiting mechanism is positioned to stop rotation of a pivoting member which controls the output of the power source, such as a hydrostatic drive. The adjustable linkage provides adjustment of the stop position and, therefore, the maximum speed of the vehicle when the utility device is deployed. When the utility device is in the non-deployed position, the limiting mechanism is positioned such that it does not inhibit the motion of the pivoting member, and the vehicle can be operated over its entire speed range.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal assembly which includes a pedal extending in spaced position over a foot platform and with the pedal being movable up and down for respective control of the vehicle and/or of implements mounted on the vehicle. The operator can press down or lift up on the pedal, while resting his heel on the platform, and he can actuate the pedal in either the up or down direction for vehicle traction control, with one pedal, and for control of the implements mounted on the vehicle, with another pedal.

Abstract: An adapter mechanism converts a manual throttle control to a powered manuy overidable throttle control. The manual control has a housing element, a post rotatable in the housing element and a control lever connected to the post. A first rotor plate engaged by the lever swings on the post to rotate a second rotor plate in one direction so as to translate a cable. The manual control has a return spring biassing the second plate in another direction toward a position where the cable closes the throttle. The adapter mechanism has a block-like cap on the housing element and the cap has a cavity open to the housing element. An actuator motor on the cap rotates a paddle in the first and second directions. A flange of the paddle engages a tab of the first rotor plate such that the paddle's rotation in the first direction moves the rotor elements but the paddle's rotation in the second direction exerts no force on the rotor elements.