Abstract: A three wheel motorcycle with one leading front wheel and two driven rear wheels is capable of supporting increased dynamic loads of a V-8 automotive engine and transmission in addition to carrying up to three people and cargo. The body of the trike is integrated with the frame to ease manufacturing costs and improve the experience of the riders. Increased, versatile storage space is provided compared to prior art trikes, and the exhaust system is largely hidden beneath the body of the trike for improved appearance and safety.

Abstract: A motortrike designed to allow individuals that use a wheelchair to independently operate it. The motortrike comprises a wheelchair frame assembly that secures onto a motorcycle frame, a movable platform assembly a transmission assembly, a power transfer assembly and a rear wheel assembly. An individual in a wheelchair may ride the wheelchair onto the platform assembly and lock the wheelchair thereon. A threshold ramp assembly is mounted to the rear of the platform assembly to minimize the transition from ground level to the platform member. The individual may operate the motortrike as a motor vehicle while transporting the wheelchair.

Abstract: A truck includes at least three steered wheels (5, 6, 7) that are mounted on a chassis (1). The arrangement of the wheels relative to the chassis (1) is predetermined to increase the stability of the truck during the pivoting of the steered wheels (5, 6) and to protect the wheels in frontal mode.

Abstract: An electric vehicle with partitionable frame includes a chassis assembly, a head tube, a front wheel, left and right rear wheels, and a seat. The front wheel is assembled at the base of the head tube through a fork, and the bottom part of the head tube is pivoted and located in the shaft sleeve lying on the front end of the oblique bracket. The seat is assembled on a vertical seat tube lying on the rear section of the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly includes front and rear assemblies that are partitionable. Connecting ends of the two assemblies are set with at least two groups of opposite jacks and opposite punch pins, which appear to be horizontally opposite and mutually embedded and mounted when assemblies are aligned. At least one set of positioning pieces controls the fixed or partitioned state of the two assemblies after they are aligned.

Abstract: A lift truck (6) for the transport of a battery block (1) of an industrial truck, such as a fork-lift truck. The lift truck (6) includes at least one electrical unit. The electrical unit can be connected with the battery block (1) to be transported for supplying electrical energy to the lift truck (6). The lift truck (6) may not have its own battery. The electrical unit can be an electrical traction drive motor.

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: A foldable cart includes a base with two side wheels driven by a motor and a steering wheel located a front end of the base. An upright frame is pivotably connected to the base by two folding assembly and a handle is pivotably connected to the upright frame by another folding assembly. Each folding assembly includes a first member to which a first part of the cart is connected, a second part of the cart is pivotably connected, and a second member mounted to the second part of the cart. The handle is pivoted relative to the upright frame which is pivoted relative to the base so as to fold the cart into a compact folded assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with a front and rear ends and at least one front wheel mounted on the front end. A one-sided swing arm having an outer end portion, a support portion including a strut assembly, and an inner end portion is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis. A wheel mounting assembly is disposed on the outer end portion of the swing arm, and a rear wheel which is interchangeable with the front wheel is mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes steering means for pivoting the front wheel about a first vertical axis to control the direction of movement of the vehicle, and a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the outer end of the swing arm for pivotal movement of the rear wheel about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: A toy vehicle comprising a frame, a first wheel, a second wheel, and a turning mechanism including a rotatable arm mounted to the frame and a rotatable third wheel mounted to the arm. The arm is rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein, in the extended position, the third wheel contacts the surface and lifts one of the first and second wheels off of the surface. The third wheel then rotates to rotate the vehicle about a remaining one of the first and second wheels in contact with the surface. The vehicle further comprises a motor mounted on the frame. The motor is operatively associated with one of wheels to propel the vehicle and with the turning mechanism to lift and turn the vehicle. The toy vehicle is controlled with a remote control unit which is shaped like a remote-vehicle-entry key chain.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle having a frame, a non-steerable wheel assembly and a steerable wheel assembly. The frame includes a longitudinal member, a transverse member, an upright member proximal to one end of the longitudinal member, and a steering member proximal to another end of the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member and the transverse member define a base plane. The non-steerable wheel assembly which preferably includes two non-steerable wheels pivotable about an inclined axes between a storage position within the periphery of the frame to a deployed position outside the periphery of the frame and extending below the base plane. The steerable wheel assembly includes a steerable wheel pivotable about an inclined steering axis between a storage position within the periphery of the frame to a deployed position outside the periphery of the frame and extending below the base plane. A method of collapsing and extending the collapsible vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A powered propulsion apparatus that is attachable to and detachable from, a wide range of conventional wheelchairs without modification of the propulsion apparatus or the wheelchairs. The propulsion apparatus converts a conventional manually powered wheelchair into a power driven wheelchair. The apparatus clamps to the front wheels of a conventional wheelchair with a clamping mechanism that is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of wheel-spacings and wheel sizes and accommodates an inexactitude of alignment between the clamps and the wheelchair. The clamping mechanism secures the wheel chair to the propulsion apparatus without damage or stress to the wheelchair components.

