Abstract: A self-balancing load-bearing device having a load platform or like structure that may move relative to the drive wheel or wheels under the force of gravity as the device operates. The load platform may be mounted with a pendulum based structure including curved support tracks or pendulum arms or a related structure. User input of control signals may be achieved with a joystick, foot pedal, remote control or other. Various embodiments and uses are disclosed.

Abstract: A cover plate assembly for a vehicle, characterized in that it includes:—a cover plate provided with a flat plate-like main body of the cover plate; and—a counter-part provided with a plate-like main body of the counter-part, the counter-part main body having a through-hole matching with the shape of the cover plate main body, and two guide plates projecting in the through-hole area and supporting the cover plate main body thereunder; wherein the cover plate assembly is in drawer structure, the cover plate being configured to be assembled to the counter-part by sliding along the guide plates. The cover plate assembly in drawer structure is simply structured, low in cost and easy to operate.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying scratchers for a tracked vehicle, such as a snowmobile, are described. The scratchers can be deployed in response to the engine temperature of the tracked vehicle exceeding a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the scratchers can be deployed via actuation of a switch by an operator.

Abstract: A substantially spherical ball made of tough plastic fits in the coupler cavity of a trailer and is secured to the trailer safety chain by a zip tie, cord or cable. It is locked in place by a padlock through the lever on the coupler ball hitch. Thus it prevents a potential thief from quickly temporarily hitching the trailer to his/her hitch ball.

Abstract: A hovercraft includes a lift air supply source having a dynamic air flow area in communication with a central lift air chamber to provide continuous air flow to the central lift air chamber and a static air flow area in communication with an inflatable skirt extending around a periphery of the hovercraft. Air flow from the static air flow area enters the skirt to replenish air leaking from the skirt. The static air flow area has less air flow than the dynamic air flow area. The static air flow area is located at a higher position than the dynamic air flow area to reduce the likelihood of water entering the inflatable skirt when the hovercraft is operated on water.

Abstract: A hand propelled wheeled vehicle, specifically a wheelchair, containing a pair of hand actuated, lever driven mechanisms to rotate the main wheels. The levers pivot around attachment points on the left and right sides of the vehicle chassis. The left lever actuates a frame responsible for contra-rotating two integral one-way clutches arranged on a drive shaft coupled to the left main wheel, with the right lever operating the right side mechanism in an identical fashion. The arrangements of the clutches utilize both the forward (pushing) and backward (pulling) stroke of the lever to rotate the main wheels forward. Steering and braking control is afforded through attachments integral to the hand grips of the right and left hand levers, respectively.

Abstract: A self-balancing personal vehicle is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle provides a chassis having an at least one primary wheel positioned and configured for being in rolling contact with the ground. At least one drive motor is positioned and configured for selectively driving the at least one primary wheel. At least one self-balancing system is configured for automatically assisting the vehicle in maintaining a substantially upright position during use. At least one harness assembly is engaged with a suspension frame secured to the chassis, the harness assembly being sized and configured for removably receiving and suspending an at least one user a distance above the chassis. At least one control bar is positioned and configured for allowing the user to grasp said control bar while suspended within the harness assembly, for selectively repositioning their body and shifting their weight, relative to the at least one primary wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a steering swivel unit supported on a head pipe of the vehicle frame and angularly movable about a steering axis, a front wheel angularly movable in unison with the steering swivel unit, and an automatic steering mechanism for angularly moving the steering swivel unit, wherein the vehicle frame includes a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe, and the steering mechanism includes a steering motor for angularly moving the steering swivel unit, the steering motor being supported on the main frame.

