Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a driving status discrimination device, which includes a detector for detecting a parameter signal (e.g., vehicle speed, engine rotational speed, the opening degree of an engine throttle valve, or the like) relating to the driving speed of the motor vehicle at a predetermined interval, and a microcomputer for processing the parameter signals input thereto. The microprocessor calculates a differentiated value of the parameter signal and stores the differential value in a memory device. The memory device has a plurality of memory locations each storing the differential value. The microprocessor futher calculates an integrated value of a plurality of differentiated values stored in the memory device and discriminates various driving status from one another (e.g., a mountain road driving from a high speed driving) based upon the calculated integrated value.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle has an engine output shaft; a transmission having an input shaft connected to the output shaft and an output shaft connected through a transmission mechanism to the input shaft; a drive gear meshed with an output gear connected to the output shaft of the transmission; a front wheel side power transmitting mechanism; a rear wheel side power transmitting mechanism; a center differential mechanism coaxial with the drive gear and having an input member connected to the drive gear, a first output member connected to the front wheel side power transmitting mechanism, and a second output member connected to the rear wheel side power transmitting mechanism; a front differential gear coaxial with the center differential mechanism and connected to the first output member of the center differential mechanism; a power converting gear mechanism for converting a rotation about a first axis to a rotation about a second axis being perpendicular to the first axis to transmit power to the rear side p

Abstract: A first axle, such as the front axle of a motor vehicle, is directly driven by the vehicle engine or its gear shift transmission. The vehicle wheels of the rear axle can be connected automatically via two limited slip differential systems that are assigned to them and are arranged on the rear axle. The limited slip differential systems comprises a planetary transmission with a through drive ratio that deviates slightly from 1:1 and a centrifugal brake that engages at the planetary transmission with a significantly higher ratio.

Abstract: A power steering gear for a vehicle capable of providing a variable degree of power assistance to supplement manual steering effort wherein the variable assist is achieved by controlling directly the magnitude of the steering pressure made available to a pressure operated motor by a vehicle engine driven pump, the magnitude of the pressure being controlled by a central processing unit that responds to vehicle steering wheel torque and vehicle speed to produce an appropriate steering pressure and power assist for all driving conditions.

Abstract: A scooter of an ordinary general shape but equipped with an improved mechanical drive for the rear wheel or wheels, which drive is comprised of a ratchet mechanism for driving the rear wheel, a stepping lever for transferring the stepping force of the rider to the ratchet mechanism and a retrieving means for raising the stepping lever to the orignal position as the stepping force is released therefrom; whereby, the scooter can be propelled by the intermittent force of the rider to advance forwardly.

Abstract: A trailer is adapted to be hitched to the back of a horse-drawn jogger, the trailer having a frame and a tongue extending forwardly from the frame with a hitch apparatus for attachment to the jogger. The frame supports two spaced-apart wheels and a grill. The grill extends generally transverse to the forward direction of the trailer and is located generally above and rearwardly of the wheels of the trailer. A self-levelling hitch is connected to the jogger, the hitch being connected to swivel about the axis of the jogger wheels. A bracket extends from the hitch and supports a freely turning levelling wheel which contacts the ground rearwardly of the common axis of the jogger wheels. The hitch has a coupling for engaging the trailer.

Abstract: A novel latch mechanism for a trailer hitch assembly used to interconnect a towing vehicle to a drawn vehicle. The hitch assembly includes a frame, mounted on the towing vehicle, having an upwardly extending pintle and a cavity disposed adjacent the pintle for receiving the coupling element of the drawn vehicle; a spring-biased, pivotally-mounted latch extending over the frame cavity, having a notch and a ledge disposed adjacent its forward end; and a spring-biased, pivotally-mounted pawl, generally overlying the latch, having a cam disposed adjacent its forward end and its rear end adjacent and in seated relation in the notch of the latch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for controlled damping of pivoting movements, preferably in an articulated bus. The arrangement comprises hydraulic dampers arranged between the vehicle units, a hydraulic control system which connects the dampers with each other, and an electrical control system which activates electrically operated valves in the hydraulic control system. The invention is characterized essentially in that it comprises devices which allows the electrical control system, in response to sensors which sense the pivot angle and the vehicle speed, to connect various throttles in the connecting lines between the dampers, to thereby control the damping level of the dampers.

Abstract: A suspension and drive arrangement for an off the road motorcycle having a balloon tired rear wheel. The rear wheel is suspended for movement relative to the frame by a Y-shape trailing arm and a pair of vertically extending suspension elements are interposed between the trailing arm and the frame for cushioning shock transmitted to the rear wheel. The rear wheel is driven by a chain drive including a first chain that drives an intermediate shaft and a second chain which drives the rear wheel from the intermediate shaft. The first chain is positioned inwardly of the second chain and a pair of embodiments illustrate devices for cooling the first chain. In one embodiment, the chain is cooled purely by ram air whereas the other embodiment provides cooling with both ram air and forced air flow.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a four-wheel drive vehicle which has at least one gear box or differential with controllable power transmission characteristics having circuitry for producing control signals in response to vehicle operating conditions and parameters. The arrangement allows for control of the distribution of torque to the respective wheels of the vehicle as a function of a selected number of parameters, such as relative or average wheel speed, engine speed, gas pedal or throttle valve angle, etc. The arrangement contemplates the simultaneous control of more than one adjustable gear box or differential as a function of commonly and/or separately sensed parameters.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a rolling construction platform which can be easily converted for over the road transportation. The rolling construction platform for supporting staging comprising a first frame support section and a second frame support section. The first and second support sections each have a forward terminal end and a back terminal end. The forward terminal end of the first frame support section having a pair of wheels engaged therewith and the back terminal end of the second frame support section having a pair of wheels engaged therewith. When the back terminal end section of the first frame support section is connected to the forward terminal end of the second frame support section, the rolling construction platform is formed and when the forward terminal end section of the first frame support section is connected to the rear terminal end of the second frame support section, the two pairs of wheels are placed in tandem to provide for over the road transportation.

