Abstract: A portable, motorized platform apparatus that attaches to any walk-behind golf club caddy generally comprising: (a) a standing platform body between first and second wheels; (b) a third swivel wheel located to the rear/center of the platform; (c) a chain driven drive tire on the left and a disc brake tire on the right of the first and second wheels; (d) a frame assembly including an extended tongue attached to the platform to the center rear axle/frame; (e) a motor and a rechargeable electrical power supply; (f) split ring clamps attachable to the handle of the caddy, to allow for quick connect of the platform's handle bar assembly; (g) the handle bar assembly comprising a twist throttle and a braking lever; and wherein once the handle bar assembly is attached, the rider is able to steer said platform by using the modified handle of the walk-behind golf club caddy.

Abstract: A walking-assistant device is provided comprising a driving unit that includes four wheels and four actuators for adjusting heights of the four wheels, a mechanism unit that includes two vertical frames whose length is adjusted and connection frames for fixing and connecting the vertical frames, and a manipulation unit that includes a plurality of sensors for grasping a user's moving intention and controls the driving unit and the mechanism unit based on a signal detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A mobile frame, for instance for moving less able-bodied persons, comprising a castor with a wheel drive and pivot drive and operating means for operating the wheel drive and the pivot drive for moving the frame, wherein the operating means comprise a handle connected to the bearing structure, a force detection assembly provided on the handles and/or on the bearing frame, and which is configured for producing signals which contain information about both the size of force and the direction of force exerted on the handle, a control which is configured for energizing the pivot drive for controlling the rotational position of drive wheel support about the pivot depending on the direction of force, and wherein the control is configured for energizing the wheel drive depending on the size of force exerted on the handle.

Abstract: A power steering assist system for a hand-steered pallet truck includes a joint assembly having a pivot joint, handle biasing mechanism, and a torque sensing arrangement. The pivot joint includes a pair of needle bearings and pivot pin disposed within a pivot block that provides a flexible connection between a handle and a tiller arm. The handle biasing mechanism includes a cantilevered beam spring and two cam rollers that resists an operator steering force applied to the handle and further, centers the handle with respect to the tiller arm after the force is released. The torque sensing arrangement includes a magnet and a non-contact magnetoresistive (MR) sensor that measures movement of the handle relative to the tiller arm which is used to determine operator steering intent, i.e., the amount of steering force applied to the handle. The MR sensor provides accurate torque measurements regardless of the angle of the tiller arm.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle automatically applies a steer correction maneuver if an object is detected in a steer bumper zone in front of the vehicle. A controller detects whether an object is in front of the materials handling vehicle and automatically determines whether a steer correction maneuver should be to the right or left of the traveling direction of the materials handling vehicle. The materials handling vehicle automatically steer corrects the vehicle, e.g., at a determined steer angle that is opposite the direction to the detected position of the object, and accumulates the distance traveled by vehicle while steer correction is being performed. The vehicle then automatically counter steers the vehicle, e.g., by a determined steer amount, in the opposite direction as the steer correction for a percentage of accumulated steer distance traveled. After performing the counter steer maneuver, the vehicle may, for example, resume a substantially straight heading.

Abstract: There is provided a battery powered golf cart with selectable dual operative modes, walk-behind/ride-on modes, including three units: a drive/riding unit, a golf bag support unit, and a front caster wheel assembly. The three units are interconnected for cooperative association in the two operative modes by a bar linkage system, having two stable positions.

Abstract: A lift has two tines that project forward and are movable up-and-down to raise and lower pallets and skids. Two outriggers are pivotal between a stored position and a deployed position, and the outriggers project forward in the deployed position to stabilize the lift when the tines are elevated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a walking assistive system comprising a motion module, a current detecting module and a central control module. Each motion module includes omni-directional wheels, motors, shaft encoders and servo controllers. The omni-directional wheels are connected to and driven by the motors. The motors are connected to the shaft encoders, and the rotation speed values are generated corresponds to the rotation speed of the motors by the shaft coder. The servo controllers connected to the shaft encoders and the motors receive the rotation speed values and control the motors. The current detecting modules connected to the motors detect the current of the motors and generate current values correspondingly. The central control module connected to the motion control module and the current detecting module controls the platform compliant motion control modules according to the rotation speed values and the current values.

