Abstract: A spark generating device that is supported by a tricycle is movable to a position in which the spark generating device contacts the riding surface. The spark generating device includes a handle actuation portion and a spark portion that creates sparks on the riding surface as a result of frictional contact with the riding surface. The spark generating device can also include a handle actuation portion which is accessible to the user and allows the user to move the spark generating device to the second position without having to manipulate the wheels or pedals of the tricycle.

Abstract: A wheel cover for a wheeled vehicle which can be placed onto an associated wheel and secured using the same securing mechanism used to secure wheels to the wheeled vehicle. The securing member can be, for example, a nut typically used to attach wheels to the wheeled vehicle. The wheel cover can have a circumferential wall portion to cover a rolling surface of the associated wheel and a sidewall portion to contact a side of the associate wheel. The circumferential wall portion can have multiple features, such as protrusions, to reduce or inhibit rotation of the associated wheel when the wheel cover is attached thereto.

Abstract: A system and method to perforin image acquisition of a subject is provided. The system includes a mobile device to move an imaging system across a floor, and a brake system that restrains movement of the mobile device. A controller includes a memory having program instructions to instruct a processor to perform the steps of: instructing movement of the mobile device in support of the imaging system to a first position for image acquisition of the subject; receiving feedback that the mobile device is located at the first position; and applying a brake force to restrain movement of the mobile device, wherein the step of applying the brake force includes generating an electromagnetic force from the mobile device in restraint of movement with respect to a plate attached at the floor.

Abstract: A wheel chock restraint system which comprises a wheel chock having a base, a plurality of teeth extending outwardly from the base, the teeth extending in a first direction, and a locking member mounted within the chock, the locking member having a plurality of locking member teeth extending from a bottom thereof, the locking member teeth extending in a second direction generally opposed to the first direction, and an arrangement for moving the locking member in a generally vertical direction.

Abstract: A wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the retracted position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its retracted position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its retracted position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, most of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock is transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway.

Abstract: A movable desk includes a cam, an elevation member, a brake portion, and a guide portion. The cam rotates in accordance with a rotation of the top panel. The elevation member, including one end swingably connected to the cam, is moved downward when the top panel is rotated to the in-use position, while being moved upward when the top panel is rotated to the storage position. The brake portion is swingably connected to the elevation member and contacts a floor surface when the top panel is in the in-use position thereby fixing at least one leg portion with respect to the floor surface. The guide portion abuts the brake portion thereby to bring the brake portion into contact with a predetermined position of the floor surface.

Abstract: A trailer stabilizing device for stabilizing a parked freight trailer comprising a frame having mounted thereto at least a right side wheel and a left side wheel, the frame also including a hitch, a fifth wheel, and at least one of a repositionable wheel chock and a repositionable hook, the trailer stabilizing device further including a repositioning device in order to reposition at least one of the repositionable wheel chock and the repositionable hook.

Abstract: A skateboard braking apparatus comprising a brake actuator having a lever extending above the skateboard and a contact portion extending below the skateboard. The brake actuator is pivotably connected to the rear end of the skateboard at a connection point on the brake actuator such that when a user applies a rearward force on a forward facing face of the lever portion of the brake actuator, the brake actuator pivots about the connection point so that the contact portion makes contact with a surface on which the skateboard travels.

Abstract: Provided is a rear wheel toe angle control system that can prevent the impairment of the tracking performance of the electric actuator and enable the rear wheel toe angle control system to ensure the stability of the vehicle even when the electric actuator for steering the rear wheel according to the operating condition of the vehicle is subjected to an axial force. An ECU (12) serving as a rear wheel toe angle control unit for variably controlling the rear wheel toe angle (?r) of the motor vehicle (V) by using an electric actuator (11) is provided with a duty ratio correcting unit (25) that corrects the target duty ratio (Dtgt) for achieving the target rear wheel toe angle (?rtgt) according to the load condition of the electric actuator (11) that depends on the lateral acceleration (Gy) of the motor vehicle (V).

