Abstract: A hydrostatic zero turn transaxle is provided with two identical transmission housings, wherein the housings and the output axle for the hydrostatic transmission can be easily adapted to be use for left-hand or right-hand drive, without the need for changing the casing or any of the internal gearing. A further feature of the invention is an improved parking brake feature comprising a brake shaft forming part of the output gear train and means for securing said brake shaft when the gear train is stopped to prevent movement of the gear train and the vehicle.

Abstract: A power driving control system is adapted to be incorporated in an electrically-assisted bicycle which includes an electrical motor mechanically coupled to wheels of the bicycle. The power driving control system includes a first speed detection device for detecting the rotational speed of the pedals actuated by the rider's feet and a second speed detection device to detect the rotational speed of the rear wheel of the bicycle which incorporates a rear derailleur system, and a processor-based controller for receiving the signals from the two speed detection devices and controlling the electrical power supplied from a battery set to the motor in response to the ratio of the two rotational speeds, which may be varied in accordance with the riding condition of the bicycle so that the motor is controlled in a power-efficient way.

Abstract: A hitch adapter includes an elongate frame having a first end with a kingpin socket assembly mounted thereon for receipt of a kingpin. A second end of the frame has a hitch ball receiver mounted thereon for attachment to a hitch ball. The kingpin receiver typically employs a glip member configured to embrace kingpin mounting structure of a trailer when the trailer's kingpin is received within the kingpin receiver. The hitch ball receiver includes a socket which accommodates universal movement of the adapter relative to the ball mount. The frame may be telescoping to provide for ready adjustment of the adapter for use in connection with various trailers.

Abstract: In a wire-type steering device in which a steering wheel and a gear box are connected to each other by wires, one end of each inner cable of two Bowden wires are wound around a driving pulley which is mounted on a rotary shaft of a steering wheel. The inner cables are inserted through the inside of outer tubes fixed at their corresponding ends to a driving pulley housing. The direction of drawing of the Bowden wires from the driving pulley housing is offset at an angle .alpha. in a forward direction of a vehicle body relative to a plane perpendicular to the rotary shaft 12, thereby preventing the Bowden wires from being exposed inside of a vehicle compartment, and/or from interfering with an instrument panel and the like.

Abstract: A coordinated engine and transmission traction control method is disclosed for reducing driven wheel speed transients related to transmission shifting during a traction control event. The method includes sensing a driven wheel speed, and estimating a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the sensed wheel speed. The method also includes prolonging a transmission upshift by reducing a rate of change of a commanded speed ratio in proportion to the estimated driving surface coefficient of friction, and decreasing engine torque during the transmission upshift. A system including a wheel speed sensor and control logic is also disclosed for performing the method.

Abstract: In a power steering apparatus having a control valve with a first control valve portion and a second control valve portion to enhance rigidity of a steering operation, an amount of an overlapping portion of an overlap variable orifice is designed larger than an amount of an unlapping portion of an untapped variable orifice in the control valve because of dispersion during manufacture. When the overlap variable orifice finishes overlapping, the unlapped variable orifice has already started unlapping. Therefore, since the overlap variable orifice and the unlapped variable orifice never become unlapping form simultaneously regardless of the dispersion, the control valve is capable of minimizing a difference of the flow between a plurality of the second control valve portion. As a result, the power steering apparatus relative to the invention prevents enlargement of noise caused by an unbalance of the flow between a plurality of the second control valve portions in the control valve.

Abstract: A trailer hitch ball in which a tubular member is formed into a generally spherical configuration while being permanently attached to a central stud. The hitch ball may be formed by crimping a tubular member onto a central stud integrally formed from a drawbar shank producing a combined ball and shank for detachable connection to the receiver of a trailer hitch.

Abstract: A snowmobile and more particularly to an improved suspension arrangement for a snowmobile that provides an elastic stop for limiting the movement of the drive belt upwardly relative to the frame assembly and which operates independently of the cushioning units so as to avoid undue loading and wear of them

Abstract: The visual alignment aid for connecting the ball of the hitch on a towing vehicle to the socket on the tongue of the trailer is a device constructed of three components which are connected to each other by hinges. One of the components is a base component, a second one of the components has a convex mirror attached thereto and the third of the components has a means for attaching the device to the rear of a vehicle. All three components may assume an angulated position relative to each other and the vehicle to establish a correct line of vision between the driver and the ball and the socket. The three components can be arrested relative to each once a correct line of vision has been established. Color coding may be used on the arresting means to indicate the angulated positions. The same device could be used on a different type of vehicle and once a correct line of vision has been established for that different vehicle, a different color would be used to indicate the rotational positions.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide with a retractable yoke assembly. The yoke assembly presents, at its yoke end, a vee shaped receptacle to receive and guide a trailer hitch ball into contact with a trailer hitch. The yoke assembly yoke end is formed of at least one yoke guide, which positions the yoke assembly, received into at least one yoke guide receiver tube. The yoke end, in the preferred embodiment, is composed of a first and second yoke guide which are received respectively into the first and second yoke guide receiver tubes. A plate assembly is composed of a plate and a yoke guide receiver tube is affixed to either side of a trailer hitch tongue with each sized to receive a yoke guide. The yoke assembly is extended, when positioned to receive and guide a trailer hitch ball for connection with a trailer hitch, and fixed into the extended position by means including one or more pins.

