Abstract: A four-wheel steering device for an automobile includes a main turning arrangement for steering main wheels, a subsidiary turning arrangement for sterring subsidiary wheels, and a control system including a motor having terminals thereon, first and second steering angle sensor arrangements for detecting first and second steering angles of the main the subsidiary wheels, respectively, and a control arrangement. The control arrangement is responsive to a state change of the first and second detected steering angles for determining the operating state of the control system. The control arrangement is operable when the control system operates normally to drive and control the motor and thereby the subsidiary turning means so as to steer the subsidiary wheels depending on the steering angle of the main wheels.

Abstract: A combined motorcycle frame and fuel tank utilizes a pair of hollow beams to form the main chassis of the motorcycle. The hollow interior of the framework is utilized as a fuel tank for the motorcycle.

Abstract: The ratio air and fuel mixture delivered to the fueled cylinders of an engine of a vehicle is controlled while selective cylinders of the engine are unfueled to reduce engine torque output to inhibit excessive wheel spin during vehicle acceleration. The air/fuel ratio of the mixture delivered to the fueled cylinders is increased as cylinders are selectively unfueled to reduce engine torque output and power enrichment to the fueled cylinders is inhibited when any cylinders are unfueled to reduce engine torque output for traction control and for a time period after all cylinders are again fueled.

Abstract: A pull handle for a fifth wheel utilizes a sliding connection to the operating handle of the locking jaw of the fifth wheel. A retractor spring biases the pull handle inwardly along the sliding connection such that the pull handle assumes a position which will not engage the tires of the tractor with the lock mechanism open, regardless of the adjustment of the suspension of the tractor.

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension and steering system utilizing a rectilinear shape dead axle of the type wherein a differential mechanism is mounted directly to a vehicle body so as to descend within the dead axle in such a way that the differential can move vertically relative to the dead axle. More specifically, the invention relates to a system whereby the rear wheels are mounted upon the dead axle so as to be steerable relative thereto.

Abstract: Individual caster assemblies are removably mounted to the corners of an ISO container. Each of the caster assemblies includes "L" pins which selectably pass through openings formed in corner brackets of the container for receipt in blind bores formed within a caster assembly. The caster assemblies inlcude means for attaching a tow bar to permit transport of a caster-equipped container.

Abstract: An enclosed multiple speed drive for a tandem bicycle locates the pedal drive shaft for the rear rider on the axis of the rear wheel. The drive features a chain case which replaces the chain stay on the right side of the bicycle and an improved ten speed planetary transmission housed within a gear case inside the rear wheel hub. The chain case is press fit on a steel tube rotatably mounted in the bottom bracket, and a chain case cover on the right side, and a sun gear carrier on the left side, are clamped in the rear dropouts with over center quick releases. To change the rear tire, the chain case cover and the sun gear carrier are released from the dropouts and the chain case is rotated about the axis of the bottom bracket to swing the wheel clear of the frame. The tire can then be peeled off the rim from the left side and replaced without removing the wheel from the gear case or disturbing any of the drive train components.

Abstract: A system including an anti-jackknifing abutment apparatus (FIGS. 1-4, 7, 8) an electrical (FIG. 5) and hydraulic (FIG. 6) controls provides system control which controls limited relative angular movement between an articulated tractor 10 and trailer 20. An engagement driver in the form of cylinder 36 mounted within a rigid frame 23 is mounted by a mounting bar 25 to a forward beam member 22 of the trailer 20 for moving a abutment element 28, 128 into and out of an engagement zone within the longitudinal V-slot 17 of the fifth wheel 14. The abutment element in position on a rotational swing of the articulated vehicle is contacted by ears 18 of the V-slot, where due to the structure of the apparatus, the further rotational movement may be arrested or controlled to permit adjustment of the rotational limit of further angular movement under control of the driver.

Abstract: A power assisted steering system which utilizes a brushless electric motor having a rotor and a wound stator. The rotor is directly connected to the steering shaft 12 rotated by a driver of the vehicle, and is formed by a number of permanent magnets secured in respective recesses on the steering shaft. The controller 17 associated with the steering system is arranged to switch off the motor 15 above a pre-determined vehicle speed.