Abstract: A self propelled transportable lift truck (A) having a frame (1) formed by two spaced parallel longitudinal front members and a rear transverse member, at least two front wheels (5, 6) and at least one steerable rear wheel (7), such that the lifting mechanism thereby extends from a most retracted position between the longitudinal members of the frame. The lifting mechanism to raise and/or lower the lifting tines comprises a telescopic lifting arm (4) articulated about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lift truck. An operator's cab (2) is located to one side of the lifting mechanism; the motive drive unit (3) is housed beneath the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is provided with a yaw control to facilitate the lateral movement of the lifting lines. In addition, the yaw control has, on demand, the capability to automatically self centre the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a robotic system for systematically moving about an area to be covered. The system includes at least one boundary marker (48) located along the outer edge of the area to be covered, a robot (40) with a navigation system (41) and a sensor unit (43). The navigation system (41) navigates the robot (40) in generally straight, parallel lines from an initial location and turns the robot (40) when the robot (40) encounters one of the boundary markers (48), thereby to systematically move about the area to be covered. The sensor unit (43) senses proximity to one of the at least one boundary marker (48).

Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible motor drive vehicle of tripod construction which is lightweight and collapsible for ease in storage and handling.

Abstract: A drive device of a motorized scooter primarily includes a horizontal connecting plate and a vertical connecting plate mounted on a frame of the scooter and defining a horizontal connecting hole and a vertical connecting hole. The horizontal connecting hole and the vertical connecting hole are pivoted to the axial hole and the radial threaded hole of the wheel seat. The horizontal connecting hole and the vertical connecting hole have a slightly greater diameter, so that the wheel seat may deflect horizontally and vertically. The wheel seat is respectively pivoted with two wheel covers by a pin and a torsion spring. The front wheel cover in contact with the wheels to provide a brake effect. The inside of the rear wheel cover is secured with a motor whose two ends are fitted with a drive wheel to contact and drive the wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with at least one front wheel pivotable about a first vertical axis to control the direction of the vehicle. A rigid swing arm is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis for pivoting about a horizontal axis. On the rear end of the swing arm is a wheel mounting assembly including a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the rear end of the swing arm for pivotal movement about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with at least one front wheel pivotable about a first vertical axis to control the direction of the vehicle. A rigid swing arm is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis for pivoting about a horizontal axis. On the rear end of the swing arm is a wheel mounting assembly including a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the rear end of the swing arm for pivotal movement about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ground working. A first step involves providing an apparatus for ground working with telescopically extendible wheel supports which permit the height and angular orientation of the chassis to be adjusted to suit a contour of a ditch. A second step involves positioning the apparatus with at least one support wheel in the ditch and at least one support wheel on the road. A third step involves driving along the ditch broadcasting gravel from the ditch onto the road with the drum. Instead of hauling in replacement gravel from a remote site, gravel is reclaimed from the ditch and broadcast back onto the road.

Abstract: Motorized chassis, base, cart and/or carriage apparatus and methods for supporting mobile medical imaging systems. Such apparatus having precision propulsion mechanism to mechanically guide, advance and retract medical imaging equipment about a body of a patient. The invention further including methods of manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle having a frame, a non-steerable wheel assembly and a steerable wheel assembly. The frame includes a longitudinal member, a transverse member, an upright member proximal to one end of the longitudinal member, and a steering member proximal to another end of the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member and the transverse member define a base plane. The non-steerable wheel assembly includes a non-steerable-wheel movable between a storage position within the periphery of the frame to a deployed position outside the periphery of the frame and extending below the base plane. The steerable wheel assembly includes a steerable wheel movable between a storage position within the periphery of the frame to a deployed position outside the periphery of the frame and extending below the base plane. A method of using the collapsible vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1) provided with a frame (2) having a front frame part (3) and a rear frame part (4) which can tilt with respect to one another. The vehicle (1) comprises three or more wheels (7, 7′, 13), it being possible to rotate the front wheel (13) with respect to the steering column (18). In this case, a sensor (24) determines the angle of rotation between the front wheel (13) and the steering column (18) and, as a function of this angle of rotation, actuates the tilting means (9, 9′) of the vehicle. As a result of the consequent tilting of the front frame part (3) and as a consequence of the speed at which the vehicle (1) is travelling, the front wheel (13) and the tilting angle will automatically adopt the correct level for allowing the vehicle (1) to travel through the bend in a stable manner at the given speed.