Abstract: Systems and methods for moving objects facilitate quick and inexpensive relocation of the target objects. Operator safety is enhanced by eliminating the need to apply manual force to urge a target object into motion, and by inclusion of features such as automatic braking responsive to motor cut-off. Through use of the present system, a user may move a target object, for example a trailer intended for use behind a vehicle, into and/or out of a storage location in a simplified and more efficient manner.

Abstract: A falling prevention controlling device includes a wheel, and a main body arranged to swing in a pitch direction and a roll direction above the wheel, an advance/retreat command receiving unit arranged to receive an advance or a retreat command of the wheel, a target pitch angle calculating unit arranged to calculate a target pitch angle based on the received command and a rotation velocity deviation in the pitch direction derived from the detected rotation angle, a pitch inclined angle estimating unit arranged to estimate a pitch inclined angle with respect to a balanced state, from the detected pitch angular velocity and a pitch torque command generated based on the target pitch angle, and a pitch torque command generating unit arranged to generate the pitch torque command based on the target pitch angle and the pitch inclined angle.

Abstract: Walk-with apparatus (101), e.g. a powered golf-caddy (101), has a reference member (18), a handle (1) adapted to be used to hold and guide the apparatus, and rotary mechanical damping means (13, 14), the handle 1 being movable in a forwards and backwards direction (103) relative to the reference member (18) to produce electric signals (104) to vary the speed of the (apparatus 101), under the effect of the damping means (13, 14) thereby to inhibit hunting. In addition to spring means (6, 8) and a DC motor controller (110) with an acceleration ramp, the damping means (13, 14) is needed to give smooth motion. The handle (1) has rotary cam means (80, 81, 90) to lock it in any position along direction (103), with a 45° rotation either way at any angle.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support.

Abstract: A tow apparatus for moving an aircraft comprising a frame, a drive member, a contact wheel configured to engage with a nosewheel tire of an aircraft, a transmission portion, a shaft engageable with a nosewheel tire of an aircraft, and a torque arm rotatably supported by the frame. The transmission portion can be configured such that the drive wheels transfer and increase a rotational force produced by the drive member to the contact wheel. The shaft can be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the contact wheel so as to bring the contact wheel into contact with the nosewheel of the aircraft. The torque arm can substantially prevent the rotation of the tow apparatus relative to the nosewheel assembly of the aircraft when the torque arm is engaged with the nosewheel assembly of the aircraft. The drive member can have a portable power source.

Abstract: A power wheel chair is disclosed having an improved motion control comprising a frame having a seat for transporting an occupant. A right and a left caster wheel are located in proximity to a front frame end. A right and a left drive wheel are located in proximity to a rear frame end. A motor drives the right and left drive wheels through a differential gearbox. A right and a left handle are connected to frame for enabling an attendant to steer the power wheel chair. An electronic control has a control lever located in proximity to one of the right and left handles for enabling the attendant to control the speed and braking of the power wheel chair.

Abstract: A powered patient transport vehicle is disclosed having an improved motion control comprising a frame extending between a first end and a second end. A first and a second caster wheel are located in proximity to the first end of the frame. A first and a second drive wheel are located in proximity to the second end of the frame. A motor drives the first and second drive wheels through a differential gearbox. An electronic control has a control lever for controlling the speed, direction and braking of the motor. A seat is mounted to the frame for transporting an occupant. A steering bar is coupled to the powered patient transport vehicle for steering the powered patient transport vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a work unit with power turning. The work unit includes a frame having a first end, a second end and left and right sides that extend between the first and second ends. A work element is carried by the frame. A left propulsion element is positioned at the left side of the frame and a right propulsion element is positioned at the right side of the frame. A drive arrangement is carried by the frame for driving the left and right propulsion elements. The work unit also includes left and right spaced-apart leverage arms that project outwards from the second end of the frame. At least one of the left and right leverage arms is operatively connected to the drive arrangement such that pressure applied by an operator to the left or right leverage arms in a left or right direction causes the drive arrangement to turn the work unit.

