Abstract: A vehicle has at least two wheels, a transmission mechanism, and a clutch which can be selectively engaged to at least partially rotationally couple together these two wheels. This anti torque shock control device includes a means for detecting whether or not shift range of the transmission mechanism is a vehicle non driving range or a vehicle driving range, and a means for controlling the clutch to be at least partially engaged, when shift range of the transmission mechanism alters from a vehicle non driving range to a vehicle driving range. Thus torque shock and power train noise at this time are effectively prevented. The method of operation of this device is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides for a trailer coupling which includes one or more torque elements having pads of elastic material interposed between an inner angular member and an outer angular member. The pads of the elastic material permit but resist relative vertical movement between the inner and the outer members. The inner and outer members are connected by linkages to attachment plates. The coupling can be attached to and between a draughting vehicle and a trailer to transmit traction force to the trailer. The resilient deformation of the pads of elastic material dampen relative vertical movement between the draughting vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering force controller for power steering apparatus which controls a steering force by controlling an oil pressure supplied to an oil pressure reaction chamber of a reaction mechanism. A pressure controlling mechanism which controls the oil pressure supplied to the oil pressure reaction chamber operates to increase a channel area between a reaction passage which communicates with the oil pressure reaction chamber and a feed passage which communicates with the discharge port of a pump and at the same time reduce a channel area between the reaction passage and a discharge passage which communicates with a tank associated with the pump in accordance with a displacement of the spool in one direction which is caused by a solenoid. In this manner, the flexibility in controlling the pressure within the reaction chamber is enhanced. Chambers formed at the opposite ends of the spool valve communicate with the tank and are maintained under a low pressure.

Abstract: A control system for a limited-slip differential gear unit is cooperative with a traction control system to provide better vehicle driving stability. The control system for a limited-slip differential gear unit is capable of optimizing driving torque transmission characteristics for improving cornering stability of the vehicle. The limited-slip differential gear unit control system, according to the invention, is operative in response to difference of wheel slippages at driven wheels for slip limiting force in order to adjust wheel slippage of heavier load driven wheel at a predetermined value. The control system is cooperative with a traction control system which is detective of wheel slippage due to wheel spinning caused by excessive driving torque to be applied to the driven wheels and adjusting the driving torque to be distributed to the driven wheels.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a pulley sub assembly and a shift sub assembly. The pulley sub assembly includes a plurality of pulleys, each pulley includes a plurality of sections, and at least one section of each pulley is axially moveable. The shift sub assembly has a disengaged position to maintain the pulleys in normal positions, and an engaged position. With one embodiment, when the shift sub-assembly is in the engaged position, it slides a section of a first pulley from the plane thereof, into the plane of a second pulley, and then back into the plane of the first pulley. With an alternate embodiment, when the first sub-assembly is in the engaged position, it slides all of the sections of a pulley, one at a time, into the plane of another pulley.

Abstract: A lightweight wheelchair (10) including a front frame (27), footrest assembly (33), and mounting means (34,48) for mounting the footrest assembly (33) to the frame (27) for pivotal movement between a position in front of the chair and a position beside the chair is disclosed. The footrest assembly (33) is mounted to a front frame member (27) of the chair by a pivotal joint (34) and is further supported by a support bracket (48) which engages a side of the front frame member (27) below the pivotal joint (34). Mounted to the bracket (48) and front frame member (27) are cooperating subassemblies (56,57) which latch the footrest assembly (33) in a position in front of the chair and simultaneously bind or cam-down the inner end (49) of the bracket (48) against the side of the vertical front frame member (27).

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle for traversing a surface of magnetic material having two or more endless tracks incorporating a plurality of permanent magnets spaced along each track to create a magnetic field of a strength to attach the vehicle to the surface being traversed. Each permanent magnet comprising a bar of magnetised ceramic magnetic material extending in a direction transverse of the track clamped between a pair of magnetic metal plates. The metal plates each extending beyond one face of the ceramic bar at opposite edges of that face to provide respective magnetic poles of opposite polarity so in use only these poles contact the surface being traversed and the ceramic bar is spaced from the surface being traversed.

Abstract: A power steering system including an input shaft coupled to a steering wheel, a torsion bar for transmitting rotation of the input shaft to an output shaft, a power cylinder coupled to the output shaft, an oil path switching valve for switching oil paths to the power cylinder in accordance with the difference of turning angle between the input shaft and the output shaft, a high pressure oil path for supplying working oil delivered from an oil pump to the power cylinder via the oil path switching valve, a low pressure oil path for returning the working oil from the power cylinder to an oil tank via the oil path switching valve, a reaction piston for exerting a restraining force between the input shaft and the output shaft to limit the difference of turning angle therebetween, a control oil path extending from the midway of the high pressure oil path to the reaction piston, a pressure control valve for controlling oil pressure in the control oil path extending to the reaction piston to a level not higher than a

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an arrangement of a canister-used emission control system in a motor vehicle. The canister is received in a recess which is defined by a panel member of a tire wheel housing of the vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the propulsion or forward drive in the sense of preventing an undesired slippage of the wheels to be regulated in motor vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive, in which a driving velocity-reference signal necessitated for the regulation is derived from the minimum wheel velocity and the reference velocity is set during each regulating cycle anew into the range of the optimum friction.