Abstract: A motor driven demountable chair vehicle has a frame supported on front and rear wheels. A steering column is mounted on the front end of the frame and a seat is supported rearwardly thereof. The frame has discrete front and rear segments incorporating a longitudinally telescopic coupling assembly comprising a longitudinal telescoping part on one of the segments received by a receiving part on the other segment, and a latch assembly connected with one of the parts and automatically interacting with the other upon relative telescoping movement of the parts latches them in locked position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning floors having an undercarriage including front and rear axles (1,3) bearing at least one wheel (2,4) and a driver's seat. A steering mechanism is connected to one of the axles (1,3) for steering the apparatus. There are provided front cleaning element (5) near the front axle (1) for carrying out a first cleaning step and rear cleaning element (6) for carrying out a second cleaning step. The front and rear axles (1,3) are operatively connected in order to steer both axles in a predetermined relationship, such that the front and rear cleaning elements (5,6) follow substantially the same path.

Abstract: The present inventive device generally allows a user to easily engage and push or pull heavy and unwieldy object(s), most notably a line of nested shopping carts, effectively and without undue strain. The cart is designed specifically with universal utility in mind. The power is supplied by either an electrically driven motor or internal combustion engine. Power is transmitted to a transaxle with belts or an electric motor electronically controlled. A simple forward/reverse control via throttle handles causes cart movement and steering is achieved through dual rear castors. The front of the cart contains a receiver that allows easy attachment for a multitude of attachments for a variety of uses. A square tube fitment with a quick release device lets the cart be configured for different markets and easy field change. One such attachment is a shopping cart adapter, which attaches to the cart through the receiver connection.

Abstract: A three-wheeled automobile comprises a front cowl for enclosing a front portion of the automobile, and a floor forming a passenger step. The front cowl has on lateral sides thereof rear ends positioned above front wheels of the automobile, and a front end surface positioned forwardly of the front wheels. As a result, a large space is provided between a front wall of the front cowl and a seat. A handle post is provided generally centrally of the floor. The floor has roomy foot platforms located around the handle post. As a result, a space left forwardly of the handle post can be used as a feet accommodating area.

Abstract: A cleaning vehicle including an all-wheel steering mechanism. First, second and third wheels are mounted to the vehicle for rotation about respective first, second and third rotational axes and for pivotal movement about respective first, second and third pivot axes. The first and second wheels are located transversely across from one another and are both driven by a drive mechanism. The steering mechanism includes a pivot arm pivotally attached to the vehicle. A first steering linkage operatively connects the pivot arm to the first wheel, a second steering linkage operatively connects the pivot arm to the second wheel, and a third steering linkage operatively connects the pivot arm to the third wheel. Pivotal movement of the pivot arm causes conjoint pivotal movement of the first and second wheels in a first pivotal direction and pivotal movement of the third wheel in a second opposite pivotal direction.

Abstract: A detachable propulsive device for a wheelchair includes a longitudinal skeleton frame, a driving unit attached to the front of the skeleton frame, a handle for steering the propulsive device, dimensions adjusting unit, and auxiliary wheels. The dimensions adjusting unit carries four retaining clips and allows to adjust distances between these clips lengthwise and widthwise, so that the clips are capable of engaging and holding side members of the bottom frame of the wheelchair of any desired length and width. The length adjusting mechanism of the dimensions adjusting unit includes a system of telescopically movable hollow tubes with U-shaped cross sliding rails secured to them, while the width adjusting mechanism includes sliding arms carrying the retaining clips on their outer ends and sliding longitudinally along the U-shaped cross sliding rails in the lateral direction. The auxiliary wheels at the rear of the propulsive device are lifted from the ground once the device has been attached to the wheelchair.

