Accelerator Patents (Class 74/482)
  • Patent number: 11755053
    Abstract: A pedal installation structure for a vehicle, the pedal installation structure including: a pedal provided at a front portion of a vehicle cabin interior, the pedal having a pedal pad to which stepping force is applied and that is supported so as to be able to pivot around a shaft portion provided along a vehicle transverse direction; a harness connected to the pedal, the harness having, at a vehicle longitudinal direction front side of the pedal, a surplus length portion by which slack is obtained; and a guiding member that guides the harness such that the harness is routed at an outer side of the pedal pad, as seen in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koju Kurihara
  • Patent number: 11435247
    Abstract: A braking robot for a braking test of a vehicle is provided. The braking robot includes: a plurality of motors, having same individual output powers, combined with a robot body installed in the vehicle; a motion shaft combined with a pedal presser for applying pedal effort to a brake pedal of the vehicle; a driving force converter which converts rotational forces of the motors, corresponding to the individual output powers of the motors, into a translational force and thus transmits the translational force to the motion shaft; a load sensor, installed on the motion shaft, for detecting the pedal effort applied to the brake pedal by the motion shaft; and a controller for controlling operations of the motors by referring to (1) a scenario for the braking test and (2) information on the pedal effort detected from the load sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventors: Hyun Ho Kim, Ji Hyeong Han
  • Patent number: 9939008
    Abstract: A remote snowmobile throttle control device is provided for use with a snowmobile having a handle bar with a hand grip at one end with a manually operable throttle trigger adjacent the hand grip. The device comprises a Bowden cable with a manually operable trigger at one end and a coupling elastic band for mounting on the handle bar at the hand grip and a manually operable spring clamp with jaws for attachment to the throttle trigger. A tether holds the actuator to the user and the mounting on the handlebar is arranged to break away from the throttle trigger in the event that the cable is pulled excessively should the snowmobile move too far relative to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Matteo Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew G. DesJarlais
  • Patent number: 8807264
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the acceleration of a motor vehicle comprising a manually operable control member, a throttle pedal (4) actuatable by the control member and a computer (3). The control member may comprise a known-per-se throttle ring. There is provided a speed sensor (2) to detect the speed of the motor vehicle and to generate a corresponding speed signal (V). Computer (3) has stored therein transmission ratio curves (V1, V2, V3 . . . Vn) each applicable to a different vehicle speed, with each such transmission ratio curve (V1, V2, V3 . . . Vn) representing a ratio of transmitting the amount of actuation of the control member to the applicable stroke of throttle pedal (4). Computer (3) uses the speed signal (V) provided by speed sensor (2) to select one of transmission ratio curves (V1, V2, V3 . . . Vn) for actuating throttle pedal (4) with a stroke corresponding to the transmission ratio curve (V1, V2, V3 . . . Vn) selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Martine Kempf
  • Publication number: 20130327174
    Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus where brake and acceleration functions are combined with a single stick includes: a lever moving to an acceleration position, an idle position, or a brake position as rotating forward and rearward about a shaft fixed to a vehicle body at a predetermined angle; a hand acceleration means opening an engine throttle to cause a vehicle to be accelerated; a hand brake means pushing a booster rod of a brake booster so that a brake operates to cause the vehicle to be stopped; a guide means installed on the left and right sides of the lever to prevent the lever from being shaken leftward and rightward; a hand brake locking means allowing the hand brake to be continuously applied; and a cruise control means allowing the lever to stay in the acceleration position even if the driver takes his hand off the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Gyo Jun
  • Patent number: 8584549
    Abstract: A throttle twist grip controller assembly includes a rotatable hand grip, a throttle housing coupled to the hand grip, and a ring potentiometer assembly located in the throttle housing. In one embodiment, the ring potentiometer assembly is fitted and supported on a sleeve associated with the throttle housing. A ring rotor is seated in the ring potentiometer assembly, surrounds the sleeve of the throttle housing, and includes at least a first tab which couples the rotor to the hand grip for rotation with the hand grip. A second tab on the rotor holds a potentiometer conductor. A spring is fitted and supported on the sleeve of the throttle housing. One end of the spring is coupled to the hand grip and the other end is coupled to the throttle housing for returning the hand grip to idle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Wen Feng Cheng, Yuan Pin Chen
  • Patent number: 7913799
