Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a motor-driven vehicle. One example system includes a handlebar configured to pivot about an axis, a position sensor for sensing a displacement of the handlebar, a first electric drive motor configured to drive a first wheel of the vehicle, a second electric drive motor configured to drive a second wheel of the vehicle, a first motor controller coupled to the position sensor and the first electric drive motor, and a second motor controller coupled to the position sensor and the second electric drive motor. The first motor controller is configured to receive a sensed displacement from the position sensor and control the first electric drive motor based on the sensed displacement. The second motor controller is configured to receive the sensed displacement from the position sensor and control the second electric drive motor based on the sensed displacement.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to intuitive electric steering for a motor-driven vehicle. One example system includes a first clutch mechanism, a second clutch mechanism, a handlebar for steering the vehicle, and an electronic controller. The first clutch mechanism is configured to control torque power provided to a first wheel on a left side of the motor-driven vehicle. The second clutch mechanism configured to control torque power provided to a second wheel on a right side of the motor-driven vehicle. The handlebar is configured to pivot about an axis. The electronic controller is configured to detect a pressure applied to the handlebar, relative to the axis, by an operator of the motor-driven vehicle. The electronic controller is configured to determine a desired turn direction of the motor-driven vehicle based on the pressure and control the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism based on the desired turn direction.

Abstract: A vehicle control module for an autonomous vehicle. In one example embodiment, the control module is configured to receive, from a user interface, a user input selecting an operation mode. The module is configured to, responsive to receiving the user input, retrieve, from a memory, a discrete operational parameter set associated with the operation mode. The module is configured to apply the discrete operational parameter set. The module is configured to operate a drive motor of the utility vehicle, a drive wheel of the utility vehicle, a utility device of the utility vehicle, a power source of the utility vehicle, and the user interface according to the discrete operational parameter set.

Abstract: A bearing assembly having a hanger with an opening therethrough, a substantially cylindrical shell with bearing material extending radially inwardly thereof, the cylindrical shell fitting within the opening, outwardly extending peripheral flanges on the semi-cylindrical shell and flanges extending radially inwardly into the opening from the perimeter. One set of flanges is male and the other set being female and extends only partly around the periphery of the shell to form an unflanged peripheral space. The other set of flanges extends only partly around the perimeter to form an unflanged perimeter portion of the opening. The perimeter portion is at least equal in length to the flange on said semi-cylindrical shell and the peripheral space is at least equal in length to the flange on said perimeter. The male and female flange are complementary to each other, and the latter is adapted to receive former upon rotation of the semi-cylindrical shell in said opening.

Abstract: A hanger bearing assembly comprising a hanger plate having a hole therethrough and adapted to be suspended from a support. A bearing having an outer surface complementary to the hole is located therein. A resilient radially compressible bayonet lock, substantially in the shape of a ring, has a bearing surface which is at least partially in contact with the adjacent surface of either the bearing or the hanger plate.

Abstract: A hanger assembly comprising a shroud and a releasable bearing. The shroud has a pair of tongues which are adapted to be inserted into complementary slots on the housing of the bearing. Troughs are provided in the tongues and complementary tabs are on the bearing. After insertion of the tongues into the slots, the tabs are bent around the tongues in the troughs, thereby mounting the bearing on the shroud.

Abstract: A ball bearing comprising a substantially circular inner race having a first center, a substantially circular outer race having a second center substantially surrounding the inner race. The outer race is made up of a base and a pair of radially inwardly extending flanges which are spaced apart axially from one another. The flanges extend further inwardly at or adjacent the top of the bearing than they do from the bottom of the bearing. Rollable balls are held by the races in the usual manner. The provision of the extended upper flange permits greater wear of the balls before the bearing fails. This increases the times between the need for bearing changes.

Abstract: A bearing composed of an inner race, two outer races concentric therewith and spaced axially from each other to leave a gap between them. Sets of ball bearings are located between the inner race and each of the two outer races. The outer races are provided with shoulders projecting axially toward one another and the whole is secured by a band wrapped circumferentially around the shoulders. Preferably, the band is thinner than the outer races so that part of the gap remains. The band is somewhat longer than the circumference and the ends are turned radially outwardly and fastened together.In a particularly improved form of the device, frames are located in the gap and are releasably fastened to one another. The width of the gap is larger than the thickness of the frames, so that there is a certain amount of play in the bearing. This provides a self-aligning feature.

Abstract: A bearing assembly has a mounting bracket with an annular cut-out for supporting a bushing cradle with outer walls of corresponding angular shape for supporting a correspondingly shaped half block bushing. A half block bushing is used to support a roller journaled thereon. The half block form of the bushing permits convenient disassembly of the bearing for replacement of parts, and has longer and more stable wear characteristics. The outer walls of the bushing cradle are preferably trapezoidal to prevent rotational movement of the bushing relative to the cradle and mounting bracket, and to permit easy removal of the bushing during replacement. A spring metal clip lock is used to retain the bushing and cradle in position relative to the mounting bracket by spring pressure.

Abstract: A bearing assembly has a half block bushing for supporting a roller journal thereon, with outer walls having an angular shape which fits into a correspondingly shaped bushing cradle mounted to a mounting bracket. The half block form of the bushing permits convenient manufacture and disassembly of the bearing for replacement of parts, and has longer and more stable wear characteristics. The outer walls of the bushing are preferably trapezoidal to prevent rotational movement of the bushing relative to the cradle and mounting bracket, and to permit easy removal of the bushing during replacement. A spring wire clip lock is used to retain the bushing and cradle in position relative to the mounting bracket by spring pressure.