Abstract: A hydraulic system for controlling a pair of steerable caster wheels includes a left side actuator and a right side actuator. A rear steering control valve is moveable between a first state for disabling direct control of the left and side actuators and a second state for enabling direct control the left and right side actuators to provide a steer response. A fluid connection continuously connects the pressure source and the fluidic tie rod fluid circuit in fluid communication when the rear steering control valve is disposed in one of the first state and the second state to continuously supply the pressurized fluid to the fluidic tie rod fluid circuit.

Abstract: A steering axle drive assembly includes a steering axle having opposite ends, a wheel pivotally connected with each steering axle end, and a control mechanism. The wheels are operated by the control mechanism for rotation about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. When the axle is connected with a vehicle, the control mechanism controls the steering axle wheels independent of other wheels of the vehicle, such as the main drive wheels, to steer and drive the vehicle from an origin in any direction without passing through the origin. Preferably, a motor or linear actuator controls the rotation of the steering axle wheels. The steering axle drive assembly can be further improved by including an angled axle.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for transporting patients in a stair configuration and in a chair configuration. A multiple mode handle assembly is provided for user engagement, and is movable between a first handle configuration, a second handle configuration, and a third handle configuration.

Abstract: A bike securing apparatus (100) having a vertical member (1), a first engagement member (2), that coupled to the vertical member (1) and comprises a means for attaching to a bicycle pedal (63); and an anti-rotation member (3), that coupled to the vertical member (1) or the first engagement member (2), and has a means for attaching to a bicycle (6). The first engagement member (2) is configured to attach to the bicycle pedal (63) and limit movement of the bicycle pedal (63), and the anti-rotation member (3) is configured to attach to the bicycle (6) at a location other than said bicycle pedal (63) and limit rotation of a said bicycle (6) about the first engagement member (2).

Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a ladder assembly coupled to the chassis, and a stability system. The stability system includes at least one of (i) a front downrigger coupled to the chassis, (ii) a rear downrigger coupled the chassis, or an outrigger coupled to the chassis. The stability system is controllable to facilitate leaning the fire apparatus at least two degrees relative to a ground surface while maintaining full operational capability of the ladder assembly.

Abstract: A front fork of a bicycle may include a suspension system that includes a damper. The damper may include a hollow tube with orifices that may be partially blocked by an adjustable blocker. A free end of the adjuster that adjusts the blocker may maintain its axial position in any rotational position. Ambient air may be introduced through a valve and retained in the suspension system. The suspension may include a mechanical spring in a chamber away from the valve that introduces the ambient air.

Abstract: A foldable human-powered vehicle upon which users can ride is described. The vehicle includes a wheel assembly, a deck assembly, a seating assembly, a handle assembly, a deck support frame, and a brake assembly. The vehicle also includes a first and a second bicycle having a first handle disposed opposite a second handle. A first handle of the second bicycle is affixed to a second handle of a portion of the handle assembly to affix the second bicycle to the vehicle. A second handle of the first bicycle is affixed to a first handle of a portion of the handle assembly to affix the first bicycle to the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a rear component affixed to a portion of the deck assembly, where a head tube of a third bicycle is affixed to the rear component to affix the third bicycle to the vehicle.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section is coupled to a support structure supporting a track assembly having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. A user interface is arranged for engagement by the user, and has a direction input control for selecting a drive direction of the motor, and an activation input control for operating the motor to drive the belt. A controller in communication with the motor and the user interface is configured to limit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control preceding engagement of the direction input control to prevent driving the belt, and to permit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control following engagement of the direction input control to drive the belt in a selected drive direction.

Abstract: A multiple hitch assembly and method of use thereof including a hitch platform having a channel member and multiple hitch member having a block base. A dampening member may be affixed such that coupling of the multiple hitch member by locked engagement of received through holes of the block base and paired side holes disposed in flanges of the channel member compresses the dampening member upon the recessed column of the hitch platform to absorb and thus attenuate the load and associated torque imparted by movement and rub between the hitch platform and multiple hitch member to thereby reduce associated rattle noise, and vibration.

Abstract: There is provided a foldable motorized cart having at least a first and a second connected section, each of the sections connected with a hinge and pivotable with respect to each other and further including a compartment hingedly connected to either one of the sections, with the compartment having a bottom floor, side walls and a top cover surface, and also having an internal space for containing, a motor drive system, a drive controller and a battery. The battery and drive controller are electrically connected to the motor drive system which is mechanically linked to at least one of a drive wheel or a drive track mechanism for propelling the motorized cart, where the motor drive system is located within the drive track mechanism.

