Abstract: It is intended to form differently structured agricultural vehicles or processing units by combining a uniaxial, controllable motor basic unit (G) with corresponding implements or machine groups (M). For this purpose the motor basic unit (G) has couplings (K) of the same size which are disposed mirror-image like to its driving shaft (A) and the implements to be attached or implement parts (M) have corresponding coupling countermembers (K'). The coupling members (K and K') are designed as so-called high-speed couplings and self-coupling high-speed connections for the required electric and/or hydraulic connecting lines can be disposed within these couplings.

Abstract: A rear suspension system in a motorcycle having a body frame and a rear wheel. The rear suspension system comprises a rear wheel supporting member swingably pivoted at its front end to the body frame and pivotably supporting at its rear end the rear wheel, a damper pivoted to the body frame, and a progressive link mechanism having first and second pivot points pivoted to the damper and the rear wheel supporting member, respectively. The progressive link mechanism progressively transmits the movement of the second pivot point to the first pivot point, and is disposed substantially above the rear wheel supporting member. Auxiliary devices such as a muffler and a stand can be effectively disposed below the rear wheel supporting member and at the same time a required bank angle is attained.

Abstract: A powered trailer for aiding a powered vehicle in moving a load trailer is selectively connected to the vehicle by a tongue assembly. A sensing device mounted on the tongue assembly senses the position and motion of the vehicle relative to the powered trailer. Trailer engine speed and brake control devices control the engine and brakes of the powered trailer dependent on signals from the sensing device so that the engine and brakes of the powered trailer operate in coordination with those on the vehicle.

Abstract: A power drive system for road vehicles comprises, in series relationship, at least a prime motor, at least a hydraulic pump driven by the prime motor and at least one hydraulic motor connected to the hydraulic pump and driving a differential gear interposed between the hydraulic motor and a respective pair of driving wheels.

Abstract: The sports wheelchair includes a one-piece, welded tubular frame assembly (A). A pair of rear wheels (30) are horizontally and adjustably positionable in a rear wheel mounting plate (34). The mounting plate has a plurality of slots (36, 38, 40) and a plurality of alternating ridges (44) and valleys (46) which mesh with like ridges (50) and valleys (52) on an axle receiving assembly (42). A pair of front wheels (80) are mounted with a front wheel mounting assembly (82) to be selectively positioned in any one of three vertical positions (FIGS. 6, 8, and 9). The front wheels are further mountable on the inside or the outside of a lower horizontal frame portion (10) and in any one of a plurality of positions fore and aft along the horizontal frame portion. The user is supported by a fabric seat (170) which is laced to upper horizontal frame portions (12) and to a back structure (150).

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-jackknifing device for an articulated motor vehicle, mainly for an articulated bus, where the torque influencing the jackknifing angle is brought about by a friction brake mechanism around the articulated coupling. The anti-jackknifing device has sensor elements sensing the run-dynamic characteristics connected to a control unit that controls the brake actuating unit of the brake mechanism. One of the elements of the friction brake mechanism braked in relation to each other is connected to one of the two or three vehicle units coupled to each other--i.e. front vehicle, trailer and intermediate vehicle unit--while the other element is connected to at least one of the further two vehicle units. One of the friction elements of the friction brake mechanism according to the invention is formed as brake rod connected to one of the vehicle units, the other friction element i.e.

Abstract: A hitch (10) for attaching an item of equipment to be towed, e.g. a caravan or trailer, to a towing vehicle, such as a car, comprises a framework (12) carried by at least one road wheel or roller (30) located between the rear of the car and the forward end of the caravan. A towbar (40) is connected to the framework (12) for attachment to the caravan, e.g. via a ball and socket connection for detachably joining the framework (12) to the rear of the car. Use of the hitch (10) means that the forward weight of the caravan is not supported on the rear of the car as with a conventional ball and socket hitch, but by the intermediate framework (12) and road wheel(s) attached to the rear of the car, improving road handling and allowing a greater load to be towed. Ease of hitching and unhitching is also greatly improved. The wheels are attached to the framework of the hitch by telescoping supports containing airsprings. These are formed by one or more airbags (24) containing pressurized air.

Abstract: A compact, highly efficient braking assembly for a snowmobile utilizes first and second plates, one of which swings relative to the other to actuate a wedging device therebetween when a brake control lever is actuated by an operator. The wedging device includes cooperating, adjacent, tapered slots on the confronting faces of the first and second plates and which confine a rolling spacer ball therebetween to urge the plates apart as the ball is forced from deep regions of the slots to more shallow regions during swinging of the moving plate. As one plate moves away from the other along a helical path, a pair of brake pads carried by the moving plate engages one side of a brake disc, forces the disc against a stationary pair of brake pads, cooperates with the stationary brake pads to grip the rotating brake disc therebetween and utilizes brake disc momentum to assist movement of the swinging plate toward braking position.

Abstract: A universal lever apparatus having a first rod and a second rod each for actuating an operated member, an operation lever connected to the first rod and the second rod and pivotally movable in a first direction for moving the first rod and in a second direction for moving the second rod, and lock mechanism for locking the operation lever. The lock mechanism includes a manually operated device operatively connected to the operation lever for pivotally moving the operation lever to a rearward position in which the operation lever does not interfere with movement of a driver without causing effective movements of the first and second rods, the manually operated device being movable between an unlock position in which the pivotal movement of the operation lever causes the effective movement of the first and second rods and a lock position in which the operation lever is located in the rearward position.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for motorcycles in which a front end of a rear wheel supporting member having the rear wheel supported thereby is connected to a chassis frame in such a manner as to permit oscillation thereof in an upward or downward direction, a damper having one end connected to the chassis frame is connected to the rear wheel supporting member at the other end thereof by a first link, and the chassis frame and the first link are connected by the second link. Due to an arrangement of the first link in which its longitudinal axis extends substantially in a vertical direction, a space occupied by the progressive link mechanism is made to be relatively small and thus it is possible to provide a sufficient space for units such as a battery and air cleaner and the like.

