Abstract: In a wheeled cycle, including a bicycle, having a headtube supporting a front handlebar stem and front wheel fork yoke, a tool-free stem-to-yoke mounting assembly and method is provided for mounting the front handlebar stem to the front wheel fork yoke in mating relation rotationally supported in the headtube, the tool-free stem-to-yoke mounting assembly mounting the stem to the yoke within the headtube with an insertion motion requiring no tools. Disassembly desirably requires a tool.

Abstract: The steering actuator system disclosed includes a driver feedback rack for receiving input from a steering wheel and a vehicle steering rack, separate from the driver feedback rack. A variable feedback device connects the driver feedback rack to the vehicle steering rack, such that linear motion of the driver feedback rack is translated to variable linear motion of the vehicle steering rack through the variable feedback device. Also, linear motion of the steering rack can be translated into variable linear motion of the driver feedback rack through the variable feedback device.

Abstract: A kinetic energy generating mechanism includes a driving part, a transmission part, and a driven part. The driving part includes front and rear rollers separately mounted on a vehicle, and an actuating belt wound around the front and rear rollers. The transmission part is a transmission gear mounted to an end of the rear roller to rotate along with the same. The driven part is a driven gear mounted on a rear axle of the vehicle and meshing with the transmission gear, or may include front and rear driven gears wound around by a chain to mesh with the transmission part and mount on the rear axle of the vehicle, respectively. When a user walks or runs on the actuating belt, the latter rotates the front and the rear roller counterclockwise, and the driven part meshed with the transmission part is rotated clockwise to move the vehicle forward.

Abstract: A load hauling trailer assembly adapted for on and off road use includes a towable mobile chassis, a storage container body mounted on the mobile chassis and having an open top, a top cover having an outer side and being mountable on the storage container body and movable between opened and closed positions relative to the open top of the storage container body, and a carrier rack mounted on the outer side of the top cover and adapted to carry gear thereon when the top cover is mounted on the storage container body and moved to the closed position. The mobile chassis includes a frame structure, a pair of wheel subassemblies, and suspension and frame structure height adjustment subassemblies mounted to and extending transversely of the frame structure and mounting the wheel subassemblies to the frame structure.

Abstract: A left arm portion and a right arm portion which extend in the front-rear direction are provided on the left and right sides of a swing arm with a window portion for passing a rear shock absorber unit therethrough provided between the left arm portion and the right arm portion. A shock absorber-fitting beam is provided like a bridge between the left arm portion and the right arm portion with a swing arm side fitting portion of the rear shock absorber unit fitted to the shock absorber-fitting beam. A whole part or a part of the window portion is closed with the shock absorber-fitting beam. The swing arm can be reinforced with the shock absorber-fitting beam with the flexural rigidity and torsional rigidity of the swing arm being enhanced. Moreover, since the upper end of the shock absorber unit is fitted to the swing arm side, it is unnecessary to provide, for example, a fitting portion for the upper end of the shock absorber unit on the vehicle body frame side, so that an increase in weight can be restrained.

Abstract: A training handle for attaching to a bicycle to allow a person to stabilize the bicycle while a new rider is learning to balance. The training handle is adapted to engage the bicycle where the rear wheel engages the rear fork. The training handle includes: at least one engaging portion defining a hole for receiving the axle of the rear wheel; an elongated handle portion extending generally upwardly away from each engaging portion; and a first stabilizer extending inwardly from each engaging portion from a location adjacent the hole for engaging the rear fork and preventing movement of the training handle.

Abstract: Front wheels (3) are attached to transmission devices (30) which are mounted to the vehicle body (2) to be rotatable around vertical axes (27), and rotating means (55) are provided between the side of the vehicle body (2) and the transmission devices (30), whereby the front wheels are steered to turn laterally at substantially right angles. An electric motor (40) is attached to the transmission device (30) to be located under the vertical axis (27). A case body (41) of the electric motor (40) is constructed by an outer case part (41A) and a non-loaded side bracket (41B), and a loaded side end portion of the outer case-part (41A) is connected to the transmission device case body (31). The drive shaft (44) is rotatably supported by the non-loaded side bracket (41B) at one end and by the transmission device case body (31) at the other end. A driving portion (34) provided at the other end side of the drive shaft (44) is operatively connected to an axle (28).

Abstract: The present invention is a drive mechanism for human powered vehicles. In general, the invention is a unique drive mechanism for any human powered vehicle, such as a bicycle or a human powered boat. The mechanism enables the operator to efficiently apply both arm and leg power for motive force while maintaining the ability to steer using the arms. The mechanism couples the arm and leg motion in a harmonious union similar to a running motion but can be easily uncoupled should the operator prefer to power the vehicle only with leg power. The mechanism enables motive power to be applied with both the up and down stroke of either or both arms. Specifically the drive mechanism has oscillatable handlebars and a linkage connectable to the drive of the human powered vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for overcoming negative torque transfer in a passive coupling (43) in a vehicle (10) having all wheel drive. The vehicle (10) includes a front driveshaft (22), a rear driveshaft (26), with the passive coupling (43) connecting the front driveshaft (22) and the rear driveshaft (26). The vehicle (10) also includes a transmission (30) operatively connected to the passive coupling (43). The method includes determining negative torque transfer in the passive coupling (43) and requesting the vehicle (10) to increase transmission output equal to the negative torque transfer.

