Abstract: An assisting power controller for a vehicle power steering device is provided with a microcomputer, which stores in a random access memory a plurality of the latest steering angle data each detected from a steering angle detector each time the vehicle runs a predetermined distance. The microprocessor processes the plurality of steering angle data to calculate a first driving index representing the road condition and then, to decide a first electric current meeting the road condition. The microprocessor also stores in the memory a plurality of the latest vehicle speed data each detected from a speed sensor each time the vehicle runs the predetermined distance. The microprocessor processes the plurality of vehicle speed data to calculate a second driving index representing the state of maneuver by the driver of the vehicle and then, to decide a second electric current meeting the state of maneuvering.

Abstract: A velocipede, for example a bicycle, having a front wheel drive is disclosed. The front wheel has a gear axially mounted thereon. In place of regular handlebars is a drive gear rotatably mounted on the upper front of a frame. The drive gear has coextensive handle means for rotating the drive gear. A first drive chain connects the drive gear to a plurality of different sized gears. A second drive chain connects the plurality of different sized gears to the gear axially mounted on the front wheel, whereby rotation of the hand means causes rotation of the front wheel. A derailleur is provided to change the position of the second chain on the plurality of different sized gears. Independently rotatable coextensive handles with cables extending to the outside allow for brake levers and derailleur levers to be mounted on the handles without becoming entangled during 360 degree rotation of the drive gear. The gear wheel is lockable to provide fixed handlebars.

Abstract: A four wheeled buggy operated by a driver in a sitting posture. A steering apparatus is supported by a support frame structure mounted on a longitudinal front end portion of an elongated main frame structure. The support frame structure has a pair of opposite sides positioned between a pair of front wheels, and a pair of extension frames located respectively above the front wheels. A front body has a front inner member fixedly mounted behind the front wheels. A pair of flexible plate-like members formed of elastic material form respectively a pair of front fenders associated respectively with the front wheels. Each plate-like member is bent into a generally inverted L-shape having top and side panel sections detachably mounted respectively to the corresponding extension frame and the corresponding side of the support frame structure. Rear edge portions of the respective top and side panel sections of each plate-like member are detachably mounted to the front inner member of the front body.

Abstract: A towing hitch is disclosed which has a housing for receiving a tow bar such that said housing can be pivotally connected to said tow bar. A tongue is coupled to the housing for receiving a towing element. The housing has a pin which project into said tow bar and said pin has a resilient block mounted thereon such that said block is arranged between said pin and said tow bar to dampen or absorb shock or vibration transmitted to said towing hitch.

Abstract: An improved mounting arrangement for a ball nut drive assembly for a linear actuator is disclosed. The invention is described as embodied in an electric assist steering system. The steering system includes a housing surrounding at least a portion of a steering member having rack teeth thereon, a ball-nut drive assembly circumscribing a thread portion of the steering member for axially driving said steering member upon rotation of the ball-nut drive assembly, an electric assist motor for driving said ball-nut assembly into rotation in response to a control signal and an electronic control unit for providing said control signal in response to a measured amount of driver input torque. The steering member is radially supported relative to the housing at two spaced apart locations. The ball-nut drive assembly is axially spaced from the electric assist motor and connected thereto by a connection tube.

Abstract: A supporting frame for a driving apparatus of a four wheeled buggy having a steering wheel and operated by a seated driver, comprises an oblique frame, an engine supporting frame, a removable rear frame, a removable lower frame, and to enclose an accommodating space for a driving apparatus. The driving apparatus accommodated in accommodating space is prevented from being damaged even when the buggy runs on a severely irregular land and the driving apparatus can be removed from the buggy to facilitate maintenance of the driving apparatus.