Abstract: A braking device for a gliding board, such as a ski, that includes a plate adapted to be fixed on an upper surface of the gliding board; two braking arms movable between a gliding position and a braking position; and two flanges, each guiding a braking arm. Each flange is rotationally movable in relation to the plate about separate axes of rotation.

Abstract: An HV-ECU performs a program including the steps of: determining whether or not the HV-ECU is in an auto-P execution state; determining whether or not a predetermined time period Tb has elapsed since an auto-P was requested; and permitting determination of the shifting operation if the HV-ECU is in the auto-P execution state and if it is determined that the predetermined time period Tb has elapsed since the auto-P was requested.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a ground-engaging vehicle braking assembly for a vehicle. The assembly generally comprises: a base subassembly mounted to a portion of the vehicle; a common member comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the common member being rotatably attached to the base subassembly; a first linkage subassembly comprising the first portion of the common member; and a second linkage subassembly comprising the second portion of the common member and a pad member, the pad member being configured to engage a ground surface over which the portion of the vehicle is travelling. An associated method of operating the assembly is also provided, wherein multiple modes of operation are incorporated. A system is also described, wherein at least one processor is configured to move various linkage subassemblies of the assembly based upon one or more predetermined parameters related to mode of operation.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly includes a fixed body member, a rotatably mounted wheel and a braking assembly that is operated by a solenoid or motor powered by a support power supply. The wheel assembly acts as a power generator to recharge the support power supply, one of the body member and the wheel being provided with a stator and the other being provided with a plurality of permanent magnets which are of alternating polarity.

Abstract: The hand truck brake provides automatic braking for a hand truck as it negotiates a stairway or other uneven surface. The brake is adaptable to various types of hand trucks, including powered stair-climbing trucks. The brake includes two major assemblies. The first is a reciprocating plunger having a distal roller that travels along the surface. When the roller travels over the nose of a stairway tread, the plunger extends to actuate the brake. The second major assembly is a rotary cam rotated by the plunger as it extends. The cam has an extension and a brake shoe, the brake shoe engaging the underlying surface to stop the hand truck when the cam is rotated to its brake-engaging position. The assembly automatically retracts when the hand truck is oriented vertically. Additional controls are provided for the operator to extend or retract the brake mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle braking assembly for a wheel includes a braking member arranged to move relative to the main body of the wheel between an inoperative and an operative position, a resilient biasing member for urging the braking member into the inoperative position, and a latch for causing the braking member to move to the operative position, the latch being operable by coded message passed by a separate transmitter as electromagnetic radiation and the assembly is provided with an EMR sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retarding rotation of at least one wheel, the apparatus including at least one braking member, a latch member secured to the braking member and movable between a first position and a second position, and a latch actuating member arranged to determine the position in which the latch member is positioned. The braking member is movable into a braking position in which rotation of the at least one wheel is retarded when the latch member is in the second position.

Abstract: To reliably prevent re-lifting of a rear wheel immediately after landing of the rear wheel. When it is determined that output of a detection signal corresponding to detection of lifting of a rear wheel has ended (S102), brake pressure—and specifically a pressure increase gradient of a wheel cylinder pressure of a front wheel—is reduced, and the pressure increase gradient that has been reduced is maintained until it is determined that vehicle body deceleration has fallen below a predetermined value K1 (S108, S110), whereby re-lifting of the rear wheel caused by an increase in brake pressure at a high pressure increase gradient after landing of the rear wheel can be reliably prevented.

Abstract: A braking device removably attachable to a skateboard having a plurality of wheels, the device comprising a plurality of wheel engaging means, each for engaging a wheel of a skateboard, said device being operable to restrain the wheels against rotation relative to the skateboard.

