Abstract: A robot includes a range finding sensor that measures a distance from the robot to an object facing a display each time the range finding sensor rotates through a predetermined angle. If a difference between a first distance previously measured and a second distance subsequently measured is a first predetermined value or greater, information is stored in a memory to indicate that a down-step is located in a direction defined by a turning angle of the robot when the first distance is measured at a position that is separated from the robot by the first distance. When rotating and moving the main casing in a direction in which the down-step is located, the robot is caused to make a pivot turn first. Subsequently, the main casing is rotated to move in the direction in which the down-step is located by a distance smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: A self-propelled device can include at least a wireless interface, a housing, a propulsion mechanism, and a camera. Using the camera, the self-propelled device can generate a video feed and transmit the video feed to a controller device via the wireless interface. The self-propelled device can receive an input from the controller device indicating an object or location in the video feed. In response to the input, the self-propelled device can initiate an autonomous mode to autonomously operate the propulsion mechanism to propel the self-propelled device towards the object or location indicated in the video feed.

Abstract: A frame structure of a saddle riding type vehicle, the frame structure includes a main frame body configured to support the power unit and the front wheel suspension device; and a steering post configured to support a steering shaft at above of the main frame body, wherein the steering post includes a shaft holder configured to rotatably support the steering shaft, and a plurality of column members that extend downward from the shaft holder and that are fixed to the main frame body, and wherein the steering post is detachable with respect to the main frame body.

Abstract: A drive arrangement in a vehicle having front and rear ground engaging means and steering means, has a differential transmission, a differential lock, a planetary final drive on each side of the vehicle and a motor acting onto one member of the planetary final drives. The motor is controlled depending on the steering angle such, that it provides for a difference in the drive speed on the left and the right side.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling steering of an industrial vehicle includes a wheel angle detector, a travel determining device, and a control calculation device that calculates a wheel angle average and a maximum variation of wheel angle in the specified period and learns a reference steering limit angle. The control calculation device determines that the steerable wheel is in a steering limit state if an actual traveling speed is maintained at the specified speed or higher for the specified period of time or longer, the average wheel angle in the specified period of time is at a specified angle or greater, and the maximum variation of wheel angle in the specified period of time is at a specified value or less. The control calculation device renews the reference steering limit angle if the steerable wheel is determined to be in the steering limit state.

Abstract: A modular, environmentally friendly mobile fuel distribution station includes a fuel tank, a support structure having a plurality of legs for supporting an operation platform in an elevated position a predetermined distance above ground, an alternative power generation device, the alternative power generation device being one of a solar power generator and a wind power generator for providing primary power to the mobile fuel distribution station and a central platform operatively connected to at least two of the legs, the at least two of the legs bearing the weight of the central platform, wherein the fuel tank and the alternative power generation device are disposed on the operation platform.

Abstract: A pivoting axle system for an aerial lift vehicle includes a plurality of axles pivotally secured to the vehicle chassis at respective pivot points between a stowed position and a working position. Each axle is coupleable with a wheel assembly at distal ends thereof. Actuators are connected between the chassis and each of the plurality of axles, respectively, where the actuators are connected to the chassis at positions spaced from the pivot points, respectively. Additionally, each of the plurality of axles is independently controllable.

Abstract: A neighborhood electrical vehicle (NEV), including provisions for improved deceleration during regenerative braking, in which the vehicle momentum is converted to electrical energy stored in a capacitor bank. The capacitor bank includes alternate configurations for charging or discharging of the capacitors.

Abstract: A load and transport cart includes, under a loading platform, a triangular steering plate and, therebelow, a front part of a footboard, wherein the steering plate has a bore, an annular-segment shaped groove, an elongated hole and two opposing first ball heads. The first ball heads each lie in an articulated manner in a respective bearing at one end of a respective steering lever and, at the other end of each lever is a bearing for a respective further ball head of a respective triangular swinging fork on a stub axle of which a respective front wheel is rotatably mounted, wherein each of the swinging forks is rotatably mounted on the loading platform via pivot pins, and wherein the steering axis is located in front of an imaginary axis and can be deflected to the left or right by the steering angle of 45°.

