Abstract: A skid steer loader is adaptable to be used with a hydraulically powered attachment. A hydraulic system in the skid steer loader includes a hydraulic circuit providing fluid under pressure. A first auxiliary control valve is coupled to the hydraulic circuit and is movable between a full open position and a full closed position, and is couplable to the attachment. An operator input device provides a variable operator input signal. A controller is coupled to the operator input device and to the first auxiliary control valve. The controller controls the first auxiliary control valve to move a portion of the way between the full open position and the full closed position based on the operator input signal. This provides smoother control over systems which merely operated the auxiliary control valve in a full open or full closed manner.

Abstract: The instant invention is a multi-purpose wheelchair accessory that is secured to a side surface of a conventional wheelchair. The accessory includes a provision for holding personal items in a concealed compartment beneath an extension of an armrest. In addition, a cane is positioned along one end of the accessory allowing the wheelchair operator additional support if needed upon leaving the confines of the wheelchair. A tray table is stored along one side surface of the accessory and includes a hinge allowing the table to be rotated from a storage position into a horizontal plane directly in front of the armrest allowing the person a platform for working and eating. The accessory further extends outward wherein the cane operates as a leg providing an extended handrail in front of the wheelchair allowing the person who leaves the wheelchair a range of support that is not possible from the conventional armrest position.

Abstract: A slide rail structure for a snow vehicle includes a main slide rail disposed at the middle of a crawler belt with respect to the width of the crawler belt. A pair of side slide rails are disposed near the opposite side ends, respectively, of the crawler belt. The guide wheels are disposed between the main slide rail and the side slide rails. An appropriate contact load is maintained between the snow vehicle and the snow to thereby enhance the turning ability of the snow vehicle. One or more edges can be provided on a lower surface of the body cover of the snow vehicle. These edges can dig into the snow to compensate for a reduction in the contact force of the affront ski of the snow vehicle with the snow during turning. The front ski of the snow vehicle can be mounted using an elastic, biasing member. This member helps improve timing and responsiveness for turning of the snow vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power transfer system of the type having a transfer case incorporated into the driveline of a full-time four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer case includes an inter-axle differential for normally delivering drive torque to all four wheels so as to establish a full-time drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for controlling speed differentiation across the inter-axle differential and selectively varying the distribution ratio of the drive torque transmitted to the front and rear wheels. The transfer mechanism is also equipped with a rotary actuator and a drive mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The power transfer system further includes sensors for detecting various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle and generating sensor input signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided for processing the input signals and controlling actuation of the rotary actuator in response thereto.

Abstract: A hydraulic power rack and pinion steering assembly (10) includes a valve core (98) and a valve sleeve (100) which are supported for relative rotation. A damping ring assembly (150) is interposed between the valve core (98) and the valve sleeve (100) to reduce vibrations and thereby to attenuate noise. The damping ring assembly (150) includes an inner ring (160) press fit on the valve core (98) and an outer ring (170) press fit in the valve sleeve (100). An elastomeric member (180) is disposed in the annulus between the inner ring (160) and the outer ring (170). The elastomeric member is bonded to the inner ring (160). Ribs (200) on the outer ring (170) are received in grooves (240) in the elastomeric member (180). A small gap (260) between the elastomeric member (180) and the outer ring (170) enables initial relative movement between the outer ring (170) and the inner ring (160) before the elastomeric member (180) engages the ribs (200).

Abstract: In many instances it has been a recent trend to incorporate the use of electronic controls into various machine functions to reduce the fatigue of an operator. When incorporated into the steering functions of a machine, the electronic controls often do not provide an operator with an "automotive" feel and thus do not work as well in some machine applications as they do in others. The present invention incorporates a mechanical feedback through the steering controls to provide the operator with a feel similar to that of an automotive environment. In addition, the steering controls operate in a manner which provides a variable ratio of steering wheel rotation to steering control valve actuation depending upon the articulation angle of the machine. In so doing, the function of the steering controls will vary with and enhance the operation of each specific mode of machine operation.

