Abstract: A chainless motocross bicycle features a bicycle frame with no bottom bracket or seat post, a pedal drive shaft located on the axis of the rear wheel, and a single speed planetary transmission located inside the rear wheel hub. The transmission includes a ring gear with an integral extension of the ring gear clamped in the bicycle frame dropout on the right side; multiple planet gears rotatably mounted on a planet gear carrier driven by the pedal drive shaft, with each planet gear in constant mesh with the ring gear and with a sun gear rotatably mounted on the pedal drive shaft; and a conventional one way clutch coupling the sun gear with the wheel hub. The compact nature, low maintenance, and simplicity of this arrangement provides an attractive alternative to chain driven motocross bicycles which are conventionally ridden with the rider standing on the pedals.

Abstract: In a power assistance system for a vehicle steering mechanism fluid pressure providing the assistance is supplied from a pump driven intermittently by an infinitely-variable electric motor. For a rack and pinion mechanism fluid pressure chambers are formed by sealing boots at each end of the rack, and are connected through the pump, which is operative to create a pressure differential between the chambers, and thus across the rack to provide power assistance. The electric motor is energized as required to drive the pump in the appropriate direction, and when the motor and pump are inoperative fluid is allowed to flow freely between the chambers to accommodate fluid displacement as a result of unassisted operation of the steering. The pump is preferably a turbine pump, which allows fluid flow when inoperative. The system provides power assistance efficiently, and relatively cheaply.

Abstract: An all weather, all terrain, amphibious tracked vehicle for riding and operation by one or a small number of persons. The vehicle includes a main frame structure made of strong but light weight plastic or metal and having the general shape of an elongated enclosed box. The top surface of the structure is generally flat and the bottom surface in the lengthwise dimension has a convex shape. Two track guides parallel to each other are built into or on and encircles the main frame in the lengthwise dimension adjacent to the outer edges. A continuous rubber belt which has a generally flat inner surface and in which a series of belt carriers are fixed. The carriers have bearings adapted to travel in the two track guides, such that the belt can run in guided fashion around the main frame in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A power assisted vehicle steering system, gear or a power assistance means for a vehicle steering gear comprises a housing 1 for a rack bar 4 which is displaceable in response to a steering input. The rack bar housing is resiliently mounted in a bracket 10 bolted to a frame 9 of the vehicle and is longitudinally displaceable relative to the bracket 10 as a reaction from displacement of the rack bar 4. Longitudinal displacement of the housing 3 adjusts a spool valve 20 on the bracket 10. Adjustment of the valve 20 controls a ram 13 which reacts between the bracket 10 and the rack bar 4 to provide power assistance to the intended displacement of the rack bar 4.The valve 20 can be incorporated as part of the ram 13. The ram 13 can be replaced by an alternative servo motor such as an electric motor and an alternative form of control such as an electrical switch to load cell can be provided for the valve 20.

Abstract: A hybrid robotic vehicle is provided for use in environments which are hazardous to humans, the vehicle being adapted to carry a payload for use in viewing the area or acquiring other types of sensory data. The hybrid robotic vehicle has a main body and four appendages or legs, each of which has a wheel assembly and a track assembly, and is configured to operate having three degrees-of-freedom about one vertical and two horizontal axes, the three degrees-of-freedom permitting improved capability to cross obstacle-strewn terrain, as well as to traverse inclined surfaces while maintaining the main body and its payload in an upright and level attitude.

Abstract: A differential drive and steering system for a vehicle includes a differential drive device including an input shaft which is drivingly connected to a pair of output shafts by a differential gear device. A torque converter is drivingly connected with the differential gear mechanism and includes a speed control shaft journaled on the differential gear mechanism housing. A pair of variable pitch pulleys are respectively mounted on the speed control and input shafts and are connected by an endless belt. A transmission shaft is drivingly connected to one of the output shafts and is connected to the speed control shaft by a planetary gear mechanism. A drive sprocket is keyed to the input shaft and a driven sprocket is secured to the planetary gear mechanism. An endless chain is trained about the sprockets whereby the vehicle may be steered by selectively varying the pitch on the pulleys.

