Abstract: A dirigible vehicle which is supported upon at least three ground engaging wheels located about the lower periphery of the device. Two of the three wheels are steerable while the third is fixed in position with its axis perpendicular to a line interconnecting the two steerable wheels. By manipulation of the steerable wheels, the vehicle may be adapted for movement along a linear path or may be made to spin about its own axis. Intermediate positioning of the steerable wheels will cause the vehicle to sweep in large circular arcs. The device may be self-propelled by a foot pedal assembly or by a small motor, with either a single steering wheel or dual independent steering controls. The unique steering capabilities of the vehicle make it ideally suited for recreational purposes or wherever extreme maneuverability is required.

Abstract: A novel bicycle frame has a plurality of tubular elements interconnected with lugs to a generally diamond shape. The tubular elements have a metal core and a fiber-reinforced plastic skin. The fibers in the skin have a specific predetermined angle of orientation whereby the bending and torsional characteristics are balanced to enhance the stability and strength of the frame at significantly low weights.

Abstract: A vehicle which is automatically driven along a predetermined guide path has easily accessible manually operated switches for arresting the movement of and for restarting the vehicle. The switches have elongated switch elements which extend along the sides of the vehicles. The elongated switch for restarting the vehicle is recessed with respect to the switch that arrests the movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An inflatable spherical device is disclosed made of two hemispherical shells or sections that are fastened together by a quick disengageable means, such as a zipper. Each hemispherical shell is made of an outer flexible skin and an inner flexible skin, concentrically spaced apart and having an annular circular flat member bonded by its outer periphery to the periphery of the outer skin and by its inner periphery to the periphery of the inner skin, forming a hemispherical air-tight compartment. Means are provided to inflate each shell. To maintain the outer and inner skins evenly spaced apart and to provide ventilation through the shells, a plurality of flexible wall tubes are disposed between the outer and inner skins. The respective ends of the tubes are bonded to suitable apertures in each of the outer and inner skins.

Abstract: A storage assembly in which a row of storage units, such as racks, are movable between fixed limits along the length of the row in either of two opposite directions so that a gangway can be provided between the sides of any two adjacent units, and in which each storage unit is provided with a set of reversible electric motors adapted to drive individual independently rotatable drive wheels to move that storage unit, and a set of switches is provided along each side of each storage unit so as to be operated by means at the side of an adjacent storage unit, each switch in each set being associated with a respective reversible motor in the vicinity of the switch so as to control operation of that motor independently of the others and to cut-off the supply of electricity to the motor when it is operated. Thus each motor will continue to operate to move the part of the unit by which it is carried until that part reaches a datum position defined by the side of an adjacent storage unit.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel lock assembly for enabling the operator of a vehicle having a frame to lock one or more of the four wheels, at will, when the vehicle power is inoperative, which includes a normally retracted reciprocal locking rod mounted on and movable transversely of said frame adapted when advanced to interlock with a wheel. The normally retracted reciprocal actuating rod mounted on said frame for longitudinal movement. The control housing within the vehicle supports a control lever which projects from the housing and is operatively connected to the actuating rod for effecting selective reciprocal movements thereof. Gear mechanism on the frame interconnects the locking rod and the actuating rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ball joint to use without supplying oil in a torque rod of an automobile, in a mechanism for connecting brackets fitted to the chassis of an automobile, brackets fitted to a wheel axle supporting member and torque rods connecting the said brackets, in which a spherical bearing ring made of strong synthetic resin, for example an acetal resin such as Delrin or the like is provided inside a bearing housing to support a shaft having a spherical ball portion fixed to the said bracket adhering onto the central periphery of the said ball portion, oil-containing fabrics are provided on the both sides of the said spherical bearing ring adhering onto the periphery of the said ball portion, and the said bearing housing is connected to a boss of the torque rod.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to a ball joint to use without supplying oil in a torque rod of an automobile.

Abstract: A control system for a tractor vehicle having an operators station resiliently mounted relative to the chassis in which the control system passes through a wall of the operators station and incorporates mounting means acting to support the control system to accommodate relative movement between the operators station and chassis and also to act as a seal to prevent passage of dust and dirt to the operators station and in addition, to act as a suspension supporting the control system in a manner for dampening vibration and noise which otherwise would be transmitted through the control system to the operators station.

Abstract: Hydraulic height-adjustment vehicle suspension system includes an arrangment for blocking up the suspension and adapted to prevent the collapsing thereof when the vehicle is kept stationary for a prolonged time period. The blocking arrangement includes a buffer member retractable and engageable in the fashion of a chock or the like, between a movable member of the suspension system and a fixed portion of the body or chassis of the vehicle. Preferably, a control for each buffer member includes a hydraulic receiver operating against the force of a return spring urging the buffer member to its retracted position, and a hydraulic chamber is provided which communicates with the receivers and is urged to its hydraulic fluid delivering condition by the actuation of the hand brake control of the vehicle to its brake applying position.