Abstract: A load-carrying dolly having four wheels (6, 7) adjacent the corners of its platform (1) is rendered immobile by conversion to a pallet-like condition by lowering bearers (9, 10, 11) into contact with the floor or ground (24) and then raising the platform (1) slightly to raise the wheels (6, 7) clear of the floor or ground by means of either of two pedals (25, 32), one below each end of the platform (1), with linkage (of either of two forms, not shown) to bars (23) connecting in “slave” pairs of toggle links (20, 21) by means of which the bearers are suspended through beams (33) connecting upward extensions (12, 13, 14) at the ends of the bearers (9, 10, 11), the toggle links in each pair becoming locked by mating abutments (28) coming together when the links have passed slightly beyond in-line position, the mechanical advantage of the depressed pedal (25 or 32) being amplified by that of the pairs of toggle links when passing through in-line positions.

Abstract: A mechanic's creeper comprising a one-piece creeper frame; a first set of free-rolling wheels located proximal a first side of the creeper frame; a second set of free-rolling wheels located proximal a second side of the creeper frame; a first rotatable shaft attached to the first and second sides of the creeper frame and supporting at least one stopper thereon; a second rotatable shaft attached to the first and second sides of the creeper frame and spaced from the first shaft and supporting at least one stopper thereon, the shafts each rotatable between a stopper up condition and a stopper floor-engaging condition; a linking bar connecting the first and second shaft and providing the shafts with corresponding movement; and an actuating lever connected to an end of the first shaft and moving the shafts between the stopper up condition and stopper floor-engaging condition through a one-step process.

Abstract: A master braking system provides enhanced braking capabilities to various types of vehicles. The master braking system may utilize one or more braking pads that enlarge the contact surface between a vehicle and the road surface as compared to the vehicles tires. The master braking system may comprise an actuator powered by a power source and controlled by a control module. When deployed, a braking pad contacts the road surface to quickly slow or stop a vehicle. The braking pad may then be retracted to allow the vehicle to move freely once again.

Abstract: A stopper for preventing movement of a bag equipped with casters containing a base mounted on the bag bottom; a swingable member having one end portion rotatably connected to the base, and having the other end portion capable of being manipulated so as to swing the swingable member between a housing position where the other end portion is positioned close to the base and an engagement position for engaging the other end portion with the ground; a first link having one end portion rotatably connected to the swingable member, and having the other end portion rotatably and slidably connected to the base and slidable along the base bottom and a second link having one end portion rotatably connected to the other end portion of the first link, and constructed so as to be slidable with the other end portion of the first link along the base bottom.

Abstract: A braking device for a board for gliding, comprising a brake (24, 34, 44) that can occupy a first, braking position, in which it occupies a low position capable of entering into friction with the ground, and a second, non-braking position, in which it occupies a raised position, and comprising a means for controlling the position of the brake, wherein the means for controlling the position of the brake comprises a link means (22; 32; 42) adapted for a link with a strap of a boot binding on a board for gliding, such that the means for controlling the brake lead to the automatic positioning, in the non-braking position, of the brake upon closing and/or tightening of a strap on a boot.

Abstract: A moveable coin bin assembly for holding a plurality of coins is disclosed. The moveable coin bin includes a coin bin housing (121) for receiving coins, the coin bin housing being disposed on wheels (124, 126) for movement, a handle assembly (228) including an elongated handle (232, 234) having an upper end for gripping (230) and a lower end for coupling and de-coupling to the coin bin housing. The handle assembly (228) further includes a latching and retaining mechanism (240) for coupling to the coin bin housing in a motion along a floor, wherein said latching and retaining mechanism is releasable by a user to de-couple the handle assembly from the coin bin housing. The coin bin (122) includes a brake system that can be selectively applied by a detachable handle (228). The bin (122) can be used with a coin collecting machine (10) includes a motorized funnel system (63) for funneling coins to a plurality of coin collecting apertures (170, 172) in the bin for even distribution.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting products including a body having ground wheels (22, 122) and support structure (30, 130) for one or more crates or other containers holding products to be carried by the apparatus. At least one ground engageable member (40, 140) fixed to said support structure forms an assembly with the support structure that is mounted to the body for relative movement between a retracted position in which the apparatus is freely moveable on a ground surface by means of the ground wheels and a relatively downwardly extended position in which the ground engageable member engages an underlying ground surface at a predetermined location to stabilize the apparatus against movement from that location on the ground wheels.

