Abstract: A fifth wheel support assembly having a frame with plural floor engaging wheels mounted thereon. A housing configured for movement relative to the frame is provided as is a spring mechanism oriented between the frame and the housing so as to continually urge the housing toward the floor. An auxiliary wheel is mounted for rotation on an axle secured to the housing. A drive motor mechanism is provided and is fastened between the frame and the housing to effect a raising and a lowering of the housing and the auxiliary wheel mounted thereon.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for both flotational and oscillatory movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The middle axle is restrained longitudinally by support links that are pivotally connected to the frame at a location that is forward of the rear drive axle. The middle axle is formed by a pair of stub axles interconnected by a support beam that is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the bogey beam. Vertical movement of the middle axle support wheels results in a corresponding vertical movement of the rearward end of the bogey beam and a rotation of the support beam about its pivotal connection on the bogey beam. The oscillatory movement is accomplished by a pivotal connection via a ball joint between a central support bracket mounting the transverse support beam to the longitudinally extending bogey beam.

Abstract: The vehicle is provided with a loading platform (5) behind the driver's position, and with longitudinal structures which may be raised and retracted, on which are provided a number of rollers (8) with horizontal, parallel shafts which are transverse to the vehicle, on which loads may slide when these rollers are raised. It is also provided with a pair of multi-purpose plates (11), which when not needed are placed in the rear, lower area of the vehicle or behind the roll bar, and which may be coupled to either of the vehicle's sides or to its rear, so that they rest on the ground and provide loading and unloading ramps, while when they are placed on top of the platform they can increase its useful surface, or a lateral wall, depending on the position of these plates. In the center of the loading platform is also provided a large receptacle (16), closed by a pair of doors which have padding (27) on their inner surface, thereby providing seats for when persons must be carried.

Abstract: A wheeled platform 100 is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility and reliability, and which can be used in a wide range of applications including transport and robotic devices. The wheeled platform 100 has fore and aft body portions 130, 132, each body portion 130, 132 having first and second sides 106, 108. Overlapping wheels 112, 114, 116, 118 are rotatably attached to the first side 106 and overlapping wheels 120, 122, 124, 126 are rotatably attached to the second side 108. The fore body portion 130 can be connected to the aft body portion 132 via an articulation element 133.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for omnidirectional and holonomic motion control of a vehicle. The drive mechanism may be used in a wide variety of applications where omnidirectional vehicles are advantageous, such as forklifts, aircraft maintenance platforms, robotic systems, wheelchairs, and recreational vehicles. The drive mechanism includes at least one wheel assembly rotatably coupled to a vehicle chassis, the wheel assembly including at least two wheels coupled to a wheel assembly chassis. The drive mechanism further includes a wheel constraint module configured to control the orientation of the wheels and a power module configured to rotate the wheel assembly. Vehicle motion may be controlled by actuation of the wheel constraint and power modules.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a bogey beam on which are mounted the steering axle at the forward end of the bogey beam and the middle axle on the rearward end of the bogey beam. A rear drive axle is supported by the frame of the utility vehicle. The bogey beam is connected to the frame by a pivot assembly defining a transverse pivot axis about which the bogey beam can oscillate. The weight transferred to the bogey beam is proportionately distributed between the front steering axle and middle axle. As a result, the steering characteristics of the steering axle are not impaired by the imposition of a load in the load bed of the utility vehicle, as the middle axle cannot be loaded sufficiently to overpower the front steering axle. The middle axle is rotatably driven by a chain drive transferring rotational power from the rear drive axle.

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

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a bogey beam on which are mounted the steering axle at the forward end of the bogey beam and the middle axle on the rearward end of the bogey beam. A rear drive axle is supported by the frame of the utility vehicle. The bogey beam is connected to the frame by a pivot assembly defining a transverse pivot axis about which the bogey beam can oscillate. The weight transferred to the bogey beam is proportionately distributed between the front steering axle and middle axle. As a result, the steering characteristics of the steering axle are not impaired by the imposition of a load in the load bed of the utility vehicle, as the middle axle cannot be loaded sufficiently to overpower the front steering axle. The middle axle is rotatably driven by the rear drive axle.

