Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-10-14)

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS
1\. Mobile working machine, comprising: a driver’s cab for accommodating an operator of the mobile working machine, a control station for the operator arranged in the driver’s cab, a primary steering system arranged in front of the control station in the direction of travel of the mobile working machine, and a secondary steering system arranged laterally offset from the control station in the direction of travel of the mobile working machine, wherein the primary steering system has a steering column section, which cooperates with a steering column mount to transmit a steering actuation to a control unit implementing the desired steering movement, wherein the steering column section and the steering column mount can be connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner via a plug-in connection, such that the operator is able to dismount the primary steering system depending on a perceived visual restriction.
2\. Mobile working machine according to claim 1, wherein the plug-in connection is implemented with the aid of a quick coupling, which releases the steering column section coupled to the steering column mount by actuating a locking mechanism, such that the steering column section can then be separated from the steering column mount by lifting it down.
3\. Mobile working machine according to claim 1, wherein the driver’s cab has a floor area, from which the steering column mount extends upwards.
4\. Mobile working machine according to claim 3, wherein the steering column mount protrudes less than 30 cm from the floor area of the driver’s cab.
5\. Mobile working machine according to claim 1, wherein the driver’s cab has a windscreen, which extends to a floor area of the driver’s cab.
6\. Mobile working machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotationally fixed connection of the steering column section and the steering column mount is implemented via a form-fitting connection.
7\. Mobile working machine according to claim 1, wherein a detection device is provided, which detects whether the steering column section cooperates with or is plugged onto the steering column mount and transmits a corresponding signal to a machine control of the mobile working machine.
8\. Mobile working machine according to claim 7, wherein the machine control is designed to reduce a maximum travel speed of the mobile working machine when the signal detected by the detection indicates that the steering column section and the steering column mount are separated from each other.
9\. Mobile working machine according to claim 8, wherein the machine control is designed to reduce the maximum travel speed of the mobile working machine to a value of at most 20 km/h.
10\. Mobile working machine according to claim 7, wherein the machine control is designed not to provide or to remove a restriction on the maximum travel speed of the mobile working machine when the signal detected by the detection indicates that the steering column section and the steering column mount are operatively connected.
11\. Mobile working machine according to claim 1, wherein the steering column mount has, in the contact area with the steering column section, the configuration of a shaft with form-fitting elements.
12\. Mobile working machine according to claim 11, wherein the steering column section has, in the contact area with the steering column mount, the configuration of a hollow shaft, which is provided with a serrated toothing on its inner circumference, wherein this serrated toothing is matched to a serrated toothing of the steering column mount.
13\. Mobile working machine according to claim 1, wherein a locking unit is provided, which, once the steering column section has been plugged onto the steering column mount, prevents all relative movements of the steering column section with respect to the steering column mount.
14\. Mobile working machine according to claim 12, wherein the locking unit has pins projecting laterally to the longitudinal extent of the steering column mount and/or the steering column section for hooking a latching lug.
15\. Mobile working machine according to claim 12, wherein the locking unit has a spring-biased latching lug on the steering column mount and/or on the steering column section in order to effect latching of the steering column section with the steering column mount when the steering column section is plugged onto the steering column mount.
16.Mobile working machine according to claim 1, wherein the mobile work machine is a digger, wherein the control station for the operator is a seat, wherein the primary steering system is a steering wheel, and the secondary steering system is a joystick.

