Abstract: A steering axle for steering the wheels on the axle of a four-wheel forklift truck by a hydraulic or electric steering device. The steering axle has an axle beam with first and second wheel carriers. The wheel carriers are arranged pivotably on the axle beam. A steering rod is connected, in articulated fashion, to the two wheel carriers in order to transmit steering movements. A steering actuator produces the steering movement and has an actuator housing. The actuator housing has at least one guide section for the passage of the steering rod through the actuator housing. The steering actuator has at least one sliding bearing device for the radial support of the steering rod on the at least one guide section.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system, including: a two-system reaction force applying device including two reaction force controllers and configured to obtain operation information and apply an operation reaction force; a two-system steering device including two steering controllers and configured to steer a wheel; an operation information obtaining device; an auxiliary steering device capable of changing a direction of a vehicle; two dedicated communication lines one of which information-transmittably and information-receivably connects one of the two reaction force controllers and one of the two steering controllers to each other, and the other of which information-transmittably and information-receivably connects the other of the two reaction force controllers and the other of the two steering controllers to each other; and a first communication bus to which the operation information obtaining device is at least information-transmittably connected and to which the two steering controllers and the auxiliary stee

Abstract: A planetary gear device includes a bearing inner cylinder including an internal gear on the inner circumferential side, a bearing fitted on the outer circumference of the bearing inner cylinder, an output shaft outer cylinder fitted on the outer circumference of the bearing, and an output shaft end plate that fixedly supports the planetary carrier and transmits a rotation thereof to the output shaft outer cylinder. A wheel is fitted onto the outer circumference of the output shaft outer cylinder so as to prevent relative rotation. The bearing inner cylinder is fixed to a support frame. A drive motor is fixed coaxially with the planetary gear device on the side of the support frame opposite to the bearing inner cylinder, and a rotation shaft is coupled to the sun gear.

Abstract: A strut-type suspension apparatus, including: a steering knuckle rotatably holding a wheel; a shock absorber configured to damp a relative movement of the wheel and a vehicle body in an up-down direction; and an in-wheel motor unit including a motor, a speed reducer configured to transmit rotation of the motor while reducing a speed of the rotation, and a housing in which the motor and the speed reducer are housed, wherein the in-wheel motor unit is fixed to the steering knuckle while the shock absorber is fixed to the in-wheel motor unit, so that the shock absorber is connected to the steering knuckle via the in-wheel motor unit, wherein the housing includes a first bracket in which a through-hole is formed and a second bracket disposed under the first bracket, and wherein the shock absorber passes through the through-hole of the first bracket and is fastened to the second bracket.

Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly is provided. The assembly includes a ball nut having an outer diameter and keyway slot therein, and a pulley positioned on the ball nut. The pulley includes a cylindrical outer surface, a bore extending through the pulley such that the pulley includes an inner surface, and at least one torque member formed on the inner surface and projecting radially inward to be received by the keyway slot.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wheel assembly includes a spindle that may be rotatably coupled to an axle of a vehicle. A wheel is removably positioned on the spindle. A hub is provided and the spindle is rotatably positioned in the hub. An electromagnet is coupled to the hub. The electromagnet is selectively turned on to magnetically engage the wheel thereby retaining the wheel on the disk. The electromagnet is embedded within the disk. A lock is movably coupled to the spindle. The lock is selectively urged into a locking position to inhibit the wheel from coming off of the spindle when the electromagnet fails. Additionally, the lock is selectively urged into an unlocked position to facilitate the wheel to be removed from the spindle.