Abstract: A caster assembly is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a rear of skid steer loader. The skid steer loader has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels and a hydraulic system for driving at least the front wheels. The skid steer loader has an auxiliary hydraulic system. The caster assembly includes at least one caster mounted for rolling and swiveling motion and at least one actuator constructed and arranged to be connected with the auxiliary hydraulic system to cause movement of the caster with respect to the skid steer loader from an inoperative position, wherein the front and rear wheels are in a ground engaging position with the caster in a position so as not to engage the ground, to an operative position, wherein the caster and the front wheels are in a ground engaging position and the rear wheels are in a position so as not to engage the ground.

Abstract: A vehicle including a load frame, a drive assembly, and a pivot link assembly. The load frame includes castor wheels to rollingly support the load frame on a support surface. The drive assembly includes a drive frame, a drive wheel, and a rigid castor wheel wherein the drive wheel and rigid castor wheel are each mounted to the drive frame. The pivot link assembly couples the drive frame to the load frame and permits the drive frame to move vertically and angularly relative to the load frame.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for flotational movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The middle axle is restrained longitudinally by support links that are pivotally connected at a location forward of the rear drive axle. The middle axle is formed by a pair of stub axles interconnected by a support beam that is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the bogey beam. Vertical movement of the middle axle support wheels results in a corresponding vertical movement of the rearward end of the bogey beam and a rotation of the support beam about its pivotal connection on the bogey beam. The configuration of the support links provides sufficient slack in the drive mechanism to the middle axle during flotational movement thereof so as to allow a slight twisting of the drive mechanism during oscillation of the middle axle.

Abstract: A six wheeled off-road utility vehicle includes a frame upon which is mounted an engine for use in providing locomotive power to drive the vehicle. A steering wheel is also connected to a steering system for use in providing steering for the ground engaging wheels. Turning the steering wheel rotates a steering column rod about a longitudinal axis and rotates a pinion gear. The first and second front ground engaging wheels are connected to a first axle and first and second rear ground engaging wheels are connected to the second axle. A mechanical linkage is operatively connected between the first and second front ground engaging wheels and the first and second rear ground engaging wheels. The mechanical linkage is engaged in a first linkage direction, the first and second front ground engaging wheels pivot in a first steering direction, and the first and second rear ground engaging wheels pivot in a second steering direction.

Abstract: A variable engagement mechanism for a dual wheel assembly is provided. The mechanism includes a spindle having a drive axle defining a rotational axis. A first wheel hub is supported on the spindle and coupled to the drive axle for being rotatably driven about the rotational axis. A second wheel hub is arranged adjacent to the first wheel hub and is rotatable relative to the first wheel hub about the rotational axis. Friction members are provided between the first and second wheel hub. An actuator forces the friction members into engagement with one another to permit transfer of torque between the wheel hubs. The actuator may be operator controlled or integrated with a braking or other vehicle control system. In this manner, the first and second wheel hub may be selectively locked together for increased traction and/or braking. A differential assembly may be used between the first and second wheel hubs so that both wheels may be driven at all times while being permitted to rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type requiring traversal over rough terrain, it is oftentimes beneficial to provide a work machine with parts requiring little or no maintenance. The present invention provides a work machine having a chassis and at least one mounting member attached to the chassis. At least one elongate member has a first end which is rotatably coupled to the mounting member. A self-lubricating member is situated between the first end and the mounting member.

Abstract: An under-cart type guided tractor comprising a frame provided with a driving unit including driving wheels on the underside thereof, the guided tractor being adapted to travel guided by a guide signal sent out from a guide element, such as a magnetic tape laid along a traveling path on a floor surface, and to draw a cart provided with free wheels and loaded with goods, with the guided tractor located under a load-carrying platform of the cart. The frame of the guided tractor has a height that allows the guided tractor to move under the frame of the cart, and a structure that does not allow the vertical load of the cart to act on the guided tractor. The frame of the guided tractor comprises at least two separate frame components that are arranged in line with the travelling direction of the guided tractor and joined by a pin in a manner such that the frame components are allowed to take an upward or downward bent formation.

