US3800902A — Method and apparatus for the control of self-prop…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 248 words

Apparatus for controlling the operational functions of a self-propelled machine said apparatus including: (a) a selfpropelled machine having at least one powered wheel driven by a self-contained motor means; (b) at least one non-powered wheel carried by a wheel frame rotatably mounted on a platform portion of the apparatUs, said frame being operatively connected to a turn sensing means which as the wheel frame is turned causes the sensing means to be actuated; (c) a driver and driven means, one of which is carried by the platform and the other is carried by the wheel frame so as to move therewith; (d) at least two switch controls adapted to send signals corresponding to right and left operational commands when said switches are actuated; (e) electronic means for receiving a signal from said switch controls and to actuate the drive and driven means to provide a turning actuation for following an arbitrary course as selected by the operator, said actuation being imposed on the wheel frame and mounted wheel to cause said frame to be moved in a prescribed direction; (f) means to limit and maintain the turn angle of the non-powered wheel and frame in its right and left swings from a normal straight ahead direction and where desired for holding said turn to make a completely circular course which may include a plurality of circular patterns, and (g) means for returning the non-powered wheel to its straight ahead condition as and when said turn signal is terminated.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 248 words

Apparatus for controlling the operational functions of a self-propelled machine said apparatus including: (a) a selfpropelled machine having at least one powered wheel driven by a self-contained motor means; (b) at least one non-powered wheel carried by a wheel frame rotatably mounted on a platform portion of the apparatUs, said frame being operatively connected to a turn sensing means which as the wheel frame is turned causes the sensing means to be actuated; (c) a driver and driven means, one of which is carried by the platform and the other is carried by the wheel frame so as to move therewith; (d) at least two switch controls adapted to send signals corresponding to right and left operational commands when said switches are actuated; (e) electronic means for receiving a signal from said switch controls and to actuate the drive and driven means to provide a turning actuation for following an arbitrary course as selected by the operator, said actuation being imposed on the wheel frame and mounted wheel to cause said frame to be moved in a prescribed direction; (f) means to limit and maintain the turn angle of the non-powered wheel and frame in its right and left swings from a normal straight ahead direction and where desired for holding said turn to make a completely circular course which may include a plurality of circular patterns, and (g) means for returning the non-powered wheel to its straight ahead condition as and when said turn signal is terminated.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 33 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 1 in which the driver and driven means is a pinion and gear, which means when actuated provides pinion rotation relative to the gear.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 90 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 1 in which the switch controls also include a radio transmitter of limited range and having at least three switches controlled functions adapted to send radio frequency signals corresponding to right, left and stop commands and in which the electronic means for receiving the signals includes a radio receiver carried by the self-propelled machine, said receiver adapted to receive the radio signal from the transmitter and to demodulate said signal so as to initiate means to perform the desired functional control.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 77 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 1 in which at least one non-powered wheel and wheel frame is a swivel caster apparatus and in which there is operatively associated a movable cam, said cam as it is moved by the caster toward and to a maximum turn engaging a limiting switch to provide a turn hold disposed to restrict further turning and to continue this hold action until the turn control signal is terminated.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 72 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 4 in which the electrical functional controls are responsive to a logic as follows: Left turn ALB Right turn ARB where: AL Left turn command is received by the command receiving means. AR Right turn command is received by the command receiving means. B A switch means which determines that the caster wheel is not at either right or left maximum turn angle.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 158 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 4 in which the electrical functional controls are responsive to a logic as follows: Left turn ALB + ARBR Right turn ARB + ALBL Hold turn ALB + ARB B(AL+AR) where: AL left turn command is received by the command receiving means; AR right turn command is received by the command receiving means; B a switch means which determines that the caster wheel is not at either right or left maximum turn angle; BL the caster wheel is within a predetermined arc about its vertical axis, extending from the maximum left turning angle to the predetermined angle to the left of the straight ahead position as set by a switch, and BR the caster wheel position is within a predetermined arc about its vertical axis, extending from the maximum right turning angle to the predetermined angle to the right of the straight ahead position as set bY a switch.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 147 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 4 in which the electrical functional controls are responsive to a logic as follows: Left turn ALB + ARBR Right turn ARB + ALBL where: Left turn Caster wheel is rotated about its vertical axis by the left turn means to cause the apparatus to turn toward the left. Right turn Caster wheel is rotated about its vertical axis by the right turn means to cause the apparatus to turn toward the right. AL Left turn command is received by the command receiving means. B A switch means which determines the caster wheel is not at either right or left maximum turn angle. AL Left turn command is not received by the command receiving means. AR Right turn command is received by the command receiving means. AR Right turn command is not received by the command receiving means.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 77 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 1 in which the machine includes a pair of handles, each handle having a contact switch connected to the electronic control circuit, one of said switches when closed causing a right turn command to be fed to the apparatus until the switch signal is terminated and the other switch, when closed, causes a left turn command to be fed to the apparatus until the switch signal is terminated.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 151 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 1 in which the machine is arranged for power steering and in the actuation thereof the two switches for the left and right commands are arranged to feed selective signals to the electronic control circuit, a first switch when actuated causing a right turn command to be fed to the apparatus resulting in a right turn of the non-powered wheel frame to be made, the turning of the wheel frame when reaching a determined turn angle limit causing a turn hold to be actuated until the signal is terminated and a second switch when actuated causing a left turn command to be fed to the apparatus and a left turn of the frame to be made, said turning of the wheel frame when reaching a determined turn angle limit causing a turn hold to be actuated until the turn signal is terminated.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 36 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 1 which the platform portion and associated functional control apparatus is made as original equipment supplied with and as a part of the originally produced self-propelled machine.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 10 in which the driver and driven members are a pinion and gear and in which the turning of the non-powered wheel includes turning the pinion relative to the gear to move the frame retaining the non-powered wheel.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 107 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 10 in which the control provides a power steering for the machine, the method including arranging a pair of switches for manipulative control by the riding operator and in which closing one switch provides a left-turn signal to be sent and when received to actuate and turn the pinion to cause a left turn to be made and holding said turn until the closing of the switch is terminated and in which closing of the other switch causes a right-turn signal and right turn to be made and terminating said turn when the turn signal is terminated.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 261 words

