Abstract: A power steering device for a vehicle includes an input shaft (1) linked to a steering wheel, an output shaft (2) linked to a vehicle wheel, a torsion bar (3) that connects the input shaft (1) to the output shaft (2), and a cylindrical member (13) supported by a housing (12) that is fastened to a vehicle body. The input shaft (1) includes a first input shaft (4) that is inserted into the cylindrical member (13), supported rotatably by the cylindrical member (13), and linked to the steering wheel, and a second input shaft (5) that connects the first input shaft (4) to the torsion bar (3). A connection portion between the first input shaft (4) and the second input shaft (5) is constituted such that a rotation of the first input shaft (4) is transmitted to the second input shaft (5) and the first input shaft (4) is free to move in an axial direction relative to the second input shaft (5).

Abstract: A modular portal wheel end system allows for connection of a portal wheel end to any of a plurality of differently configured axles for vehicles. The portal wheel end includes a housing that houses an input gear and an output gear. The input gear is coupled to the axle to which the portal wheel end is connected. A wheel hub is coupled to the output gear. A plurality of adapter brackets are each configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing and the axle. Each adapter bracket has a different predetermined configuration for connection to a separate one of the differently configured axles. The portal wheel end system allows the same housing, input gear, output gear, and wheel hub to be connected to any of the differently configured axles with the use of the appropriate adapter bracket.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a push-and-pull vehicle provides a handlebar to be used to steer a vehicle left and right while simultaneously being used to drive the vehicle forward by pushing and pulling action. The handlebar is at the top of a swing pole, the swing pole being held by a turning sleeve on a swing arm pivoted on the vehicle frame. The swing pole connects the handlebar to a frame supported u-joint which is connected to a vehicle steering mechanism. The turning sleeve connects the handlebar and swing pole to the swing arm, the output of the swing arm driving the vehicle forward.

Abstract: A layout for an exhaust pipe which also serves as a drainage pipe which prevents splashing of water generated in a fuel cell toward a passenger or splashing toward a tire. Humid excessive gas supplied from a fuel cell is diluted in a dilution box by off-gas discharged from the fuel cell and is used for humidifying air in the humidifier. An exhaust pipe is connected to the dilution box, and diluted hydrogen gas is discharged via the exhaust pipe. Vapor mixed in hydrogen gas is condensed in the exhaust pipe and turned into water, which is drained through the exhaust pipe that extends rearwardly of a vehicle body through the interior of a power unit. A discharge port of the exhaust pipe (which is also a drainage port for water generated in the fuel cell) is positioned at the widthwise center of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A fork lift hitch receiver has a trailer attachment side and a fork lift receiving side separated by an insert guard. Top, middle and bottom structural layers on the fork lift receiving side are provided with apertures which form a rod reception path. The fork lift receiving side is inserted into a receiving cavity of the forklift where an attachment rod of the forklift is inserted through the rod reception path. The insert guard covers the receiving cavity and assists in orienting the fork lift receiving side to a location within the cavity where the attachment rod can be inserted through the reception path. A guide path formed in the top layer on the receiving side of the fork lift hitch receiver further aids in guiding the attachment rod to the reception path. A ball and a ball support member are attached to the trailer attachment side.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a bicycle suspension element includes a suspension parameter controller that provides a suspension parameter controlling signal to control an operating parameter of the bicycle suspension element in response to a bicycle seat position.

Abstract: A communication passage for generating braking negative pressure is connected to an air passage for respective cylinders at a downstream side of a throttle valve. An air ejector is provided in a negative pressure pipe, to which communication passages for the respective cylinders are converged. A negative pressure passage for a brake booster is connected to the air ejector at a side of suction gas via a check valve. A passage for PCV gas and an intake air branched passage for bifurcating a part of the intake air from a surge tank at an upstream side of the throttle valve are connected to a driving gas side of the air ejector, wherein a negative pressure control valve is provided in the intake air branched passage. The PCV gas and the part of the intake air are forced to flow into the driving gas side of the air ejector, so that the air ejector functions as a vacuum pump. As a result, the braking negative pressure for the brake booster can be surely reduced to a target negative pressure.

Abstract: A steering-by-wire-type steering apparatus for a vehicle which can detect an anomaly of a connecting-disconnecting device which selectively connects and disconnects an input member on a steering wheel side and an output member on a turnable wheel side based on a steering input operation quantity or a steering state quantity.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle and suspension providing frame members that pivot relative to each other and independent of supported track assemblies. Suspension frame sections pivot at supported bearings and torsion couplers. An endless track of each track assembly is trained around a framework having a drive sprocket and sets of idler wheels. The track assemblies independently pivot relative to the vehicle from a track suspension frame and supported sets of idler wheels mounted to torsion biased rocker arms that resist and bias the rocker arms and idler wheels to an equilibrium position and conformally shape the track to the terrain. Improved track drive lug surfaces are shaped to prevent track derailment. The vehicle frame and track assemblies independently rise, fall and pivot as obstacles of differing configurations and types are encountered to stabilize and maintain an operator body substantially parallel to the ground.

