Abstract: A work machine according to this invention includes a power source incorporated in a vehicle body, an extended portion extended from the vehicle body to form a grip portion and configured to be folded with respect to the vehicle body, a lock portion provided to lock the extended portion when the extended portion is folded with respect to the vehicle body, and an activation suppressing portion configured to suppress activation of the power source if the extended portion is locked by the lock portion.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface and includes a support structure and a plurality of support wheels coupled to the support structure. The patient transport apparatus also includes a user interface including at least two handles coupled to the support structure, with each of the handles movable between a stowed position and non-stowed position. The patient transport apparatus also includes a user input device coupled to the user interface, and a controller coupled to the user interface. The controller is configured to electronically coordinate the movement of the handles to the stowed position upon actuation of the user input device.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, support surface, cable interface, switches, a location detector, and a controller. The switches are electrically coupled to the interface and the controller selects a configuration for the plurality of switches based on a current location of the patient support apparatus within a healthcare facility. Alternatively or additionally, a user interface may display a plurality of identifiers that each identifies a predefined configuration for the switches wherein the controller configures the switches according to an identifier selected by the user. A transceiver on board the patient support apparatus may communicate with different fixed transmitters and the controller may implement different switch configurations based on messages from the different fixed transmitters.

Abstract: A steering lever pivot assembly may have a two-axis polymer housing pivotally coupled to a terrain working vehicle at opposing bosses and comprising a pair of reciprocal housing portions, a steering lever pivotally coupled to the two-axis polymer housing, the steering lever having a connecting portion for coupling to a first system of the terrain working vehicle, a clasp coupled to the steering lever and the two-axis polymer housing and having a mounting portion for coupling to a first system of the terrain working vehicle, and a pair of bushings that receive one of the opposing bosses therein. In some aspects, the two-axis polymer housing provides a first axis of rotation at the pivotal coupling between the steering lever and the two-axis polymer housing and a second axis of rotation through the opposing bushings, which may be axially aligned.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include automated guided vehicles (AGVs) having a U-shaped handle. The U-shaped handle can be pull down to change operation of the AGV. In one embodiment, a self-driving system is provided. The system includes a body having one or more motorized wheels, a console coupled in an upright position to an end of the body, and a handle pivotally coupled to the console, the handle being movable with respect to the console to change operation of the self-driving system between a self-driving mode and a manual control mode.

Abstract: A manually guided garden care machine includes at least one base unit and at least one guide unit having at least one handle. The manually guided garden care machine further includes at least one sensing unit configured to sense an operator's wish for assistance in propelling the at least one base unit and further configured to sense a deformation of at least one sub-region of the at least one guide unit.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a base, a patient support surface, and a reference sensor arranged to sense inclination of the support structure. A drive system is coupled to the support structure and operable to propel the patient transport apparatus. A handle assembly is operable by a user to control operation of the drive system. The handle assembly comprises a handle movable relative to the base and a position sensor arranged to sense positioning of the handle. A controller is coupled to the reference sensor and the position sensor, and is adapted to control the drive system in response to signals received from the reference sensor and the position sensor.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes an attachment module, a motor module, a battery module, and a wheel. The wheel is rotatably coupled to the attachment module about a rotational axis of the wheel. The attachment module has a plurality of coupling elements, and the motor module and the battery module each releasably couple to one of the coupling elements. The wheel extends around the attachment, motor, and battery modules. The motor and battery modules are identically shaped in a direction along the rotational axis.

Abstract: Medical imaging devices, systems, and methods thereof. The medical imaging system may include a movable station and a gantry. The movable station includes a gantry mount rotatably attached to the gantry. The gantry includes an outer C-arm slidably mounted to and operable to slide relative to the gantry mount, an inner C-arm slidably coupled to the outer C-arm and, an imaging signal transmitter and sensor attached to the C-arms. The two C-arms work together to provide a full 360 degree rotation of the imaging signal transmitter. The movable station may include a motion control system and an imaging control system. In embodiments, the motion control system includes omni-directional wheels for precision controlled-movement of the movable station.

