Abstract: A wheeled-chair chassis with a suspension mechanism which comprises a chassis structure, a suspension system, a transmission system and two front and rear wheels; the chassis structure includes a steel pipe frame similar to an inverse triangular frame. The suspension system includes shock absorbers, rocker arms, and pivot pins; one end of the rocker arm is connected with a pivot base on lower end of the steel pipe frame by means of a pin, while the other end thereof is mounted with a gear rack for mounting a motor of the transmission system, a gear box, and the rear wheels. The shock absorber is fixedly mounted between the steel pipe frame and the rocker arm to provide a retractable movement for absorbing a shake from the rear wheels and the rocker arm caused by a rough road surface in order to provide the chair with a comfortable driving. Since each of the systems is an independent assembly, it is easy to assemble.

Abstract: An electrically-powered vehicle wherein such vehicle is powered by storage batteries or fuel cells in which the plates of the batteries or cells, the spacing material between plates and the cases act as primary load-bearing members of the vehicle.

Abstract: A propulsion unit for span scaffolds having vertical castered columns at the four corners thereof. The propulsion unit includes a first elongated frame member extending between the columns on one side of the scaffold, a second elongated frame member extending between the columns on the other side of the scaffold, and a third, wheeled, frame member extending crosswise between the first and second frame members, the third frame member being mounted on the first and second frame members for limited free vertical movement relative thereto.

Abstract: An improved, low height, electrically powered mine car is provided for transporting an entire crew (up to eleven persons) in a low vein mine shaft which includes strategically located and sized personnel and driver compartments for maximum load capacity. The main crew compartment is oriented to hold up to eight individuals who lie in a substantially supine position with their limbs intertwined; the forward end of the car has a central driver compartment allowing the operator to steer and control the car in a generally supine position, as well as two additional personnel compartments respectively ahead of the front wheels where the passengers may ride in a reclined position. The motor, main differential and drive shafts are substantially encased within a housing structure in order to prevent fouling of these components by dirt or the like encountered in a mine shaft. Spring structure for the car combines low profile, rugged characteristics and minimum space requirements.

Abstract: The mechanical unit, equipped with an electric motor rotating at a high velocity, turns a wheel hub at a low velocity by means of a speed reducer and includes an external brake disk rotating at an intermediate velocity. The brake disk cooperates with conventional elements to constitute a unified external braking means which operates effectively and is easily accessible.

Abstract: An electric motor vehicle drive system including a differential electric motor unit for the vehicle including a stator motor element mounted within a supporting frame and a rotor motor element rotatably mounted within the stator. The stator is connected to a first output shaft while the rotor output shaft is connected to a final output shaft through a one-to-one reverse mechanism which corrects or reverses the direction of the final output shaft. Thus, both shafts rotate in the same direction but at one-half relative armature and field structure r.p.m.'s with true differential action within the motor unit itself. The driving connection between the electric motor unit and the motor vehicle in this embodiment comprises a pulley belt combination connected to the vehicle drive wheels and the two output shafts of the motor unit with radius rods for maintaining the adjustable tension on the belt drive. So connected, there is compensation for unequal traction, turning of the vehicle, unequal wheel sizes, etc.

Abstract: A front wheel driven, gas powered vehicle is converted to include a rear differential connected for power input to a first and second electrical motor, or a single electric motor if desired. When first and second electrical motors are used they are connected in parallel, the power input thereto being brought across a current limiting series of resistors to protect and control the current level thereto. A switching circuit connects in various series and parallel combinations a plurality of batteries and concurrently switches the necessary current limiting resistance. Thus a control combination is provided including a manual selector for the desired forward and reverse directions and the low and high current ranges which is further multiplied by the various resistances. In this configuration, the normally available gasoline power plant is retained in the vehicle and is augmented during periods of nonoptimal use by the above electric motor provisions.

Abstract: A truck comprises a generally U-shaped frame and a dump body pivotally mounted forwardly on the frame and supported on a pair of laterally spaced and parallel side beams thereof. The dump body comprises four triangularly-shaped bottom wall portions converging downwardly to form an inverse pyramidal construction. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is pivotally interconnected between the frame and dump body to selectively raise the dump body to discharge materials forwardly of the truck. An operator's cab is mounted on a forward end of one of the side beams.

Abstract: A truck comprises a main frame having a U-shaped subframe, including a pair of side beams and a forward cross-beam, universally mounted thereon by a ball and socket connection. A rearward end of each side beam is mounted under the main frame of the truck by a suspension cylinder pivotally interconnected therebetween. A drive motor is mounted on each of the side beams and has an output shaft thereof drivingly connected to at least one roadwheel, rotatably mounted on a spindle secured to a rearward end of each side beam. A rearward cross-beam is preferably secured between the rearward ends of the side beams in axial alignment with the spindles.

Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle, such as a local transportation vehicle, suburban runabout, light service vehicle or golf car, has a non-articulated frame with drive wheels associated with one end and a steerable wheel or wheels with the other end. Each of the drive wheels has its own permanent magnet direct current motor drive. The motors pass through a series-connected stage with unlimited differential action to a parallel-connected stage with limited differential action as the vehicle is brought up to speed from a stationary position. No mechanical differential is necessary and the vehicle may have a very low center of gravity and excellent center ground clearance. The drive system provides dynamic braking and energy restoration, with attendant control and energy saving advantages. This contributes to good traction and steerability under the varying operating conditions encountered.

Abstract: In a light electrically powered vehicle, a battery pack of two to six batteries is supported on the rear axle independently of bending forces on the frame. The resultant (1) lighter frame requirement and (2) reduced battery requirement together have a synergistic weight-saving effect. The complete battery pack is light enough to be readily removable rearwardly by direct lifting on a manually operated handtruck and is readily replaced. The ready removability and replaceability of the pack frees the vehicle from battery charging shut-downs, and enables a fleet of vehicles such as golf carts to be kept fully in operation by provision of a battery recharging facility, extra battery packs and a few handtrucks. The vehicles of the fleet can be easily stored or shipped vertically for space-saving since the batteries can be readily removed. Further space-saving is effected by temporarily replacing the battery packs in the vertically stored vehicles, the packs being placed in their normal horizontal position.

Abstract: An installation for giving driving instructions, comprising a passenger vehicle equipped with a gear shift, an electric motor and a mechanism for supplying electrical energy. Between the gear shift and the electric motor there is provided a releasable clutch, and there is further provided an electronic control mechanism for the electric motor and which control mechanism is responsive to the position of a foot pedal.