Abstract: A robotic vehicle for traversing surfaces is provided. The vehicle is comprised of a front chassis section including a magnetic drive wheel for driving and steering the vehicle and a front support point configured to contact the surface. The vehicle also includes a rear chassis section supporting a follower wheel. The front and rear chassis sections are connected by joints including a hinge joint and a four-bar linkage. The hinge is configured to allow the trailing assembly to move side-to-side while the four-bar linkage allows the trailing assembly to move up and down relative to the front chassis. Collectively, the rear facing mechanism is configured to maintain the follower wheel in contact with and normal to the surface and also maintains the front support in contact with the surface and provides stability and maneuverability to the vehicle while traversing surfaces regardless of surface curvature and vehicle orientation.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle for traversing surfaces is provided. The vehicle is comprised of a front chassis section including a magnetic drive wheel for driving and steering the vehicle and a front support point configured to contact the surface. The vehicle also includes a rear chassis section supporting a follower wheel. The front and rear chassis sections are connected by joints including a hinge joint and a four-bar linkage. The hinge is configured to allow the trailing assembly to move side-to-side while the four-bar linkage allows the trailing assembly to move up and down relative to the front chassis. Collectively, the rear facing mechanism is configured to maintain the follower wheel in contact with and normal to the surface and also maintains the front support in contact with the surface and provides stability and maneuverability to the vehicle while traversing surfaces regardless of surface curvature and vehicle orientation.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system that includes a depth adjustment system that couples to a row unit and adjusts a depth of an opener relative to a soil surface. The depth adjustment system includes a cam that rotates about an axis. A cam follower contacts the cam and adjusts a position of a packer wheel to adjust the depth of the opener.

Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a depth adjustment assembly having a cam member and a depth adjustment gear rotatably coupled to the cam member. The cam member may be configured to be rotated to adjust a vertical position of a wheel of the unit relative to a ground engaging tool of the unit. The seed planting unit may also include an actuating member configured to rotationally drive the depth adjustment gear. The depth adjustment gear and the actuating member include interlocking engagement elements, such that when the actuating member is rotated, the cam member is rotated relative to the support structure to vary the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: A method for variation of steering sensation in a steering arrangement of a vehicle, e.g. a truck, which steering arrangement comprises a steering column (115) via which rotary motion is transmitted between an operating device (100), e.g. a steering wheel (100), and a servo device (9120) of the steering arrangement. The method includes the steps of—varying the rotational resistance of the steering column (115) as regards the rotary motion and/or—varying the moment of inertia of the steering column (115) as regards the rotary motion and—activating the variation manually via an operator, e.g., the driver of the vehicle, and/or automatically. The invention relates also to a device for variation of steering sensation, a computer program for that purpose, a computer and a vehicle with this program.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining a toothed rack force on a steering device in a vehicle, wherein the toothed rack force (forZS) is determined as a function of a plurality of models, and wherein a component (forESM) of the toothed rack force (forZS) which relates to a driving process is generated by means of a first model, and a component of the toothed rack force (forZS) which relates to a parking process is generated by means of a second model.

Abstract: An electric power steering system for a vehicle includes a steering mechanism coupling a steering wheel to a steerable element. A first actuator is in communication with a controller and operatively connected to the steering mechanism for assisting movement of the steerable element in response to a first signal from the controller. The system also includes a second actuator in communication with the controller, separate from the first actuator, and operatively connected to the steering mechanism between the first actuator and the steering wheel for superimposing torque in response to a second signal from the controller.

Abstract: A steering assist system for a vehicle includes a turning device, a steering device, a steering sensor and an autopilot device. The steering device is operable to apply a first turning force to the turning device. The steering sensor detects a steering state of the steering device during which the steering device applies the first turning force. The autopilot device automatically navigates the vehicle to a desired heading of the vehicle. The autopilot device includes an actuator and a steering assist control section. The actuator is operable to apply a second turning force to the turning device. The steering assist control section controls the actuator to apply the second turning force to turn the turning device in the same direction that the first turning force is turning the turning device when the steering sensor detects the steering state of the steering device.