Abstract: A zero turn vehicle is disclosed, having an operator platform located adjacent to the rear of the frame. An upright riser is disposed on the frame. The vehicle uses first and second electric drive transmissions to drive the output wheels. An electrical bus or controllers may be mounted on a panel of the upright riser to assist in providing a compact design. A pair of drive levers is mounted on the upright riser for controlling the output of the vehicle.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame, an engine, a steering assembly, a support platform and a front platform. At least a pair of drive wheels may be operably coupled to the frame. The engine is operably coupled to the frame via an engine platform. The engine is disposed between the drive wheels to selectively provide drive power to the drive wheels via respective hydraulic pumps. The steering assembly includes control levers operably coupled to respective drive wheels via the respective hydraulic pumps. The steering assembly enables steering of the lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the drive wheels responsive to positioning of the control levers. The support platform is operably coupled to the frame at a rear portion of the lawn care vehicle. The front platform is operably coupled to the frame forward of the engine platform. The front platform supports the hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: An electrically driven moving vehicle includes a main body on which an article to be transported is loaded, and a handle provided on one side of the main body. A pair of force sensor units are provided in the handle. A force applied by a user is sensed by the pair of force sensor units to control the operation of electric motors. The user can operate the electrically driven moving vehicle while holding a position convenient for the user rather than a specific position of the handle. In addition, the user can conveniently operate the electrically driven moving vehicle with only one hand, without using both hands.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, support surface, cable interface, switches, a location detector, and a controller. The switches are electrically coupled to the interface and the controller selects a configuration for the plurality of switches based on a current location of the patient support apparatus within a healthcare facility. Alternatively or additionally, a user interface may display a plurality of identifiers that each identifies a predefined configuration for the switches wherein the controller configures the switches according to an identifier selected by the user. A transceiver on board the patient support apparatus may communicate with different fixed transmitters and the controller may implement different switch configurations based on messages from the different fixed transmitters.

Abstract: A walking aid device including a moving body, a message receiving element, a positioning element, and a processor is provided. The message receiving element, the positioning element, and the processor are respectively disposed at the moving body, and the message receiving element and the positioning element are respectively electrically coupled to the processor. The message receiving element is configured to receive a message from a target, and the positioning element is configured to locate a position of the moving body. When the message from a target is received by the message receiving element, the processor determines an orientation of the target according to the message, and the positioning element locates the position of the moving body. The processor produces a position data according to the orientation of the target and the position of the moving body, and controls the moving body to move to where the target is located.

Abstract: A hybrid zero turn vehicle is disclosed, having an internal combustion engine supported on a frame and an operator platform located adjacent to the rear of the frame. An upright riser is disposed on the frame. The vehicle uses an electrical generating device driven by the engine and first and second electric drive transmissions to drive the output wheels. An electrical bus or controllers may be mounted on a panel of the upright riser and offset vertically above the engine to assist in providing a compact design. A pair of drive levers is mounted on the upright riser for controlling the output of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive unit for a wheelchair and a wheelchair including such. The wheelchair includes a control input and a structural frame with two lateral frame elements, each supporting a drive wheel. The drive unit includes two drive motors within a driveshaft housing, adapted to drive the drive wheels independently based on input via the control input. The drive shaft housing is releasably attached between the two lateral frame elements of the wheelchair and connected to the drive wheels via quick-release couplings. The drive shaft housing is divided into at least two sections, each section housing one of the drive motors and that the at least two sections of the drive shaft housing are telescopically moveable relative to each other for adjusting the width of the drive shaft housing to different wheelchairs having different distances between the lateral frame elements of the structural frame of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow having a load carrying body supported on a chassis. An electrically powered axle assembly is located at one end of the chassis and has a pair of wheels disposed at opposite sides of the axle assembly. The chassis includes a pair of side plates that extend downwardly to provide legs and a cross member extending between the side plates to maintain them in spaced relationship. A shelf extends between the side plates and is spaced below the underside of the body to provide a cavity to receive a battery. A pair of handles is secured to the side plates, one on each side of the body to transfer loads from the handles in to the chassis and the body is secured to the handles and side plates at a common connection.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, support surface, cable interface, switches, a location detector, and a controller. The switches are electrically coupled to the interface and the controller selects a configuration for the plurality of switches based on a current location of the patient support apparatus within a healthcare facility. Alternatively or additionally, a user interface may display a plurality of identifiers that each identifies a predefined configuration for the switches wherein the controller configures the switches according to an identifier selected by the user. A transceiver on board the patient support apparatus may communicate with different fixed transmitters and the controller may implement different switch configurations based on messages from the different fixed transmitters.

