Abstract: A motorcycle has a frame assembly having at least a head pipe on which a front fork is steerably supported, a pair of laterally spaced main pipes of rectangular cross section extending rearwardly from the head pipe, and a rear fork swingably coupled to the main pipes, a front wheel rotatably supported on the front fork, a rear wheel rotatably supported on the rear fork, an engine disposed between the front and rear wheels and supported on the frame assembly, a fairing extending rearwardly from a position in front of the head pipe in covering relation to part of the engine and the frame assembly, and a pair of laterally spaced side covers disposed adjacent to and behind the fairing. The fairing has an upper end fastened to the main pipes. The main pipes on rear portions thereof brackets with bolt holes therein. The rear edge of the fairing and the front edges of the side covers are fastened together to the brackets.

Abstract: A steering system for the front and rear wheels of an automotive vehicle comprises a front wheel steering mechanism having an output shaft, a rear wheel steering mechanism having an input shaft coupled to the output shaft, an output member for steering the rear wheels, and a motion converting mechanism for converting rotation of the input shaft to movement of the output member, a vehicle speed sensor, and a control unit connected to the vehicle speed sensor for controlling operation of the motion converting mechanism dependent on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor.

Abstract: A slow moving vehicle warning apparatus having a warning flag, a warning flag bracket for removably receiving the warning flag, and a warning flag storage tube for storing the warning flag when not in use. The bracket and tube are attached to the slow moving vehicle or trailer, to provide convenient and easy access of the flag by the operator for use or storage.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle having a steering wheel, steerable front wheels and steerable rear wheels. The system comprises a linkage arrangement operatively interconnecting the steering wheel with the front and rear wheels for steering the front and rear wheels in response to operation of the steering wheel. The linkage arrangement includes a mechanical linkage mechanically connected with the steering wheel so as to transmit steering effort. The mechanical linkage is provided with a restoring mechanism for exerting restoring force to said mechanical linkage so as to urge the steering wheel toward a neutral position thereof. Favorable returnability of the steering system is achieved in this arrangement.

Abstract: A V belt (1; 201) for power transmission to be stretched over a driving pulley (100) and a driven pulley to effect power transmission therebetween, the V belt comprising a looped metallic belt (2), a plurality of V-shaped metallic blocks (3; 203) fitted on the metallic belt in a continuous manner along the length of the metallic belt, and a plurality of stoppers (5; 75) each respectively applied to one of the V-shaped blocks to cooperate with a concave groove (3b; 203b) of the V-shaped block so as to surround the metallic belt. At least a part (5d; 75d) of a base portion (5a; 75a) of the stopper is curved in a radial direction of the V belt to permit a resilient uniform opening of both side portions (5b; 75b) thereof in lateral directions (Y).

Abstract: A motorcycle having a swing-arm front suspension mechanism includes front and rear wheels, an engine disposed between the front and rear wheels and having an engine block, a front wheel steering knuckle disposed on one side of the front wheel and by which an axle of the front wheel is rotatably supported, an upper swing arm having a front end pivotally coupled to the knuckle and a rear end pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the engine block, the upper swing arm extending between the knuckle and the engine block, a lower swing arm having a front end pivotally coupled to the knuckle and at least one rear end pivotally coupled to a lower portion of the engine block, the lower swing arm extending between the knuckle and the engine block, and a damper having an upper end pivotally coupled to the engine block intermediate between two positions where the rear ends of the upper and lower swing arms are pivotally coupled to the engine block, and a lower end pivotally coupled to a base of the lower swing arm.

Abstract: An independent rear suspension for use on a motor vehicle having a vehicle body includes a knuckle for supporting a wheel rotatably thereon, a trailing arm having one end rigidly coupled to the knuckle and the opposite end adapted to be pivotally mounted on the vehicle body for pivotal movement about a first pivot, a pair of spaced lower arms pivotally mounted on the knuckle, a knuckle arm extending substantially upwardly from the knuckle, and an upper arm having one end pivotally mounted on the knuckle arm by a ball-and-socket joint and the opposite end adapted to be pivotally mounted on the vehicle body for pivotal movement about a second pivot, the second pivot having a central axis, the extension of which passes substantially through the first pivot. The aforesaid one end of the upper arm has a third pivot about which it is pivotally movable, the third pivot having a central axis, the extension of which is substantially parallel to the extension of the central axis of the second pivot.

