Abstract: A drive unit (10) for an inspection vehicle which can be used on ferromagnetic bases (19), especially in generators, which drive unit includes a motor-powered crawler track (18) and also magnetic devices for holding the drive unit (10) on the base (19). An improved insensitivity to uneven spots in the base is achieved by the crawler track (18), in the region where it bears upon the base (19), being guided via inner, spring-mounted running wheels (12), and by the magnetic devices being integrated in the running wheels (12).

Abstract: A drive system for a tracked vehicle having an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft aligned transversely to a direction of travel includes a steering drive; a differential transmission having traction drive elements, steering drive elements, and a pair of drive outputs for a drive axle aligned parallel to the crankshaft; and a steering drive connection connecting the steering drive to the steering drive elements. A further drive element, which may be a change speed gearbox or an electric traction motor, is arranged in line with the internal combustion engine and transmits power to the traction drive elements.

Abstract: Improved blow-molded wheels, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same are disclosed. The blow-molded wheels may include a blow-molded body that has a tread surface, first and second sidewalls and an axis. The body may be configured to rotate about the axis. The tread surface may extend circumferentially around the body and may extend between the first and second sidewalls. A first region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first sidewall and a part line of the blow-molded body. A second region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first region and the part line. A first radial distance from the axis to the first region may exceed a second radial distance from the axis to the second region by at least a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission having a pair of left and right HSTs for driving respective axles is applicable for a riding lawn mower. The transmission comprises a center casing incorporating a distributing drive train. In the fore-and-aft direction, an input shaft of the distributing drive train projects from the center casing toward a prime mover, and a PTO shaft for driving a mower unit projects from the center casing opposite to the prime mover. A pair of left and right deceleration drive train casings for incorporating respective deceleration gear trains and supporting the respective axles are disposed on respective left and right sides of the center casing. A pair of left and right stepless transmission mechanisms, each of which is drivingly interposed between the distributing drive train and each of the deceleration gear trains in the deceleration gear train casings, are mounted on left and right side portions of the center casing opposite to the prime mover in the fore-and-aft direction.

Abstract: Sliding of a seat or reclining of a seat back can be disabled, except when a rider intends to slide the seat or recline the seat back. The motion of an auxiliary bar which permits sliding of a seat is inhibited by an interlocking lock member. An operating piece cannot be raised and hence it is impossible to slide the seat. An engine key is inserted into a first lock mechanism and is turned, causing the interlocking lock member to slide up to a position permitting operation of the operating piece. In addition, a lever of a second lock mechanism faces a reclining lever, so that the reclining lever cannot turn clockwise around a rivet bolt and a pawl remains engaged with any of first to third recesses. If the lever of the second lock mechanism is turned, the reclining lever can be pulled to release the reclining locked condition.

Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicle assemblies having leading and trailing vehicles that are removably coupled together by a connection apparatus. The leading vehicle is an independently operable ride-on vehicle having a drive assembly that is selectively configured between a plurality of drive configurations, such as responsive to user inputs via user input devices. The assembly further includes a detection system adapted to detect whether or not the connection apparatus is in its coupled configuration and to restrict the plurality of drive configurations responsive thereto. This restriction may be automatic responsive to coupling of the leading and trailing vehicles together, and it may be made regardless of user inputs that otherwise would select and/or enable one of the restricted drive configurations.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a wall portion having an opening defined by an opening edge portion that surrounds the opening. The opening defines an opening width and an opening height and the opening edge portion, at least in part, is generally defined by a first plane. The apparatus also includes a face frame portion having an outer frame edge, an inner frame edge, a first frame surface, a generally opposing second frame surface. The apparatus further includes a recessed portion having a first outer peripheral edge surrounding a central recess. The recessed portion at least partially extends into the opening. The inner frame edge includes a peripheral bead for at least partially guiding a working tool as a compound is applied to at least a portion of the first frame surface. The second frame surface selectively abuts the opening edge portion.

Abstract: A control unit including a plurality of boards is formed of a single multilayer metal substrate, whereby an electric power steering apparatus can be obtained in which connection members for connecting between the boards are made unnecessary, so the size and cost of the apparatus can be reduced, and the reliability of bonding can be improved. In the electric power steering apparatus, a power main body (20a) and a control main body (20b) are mounted on a metal substrate (22), and the power main body (20a) and the control main body (20b) are electrically connected to each other by wiring patterns (26a through 26e) and metal columns 28a through 28d in the metal substrate 22.

Abstract: The invention is a detachable kickstand support with mounting bracket that includes a kickstand support plate and mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a base plate, a front clamp, a rear clamp, retaining block, and corresponding fasteners. The mounting bracket is capable of attaching itself to any frame of any motorcycle or bicycle. The front and rear clamp have a rubber lining that prevents the finish of the frame from being scratch or marred. The kickstand support plate has a channel that enables it to be used with most styles of kickstands. The kickstand support plate is secured to the mounting bracket via the retaining block, which utilizes a spring-loaded ball bearing that interacts with a dimple on the kickstand support plate as the securing means.

