Abstract: A method for controlling a walking assistant apparatus includes: scanning a user so as to generate information associated with gait of the user; detecting a torque applied to a torque sensor; estimating a speed of the user based on the information; calculating a compliant motion speed, and a compliant rotational speed; and controlling the motion unit to move at the compliant motion speed and to turn at the compliant rotational speed. This disclosure provides an autonomous obstacle avoidance mechanism; by combining the obstacle avoidance mechanism and the compliance controls, the walking-assistance apparatus is able to help user prevent from collisions with obstacles when walking in an environment with obstacles.

Abstract: An acceleration and braking mechanism kit autonomously controls a vehicle brake pedal and a vehicle accelerator pedal. The kit includes a support bracket and bell crank supported on the support bracket for connection with an acceleration pedal or a brake pedal of the vehicle. An actuator is connected to the bell crank for moving the bell crank. A first base bracket is configured to mount to a first vehicle. A second base bracket is configured to mount to a second vehicle. The first base bracket and the second base bracket each include a mounting feature. The support bracket includes a mounting base alternately engageable with the mounting feature of the first base bracket and the mounting feature of the second base bracket such that the support bracket may be mounted to the first base bracket in the first vehicle or to the second base bracket in the second vehicle.

Abstract: A portable hand converter for enabling foot-free operation of a conventional motor vehicle. An upper assembly includes a support plate enabling attachment to the steering column of a motor vehicle and a pivotally attached handle. Two adjustable action arms, pivotally connected to the handle, each include a threaded rod slideable within a hollow tube and an adjustable lock nut for adjusting the length of the action arm. A lower end of each action arm is pivotally connected to a pedal clamp assembly. The pedal clamp assemblies enable connection of the lower end of each action arm to one of the foot-operated pedals of a motor vehicle. Attaching the support plate to the steering column and the pedal clamp assemblies to the brake pedal and gas pedal respectively, and adjusting the length of the adjustable action arms enables total control of the motor vehicle by the operator's hands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined steering and brake control system for vehicles and, in particular, to a mechanically combined steering and brake control system for use in safely controlling a vehicle configured for drivers with limited body movement, such as drivers having use of only one or no limbs. The invention further relates to a steering control system including a variable radius crank which enables the driver to select an appropriate crank radius. The invention further relates to a vehicle incorporating one or a combination of the control systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between driveline braking and wheel brakes is provided.

Abstract: A drive unit includes an engine and a transmission having a variable transmission ratio. An instantaneous setpoint power output quantity of the drive unit is determined from an intended power output. The setpoint power output quantity is a function of the instantaneous transmission ratio of the transmission at least for a given intended power output.

Abstract: A brake-pedal operating rod mechanism and an accelerator-pedal operating link mechanism. The operating rod mechanism includes one end with a grip and another end with first, second and third brake rods laterally pivotally connected to a frame connected to a brake pedal bracket. The accelerator-pedal operating link mechanism includes a connecting rod longitudinally movably received in the brake rods of the brake-pedal operating rod mechanism, an accelerator-pedal operating lever pivoted by the connecting rod and extending toward an accelerator pedal, an accelerator-pedal operating link connected to an end of the operating lever away from the connecting rod and having a tip end with an accelerator pedal bracket, and a support link pivoted to the frame and to a laterally intermediate portion of the operating lever such that the link can be swung in directions in parallel with those of the operating rod mechanism.

Abstract: A steering column mount or instrument panel mount push-pull style hand control apparatus for controlling a vehicle by hands only of a special driver. A operation lever is cross-car (left-right) oriented and pivotally mount at its mid-section through a pivot bracket to said steering column or to said instrument panel. A brake lever and a accelerator at both of their near ends are pivoted to said bracket and both under said operation lever, with one oriented to the left and another to the right. Therefore, when the free end of said operation lever is pressed down, it will push down said far end of brake lever and an OEM brake arm through a brake rod. Similarly, when the free end operation lever is lifted up, it will push down an OEM accelerator arm through an accelerator rod.

Abstract: A vehicle acceleration control and release device operatively connectable to a vehicle acceleration device, includes a device body; a lever operatively connected to the device body and pivotable about a first axis for controlling vehicle acceleration and pivotable about a second axis for releasing acceleration control, the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis.

