Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided having a reservoir configured to hold a supply of fluid. The hydraulic system also has a variable displacement pump configured to supply charge fluid and pilot control fluid to the hydraulic system. In addition, the hydraulic system has a closed-loop portion configured to receive charge fluid from the variable displacement pump and drive a mechanism. The hydraulic system further has a pilot fluid supply portion configured to direct pilot control fluid from the variable displacement pump to closed-loop portion.

Abstract: In a parking assistance apparatus disclosed herein, when a lateral parking mode switch is set at an initial stop position A, a controller calculates a backward movement start position B for parking based on a yaw angle and a steering angle of a vehicle, and issues guiding information to stop the vehicle upon having determined that the vehicle has reached the calculated backward movement start position B. After having sensed that a shift lever was shifted to a reverse position, the controller displays on a display an image captured by a camera as to an area behind the vehicle, and also displays on the display in a superimposed manner an estimated vehicle space in the case where the vehicle moves backwards while maintaining a steering angle at the time of the shift of the shift lever.

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 vehicle parking assisting system detects an obstacle by sonar devices, and displays it as a present detection position and a past detection point on a display device in an overlapping manner with a combined birds-eye view image. The present detection point is displayed as a series of dots extending from a predetermined position in a fan-shaped detection area in an arcuate shape along a detection area of the sonar devices, and the past detection point is displayed as a single dot located at the predetermined position in the fan-shaped detection area.

Abstract: This invention is a “four-direction moving” structure that can move in all four directions without turning first. It contains two groups of wheels that are arranged perpendicular to one another, i.e. four rows of wheels form a quadrate. Within each group, the wheels turn in the same direction. The conventional circular wheels are replaced with circular eccentric or elliptical or noncircular (e.g. polygonal) wheels so that one group of wheels will not impede movement when the other group of wheels is turning by virtue of the longer diameter of the turning wheels.

Abstract: A method for performing a parking assist control for automatically guiding a vehicle to a target parking position includes the steps of calculating a change of a vehicle direction based on a traveling distance of the vehicle and a steering angle obtained by a steering angle sensor, calculating the change of the vehicle direction based on a yaw rate obtained by a yaw rate sensor, and determining whether or not the parking assist control is required to be stopped based on a result of a comparison between the calculated changes of the vehicle direction.

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus includes an initial traveling locus calculator for calculating an initial traveling locus, a new traveling locus calculating a new traveling locus when a deviation amount of the present vehicle position from a current traveling locus is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and a parking assist for performing a parking assist to guide the vehicle along the traveling locus. The parking assist apparatus further includes an initial traveling locus deviation calculator for calculating the deviation amount of the present vehicle position from the initial traveling locus generated by the calculation of the initial traveling locus calculator. The parking assist stops performing the parking assist when the deviation amount calculated by the initial traveling locus deviation calculator is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value which is smaller than the fist predetermined value.

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus allows a target parking position to be set by a user moving a target parking frame displayed together with an actual image of surroundings of a vehicle, and automatically guides the vehicle to the set target parking position. In the parking assist apparatus, the target parking frame is initially displayed through the use of past setting of the target parking position by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for spreading aggregate material on ground. The apparatus includes a body 12, an engine 14 carried by the body, motive structure 18 powered by the engine to move the apparatus along the ground. A hopper 20 is associated with the body and is constructed and arranged to receive aggregate material from a source of aggregate material. Dispensing structure 24, associated with the hopper, is constructed and arranged to dispense aggregate material from the hopper to the ground. Wheel structure 30, carried by the body, is constructed and arranged to be movable between an inoperative position, wherein the motive structure is in a ground engaging position and the wheel structure is in a position so as not to engage the ground, and an operative position, wherein the wheel structure is in a ground engaging position and the motive structure is in a position so as not to engage the ground.

Abstract: In a parking assist apparatus that assists with moving, by automatic steering, a vehicle from an arbitrary stopping position to a target parking position set by the driver, a setting portion (i.e., a parking assist ECU) sets both a path from the stopping position to the target parking position and a steering operation necessary to bring the vehicle along that path. When this path cannot be set with the steering angle in the stopping position set as the initial steering angle, and when the path can be set with another steering angle as the initial steering angle, an instruction portion (i.e., a monitor or a speaker) instructs the driver to turn the steering wheel to this other steering angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding a vehicle into an optimal position within a parking space. A first linear ray of light is projected along the centerline of a parking space. A second linear ray of light is projected at an angle to and intersecting the first linear ray within the parking space. The first linear ray of light guides the driver while moving into and through the space when the driver aligns an indicator on the vehicle with the first linear ray of light. As the driver nears the optimal position, the second linear ray of light will move towards the indicator. When the indicator coincides with the intersection of the first and second linear rays of light, the vehicle is in the optimal position.