OFFICE ACTION:
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. Detailed Action Priority Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). The certified copy has been filed in parent Application No. DE 202022106231, filed on 11/07/2022. Status of Claims This action is in reply to the application filed on 10/31/2023. Claims 1-16 are currently pending and have been examined. Allowable Subject Matter Claims 1-16 are allowed. Reasons for Allowance The following is a statement of the reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: wherein the primary steering system has a steering column section, which cooperates with a steering column mount to transmit a steering actuation to a control unit implementing the desired steering movement, wherein the steering column section and the steering column mount can be connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner via a plug-in connection, such that the operator is able to dismount the primary steering system depending on a perceived visual restriction. The following prior art of reference have been deemed most relevant to the allowed claim(s): McCurdy (U.S 20160304113) discloses the steering column includes a base portion coupled to a floor panel disposed within an operator cabin of the machine. The steering column also includes a first portion coupled to the base portion by a first pivot joint. The first portion is movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the floor panel about a first pivot axis. The steering column further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion by a second pivot joint and a steering wheel. The second portion is movable between a third position and a fourth position with respect to the first portion about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The operator cabin accommodates an operator for controlling various operations of the machine using the components, such as the steering wheel and the joystick. Priepke (U.S 20060071464) discloses a quick-release steering wheel for a work vehicle is configured to engage with and quickly release from one or more steering posts in an operator compartment of a vehicle. The operator compartment has two operator stations, each station having a steering post to which the steering wheel can be quickly and releasably attached. In use, the operator can pivot the operator seat in the operator compartment to face one or another of the two steering stations. The operator can quickly move the steering wheel from one operator station to the other without tools by depressing a spring-loaded pin. By removing the wheel from one station and moving it to the other, the operator makes additional room into which he can pivot or slide the seat. Kaliszewski (U.S 5673938) discloses mounting brackets on the steering column have slide bars which fit in grooves in support brackets secured to the vehicle frame. Wedges fit in recesses between the slide bars and grooves to dampen vibration. The wedges release instantly when the steering column collapses in a frontal impact, allowing the collapse of the steering column without interference. Claims 1-16 are allowed because the references individually and in combination as discussed above as the Closet Prior art of record fails to teach or render obvious the claim limitations above. Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.” Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure. Kamimae (US 20130154309) discloses a cab of a work vehicle equipped with utility base. Hendron (US 20060095186) discloses a multiple mode operational system having a work system and a multiple mode control system. Nakayama (US 20210355655) discloses a layout inside a cab of a work vehicle, various operating switches and a panel or the like for displaying a suite of instruments are placed forward of a driver's seat to allow an operator sitting on the driver's seat to easily perform operation and make visual recognition, while facing forward. Ostertag (US 20230356766) discloses detachable and removable steering wheel.



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20160304113A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20060071464A1: Claims:
A steering actuator comprising: a steering post having a groove and a plurality of radially extending splines; a steering wheel having a first aperture with a plurality of inwardly facing splines, said steering wheel configured to engage the post; and a quick-release means having a pin configured to engage the groove on the steering post.
a steering post having a groove and a plurality of radially extending splines;
a steering wheel having a first aperture with a plurality of inwardly facing splines, said steering wheel configured to engage the post; and
a quick-release means having a pin configured to engage the groove on the steering post.
The steering actuator of claim 1 , wherein the pin is spring loaded.
The steering actuator of claim 2 , wherein one end of the pin extends outside of the steering wheel, said one end accessible by the operator.
The steering actuator of claim 3 , wherein the steering wheel further comprises: a hub; a rim; and a plurality of spokes, extending between and coupling the hub to the rim; wherein the hub defines a second aperture, and further wherein the second aperture is configured to receive the pin, and the pin is configured to be depressed by an operator.
a plurality of spokes, extending between and coupling the hub to the rim;
wherein the hub defines a second aperture, and further wherein the second aperture is configured to receive the pin, and the pin is configured to be depressed by an operator.
The steering actuator of claim 4 , wherein the pin has a first position in which the pin engages the post and prevents the wheel from being removed, and further wherein the pin has a second position in which the wheel is removable from the post.
An operator compartment for a work vehicle comprising: a first steering post; a second steering post; and a steering wheel configured to be removably attached to both the first and the second steering posts.
a first steering post;
a second steering post; and
a steering wheel configured to be removably attached to both the first and the second steering posts.
The operator compartment of claim 6 , wherein the operator compartment is enclosed with a roof and windows.
The operator compartment of claim 7 , further comprising: an operator seat, wherein the first steering post is located forward of the operator seat and the second steering post is located rearward of the operator seat.
an operator seat, wherein the first steering post is located forward of the operator seat and the second steering post is located rearward of the operator seat.