Abstract: A caster assembly is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a rear of skid steer loader. The skid steer loader has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels and a hydraulic system for driving at least the front wheels. The skid steer loader has an auxiliary hydraulic system. The caster assembly includes at least one caster mounted for rolling and swiveling motion and at least one actuator constructed and arranged to be connected with the auxiliary hydraulic system to cause movement of the caster with respect to the skid steer loader from an inoperative position, wherein the front and rear wheels are in a ground engaging position with the caster in a position so as not to engage the ground, to an operative position, wherein the caster and the front wheels are in a ground engaging position and the rear wheels are in a position so as not to engage the ground.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle such as a truck trailer. Wheels of the suspension system are attached to stub axles supported by pivoting trailing arm wheel supports. The wheel supports are arranged on a sub-frame which can be slidingly coupled to the underneath of the trailer. Each wheel support is urged apart from the sub-frame by a spring such as an air spring. In one embodiment the air springs are pressurized under the control of an electronic controller. The rotational axes of the wheels are staggered or spaced apart, such that the rotational axes of the wheels on one side of the sub-frame are not coincident with the rotational axes of the wheels on the other side of the sub-frame.

Abstract: An under-cart type guided tractor comprising a frame provided with a driving unit including driving wheels on the underside thereof, the guided tractor being adapted to travel guided by a guide signal sent out from a guide element, such as a magnetic tape laid along a traveling path on a floor surface, and to draw a cart provided with free wheels and loaded with goods, with the guided tractor located under a load-carrying platform of the cart.

Abstract: A front transaxle device provided to a multi-wheel-driving vehicle comprises an input shaft for receiving power, a pair of left and right front axles supported in the front transaxle device, a differential connecting the left and right front axles differentially, a pinion shaft, a clutch device which engages the pinion shaft with the input shaft and disengages, a rotary object which intervenes between the differential and the pinion shaft, and a brake device which brakes the rotary object. The brake device comprises a piston which can be moved hydraulically, friction objects which engage with each other by the force of the piston, and a mechanism which acts so as to make a constant stroke of the piston from a position when the piston starts moving to a position when the friction objects start engaging with each other regardless of abrasive reduction of the friction objects.

Abstract: A wheeled platform (100) is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility and reliability, and which can be used in a wide range of applications including transport and robotic devices. The platform has fore and aft body portions (130, 132), each body portion with first and second side portions (103, 104). Overlapping wheels (112, 114, 116, 118) are rotatably attached to the port-side portion (106) and overlapping wheels (120, 122, 124, 126) are rotatably attached to the starboard-side portions. The fore body portion (130) can be connected to the aft body portion (132) via an articulation element (133).

Abstract: A wheeled support structure reversibly deployable from a stowed condition on the bed of a trailer to aid in rolling support of a load thereupon is provided. The support structure includes a frame, pivotable through a range of motion exceeding 90 degrees and having forward and rearward portions, and an actuator assembly capable of reversibly deploying the frame from a stowed condition on the bed of the trailer. The rearward frame portion includes a tag axle assembly and means for limiting energy transfer from the tag axle assembly to the frame as when the wheeled support structure is deployed to aid in rolling support of a load being hauled by the trailer. The actuator assembly cooperatively links the trailer to the forward portion of the frame.

Abstract: A launch vehicle for boats or other small watercraft which includes a partially submersible frame movably mounted on wheels. The wheels are provided with all-terrain type tires which enable the frame to move over rocks and uneven ground or lake beds, without becoming bogged down in muck or lake bed sediments. The frame supports a boat bunk configured to engagingly support the bottom sides of a boat hull thereon during its transportation and storage, as well as a walkway adapted to assume a generally horizontal orientation so as to enable a user to stand or rest thereon. The walkway has a lateral width of at least one foot, and extends substantially the longitudinal length of the boat launch vehicle. When horizontal, the walkway is positioned vertically spaced above the bunk at a location selected to locate above the lake surface of the lake when the bunk is sufficiently submerged to enable the boat to be floated free from or positioned over the bunk.

