Abstract: A four-wheel steering vehicle including a four-wheel steering mechanism for controlling a steering of front and rear wheels based on a predetermined steering ratio property in accordance with an operation of a steering wheel, and an anti-lock braking system for controlling a braking force acted on each of the front and rear wheels to prevent the wheels from locking during a braking operation. The vehicle further comprises a stepping motor for controlling a steering ratio of a steering amount of the rear wheels to a steering amount of the front wheels in accordance with a vehicle speed based on said steering ratio property, fail detecting device for detecting an abnormal condition of the anti-lock braking system, compensating device for receiving signals from the fail detecting device and compensating the steering ratio property so that the rear wheels are steered in a direction and amount to improve a driving stability of the vehicle during a braking operation.

Abstract: A bicycle constructed with a one piece frame of resilient material which acts as a leaf spring, flexing to absorb varying road and riding conditions. A modular seat post-pedal bearing assembly is adjustable vertically to suit the rider and ground clearance requirements.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a four-wheel drive vehicle has an automatic transmission for transmitting power of an engine to main driving wheels and a transfer clutch for transmitting the power to auxiliary driving wheels. First and second vehicle speed sensors are provided for sensing vehicle speed dependent on the main driving wheels and the auxiliary driving wheels, respectively. A two-wheel drive switch is provided for producing a two-wheel drive signal. The automatic transmission uses an output signal of the first vehicle speed sensor as data representing driving conditions of the vehicle. In response to the two-wheel drive signal, the transfer clutch is disengaged and an output signal of the second vehicle speed sensor is selected as vehicle speed.

Abstract: A motor-operated power steering apparatus of the rack-and-pinion type includes a motor control device having a motor driver circuit which generates a large amount of heat and which is spaced from other circuits such as a control circuit and sensors. The motor driver circuit, the control circuit, and the sensors are clustered around a pinion shaft. The power steering apparatus has high operation reliability free from heat susceptibility and small and compact in size. The power steering apparatus includes a pinion shaft, a rack shaft, a gear case supporting the pinion shaft and the rack shaft, an electric motor for generating assistive power, a torque detector for detecting steering torque, and a motor control device including a control circuit and a driver circuit.

Abstract: A neutral condition discriminating circuit is connected to a steering torque detector and it discriminates whether a torque detection value of the steering torque detector is in a neutral condition or not, that is, whether it is substantially zero or not. When it is discriminated that the non-neutral condition of the torque detection value continues for a predetermined time, a motor output decreasing circuit decreases a current supplied to a motor which produces a steering assisting torque in accordance with the torque detection value. The hysteresis characteristic of the steering torque detector, which causes the non-neutral condition to occur even when the steering wheel is not steered, can be compensated for by reducing the steering assisting torque produced by the rotor.

Abstract: A collar or body portion (40) has an inner surface (42) that defines a circular bore (44) therethrough. A cam surface (46) is recessed into the collar portion from the circular bore. The collar is disposed with a tubular member (22) extending through the circular bore with a spring biased detent (30) engaging the cam surface. A series of upper plateaus or segments (60) and lower plateaus or segments (62) hold the detent against the cam surface as the collar is rotated. A handle portion (64) facilitates manually rotating the collar to depress or release the spring biased detent.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a steering reaction force in which at least one of motion state variables of a vehicle is estimated when a steering wheel of the vehicle is operated on the basis of a vehicle model which represents a mathematical model of the vehicle having a desired performance of motion, a target value of the steering reaction force imposed on a steering wheel is determined on the basis of the estimated value of the motion state variable, and the steering reaction force imposed on the steering wheel is generated so as to become substantially equal to the target value. The steering reaction force control system achieves the generation of the steering reaction force on the steering wheel on the basis of a vehicle turning motion information as motion state variables such as a lateral acceleration of the vehicle and/or yaw rate of the vehicle.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive circuit is disclosed for an electric, power assist steering system including an actuatable switching device which, when actuated, provides an auxiliary electrical path between a source of electrical energy and a mechanically actuatable reversing switch assembly for applying electrical power to energize an electric assist motor. The actuatable switching device in the auxiliary drive circuit is electrically connected in parallel to an actuatable switching device in a main drive circuit. A detector circuit monitors the operation of the main drive circuit and the output signal from a torque sensor. Upon detection of applied steering torque greater than a predetermined value and that the main drive circuit is not operating, the detector circuit outputs an electrical signal indicative thereof. A latching element latches the output of the detector circuit to actuate the actuatable switching device in the auxiliary drive circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for securing a boat to a trailer. The mechanism for securing the boat is electrically driven and may include a motor driven reciprocating pin. The device is remotely actuated for example by a radio transmitter.

Abstract: A portable wheelchair having a metal wire frame is provided. The individual frame members are interconnected by clinched loop, hinged connections, and fold together in a manner that minimizes the space required for the stored configuration of the wheelchair. The metal wire fabrication also minimizes the wheelchair weight and the visual profile of the wheelchair in its deployed configuration.

