Abstract: A steering system for a skid steered vehicle has a variable-speed steering motor, and an asymmetrical steering differential operatively connected to the steering motor and rotatably mounted on a first side of the chassis separately from the propulsion system. The steering differential has a first differential shaft and a second differential shaft, where the asymmetrical differential imparts a greater speed change on the second differential shaft than the first differential shaft. The first differential shaft is connected to a first steering output shaft operatively connected to at least one ground-engaging element on the first side of the vehicle. A speed reducer mounted fixedly on the chassis connects the second differential shaft to a second steering output shaft operatively connected to at least one ground-engaging element on the second side of the vehicle so that the second steering output shaft experiences the same speed change but in an opposite rotational direction as the first steering output shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method, a device of steering assist control for a walker, and a memory. The method includes acquiring a first moving speed of the left wheel and a second moving speed of the right wheel; determining whether the left wheel and/or the right wheel is in a steering state; calculating a steering angle estimate or a speed difference between the first moving speed and the second moving speed when in the steering state; acquiring steering assist compensations; and performing an assist compensation on the left wheel and/or the right wheel. The method can make the user more effortless when pushing the walker to turn, making it more convenient for users with less strength to use the walker, and reducing impact of the steering on the travel speed. Sudden stop caused by the increase of steering resistance can be avoided, and safety can be improved.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle has a passenger cabin for receiving at least one passenger, a load-bearing structure beneath the cabin, and a propulsion system including a number of propulsion units, which propel the aerial vehicle for powered flight and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). The propulsion units are preferably carried by support arms attached to the load-bearing structure and extending upwards therefrom so as to support the propulsion units at a level above the cabin. The aerial vehicle is preferably reconfigurable to a compact configuration after landing, with at least some of the propulsion units overlapping the cabin and/or each other, while still allowing passenger transfer in and out of the vehicle, thereby facilitating efficient use of space for implementing a vertiport.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a steering axle, a steering device configured to steer the steering axle, wherein a steering wheel angle can be input via the steering device, wherein the steering wheel angle leadings to a steering angle of wheels of the steering axle, and a quotient of the steering wheel angle to the steering angle defines a steering ratio, a first drive, wherein the first drive allows a wheel-selective distribution of a first torque to the wheels of the steering axle, a second drive, wherein the second drive allows a wheel-selective distribution of a second torque to the wheels of a drive axle, and a controller configured to receive input variables defining driving dynamic variables of the vehicle, wherein the drive dynamic variables allow a change in the steering ratio to ascertained, and the controller outputs control information for distributing the drive torque.

Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus includes axle housings to which a differential-side housing is coupled, the axle housings integrally housing drive shafts of driving wheels, first support sections that couple first rotary support shafts coupled to a vehicle body and the axle housings and perform a swing motion with the first rotary support shafts as a rotation center to thereby support the axle housings on the vehicle body, and second support sections that elastically couple second rotary support shafts supported on the vehicle body via rail structures and a motor-side housing and perform a swing motion with the second rotary support shafts as a rotation center to thereby support the motor-side housing on the vehicle body. The rail structures are configured such that the second rotary support shafts are movable in a vehicle front-rear direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a vacuum cleaner including: a base including a suction opening; a main frame including a dust collecting apparatus configured to remove dust from air sucked through the suction opening; and a wheel assembly including a forward wheel and a reverse wheel, and rotatably coupled with the base, wherein when the main frame slides with respect to the base, any one of the forward wheel and the reverse wheel contacts a floor. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner may understand a user's intention without adding a senor and a control circuit, and travel actively according to the user's intention.

Abstract: Automatic pool cleaners (APCs) and components thereof are detailed. The APCs may include tracks for movement, with the tracks having teethed internal surfaces. The APCs additionally may supply shift mechanisms for purposes of changing direction of their movement and incorporate bladed scrubbers and easily-opening bodies.

Abstract: A climbing vehicle capable of high payload to weight ratio and capable of climbing surfaces with geometric variations is enabled through a suspension mechanism consisting of a resilient runner chain. The resilient runners contain adhering members such as magnets that create forces directed toward a ferrous climbing surface. The resilient runner has flexibility and internal stiffness or additional springs that transfer these forces to the climbing vehicle chassis and payload to provide equilibrium during the climbing process. It is able to conform to a large range of surface irregularities while providing push and pulling forces between the adhering members and the climbing vehicle chassis to uniformly distribute the climbing loads on the adhering members. The result is a climbing machine that can accommodate large surface irregularities while maximizing the climbing payload with a minimum number and size of adhering members.