Abstract: A tank truck including a horizontal support platform secured on the tank for supporting a suction hose, a boom secured to the support platform and supporting a free end of the suction hose, and a lead-in rotatably supported on the support platform and connecting the suction hose thereto, with the support platform being able to rotate about the rotational axis of the lead-in independently of the rotation of the lead-in.

Abstract: A suspension device in a crawler vehicle has a vehicle body, a pair of parallel spaced swing beams mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle body by a suspension for angular movement about a first axis located substantially longitudinally centrally thereof, a rear idle wheel rotatably supported on a front portion of each of the swing beams for rotation about a second axis, a rear drive wheel rotatably supported on a rear portion of each of the swing beams for rotation about a third axis, a crawler belt trained around the rear idle wheel and the rear drive wheel, and a front wheel rotatably mounted on a front portion of the vehicle body. The distance from the second axis to the first axis is greater than the distance from the first axis to the third axis. The second axis is positioned on a front end of each of the swing beams, and the third axis is positioned between the first axis and a rear end of each of the swing beams.

Abstract: A novel carrier hitch is provided for attaching a heavy trailer or the like to a pick-up truck or the like. The hitch can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the truck without any residual damage to the truck. The hitch includes first and second main beam which are connected at a first end of each beam. A cross member is connected between the main beams at approximately the middle of the beams to form an A-shaped frame structure. A frame mounting member is connected between the main beams at generally a second end of each of the beams. An attachment structure is attached to the hitch for removably attaching the hitch to the truck frame. A connecting structure is attached to the cross member for releasably connecting the trailer to the hitch. A post member extends downwardly from the joined ends of the main beams and is connected to the underside of the truck.

Abstract: A system is provided to prevent suspension judder from being generated at the start of a vehicle which includes a traction control system. If the starting of the vehicle is detected based on driving-wheel speeds RL and RR, a shift position and an accelerator opening degree .theta.th1, an initial torque TQ2 and a delay time are map-searched based on the accelerator opening degree .theta.th1 and a steering angle .theta.st. The driving force for driven wheels is limited to the initial torque TQ2, until a delay time from the starting of the vehicle has elapsed, to prevent the generation of suspension judder. When the delay time has elapsed, an accelerating increment torque TQ3 is map-searched based on the accelerator opening degree .theta.th1 and the steering angle .theta.st, and is added to the initial torque TQ2, thereby ensuring the accelerating performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering bearing assembly for a wheeled vehicle, which includes a steerer tube rotatably passing through a head tube of the wheeled vehicle by disposing an upper and a lower steering bearing assemblies therebetween, the assembly has an upper race and a lower race and a plurality of balls rotatably received therebetween. A washer and an absorbing element are disposed between the upper race and the steerer tube. A force exerting element exerts a downward force on the washer to set the upper race in position.

Abstract: A traction control apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine through which an output drive is transmitted to drive road wheels. A demand for first traction control is produced based on a slippage produced on the drive road wheels during acceleration. The first traction control demand includes a normal demand for first traction control continuing for a time shorter than a limit time and an exceptional demand for first traction control continuing over the limit time. A limit value is set for the number of times the exceptional demand is permitted. In response to the first traction control demand, at least one of fuelcut control and ignition control is performed to reduce the engine output drive. The first traction control demand is ignored when the number of times the exceptional demand has occurred reaches the limit value.

Abstract: A floating pin fifth wheel hitch is disclosed. This hitch uses separate points to bear the vertical and horizontal forces created by the towed vehicle. By allowing the pivot point to float and thus bear only the horizontal forces of the trailer it can be placed rearward of the rear axle of the towing vehicle without adverse affects to the handling characteristics of the truck and trailer combination. The hitch is further supplied with a vertical force or weight bearing slide that can be placed above or in front of the rear axle of the towing vehicle. By splitting the forces created by the trailer and letting them be born by the towing truck a hitch is created that allows for a short turning radius while still shortening the overall length of the truck and trailer combination and keeping the weight of the trailer in a position that does not effect the handling or ride characteristics of the truck.