Abstract: A walking-assistant device is provided comprising a driving unit that includes four wheels and four actuators for adjusting heights of the four wheels, a mechanism unit that includes two vertical frames whose length is adjusted and connection frames for fixing and connecting the vertical frames, and a manipulation unit that includes a plurality of sensors for grasping a user's moving intention and controls the driving unit and the mechanism unit based on a signal detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a walking assistance device with detection function, which includes a movable frame, a power transmission device mounted under the frame, a detachable power unit mounted on the frame, at least one signal transmitter and at least one signal receiver for detecting the distances from a first portion and a second portion on the user's body to a correspond position of the frame respectively. According to the distances detected, a control unit sends signals to the power transmission device to maintain the distance between the user and the frame within a preset range, therefore to provide supporting forces when the user needs.

Abstract: A powered load-moving tractor unit for moving a wheeled load comprises a tractor body with two powered ground-engaging tractor wheels steerable by a tiller and a draw bar for connecting the tractor body to the load through a releasable load hitch. To steer the load, the tractor body can be moved pivotally about a vertical axis relative to the draw bar. That vertical axis is defined by the two halves of a turntable mounted on the tractor body directly over the axis of rotation of the steerable ground-engaging wheels. The draw bar is rigidly connected over the top half of the turntable and extends down the front of the tractor body to the load hitch. The load hitch comprises telescopically inter-engageable elements on the draw bar and the load, and a latch mechanism that is remotely releasable from the end of the draw bar remote from the load hitch.

Abstract: A motorized wheeled vehicle caddy for pushing or pulling one or more wheeled vehicles can be used to move and/or maneuver the vehicle(s) to different locations and positions. The vehicle caddy includes a hitch mechanism to attach the vehicle to the caddy, a suspension mechanism to align the caddy and vehicle when connecting the two, a steering mechanism to guide the movement of the caddy and attached vehicle, and a power drive mechanism to move the caddy and attached vehicle. Being compact in size and lightweight, the motorized wheeled vehicle caddy is also convenient for use in areas with limited space.

Abstract: A towing device for aiding in maneuvering a trailer prior to attachment to or subsequent to detachment from its towing vehicle comprises a frame and other components. A hydrostatic trans-axle is laterally mounted on one end of the frame, a pair of drive wheels is mounted on the hydrostatic trans-axle, a caster wheel is mounted on the other end of the frame and an internal combustion engine is mounted on the frame and coupled to the drive wheels. A main handle is linked to the hydrostatic trans-axle for guiding the towing device. A control handle is mounted on the main handle and coupled to the trans-axle for controlling the direction of movement and speed of movement of the towing device. A neutral bypass lever is provided for disconnecting the internal combustion engine from the drive wheels when so desired and a braking mechanism is provided for braking the towing device.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support. The traction device includes a storage position and a use position.

Abstract: A drawbar unit for a drawbar governed floor conveyor, in which a drawbar head is coupled to a vertical steering shaft, which optionally co-operates with a swiveling angle transmitter for an electronic steeling of the floor conveyor, wherein the steering shaft can be rotatably and axially fixedly mounted in a stationary bearing arrangement of the floor conveyor, wherein the drawbar head is connected to the upper end of a longitudinal guiding member, on which an upper portion of the steering shaft is axially guided, a lever is pivotably mounted on the guiding member, which engages with one arm into an axis parallel guiding channel on the steeling shaft such that a rotary union is produced, and an adjustment means mechanism acts on the lever in order to selectively bring the arm into clamping engagement with the steering shaft and to couple guiding member and steering shaft even axially.

Abstract: An implement with two independent transmissions drives a common output shaft. Each transmission is configured to rotatably drive the output shaft in a different direction to simplify changing the ground direction of the implement. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the transmissions are actuated by levers that provide infinitely variability of the implement's ground speed.

Abstract: A transporter for transporting a subject over a surface that may be irregular. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting a load, the loaded support platform defining fore-aft and lateral planes and characterized by a load distribution. A plurality of ground contacting elements are coupled to the support platform such that the transporter is statically stable with respect to tipping in the fore-aft plane. At least one of the plurality of ground contacting elements is driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal indicative of the local distribution. Based at least on the load distribution, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.

