Abstract: A load coupling apparatus for a wheeled vehicle includes load linkage members that pivotally suspend the vehicle and load weight below the axles of the vehicle, allowing limited relative displacement of the axles and the load in the direction of vehicle travel. The load is displaced by moving the axles in the desired direction of travel, whereafter the suspended load follows the axles in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the load inertia. The effort required to initiate movement of the load is significantly reduced due to the relative displacement of the axles and the load, and the mechanical advantage afforded by the load linkage members. Once in motion, the load continues to track the axles in the direction of travel, providing continued reduction in motive effort even when the load reaches a constant forward speed.

Abstract: A load coupling apparatus for a wheeled vehicle includes load linkage members that pivotally suspend the vehicle and load weight below the axles of the vehicle, allowing limited relative displacement of the axles and the load in the direction of vehicle travel. The load is displaced by moving the axles in the desired direction of travel, whereafter the suspended load follows the axles in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the load inertia. The effort required to initiate movement of the load is significantly reduced due to the relative displacement of the axles and the load, and the mechanical advantage afforded by the load linkage members. Once in motion, the load continues to track the axles in the direction of travel, providing continued reduction in motive effort even when the load reaches a constant forward speed.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling includes a receiver that is suspended from the frame of a towing vehicle by a linkage mechanism to permit limited relative longitudinal and vertical displacement of the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. The receiver is mounted on a wishbone bracket that straddles the frame of the towing vehicle, and swinging linkage members couple the wishbone bracket to the frame. Initial forward movement of the tractor produces rotation of the linkage members with respect to the frame without producing forward movement of the towed vehicle. The rotation of the linkage members slightly elevates the receiver, whereafter the towed vehicle and receiver follow the towing vehicle in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the rolling resistance of the towed vehicle and its load.

Abstract: A load coupling apparatus for a wheeled vehicle includes load linkage members that pivotally suspend the vehicle and load weight below the axles of the vehicle, allowing limited relative displacement of the axles and the load in the direction of vehicle travel. The load is displaced by moving the axles in the desired direction of travel, whereafter the suspended load follows the axles in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the load inertia. The effort required to initiate movement of the load is significantly reduced due to the relative displacement of the axles and the load, and the mechanical advantage afforded by the load linkage members. Once in motion, the load continues to track the axles in the direction of travel, providing continued reduction in motive effort even when the load reaches a constant forward speed.

Abstract: A stringed racquet includes a built-in, user-adjustable mechanism for changing the tension of the strings. The user-adjustable mechanism is disposed in a cavity within the handle of the racquet, and includes a mandrel over which at least some of the vertical strands of string are looped. A wishbone bracket secured to the mandrel is axially adjustable within the handle to raise or lower the tension in the vertical strands looped over the mandrel, after which the tension becomes evenly distributed over the entire string.

Abstract: A supercharger injects air into the engine exhaust manifold of an engine to dramatically improve turbocharger boost at low engine speeds, while cooling the gases in the exhaust manifold to reduce NOx formation. The injected air additionally reduces other exhaust emissions through secondary combustion, allowing the air/fuel ratio to be controlled closer to the stoichiometric ratio for improved thermodynamic efficiency. The engine is particularly well suited to high torque, low speed applications, such as a vehicle hydrostatic drive in which the engine is connected to drive a variable capacity hydrostatic pump at a low and substantially constant speed.

Abstract: An internal combustion hydraulic engine for use in motor vehicles and the like comprises at least one piston having a first piston head and a second piston head; a first or combustion cylinder at least partially surrounding the first piston head for receiving fuel and air; an igniter for inducing combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the first cylinder; and a second or hydraulic cylinder at least partially surrounding the second piston head for receiving fluid such that the action of the combustion of the fuel on the first piston head induces the second piston head to pressurize the fluid in the hydraulic cylinder. Preferably, the pressurized fluid communicates through a high pressure tank with a hydraulic motor to convert fluid pressure into rotational power.