Abstract: A motor vehicle which can be changed over from a wheeled vehicle to a track vehicle includes two track aggregates provided with steering or drive wheels positioned coaxially with the drive axles of the vehicle and attached to the rims of the drive wheels of the vehicle by rotationally supported spacers which include tighteners to connect each of the drive wheels by the track aggregate to the rim of the respective wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A load-carrying vehicle is disclosed which has a chassis over which a load-carrying bucket or platform is fixed and which is, itself, mounted on a track drive. A motor assembly is mounted at the front of the chassis and the latter further has a bridge structure located ahead of the motor assembly and connected to the chassis while spanning a steering wheel. The latter is mounted on a steerable support actuated by a steering lever which projects rearwardly from the bridge structure over the motor assembly and over the load-carrying bucket or platform. A power transmission connects the motor assembly to the steering wheel and to the track drive so that the two may be operated simultaneously.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering system includes a torque sensor, a first steering angle sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a second steering angle sensor, a first DC motor, a second DC motor, and a controller. The torque sensor outputs a front-wheel steering force signal. The first steering angle sensor outputs a front-wheel steering angle signal. The vehicle speed sensor outputs a vehicle speed signal. The second steering angle sensor outputs a rear-wheel steering angle signal. The first DC motor supplies a torque to a front-wheel steering system. The second DC motor supplies a torque to a rear-wheel steering system. The controller outputs a rear-wheel steering force signal by detecting a current supplied to the second DC motor, and determines a control target value by receiving the front- and rear-wheel steering force signals and the front- and rear-wheel angle signals, and the vehicle speed signal.

Abstract: A vehicle with a plurality of legs which selectively alternately support and advance the vehicle in horizontal straight line motion, each of the legs comprises a support member, and in one embodiment, a first gear nonrotatively affixed to the support member, a first link pivotally connected to the support member at one end thereof, a means for rotatably driving the link about the pivotal connection, an idler gear pivotally mounted to the first link intermediate the ends thereof and in driving engagement with the first gear, a second link pivotally connected at one end thereof to the first link at the second end thereof, the second link having a planet gear affixed thereto and engaging the idler gear, whereby when the first link is pivotally driven by the drive means through the idler gear and the planet gear produces angular motion of the second link about the pivotal connection between the links, the first link is constructed and arranged to limit the angular movement of said second link in either direction,

Abstract: A two-wheel and four-wheel drive transfer device includes a reciprocating fork shaft having a shift fork engagable with a sliding dog clutch so as to reciprocate the dog clutch and provide either two-wheel and four-wheel drive operating conditions. A motor is provided so as to rotate a worm gear assembly which is relatively rotatable with an output shaft supported in a casing. This worm gear is connected to and rotates a plate concurrently with rotation of the worm gear. A spring support plate is provided to be secured to the output shaft and two spiral springs, each spring being wound in a different direction and having a different rotating torque, are fixed to the output shaft and have ends brought into contact with the rotating plate and the spring support plate so that the rotating torque of the worm wheel is transmitted to the output shaft through the spiral springs depending on the direction of rotation of the worm gear.

Abstract: A folding wheelchair with an improved frame and suspension system provides a smooth and cushioned ride over uneven terrain. The rigid frame of the wheelchair has a double "X" configuration of cross-tubes to improve frame strength without adversely affecting the foldability of the frame. The suspension system of the wheelchair comprises a pair of suspension wings pivotally mounted to the chair frame by a pivot block. The rearward end of the suspension wing is rotatably attached to the wheel axle. The frontward end of the wing engages a spring or shock absorber which, in turn, attaches to the chair frame. The independent suspension of the wheels and relatively long pivotal axis of the wing from the wheel axle provides for better maneuverability of the chair and for a more comfortable ride. Additional cushioning of the occupant during travel over uneven terrain is provided by the shock-cushioning mechanism of the spring or shock absorber.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (22 or 200) is provided for transmitting steering movement to a rear wheel steering assembly (16) in response to steering movment of a front wheel steering assembly (14). The front wheel steering assembly is controlled by a steering wheel (18) and a power steering assembly (20). The closed hydraulic system (22) includes a pump assembly (50) and an actuator assembly (52) connected together by conduits to define closed fluid flow branches (104,106) for moving a piston (90) in the actuator assembly in response to movement of a piston (72) in the pump assembly. In one embodiment (22) movement of the actuator piston is transmitted to the rear wheel steering assembly via a cam assembly which effects same direction rear wheel steering for rather small front wheel steering angles and which effects opposite direction rear wheel steering for greater front wheel steering angles. In another embodiment (200), the actuator piston (214) is connected directly to the rear wheel steering assembly.

