Abstract: A tire locating wheel restraint for securing a parked vehicle against movement in one direction is provided. The wheel restraint includes a trigger for sensing the position of a tire of the vehicle, and collapsible locking assembly for engaging and restraining the tire. The trigger and collapsible locking assembly travel along a path within a base on which the vehicle is parked. Once the tire is sensed, the collapsible locking assembly is erected and moves longitudinally relative to the trigger until the tire is engaged and restrained. The relative movement between the trigger and the locking assembly enables the wheel restraint to secure tires of different sizes.

Abstract: A brake hold down assembly for brake mechanisms has a hold down spring designed to ease spring installation and removal as well as reduce spring overstressing. Each leg of the spring has an open-ended slot therein, and the assembly also includes a retaining pin, which interfaces with the open-ended slot in each leg to lock the spring in place after installation. The spring is preferably p-shaped with a pair of opposing legs connected by an arcuate portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for actuating an electromechanically operable parking brake which includes a brake unit and an electrically driven actuator which actuates the brake unit, and wherein electric current is delivered to the actuator for locking and/or releasing the parking brake. One important feature of the present invention is that the current delivery for the actuator is basically interrupted at least one time during the locking and/or releasing operation.

Abstract: In an electric motor brake, a friction disc includes an anti-rattle portion integrally molded therewith and reducing the tolerance gap between the motor shaft hub and the friction disc to minimize rattling of the friction disc during rotation of the shaft, and eliminating the need for a separate anti-rattle spring. In a first embodiment, the friction disc has a cavity at the inner circumference thereof facing the hub, and a cantilever finger extending into the cavity and engaging the hub and providing a cantilever bias urging engagement of the hub and friction disc. In a second embodiment, a bump on a slotted inner circumference of the friction disc provides the biasing portion, or may be spaced from the hub by a nominal clearance.

Abstract: A low-profile railway car retarder system comprising a fulcrum pin, an upper and a lower lever, and two braking assemblies, is disclosed. The levers are located beneath a horizontal plan drawn from the top of the rail, thereby preventing inadvertent contact with a passing car. The braking actuator comprises an air-tight bladder which is filled with fluid or drained of fluid to cause the frictional braking members to move between closed and opened braking positions, and provides greater control than prior art systems.

Abstract: An improved control method that utilizes active brake controls to provide vehicle control during conditions of carriage motion tendency about a longitudinal vehicle axis. Accordingly, the control may be integrated with known active brake controls that regulate yaw rate and/or slip angle or traction controls that regulate front wheel slippage, thereby significantly improving the functionality of the respective control for little or no additional cost. A measure of vehicle carriage motion tendency is determined by computing a control parameter based on the roll angle of the vehicle and the rate of change of roll angle. If the computed control parameter exceeds a first calibrated threshold, a condition of carriage motion tendency is detected and the active brake control actuators are activated to reduce the velocity of the front wheels of the vehicle by a delta velocity command determined as a function of the roll angle and roll angle rate.

Abstract: The invention is an accessory for a motorcycle of the type having a nonvertical, slanted radiator with a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and a core between the first and second reservoirs, comprising: a cover portion having an upper end, a lower end, an opening between the upper and lower ends, and an outer surface having a lower boundary at the lower end; a projecting portion having an upper surface extending generally outwardly from the lower boundary and sloping upwardly in a generally inward direction; and a means for mounting the cover portion over the radiator so that the cover portion covers the first and second reservoirs and the opening is aligned with the core.

Abstract: A tricycle is driven by an electric motor supplied by batteries recharged by solar panels. Electric braking is used. The batteries and a battery charger are enclosed in a thermally insulated compartment and the batteries are kept warm in cold weather by the heat produced by the battery charger and by electric braking. The solar panels are mounted on the roof of the passenger cabin and/or on the insulated compartment and are oriented towards the sun by a stepper motor.

Abstract: A flexible connector for vibration isolators, dynamic vibration absorbers, and other vibration control devices for mechanical systems which is composed of streamlined elastomeric resilient elements with nonlinear load-deflection characteristics. These elements are embedded, possibly together with inserts, into a soft matrix which maintains relative positioning of the resilient elements and inserts while not significantly influencing deformation characteristics of the resilient elements. The inserts define the external shape and modify deformation characteristics of the connector, if necessary.

Abstract: An elevatable wheelchair having a horizontal base and a plurality of front and rear wheels for traveling over a surface, a support frame upstanding from the rear of the base, a cantilever beam pivotally attached at its rear end to the frame above the base, a seat pivotally mounted on the forward end of the cantilever beam, a power lift operably connected to the cantilever beam between its ends for pivoting the beam on the frame to elevate or lower the beam forward end and the seat, and a stabilizing arm between the seat and the frame, vertically offset from the beam, and movable with the beam and seat to control seat pivot orientation and to stabilize the seat.

Abstract: A self-propelled wheel for wheeled vehicles includes an axle, a stator drum ixed to the axle, and a wheel hub and rim rotatably mounted on the axle. Permanent magnets are fixed on the wheel and oppose an outer lateral face of the stator drum and an outer peripheral edge of the stator drum. Excitation of the stator drum causes the permanent magnets, and thereby the wheel, to rotate on the axle.

