Abstract: In an aspect, a powered foot-deck-based vehicle is provided, and includes a foot-deck to support a rider. At least one wheel is rotatably coupled to the foot-deck to enable travel of the foot-deck over a travel surface. At least one motor is coupled to at least one of the at least one wheel to drive rotation thereof. A power source is coupled to the at least one motor to power the at least one motor. A remote sensor unit is wearable by the rider and configured to detect at least one of an orientation, a position, and movement of the rider and transmit sensor data generated therefrom. A motor control unit is coupled to the at least one motor and is configured to receive the sensor data and control the operation of the at least one motor based at least in part on the sensor data.

Abstract: A method of controlling the braking of a tractor-trailer combination, in which the tractor includes a drive train having an engine and at least one ground-engaging member driveably connected thereto, at least one ground-engaging member of the tractor includes at least one tractor brake, and at least one ground-engaging member of the trailer includes at least one trailer brake, the operation of which depends at least in part on the operative condition of the at least one tractor brake, includes the steps of, on the initiation of operation of the at least one tractor brake and the at least one trailer brake to brake the tractor-trailer combination, commencing operation of a timer that times the duration of operation of the at least one tractor brake and/or the at least one trailer brake.

Abstract: A method of controlling the braking of a tractor-trailer combination (10) in which the tractor (11) includes a drive train having an engine and at least one ground-engaging member (14, 16) driveably connected thereto via an adjustable-ratio transmission; at least one ground-engaging member (14, 16) of the tractor includes at least one tractor brake; and at least one ground-engaging member (17) of the trailer (12) includes at least one further, trailer brake, comprises the steps of determining (i) the deceleration of the tractor-trailer combination (10) resulting from braking effort applied via the tractor brake and/or (ii) the deceleration of the tractor-trailer combination resulting from engine braking. The method also includes establishing from one or both the said, determined decelerations as a target value in a control system a braking effort of the trailer brake that approximates the braking of the tractor-trailer combination (10) to the braking of the tractor (11) when considered alone.

Abstract: A mechanism for manually powering a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a frame and a first driver attached to the frame. The first driver rotates a driven wheel. A lever arm is pivotally attached to the frame and includes a first end having a pair of handles sized to be grasped and moved in a rowing motion by both hands of a person and a second end that rotatably attaches to a disk shaped second driver. A linkage is moved by the second driver when the person pivots the first end of the lever arm and the linkage rotates the first driver and the driven wheel. A steerable wheel and a steering member that are operated by the lever arm steer the steerable wheel. The steering member communicates moveably with a telescoping universal joint, the telescoping universal joint enabling the lever arm to be pivoted and steered.

Abstract: A standard-sized bicycle includes a main frame, a rear drive wheel and a rowing mechanism. The rowing mechanism is coupled to the main frame about a fulcrum. The fulcrum allows the rowing mechanism to oscillate forward in response to a pushing force and backward in response to a pulling force. The rowing mechanism includes a power lever and a pair of drive levers. The power lever has a handle on one end. The power lever also has a second end. The pair of drive levers extend from the second end of the power lever. Each of the pair of drive levers is in mechanical communication with the rear drive wheel such that both a forward oscillation of the rowing mechanism and a backward oscillation of the rowing mechanism drive the rear drive wheel in a same direction of rotation to propel the bicycle forward.

Abstract: A drive system for a work vehicle comprises a control unit adapted to: monitor output of a speed ratio setting input device for a speed ratio setting request signal and output of a drive-request input device for a FWD-only request signal, determine from the speed ratio setting request signal if a requested speed ratio setting represented thereby is one of at least one predetermined speed ratio setting among a plurality of speed ratio settings possible for the work vehicle upon receipt of the FWD-only request signal, and, if so, output at least one control signal engaging a FWD-only mode enabling FWD operation of the work vehicle but disabling RWD operation of the work vehicle. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A steering mechanism and method for a manually powered vehicle are provided. The steering mechanism includes a stem. An inner shaft freely rotates within the stem. A first end of a first cable and a first end of a second cable are operatively connected to the inner shaft. A second end of the first cable and a second end of the second cable are operatively connected to a steering column. The steering column supports a wheel of the manually powered vehicle. The steering column and the wheel rotate in response to rotation of the steering bar.