Abstract: An apparatus that visually inspects a state of sludge and foreign substances found between steam generator bundles positioned at an upper portion of a tube sheet of a steam generator of a nuclear power plant using a visual inspector mounted in a robot moving on an inner wall surface of the steam generator for removing the foreign substances.

Abstract: A variable transmission ratio mechanism comprises: an input member capable of rotating around a first axis; and an intermediate member that allows the differential rotation of the output member. The intermediate member is capable of rotating around a second axis that is slanted relative to the first axis. On first and second power transmission surfaces of the intermediate member, corresponding first and second engaging sections are respectively arranged according to corresponding first and second arrangement pitch circles centered on the second axis. On corresponding first and second engagement circles centered on the first axis, the first and second engaging sections are respectively engageable with corresponding first and second engageable sections. The diameter of the first arrangement pitch circle differs from the diameter of the second arrangement pitch circle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a computer program product embodied on a computer readable storage medium. The computer program product is encoded with instructions configured to control a controller to perform a process. The process includes setting a target steering angle for the vehicle based on a steering amount of the vehicle, setting a target torque difference between right and left steered wheels based on the target steering angle, and setting a target driving/braking force for the vehicle based on an acceleration amount and a braking amount of the vehicle. The process also includes setting each target torque for the right and left steered wheels based on the target torque difference and the target driving/braking force and controlling driving of the steered-wheel motors based on the target torque. The kingpin point is positioned closer to the vehicle on an inside portion of an inside sidewall of a steered wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering control apparatus that controls steering of a vehicle of a steer-by-wire type, and includes steered-wheel motors that apply separate torques to right and left steered wheels respectively, a rod member that couples the right and left steered wheels so that the steered wheels can be steered, and a steering controller that controls driving of the steered-wheel motors. In each steered wheel, a center of the contact face thereof and a kingpin point thereof are offset in a lateral direction of the vehicle, and the steering controller controls driving of the steered-wheel motors so as to generate a torque difference between the right and left steered wheels, and provides a steering effort in accordance with this torque difference for each of the right and left steered wheels via the rod member, thereby to steer the vehicle.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is for a mechanism including a housing and a rotatable shaft disposed within the housing. The bearing assembly includes a sleeve disposable within the housing and having an inner circumferential surface defining a bore and a radial surface extending radially inwardly from the inner surface. A bearing is disposed within the bore and includes inner and outer races and rolling elements disposed between the races, the inner race being coupleable with the shaft such that the shaft and the inner race rotate as a single unit. Further, a biasing member biases the outer race generally against the sleeve radial surface or a housing radial surface to prevent axial displacement of the outer race during shaft rotation. Preferably, a retainer couples the biasing member with the outer race to retain the bearing and the biasing member within the bore when the assembly is separate from the housing.

Abstract: A method for variation of steering sensation in a steering arrangement of a vehicle, e.g. a truck, which steering arrangement comprises a steering column (115) via which rotary motion is transmitted between an operating device (100), e.g. a steering wheel (100), and a servo device (9120) of the steering arrangement. The method includes the steps of—varying the rotational resistance of the steering column (115) as regards the rotary motion and/or—varying the moment of inertia of the steering column (115) as regards the rotary motion and—activating the variation manually via an operator, e.g., the driver of the vehicle, and/or automatically. The invention relates also to a device for variation of steering sensation, a computer program for that purpose, a computer and a vehicle with this program.

Abstract: A power steering device is mounted on a vehicle and includes a variable transmission ratio mechanism, a torque applying unit, and an applied friction torque changing unit. The torque applying unit sets an applied friction torque applied to the steering wheel and performs a control of applying the applied friction torque to the steering wheel. The applied friction torque changing unit changes the applied friction torque based on the transmission ratio of the variable transmission ratio mechanism.