Abstract: A method for controlling the driving torque transmitted to a trailer having hydraulically powered driving axles. The tractor pulling the trailer is driven directly by an engine. The engine also drives a hydraulic pump which feeds at least one hydraulic motor on the trailer. The hydraulic system is controlled so that the speed of the driving wheels of the trailer is the same as the driving wheels of the tractor. The volumetric capacity of the pump or motor is controlled to control the torque transmitted to the trailer. The system is controlled by comparing the ratio of the rotational speeds of the hydraulic motor and hydraulic pump to a predetermined valve.

Abstract: A rear wheel turning mechanism of a four wheel steering system includes a rear wheel turning rod which is connected to the rear wheels of the vehicle and is adapted to be displaced so as to turn the rear wheels. An electric motor is operatively connected to the rear wheel turning rod and the steering wheel so as to displace the rear wheel turning rod, which turns the rear wheels in response to the operation of the steering wheel. A rear-wheel-neutralizing spring urges the rear wheel turning rod to the neutral position in which the rear wheels are held in the straight-ahead position. A clutch is interposed between the electric motor and the rear wheel turning rod and is adapted to disconnect the latter from the former to permit the latter to return to the neutral position under the force of the rear-wheel-neutralizing means.

Abstract: An improved boat trailer winch mechanism that involves an adjustable triangular assembly comprising a first and second vertical support means attached to each other at the apex and to the tongue of a boat trailer forming the base. Extending rearwardly from the adjustable triangular assembly is a novel bow engaging mechanism capable of pivoting and adjusting such as to make contact on both sides of a boat hull. Cantilevered upward and forward from the triangular assembly is a third support member and manual winch with strap and hook closure. Preferably, the strap is directed downward to the tongue and selectively to the proper height through the rear structural member to the triangular assembly such as to insure proper tension when loading or transporting a boat on the boat trailer. Such a boat trailer winch allows the loading of a small pleasure craft onto a boat trailer without leaving the boat and risking getting wet in less time than previously known boat winches.

Abstract: A compact three wheeled golf cart that is powered by an internal combustion engine that is disposed within a triangle defined by the contact patch of the wheels with the ground to provide stability. The cart is steered by an operator who walks along adjacent the cart and does not ride upon it. An improved variable speed belt transmission and combined reduction set and differential drive the wheels of the cart from the engine.

Abstract: A system for steering rear wheels of a motor vehicle has a control unit which sets a direction and an angle in which the rear wheels must be steered based on front-wheel operation. A rear-wheel steering angular deviation signal and a desired rear-wheel steering speed signal are produced in the control unit and each signal has a positive or negative direction component. The rear wheels are steered when the two components are the same as each other, whereas not steered when the components are opposite from each other.

Abstract: A child's bicycle seat is set forth wherein an elongate split post is securable to a horizontal support shaft of an associated bicycle with forward arcuate legs surrounding an associated forward steering post of the bicycle wherein the arcuate legs terminate in securement legs oriented generally parallel to one another to receive a threaded fastener therethrough. The cylindrical seat support shaft includes a rear downwardly depending plurality of tabs for securement of a further fastener with a medially positioned downwardly depending pair of flanges spaced between the rear tabs and the forward arcuate legs secured integrally and orthogonally downwardly from the seat support shaft with an aligned pair of hexagonal apertures therethrough to receive a hexagonally cross-sectional configured bolt. The hexagonal bolt is directed through one of a series of hexagonal apertures through foot brackets to enable the foot brackets to be rotated for height and orientation relative to the seat.