Abstract: A novel wishbone system attaches single or dual axles of wheeled vehicles to a vehicle frame where such system can be used for driving or following axles and steering or non-steering axles. A solid wishbone is attached to the axle and is further attached to the vehicle frame by a fixed ball and socket arrangement. Furthermore, a telescoping wishbone ball and socket are attached to the vehicle frame by a telescoping wishbone pivot pivotably mounted to the telescoping wishbone casing. One end of the telescoping wishbone shaft moves within the telescoping wishbone casing and the other end of the telescoping wishbone shaft contains the telescoping wishbone socket. The telescoping wishbone ball is fixably attached to the solid wishbone near the axle or directly to the axle. The basic system includes upper and lower suspension supports between which are placed airbags or coil springs. The airbags are placed at the outer extremity of each suspension support.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle having a pair of powered main wheels the speed of which is controlled in an independent manner for vehicle speed changes and turning. A caster wheel is carried by a suspension member which is manually adjustable relative the vehicle body. A control mechanism includes an operator control member, first and second linkage means coupling a vehicle control member with first and second variable speed transmission units and permits individual speed and directional control of each transmission unit. Appendages on the control member include swivel components with movement of the control member about multiple axes permitting like or differential movement to be imparted to the first and second linkage means. Linkage biasing springs return the control member to a neutral position in the absence of operator exerted force. A modified control member includes a switch to terminate engine operation upon release of the control member.

Abstract: An exercising device for use with the frame of a wheelchair and which comprises a cross-bar having an adjustable length and capable of being connected to the opposite sides of the frame of a wheelchair. The cross-bar is comprised of a pair of cross-bar sections pivotally connected intermediate their ends so that if the wheelchair itself is of a foldable construction, the wheelchair may be collapsed or folded with the cross-bar attached. A connecting arm is provided for pivotally connecting the cross-bar to a crankable assembly. The crankable assembly comprises a hand operated crank mechanism and a foot operated crank mechanism. Moreover, a stand is provided on the crankable assembly so that a driven wheel of this assembly can be elevated for enabling exercising by operation of each or both of the crank assemblies and which wheel can be lowered to the ground for causing propelling movement of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A mini foldable cycle having a single front wheel for steering and a pair of adjacent wheels in tandem located at the rear for propelling the vehicle. The tandem arranged rear wheels, with the front tandem wheel slightly higher than the rear tandem wheel, gives the cycle the feel and comfort of a large wheeled vehicle so that very small wheels are required. The cycle consequently is small and light, and is made foldable so that it can be reduced to a very small package for convenience of being transported.

Abstract: In an automotive vehicle having front and rear wheel pairs and a steering wheel drivingly coupled with the front wheel pair for steering the vehicle with respect to the direction of run of the vehicle, said steering wheel being rotatable in any one of the opposite directions from a neutral position at which the vehicle can run straightforward, an automotive four wheel steering system is provided with a right-hand rear wheel turning structure for turning the right-hand rear wheel in a direction in which the toe-in takes place, a left-hand rear wheel turning structure for turning the left-hand rear wheel in a direction in which the toe-in takes place, a right-hand rear wheel toe-out stopper for mechanically preventing the right-hand rear wheel from turning in a direction in which the toe-out takes place, a left-hand rear wheel toe-out stopper for mechanically preventing the left-hand rear wheel from turning in a direction in which the toe-out takes place, and a rear wheel operating structure for operating eithe

Abstract: A storage tank battery connectable between a towing frame and a dolly for transport via clevises on the tank battery and apertured plates extending from connecting frames mounted on the towing frame and the dolly. The connecting frame on the towing frame slides vertically on depending legs of the towing frame and the connecting frame on the dolly pivots on one end of the dolly so that the connecting frames can be raised and lowered by hydraulic jacks mounted on the connecting frames. The tank battery includes a rectangular container partitioned into separate tanks and internal and external bolsters, with corrugations of the partitions between tanks and laterally extending rods connected to the walls of the tanks, support the walls of the tanks against hydrostatic pressure of liquids in the battery.

Abstract: Motor scooter comprising a monocoque body in which at least a receptacle, suitable to house at least one crash helmet is provided.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a steerable industrial vehicle equipped with an electrically powered power steering system. A cargo-handling motor is housed in a box which is positioned near an electric motor of the electrically powered power steering system. The box is formed at its inboard side wall with a rectangular opening through which the electric motor is viewed from the outside of the vehicle. With the provision of the rectangular opening, checking and/or replacement of brushes of the electric motor can be easily carried out.

Abstract: The headset of a conventional mountain bicycle is modified to permit the load supported by the front wheel to be transferred to the bicycle frame through a column of compressed air to minimize shock and vibration to the rider when riding over rough ground. A valve matching those in the mountain bicycle tires is located on the steering axis above the handle bar stem and permits the compressed air pressure to be adjusted for different rider weights through use of a conventional bicycle pump. The typical air pressure required with the shock absorber unloaded is less than the tire pressure. The shock absorber design should permit hard use for long periods without maintenance.

Abstract: A Servosteering system especially for motor vehicles utilizes a piston type of control valve having reaction chambers for simulating steering resistance in the course of a turn. Communication for pressure flow to the reaction chambers is via fixed throttle in series with a speed responsive variable throttle which at low speeds reduces the simulated steering resistance to low or nonexistent, as in parking, but varying to higher steering resistance at higher speeds. Additionally, a pressure reduction valve is series connected with the fixed throttles. Reaction chamber pressure is thus held to a maximum so that simulated steering resistance, is comfortable in a tight turn.