Abstract: An elevating wheelchair is disclosed. The wheelchair may have a gas cylinder disposed between the seat of the wheelchair and the frame of the wheelchair. By engaging the gas cylinder and pressing against an assistive push bar, the user may translate the seat along at least a portion of a seat travel path, elevating the seat of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A mobile robot 1 having a plurality of kinds of moving forms includes a body unit 11 having a front face and a back face, four limb units 12 having a plurality of limb-side drive shafts, and front end tools 13 provided on a front end side of the limb units 12. A base end side of the limb unit 12 is connected to the body unit 11. The four limb units 12 are the same units. The body unit 11 and the four limb units 12 are movable by switching a front face side and a back face side so that a moving operation of the front face side and a moving operation of the back face side are symmetrical across the center of a thickness direction of the body unit 11.

Abstract: An articulating cart system which utilizes an articulating frame to effectively maneuver within tight spaces and a low-elevation platform to ease mounting and dismounting the cart. The articulating cart system generally includes a front frame and a rear frame. A platform is connected to the front frame so that the platform pivots or articulates along with the front frame with respect to the rear frame. A joystick controller may be provided which allows one-handed operation. One or more actuators may be connected between the rear frame and the front frame for pivoting the front frame with respect to the rear frame. A motor is provided to power the actuators and frame wheels. The platform is close to the ground to ease access for the operator. Utilizing the articulating frame, the present invention may traverse much tighter spaces and turns than is possible with previous cart systems.

Abstract: The front wheel suspension device for a saddle-ride type vehicle, includes a front fork having a lower end supporting a front wheel; a steering member rotatably supported by a body frame, and rotated about a rotational axis in accordance with operation of a handlebar; and a link member composed of an upper link and a lower link. The upper link of the link member has one end rockably connected to the steering member. The lower link has an upper portion rockably connected to the other end of the upper link and a lower portion rockably connected to an upper end of the front fork. A handlebar grip portion is formed at both ends of the handlebar in a vehicle width direction with the handlebar grip portion being disposed between the upper link and the lower link in a side view.

Abstract: In construction of an electric drive device such as an electric power steering device or the like, there is employed a cylindrical metal housing that has therein in order first, second, third and fourth spaces coaxially arranged to respectively house therein a power circuit part, a power conversion circuit part, a control circuit part and an electric motor, a circular heat transfer metal substrate is arranged in the cylindrical metal housing between the first and second spaces and the circular heat transfer metal substrate has a cylindrical outer wall that is in contact with a cylindrical inner surface of the cylindrical metal housing, one flat surface to which a basal metal plate of the power circuit part is intimately connected and another flat surface to which a basal metal plate of the power conversion circuit part is intimately connected.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle has a front assembly including a front frame member supporting a front wheel and a handlebar column. A rear assembly has a rear frame member supporting a rear wheel, a seat structure and a drive mechanism. A central joint interconnects the front and rear frame members to form an articulated main frame. The articulated main frame is pivotable about a pivot axis between an assembled state such that the front and rear wheels are coplanar in a first plane that includes a vertical axis and a longitudinal axis and a collapsed state such that the front wheel is laterally offset and adjacent to the rear wheel. The front assembly rotates towards the rear assembly about the pivot axis when the articulated main frame is pivoted from the assembled state to the collapsed state.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a charging circuit carried by the frame and configured to capture energy associated with movement of the bicycle, a power module carried by the frame, and a switch disposed electrically between the charging circuit and power module. The power module, in response to an indication that the bicycle is travelling downhill, closes the switch to enable energy transfer between the charging circuit and power module.

Abstract: A roll off trailer having a stepped out neck is provided. The trailer frame may be formed largely of an aluminum alloy or other metal.

Abstract: A vehicle lifting and parking aid system having sidewinder wheel units mounted on the axles between the brakes and the spindle of each wheel of a vehicle controlled from a control module located within the vehicle is disclosed. In the deployed position, each sidewinder unit is against the ground surface and lifts the vehicle approximately 0.5? off the ground. Using joysticks on a control module located within the vehicle, the user is able to operate, i.e. direct, the sidewinders to the left or right at different variations in speed whereby the vehicle is moved to the left or right by way of a rotating gear train.