Abstract: An embodiment of this invention is an apparatus for floor installation, repair, cleaning or ground proximity work. This apparatus is comprised of a curved base board with the curvature towards the ground covered by a protective cushion with massaging surface for comfort of knees, three or more independently lockable wheels, an adjustable angle and height seat covered by spring loaded matt and cushion for comfort and a brake system with handle for manual braking and exertion of force to the work surface. This apparatus also includes an adjustable length and angle truss covered with cushion for comfortable positioning of legs while working on the work surface.

Abstract: There is described a vehicle braking assembly for a wheel which comprises a braking member arranged to move relative to the main body of the wheel between an inoperative and an operative position, blocking means adapted to prevent the braking member from moving to an operative position wherein the trigger means is operable by coded message passed by a separate transmitter as electromagnetic radiation and the assembly is provided with an EMR sensor.

Abstract: A skateboard braking apparatus comprising a brake actuator having a lever extending above the skateboard and a contact portion extending below the skateboard. The brake actuator is pivotably connected to the rear end of the skateboard at a connection point on the brake actuator such that when a user applies a rearward force on a forward facing face of the lever portion of the brake actuator, the brake actuator pivots about the connection point so that the contact portion makes contact with a surface on which the skateboard travels.

Abstract: A brake mechanism is provided on one of four corners of a rectangular base of an operating table. Each brake mechanism has a cam fixed by a rotating shaft, an a hydraulic cylinder and a braking post. When braking, the hydraulic cylinder pushes the cam to rotate, and the cam abuts the braking post to press against the floor. Wheels on the base of the operating table depart upward a distance from the floor for braking. Detecting sheets are provided on the rotating shafts of two brake mechanisms which stand on the same sides. The detecting sheets match detectors to control action of the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A vehicle braking assembly for a wheel includes a braking member arranged to move relative to the main body of the wheel between an inoperative position, a blocking member for preventing the braking member from moving to an operative position, a trigger device operable by coded message passed by a separate transmitter as electromagnetic radiation, and an EMR sensor.

Abstract: A braking arrangement for a wheel of a shopping cart or the like includes a braking arm moveable about an axis from a free running position to a braking position when the wheel is lifted from the ground. The braking arrangement includes a damping assembly which initially resists movement of the braking arm towards the braking position.

Abstract: A braking member for rotatable mounting on a wheel axle of a hand-driven wheeled vehicle such as a shopping cart has a first part having an opening for mounting on a wheel axle, and a second part releasably secured to the first part and having a braking surface adapted to engage the ground when the braking member is in an operative position. When the braking member becomes worn, the entire member does not have to be removed from the wheel or caster, but instead the second part is released from the first part while the first part remains on the wheel. The second part can only be released using a special tool which is provided to store personnel.

Abstract: A new skating device having a handle which is held by a skater. Wheels, ice blades, or other means of conveyance are placed in front, behind and on both sides of the handle or extend to the front, behind and on both sides of the handle, thus holding the device upright as it conveys the skater across a skating surface. Two or more of the wheels or ice blades are directionally fixed, allowing only forwards or backwards movement. The device allows a skater to skate with hands down against a skating surface. Other skate devices such as inline skates can support the skater's lower body allowing the skater to skate in a prone or crab position. Optional brakes, fenders, hand guards, grind plates and padding for the handle can be added to facilitate the activity which the device will be used for.

Abstract: A brake assembly includes a base member configured for attachment to the leg of a bed, a brake mounted to the base member, and a visual indicator assembly mounted in relation to the base member. The brake is operable to be selectively applied to prevent movement of the bed and the visual indicator assembly provides a visual indicia of when the brake is one of applied and released.

Abstract: A land based recreation and utility vehicle lift and anti-theft device and system. The device includes an elongated support post including a ground-engaging fulcrum connected to, and laterally offset in one direction from, the lower end of the support post. A first pivotal connection of the support post is positioned laterally therefrom in the opposite direction from the fulcrum and adapted for pivotal connection to a drawbar or tubular member of the PRV. A locking bar is also pivotally connected at one end to the support post and preferably connectable at the other end to the drawbar or frame member at a point spaced from the first pivotal connection after the corresponding end of the vehicle is lifted from contact with the support surface by pivotal movement of the support post about the fulcrum whereby the lifted end of the vehicle is maintained in a lifted position for service and as a theft deterrent.

