Abstract: An aircraft handler (10) for use with an undercarriage of an aircraft, the handler being self-propelled and comprising a generally “U” shaped body (11) having arms (12 & 13) linked by a bridge (14) at one end thereof with a pair of drive wheels (16 & 17) located one at the free end of each arm, with at least one wheel(15) located adjacent the bridge(14). A pair of clamping jaws (51) are mounted on the body (11) between the drive wheels (16 & 17) and the bridge (14)and jaws (51) have a lower profile than the arms (12 & 17). The drive wheel (16 & 17) are driven by DC electric motors powered by batteries stored in the arms.

Abstract: A device for securing the locking nut on trailer hitches. An exemplary embodiment comprises: (1) a protective cup that attaches to a (2) top member, by (3) an internal hinge, so that when the cup and the top member are closed, and locked by (4) a lock, the device encloses the locking nut of the trailer hitch so that the locking nut cannot be loosened or removed.

Abstract: An articulated pendulum steering system for an articulated vehicle having a front vehicle section and a rear vehicle section, the system including a vertical bearing pin supported by at least one movable joint support, and a movable joint pin supported by at least one movable joint support, wherein the vertical bearing pin and the movable joint pin sit in an articulated pendulum joint axle.

Abstract: A bicycle frame (10) having a rear passive suspension system configured to elastically deflect predominantly in a vertical direction under normal cycling loads so as to better isolate the rider from road-surface irregularities and roughness, while simultaneously maintaining or improving rigidity in other directions so as to preserve or improve handling. The frame (10) has a pair of upper chain stays (18) that control the rear wheel motion rigidly in five of the six degrees of freedom with stiffness comparable to existing road, cyclocross, hybrid, city, or hardtail mountain bicycle designs, while simultaneously allowing deflection of the tubular members and a significant amount of vertical movement of the rear wheel for ride compliance in order to improve comfort, handling, and safety.

Abstract: Improved mechanical structure for increased efficiency in the transfer of the peddling force applied to a pedal crank assembly to the rear wheel of a bicycle is disclosed. This structure increases efficiency by decreasing the loss of exerted energy when peddling at dead spots, which dead spots are the common terminology used to refer to when the legs are either at down-stroke and up-stroke positions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a shock absorbing wheel suspension apparatus and related method. The preferred wheel suspension includes upper and lower rocker arms pivotably attached to a bicycle frame, rear shockstays pivotably attached to the upper and lower rocker arms, and a shock absorbing element. The preferred configuration of the wheel suspension results in improved performance through the desirable alignment of various force and torque lines over a wide range of loading conditions.

Abstract: A hitch device for use with a pulling vehicle and a trailer, including a first hitch arm and a second upwardly directed hitch arm. At a second end of the second upwardly directed hitch arm is a joint allowing rotation about at least two axes. The hitch device positions the joint a preselected vertical and horizontal distance from the pulling vehicle and a hitch receiving structure connected thereto. The hitch device may be used with a trailer having first and second diverters encouraging the trailer to move about a tree or other shrub.

Abstract: A crank arm of a bicycle having an effective crank arm length that can be selectively adjusted for increasing the comfort and performance of the rider. The crank arm includes a crank arm member rotatably connected about a crank arm member rotational axis to a base member. The base member includes a spindle bore defining a spindle rotational axis, which is eccentric with respect to the crank arm member rotational axis. The opposite end of the crank arm member includes a pedal bore defining a pedal rotational axis. The crank arm further includes a fastener to selectively couple the base member to the crank arm member for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A vehicle axle has two supporting members, which are engaged in rotary manner by respective vehicle wheels, are hinged to a frame of the axle, and are movable about respective hinge axes by at least one steering actuating cylinder acting on one of the supporting members; and a connecting bar having a central portion connected in sliding manner to the frame, and two lateral portions, each connected in rotary manner to one of the supporting members and to the central portion.

Abstract: A remote controlled inspection vehicle provides interchangeable modules, permitting the vehicle to be easily configured to perform a wide variety of tasks. The vehicle includes at least one frame module having a pair of drive modules on either side. Each drive module includes a continuous track surrounding a permanent magnet, and is dimensioned and configured to pivot around its longitudinal axis. The frame modules are dimensioned and configured to be hingedly secured to other frame modules, end effectors including various sensors for performing inspections, and tail units to assist in placing the vehicle in the desired environment.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus for assisting steering by conferring a steering assisting force according to a steering manipulation to a steering mechanism. The apparatus includes an electric motor being driven under control according to the steering manipulation, and a deteriorated condition judging factor storage portion for storing a factor used for judging a deteriorated condition of the electric motor. The factor used for judging the deteriorated condition of the electric motor includes, for example, an accumulated value of load exerted on the electric motor.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly having a main frame and an articulating frame supported for movement relative to the main frame. The articulating frame is configured to carry a rear wheel for rotation about a hub axis. A shock absorber is operably connected between the main frame and the articulating frame to provide resistance to articulating motion of the articulating frame. The articulating frame includes a chain stay member and a shock support member fixed for angular displacement with the chain stay member.