Abstract: A manually propelled vehicle may include a vehicle body, a left drive wheel and a right drive wheel, a wheel driver that drives the left and right drive wheels, a sensor that detects a user behind the vehicle body, and a controller that determines whether the user is behind the left or right drive wheel based on a detected result of the sensor. When one of the left or right drive wheel moves backward and the controller detects that the user is behind the one of the left or right drive wheel, the controller suppresses or stops the wheel driver from driving the one of the left or right drive wheel.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include: (a) a frame to which a pair of front wheels and a rear wheel assembly of the riding lawn care vehicle are attachable; (b) an engine mounted to the frame substantially between the front wheels; (c) a steering assembly having steering levers operably coupled to respective ones of the front wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle via respective hydrostatic drive pumps driven by the engine; (d) a support platform coupled to the frame rearward of the engine to support a standing rider; and (e) a front mount assembly configured to detachably couple the riding lawn care vehicle to an attachment that enables performance of a yard maintenance activity, where (f) a majority of the support platform is disposed rearward of an axis of rotation of the front wheels and forward of an axis of rotation of the rear wheel assembly.

Abstract: With regard to a tractor having a high-powered engine, universal joints must be enlarged, whereby the attachment work of a power transmission shaft becomes difficult. Furthermore, the kind of the universal joints to be used is limited, thereby being inconvenient. Therefore, a tractor is constructed so that a transmission casing is arranged in a rear portion of a vehicle body, a front axle casing is arranged in the front portion of the vehicle body, and power from an engine is transmitted from an output shaft supported by the transmission casing through a power transmission shaft to an input shaft supported by the front axle casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming pool cleaner with wheels driven by a turbine. The pool cleaner is intermittently turned from its path of travel along an underwater surface. A turning cam is provided inwardly of and adjacent to each of a pair of the side wheels. The cams are rotatably mounted on the turbine driven wheel axle which extends between said wheels. Each cam intermittently extends a gripping formation beyond the operatively supporting surface of the adjacent wheel. The cams will preferably comprise a disc with an integral annular internal ring gear formed. An inner gear is fixed for rotation with the axle and an outer gear is supported between the inner gear and the ring gear to rotate the cam. The inner gear is an interrupted gear member to cause intermittent stepwise rotation of the ring gear and the outer gear is a sprocket supported for unidirectional rotation.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a drive axle configured to rotate with a driving torque, a first clutch pack assembly located at an end of the drive axle, and a second clutch pack assembly located at an opposite end of the drive axle. A first drive wheel assembly is operatively connected to the first clutch pack assembly, wherein the first clutch pack assembly is configured to convert the driving torque of the drive axle to a first driving torque of the first drive wheel. A second drive wheel assembly is operatively connected to the second clutch pack assembly, wherein the second clutch pack assembly is configured to convert the driving torque of the drive axle to a second driving torque of the second drive wheel.

Abstract: A ZTR vehicle includes true or proper ZTR steering in the forward and reverse directions. The vehicle has independently driven locomotive drives that drive the wheels to provide mobility and steering to the vehicle. A steering wheel is included that pivots one of two steering input members that rotate to independently shift the drive units. A speed and direction pedal is also included, which is communicated to provide direction and magnitude input to the drive units. The steering input and speed and direction inputs coordinate propelling the vehicle such the vehicle turns in the same direction when traveling forward as well as in reverse.

Abstract: A moving base for robotic vacuum cleaner includes a base; a motor mounted in a motor chamber on the base to alternatively drive a drive shaft thereof to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise; a primary wheel fixed to and rotating along with the drive shaft of the motor; a clutch assembly connected to the primary wheel; an axle connected at an end to the clutch assembly, so as to be driven by the primary wheel to rotate when the drive shaft of the motor rotates clockwise, or to disengage from the driving by the primary wheel when the drive shaft of the motor rotates counterclockwise: and a secondary wheel connected to another end of the axle to rotate along with the axle. Since only one motor is needed to control a moving direction thereof, the robotic vacuum cleaner can have effectively reduced manufacturing cost and overall volume.

Abstract: A device for reversing a steering movement of a steering wheel shaft of a vehicle includes a switching element movable between two switching positions to activate or deactivate the reversal of the steering movement. A mechanical actuating device includes a shaft which is rotatable in different rotational directions, and a slide for actuating the switching element. The slide can be moved along the axial direction of the shaft as a function of the rotational direction of the shaft in order to transfer the switching element between the switching positions.