Abstract: An electric vehicle which includes in-wheel motor driving devices and an independent-steering apparatus and is capable of making pivot turns within a minimum-required parking space, having a structure without a chassis and a part of the body protruding out of a minimum-required circular space necessary for the wheels to make pivot turning. In a case where the electric vehicle has four wheels including left and right front wheels and left and right rear wheels, an in-wheel motor driving device is incorporated only in the left and right front wheels, only in the left and right rear wheels, or in all of the wheels. An independent-steering apparatus serves for all of the wheels. A kingpin axis in each of the wheels makes an intersection with a road surface on a circle inboard of a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle travel assisting system has an area setting part for setting an area, in which weather information is acquired. The area setting part sets the area by using at least one of an attribute of a vehicle travel road, vehicle equipment for bad weather travel, and vehicle information such as a vehicle type and vehicle chassis lowest height. If the acquired weather information varies along a travel road of the vehicle, weather information is provided at earlier time according to the attribute of the travel road or unnecessary weather information is limited according to the equipment or the information of the vehicle.

Abstract: A powertrain module for a vehicle. The powertrain module comprises a support member. An energy source is disposed within the support member. A motor-driven wheel is rotatably attached to the support member and coupled to the energy source, and a tire is mounted to the motor-driven wheel. The powertrain module is configured to be attached as a unit to a corner portion of a vehicle to provide the vehicle with motive power.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention disclose a spherical walking robot, the spherical walking robot comprises a spherical coronal; a spherical housing which has a surface groove; a walking and transmission mechanism in the spherical housing; a lift and transmission mechanism; mechanical arms located in the surface groove, and the mechanical arm comprises a little arm and an upper arm connected the little arm by an elbow joint motor. The embodiments of the present invention also disclose a spherical walking robot, the spherical walking robot does not comprise the lift and transmission mechanism, but a fastness mechanism and a rotating mechanism rotatably connected with the fastness mechanism.

Abstract: An elongate spike configuration of air filter for an automotive vehicle includes a cowl arranged to extend parallel to the ram air flow about the vehicle and resulting from movement of the vehicle at speed. The cowl is rotational and is power driven in rotation during operation of the vehicle such as to smooth ram air flow, reducing turbulence and excessive ram air pressure so as to improve running smoothness of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: The height of the center of gravity of a stacker crane is determined in consideration of a height position of an elevation frame and the inertial force is determined from the travel acceleration and deceleration. Wheel pressures applied to front and rear drive wheels are determined based on the height of the center of gravity, the inertial force, and horizontal distances from the center of gravity to the front and rear drive wheels. Torques are allocated in proportion to the determined wheel pressures.

Abstract: An electric-motor three-wheeled vehicle includes a motor for applying a drive force to drive wheels, a motor control unit for controlling the motor, a secondary battery for storing electric power generated by a fuel cell, a rear body supporting a pair of left and right rear wheels and a connecting mechanism for connecting the rear body with a front body so as to tilt the front body while the rear wheels are in contact with the ground. The secondary battery is housed in the inside of a luggage carrier above the rear wheels. The motor and the motor control unit, including a motor driver and a main CPU, are mounted between the left and right rear wheels. The voltage converter increases or decreases the voltage of the electric power supplied from the fuel cell. The control drivers controls a supercharger of reaction gas and a electric pump of cooling water.

Abstract: Described is a vehicle for handicapped persons, thus persons who are limited in their mobility. They may be provided with a seat, but may also be used when standing. The vehicle includes a steerable front wheel and two rear wheels. The rear wheels are in each case individually held in a wheel suspension on a frame. Furthermore, a separately controllable steering drive is present for each rear wheel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to automotive technology, particularly relating to an all-wheel power train adaptable to a three-wheeled land vehicle. A hybrid light electric vehicle having three wheels is disclosed, comprising three wheels suspended from a land vehicle chassis; three electric motors, each of the electric motors drivingly coupled to the respective one of the three wheels; at least one rechargeable battery; a vehicle-mounted combustion-engine electric generator; and hybrid control means. A fighting military vehicle is disclosed based such a hybrid light electric vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manually powered drive assembly for a vehicle. A foot crank winds a helical torsion spring through a system of shafts and sprockets in a first direction. By releasing a brake applied to a wheel, or wheels, of the vehicle, the wound spring transfers a rotational movement from a spring shaft to a freewheel sprocket coaxially aligned with the axle supporting a wheel, so that the rotational movement upon the wheel assists a user in manually moving the vehicle. The drive assembly may be advantageously used with a wheelbarrow to assist in building up momentum for moving heavy loads.

Abstract: An articulated forklift truck for use in narrow aisles comprises a front chassis section (10) having a first pair of ground-engaging wheels (20) and a rear chassis section (12) having a second pair of ground-engaging wheels (22). The front chassis section (10) carries a mast (16) and lift forks (18) and is pivoted to the rear chassis section (12) about a substantially vertical axis (14) to allow the truck to be steered. Both front wheels (20) but only one of the rear wheels (22) are driven by electric of hydrostatic motors (24, 26).