Abstract: A omnidirectional vehicle includes a chassis, wheels and wheel steering mechanisms. The wheel steering mechanisms are configured between the chassis and the wheels, and are arranged to drive the wheels to rotate about a steering center shaft of each wheel with 180° or more. The omnidirectional vehicle can achieve longitudinal driving and lateral driving, or other driving manners.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for the rear axle of a vehicle has a wheel carrier for fastening a rear wheel. A link system including at least two links is fastened on the wheel carrier to enable fastening on a vehicle body of the vehicle. The wheel carrier has a link portion for direct or indirect mounting on the vehicle body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A ride-on vehicle is provided that has drive and spin functionalities. The ride-on vehicle comprises a first motor for a first drive wheel, and a second motor for a second drive wheel. The vehicle has a steering wheel having a go selector and a spin selector. A sensor obtains an output of the angular rotation location of the steering wheel. A controller is electrically connected to the first and second motors, the go selector, the spin selector, and the steering wheel sensor, wherein engaging the go selector and turning the steering wheel causes the vehicle to move forward, left or right, depending on the angular location of the steering wheel, and wherein engaging the spin selector and turning the steering wheel causes the vehicle to spin left or spin right, depending on the angular location of the steering wheel. The vehicle may also be controlled remotely by a remote control.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a device (100) for connecting a wheel to a vehicle (620) comprising: an input shaft (620) able to be kinematically connected to an engine of a vehicle and having a rotation axis (C); an oscillating support (120) able to be hinged to a vehicle frame (T) along a predetermined horizontal hinge axis (B) parallel to and distanced from the rotation axis (C) of the input shaft (620); an auxiliary shaft (125) rotatably associated to the oscillating support (120) according to a rotation axis (A) parallel to and distanced from the hinge axis (B); a wheel-bearing hub (110) rotatably associated to the oscillating support (120) according to a rotation axis (A) parallel to and distanced from the hinge axis (B); first transmission means (625) able to transmit the motion from the input shaft (620) to the auxiliary shaft (125); second transmission means (130) able to transmit the motion of the auxiliary shaft (125) to the wheel-bearing hub (110).

Abstract: A computer is programmed to detect a request to steer a host vehicle. The computer is further programmed to determine a steering angle of the host vehicle. The computer is further programmed to send a notification to select one of a first non-autonomous steering mode and a second non-autonomous steering mode. The computer is further programmed to detect a selection of one of the first and second non-autonomous steering modes. The computer is further programmed to steer the host vehicle according to the selected mode and signals received from a user device.

Abstract: An unsprung power supply apparatus is provided for an in-wheel motor vehicle. The unsprung power supply apparatus includes a steering knuckle, an in-wheel motor and a third link. The steering knuckle is configured to turn and steer a tire of the in-wheel motor vehicle. A virtual kingpin axis is an axis passing through a knuckle side coupling point at which the third link couples with the steering knuckle. In the unsprung power supply apparatus, a power supply cable connects the in-wheel motor and a power supply unit with a part of the power supply cable on a vehicle body side being fixed to the third link.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses—such as beds, cots, stretchers, or the like—include a plurality of user controls that allow a caregiver to control the steering and/or driving of one or more wheels from multiple different locations around the patient support apparatus (e.g. head end, foot end, and/or the sides). The control is carried out by force sensors that detect both an orientation of the applied forces and a magnitude of the applied forces. Translational and/or rotational movement is effectuated, depending upon the magnitude and direction of the forces, as well as the physical location of the applied force relative to a reference point on the support apparatus, such as the center. One or more object sensors may also be included in the support apparatus to assist in steering and/or navigating.

Abstract: A method and a control device are provided for operating a road-coupled hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle has an electronic control unit, a primary motor associated with a first axle, and a secondary motor associated with a second axle. By way of the electronic control unit, the primary motor and the secondary motor are basically controlled in a drive-oriented manner such that preferentially only a single-axle drive by the primary motor is provided. Beginning with the secondary motor switched off, when a traction requirement is determined, the secondary motor is switched on, regardless of whether the vehicle is traveling on a curve. Beginning with the secondary motor switched on, when a traction requirement is not present, the secondary motor is not switched off until it is determined that the vehicle is not, or is no longer, traveling on a curve.

Abstract: The yoke module is including wherein an elongated USB power cable, one or more yoke module sections accommodating access for the USB power cable and wire connectors to be threaded through one or more slotted openings and to exit out the top yoke module section, a first connection method to connect with the drive motor's lead cable harness directly to the USB power cable, a method to conceal and protect the drive motor's lead cable harness and the USB power cable by means of a coupling enclosure and yoke sleeve enclosure achieved through the yoke module's fabrication process. The yoke module also comprises a method for USB power cable to provide electricity power to drive a motorized wheel. The yoke module system comprises a second connection method for the yoke module to plug into auxiliary components including; a battery, a computer control system, and sensors for motion stability.