Abstract: A motor-driven power steering system has a steering mechanism for interconnecting a steering wheel and a steerable wheel. An electric motor applies a steering assistive force to the steering mechanism. A plurality of frictional elements are each provided with a lubricating material having a temperature-dependent viscosity. The motor-driven power steering system also includes a steering torque detector for detecting a steering torque applied by the steering wheel through the steering mechanism and for generating a signal indicative of the steering torque a temperature detects for detecting the temperature of at least one of the frictional elements and generates a signal indicative of the temperature. A motor control signal generator generates a motor control signal based on at least the signals from the steering torque detector and the temperature detector. A motor driver controls the electric motor based on the motor control signal.

Abstract: An articulated shopping cart-tractor unit with a seat is provided for the handicapped. The tractor unit is connected to a conventional shopping cart by a bracket and coupling.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for artificially establishing steering feel in a steering system not having a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steerable wheels. The apparatus includes a hydraulic steering motor connected to the steerable wheels. A steering wheel position sensor and a steerable wheel position sensor each produce an electrical signal respectively indicative of the steering wheel position and the position of the steerable wheels. An electronic control unit monitors the sensor signals and controls a solenoid operated directional control valve to steer the vehicle in a direction and at a steering rate in response to the monitored signals. An electromagnetic friction brake is connected to a support and to the input shaft and is controlled by the electronic control unit to provide steering feel. The friction brake includes an armature fixed to the support and a brake member secured for rotation with the input shaft via a spline conneciton.

Abstract: A transfer in combination with a transmission mechanism for a four wheel drive vehicle is provided comprising a first output shaft aligned with the transmission mechanism, a second output shaft extending parallel to the first output shaft, a power transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force from the first to the second output shaft, and a clutch coaxially mounted on the second output shaft for connecting and disconnecting the second output shaft to and from the power transmission mechanism. In addition to the clutch between the second output shaft and the power transmission mechanism, another clutch may be provided between the first output shaft and the power transmission mechanism. The transmission/transfer further includes parking locks for stopping the rotation of the first and second output shafts.

Abstract: A wheeled carrier arrangement which is readily and securely attachable to packaging such as is used for bulky consumer items. The wheeled carrier is provided with walls to engage adjoining sides of the package. Pins and/or an adhesive layer are added to the wheeled carrier walls for engagement with the package. The pins are arranged to puncture the packaging which is typically made of cardboard. At least one wheel extends outward so that it can support the package when the item is tilted onto it.

Abstract: An automotive engine forming part of a motor vehicle is controlled to avoid slipping or spinning of a driven wheel by controlling the maximum rate of change of fuel which can be supplied to the engine, for example, by limiting the speed of deflection of a throttle flap (6) driven by a servo motor (7). The deflection speed, limited for example by a voltage divider (14) can be controlled as a function of operating parameters of the engine or the vehicle, for example, vehicle speed (V.sub.F), engine speed (n.sub.M), engine loading or a percentage of engine loading, actual wheel slip, actual angle or deflection position of the throttle flap, and the like. Further, non-linearities between deflection of an operator actuated pedal, such as a gas pedal (1) and actual deflection of the control flap (6) can be compensated for, for example, in a difference forming circuit (9) providing an output error signal for the servo motor (7) or by software, e.g.

Abstract: A motor-operated power steering apparatus comprises an electric motor for generating assistive steering power in a steering force transmitting system, steering force detecting means for detecting the steering force in the steering force transmitting system and generating a steering force signal indicative of the detected steering force, temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the steering force transmitting system and generating a temperature signal indicative of the detected temperature, correcting means for correcting the steering force detected by the steering force detecting means based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means to determine a corrected steering force, current value determining means for determining a target current value based on the corrected steering force and generating a target current control signal indicative of the determined target current value, and energizing means for supplying a current of the target current value to the motor based on

Abstract: Trailer of the type which can be widened out or retracted when required, made of a frame on which there is mounted a wheel assembly. The frame comprises a traction bar, a rear transverse member fixedly mounted at one end of the traction bar, a front traction member which is parallel to the rear traction member and is also fixedly mounted on the traction bar, along the latter, short of its opposed end. The portion of the traction bar between the front transverse member and the opposed end thereof constitutes a traction rod. A movable framework is disposed on both sides of the traction bar between the rear and front transverse members. The wheels of the trailer are mounted on the movable frameworks, which can laterally extend thereby widening out the trailer, or they can be retracted in the narrow position of the trailer. This trailer can easily be attached to a four- or three-wheeler of the sporting type and, when it is widened out, it can be used to carry the four- or three-wheelers.