Abstract: A soft-walled garment bag has rigid means, e.g., a central, internal post or column, interconnecting its upper and lower ends. The lower end comprises a rigid platform borne on a tandem pair of wheels that are steerable by manipulation of the upper end of the structure, e.g., via a handle fixed to the upper end of the column or post. A clothing hanger or hangers are detachably connectable to the rigid means to carry a suit or coat or the like about which the garment bag is closely fitted. The cover sheets of the garment bag are peripherally secured to the lower end of the platform and one side of the bag incorporates a carrying strap for suspending the piece of luggage under an arm from one hand in an erect position against one side of the body of the user for transportation over stairs, or in other such situations which inhibit wheel supported movement of the luggage.

Abstract: A movable apparatus adhering to the surface of a wall which is capable of moving continuously and smoothly on the hull of a ship or the wall of a modern architectural structure such as a sky-scraper without the danger of falling.

Abstract: Parallel linkage supporting a seat and an instrument panel in a vehicle allow the seat and panel to be moved together to a distant operating location.

Abstract: Wheel and axle assembly for small vehicles such as riding lawnmowers including a frame and an engine and transmission mounted upon the frame, the assembly comprising an axle having opposite first and second ends mounted upon the frame for rotation and drivingly connected to the output of the transmission. First and second wheels are provided for mounting, respectively, on the first and second axle ends. The first wheel is rigidly connected to the first axle end for rotation therewith such as by pinning or by key. A torque-limited driving connection is provided between the second wheel and the second axle end, the torque-limited driving connection permitting relative rotation between the second wheel and axle when a predetermined torque level is exceeded. This torque-limited device may include a frictional drive connection between the second wheel and the axle.

Abstract: In a draft implement having an input power driveline and a tongue adapted to be articulately connected to a tractor, an arm is pivotally mounted on the tongue and supports the driveline rearwardly of a forward telescoping assembly of the driveline which includes forward and rear universal joints. Centering tension springs extending along the tongue and interconnecting the pivotal arm and the tongue maintain the arm in a centered position in which the rear universal joint is positioned the same distance rearwardly of the tractor/implement articulate connection point as that at which the forward universal joint is positioned forwardly of the connection point. The springs will yield to allow the arm to pivot laterally to either side of the tongue to accommodate bottoming out of the telescoping assembly during sharp turns of the tractor relative to the implement. Once the tractor is re-articulated out of the sharp turn relative to the implement, the springs return the arm to its centered position.

Abstract: A convertible golf cart which can be wheeled over a golf course carrying golf equipment and can be readily disassembled for transportation and storage. Detachable wheels and a retracting-removable handle and support strut serve to convert the golf cart from its operating condition to a storage and transport condition.

Abstract: An electronic governor for controlling the speed of one of two coupled prime movers wherein signals corresponding to wheel speeds of each of the two prime movers are compared to produce an error signal for controlling an actuator on one prime mover. The speed of the controlled prime mover may be abruptly reduced where the error signal exceeds a pre-determined threshold value. Monitoring means generally comprise digital circuitry, while control of the actuator is primarily analog acting through a servo loop containing a throttle position sensing device on the master prime mover, the error signal generating device and a throttle control device for the controlled prime mover.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a tractor, having propelling wheels connected by a differential, together with a traction control device for connecting the propelling wheels directly when the differential permits relative motion between the propelling wheels, comprising a torque transfer assembly including a rotatable shaft, friction elements fixed on the shaft spaced apart axially to engage the propelling wheels, and bearing means for supporting the shaft, resiliently flexible support means secured on the vehicle chassis and connected remotely to the torque transfer assembly to permit movement of the assembly between an inoperative position and an operative position and an actuating means adjacent the operator's station and secured to the support means to move the assembly to an operative position. Preferably the resilient support means urges the torque transfer assembly toward an inoperative position.

Abstract: Wheel for bicycle is mounted upon a wheel-mounting structure which is rigidly attached to the bicycle frame. The wheel is positioned so that, when the bicycle tilts backward to a semi-stable position on its rear wheel, the bicycle safety and conversion wheel of this invention prevents excessive further tiltback. Furthermore, the structure has a step above the wheel so that the bicycle may be ridden in an unconventional manner upon its rear wheel and its conversion wheel.

Abstract: A roll protective structure is provided in which a roof panel and floor panel are detachably mounted thereto. The mounting means are such that structural rigidity is maintained while insuring that there is no metal-to-metal contact between the respective panels and cab structure. The respective panels also provide for sound insulation.

Abstract: An improved acceleration control system is utilized to prevent overspeeding or spinning of engine driven vehicle wheels. The acceleration control system includes a first sensor for detecting variations in the rate of rotation of engine driven wheels and a second sensor for detecting variations in the rate of rotation of nondriven wheels. The two rates of rotation are compared and if the rate of rotation of the driven wheels exceeds the rate of rotation of the nondriven wheels by more than a predetermined amount, a mechanical-hydraulic throttle motion divertor assembly is activated to reduce engine operating speed. The divertor assembly includes a pair of pistons which cooperate with a body of liquid to transmit motion from an accelerator pedal to a throttle linkage. During normal operation of the vehicle, the volume of the body of liquid remains substantially constant and the body of liquid is effective to transmit hydrostatic pressure forces between the two pistons.