Abstract: A steerable, self-propelled cart for safely delivering heavy loads, such as concrete, within job sites with unlevel, irregular, or sloped terrain. A cargo bucket is tiltable over front drive wheels for transporting and dumping cargo. Hydraulic drive motors driven by a hydraulic pump propel rear wheels at a selectable speed. Steering handlebars rotate a steering column that turns the rear wheels. A throttle cable extending from the handlebars controls the throttle setting by pivoting a throttle lever mounted on the hydraulic pump. Limiting linkages extend from flanges on an anchor bracket secured to the steering column to a bridge on the throttle lever. As the steering column rotates, the limit linkages are wound partially about it, pivoting the throttle lever by pulling on the bridge, reducing pump speed. Heavy steering displacements will retract the throttle lever to reduce cart speed notwithstanding the previous speed setting chosen by the operator via the cable.

Abstract: A system includes an elongate member having a connection end electrically coupleable to an attachment point at an external surface of a vehicle. The system includes a motion sensor arranged to detect motion of the elongate member. The system includes a computer that is programmed to actuate one or more subsystems in the vehicle including at least one of steering, braking, and a powertrain, based on received motion data from the motion sensor.

Abstract: A bed for maintaining the patient in horizontal position includes a patient support, undercarriage provided with casters and a system for propelling the bed which includes a controller and a control panel both connected to a processor unit. The controller includes a touch sensor connected to the processing unit. An activation member is also connected to processor unit. The activation member is a part of the control panel and it serves to activate the system and to initialize the calibration process of the touch sensor. An essential condition for propelling the bed is activated touch sensor and concurrently any of the function buttons being pressed. The touch sensor is being recalibrated before every system initialization hence the control of the system for propelling the bed is safe for the patient and the propelling of the bed is comfortable and simple for the personnel.

Abstract: A universal lighting assembly detachably couples to a handle of a walk-behind lawn mower to illuminate areas in front of lawn mower. The assembly is universal, and thus operable with wide varieties of walk-behind lawn mowers. The lighting assembly comprises a light housing having a left side, a right side, and a front face with at least one LED. A left-side and a right-side arm project outwardly from the light housing. A concave clamp from each arm couples to the mower handles. A cylindrical drum couples to the left-side and right-side arms. The clamps and drum are stationary and not designed to rotate when clamped to the handle; thereby permitting rotation of the housing. A spring is housed within the cylindrical drum and with opposing ends coupled to left and right-side arms. The spring biases each arm in a longitudinal direction of cylindrical drum against lawn mower handles.