Abstract: Steering mechanism that increases adjustability. The steering mechanism can have different gear ratios between the input rotation from the user and the output rotation on the drive wheel. The steering device will allow users to employ a pushing or pulling motion for steering instead of pushing to turn in one direction and pulling to turn in the opposite direction. Users with weaker torso strength may not be able to maintain their balance when they pull on a steering tiller. Allowing users to choose the type of motion for steering, and to supplement one motion with the other, creating flexibility and support for users with various abilities. Lastly, the steering system should not impede a user transferring into and out of the personal vehicle.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle is disclosed. The steering system includes variable gear ratio steering apparatus, a first ECU for controlling the apparatus, an electric power steering apparatus, a second ECU for controlling the apparatus, The steering system further includes a steering wheel angle sensor and a steering wheel angle ECU, which are integrated. The steering wheel angle sensor detects a steering wheel angle of a steering wheel. The ECU calculates an estimation value of the steering wheel angle of the steering wheel and compare between the estimation value and the detected value of the steering wheel angle. Thereby, the ECU performs a process of determining detection accuracy of the steering wheel angle sensor.

Abstract: A steering system comprises a steering wheel adapted to receive a driver's rotational input. Left and right wheel units are rotatable along a steering angle for adjusting a direction of the vehicle during the driving movement. A steering mechanism converts the rotational input to a variation of the steering angle of the wheel units. The steering mechanism comprises a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel, and gear steering units for each said wheel unit. The gear steering units are connected to the steering shaft for mechanically converting the rotational input to steering outputs for both said wheel units to concurrently vary the steering angle of said wheel units. Independent steering units for each wheel unit each adjusting the steering angle of a respective one of the wheel units independently from the rotational input and from the other wheel unit.

Abstract: A cam follower (70) includes an oval rotational body (72) which is rotationally supported on a fixed pin (71), and in which an outer circumferential shape thereof is an oval, a long axis of the oval is longer than a width of the cam groove (64), and a short axis of the oval is shorter than the width of the cam groove (64), the oval rotational body (72) being biased and being rotated by a biasing spring (77) in one direction about the fixed pin (71). As a consequence, when a steering wheel (39) is in a neutral position, the outer circumferential surface of the cam follower (70) comes into contact with both side surfaces (64S) of the cam groove (64) in the width direction of the cam groove (64) and gaps therebetween can be eliminated. As a result, neutral stability of the steering wheel and steering feeling during straightforward traveling are improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle steering system comprising a differential drive, said differential drive having a carrier structure (12, 33), a drive shaft (3) with a shaft end (3a) facing the differential drive, an output unit (2) with a shaft end (2a) facing the differential drive, and an auxiliary drive comprising a stator (4) and a rotor (6). The aim of the invention is to simplify the structure of one such differential drive as much as possible.

Abstract: A planet gear mechanism 19 interposed between a steering 2 and steerable wheels 4L and 4R is interposed. A torque controlling motor 25 for controlling a torque acting on the steering 2 and a transmission-rate varying motor 20 for driving the planet gear mechanism 19 are arranged coaxially (on an axial A) with the planet gear mechanism 19. This eliminates the need for arranging each motor 20 and 25 on the both ends of the axis A to face each other, and also reduces a space occupied by the motors 20 and 25 with respect to a radial direction of the axis A. As a result, reduction in the size of an apparatus can be achieved.

Abstract: Present invention of vehicle's steering wheel rotation angle sensing device comprises, rotor rotating connected with steering shaft transmitting manipulation power to vehicle's wheel; main gear rotating connected with said rotor; first rotation gear and second rotation gear rotating with said main gear; first magnetic body and second magnetic body rotated in same rotation ratio with first rotation gear and second rotation gear connected with them individually, formed in hexahedral shape in which upper surface is larger than opposite bottom surface; first sensor and second sensor sensing phase change caused by rotation of said first magnetic body and second magnetic body; PCB substrate comprising said first sensor and second sensor and various terminals and pins; housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission mechanism (20) of a progressive gear (1), especially a steering gear for a vehicle, comprising a seating for each of an input shaft (10) and an output shaft (30). The transmission mechanism (20) according to the invention consists of a movable coupler (21) which is in articulated connection with the input shaft (10) and the output shaft (30) so that transmission from the input shaft (10) to the output shaft (30) with a progressive characteristic is achieved in the range ?180° to +180°. The advantage of such a gear (1) lies in the simple and therefore economical production of the apparatus and in its low space requirement. The absence of play in the mechanism and the direct transmission of forces by virtue of the individual components having suitable angles with respect to one another are further advantages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assisting the driver of a vehicle (10) when performing a driving maneuver, such as a parking or shunting maneuver. In this case, a reference trajectory (16) is determined, along which the vehicle (10) is to be moved. A steering wheel position to be set and controlling the vehicle along the reference trajectory (16) is indicated to the driver during the driving maneuver. The vehicle longitudinal speed is influenced independently of the driver in the event of a steering angle deviation between the actual steering angle actually set by the driver and the desired steering angle corresponding to the requested steering wheel position. As a result, the driver can be given a greater reaction time in order to set the indicated steering wheel position.