    Abstract: The invention provides a working vehicle which can easily couple the accelerator arm of the governor of the engine and the shift peal in spite that the rotating speed of the engine can be easily changed on the basis of the operation of the shift pedal, and the manufacturing cost can be easily reduced. In a working vehicle provide with an engine mounted to a traveling machine body provided with traveling wheels, a hydraulic continuously variable transmission shifting a power from the engine, and a shift pedal operating so as to increase and decrease a shift output of the hydraulic continuously variable transmission and an accelerator arm of the engine are coupled via an interlocking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Kawashiri, Norikazu Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20080087127
    Abstract: An adjustment device (10) having a socket (12) attached to an article (14) to be adjusted; a housing (16) remote from the article (14); a shaft (18) moveable along a longitudinal axis (20) in the housing (16), the shaft (18) having a socket end (22) engaging the socket (12); a clutch (24) to allow slippage of the shaft (18), the improvement wherein a friction brake (26) is positioned in the housing (16) and engages the socket end (22) of the shaft (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Sanders R. Brott, James W. Acker
  • Patent number: 7270111
    Abstract: A common engine speed control mechanism for small internal combustion engines, which may be configured to allow for actuation of the speed control mechanism between stop, idle, and various engine running speed positions by actuation of one of a selected plurality of speed control levers. Each of the plurality of speed control levers is oriented so that it is movable in a direction which is substantially non-parallel to the direction of movement of the other speed control levers. In one embodiment, the actuation of the common speed control mechanism can be accomplished by movement of a first speed control lever in a substantially horizontal, side-to-side direction or by movement of a second speed control lever in a substantially vertical, up-and-down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Anthony F. Grybush, James G. Leu, Stephen T. Davis, William H. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 7062988
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for affecting the accelerator (15) of a vehicle by means of a an actuator, typically a handle (3), arranged within the reach of the driver. The main purpose of use of the invention is to modify vehicles equipped with foot pedal control means so that they become better suitable to be used by disabled persons. The invention is suitable to be used by professional drivers to improve driving comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Etela-Suomen Autolalo Oy
    Inventor: Mikko Laukkanen
  • Patent number: 6749535
    Abstract: A vehicle acceleration control and release device operatively connectable to a vehicle acceleration device, includes a device body; a lever operatively connected to the device body and pivotable about a first axis for controlling vehicle acceleration and pivotable about a second axis for releasing acceleration control, the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: Sistema Guida 2000 s.r.l., Guidosimplex s.n.c. di Giancarlo Venturini e C.
    Inventor: Dario Spinnato
  • Publication number: 20030230159
    Abstract: A device for locking a brake pedal of a motor vehicle includes a cylinder and a piston mounted for reciprocating movement relative to each other. A spring is positioned within the cylinder so as to urge the piston away from a retracted position and towards an extended position. The external end of the piston is adapted to engage an exposed surface of a motor vehicle's brake pedal, containing an antifriction member such as a toothed tip integrally formed therewith or a separate rubber cap attached thereto. The cylinder further includes a hook member or some other mechanism adapted to engage a front surface of a motor vehicle's driver seat. The position of the hook member on the cylinder is adjustable so as to accommodate varying distances between the brake pedal and the driver seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Richard R. Rose, David R. Rose
  • Patent number: 6651524
    Abstract: A foot operated throttle for all-terrain vehicles having an engine for propelling the vehicle, two handlebars for steering the vehicle, and a throttle lever connected to one of said two handlebars for controlling the speed of the engine, the foot operated throttle including a foot pedal assembly connected to an all-terrain vehicle for selective actuation by a foot of an operator of an all-terrain vehicle, and a cable assembly connected to the foot pedal assembly and to a throttle lever mounted on a handle bar of the all-terrain vehicle for movement of the throttle lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Fred H. Dawson, Jr., Lee C. Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6571656
    Abstract: A portable hand control system for operating an accelerator and brake pedal of a vehicle by hand. The portable hand control system includes an accelerator control rod releaseably couplable to the accelerator pedal of the vehicle and a brake control rod releaseably couplable to the brake pedal of the vehicle. A thumb control is mounted on the accelerator control rod for selectively receiving a thumb of a user controlling the accelerator control rod. A handle is mounted the brake control rod selectively receiving a hand of a user controlling the brake control rod. A coupling member is mounted on the brake control rod for operationally coupling the accelerator control rod to the brake control rod. A quick release coupling system is provided for coupling the accelerator control rod to the accelerator pedal of the vehicle and for coupling the brake control rod to the brake pedal of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip L. Wells
