Abstract: A two-wheeled hand truck or dolly with an attached stair climber construction which comprises a body member having a retaining flange overhanging both sides of the body, such flange having two portions spaced from one another by a gap. One of the flange portions is tapered adjacent the gap both longitudinally and transversely. The other portion of the flange tapers inwardly from the one edge of the body. A flexible, resilient, C-shaped synthetic plastic wear member removably embraces the flange, and extends the length of the latter.

Abstract: A tow bar coupling head removably attachable to the cross pin of an aircraft nose wheel strut has a solid metal body portion with a transverse slot in its underside within which the cross pin is received. A positive deadbolt slide lock retains the cross pin in place. A removable locking pin extending vertically through the body portion prevents accidental withdrawal of the deadbolt slide lock.

Abstract: A wheeled undercarriage for lengthwise trailering a removable elongated machine head is provided. The undercarriage includes first, second and third components and the first component includes structure for semi-permanent mounting of the first component from the head generally centrally intermediate the opposite ends thereof, but spaced longitudinally along the head from its point of longitudinal center of gravity. The first component includes lower right and left mount portions and the second and third components comprise right and left axle assemblies each including a mounting end and a wheel journaling end. The right and left mount portions and the mounting ends of the right and left axle assemblies include coacting structure for releasably supporting the right and left axle assembly mounting ends from the right and left mount portions, respectively. The wheel journaling ends of the axle assemblies are horizontally disposed, extend in parallel opposite directions and have support wheels journaled thereon.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive train system for a motor which can be bolted onto a conventional bicycle frame. The drive train has a pair of spaced parallel swing arms having two parts integrally joined at an apex and pivoting at the apex about the centerline of a crankshaft in the motor. The swing arms are fitted with an integral torque bar and an axle shaft, extending between the parallel swing arms. A relatively large diameter drive roller, with a special cleated surface geometry, is mounted on the axle shaft and driven from the motor shaft by way of gears, a chain or a belt. As the swing arms move in an arc, the center distances from the crankshaft to the axle shaft are always maintained constant. This enables the engine to be rigidly mounted in a symmetrical position over the bicycle wheel. A contact pressure between the cleated roller and the wheel is achieved by elongated coiled springs extending from the swing arms to a bicycle frame member.

Abstract: A velocipede having a single driving wheel which is powered by rotating pedals that rotate a sprocket that is connected to the driving wheels by a chain. A roller assembly comprises small diameter rollers having a roller axis that is disposed lower than and in front of the pedal axis. The rollers are connected to the velocipede frame by a bearing member so that the rollers can be articulated allowing the rider to lean on the velocipede thereby controlling the direction of movement.

Abstract: Auxiliary support wheels for a heavily laden vehicle are mounted for castered movement on a transversely extending axle carried by an auxiliary frame structure, which extends rearwardly from the vehicle frame. The auxiliary wheel spindles are connected by a tie rod and compression springs are stressed between opposite sides of a projection on the axle and adjustable elements on the tie rod to reduce sidewise swaying of the vehicle.

Abstract: Inspection and repair of an air cushion vehicle flexible skirt is carried out with the vehicle supported above a ground surface on support legs projecting from sleeve members built into rigid base structure of the vehicle so as to be open between upper and lower surfaces of the base structure. The vehicle lift system is used to hover the vehicle clear of the ground so that the support legs can be secured in their projecting positions. Alternatively, jacks may be supported over the sleeves and used to force the support legs down the sleeve members to their projecting positions. The vehicle may be further raised above the ground surface to permit inspection and repair of the underside of the rigid base structure by first replacing each support leg with a support stand and pillar assembly and then using the jacks to raise the vehicle with the support legs resting on the pillars.

Abstract: An electrically driven oil pressured power steering apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises an oil pump driven by an electric motor for supplying a working oil to a power cylinder, a control valve for controlling the supply of the working oil and a manipulating apparatus and an electronically operated on-off means which, in common, control a power supply to the electric motor. In the apparatus, a state of power steering is shifted to a state of manual steering in accordance with a stop of the electric motor effected by the electronically operated on-off means.

Abstract: A spring assist drive for pedal operated vehicles such as bicycles and tricycles makes use of a wind-up spring in the train of power from the pedal operated power sprocket to the drive sprocket for the rear drive wheel. The wind-up spring is a coil spring, the inside end of which is anchored to an axle for a relatively smaller sprocket in chain driving engagement with the sprocket on the rear drive wheel. The outside end of the spring is anchored to a relatively larger sprocket and chain driven from the pedal operated power sprocket.

Abstract: A traction jockey wheel having a drive mechanism of a pawl and ratchet wheel type with a braking interlock operable when a lever arm used for drive and steering of the traction wheels is lowered or raised past a select range of operating positions. The improvement can apply to either a single wheel or a dual wheel traction wheel assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to towing couplings of a type comprising a fixed part and a moveable keeper which are together adapted to clamp on a tow-ball when the keeper is in a locking position but which are adapted to release the tow-ball when the keeper is moved to an unlocking position. A towing coupling according to the invention has a cam engaged with the keeper, a single spring urging the keeper away from its locking position into engagement with the cam, the spring also urging the cam in the direction of motion which causes it to apply a force to the keeper urging the keeper towards the locking position, and a lever connected to the cam for moving the latter against the action of the spring to allow the keeper to move away from the locking position.