Abstract: A tiller head with a switch arrangement for operating a lifting mechanism of a forklift includes an operating element mounted on the tiller head, where the operating element has an actuator, and a magnetic field sensor operatively connected with the actuator without contact so that the magnetic field sensor's electrical characteristic varies when the operating element is actuated. The actuator includes magnetic field sources arranged on both sides of the magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor and the magnetic field sources being arranged so that magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic field sources pass through the magnetic field sensor. The operating element comprises a rocker switch that pivots about an axis on the tiller head, the rocker switch having a recess which extends transversely to an operating direction defined by the axis and into which the magnetic sensor extends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating the energy required by an operator of a delivery cart to start the cart moving in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed as well as to recover some or all of the energy used to start the cart moving. The apparatus includes a cart, a drive wheel, a motor for driving the drive wheel, and a rechargeable energy source to power said motor where the rechargeable energy source is recharged during normal, unpowered movement of the cart. The method includes charging a power source while moving the cart, actuating a directional button to initiate movement in a desired direction, energizing a clutch to couple the motor to the driven wheel, energizing the motor to drive the driven wheel in the desired direction. After a predetermined time period, set by a run timer, the clutch is decoupled while the motor remains activated, and thereafter the motor is deactivated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for driving movement of a patient support device across a floor, comprising a base having a front side facing the patient support device, first and second drive wheels arranged on said base said wheels being rotatable around first and second respective wheel axles substantially parallel to the floor and rotatable around first and second respective swivel axles substantially perpendicular to the floor, wherein the first and second swivel axles are spaced apart from each other when projected onto the front side and arranged at fixed positions on the base, wherein the drive wheels are rotatable around their swivel axles between a first orientation for forward movement, and a second orientation for transverse movement, wherein in the second orientation the first and second drive wheels are positioned at substantially different distances from the front side of the base.

Abstract: A drive wheel steering system for a lawnmower has a handle bar assembly that is pivotal about a vertical axis to provide directional control of the mower and rotatable about a horizontal axis to provide speed control of the mower. A control bar is operable to set a desired forward speed of the mower via engagement of a cam and the linkage assembly providing directional and speed control for the mower.

Abstract: The invention is a transporter for moving a rolltainer, a trolley, and various other multi-wheeled containers that roll on a surface. The transporter utilizes lever-assisted rotating forks to lift and position the container to provide maximum traction, stability, and safety. The transporter utilizes hub motors for increased maneuverability and to eliminate drivetrain elements. The transporter is configured to keep transporter structure between the operator and the load during al operative modes to maximize operator safety.

Abstract: A fleet of lift trucks includes a lift truck for walk-behind operation without a stand-on platform and a lift truck for stand-on operation with a stand-on platform. Each lift truck of the fleet of lift trucks has a vehicle frame, to which a traction unit, a lifting device, and, optionally, a stand-on platform can be fastened. At least one lift truck of the fleet of lift trucks without a stand-on platform and at least one lift truck of the fleet of lift trucks with a stand-on platform (6, 8) have the identical vehicle frame. Each vehicle frame also has fastening elements for the optional fastening of a housing wall (5), a folding stand-on platform (6), and/or a fixed stand-on platform (8).

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method to control the operability of a motorized vehicle such as an industrial pallet truck. The apparatus includes a coast control system, a steer arm, and an actuation cylinder attached to the steer arm that maintains the steer arm in an operator selectable position where the coast control system is activated.

Abstract: A system for controlling the acceleration, deceleration, braking, travel speed, and power assisted steering of a pallet truck, comprising setting a steering system and a traction system performance as a function of a position and rate of change of position of a control arm in a vertical axis and a horizontal axis of rotation.

Abstract: A tow apparatus for moving an aircraft comprising a frame, a drive member, a contact wheel configured to engage with a nosewheel tire of an aircraft, a transmission portion, a shaft engageable with a nosewheel tire of an aircraft, and a torque arm rotatably supported by the frame. The transmission portion can be configured such that the drive wheels transfer and increase a rotational force produced by the drive member to the contact wheel. The shaft can be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the contact wheel so as to bring the contact wheel into contact with the nosewheel of the aircraft. The torque arm can substantially prevent the rotation of the tow apparatus relative to the nosewheel assembly of the aircraft when the torque arm is engaged with the nosewheel assembly of the aircraft. The drive member can have a portable power source.

