Robert Olen Berdahl

US Patent:

47097710, Dec 1, 1987

Filed:

Apr 21, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/853865

Inventors:

Michael T. Basham - Maple Grove MN
Robert M. Berdahl - Plymouth MN
Bruce E. Field - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Tennant Company - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

B62D 5104
B62D 1104

US Classification:

180 65

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 such detection. The control further can provide signals to control operative functions of the controlled vehicle which may be affected by speed or direction of the vehicle.

US Patent:

50440438, Sep 3, 1991

Filed:

Feb 6, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/307258

Inventors:

Michael T. Basham - Maple Grove MN
Robert M. Berdahl - Plymouth MN
Bruce E. Field - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Tennant Company - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A47L 512

US Classification:

15319

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 such detection. The control further can provide signals to control operative functions of the controlled vehicle which may be affected by speed or direction of the vehicle.

US Patent:

48255009, May 2, 1989

Filed:

Aug 17, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/086492

Inventors:

Michael T. Basham - Maple Grove MN
Robert M. Berdahl - Plymouth MN
Bruce F. Field - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Tennant Company - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A47L 1103

US Classification:

15319

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 such detection. The control further can provide signals to control operative functions of the controlled vehicle which may be affected by speed or direction of the vehicle.