Abstract: An air cushion vehicle is provided with cushion-containing means at least partly constituted by a flexible skirt which comprises an inflatable bag member and individual flexible skirt elements depending downwardly from attachment both to the bag member and the vehicle hard structure.

Abstract: This is concerned with a water drive system for a center pivot irrigation system in which a string of pipe pivots in a circle or oscillates about a center pivot or upright with the pipe supported on towers at intervals and each tower being independently driven by a power mechanism which is operated by the pressure of the water in the string of pipe. It includes a mechanism to prevent one or more towers from rolling ahead on a downhill slope, a diaphragm valve arrangement for controlling the cycling of the drive, and an enlarged bellows or bladder for operating the water drive mechanism.

Abstract: This invention is a device to aid persons of varying ages to balance and move freely on a ball. The ball is set in a framework in such a manner that it may roll freely. The framework is mounted on casters so that said framework may move freely with the ball. In use, the rider moves about atop the ball, using the handles of the framework for support when necessary for balance. As the user gains skill, the framework may be dispensed with.

Abstract: A compact transmission arrangement for a vehicle includes a constant mesh transmission and a bevel gear driven by the transmission which are mounted within a common housing assembly releasable from the vehicle.

Abstract: Inflatable air bag having one or several air intake openings for drawing air from the passenger compartment into the air bag, and closure means for automatically sealing the air intake openings after inflation of the air bag. The closure means may consist of bands, tubes, flaps and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle frame is provided and includes opposite side support wheels journalled from the frame. Each of the support wheels has a pair of first and second drive wheels journalled from the frame operatively associated therewith. Each pair of first and second drive wheels is drivingly interconnected by means of an endless drive member trained thereabout and one of the drive wheels of each pair is drivingly connected to the corresponding support wheel of the frame. A pair of elongated levers are provided and the levers are disposed on opposite sides of the frame and extend generally transversely thereof. The outer ends of the levers are anchored to the corresponding endless drive members for orbiting therewith about the corresponding pair of first and second drive wheels and the inner ends of the levers are provided with hand grips for engagement by the hands of a person seated along the longitudinal center line of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control module for tractors in which the various controls for operating the tractor are supported in a group for convenient operation by the operator of the tractor and may be installed as a unit in the tractor relative to an operator station that is flexibly supported relative to the main body of the tractor. The various controls are resiliently and flexibly connected to control various devices making up the unsuspended main body of the tractor. The tractor may have either an enclosed cab or an open platform forming an operator station resiliently mounted to the unsuspended main body of the tractor to inhibit the transmission of vibration, shock loads and noise, and the module is supported from the station to minimize relative movement between the operator and the controls. The controls are connected by flexible means serving to dampen the transmission of vibrations and the like from the unsuspended main body of the tractor.

Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus to prevent excessive vibration in leaf spring type front wheel assemblies of four-wheel drive vehicles, including a stabilizer shaft, means for mounting the stabilizer shaft on the chassis of the vehicle in a position generally parallel to the pivot axis of the leaf spring, a stabilizer coupling having a first bearing rotatably supported on the stabilizer shaft for rotation about an axis transverse of the chassis, and a second bearing fixed to the first bearing, rotatably supported on a pivot axis of the leaf spring and having an axis of rotation spaced apart and generally parallel to the axis of the first bearing.

Abstract: A novel structure in a scooter type sport vehicle is presented. The vehicle is of the type which includes a supporting frame structure in combination with at least front and back wheels mounted for rotation with respect to said frame to define a wheeled vehicle. A rockable platform for supporting a standing rider is supported pivotably on said frame. The platform includes an extended forward portion so as to make the platform non-symmetrical with respect to the pivot, and the platform may be rocked back and forth on the frame about the pivot point with increased leverage exerted in the forward direction. Driving means responsive to the forward rocking movement of the platform is included for producing a unidirectional turning moment on the real wheel, whereby a rider may shift his weight to forwardly rock the platform and thereby propel the wheeled vehicle forward.

Abstract: A three-point cambering vehicle having an upright steering frame supporting a steerable contact and a pair of rearwardly positioned and laterally spaced contacts which are connected to the steering frame through spring means for allowing cambering of the vehicle when the operator leans into a turn.