Abstract: A hydrostatic translation slide support, comprises a housing, a slide member, a low pressure chamber and a high pressure chamber, a support ring which is elastically held against the housing and pressed with a uniform tensioning against the slide member, the support ring being movable in the housing substantial normal to the slide member, a first sealing ring fixedly held by the support ring and located between the support ring and the slide member to limit the high pressure chamber, a second double lip sealing ring arranged in the housing and surrounding the support ring so as to limit the low pressure chamber, means forming a supply passage in the housing for supplying a hydraulic medium into the high pressure chamber, and means forming a discharge passage for withdrawing the pressure medium from the low pressure chamber.

Abstract: A highly efficient motorcycle trailer apparatus having a generally u-shaped side member and an elongated guide member therebetween substantially supported by at least two opposing vertical members having hydraulic members integrally attached thereto is disclosed. The hydraulic members are operably coupled to the elongated guide member, centrally located therebetween two opposing sides of said u-shaped side member. A motor is operably joined to a hydraulic reservoir means coupled to a hydraulic line means of the hydraulic members to permit smooth raising and lowering of the elongated guide member for mounting or dismounting a motorcycle thereon.

Abstract: A pre-existing trailer is modified to increase its payload capacity from approximately 50 tons to approximately 60 tons. Modifications involve the addition of one new axle, and the remounting of existing wheels to make them steerable. The modified trailer has one fixed axis axle and four steerable axles (two in front of the fixed axis axle, and two behind the fixed axis axle). During turning maneuvers the ground wheels on the fixed axis axle turn freely without skidding because the other steerable wheels automatically turn into the direction of steer. The modified trailer operates with lessened skid force on the wheels, with resultant increases in tire life and axle life.

Abstract: A non-motorized cart for carrying a rider who supplies propelling energy for the cart, including: a frame having an H-shaped form, a front end and a rear end; two front wheels and two rear wheels; a crank mechanism connected to the rear wheels for rotating the rear wheels in response to energy supplied by the rider; front wheel support members connecting the front wheels to the front end of the frame for pivotal movement in order to steer the cart; and a steering mechanism for steering the front wheels, including a steering lever pivotally mounted to the frame and having control members located to be engaged by the feet of the rider, and steering rods connected between the steering lever and the front wheel support members for pivoting the front wheels in response to pivoting movement of the steering lever.

Abstract: A mechanical four wheel drive tractor having a solenoid valve which is de-energized to effect engagement of drive to the front wheels in a predetermined operational mode. Normally, the valve is controlled by an operator switch but when the engine is overloaded and exhaust gas temperature rises, a thermal sensor breaks the circuit to the solenoid valve so that four wheel drive is automatically engaged. This action is restricted to a low gear range by a switch linked to the mechanism selecting between the low range and a high range. Restriction to a low gear range prevents unwanted automatic four wheel drive engagement from occuring in other gear ranges without regard to vehicle speed. Automatic engagement of four wheel drive reduces the overload on the transmission.

Abstract: A towing apparatus to be permanently mounted to a pulling vehicle for use in towing other vehicles. The apparatus has a pair of chains connected to the chassis on opposite sides thereof. The free ends of the chains provide means for connection to the vehicle to be towed. Intermediate the ends of each chain is mounted a resilient lightweight ball of sufficient diameter to prevent the chain from contacting the chassis of the pulling vehicle during either normal use or during the towing of another vehicle. This allows the advantages of permanent connection of pulling chains while minimizing wear and tear on the pulling vehicle.

Abstract: This automotive vehicle power-steering system can positively compensate for resistance to the return of a steering linkage from an operating position to its neutral rest position after the vehicle turns a corner, and can enhance a steerability of the vehicle. The system includes a controller ordering a power-assist actuator to reduced the steering angular deviation of a steering wheel to zero when the controller receives a zero-level signal from a steering torque sensor and non-zero-level signal from a steering angular deviation sensor. The method for the system includes a step of controlling the power-assist actuator to generate a return-assist force counteracting the resistance and variable according to vehicle conditions.

Abstract: A non-motorized tricycle including: a frame having a seat for supporting a rider; a front wheel and two rear wheels; a steering member pivotably supported by the frame and supporting the front wheel; and a crank drive mechanism for rotating the rear wheels and propelling the tricycle, the crank drive mechanism including: a pedal crank rotatably supported by the frame and having crank portions and pedals engageable by the feet of the rider; a bracket secured to, and extending downwardly from, the frame; a auxiliary crank member rotatably mounted in the bracket and having two first crank portions and two second crank portions; a rear axle rotatably mounted to the frame and secured to the rear wheels, the rear axle having two crank portions; two main crank rods articulated between the crank portions of the axle and the first crank portions of the auxiliary crank member; and two auxiliary crank rods articulated between the second crank portions of the auxiliary crank member and the pedal crank; the crank drive me

Abstract: A trailer having a variable configuration for carrying heavy loads, including: a main frame, a main suspension system supporting the rear of the main frame, coupling mechanism for coupling the main frame to a power unit with or without an auxiliary trailer and for supporting the front of the frame. Mechanisms for coupling on a variety of auxiliary frames are provided, for the purpose of distributing the weight of the payload and the weight of the trailer itself according to legal requirements and requirements of safety. These mechanisms generally include a front suspension arm joining the main suspension to the auxiliary frame, a main pivot between the main frame and the auxiliary frame, and an additional connecting link between main and auxiliary frames.