Abstract: A movable robot includes a main body unit, and at least three wheel units connected with the main body unit. The wheel units have respective contact portions for contact with a floor surface. The contact portions are rotatable about respective axes. The main body unit moves along the floor surface as the contact portions rotate. Lines projected onto the floor surface and originating from the axes of rotation of the contact portions are spaced at substantially equal angular intervals. At most two of the axes are on a common plane. Each of the wheel units includes a motor base, a rotation drive motor supported on the motor base, a casing being rotatable relative to the motor base about related one of the axes and having related one of the contact portions, and a device for transmitting a rotational force generated by the rotation drive motor to the casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spring powered wheelbarrow with a manually powered drive assembly. A foot crank winds a spring through a system of shafts and sprockets in a first direction. By releasing a brake upon a front wheel of a wheelbarrow, the wound spring transfers a rotational movement from a spring shaft to a freewheel sprocket adjacent to the front wheel, the rotational movement upon the front wheel assisting a user in pushing the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: A motorized dump-type vehicle is provided having a chassis frame, an engine mounted on said frame, a dump container pivotally mounted on the front of said frame and a hydraulic system enabling said container to be raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder and said vehicle to be driven in either forward or reverse directions using its front wheels. Additionally, as needed, the vehicle can be switched into all-wheel-drive by hydraulically driving the vehicle's rear wheel(s) which are by default undriven.

Abstract: An articulated forklift truck for use in narrow aisles comprises a front chassis section 10 having a first pair of ground-engaging wheels 20 and a rear chassis section 12 having a second pair of ground-engaging wheels 22. The front chassis section 10 carries a mast 16 and lift forks 18 and is pivoted to the rear chassis section 12 about a substantially vertical axis 14 to allow the truck to be steered. All four wheels 20, 22 are driven individually by respective hydrostatic motors 24, 26.

Abstract: A motorized dump-type vehicle is provided having a chassis frame, an engine mounted on said frame, a dump container pivotally mounted on the front of said frame and a hydraulic system enabling said container to be raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder and said vehicle to be driven in either forward or reverse directions using its front wheels. Additionally, as needed, the vehicle can be switched into all-wheel-drive by hydraulically driving the vehicle's rear wheel(s) which are by default undriven.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a three-wheeled vehicle with drive assemblies including drive units having a single drive unit with two separate directly coupled drives and a pair of transverse drive units employing respectively separate directly coupled drives. There are hydraulic feed lines for parallel operation and for series operation, a secondary hydraulic feedline between the drive units and a secondary hydraulic feed line between the drive units and a hydraulic controller controls diverter valves for parallel and series operation. The hydraulic drive includes a steering system which senses out of line travel.

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: A drive controller for a hydraulic drive system, a three wheeled vehicle having a pair of transversely arranged in line of drive shaft assemblies and a single wheel drive shaft assembly each assembly including a drive unit having two separate drives and has for series operation secondary hydraulic feed lines between one of the drives of the single drive units and one of the drives of each transverse drive unit. A pressure release valve is provided in each secondary line which valve is fed through a non-return valve.

Abstract: A motorized dump-type vehicle is provided having a chassis frame, an engine mounted on said frame, a dump container pivotally mounted on the front of said frame and a hydraulic system enabling said container to be raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder and said vehicle to be driven in either forward or reverse directions using its front wheels. Additionally, as needed, the vehicle can be switched into all-wheel-drive by hydraulically driving the vehicle's rear wheel(s) which are by default undriven.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system incorporating a hydraulic pump for three wheeled vehicles such as “piggy back” forklifts in which there are at least two separate but linked drives forming one drive unit for each of the wheels and each drive has a separate input and output. Valving is provided to provide both parallel and series operation of the system for optimum torque, speed and anti skid operation. In one preferred way of carrying out the invention a single drive unit feeds one of the drives of each of the other drives. The hydraulic pump feeds the single drive unit and one of the drives of the other transverse drive units. By-pass diverter valves are fitted across the drives of the transverse drive units.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic drive system is provided for a vehicle having a plurality of ground engaging wheels which are each individually driven by a hydraulic motor to provide all wheel drive. The ground engaging wheels include a first pair of such wheels at or adjacent a first end of the vehicle and at least one other such wheel at or adjacent a second end of the vehicle. The hydraulic drive system includes a hydraulic flow circuit that connects the hydraulic motors for the wheel(s) at the second end of the vehicle in series to each other, to the fluid source, and to the drive motors for the wheels at the first end of the frame, which latter drive motors are connected in parallel to each other. Such a vehicle will provide superior traction ability as at least one wheel on each end of the vehicle must slip to bring the vehicle to a halt.