Abstract: An arm and leg powered vehicle includes a chassis mounted on a plurality of wheels, at least one of said wheels being a drive wheel wherein rotation of the drive wheel propels the vehicle forward, a seat mounted on the chassis for a rider to sit on, the seat being constrained against longitudinal movement relative to the chassis, a handlebar operatively connected to a steering rod whereby axial rotation of the handlebar generates a turn on at least one of said wheels, the handlebar including a handle holder arranged to move in a linear reciprocating manner relative to the steering rod, a foot pedal housing arranged to move in a linear reciprocating manner relative to a rail fixedly connected to the chassis, and, a power transmission system for receiving power from the arms of the rider in response to the application of a pulling force to the handlebar and from the legs of the rider in response to the application of the pushing force to the foot pedal housing and for transmission of the received power to the d

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed by means of which an operator both propels and steers a scooter, tricycle, or bicycle with a single set of handlebars. Power is applied by pumping the handlebars up and down, and steering is positive, and very similar to that of a conventional bicycle or tricycle. Drive means includes a single one-way clutch and a reciprocating endless chain or cable member which does not require a rewind spring. The total mechanism is very simple, the reciprocating components are few and light weight, and a long stroke yields a functional efficiency and top speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of linear human power to a rotating member is disclosed, which is adaptable to exercise equipment, wheeled chairs, scooters, bicycles, tricycles, etc. The hands of the operator apply the power during the downward stroke of an up-and-down pumping action, and many of the operator's muscle groups are employed. Various drive ratios are provided, and the mechanism is simple with few components. A preferred embodiment is detailed in which the apparatus is used to propel a scooter.

Abstract: A pedal lever type bicycle includes a pedal lever having a front portion and a rear portion, with an intermediate pivot point located substantially above the center of the rear wheel, and to the rear of the front of the rear wheel. The rear portion of the pedal lever has dog-leg configuration with a slider that is attached to a drive chain. The slider is mounted on a straight section of the rear portion of the pedal lever which extends slightly above and to the rear of the rear wheel hub, so that the chain exerts a force to move the slider outwardly on the rear portion of the pedal lever when it is in a lower position, and in the opposite direction when it is raised. Changes of mechanical advantage of 3 or 4 to 1 are available with this configuration of the pedal lever. The bicycle incorporates positive intuitive gear controls and quick release mechanisms for all major components of the propulsion system.

Abstract: A wheelchair apparatus for permitting a user to sit in an upright position while operating a wheelchair. The wheelchair apparatus includes a chair member being designed for supporting the user. The chair member has a seat portion. The chair member has a frame portion. The chair member has at least one drive wheel. The drive wheel is rotatably coupled to the frame portion. The chair member has at least one support wheel. The support wheel is coupled to the frame portion. The support wheel is designed for permitting the chair member to roll along the support surface. At least one lever assembly is operationally coupled to the drive wheel. The lever assembly is coupled to the chair member. The lever assembly is for rotating the drive wheel for propelling the chair member across the support surface when the lever assembly is actuated by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manually powered rowing vehicle. In one embodiment, a chain wraps around a portion of first and second free-wheel wheel sprockets, which can spin freely in one direction but not the other. The first free-wheel drive sprocket drives a rear wheel. The second free-wheel drive sprocket connects to one end of a lever arm, which pivotally connects to a frame. When the rider pulls the other end of the lever arm towards their body, the first free-wheel drive sprocket grabs the chain and pulls the chain forward. The chain in turn pulls the second free-wheel drive sprocket, which rotates the rear wheel forward. When the rider pushes the lever arm away from their body, the first free-wheel drive sprocket spins freely to allow the lever arm to return to the pull position without moving the linked chain or the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which sends an encrypted FAX document to a receiving party. The encrypted FAX is printed out by a receiving FAX with an unencrypted heading, indicating who the intended recipient of the received encrypted FAX is, and a body of the FAX in an encrypted format. Once the intended recipient receives the encrypted FAX document, the document can be scanned and decoded after the intended recipient provides a decode code. The decoded document can be printed by or viewed on a computer.

