Abstract: A multi-link suspension includes a frame member, a first member pivotably coupled at a first end to the frame member, and a second member pivotably coupled at a first end to a second end of the first member. A dampener physically couples between the first member and the second member. The dampener limits the rotation of the second member about the second end of the first member to a defined arc. The first member includes a horizontal upper surface to which an electric traction motor providing a shaft output attaches. A power transmission system, such as a flexible belt, couples the shaft output provided by the electric traction motor to a drive hub rotatably attached to a second end of the second member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work vehicle (10), particularly, for use in rugged uneven terrain, for example, in agriculture/forestry. The vehicle (10) generally has a chassis frame (24) and a pair of axles (14, 20) longitudinally spaced along the chassis (24), the axles (14, 20) being pivotable in an opposing or opposite fashion about axes (A, D) generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis. The vehicle (10) has a support frame (206) mounted relative to a front axle (14) to be displaceable therewith, in use. The vehicle (10) also has a work apparatus (204) mountable to the support frame (206) and displaceable relative to the vehicle (10) wherein, in use, under control of an operator, the support frame (206) and work apparatus (204) are adapted to rotate with the first axle (14) about the first pivot axis (A).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a report on a drivetrain specifically designed to operate in conjunction with the Extreme-Travel Independent Suspension System. In a prior disclosure, we introduced a drivetrain concept derived from the unique configuration of the suspension system. The concept defines several elements, one element is a gearbox that is fabricated into the frame, the gearbox being called the reverse power coupler. Other elements of the concept include a differential mounted offset power coupler and differential housing assemblies. The drivetrain cooperates with the suspension configuration of upper and lower leading and trailing links thereby retaining the suspension system's fundamental properties—handling quality like a double A-arm independent suspension system and travel and articulation capabilities similar to Ford's Twin I-Beam front suspension system. This report integrates the elements introduced in the prior disclosure with novel mechanistic features of the drivetrain.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for an agricultural vehicle, the transmission comprising a transmission casing and transmission components, the components including: an input shaft drivable by a prime mover, first and second output drive shafts for connection to driven wheels of the vehicle, a mechanical transmission branch which transfers torque mechanically from the input shaft to the first and second output shafts, and a further transmission branch having at least one continuously variable motor, wherein the first and second output drive shafts are additionally driven by the at least one motor so as to provide the first and second output drive shafts with continuously variable drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drawbar (1) for a vehicle trailer, comprising a half-spherical receiving socket (2) with a receiving opening (3) for receiving a coupling ball (4), and a drawbar carrier (5) for connecting said receiving socket (2) to the vehicle trailer. It is suggested that the receiving socket (2) is pivotally connected to the drawbar carrier (5) using a safety device (6); that the receiving socket (2) can be secured in an operating position using an actuating device (7) of said safety device (6); and that the receiving socket (2) can be pivoted relative to the drawbar carrier (5) in a direction away from the receiving opening (3), out of the operating position and into a decoupling position, by means of said actuating device (7).

Abstract: A variable height, infinitely adjustable front fork system that can adapt to various wheel sizes. On traditional front bicycle fork system, to change the tire size require a change in the fork, and to change the height of the fork relative to the frame that hold the front fork would require again a change to the fork. This new fork system addresses these two concerns. With a push of a button, or simple manipulation of a handle, the height of the fork relative to the frame can be made via a telescopic fork blade design. To accommodate different tire sizes, a user simply re-positions a pair of clamp-on wheel dropouts along a lower half of the telescopic blades.

Abstract: A serpentine body includes a first portion, a first wheel coupled to the first portion, a second portion, a second wheel coupled to the second portion, and at least one sensor coupled to the first portion and/or the second portion. The first wheel is rotatable in a first direction. The second wheel is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction when the first wheel rotates in the first direction.

Abstract: A motorcycle suspension comprising a fork having a steering bar suitable for connecting mechanically to a steering mechanism of a motorcycle, an oscillating bar having a first end at which it forms a junction with said steering bar, and a second end at which it connects to a support which houses a rotation pin of an associable wheel so as to turn, said rotation pin defining a rotation axis for the wheel itself. The suspension comprises a shock absorber unit which extends from an attachment head, at which it is mechanically connected to the steering bar, to an attachment foot, at which it is connected to the support. Advantageously, the shock absorber unit, at the attachment foot, connects to the support by the interposition of mechanical coupling means having a hinge axis which is contained in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A trailer slider suspension including a tubes and wires support system. The slider includes a frame slidably coupled to and supporting a trailer. The frame includes a cross brace including a pair of overlapping straps to resist twisting. A rotatable shaft is coupled to pins on the frame which are thereby selectively retractable and extendable into the trailer whereby the frame can be moved and fixed along the trailer. Supporting brackets are provided including a central portion and left and right arms extending therefrom. A shaft hole is provided in the central portion and straps openings are provided in each of the arms. The bracket is secured to the frame at a distance from the straps overlap with the rotatable shaft extending through the shaft hole, one of the straps extending through the left arm strap opening and the other strap extending through the right arm strap opening.

