Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by a front and rear wheel(s). The mower includes a traction drive system incorporating a bidirectional transmission adapted to propel the mower alternatively in both forward and reverse directions. In some embodiments, the mower may include a single bidirectional transmission (e.g., powering only rear wheel(s) or only front wheel(s) of the mower), while in other embodiments, two bidirectional transmissions may be provided to power both the front and the rear wheel(s). In other embodiments, the mower may include a bidirectional transmission powering the rear wheel(s), while the front wheel(s) may be attached to the deck via a caster assembly.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example wheel steering apparatus includes a steering actuator to couple to a rear axle, a tie rod, and a transfer link to couple the steering actuator and the tie rod. The steering actuator is positioned on a first side of a first longitudinal axis of the rear axle and the tie rod positioned on a second side of the first longitudinal axis of the rear axle opposite the first side.

Abstract: A zero turn radius vehicle with a single steered wheel may include a pair of power transfer mechanisms driving a pair of wheels, an operator control mechanism for controlling the steering, speed and direction of the vehicle and a controller in communication with the control mechanism. A steerable wheel is located adjacent the front of the vehicle frame, on a first side of the vehicle frame and an electric actuator is connected to the controller for steering the front steerable wheel. A second, non-steerable front caster wheel is located on a second side of the vehicle frame. A damper is connected to the non-steered wheel to dampen rotation of the non-steered wheel about a non-steered wheel pivot axis The controller controls the pair of power transfer mechanisms and the electric actuator based on operator input.

Abstract: A vehicle for traversing a surface using magnetic attachment is provided. The vehicle includes a chassis body and wheels attached to the chassis body. At least one magnetic module is attached via a resilient member to the chassis body. Each magnetic module includes a magnet and an offset member that provides an approximately constant offset between the surface and the magnet. The resilient member transfers a magnetic attractive force that is normal to the surface between the magnetic attracting module and the chassis body. The vehicle can traverse uneven surfaces without magnetically decoupling.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system for motor vehicles may include a primary steering level with a steering transmission device, which is arranged to subject wheels of the motor vehicle to a desired setpoint steering effect, and a secondary steering level with a safety device that provides predefined functions, so that in the case of a malfunction of the primary steering level, steering the wheels remains possible during an emergency mode. The steer-by-wire steering system may also include an authentication system with a communications interface for communications with the safety device. The authentication system may be arranged so that in the case of a successful authorization, the secondary steering level of the steer-by-wire steering system is also available after the emergency mode.

Abstract: An enhanced mobility wheelchair with semi-autonomous control logic includes criteria for selecting level, stair, and slope modes. Each mode progresses through criteria-invoked phases as the wheelchair travels. Each axis performs an assigned duty for each mode and phase combination to seek a defined target. Control logic invokes stair mode from the level mode when steps are sensed. Criteria restricts negotiating obstacle angles and heights encountered beyond capability and permits reversed travel to exit obstacle. Front and rear support systems include the ability to sense both forward and backward facing steps by adding distance sensors, sensing linkage and rotary sensors. Legrest adjustment raises the feet for forward step climbing and shortens the wheelchair length for tight turns. Steep down slope and steep up slope modes are invoked from a small angle slope mode. Absolute measurement of spider rotation and spider cam engagement does not require adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to towing devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a towing device configured to be mounted on a towing vehicle having a fifth wheel. The towing device may include a horizontal member and a vertical member. A frame pan extends below the horizontal member and includes connection members which are movable through slits and configured to engage and secure to the frame of the towing vehicle. The vertical member of the towing device includes a hitch assembly to facilitate the connection of a hitch, such as a pintle or ball hitch, to a coupler of a trailer.

Abstract: A hitch assist system is provided herein that includes a sensing system configured to detect a trailer proximate a vehicle. The hitch assist system also includes a controller for determining an environmental visibility level; determining an offset from a first sensor in high visibility levels and from a second sensor in low visibility levels; and maneuvering the vehicle along a path to align a hitch ball with a coupler of the trailer.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus assists steering of a vehicle by conferring torque generated by an electric motor to a steering mechanism. The apparatus includes a steering column with linked upper and lower steering shafts. An angle sensor (AS) includes a gear and magnet to measure the steering shaft angle. A torque sensor (TS) measures the relative shift angle between the upper and lower steering shaft and includes a multi-pole ring magnet and a magnetic flux conductor. The TS and AS are arranged such that the AS magnet influences the TS measurement creating a steering shaft angle depending error signal. The steering mechanism is arranged such that a zero crossing of an envelope curve of the error signal is given for the neutral position of the steering apparatus or a range of the steering position in which the steering angle is less than a threshold angle limit.

Abstract: Powered patient support apparatuses—such as beds, cots, stretchers, or the like—include a plurality of user controls that allow a caregiver to control the steering and/or driving of one or more powered wheels from multiple different locations around the patient support apparatus (e.g. head end, foot end, and/or the sides). The control is carried out by force sensors that detect both an orientation of the applied forces and a magnitude of the applied forces. Translational and/or rotational movement is effectuated, depending upon the magnitude and direction of the forces, as well as the physical location of the applied force relative to a reference point on the support apparatus, such as the center. One or more object sensors may also be included in the support apparatus to assist in steering and/or navigating.

