A speed controller with an audible feedback signal capability includes a receiver line, first and second battery lines, and a motor line. A drive circuit is provided for switching between an ON state coupling the first battery line to the motor line and an OFF state decoupling the first battery line from the motor line. Microprocessor circuitry for switches the drive circuit between the ON state and the OFF state according to setpoint information received by the control circuit from a receiver connected to the receiver line. The microprocessor circuitry is programmed to produce an audible feedback signal without a conventional acoustical transducer by cycling the drive circuit between the ON state and the OFF state at an audible rate for a controlled period of time at a duty ratio sufficiently small to avoid normal motor operation so that current flowing from the battery during the ON state causes audibly discernible mechanical vibration of at least one of the drive circuit, battery componentry connected to the first and second battery lines, and motor componentry connected to the motor line. The microprocessor circuitry may also turn a brake circuit on in order to insure a path for current to flow apart from the motor. In line with the above, a method of producing an audible signal for speed controller feedback purposes includes the step of providing a speed controller having a drive circuit as just described. The method proceeds by cycling the drive circuit between the ON state and the OFF state at an audible rate for a controlled period of time at a sufficiently small duty ratio.

Radio controlled speed controller with audible feedback signal

A control system with slow-in-turn capabilities for use with a self-propelled, steerable vehicle, such as a lawn mower, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system slows the vehicle speed when turns are made beyond a predetermined range and the speed is at or above a predetermined level, as determined by a speed control device operatively connected to the speed control structure of a motive device by a speed control linkage. This slowing results in increased traction for achieving tighter turns and also improves dynamic stability. Two different types of rack-and-pinion steering systems capable of being used with the control system are also disclosed.

Vehicle control system with slow-in-turn capabilities and related method

Method and apparatus for increasing the effectiveness of emergency signalling devices on vehicles. An emergency signalling device such as a flashing light is repeatedly operated at a frequency rate that corresponds to the speed of the vehicle. A minimum repetition rate is employed when the vehicle is slow or stopped so that the signal is not similarly halted, and a maximum rate is employed above a certain speed so that the repetition rate is not at too high of a frequency to be perceived.

Variable speed warning device

In a speed alarm system for an automotive vehicle, a speed signal and a first command speed signal indicative of a first command speed are produced, and a speed width signal indicative of a predetermined speed width is produced. A value of the speed width signal is added to a value of the first command speed signal to produce a second command speed signal indicative of a second command speed. A first output signal is produced when a value of the speed signal exceeds the first command speed, and a second output signal is produced when a value of the speed signal exceeds the second command speed. First and second alarm sounds are generated in response to the first and second output signals for first and second predetermined alarm times respectively.

Speed alarm system for automotive vehicle

A motorcycle comprising a frame, a front wheel coupled to the frame, a rear wheel coupled to the frame and an engine adapted to propel the motorcycle. The motorcycle also includes a cruise control system including an off condition, an on condition, and a set condition operable to maintain the motorcycle at a desired speed. A cruise control indicator is electrically connected to the cruise control system and is operable to emit light of a first color when the cruise control is in the on condition and light of a second color when the cruise control is in the set condition.

Cruise control indicator

A multiple speed detection and control device for vehicles includes a speed detector associated with the vehicle speedometer arranged to sequentially detect multiple, predetermined, speed values, and an electric junction box connected in the major electrical lines of vehicle and connected with the speed detector, with the junction box having special fuses for the various electrical circuits, whereby the speed detector disrupts the fuses at the predetermined speeds to disrupt one or more of the electrical circuits to cause a particular failure of the electrical functions of the vehicle circuits, indicating speed above a predetermined speed, to an ultimate vehicle shut down above a maximum speed.

Leonard S. Knox

Papers

Vehicle control for multiple speeds