The operator compartment of claim 8 , wherein the first steering post, the operator seat, and the second steering post are on an axial line extending frontward to rearward.
The operator compartment of claim 9 , wherein the seat is configured to pivot from a first position in which the seat faces the first steering post to a second position in which the seat faces the second steering post.
The operator compartment of claim 10 , wherein the axial line is the central longitudinal axis of the work vehicle.
The operator compartment of claim 11 , wherein the steering wheel is removable by a quick-release means which does not require a tool.
A work vehicle comprising: a plurality of steering posts, each post having an associated proximity sensor; and a steering wheel configured to engage said plurality of posts; wherein said proximity sensor is configured to sense the presence of the steering wheel.
a plurality of steering posts, each post having an associated proximity sensor; and
a steering wheel configured to engage said plurality of posts;
wherein said proximity sensor is configured to sense the presence of the steering wheel.
The work vehicle of claim 13 , wherein the proximity sensor generates an electrical signal.
The work vehicle of claim 13 , further comprising a transmission, wherein the proximity sensor sends a signal to the transmission.
The work vehicle of claim 15 , wherein the signal enables or prevents the transmission from engaging.
A retrofit kit for a work vehicle having an operator compartment with a first steering post, the retrofit kit comprising: a steering wheel; and a first steering post adapter, wherein the steering wheel is configured to mount on the first steering post adapter, and the steering post adapter is configured to mount on the first steering post.
a steering wheel; and
a first steering post adapter, wherein the steering wheel is configured to mount on the first steering post adapter, and the steering post adapter is configured to mount on the first steering post.
The retrofit kit for a work vehicle of claim 17 , wherein the operator compartment further includes a second steering post, and the retrofit kit further comprises: a second steering post adapter, wherein the second steering post adapter is configured to mount on the second steering post.
a second steering post adapter, wherein the second steering post adapter is configured to mount on the second steering post.
The retrofit kit for a work vehicle of claim 18 , wherein the steering wheel is a quick-release steering wheel, with a quick-release means for quickly mounting and releasing the steering wheel to and from the first and the second steering post adapters.
The retrofit kit for a work vehicle of claim 19 , wherein the steering wheel has a first aperture, and the first and second steering post adapters are configured to engage the first aperture.
The retrofit kit for a work vehicle of claim 20 , wherein the steering wheel is configured to be slidably mounted to the first and second steering post adapters.
The retrofit kit for a work vehicle of claim 18 , further comprising: a first and second proximity sensors configured to detect the presence of the steering wheel.
a first and second proximity sensors configured to detect the presence of the steering wheel.
The retrofit kit for a work vehicle of claim 22 , wherein the first proximity sensor is configured to be mounted adjacent to the first steering post adapter, and the second proximity sensor is configured to be mounted adjacent to the second steering post adapter.
The retrofit kit for a work vehicle of claim 22 , wherein the proximity sensors are mechanical switches.
Ref US5673938A: Claims:
Apparatus for supporting an elongated steering column on the frame of an automotive vehicle and dampening vibration of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion and also permitting quick release and axial collapse of the steering column in a collision, comprising a steering column support bracket structure comprising a support bracket secured to the vehicle frame, a mounting bracket secured to the steering column, said support bracket having a groove extending lengthwise of the steering column, a slide bar on said mounting bracket slidable in said groove, said slide bar and groove having confronting surfaces defining a tapered recess which tapers in the direction of steering column collapse, and a wedge in engagement with the confronting surfaces of said recess to dampen vibration of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion but releasing its engagement when the steering column collapses.
a steering column support bracket structure comprising a support bracket secured to the vehicle frame,
a mounting bracket secured to the steering column,
said support bracket having a groove extending lengthwise of the steering column,
a slide bar on said mounting bracket slidable in said groove,
said slide bar and groove having confronting surfaces defining a tapered recess which tapers in the direction of steering column collapse, and
a wedge in engagement with the confronting surfaces of said recess to dampen vibration of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion but releasing its engagement when the steering column collapses.