Abstract: A hybrid zero turn vehicle is disclosed, having an internal combustion engine supported on a frame and an operator platform located adjacent to the rear of the frame. An upright riser is disposed on the frame. The vehicle uses an electrical generating device driven by the engine and first electric drive motors or transmissions to drive the output wheels. An electrical bus or controllers may be mounted on a panel of the upright riser and offset vertically above the engine to assist in providing a compact design. A pair of drive levers is mounted on the upright riser for controlling the output of the vehicle.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include: (a) a frame to which a pair of front wheels and a rear wheel assembly of the riding lawn care vehicle are attachable; (b) an engine mounted to the frame substantially between the front wheels; (c) a steering assembly having steering levers operably coupled to respective ones of the front wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle via respective hydrostatic drive pumps driven by the engine; (d) a support platform coupled to the frame rearward of the engine to support a standing rider; and (e) a front mount assembly configured to detachably couple the riding lawn care vehicle to an attachment that enables performance of a yard maintenance activity, where (f) a majority of the support platform is disposed rearward of an axis of rotation of the front wheels and forward of an axis of rotation of the rear wheel assembly.

Abstract: A gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm is disclosed for use in connection with vehicles such as load carrying devices. A moment arm extends to a pivot point such that when a longitudinal force is applied at the moment arm, a sensor senses such force and outputs an energizing signal to a motor to drive a wheel. If a rotational or vertical force is applied to the moment arm, the motor need not be driven. According to the invention, therefore, a power assist can be provided to a user to drive a wheel in a desired direction of transport while not causing drive during tipping or unloading of the load carrying portion of the vehicle. Such an apparatus can be advantageously applied to a power assisted wheelbarrow, as one exemplary application.

Abstract: A drive assembly (140) for a walk-behind, powered device operably couples an engine (110) of the powered device to a mobility assembly (120) to provide mobility of the powered device responsive at least in part to operation of the engine (110). The drive assembly (140) includes a transmission shaft and a mechanical power reversing assembly (150). The transmission shaft selectively receives first drive power or second drive power coupled from the engine (110) to drive a first drivable component (122) and a second drivable component (124) of the mobility assembly (120). The first and second drivable components (122, 124) are disposed substantially at opposing sides of the powered device. The mechanical power reversing assembly (150) is selectively engagable to convert the first drive power generated for the first drivable component (122) into the second drive power provided to the second drivable component (124) and vice versa.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing and the methods for their utilization. In some examples, the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus may perform surface treatments that support the building of walls. Other examples may involve the support of creating and repairing advanced roadways.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing. The present disclosure includes methods for the utilization of mobile and automated processing apparatus. In some examples, the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus may perform surface treatments that alter the topography of an existing surface. Other examples may involve the processing of dimensionally large layers which may be joined together to create large pieces with three dimensional shape.

Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system can include one or more wheels positioned to support the cart for wheeled motion on a ground surface, at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument, a steering interface having a grasping portion and comprising a sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted on the grasping portion to move the cart, wherein the sensor is in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart, and an additional sensor operatively coupled to the drive control system. The additional sensor may be positioned between the steering interface and the wheels on a side of the cart at which the steering interface is positioned, wherein in response to a force exerted on the additional sensor during backward motion of the cart in response to an aft force exerted on the grasping portion, the sensor sends a signal to the drive control system to stop motion of the cart.

Abstract: A rechargeable motorized personal shopping and utility cart. Designed for elderly or infirm consumers who find it difficult to pull or push a manual utility cart, particularly on inclines, the electronic shopping cart would propel itself on demand. Designed in every aspect for the ultimate in convenience, the front of the unit would also feature an easy-access swing-open door which makes the loading and unloading of the electronic shopping cart far easier, even for extra tall items.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to powered pusher devices configured to push wheeled objects from one location to another. Further embodiments relate to wheeled objects such as carts for transporting items from one location to another. Other embodiments relate to platform powered pushers that can be coupled to a family of various wheeled objects.

Abstract: Foot operated control linkages overlie the conventional control lever operating system on a spin turn mower to operate the mower in either forward or reverse directions. Each control linkage uses a foot pedal to control the speed of the mower while the control levers remain operable, even while the mower is moving, to change the forward or reverse direction of travel of the mower. The forward control linkage includes a first set of springs that pull the control levers against a stop while a second control spring prevents the first springs from moving the mower until the foot pedal is depressed. Thus, when the foot pedal is allowed to return to a non-depressed position, the mower will revert to a neutral detent position in which the mower is not powered in any direction.

