Abstract: A bicycle with a suspension system for a wheel of the bicycle, the suspension system including a smart fluid damper for dampening a movement of the wheel relative to the frame. The smart fluid damper includes a flow control element disposed within a cavity of the damper and configured to apply a field to a smart fluid within a fluid passage extending through the flow control element. The flow control element includes field barriers proximate the fluid passage to locally block and/or divert the field such that the field cannot pass therethrough. The field barriers are arranged to cause the field to criss-cross the fluid passage at multiple axial intervals along the fluid passage, thereby focusing the field within the fluid passage.

Abstract: Some implementations can include a zero turn radius utility vehicle that is operated in a standing position by an operator using foot controls provided on the utility vehicle. Accordingly, the operator's hands are free to operate handheld equipment (e.g., a line trimmer, edger, blower, etc.) while the operator controls the utility vehicle via the foot controls. Further, the utility vehicle may have a single third wheel (and no mower deck or other deck or protrusion) extending from the front of the vehicle frame so as to minimize any protrusions to the front of the vehicle, which can permit the operator to work on the ground in front of the utility vehicle using handheld equipment without interference from a mower deck, while remaining in a standing position on the utility vehicle and being able to simultaneously control the utility vehicle (via foot controls) and perform work with handheld equipment.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electric scooter comprises a deck configured to support a rider, front and rear wheels, a handlebar assembly that includes a handlebar, a left handle, and a right handle, a steering column that includes a steering tube and the handlebar assembly, and an electric motor configured to provide mechanical power to at least one of the front and the rear wheels. One or more of the steering column, steering tube, handlebar assembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck can be configured to be detachable and comprise one or more rechargeable battery packs. In addition, one or more of the steering column, steering tube, handlebar assembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck can be configured to receive one or more removable rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: An assistance system includes a resistance detecting unit obtaining a resistance factor, a database storing starting torque values and operating torque values, a torque calculation unit including a controller, and a torque-control handlebar grip operated to trigger an assigned gain and to tune the same to be provided to the torque calculation unit. When switched to an aided mode, the controller calculates a compensated torque value based on one of the starting/operating torque values and the resistance factor, calculates an output torque value by a product of the compensated torque value, the assist ratio and the assigned gain, and controls a torque motor to drive rotation of a driving wheel based on the output torque value.

Abstract: A steering member has a rack portion and a screw portion. The steering member is in a steering housing and operatively connected to a tie rod. A pinion is operatively connected between the rack portion and a steering wheel. A ball nut is operatively connected to the screw portion. A power source is operatively connected to the ball nut. The power source drives the ball nut to effect linear movement of the steering member upon rotation of the steering wheel. A damper has a first connection to the tie rod and a second connection to a ground surface. The ground surface is fixed relative to the steering member. The damper is external to the ball nut.

Abstract: A load levelling device for adjusting the pitch of a first towing vehicle relative to a ground surface when the first towed vehicle is coupled to a second towed vehicle includes: a towing pillar having a longitudinal axis; a towing tongue adapted for attachment to the first towing vehicle and mounted on the towing pillar for sliding engagement therewith; a clutch housing radially supported on the towing pillar beneath the towing tongue for sliding engagement with the towing pillar, the clutch housing including a blade recess in a lateral portion thereof, the blade recess extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the towing pillar; a tensioning blade having a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end adapted for being removably securable in the blade recess of the clutch housing and the trailing end being adapted for attachment to the second towed vehicle; and a user operational force application device for selectively applying a vertical force to the trailing edge of the tensioning blade.

Abstract: This invention provides an adjustable bracket that can be used to attach auxiliary fuel tanks and other tanks to the bottom of a trailer or vehicle. The adjustable nature of the bracket allows it to be used on a variety of trailers, with different widths. The adjustable bracket comprises two parts with one sliding inside of the other. Each part has several slots that can be lined to create a bracket that is the ideal length to span the distance between the side panels of a trailer or vehicle. The bracket has holes in the bottom through which the bracket can be attached to a mounting retainer or strap that holds the tank in place.

Abstract: A child vehicle includes a power mechanism having a motor, at least one wheel selectively operatively coupled to the motor, and a propulsion switch coupled to the power mechanism and having a first position and a second position. The first position is from a user-initiated force. The propulsion switch automatically moves to the second position upon disengagement of the force. In the first position, the child vehicle is in the first operational mode and the wheel is being driven by the motor. In the second position, the child vehicle is in the second operational mode and the wheel is allowed to rotate substantially free from drag or resistance due to the motor. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally-extending centerline, a front ground-engaging member operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotational axis, and a rear ground-engaging member operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotational axis. A wheel base is defined between the front and rear rotational axes and a vertically-extending centerline of the vehicle extends vertically at the midpoint of the wheel base and is perpendicular to the longitudinally-extending centerline. The vehicle also includes a fuel tank, an airbox assembly, and a battery all positioned relative to the vertically-extending centerline of the vehicle.

Abstract: An upper coupler for a semi-trailer has a generally planar bottom plate. A kingpin attaches thereto to couple with a fifth wheel of a tractor. A reinforcement member extends across a width of the bottom plate to reduce bending of the bottom plate as it rests on the fifth wheel of the tractor. Along the reinforcement member's length, the reinforcement member has varying second moments of area taken in cross sections perpendicular to the reinforcement member's length.