Abstract: A method and system are described for calibrating speed controls for a vehicle having a pair of drive means on opposite sides of the vehicle driven by independent speed controls and where relative speed of the drive means is used to direct the vehicle. In one aspect, angular motion of the vehicle is detected using at least one of a gyroscopic angular sensor and a pair of accelerometers to determine a rate of yaw; a speed control output for controlling the relative speed is adjusted so that the rate of yaw is lower than a threshold when speed control inputs for controlling the relative speed are equal; and one or more speed control adjustment parameters are determined and stored for use during operation for controlling the relative speed of the drive means. A microcontroller may be used to receive sensor outputs (e.g. from the gyroscope and/or accelerometers) and speed control inputs and to determine the speed control adjustment.

Abstract: A device for reversing the steering movement of a steering-wheel shaft of a vehicle, it being possible to switch the reversal process only at a standstill of the vehicle in a center position of the steering device.

Abstract: A mechanism (106) for selecting one of a first gear (102) and a second gear (104) for driving an automatic swimming pool cleaner (10) includes a bi-stable oscillating gear change assembly (100). The assembly is moveable between a first position wherein the first gear is engaged and a second position wherein the second gear is engaged. A first magnet (142) is carried by the assembly. A second magnet (138, 140) is carried externally of the assembly on the cleaner body (18). A cam arrangement (152, 160) initiates movement of the assembly (100) from one of the first and second positions to enable mutually repelling forces between like poles of the first and second magnets (142, 138, 140) to cause the assembly to settle in another of the first position and the second positions, thereby to change between the first and second gears quickly and cleanly.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a reduced turning radius comprising a directional wheel assembly for turning the vehicle and a drive wheel assembly for driving the vehicle. The drive wheel assembly has a first and a second drive wheel independently driven by a first and a second motor through a control circuit. A counter-rotation circuit counter-rotates the first and second drive wheels upon a major turning position of the directional wheel assembly to enhance the turning of the vehicle. A reducing circuit reduces the speed of the motors upon a minor turning position of the directional wheel assembly. The vehicle may include a slide mechanism for providing a reduced wheelbase to further reduce the turning radius of the vehicle. One embodiment of the invention includes an improved steering device for controlling the directional wheel assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a prime mover mounted on the vehicle frame, a laterally turnable wheel disposed at one side of the vehicle frame, a pair of drive wheels disposed at the other side of the vehicle frame, a steering operation device, a traveling operation device for setting the traveling speed and direction of the vehicle, and a pair of transmissions for controlling the rotary speed and direction of the respective drive wheels. The transmissions are operationally connected with the steering operation device so as to create a difference of rotary speed between the drive wheels according to operation of the steering operation device. The transmissions are operationally connected with the traveling operation device so as to drive the drive wheels in a common rotary direction from their stationary state according to operation of the traveling operation device.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a prime mover mounted on the vehicle frame, a laterally turnable wheel disposed at one side of the vehicle frame, a pair of drive wheels disposed at the other side of the vehicle frame, a steering operation device, a traveling operation device for setting the traveling speed and direction of the vehicle, and a pair of transmissions for controlling the rotary speed and direction of the respective drive wheels. The transmissions are operationally connected with the steering operation device so as to create a difference of rotary speed between the drive wheels according to operation of the steering operation device. The transmissions are operationally connected with the traveling operation device so as to drive the drive wheels in a common rotary direction from their stationary state according to operation of the traveling operation device.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle has wheels mounted on a vehicle body for undergoing rotation to cause the motorized vehicle to undergo travelling, electric motors for selectively undergoing forward and reverse rotation to rotationally drive respective ones of the wheels, brakes for applying brake forces to respective ones of the wheels, handlebars extending from the vehicle body, and turn control levers mounted on the handlebars to undergo angular movement within a range of preselected angular positions. The turn control levers are connected to respective ones of the brakes and respective ones of the electric motors so that the electric motors undergo rotation simultaneously in opposite directions in accordance with the preselected angular positions of the turn control levers to turn the motorized vehicle while the motorized does not undergo travelling.

Abstract: A powertrain module for a zero turn radius vehicle, such as a tractor or mower, the powertrain module generally including a structural member or mounting plate to which an engine, a pair of hydrostatic transmission modules, and a pair of axle drive units are attached to form a self-contained powertrain module which may be shipped as a single packaged unit for installation into the zero turn radius implement. The mounting plate provides structural rigidity between the powertrain components attached thereto, and the mounting plate of the powertrain module may be attached directly to the frame of the vehicle, or alternatively, may itself serve as a structural frame member for the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering control system for a tracklaying vehicle, which ensures smooth turning performance according to various modes such as ascent travel, descent travel, and travel in a low speed range and which provides improved controllability. According to various operation states such as an ascent travel state, descent travel state, high-load drive state, low engine rotational speed travel state, and high-speed travel state, the clutch/brake modulation characteristic (i.e., static or dynamic characteristic) is varied to select the optimum characteristic.

