Abstract: A steering switch pad apparatus is disclosed. It has a cam plate rotable together with a steering wheel, at least two pins movable in the axial direction according to the rotation of the cam plate, a pin holder having through-holes for guiding the pins, and a base having holes for receiving the pins therein. A part of the pins in the position where a boss plate passes are retreated into the pin holder and at least one pin in the other position are pushed forward into the corresponding hole of the base by the cam plate during the rotation of the steering wheel, so that the pin holder and the base are held in the relatively standstill state irrespective of the rotation of the steering wheel. A power transmission mechanism for the above is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: An automotive steering wheel assembly has a hub pad kept stationary during rotation of a steering wheel. The hub pad is attached to an upper annular member rotatable about a hub and coaxial to a non-rotatable lower annular member axially spaced from the upper member. A carrier is fixed to the hub and supports a planet gear for rotation about its own axis and for revolution about the axis of the hub in meshing engagement with internal gear teeth formed on the upper and lower members so that rotation of the hub causes the planet gear to revolve about the hub axis to keep the upper member and thus the hub pad apparently stationary. The planet gear is formed thereon with an annular flange having opposite end faces in slidable engagement with opposed faces of the upper and lower members to prevent the upper member from being distorted by the force exerted by a driver to the hub pad.

Abstract: In order to support an annular member, to which the non-rotatable center hub is connected, on a tubular holder without permitting an axial play of the annular member relative to the tubular holder, an improved measure is disclosed which comprises an annular groove formed about the tubular holder, the rounded bottom surface of the annular groove being tapered toward the major portion of the tubular holder, and a snap ring coaxially disposed in the annular groove with its inner wall contacting with the tapered bottom surface of the annular groove and its inboard side surface slidably contacting with an axial end surface of the annular member.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle has a switch-supporting pad kept stationary at all times regardless of turning movement of the steering wheel. The steering wheel incorporates a cable for electrically connecting vehicle electric accessories such as a radio, turn signal lights, and headlights to switches mounted on the pad for controlling the electric accessories. The cable is composed of a first loosely coiled spiral positioned in a housing section in a sun gear attached to the pad, a second loosely coiled spiral positioned in a housing section in a sun gear attached to a column, and a connecting portion joining the first and second spirals and extending axially through a boss plate mounted on a steering shaft.

Abstract: A pinion and upper and lower internal gears are adapted to be subassembled to a hub portion of a steering wheel prior to mounting on a steering shaft. An anchor leg is provided to the lower end of the lower internal gear and has a pair of opposed lateral sides which are opposed in the lateral direction perpendicular to the diametrical direction of the lower internal gear. A location arm is provided to the upper end of a stationary column and has a bifurcated upper end to loosely receive therewithin the anchor leg. The bifurcated end of the location arm is resiliently deformed by a screw driven thereinto to contact the lateral opposed sides of the anchor leg.

Abstract: A pair of pinions are mounted on a hub portion of a steering wheel in a manner to be movable toward and away from a pair of matched internal gears. The pinions are urged by a pair of leaf springs toward the internal gears to eliminate backlash therebetween.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a steering shaft, column and pad sun gears mounted on the steering shaft for rotation relative thereto, a boss plate mounted on the steering shaft between the sun gears and rotatable in unison with the steering shaft, at least one bearing mounted on the boss plate and movable toward and away from a center of the boss plate, a planet shaft rotatably supported by the bearing, and column and pad planet gears mounted on opposite ends of the planet shaft and held in mesh with the column and pad sun gears, respectively, the planet gears having inner side surfaces rotatably held in contact with opposite outer side surfaces of the bearing.

Abstract: A steering wheel center pad is formed to have a pair of coaxial upper and lower sleeve section on which a pair of upper and lower internal gears are rotatably mounted, respectively. The lower internal gear is held stationary relative to a column by means of one or more tapered anchor legs provided to the lower internal gear and holes provided in a combination switch fixedly attached to the column.

