Abstract: A torque detection device includes: a torsion bar that couples a first shaft to a second shaft such that the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatable relative to each other; an annular magnet that is fixed to the first shaft; a pair of magnetic yokes that are fixed to the second shaft and that are arranged to face the magnet; and Hall ICs. Each of the magnetic yokes has a plurality of lugs arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction, and each lug becomes narrower toward its distal end, and has a curved profile with rounded corners when viewed from a radial direction of the corresponding magnetic yoke.

Abstract: Mobile robot systems and methods are provided. At least one tracked mobile robot has a first end comprising a first pair of wheels, a second end comprising a second pair of wheels, an articulated arm coaxial with the first pair of wheels, and a driven support surface surrounding the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels. The at least one mobile robot surmounts obstacles and performs additional maneuvers alone and in combination with at least one other mobile robot.

Abstract: A removable track drive can include a truck configured for supporting a vehicle tire and having two rollers adapted to contact respective surfaces of the vehicle tire. The removable track drive can also include a track disposed around an exterior of the truck and configured to pass over top of the vehicle tire so as to be moved by rotation of the vehicle tire. The removable track drive can also include a compulsory drive having a first rotating portion coupled to a vehicle wheel, a second rotating portion coupled to one of the rollers and a flexible drive member.

Abstract: A collapsible hitched trailer comprised of a bed member having a center bed section, and two pivotable bed sections pivotally attached to opposite sides of the center bed section. A protracting wheel axle member attached to an underside of the center bed section. Two wheels, one attached to each opposite end of the wheel axle member, and a draw bar member attached to one of the two pivotable bed sections, wherein the hitched trailer can be folded into a smaller shape and stored in a smaller area.

Abstract: Provided an electrically-operated hydraulic actuator unit that includes an electrically-operated motor controlled by a control apparatus and actuating a volume adjusting mechanism through driving-side and driven-side arms, and a clutch mechanism in which the driven-side arm presses a contact member against a clutch case so that the driven-side arm is locked when a force from the volume adjusting mechanism is applied to the driven-side arm. The control apparatus can set duties of first to fourth drive signals to be output to the electrically-operated motor in a neutral-side start period, a neutral-side ordinary actuation period, a higher-volume-side start period and a higher-volume-side ordinary actuation period. The duties of the first and fourth drive signals are larger than that of the second drive signal, the duty of the third drive signal is larger than that of the fourth drive signal, and an integrated ON-time of the third drive signal is larger than that of the first drive signal.

Abstract: A drawbar assembly includes a mounting member adapted to couple to a vehicle and that includes a body portion having a first passage, an eye portion extending outwardly from the mounting body portion, wherein the eye portion includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a second passage extending therethrough adapted to receive a pintle hook therein, and a wedge member slidably received within the first passage of the body portion. The wedge member is slidably movable between a first portion, wherein the wedge member is withdrawn into the first passage of the body portion, and a second position, where the wedge member extends into the second passage of the eye portion. The wedge member is located between the top surface and the bottom surface of the eye portion, and does not extend above the top surface or the bottom surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a wheeled load comprising: a frame having a two end; at least one wheel attached to at least one frame end; drive wheel(s) between the ends; a drive means for providing drive wheel power; a power source; a load-lifting arm means, the lifting arm means having a proximal end rotatably attached to the frame and a distal end; affixed to the distal end is a locking pickup head having a multi-socket center adapted to receive a ball, and a sliding locking gate to releasably affix the head to the ball; extending outwardly from the second end is a handle; disposed on the handle is a control means for operating the apparatus; and drive disengagement means for mechanically disengaging the powered driving mechanism so that a user can manually move the apparatus in case of battery or other mechanical failure.

Abstract: A working vehicle is structured to maintain a ride quality for an operator on a control seat. Provided are a travel machine body which mounts an engine, front wheels on the machine body, a track frame on the machine body, right and left travel crawlers installed on the track frame, a rear axle which transmits a rotating force to the travel crawler, and oscillation supporting point shafts which support the track frame on the machine body so as to freely oscillate. In the case that the rear axle and the oscillation supporting point shafts are provided so as to be spaced, the oscillation supporting point shafts are arranged just below an axle case to which the rear axle is pivoted, and the track frame is connected to the axle case via link members provided in the oscillation supporting point shafts.

Abstract: A tank module is provided for a motor vehicle comprises at least two fuel tanks and a carrier body having concave flanks formed of sheet material and arranged between the fuel tanks and facing the fuel tanks.

Abstract: A vehicle shroud can have an opening formed so as to extend in a substantially front-to-rear direction. A substantially horizontal portion of a front fender of the vehicle can be located frontward of the opening. The vehicle can be a motorcycle, for example.