Abstract: This invention creates a novel way to stop a vehicle on an icy, snowy or wet surface when normal tire tractions can not do it, and it is adoptable to any vehicle with a hitch. The emergency brake system is a pivotable metal piece, which makes hard contact with the road surface when activated by a winch. The winch pulls up the leading end of the brake bar forcing the other end to make a hard surface contact to scrape the road. Brake rod is attachable to the hitch, height is adjustable for cars, trucks, SUV-s. Since the emergency brake is centered and it is in the rear of the vehicle, it keeps the vehicle straight and balanced as the speed is decreased on any slippery surface. Installation or removal is quick, needs only safety pin insertion into the hitch and quick electrical connection for heavy current.

Abstract: A braking member for rotatable mounting on a wheel axle of a hand-driven wheeled vehicle such as a shopping cart has a first part having an opening for mounting on a wheel axle, and a second part releasably secured to the first part and having a braking surface adapted to engage the ground when the braking member is in an operative position. When the braking member becomes worn, the entire member does not have to be removed from the wheel or caster, but instead the second part is released from the first part while the first part remains on the wheel. The second part can only be released using a special tool which is provided to store personnel.

Abstract: An anchorless wheel bumper block is used as a stop in a parking facility. The block includes a base with a bottom surface, a top with an upper surface, and a side extending around a perimeter of the block and between the bottom and upper surfaces. The bottom surface rests on a ground surface and the block is in contact with and unattached to the ground surface in an in-use position. The bottom surface is disposed in a first plane and has a length. The upper surface is disposed in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane. A distance between the bottom and upper surfaces defines a height of the block. The length is substantially greater than the height of the block. The block remains substantially in the in-use position when a wheeled unit contacts the block.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hydraulic systems for actuating a vehicle braking system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hydraulic system that uses the gravity-generated pressure in a load-bearing hydraulic cylinder to provide hydraulic pressure to a parking brake, emergency brakes, or service brake when properly modulated or other service. The present invention further relates to a system to reduce through dissipation or utilization the available gravity-generated hydraulic pressure so as to deploy a ground engaging drag-brake of a vehicle.

Abstract: The stopper for preventing movement of a bag equipped with casters according to the present invention contains: a base mounted on the bottom surface of the bag; a swingable member having one end portion rotatably connected to the base, and having the other end portion capable of being manipulated so as to swing the swingable member between a housing position where the other end portion is positioned close to the base and an engagement position for engaging the other end portion with the ground; a first link having one end portion rotatably connected to the swingable member, and having the other end portion rotatably and slidably connected to the base and slidable along the bottom surface of the base in response to the swinging movement of the swingable member; and a second link having one end portion rotatably connected to the other end portion of the first link, and constructed so as to be slidable with the other end portion of the first link along the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: A removable coin storage apparatus is used in a coin processing device, and includes a removable bin for storing and transporting coins. The removable bin has a stopped position and a moving position. The coin storage apparatus further includes a brake device that is pivotally coupled to the removable bin for preventing movement of the removable bin in the stopped position. The brake device has a manually moveable element that is movable between a first position and a second position, each one of the first position and the second position corresponding to one of the stopped position and the moving position of the removable bin. The brake device also has a contact surface for exerting a frictional force on a floor surface in the stopped position of the removable bin.