Abstract: A motorized device for aiding the maneuvering of trailers subsequent to detachment from the towing vehicle is presented which comprises a shaft attachable to the drawbar of the trailer and which is adjustable for height. At least one wheel is mounted at the end of the shaft with the axis of the wheel being perpendicular to the shaft. At least one driving device for driving the wheel in rotation about its axis and a swivelling device for swivelling the wheel are also provided.

Abstract: A power assisted vehicle steering mechanism having a rack and pinion assembly, the pinion being mounted to be displaceable by reaction with the rack on the application of steering torque, including a lever mounted for pivotal movement in response to displacement of the pinion, movement of said lever actuating both an hydraulic valve for directing hydraulic fluid to augment steering torque and electrical sensor means for energizing a motor which drives a pump to supply hydraulic fluid to said valve.

Abstract: A self-centering hitch is set forth for securement of a trailer to an associated tow vehicle. The self-centering hitch includes a conventionally orthogonally oriented ball formed with an arcuate concave centering plate oriented rearwardly and integrally to a support securing said ball. Said centering plate is formed of a convex orientation relative to said ball with a radius of curvature oriented medially of said ball aligned with the center of said ball. The center plate is further formed with a plurality of switches formed integrally to said plate and associated with alarm means for indication of a right or left positioning of a hitch to be secured to said ball to assist in securement of said hitch to said ball.

Abstract: A fork stabilizer for the front-end fork of a motorcycle is provided. The fork stabilizer includes an elongate member, comprised of unitary metallic material having a substantially solid cross-sectional area, the elongate member also having transverse curved areas disposed at each end of the elongate member, said curved areas being closely machined to make a net fit between the prongs of the front-end fork of the motorcycle, having bolt holes disposed at each corner thereof, said bolt holes having an expanded region adapted to receive the heads of said bolts and also having a restricted region adapted to retain the elongate portion of said bolts whereby the twisting forces are substantially reduced, thereby assuring smooth and continuous operation and steering of said front-end fork.

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for a transfer device in a part-time four-wheel drive vehicle is arranged to permit switchover of the transfer device from the two-wheel drive mode to the four-wheel drive mode when a difference in rotational speed between front and rear propeller shafts is smaller than a predetermined value and to prohibit switchover of the transfer device from the two-wheel drive mode to the four-wheel drive mode when the difference in rotational speed between the front and rear propeller shafts is larger than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A transfer case operating apparatus for shifting a part-time four-wheel transfer case of a vehicle having a transfer gear assembly and a center-differential gear assembly, with their associated gear shift devices. The operating apparatus comprises a power drive actuator coupled to one of the shift devices; a mechanical actuator directly coupled to the other; a shift control device operated by a driver in the driver's compartment of the vehicle shift the transfer case between at least two-wheel high-speed drive mode; four-wheel, differential-free drive mode; and four wheel, differential-locked, low-speed drive mode; and a mechanism for, when the shift control device is operated to shift one gear assembly associated to the power drive actuator, disconnecting the mechanical actuator from the shift control device so as not to shift the other gear assembly. The mechanism works with different operating forces for causing the power drive and mechanical actuators.