Abstract: A road milling machine includes a machine frame, front wheels or tracks, rear wheels or tracks, and a milling drum supported from the machine frame between the rear wheels or tracks. The front wheels or tracks are mounted on pivoting columns. Steering levers are attached to the pivoting columns. A steering tie rod includes a connecting part and a projecting arm. The connecting part is connected to the steering levers. A steering cylinder is connected to a free end of the projecting arm.

Abstract: A retaining feature incorporated into a mounting surface of a plasticized article which is adapted to receive and retain a fastener prior to final assembly. The retaining feature exhibits an irregular and three dimensional shaped closed profile defined along an interior perimeter configured within the mounting surface and which establishes a degree of flex or bend upon insertion of the fastener with minimal loss of material. The insertion force can be any of lesser, equal to or greater than the extraction force, in combination with providing a rated side load breaking/shearing strength of the bolt from the material defined retaining feature.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a frame portion, a drive source, a pair of suspension assemblies, a pair of drive shafts, a steering wheel, and a transfer mechanism which transfers movement of the steering wheel to the pair of front wheels. Each of the pair of suspension assemblies includes an upper arm supported pivotably by the frame portion, a lower arm supported pivotably by the frame portion below the upper arm, and a knuckle arm connecting the upper arm and the lower arm to each other. The transfer mechanism includes a steering shaft portion extending from the steering wheel and rotates with the steering wheel, a rack-and-pinion portion provided at a tip region of the steering shaft portion, and a pair of tie rods extending in a width direction of the vehicle and connecting the rack-and-pinion portion to the pair of knuckle arms. Each of the pair of drive shafts passes through between the upper arm and the lower arm, whereas each of the pair of tie rods passes above the upper arm.

Abstract: A steering intermediate arm for linking dual steer axles on a vehicle is mountable for pivoting movement on a vehicle frame rail about a non-horizontal axis. The intermediate arm provides for a connection between a first linking rod extending rearwardly from a pitman arm and a second linking rod extending rearwardly to a steering arm of a rearward steerable axle of the dual steerable axles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly comprising —an axle (1), —a steering pivot (2) mounted on the axle (1), —a wheel spindle (3) mounted on the pivot (2), —a hydraulic motor and a wheel mounted on said spindle (3), such that the spindle (3) is pivotally mounted relative to the axle (1), the axle (1), the spindle (3) and the pivot (2) being provided with communicating hydraulic pipes to supply the hydraulic motor with fluid, the hydraulic pipes being arranged in the axle (1), the pivot (2) and the spindle, the pivot (2) comprising a shaft member fitted in the axle (1) about which the spindle (3) is fitted, the axle (1) and the spindle (3) each comprising grooves connected respectively to the hydraulic pipes of the axle (1) and the spindle (3) in such a way as to form the rotating joint with the hydraulic pipes of the pivot (2).

Abstract: A hydrostatic unit includes a hydraulic machine that is connected mechanically and hydraulically to a pressure medium supply via an adapter piece and a rotary leadthrough.

Abstract: A battery forklift includes a battery and a motor that includes a rotation shaft and is driven using the battery as a power source. A reduction device reduces the speed of rotation of the rotation shaft and transmits the rotation to an axle. A case accommodates the reduction device. A drive wheel is driven by rotation of the axle. The reduction device includes a helical gear rotated integrally with the rotation shaft and a drive shaft formed integrally with the helical gear and extended in a vertical direction. The reduction device further includes an upper bearing located above the helical gear to support the drive shaft rotatably relative to the case and a lower bearing located below the helical gear to support the drive shaft rotatably relative to the case. The case includes a communication portion that communicates a lower void located below the upper bearing and an upper void located above the upper bearing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric power steering apparatus for a vehicle. The electric power steering apparatus for the vehicle has a structure in which a motor shaft, an input shaft, a pinion shaft, and the like are coaxially disposed to improve a structure of a conventional art in which an electric motor is essentially exposed, so as to prevent interference with other structures, thereby forming a layout of the steering apparatus to be compact.

Abstract: A hybrid working vehicle comprises an engine, a drive wheel, a power take-off (PTO) shaft, and a power transmission system for transmitting power from the engine to the drive wheel and the PTO shaft. The power transmission system is bifurcated at a bifurcating point into a traveling drive train for driving the drive wheel and a PTO drive train for driving the PTO shaft. A continuously variable transmission is provided on the traveling drive train, and a motor generator is provided on the power transmission system between the engine and the bifurcating point. The motor generator functions as a generator by power of the engine and functions as an electric motor for driving the power transmission system. The hybrid working vehicle includes a controller for controlling an output rotary speed of the motor generator functioning as the electric motor.

