Abstract: A motor-driven power steering system for front and rear road wheels which is capable of preventing uncontrolled steering resulting from abnormal movement of the rear road wheels in case of a failure in various sensors and/or an electric motor or breakage in the wiring, and enabling vehicle to continuously travel in a safe manner by means of front wheel steering alone after occurrence of such troubles.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a permanently active rear-axle drive train and with a front-axle drive train which can be connected via an electrohydraulically controllable clutch and a power take-off gear, and which is connected each time for a specific period of a few seconds when the drive slip in the rear-axle drive train exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A torque direction sensor responds to pulling and pushing stresses in the front-axle drive train and which generates electrical output signals characteristic of such stresses. These output signals are used with the output signals from a forward-reverse motion sensor in a logic circuit, in such a way that the clutch is released when admissibly high stresses occur in the front-axle drive train within the connection period, and the clutch is engaged again when these stresses have diminished.

Abstract: A two-wheel/four-wheel automatic change-over device in an automobile transfer apparatus is disclosed. In the transfer apparatus in which driving forces are transmitted directly from a transmission to front two wheels or rear two wheels and also transmitted through a wet-type multiple disc clutch to the other two wheels, the two-wheel/four-wheel change-over device has a change-over control unit for changing over from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive. This unit automatically effects an engagement and a release of a wet-type multiple disc clutch in response to a signal of high speed travelling, a signal of slope travelling, a signal of quick acceleration travelling, a slip signal obtained from a relation between a real car speed and rotation of the wheels and a signal of a selector switch. In such a constitution, the wet-type multiple disc clutch is usually hydraulic-controlled so that it is differentiable in time of the four-wheel travelling.

Abstract: A portable table for a wheelchair storable adjacent the frame of the wheelchair. The portable table is attached to the frame of the wheelchair and includes a tilting device for varying the angle of the table top relative to the horizontal. The table top is also slidably connected to the wheelchair frame enabling lateral movement, as well as tilting of the table top relative to the horizontal. The table top includes foldable sections held together by a magnetic retaining device until the sections are separated by the user.

Abstract: A four wheel drive vehicle including a front inter-wheel differential gear between front drive axles, a rear inter-wheel differential gear between rear drive axles and an inter-axle differential gear between the front and rear drive axles. The vehicle has a transmission arranged with its output axis transversely of the vehicle. The inter-axle differential gear includes two planetary gear sets which are mounted on one of the front drive axles and provided with clutches so that the planetary gear sets are selectively brought into an operative position.

Abstract: A split axle drive mechanism for a part-time four-wheel drive vehicle comprises a fist axle shaft connected to one side gear of a differential, a first output member arranged to be connected to the first axle shaft, a second axle shaft axially slidably connected to the other side gear, a second output member arranged to be connected to the second axle shaft, a clutch mechanism disengageable for disconnecting the first axle shaft from the first output member when the vehicle is in a two-wheel drive mode and engageable for connecting the first axle shaft to the first output member when the vehicle is in a four-wheel drive mode, a connecting rod axially slidably disposed in the axle shafts and having one end operatively connected with the clutch mechanism and another end connected with the second axle shaft, a coupling mechanism for connecting the second axle shaft to the second output member in response to engagement of the clutch mechanism, and a shift mechanism arranged to axially translate a clutch sleeve of

Abstract: A rear wheel steering control system for a four wheel steerable vehicle has a controller such as a microcomputer for steering rear wheels through a hydraulic actuator. When a small turning radius is required, the controller steers the rear wheels in an opposite direction to a direction in which the front wheels are steered. The control system further has various sensors such as front wheel angle sensor, rear wheel angle sensor, vehicle speed sensor and gear position sensor for sensing a position of a transmission. From one or more of the sensor output signals, the controller determines whether the vehicle is in a predetermined condition in which the rear wheel steering action in the opposite direction should be restrained in order to prevent the rear end of the vehicle from swinging laterally in the opposite direction and bumping against an adjacent object. If it is determined that the vehicle is in the predetermined condition, the controller steers the rear wheels gradually in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system which is activated by a key switch or by a magnetically coded card and associated car reader to activate a latching solenoid valve to one state for disabling functions of the vehicle, preventing operation of the vehicle, or to the opposite state for enabling operation of the vehicle. The system requires a specified voltage at a level higher than the voltage of the vehicle battery to prevent compromising of the system as by the use of jumper cables or the like.

