Abstract: A driving flipper with a robotic arm and a method for protecting the robotic arm. A robotic platform having a main frame and at least one obstacle climbing flipper with a robotic arm. The robotic arm has a folded mode substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the obstacle climbing flipper. The robotic arm has an operational mode protruding away from the longitudinal axis in an angle of at least 45 degrees.

Abstract: A game cart bicycle attachment device is provided that is configured to secure the handle end of a wheeled game cart to the seat post of a bicycle. The device comprises an elongated and angled member that attaches at a first end to the bicycle seat post and at a second end to a game cart. The second end comprises a T-shaped connection, whereby a lateral attachment bar attaches to opposing sides of the game cart and the angled member connects at a third location. The angled member includes a telescoping structure to offset the game cart, while furthermore the lateral attachment bar is telescopically adjustable to accommodate different game cart sizes. The ends of the lateral attachment bar include U-shaped clevises, while a third clevis is adjustably disposed along the angled member. The device therefore attaches to the game cart at three distinct locations along its U-shaped handle.

Abstract: A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.

Abstract: Vibration generators are provided on a vehicle to give vibration to the body of an occupant in response to outside information inputted from the outside of the vehicle, or vehicle information outputted from an in-vehicle system. The vibration generators are installed under the seating faces or inside the back of the occupant seats, or in the side wall surface of a fuel tank. The vibration generators are driven by information on predetermined contents among outside information obtained by two-way radio communication with another vehicle using radio communication equipment. The vibration generator provided in the occupant seats can be operated as speaker means producing deep bass sound in response to an audio signal of an in-vehicle audio unit. The resulting configuration enables information to be transmitted to the occupant of the vehicle by vibration given to his/her body, rather than being transmitted audibly or visually.

Abstract: A drainage device of an electric power steering system has a drain case and a drain valve. The drain case has a groove portion formed in a peripheral edge portion of a case inlet. The drain valve has a main body, and a flange disposed so as to face the case inlet. The flange has a bulged portion bulged toward the case inlet, and an annular seal portion. When the seal portion is brought into tight contact with the peripheral edge portion of the case inlet, the drainage device is placed in a valve closed state to form an annular space between the groove portion and the seal portion. When the seal portion is elastically deformed to form a gap between the seal portion and the peripheral edge portion of the case inlet, the drainage device is placed in a valve open state.

Abstract: A knee walker includes a steering column rotatably attached to a forward portion of a frame, wherein the steering column includes a steering pulley rotatable about a vertically disposed axis of rotation. Two wheel assemblies are rotatably carried by the frame and have a pulley for rotating each assembly about a vertical axis. The axis of rotation of each wheel assembly is offset aft the steering column axis. A belt links rotation of the steering column to rotation of the wheel assemblies and in combination with the offset causes the belt to extend around at least half a circumference of each pulley for enhancing frictional contact. A shield guards each pulley. Mating alignment disks for aligning each assembly are provided to permit wheel alignment without affecting the belt tension. A third wheel assembly optionally extends from the column.

Abstract: An electrical power assisted steering device has a lower shaft, an upper shaft module, a pre-torsion module and a torsion bar. The upper shaft module has an upper shaft, a detecting unit mounted around the upper shaft, and an assembling space annularly formed between the detecting unit and the pushing portions. The pre-torsion module is mounted in the assembling space and has a maintaining unit mounted around the upper shaft and in the assembling space, multiple sliding blocks mounted in the maintaining unit and respectively abutting the upper shaft, and multiple springs mounted in the maintaining unit and respectively abutting between the maintaining unit and the sliding blocks. The torsion bar is connected between the upper shaft and the lower shaft.

Abstract: A snowmobile having an electronic oil pump fluidly connected to an oil tank thereof is disclosed. The electronic oil pump is fluidly connected to an engine of the snowmobile for delivering lubricant to the engine. An electronic control unit is electrically connected to the electronic oil pump for controlling actuation of the electronic oil pump. A method of operating an electronic oil pump is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a handle is attached to a vehicle tiller arm. The handle includes a first pair of gripping portions and a second pair of gripping portions. A first throttle actuator is configured and located such that it is operable by either hand of an operator while the operator grasps each of the first pair of gripping portions while the tiller arm is substantially vertical. A second throttle actuator is configured and located such that it is operable by either hand of an operator while the operator grasps each of the second pair of gripping portions and the tiller arm is not substantially vertical.

Abstract: A rack-driven auxiliary power steering apparatus prevents a ball nut and a nut pulley from idling due to a slip thereof and increases durability when the drive belt is operated by driving of a motor, and minimizes vibrations and noise transferred through the rack bar, the ball nut, and the nut pulley when the rack bar is slid while the nut pulley and the ball nut are rotating, thereby providing a comfortable steering feeling to the driver.

Abstract: Drawbar hitch mount assemblies for towing an implement such as a mower conditioner are disclosed. The assemblies include a hitch receiver capable of pivoting relative to the implement and/or towing vehicle.

