Abstract: Steering systems are normally incorporated into hydrostatic drive systems for use on track-type vehicles. The currently available steering systems do not take advantage of the potential energy created by slowing down the inside track during a steering maneuver. The subject regenerative steering system includes positioning a pair of reversing valves between a source of pressurized fluid and a pair of motor/pump units drivingly connected to a pair of tracks. Each of the variable displacement motor/pump units includes a displacement controller for controlling the displacement of the motor/pump unit. To initiate a steering maneuver, a control signal is directed to the displacement controller of one of the motor/pump units to change the displacement of the motor/pump unit causing the track to slow down and start driving the motor/pump unit.

Abstract: A combined propulsion and lift unit for an air-cushion vehicle is provided comprising an elongate shaft mounted for rotation about its central longitudinal axis, bearings for rotatably supporting the shaft, an axial wheel with two or more blades mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith, a first housing extending peripherally about the shaft, the housing provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, a drive device connected to the shaft for rotating same at a selected speed, a centrifugal fan wheel mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith, the fan wheel provided with an air inlet, the fan wheel located inside the first housing, and a second housing extending about the perimeter of the axial wheel and the first housing, the second housing having a larger diameter than the first housing thereby defining an air passageway therebetween, the second housing provided with an air inlet and an air outlet.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering system having apparatus for compensating for steering angle error. On displacement of a steering handwheel, the steering handwheel angle, the steering motor angle and the steering handwheel speed are ascertained. The fluid flow between a steering control device and a steering motor is changed via auxiliary flow paths in dependence on the steering angle error. At every steering handwheel speed and every steering angle error, the change of the fluid flow is effected in dependence on the steering handwheel speed and the steering angle error. A multiplier multiplies the outputs of a difference-generating means and a differentiator together, the output of the multiplier being connected by way of a proportional element to a valve control device connected to pass signals to a valve arrangement which controls the auxiliary flow paths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering system comprising a steering wheel (11), control signal generating means (12) responsive to the operation of the steering wheel (11), means for steering at least one vehicle wheel in response to control signals generated by the generating means and also selectively operable coupling means (41) to enable the steering means to be mechanically coupled to the steering wheel for manual steering of the vehicle wheel independently of the control signals.

Abstract: Towing apparatus comprising a towing vehicle and a lifting frame that supports one end of a towed vehicle off the ground and is connected to the towing vehicle through a thrust reversal system, comprising one or more thrust reversal mechanisms, each having a rear lever arm fixed at its rear end portion to the lifting frame, a front lever arm fixed to the main frame of the towing apparatus only at a position forward of a rear wheel axle of the towing vehicle and intermeshing gears, fixed to the rear end portion of the front lever arm and the front end portion of the rear lever arm, respectively. A bracket resting on but not directly connected to the main frame of the towing vehicle near its rear wheel axle holds two pivot rods about which the intermeshing gears are rotatably mounted for simultaneous opposite rotation.

Abstract: An auxiliary steering system for a vehicle is adapted to additionally steer the front wheels and/or rear wheels of a vehicle upon the main steering of the front wheels by a steering maneuver of a steering wheel, while an auxiliary steer angle is determined in accordance with a differential value of a main steer angle of the front wheels. An auxiliary steering system further includes a limiter means adapted to restrict an upper limit of the differential value in accordance with a main steer speed or in accordance with both of the main steer speed and the main steer angle, whereby the auxiliary steer angle does not become too large and a jerk of the vehicle is prevented even if the main steer speed is high, while within a large main steer angle range the auxiliary steer angle is not suppressed and remains capable of compensating for a lowering of a tire cornering power.

Abstract: A skewer assembly for holding the front fork of a bicycle. The fork has a pair of clevises each with a pair of arms. A skewer housing body has a pair of end faces extending around opposite ends of a passage which extends between them. A skewer rod adjustment and clamp act to hold the clevises against the end faces. The diameter of the skewer rod is substantially equal to the spacing between the clevis arm so the rod can fit closely over the rod.

Abstract: A leveling system for vehicles has at least one pressure-fluid-actuated work cylinder disposed between the vehicle body and the wheel suspension, a pressure fluid source and a pressure fluid sink for supplying pressure fluid to the actuator, and a proportional pressure regulating valve for controlling the flow of pressure fluid. The proportional pressure regulating valve has a main valve and a pilot control valve for controlling the main valve control slide into at least three slide positions; in the middle slide position the three controlled valve connections of the main valve are blocked off.

Abstract: The steering stability of a moving vehicle is maintained by measuring an actual yaw rate of the vehicle and determining a desired yaw rate of the vehicle and producing an output signal in response to a comparison of the actual and desired yaw rates. The steering angle of steerable wheels of the vehicle is controlled in response to the output signal in a manner tending to substantially conform the actual yaw rate to the desired yaw rate, thereby maintaining vehicle stability. The steerable wheels are steered by a steering wheel, and are independently steered by a motor in response to the output signal. The amount of steering provided by the motor is controlled in dependence upon an estimated frictional coefficient between the vehicle and the road, or upon detected values of the environmental temperature and precipitation.