Abstract: An arrangement in a snowmobile equipped with an apparatus for intensifying steering modifies the ski of the snowmobile to include a drum rotated by means of actuators, the drum forming at least part of the bearing surface of the ski. The rotation axis of the drum is oriented such that when the drum rotates, the circumferential surface of the drum moves transversely to the longitudinal axis of the ski. The drum is provided with one or more ridges protruding from its circumferential surface essentially parallel with the rotational axis of the drum. The drum is provided with one or more locking means arranged to lock the drum in a predetermined position when the apparatus for intensifying steering is not being used or to allow the drum to rotate when operation of the apparatus for intensifying steering is desired.

Abstract: A working vehicle with traversing system wherein a front wheel (3) is installed on a swing member (22) rotatable about a vertical axis (23) relative to a body (2) and a rotating means (41) rotating the swing member (22) is installed, the entire part of the front wheel (3) is formed compact in connection with a drivingly running device (30) stored in the swing range (3a), of the front wheel. (3), and a battery (70) mountable on the body (2). comprises a wide front part (70a) movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction between rear wheels (4) in the straight froward running attitude and a narrow rear part (70b) allowed to position between the rear wheels (4) in the transverse running attitude, whereby the attachment and detachment of the wheel can be performed easily and can be mounted stably.

Abstract: In a method for determining the lateral acceleration of a motor vehicle, the lateral acceleration is calculated from signals of a wheel sensor and a load sensor. Since in many cases these sensors are already present on the vehicle, e.g., for chassis control, additional sensors are not necessary. The values for the lateral acceleration thus ascertained may then be used in further devices, such as for a vehicle dynamics controller or a device for preventing tipping. For example, usable as a load sensor in the case of a pneumatic suspension is also a pressure sensor which measures the pressure within the pressure bellows of the pneumatic suspension and supplies a signal, corresponding to the mass or the axle load, to the control. The lateral acceleration may be determined with the aid of a steering-angle sensor.

Abstract: A parking aid system for a vehicle includes a device that measures the instantaneous distance of a vehicle part from an obstacle located in its path and generates at least one output signal indicative of the measured distance, as well as a device capable of issuing warning signals. An evaluating unit is connected between the measuring device and the warning device. The evaluating device dynamically determines, as a function of vehicle speed, an instantaneous distance limit value, compares the measured distance value with the respective distance limit value and activates the warning device when the measured distance value is smaller than the respective distance limit value to alert the driver of the vehicle to the presence of the obstacle. The distance limit value may be determined by adding a first distance value independent of the speed of the vehicle and a second distance value linearly proportional to the speed of movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for detecting fault in vehicle motion sensors for a motor vehicle includes providing a measured lateral acceleration signal and yaw rate signal. The method further includes calculating, respectively, a first and second road bank angle estimate based on these signals. Also included is determining a first and second maximum road bank angle based on the first and second road bank angle, respectively, and calculating a first and second threshold based on these values. The method further includes comparing whether the first and second road bank angles exceeds the second and first thresholds, respectively, and if so, indicating either one or both a lateral acceleration signal fault or yaw rate signal fault.

Abstract: A device for transverse movement of a vehicle has longitudinal rotatable axles and transverse rotatable axles, four rotatable wheels fixedly connected with two longitudinal rotatable axles, couplings through which the wheels are connected with four transverse rotatable axles, so that when wheels of a vehicle cooperate with the device, the device displaces the vehicle to the right and to the left depending on direction of rotation of the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: In carrying out an automatic steering control for the vehicle, a deviation between an actual locus of movement of a vehicle and a standard locus of movement is corrected, so that the vehicle can be accurately guided to a target position. An automatic steering system for a vehicle is designed so that a steering actuator is driven based on a previously stored standard steering angle, to automatically guide the vehicle to a target position. In this automatic steering system, if the deviation between an actual steering angle of the vehicle which is detected and the standard steering angle, exceeds a predetermined value, the standard steering angle is corrected, so that the deviation is decreased. If the steering actuator is driven based on the corrected standard steering angle, the actual steering angle is corrected, whereby the vehicle can accurately reach the original target position.