Abstract: A power steering system that may include a rack, a slider shaft, and an actuator disposed on a housing. The slider shaft may be coupled to a tie rod assembly. The rack, slider shaft, and actuator may engage an end plate. The actuator may exert force upon the end plate to assist with actuation of the rack and slider shaft.

Abstract: A three-wheeled self-propelled pedal vehicle with front wheel bicycle steering and independently suspended rear drive wheels. The three-wheeled self-propelled pedal vehicle may include a tubular frame comprising a bicycle front triangle down and seat tube members connected to a longitudinal symmetrical support frame with upper and lower longitudinal chords where the lower longitudinal chord supports a drive mechanism comprising a tractive element drive from a bicycle crank chain ring to a freehub transfer shaft assembly and a separate tractive element between the freehub transfer shaft assembly and an articulating telescoping drive shaft assembly which drives rear wheel axles supported by mirrored independent transverse suspension arms.

Abstract: A tank cover attachment structure of a straddle type vehicle that can easily and precisely attach a tank cover, which covers the area ranging from the side of a fuel tank to the side of the upper portion of an engine, on the vehicle body side with the highly strong and simple structure. Tank supporting brackets connect left and right front edge portions of a fuel tank to a support rod on the vehicle body side. Engaging portions, which extend outside in the width direction of the vehicle relative to connecting portions with the fuel tank, are integrally provided to the tank supporting brackets. Tank covers are joined to the engaging portions.

Abstract: The present invention supports a reservoir system and method that allows a household or user to collect, retain and reuse unused clean water (i.e. clean water left in buckets, glasses, cups, etc.) instead of dumping it down a drain. Rain water may also be collected, retained and used. The reservoir system includes a reservoir tank for storing the water, dump bucket to receive the water, a piping and water releasing mechanism to release the water being stored and a mobility mechanism to allow for transportability of the system. The reservoir system is designed to help combat the current green initiative to save water for more practical uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to track systems 14, 14? that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles 10. A preferred embodiment of the track system 14, 14? includes a frame 60, 182 having a reinforcing enclosure 150, 230, a plurality of track engaging rollers 82-86, 202-206, a sprocket 102, 214, and an endless track 76, 198 operatively connected to the frame 60, 182. Tension on the endless track 76, 198 is maintained with two tensioning members 170, 244 operatively connected to the forwardmost roller 82, 202. The track system 14, 14? preferably includes a limiting apparatus 300 that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame 60, 182 relative to a vehicle axle 16 to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus 300 has a first component 40, which is associated with the vehicle axle 16, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component 262, which is associated with the frame of the track system 14, 14?.

Abstract: A safety brake system for a trailer comprises a brake end having a brake unit adapted to be secured to a trailer and positioned to block movement of the trailer when actuated and an actuation end adapted to be secured to a front end of the trailer. The actuation end comprises a hitch ball coupler having a hand portion defining a concavity adapted to receive a hitch ball of a vehicle. It also comprises a mechanism operatively connected to the hitch coupler and displaceable with respect thereto. The mechanism comprises a probe plunger and a hitched position. The mechanism is connected to the brake unit for actuation of said brake unit. The safety brake system also comprises a biasing unit. A trailer assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A system is described for detachably securing a housing to a ball hitch (e.g. of the type used in trucks for towing). The system includes a tubular housing for fitting over the ball, and attachment means for detachably securing the housing to the ball. A workpiece can then be secured to the housing, as desired. A preferred attachment means is a pair of opposing lock pins which are movable between retracted and extended positions. When the pins are in the extended position, they secure the housing to the ball hitch. The type of workpieces may vary. For example, the workpiece may be a work table, a vise, a fifth-wheel hitch system, a winch, or an arm for a lift bucket.

Abstract: A power steering system has: a steering shaft; a pinion shaft; a torque sensor; a rack housing communicating with inside of the sensor housing; a rack shaft provided in the rack housing; a motor housing communicating with inside of the rack housing; an electric motor provided in the motor housing; an ECU housing communicating with inside of the motor housing; a motor control unit housed in the ECU housing; and a respiration valve provided at any of the sensor housing, the rack housing and the motor housing and located at an upper side with respect to an upper end of the ECU housing in vehicle-mounted state. The respiration valve has function by which air passes through each house and between inside and outside of the ECU housing so as to absorb change of expansion/contraction of the air in the ECU housing while suppressing entry of water from the outside.

Abstract: A detachable top tube assembly includes inner and outer tube members telescopically received by one another. Each inner and outer tube member includes one or more of an elliptical cross-sectional shape or is arced along a longitudinal axis thereof to prevent rotation of the inner and outer tube members relative to one another. Each of a pair of yoke assemblies is disposed at opposite ends of the inner and outer tube members and include a rotatable gate assembly for opening and closing the yoke assemblies. A pair of spring biased members is provided for engagement with the rotatable gate assemblies to maintain the gate assemblies in a closed position. A pair of button covers is provided for depressably engaging each spring biased member so to allow the gate assemblies to be rotated relative to a respective inner and outer tube member.