Bruce L Ahnafield

20050023068, Feb 3, 2005

Jul 30, 2004

10/903441

Bruce Ahnafield - Indianapolis IN, US

B60K026/00

180315000

A portable vehicle control system for use by physically challenged drivers includes a pair of control rods that can be operated by the driver to directly depress the brake and accelerator pedals of a vehicle. The control rods include telescoping shafts that can be releasably locked at a length that is comfortable for the driver. The control rods are engaged to the vehicle pedals by way of a releasable strap with an attachment eye for receiving a hook at the end of the lowermost one of the telescoping shafts. The attachment eye extends from a pressure plate that facilitates even application of pressure to the vehicle pedal. A linking member links the upper end of the two control rods to form a stable construct while allowing each control rod to be independently manipulated.

20050023071, Feb 3, 2005

Aug 1, 2003

10/632543

Bruce Ahnafield - Indianapolis IN, US

B60K026/00

180333000, 07447100R, 074481000

A system for use by a physically impaired driver for controlling a vehicle includes an actuator assembly operably coupled to the pedals. The actuator assembly includes a pair of electrical motors operable through a rack and linkage arrangement to depress the brake pedal, and a third electric motor operable through a rack and linkage arrangement to depress the accelerator pedal. The actuator assembly is pivotably mounted above the pedals to pivot when the brake pedal is depressed. A joystick controller is mounted to the vehicle and includes a platform with a grip and arm supports. The joystick controller is operable in a fore-aft direction to control braking and acceleration, and can be tilted side-to-side to operate the vehicle turn signals. The joystick controller includes features for keeping the controller clear of dust and debris and for channeling wiring associated with the turn signals.

20050057031, Mar 17, 2005

Jul 30, 2004

10/903444

Bruce Ahnafield - Indianapolis IN, US

B62D001/00

280771000

A system for use by a physically impaired driver for controlling a vehicle includes an actuator assembly operably coupled to the pedals and an actuator assembly coupled to the steering shaft. The actuator assemblies include electrical motors operable to depress the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal and to rotate the steering shaft. A joystick controller is mounted to the vehicle and is operable in a fore-aft direction to control braking and acceleration, and can be tilted side-to-side to control vehicle steering. The steering control feature utilizes three sensors to determine a commanded steering and three drive motors to convert that command into a desired steering.

20050057087, Mar 17, 2005

Jul 30, 2004

10/903180

Bruce Ahnafield - Indianapolis IN, US

B60T013/66

303020000

A system for use by a physically impaired driver for controlling a vehicle includes an actuator assembly operably coupled to the accelerator and brake pedals of the vehicle. The actuator assemblies include electrical motors operable to depress the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal. A pair of foot controllers are provided that are separate from the existing vehicle pedals. The foot controllers can be manipulated by the driver to generate acceleration and braking commands which are fed to an on board processor. This processor provides appropriate motor control commands to the processor to produce a vehicle acceleration or braking indicative of the driver command.

20050274563, Dec 15, 2005

Jul 30, 2004

10/909083

Bruce Ahnafield - Indianapolis IN, US

B60K026/00

180336000, 180315000

A system for use by a physically impaired driver for controlling a vehicle includes an actuator assembly operably coupled to the pedals. The actuator assembly includes a pair of electrical motors operable through a rack and linkage arrangement to depress the brake pedal, and a third electric motor operable through a rack and linkage arrangement to depress the accelerator pedal. The actuator assembly is pivotably mounted above the pedals to pivot when the brake pedal is depressed. A joystick controller is mounted to the steering wheel of the vehicle and is operable in a predetermined direction to control braking and acceleration, while allowing vehicle steering to be accomplished with the existing steering wheel.

20050275205, Dec 15, 2005

Jul 30, 2004

10/903335

Bruce Ahnafield - Indianapolis IN, US

B60K026/00

280771000

A steering apparatus is provided for use by a physically challenged driver comprising a steering wheel having a diameter significantly smaller than the diameter of the stock steering wheel and a position encoding mechanism coupled to the steering wheel operable to generate a position signal in relation to the amount of rotation of the steering wheel. This position signal is fed to a processor that is operable to generate a steering command in relation to the position signal, which command directs a steering mechanism to rotate the steering shaft in response thereto. The position encoding mechanism includes a steering gear rotatable with the steering wheel, and at least three driven gears and associated position sensors meshed with the steering gear, operable to provide triple redundancy to the position signal used to generate the steering command. The steering apparatus further comprises a sensitivity mechanism that is operable to produce an adjustable resistance to rotation of the steering wheel.

47224169, Feb 2, 1988

Aug 21, 1986

6/898489

Bruce L. Ahnafield - Indianapolis IN

B60K 2600

180333

A control device and system for the operation of a motor vehicle by a single joystick device. The device and system includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders, one connected to and between the vehicle and the brake pedal and the other to and between the vehicle and the acceleration pedal, a position limiting spring located within each hydraulic cylinder, a pressure regulator for maintaining a constant feed pressure from the vehicle's own hydraulic pump, a control valve for each cylinder mounted between the feed source and each hydraulic cylinder which is responsive to input signals provided by the hand operable joystick, a double port hydraulic steering cylinder integrally connected to the steering system and fed by the same hydraulic source, the steering cylinder being regulated by a double port pressure control valve which is also responsive to the same hand operable joystick.