Abstract: The invention provides a mid-wheel drive wheelchair assembly (10) which includes a central base frame (11), a seat frame (12) removably attached to the base frame (11), a pair of transversely spaced leading pivot arms (13, 14) pivotally attached to opposite sides of the base frame respectively for pivotal movement about a common transverse pivot axis (17), a pair of ground engaging mid-drive wheels (19, 20) each mounted adjacent the trailing end of a respective side pivot arm (13, 14), a pair of ground engaging front castor wheels (21, 22) rotatably mounted at the leading ends of the pivot arms (13, 14), and a pair of ground engage rear castor wheels (23, 24) rotatably mounted at opposite ends of a rigid transverse port arm (25) which itself is pivotally mounted to the rear of the base frame (11) centrally thereof.

Abstract: A cargo transfer carrier for use in the unloading of break bulk goods. The cargo carrier has a plurality of longitudinal frame members connected by a plurality of cross members with decking affixed thereto to form a horizontal carrier bed. The bed is of sufficient size to accommodate the placement of at least ten, but preferably 14 sling loads of break bulk goods thereon with the allowance for a perimeter work area. A gooseneck portion with a tractor attachment is supported by a first end of the bed and a plurality of wheel assemblies having solid tires are mounted at the opposite end of the bed.

Abstract: A wind-powered system for generating electricity in a vehicle or other power consumption unit generally having a multi-stage impeller system for driving an electric generator/alternator, an improved air channel, and an improved start-up/back-up air compressor. The multi-stage impeller system includes high-speed impellers and low-speed impellers for efficient energy conversion throughout the entire range of a vehicle's operating speeds or forward motion. The improved start-up/back-up air compressor discharges air directly to the multi-stage impellers, abolishing the need for heavy air accumulators. The improved air channel includes a specially formed air scoop/vortex, a wind tube/tunnel and a heating element to increase the velocity of the air passing therethrough.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle is provided with a chassis formed at least in part of molded plastic, a seat mounted to the chassis and configured to accommodate a driver, and first and second driven wheels mounted to the chassis on opposite sides of the seat. The wheels are coaxially rotatable in a first plane and a second plane, wherein the wheel planes are substantially parallel to one another. A motive power source for the wheels, including a battery and two electric motors is mounted to the chassis and is operable to drive each wheel selectively in a forward direction or a reverse direction under control of a foot-pedal power/braking switch and two armrest-mounted joysticks.

Abstract: A structure for installing a shock absorber for a rear suspension in a solar automobile is disclosed. The coupling portion between the rear suspension and the frame of the automobile is improved for its rigidity and duration, thereby improving the running safety of the automobile. The solar automobile includes a front watching frame 100, an upper cowl assembly 200 with the front watching frame coupled thereto, a frame assembly 300 coupled to a bottom of the upper cowl assembly, for bearing most loads imposed from a rear wheel and a rear trailing arm through a shock absorber, and an under body assembly 400 installed beneath the upper cowl assembly and the frame assembly. The structure for installing the shock absorber includes brackets 361 and 362 fastened by means of bolts 360 on both sides of a lower portion of a frame 310 of the frame assembly. A first link 363 is pivotally installed on the bracket and hinge-coupled to a second link 364, the rear wheel 350 being installed on the second link.

Abstract: The lawn and garden tractor has independent electric motors for both driven wheels. The motors are combined with reduction gearboxes, and the wheel is mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox. There is no mechanical axle connection. The power to the motors is controlled by an automatic controller as to wheel speed, power being increased/decreased in accordance with whether the wheels are under-running or over-running relative to manually-controlled speed setting. Steering is controlled by potentiometer on a mechanical steering wheel, or by joy-stick control. The joystick may be on the tractor, or remote. The drive system is suitable also for four-wheel drive.

Abstract: The drive system for a motor vehicle having a front axle and a plurality of rear axles, which are driven or can be driven, consists of a central differential, an inter-axle differential, following the central differential in the direction of the power flow, between the front axle and a first rear axle, and a drive for two further rear axles, and axle differentials in each of the axles. In order to have as short and inexpensive a construction as possible and in order to use as few connecting shafts as possible, the central differential is constructionally combined with the inter-axle differential between front axle and first rear axle and with the axle differential of the first rear axle, and the central differential is arranged behind and the inter-axle differential is arranged in front of the axle differential.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound cruise control system for solar cars including a signal output portion for detecting and generating signals regarding vehicle speed, power consumption, and cruise control selection of an operating vehicle; a control portion for controlling the general operation of the vehicle according to the generated signals and established map data; a power generating portion for generating drive electric energy; and a drive portion for processing drive energy of the power generating portion and making adjustments of vehicle operation according to signals from the control portion.