Abstract: A vehicle driving force distribution device includes: a differential gear; a driving force transmission device; and a case member having a first accommodating chamber accommodating the differential gear and a second accommodating chamber accommodating the driving force transmission device. The case member has a first flow passage that allows lubricating oil to flow from the first accommodating chamber into the second accommodating chamber, and a second flow passage that allows lubricating oil to flow from the second accommodating chamber into the first accommodating chamber. In a two-wheel drive mode, lubricating oil flows from the second accommodating chamber into the first accommodating chamber through the second flow passage. In a four-wheel drive mode, lubricating oil flows from the first accommodating chamber into the second accommodating chamber through the first flow passage.

Abstract: A torque distribution control system comprises a torsion unit for detecting traction on wheels of a primary driving axle that is continuously engaged with a drive source or a source of torque power. The amount of traction detected is converted to a signal with variable signal strength, the signal strength correlating to the amount of traction detected by the torsion unit. The signal strength capable of being adjusted automatically based on select parameters and/or manually based on a driver's input. And, in response to the signal, actuators engage and control operations of the vehicle such as the drive source, a braking system, and/or an axle clutch, with the level of engagement dependent upon the signal strength.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly and method characterized by having a hitch arm pivotally attached to a trailer such that when the hitch arm is placed in an unlocked position the hitch arm can pivot and when the hitch arm is placed in a locked position it is prevented from rotating.

Abstract: A motorcycle anti-theft device, for a motorcycle of the type having a pivotable kickstand; a chassis; and an electrical power source. The device includes a mechanism configured to lock the kickstand after being set to a lowered position; and an actuator unit including an electromechanical device connected to the power source configured to directly drive, when activated, an element to unlock said kickstand.

Abstract: A transfer for a four-wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle including a driving source, main/auxiliary drive wheels, and a power transmission member, the transfer includes: a ring gear being supported so as to rotate around a rotation axis, and configured to drive the power transmission member; an input shaft extending through an inside of the ring gear, being supported so as to rotate concentrically with the ring gear, and being configured to receive part of the driving force; a disconnect mechanism; and an actuator configured to change the disconnect mechanism between a connection position and a disconnection position, the connection position being a position at which the ring gear and the input shaft are coupled to each other so as not to relatively rotate, the disconnection position being a position at which relative rotation between the ring gear and the input shaft is allowed.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention a worm shaft subassembly for supporting a worm shaft is provided. The worm shaft has a worm shaft radial load, a worm shaft axial load, and a worm shaft axial travel. The worm shaft subassembly includes at least one damping member to support the worm shaft axial load. The at least one damping member has at least one damping member axial load. The at least one damping member limits the worm shaft axial travel. The worm shaft subassembly also includes a bearing to support the worm shaft radial load and the at least one damping member axial load.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for hitching a trailer to a motor vehicle is disclosed wherein the motor vehicle has a chassis supported by axles suspended from the motor vehicle chassis, the trailer has a chassis supported by one or more axles suspended from the trailer chassis, and the trailer hitch is adapted to hitch the trailer chassis to the motor vehicle chassis for movement therewith and also cause the trailer chassis to help support the motor vehicle chassis to a variable degree via the trailer hitch and in a manner determined by the spring action provided by the trailer axle suspension system(s). And wherein the trailer hitch is also adapted to allow the hitched trailer chassis to turn with respect to the motor vehicle chassis and prevent such turning and to stow a hitched trailer chassis on the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A steering gear component for a vehicle, comprising: a worm, which is mounted so as to be rotatably and axially non-displace able, wherein the worm has a ball screw for receiving a row of balls, and a ball nut, which is drivingly connected to the worm by way of the row of balls, and wherein the ball nut acts as a piston of a cylinder for steering force assistance, wherein a signal transmitter for a sensing element is arranged on the steering spindle and the sensing element is arranged on the worm, or wherein the sensing element is arranged on the steering spindle and the signal transmitter for the sensing element is arranged on the worm.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar includes a midsection attached to a front mounting post of a bicycle and extending outward from the front mounting post in a substantially horizontal plane. A pair of pad-support sections are respectively disposed on opposite lateral sides of the midsection. A pair of arm support pads are each attached to a respective one of the pad-support sections such that each pad-support section and attached arm support pad conjunctively have an airfoil-shaped cross section. Each arm support pad supports a respective arm of a bicycle rider.

Abstract: A capturing wind power system is described that includes a plurality of pipes that extend along the vehicle length and curve towards the rear end of the vehicle. The pipes capture air to help propel the vehicle forward, improving fuel mileage. A cover may be used encase the pipes and allow a rear segment of the pipes to be removed when opening a door at the rear end of the vehicle.