Abstract: A method for installing an electric power assist steering system, which includes an electric motor with an output shaft, and a flexible shaft operatively connected to the output shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible shaft is also operatively connected to the input shaft of a pinion gear for a rack and pinion steering mechanism. The present invention increases the engine compartment utilization efficiency while also increasing the ease of repair, installation, and removal of engine, steering system and other vehicle components in the engine compartment.

Abstract: A power steering system includes: a first drain passage for draining an oil pressure from a first oil passage, a second drain passage for draining the oil pressure from a second oil passage, and a pair of a first and second switch valves. When one of the first oil passage and the second oil passage is so pressurized by an operation of a reversible oil pump as to have an increased internal pressure, the pair of the first switch valve and the second switch valve allow the following: i) closing one of the first drain passage and the second drain passage which one is connected to the oil passage having the thus increased internal pressure, while ii) opening the other of the first drain passage and the second drain passage which other is connected to the oil passage that is so depressurized as to have a decreased internal pressure.

Abstract: A suspension for a tracked vehicle includes a bogie wheel assembly which has a pair of bogie wheels mounted to a walking beam. The walking beam is coupled to a body of the vehicle by a transversely-extending arm. The arm may be coupled to the body by a spherical bearing which permits angular rotation in at least two directions. The walking beam is connected to the body by shear members arranged in an inverted-V configuration. The shear members may be elastomeric springs.

Abstract: A speed change gear shaft for a bicycle having an internal speed change gear. The speed change gear is of the internal multistage type, and a speed change gear shaft is provided separately from a crankshaft of the bicycle. A swing arm on which a rear wheel is supported is supported for rocking motion on a main frame a rocking shaft. Since the speed change gear is disposed in the proximity of the rocking shaft, the fluttering of a chain can be suppressed small. Moreover, since the rocking shaft need not necessarily be disposed in the proximity of the crankshaft, the degree of freedom in design increases. Also, because the speed change gear shaft is disposed forward of the rocking shaft, the fluttering of the chain can be minimizer.

Abstract: A spring nut assembly is inserted within the internal cavity of a shank tube until the nut is aligned with opposing side holes in the side walls of the shank tube. The spring maintains the nut in alignment with the opposing side walls. A hitch pin including a threaded portion for engaging the spring nut assembly is inserted through the side holes of the receiver tube and the shank tube until the threaded portion of the hitch pin engages the nut mounted within the shank tube. The hitch pin is then rotated relative to the nut to clamp the shank tube against the receiver tube. A lock or clip can be attached to the end of the hitch pin to prevent accidental or unauthorized removal of the hitch pin from the receiver assembly. A bushing can also be used over the reduced diameter.

Abstract: Trailer hitch protectors have a flexible body member sized and configured to be sleeved over a tow bar tongue associated with a trailer hitch assembly. The body member most preferably includes an opposed pair of generally U-shaped inner and outer lateral walls which are spaced apart from one another so as to define a cushion space therebetween and thereby provide cushioned protection laterally of the tow bar tongue when received within the body member. A series of spaced-apart flexible connecting webs extending between said inner and outer lateral walls within the cushion space may be provided so as to provide further cushioning effect. In especially preferred embodiments, the flexible body member has an upper wall joined to both the inner and outer lateral walls, and has an aperture adapted to surround a hitch ball attached to the tow bar tongue of the trailer hitch assembly.

Abstract: A fuel system for a work vehicle having fewer points of leakage and a secure or virtually damage proof location for the filler tube of the fuel tank is provided. The fuel system includes an integrated fuel tank which includes a fuel tank and a filler tube integrated as one piece and a counterweight having a complementary portion with a hole of sufficient size to allow passage of the filler tube. The integrated tank and the counterweight are arranged to allow the filler tube to pass through and be surrounded by the complementary portion. The complementary portion may also have a door providing additional protection to the filler tube and a secure and stable stepping area for the operator of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A folding wheelchair includes two side frame units arranged in parallel at two sides, each side frame unit formed of two four-bar linkages arranged at different elevations, a plurality of folding bars transversely coupled between the side frame units, two sets of guide rods respectively coupled to the side frame units and adapted to guide folding of the wheelchair between the extended position and the collapsed position, and two swivel hooks for hooking on the pivot between each set of guide rods to lock the wheelchair in the extended position.

Abstract: A four-wheel-drive vehicle includes: a body frame; a swing unit including a power unit, and a rear axle connected to the power unit so as to be driven by the power unit, the swing unit being supported on the body frame for vertical swing motion; a front reduction gear for transmitting power to front wheels; and a front propeller shaft connecting the power unit to the front reduction gear for power transmission.

Abstract: The trailer hitch coupling kit is a kit for aiding a driver in coupling the tow ball of a towing vehicle and the socket of a trailer coupler, by enabling the driver to view the tow ball and a guidepost mounted onto the trailer drawbar while seated in the driver's seat of the towing vehicle. It includes a mirror assembly with two pivotally connected support legs, a pair of foot members that allow for attachment of the mirror assembly to the rear of a towing vehicle in three distinct manners, a trailer drawbar guidepost with a magnetic base and a carrying case.

