Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a releasable locking assembly. The releasable locking assembly has, for example, a first assembly movably coupled to the frame, a second assembly movably coupled to the frame, and wherein movement of the frame relative to the first and second assemblies causes the first and second assemblies to engage each other to limit further movement of the frame in at least a first direction.

Abstract: A trailer for a tunnel borer follower train comprises a chassis provided with a plurality of wheels, the chassis at rest presenting a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal plane of symmetry that is vertical. The trailer also comprises at least two tanks mounted on the chassis substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the chassis; apparatus for measuring any tilt of the chassis of the trailer about its longitudinal axis; apparatus for feeding both tanks with liquid; and apparatus for controlling the quantity of liquid in each of the tanks as a function of any measured tilt in such a manner that the quantity of liquid contained in each tank creates a return torque about the longitudinal axis tending to compensate for any tilt of the trailer.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel conversion assembly for a motorcycle comprises a frame having side members on opposite sides of a receiving space to receive the rear drive wheel of the motorcycle when connected thereto. The assembly has a pair of wheels having a common axis but each being independently mounted to a side member opposite the receiving space, and the pair of wheels substantially in contact with the ground surface at all speeds and is not adapted to selectively lift the wheels. The frame also is substantially at or below the axis of rotation of the rear wheel of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a releasable locking assembly. The releasable locking assembly has, for example, a first assembly movably coupled to the frame, a second assembly movably coupled to the frame, and wherein movement of the frame relative to the first and second assemblies causes the first and second assemblies to engage each other to limit further movement of the frame in at least a first direction.

Abstract: System for monitoring vehicle operating conditions and parameters and issuing warnings to the operator when a predetermined vehicle status is present. The predetermined vehicle status includes a variety of unsafe driving conditions and is responsive to a changing center of gravity. The warnings include visual, audible and tactile feedback. By way of the tactile feedback, the system can affect the operator's operation of the vehicle to prevent vehicle instability, rollover, loss of vehicle control or other unsafe driving conditions from occurring.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting pivoting of a pivotal axle in a forklift. The forklift has an axle that is supported pivotally relative to a body frame. A damper is arranged between the body frame and the axle to permit and restrict pivoting of the axle. An electromagnetic valve locks the damper to restrict pivoting of the axle. The axle is free to pivot when the pivot angle of the axle relative to the body frame exceeds a predetermined reference angle. A controller refers to the pivot angle and other factors relating to vehicle stability when deciding whether to restrict pivoting of the axle.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a seat frame and a back frame, the wheelchair being configured to tilt the seat frame from an initial position to a tilted position. The wheelchair includes a rear anti-tip wheel pivotally mounted for vertical articulation within a first range of motion. A means for limiting the vertical articulation to a second narrower range of motion in response to tilting of the seat frame is provided.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension (10) with a height control valve (70) in combination with an anti-creep device (12) having an automatic reset mechanism (90) that pressurizes the air spring of the trailing arm suspension until the rotatable arm (60) of the anti-creep device (12) is free to rotate from an extended position to a retracted position, even if the ride height is set too low. The automatic reset mechanism (90) adjusts the trailer height to prevent the binding of the trailing arm suspension and the anti-creep device when the height control valve (70) is improperly adjusted.

Abstract: Ambulatory apparatus includes a framework mounted to a chassis for movement between sitting, standing and reclining conditions. Leading, trailing and intermediate wheel assemblies are attached to the chassis for supporting the chassis in a first wheeled condition including the leading and intermediate wheel assemblies engaged for wheeled movement against a support surface and a second wheeled condition including the trailing and intermediate wheel assemblies engaged for wheeled movement against a support surface. The chassis and the framework define a center of gravity that is centered at the intermediate wheel assembly in each of the sitting and reclining conditions of the framework, and that is centered at the leading wheel assembly in the standing condition of the framework.

Abstract: A curb-climbing rear wheel drive power wheelchair is disclosed having a pair of drive wheels, at least one ground-engaging idler wheel connected to the frame forward of the drive wheels and at least one anti-tip wheel mounted above ground aft of the drive wheels. The drive wheels and anti-tip wheels are mounted on common suspension arms, pivoted to the frame of the wheelchair behind the drive wheels and resiliently suspended, so that the anti-tip wheels move up and down in response to movements of the drive wheel suspension.

Abstract: A mechanical device extends the wheel base of the vehicle so as to prevent vehicle rollover when the vehicle tilts. The device comprises a sliding steel bar or rod with a wheel or cylindrical ball joint at the terminal end that will slide out from a vehicle when the vehicle begins to tilt. The bar/rod extends to the side at the front and rear of the vehicle to a point where it touches the road to prevent further tilt or rollover. The sliding bar/rod is enclosed in a sleeve that is attached to the frame, bumper or body of the vehicle, so that the load of the vehicle can be absorbed, preventing tilting or rollover.

Abstract: An automatic accident informing apparatus for a two-wheel vehicle is provided which can detect the occurrence of accident with the use of a simple arrangement. The automatic accident informing apparatus for a two-wheel vehicle includes an accident detecting module 3 for detecting an accident of the vehicle and an accident informing module 7 arranged responsive to the occurrence of the accident detected by the accident detecting module 3 for informing an external party(s) of the accident. The accident detecting module 3 includes an inclination sensor 2 for measuring the inclination angle of the vehicle and an accident judgment unit 340 for judging that the vehicle met with the accident when the inclination of the vehicle remains higher than a predetermined degree throughout a specific length of time.