Abstract: Steering equipment for a work vehicle includes a steering transmission shaft mounted so that the shaft can turn within a steering column, and with a control device for actuating a steering operating unit. The control device includes a reference member, which can move along the transmission shaft and a sensor device fixed to the steering column in a position substantially facing the reference member for detecting a position of the reference member along the transmission shaft. The sensor provides a displacement signal that is used to vary the steering ratio, such as steering speed.

Abstract: A microcomputer calculates a command value for feedback control based on a target electric current value set on the basis of steering torque and a vehicle speed, and the detecting value of a motor electric current. The microcomputer calculates the duty ratio of a PWM signal for turning on and off a switching element of a motor driving circuit from this command value. When this calculated duty ratio is 100% or less, no voltage raising circuit is operated and a battery voltage is supplied to the motor driving circuit. In contrast to this, when the calculated duty ratio Dc exceeds 100%, the microcomputer outputs the PWM signal for turning on and off the switching element of the voltage raising circuit in the duty ratio according to this excess amount. Thus, the battery voltage is raised in accordance with this excess amount and is supplied to the motor driving circuit.

Abstract: A class of transporters for carrying an individual over ground having a surface that may be irregular. Various embodiments have a motorized drive, mounted to the ground-contacting module that causes operation of the transporter in an operating position that is unstable with respect to tipping when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered. Related methods are provided for determining the maximum operating speed of the transporter from measurement of battery parameters and transporter motor current and for limiting the speed of the transporter to maintain stability.

Abstract: A gooseneck for connecting a tractor and a trailer for transportation includes a support arm. The support arm has a first end that is pivotally coupled to a fifth wheel of the tractor. The support arm is pivotable to raise and lower a second end of the support arm relative to a tractor bed. A generally downwardly extending portion is coupled to the second end of the support arm for releasably attaching to a forward end of the trailer. A pneumatic assembly is coupled to the support arm. The pneumatic assembly is in communication with the tractor bed to lift and lower the generally downwardly extending portion relative to the tractor bed.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for operating self-steering wheels on a non-driving axle (3) in a vehicle, which wheels (1, 2) are each mounted on their own stub axle (4, 5) and connected to a tie rod (8). The axle (3) and one (4) of the stub axles are connected by a cylinder (12) with two separate chambers (16, 17), each chamber having an individually adjustable piston (22, 23), the cylinder (12) having a first, freely movable state, in which its length is variable, and a second, pressurized state, in which its length (S3) is fixed, and in that each chamber (16, 17) has at least one connection (18, 19, 20, 21) for pressure medium for acting on the respective piston (22, 23) in the cylinder (12).

Abstract: A class of transporters for carrying an individual over ground having a surface that may be irregular. Various embodiments have a motorized drive, mounted to the ground-contacting module that causes operation of the transporter in an operating position that is unstable with respect to tipping when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered. Related methods are provided for determining the maximum operating speed of the transporter from measurement of battery parameters and transporter motor current and for limiting the speed of the transporter to maintain stability based on various sets of operationally imposed margins.

Abstract: A device is described for indicating the locking state of a fifth wheel coupling and an arrangement of a first and a second sensor. According to the prior art, the first sensor is arranged on the underside of the locking latch and monitors the position of the kingpin in relation to the locking latch. A second sensor that is used is an inductive proximity switch that monitors a safety mechanism against loosening. In practice, this type of positioning of the first sensor has led to damage of the locking latch and the first sensor, while the signals of the second sensor were often false signals. Thus, the object of the invention is to provide a device for indicating the locking state, which maximizes operational availability and minimizes false signals. A further object of the invention is to optimize the arrangement of the first and the second sensor.

Abstract: A device and method for equalizing the charge among a plurality of batteries redundantly driving a motor. The batteries are coupled to the motor through isolated windings and to each other through the drive shaft. The device senses the charge of the batteries and then controls the current from each of the batteries to its respective winding to equalize the charge. Related methods are provided to maximize the speed limit of a balancing transporter.