Patent ID: 6978694
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: B62K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A throttle controller for installation in an end of a generally-tubular handlebar of a motorcycle, the throttle controller comprising: a cylindrical housing adapted to be nonrotatably received within the end of the handlebar; an elongate shaft supported within the housing for relative rotation about a longitudinal axis; a first spring angularly biasing the shaft toward a first angular position relative to the housing; at least one coupling selected from the group consisting of a cam and follower arrangement, and a friction element and reaction element arrangement, wherein the at least one coupling is supported by at least one of the housing and the shaft, and wherein the at least one coupling generates a first torque characteristic resisting relative rotation of the shaft within the housing when the shaft is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and a second torque characteristic assisting relative rotation of the shaft within the housing when the shaft is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing; and a sensor on the housing generating an electrical output representative of an instantaneous angular position of the shaft relative to the housing; wherein the first torque characteristic is greater than the second torque characteristic at a throttle grip angle that does not correspond to an idle throttle position thereby providing a hysteresis effect.