Abstract: Rotationally molded component parts for a skid steer loader are disclosed wherein the parts provide specialized operative functions heretofore unrealized. A fuel tank structure includes both a tank body and a separate filler tube formed from a rotational molding process. The filler tube is connected to the fuel tank body by a fastening mechanism and an O-ring to provide a liquid-tight connection. The coolant recovery bottle formed with the rotational molding process incorporates an inwardly directed vent tube formed as an integral part of the recovery bottle. The container for the operator's manual is formed with the rotational molding process to incorporate a live hinge connecting a lid closable against the body of the container to provide a substantially dirt-free environment. Double walled light housings mounting front and rear lights serve as bumpers protecting the frame of the skid steer loader from damage from impact.

Abstract: In the hydraulically assisted steering system disclosed herein, a hydraulic pump for powering a steering servo is in turn driven either from the vehicle's engine, through an electrically controlled clutch, or by an electric motor which can drive the pump independently of the vehicle's engine. A signal is provided which varies as a function of vehicle's speed and disengagement of the clutch is enabled for vehicle speeds above a predetermable threshold, thereby to reduce energy consumption. The clutch is engaged, independently of vehicle speed, under high load, e.g. emergency situations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual steering system for a tandem-type surface compacting machine equipped with two independent steering modes, for example, a machine equipped with both frame steering (3) and with individual steering (6) of one of the rollers (4a). The invention provides a control of both systems, one enabled by a steering-wheel activated steering valve (11) and the other enabled by a joystick-activated control valve ( 12). The control valve ( 12) is operatively connected to the switching valves (14a to 14d) which are activated with an electric switch in such a way that the machine operator can instantly select the steering mode whose activation with the steering wheel or joystick he deems most appropriate at any given time.

Abstract: A Rotating Multiple Ball Trailer Hitch for mounting to motor vehicles and more specifically to motor vehicles utilizing a receiver type hitch is disclosed. This hitch consists of a U bracket welded to a receiver type hitch insert tube. A rotating platform fits inside the inner surface of the U bracket and is held in place by pivot bolt. This platform is bolted in an off centered position within the U bracket. The platform is further supplied with alternate position lock pin holes on the rear of the platform and trailer ball mounting holes on the front sides of the platform as well as a standard hitch pin hole in the front center of the platform. The rotating platform is held in the U bracket by a pivot bolt and is then further pinned in position with a standard pin and clip. By use of the U bracket and the off center mounting arrangement the strength of the hitch is maximized while its size is minimized. The disclosed hitch may also be modified for mounting directly to the bumper of a vehicle.

Abstract: A child's vehicle such as a tricycle or other pedaling or walking toy includes a goose neck handle firmly removably fixed to the lower rear end so that an adult standing behind the vehicle has complete control over the vehicle. This avoids having to stoop over or keep one or both hands on the vehicle or child during training. Two forms of handle-vehicle connections are illustrated for different type toys. In either form, the point of connection is such that the front of the vehicle may readily be elevated by depressing the handle.

Abstract: Adjustable riding toys are provided in both bicycle and tricycle forms. The bicycle and tricycle each have the same front end with only differing back ends. Each back end connects to the front end. One back end has two wheels, while the other back end has one wheel. Methods of manufacturing and distributing the embodiments of the bicycle and tricycle are also provided.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for a bicycle. The system directs the rear wheel along a predetermined, S-shaped path as the suspension is compressed. The path is configured to provide a chainstay lengthening effect only at those points where this is needed to counterbalance the pedal inputs of the rider; at those points in the wheel travel path where there is a chainstay lengthening effect, the chain tension which results from the pedal inputs exerts a downward force on the rear wheel, preventing unwanted compression of the suspension. The system employs a dual eccentric crank mechanism mounted adjacent the bottom bracket shell to provide the desired control characteristics.