Speed and steering control for a floor maintenance machine
US5044043A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 1989 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D51/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drive control for a vehicle such as a floor scrubber, a floor sweeper, a pallet truck or the like, operated by a person walking or riding on a sulky behind it, includes first and second drive motors each arranged to drive a vehicle wheel. Manual means are provided whereby an operator by manipulation of a control may determine vehicle speed; forward and reverse direction; and turning right or left. A variable voltage is responsive to the operator's movements for providing an electrical signal representative of the desired speed in either the forward or reverse direction. Other movements by the operator of the control provide turning in the right or left direction. The means for detecting a turning control signal from the operator is effective to reduce the motor drive signal to the motor on the inside of the desired turn, from the level representative of the existing speed toward a no-speed level at a programmed rate. The control further includes a proximity reverse sensing means effective to stop reverse movement of the vehicle upon sensing the presence of an operator closely adjacent the rear of the vehicle and for providing a short burst of forward movement of the vehicle upon …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.