Abstract: A belt driven power steering system for use in a vehicle to eliminate energy waste.

Abstract: A belt driven power steering system for use in a vehicle to eliminate energy waste.

Abstract: A steering system is provided for a vehicle including a frame. Upper and lower control arms have first end portions that are pivotally supported on the frame at first spaced apart connections. The control arms also each include second end portions that are pivotally connected to an intermediate support member at second spaced apart connections. A steer knuckle is pivotally supported by the intermediate support member at third spaced apart connections that define a king pin axis. A drive motor is mounted on the intermediate support member and is coupled to the steering knuckle to rotate the steering knuckle about the king pin axis relative to the intermediate support member. A gear set may also be used in conjunction with the drive motor and steering knuckle. The intermediate support member is constrained against forward and aft movement, but is permitted to move upward and downward with the control arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear ratio variable type steering device which includes a variable gear mechanism between a steering wheel and a gear box for varying a gear ratio based on the speed of a vehicle. The variable gear mechanism includes an input shaft for receiving a rotational force of the steering wheel, an output shaft for transferring a rotational force to the gear box, a variable pulley installed in the outer portions of the input shaft and the output shaft and moved in the axial direction, a belt for connecting the variable pulley, and a motor for varying a gear ratio by moving the variable pulley in the axial direction.

Abstract: A work transfer lock system and method includes a first work device, a second work device, a first platform, and a second platform. The system includes a locking device which locks the first platform relative to the second platform. The locking device further includes work transferring mechanisms which transfer work from the first work device to the second work device when the first platform is locked relative to the second platform.

Abstract: In a variable gear ratio steering device comprising a rack and pinion gear mechanism, the rack of the rack and pinion gear mechanism is provided with tooth pitch distribution for producing a variable rack gain property in relation to a steering input which includes, in each rotational sense, a low fixed rack gain region near a neutral position, a high fixed rack gain region in a large steering input region, and a progressively increasing rack gain region connected to the low fixed rack gain region via a first point of inflection and to the high fixed rack gain region via a second point of inflection.

Abstract: An electric control system for controlling a travel characteristic of an automotive vehicle, wherein a driving condition, movement conditions and a travel course of the vehicle are detected and a number of parameters indicative of a resultant of learning based on a teacher data are memorized, and wherein a neural network is adapted to estimate a characteristic index indicative of a driving characteristic of the driver on a basis of the memorized parameters and the detected driving condition and travel course of the vehicle. In the control system, a control signal for control of the travel characteristic of the vehicle is produced in accordance with the detected movement conditions of the vehicle and corrected in accordance with the estimated characteristic index.

Abstract: A rack steering system for motor vehicles has inner track rod joints which are offset transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rack. The inner track rod joints are arranged on separate deflection levers which are, in turn, drive-connected to a central tap-off connection of the rack by connecting struts.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system having a rack and pinion housing, a steering shaft assembly, a driven rack assembly, and an idler lever. The housing has a unitary idler lever mount. The steering shaft assembly has a pinion gear located in the housing. The driven rack assembly is operably connected to the pinion gear and extends out of the housing. The idler lever is pivotally mounted to the housing at the idler lever mount. The driven rack assembly is attached to the idler lever.