  • Patent number: 6467564
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianluca Fava, Giancarlo Sola
  • Patent number: 6414607
    Abstract: A throttle position sensor is provided with a plurality of sensing elements which allow the throttle position sensor to provide a high resolution output to measure the physical position of a manually movable member, such as a throttle handle, more accurately than would otherwise be possible. The plurality of sensors significantly increases the redundancy of the sensor and allows its operation even if one of the sensing elements is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Gonring, John R. Boatman
  • Patent number: 6407526
    Abstract: Some automobiles have mechanisms for adjusting the height of accelerator and brake pedals, and any clutch pedal, so that drivers large and small can adjust the pedals to the best height. All pedals are adjusted by a single reversible electric motor having a shaft connected directly or by a flexible shaft to the adjusting mechanisms. If any fault develops in any mechanism, the pedals may not be adjusted to the same height, which is hazardous to the driver. A safety switching system detects any serious misalignment of the pedals and de-energizes the motor. The system comprises separate switches which are operable by adjustment of the pedals, and are electrically connected in series with the power supply circuit for the motor. When the pedals are aligned, the bridging contactors of the switches are aligned and are effective to maintain the electrical continuity of the motor circuit. Each contactor has three contact sliders which successively engage staggered tabs on contact strips for the respective pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Indak Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Charles E. Black, III, Daryn L. Waite
  • Patent number: 6263753
    Abstract: A control device for vehicle steering, braking and accelerator, including but not limited to motor vehicles for use by handicapped drivers, especially those handicapped in the lower limbs, is provided. The control device relates to a system utilizing the steering wheel to accomplish both steering and braking and an accelerator lever device to control the accelerator operations of the vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a system wherein the steering is accomplished in a normal manner by the driver, but the driver need only push forward on the steering wheel to accomplish the braking operations or move a lever device to control the speed of the vehicle. The control device for vehicle steering, braking and accelerator may be employed in any vehicle, including but not limited to motor vehicles, with a mechanical or an automatic gear box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Juan Froehlich
  • Patent number: 6192860
    Abstract: There is provided in accord with the present invention a work vehicle comprising a vehicle support structure upon which a plurality of wheels are rotatably mounted and which structure supports an engine having a fuel injection system operatively coupled to at least two of the wheels. The engine is provided with an engine speed control system in electrical communication with the engine and comprising a controller operatively connected to the fuel injection system with the controller receiving feedback signals from an engine transducer to control engine speed in response to an actuator operatively connected to a potentiometer. The potentiometer is electrically connected to the controller and responsive, proportionately, to the movement of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Richard P. Hatlen
  • Patent number: 6070492
    Abstract: A pedal (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a pedal plate (4) fastened on a u-shaped retaining region (9) of a pedal bar (2) by means of an eyelet (7) and a clip (8). The u-shaped retaining region (9) extends directly along a frame web (5) on the border of the pedal plate (4), this minimizing to the greatest possible extent tilting movements which could result in the pedal plate (4) being released from the pedal bar (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Egon Beil
  • Patent number: 6041673
    Abstract: A dual function throttle control system is disclosed for earthmoving machines. The throttle control system includes a hand lever that is electrically connected to a proportional directional hydraulic valve. Rotation of the hand lever controls actuation of an engine speed actuator and thus the speed of the engine. A foot pedal is connected through a three position spring-centered hydraulic valve to the engine speed actuator. The direction of flow of hydraulic fluid through the three position spring-centered hydraulic valve is controlled by the position of the hand lever. When the hand lever is set at the lowest speed setting, rotation of the foot pedal in a first direction increases the engine speed. When the control lever is set at the highest speed setting, rotation of the foot pedal in the first direction decreases the speed of the engine. Thus, the foot pedal operates both as a decelerator or an accelerator depending on the position of the hand lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Edward E. Schmillen
  • Patent number: 5833578