Abstract: A power-train is provided for a driven, steerable axle of a motor vehicle. To reduce the size of the turning radius of the vehicle, the power train includes a left drive shaft that is fixedly connected in terms of drive to a left steerable wheel; a right drive shaft that is fixedly connected in terms of drive to a right steerable wheel; and a drive unit configured between the drive shafts for driving the drive shaft; the drive shafts being configured as articulated shafts, each having a wheel-proximal articulated joint and a wheel-distal articulated joint; and said articulated joints each having at least one axis of rotation with the same orientation for all articulated joints. The drive unit is designed for transmitting an electromotively generated torque to the drive shafts, and having a body suspension that allows the drive unit to rotate relative to the body about a swivel axis that extends in parallel to the axes of rotation having the same orientation.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly is provided which is configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle. The transaxle assembly includes a transmission that has two separately attached pivotable knuckle assemblies. Each pivotable knuckle assembly can be independently steered and includes an axle driven by the transmission. Each axle drives a wheel of the vehicle. In another configuration, the two pivotable knuckle assemblies are joined by an integrally formed crossmember.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a frame portion, a drive source, a pair of suspension assemblies, a pair of drive shafts, a steering wheel, and a transfer mechanism which transfers movement of the steering wheel to the pair of front wheels. Each of the pair of suspension assemblies includes an upper arm supported pivotably by the frame portion, a lower arm supported pivotably by the frame portion below the upper arm, and a knuckle arm connecting the upper arm and the lower arm to each other. The transfer mechanism includes a steering shaft portion extending from the steering wheel and rotates with the steering wheel, a rack-and-pinion portion provided at a tip region of the steering shaft portion, and a pair of tie rods extending in a width direction of the vehicle and connecting the rack-and-pinion portion to the pair of knuckle arms. Each of the pair of drive shafts passes through between the upper arm and the lower arm, whereas each of the pair of tie rods passes above the upper arm.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a chassis, a pair of driving wheels, a pair of idle wheels, at least one steering group, and a differential. The steering group is capable of positioning one of the pairs of wheels in a steering geometry where an axis of each of the wheels of the pair of wheels capable of being positioned by the steering group intersects with the remaining axis within a ground-support quadrilateral formed by the pairs of wheels. The differential comprises an outer case, an inner case, a selective engagement, a selective blocking means, and a selective direct gearing means. When the inner case is coupled to the outer case a first half-shaft and a second half-shaft are driven similarly and when the inner case is coupled to the chassis and one of the half-shafts is drivingly engaged with a crown gear the first half-shaft and the second half-shaft are driven opposingly.

Abstract: A vehicle and a modular drive apparatus for the vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus includes a wheel assembly rotatable about a central axis in first and second directions. The wheel assembly is also pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the central axis in third and fourth directions. The apparatus includes an electric motor coupled to the wheel assembly for rotating the wheel assembly in the first and second directions. The apparatus includes a braking device coupled to the wheel assembly for braking the wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a steering mechanism coupled to the wheel assembly for pivoting the wheel assembly in the third and fourth directions. The apparatus includes a housing receiving the wheel assembly, the electric motor, the braking device, and the steering mechanism to define a self-contained unit for attaching to and detaching from the vehicle to provide interchangeability of the self-contained unit.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a wheel assembly is provided for a vehicle. The wheel assembly includes a knuckle having a tapered inner surface to interface with an outer flange of a bearing. A threaded fastener retains the bearing within the knuckle. A wheel hub couples to an inner flange of the bearing permitting rotation of the wheel hub relative to the knuckle.

Abstract: A suspension system suitable for a small-sized vehicle such as an all terrain vehicle. A strut damper is arranged wherein a downwardly extending line of an axis of the strut damper is located in front of a drive shaft extending to the depth of a drawing from the rotational center of a front wheel. As interference between the strut damper and the drive shaft is not a concern, a mounting position of the strut damper can be fully lowered. In addition, the length of the axis of the strut damper can be fully secured. Therefore, the height of the vehicle can be lowered. In addition, the design of a vehicle body is facilitated.