Abstract: A rear wheel damper attachment structure in a motorcycle includes a first cross pipe extending transversely between main pipes of a motorcycle frame upwardly and rearwardly of the motorcycle engine, first and second attachment brackets projecting on the first cross pipe, a second cross pipe supported between the main pipes at lower portions thereof, third and fourth attachment brackets projecting on the second cross pipe, and a link mechanism interconnecting the rear wheel damper and the third and fourth attachment brackets. The rear wheel damper has an upper end pivotally coupled to the first and second attachment brackets and a lower end pivotally coupled to the link mechanism, whereby the rear wheel damper is tilted forwardly and upwardly.

Abstract: A system for steering the front and rear wheels of an automotive vehicle includes a front wheel steering mechanism including an output pinion shaft, a rear wheel steering mechanism including an input shaft, and a shaft assembly mechanically interconnecting the output pinion shaft and the input shaft. The shaft assembly comprises a front cross joint coupled to the output pinion shaft, a rear cross joint coupled to the input shaft, and a linkage shaft connected between the front and rear cross joints. A phase adjusting assembly is disposed between one of the front and rear cross joints and the linkage shaft for allowing the output pinion shaft and the input shaft to rotate relatively to each other to secure them in a desired phase.

Abstract: An ornithopter which is propelled upwardly and forwardly by means of flapping wings, similar to the flight of a bird or bat. The power is supplied by a small engine that is mechanically-connected to a hydraulic pump which drives a single hydraulic cylinder and utilizes only the retraction stroke to power both wings simultaneously downwardly. The wings are brought back to the normal position by an elastic device, which in addition will not permit the wings to go beyond optimum positions. A double-acting hydralic cylinder is also provided to move the horizontal tail in an up and down motion. The operation of the wings can be automatic or manually-operated by the pilot. The rear legs and front support are constructed in such a manner that allows the ornithopter to rise and land vertically which permits takeoff and landing from most any type of terrain. The ornithopter can be assembled and disassembled quickly.

Abstract: A steering system in a motor vehicle having a frame includes a swing arm by which steerable wheels are swingably supported on the frame, a steering shaft extending substantially vertically in the frame and angularly movable about its own axis, a steering arm fixed to a lower end of the steering shaft, a connecting rod having one end pivotally coupled to the steering arm, a pivot arm swingable in unison with the swing arm and operatively coupled to an opposite end of the connecting rod, and a pair of tie rods having ends pivotally coupled to the pivot arm and opposite ends on which the steerable wheels are angularly movably supported. A point where the connecting rod is coupled to the steering arm is positioned in a space range which is swept by the swing arm when it is angularly moved about the shaft.

Abstract: A piston/crank connection mechanism for an internal combustion engine, including first and second pin members mounted on a piston and a crank of the engine, respectively, a connecting rod member having formed at opposite ends thereof first and second fitting holes in which the first and second pin members are fitted, respectively, and a self-lubricating, heat-resisting, wear-resisting and relatively hard film layer having a slippery surface thereon and interposed between an outer peripheral portion of the first pin member and an inner peripheral portion of the first fitting hole in the connecting rod. The structure eliminates any need for further consideration with respect to lubrication between the pin members and the connecting rod member, provides for reduction in size and weight of an engine, and is advantageous in controlling vibrations and noises.