Abstract: A hitch support system for relieving a portion of the weight placed upon a rear end of a vehicle. The hitch support system includes a connecting structure for connecting to a hitch unit of a vehicle and for receiving a receiver, a vertical member adjustably connected to the connecting structure, and a wheel rotatably connected to a lower end of the vertical member. When the connecting structure is connected to the hitch unit of a vehicle, the wheel supports the extra weight of the vehicle or the extra weight of a trailer attached to the receiver.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly for attaching a gooseneck assembly to a hitch plate preferably includes a hitch connection tool having a body with a first end and a second end; an adaptor plate connectable to the hitch plate, the adaptor plate having a knob; a safety chain adaptor connectable to the knob; and an attachment device to attach the adaptor plate to the hitch plate. In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the body of the hitch connection tool includes a hook, and the hitch connection tool includes an arm attached between the first end and the second end of the body.

Abstract: A system configured to lift a hood includes: a first mounting member, provided on a rear part of the hood; a second mounting member, provided on a body of the vehicle body; a connecting member, including: a first portion, supported on a first position of the first mounting member; and a second portion, supported on the second mounting member; a detector, configured to detect a collision of the vehicle body with an object; an actuator, configured to lift the rear part of the hood when the detector detects the collision; and a stopper, configured to restrict a rising amount of the hood, the stopper including: a third portion, s supported on the first mounting member, the third portion being located in a rear side of the first portion; and a fourth portion, supported on the second mounting member coaxially with the second portion.

Abstract: A fuel pump mounting arrangement for a motorcycle is provided in which the fuel pump is mounted to the vehicle body frame and in which the fuel pump is protected from impact without increasing the weight of a pivot plate. In the motorcycle, a main frame extends rearwardly from a head pipe, rear frames extend rearwardly from the main frame, and a central frame structure extends downwardly from the rear frames to form a space within the central frame structure. A pivot plate is mounted on a lower portion of the central frame structure, and a rear swing arm is supported on the pivot plate. In such a constitution, a fuel pump is arranged in the space which is formed by the central frame structure.

Abstract: A system for marking bottles to be stored in horizontal or tilted positions uses durable and reusable components to secure user created labels to the top or bottom of bottles, such as wine bottles. A badge is used for marking insignia helpful to the user in locating and/or identification of the bottle. The badge may be inserted into a badge holder that contains the badge and prevents the badge from rotating within the badge holder. For bottles stored with the tops facing the user, the badge holder is secured to the top of the bottle. For bottles stored with the bottoms facing the user, the badge holder is secured to a bottle bottom adaptor that fastens to the bottom of a bottle.

Abstract: A high-load drawbar eye (1) with a hitch socket (2) which is open about the rim for receiving a matching hitch ball (7), a hitch arm (3) and a hitch flange (4), includes a hold-down device (5) which cooperates with the hitch socket (2), for realizing a compact hitch connection with a hitch apparatus having a hitch ball.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a wheel of a self-propelled vehicle includes a wheel spindle on which the wheel is rotatably mounted, a steering motor turning a steering tube defining a generally vertical steer axis, a propulsion drive motor turning a propulsion drive shaft extending through the steering tube, and a plurality of gears providing a gear reduction ratio between the propulsion drive motor and the wheel. The wheel is offset from the steer axis and rotates on the wheel spindle if the steering motor turns the steering tube while the propulsion drive shaft is stationary.

Abstract: An axle pivot steering device (4) of a vehicle having first lever elements (8A—1, 8B—1), which are respectively operatively connected, via a second lever element (8A—2, 8B—2), with a wheel carrier (10A, 10B). The first lever elements (8A—1, 8B—1) and the second lever elements (8A—2, 8B—2) are connected with third lever elements (13A, 13B), in an articulated manner, at fixed rotational points (14A, 14B). At least two of the lever elements (8A—1, 8A—2, 13A) are designed to be fork-shaped and be inter-coupled, in an area of the rotational points (14A, 14B), by a bearing bolt (15) such that the bearing torques resulting from the bearing forces acting on the bearing bolt (15) are at least approximately zero.

Abstract: A self-propelled mechanical crawler adapted to move on a medium. One example of such a crawler includes a foot, a wave generator adapted to drive a periodic wave in the foot, and a wave transfer mechanism coupled between the wave generator and the foot. The wave transfer mechanism may be adapted to translate the periodic wave produced by the wave generator into a corresponding periodic deformation in the foot so as to generate forces in the medium to propel the crawler.

Abstract: A lock assembly for selectively latching the pivoting tongue of a steerable trailed vehicle includes an actuator assembly on the vehicle connected by a cable to latch bolt for spring biasing in discrete positions into aligned apertures for enabling and preventing tongue pivoting.