Abstract: A control valve includes valve elements relatively displaceable in response to a predetermined variable (e.g., a steering torque) to define therebetween two parallel fluid flow paths connected between a fluid source and a fluid reservoir to produce pressure difference in a power cylinder. The control valve comprises a bypass path provided with a variable flow orifice that has an orifice area variable in response to said predetermined variable and an externally controlled variable flow orifice valve that has an orifice area variable in response to a second predetermined variable which is different from the first predetermined variable.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle having two pairs of ground wheels movable to effect steering of the vehicle, the wheels of each pair being mounted at opposite sides of the vehicle chassis, at least one pair of wheels being lockable in a position so that steering is effected solely by the other pair of wheels wherein sensor means are provided associated with each of the two pairs of wheels to provide an electrical signal to a control means when the respective wheels are in an aligned position in which their axes of rotation are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the control means including a selector means comprising electrical switch means to enable an operator to select simple steering mode in which only one of the pairs of wheels are movable to effect steering, or a compound steering mode in which both of the pairs of wheels are movable to effect steering, the control means further comprising means to maintain the selected steering mode until an alternative steering mode is selected by operat

Abstract: A light weight, low center of gravity motorcycle having a frame assembly comprised of a main frame member that extends rearwardly and downwardly to a rear wheel support and upwardly extending portion that defines a recess adapted to support the fuel tank. The recess has sufficient volume so as to provide a large volume of the fuel tank in this area to minimize the changes in center of gravity as fuel is consumed from the tank. A seat rail assembly is affixed to this upwardly extending portion for supporting a seat and contains an integral lubricant tank that forms a structural element of the seat rail assembly.

Abstract: A rear bicycle attachment handle mechanism used on a small child's bicycle providing a safety feature for the inexperienced rider by allowing a supervising adult to have partial control over an unsteady bicycle, and also providing a supervising adult with the means to propell the bicycle forward without having to stoop or bend over. Furthermore, the rear bicycle attachment handle serves as an excellent exercise tool to be used by a walking adult and a bicycling child whereby the adult can assist the child in propelling the bicycle forward when the child is tired or needs assistance in ascending hills.The handle section of the invention is comprised of two vertical elongated attachment members (10a and 10b), a hard rubber-like handle (22) positioned horizontally between the upper portions of the attachment members, and a handle bolt (24) securely connecting this section together.

Abstract: A vehicle has rear wheels each equipped with a rear tire having a tire characteristic which is different from that of front wheels, and which is suitable for one cornering condition, for example, a condition in which a lateral acceleation is high, and a steering system which steers the rear wheels so as to remedy the deficiency of the tires of the rear wheels in another cornering conditions.

Abstract: A motorcycle provided with a receiving chamber positioned beneath the seat includes a forwardly inclined engine and a generally horizontally disposed transmission to permit expansion of the carrying capacity of the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber rear wall, moreover, is depressed inwardly to create an external recess for extending the clearance space between the chamber and the rear wheel, as well as providing a protrusion interiorly of the chamber capable of positioning a helmet therein.

Abstract: A bicycle frame made essentially entirely of an integrally bonded composite structure throughout its main structural tubular members and at the joints securing these tubular members to each other. The tubular members, which have round and aero cross sections, and the joints are laid up using layers and strips of high strength resin-impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber fabric. A non-compressible filler material is added at the joints to support the carbon fiber fabric so that its outer surfaces are all non-concave wherever possible.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle with separate complete front and rear frames joined at the seat post by concentric frame members. An alignment mechanism automatically actuates as the frames are rotated into a frame open position. A binder bolt mechanism locks the frames open in a rigid orientation. The bicycle frame and components may be configured as a lightweight ten-speed bicycle or as an all terrain bicycle.

Abstract: A remote actuator and interlock for a trailer hitch of the type having a main body, a ball receiving socket at one end of the main body with the other end of the main body being attachable to the end of a trailer. A pivotal member is hinged at the ball receiving socket end of the hitch. The main body and the pivotal member form hinged sections and the socket is formed jointly in the two hinged sections. A collar is reciprocatingly received about the main body and positioned to releasably receive the free marginal end of the pivotal member therein to thereby releasably latch the hinged sections together so that a ball can be captured therewithin. A remote actuator with interlock is mounted to the hitch apparatus by which the hinged sections are forced together and thereafter the collar is moved into the latched position over the hinged sections. The remote actuator includes a control lever pivotally mounted for movement respective to said main body.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for controlling rear road wheel camber of a four-wheel-steerable vehicle having front and rear road wheels steerable in the same or opposite directions. The camber with respect to ground of at least the rear road wheel on the outer side of a cornering curve followed by the vehicle is controlled. The apparatus includes detectors for detecting the direction in which the rear road wheels are steered with respect to the front road wheels, the self-aligning torque on the front road wheels, and the steering force acting on a steering wheel, camber varying devices associated with rear wheel suspensions, actuators for operating the camber varying devices, and a control unit responsive to detected signals from the detectors for applying a control signal to at least one of the actuators to control the camber of at least the rear road wheel on the outer side of the cornering curve when the rear wheels are steered.

