Abstract: A control system with slow-in-turn capabilities for use with a self-propelled, steerable vehicle, such as a lawn mower, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system slows the vehicle speed when turns are made beyond a predetermined range and the speed is at or above a predetermined level, as determined by a speed control device operatively connected to the speed control structure of a motive device by a speed control linkage. This slowing results in increased traction for achieving tighter turns and also improves dynamic stability. Two different types of rack-and-pinion steering systems capable of being used with the control system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A back-up steering system is provided having a hydraulic pump, an accumulator, a mode control valve, a main solenoid valve, and a pair of back-up solenoid valves. The system is connected, to left and right service brakes. The hydraulic pump and the accumulator are both connected to a main hydraulic line. The main solenoid valve is connected to the main line, a common fluid sump, and the mode control valve. The back-up solenoid valves are each connected to the main line, the sump and the mode control valve. The service brakes are connected to the mode control valve. During normal operation the mode control valve is set so that the service brakes are in fluid communication with the mode control valve and the main solenoid valve. When the main solenoid valve is actuated the pump is in fluid communication with both service brakes for simultaneous actuation thereof, in response to operator induced braking.

Abstract: A battery powered motor vehicle for transporting a rider in a standing position can be steered by either selective distribution of the riders weight, or alternative by turning a steering console. By attaching a cargo rack, the battery powered motor vehicle can be converted to a hand truck for transporting cargo. In the hand truck mode, the battery powered motor vehicle can either be powered wherein the vehicle moves in reverse, or manually pushed wherein the vehicle is in a neutral state.

Abstract: A transmission control device which receives steering inputs and speed inputs, and produces an input for a steer transmission and an input for a drive transmission in order to control the direction and speed of a vehicle. The transmission control device, coupled to a steering assembly, coordinates the steering inputs with the speed inputs. The steering assembly which includes an elongated force transmitter operatively coupled to a steering device. The force transmitter, which is operatively coupled to a plurality of front wheels, has a fore-aft path of movement for pivoting the front wheels clockwise or counterclockwise. The present invention enhances the user's control and maneuverability of vehicles.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a dual transmission vehicle is disclosed. First and second overlaying plates are provided, the first plate having a profiled slot which communicates with parallel slots in the second plate. The slots in the first and second plates are oriented in the direction of rectilinear movement of their respective plate. The first plate is controlled to move in a direction normal to the direction in which the second plate is controlled to move. A pair of rods connects the plates to the transmissions. Each rod has a first end joined to its respective transmission and a second end projecting through the profiled slot in the first plate and through a respective one of the parallel slots in the second plate. Dependent on the relative position of the plates, wheels connected to the transmission are driven at the same or different speeds.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting or setting the effort required to move the steering levers of a vehicle is provided. The mechanism consists of a central mounting plate with which three separate bolt and spring arrangements are connected to control the resistance at the levers when they are moved between their forward and reverse positions. The mechanism is separately connected with structure on a steering shaft to allow resistance at each of the levers to be adjusted without substantially affecting operation of the pumps. Consequently, the vehicle may be more effectively steered as a result not interfering with its tracking or bringing about creep thereof.

Abstract: In a hydraulic travelling agricultural machine which includes travelling sections, a pump operating unit is disposed in an operating section for controlling the steering and speed change of the travelling sections. The pump operating unit is connected interlockingly to a pair of varible flow rate control pumps via a link mechanism for a spool, and is operated by a steering mechanism and a speed changing mechanism. Accordingly, the natural vibration occurring in the variable flow rate control pumps is obsorbed by the link mechanisms, and hence the vibration transmitted to the pump operating unit is attenuated. The propagation of the vibration to the steering mechanism and the speed changing mechanism is thereby inhibited.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling the propulsion and steering of a machine. The machine includes a hydrostatic system that drives a pair of ground engaging traction devices. An electronic controller receives operator signals indicative of a desired travel speed and direction, and determines a desired rotational speed of the ground engaging traction devices. The electronic controller produces command signals indicative of the determined speeds to regulate the speed of the ground engaging traction devices to the desired speed.