Abstract: A suspension system for electric car constructed and arranged to prevent interference from suspension system and steering system even when wheels are steered with steering angle thereof established upto 90 degrees, thereby making it easy to park the electric car in small space and minimizing a rotary radius, the electric car including a knuckle connected to wheels so as to steer by way of a tie rod the wheels independently driven by a motor, the suspension system comprising: a horizontal arm coupled for horizontal rotation, being disposed at a higher position than upper end of the knuckle and tires, and mounted for elevated motion with the knuckle; a plurality of upper arms, one end of which being rotatably connected to both ends of the horizontal arm and the other end of which being pivoted to a body of the electric car in forward and backward directions thereof; an arm support, one end of which being rotatably connected to a part where the horizontal arm and the upper arm join, and the arm support being for

Abstract: A parking device attachable to one end of a vehicle understructure for use in parking the vehicle, includes a carriage and coupling mechanism which permits the carriage to move either to a retracted position or to a deployed vertically-spaced position, and a parking wheel having a pivotal mechanism which permits the parking wheel to be pivoted either to a folded, substantially horizontal position or to a deployed, substantially vertical position. A drive is coupled to the carriage and to the parking wheel and is effective, when the carriage is in its retracted position and the parking wheel is in its folded position, first to move the parking wheel to its deployed position and then to move the carriage to its deployed position lowering the parking wheel into engagement with the ground and raising the respective end of the vehicle off the ground.

Abstract: A system and a method for dynamically estimating a lateral velocity of a motor vehicle for input to a controller employed to control dynamics of the motor vehicle includes sensors for measuring predetermined vehicle operating state. The system also includes sensors for dynamically measuring steering angle, vehicle speed, yaw rate and lateral acceleration. These signals are combined and numerically integrated in accordance with assymptotic observer theory to obtain a reliable estimate of the lateral vehicle velocity.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous parking system calculates the current position as well as the desired trajectory required to accomplish the parking task by utilizing vehicle position measurements. The parking system alters the power steering's required effort to maneuver the vehicle thus providing tactile feedback to the vehicle operator. The required effort is decreased when it is determined that the operator is steering the vehicle within the desired trajectory and is increased when it is determined that the operator is steering the vehicle outside the desired trajectory. The operator can feel increases and decreases in steering effort at the steering wheel.

Abstract: A direction changing device for use with an automobile having a chassis, a rear wheel frame, a suspension mounted to the rear wheel frame, and front and rear wheels is disclosed. The direction changing device is operated from a power source of the automobile and includes a cylinder having a device for securing the direction changing device to the suspension, a downwardly extending piston housed within the cylinder, a direction changing wheel connected to a lower end of the piston, a wheel lifting motor fixed to one side of the cylinder for raising and lowering the direction changing wheel and a wheel orienting motor movably mounted to another side of the cylinder for orienting the direction changing wheel. A foldable bracket is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the downwardly extendable piston, the direction changing wheel being movably attached to a lower end of the foldable bracket, such that the foldable bracket is locked in place when completely folded or unfolded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet loader which can be used for carrying and unloading pallets on which goods are loaded. The pallet loader of the present invention includes an initial wheel-turning driving mechanism which enables a wheel disposed between both side wheels to turn; a jack plate where a control mechanism is provided to control opening and closing of a fluid passage which is provided to pass a fluid between a pump and a hydraulic jack.

Abstract: Lifting equipment 4 for turning a four-wheeled vehicle on the spot to facilitate maneuvering, which equipment can be driven mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically, is arranged at the underside of the vehicle and comprises a spindle-driven jack with a ground-engaging member 22. The jack is so positioned that the supporting moment provided by the member acts on the vehicle longitudinal centre line but is offset relative to the vehicle centre of gravity 3. The offset is such, in the case of a vehicle with front wheel or four wheel drive, that the rear wheels are lifted off the ground and the jack carries 60 to 80% of the vehicle weight, the partially relieved front wheels carrying the rest of the weight. Transmission of drive to the turned front wheels in this state results in the pivoting of the vehicle about the member, with the driven front wheels spinning or slipping against the roadway.