Abstract: A seat rod clamp assembly and a vehicle is described. The seat tube clamp assembly includes an annular hoop having a notch, the annular hoop having a locking portion on each side of the notch, and the annular hoop having a post hole. The seat tube clamp assembly includes a wrench rotatably connected to the two locking portions, and at least one pair of eccentric washers, such that one of the eccentric washers is fixed to one of the locking portions, the other of the eccentric washers is correspondingly fixed to the wrench, an end surface of each of the eccentric washers has an inclined surface, and the end surfaces of the two eccentric washers are abutted against each other.

Abstract: In an aspect, a self-balancing two-wheeled vehicle is provided, having a body, and first and second wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The second wheel has at least one lateral roller rotatable about an axis that is one of oblique and orthogonal to a rotation axis of the second wheel. At least one motor is coupled to the second wheel to control rotation of the second wheel and the at least one lateral roller. At least one sensor is coupled to the body to generate orientation data therefor. A control module is coupled to the at least one motor to control operation thereof at least partially based on the orientation data generated by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: The presently disclosure describes a system for stabilizing a wheelchair. The system includes at least one caster arm configured to maintain contact with a surface underlying the wheelchair. The at least one caster arm includes a force sensing system configured to measure a force exerted on the underlying surface by the at least one caster arm; and an actuator to configured adjust a position of the at least one caster arm based at least in part on the measured force.

Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a support extendable into a receiver tube attached to a vehicle. A sleeve has a top end and a bottom end. A bracket is attached to the sleeve and is attached to the support to vertically orientate the sleeve. A piston is positioned in the sleeve and extends outwardly of the bottom end. The piston has a lower end that is moveable toward or away from the bottom end. An actuator is mounted on the sleeve and is mechanically coupled to the piston. The actuator is actuated in a first direction to lower the lower end and actuated in a second direction to raise the lower end. A ball mount is removably attached to the piston adjacent to the lower end. A hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and engages a hitch coupler of a trailer.

Abstract: A disclosed trailer hitch device includes an upper member to restrain the movement of the trailer hitch and a lower member to connect to the upper member and to connect to a vehicle. The upper member is rotatably connected to the lower member. The upper member is substantially U-shaped. The lower member is also substantially U-shaped and substantially symmetrical to the upper member. The upper and lower members include a respective side section, a respective arm section and a respective connecting plate configured to restrain the upper member from rotating with respect to the lower member. The upper connecting plate is connected to the lower connecting plate with a fastening device. A single component step washer includes a flanging washer concentric with a collar washer, the flanging washer comprising a ball mounting surface. The collar washer is configured to fit rotatably inside the hitching aperture of the lower member.

Abstract: A folding frame and a folding vehicle are provided. The folding frame includes a cross beam, a pillar, and a supporting column; the cross beam includes a front beam and a rear beam. A rear-end bottom of the front beam is rotationally connected to a front-end bottom of the rear beam so that the two can be vertically folded. An angle between a rotational axis of the front beam and a central axis of the rear beam is an acute angle. The supporting column includes a front column and a rear column, the front column is inserted in the front beam to cooperate, the front column is rotationally connected to the rear column, and the rear column is rotationally connected to the pillar. The front beam and the rear beam are vertically folded, and then they will not spontaneously rotate to fold in the riding process, possessing relatively good reliability.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame, a motor, an endless track and a straddle seat. A left and a right footrest are each connected to the frame extend laterally outwardly therefrom. The footrests extend generally horizontally and are disposed vertically lower than the straddle seat for supporting a left foot of the driver. The left footrest is disposed on a left side of the snowmobile and the right footrest is disposed on a right side thereof. A left toe hold disposed above the left footrest is supported at an inner portion thereof and extends laterally outwardly therefrom to an outer portion thereof, the outer portion of the left toe hold being freely suspended. A right toe hold disposed above the right footrest is supported at an inner portion thereof and extending laterally outwardly therefrom to an outer portion thereof, the outer portion of the right toe hold being freely suspended.

Abstract: The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include a structural frame member including at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch. Also provided is an underbed hitch mounting system having at least one socket and receiving member exposed above a bed of a vehicle. The system includes trim and ring brackets configured to cover the exposed socket and receiving members along the bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch is adapted to affix to a vehicle having a vehicle-mounted ball that protrudes from a towing vehicle surface. The hitch has a frame with a sleeve portion that is fixed, and a rocker assembly is telescopingly received inside the sleeve portion. The rocker assembly is selectively affixed to the frame with a pin that extends through the receiver and sleeve portion. A ball cage affixes to the vehicle-mounted ball using pins that extend through vertical walls in the cage. The ball cage can be received by the frame in a close orientation that locates the vehicle-mounted ball closer to the rocker assembly and a far orientation that locates the ball farther away. The cage includes a threaded fastener that extends outwardly. The frame has an elongate aperture that receives the threaded fastener to secure the ball cage with a nut into a cage pocket.

Abstract: A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can include a ball portion having a hitch ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer. The ball mount can also include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. In addition, the ball mount can include a load measurement device associated with the ball portion to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball. The load measurement device can include a reservoir having a fluid and a piston disposed therein, and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir. The hitch ball can be configured to exert a force on the piston, thereby affecting a pressure of the fluid in response to the downward force on the hitch ball.