Abstract: A ground engaged vehicle includes a front portion and a rear portion joined by an articulation. The articulation rotates around a longitudinal axis. An engine drives a hydrostatic pump which drives four hydrostatic motors, each of the hydrostatic motors in operative engagement with one of four wheels. The wheels are on wheel mounts, each of the wheel mounts having a vertical axis around which one of the four wheels with one of the hydrostatic motors is turnable. A steering system turns the two wheels of the front portion in a first direction and the two wheels of the rear portion in an opposite direction. The steering system is powered by the hydrostatic pump. A pedal control system has a first pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a forward direction and a second pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A bicycle including a main frame, a front wheel mounted for rotation relative to the main frame. a rear dropout, and a rear wheel mounted for rotation relative to the rear dropout about an axis. The rear wheel defines a center plane of the bicycle and is driven by a chain. The bicycle also includes a seat stay coupling the rear dropout to the main frame. The seat stay has an inner surface facing the rear wheel and an outer surface facing away from the rear wheel. The seat stay includes a steep portion having an outer surface disposed at a steep angle of between about 25 degrees and about 75 degrees relative to the center plane, and at least a portion of the steep portion is disposed outboard of the chain.

Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel suspension system having a number of movable suspension links includes a pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies that connect respective members of the movable linkage to the underlying fixed shape portion of the bicycle frame assembly. Each adjustable eccentric pivot assembly is preferably infinitely adjustable within a range of rotation of the respective pivot assembly relative to the underlying bicycle frame to manipulate an orientation of an axis of rotation of the respective movable link relative to the underlying bicycle frame assembly. The pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies is coupled to one another in a manner that creates a dependency between the orientations of the respective eccentric pivot assemblies thereby providing various geometric configurations of the moveable members of the suspension system without changing the leverage ratio provided by the suspension system.

Abstract: A motorcycle defines a riding position in which positions are provided for the rider's feet that are located behind the engine and in front of the rear tyre (23) in the direction of travel, in which positions the distance between the inner sides of the rider's feet may be less than the width of the rear tyre (23).

Abstract: A multi-unit mobile robot comprising a plurality of separate carriages or units linked together by linkages. Each unit comprises hinged first and second segments which facilitates pitch relative motion between the segments, and accordingly the units. By controlling actuators to the hinges, one can cause the robot to coil around and compress against the exterior, or compress against the interior, of an object to be traversed. The linkage between mobile units facilitates at least one of lateral pivot or yaw relative motion between units, and optionally roll. Each hinged platform is carried by a pair of Mecanum wheels, which facilitate movement of the unit in any direction. Among other possible uses, the multi-unit mobile robot can be used to service windmill blades and towers, and carrying cargo up and down windmill towers by directing a multi-unit mobile robot to wrap around the and traverse the tower.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is for a mechanism including a housing and a rotatable shaft disposed within the housing. The bearing assembly includes a sleeve disposable within the housing and having an inner circumferential surface defining a bore and a radial surface extending radially inwardly from the inner surface. A bearing is disposed within the bore and includes inner and outer races and rolling elements disposed between the races, the inner race being coupleable with the shaft such that the shaft and the inner race rotate as a single unit. Further, a biasing member biases the outer race generally against the sleeve radial surface or a housing radial surface to prevent axial displacement of the outer race during shaft rotation. Preferably, a retainer couples the biasing member with the outer race to retain the bearing and the biasing member within the bore when the assembly is separate from the housing.

Abstract: A storage tote includes a base and a selectively movable lid. A support assembly is secured to the base and movable between a folded position and a deployed position. In the folded position, the support assembly extends generally parallel to the surface upon which it is supported. In the deployed position, the support assembly extends generally downwardly to support the base at a height substantially above the support surface. The support assembly may include a pair of opposing legs. The support assembly may additionally include a one or more pairs of wheels for selective movement of the storage tote from one location to another. A leg retention assembly may be provided for securing the legs in the folded position to prevent accidental or otherwise unwanted movement of the legs from the folded position.