Abstract: A ride-on powered vehicle having a tricycle configuration has a frame having a front side and a rear side and provided with a load carrying space which is open at the front side for inserting a load into the load carrying space from the front side, a single rear wheel arranged at the rear side of the frame, motor unit for driving the rear wheel, a seat arranged above the rear wheel, a pair of front wheels spaced apart at the front side of the frame, a pair of handle bars arranged at the front side of the frame for steering the vehicle, a unit for connecting the handle bars with the rear wheel to steer the vehicle, and a unit for connecting each of the front wheels to the frame so as to enable folding of the front wheels to a position in which they lie closely against the frame thus substantially reducing an overall width of the vehicle and facilitating storage and maneuvering through narrow apertures.

Abstract: A mobile, self-propelled, multicapability apparatus useful for gripping, lifting, moving, rotating, and otherwise manipulating heavy articles. The inventive apparatus comprises: a base structure; a turret rotatably attached to the base structure; a first boom structure having a first end portion pivotably attached to the turret; a second boom structure having a first end portion pivotably connected to the distal end portion of the first boom structure; a first hydraulic assembly for pivoting the first boom structure with respect to the turret; a second hydraulic assembly for pivoting the second boom structure with respect to the first boom structure; a head assembly having a first end portion and a second end portion; and a third hydraulic assembly, connected to the second boom structure and to the first end portion of the head assembly, for pivoting the head assembly with respect to the distal end of the second boom structure.

Abstract: A front wheel drive motor vehicle is made having a strong, light weight, and attractive arrow-like body made with steel square tubing. Easily removable and replaceable plastic panel inserts complete the body. Vehicle entry is step in style by rolling back the top. The top is also easily removable to make it a convertible type vehicle. The vehicles front wheels are driven through a bevel gear drive which provides a narrow wheel track and drives both front wheels simultaneously. Suspension and steering along with drive support is through a pair of special U-shaped springs. The U-shaped springs also provide a semi-independent front suspension. The vehicle has a wide rear wheel track for stability.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicles has two front wheels and one rear wheel. The front wheels are driven. Both front and rear wheels are steered. A novel steering linkage causes the vehicle to steer with directionally conventional response to a steering input, in that the direction of turning a steering wheel or bar is also the direction in which the vehicle turns. A rear axle assembly provides uncomplicated construction accommodating both the steering and a spring and shock absorber type suspension. In a first embodiment, bodywork covers the front of the vehicle, spanning both front wheels. In a second embodiment, bodywork is extended to envelope substantially the entire vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a miniature, portable, self-contained power machine for handling materials, comprising, a rigid frame providing the base structure for all components of said machine, a means of electrical power supply for said machine, means for regulating the motion of said machine, two endless belts forming a belt traction system and serving as the means to move said machine over various types of terrain, means for readily receiving and rigidly securing a variety of miniature, hydraulically powered material handling implements to said machine, and a central hydraulic system which is powered by said power supply means and which supplies power to said attachable material handling implements. The machine has a diversity of applications in numerous industries. The machine accepts any of a variety of attachable implements through an assembly socket and a torque arm socket, and then links the implement to the central hydraulic system with hydraulic hoses leading to a hydraulic power manifold.

Abstract: A motorized wheelbarrow with an off-center pivoting Load bucket makes unloading the wheelbarrow easy and quick. The pivot point underneath the bucket is located between a center point of the bottom of the load bucket and a back end of the bucket defined as the end closest to the human operator. A latch holds the bucket in a normal position in which the same is horizontally disposed. Upon release of the latch, since the pivot of the bucket is off-center, gravity will force the bucket to pivot forward into a dumping position, thereby emptying the contents of the wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow is powered by an engine which further drives a generator, thereby providing electrical power at remote locations.

Abstract: The lightweight electric vehicle comprising two front wheels and a rear wheel comprises a high-strength load-bearing chassis comprising a base, sides and bulkheads as a safety cell for the driver. A separate lightweight plastics body forms an aerodynamic tear drop-shaped outer skin. Both the body width of about 1 m and the chassis width of about 60 cm are very narrow. This gives high travel performance, minimal weight, air resistance and energy consumption. In addition, increased overall safety, good road holding and a high degree of manoeuvrability are obtained.