Abstract: A multi-purpose portable log skidder that is a self propelled log skidder that does not require a vehicle to tow it.

Abstract: A walking assist apparatus includes a pair of wheels, at least one first driving unit that drives the pair of wheels, a main body that rotatably supports the pair of wheels, and a grip that is disposed at one end of the main body to be able to be gripped. The walking assist apparatus includes a sensor unit configured to detect an angular change in an inclination angle of the main body in a pitch direction, and a first control unit configured and programmed to control an operation of the at least one first driving unit based on an output of the sensor unit such that the angular change of the main body is zero.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mobility aid which uses one or more sensors, processors, motors, and drive wheels to maintain a distance between the mobility aid and a user which conforms to preset parameters as the user walks without touching the walker.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile body configured to prevent a main body thereof from overturning in a case of being used in a state where an auxiliary wheel is not provided or the auxiliary wheel is not in contact with the ground. In a first control mode, by performing inverted pendulum control all the time, a posture of a main body portion (10) is maintained to be constant. For example, in the case where a user operates a changeover switch, a controller (21) shifts to a second control mode in which the rotation of main wheels (11) is driven and controlled so that an angle of the main body portion (10) with respect to the vertical direction becomes ?1? which is greater than ?1. In the second control mode, the main wheels (11) and an auxiliary wheel (13) are in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A forklift including a fork on a front of a body to which front and rear wheels are attached, a counter weight on a rear of the body, and a driving electric motor allowing the body to travel, the forklift includes: a battery on the body above the rear wheel; a cargo-handling electric motor generating oil pressure on operating oil operating the fork; a controller controlling the cargo-handling electric motor and the driving electric motor; and a storage space in the body, below a bottom of the battery, and above a bottom of the body, wherein the controller and a charging device charging the battery are arranged in the storage space on both sides in a widthwise direction of the body, respectively and an operating oil tank and the cargo-handling electric motor are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the body between the controller and the charging device.

Abstract: A snow plow including a control unit for controlling the raising and lowering of an auger housing, a reset switch that can be operated by a worker, and a reset display light that illuminates in conjunction with the turning on of the reset switch. The control unit automatically raises and lowers the auger housing in accordance with the reverse and forward traveling of travel device, and automatically adjusts the auger housing to a horizontal position during forward travel of the travel device upon receiving an on signal from the reset switch. The control unit maintains the illuminated state of the illuminated reset display light according to the turning on of the reset switch, even when the travel device is traveling in reverse, and extinguishes the reset display light upon receiving a termination signal for terminating snow plowing work performed with an auger.

Abstract: A walking assistance moving vehicle includes a walking assistance moving vehicle main body with a pair of drive wheels, a drive wheel rotational speed sensor, a turning sensor, and a controller. The drive wheel rotational speed sensor senses drive wheel rotational speed of each of the drive wheels. The turning sensor directly senses at least one of a first lateral acceleration and a first turning angular velocity. The controller indirectly acquires at least one of a second lateral acceleration and a second turning angular velocity based on the drive wheel rotational speed sensed by the drive wheel rotational speed sensor. The controller performs a first control to decelerate or stop drive of the drive wheels based on a comparison of the first turning angular velocity and the second turning angular velocity or a comparison of the first lateral acceleration and the second lateral acceleration.