A method of controlling the functions of a self-propelled machine including the steps of: (a) providing a self-propelled apparatus in which at least one powered wheel is driven by a self-contained motor; (b) attaching and supporting by and on a platform portion carried by said machine, apparatus for receiving functional signals and translating said signals into right-turn and left-turn functions for following an arbitrary course as selected by the operator; (c) arranging and mounting on the frame of said platform at least one non-powerEd wheel in which a frame portion is rotatably mounted to said platform; (d) sensing the turning of said frame to limit the turn angle of the frame and wheel to a determined angle; (e) turning the non-powered wheel by a driver and driven member means arrangement wherein one member of the arrangement is attached to the platform and the other member is attached to the non-powered wheel frame; (f) sending a functional signal such as right turn and left turn by the closing of a designated switch which is one of a plurality of switches used with said machine; (g) receiving said signal and causing power to be applied to the driven member of the driver and driven members so as to cause the apparatus to turn while said signal is received and for holding said turn when desired to make a completely circular course; (h) limiting by a turn sensing means the maximum turn swing of the non-powered wheel, and (i) returning the non-driven wheel to its straight ahead condition when the turn signal is terminated.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 261 words

A method of controlling the functions of a self-propelled machine including the steps of: (a) providing a self-propelled apparatus in which at least one powered wheel is driven by a self-contained motor; (b) attaching and supporting by and on a platform portion carried by said machine, apparatus for receiving functional signals and translating said signals into right-turn and left-turn functions for following an arbitrary course as selected by the operator; (c) arranging and mounting on the frame of said platform at least one non-powerEd wheel in which a frame portion is rotatably mounted to said platform; (d) sensing the turning of said frame to limit the turn angle of the frame and wheel to a determined angle; (e) turning the non-powered wheel by a driver and driven member means arrangement wherein one member of the arrangement is attached to the platform and the other member is attached to the non-powered wheel frame; (f) sending a functional signal such as right turn and left turn by the closing of a designated switch which is one of a plurality of switches used with said machine; (g) receiving said signal and causing power to be applied to the driven member of the driver and driven members so as to cause the apparatus to turn while said signal is received and for holding said turn when desired to make a completely circular course; (h) limiting by a turn sensing means the maximum turn swing of the non-powered wheel, and (i) returning the non-driven wheel to its straight ahead condition when the turn signal is terminated.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 96 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 13 in which the non-powered steering wheel is a swivel caster and movable with the frame of said caster is a cam, the method further including the step of positioning at least two switches in way of this cam, one of said switches being actuated when a left turn is made and the other switch being actuated when a right turn is made, these switches when actuated causing a turn hold signal to be established to hold the maximum turn until the functional signal is terminated.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 100 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 13 in which is included the step of providing a radio transmitter of limited range and having at least three switch-controlled functions adapted to send the functional signals as radio frequency signals, the functional signals corresponding to right, left and stop commands and in which the receiving of these signals includes providing a radio receiver carried by the self-propelled machine and adapting said receiver to receive the radio signal from the transmitter and to demodulate said signal so as to actuate the driven member to perform the desired functional control.

Claim 18

Independent Claim 425 words

A method of controlling the functions of a self-propelled machine including the steps of: (a) providing a self-propelled apparatus in which at least one powered wheel is driven by a self-contained motor; (b) attaching and supporting by and on a platform portion carried by said machine, apparatus for receiving functional signals and translating said signals into right-turn and left-turn functions; (c) arranging and mounting on the frame of said platform at least one non-powered freely rotatably wheel carried by a frame portion which is rotatably mounted as a swivel caster to said platform; (d) mounting a cam so as to be movable with said caster and positioning at least two switches in way of this cam, one of said switches being actuated when a left turn is made and the other switch being actuated when a right turn is made, these switches when actuated causing a turn hold signal to be established to hold the maximum turn until the functional signal is terminated; (e) carrying the non-powered wheel by an axle freely rotatable in the caster wheel frame, said axle having its end extending beyond the frame of the caster wheel frame; (f) mounting a pair of electric clutches on said extending axle with one clutch being mounted on each side of the frame and causing each clutch to be responsive to one determined turn signal; (g) supporting a pair of pinions on said axle, each pinion carried by and freely rotatable around the axle, one of said pinions being carried adjacent each of the clutches and when a clutch is actuated causing the adjacent pinion to be turned with and by the rotation of the caster axle and positioning and maintaining the axle and supported pinion in continuous cooperative engagement with a gear which is carried by and is secured to a platform portion of the apparatus; (h) sensing the turning of said frame to limit the turn angle of the frame and wheel to a determined angle; (i) sending a functional signal such as right turn and left turn by the closing of a designated switch which is one of a plurality of switches used with said machine; (j) receiving said signal and causing power to be applied to the driven member of the driver and driven members so as to cause the apparatus to turn while said signal is received; (k) limiting by a turn sensing means the maximum turn swing of the non-powered wheel, and (1) returning the non-driven wheel to its straight ahead condition when the turn signal is terminated.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 425 words