Abstract: A rollable toy tank including a flexible, tubular body, which is open at the transverse sides thereof, and which is adapted to be rolled forward on a supporting ground or water surface by a child crawling inside of the tubular body.

Abstract: A convertible tricycle/riding toy which is interchangeable for use with any one of a variety of interchangeable frames having a variety of different uses is disclosed. The convertible tricycle/riding toy includes a handle bar and wheel frame with handle bars at one end and a front tricycle wheel rotatably mounted by foot pedals at the other end. The convertible tricycle/riding toy further includes spaced rear tricycle wheels mounted for rotation thereof. In order to convert the tricycle/riding toy as desired, a series of interchangeable frames having a variety of different uses are provided, each of which is separately and independently connected to the handle bar and wheel frame as well as rotatably mounts the rear wheels for operation of the convertible tricycle/riding toy.

Abstract: A chair for use by an incapacitated person has a wheeled frame which carries a body support assembly composed of a seat, a back, and a foot rest. The back is angularly adjustable relative to the seat and the foot rest is angularly adjustable relative to the seat. The body support assembly is rockable as a unit relative to the frame to enable the entire assembly to occupy any one of a member of tilted positions. The body support assembly may be removed as a unit from the frame for use as a car seat or the like.

Abstract: A steering control system comprises means for performing a secondary steer of front and rear wheels by angles computed using a steer angle .theta., steer angle angular velocity .theta. and vehicle speed V from the following formulas, ##EQU1## where .delta.f is a front wheel secondary steer angle, .delta.r is a rear wheel secondary steer angle, N is a steer gear ratio and Kf, Kr, Tf and Tr are control constants which are functions of vehicle speed.

Abstract: An apparatus (22) selectively provides passive rear wheel steering in response to lateral forces acting on the rear wheels during turning maneuvers initiated by a front wheel steering assembly (14). A control assembly (24) includes a logic (104) responsive to signals from a front wheel steer angle sensor (102) and a vehicle speed sensor (100), and provides signals to latches (70,72) of apparatus (22) for effecting same and opposite direction rear wheel steering angles relative to the front wheels. The logic prevents opposite direction steering in response to vehicle speeds above predetermined amount.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having multiple modes of steering. A mode switch on the vehicle dashboard allows an operator to select a steering mode. This selection sets up a master and slave relationship between the front and rear wheels. The master set of wheels (which can be either the front or rear wheels) is controlled by the vehicle steering wheel. The slave set of wheels is controlled by a feedback control circuit that orients the slave wheels in ways that depend on which mode of steering the operator chooses.

Abstract: A fork truck is provided with a collision-preventing safety arrangement which initiates an emergency stopping in response to a contact with or detection of an obstacle. That safety arrangement comprises a safety device which at least adjacent to a load carrier (3) encloses the space for accommodating a picked-up load (20) on a level within the height range of a human being. That safety device is designed to permit a handling of the load (20) by means of the load carrier (3) at least in a forward direction. For that purpose the safety device may comprise a confining structure, which in its operative position encloses at least the space adjacent to the load carrier (3) and is movable out of its operative position when a load (20) is to be handled.

Abstract: A driving force distribution control device for a four wheel drive vehicle comprises first computing means for computing a clutch engaging force using a rotational speed differential between front and rear wheels, second computing means for computing a clutch engaging force using only a vehicle speed and third computing means for computing a target clutch engaging force form the sum of the clutch engaging forces computed by the first and second computing means. A transfer clutch variable in engagement for controlling distribution of a driving force to the front and rear wheels is brought into engagement with the target clutch engaging force.

Abstract: A drive mode selecting system for a four-wheel-drive motor vehicle includes a drive system for driving a first axle drive mechanism and a second axle drive mechanism, a clutch for selectively rigidly connecting the first and second axle drive mechanisms through the drive system for transmitting relative torque between the first and second axle drive mechanisms, and disconnecting the first and second axle drive mechanisms, a brake operation detector for detecting operation of a brake of the motor vehicle, an accelerator operation detector for detecting operation of an accelerator of the motor vehicle, and a controller responsive to detected signals from the brake operation detecting means and the accelerator operation detecting means for applying a disengaging signal to the clutch means to disconnect the first and second axle drive mechanisms when the detected signals indicate that the brake is operated and the accelerator is not operated.

Abstract: A variable speed adjuster for a bicycle includes: a driving disk secured to a bike hub or spokes having a plurality of radial slots formed in the driving disk, a collar secured with a chain wheel driven by a driving chain of a bike pedal having a plurality of sliding blocks slidably engaged in an annular groove formed in the collar each sliding block formed with a sliding roller protruding inwardly to slidably engage each radial slot in the driving disk and an eccentric plate rotatably secured with the collar and fixed on the axle of a bike wheel, wherein the eccentric plate is adjustably biased to allow the collar and the chain wheel to be eccentric to the axle, thereby resulting in a variation of drive ratio of running speed of a bike wheel.