Abstract: A hitch adapter is attached to the tongue of an implement having components adapted for being driven by a tractor power take-off shaft and is constructed to permit the implement to be semi-integrally mounted either to a tractor having a hitch arrangement consisting only of a three-point hitch or to a tractor having a hitch arrangement wherein a quick coupler is carried by its three-point hitch without necessitating a change in the length of a drive shaft interconnecting the tractor power take-off shaft with an input shaft of a transmission assembly carried by the implement tongue.

Abstract: A four wheel drive system has an interaxle multiple disc friction clutch, an actuator for varying torque transmitted through the clutch to a front wheel drive shaft by varying a clutch pressure of the clutch, first and second sensors for sensing rotational speeds of the front wheel and rear wheel drive shafts, a third element for producing a third signal, and a control unit for controlling a driving torque distribution between the front and rear wheel drive shafts by sending a control signal to the actuator. The control means increases the torque transmitted through the clutch with increase in a speed difference between the front wheel and rear wheel drive shafts in accordance with one of characteristics selected in accordance with the third signal. The third element is designed to find a condition of the vehicle which can be controlled by a driver of the vehicle, and may take the form of an accelerator position sensor or a manually operated selector switch.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for artificially establishing steering feel in a steering system not having a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steerable wheels. The apparatus includes a hydraulic steering motor connected to the steerable wheels. A steering wheel position sensor and a steerable wheel position sensor each produce an electrical signal respectively indicative of the steering wheel position and the position of the steerable wheels. An electronic control unit monitors the sensor signals and controls a solenoid operated directional control valve to steer the vehicle in a direction and at a steering rate in response to the monitored signals. An electromagnetic friction brake is connected to a support and to the input shaft and is controlled by the electronic control unit to provide steering feel. The friction brake includes an armature fixed to the support and a brake member secured for rotation with the input shaft via a spline conneciton.

Abstract: An automotive engine forming part of a motor vehicle is controlled to avoid slipping or spinning of a driven wheel by controlling the maximum rate of change of fuel which can be supplied to the engine, for example, by limiting the speed of deflection of a throttle flap (6) driven by a servo motor (7). The deflection speed, limited for example by a voltage divider (14) can be controlled as a function of operating parameters of the engine or the vehicle, for example, vehicle speed (V.sub.F), engine speed (n.sub.M), engine loading or a percentage of engine loading, actual wheel slip, actual angle or deflection position of the throttle flap, and the like. Further, non-linearities between deflection of an operator actuated pedal, such as a gas pedal (1) and actual deflection of the control flap (6) can be compensated for, for example, in a difference forming circuit (9) providing an output error signal for the servo motor (7) or by software, e.g.

Abstract: A transfer in combination with a transmission mechanism for a four wheel drive vehicle is provided comprising a first output shaft aligned with the transmission mechanism, a second output shaft extending parallel to the first output shaft, a power transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force from the first to the second output shaft, and a clutch coaxially mounted on the second output shaft for connecting and disconnecting the second output shaft to and from the power transmission mechanism. In addition to the clutch between the second output shaft and the power transmission mechanism, another clutch may be provided between the first output shaft and the power transmission mechanism. The transmission/transfer further includes parking locks for stopping the rotation of the first and second output shafts.