A method of controlling the functions of a self-propelled machine including the steps of: (a) providing a self-propelled apparatus in which at least one powered wheel is driven by a self-contained motor; (b) attaching and supporting by and on a platform portion carried by said machine, apparatus for receiving functional signals and translating said signals into right-turn and left-turn functions; (c) arranging and mounting on the frame of said platform at least one non-powered freely rotatably wheel carried by a frame portion which is rotatably mounted as a swivel caster to said platform; (d) mounting a cam so as to be movable with said caster and positioning at least two switches in way of this cam, one of said switches being actuated when a left turn is made and the other switch being actuated when a right turn is made, these switches when actuated causing a turn hold signal to be established to hold the maximum turn until the functional signal is terminated; (e) carrying the non-powered wheel by an axle freely rotatable in the caster wheel frame, said axle having its end extending beyond the frame of the caster wheel frame; (f) mounting a pair of electric clutches on said extending axle with one clutch being mounted on each side of the frame and causing each clutch to be responsive to one determined turn signal; (g) supporting a pair of pinions on said axle, each pinion carried by and freely rotatable around the axle, one of said pinions being carried adjacent each of the clutches and when a clutch is actuated causing the adjacent pinion to be turned with and by the rotation of the caster axle and positioning and maintaining the axle and supported pinion in continuous cooperative engagement with a gear which is carried by and is secured to a platform portion of the apparatus; (h) sensing the turning of said frame to limit the turn angle of the frame and wheel to a determined angle; (i) sending a functional signal such as right turn and left turn by the closing of a designated switch which is one of a plurality of switches used with said machine; (j) receiving said signal and causing power to be applied to the driven member of the driver and driven members so as to cause the apparatus to turn while said signal is received; (k) limiting by a turn sensing means the maximum turn swing of the non-powered wheel, and (1) returning the non-driven wheel to its straight ahead condition when the turn signal is terminated.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 143 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 16 which further includes securing to the caster frame a cam plate which is moved with the caster frame as it is swung and pivotally mounting a cam arm on the platform portion of the apparatus and positioning said arm to swing toward and to said cam plate and carrying a cam pin and roller follower on the distal end of the arm so as to engage the path portion of the cam plate and urging said pin and follower by a spring into engagement with said cam path provided by the cam plate, said path including right and left end portions which define a maximum turning radius hold angle of the caster and holding the pin and follower against an end portion of the cam plate until the turn signal is terminated.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 50 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 16 in which in response to a stop command from the radio transmitter to the radio receiver and demodulated signal causes the further step of actuating an electromagnetic means to cause a grounding of the spark plug of the motor.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 97 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 16 in which one of the electrical circuits providing the remote and functional control includes the further step of providing an electrical switch adapted to selectively reverse a portion of the circuit so that the signals from the operational command switches corresponding to right- and left-turn signals are reversed, right being left and left being right in the circuit so the correct turn sequence occurs when the mounting condition and operation require the apparatus to be rearwardly mounted while using a forwardly arranged circuit system and vice-versa.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 54 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 16 which includes the further step of providing a reversible electric motor which is powered by a battery, said motor carrying and rotating a pinion whose direction of rotation and duration of turning is in response to the signals sent from functional control switches.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 50 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 20 which includes the further step of connecting the output shaft of the electric motor to the pinion through a clutch which is in disengaged condition except when the motor is actuated to turn the pinion in a determined direction.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 85 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 16 in which the power means to rotate an engaged pinion is a power-transmitting drive such as a V-belt, roller chain and the like, and includes the step of rotating an engaged pinion carried on a shaft rotatably driven by the power-transmitting drive, said shaft carried on said platform with the pinion being driven by said rotating shaft when an electric clutch, also carried by said shaft, is actuated in response to a control signal.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 115 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 22 in which there are at least two non-powered wheels which with the powered wheels provide a four-wheeled support for the machine, said method including mounting at least two of the non-powered wheels so as to swing in an arc around a vertical axis, operatively connecting these two non-powered wheels to each other with a tie bar arrangement so that they swing in concert with each other, securing a rack-type gear to said tie bar and bring said gear in direct driven engagement with the two pinions And moving the tie bar by the rotation of one of the pinions when this pinion is rotated.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 85 words

The method of controlling a self-propelled machine as in claim 16 in which the machine includes a pair of handles and the method includes the step of mounting on each handle a contact switch connected to the electronic control circuit, one of said switches, when closed, causing a right turn command to be fed to the apparatus until the signal is terminated and the other switch, when closed, causing a left turn command to be fed to the apparatus until this switch signal is terminated.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 392 words