Abstract: A transport vehicle for large, heavy loads includes a number of modules coupled one behind the other, each with a loading platform which can be moved by sets of wheels and a drive for conveying the transport vehicle. The width of the modules corresponds to half the width of an ISO container (approx. 1215 mm) and the modules can also be coupled next to one another. This has the considerable advantage that the maximum track width is no longer limited by the width of the modules. As a result, the transport vehicle for large, heavy loads can be given any desired width without the modules becoming too large to handle.

Abstract: A highway generator (10) for a motor vehicle (12) comprising a generator unit (14) to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. A structure (16) is for connecting the generator unit (14) to a rear portion of an undercarriage (18) of the motor vehicle (12). A wheel assembly (20) is coupled to the connecting structure (16), so that the wheel assembly (20) can rotate upon a road (22) that the motor vehicle (12) travels upon. A facility (24) extends between the generator unit (14) and the wheel assembly (20), for operating the generator unit (14) by the rotation of the wheel assembly (20) upon the road (22). The generator unit (14) can supply electricity to various electrical components within the motor vehicle (12).

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a pair of rails disposed in spaced relationship relative to each other and defining a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a pair of axles disposed spaced from one another and extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis with each of the pair of axles including a pair of wheels operatively mounted thereto for rolling engagement with a surface, an internal combustion engine mounted for driving engagement of one of the pair of wheels through one of the axles and an electric motor mounted for driving engagement of the other pair of wheels through the other axle, and a set of batteries disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor for providing an electrical power source to the electric motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power assist anti-tip wheel system for invalid carriage including at least one connecting support, at least one assist anti-tip wheel, and at least one power driving means. The connecting support is fixedly or detachably connected at one end to a front or a rear side of the invalid carriage. The anti-tip wheel is associated with the connecting support so that it is located in front of or behind the invalid carriage. The power driving means is also associated with the connecting support to drive the anti-tip wheel to rotate when the invalid carriage travels onto a slope or passes a recess or a bulge on a road surface and two drive wheels thereof become suspended and idling. The power driving means can be automatically actuated via a sensing circuit or be manually actuated via a push button.

Abstract: An electric, three-wheeled motor scooter is described which can derive its motive energy either from a solar-electric array on the vehicle or an independent source of electric power. The vehicle has a unique suspension which permits limited lateral rotation of the forward portion of the vehicle relative to the rear portion, and thereby, facilitates handling and ease of use. Speed and acceleration are controlled through a modulated pulse width controller which supplies pulses of electrical energy to the DC motor in response to throttle commands.

Abstract: A multi-terrain amphibious vehicle adapted for travel across surfaces of various type and attributes is provided. The vehicle includes a chassis assembly (10) which extends in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of propulsion members rotatably coupled to that chassis assembly for propelling the vehicle across a given surface; and, a control mechanism for controlling the rotational velocities and phases of the propulsion members. The propulsion members each rotate about an axis that extends in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal direction. Each propulsion member includes, for engaging the given surface, at least a first perimeter segment and a second perimeter segment coaxially disposed in angularly offset manner about its rotation axis. The first perimeter segment has an arcuate contour and extends radially farther from the rotation axis than does the second perimeter segment.