Abstract: An apparatus for propulsion control in a motor vehicle with an anti-locking system is proposed, in which the supply and outflow of pressure medium is controllable via electromagnetically actuatable valves and which is characterized in that means are provided with which the return flow line can be exposed to pressure. It is the purpose of the apparatus to expand an anti-locking system to include a drive slippage regulating function, and this expansion is problem-free and cost-favorable. The proposed apparatus furthermore assures that a brake pedal actuation has priority. It is also proposed in the case of excessive slippage of both driven wheels to reduce the engine output. This is attained with a controllable drag member disposed between the driving pedal (or linkage) and the throttle valve, the control of the drag member being effected by means of the auxiliary pressure in the return flow line and via an electromagnetically controllable three-port, two-position valve for a hydraulic AND member.

Abstract: A coupler latch mechanism is disclosed having a self-opening hook-up feature for facilitating the hook-up of an implement to the hitch on a tractor. The coupler latch mechanism includes a latch bar pivotally connected to a coupler frame immediately above a hook. A trigger member is pivotally connected to a midsection of this latch bar and has a downwardly projecting finger which is located rearward of the lower portion of the latch bar. The forward end of the trigger member is pivotally connected to a link, which is in turn pivotally connected to the frame. The point of attachment of the trigger member to the link is also the point of attachment of the trigger member to a vertical rod, which extends up through the frame. The upper end of the rod is pivotally attached to a lever pivotally connected to the frame. The control latch mechanism is able to open as an implement hitch pin presses against the finger of the trigger member.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive system for a wheeled vehicle, comprising a power unit having an output shaft extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle, a power transmission gear unit including transmission input and output shafts each extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle; and a power distribution gear unit comprising a power distribution shaft having an axis of rotation in a lateral direction of the vehicle and operative to split into two components the driving power carried on the output shaft of the power transmission gear unit, one of the power components being transmitted through a final reduction gear assembly and a wheel drive differential gear assembly to, for example, front road wheels, the other of the driving power components being transmitted to, for example, rear road wheels by way of a right-angle power transfer gear assembly including a driven gear having an axis of rotation in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, the power distribution gear unit further comprising a low-and-high speed s

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering system for steering rearward wheels as well as forward wheels. The steering system includes a sensor for sensing at least a turning motion of the motor vehicle, a computer for processing signals from the sensor, and an actuator controllable by the computer for steering the rearward wheels in order to meet driving conditions of the vehicle while turning, as much as possible. The sensor may comprise a lateral acceleration or yaw angular velocity sensor, or a combination of a steering angle sensor and a lateral acceleration or yaw angular velocity sensor, or a combination of a steering angle sensor and an acceleration and deceleration sensor, or the like. A steered angle ratio .gamma. of the rearward wheels to forward wheels is selected to be in the range of 0<.gamma..ltoreq.0.6 when the vehicle is moving at a speed of 80 km/h or higher.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a fuel tank of synthetic material including a first and second L-shaped side rail each including a horizontal end portion, a cross member interconnecting the first and second L-shaped side rails and having at least one opening formed therein, at least one protuberance extending from a front face portion of the tank cooperatively engaging the at least one opening located in the cross member and first and second lateral attachment lugs connected to the tank for cooperative engagement with the horizontal end portions of the first and second L-shaped side rails.

Abstract: An improved power steering apparatus includes a pressure modulation assembly which modulates the fluid pressure transmitted from a power steering control valve to a power steering motor. The modulation assembly varies the fluid pressure output from the steering control valve as a direct function of vehicle speed. This results in relatively easy steering for parking and low speed maneuvers and a firmer feel for maneuvers at higher speeds. The pressure modulation assembly is connected in series fluid communication with and between the power steering control valve and the power steering motor and includes a pair of pressure modulation valves. Fluid for actuating the power steering motor flows from the power steering control valve through the pressure modulation valves to the power steering motor. The pressure modulation valves are biased closed by the output pressure from an auxiliary pump which is driven at a speed which varies as a function of vehicle speed.

Abstract: An improved suspension system for the drive track of a snowmobile that offers wide amounts of suspension travel and yet is compact enough to be positioned internally of the track. The suspension system permits the use of a tubular shock absorber and a surrounding coil spring for both the front and rear portions of the track.

Abstract: The specification discloses improvements in a mechanized wheelchair in which the seat, back and leg members are so linked and articulated on a body frame as to enable the occupant to assume any one of three positions, namely sitting, standing or reclining. By movably mounting the body frame on a base frame the height may also be controlled in conjunction with the above positions. A drive means is also provided and the use of electrical operational means and an improved structural design make this invention safer and more versatile than any disclosed in the art.

Abstract: A mobile fluid storage tank structure for complete emptying regardless of the pitch of the underlying ground by modifying the floor of the tank to provide two converging pitched portions for the full length of the tank which meet at a point that is at a ratio of 3 to 1 along its horizontal axis between the end walls of said tank.