Abstract: A number of embodiments of power-assisted manually operated vehicles, specifically wheelchairs. An arrangement is providing for sensing the amount of manual force inputted and then providing a power assist related to that input force. Once the operator either decreases the input of the manual force or discontinues it, the power assist is maintained for a predetermined time period so as to provide further assist. The power assist is reduced either gradually or in steps and may be held constant for a time before or after the power reduction. This provides a more natural effect and still reduces the necessity for operator input. Separate controls are provided for each of the wheels and a helper assist is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-disc wheel assembly for a vehicle is provided. The multi-disc wheel assembly includes a plurality of narrow discs assemblies that form a wheel assembly. The plurality of narrow disc assemblies include first and second narrow disc assemblies. A first independent drive mechanism applies a rotational force to the first narrow disc assembly to produce a first speed. A second independent drive mechanism applies a rotational force to the second narrow disc assembly to produce a second speed unequal to the first speed during a vehicle turn to minimize wheel assembly scrub.

Abstract: The dual power unit includes an elongate housing having mounted therein adjacent opposite ends thereof two power units, one of which is drivingly connected to the movable back of an armchair, and the other unit is connected to a movable footrest of an armchair. Each unit includes a pivotal shaft connected to the back or footrest of the armchair. Each such shaft is connected to the output shaft of an electronic motor reducer through a transmission-gear in the form of a screw extending transversely of the respective pivotal shaft. The screw is drivingly connected through a threaded slider which is in engagement with a pair of cam elements mounted on a respective pivotal shaft to impart pivotal movement thereto, and consquent movement to the portion of the armchair connected thereto.

Abstract: In an articulated machine, comprising a front assembly with front drive wheels independent of each other, and a rear assembly with rear drive wheels independent of each other, coupled to the front assembly with an articulation about an essentially vertical axis, the aforesaid front and rear wheels are driven by four corresponding electric motors which are independent of each other. It is therefore possible to drive the wheels in such a way that they transmit to the ground forces differing in modulus and/or orientation and/or direction of rotation, in order to obtain a desired steering angle between the front assembly and the rear assembly. Thus the hydraulic cylinders conventionally used to produce the steering of the articulated machine are eliminated, together with the hydraulic circuit associated with them.

Abstract: A delivery cart including a chassis, one or two castors pivotable about a vertical axis and two support wheels for supporting the chassis on a ground, a substantially vertically extending displacement stirrup attached to the chassis, a gearless, load-actuated reversible electric motor, formed integrally with the respective wheels, and a control system for controlling power supply to the electric motors and including sensors for sensing a displacement force or a steering force applied to the cart, and a free-programmable control unit for controlling power supply to the electric motors, in accordance with the one of a displacement force and a steering force.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair is advantageously provided with a rate-of-turn feedback sensor and with forward/reverse motion, lateral motion, and vertical motion acceleration feedback sensors that are integrated into a closed-loop wheelchair servo control system to differentially control the rotational speed of wheelchair opposed motor-driven wheels and thereby obtain improved wheelchair motion stability through reduction/elimination of likely wheelchair spin-out and wheelchair tipping during wheelchair operation.

Abstract: A multi-point mobility device that is capable of navigating over rough terrain without difficulty, including snow, say and, and mud, and which is able to reconfigure the two belt track assemblies so as to minimize lateral friction by the belts with indoor floor surfaces or carpets. A separate rear wheel, located behind the side mounted track assemblies is able to be lowered when desired, so as to raise the rear portion of the multi-point mobility device off of the ground surface.

Abstract: A clutch for altering the direction of a drive unit of a transportation device between a first direction of travel and a second direction of travel, the drive unit having at least one drive wheel connected to a shaft, the shaft being rotatably mounted with respect to the transportation device between at least a first position, corresponding to the first direction of travel, and a second position, corresponding to the second direction of travel, the clutch comprises a housing to receive a portion of the shaft, a lock having a first preset locked position corresponding to the first direction of travel and a second preset locked position corresponding to the second direction of travel and, a connecting member connected to the shaft and the lock for alternately locking the shaft in one of the directions of travel.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair is advantageously provided with a rate-of-turn feedback sensor and with forward/reverse motion, lateral motion, and vertical motion acceleration feedback sensors that are integrated into a closed-loop wheelchair servo control system to differentially control the rotational speed of wheelchair opposed motor-driven wheels and thereby obtain improved wheelchair motion stability through reduction/elimination of likely wheelchair spin-out and wheelchair tipping during wheelchair operation.