Abstract: The present invention comprises a utility transport truck having electro-pneumatic controls for coupling and decoupling of devices which are in weight and sensitivity categories that make manual movement without power assist difficult or impossible.

Abstract: A vehicle having a load frame with wheels, a drive frame, a drive wheel, a non-driven rigid castor wheel, and a pivot link assembly. The drive wheel and non-driven rigid castor wheel are each fixed to move with the drive frame. The pivot link assembly couples the drive frame to the load frame to permit the drive frame to move vertically relative to the load frame. The pivot link assembly also has a first pivot axis about which the drive frame is rotatable relative to the load frame.

Abstract: A control system for a small work vehicle such as a compact track propelled loader has a control handle that is mounted onto a swinging support plate. The support plate swings about a vertical axis positioned forwardly of the control handle, and the control handle is mounted on the support plate about a horizontal axis. Linkages are provided between the control handle and the pivotal mounting about the upright axis to respective motor control levers for operating motors on opposite sides of the vehicle for steering and propelling the vehicle. Moving the control handle about the horizontal axis causes a drive selectively in forward and reverse direction, and moving the support plate and the control handle about the vertical axis provides differential movement for steering control.

Abstract: An industrial truck having a steering assembly used to steer the industrial truck about a steering axis when a pivotally attached tiller is swung around the truck by an operator. The steering axis is tilted towards the forks of the truck an angle between 2 and 5 degrees from vertical. By tilting the pivot axis, the distal end of the tiller is tilted toward the forks of the truck when rotated to a fully turned position. This improves the maneuverability of the truck near obstacles and allows longer tillers and larger/more comfortable handles to be used without increasing interference with obstacles near the back of the truck.

Abstract: A motorized pallet truck includes an angular indicator on the steering arm mechanism providing an internal controller with an angular position of the steering arm or tiller. The controller applies a brake when the tiller is in either of a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal position, limits the speed of the truck for a predetermined rotational movement from the vertical position, and allows full speed of the vehicle when the tiller arm is pulled into a predefined fast driving arc.

Abstract: A steering handle of a pallet truck is arranged over a battery box on the truck. The steering handle is journaled so that it is in a turnable relation to an arm about a journaling point. The arm is journaled so that it is pivotable around a second pivot point. By pivoting the arm laterally a position may be achieved where the handle is easily accessible from the side of the truck. The steering handle is pivotably arranged in the outer end of the arm in a pivot bearing that in turn is pivotable in the arm and parallel controlled in relation to the truck. Between the steering handle and the journal for the pivot movement detection means are arranged to detect the mutual turning that is then used to electronically/electrically turn the steered wheel of the truck.

Abstract: A tug device for moving small aircraft having front wheels. A portable drill is connected to a drive wheel and a frame is attached to the wheel. The device is compact and easily assembled for use and disassembled for storage. The device includes a pair of drive wheels and is steerable when a locking latch is released. The locking latch provides rigidity to the device under load.

Abstract: A freestanding self-propelled device for moving objects. The device includes a chassis having lower frame portions and upright frame portions. A single motor-driven drive wheel is centrally located between the lateral ends of the chassis and coupled to the chassis so as to be pivotable about a substantially vertical axis. The drive wheel is located between sets of support wheels coupled to the lower frame portion of the chassis. In combination, the drive wheel and the support wheels result in the device being freestanding. The drive wheel projects below the sets of support wheels so that the device is supported by the drive wheel and by only one of each set of support wheels at any given time, thereby establishing a three-point contact with the surface supporting the device. A tiller equipped with controls is pivotably coupled to the drive wheel for pivoting the drive wheel about its vertical axis.

Abstract: Supplemental walk along control for walkie/rider pallet trucks is provided by supplemental controllers such as jog and coast release switches and/or twist grips (or other drive motor speed controllers) provided adjacent the base of load carrying forks. The supplemental controllers are enabled during coasting operation so that operators can advance to the base of the forks to accelerate the trucks between closely spaced picks located along substantially straight portions of pick routes. For application of the trucks' brakes, the operators activate the coast release switches to release the coast mode and enable deadman brake mechanisms to brake the trucks and/or by plug braking with the twist grips. A steering direction detector is provided to determine the direction of the steered wheel so that if the steered wheel is not directed substantially straight ahead, then operation of the truck from the supplemental controls is disabled.

Abstract: A cart pulling vehicle for use in parking lots made up of a hand operated motor-driven base which pulls shopping carts. The device utilizes a cable that is retractably mounted on the base and stretches to surround the line of carts pulled. This cable is retracted by a pair of cable drums at its ends which are driven by torsion springs. These separate dual torsion springs place torque on the cable drums which, in turn, exert tension on each half of the cable. When the cart pulling vehicle is in motion, a lock arrangement prevents additional cable from unreeling which the tension on each side cable pulling the carts in a train-like fashion. When the vehicle is stopped, a lock is released and the cable is able to extend to surround additional carts.