Abstract: A stroller structure arranged to simulate 1 racing car configuration for entertainment and amusement of individuals includes a floor having side walls, with the side walls each including an air scoop directed therethrough, the air scoop in pneumatic communication with ventilation apertures through the side walls. A front cowl is mounted to the floor extending rearwardly thereof in adjacency to a seat structure arranged for pivotal mounting to the floor about rear pivot pins. Handle bar structure is arranged for pivotal orientation in a substantially raised first position to a lowered second position to provide for a grip for an infant secured within the seat structure.

Abstract: Each of the control elements for steering the rear wheels of a motor vehicle is equipped with an electro-magnetically operated lock. This is designed in such a way that, when current is not flowing, it limits the maximum possible sliding movement of a control rod to the amount which is necessary for steering at high driving speeds. At low driving speeds, the lock is released, so that the wheels can be turned at a greater angle to facilitate parking.

Abstract: An ideal lateral acceleration is calculated based on vehicle speed and steering angle, and an actual lateral acceleration is calculated based on a lateral acceleration detected by a lateral G sensor. A breakaway point of tires is determined by comparing the actual lateral acceleration with the ideal lateral acceleration. A differential operation of a central differential is controlled by restricting the differential operation in accordance with a determined breakaway point and the difference between the ideal lateral acceleration and the actual lateral acceleration.

Abstract: A hydraulic hitch mounted on the back of a tractor has a pair of first upright tubular members that slide into second upright tubular members fixed to the tractor frame. A pair of piston and cylinder assemblies are used to raise and lower a draw bar attached to the first tubular members. The draw bar movably supports a tongue having a connector used to connect the hitch to an implement.

Abstract: A frame structure for a working vehicle having crawler running devices includes main frames extending longitudinally along right and left sides of a vehicle body. The crawler running devices have track frames extending below and along the main frames, respectively. An oil tank is disposed between the main frames for rigidly interconnecting forward positions of the main frames and rigidly interconnecting the track frames. The frame structure includes an engine supporting frame for supporting an engine rearwardly of the oil tank. The engine supporting frame is connected to the oil tank through a reinforcing beam, and is curved downwardly with an intermediate portion thereof lying substantially level with the bottom of the oil tank.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle having a very low center of gravity and compact overall size which facilitates travel in narrow hallways and in negotiating sharp turns as into a doorway along a narrow hall. The vehicle includes a generally horizontally disposed preferably circular, disc-shaped frame supported in close proximity above the ground by a steerable, motor-driven rear wheel and two spaced front wheels. A battery arrangement is connected to and supported by the frame and operably connected between a control lever in electrical communication with an electronic circuit and the motors for propelling and steering the rear wheel. A seat is provided whereby a user's feet may be comfortably supported on the frame. A circular cushioning ring, either fixed or preferably rotatably mounted and extending radially from the perimeter of the frame, contacts fixed objects such as walls, doorways and the like to facilitate tight maneuvers not heretofore possible with other such vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle rear wheels steering apparatus is provided with a guide member having a guideway capable of freely tilting toward the axis of the rod member. Therefore, when the rod member rotates around the axis, an operating member provided on the outside of the rod member rotates around the rod member axis along the guideway to steer the rear wheels by an amount corresponding to an amount of rotation of the rod member and an amount of tilting of the guideway.

Abstract: A motorcycle having leading and trailing front and rear arm suspensions for the front and rear wheels. The motorcycle has a frame that is made up of a pair of side pieces that are integrally connected with each other with portions of the side pieces removeable for accessing and removal of the engine.

Abstract: A receiver hitch for a motor home or other towing vehicle, adapted to actuate the brake system of a vehicle being towed by the motor home. The apparatus comprises three portions the first of which moves forwardly, to actuate a master brake cylinder of the third portion, which master cylinder will then dispense fluid to the brake system of the vehicle being towed. The intermediate portion of the apparatus is used for mounting it to the motor home or other towing vehicle and for the reception of the first and third portions.

Abstract: A two wheeled trailer is provided with steerable wheels which are hydraulically actuatable according to the articulation angle between the trailer and a towing vehicle and to the forward and reverse mode of travel of these vehicles. In one embodiment, the angle to which the wheels are steered in response to the detected articulation angle may be less for forward travel than for reverse. Also, the wheels may be caused to assume a substantially straight ahead, non-steering configuration at forward speeds above a particular set point, with the steering automatically resumable upon lowering of the speed below another set point. Still another embodiment provides for steering of the wheels, whenever there is a transition between forward and reverse and an articulation angle exists, in a manner that prevents "crabbing" of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Electric power steering for parking comprising a dc electric booster motor (1) provided with a clutch, a reduction gear (2), a steering wheel torque sensor (3), a vehicle speed sensor and an electronic circuit for control of the motor, characterized, on the one hand, in that the torque sensor delivers all-or-nothing signals, and, on the other hand, in that the boost ratio is proportional to the time during which the torque signal is present when the vehicle travels below a preset speed limit and is canceled when the vehicle exceeds this speed.