Abstract: The hitch step assembly has a platform securable to a hitch bar and pivotable from a storage position to a stepping position with respect to the hitch bar. The platform is preferably substantially planar and parallel to the length of the hitch bar at the stepping position. The platform is pivotable to the storage position that exposes a ball mount assembly connected to the hitch bar. Walls extending downward from the platform to substantially enclose the ball mount assembly and prevent its exposure as a trip hazard during use of the hitch step. A locking pin is provided that maintains the platform at the storage position or the stepping position.

Abstract: An adaptive speed control device includes a posted speed change detecting section, a notification section, a set speed signal receiving section, and an adaptive speed control section. The posted speed change detecting section is configured to detect an upcoming change to a posted speed limit at. The notification section is configured to control a user interface device to notify a new posted speed limit at a prescribed notification timing before the vehicle reaches a transition point. The set speed signal receiving section is configured to accept a set speed signal from a user input device. The adaptive speed control section is configured to change a set speed of the vehicle according to the new posted speed limit and to automatically change a speed to the set speed upon receiving the set speed signal at or after a prescribed activation timing that occurs simultaneously with or after the prescribed notification timing.

Abstract: A method includes operating a wheeled vehicle including an articulated suspension system; and articulating the suspension system to skid steer the vehicle. A wheeled vehicle having an articulated suspension system includes a skid steering controller capable of articulating the suspension system to skid steer the vehicle. The skid steering controller may be implemented in software and may, but does not necessarily, include three stages for applying a differential torque, varying the traction of at least one wheel, and finely adjusting the wheel's suspension to approach a critical damped response of the vehicle turning rate with respect to its commanded rate, respectively.

Abstract: An auxiliary module has a gearbox, a motor, a torque detector and a controller. The gearbox has a casing, a sun gear, a planet gear assembly, a driven gear and a driving axle. The planet gear assembly engages the sun gear and has a driving gear, multiple planet gears and an annular gear. The planet gears are mounted rotatably on the driving gear and engage the sun gear. The annular gear is mounted around and engages the planet gears. The driven gear engages the driving gear. The driving axle is mounted co-axially on the driving gear. The motor is connected co-axially to the sun gear. The torque detector is mounted on the casing of the gearbox with fasteners to detect torque applied on the driving axle. The controller is connected electrically to the motor and the torque detector to adjust torque output from the motor.

Abstract: A horse riding simulation system for providing a user with a riding experience that resembles riding a horse features a chassis with a rear axle having a first rear wheel and a second rear wheel. The system features a motor centrally located in the chassis operatively connected to a rear axle central drive attachment. The system features a pivoting front steering apparatus with a free rolling front wheel. The system features a front body section having a resemblance to a horse head, chest, shoulders and front legs located over and attached to the front steering apparatus. The system features a rear body section having a resemblance to a horse mid body section, barrel, hips, and rear legs located over and pivotally attached to a chassis top. A seat is located on a rear body top. The system features an operating lever operatively connected to the motor.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a first vehicle to a second towed vehicle, the coupling device including a pillar (3) for mounting to a towbar attached to the first vehicle; a connector (30) for connection to the second towed vehicle; a sleeve (13) linked to the connector (30) and adapted for engagement with the pillar (3) by fitting over the pillar (3); and a collar (15) adapted to fit over and engage with a portion of the sleeve (13) for movement with respect to the sleeve (13); wherein the collar (15) is movable with respect to the sleeve (13) between a first unlocked position in which the sleeve (13) is removable from the pillar (3) and a second locked position in which the sleeve (13) is not removable from the pillar (3).

Abstract: A tricycle has a frame, a front wheel with drive pedals, a seat, and a footboard. The footboard of the novel tricycle can optionally be mounted on the frame in a first orientation and at least a second orientation.