Abstract: A robotic assembly (20) is provided which is adapted to traverse the surface of a member (138) for inspection and/or work on or about the surface of the member (138). The preferred assembly (20) includes two or more robots (10a-10c) spaced about the body (138) with a tether assembly (140) interconnecting the robots (10a-10c) in order to hold the latter in tractive engagement with the surface of the body (138). Each of the robots (10a-10c) includes rotatable traction wheel assemblies (16) which are independently controllable through respective drive motors (86), as well as independently controllable takeup reels (98) for adjusting the tension of the tether assembly (140). Each robot (10a-10c) preferably includes an elongated body (12) having four corner-mounted wheel assemblies (16) pivotally secured thereto, and a carriage (14) pivotally coupled to the body for pivoting thereof independently of the wheel assemblies (16) and about an axis transverse to the wheel assembly pivot axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support arrangement for a divided articulated shaft in a vehicle comprising at least one driving axle (2) and at least one non-driving supporting axle (1), in which arrangement the articulated shaft (11) passes through the non-driving axle (1) and is supported near it to substantially follow the vertical movements of the non-driving axle (1), this axle being in turn supported from its middle to the frame (5) of the vehicle by means of an axle supporting unit (4). In order to avoid the lateral shifts and torsions of the articulated shaft (11), the shaft is supported onto said supporting unit (4) in the middle of the axle.

Abstract: A running body which can run at least forward or rearward includes a power source; a vehicle body including three vehicle body structural elements which are foldably connected to one another in series through axles, and a gear mechanism for driving wheels by the power source. The wheels are attached to the axles and other axles disposed on fore and rear portions of the vehicle body. At least one of the wheels is driven at a speed different from the others. A motor may be used as the power source and remote control for controlling the rotation of the motor may be also used, in order to give a variations of the figure of the running body.

Abstract: The lawn end garden tractor has independent electric motors for both driven wheels. The motors are combined with reduction gearboxes, and the wheel is mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox. There is no mechanical axle connection. The power to the motors is controlled by an automatic controller as to wheel speed, power being increased/decreased in accordance with whether the wheels are under-running or overrunning relative to manually-controlled speed setting. Steering is controlled by potentiometer on a mechanical steering wheel or by joystick control. The joystick may be on the tractor, or remote. The drive system is suitable also for four-wheel drive.

Abstract: A vehicle-top solar-power generator has a Photovoltaic frame (2) with mounting brackets (3) that are positioned on a top (4) of a vehicle (5) with a cooling space between the top of the vehicle and the photovoltaic frame. At least one and preferably a plurality of Photovoltaic panels (1) are positioned in the Photovoltaic frame and covered with a light-transmittable material (28) such as plexiglass or a screen of suitable material. Direct current generated from the Photovoltaic panels is transmitted to a primary battery (6), to a secondary battery (7), to AC electrical items (13) and to DC electrical items (14). Power generated in excess of needs for the vehicle is inverted to alternating current for electrical items in such structures (15) as a home, workplace, recreational vehicle, boat or other structure near the vehicle. A cooling fan (12) powered by current from the Photovoltaic panels is used to cool the Photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: In an automobile having a primary engine fueled by a primary source of fossil fuel energy, the primary engine and an auxiliary motor device are drivably connected to one or more ground engagement wheels of the automobile. A solar energy collecting device is mounted on the automobile for exposure to solar energy, and has an energy supply mechanism that routes energy collected by the solar energy collecting device to the auxiliary motor device. A control mechanism operates so that either energy is routed from the energy supply device to the auxiliary motor device, or energy is prevented from being routed to the auxiliary motor device.

Abstract: A vehicle toy has two lateral sides, front and rear ends, an outer perimeter extending around the front and rear ends between the lateral sides, and three pairs of wheels, each pair having a common rotational axis. The wheels of each wheel pair are opposed to one another on the lateral sides. The wheels on each lateral side of the vehicle are arranged in a polygon at the outer perimeter, extending around the front and rear ends between the lateral sides such that adjoining pairs of the wheels define planes which are mutually transverse to one another and which entirely circumscribe the outer perimeter of the vehicle. Two wheel pairs are located proximal the rear end, with one of the two wheel pairs being oriented above the other, and the third wheel pair is located proximal the front end, so that the transverse planes form a triangle. The vehicle is driven by twin electric motors which are radio controlled for remote, independent and separate operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a goods-handling cart having chassis provided with a drive and steer wheel together with two swivelling stabilizing wheels, and at least one spring-effect element which acts on both of the stabilizing wheels via a mechanism that transmits a downwardly-directed vertical force to the stabilizing wheels, the mechanism is not attached to the wheels but merely bears thereagainst via simple contact surfaces engaging respective mounting elements for mounting the wheels in such a manner that the mechanism is free to move away from one or other of the mounting elements in a direction opposite to the direction in which the spring-effect element acts; retaining mechanism being associated with each wheel to limit displacement thereof in a downwards direction relative to the chassis.