Abstract: There is disclosed a track assembly having a frame; an endless track engaged with a track wheel system, the track wheel system having a track driving wheel and at least another wheel. An axle engaging device is rotatably mounted to the frame and is securable to a driven axle of a vehicle. An axis of rotation of the axle engaging device is spaced apart from a ground contacting area of the endless track by a distance taken along an axis perpendicular to the ground contacting area. A mechanism drivingly engages the axle engaging device to the track driving wheel. The mechanism defines a speed ratio defined as a rotational speed of the track driving wheel over a rotational speed of the axle engaging device. The distance is greater than a product of the speed ratio by a radius of the track driving wheel.

Abstract: A trailer assembly includes first and second axles supporting first and second wheels which are coupled to first and second actuators of a steering system. The steering system includes a control circuit connected to the actuators and the control circuit includes a driving device configurable in a low speed maneuvering mode with: a synchronized sub-mode in which the actuators can be actuated in a synchronized manner to steer the wheels in a synchronized manner, and a desynchronized sub-mode in which the first and second actuators can be actuated individually and independently to steer only the first wheels or only the second wheels. A control device is connected to the driving device to: select one of the sub-modes in the low speed maneuvering mode, and select an actuation either of the first actuator or of the second actuator, in the desynchronized sub-mode.

Abstract: A bicycle drive unit includes a motor, a second electronic controller and a communication circuit. The motor is configured to assist in propulsion of a bicycle. The second electronic controller controls the motor. The communication circuit is configured to communicate with an operation device that operates a bicycle electric component. The second electronic controller is operable in a third state, in which the motor is drivable, and a fourth state, which consumes less power than the third state and does not drive the motor. The second electronic controller is configured to switch an operation state from the fourth state to the third state upon the communication circuit receiving an input signal while the second electronic controller is operated in the fourth state.

Abstract: A hitch receiver with four walls forming a tube that includes an integrated clamping device for immobilizing inserted accessories. A flexible tube wall acts as a pressure plate to press against the accessory as force is applied. The clamping device further utilizes a backstop attached to a rigid portion of the tube and accommodating a mechanism for generating force. Force can be generated mechanically via a threaded rod operatively connected to a threaded opening in a block located in the space between the backstop and the pressure plate. Clamping force is applied to the pressure plate by the tip of the threaded rod as it is turned in such a way as to force the threaded block against the backstop. Force is applied until the pressure plate deforms, contacts the adjacent wall of the inserted accessory, and presses the accessory against the opposite tube wall.

Abstract: A surgical robot includes a robotic arm, a cart supporting the robotic arm and including a steering assembly. The steering assembly comprises wheels and a handle. The handle is moveable to a first position, a second position, and a third position. The steering assembly is configured such that the wheels allow the cart to roll in a longitudinal direction when the handle is in the first position, the wheels allow the cart to be roll a rotational direction when the handle is in the second position, and the wheels allow the cart to roll in a lateral direction when the handle is in the third position.

Abstract: An example trailer hitch is disclosed. The example trailer hitch includes a trailer hitch including a base to be coupled to a vehicle bed of a vehicle, a carriage slidably coupled to the base, the carriage to slide along rails of the base between a first position and a second position, and a head rotatably coupled to the carriage, the carriage to slide from the first position to the second position in response to rotation of the head.

Abstract: A hitch vibration dampener assembly and method of use thereof including a tow mount member including a base portion with a vibration dampener pad affixed to the back surface such that coupling of the tow mount member by locked engagement of at least one elongated pin successively received through paired side holes disposed in flanges of a hitch platform channel compresses vibration dampener pad upon the back panel of the hitch platform to thereby reduce the movement between the tow mount member and hitch assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat, front right and left wheels, a rear wheel, a steering assembly, a motor, front right and left brakes, a rear brake, and an electronic brake control unit. The electronic brake control unit has a pump, a valve box and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is electronically connected to the pump, and valves of the valve box for controlling their operation. A hand brake lever actuates a first master cylinder and thereby actuates the front brakes through the valve box. A foot brake lever actuates a second master cylinder and thereby actuates the rear brake through the valve box.

Abstract: Example aspects of a towing system, a towed vehicle assembly, and a method of towing a towed vehicle are disclosed. The towing system can comprise a front lifting mechanism comprising a mounting bracket, a trailer tongue, and a lift connector coupling the trailer tongue to the mounting bracket, the lift connector movable relative to the mounting bracket between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation, the trailer tongue configured to connect a towed vehicle to a driven vehicle; and a rear lifting mechanism comprising a rear lift frame, a rear axle coupled to the rear lift frame, and a rear tow wheel rotatably coupled to the rear axle.

Abstract: Systems are provided for assisting in towing a trailer by a lead vehicle. A wheeled tow assist unit couples between the lead vehicle and the trailer. A drive unit onboard the tow assist unit drives the wheels in response to a force between the trailer and the tow assist unit. The tow assist unit bears at least a portion of the force required to tow the trailer.