Abstract: A cart for transporting and supporting electronic equipment such as musical instrument amplifiers includes a wheeled open frame which defines an amplifier-receiving space therein. The frame rotatably supports an amplifier support chassis so that the support chassis is pivotable about a pivot axis for varying the angular orientation of a piece of equipment supported on the support chassis. The support chassis includes inner and outer members telescopingly interconnected for adjusting the depth of the support chassis. A fulcrum bar rotatably supported by the frame is affixed to the support chassis for providing the pivotal capability to the support chassis. A locking mechanism is provided for fixing the support chassis in a selected orientation, and a restraint is attached to the frame for encircling and restraining a piece of equipment supported in the cart.

Abstract: A steerable three-wheeled cart has a frame supported by a pair on non-steerable rear wheels and a steerable front wheel. The front wheel is mounted on a steerable wheel carriage that is journaled to the frame for rotation of the carriage and wheel about a generally vertical axis. A handle is pivoted to the wheel carriage to effect steering of the front wheel. The handle mounts a braking member whose braking surface is curved both longitudinally and laterally so as to conform substantially to the curvature of the front wheel. A braking force is applied to the front wheel by rocking the handle downwardly to cause the braking member to bear against the wheel while retaining the ability to steer the wheel with the handle.

Abstract: A convertible wagon adaptable for a multitude of functions, and containing several compartments with hinged doors for storing equipment being transported to a site, and at the same time being capable of carrying a passenger or article resting on its topside. The compartments may be insulated for carrying hot or cold food items. The wagon may also be arranged for transporting a child-bearing car seat.

Abstract: A stairway ascending/descending vehicle which may ascend/descend the steps of the stairs having a height greater than a diameter of wheels and in which vertical vibration is suppressed. The stairway ascending/descending vehicle has main shafts rotatably supported on a front portion and a rear portion of a vehicle body, respectively. Front arm members 4L and 4R are mounted to the front main shafts, and rear arm members 5L and 5R are mounted to the rear main shaft, the front and rear arm members are configured to rotate with respect to the main shafts. Front wheels 6a and 6b are mounted on the front arm members and rear wheels 7a and 7b are to the rear arm members. Torque transmitted from each of the main shafts is transmitted through a first gear 12 connected to the main shafts to second gears 13a and 13b and third gears 14a and 14b to the wheels, the gears 12, 13a, 13b, 14a and 14b all being supported within the arm members, the gears 14a and 14b being connected to the wheels.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle includes a liquid pressure generating device for generating a liquid pressure dependent upon a manual operation, actuators having output ports for outputting a liquid pressure dependent upon an electrical command signal from a controller, and which are adapted to be connected to a reservoir when the actuators are non-operative, and switchover valves switchable between a state in which wheel brakes are connected to the liquid pressure generating device, and a state in which the wheel brakes are connected to the actuators. In the brake system, on-off valves are connected between the output ports of the actuators and the switchover valves, and are opened when the liquid pressures output from the actuators is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A wet frictional plate including a made of a metal plate that is formed so as to have a plate thickness which changes to gradually increase from its outer circumferential portion toward its inner circumferential portion. Frictional materials are bonded to the surfaces of the metal plate while they are pressed and heated to make the frictional surfaces of the frictional materials parallel to each other. As a result, the density of the frictional materials increases in a direction from the outer circumferential portion of the wet frictional plate toward its inner circumferential portion.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus (10) includes a conduit housing (14) with at least one elongated, flexible irrigation conduit (12) received in a retracted position therein. A water supply arrangement associated with the conduit housing (14) allows water to be supplied through the housing to a proximal end (20) of each irrigation conduit (12). Also, a conduit deployment arrangement associated with the conduit housing (14) allows the irrigation conduits (12) to extend from the housing to an extended position in response to water supplied to the housing through the water supply arrangement. In the extended position, each irrigation conduit (12) extends over an area to be irrigated, and emitters along the length of each conduit emit water to efficiently irrigate the area under and immediately surrounding the extended conduit. A conduit retracting arrangement (32) retracts the irrigation conduits (12) back to the retracted position once the water pressure is withdrawn from the device.

Abstract: A fishing deck kit provides for mounting a fishing deck including an elevated fisherman's chair and trolling motor to either the fore or aft end, or both ends of a pair of canoes or other pontoon members, or to a john boat or other single hulled boat. Also disclosed is a fishing boat and outboard motor with an aft mounted fishing deck. A hinged transom and power trim mechanism is also provided to facilitate mounting of an outboard motor for control by the fisherman without interfering with the mechanical arrangement for the aft fishing deck. The power trim includes limit switches for sensing an up position and a down position such that the outboard motor may be conveniently moved automatically from one position to the other under remote operator control.

Abstract: A system for the casting of anchors meant for the mooring of floating oil producing and/or drilling platforms, using an anchor laying craft. The general arrangement consists of a deck on the craft with wells for anchors a capstant for dealing with chains, an improved drums for wire rope, and lockers for stowing of chains built into the underside of the deck of the craft. Chains are led by a capstan from such lockers or back to them, along hawse pipes, and drums for winding cables, mounted on a bed. When a platform is being moored, an improved laying device is used which prevents any chain slipping or dropping after each platform chain has been fastened to the line laid beforehand whenever the chain has to be lowered to its place in the sag, and an improved line fisher.