Abstract: A tow bar includes a shank. The proximal end of the shank is shaped and sized to releasably connect to a hitch receiver. The tow bar includes a first pivot coupler and second pivot coupler. The first pivot coupler preferably includes a first clevis rotatably connected to the distal end of the shank and connects the distal end of the shank to the proximal end of a pivot bar. The second pivot coupler connects the distal end of the pivot bar to a yoke having a proximal bracket and a distal bracket. A pair of arms connects to the distal bracket. Each arm is connected at its proximal end to the distal bracket via one of two third pivot couplers. Each third pivot coupler allows its connected arm to pivot in a substantially horizontal plane. Each third pivot coupler preferably includes a heim joint located at the proximal end of each arm.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylinder including a working chamber therein; a rod configured to be axially movably inserted into the cylinder; and a plurality of tanks configured to be integrally attached to the cylinder, wherein an interior of one of the tanks is comparted into a liquid chamber configured to be communicated with the working chamber and filled with liquid and an air chamber filled with gas, and a sub-air chamber configured to be communicated with the air chamber is formed in the other tank.

Abstract: A power-assisted steering assembly for a vehicle comprises: a motor shaft for transmitting torque from a motor; a steering rack; a primary transmission mechanism; a secondary transmission mechanism; a motor coupling; and a rack coupling. The primary transmission mechanism is configured to transmit power from the motor shaft to the steering rack and includes a drive belt. The secondary transmission mechanism is configured to transmit power from the motor shaft to the steering rack upon a failure of the primary transmission mechanism. The motor coupling is configured to transmit power from the motor shaft to the primary transmission mechanism and the secondary transmission mechanism. The rack coupling is configured to transmit power from the primary transmission mechanism and the secondary transmission mechanism to the steering rack.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating user propulsion of a wheelchair having a frame for supporting a user and a pair of rear wheels that rotate about an axis. The apparatus includes a handgrip having an outer surface and an opposite, inner surface such that when a radial force relative to the axis is applied to the outer surface by the user the inner surface is configured to engage a rear wheel in the pair of rear wheels such that the rear wheel can be rotated and the wheelchair propelled. A pair of coupling members configured to couple the handgrip to the frame and hold the handgrip in a neutral position, and the pair of coupling members are further configured to alternately increase in length and become tensioned as the user moves the handgrip away from the neutral position to rotate the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle driving apparatus with a novel structure which allows a bicycle to move forward by alternately pushing each of both pedals in one direction. Since a user repeatedly presses down a left pedal (113) and a right pedal (114) to move a bicycle forward, the bicycle driving apparatus according to the present invention has an advantage of more convenience of use than a conventional bicycle driving apparatus in which the left pedal (113) and the right pedal (114) should rotate.

Abstract: A track system for a vehicle has an attachment assembly mountable to a chassis of a vehicle and defining an attachment-assembly-pivotable connector pivot axis; a track assembly including a support frame disposed laterally outward from the attachment assembly, the support frame including a leading frame assembly and a trailing frame assembly, each frame assembly including a frame member connectable to the attachment assembly pivotable connector and a frame-suspension pivotable connector; at least one wheel-load-bearing connector, and at least one idler wheel being at least indirectly connected to the frame member via the at least one wheel-load-bearing connector. The track system further has a sprocket wheel, an endless track, and a suspension assembly having a forward suspension pivotable connector, a rearward suspension pivotable connector, and a suspension member operatively connected to the forward suspension pivotable connector and to the rearward suspension pivotable connector.

Abstract: The assembly of motor scooters has not yet been sufficiently solved. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a seat assembly (70), in particular a battery assembly (70), for a motor vehicle (10), comprising: a frame (21), in particular comprising a battery housing (21); a saddle (20) arranged on the frame (21) and detachably connected to the frame (21) by a securing element; a compartment (150, 150?) having a drawer (152) arranged extendible within the compartment (150, 150?), wherein: the securing element is adapted to: release the saddle (20) in a release position; and secure the saddle (20) in an anchoring position, wherein the securing element is arranged and adapted such that the securing element is actuated and/or released when the drawer (152) is pulled out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain wave gear, having an outer ring with an inner toothing, with which a flexible inner ring with an outer toothing engages at two opposing points. The strain wave gear is characterized in that the ratio of the pitch diameter of the outer ring to the rim thickness of the outer ring lies in the region of 13 to 21, especially in the region of 17 to 19, especially at 17.587, wherein the teeth of the toothing of the inner ring have a profile angle in the region of 8 degrees to 15 degrees or in the region of 11 degrees to 12 degrees or one of 11.615 degrees, and/or wherein the teeth of the toothing of the outer ring have a profile angle in the region of 8 degrees to 15 degrees or in the region of 11 degrees to 13 degrees or one of 12.474 degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gearbox having a central shaft (1), which is rotatably mounted relative to a stationary frame element (2) by means of at least one central shaft bearing (3), a first sun gear (4a) arranged concentrically around the central shaft (1) and fixedly secured to the frame element (2), a power transmission means (5) that is fixed in relation to the central shaft (1), and at least one first gearbox assembly (6a) rotating relative to the frame element (2) and comprising: a support plate (7), the first section (7a) of which is non-rotatably connected to the central shaft (1) and on the second section (7b) of which a planetary gear (8) is mounted by means of a planetary gear bearing (9), wherein the planetary gear (8) meshes with the first sun gear (4a) and a crank arm (10) engages rigidly with the planetary gear (8); and a driving crank (11), on which the crank arm (10) is hingedly mounted by means of a driving crank-crank arm bearing (12) and which is supported relative to the support plate (7) by means

Abstract: A stair traversing device comprising a payload body for transporting a payload, a step frame, and a mechanism between the step frame and the payload body to move the step frame relative to the payload body along a cyclical path. The mechanism drives a movement of one of the payload body and the step frame along a first segment of the cyclical path from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, and drives a movement of the other one of the payload body and the step frame along a second segment of the cyclical path back into the retracted configuration. The payload body and the step frame are configured to remain fixedly in position on a stair when the other one of the payload body and the step frame is moved. The mechanism is configured to maintain the relative orientation between the payload body and the stair.