Abstract: A differential steering and traction control system for an electrically propelled mower. Each of the front wheels has an electric motor wheel drive, and each rear wheel may have an electric steering motor. The operator's station has a steering wheel and a speed control. An electronic controller provides steering commands to the electric steering motor and separate speed commands to each electric motor wheel drive based on the angle of the rear wheel and the position of the speed control.

Abstract: An axial gap alternator comprises a first carrier associated with or secured to an output shaft of an internal combustion engine. A first carrier carries a first set of magnets arranged radially about a rotational axis. A second carrier carries a second set of magnets arranged radially and spaced apart axially from the first set of magnets. A stator intervenes axially between the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets.

Abstract: Steering logic for a self-propelled vehicle having a plurality of wheels includes the steps of receiving translational velocity and angular velocity commands, determining the resultant velocity and steer angle of each wheel, and determining the wheel offset correction for each wheel based on the scrub radius of each wheel and the angular velocity command.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a wheel of a self-propelled vehicle includes a wheel spindle on which the wheel is rotatably mounted, a steering motor turning a steering tube defining a generally vertical steer axis, a propulsion drive motor turning a propulsion drive shaft extending through the steering tube, and a plurality of gears providing a gear reduction ratio between the propulsion drive motor and the wheel. The wheel is offset from the steer axis and rotates on the wheel spindle if the steering motor turns the steering tube while the propulsion drive shaft is stationary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission control device which receives steering inputs and speed inputs, and produces an input for a steer transmission and an input for a drive transmission in order to control the direction and speed of a vehicle. The transmission control device coordinates the steering inputs with the speed inputs. The present invention also relates to a steering assembly which, in one embodiment, includes an elongated force transmitter operatively coupled to a steering device. The force transmitter, which is operatively coupled to a plurality of front wheels, has a fore-aft path of movement for pivoting the front wheels clockwise or counterclockwise. The present invention enhances the user's control and maneuverability of vehicles.