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Michael R. Potis
  • Patent number: 5765442
    Abstract: A portable pedal control device for use by a disabled person to control the brakes and accelerator in a vehicle. One such control device is to be attached to the brake pedal and another similar device is attached to the accelerator pedal. The control device includes: (a) an elongated shaft or body, (b) opposing claws on the lower end of the shaft, (c) a lever for moving one of the claws between open and closed positions, and (d) a spring to hold the movable claw in its closed position. The control device is easily attached to the desired pedal by operating the lever to open the claws, then the claws are placed around the pedal and closed again. No tools are required, and the operator (disabled person) can attach or detach the control device without any assistance and without having to reach to the floor of the vehicle to manipulate fasteners or the like. The control devices can be used on any vehicle by a disabled person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Rickie L. Judson
  • Patent number: 5666857
    Abstract: A steering and control system is disclosed which includes a steering wheel that not only allows for the operator to accomplish the steering of a vehicle, but also allows the operator to merely exert a force on the steering to control the braking mechanism of a vehicle. The steering wheel, acting as a unitary device for controlling two of the principal operations of a vehicle, provides the operator with improved handling capabilities and does so without the operator needing to use his/her feet which makes the control system of the vehicle particularly suited for handicapped individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Roy Sebazco
  • Patent number: 5603674
    Abstract: A set of motor vehicle controls for the assistance of invalid drivers, especially those handicapped in the lower limbs, is provided. The system includes a set of controls mounted on the steering wheel for operating the accelerator and the brake, a set of controls mounted on the gear shaft lever for operating the clutch and brake, a set of motors controlling the position of each of the brake, clutch, and accelerator, at least one member transmitting commands to all controls by one of a wire control system and wire-free control system, at least one unit transmitting from each of the motors to the corresponding pedal, and an electronic unit controlling the motors. The system may be employed in any motor vehicle with a mechanical or automatic gear box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventors: Francisco Rivas, Michel Santa-Lucia
  • Patent number: 5542312
    Abstract: A vehicle hand control assembly which, when installed on a motor vehicle, allows the user to control the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal with his hands. Two telescoping members are pivotally attached to a plate which is then secured to the individual pedal with a strap. The strap loops around the pedal and is then attached to the telescoping member with a hook and loop fastener in order to secure the strap, thereby allowing the user to easily install the device without reaching to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Bryan T. Peters
  • Patent number: 5421217
    Abstract: Hand-operated control devices for a motor vehicle comprising a shaft having a first upper end and a second lower end, the shaft having a length adapted to extend from a pedal of a vehicle to a location within the reach of a driver; coupling means for coupling the second lower end of the shaft to a pedal of a vehicle such that the shaft is rotatable and movable with respect to the second end, the coupling means adapted so that it may be removed from the pedal without using any tools; and a handle coupled to the first upper end of the shaft, enabling a driver to apply downward pressure from the handle through the shaft and coupling means in order to depress a pedal. Also included is a second device couplable to a second pedal of a motor vehicle for remote operation of the second pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Ernest Loustaunau
  • Patent number: 5417127
    Abstract: A portable rod-like device for depressing a vehicle pedal, such as an accelerator or a brake pedal to a predetermined setting and maintaining that setting in the form of a screw-threaded rod and a mating screw-threaded nut having a hook. The nut rides up the screw-threaded rod and engages the steering wheel of the vehicle while the other end of the rod engages the pedal. The rod depresses the accelerator pedal against spring pressure while the engine is operating and the accelerator pedal is depressed to a point whereby a predetermined setting has been reached on the tachometer of the vehicle, and maintained at that setting. The device can be finely adjusted in small increments. The foot at the free end of the rod frictionally engages the accelerator pedal and can be mounted in either a fixed position or can be swivel mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventors: Anthony Bueti, John Bueti
  • Patent number: 5365802
    Abstract: An operation device for an accelerator composed of an output pulley, having an engaging latch and two engaging projections, for winding an output cable; a first pulley having a "C" shaped first engaging hole, for winding a first cable; a second pulley having a "C" shaped second engaging hole, for winding a second cable; and an accelerator lever having an engaging piece. The first engaging projection is moved within the first engaging hole and the second engaging projection is moved within the second engaging hole. The engaging projection is engaging with the engaging piece when the output pulley is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignees: Nippon Cable System Inc., Kubota Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Suzuki, Eriya Harada, Akira Minoura