Abstract: A multi-wheel vehicle provided with at least six running wheels, that is, a pair of first running wheels serving as driving wheels, a pair of second running wheels such as castors disposed before or behind said pair of first running wheels so as to be laterally turned in the traveling direction of said vehicle, and a pair of third running wheels disposed before or behind said first running wheels. The vehicle comprises a prime mover, a speed change operation device, a steering operation device, a transmission drivingly connected with said prime mover, and a pair of running-driving axles onto which said respective first running wheels are attached. The transmission applies composite force of first equal rotational forces in the same directions and second equal rotational forces in opposite directions onto said pair of first running wheels. The speed change operation device is manipulated so as to regulate the direction and magnitude of said first rotational forces.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting or setting the effort required to move the steering levers of a vehicle is provided. The mechanism consists of a central mounting plate with which three separate bolt and spring arrangements are connected to control the resistance at the levers when they are moved between their forward and reverse positions. The mechanism is separately connected with structure on a steering shaft to allow resistance at each of the levers to be adjusted without substantially affecting operation of the pumps. Consequently, the vehicle may be more effectively steered as a result not interfering with its tracking or bringing about creep thereof.

Abstract: A mobile cultural machine including right and left traction members, a transmission, and a main speed change device operable to transmit, at any speed ratio, a driving force from an engine through the transmission to the traction members so that they are driven at any traveling speed. A steerage and a steering devise operate cause the steerage to differentiate the traveling speeds between traction members. The traveling speeds are reduced in response to the extent to which the steering device is operated, so that a machine running straight may smoothly be controlled to enter a spinning turn at the end of a row.

Abstract: A mobile cultural machine including right and left traction members, a transmission, and a main speed change device operable to transmit, at any speed ratio, a driving force from an engine through the transmission to the traction members so that they are driven at any traveling speed. A steerage and a steering device operate to cause the steerage to differentiate the traveling speeds between traction members. The traveling speeds are reduced in response to the extent to which the steering device is operated, so that a machine running straight may smoothly be controlled to enter a spinning turn at the end of a row.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a lawn and garden tractor is adapted to utilize conventional steering and propel controls with a drive and steer type transmission. The transmission permits the vehicle to be driven and steered through its rear drive wheels, thereby permitting it to turn about one wheel and/or about an axis between its wheels. Front castered wheels enable the vehicle to easily steered by the drive wheels. A conventional type steering wheel is provided with a mechanical linkage extending between it and the transmission. Conventional type controls are also provided to propel or power the vehicle in a forward or rearward direction and within a range of speeds. With conventional type steering and propel controls adapted to be utilized with the drive and steer type transmission, operation of spin-turn vehicles is made simple and more efficient as well as reducing the time required to learn to operate and maneuver the vehicle.

Abstract: A differentially steered work vehicle is provided with a driving axle having a axle housing with an access opening. An access plate is secured to the access opening and is provided with steering components. The access plate is provided with a steering motor mount that passes through the access plate. A steering motor is mounted to the steering motor mount on the exterior side of the access plate. The interior side of the access plate is provided with a rotatable steering shaft having a first toothed end and a second toothed end. The first toothed end drives a first spur gear which is operatively coupled to the ring gear of a first planetary set. The second toothed end of the steering shaft is operatively coupled to a reverser gear that is also rotatably mounted to the interior side of the access plate. The reverser gear is mounted on a pin mounted to the interior side of the access plate.

Abstract: A drive and steer transmission having primary gears having circumferences approximately four times as large as the respective secondary gears they operatively engage, and an effective gear reduction is thereby established which is beneficial to use of a drive and steer type of transmission with a front engine riding lawn mower.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A steering mechanism that controls a drive and steer transmission and that causes the transmission to execute turns in the direction a steering wheel is turned when operating in either the forward or reverse direction of travel. In response to operator engagement of a drive control, an actuation linkage shifts an elongate member within a slot formed in a cam member that pivots in response to turning of a steering wheel. Shifting of the rod member between two positions on either side of the cam member pivot axis causes the drive and steer transmission to steer the vehicle in the desired direction when the vehicle is traveling in both forward and reverse.