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said wedge has wedge surfaces engaging said respective confronting surfaces of said recess, the wedge surfaces being tapered with respect to one another to match the taper of said recess.
Apparatus as defined in claim 2, and further including a flexible, compressible pad between said slide bar and groove to further dampen vibration.
Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said steering column has a lower end and further including a lower mounting bracket on said lower end, and a lower support bracket mounted on the vehicle frame having a receiver for receiving said lower mounting bracket.
Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said wedge has an integral clamping plate, and a fastener securing said clamping plate to said support bracket.
Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said wedge has a clamping plate separate from said wedge, a fastener threaded through said clamping plate having an end on which said wedge is mounted, and a fastener securing said clamping plate to said support bracket.
Apparatus for supporting an elongated steering column on the frame of an automotive vehicle and dampening vibration of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion and also permitting quick release and axial collapse of the steering column in a collision, comprising a steering column support bracket structure comprising first and second, laterally spaced support brackets secured to the vehicle frame, a mounting bracket secured to the steering column, said first and second support brackets respectively having parallel first and second grooves extending lengthwise of the steering column, first and second, laterally spaced slide bars on said mounting bracket slidable in said respective first and second grooves, said first slide bar and said first groove having confronting surfaces defining a first tapered recess which tapers in the direction of steering column collapse, said second slide bar and said second groove having confronting surfaces defining a second tapered recess which tapers in the direction of steering column collapse, and first and second wedges in said respective first and second recesses in engagement with the confronting surfaces thereof to dampen vibration of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion but releasing their engagement when the steering column collapses, said first wedge having wedge surfaces engaging said respective confronting surfaces of said first recess and tapered with respect to one another to match the taper of said first recess, and said second wedge having wedge surfaces engaging the respective confronting surfaces of said second recess and tapered with respect to one another to match the taper of said second recess.
a steering column support bracket structure comprising first and second, laterally spaced support brackets secured to the vehicle frame,
said first and second support brackets respectively having parallel first and second grooves extending lengthwise of the steering column,
first and second, laterally spaced slide bars on said mounting bracket slidable in said respective first and second grooves,
said first slide bar and said first groove having confronting surfaces defining a first tapered recess which tapers in the direction of steering column collapse,
said second slide bar and said second groove having confronting surfaces defining a second tapered recess which tapers in the direction of steering column collapse, and
first and second wedges in said respective first and second recesses in engagement with the confronting surfaces thereof to dampen vibration of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion but releasing their engagement when the steering column collapses,
said first wedge having wedge surfaces engaging said respective confronting surfaces of said first recess and tapered with respect to one another to match the taper of said first recess, and
said second wedge having wedge surfaces engaging the respective confronting surfaces of said second recess and tapered with respect to one another to match the taper of said second recess.
Apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein said steering column has a lower end and further including a lower mounting bracket on said lower end, and a lower support bracket mounted on the vehicle frame having a receiver for receiving said lower mounting bracket.
Apparatus as defined in claim 8, and further including a flexible, compressible first pad between said first slide bar and said first groove to further dampen vibration, and a flexible, compressible second pad between said second slide bar and said second groove to further dampen vibration.
Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein said first and second wedges have first and second integral clamping plates respectively, and first and second fasteners securing said first and second clamping plates to said respective first and second support brackets.
Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein said first wedge has a first clamping plate separate therefrom, and said second wedge has a second clamping plate separate therefrom, first and second fasteners threaded through said respective first and second clamping plates having ends on which said first and second wedges are mounted, a third fastener securing said first clamping plate to said first support bracket and a fourth fastener securing said second clamping plate to said second support bracket.
Ref US201300154309A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20060095186A1: Claims:
A multiple mode operational system for a work vehicle, the multiple mode operational system comprising: a power system including a braking system and a work system; and a multiple mode control system including a work system control device and a central controller receiving signals from the work system control device, the central controller having a first operational mode and a second operational mode, the first operational mode allowing the signals from the work system control device to control the work system, the second operational mode allowing the signals from the work system control device to control the braking system.
a power system including a braking system and a work system; and
a multiple mode control system including a work system control device and a central controller receiving signals from the work system control device, the central controller having a first operational mode and a second operational mode, the first operational mode allowing the signals from the work system control device to control the work system, the second operational mode allowing the signals from the work system control device to control the braking system.