Apparatus for controlling the operational functions of a self-propelled machine, said apparatus including: (a) a self-propelled machine having at least one powered wheel driven by a self-contained motor such as a gasoline engine; (b) at least one non-powered wheel carried by a wheel frame to provide a swivel caster apparatus, this wheel carried by an axle freely rotatable in the caster frame, said axle having a pair of electric clutches carried thereon, one clutch being mounted on each side of the frame and each clutch responsive to a determined turn signal, and two pinions each carried by and freely rotatable around the axle, one of said pinions being carried adjacent each of the clutches, aach clutch having magnetically cooperative means so that when the adjacent clutch is actuated the pinion is turned with and by the rotation of the caster wheel axle, the actuated pinion being in continuous cooperative engagement with a gear which is carried by and secured to a platform portion of the apparatus rotatably mounted on a platform portion of the apparatus, said frame being operatively connected to a turn sensing means which as the wheel frame is turned causes the sensing means to be actuated; (c) a driver and driven means, one of which is carried by the platform and the other is carried by the wheel frame so as to move therewith; (d) at least two switch controls adapted to send signals corresponding to right and left operational commands when said switches are actuated; (e) a movable cam operatively associated with the swivel caster apparatus, said cam as it is moved by the caster toward and to a maximum turn engaging a limiting switch to provide a turn hold disposed to restrict further turning and to continue this hold action until the turn control signal is terminated; (f) electronic means for receiving a signal from said switch controls and to actuate the drive and driven means to provide a turning actuation of the wheel frame and mounted wheel to cause said frame to be moved in a prescribed direction; (g) means to limit and maintain the turn angle of the non-powered wheel and frame in its right and left swings from a normal straight ahead direction, and (h) means for returning the non-powered wheel to its straight ahead condition as and when said turn signal is terminated.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 392 words