Abstract: A trailer hitch positioning apparatus directs the driver of a pickup truck or other towing vehicle during backing up to a trailer or other towed vehicle for hitching the coupling elements of the vehicles together. The apparatus includes an infrared light unit mounted on the trailer for transmitting a first collimated light beam of a predetermined horizontal width toward the vehicle. A support bar mounted to the rear of the vehicle carries a plurality of infrared alignment sensors for detecting the first beam and hence when the truck is aligned with the trailer. A position emitter mounted on the trailer emits a second focused infrared light beam that is detected by a position sensor on the truck when the coupling elements of the vehicles are in position to be hitched together.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a throttle valve situated for rotation within an engine induction passage. The apparatus includes a throttle driving unit mechanically coupled to the accelerator pedal for rotating the throttle valve in response to an extent to which the accelerator pedal is depressed. A control circuit is provided for producing an electrical control signal in accordance with automobile running conditions. The control signal is applied to a throttle actuator which thereby produces a driving force to the throttle driving unit for rotating the throttle valve. The throttle driving unit has a structure for restricting rotation of the throttle valve in an opening direction to a degree determined by the extent to which the accelerator pedal is depressed so as to provide a positive prevention of automobile reckless driving.

Abstract: A center differential offering a full-time two axle dirve system. The center differential includes a planetary gear set defining a first drive path which provides an effective torque split ration to the front axle of the vehichle which is several percent less than the minimum dynamic weight ratio on the front axle assembly. The center differential further includes a bidirectional clutch mechanism defining a second drive path for connecting the driving input to the front drive axle assembly with a drive ratio several percent more than the rear axle ratio. The effective torque split and drive ratios are selected as a function of vehicle weight distributionand tire data for a specific vehicle so as to effect a controlled transfer of torque between the first and second drive paths and before the affected axle assembly reaches its traction limit in any mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved construction for joining chainstays with a bottom bracket shell in a bicycle frame. The construction consists of a pair of taper-shaped projecting parts of a bottom bracket shell, inserting portions of chainstays placed around the projecting parts and a connecting ring provided with a pair of taper-shaped connecting holes. The connecting ring is placed around the joining part of the bottom bracket shell and chainstays and joins the bottom bracket shell and chainstays together by the bonding strength of an adhesive agent and a screw from the connecting ring to the bottom bracket shell. The adhesive agent is uniformly spread between the bottom bracket shell and chainstays and should the adhesive agent become ineffective, the chainstays will not loosen from the bottom bracket shell due to the screw.

Abstract: A bicycle which comprises a frame carrying at its rear end a wheel actuated by a pedal mechanism while the front end carries a collar. A brace is pivoted to the frame in the region of the pedal mechanism and so is a saddle post. The front end of the brace also carries a collar, both collars are slideable along an upright stem carrying the handle bars at the upper end and the front wheel of the bicycle at its lower end. A latch releasably holds the frame collar on the lower end of the stem while a cable attached at both ends to the handle bar and to the brace collar and also attached to the brace collar serves to maintain the latter in an intermediate position along the stem, whereby the brace, the front portion of the frame and the lower part of the stem forms a triangle holding the bicycle in erected position. A releasable stay rod pivotally connected to the saddle post and releasably latched to the rear portion of the frame, maintains the saddle in erected position.

Abstract: A foldable multipurpose bicycle includes a foldable main frame, a foldable handlebar assembly, a removable seat assembly, a pair of foldable pedal assemblies, a front brake assembly, and a foldable rear brake assembly. By using a pair of quick-release lock mechanisms, a pair of wheels can be connected quickly to the main frame to form a bicycle for riding on land. Alternatively, a front wheel and a tripod can be connected to the main frame to form an exercise bicycle. Or, a float assembly and a propeller assembly can be connected to the main frame to form an hydro-bicycle for riding on smooth surfaced water. The float assembly and the propeller assembly can be mounted removably on the rear portion of the main frame. The bicycle can be folded into a relatively small wheel-like unit which is capable of being conveniently pushed on the ground.

Abstract: An air pump for bicycles in which, when the air pump is not in use, is stored in the frame of the bicycle and serves as the post for the seat of the bicycle. The air pump has an outer, tubular post having structure on the upper end thereof for removably mounting a bicycle seat. The post is removably mounted in a bicycle frame. A tube extends partially into the post and carries a diaphragm on its inner end. The diaphragm is engageable with the inner surface of the post and compresses air in advance of the diaphragm when the diaphragm moves toward the upper end of the post. A check valve near the diaphragm permits only a one-way flow of air, namely in the direction through the tube and away from the upper end of the post. A lower member on the outer end of the tube allows a flexible hose to be coupled to the tube so that compressed air from the tube can be directed into the valve stem of a device to be inflated.