The multiple mode operational system of claim 1 , wherein the work system control device comprises an electromechanical joystick.
The multiple mode operational system of claim 1 , wherein the braking system comprises a pilot pressure assist brake valve including an inlet for low pressure fluid from a low pressure pilot source, an outlet for the low pressure fluid and an electrohydraulic proportional relief valve fluidly connected to the outlet.
The multiple mode operational system of claim 3 , wherein the pilot pressure assist brake valve applies braking pressure when the electrohydraulic proportional relief valve closes to prevent the low pressure fluid flow from the outlet.
The multiple mode operational system of claim 3 , wherein the pilot pressure assist brake valve relieves braking pressure when the electrohydraulic proportional relief valve opens to allow the low pressure fluid flow from the outlet.
The multiple mode operational system of claim 3 , wherein the second operational mode causes the central controller to control the electrohydraulic proportional relief valve based on the signals received from the work system control device.
A work vehicle, having a multiple mode operational system comprising: a power system including a braking system and a work system; and a multiple mode control system including a work system control device and a central controller receiving signals from the work system control device, the central controller having a first operational mode and a second operational mode, the first operational mode allowing the signals from the work system control device to control the work system, the second operational mode allowing the signals from the work system control device to control the braking system.
The work vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the work system control device comprises an electromechanical joystick.
The work vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the braking system comprises a pilot pressure assist brake valve including an inlet for low pressure fluid from a low pressure pilot source, an outlet for the low pressure fluid and an electro-hydraulic proportional relief valve fluidly connected to the outlet.
The work vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the pilot pressure assist brake valve applies braking pressure to the brake cylinder when the electrohydraulic proportional relief valve closes to prevent the low pressure fluid flow from the outlet.
The work vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the pilot pressure assist brake valve relieves pressure to the brake cylinder when the electrohydraulic proportional relief valve opens to allow the low pressure fluid flow from the outlet.
The work vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the second operational mode causes the central controller to control the electrohydraulic proportional relief valve based on the signals received from the work system control device.
A method of controlling a work vehicle, the work vehicle including: a power system including a braking system and a work system including an electrohydraulic work valve and a work cylinder, the electrohydraulic work valve operatively connected to the hydraulic work cylinder, and a multiple mode control system including a work system control device and a central controller receiving signals from the work system control device, the central controller having a first operational mode and a second operational mode, the central controller being operatively connected to the electrohydraulic work valve and the electrohydraulic proportional relief valve, the method comprising: manipulating the work system control device to control the electrohydraulic work valve in the first operational mode; and manipulating the work system control device to control the electrohydraulic proportional relief valve in the second operational mode.
manipulating the work system control device to control the electrohydraulic work valve in the first operational mode; and
manipulating the work system control device to control the electrohydraulic proportional relief valve in the second operational mode.
Ref US20210355655A1: Claims:
A work vehicle comprising a working device installed on a frame structure constituting a vehicle body and a cab mounted on the frame structure, wherein the cab is provided with a driver's seat mounted on a floorboard, a pair of pillars extending in a vertical direction between a ceiling and the floorboard at left and right sides in front of the driver's seat, an operating lever for operating the working device, and a switchbox having an operating surface in which multiple operating switches are arranged, wherein the operating lever is placed between one pillar of the pair of pillars and the driver's seat in left and right direction of the cab; the switchbox is installed to the one pillar with its long side direction being along the pillar extension direction; the operating surface is oriented toward a direction along an imaginary line that passes through the center in its short side direction and extends perpendicular to the surface, the imaginary line intersecting a backrest of the driver's seat and a center line with respect to the left and right direction of the cab; and one side of the switchbox in a short side direction has a guide formed to overhang out along the long side direction.
wherein the operating lever is placed between one pillar of the pair of pillars and the driver's seat in left and right direction of the cab;
the switc
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