  • Patent number: 5323889
    Abstract: An apparatus for the operation of the pedals of a motor vehicle including a first telescoping member, a second telescoping member, a brake handle in threaded connection to an end of the first telescoping member and having an opening allowing the second telescoping member to extend therethrough, a first pedal mount pivotally connected to an end of the first telescoping member opposite the brake handle, and a second pedal mount pivotally connected to an end of the second telescoping member opposite the brake handle. The brake handle extends outwardly transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first telescoping member. The second telescoping member has one end extending through the opening of the brake handle. The second telescoping member extends downwardly in generally parallel relationship to the first telescoping member. Each of the first and second telescoping members includes four interconnected sections in telescoping relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas Bednarek
  • Patent number: 5282522
    Abstract: An attachment for an automobile is disclosed which enables handicapped persons to operate a vehicle with hand applied power and without foot operation of the pedals. A mounting bracket is set forth. It has a supporting structure which connects with a pair of upstanding tabs, a rotatable shaft serving as a pivot point supported by said stubs, and a pivotally mounted lever connected to said shaft. The lever operates a bell crank mechanism. At one side the bell crank mechanism connects with a cable which is connected at the opposite end to the accelerator, carburetor or points in between to speed up the engine speed. At the opposite end of equipment, it connects with a flexible drive cable in a sheath wherein the cable and sheath extend from the installed apparatus under the vehicle and connect with the brake pedal hanger mechanism. This enables a handicap user to apply the vehicle brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: George R. Grindle
  • Patent number: 5203214
    Abstract: The invention is primarily for use with earth-moving machinery, e.g., crawler tractors and the like. Machines are used in ways such that their operators like to be able have the engine "idle" at lower speed and manually accelerate it or at higher speed and manually decelerate it. The invention is an improvement in an engine throttle linkage of the type having a throttle rod and a pivot-mounted shaft for moving the rod in either of two directions for engine acceleration and deceleration, respectively. A pedal is depressed for pivoting the shaft and, consequently, moving the rod. The improvement is a motion-reversing mechanism with a lever-like member connected to the shaft and having first and second attachment points. An operator's pedal is coupled to one of the two attachment points by a linking stem. Pedal depression pivots the shaft in one direction or the other. Depressing the pedal accelerates or decelerates the engine, depending upon which attachment point is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Claude M. Frisbee, Allen O. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5119688
    Abstract: A portable device for the hand operation of an accelerator foot pedal of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The device is comprised of a handle, an adjustable, telescoping control rod and a cane tip assembly which provides for a flexible attachment to couple the control rod to the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Vincent Snyder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5105689
    Abstract: A gas pedal is connected by levers, cables and rods to start the engine and control fuel flow, and simultaneously control a transmission. The transmission is in turn connected by cables to a "forward and reverse" lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Julius Korsmeyer
  • Patent number: 5029679
    Abstract: This invention relates to a manual operating device for the brake and accelerator pedals of an automobile which enables a driver to operate an automobile safely and conveniently. The present invention comprises a handle lever, a mounting member, a brake pedal operating rod, and an accelerator pedal operating rod. The mounting member includes a supporting member, connecting bolts, a fixing member and a U-bolt. The brake pedal operating rod includes an upper pipe rod, a connecting pipe and a lower rod. The accelerator pedal operating rod includes an upper pipe rod, a connecting pipe and a lower rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventors: Yo-Sub Kim, Young-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 4998983
    Abstract: A hand control apparatus for a motor vehicle provides for the adjustment of the braking force independently from the adjustment of the throttle force. A telescoping member actuates the brake pedal upon the downward movement of an operating arm. Upward movement of the operating arm rotates a pivot assembly to actuate the accelerator pedal. The fluid operation of the apparatus is facilitated by joint connections which are universally pivotable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Drive-Master Corp.