Abstract: A powered, directionally steerable trailer jack that can be used to elevate and lower a trailer tongue and having a caster wheel assembly affixed to a lower end of the jack. The caster wheel assembly includes a shroud having the wheels' axle journaled for rotation at a lower end thereof along with a pair of shafts also journaled for rotation in the shroud and oriented parallel to the axle. A chain and sprocket arrangement provides a low-speed, high torque transmission between one of the shafts and the axle and a high-speed, low torque transmission between the other of the shafts and the axle. The trailer jack assembly can be tilted out of its vertical disposition to provide adequate clearance when the trailer is being pulled over uneven road surfaces. The power for driving the wheels may be provided manually by means of a crank for turning one or the other of the shafts or by an electric motor coupled one of the shafts.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle configured for riding and walking modes of use includes a support frame having a front end and a rear end; and a plurality of front wheels rotatably coupled to the front end, and a plurality of rear wheels rotatably coupled to the rear end. A seat is coupled to the frame and configured to support a driver. A steering assembly is operably coupled to the front wheels and configured to controllably pivot the front wheels for steering. A braking system is operably configured to stop motion of the vehicle. A rigid walking arm is pivotally coupled to the steering assembly at a pivotally mounted end of the walking arm. Motor operation and braking controls are provided on the walking arm for walking mode and adjacent to the seat for riding mode. A relay disables controls for one mode (e.g., walking mode or riding mode controls) while the other mode is effective. Switching logic for selecting between walking mode and riding mode is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle is for riding and walking modes of use and includes at least one seat coupled to a frame. A plurality of wheels are rotatably coupled to the frame. At least one motor is for driving at least one wheel of the plurality thereof. A steering assembly is coupled to at least one wheel of the plurality thereof. A riding steering apparatus is coupled to the steering assembly for the riding mode of use. A riding throttle is coupled to the at least one motor for the riding mode of use. A walking steering apparatus is coupled to the steering assembly for the walking mode of use and includes an extendable arm. A walking throttle is coupled to the extendable arm to control the at least one motor for the walking mode of use based upon extension of the extendable arm.

Abstract: A motorized wheeled vehicle caddy for pushing or pulling one or more wheeled vehicles can be used to move and/or maneuver the vehicle(s) to different locations and positions. The vehicle caddy includes a hitch mechanism to attach the vehicle to the caddy, a suspension mechanism to align the caddy and vehicle when connecting the two, a steering mechanism to guide the movement of the caddy and attached vehicle, and a power drive mechanism to move the caddy and attached vehicle. Being compact in size and lightweight, the motorized wheeled vehicle caddy is also convenient for use in areas with limited space.

Abstract: A motorized cart collector for pulling two rows of carts in a forward direction over a surface includes a mobile body having a frame and a cart connector assembly. The cart connector assembly is pivotally connected to a rear end of the frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis that is approximately perpendicular to the surface. The cart connector assembly includes first and second cart connectors that respectively configured to simultaneously attach to first and second lead carts. Also disclosed is a method of pulling two rows of carts using the cart collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a critical breakthrough in wheeled vehicle concepts, by enabling stable vehicle operations, where wheelbase configuration varies in relation to the need for roll preventing force. This enables a new form of automobile that is especially suited for electric adaptation. The invention is an articulated vehicle that includes a stabilizer part and a carriage part where the two parts are linked by a two axis joint that locks the parts together in regard to relative roll motion, but allows pitch attitude and yaw attitude of each part to be mutually independent. Such a joint allows wheels to maintain firm contact with road surfaces while liking to cause the carriage to follow the stabilizer, and enables roll stabiliztion effects. In a turn condition, the stabilizer extends a wheel toward the outside of the turn such that upward force on that wheel counters roll torque that occurs due to radial acceleration due to the turning radius and speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A walkie/rider truck which has a platform at the rear of the truck body and a holding bar to be grasped by one hand of the operator standing on the platform. A switch box is attached to the holding bar and houses at least one key switch in order to switch the driving control means into a creeping mode. This switch is also provided to switch a driving control means into a fast travel mode.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a carrier frame, a driven wheel unit disposed below the frame, a motor unit, a drive wheel unit disposed below the frame and coupled operably to the motor unit in such a manner that actuation of the motor unit results in rotation of the drive wheel unit. A lifting-and-lowering device interconnects the frame and the drive wheel unit for lowering and lifting the drive wheel unit with respect to the driven wheel unit between an upper position, in which, the drive wheel unit is disposed at an elevation above the driven wheel unit, and a lower position, in which lower surfaces of the driven and drive wheel units are flush with each other.