Abstract: A snow plow includes a control unit for controlling a raising/lowering drive mechanism so that an auger housing becomes horizontal, a relative angle detection unit for detecting the angle of the auger housing relative to a travel frame, and a horizontal detection unit for detecting the horizontal state of the auger housing. The control unit stops the raising/lowering drive mechanism when the control unit assess that either a first condition or a second condition is satisfied, the first condition being that the relative angle be zero and the second condition being that the auger housing be horizontal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device or apparatus for assisting in the operation of a wheelbarrow having a tray, handles and at least one front wheel. The present device may generally include a motor, a power/fuel source, a drive wheel and a drive mechanism for rotationally coupling the drive motor to the drive wheel, the drive wheel able to contact the front wheel of the wheelbarrow in a direct wheel-on-wheel engagement when the present device is attached to the underside of the wheelbarrow tray. The present device may be slidingly attached to the wheelbarrow, such as by one or more slides, to permit its movement forward and backward for the drive wheel to engage or disengage the front wheel. The present invention further includes the present device attached to a wheelbarrow or tray, and methods for assembling and operating the device and attaching it to a wheelbarrow or tray.

Abstract: A shifting machine structure contains a base unit, a seat unit, a hydraulic unit, a cushion support unit, a rod unit, and a control handle unit. Thereby, a pressing pedal and a releasing pedal of the hydraulic unit are pedaled to move the elderly or patients toward a desired position by using the base unit, the seat unit, the hydraulic unit, the cushion support unit, the rod unit, and the control handle unit, thus obtaining delivery safety and convenience. In addition, a copper sleeve and a copper piece of each of plural shafts of the seat unit rub with each other to enhance rigidity and durability.

Abstract: A wheel assembly 10 for a golf trolley (30) comprises a wheel 12, a motor for driving the wheel, a battery 20 for powering the motor, detection means for detecting whether or not the wheel 12 is rotating, a control unit 22 for controlling the motor and releasable connection means 24 for releasably connecting the wheel assembly 10 to a golf trolley (30), the control unit 22 having at least a first mode of operation in which the motor can be activated only when the wheel 12 is already rotating.

Abstract: A tiller guided industrial truck having a steered wheel, a tiller arm, a travel speed controller, an actuating unit, a hold device, and a high speed travel switch. The tiller arm is pretensioned toward a vertical or near vertical position. The hold device limits a maximum travel speed to a walk along speed when activated and provides a snap-in position for the tiller arm in which the tiller arm is held. Further, the industrial truck has a circuit that initializes a braking process when the travel speed controller is not actuated while the high speed travel switch is activated.

Abstract: One variation may include a module including a body and a control arm; the control arm being constructed and arranged to allow a user to direct, steer, or move the module in a plurality of modes.

Abstract: A drive unit for a carrier that includes a chassis with a drive wheel that is pivotable with an air spring in and out of contact with a surface over which the carrier is propelled. The air spring is in a pneumatic system including an air compressor which is connected to a processor in an electrical system. The compressor is programmed to provide a fair safe mode for the drive wheel, a runtime control for the air compressor and a battery voltage sensing circuit to shut down the electrical system during periods of inactivity.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing an electric vehicle which makes an assisting movement based on an operation by an operator without making a movement when an operator is not operating the electric vehicle or a movement which widely differs from a movement intended by the operator in direction or distance, and a method of controlling the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Two-way action cable control assemblies, systems, and methods are provided. A two-step cable control assembly for a power machine can include a base member pivotably attached to a handle of a power machine and being movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position to actuate a machine component, a hand lever pivotably attached to the handle of the power machine, and a latch pivotably attached to the hand lever and movable into interlocking engagement with a portion of the base member. In this arrangement, the base member can be moved by the hand lever when the latch is interlocked with the base member.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for moving a patient to and from various locations, care units, etc., within a care facility. For example a transport and support vehicle includes a body structure including a plurality of rotatable members operable to frictionally interface the vehicle to a travel path and to move the vehicle along the travel path, and a surface structured and dimensioned to support an individual subject. A transport and support vehicle can include, for example, an imager operably coupled to one or more of a power source, a steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., and having one or more modules operable to control the power source, steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., so as to maintain an authorized operator in the image zone.

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.