Abstract: A mobile frame, for instance for moving less able-bodied persons, comprising a castor with a wheel drive and pivot drive and operating means for operating the wheel drive and the pivot drive for moving the frame, wherein the operating means comprise a handle connected to the bearing structure, a force detection assembly provided on the handles and/or on the bearing frame, and which is configured for producing signals which contain information about both the size of force and the direction of force exerted on the handle, a control which is configured for energizing the pivot drive for controlling the rotational position of drive wheel support about the pivot depending on the direction of force, and wherein the control is configured for energizing the wheel drive depending on the size of force exerted on the handle.

Abstract: A ground engaging machine includes a first and a second frame unit, and an articulation hitch coupling together the first and second frame units. The articulation hitch includes a pin, a first and a second bearing positioned about the pin, and abutting a first and a second axial side of an annular protrusion of a hitch plate in one of the first and second frame units. A clamping mechanism of the articulation hitch clamps the first and second bearings between first and second clamping components, such that they are preloaded against the annular protrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automatically connecting a watercraft to a trailer. The invention permits a watercraft to be connected to a submerged trailer so that the watercraft can be withdrawn from a body of water by a single operator. The systems and methods of the invention incorporate a bow target guide which guides the operator of a watercraft to a catch mechanism so that a connection between the trailer and watercraft can be made automatically. The systems of the invention may be provided as a kit for modifying an existing trailer, or they may form an integral component of a trailer. Methods of making and using the present system are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A fifth-wheel trailer having a forward section comprising an adjustable-height floor. The floor being capable of moving up to a raised position to provide sufficient clearance for a towing vehicle to attach to the trailer for towing. The floor also being capable of moving down to a lowered position to provide a trailer with an approximately even floor and a full-height ceiling throughout. The present adjustable-height floor does not interfere with the structural stability of the trailer's main frame including its pin box.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing bicycle frame includes a front frame, a rear frame, and a shock-absorbing unit. The rear frame includes a seat stay and a chain stay interconnected to form an angle therebetween. The shock-absorbing unit includes a first flexible member connected removably to the chain stay and the front frame, and a second flexible member connected between the chain stay and the front frame and disposed directly above the first flexible member. The first and second flexible members are deformable in first and second directions, respectively. The first direction intersects the second direction. As such, when subjected to an external force, the first and second flexible members are deformed to absorb shock.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering apparatus assists in steering of a vehicle with a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic power steering apparatus includes a flow control valve, a steering torque sensor, a steering angle sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and an ECU. The flow control valve changes the supply/drainage amount of hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic cylinder. The ECU sets a supply/drainage mode for supplying/draining the hydraulic fluid with respect to the hydraulic cylinder based on detection results from the aforementioned sensors and controls the flow control valve in accordance with the supply/drainage mode of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: Electric power steering system has steering mechanism; input and output shaft side rotation angle sensors detecting rotation angles of input and output shafts; operation circuit calculating command current for an electric motor; rotation direction judging circuit judging whether rotation directions of the input and output shafts are identical; advanced-phase judging circuit judging which phase of input and output shaft side rotation angle signals (S1, S2) is advanced; normal/reverse input judging circuit judging that (i) when both rotation directions are identical and S1 is advanced, input is normal input and (ii) when both rotation directions are identical and S2 is advanced, input is reverse input; and command current correcting circuit. The command current correcting circuit corrects the command current so that when the normal input is judged, torque in the same direction as input shaft rotation direction generated by the electric motor is greater than a case of reverse input judgment.

Abstract: The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle and handlebar height adjustment device including a tubular element provided with elements for its connection to the saddle, and presenting a portion cooperating with a support element for the tubular element. The support element is associated with a ring nut rotating thereon and presenting a first thread cooperating with a corresponding first counter-thread provided on the tubular element. An alignment element is present to maintain the angular position between the tubular element and the support element. The ring nut is associated with the support element by way of a second thread cooperating with a corresponding second counter-thread provided on the support element. The first and second threads are counter-rotating.

Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine has a forward direction of travel and includes a frame, at least one lift arm, a first torsion axle assembly, an undercarriage, and an endless track. The lift arm is pivotally attached to the frame. The first torsion axle assembly is attached to the frame and includes a first torsion arm, a first torsion shaft, and a first axle, with the first torsion shaft and the first axle extending from the first torsion arm. The undercarriage is attached to the first torsion axle assembly and the endless track encircles the undercarriage. One of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the frame and the other of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the undercarriage. The first torsion arm extends upward from the frame at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from the forward direction of travel.