Apparatus for controlling the operational functions of a self-propelled machine, said apparatus including: (a) a self-propelled machine having at least one powered wheel driven by a self-contained motor such as a gasoline engine; (b) at least one non-powered wheel carried by a wheel frame to provide a swivel caster apparatus, this wheel carried by an axle freely rotatable in the caster frame, said axle having a pair of electric clutches carried thereon, one clutch being mounted on each side of the frame and each clutch responsive to a determined turn signal, and two pinions each carried by and freely rotatable around the axle, one of said pinions being carried adjacent each of the clutches, aach clutch having magnetically cooperative means so that when the adjacent clutch is actuated the pinion is turned with and by the rotation of the caster wheel axle, the actuated pinion being in continuous cooperative engagement with a gear which is carried by and secured to a platform portion of the apparatus rotatably mounted on a platform portion of the apparatus, said frame being operatively connected to a turn sensing means which as the wheel frame is turned causes the sensing means to be actuated; (c) a driver and driven means, one of which is carried by the platform and the other is carried by the wheel frame so as to move therewith; (d) at least two switch controls adapted to send signals corresponding to right and left operational commands when said switches are actuated; (e) a movable cam operatively associated with the swivel caster apparatus, said cam as it is moved by the caster toward and to a maximum turn engaging a limiting switch to provide a turn hold disposed to restrict further turning and to continue this hold action until the turn control signal is terminated; (f) electronic means for receiving a signal from said switch controls and to actuate the drive and driven means to provide a turning actuation of the wheel frame and mounted wheel to cause said frame to be moved in a prescribed direction; (g) means to limit and maintain the turn angle of the non-powered wheel and frame in its right and left swings from a normal straight ahead direction, and (h) means for returning the non-powered wheel to its straight ahead condition as and when said turn signal is terminated.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 135 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 25 in which the caster frame carries a cam plate which is moved with the caster frame as it is swung and a cam arm is pivotally carried by the platform portion of the apparatus, said cam arm carrying a cam pin and roller follower mounted thereon, said pin and follower being urged by a spring into engagement with a cam path provided on the cam plate, said path including right and left end stop portions each defining a maximum turning radius hold of the caster while the pin and follower are retained against an end stop portion of the cam by an actuated electromagnetic means such as a solenoid which electromagnetic means is deactivated to release the turn hold when the turn signal is terminated.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 43 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 25 in which the stop command from the radio transmitter causes the radio received and demodulated signal to actuate an electromagnetic means resulting in a grounding of the spark plug of the gasoline motor.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 89 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 25 in which as the maximum turn liMit is reached that clutch which is in driving engagement with the engaged pinion is disengaged and when this turn signal command is discontinued the opposite clutch is engaged for a determined period so as to begin a turn of the caster wheel frame toward a normal free-trailing position of the caster wheel, the engagement of the opposite clutch being discontinued before the caster wheel frame reaches its normal free-trailing, straight ahead position.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 69 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 25 in which the caster wheel and radio receiver electrical circuit and associated functional control mechanism is carried on a platform which is removably and adjustably mounted to a frame of a conventional self-powered apparatus from which two non-powered wheels at one end of the frame have been removed prior to the attachment of said platform to the apparatus frame.