Abstract: The present invention is a steering system for an articulated vehicle which has at least one axle mounted for wagon-wheel steering with respect to the vehicle, a hydraulic actuator for pivoting the axle with respect to the vehicle and a pair of hydraulic actuators for causing articulation of the vehicle. The improved steering system includes sensors for providing signals dependent on the degree of axle pivot relative to the vehicle, the degree of articulation of the vehicle and the desired direction of the vehicle travel. These signals are detected by a controller which in turn controls actuation of the axle and articulation hydraulic actuators. The actuators are operated in a sequential manner so that small directional changes of the vehicle are achieved solely through pivoting of the axle.

Abstract: A ball hitch for towing trailers and the like may be assembled in either of two possible configurations so that the resultant assembled ball structure has a selected diameter complemental to the socket of the trailer tongue. The hitch includes an integral body presenting two end portions having a truncated spherical configuration, and a specially adapted bolt may be inserted in either of two directions in a central bore of the body so that the selected end portion of the latter may be located in an outermost disposition for use. Preferably, a smoothly rounded head of the bolt has a radius of curvature equal to the average of the radii of the end portions of the body so that the bolt head and the selected end portion of the body, when the hitch is installed in the vehicle, cooperate to present a rounded structure of a generally spherical configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for tensioning a seat belt in an automotive vehicle in the event of a collision. The belt extends through a slot in a displaceable and rotatable drum. One end of a tensioning strap is inserted into the slot and connected to a wedge located therein. The other end of the tensioning strap is attached to the chassis of the vehicle. When the drum is rotated, by means of a drive means intended herefor, both the tensioning strap and the belt strap are reeled onto the drum, therewith causing the drum to be displaced downwards while reducing the effective length of the belt strap.

Abstract: An invention which prevents the overturning of ALL Terrain Vehicles (ATV's ) when such vehicles are driven up an incline of sufficient grade so as to cause the lighter-weighted front end of the vehicle to rear backwards causing a backward overturn. This invention, which consists of a tire attached to a bracketing system, which in turn is mounted to the rear of an ATV, provides a stabilizing support to the rear of the vehicle in incidences of imminent overturn. The device is easily attached to most ATV's of different manufacture, and do not interfere with the operation of the vehicle when driven on flat or slightly hilly surfaces.

Abstract: Present invention is a frame type flexible axle suspension system designated for use on automobiles. This system mainly consists of two parallel spring steel shafts (12, 14), ends of which pass through a pair of link stands (16, 18) which are perpendicular to the spring steel shafts, thus form a frame construction (10). The link stands are connected with elevation shaft or drive shaft or wheel shaft. In addition, on each steel shaft there is a pair of elastic sleeves which are fastened on the spring steel shaft by means of hoops (24). Supporting stand (26) is connected with the hoops at one end and fixed on chassis or mainbeam of automobile at the other end. This frame type flexible axle suspension system can be used for front and rear axles of automobiles. It is also possible to select optimal combination of parameters of parts according to needs.

Abstract: The speed control actuator can be used to modify a control linkage fitted between an accelerator pedal and a carburetor or fuel injection pump on a vehicle engine. The actuator includes a forked lever which is mounted for rotation on the shaft of the fuel regulator, and a pulley which is mounted for rotation relative to the forked lever. The accelerator pedal is connected by means of a cable to the forked lever. Another cable passes over the pulley and is connected to a microprocessor controlled cable drive. The cable is advanced and retracted, in accordance with a vehicle speed related signal, to adjust the fuel regulator independently of the accelerator pedal. A preferred form of drive means is also described which employs a microprocessor producing a speed-related output in the form of a pulsating current of one polarity or another, and having a variable mark-to-space ratio, for driving a dc motor coupled to the actuator.