Abstract: An intelligent electric bicycle includes a pedal drive unit, a power assist unit, a tread detector for detecting treading action on the pedal drive unit, a throttle unit for controlling output power of the power assist unit, a speed sensor, and a controller coupled electrically to the power assist unit, the tread detector, the throttle unit and the speed sensor. The controller operates in one of a user-controlled power distribution mode, an automatic drive mode and a cruise control mode according to the detected states of the pedal drive unit and the throttle unit and the moving speed of the bicycle.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system of the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a steering sensor, a turning subsystem, a vehicle sensor, and a controller subsystem. The turning subsystem further includes a first turning actuator to adjust a turning angle of a first road wheel, a first turning sensor to sense first turning factors of the first turning actuator, a second turning actuator to adjust a turning angle of a second road wheel, and a second turning sensor to sense second turning factors of the second turning actuator. The controller subsystem is connected to the steering sensor, to the first turning sensor, to the second turning sensor, and to the vehicle sensor. The control subsystem independently controls the first turning actuator and the second turning actuator.

Abstract: A frame structure for a motorcycle in which the shape of the connecting tube may be determined so as to ensure a smooth flow of air therein. The prescribed portion of the left pivot plate faces towards the outer surface of the connecting tube by extending the pivot plates to the position above the rear end portions of the mainframes. In addition, a recess is provided for receiving the outer surface of the connecting tube on the prescribed portion by forming the pivot plates by casting or forging.

Abstract: An ambulatory device having a frame having support rails, two large rear wheels containing hand grasps, two small front wheels for steering, a foldable seat allowing the user to sit when desirable, and a height-adjustable support frame having a vertical and horizontal section rising from the frame. A body halter holding the user is optionally rotatably supported by a horizontal support bar which is connected by connector ropes or cables to a T-shaped support bar. Alternatively, the body halter is directly connected to connector ropes which pass by pulleys or through horizontal tubular sections to attach to a scale. The support frame is made height adjustable by a winch or a hydraulic system.

Abstract: A heavy equipment (such as a tractor loader backhoe) transporter is disclosed. The transporter apparatus includes a tongue assembly and a rear axle assembly. The tongue assembly is adapted to connect to the front of the heavy equipment and the rear axle assembly is adapted to connect to the rear of the heavy equipment. When the assemblies are connected to the heavy equipment, a new unitary trailer is formed.

Abstract: The tractor hitch guide is a modification of a three-point tractor hitch and of the corresponding pinning structures of the implement. The modified tractor hitch includes bushings located on the links of the two side arms, to extend the openings of the links in a direction coaxially outward with the openings. The modified pinning structures of the implement include a spring-loaded latching pin that automatically latches with the link when it is in its aligned position. Centering brackets are provided for horizontally aligning the links and a spring-loaded leveling plate is provided for vertical alignment, when the tractor is backed into the implement.

Abstract: A bicycle balance training apparatus for attachment to a bicycle is disclosed. The bicycle balance training apparatus is used for training a rider to ride a bicycle such as a two wheeler. The apparatus has a support structure, a post disposed on the support structure and a bracket cooperating with the post and with a bicycle frame to which the support structure is removably attached, a strut disposed on the support structure and removably and adjustably attachable to a flywheel axle and to a bicycle axle for positioning and for supporting the support structure and a pair of flywheels rotatably attached to the support structure in a linearly spaced relationship with respect to each other. The pair of flywheels are electrically driven by the pair of drive wheels coupled to a motor with a belt and cooperating with a power source. The pair of drive wheels directly engage the pair of flywheels.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle having variable-speed left-side and right-side propulsion units (such as, without limitation, a tracked vehicle having a left track powered by a left-track motor and a right track powered by a right-track motor). The left-side propulsion unit is controlled by a first output signal from a first manual controller (such as, without limitation, a left joystick). The right-side propulsion unit is controlled by a second output signal from a second manual controller (such as, without limitation, a right joystick). At least one of the first and second output signals is modified to create a substantially identical output signal for the first and second manual controllers when the first and second output signals are within a predetermined tolerance. The left-side and right-side propulsion units are controlled with the identical output signal when the first and second output signals are within the predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength tow hook is provided. The tow hook includes a first member provided by an elongated strip of metal formed generally into a U-shape with a hooked end with two extending arms. The first member has a cross-sectional shape with a base and in a preferred embodiment has two extending cross-sectional legs which extend outwardly. A second member is provided forming a mounting bracket having a main body for connection to an automotive vehicle. The second member also has connected with the main body two connected lateral flanges. The flanges are connected with the first member extending arms. A third member is connected to the second member spanning the lateral flanges of the second member generally opposite the second member main body.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a dual transmission vehicle is disclosed. First and second overlaying plates are provided, the first plate having a profiled slot which communicates with parallel slots in the second plate. The slots in the first and second plates are oriented in the direction of rectilinear movement of their respective plate. The first plate is controlled to move in a direction normal to the direction in which the second plate is controlled to move. A pair of rods connects the plates to the transmissions. Each rod has a first end joined to its respective transmission and a second end projecting through the profiled slot in the first plate and through a respective one of the parallel slots in the second plate. Dependent on the relative position of the plates, wheels connected to the transmission are driven at the same or different speeds.

Abstract: A motor powered scooter for supporting a standing rider has a front steered wheel, a rear driven wheel, and a platform therebetween that supports a standing rider on the scooter. A shock absorber having first and second relatively moving ends for energy absorbing movement is fastened in fixed relation to the underside of the platform with one of the relatively moving ends disposed to and toward the rear driven wheel. The shock absorber can be protectively encased and held within the main structural tube underlying and supporting the platform. A rear frame for supporting the rear driven wheel is connected at a rotation point to the platform. A linkage has a first connection to the rear frame offset from the rotation point. This linkage connects at a second connection at the relatively moving end of the shock absorber. The rotation of the driving wheel supporting frame relative to the platform causes energy absorbing shock absorber movement.