Abstract: A bearing body for motorscooter, comprising lateral cowls formed solidly therewith, also comprising releasable restraining means for securing a spare wheel to the side of the body within one of said cowls, there being also a lockable aperture, proximal to said securing means, inside said cowl.

Abstract: A single-ended power assisted rack and pinion steering gear comprising a housing defining a cylinder, double-acting piston means reciprocable within said cylinder, said piston means including a piston rod one end of which is connectable to a wheel lever of a steerable road wheel of a vehicle to impart steering thereto, a pinion connectable to the steering control of a vehicle, a toothed rack one end of which is pivotally connected to the other end of the piston rod and the other end of which is free, means resiliently urging the toothed rack into meshing engagement with the pinion, and valve means associated with the pinion for directing fluid under pressure to one side or the other of the double acting piston means.

Abstract: A plurality of links each have two junctions disposed on respective ones of a plurality of straight lines extending radially from the center of percussion of an engine located at a predetermined fixed position in the body of a vehicle, which is formed of a framework. The two junctions of each link are pivotally joined to the engine and to the body by means of first and second joining means, respectively, to suspend the engine in a manner allowing turning of same with respect to the center of percussion. A third joining means supports the exhaust pipe of the engine at its holding part for pivotal movement with respect to the center of percussion.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor having at least four side-by-side pneumatic rear tires which provide a relatively narrow path of travel, there being a narrow rear portion of the tractor's body having about the same width or less as seen in plan as each of the tires and which is centrally disposed between the tires. A three-point lifting device extends rearwardly from the rear body portion. A front body portion carries an engine and the two body portions are pivotable relative to one another about a substantially vertical axis. An operator's seat and operating controls in a console are located within a cabin mounted above the rear wheels, the console being turnable through substantially 180.degree. about a substantially vertical axis so that the operator occupies a turnable seat which faces either generally forward or generally to the rear whereby the operator has a direct view of an implement attached to the lifting device.

Abstract: The assembly includes (a) a rotatable shaft, (b) one or more pulleys secured to the shaft, the pulley having tapered walls, and (c) a belt having tapered walls to match the taper of the pulley. The belt is mounted on an arm or other member preventing the belt from rotating with the pulley. The belt is positioned and mounted so that it can be brought into frictional, rotation-slowing or rotation-stopping engagement with the pulley when desired.

Abstract: In a motorcycle, the frame body has the shape of a single pipe over its whole length, and carries a front shield at its front portion, a floor at its intermediate portion, and a body cover at its rear portion, respectively. The front shield is formed of a one-piece member formed integrally with a head lamp housing, an auxiliary fender, leg shields, and foot rests. The body cover is formed of a one-piece member formed integrally with a plurality of continuous vertical walls which cooperatively enclose a space below the seat. The floor is joined at its opposite lateral edges to a pair of brackets mounted on the intermediate portion of the frame body at opposite lateral sides of the latter.

Abstract: A power steering gear mechanism for an automotive vehicle comprising a fluid motor connected drivably to a vehicle steering gear linkage and a control valve for directing motor actuating fluid pressure to the fluid motor from a power steering pump, the control valve including a bypass valve and a constant flow valve in the fluid circuit connecting the pump and the gear whereby a reduced constant flow of pressurized fluid to the gear occurs at low speeds and during parking maneuvers and wherein a lower constant flow of fluid is applied to the steering gear during steering maneuvers at high speeds whereby a reduction in the power assist and an increased road feel and reduced power consumption occur during operation of the vehicle at high speeds.

Abstract: An exhaust and rear suspension system for a motorcycle that permits a compact, easily serviced arrangement. The engine is of the V type and has a bank of cylinders with rearwardly facing exhaust ports. The rear wheel is suspended by a pair of spaced apart trailing arms having independent forward pivot axes that define a gap therebetween through which exhaust pipes extend from the rearwardly facing exhaust ports.

Abstract: A hitch for coupling the tongue of a drawn vehicle to a draw bar has a guiding member and a guided member mutually configured to assume a predetermined relative spatial relation upon engagement with each other. The members have bores which are vertically coaxial in the predetermined relation to receive a clevis pin. One of the members is mounted on the vehicle tongue and the other member is mounted on the draw bar. A power mechanism moves the pin between a first coupling position and a second release position. The power mechanism includes the draft links of a three-point hitch and a power driven winch.

Abstract: A vehicle towing trailer comprises a substantially T-shaped trailer body including an axially extending elongated frame and a cross frame connected to a rear end of the elongated frame, a swivel platform supported on the cross frame, a lift arm mounted on the trailer body for lifting and lowering the rear end of the trailer body, a pair of wheel assemblies each including one or more ground engaging wheels supported by a bracket which is detachable to the trailer body by insertion of one or more axially extending male members into one or more cooperating female members from a front side toward a rear side of the cross frame in a direction opposite to a running direction of the trailer.