Abstract: An auxiliary pad for attachment to the foot portion of a bicycle kickstand is molded in two pieces of polypropylene. A clamp section has a pair of opposing semicylindrical clamp elements and can be folded to clamp around the downwardly extending rod of the kickstand. A pair of semicylindrical shims is attached to the clamp elements and can be used if required. A pad section is provided having a ribbed underside and a pair of brackets to accept a pair of clamp legs serving to hold the pad section against the foot portion of the kickstand.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering apparatus for a vehicle has a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed, a front wheel steer angle sensor for detecting a steer angle of front wheels of the vehicle, a rear wheel steer angle driving device for varying the steer angle of each of the right and left rear wheels, and a rear wheel steer angle controller for controlling the rear wheel steer angle driving device. The controller is adapted to calculate a toe-in quantity of the rear wheels as an increasing function of the vehicle speed, calculate a steer angle of each of the right and left rear wheels by the use of the vehicle speed and the steer angle of the front wheels, and control the rear wheel steer angle driving device on the basis of results of these calculating operations such that the steer angle of each of the right and left rear wheels changes by a predetermined angle. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the response to the steering input for turning the vehicle.

Abstract: A steerable dolly for a truck trailer resting thereon comprising a steering linkage to turn the dolly wheels relative to the dolly frame, the linkage including an engagement with the trailer that senses the yaw articulation angle of the trailer relative to the dolly frame and causes the linkage to steer the dolly wheels in response to the yaw articulation angle. The steering ratio of the dolly wheels to the yaw articulation angle is a function of the dolly tow bar length for a B-Dolly configuration, the rear overhang of the towing vehicle and the wheel base of the trailer resting on the dolly fifth wheel. The steering ratio may be adjusted by adjusting the effective length of one of the links in the steering linkage.

Abstract: A jointed two bar for towing one vehicle by a second vehicle which incorporates joints in such a way as to allow folding and imprecise alignment during attachment, but a fail safe rigid structure for towing. A rotating cross bar joint on beams can be lifting out of the fixed towing position for storage or attachment but is prevented by structure from downward movement. Lateral movement of beams can also be accomplished from a pivot joint after beams are lifted out of a keyed slot. In towing position, slots and structure prevent folding movement from tensile, compression or lateral forces. When not in use, tow bar can be tipped up and folded on front of towed vehicle or removed and conveniently carried to a trunk of a vehicle.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a wheel suspended on a body through a suspension device with a damping facility, a sensor having a flywheel and detecting a wheel angular deceleration is supported on the stationary supporting structure of the suspension device which consists of a vehicle body side member and a vehicle body, and a transmission device for connection between the wheel and a drive shaft leading to the sensor is so constructed as to absorb the vertical vibration transmitted from the wheel.

Abstract: A power-assisted steering system includes a changeover valve unit comprising an input shaft to be rotated by the driver's steering effort applied thereto, an output shaft operatively connected to a hydraulic power cylinder associated with the steering system, a valve assembly for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure from a hydraulic pump to the power cylinder in response to relative rotation between the input and output shafts; and a hydraulic reaction mechanism for applying a reaction force to the input shaft in accordance with a hydraulic reaction pressure applied thereto. The reaction mechanism includes a reaction fluid chamber to be constantly applied with a predetermined small quantity of fluid under pressure and to be applied with a hydraulic pressure caused by relative rotation between the input and output shafts through a throttle. The system is arranged to increase the hydraulic pressure in the reaction fluid chamber in accordance with an increase of travel speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle has a front wheel side having a front wheel set, a rear wheel side having a rear wheel set, an engine having an output shaft extending in a transverse direction of a vehicular body, a transmission having an input shaft connected to the output shaft of the engine and an output shaft connected through a transmission mechanism to the input shaft such as to extend in a transverse direction of the vehicular body, a rotating member connected to the output shaft of the transmission, a front differential gear, a first output member connected between the rotating member and one of the wheel sets for transmitting power to one of the wheel sets through the front differential gear, a second output member coaxial with the first output member, a rear wheel propeller mechanism between the second output member and the other wheel set, and operative to convert the rotation of the second output member into rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second output member for dr