    Inventors: Peter B. Ruprecht, Mario Agostinelli
  • Patent number: 4946013
    Abstract: A device for manually operating the brake and accelerator pedals of a vehicle. The device is removably clamped to each of the conventional brake and accelerator pedals of a vehicle and includes a control lever that extends between respective pivot points that are fixed relative to and spaced outwardly from each of the brake and accelerator pedals. The control lever includes an outwardly extending portion that extends beyond the brake pedal in a direction opposite from the accelerator pedal, and a control handle is pivotally connected at the outer end of the lever extension. The control handle is operable by the user, and when pulled in a direction toward the user the device causes the braking actuator to move in a brake releasing direction while simultaneously causing the accelerator to open the throttle and thereby permit the vehicle to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventors: Andrew C. Conlyn, Jr., John V. Masters
  • Patent number: 4869337
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Oryn B. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4788879
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for hand operation of throttle and brake pedals including two (2) adjustable length rods having handles on one end and throttle and brake pedal engagement devices on the other ends, said rods are held together by an anchor bracket in close proximity, such that, the user of the apparatus can manipulate the brake and the throttle pedals with one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Inventor: Dana L. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 4712443
    Abstract: An override mechanism is disclosed for connection between the accelerator pedal of a vehicle and the fuel supply for normally enabling the driver to adjust the fuel supply but which can be overriden by speed limiting means. The throttle pedal is connected to move a lever to increase the fuel supply. This lever is pivoted to a clamp member via a shaft. The clamp member is clamped to a shaft whose angular movement adjusts the fuel supply. A spring resists pivoting movement of the lever with respect to the clamp member and therefore movement of the pedal is normally transmitted direct to the clamp and adjust the fuel supply. However, when the speed reaches an upper limit, an actuator pulls on a cable which is clamped to a part rigid with the clamp. Therefore the part moves relative to the cable carrier and the lever against the force of the spring. The clamp therefore closes the fuel supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: AE PLC
    Inventor: Norman P. Deane
  • Patent number: 4627522
    Abstract: A vehicle engine throttle and brake hand control mechanism having a hand operated input lever movable in one plane to drive a push-pull cable output member axially to control movements of the engine throttle while permitting unemcumbered actuation of the engine throttle by the accelerator pedal, and movable in another plane perpendicular to the first plane to independently drive a brake actuating push rod to control the vehicle brakes, the input lever also being movable to concurrently control the engine throttle and the vehicle brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul L. Ulrich, James Richards, Eugene T. Tanke, II
  • Patent number: 4620575
    Abstract: A control arrangement for a lawn and garden vehicle having a manually movable member provided for controlling the speed of operation of the tractor and a speed setting arrangement for permitting the operator to manually set a speed control at a minimum constant speed while also permitting the operator to move the manually movable member to temporarily increase the speed of the vehicle. The speed setting arrangement is connected to the lawn tractor brake to cause disengagement of the speed setting apparatus when the brake is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Gilson Brothers
    Inventors: Ronald R. Cuba, Richard C. Heidner, Clyde R. Wetor, Bruce H. Fiedler
  • Patent number: 4603752
    Abstract: A speed and direction control apparatus for a skid steer vehicle of the type having right and left driven wheels which are caused to be operated by variable displacement pumps. The control apparatus is similar to that found in normal highway vehicles in that a steering wheel is provided for controlling the turning of the vehicle and a foot pedal is provided for controlling the speed of the vehicle. One end of each of a pair of push-pull control cable assemblies is used to move the control arms of the variable displacement pumps and the other end of the pair of control cables are in turn secured to a rotatable element which is in turn supported for rotation on a portion of a rotatable steering column. The rotatable element can be rotated by the steering wheel to cause one control arm to be displaced with respect to the other control arm to effect turning of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Figgie International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Chambers, Leonard V. Hychalk