Abstract: A chassis frame in a rider-controlled working vehicle comprises a front frame member having a substantially channel-shaped cross section opening downwardly, a central frame in the form of a tubular body having a substantially rectangular cross section, and a rear frame member having a substantially channel-shaped cross section opening upwardly, the front, central, and rear frame members having confronting ends joined in interfitting relation. A front wheel differential is housed in the front frame member, and an engine is supported on the front frame member by rubber mounts. A power output shaft operatively coupled to the engine is disposed in the front frame member and has a front end positioned within a front end of the front frame member so as not to project forwardly therefrom. A cover plate is detachably attached to the front frame member below the power output shaft.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a motorcycle including a relatively stable member and a swingable member swingably connected with the stable member and supporting thereon a road wheel. The wheel suspension system comprises at least one torsion bar arranged on the stable member, a force transmission route adapted to transmit forces acting thereon, the force transmission route being connected with the swingable member and the torsion bar, and a lever type damper having an operation shaft adapted to provide damping forces when rotated, the operation shaft being engaged with the force transmission route.The system is substantially free from restrictions with respect to configuration and damping force producing direction.

Abstract: A motor-driven power steering device includes an electric motor for generating assistive torque which is applied through a ball screw mechanism to a steering gear mechanism to reduce manual steering forces applied by the driver to steer a motor vehicle. The motor-driven power steering device comprises a rack-and-pinion steering gear mechanism for converting the rotation of a pinion shaft to axial movement of a rack shaft, an electric motor for generating assistive torque to be applied to the rack-and-pinion steering gear mechanism, and a ball screw mechanism for converting the assistive torque from the motor to the axial movement of the rack shaft.

Abstract: A power transmission V belt for being trained around driver and driven pulleys for transmitting power therebetween includes a loop-shaped metallic belt and a plurality of metallic V blocks mounted on the metallic belt successively in the longitudinal direction thereof. A a self-lubricating, heat-resistant, wear-resistant hard layer is coated on at least one of a radially inward surface and opposite side surfaces of the metallic belt, and radially outward surface and opposite side surfaces of the V blocks. The loop-shaped metallic belt comprises a stack of metallic members, and the self-lubricating, heat-resistant, wear-resistant hard layer is coated on at least one of confronting surfaces of superimposed ones of the metallic members.

Abstract: A sliding roof device (100) comprises a panel transfer mechanism (11, 12, 13b, 31, 33, 34, 7, 21) for moving a sliding roof panel (2), which is adapted to open and close a roof opening (3a) of a vehicle's roof (1), between a closed position thereof and an open position thereof, a panel tilt-up mechanism (11, 12, 13a, 32, 33, 34, 7, 21) for moving the roof panel (2) between the closed position and a tilt-up position thereof, a sunshade (40) disposed under the roof panel (2) and adapted to also open and close the roof opening (3a), a reversible electric motor (51) for actuating the panel transfer mechanism and the panel tilt-up mechanism, and an operation switch mechanism (58a, 58b; 58a, 58c; 57) for actuating the electric motor (51) to thereby have the roof panel (2) moved between the closed position and the open position as well as between the closed position and the tilt-up position.

Abstract: A front wheel supporting member comprises a steering handle, a member supporting a single front wheel, an arm which supports the front wheel supporting member on a motor vehicle body, and a link assembly by which the steering handle and the front wheel supporting member are angularly movable coupled to each other. The link assembly includes a first universal joint operatively coupled to the steering handle and a second universal joint operatively coupled to the front wheel supporting member. The second universal joint has a center on the axis of angular movement of the front wheel supporting member.

Abstract: A vehicle with a four-wheel steering device includes a vehicle frame, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a steering link mechanism for simultaneously steering the front wheels and the rear wheels. The steering link mechanism is mounted on the vehicle frame. A first propeller shaft extends from an engine disposed between the front wheels to a gear transmission disposed between the rear wheels. A second propeller shaft extends from the gear transmission to a differential disposed between the front wheels in substantially parallel relation to the first propeller shaft, the second propeller shaft being vertically spaced from the first propeller shaft. The steering link mechanism is disposed between the vertically spaced first and second propeller shafts. The steering link mechanism includes front tie rods disposed behind the engine and operatively coupled to the front wheels and rear tie rods disposed one on each side of the gear transmission and operatively coupled to the rear wheels.