Abstract: The device includes an open topped housing, the bottom of which is interconnectable to a vehicle steering column through an adapter plate. A biasing plate is slideably supported in a horizontal position in the housing on a number of spaced vertical posts secured to a base plate in the housing. The biasing plate bears a number of spaced ridges extending up from the periphery thereof and defining peripheral recesses therebetween. A horizontal ring locking plate is fixed to the top of the posts above the biasing plate and bears spaced teeth defining a number of notches therebetween with the teeth partially overlying the biasing plate ridges. Coiled springs on the posts push up the locking plate. A lever secured to the biasing plate is needed to selectively move that plate down from the locking plate. A keylock in the housing extends out therefrom and releasably locks the biasing plate up against the locking plate.

Abstract: A steering device is disclosed. It has a steering shaft which is designed to rotate together with the steering wheel. A fixed member fixed to the car body is provided to surround the steering shaft. A stationary member is also provided to surround the steering shaft. A rotary member is rotatably supported by the steering wheel for traveling around the periphery of the fixed member. It also has a timing belt wound around the peripheries of the fixed member, stationary member and rotary member for operatively connecting them.

Abstract: An electronic controller for generating a pair of mutually exclusive pulse train signals. The controller having an offset generator for biasing the input signal about a midpoint value, a first and second difference amplifier for generating a first and second difference signal, one difference signal corresponding to the difference between the biased input signal and the midpoint value and the other difference signal corresponding to the inverted difference between the biased input signal and the midpoint value, a saw tooth wave generator generating a saw tooth wave having its valleys clipped to a predetermined value, and a pair of comparators, one generating a pulse train signal in response to the saw tooth wave and the first difference signal and the other generating the second pulse train signal in response to the saw tooth wave and the second difference signal.

Abstract: A pad holder mechanism for use in a steering wheel includes circular guide members mounted respectively on a steering column and a pad disposed one on each side of a boss plate in an axial direction of a steering shaft, the guide members being immovable in the axial direction of the steering shaft. The guide members have continuous cam elements displaced in the axial direction throughout their circumferential length. The boss plate supports a pair of coacting members having opposite ends movable in phase along the cam elements on the guide members. The coacting members and the guide members are relatively positioned such that when the ends of one of the coacting members are positioned at peaks of the displaced cam elements, the ends of the other coacting member are located in positions other than peaks of the displaced cam elements.

Abstract: A steering column for vehicles incorporating an improved tiltable steering wheel head assembly having a separable switch housing that accommodates a wide range of plug-in control switches, the tilt head assembly is pivotally mounted in a one-piece stamped tilt head support which has a neck portion telescoped in and welded to the upper end of the mast jacket.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a column, a steering shaft extending through the column, a spoke mounted on the steering shaft, a steering ring supported on the spoke, a pad mounted on the steering shaft in front of the spoke, and a helical member interconnecting the pad and the column to fix the pad nonrotatably with respect to the column and helically coiled as a number of turns which is greater than the maximum number of rotations of the steering ring, the helical member having a portion extending across the spoke.

Abstract: Reverse tilt steering wheel, i.e., the pivot point is not located down on the steering column below the wheel. The reverse tilt hereof is accomplished by concealed ramp track and track roller follower mechanism locating the pivot on the column axis, as and when extended, to a point located thereon which is above the wheel, to wit, projected completely without and beyond the structure. The resulting characteristic of the wheel is that it executes combined relative motion, coordinated so as to adjust in position along an arc concave with respect to the operator while simultaneously controlled in tilt to avoid change of wheel angularity from its normal position squarely facing the operator.

Abstract: A tilt and telescope steering wheel with a push button keyboard non-rotatably mounted within the steering wheel has a foot actuated release mechanism for simultaneous disengagement of tilt lock and telescope lock mechanisms. A readout instrument panel with various indicators thereon rigidly attached to and tiltable with the steering column so as to provide a constant angular correlation with the steering wheel facilitating an unobstructed view of the panel in all steering wheel tilt positions.

Abstract: An improved mounting bracket for a steering column mounted control stalk is disclosed. The bracket includes a generally flat base portion having an aperture formed therein for receiving a boss formed on the steering column. A hollow intermediate portion extends from the base portion and has an internal diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the base portion aperture. A slot is formed in the base and intermediate portions for receiving a key formed on the steering column boss. A hollow end portion extends from an end of the intermediate portion opposite the base portion and has an internal diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the intermediate portion. The end portion further includes means for releasably engaging the steering column mounted control stalk. Means are provided for securing the base portion to the steering column.

