Abstract: A cylindrical steering damper apparatus for a motorcycle has a relatively simple structure, in which a gradually increasing damping force is generated according to the turned angle when a handlebar is turned, and the damping force is not generated when the handlebar is returned. The cylindrical damper is disposed between a head pipe, for pivotally supporting a steering stem, and a fork bridge of a front fork, so as to be the shortest when the handlebarbar is at a neutral position. The cylindrical damper is connected to the head pipe and the fork bridge via spherical ball-and-socket joints. The cylindrical damper generates the damping force when being expanded. Since the cylindrical damper is expanded when the handlebar is turned in either a left or right direction, a damping force is generated.

Abstract: A footrest for a snowmobile comprises relatively large openings and a cover plate attached therebeneath to form a snow discharging passage in communication with the openings permitting snow on the footrests to be forced down therethrough and prohibiting snow from traveling upwardly therethrough and onto the footrest as a result of snowmobile motion. The footrests of the present invention allow the snow and ice to be effectively discharged while the driver is riding the snowmobile, and thereby eliminates the need to stop the snowmobile to remove the snow and ice on the footrests using hands or other tools.

Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel suspension system in which plural interconnections are provided of rear wheel-supporting components, at which interconnections there occurs pivotal traverses contributing to urging the axle of the rear wheel along a path providing positions of movement therealong to achieve a desired extent of pressure feedback to the pedals, an easing of suspension reaction to bumps, and multiple chainstay lengths, all parameters to better suit the bicycle to its end uses and the terrain on which it is used.

Abstract: A locking assembly which comprises at least a first housing member which is designed to be secured to a second member, the housing member having a channel extending therethrough and an elongated inner component with an axially extending cavity therein, an actuator which is axially movable within the cavity and moves the locking protrusion into locking engagement with a recess associated with the second member, and a stop to limit the axial movement of the actuator. A lock is mounted internally of the actuator and engages the actuator and the inner component when in a locked position to prevent axial movement of the actuator while engaging only the actuator when in the opened position to permit axial movement. The locking assembly is particular suitable for use with various types of trailer hitches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle consisting of a bike frame having front and rear forks, a front wheel attached to the front fork, a rear wheel attached to the rear fork, and a drive train including a crank attached to the frame, a chain ring assembly attached to the crank, a cog assembly attached to the rear wheel, and a first endless chain coupling the chain ring assembly to the cog assembly. An engine having a drive element is attached to the frame between the front fork and rear forks. A drive gear assembly is attached to the frame, a second endless chain couples the drive element to the drive gear assembly, and a third endless chain couples the drive gear assembly to the chain ring assembly.

Abstract: An integrated hydraulic control system includes a steering control unit and a priority flow divider integrated into a unitary casing. An interface fluidly couples the casing for the steering control unit and priority flow divider directly to a control valve casing. All hydraulic communication between the steering control unit, the priority flow divider, and the control valve are located inside the casings.

Abstract: A hovercraft is capable of operation on either a solid surface or a liquid surface. The hovercraft includes a hull on which is mounted at least one thrust-lift fan assembly for providing an air cushion under the hovercraft and for propelling the hovercraft in a forward or reverse direction. The hovercraft also includes a steering fan assembly mounted transversely to the thrust-lift fan assembly and that allows the hovercraft to be steered in any lateral direction. The hovercraft is controlled by operation of the fans in the appropriate direction, and may be in the form of a wireless remote control toy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for compensating understeer and oversteer in a vehicle having a steer by wire system. The system includes a driver interface system, a sensor system, a controller, and a road wheel steering actuation system. The driver interface system receives steering input from the driver. The sensor system senses the steering input and generates a steering control signal that is received by the controller. The controller determines if an understeer or oversteer condition exists and generates an appropriate steering assist signal that is then communicated to the road wheel steering actuation system. In response to the steering assist signal, the road wheel steering actuation system adjusts the road wheel angle to compensate for the understeer or oversteer condition.