Abstract: A working vehicle comprises front wheels, steerable rear wheels steerable up to a minimum radius turning region lying in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, and a rear wheel control device for steering the rear wheels. A restraining device is provided for preventing the rear wheels from being steered to the minimum radius turning region by the rear wheel control device.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle capable of all directional movement over a floor surface and adapted to be guided along a path such as a semiconductor processing line. The vehicle is provided with at least three wheels having a construction enabling rotational movement in a rotational plane of the wheel and in a direction orthogonal thereto. When at least four wheels are provided, the vehicle is provided with a suspension mechanism for mounting the wheels and a mechanism for maintaining a parallel relationship of the suspension mechanism and a chassis of the vehicle so that slanting of the vehicle body during travel is avoided. Also, the vehicle is provided with a vibration preventing base interposed between the vehicle and a substance mounting base for controlling the proper vibration frequency of the vibration presenting base to be lower than 1/.sqroot.2 of the proper vibration frequency of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fork-lift truck supported by two front wheels and a rear wheel carried by a dolly assembly. The dolly assembly is pivoted for movement about a vertical axis and a rack and pinion unit is provided to control the pivoting for steering with the rear dolly wheel. Hub units are provided in each wheel that include a hydraulic motor and an axially aligned torque hub to obtain the desired traction for each wheel.

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: A system for avoiding obstacles in the path of a vehicle including a sensor assembly having a field of view with a plurality of sectors for detecting the distance of objects within each sector. The system further includes an element for identifying obstructed sensors in which objects are detected within a predetermined range and a device for selecting an unobstructed sector close in alignment to the direction of the path to designate around the object a clear path which is close to the original path.

Abstract: An omnidirectional wheelchair base 7 includes upper 10 and lower 20 flexible base plates held in spaced-apart alignment by a pair of front supports 14 and 16 and a rear support 18. A pair of front wheels 22 and 26 are provided, each mounted on the front supports 14 and 16, respectively, and each having an axis of rotation wherein the angle between the axes of rotations of each of the front wheels is less than 180.degree.. A rear wheel is mounted on the rear support and has an axis of rotation less than 180.degree. from each of the front wheels.

Abstract: An all-direction-changing mechanism and a driving power transmission mechanism combined together comprising a plurality of connecting rods radially extending from a connecting center, direction-changing cranks on the outer ends of the connecting rod controlling the direction of wheels mounted on the cranks, the ends of the connecting rods being connected with said direction-changing cranks by direction-changing crank pins, the connecting center being a center crank fastened to a steering mechanism mounted on a revolving vehicle body so that when the steering wheel is turned around for changing the vehicle's running direction, the connecting rods are also moved in parallel to one another, and as a result the vehicle body and all the wheels also change direction in the same angle.

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: A land vehicle for producing side-slip of the rear wheels while the front wheels determine a curved path of travel having a short radius comprises four driving wheels having a fixed orientation in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each wheel (1, 2) is associated with an individual electric motor. After detecting its angular position, the speed of the wheels is controlled in dependence on a reference value which is determined as a function of a desired path of travel. The ratio of maximum tangential force (T1 or T2) transmitted to the periphery of the wheel to weight (P1 or P2) transmitted to the ground by said wheel is lower than the usual coefficient of friction of the wheel with the ground in the case of the two front driving wheels (1) and higher than the usual coefficient of friction of the wheel with the ground in the case of the two other driving wheels (2) which are closer to each other than the front wheels (1).

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 motor vehicle having a pair of front drive wheels and a rear steerable drive wheel mounted on a main frame. A sub-frame secured to the main frame intermediate the front and rear drive wheels carries an internal combustion engine and a pump assembly. The pump assembly has a first pump operable to deliver fluid under pressure to fluid operated motors operably connected to the front drive wheels and a second pump operable to deliver fluid under pressure to a fluid operated motor operably connected to the rear drive wheel. The internal combustion engine and pump assembly are located below a seat and floor with both the engine and pump assembly positioned transversely of the main frame of the vehicle. The rear wheel is mounted on the frame for angular movement about a generally upright axis. A fluid operated double acting piston and cylinder assembly operates to angularly move the rear wheel about the upright axis to steer the vehicle.