Abstract: A method and kit for converting a two-wheeled motorcycle into a three-wheeled reverse trike. To convert the two wheeled motorcycle to a reverse trike, the front fork tubes, including the front wheel, are removed from the triple-tree of the motorcycle. A frame assembly mounts to a forward end of the motorcycle. Left and right wheels are mounted to the frame assembly with wheel suspension systems. A steering shaft is attached to the triple-tree of the motorcycle. Steering tie rods are linked to the steering shaft and the wheel spindles, whereby turning of the handle bars causes the steering shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis and causes the left and right steering tie rods to effect corresponding turning of the left and right front wheels.

Abstract: A transfer case assembly for a vehicle has a one-piece torque-transfer component with both a sprocket portion configured to receive torque and an output flange portion configured to transfer the torque received. The sprocket portion and the output flange portion rotate in unison about a common axis and are axially adjacent one another.

Abstract: A propulsion unit is provided for propelling a piece of equipment that is normally intended to be pushed by a pedestrian. The unit involves a way to support an upright rider that is sized to allow the rider to reach a handle of the hand-pushed mobile equipment; a plurality of ways to contact the ground and allowing the way to support a rider to move across a surface in a low-friction manner; a way to provide thrust in one or both of the forward and backward directions; and a way to couple the unit to the hand-pushed mobile equipment and allow the hand-pushed mobile equipment to yaw relative to the unit around a vertical axis that is approximately collinear with the vertical axis of the upright rider.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided for coupling an implement to a vehicle having a pickup hitch. The pickup hitch has a drawbar which is slidable in a pivotal drawbar housing. A coupler frame is attached to the implement, and has a socket which receives a ball mounted to the drawbar. Side members are attached to the coupler frame. Recesses are formed on the sides of the drawbar. In a coupled position, the side members are received by the recesses and are held between the drawbar housing and the drawbar.

Abstract: A towing frame for a bicycle includes a tow bar suitable for use with a two-wheeled style bicycle. The towing frame includes a “U”-shaped tow bar with mounting apertures and hardware for connection to a rear frame portions of the bicycle and a rear bracket for attachment of a towed vehicle such as a cart or wagon.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to cycling. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein relate to an integrated cycling tool. The cycling tool may be integrated into the bicycle components to reduce the external modifications to a bicycle. This may enable a cyclist to carry a tool with them without the worry of carrying the tool, or the tool falling off the bicycle. The cycling tool may comprise multiple components and may be used to fix various parts of a bicycle. The cycling tool may fit within the confines of the bicycle and provide minimal to no impact to the rider or the functionality and performance of the bicycle.

Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.

Abstract: A hitch pin assembly for securing a shank member to a hitch receiver tube to minimize relative motion between the shank member and receiver tube, comprising an elongated pin having a threaded portion, a threaded nut, an elastomer piece, and a shank member which are mated for tightened engagement compressing the elastomer piece so as to firmly engage the receiver tube. The shank member may include a slot for a corresponding threaded nut and elastomer piece so when the pin is tightened, the nut compresses the elastomer against the interior wall of the shank surface and upwardly, thereby restraining movement of the threaded nut and dampening movement of the shank inside the hitch receiver tube.

Abstract: A robot has a track assembly having tracks configured to move the robot in a first direction and a wheel assembly having wheels configured to move the robot in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A toggling assembly switches between the track assembly and the wheel assembly. The robot modules can mate with each other. The robot module has an elongated shaft with a head and a narrow neck. The shaft extends outward from the side of the robot module. A mating robot module has a clamping mechanism with opposing clamps which in an opened position receive the shaft. In a closed position, the clamps define an opening which matches and engages the cross-section of the neck of the elongated shaft. The clamping mechanism has a drive mode to drive the module, a clamping mode for docking, and neutral mode for alignment prior to clamping.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cardboard-based unit, structural elements comprising said unit and land-vehicles comprising said units and structural elements.

Abstract: A passenger bar for motorcycles is disclosed. The passenger bar is affixed to the gas tank of a motorcycle forward of the motorcycle driver such that a passenger behind the motorcycle driver with arms wrapped around the driver may grip the passenger bar to secure himself/herself while the motorcycle is accelerating, decelerating, or experiences lateral forces. The passenger bar comprises a mounting plate, in one embodiment, and a handle inclined away from the mounting bracket.