Abstract: A front-wheel motor powered golf trolley comprised of a compact backward tricycle-wheel arrangement and a lightweight stiff open truss chassis. Left and right front wheel assemblies, driven by common drive axle, motorized through silent motor speed reduction, pull the trolley in an easily guided walk-along fashion. The driven front wheels are compliantly isolated from the chassis by sprung front axle support arms. Trolley stance stabilization and steering are by an independently sprung rear wheel/pivot assembly, the pivot being located between the front drive and rear wheel axles. A steering handle is the user-guiding interface and location for all hand operated controls. Upper and lower golf bag supports fold out from the chassis. Stow-ability is compact and without bulkiness. This trolley is adaptable to remote control of power, steering, and braking functions. The trolley also accommodates multiple other user conveniences.

Abstract: A vehicle for moving trailers that are not coupled to their usual towing vehicle in which steering is conducted by an operator walking next to the vehicle and moving separate ones of a pair of levers for a pair of hydraulically driven wheels that control speed and direction of rotation. Two sets of levers are provided, one at each side of the vehicle so that the operator can use either set.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a device for moving a hospital bed. The device comprises a body, a motor driven wheel coupled to the body, and a hitch coupled to the body and adapted for engaging the hospital bed. Finally, the present invention, in yet another embodiment, is a method for moving a hospital bed with a motorized device. The method comprises maneuvering the device into position next to the hospital bed, hitching the device to the hospital bed, and moving the hospital bed with the device.

Abstract: A pole for a hand pallet truck that includes a pole bar which is linked to a support for a steerable wheel at its lower end and connected to a loop-shaped handle at the other end. An operating device is disposed within the space defined by the handle. The operating device is attached to a holding extension projecting into the handle in prolongation of the bar, and is connectable to a lifting apparatus of the hand pallet truck via a traction and/or pushing element. If applicable, it is connectable via a second traction and/or pushing element to a brake of the hand pallet truck, wherein an operating lever is disposed on either side of the extension. The operating levers are pivotally mounted on the holding extension in a plane essentially defined by the handle.

Abstract: A transporter for transporting a subject over a surface that may be irregular. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting a load, the loaded support platform defining fore-aft and lateral planes and characterized by a load distribution. A plurality of ground contacting elements are coupled to the support platform such that the transporter is statically stable with respect to tipping in the fore-aft plane. At least one of the plurality of ground contacting elements is driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal indicative of the load distribution. Based at least on the load distribution, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.

Abstract: A forward-control counterweight fork-lift truck has a liftable and tiltable load-lifting device (1), a traction drive, operating drives, and a steering drive. A calculation model (D) based on vehicle-specific information is stored in a control device (SE). A plurality of sensors (S) detect physical variables (V, R, H, M, L, WM, WL, BL, BQ, G) relevant to the tipping behavior of the industrial truck. The control device (SE) determines a driving and load state (Z) based on the detected physical variables (V, R, H, M, L, WM, WL, BL, BQ, G) and the stored calculation model (D) and is operatively connected to the traction drive, the operating drives, and the steering drive such that, depending on the driving and load state (Z) determined, corrective interventions (K1, K2) which maintain or increase the tipping stability can be carried out.

Abstract: An authorized pilot detection system and method for controlling a variety of potentially dangerous instrumentalities such as aircraft, land vehicles, amphibious vehicles and other hand-controllable equipment, is disclosed.