Abstract: A man-propelled vehicle includes a frame with a seat, two pedals, and two hand-operated handles, each linked with the frame by actuating devices capable of communicating to them an alternating translational motion. The actuating devices are coupled with unidirectional rotary transmission devices on a drive shaft by links adapted to drive in rotation the rotary transmission device when the pedals and operating handles are actuated.

Abstract: The arm-driven vehicle has a drive mechanism comprising a driving member. A movable chain attachment is secured to the driving member and the chain attachment has spaced apart fork legs and a rod member extending therebetween. A movable arm has one end operatively attached to a fork leg that is attached to the arm-driven vehicle. A movable gear is in operative engagement with the movable arm via a pin. A chain is in operative engagement with the movable chain attachment via a bar segment. The bar segment is rotatably attached to the rod member of the fork legs so that the vehicle may be driven forwardly by moving the driving member back and forth.

Abstract: A manually propelled wheelchair (10) powered by the chair occupant. Hand power levers (11,12) are pivoted on each side of the chair frame (15). Drive cables (25) connect each lever to a wheel pulley (20) which in turn acts through one-way clutches to propel the wheels (16, 17) during the power stroke as the lever pulls the drive cable. The clutches permit free wheeling of the chair except during the application of drive power. Recoil springs (46) rewind the cable on the pulley during the lever's return stroke. The point of cable attachment (19) to the lever is changed by rotating the lever handle (21) to change the ratio of lever movement to wheel movement. Moving the attachment point below the pivot point reverses the direction of the power and the return strokes. Directional control is obtained by differential application of power to the wheels and by selective wheel braking. For single hand operation, a single axle is used for both wheels.

Abstract: The rider powered vehicle has two steerable front wheels, each with a turning arm, and a single rear drive wheel. Power transmission means is provided between the rear wheel and a single push-pull and steerable handlebar mounted in a column assembly supported to oscillate about a lateral pivot axis. The handlebar is connected to a steering arm, and two steering links are connected at respective inboard and outboard pivotal connections between the steering arm and the two turning arms. Handlebar rotation causes the inboard pivotal connections to trace an arcuate path, and the lateral pivot axis is located to intersect the arcuate path generally at two spaced locations. This geometry provides a propulsion and steering mechanism that has substantially no interaction between the push-pull power strokes of the handlebar, for vehicular propulsion, and the handlebar rotation, for vehicular steering.

Abstract: A brake control system/method for preventing or arresting and minimizing trailer brake induced trailer-swing in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of articulation angle (AA) and/or time derivatives thereof (dAA/dt,) and indicative of vehicle dynamic turning radius of curvature (DTRC), or of steer angle (SA), and/or a time derivative thereof, and processes same to sense conditions indicative of an incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer-swing event.

Abstract: A self-propulsion device of the type for use with a skateboard or the like comprising, a self-propulsion device which may be mounted, as a unit, for replacement to the existing axle of a conventional skateboard or the like, the self-propulsion device comprising an axle having at least one drive roller rotatably mounted adjacent one end thereof, said axle being non-rotatable and being fixedly secured to a skateboard, the axle mounting thereon at least one spool member which receives a plurality of turns of a pull cord for rotating said spool in one direction upon actuation of said pull cord, a roller member rotatably journaled adjacent the free end of said axle for receiving added rotational force upon actuation of said pull cord, clutch means disposed on said axle between said drive spool and said roller for selectively imparting rotational movement of said spool to said roller, and resilient spring means disposed around said axle adjacent said first drive spool for automatically retracting said pull cord whe

Abstract: The vehicle and drive mechanism includes a vehicle frame having at least one steerable wheel carried thereon, an axle mounted on the frame and at least one driven wheel mounted on the axle. First and second ratcheted gears drivingly disposed on the axle to produce rotary motion of the axle when each gear is rotated in a first direction and coast relative to the axle when rotated in a second, opposite direction; an oscillating handle/footrest assembly operable to provide a driving force for the driven wheel and to provide braking action on a wheel.