Abstract: A reach forklift comprises: a forklift body; left and right straddle arms; a pair of load wheels supported in a steerable manner in the vicinity of front ends of the left and right straddle arms, respectively; driving means for steering the load wheels, the load wheels and the driving means being housed in the straddle arms; a drive wheel disposed in a rear portion of the forklift body; and a steering wheel for steering the drive wheel; steering angle detecting means for detecting steering angles of the left and right load wheels and the drive wheel.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a remotely-controlled golf caddie having a drive motor coupled to a steering assembly by a non-positive coupling. The non-positive coupling between the drive motor and the steering assembly allows the steering assembly to disengage from the drive motor when the caddie runs into an obstruction. Also, the steering mechanism uses a potentiometer assembly for allowing the caddie to center itself after receiving a command to turn left or right.

Abstract: In order to safely transport a building material to its mounting area of a building body and to temporarily hold the same until it is firmly mounted on the mounting area on the building site, according to the present invention, there is provided, an apparatus for transporting/mounting a building material including a self-propelled vehicle body provided with a steering/driving device, the vehicle body assuming a substantially L-shaped form constructed of an upright main body and a pair of lower frames which are parallelly spaced apart from each other and horizontally extend from opposite sides of a lower portion of the main body; an elevator unit movably mounted on a vertical side portion of the main body so as to be vertically movable along the vertical side portion of the main body; a first frame horizontally extending forward from a vertical side of the elevator unit, the first frame having its base end mounted on the elevator unit so as to be horizontally movable in a horizontal plane; a second frame slida

Abstract: An automatic lawn mower vehicle is of a tricycle construction having a forward drive-wheel assembly including a drive wheel and a drive-wheel motor, and having a trailing sulky connected at a sulky hitch end by a vertical hinge to the forward drive-wheel assembly. Steering is accomplished by a motor mounted to the drive-wheel assembly and through a gear reduction system connected to the sulky part of the vertical hinge. A plurality of grass cutters are mounted directly to the drive-wheel assembly for cutting in a horizontal plane however the vehicle may be turning. The outermost two cutters are equidistant from the drive wheel and are centered in the vertical plane of the drive-wheel axle. The grass cutting wake produced by this machine is always equally wide on both sides of any point in the path of the drive wheel, so that the predetermined drive-wheel path, e.g.

Abstract: An articulated drive system for an articulated motor vehicle having a motor and a steerable drive wheel on opposite sides of a pivot axis. The system comprises a drive belt connecting a drive pulley and a load pulley. Idler pulleys and a belt tensioning pulley are located within the circuit of the drive belt. The idler pulleys and belt tensioning device provide for self-centering of the steerable drive wheel when the pivoted vehicle is in a pivoted state.

Abstract: A modular power drive scooter, including as modular components a seat, a seat post, a mainframe, a trailer and at least one battery, is built in a manner allowing quick and easy disassembly of the scooter for compact storage. In assembled form, the seat post supports the seat and also serves as a lock pin which prevents separation of the mainframe from the trailer. The mainframe includes a front wheel, a tiller assembly for steering the scooter, and recesses for accommodating one or more batteries. The trailer includes a pair of rear wheels coupled to a differential which is driven by an electric motor, and a removable storage tray that provides access to the motor. A stem member extending from the trailer engages the mainframe in an overlapping relation whereby apertures in the stem member align with ports in the mainframe. The seat post is inserted into a selected port to determine the spacing of the seat from the tiller assembly.

Abstract: A working vehicle comprising a vehicle body having a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, at least the rear wheels being drivingly rotatable and steerable, a working machine provided at the front end of the vehicle body, and a steering wheel and a seat which are disposed in the vicinity of the front wheels at the front portion of the body. The rear wheels can be steered between a forwardly directed position and a laterally directed position about a vertical axis approximately at the midportion between the pair of front wheels. The vehicle can make a quick turn with a small radius without subjecting the operator to a great centrifugal force.

