New Holland North America, Inc.

Robert E Long

John G Berger

Darryl T Leeds

A converter circuit connected between the signal light control system of a towing vehicle and the turn signal and brake lamps of a towed farm implement discriminates between braking signals and turn signals appearing at the same pin positions of a connector receptacle by timing the duration of the signals. In a second embodiment providing for enhanced lighting of farm implements when traveling on public roads, latching relays establish circuits for flashing the brake lamp in the direction of turn. A switch may be provided to enable the enhanced lighting when the towing vehicle is a tractor, or disable the enhanced lighting and permit the implement turn signal and brake lights to mimic the operation of the turn signal and lights on a truck when the towing vehicle is a truck.

Turn signal/brake light converters for towed vehicles

A front end loader is provided with a seat switch that is closed when an operator sits in a seat and a seat belt switch that is closed when a seat belt is fastened. Closure of the seat switch enables a programmable controller which begins executing a program. The program repetitively checks the status of the seat and seat belt switches and enables the hydraulic controls for the boom and bucket only if (1) the seat belt switch is not closed at the time the operator sits in the seat and (2) subsequent to sitting in the seat the operator fastens the seat belt. The system makes it inconvenient for an operator to defeat the purpose of the seat belt by fastening it and sitting on it since, on each entry into the operator's cab, the operator must unbuckle the seat belt before sitting in the seat in order to enable the boom and bucket controls. To deter theft, the operator may lower the boom and bucket to engage the ground and then enter any two-digit lock code using two manual switches. Once a lock code has been entered, the boom and bucket hydraulic controls are disabled until the operator follows a specific procedure and again enters the same two-digit lock code.

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Lancaster, PA, United States of America

Robert E Long