Abstract: An axle driven tire is disclosed having an undersized tire with a series of laterally oriented circumferentially spaced tabs extending radially off of the hub into a circumferentially extending recess in the tire to drivingly tie the tire to the hub.

Abstract: An alternative drive device for a bicycle comprising a drive wheel assembly having two drive shafts and a drive wheel with dual rachet assemblies therein; vertical frame for mounting the drive wheel assembly in frictional engagement with the bicycle front tire and connected to a first horizontal bar; vertical frame extension connected to said first horizontal bar and a second horizontal bar, and attachable to a bicycle's handle bars; a pair of handles slidably mounted on the second horizontal bar, attached to a cable and pulley system that engages the drive wheel assembly, and capable of driving the device by reciprocal motion along the second horizontal bar wherein the motion of the handles causes the drive wheel, and hence the bicycle's front tire, to rotate.

Abstract: A wheelchair propelled by rowing action includes a wheelchair frame with a pair of large main rear wheels connected by an axle, a rowing lever pivotally connected to the frame, a steering shaft with a handlebar grip mounted coaxially within the rowing lever and connected by a universal joint to a steering linkage connected to caster brackets mounting small front wheels, a pair of ratcheted sprockets mounted on the axle, a pair of sprocket chain segments connected by cables through pulleys to the rowing lever such that pulling and pushing of the rowing lever alternately causes driving engagement of one of the ratchets with the axles for propulsion and causes the other to slip. The leverage exerted by the rowing lever on the ratcheted sprockets is adjustable.

Abstract: An operator powered skateboard including a platform, a drive assembly mounted to the platform about a pivot axis for axial displacement. The drive assembly including an external power assembly engaging a skateboard axle for causing rotation of the axle in one direction and a handle connected to the external power assembly for selectively engaging the power assembly. The skateboard including at least two pairs of wheels, one pair connected to the drive assembly, the other pair mounted to the platform about a second pivot axis for independent axial displacement.

Abstract: An exercise tricycle comprises a rear wheel, a one-way forward wheel, a front steering wheel and a brake mechanism which together provide the user with excellent exercise results. One of the user's feet is placed on the front wheel pedal, while the other foot is placed on the pedal between the two rear wheels. The user's two hands may pull two ropes to actuate the one-way forward wheel to drive the spindle and the rear wheels to cause the tricycle to move forwards. Steering and brake functions are performed by operating the front pedal assembly.

Abstract: A skateboard, having a platform and a pair of roller assemblies mounted respectively at opposed longitudinal ends of the platform. One of its roller assemblies has a rotatable axle and a pair of wheels fixedly secured thereto for conjoint rotation. A chain extends below the platform and is entrained upwardly through spaced holes for grasping by the user. A transmission is secured to the rotatable axle and is actuated by the movement of the chain to rotate the axle and thus propel the skateboard.

Abstract: A two-wheel man-powered vehicle having a frame, a steerable front wheel and a rear wheel, both rotatably mounted on the frame. A hand operable power lever has a lower end pivotally mounted on the frame so as to be capable of swinging back and forth in a vertical plane passing through the frame. The lever is constructed in such manner that an upper portion is capable of rotating about its own longitudinal axis. The power lever is provided with a handle at its upper end. A seat for an operator of the vehicle is mounted on the frame so as to be movable back and forth with regard thereto. A flexible transmission mechanism has one end connected to the power lever and one end connected to one of the wheels through a unidirectional drive. The front wheel is connected to the rotatable portion of the power lever by flexible connecting cables so as to be steerable upon rotation of the power lever about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A propulsion means for wheelchairs includes two drive assemblies, one mounted at each side of a wheelchair. Each drive assembly includes an axle which is rotationally oscillated by pumping a drive lever pivotally mounted on and engaged with said axle. Two overrunning clutches are also mounted on said axle: one clutch disposed to engage when the axle is rotated in a clockwise direction, and the other disposed to engage when the axle is rotated counterclockwise. A chain, connected to a ground wheel, is connected to one clutch and then the other through a reverse bend in said chain, so that the oscillatory motion of said axle is transmitted through said chain to cause unidirectional rotational motion in said ground wheel.