Control lever for heavy machinery with near-proximity sensing
US6501198B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2239/006
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control lever for heavy machinery includes a proximity sensor for reducing the likelihood of inadvertent activation of the heavy machinery components. The proximity sensor is disposed adjacent an operating position of the control implement and detects when an operator's hand is in an operating position on the control implement in accordance with a capacitance of the operator's hand. The sensing circuit outputs an activate signal to a controller circuit for controlling the heavy machinery components when the operator's hand is in the operating position on the control implement. As a consequence, the operator is not required to perform excessive operations to effect control of the heavy machinery and has both hands available for machine operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.