The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 20, 1996
Filed:
Nov. 25, 1994
John G Berger, Landisville, PA (US);
Robert E Long, Lancaster, PA (US);
Darryl T Leeds, Wrightsville, PA (US);
New Holland North America, Inc., New Holland, PA (US);
Abstract
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.