Abstract: A steering mechanism with variable gear reduction controlled by the speed of the vehicle of the type is disclosed which includes an electric motor for driving an element for adjusting the gear reduction ratio and whose power supply is controlled by the speed of the vehicle, characterized by the fact that the steering column includes an input shaft (1) and output shaft (2) to which are rigidly connected input pinions (4) and output pinions (5) meshed with planet pinions (6, 8-7, 9) of a planet carrier (10) which extends axially by a hub (11) placed concentrically to one of the shafts (1, 2) on which is mounted an element (12) for driving and regulating the gear reduction ratio actuated by a variable speed electric motor (13).

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling for connection of a semitrailer to a tractor unit is disclosed in which a pair of symmetrical, swivel-articulated closing jaws having semicircular recesses for grasping the king pin have a split bearing comprising an outer bearing half fixed in each closing jaw and inner bearing halves rotatable with respect to the outer bearing halves. The split bearing includes a mechanism for returning each inner bearing half to a position aligned with its respective outer bearing half for uncoupling. The split bearing eliminates friction between the king pin and the closing jaws and is substantially free from wear and maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a utility trailer having one or more stabilizers attached thto. The stabilizer is comprised of a pair of flat arms pivoted to the trailer and extending away therefrom, the arms defining holes disposed one above the other. A stanchion is vertically translatable through the holes in the arms and a spring in tension is stretched between the free end of the arms, whereby the free ends are biased toward each other and the edges of the arm holes bind against the stanchion to hold it in position. The arms may be pivoted away from each other to free the stanchion from the edges of the arm holes so as to allow the stanchion to be vertically translated to a new position relative to the trailer. A ground engaging foot is connected to the lower end of the stanchion.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling for connecting a semitrailer to a towing vehicle, which provides two swivel-articulated closing jaws with semicircular clearances for grasping a semitrailer king pin, and means for opening and closing the jaws which provide a hydraulic cylinder, a piston disposed therein with a rod having a central bore, a tappet disposed within the bore and protruding into the semicircular clearances, piston head and piston rod spaces, and a channel connecting the spaces which is closable by the tappet. Pressurization of the hydraulic cylinder opens the jaws, and contact of the semitrailer king pin against the tappet automatically closes the jaws.

Abstract: A boat trailer having a frame, a wheel and axle unit supporting the frame, a front keel and hull supporting unit mounted on the frame, and a rear cross member, a roller bunk apparatus having a pair of identical roller bunk units each mounted on a side of the longitudinal axis of the trailer; with each roller bunk unit comprising an elongated tubular member disposed parallel an adjacent frame member, and a pair of elongated tubular elements mounted on each member in longitudinal alignment, with the rear element pivotally mounted, and with a plurality of roller units mounted on each element in longitudinal spacing and alignment, and with plate units movably mounted at a rear end of each element for engagement with a trim tab portion of the boat hull.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system having conventional relatively rotatable spool and valve body elements for flow regulation, and an integral electromagnetic mechanism which effectively varies the centering force between the spool and valve body to adjust the level of steering assist provided for a given operator steering input. The electromagnetic mechanism comprises a rotary multipole permanent magnet supported for rotation with one of the spool and valve body elements, a rotary flux conducting element supported for rotation with the other of the spool and valve body elements, and a stationary exciting coil magnetically coupled thereto. The exciting coil is energized so as to produce a variable centering force between the spool and valve body with vehicle speed, which produces a corresponding variation in the driver steering effort.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system having conventional relatively rotatable spool and valve body elements for flow regulation, a mechanically resilient element for generating a mechanical centering force in relation to the relative rotation of the spool and valve body which tends to restore the spool and valve body to a centered condition, and an integral electromagnetic mechanism which variably opposes the mechanical centering force to adjust the level of operator steering input required to produce a given level of power assist. The electromagnetic mechanism comprises an energized coil and a pair of flux conducting elements supported for rotation with the spool and valve body, respectively. The flux conducting elements have interleaved teeth which are magnetically coupled to the coil to define a magnetic circuit having an inter-tooth working air gap which varies with the relative rotation of the spool and valve body.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle which is provided at part of a handle shaft of a handle with a steering mechanism so that a steering cylinder expands and contracts to perform hydraulic steering and, even when a hydraulic system is in trouble, the steering mechanism serves as a speed reduction mechanism, thereby enabling mechanical steering.

Abstract: A first rack-and-pinion device is operatively connected to a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, and a second rack-and-pinion device is provided to be operated by a motor. Both racks are operatively connected by a pair of link mechanisms. Each link mechanism is arranged to combine gear ratios of the first and second rack-and-pinion devices to steer front wheels of the vehicle at a resultant gearing ratio.