Abstract: A magnetic speed controlling twist grip assembly includes a linear IC, first and second magnets, a stationary member; and a rotary handle turnably connected to the stationary member at an inward end. The linear IC is disposed in the stationary member. The first and second magnets are disposed at the inward end of the handle such that different magnetic poles thereof face respective ones of opposite sides of the linear IC. The magnetic field around the linear IC is changed when position of the magnets relative to the linear IC is adjusted with the user's hand turning the rotary handle, and in turn, electric currents passing through the linear IC is changed. A control device, to which the linear IC is electrically connected, will control electric power supplied from a storage battery to a motor accordingly, thus controlling speed of the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (HC) for operating one or more foot pedal control devices (26; 26) in a vehicle. According to the invention, the control device (HC) comprises means (11, 20, 22; 11, 21 23) for transmitting the movement and force, exerted by the driver by his/her own muscular strength on the actuator (13) of the control device (HC), hydrostatically to the foot pedal control device/devices (26; 27) of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator (13) is arranged to act on the brake pedal (16) by means of an independent hydraulic circuit (18, 20, 22) when the driver moves/turns said actuator (13) in a first direction (B), and the actuator (13) is arranged to act on a second independent hydraulic circuit (19, 21, 23) when the driver turns/moves the actuator (13) in the opposite direction (C).

Abstract: A portable hand control system for operating an accelerator and brake pedal of a vehicle by hand. The portable hand control system includes an accelerator control rod releaseably couplable to the accelerator pedal of the vehicle and a brake control rod releaseably couplable to the brake pedal of the vehicle. A thumb control is mounted on the accelerator control rod for selectively receiving a thumb of a user controlling the accelerator control rod. A handle is mounted the brake control rod selectively receiving a hand of a user controlling the brake control rod. A coupling member is mounted on the brake control rod for operationally coupling the accelerator control rod to the brake control rod. A quick release coupling system is provided for coupling the accelerator control rod to the accelerator pedal of the vehicle and for coupling the brake control rod to the brake pedal of the vehicle.

Abstract: A combination turning handle for controlling operation of a fuel mixture feeding element and braking elements for the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle or other vehicle comprises a torque sensor which measures a positive or negative torque exerted by the driver on the turning handle for increasing or for decreasing the speed. Two servo units respond to the measured value of the torque sensor, actuate the fuel mixture feeding element or the two braking elements, and a speed sensor measures the momentary speed of the motorcycle. A servo motor rotates the turning handle by an angle corresponding to the measured value of the speed sensor.

Abstract: A speed-control device for attachment to the floorboard of a motor vehicle is disclosed which allows for the hand-operation of the acceleration and braking systems of the motor-vehicle, thereby assisting in making the motor vehicle more easily and readily operable by individuals having injured or disabled feet or legs. The device comprises a mounting bracket that supports a hand-operated lever and separate acceleration and brake levers, the latter two levers being attached to separate acceleration control and brake control cables, respectively, which in turn are attached to acceleration and brake assemblies, respectively.

Abstract: A hand-controlled accelerator for automobiles including an inner tubular member formed with a spiral projection on an outer surface thereof and an enlarged base at a lower end thereof, an accelerating cable having an upper end fastened in the base, a brake cable having an upper end fastened in the base, an intermediate tubular member in which is fitted the inner tubular member, a handle having a tubular neck at a lower portion thereof, an outer tubular member in which is fitted the intermediate tubular, and an annular ring-like member having two opposite threaded holes in each of which is arranged a steel ball, a spring having an end bearing against the steel ball, and a screw bearing against another end of the spring, whereby the hand-controlled accelerator for automobiles can prevent the driver from mistakenly depressing the accelerator pedal when desired to apply brake.

Abstract: Apparatus for adapting vehicle accelerator and brake pedals to manual operation, comprising two elongate control members 10,20 each secured to the pedals by a clamp 11,21 comprising a body portion 41 having a first bent over portion 51 positioned around a first edge of a vehicle pedal; a bracket portion 42 having a second bent over portion 52 positioned around a second edge of a vehicle pedal, the bracket portion 42 operatively slidably displaceable with respect to said body portion 41; retainer 44 for retaining the bracket portion 42 at a fixed position in relation to the body portion 41; and locking adjuster 27 including a locking plate 46 urged against a surface of a vehicle pedal.

Abstract: A vehicle hand control assembly which, when installed on a motor vehicle, allows the user to control the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal with his hands. Two telescoping members are pivotally attached to a plate which is then secured to the individual pedal with a strap. The strap loops around the pedal and is then attached to the telescoping member with a hook and loop fastener in order to secure the strap, thereby allowing the user to easily install the device without reaching to the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for the operation of the pedals of a motor vehicle including a first telescoping member, a second telescoping member, a brake handle in threaded connection to an end of the first telescoping member and having an opening allowing the second telescoping member to extend therethrough, a first pedal mount pivotally connected to an end of the first telescoping member opposite the brake handle, and a second pedal mount pivotally connected to an end of the second telescoping member opposite the brake handle. The brake handle extends outwardly transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first telescoping member. The second telescoping member has one end extending through the opening of the brake handle. The second telescoping member extends downwardly in generally parallel relationship to the first telescoping member. Each of the first and second telescoping members includes four interconnected sections in telescoping relationship.