Abstract: A frame-steered vehicle includes a front frame section including at least one front axle and a rear frame section including at least one rear axle. The front and rear frame sections are arranged along a longitudinal axis and are connected by at least a first pivot joint. The at least first pivot joint has a first pivot axis oriented transversal with respect to the longitudinal direction. The at least one front axle includes driven wheels and at least the at least one rear axle is suspended by a truck-type suspension.

Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved stability control while turning, including a rotatable drive unit having a steerable drive tire. A first slide mechanism is coupled to the rotatable drive unit, and a second slide mechanism is mounted to a caster plate. A steering mechanism coupled to the rotatable drive unit is moved to steer the steerable drive tire, causing the first slide mechanism to interact with the second slide mechanism and to produce a downward pressure and/or reduce the downward pressure on a caster mounted to the caster plate.

Abstract: The Environment Adaptive Electric Vehicle (EAEV) is capable of operating in a number of operating environments such as on a conventional highway, or on an elevated mainstream transportation infrastructure and also on a variety of local, low velocity, low volume, automated and semi-automated transportation infrastructures that may serve as collector roads for vehicles to access the mainstream elevated integrated bimodal infrastructures. The EAEV has a variety of sensors, receivers, cameras, monitoring devices, magnetic readers, GPS built into the vehicle. In a typical vehicle all of this information would be interpreted and applied in the same way. In the EAEV the vehicle wants to know what environment it is in. It then uses the software that defines that environment for all of its decisions. As a result, the EAEV uses the same equipment and similar information that is received over the equipment but applies it differently depending on what kind of system the vehicle is travelling on.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a wheel assembly is provided for a vehicle. The wheel assembly includes a knuckle having a tapered inner surface to interface with an outer flange of a bearing. A threaded fastener retains the bearing within the knuckle. A wheel hub couples to an inner flange of the bearing permitting rotation of the wheel hub relative to the knuckle.

Abstract: An electric vehicle which includes in-wheel motor driving devices and an independent-steering apparatus and is capable of making pivot turns within a minimum-required parking space, having a structure without a chassis and a part of the body protruding out of a minimum-required circular space necessary for the wheels to make pivot turning. In a case where the electric vehicle has four wheels including left and right front wheels and left and right rear wheels, an in-wheel motor driving device is incorporated only in the left and right front wheels, only in the left and right rear wheels, or in all of the wheels. An independent-steering apparatus serves for all of the wheels. A kingpin axis in each of the wheels makes an intersection with a road surface on a circle inboard of a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A wheelchair including a seat body and at least one wheel module disposed at a bottom of the seat body is provided. The wheel module includes a motor, at least one wheel, and a transmission unit coupled between the motor and the wheel. The transmission unit has at least one one-way bearing. The motor outputs a first rotating moment and a second rotating moment with opposite directions to the transmission unit. The one-way bearing transmits one of the first rotating moment and the second rotating moment to the wheel to drive the wheel to roll, such that the seat body is in linear motion, or so the wheel module rotates relative to the seat body in the directions of the first or the second rotating moments. The shafts of the first and the second rotating moments are perpendicular to the rotating shaft of the wheel.

Abstract: A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises, in one embodiment, a steering assembly including a steering gear attached to a wheel housing and engaged with the steering power system, the steering gear being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly connected to the steering gear, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the steering gear. In an alternate embodiment, the steering assembly is connected to the wheel through a steering gear attached to a slewing ring that supports the drive assembly and is rotatable with the drive assembly.

Abstract: A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises a steering assembly, a slewing ring engaged with the steering assembly and being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly mounted to the slewing ring, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the slewing ring.

Abstract: A riding work vehicle includes right and left wheels, at least one caster wheel, and a working machine. The lawnmower vehicle further includes traveling motor, steering motor, a traveling system clutch, and a steering system clutch. The traveling system clutch is configured to disable transmission of the rotational force from an axle of the caster wheel to the traveling motor in a state where the traveling motor is deactivated. The steering system clutch is configured to disable transmission of the rotational force from a steering shaft for the caster wheel to the steering motor in a state where the steering motor is deactivated.