Abstract: An offshore service vehicle of tricycle configuration employs three vertical legs to support a platform which remains above the water surface as the vehicle travels from a dry land station outwardly to service stations offshore such, for example, as a stationary tower or anchored barge. One of the legs at a forward location is rotatable for steering. Wheels at the bottoms of the legs are individually driven by motors in sealed housings immediately adjacent of the legs.

Abstract: A two row harvester running gear is of a tricycle type with all wheels being hydraulically driven and with a center rear wheel that is steerable and smaller than the two front wheels. The running gear configuration provides sharper turns in muddy fields without bulldozing, and space for side mounting pilers adjacent the front wheels and inboard of them to minimize the number and degree of changes of direction in cut cane travel. Closed loop and parallel connections of an hydraulic power system rotates all wheels for a common linear speed, and at torques relative to the size and positioning thereof for maximum traction.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a pair of front drive wheels and a rear steerable drive wheel mounted on a main frame. A sub-frame secured to the main frame intermediate the front and rear drive wheels carries an internal combustion engine and a pump assembly. The pump assembly has a first pump operable to deliver fluid under pressure to fluid operated motors operably connected to the front drive wheels and a second pump operable to deliver fluid under pressure to a fluid operated motor operably connected to the rear drive wheel. The internal combustion engine and pump assembly are located below a seat and floor with both the engine and pump assembly positioned transversely of the main frame of the vehicle. The rear wheel is mounted on the frame for angular movement about a generally upright axis. A fluid operated double acting piston and cylinder assembly operates to angularly move the rear wheel about the upright axis to steer the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid drive for a land motor vehicle having front and rear drive wheels. An internal combustion engine drives a pair of positive displacement pumps. A first pump is connected to hydraulic motors that drive the front wheels of the vehicle. A second pump is connected to a hydraulic motor that drives a rear steerable wheel of the vehicle. A manually operated control is used to adjust the speed and torque of the motors for the front wheels. A front and rear wheel drive equalizing control operates in response to differences in hydraulic fluid pressure supplied to the front and rear hydraulic motors to equalize the fluid pressure pumped to the front and rear hydraulic motors so as to maintain the torque and speed of the front and rear wheels substantially constant. A foot operated lever is used to operate the control for the first pump for changing the supply of fluid pressure to the front wheel motors.

Abstract: A safety automobile is reduced in width compared to conventional vehicles and tapers forwardly to nearly a point to minimize head-on collision danger and provide lateral deflection of the vehicle to left or right on striking an obstruction. A dual power system is provided for maximum economy. A rear wheel electric drive is used for short range in-town operation and a front wheel internal combustion engine drive is employed for long range travel. The two drives are independent and can be employed simultaneously in heavy weather or in off-road situations.

Abstract: A drive arrangement in the chassis of an electrically powered mobile machine such as a fork lift or the like having a steerable wheel assembly at one end of the chassis and a non-steerable wheel assembly at the opposite chassis end wherein each wheel includes coupling means for connection to a driving motor and one or more driving motors may be selectively mounted in the chassis to selectively drive one, two, several or all wheels of the vehicle as may be desired.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle provided with three individually driven wheels rotatable on horizontal axes. The wheels are disposed at the corners of a triangle. The periphery of each wheel is defined by a plurality of rollers rotatable on respective axes which are each at an angle to the axis of the respective wheel. The axes of three rollers, one for each wheel, when each such roller is in its lowermost position, form a triangle. Each roller axis may be at right angles or perpendicular to, or at 45 degrees to, or at some other acute angle to the respective wheel axis, and the triangle may be an equilateral triangle in a typical embodiment of the invention.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, no two of the wheel axes are aligned or parallel to each other. In a typical construction, the wheels are at the corners of an equilateral triangle and the wheel axes intersect at the center of this triangle.

Abstract: A self-compensating brake system for a mowing machine of the type having a body movably supported by a plurality of rotatable drive wheels. The brake system includes a brake shaft which is rotatably journaled in the body and which is free-floating along a transverse axis. Each end of the brake shaft is connected to a mechanically actuated brake assembly on each of at least two opposed drive wheels by means of a brake rod. Each of the brake rods extend at an oblique angle relative to the transverse axis of the brake shaft. This orientation will move the brake shaft transversely in the body as the brake shaft is rotated by a brake pedal until the braking forces on each of the brake rods are equal, thereby assuring equal and even braking of the opposed drive wheels. The brake shaft also serves as the mounting structure for a traction pedal and for a steering transfer assembly.