Abstract: A mode establishing section of a differential limiting control apparatus for a four wheel drive vehicle commands an automatic mode control section or a manual mode control section to output calculated clutch torques according to a signal from a mode switch operated by a driver. In an initial condition of an ignition switch turned on, the execution command is issued to the automatic mode control section, until the driver newly selects the manual mode through the mode switch. Further, when the vehicle travels at a speed higher than a preestablished threshold value, the execution command is outputted to the automatic mode control section, irrespective of the signal from the mode switch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein in an exemplary embodiment is a method for providing variable assist in an active steering system of a vehicle. The method comprises: receiving an input signal that includes at least one of, a variable ratio command signal, a stability command signal, a hand wheel position signal, a vehicle speed signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle, a signal indicative of an operator selected function, and a signal indicative a vehicle operating mode. The method also comprises: generating an assist command to an assist mechanism responsive to the input signal wherein the assist mechanism is operatively coupled to the differential actuator and a road wheel of the steering system to provide an assist torque responsive to the motion of the output shaft. The active steering system includes a hand wheel operatively coupled to an input of a differential actuator and a motor operatively coupled to the differential actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle towing attachment inserted into a lower portion of a vehicle to be towed raises and holds wheels when the vehicle to be towed is towed. The attachment has three prongs for retaining a plate spring to which a wheel of the vehicle is attached. Since the three prongs are provided on the attachment, shifting of the towed vehicle in the transverse direction and the front and rear direction can be prevented without fail. Even during the course of a towing operation, the towed vehicle can be retained stably and reliably.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for generating an end of travel feedback to the driver of a vehicle where the vehicle includes a steer by wire system. The system includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a motor, and a brake. The steering wheel is configured to control the steer by wire system. The steering shaft is coupled to the steering wheel and rotates in conjunction with the steering wheel. To provide road feel resistance to the driver, the motor is coupled to the steering shaft. Further, the brake is coupled to a shaft of the motor and is adapted to provide mechanical resistance when the road wheel is at an end of travel position.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably coupling a vehicle accessory to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing, an accessory coupler for coupling a vehicle accessory to the housing, and a hitch pin. The housing comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposed side walls extending between the upper and lower walls, which walls together define a sleeve having an open rearward end. The sleeve has a height between its upper and lower walls and a width between its side walls, the width being substantially greater than the height. The upper and lower walls each have an associated hole centrally positioned widthwise of the sleeve, the holes being aligned on a common axis. The housing is adapted for attachment in an operative position to an upper rearward part of the vehicle with the open end of the sleeve depending rearwardly. In cases where the vehicle is a two-wheeled motorcycle or scooter, the housing preferably is attached to the vehicle in a location above the rear wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An inverted type front fork in a two-wheeled vehicle or the like, wherein an annular groove in which both end portions in an axial direction are closed is formed in an upper inner periphery of an outer tube, and an annular bush having a closed gap in a free state is attached to the annular groove, and an annular gap between an inner periphery of the outer tube and an outer periphery of the inner tube forms a smaller thickness than the bush.

Abstract: A guard assembly for a vehicle step includes a guard portion attached to the step blocking an opening and preventing road debris from being thrown against a body of the motor vehicle. The guard portion includes a first edge adjacent an outer edge of the vehicle step and an inner edge inboard of the vehicle. The inner edge is inboard of an inner edge of a tire mounted to the vehicle. A lip portion extends transverse from the guard portion and prevents road debris from being thrown between the guard portion and the underside of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A direct braking of a drive shaft for a tracked vehicle that moves on rotating track(s). A disc brake is connected to the same drive shaft that has sprocket(s) for engaging the track(s). Upon activation by a vehicle driver, opposing pistons engage the disc to retard rotation of the drive shaft. This, in turn, causes slower rotation of the tracks and slower movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An ECU, which functions as a driving force distribution control apparatus for a four-wheel drive vehicle, includes a CPU. The CPU controls a coupling for changing torque distribution of front and rear wheels. The CPU determines either of first and second torque distribution modes based on detection signals of a throttle opening sensor and steering angle sensor, which are operating parameters. In the second torque distribution mode, torque is distributed to the front and rear wheels more equally than in the first torque distribution mode. The CPU sets a duration for the second torque distribution mode when the second torque distribution mode is selected. Until the duration elapses, regardless of the operating parameters, the CPU continues the control of the coupling in the second torque distribution mode.

Abstract: A method and a device for stabilizing a vehicle having at least one wheel tending to spin, are provided. In response to the tendency to spin, a driver-independent braking intervention occurs in the at least one wheel. The engine torque is reduced if the driver-independent braking intervention has not resulted in stabilizing the vehicle.