Hitch control system
US4969527A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 1989 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01B63/1117
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hitch control system includes various sensors, an operator command lever, a spring-centered three position raise/lower switch, a control unit which generates control signals as a function thereof and an actuator which moves the hitch in response to the control signals. The control system permits the operator to move the hitch to a working position via manipulation of the command and a single manipulation of the raise/lower switch. The control system ignores switch manipulation unless the manipulation persists for at least a certain time period, or if the switch is manipulated in a different manner within a certain time of the earlier manipulation. In a failure mode the control system permits the hitch to be moved to a working position via manipulation of the raise/lower switch when the command lever cannot be so used.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.