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a chassis having a footprint, a load carrying structure, and a support assembly coupling the chassis and the structure. The support assembly is adapted to move the structure relative to the chassis between a stowed position and a deployed position outboard of the footprint of the chassis. A plurality of wheels is configured to roll on the support surface and a plurality of axles coupling the wheels to the chassis are provided. Each axle includes at least one spindle supporting an individual wheel for rotation on a spindle axis. A steering system is adapted to position the wheels between driving and rotation arrangements with respect to the chassis such that in the rotating arrangement each of the plurality of wheels rotate relative to the chassis whereby the chassis, the platform and the support assembly may rotate in unison about the steer axis.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an AGV that includes a drive unit for propelling the AGV and a steering unit for steering the AGV. The drive unit has a drive motor, drive transmission, and a drive wheel. The steering unit has a steering motor. Both motors are fixedly mounted on the AGV and remain stationary relative to each other while the drive motor rotates the drive wheel and the steering motor steers the drive wheel. The drive transmission couples the drive motor to the drive wheel and can be at least partially mounted within a gear housing that is rotatably mounted via a bearing so that the drive motor can be operated to move the AGV via power transferred to the drive wheel via the drive transmission, and the steering motor can be operated to steer the drive wheel by rotation of the gear housing and drive wheel via the bearing.

Abstract: A steerable vehicle knuckle has an inboard portion defining upper and lower arms, with a kingpin between them, and has an outboard portion defining a spindle that cooperates with a fluid driven motor. The arms define a cavity where an axle end portion is pivotally received. Fluid supply ports, which supply fluid to energize the motor, are located on an upper surface of the knuckle's inboard portion. Fluid drain lines extend within the knuckle from the motor to the cavity and are utilized to drain fluid from the motor. The supply ports and drain lines are each connected to separate hoses formed in a small arc that follows closely the circular curvature of the kingpin. This arrangement of port, lines, and hoses is less expensive to produce, easier to package, more robust, allows for faster steering reaction, and is easier to assemble than conventional arrangements.

Abstract: The steerable conveyor includes a conveyor frame supported on a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels at laterally opposed first and second sides of the conveyor. The conveyor includes a hitch for connection to a towing vehicle such that the conveyor is pivotal relative to the towing vehicle about a vertical steering axis. A steering mechanism is arranged to pivot all of the steerable wheels relative to the conveyor frame about respective upright steering axes in a common direction of rotation such that the conveyor is arranged to be steered relative to the towing vehicle about the vertical steering axis by steering the conveyor wheels relative to the conveyor frame when the conveyor is towed by the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A two piece wheel hub assembly includes a hub cartridge assembly and a vehicle-mounted carrier. The cartridge assembly can be readily attached to and removed from the carrier without removal of the carrier from the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle comprises: a motor casing; at least one hydraulic motor disposed in the motor casing; at least one output shaft disposed in the motor casing so as to be driven by the at least one hydraulic motor; and a pair of steerable wheel support units attached onto respective opposite ends of the motor casing. Each of the steerable wheel support units includes an axle, a steerable casing, a wheel, and a steering arm. In each of the steerable wheel support units, the axle is drivingly connected to the at least one output shaft, the steerable casing is substantially horizontally rotatable relative to the motor casing, the wheel is attached on an outer end of the axle outside of the steerable casing, and the steering arm is rotatably integrally provided on the steerable casing.

Abstract: A personal vehicle comprises a frame with a seat, two large, non-drive wheels connected by an axle at one end of the frame, an elongated swing arm attached to the axle, a pair of caster wheels connected to the frame opposite the large, non-drive wheels and a main drive wheel mounted to a fork and connected to the swing arm. The main drive wheel is located central the vehicle frame, intermediate the frame sides and intermediate frame front and rear sections.

Abstract: A forklift truck (10) comprising a truck body, a fork mechanism at one end of the body, and at least one wheel (18) at an opposite end of the body, said at least one wheel (18) being mounted on the body for translational movement relative to the body between a working position and a storage position.

Abstract: A variable wheel positioning vehicle has a wheel position changing mechanism and a wheel position control device to change a wheel position of a wheel with respect to a center of gravity of a vehicle body. The wheel position changing mechanism is arranged to move a suspension device along a movement path with respect to the vehicle body and to hold the suspension device at any position along the movement path. The wheel position control device issues a movement command to the wheel position changing mechanism that changes a wheel positioning distance between a center rotation axis of one of the wheels and the center of gravity of the vehicle body as measured in a direction parallel to an acceleration direction of the center of gravity of the vehicle body based on a traveling condition the vehicle.