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 walk behind working machine has a frame having a forward end portion and a rear end portion, a prime mover mounted on the frame, a pair of drive wheels mounted on the frame for undergoing rotation, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting rotational power from the prime mover to the drive wheels. A running clutch is adapted to be placed in an engaged state in which rotational power is transmitted to the drive wheels and in a disengaged state in which rotational power is not transmitted to the drive wheels. A pair of operating handles extend from the rear end portion of the frame. A single grip/clutch lever serves as a grip handle for being gripped by an operator to maneuver the working machine and as a clutch lever manually operable to selectively place the running clutch in the engaged state and the disengaged state.

Abstract: An unauthorized user prevention device and method prevents unauthorized users from operating a devices such as firearms or other types of weapons, and can also prevent access as an anti-theft device for vehicles and doors to vehicles or buildings. A users initially grips a handle containing pressure sensors, and a pressure signature profile is stored that is based on hand position of the user's handgrip on the particular device as indicated by a change in pressure, pressure as a function of position on the particular device; and pressure as a function of time. A comparator compiles the pressure signature profile and compares it with profiles is storage to determined whether a match exists. Upon finding a match, a control unit releases an interlocking unit to enable the user to operate the device because he/she is authorized.

Abstract: An electric vehicle driven by a pair of left and right electric motors is provided. The vehicle includes a controller for controlling the start of the vehicle. The controller performs such control as avoiding brake drag caused by the operation of the electric motors before the elimination of the braking of a pair of left and right parking electromagnetic brakes.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position includes a patient support having head and foot ends and a wheeled base supported by castered wheels. Auxiliary wheels are suspendably mounted on a wheel support structure with the axis of the auxiliary wheels spaced from a midpoint of the wheeled base. A control apparatus controls the wheel support structure to move the auxiliary wheels between a first deployed position whereat castered wheels at one end of the carriage are elevated from a floor surface, and a second stored position with the auxiliary wheels out of engagement with the floor surface. The wheeled carriage includes a drive motor for powering the auxiliary wheels. A drive member applies force to a load cell on the wheeled carriage. The load cell outputs a drive signal to drive the auxiliary wheels.

Abstract: An electric one-bag golf cart that carries a single caddie bag for a player on a golf course is provided. The cart body, including a chassis part, a neck part and a steering device part, is formed as an integral hollow piece using the rotational molding method. The wheel system provided under the chassis consists of one front wheel and two rear wheels, with the front wheel being mounted pivotally on a suspension as a free wheel, while the rear wheels are driving wheels using a differential gear device driven by a motor. At the center of the handlebars, which are made of circular rods, a dial-type speed controller is located, and a brake lever is provided under the steering device, together with a lock mechanism.

Abstract: A powered golf caddy vehicle permits a single golfer to conveniently control the speed and direction of travel during a round of golf while following the vehicle. Steering and throttle control functions are merged on a single steering tiller arm.

Abstract: A tug device for moving small aircraft having front wheels. A portable drill is connected to a drive wheel and a frame is attached to the wheel. The device is steerable, having a wheel mounted on a vertical set of pins such that the wheel is pivotable about the axis of the pins to permit turning the wheel on that axis and steering the tug while operating the drive mechanism.

Abstract: Supplemental walk along control for walkie/rider pallet trucks is provided by supplemental jog switches and coast release switches provided adjacent to the base of load carrying forks. The supplemental jog switches are enabled during coasting operation so that operators can advance to the base of the forks to accelerate the trucks between closely spaced picks located along substantially straight portions of pick routes. For application of the trucks' brakes, the operators activate the coast release switches to release the coast mode and enable deadman brake mechanisms to brake the trucks. A steering direction detector is provided to determine the direction of the steered wheel so that if the steered wheel is not directed substantially straight ahead, then operation of the truck from the supplemental jog switches is disabled.

Abstract: A moveable load-carrying assembly including a chassis (1) having a plurality of wheels (6) arranged as a first wheel set and a second wheel set, each wheel (6) being rotatable and swivellable relative to the chassis (1); the wheels (6) of the first wheel set being connected by a first linkage (21), and the wheels (6) of the second wheel set being connected by a second linkage (22); and wherein one of the wheels (6) of the second wheel set is linked to the opposite one of the weels (6) of the first wheel set by a link (11) such that when one of the wheels (6) of the first wheel set is swivelled in one direction relative to the chassis (1), all the wheels (6) of the first wheel set swivel in that direction in unison, and all the wheels (6) of the second wheel set swivel in the opposite direction in unison. Means are included to provide three distinct modes of operation for a wheel set, the modes corresponding to straight-line travel, fully-steerable travel and a braking mode.