Abstract: An automatic direction changing apparatus for a vehicle in which an air tube is mounted at the bottom of the vehicle body and the air tube is expanded to lift the vehicle to a predetermined height from the ground surface and the vehicle body can be moved right or left. The vehicle body when lifted can be turned with any rotational angle clockwise or counterclockwise, so that the vehicle is capable of moving or turning on a narrow road, in a blind alley, and in a crowded parking lot. It also allows the vehicle to be pulled out of a muddy road if it is stuck and can be utilized to lift the vehicle for repairs or to replace the tires. The apparatus is comprised of means for moving to the right or left, means for turning clockwise or counterclockwise, and lifting up means for lifting the vehicle body to a predetermined height from the ground surface.

Abstract: A device to be mounted on a car for assisting a driver to make a parallel parking or a perpendicular parking, comprises displacement-sensing devices to measure specific distance that the car moves, obstacle-sensing devices for sensing the position of obstacles around a car, and a microcomputer that can, in accordance with the driver's instructions and the data received from aforesaid displacement-sensing devices and obstacle-sensing devices, generate various signals to tell the driver to drive the car forwards, to stop the car, to turn the car left or right, or to back the car so as to park the car along a specific path, further more, the microcomputer may generate an output signal to control the steering mechanism the transmission, the accelerator, and the brake system for backing the car into a parking space automatically.

Abstract: A safety control for a baby's walker comprising a typical baby's walker having a horizontally extending peripheral frame supported on four peripherally spaced apart legs having rollers or wheels and a seat secured to and extending downwardly from the peripheral frame for the baby to sit in, the seat having two apertures for the baby's legs to extend through and to reach the floor when the baby stands and begins to walk, moving the walker as he goes and using the walker as a support and restraint to keep from falling, the walker in accordance with this invention having a motor connected to drive one or more wheels on command to move the walker and the baby in it away from a location of danger such as a electrical outlet, the head of a stairs, an open window, a hot stove, a whirling fan and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for an articulated vehicle, for turning the vehicle about within a very limited space. According to the invention, the rear vehicle portion is provided with at least one supporting wheel mounted sideways, the axis of which lies in a vertical plane intersecting the vertical axis of articulation between the front and rear portions of the vehicle.

Abstract: This hitch assembly includes a frame which is fixedly attached to the rear of a truck and extends widthwise of the truck to provide upper and lower horizontal rails. A transverse carriage having upper and lower roller assemblies engageable with the rails is mounted to the frame and moved laterally relative to the frame by means of a ram assembly. The ram assembly includes a piston extending from end-to-end of the frame and a cylinder which is fixedly attached to the carriage and movably mounted to the piston. A vertical lift carriage is slidably mounted to the transverse carriage and is movable vertically relative to the frame by a ram assembly. The vertical carriage includes a hitch ball for attachment of a trailer tow bar and the transverse and vertical carriages provide the hitch connection and the tow bar with vertical and laterally horizontal components of movement.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted parking device for use on a front wheel drive vehicle of the type having motive means and at least two front and two rear wheels. An auxiliary wheel is mounted substantially between and equidistant from the rear wheels and is mounted so as to permit movement relative to the vehicle frame between an out-of-the-way position and a lower operative ground engaging and rear end of the vehicle lifting position such that the rear wheels are raised off the ground. Power means is provided so that the auxiliary wheel may be forced under the rear of the car to raise the rear wheels and to place the rear end weight of the vehicle on the auxiliary wheel. The auxiliary wheel, when in operative position, allows lateral movement of the rear end of the vehicle with a minimum of longitudinal vehicle movement. The auxiliary wheel may be mounted so that its axis of rotation forms an angle between approximately 20.degree. and 60.degree.

Abstract: An omnidirectional motorized wheelchair having front wheels consisting of a pair of free wheels, and rear wheels consisting of motor-operated wheels driven by electric motors independently of each other. This wheelchair can be moved forward and backward, turned to right and left, and turned in a fixed position. The motor-operated wheels are moved pivotally in the opposite directions by a steering unit to set these wheels to face in the lateral direction with respect to the rider. Thus, the wheelchair can be moved in the lateral direction with the rider facing forward, and it can also be turned while it is moved in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A rubber-tired, outriggered vehicle for use as the mounting of a mobile crane is disclosed which has two pairs of telescopic outrigger beams on the opposite sides of the vehicle body, together with a lift cylinder coacting with each outrigger beam for raising and lowering the vehicle body, and an extend cylinder for extending and contracting each outrigger beam. The invention features a hydraulic circuit having two separate valves for independently actuating the two pairs of extend cylinders, in addition to another valve for the actuation of the lift cylinders, so that the vehicle can be crabbed by operating the three valves in a prescribed manner.