Abstract: A removable coin storage apparatus is used in a coin processing device, and includes a removable bin for storing and transporting coins. The removable bin has a stopped position and a moving position. The coin storage apparatus further includes a brake device that is pivotally coupled to the removable bin for preventing movement of the removable bin in the stopped position. The brake device has a manually moveable element that is movable between a first position and a second position, each one of the first position and the second position corresponding to one of the stopped position and the moving position of the removable bin. The brake device also has a contact surface for exerting a frictional force on a floor surface in the stopped position of the removable bin.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securely positioning a medical device that prevents movement of one end of the device by applying a single force. The apparatus allows a doctor to depress a pedal, which is connected to a pedal housing by way of a single shaft. Connected to the ends of the shaft are two separate linkage members. The first linkage member is attached to a ratcheting mechanism that steers the pedal into the locked position. The second linkage member is connected to a cam within the pedal housing that drives a spring-loaded plunger assembly. When the pedal is in the locked position the plunger assembly is in contact with the floor, thereby preventing movement of the device. To release the braking device, the doctor depresses the pedal slightly, which causes the ratcheting mechanism to allow the pedal, and therefore the plunger assembly, to return to their unlocked positions.

Abstract: An underbody crash device for a vehicle. The underbody crash device comprises a pillar member attached to the vehicle. The vehicle has a primary load path for absorbing crash energy in a collision. The pillar member is movable to a deployed position for supporting the vehicle directly on the ground and positioning the primary load path to increase crash energy absorbed therein.

Abstract: An anti-tilt device for impeding tilting or tipping of a hand-driven, wheeled vehicle has a rigid bracket for attachment to a selected wheel yoke or axle on an outer side of the wheel and a resilient brake shoe attached to a lower portion of the bracket and projecting downwardly from the bracket. The brake shoe has a lower surface for engaging the ground and providing a braking action if the vehicle is tilted or tipped. The brake shoe has a braking portion extending inwardly from the inner surface towards a wheel when the bracket is mounted on the wheel. The braking portion will engage the wheel and resist rotation of the wheel when the cart is tilted or tipped.

Abstract: A vehicle emergency brake system has a second brake for braking a vehicle by increasing the frictional resistance with the road surface, a millimeter wave radar for detecting any obstacle in an advancing direction, a pedal speed sensor for detecting the step-in speed of a brake pedal for actuating a first brake, and a controller for actuating the second brake. If hard braking by the first brake is detected by the pedal speed sensor, the controller determines whether the vehicle is going to crash into an obstacle detected by the radar. If a determination is made that it will collide, the second brake is actuated. Thus, it is possible to reliably actuate the second brake in an emergency.

Abstract: A roller system for moving a load a predetermined distance includes a chock frame having a pair of spaced chocks connected between a pair of rigid siderails and a freely moveable roller unit. The roller unit includes a plurality of rollers and is positioned between the siderails and freely moveable between the pair of spaced chocks. The load may then be moved in inchmeal fashion by slowly advancing the roller unit while shuffling the chock frame on the ground at a similar pace.

Abstract: An auxiliary braking device includes a plurality of arcuate housings provided with a plurality of respective sleeves. The housings have an open end portion disposed in front of the vehicle tires. A plurality of flexible chain pads are included that have a plurality of interlocked rings. The chain pads have a width greater than a width of the tires and are stored within the housing sleeves. The present invention further includes a plurality of elongated flexible arms having a plurality of first end portions secured to the chain pads and a plurality of second end portions. A mechanism is included for releasing the chain pads from the open end portions of the housings while the vehicle is in motion. The releasing mechanism is connected to the second end portions of the arms.

Abstract: A mechanic's platform brake assembly includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall with an upper edge defining an opening into the housing. A panel is attached to the upper edge. The bottom wall has an aperture extending therethrough. A block member positioned in the housing is biased toward the opening. An urging member is attached to the panel for selectively urging the block member toward the bottom wall. A leg has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the block member such that the leg extends outwardly through the aperture. A footpad is attached to the second end. A coupler is attached to the housing for removably attaching the housing to a frame of a platform. The block member may be urged toward the bottom wall such that the footpad abuts a ground surface.

Abstract: A tire chocking apparatus consisting of first and second tire chocks, a spreader jack interconnecting the first and second tire chocks; a handle fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the spreader jack, the handle extending upwardly from the spreader jack, the handle having an upper end; a reciprocatable member mounted moveably upon the handle's upper end; and a drive linkage interconnecting the reciprocatable member and the spreader jack.