Abstract: A quick release camming mechanism is used in a seat post clamp that secures a seat post to a seat tube. Whereas prior art quick release mechanisms have only a single lever, this mechanism has two independently rotatable levers. About half the force is required to independently push either lever closed as to push both levers closed simultaneously. Similarly, about half the force is required to open either lever individually as to open them simultaneously.

Abstract: The powered hybrid vehicle is capable of being operative in either one of first and second distinct driving modes each including corresponding first and second directional systems. The hybrid vehicle has a control shaft operatively coupled to a steering device, a first steering member operatively coupled to the first directional system, a second steering member operatively coupled to the second directional system and a shaft coupler capable of selectively coupling the control shaft to either one of the first and second steering members. The hybrid vehicle may be steered by controlling the steering device notwithstanding which one of the first and second driving mode it is in.

Abstract: A rear arm for a straddle-type vehicle that satisfies rigidity requirements and is manufactured more easily. The rear arm includes a pair of arms that support end sections of a wheel axle, and a cross member that connects the arms. The cross member is formed by bending a singular tabular member. A rear end section of the cross member has a recessed shape that is recessed toward pivot members.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame with a pivot axis defined thereupon; a drive wheel coupled to the frame; a first and a second foot link operably coupled to the drive wheel to transfer power to the drive wheel so as to propel the apparatus, each including a foot receiving portion for receiving an operator's foot, a front end, and a rear end; and a pair of internal guide track systems coupled to the frame, each internal guide track system being operative to engage the front end of each foot link internal to the internal guide track system and to direct the front end along a reciprocating path of travel while providing retention to each foot link.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for a robotic vehicle to climb a step. The robotic vehicle uses tracked flippers to engage the top of the step and drives with additional tracks other than the tracked flippers. The robotic vehicle also shifts and tilts a payload in order to move the CG of the payload ahead of the vehicle chassis and past the edge of the step.

Abstract: A powered cycle vehicle having an adjustable mounting system for a power unit is described. A power unit is attached to a wheel mounting bracket which is affixed to the vehicle frame and carries the cycle wheel. The wheel mounting bracket may be a unitary structure that defines a wheel mount location and a power unit mount location. Adjustment of the power unit can be made independently of adjustment of the cycle wheel.

Abstract: A self-locking universal trailer hitch comprising a hitch receiver, a bar and a second receiver, wherein the hitch receiver is secured to a towing vehicle, and wherein the bar is removably secured to the hitch receiver, and wherein the second receiver comprises a locking mechanism to removably secure the second receiver to the bar. The self-locking universal trailer hitch is utilized by securing a trailer to a towing vehicle by obtaining a towing vehicle with a first hitch receiver and a universal trailer hitch with a second hitch receiver, a bar and a second receiver having a locking mechanism, inserting the bar into the pivoting second hitch receiver, locking the bar to the second hitch receiver, inserting the bar into the second receiver and locking the bar to the second receiver via the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle, having a main body is equipped to be fitted mechanically with devices to form a wheeled vehicle, or with devices to form a crawler vehicle. The main body having of the vehicle houses the common components utilized in both configurations such as the engine and the gear box of the vehicle.

Abstract: A snow traction unit to replace a wheel of an all wheel drive vehicle which includes a frame supporting two carrier wheels; said carrier wheels being spaced apart a distance greater than their combined radii; an endless snow contacting track mounted for rotation on said carrier wheels; a track contacting surface provided between the lower extremities of said carrier wheels; a drive engagement means for engaging the drive shaft of the vehicle and for driving at least one of said carrier wheels; the arrangement of the width of the track, the spacing between the carrier wheels and the track contacting surface resulting in the vehicle having a force imprint less than 250 Kg/square meter.

Abstract: A target unit mounted on vehicle hitch ball contains a known object target and an optical unit mounted on trailer hitch socket contains an optical sensor. A real image of known object target is projected onto image plane of optical sensor. Vehicle hitching distance and offset from optical axis, normal to image plane origin, is related to real image size and offset from image plane origin respectively. Distance and offset are displayed to driver in the form of remaining distance and relative steering commands.

Abstract: An assembly for restricting access to a coupler includes a body having a coupler engagement portion for engagement with a first surface of a coupler, a coupler engagement member laterally movable within a laterally extending slot in the body, with the coupler engagement member extending perpendicularly from the slot for engagement with a second surface of the coupler opposite the first surface. The assembly further includes a securing mechanism for selectively securing the coupler engagement member relative to the body against lateral movement away from the coupler engagement portion. When at least a portion of the coupler is received between the coupler engagement portion and the coupler engagement member and the coupler engagement member is secured in a coupler lockout position, at least one of the coupler engagement portion and the coupler engagement member prevents withdrawal of the coupler from the assembly.