Abstract: An adjustable lounge is adapted to be knocked-down in kit-form for shipping and/or storage purposes and expeditiously assembled on-site. The knocked-down-lounge comprises a base frame having a sub-frame and a pair of base side panels adapted for attachment to lateral sides of the sub-frame. A canopy frame comprises a pair of canopy side panels and a plurality of cross-struts adapted for attachment between the canopy side panels. The canopy frame is adapted to be pivotally mounted on the base frame to permit the canopy frame to be moved by user-controlled actuating means through an infinite number of positions between a normal upright position and a lowered position, placing the back of the canopy frame in at least general horizontal alignment with the top of the base frame. The lounge is adapted for selective rotation in a circular path about a vertically disposed axis whereby the frontal side of the canopy can be moved to a selected rotative position for sunning and/or viewing purposes.

Abstract: In an automatic carrier having a body and a wheel base rotatably mounted on the body, a driving wheel is fixed to the body and a driven wheel is fixed to the wheel base. The direction of the driven wheel can be changed. A lifting mechanism is provided to lift the wheel base, i.e., the driven wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle which goes up and down stairs includes a vehicle body 101, front and rear wheels 102 and 103 provided at the front and rear of the vehicle body 101, respectively, front and rear auxiliary wheels 105 and 107 for lifting up or down the front and rear wheels 102 and 103 by one step of stairs, respectively, a driving unit for driving each wheel, a pivoting unit for pivoting the front and rear auxiliary wheels 105 and 107, sensors 121 to 124 for detecting a riser portion of stairs, and a control unit 120 for controlling the driving unit and the rotating unit in accordance with results of the sensors 121 to 124. Since the vehicle goes up and down stairs by rotation of the auxiliary wheels 105 and 107, a corner portion of the step of stairs is not damaged while the vehicle goes up and down stairs.

Abstract: A multi-degree-of-freedom vehicle employs a compliant linkage to accommodate the need for a variation in the distance between drive wheels or drive systems which are independently steerable and drivable. The subject vehicle is provided with rotary encodes to provide signals representative of the orientation of the steering pivot associated with each such drive wheel or system, and a linear encoder which issues a signal representative of the fluctuations in the distance between the drive elements. The wheels of the vehicle are steered and driven in response to the linear encoder signal, there being provided a controller system for minimizing the fluctuations in the distance. The controller system is a software implementation of a plurality of controllers, operating at the chassis level and at the vehicle level. A trajectory interpolator receives x-displacement, y-displacement, and .theta.

Abstract: A radio-control toy vehicle is provided with six nonsteerable wheels, three on each lateral side of the vehicle. At least the center wheel on each lateral side is drivingly coupled with a separate, reversible motor. The vehicle is steered by controlling the operation and direction of each motor. The wheels are arranged and the vehicle statically balanced such that the vehicle is supported by the center pair of wheels and one of the two remaining front and rear pairs of wheels, preferably the rear pair of wheels, when the vehicle is stationary on a level, horizontal surface.

Abstract: A gas-powered engine assembly is mounted on a carriage supported over the rear tire of a conventional bicycle. The assembly includes a small internal combustion engine supported on the carriage and a driven polyurethane friction wheel for propelling the rear bicycle tire. The assembly includes a compression spring within the carriage tending to move the carriage and engine drive wheel out of engagement with the bicycle rear tire, and a cable and clutch arrangement for lowering the drive wheel into engagement with the bicycle rear tire. A horizontally moveable strut associated with the carriage is selectively manipulated by a manually operated clutch control, whereby the engine drive wheel is moved from an operative to a non-operative position. The output engine drive arrangement includes a multiple tooth cog located within a pocket formed in the drive wheel, for providing a flexible drive mechanism for accommodating possible defects such as a slightly out of round and/or unbalanced tire and the like.