Abstract: The main bed of an implement trailer is lowered to the ground by pivoting a rear frame and forward gooseneck toward the main bed. The main bed is raised from the ground by pivoting the rear frame and forward gooseneck away from the main bed. A battery, electric motor, and hydraulic pump mounted on the gooseneck provide hydraulic pressure to operate hydraulic cylinders connecting the rear frame and gooseneck to the main bed. The battery is recharged from a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A cover member for a safety air-cushion device is made up of a bag-shaped outer laminate of high density polyurethane foam, and a bag-shaped inner laminate of low density polyurethane foam which is integral with the outer laminate, the inner laminate being made by pouring the fluidized material into a mold after solidification of the other fluidized material having been poured into the mold for the formation of the outer laminate.

Abstract: A safety device for a power takeoff shaft whereby the hydraulic control valve spool for controlling the power takeoff drive operates a switch in the engine starter circuit to disable the starter circuit when the power takeoff clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A wheelchair is designed to enable an invalid to stand, sit or choose at l any intermediate position to perform useful work, and to move about in any of said positions. The wheelchair helps to fulfill the psychological and physiological needs of handicapped persons. The lifting and lowering operations are so arranged that practically no dislocation of the invalid's clothes occurs during the operations. The wheelchair has a minimum of physical encumbrances permitting the invalid to function near normally in the average living or working spaces.

Abstract: A variable speed bicycle including a variable speed pulley assembly connected between the bicycle pedal assembly and the bicycle rear axle, the movable pulley halves of the variable speed pulley assembly being actuated by cables, each cable having one end operatively connected to a respective movable pulley half and the opposite end connected to a winding drum mounted on the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A motor vehicle towing trailer comprising a main carriage frame having a leading end provided with a hitching member, a trailing end provided with ground engaging wheels on opposite sides thereof, and a support platform on which the front or rear wheels of a motor vehicle to be towed may be supported, the support platform comprising a leading support rod and a trailing support rod extending generally transversely of the carriage frame, and a swivel plate extending beneath the support rods, the support rods being secured to the support plate in the assembled condition thereof with the support plate including structure for selectively securing one of the support rods in a series of different positions from front to rear with respect to the support platform.

Abstract: A two-axle, four-wheel-drive vehicle has separate hydraulic drive systems to drive the front and rear pairs of traction wheels. Each drive system includes a hydraulic motor that is powered by its own variable displacement pump. The torque developed by the motors, and the hydrostatic drive pressure, depend on the volume of fluid flow from the pumps. Under certain conditions, the hydrostatic drive pressure to the two motors becomes unbalanced. A torque equalizer valve is interconnected between the two hydraulic drive systems. When the equalizer valve senses a hydrostatic drive pressure difference between the two drive systems, it readjusts the displacement of the pump having the higher pressure by lowering the hydrostatic pilot pressure to restore the balance of hydrostatic drive pressures.

Abstract: In a safety inflatable bag apparatus for protecting occupants of a vehicle, when collision of a vehicle occurs, a blocking cock of a high pressure gas container is destroyed by explosion of ignitors, as a result of which high pressure gas is released from the container into the inflatable bag to inflate it for restraining the occupant. By-product fragments or pieces produced upon the explosion of the ignitors are collected in a collecting chamber disposed at a bent portion of a duct connecting the high pressure gas container and the inflatable bag, thereby to eliminate the need for a conventional filter or prevent the filter, if used, from being clogged.

Abstract: Housing apparatus includes a frame which has an axis and an engine housing connected to the frame. First and second radiator housing portions are connected to the frame generally rearward of the engine housing with each radiator portion positioned on a respective opposed side of the engine housing. The engine housing and first and second radiator portions are of a construction sufficient for providing a field of vision to preselected locations along the axis and on opposed sides thereof.

Abstract: The rear wheel of a bike is journaled in a pair of spaced, parallel plates, which are adjustably secured to the outer ends of two pairs of rigid suspension bars, the inner ends of which are mounted to pivot on a cycle frame about axes parallel to axes of the bike's wheels. Two of the bars are pivotal one above the other at one side of the cycle, and two are pivotally mounted in a similar manner at the opposite side of the cycle and are held in lateral registry with the first pair by transverse brackets. One or more shocks are interposed between the frame and one of said transverse brackets to resist upward movement of the suspension bars; and a pair of adjustable leaf springs are mounted at each side of the frame and have free ends engaging a pair of suspension members also to resist upward, pivotal movement thereof relative to the frame.