Abstract: A motorized golf buggy or cart that is readily convertible between a “ride on” condition in which the golfer sits on the buggy and a “walk” condition in which the golfer walks behind the buggy or cart in a forward direction is described. The buggy or cart can be readily converted between the two different positions as desired by the golfer during the round of golf. The golf buggy or cart has a steering member pivotally connected to a wheel assembly such that movement of the steering member causes the golf buggy or cart to turn. The steering member can adapt to at least two different positions in which one of the positions corresponds to the “ride-on” position and another position corresponds to the “walk” position by movement in a substantially vertical plane containing the steering member. The steering member is also provided with at lease two steering elements so that the buggy can be steered by the golfer in either mode.

Abstract: A coast control device for a walkie/rider pallet truck locks the position of a steering arm of the truck to prevent movement by a deadman mechanism. The disclosed locking device is a brake: an armature plate mounted to the steering arm; and an electromagnet coupled to a steering head that is operated to activate coasting operation. The brake force can be overcome by an operator to manually apply the truck brake or to reposition the steering arm to a new position where it is again locked. For controlling coasting operation, the brake is manually engaged by an actuator mounted adjacent to or on a grab bar that is to be gripped by an operator riding on the truck. With the actuator so located, coasting operation can be conveniently engaged while the operator is walking beside the truck.

Abstract: A multi-terrain vertical lift transporter for lifting and transporting loads over various soil conditions and terrain. The lift transporter has a laterally adjustable wheel base to allow it to accommodate loads of varying widths. Further, the lift transporter does not require a counter-weight as the center of gravity of the load is substantially within the wheel base.

Abstract: A low-lift fork truck including a driving part which has a driving wheel disposed on the longitudinal axle and is driven by an electric motor, which is supported in a steering bolster adapted to be pivoted about a vertical axis, and a drawbar hinged to the steering bolster and a lifting cylinder. The truck further including a load-carrying part adjustable in height to a certain extent towards the driving part which has two parallel-spaced wheel arms and a rigid transverse member interconnecting the wheel arms wherein the transverse member is adapted to be coupled to the lifting cylinder and a linkage coupled to the transverse member is joined by a hinge to a forcing bar in the wheel arms which, in turn, actuates the rocker of a load-carrying roller at the end of the wheels arms to perform a lift.

Abstract: A pole-guided industrial truck has at least one steered wheel and a pole that can rotate around an essentially vertical axis. The pole is effectively connected with the wheel so that a rotation of the pole around the vertical axis causes a steering movement of the wheel. The pole is connected with an electric primary detector which measures a rotational movement and/or a rotational position of the pole. The primary detector is effectively connected by means of an electric signal line with an electric steering motor of the wheel. The pole is connected with a damping element which generates a counter-torque when the pole is rotated around the vertical axis.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle which is modeified to a truck capable of conveying a cargo so that it conveys a predetermined quantity of cargoes and which can be used for various applications. This vehicle includes a driving portion (11) and a steering portion (12), can move back and forth, can convey cargoes (35 and 36) and people (32) to be conveyed, and is driven by operator (30)on the vehicle. When the self-propelled vehicle (10) is moved back, the operator (30) can use it as a truck by operating the steering portion (12) without getting on the viecle.

Abstract: A utility cart having a platform supported by a pair of casters at its front and a pair of traction wheels at its rear. A pair of battery-powered motors drive the traction wheels and are controlled by switches secured to a handlebar extending upwardly from the rear of the platform. A hopper is pivotally mounted atop the platform and its rear end may be elevated by a motorized dumping mechanism. The hopper is provided with a dual-hinge, swinging gate at its front end which permits the hopper to be unloaded with great ease.

Abstract: A rotary floor finisher for use with a power rider trailer for the sanding and screening of large wood floor areas. The floor finisher and sander to attached in substantially rigid relationship to each other and steered by a wheel provided on the floor finisher.

Abstract: A follower industrial truck including a drive motor, a handle lever having a first end which is linked to a steering shaft of the industrial truck to pivot about a horizontal axis, a handle lever head which is movably mounted with respect to the handle lever in a pull and push manner, a spring arrangement between the handle lever and the head, which biases the head in opposite directions towards a neutral position produces a path signal (Sist), the magnitude of the path signal (Sist) being approximately proportional to the extent of the deflection, a first controller which produces a first nomimal value (Isoll) for the current of the drive motor, and a further controller adapted to receive a comparison current value which is achieved by the comparison of the actual current value (Iist) of the drive motor and of the first nomimal value (Isoll) from the first controller in order to produce a setting current value for the drive motor.