Control devices, systems, and methods for self-propelled machinery
AssigneeHonda Motor Co., Ltd.
InventorsScott Kaskawitz, Vincent Andrew Prinzo, Arvic Gutierrez Macapagal
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Control devices and systems for self-propelled machinery and related methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a control device for self-propelled machinery includes a central portion disposed between a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion and at least one pressure sensitive trigger control provided over either the first or the second gripping portion. The trigger control can be configured to reduce a speed of the self-propelled machinery by actuating a portion of a potentiometer for varying an electrical signal carried by the control device. In some aspects, the control device can electrically communicate with a control unit of the self-propelled machinery.
Claims20
A control device for self-propelled machinery, the control device comprising:
- a central portion disposed between a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion, wherein the central portion has only a first electric control and a second electric control disposed thereon, wherein one of the first and second electric controls is a push button control and another of the first and second electric controls is a rotatable control;
- and
- a first pressure sensitive trigger control provided on the first gripping portion and a second pressure sensitive trigger control provided on the second gripping portion;
- wherein each trigger control is configured to reduce a speed of the entire self-propelled machinery by actuating at least one potentiometer for varying an electrical signal carried by the control device, thereby stopping and/or slowing the entire self-propelled machinery upon actuation of a single one of the first or second pressure sensitive trigger controls.
A control system for self-propelled machinery, the system comprising:
- a control device comprising a central portion having only a first electric control and a second electric control disposed thereon, wherein one of the first and second electric controls is a push button control and another of the first and second electric controls is a rotatable control;
- a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion extending from the central portion, wherein a first pressure sensitive trigger control is provided on the first gripping portion and a second pressure sensitive trigger control is provided on the second gripping portion, whereby application of pressure to either or both of the first and second trigger controls actuates movement within a potentiometer for modifying an electrical signal carried by the device;
- and
- a control unit in electrical communication with the control device, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive the modified electrical signal and engage an electric transmission upon receiving the modified electrical signal from the control device,
- wherein the modified electrical signal slows and/or stops an entirety of the self-propelled machinery upon actuation of a single one of the first or second pressure sensitive trigger controls.
A control system for self-propelled machinery, the system comprising:
- a control device comprising:
- a handle comprising a first gripping portion, a second gripping portion, and
- a central portion disposed therebetween;
- only a first electric control and a second electric control disposed on the central portion, wherein at least one of the first and second electric controls comprises a rotatable control and at least one of the first and second electric controls comprises a push button control, whereby rotation of the rotatable control actuates a first potentiometer disposed in the central portion for setting a maximum speed via communication of a first electrical signal;
- and
- at least one pressure sensitive trigger control disposed on the first gripping portion or the second gripping portion, whereby application of pressure to the trigger control actuates movement within a second potentiometer for slowing or stopping movement of the entire self-propelled machinery via communication of a second electrical signal;
- and
- a control unit in electrical communication with the control device, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive the first and second electrical signals and control an electric transmission in response to receiving the first and second electrical signals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.