Abstract: An all terrain endless track vehicle of the present invention comprises a front suspension assembly and a rear endless track assembly supported by a chassis. The front suspension assembly is engageable with the ground by a steerable set of skis or wheels. The endless track assembly supports an engine, transmission and first and second shock absorbers. The first shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly forward of the engine, while the second shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly rearward of the engine. A rear swing arm supports a rearwardly positioned main driver mechanically linked to the transmission by way of a chain or belt. A plurality of idler wheels disposed on the endless track assembly, along with the main driver, define an endless track contour. An endless track or belt disposes on the plurality of idler wheels and the main driver. The engine, transmission, and shock absorbers are each contained within the contour of the endless track.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting brake knockback in a vehicle disk brake system. Brake knockback can occur when a vehicle is driven through an aggressive turn or in other environments that exert a significant amount of lateral force on the vehicle's wheels. This can cause the rotors to deflect and push brake pistons into retracted positions, where they remain even after the vehicle exits the turn. According to one embodiment, the present method first estimates or predicts brake knockback by using lateral acceleration readings from the vehicle and a brake knockback model, and then corrects brake knockback by generating command signals for a hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A modular system that provides multiple support surfaces for a large heavy object and enables movement of that object with no friction (e.g., on a cushion of air). Each module has an object support surface and a bearing that enables the modules and the heavy object being supported thereby to be moved across a floor with no friction. Each module restrains a portion of the object on top within a frame that opens to allow the supported portion of the object to move off the support surface of the module and onto a stationary object support structure (e.g., a milling machine bed), using a cushion of air at an elevated height from the floor equal to that of the top surface of each module. The modules can be used independently or locked together to move a very large and heavy object or can be used to build a type of bridge which the air bearings underneath the object can cross.

Abstract: A restraint is configured to restrain a rider's footwear to a motorcycle footpeg along at least a nearly vertical first axis. The footpeg extends away from the motorcycle along a second axis. The restraint is based upon a combination of a hook and a clasp. The restraint can be engaged by linearly moving the footwear alternatively along either of two axes including the first axis, and a third axis that is mutually perpendicular to the first and second axes. The restraint may also be disengaged by linearly moving the footwear along the third axis. The third axis generally passes from the heel to toe of the footwear. Moving the footwear in a backward direction (toe to heel direction) engages the restraint; moving the footwear in a forward direction (heel to toe direction) disengages the restraint.

Abstract: A track assembly 30 for converting a wheeled vehicle 10 into a tracked vehicle. The track assembly 30 has a longitudinally adjustable support frame 40 having a motive source 170 with a drive sprocket 190, a plurality of support rollers 80, 84, 88, a tensioning assembly 90, and an endless track 200. The track assembly 30 is connected to a vehicle 10 by articulated, resiliently biased mounting assemblies 210, 410. Each mounting assembly 210, 410 includes a first attachment member 212, 412, a link 250, 450, and a second attachment member 300, 500, with the first attachment member 212, 412 configured to be removably attached to a position on a vehicle 10 where a wheel axle attached to an internal drive unit 19 would normally reside but which has been disconnected from its control lines and removed, and with the second attachment member 300, 500 configured to be connected to the support frame 40.

Abstract: A suspension unit 1 comprising a resilient arrangement 37 is provided. The damping arrangement 37 comprises a chamber having a primary volume arranged to contain a primary fluid and jounce and rebound variable volumes 58, 60 arranged to contain jounce and rebound fluids respectively. A piston 38 is slidably disposed in the chamber so as to act on the primary fluid and jounce and rebound moveable members 54, 56 separate the primary fluid from jounce and rebound volumes 58, 60 respectively. A jounce abutment member 55 is provided to limit the movement of the jounce moveable member 54 and a rebound abutment member 57 is provided to limit the movement of the rebound moveable member 56. When in use and the piston 38 is in a static position, the jounce moveable member 54 abuts the jounce abutment member 55 and the rebound moveable member 56 abuts the rebound abutment 57 member over a range of temperatures.