Abstract: A pair of embodiments of latch structures for latching a driving vehicle to a towed vehicle include pivoting lock members. The pivoting lock members are simple to utilize, and do not require complex tooling or assembly operation. With the present invention, two vehicles may be quickly and easily connected together without the use of complex tools.

Abstract: A trailer hitch cover system for use with vehicle-mounted trailer towing hitches having a crossbar includes at least one cover segment adapted to at least partially cover the trailer hitch crossbar and includes an accessory mount. The system further includes means for securing the cover segment to the trailer hitch crossbar, and at least one accessory mountable on the accessory mount.

Abstract: A powered, personal transportation apparatus for transporting an individual in a standing position, the apparatus including a platform supported by wheels, on which the user stands, the platform having a circular profile which defines substantially the entire outer periphery thereof, and some of the wheels of the apparatus being powered for driving the apparatus in translation and turning, the apparatus being configured such that it is able to turn completely around within its own profile whereby it is easily maneuverable in confining spaces.

Abstract: A vehicle power steering system uses an electric motor to drive a pump at a variable speed to provide power steering fluid at a variable flow for power assist to operator steering efforts. The system has a speed control for the electric motor which derives a command speed signal from an input load signal, the speed being switched in a switching region of the power steering fluid pressure signal between a low speed for standby operation and a higher speed to supply the power steering operation demands. The system includes sensor apparatus for providing a power steering load signal and a power steering fluid temperature sensor. The speed control derives the input load signal in the switching region by modifying the power steering load signal in response to the power steering fluid temperature sensor and a motor speed signal to compensate for temperature and speed dependent losses.

Abstract: A ball assembly is intended to be mounted on a stem of a tow vehicle, and to be used in conjunction with a hitch portion of a trailer hitch assembly. The ball assembly, generally, includes a body member which is substantially spherical in shape, the body member having a partial bore formed substantially vertically therein for receiving a stem of a towing vehicle therein, the body member further having first and second transverse registering apertures formed therethrough. The ball assembly also includes a locking pin which is slidably movable in the registering apertures of the body member, and structure for connecting the pin to the body member. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting structure includes an enlarged shoulder portion on the pin, and a stop member disposed in the first transverse aperture of the body member, the stop member preventing the shoulder portion from moving therepast.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic suspension unit has a springing force and rebound damping which are related to one another so as to allow certain wheel movements to occur without the resistance of rebound damping. A primary springing force provided by a pressurized gas, a coil spring, an elastomer or any combination thereof acts directly through the shock fluid via a floating piston, bladder or flexible diaphragm. The primary spring force acts directly through the fluid, and thus directly on a rebound damping valve so that the rebound damping valve is only able to dampen the stored energy of the spring, allowing other extension movements of the suspension unit to take place undamped, if these movements are not caused by the spring returning stored energy. The spring provides a maximum in tuning and adjustment capability for varying conditions with easily variable reload and rate.

Abstract: A robotic leg for traversing a path similar to that of a human leg during walking on a floor. The leg includes a housing, a wheel, a rail, a slide shaft, a follower, and a leg. The leg takes a step by rotating a shaft, causing the wheel to rotate, causing the slide shaft to pivotally move with the wheel, causing the slide shaft to slide down the follower, causing a plurality of outer roller bearings and an inner roller bearing to roll along a convex periphery of the rail, causing the follower to move along the convex periphery, causing a hip end of the leg to pivot forwardly about an inner roller pin, and causing an uppermost pair of flat rods of the leg to pivot forwardly about their midpoints.

Abstract: An electric power steering unit comprises a rack-shaft 2 to be coupled to the guiding wheels of a vehicle, a housing A for slidably containing the rack-shaft 2 and holding therein a coupling section 6 for causing the teeth of the rack-shaft 2 to engage those of a pinion arranged on the steering column 5 linked to the steering handle of the vehicle and an electric motor 1 coaxially arranged around the rack-shaft 2, which the rotary force is transmitted to the rack-shaft 2 by way of a ball screw mechanism 3 as the steering assisting power. A yoke 7 of the motor 1 is formed integrally with the housing A, which simplifies the shape of the yoke 7 and reduces production cost.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device is mounted in a drive train of a four-wheel drive vehicle to selectively distribute driving force to selected vehicle wheels according to the travel condition of the vehicle. This device includes an outer ring and an input shaft. A cylindrical face is formed on one of the opposed surfaces of the outer ring and the input shaft, while cam faces are formed on the other opposed surface to define a wedge-shaped space between the cylindrical face and each cam face. Rollers are mounted in pockets formed in a retainer mounted between the input shaft and the outer ring. An electromagnetic clutch is coupled to the retainer. A switch spring is mounted between the retainer and the input shaft. A two-way clutch is provided between the outer ring and the input shaft.

Abstract: A new motorcycle hitch for attaching a trailer to a motorcycle. The inventive device includes spaced apart upper and lower rods each having a pair of elongate arms and an elongate crossbar extending between the arms. Each arm of the upper rod is positioned adjacent a corresponding arm of the lower rod. The invention includes a pair of mounting plates with one of the mounting plates coupled to one pair of adjacent corresponding arms of the upper and lower rods and another mounting plate coupled to another pair of adjacent corresponding arms of the upper and lower rods. An elongate crossbeam is extended between the arms of the lower rod. An elongate tubular receiving member is extended between the crossbars of the upper and lower rods. A hitch member is removably inserted through an opening in the back end of the receiving member into the lumen of the receiving member.