  • Patent number: 4553626
    Abstract: A speed control mechanism for a hydrostatically driven vehicle such as a street sweeper is disclosed which includes a selector lever. When the lever is in a variable engine speed position, depression of an accelerator pedal progressively opens the engine throttle from idle speed to high engine speed and progressively closes an inching valve thereby enabling the operator to comfortably drive the vehicle through stop and go traffic. When the lever is in a governor controlled high speed position, the engine throttle is opened and the engine is driven at high speed under control of the governor, and progressive depression of the throttle progressively closes the inching valve thereby providing optimum power while the vehicle is working, such as sweeping streets, with the speed of the vehicle being controlled by the position of the throttle and the position of the inching valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Kazmierczak, Edward M. Assony
  • Patent number: 4502348
    Abstract: A hand and foot throttle control linkage having independent operation of the throttle by either a hand or foot control. A return spring for the foot pedal is carried on the throttle linkage to return the foot pedal to its retracted position and to reduce the application force during operating of the hand throttle lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Allis-Chalmers Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick C. Bauer
  • Patent number: 4438835
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a conventional fuel flow control foot pedal and brake control foot pedal, a pair of push-pull control rods are each separately rotatably clamped to the fuel flow control foot pedal and to the brake control foot pedal. The pair of push-pull control rods are slidably secured through at least one bearing plate, vertically adaptively attached to the top of the motor vehicle floor board. Each one of the control rods are positioned for active operation by at least one tension spring separately securing one push-pull rod to the bearing plate. A manual first lever is pivotedly connected to the push-pull rod terminus opposite the rod terminus secured to the brake pedal, the manual lever having one terminus pivotedly connected to the bearing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventors: William Dowden, deceased, by Naomi Muckelroy, executrix
  • Patent number: 4436191
    Abstract: A vehicle hand operated engine throttle and brake control system has a dash-mounted and operator actuated pivotable tubular control arm with a rotary knob on its outer end. A cable has a first end being drivingly connected to the knob on the control arm and a second end connected to a throttle on the vehicle carburetor so that rotation of the knob controls the carburetor.A vacuum operated power assist means is connected to the cable for aiding in movement of the cable against the force of the throttle spring and for maintaining the cable in any given position of adjustment. A rod connects the control arm to the brake on the vehicle so that pivotal movement of the control arm controls the vehicle brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Inventor: William E. Perry
  • Patent number: 4424723
    Abstract: A portable hand control device for operating the brake and accelerator foot pedals of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of collapsible control rods, each swivelingly connected at one end to a respective foot pedal clamp and at the other end to an elongate handle adapted to be held in either hand of the user. The handle and control rods are free of any operative connection to the motor vehicle apart from the foot pedal clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Inventor: Don A. Gockel
  • Patent number: 4351198
    Abstract: The hand and foot cable controlled throttle with a hand lever controlling movement of the cable and the foot pedal controlling movement of the cable sheath and cable for selectively controlling the throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Allis-Chalmers Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth N. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4335624
    Abstract: A governor control linkage having a first manually operated actuator and a second manually operated actuator provides for setting of an engine governor control arm at a particular operating position by means of the first manually operated actuator, a coupling and an extensible link interconnected with the governor control arm. The coupling operatively locks the first manually operated actuator relative the setting of the governor control arm while allowing the second actuator to temporarily reposition the governor control arm at an intermediate setting. The extensible link in the first manually operated actuator returns the governor control arm and the second manually controlled actuator to the prepositioned setting upon release of the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Garman, Gerald H. Welker