Abstract: A tow hook step assembly having a step and hook combination that attaches to current bumpers or other vehicle components with “D” ring brackets. When not in tow position, the assembly acts as a heavy duty step in a step mode position. When towing is desired, the assembly automatically rotates into the towing mode position. The step is adjustable to accommodate any vehicle applications. An accessory access area is also provided to connect any accessories when desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and/or installing a side guide of a trailer-mounted boat capture system for guiding a boat onto the trailer, the apparatus comprising: an outboard post pivotally attached to an upper support rail of the side guide; two inboard posts, each pivotally attached to the side guide proximal to where the side guide is attached to the trailer via first pins, wherein each inboard post includes a manual leveling jack; an attachment point on the side guide suitable for attaching a winch cable from a boat held in the boat capture system; and second pins attaching the side guide to the trailer such that when the first pins are removed the side guide is free to pivot around the second pins from an upright position towards a support surface.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle for enabling the placement of canisters with a required absorption-chamber capacity in a compact manner. The saddle-ride type vehicle includes a head pipe supporting a steering shaft connecting with a handlebar; a vehicle-body frame connecting with the head pipe; a fuel tank placed to the rear of the head pipe and supported on an upper portion of the vehicle-body frame; and a pair of canisters for absorbing evaporated fuel introduced from the fuel tank. The canisters are vertically placed under one side portion of the fuel tank in a position along the vehicle-longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Apparatus arranged for converting a wheeled vehicle to a tracked vehicle by attachment of a continuous track unit, the vehicle comprising a drive hub of the type which is arranged to have an attachable wheel, the continuous track unit replacing the wheel to engage ground in use for movement of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising a mounting portion releasably attachable to the vehicle's chassis, the mounting portion arranged to substantially surround the drive hub, a support arm for supporting the continuous track unit, and a drive sprocket releasably attachable to the drive hub for transferring torque from the drive hub to the continuous track unit so as to rotate the track in use with the wheel removed and the apparatus attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: In one example, a structure for attaching a wheel to one of a frame of a motorcycle or a bicycle may include an axle having first and second opposing end portions and supporting a wheel, a left axle support collar structure configured to support the first opposing end portion of the axle, and a right axle support collar structure configured to support the second opposing end portion of the axle. A first bearing is positioned in the left axle support collar structure, and a second bearing is positioned in the left axle support collar structure. The axle rotates relative to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a terminal or yard tractor used for freight spotting is provided with one or more individual, portable LPG cylinders of the type used by forklifts facilitating tank swapping on an as-needed basis for reduced downtime. Each auxiliary cylinder is a portable, removable and replaceable cylinder having a fuel capacity less than that of the vehicle's primary tank. A controller interfaced to a sensor and a pump is operative to pump fuel from the auxiliary LPG cylinder and into the fuel line to refill the primary LPG tank when the fuel level of the primary tank falls below a predetermined level. The invention may be factory-installed onto the vehicle, or may be provided as a kit enabling an existing vehicle to be retrofitted with the auxiliary LPG cylinder(s).

Abstract: A robotic device for providing vertical mobility has a payload is disposed inside a central compartment and supported by a skid. The skid can move up and down through latch and hook pairs to keep intimate contact with the surface and cross over bumps. The apparatus uses a flexible seal to create a reliable vacuum chamber. The flexible seal comprises a foam ring inside fabric pocket. A plurality of rod and spring strips are configured to apply a downward force to the flexible seal to conform with surface curvatures. The fabric pocket fills in the gaps or seams to maintain a vacuum. The air flows inside a manifold and passes through a filter to avoid debris from damaging the vacuum motor assembly.

Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly, a front cabin, a front axle, at least one rear axle, a ladder assembly having a proximal end that is coupled to the chassis between the front axle and the at least one rear axle, a stability system, and a controller. The stability system includes a pair of front downriggers, a pair of rear downriggers, and an outrigger assembly coupled to the chassis between the front axle and the at least one rear axle. The front and rear downriggers are selectively extendable to engage a ground surface. The outrigger assembly includes a pair of outriggers that are selectively extendable from the body assembly to engage the ground surface. The controller is configured to facilitate controlling extension and retraction of the front downriggers, the rear downriggers, and the outriggers to lean the fire apparatus.

Abstract: A device for assisting or automatic guiding of a motor vehicle, having a first steering actuator with an allocated steering control unit, a gear rack, a steering column and a steering handle, wherein the steering column and the steering actuator have effect on the common gear rack, wherein there is at least one second steering actuator having an additional allocated steering control unit, wherein the second steering actuator has effect on the common gear rack.

Abstract: A transfer for a vehicle, the transfer includes an input rotating member, a first output rotating member, a second output rotating member, a high-low switching mechanism, a clutch, a motor, a screw mechanism and a transmitting mechanism. The first output rotating member outputs power to first left and right wheels. The second output rotating member outputs power to second left and right wheels. The high-low switching mechanism changes a rate of rotation from the input rotating member and transmits the rotation to the first output rotating member. The clutch adjusts a transfer torque. The transfer torque is transmitted from the first output rotating member to the second output rotating member. The screw mechanism converts rotational motion of the motor to linear motion. The transmitting mechanism transmits linear motion force of the screw mechanism to both the high-low switching mechanism and the clutch.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a tank wall of a vehicle tank includes at least one reinforcing shield for flanking the tank wall, a shield support for supporting the reinforcing shield, and a clamping element. The shield support is axially secured in an axial direction on a clamping element. At least a portion of the reinforcing shield extends in a flank direction transverse to the axial direction.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly comprises a sprocket, a crank axle, a movable member, a torque transmitting member, and a bearing structure. The sprocket has a rotational center axis. The crank axle extends along the rotational center axis. The crank axle includes an internal space. The movable member is movably provided in the internal space to move the sprocket in an axial direction of the rotational center axis. The torque transmitting member is to transmit a pedaling torque from the crank axle to the sprocket. The bearing structure is disposed between the movable member and the crank axle to slidably support the movable member in the axial direction. The bearing structure is disposed at a location different from a location of the torque transmitting member in the axial direction.