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle having three wheels consisting a front wheel and a pair of rear wheels and being capable of travelling along a track formed on a floor by a white line or aluminum foil while detecting the track by means of an optical type track sensor. The front wheel of this vehicle can be turned relative to a main body of the vehicle in response to a steering operation and can be locked in the lateral direction. The position of the pair of rear wheels can be symmetrically changed from a paralleled state to an orthogonal state relative to the center line of the main body to be maintained in these states, thereby enabling the main body to turn or laterally travel with radii of gyration determined in accordance with turning angles of the rear wheels relative to the main body on the basis of the relative turning and driving operations of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for varying the inflation pressure in the tires of a vehicle in order to obtain an operator selected tire deflection. The system includes a source of pressure which is fluidly connected through an inflation valve to the tires which, upon actuation, increases the tire pressure. Conversely, a deflation valve is also connected to the tire and, upon actuation, exhausts fluid from the tires thus decreasing the tire pressure. A pressure sensor detects the pressure representative of the pressure within the tires and a further sensor detects the vehicle load while a switch arrangement allows the operator to select between at least two different tire deflection levels. An electronic control unit receives input signals from the pressure and further sensors as well as from the switch arrangement and selectively actuates the inflation or deflation valves until a tire pressure corresponding to the desired tire deflection is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a three-wheels vehicle having at the front, the engine and two driving and steering wheels, having only one free-wheeling and non steering rear-wheel, having a snowmobile or motorcycle type of seat, and having protection elements on each side of the driver and passenger legs to protect them against side collisions. Such a lay-out presents an outstanding set of advantages: low purchasing and operating costs with the ease of driving and parking of motorcycles, excellent traction in snow supporting a comparison with snowmobiles, and usable all year long while being relatively safe as for automobiles.

Abstract: A concentric shaft mobile base for robots and the like is disclosed incorporating three wheels which can be simultaneously driven and steered so as to allow the mobile base to change direction without rotation of the mobile base. Concentric shafts transfer power from drive sources to the wheel assemblies and wheel axles. In an additional embodiment, each wheel is located on an extensible leg assembly which can be pivoted to project outwardly from the mobile base and thereby provide additional stability to the base. Concentric shafts are used in this embodiment to transfer steering and drive power to the wheel assemblies and wheels. Planetary gear assemblies are optionally associated with each extensible leg assembly so as to provide controlled retraction and extension of the leg assemblies without wheel slippage or pirouetting.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a three-wheels vehicle having two front driving and steering wheels, and an engine ahead of these two wheels to counterweight the driver and passenger sitting in tandem, in order to bring the vehicle-occupants center of gravity close to these two front wheels which are alone to limit roll-over danger in curves at high speeds. Such a lay-out presents an outstanding set of advantages: weight up front for safety in collisions, stability at high speeds, traction and steerability in mud, sand or snow; and still small for ease of driving and parking, low fuel consumption and pollution, and low purchasing and operating costs.

Abstract: A multiple wheel steering mechanism is disclosed, wherein a single front wheel by way of example is steerable directly and carries a sideways extending lever, connected by means of a rod to a lateral extension of an intermediate lever in the rear, the connection runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the intermediate lever and through steering rods and a lever mechanism is connected to individual journal mounts and bearing for the rear wheels, steering them in unison about separate vertical axes.

Abstract: A multi-speed friction drive suitable for propelling cycle vehicles comprises a drive frame attachable to the frame of the cycle, a drive motor mounted to the frame, a gear hub mounted to the drive frame and driven by the motor through a belt drive. A friction roller is formed on the outer shell of the gear hub, which is coupled to the belt drive through a shiftable gear arrangement internal to the gear hub. The cycle is propelled by frictional engagement of the roller with a cycle wheel.

Abstract: A mobile base for robots or other devices requiring a transport mechanism is disclosed incorporating a plurality of wheels which are simultaneously driven and steered by separate drive sources so as to allow the mobile base to change direction without rotation of the mobile base. In an additional embodiment, each wheel is located on an extensible leg assembly which can be rotated to project outwardly from the mobile base and thereby provide additional stability to the base. This adaptive, retractable leg synchro-drive mobile base uses a third drive source to perform the extension and retraction of the leg assemblies and provides that the wheels maintain their orientation while extension or retraction occurs while the mobile base is in translation and that the wheel orientation returns to its previous state if retraction or extension occurs while the base is not in translation.

Abstract: A three-wheeled motor vehicle has a vehicle body on which two front wheels and a single rear wheel are rotatably mounted. The vehicle body includes a front portion covering the two front wheels and having a wide and flat shape, and a rear portion having a driver's compartment and covering the rear wheel, the rear portion being narrower than the front portion and progressively higher in a rearward direction of the vehicle body. The front and rear portions of the vehicle body include slanted continuous side surfaces tapered toward a longitudinal axis of the vehicle body in the rearward direction thereof.