Abstract: A wheel lift towing apparatus includes a crossbar with opposing end portions; two collars, one being mounted to each crossbar end portion; two wheel retainer locating struts, one being connected to each crossbar end portion via one of the collars; and two wheel retainers, one being mounted to a free end of each of the locating struts. The wheel retainers each have a central arm with first and second wheel engaging elements disposed at the opposing ends of the central arm. The wheel retainer support structure associated with each strut is configured to position each wheel retainer so that the retainers' respective first wheel engaging elements are located below a center axis of the wheels of the vehicle to be towed and so that the retainers' respective second wheel engaging elements are located above the center axis of the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hitching device with automatic coupling, applicable in particular to the joining of automotive tractors to their trailers.This device consists essentially of a fork, in which the pulling member arranged on the tractor engages. Mounted on one of the branches of the fork is a closing arm which can be positioned transversely to the two branches so as to retain the pulling member between them.This arm is integral with a control lever, upon which the pulling member acts when it is reversed, so as to bring it to the coupling position.The closing arm is immobilized in this position by a locking device comprising a lock which engages in an indentation of the closing arm and which may be disengaged manually so as to release the closing arm in order to uncouple the trailer.

Abstract: An extended trailer to attach to a tractor. The trailer has a main reach able to attach to a tractor. An extension reach extends rearwardly of the main reach. A bridge over the main is rigidly attached to the main reach. There is a forward self steering axle for the extended trailer. Springs extend forward from the bridge to the forward axle. The extension has an intermediate axle and rear axles. A subframe carries the intermediate and rear axles and is pivotally attached to the bridge.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with an endless track drive for travel over rough ground. The endless track drive is detachably connected to the wheelchair by a frame such that a lower run of each of the endless tracks is located adjacent a lower periphery of each wheel. The chair in the wheelchair is kept low so that the occupant is not lifted so high as to experience a substantially different elevation when travelling on the endless track as when traveling on the wheels. A suspension preferably in the form of a flexible sheet allows one forward end of an endless track to be moved vertically independently of the forward end of the other endless tracks. Preferably, the endless drive is an attachment that is easily clamped to the wheelchair and is made mostly of plastic that is lightweight and easily cleaned and provides a low cost for the attachment.

Abstract: A hydrostatic auxiliary power steering mechanism for motor vehicles is described, in which the steering cylinder power is controlled by a servo mechanism for which a control loop is provided for regulating oil quantity proportional to the turning of the steering wheel. This control loop is connected in parallel to a hand pump driven by the steering wheel. In this way, the transmission ratio of the hand pump can be selected independently of the auxiliary power control loop in such a way that the vehicle remains steerable in all operating conditions. Moreover, there results the possibility of designing the auxiliary power control loop with external feedback in such a way that disturbance variables of a control system comprising the steering valve, the steering cylinders and the steering linkage can be controlled.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering mechanism for steering rear wheels of the vehicle is urged by a spring so as to allow the rear wheels to take a neutral position or a position at which the rear wheels run in a straight direction. Control over the driving of the motor connected to the rear wheel steering mechanism allows the rear wheels to be steered at a given steered angle against the urging force of the spring. The rear wheels are always returned to the neutral position by the spring by disconnecting a clutch interposed between the rear wheel steering mechanism and the motor whenever abnormality is found. Presence or absence of abnormality in a drive control system of the motor is checked or an alignment of a reference position of the motor is made, in such a state that the clutch is disconnected, immediately after an ignition switch was turned on yet prior to control of the rear wheel steering.

Abstract: A low ride saddle mount for use in the transportation of trucks comprising a pair of laterally spaced supports adapted to be mounted on a tow truck, and a shaft extending horizontally between and supported for axial rotation above the supports. A platform is secured to the shaft. A saddle is mounted on the platform for rotation about an axis extending at right angles to the longitudianl axis of the shaft. Clamps on the saddle are adapted to clamp onto the front axle of a truck to be towed. The saddle mount may be inverted so that the shaft is below the supports, to permit a lower ride.

Abstract: A motor-driven power assisted steering control apparatus includes a steering torque sensor 1, a motor 14 connected to a steering shaft via a clutch to exert an auxiliary steering force, and circuitry for controlling the motor in correspondence to an output from the steering torque sensing means. A torque neutral point detector 23 detects the neutral point of the steering torques, and first and second level detecting circuits 27, 29 detect when the motor current exceeds first and higher second levels, respectively. When the motor current exceeds the first level with the steering torque value at other than the neutral point, the clutch current is reduced to cause slippage, and when the motor current exceeds the second level with the steering torque value at other than the neutral point, the clutch current is interrupted to thereby stop the motor.