Dual function throttle control system for heavy construction equipment machines

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.