Abstract: A control housing is adjustably connected to a mounting base for relative orientation of the housing relative to the base. A pair of threaded members provides a means for permanently locking the housing at any selectable orientation. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting connection defines a universal joint which includes opposed yokes connected to an intermediate cross member by threaded fasteners. Upon selection of desired orientation of the housing, the fasteners may be tightened to permanently secure the housing in the selected orientation. In another embodiment, the mounting connection comprises a ball and socket joint, wherein the socket is threadably fixed to the base and the ball is fixed to the housing. The socket may be threadably drawn tightly against the ball to lock the housing into the selected angle.

Abstract: A boat steering mechanism for permitting a remotely mounted rudder control by means of a push-pull control cable, comprising a rack engaging with a pinion and being formed with a groove for inserting an inner cable, a projection projecting from the center or its vicinity of a rack casing into which the rack is slidably inserted, an inclined hole for slidably inserting the inner cable, perforated through the projection into the groove and a fitting member for fastening one end of the inner cable, to the rack at one end of the groove, whereby the push-pull control cable can be provided with a large curvature and the sliding resistance of the whole mechanism can be decreased.

Abstract: A steering wheel mechanism which provides a driver with absolute confirmation of the direction of the orientation of the front wheels by a differential gear reduction mechanism which provides for a reduced amount of rotation of a buffer pad in comparison to the rotation of a steering wheel in which the buffer pad is located. The buffer pad contains display and switching groups which, because of the limited rotation, are easily accessible for purposes for control and ease of reading by the driver.

Abstract: A steering console for tractors providing digital readout displays activated by a keyboard strategically located within easy finger reach of the operator. A multitude of vital tractor functions are automatically continuously monitored and, simply by touch of appropriate colored switch pads on the keyboard, the operator at will changes the digital displays to the different functions he desires to read. In one preferred embodiment thereof, my invention forms part of a unitary tilt-telescope steering wheel arrangement and displays dual digital readouts, such as of the ground speed and engine speed for being viewed for comparison side by side and simultaneously in the console.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle, particularly for a tractor. The steering wheel has spokes which engage the steering wheel rim and are connected directly or indirectly with the steering shaft. A stationary plate is arranged in, and is axially and/or radially spaced from, the steering wheel rim. The plate preferably serves for receiving or mounting indicator instruments. A dish-shaped part with an acute flank angle is arranged between the steering wheel spokes and the steering shaft as a transfer member for the rotary movements serving for steering. The dish-shaped part tapers toward the steering shaft and is rotatably journalled on a stationary vehicle part and is rigidly connected with a gear which meshes directly or indirectly with a gear seated or located secure against rotation on the steering shaft. Furthermore, the dish-shaped part serves to receive a holder for the stationary plate as well as for the instruments arranged on its backside.

Abstract: An instrument panel supporting structure having a switch support member provided with manually operated electric switches and positioned inside the rim portion of a steering wheel of a steerable vehicle, wherein the switch support member having recesses therein is rotatably mounted on the steering shaft and a slider support member having a plurality of sliders slidably supported thereon is secured to the steering column tube and wherein the sliders are urged to protrude into the recesses, respectively, in the switch support member so as to provide engagement between the switches and slider support members and to prevent the switch support member from rotation with respect to the slider support member. When the steering wheel is turned and a radial spoke portion of the steering wheel is brought into engagement with any one of the sliders, the particular slider is forced by the spoke portion to retract away from the recess in the switch support member and permits the spoke portion to move past the slider.

Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle comprises a steering wheel having one spoke and supported by a steering shaft, a shock proof dished plate carrying operating controls, indicating instruments on an outer surface of the plate facing a driver of the vehicle and a construction element immovably attached to the vehicle. The steering device is provided with two displaceable coupling elements which couple the dished plate to the construction element so that when one of the coupling elements is in its coupling position by engaging in one of the passages formed in the dished plate, the other coupling element is allowed to come out from its coupling position by disengaging out of another one of the passages of the dished plate to thus prevent the dished plate from rotating with the steering wheel.

Abstract: This invention is directed mainly to a propelling apparatus and a control for said propelling apparatus for use with a boat. This invention can be used with a small boat for pleasure and also for fishing. The propelling apparatus comprises a pump in the form of a propeller and a motor for driving the impeller. Also, there is a novel heat exchanger arrangement and a novel mounting device for support of the motor in a driving relationship with the propeller. Further, there is a novel heat exchanger and muffler combination for the exhaust gases from the motor.

Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle having an enlarged thin-walled bottom panel removably secured to a generally rectangular housing. With the panel removed, the turn signal switch, universal joint and other components mounted within the housing can be easily serviced without removal of the handwheel or other major column components. End caps slidably fit on tracks on the upper ends of the bottom panel and the housing to secure these parts to each other and to close the upper part of the column. This column provides for multiple controls including tilt adjustment closely adjacent to the handwheel to facilitate operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A two cable differential and push-pull system uses both cables simultaneously to operate a controlled device. The two cables are tensioned together or pushed together, or one cable is tensioned while the other is pushed, to operate a single device. Controls which have used separate cables for separate functions use paired cables for the multiple functions, reducing stress on individual cables without increasing the number of cables in the installation. In the illustrated transmission control a differential motion, which includes pushing and pulling forces, is applied through the cables to select a rail. A coincident pushing or pulling force is applied through both cables to shift the rail.

Abstract: A pair of hand grips are clamped to a steering wheel. The grips are connected by a pair of cables extending through flexible tubes to opposite ends of a pivotable bar mounted on the steering column of the steering wheel. The opposite ends of the pivotable bar are respectively affixed to the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal of a vehicle. Pressure applied by the hands of the operator on the hand grips selectively depresses the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal. Springs mounted in the hand grips and at the distal ends of the tube maintain the cables in open position yieldable to pressure on the hand grips.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely controlling direction and speed of marine engines, including at least two operator controllers located remotely from each other in respective areas of the vessel, electric-hydraulic apparatus operably interposed between the two controllers and responsive to control signals transmitted from and corresponding to the direction and speed setting of one of the controllers for synchronously effecting corresponding setting of the other controller at all times.

Abstract: Manual and/or accelerator pedal auxiliary controls for conventional vehicular braking systems. The manual control is adapted to the steering column of the vehicle and is mounted for auxiliary actuation, relative to the conventional brake pedal system of the vehicle. The accelerator pedal control which may be used in supplement or in auxiliary relation to both manual and conventional brake pedal control, is adapted to simultaneously prevent inadvertent acceleration during the braking function.

Abstract: The system includes a holder for a microphone, a mounting structure for mounting the holder from a dashboard in the drivers compartment of a vehicle, and mechanisms for operating the microphone while operating the vehicle. The operating mechanisms include a lever arm pivotally mounted on the holder with a plate portion of the lever arm located adjacent to and spring biased outwardly from a control button extending from one side of the microphone situated in the holder, a trigger which is mountable on a control arm extending from a steering column of a vehicle and a cable connected between the trigger and the lever arm. Typically the vehicle control arm is one used by a handicapped person having limited use of his legs and includes acceleration and brake controls. The system permits a vehicle operator to operate the microphone without removing his hands from the steering wheel and control arm of the vehicle while operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism for steering two ground engaging wheels of an industrial vehicle, comprises for each ground engaging wheel, an upright shaft rotation of which effects rotation of the associated ground engaging wheel, a track rod system connected with each upright shaft and including an arm mounted on the axle casing and rotatable about an upright axis and first and second complementary co-operating reduction drive elements of which the first element is rotatable about the same axis as the arm and upon rotational movement about that axis of the arm whilst the second element is mounted upon the corresponding upright shaft to effect rotation of that shaft upon rotational movement about its axis of the arm, and, link means 50 interconnecting the arm of each track rod system as to cause on rotation of the arms about their respective axes a differential rotation of the upright shafts and therefore, in operation, of the ground engaging wheels to an extent such that as the arms rotate from a position in

Abstract: There is disclosed a technique for strengthening broken or unbroken steering column shift sockets comprising a strengthening sleeve secured to the boss and means connecting the sleeve to a shift lever. In the event the boss is broken, the end thereof is severed while shift socket is on the steering column before installation of the strengthening sleeve. In the situation of an unbroken boss the sleeve is merely slid over the unamputated end.