Abstract: A shock absorbing suspension for the large rear wheels of a wheelchair is disclosed. A fork element is hinged at one end to a clamping member which attaches to a horizontal frame member of the wheelchair. A cylindrical solid polymer shock absorber cushions the movement of the fork element toward the clamping member. The free end of the fork element includes an axleway for the axle of a large wheelchair wheel. The movement of the fork element relative to the clamping member is limited by abutting surfaces on the fork element and the clamping member.

Abstract: An electromechanical steering system for a vehicle comprises a steering shaft, which is mounted rotatably in an accommodating space of a steering housing, and an electric motor, which, acts upon steering shaft over a transmission. Furthermore, a coil spring housing with a coil spring is provided in the accommodating space. The accommodating space is divided by a partition into a section accommodating the coil spring and a section accommodating the transmission. A damping almond is integrated in the partition. The housing of the coil spring forms part of the partition.

Abstract: A foot peg assembly for a motorcycle includes an elongated foot rest that has an outer end and a inner end. A stirrup is attached to the foot rest and includes a pair of legs each having a first end and a second end. A base is attached to and extends between the first ends such that the legs extend in generally the same direction away from the base. Each of the second ends is attached to the foot rest such that each of the second ends is generally adjacent to one of the inner and outer ends. A coupler is attached to the foot rest. The coupler is adapted for removably securing the foot rest to the frame of the motorcycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a propulsion system is provided to assist a caregiver in moving a patient support about a care facility. The propulsion system is detachably coupled to patient support to permit storage of the propulsion system or use of propulsion system on multiple patient supports.

Abstract: A motorcycle exhaust pipe protector for use with a motorcycle having an exhaust pipe running adjacent a user's footrest. The protector includes an elongate rod which is shaped to have a bent fore portion bent toward the motorcycle, and a bent aft portion bent away from the motorcycle in a lateral direction substantially orthogonal to the fore-and-aft direction. The bent aft portion is positioned directly behind the footrest. Further, a bracket is provided for mounting the rod to the footrest at a position between the footrest and the motorcycle, and at an elevation above the footrest.

Abstract: A personal transportation apparatus for a user, including a frame; front and rear wheels connected to the frame and being rotatable about respective front and rear axes, driving mechanism for driving at least one wheel of the apparatus, the driving mechanism being powered by the user, and a receiving structure within which the user fits to operate the apparatus. The receiving structure includes a seat and a frontal support for supporting a frontal torso region of the user, whereby the receiving area is connected to the frame and is positioned such that the user is in a generally upright position when wearing the apparatus.

Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. An automatic braking system is provided to selectively brake the patient support.

Abstract: A dual purpose competition stunt bicycle steering brake and stabilizing system consists of a disk brake on the steering shaft which allows unlimited 360 degrees rotation of the steering wheel and allows the rider to start, stop or change direction of the relative rotation of the frame of the bicycle to the wheel. Also the rider can add as much steering resistance as desired for greater steering stabilization.

Abstract: A tow bar with a torsion spring disposed between the tow bar and a steering arm to urge the tow bar towards an operating position, the torsion spring minimizing the force required by an operator to lift the tow bar.

Abstract: An automatic hitch may include a base, a support surface, a jaw assembly connected to the base and having engaged and disengaged positions and a biasing member associated with the jaw assembly. The biasing member may be configured to normally bias the jaw assembly toward the support surface. The automatic hitch may also include a release mechanism configured to apply upward force to the jaw assembly upon downward actuation of the release mechanism to move the jaw assembly into the disengaged position.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight suspension fork for a bicycle with variable travel capability that maintains excellent torsional rigidity. This suspension fork allows for adjustable suspension travel adjusted at the handlebars of the bicycle. The suspension system includes a travel adjustment knob located at the handlebars of the bicycle. The travel adjustment knob is keyed with the main shaft of the suspension system so as to allow turning of the main shaft. Located on the main shaft within the suspension system housing is a length adjuster mechanism. The length adjuster moves linearly with respect to the housing as the main shaft is turned pulling the inner tube member of the suspension housing up or down relative to the outer tube section of the suspension housing, thereby changing the stroke of the suspension system.