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 91 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 29 in which one of the electrical circuits providing the remote and functional control includes an electrical switch means adapted to reverse a portion of the circuit so that the signals from the operational command switches corresponding to right- and left-turn signals are reversed, ''''right'''' being ''''left''''and ''''left'''' being ''''right'''' in the circuit so that the correct turn sense occurs when the mounting condition and operation require the apparatus to be rearwardly mounted while using the forwardly arranged circuit system and vice-versa.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 45 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 25 in which the pinion has elongated teeth and the gear is made with inner and outer rings in which, and between which, are mounted equally spaced pins which provide teeth for engagement by the pinion.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 52 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 25 in which the gear is circular in configuration and is made with elongated teeth and in which the pinion is made with inner and outer disc-like members with the teeth supplied by equally spaced pins mounted in and extending between disc members.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 62 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 25 in which the power means to rotate an engaged pinion is a battery carried by the apparatus and in which said pinion is carried by and is rotated by a reversible electric motor whose direction and duration of turning action is in response to the signals sent from the remote control transmitter.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 48 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 33 in which the output shaft of the electric motor is connected to the pinion by and through a clutch which is in disengaged condition except when the motor is actuated to turn the pinion in a determined direction.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 44 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 33 in which the electric motor is carried by and on the frame of the caster wheel and is movable therewith while the gear is a circular member fixed to and supported by the platform.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 44 words

Remote control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 33 in which the electric motor which carries the associated pinion is carried by and on the platform and the mating gear is carried by and on the caster frame and is movable therewith.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 95 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 25 in which the power means to rotate an engaged pinion is a power transmitting drive such as a V-belt, roller chain and the like, said transmitting drive being operatively connected to the motor crank shaft of the self-propelled machine, the engaged pinion being carried on a shaft rotatably driven by the transmitting drive, said shaft carried by said platform with the pinion being driven by said rotating shaft when an electric clutch also carried by said shaft is actuated in response to a control signal.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 92 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 37 in which there are two pinions, each in engagement with the gear, each pinion carried by one of a pair of shafts which is substantially paralLel to each other and which is turned in opposite directions by a pair of meshed gears, one of which is carried on the rotatably driven shaft, each of the shafts having electrically actuated clutches disposed to drive an adjacent pinion carried on said shaft only when said clutch is actuated in response to a turn signal.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 33 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 38 in which the gear in engagement with the pinions is carried on the frame portion of a swivel caster assembly and movable therewith.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 88 words

Control apparatus for a self-propelled machine as in claim 38 in which there are two non-powered wheels which with the powered wheels provide a four-wheeled support for the machine, the non-powered wheels each pivotally swingable around a vertical axis, these wheels connected to each other by a tie bar arrangement so that they swing in concert therewith, said tie bar carrying a secured rack-type gear which is in direct engagement with the two pinions and is moved by one of the two pinions when a pinion is turned.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1977-04-01	1977-10-01	1978-04-02	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1981-04-01	1981-10-01	1982-04-02	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1985-04-01	1985-10-01	1986-04-02	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for the control of self-propelled apparatus

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag