Abstract: The drive system for wind turbine with contra-rotating generator includes various embodiments of belt drive pulley systems for a direct drive contra-rotating wind generator. The generator has a magnetic rotor and an armature mounted on a shaft configured to rotate in the opposite direction from the magnetic rotor. In some embodiments, a belt extends across two pairs of coaxially mounted idler pulleys between a pulley on the magnetic rotor shaft and a pulley on the armature shaft. In other embodiments, the pulleys on the magnetic rotor and armature shafts are double sheave pulleys, and a first belt extends across one or two coaxial pair(s) of idler pulleys between an inner and outer sheave, and a second belt extends across one or two coaxial pair(s) of idler pulleys between an inner and outer sheave. Either the magnetic rotor or the armature shaft or both are coupled to a wind turbine rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled electric mower. The self-propelled electric mower comprises a cutter arranged on the machine body (1), an electric motor for driving the cutter to operate, and road wheels (2) arranged on the machine body. A driving device (3) for driving the machine body to walk is arranged on the machine body and comprises a transmission system (4) for driving the road wheels to move and a power source (5) for driving the transmission system to work. The transmission system comprises belt transmissions (4-1) connected with the power source, external gear transmissions (4-2) connected with the belt transmissions, and internal gear transmissions (4-3) connected with the external gear transmissions and in meshing connection with the road wheels.

Abstract: An axle carrier assembly is provided for a vehicle. The axle carrier assembly includes an axle carrier, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and an actuator. The axle carrier is configured to rotatably support an axle. The first cylinder is rotatably supported by the axle carrier such that the first cylinder is rotatable about a first axis. The first cylinder is configured to support a vehicular swing member. The second cylinder is rotatably supported by the axle carrier such that the second cylinder is rotatable about a second axis. The second cylinder is configured to support a vehicular swing member. The actuator is associated with each of the first and second cylinders. The actuator is configured to substantially simultaneously rotate the first cylinder and the second cylinder with respect to the axle carrier.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for an all-terrain vehicle having a chassis and at least three wheels. Two trailing arms are pivotally connected to a chassis. Each of the trailing arms includes a drive shaft bearing. A CV joint pivot arm is pivotally connected to the chassis. A CV joint housing is connected to the CV joint pivot arm. The CV joint housing includes a CV joint bearing. A CV joint is housed inside the CV joint housing and is supported by the CV joint bearing. A drive shaft extends through the CV joint and is rigidly connected to the CV joint. The drive shaft is further supported by each of the drive shaft bearings attached to the trailing arms. A shock absorption system is connected between the drive shaft and the chassis. In a preferred embodiment, a cross bar is connected between the trailing arms for stability. Also, preferably, the rear suspension system includes a sway bar and linear shock absorbers acting in combination to provide optimum suspension.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission is adapted to transmit a power output from an engine unit to a wheel. The vehicle transmission includes a driving unit and a speed-changing unit. The driving unit includes a main box, a first driving mechanism disposed within the main box and adapted to be driven by the engine unit, and an output shaft driven by the first driving mechanism. The speed-changing unit includes an auxiliary box connected removably to the main box, a second driving mechanism disposed within the auxiliary box and driven by the output shaft, and an axle parallel to the output shaft and driven by the second driving mechanism. The axle is connected fixedly to the wheel, and extends into the auxiliary box.

Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.

Abstract: The following steps are performed in the control method: determining a mode of operation from amongst a permanent mode and a transient mode, as a function of a set of variables comprising said estimated values; correcting the value of the speed of rotation of the outlet shaft in such a manner that: if the mode has been determined as being the permanent mode, then the moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) over a period (T) of a plurality of unit time intervals lies between a first threshold value (S1) that is negative and a second threshold value (S2) that is positive; and if the mode has been determined as being the transient mode, then said moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) lies outside the range of values defined by the first and second threshold value (S1, S2).

Abstract: In a motorcycle or a three-wheeled vehicle which tiltably supports a proximal end portion of a swing arm which pivotally supports a wheel on a vehicle body frame by way of a pivot shaft, the swing arm pivot structure is inexpensive and can be easily assembled without particularly using relatively expensive bearings such as taper bearings. At the same time, the preload adjustment is no longer necessary thus facilitating the assembling operation and the maintenance operation. A proximal portion of the pivot shaft is connected to the swing arm in a state wherein the proximal portion is non-rotatable relative to the swing arm. At the same time, a distal portion of the pivot shaft is fitted in and held by the vehicle body frame in a state wherein the distal portion is rotatable relative to the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A scooter drive arrangement which includes a first shaft, with a one-way bearing and a clutch, which is connected to a driven wheel, and a second shaft, which is rotated by an engine, through a centrifugal clutch, which has two fixed pulleys which respectively drive the clutch and the one-way bearing, through belts.

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: A utility vehicle includes a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for flotational movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The rear axle is carried by a suspension mechanism supported from the frame of the vehicle. 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. The rear suspension mechanism includes a pair of transversely spaced suspension struts interconnecting the frame and a rear axle member having the rear drive wheels mounted thereon. Connecting support links interconnecting the middle and rear axles maintain proper positional spacing between the middle and rear axles.

Abstract: The sand rail/dune buggy includes a roll-cage frame, a four-wheel independent suspension system, and a compact, rear-mounted drive chain system. The roll-cage frame is supplied with a quick-release, spring-loaded slam hatch to permit easy ingress and egress. The slam hatch carries a steering wheel which is part of a rack-and-pinion steering system for the vehicle. Each of the wheels is independently and adjustably suspended, thereby contributing to both the ride stability of the vehicle and the ability thereof to accommodate various use conditions. The drive system includes (in a generally top to bottom fashion) an engine, an input drive shaft with an associated reverser mechanism, and an output drive shaft. The output drive shaft features an output differential and separate swing-arm drives and disk brakes for each of the rear wheels, allowing separate motion control of such wheels.

Abstract: A transmission device for a self-propelled wheeled machine, this device, driven by a belt from a drive shaft, includes a housing mounted floating relative to the chassis of the machine containing a mechanism for reducing and clutching between an input shaft and at least one output shaft. This device is characterized in that the housing is constituted by half casings of which one includes a molded-on tongue loaded by a spring so as to exert on the housing a couple for swinging the housing about the output shaft, this tongue including, adjacent its end, an abutment immobilizing a sheath of a control cable acting on a clutch control lever of the device.

Abstract: A clamp pressure controller for a variable ratio belt drive system for a generator is provided. The controller monitors the voltage at the output of the generator. If this falls the controller increases the clamp pressure so as to prepare the drive system for the additional torque/force it will be required to transmit. The increase in clamp pressure is rapid so as to prevent belt slip from occurring.

Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system including a swing arm with a swing mount, an axle assembly rotatable along a transverse axle rotation axis, an axle carrier for mounting the axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm, a driven sprocket, a drive sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket, a roll movement device for allowing the flexible coupling to maintain the mechanical link between the driven and drive sprockets as the driven sprocket rolls about the suspension roll axis, and at least two shock mounts for mounting a shock absorber or a spring, the two shock mounts being positioned along sides of the axle carrier flanking the suspension roll axis at a distance away from the suspension roll axis. In another embodiment, the transverse axle rotation axis of the axle assembly is elevated above the suspension roll axis.

Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system for a vehicle including a swing arm with a swing mount for pivotally mounting the swing arm to the vehicle, an axle carrier for mounting an axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm to allow the axle assembly to roll about a suspension roll axis, a driven sprocket substantially centrally attached to the axle assembly for rotating the axle assembly, a drive sprocket for transferring rotational power to the driven sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket to allow transfer of rotational power from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket, a constant velocity joint centrally disposed on the drive sprocket axle to allow alignment of the drive sprocket relative to the driven sprocket, and a CV guide for aligning the drive sprocket with the driven sprocket.

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 recreational all terrain vehicle has a set of rear wheels attached to a frame assembly with a swing arm. The rear wheels are driven by a flexible transmitter, such as a chain. To tension the chain, a pair of laterally extending bolts are loosened while a generally longitudinally extending member is adjusted to move an axle associated with the rear wheels. The housing portion of the swing arm that receives the axle is substantially enclosed.

Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system including a swing arm with a swing mount, an axle assembly rotatable along a transverse axle rotation axis, an axle carrier for mounting the axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm, a driven sprocket, a drive sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket, a roll movement device for allowing the flexible coupling to maintain the mechanical link between the driven and drive sprockets as the driven sprocket rolls about the suspension roll axis, and at least two shock mounts for mounting a shock absorber or a spring, the two shock mounts being positioned along sides of the axle carrier flanking the suspension roll axis at a distance away from the suspension roll axis. In another embodiment, the transverse axle rotation axis of the axle assembly is elevated above the suspension roll axis.

Abstract: An independent suspension and drive system comprising a transverse power shaft mounted on a vehicle frame and having a differential connection with a power source; at least one pivot shaft mounted on the vehicle frame; at least one cantilevered swing- or trailing- or pivot arms mounted on each of the at least one pivot shafts; at least one drive wheel, one each mounted on each of the respective at least one pivot arms via respective axles; and at least one chain or belt or equivalent member operatively connecting power shaft driver sprockets to respective wheel driven sprockets; wherein the centerline of the power shaft is substantially coincident with the centerline of each of the at least one pivot shafts, and wherein the pivot shafts are independent of the power shaft.

Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system for a vehicle including a swing arm with a swing mount for pivotally mounting the swing arm to the vehicle, an axle carrier for mounting an axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm to allow the axle assembly to roll about a suspension roll axis, a driven sprocket substantially centrally attached to the axle assembly for rotating the axle assembly, a drive sprocket for transferring rotational power to the driven sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket to allow transfer of rotational power from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket, a constant velocity joint centrally disposed on the drive sprocket axle to allow alignment of the drive sprocket relative to the driven sprocket, and a CV guide for aligning the drive sprocket with the driven sprocket.

Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system for a vehicle including a swing arm with a swing mount for pivotally mounting the swing arm to the vehicle, an axle carrier for mounting an axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm to allow the axle assembly to roll about a suspension roll axis, a driven sprocket substantially centrally attached to the axle assembly for rotating the axle assembly, a drive sprocket for transferring rotational power to the driven sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket to allow transfer of rotational power from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket, a constant velocity joint centrally disposed on the drive sprocket axle to allow alignment of the drive sprocket relative to the driven sprocket, and a CV guide for aligning the drive sprocket with the driven sprocket.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes an engine and a final drive assembly. The engine includes an output shaft that supports a drive sprocket or pulley. The final drive assembly comprises an input shaft that supports a driven sprocket or pulley and a brake disc. A flexible transmitter such as a belt or a chain connects the drive sprocket or pulley and the driven sprocket or pulley. The final drive assembly is formed separate of the engine and spaced apart from the engine when the two components are mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The driven sprocket or pulley is positioned on an upper portion of the final drive assembly while a lower portion of the final drive assembly is pivotally connected to the frame. The final drive assembly can be pivoted to adjust a tension level within the flexible transmitter. The final drive assembly can be selectively secured in a pivotal position by a support rod and/or a set of slotted brackets.

Abstract: A suspension unit for each rear wheel of a motor powered off-road four wheeled vehicle comprising a suspension arrangement with the inner members constructed for mounting on a fixed shaft secured to the vehicle and the outer casing carrying a swing arm terminating in a swivel joint to be secured to a single rear wheel axle and a pair of such a units in combination with a drive chain and sprocket device for the single axle and a braking system having at least one disc brake for fixed mounting on the rear axle with caliper carried on an operating arm supported from a bearing to be mounted on the same axle.

Abstract: A three-wheeled freight-carrying vehicle has a platform section with coaxial driving wheels, and a power section at the opposite end driving a steerable single wheel. An operator's platform is provided at the side of the single wheel. The single wheel and the platform section wheels are vertically adjustable with respect to the platform section.

Abstract: A go-cart vehicle, made from high strength, molded engineering plastics, has a steering shaft tilt assembly which includes a steering shaft (66) slidable in a pivot bushing (70) carried by a bracket (73). The shaft pivots at a U-joint (78) and the bracket (73) pivots at its base. The bracket carries a detent--a cylinder (94) attached to the base (74) of the bracket (73). The cylinder (94) has a number of holes (93) to engage a latch pin (92) which is controlled by a release lever (95) operated by a release button (102). The shaft (66) may be adjusted to varying angles of tilt by moving the latch pin from hole to hole which motion causes the bushing, shaft and bracket to pivot in unison as the shaft slides in the bushing. The vehicle combines a change in caster angle (12) to about 12 degrees with a short, rigid chassis (2) and a live axle (45) to make it possible to turn a sharp corner at speeds of 20 mph or less.

Abstract: A suspension and drive mechanism, especially applicable to motorcycle-type vehicles having two or more laterally mounted driven wheels, comprising a means for supporting the driven axle housing such that the vehicle body is pivotable about its longitudinal axis relative to the driven axle assembly, a means for transmitting power to the driven axle as the axle housing pivots relative to the vehicle body, a braking means capable of stopping the vehicle body pivoting motion, and a spring member which is coupled to both the vehicle body and the driven axle housing such that said spring member is deflected as the vehicle body pivots.