Abstract: A suction type traveling carriage which can be maintained in very intimate contact relationship with a wall, a ceiling or the like and can be moved in a stable manner by rotation of suction cups.

Abstract: An installation for the propulsion regulation in motor vehicles acting on the output torque of the driving aggregate for preventing the undesired slippage of the driven vehicle wheels, whereby in case of determining the slippage tendency of a driven wheel, the magnitude determining the output torque is stored and subsequently reduced to its minimum value, is increased after the termination of the acceleration phase of this wheel to a value coordinated to the maximum value of the wheel acceleration which had occurred, is kept constant at this value, and in case of a determination of the ending of the slippage tendency, is increased by a further value coordinated to the maximum value of the wheel deceleration that had occurred whereby the delayed reaction of the drive aggregate is counteracted and a more rapid regulation with slight excess torque and fewer regulating cycles is attained.

Abstract: An apparatus called the "disco-car" is used for both exercise and recreation and comprises an exercising board, a direction-control mechanism and a wheel system. The disco-car does not need any driving power and can start to run at the player's will so long as the player stands on the exercising board and swings or sways his (or her) body together with hand control of the direction. A maximum speed of 11 km/h can be reached. The disco-car is easily operated and safe, and thus is suitable not only for the young and old but also for handicapped people.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a combine harvester or the like includes a main frame and a first and second undercarriages for supporting the main frame and individually having front and rear wheel assemblies and a track encircling the wheel assemblies. A suspension structure therefore includes a laterally spaced apart pair of pivot joints adjacent the front wheel assemblies for pivotally connecting the undercarriages to the main frame, and a coupling assembly adjacent the rear wheel assemblies for centrally supporting the main frame on the undercarriages. A hydraulic motor powerably rotates each of the rear wheel assemblies and an inside support device is provided therefor that includes a stabilizing beam. The coupling assembly includes an equalizer bar having outer ends, and the stabilizing beam extends rearwardly beyond the driven rear wheel assemblies for connection to the outer ends. Also, an outside support device releasably clamps the rear wheel assemblies to the undercarriages.

Abstract: A trailer for boats having a body conforming to the configuration of the trailered boat wherein the trailer and boat have a unitary appearance. The trailer body is preferably molded of a synthetic plastic material and the body cavity in which the boat is received is preferably closed at the bottom to protect the boat hull from road debris. A cover may be mounted upon the trailer to enclose the boat for protection from weather and theft.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for attachment to a vehicle bumper for providing releasable coupling with a trailer coupling member. The hitch includes a coupling ball partially surrounded by an enclosure extending above the top of the coupling ball. A safety bar is received in slots formed in the surrounding wall. The safety bar, when installed, overlies the coupled arrangement of a ball joint and trailer coupling member so as to prevent their unintended separation. Further, the walls surrounding the coupling ball are pivotally mounted to the vehicle bumper and include a spring which contacts either the vehicle or its bumper to orient the enclosing walls in a preferred direction.

Abstract: A power assisted vehicle steering mechanism having a rack and pinion assembly, including a pinion shaft adapted at one end to receive a steering wheel, a pinion on the steering shaft engaging a rack connected to effect steering of the vehicle, a bearing for the pinion shaft located between the pinion and said one end, said bearing permitting angular play of the pinion shaft, the pinion shaft having a portion thereof connected to transmit angular movement of the pinion shaft due to steering torque to a power assistance means to augment steering torque.

Abstract: A trailer swivel wheel assembly incorporating a gooseneck-shaped axle to carry a standard wheel rim and tire. The axle is removably received within a swivel housing pivotably mounted to the tongue bar of a trailer, and pivotable to position the wheel between raised position above the tongue bar, a lowered position below the tongue bar, and intermediate positions therebetween. The trailer swivel is secured at each position by a spring loaded locking pin carried on the swivel housing. The axle swivels within the swivel housing to permit the trailer to be maneuverably positioned while the trailer tongue is supported on the wheel rim and tire.

Abstract: This device is designed to fasten an infant car seat to the arms of a wheelchair. Primarily, it consists of a pair of rails that slide onto the arms of the wheelchair, and bars secured to the rails are provided with clamps that engage with and hold the rod portions of the seat safely to the bars.

Abstract: A mobile vertical supporting apparatus for a child having an elongated support frame, an elongated front support leg and an elongated rear support leg is shown. The elongated support frame, front support leg and rear support leg are operatively coupled together and support an axle having two opposed wheel support ends operatively attached thereto. A foot support is operatively attached to and extends between the elongated support frame and a lower portion of the elongated rear support leg and is used to support the feet of the user. A body support section, having a central section and side support sections, is operatively attached to the elongated support frame to provide support to the upper body portion of a vertically positioned user.