Abstract: An enclosed motorcycle (10) that utilizes a structural frame(14), a pair of tandem wheels (36,38), an engine (40) and a handlebar assembly (46) provides transportation for a single driver. A foot brake pedal assembly (96) is pivotally affixed to the frame for stopping the motorcycle and a bench seat (132) is rigidly attached to the frame for seating the driver. A pair of outrigger landing wheels (140) are attached to the motorcycle frame on a common axle and have automatic control to extend the wheels at a predetermined road speed, for preventing tipping at low speeds and when stopped. An enclosure (16) is disposed over and attached to the frame which includes a pair of entrance doors (172) and a pair of leg doors (170), one on each side of the motorcycle for access to the seat for minimizing the enclosure envelope and providing effortless entry into the motorcycle. A two piece external passenger seat (272) is provided over the engine with a fold down cargo compartment underneath.

Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism for a lift machine includes a frame that is securable to the lift machine, a pothole protection bar movably coupled with the frame via a support linkage, and an actuator coupled between the frame and the pothole protection bar. The actuator is sized for a force sufficient only to lift the pothole protection bar. The support linkage includes a coupling bar driven by the actuator that is connected between two pivot joints secured between the frame and the pothole protection bar. In the extended or deployed position, the pivot joints are pivoted to an over-center position and the coupling bar is abutted against a stop. As such, when a vehicle to which the pothole protection mechanism is attached falls into a pothole or off a curb or the like, the weight of the machine is supported by the pothole protection bar and support linkage and not by the actuator.

Abstract: A method and system of activating a safety device of a vehicle having x, y and z-axes. The method includes generating a y-acceleration signal representative of the acceleration of the vehicle in the y-axis, generating an angular-rate signal representative of the angular velocity of the vehicle with respect to the x-axis, calculating a vehicle angle having a relationship to the angular-rate signal and being representative of the angle of the vehicle about the x-axis, determining an angular-rate threshold having a relationship to the vehicle angle and the y-acceleration signal, comparing the angular-rate signal to the angular-rate threshold, and activating a safety device when the magnitude of the angular-rate signal is greater than the angular-rate threshold.

Abstract: An anti-tip suspension for a wheelchair having rear casters is defined. The suspension includes a rocker arm support, a rocker arm and a spring. The rocker arm is pivotally attached to the rocker arm support so that it is rotatable with respect to the rocker arm support. The spring engages the rocker arm and rocker arm support, biasing them away from one another. The rocker arm includes a rotation limiter that limits the rotation of the rocker arm with respect to the rocker arm support in one direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a rollover situation in such a way that restraint means, such as belt tighteners or head airbags, can be released at the right time during rollover. The signals that pertain to several sensors and detect transitional and rotational movements are detected, connected to one another and evaluated.

Abstract: Featured is an anti-tip device for regulating the amount of allowable tilting for an apparatus, such as a wheeled conveyance including a wheelchair, in one of a backward, forward or sideways direction. The anti-tip device includes a housing that is secured to the frame or support structure of the apparatus, in which housing is rotatably secured a support arm. The housing is configured so the support arm is in either a rest position or an operable position. The rest position generally corresponds to the non-tilted condition of the apparatus and in the operable position, the housing engages the support arm. Engagement of the support arm with the housing coupled with the distal end being in contact with the support surface prevents further rotation of the support arm and thus further tilting of the apparatus.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop “wheelies” upon acceleration.

Abstract: A wheelie scooter which utilizes an auxiliary wheel assembly mounted aft of the rear wheel of the scooter with the rear wheel in a first position. The auxiliary wheel assembly is adjustable to vary the distance of the auxiliary wheel of the auxiliary wheel assembly from the surface on which the scooter is being operated to thereby provide different levels of skill to riders of the scooter when performing of a stunt maneuver known as a wheelie. The rear wheel of the scooter can be adjusted to a second position where the scooter operates as a normal scooter and not as a wheelie scooter.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel conversion assembly for a motorcycle comprises a quick connect and disconnect structure, including a generally U-shaped frame having side frame members on opposite sides of a receiving pocket to receive the rear drive wheel of the motorcycle when connected thereto, a cross-bar across the rear between the two side frame members, an auxiliary wheel mounted along and to the outside of each side frame member, such wheels being of the same size as the rear drive wheel and substantially in axial alignment therewith when the conversion assembly is connected to the motorcycle. The forward end portions of each side frame member converge inwardly as they extend forwardly. Their forward ends include connecting members for quick releasable connection to corresponding cooperative connecting members secured to the forward and lower portion of the motorcycle frame.

Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism for a lift machine includes a frame that is securable to the lift machine, a pothole protection bar movably coupled with the frame via a support linkage, and an actuator coupled between the frame and the pothole protection bar. The actuator is sized for a force sufficient only to lift the pothole protection bar. The support linkage includes a coupling bar driven by the actuator that is connected between two pivot joints secured between the frame and the pothole protection bar. In the extended or deployed position, the pivot joints are pivoted to an over-center position and the coupling bar is abutted against a stop. As such, when a vehicle to which the pothole protection mechanism is attached falls into a pothole or off a curb or the like, the weight of the machine is supported by the pothole protection bar and support linkage and not by the actuator.

Abstract: An object is to provide an arrangement which enables the worker to easily carry out checking and maintenance on a part such as an engine from outside in a natural pose without climbing on a counterweight. In a construction vehicle having a traveling vehicle body and a revolving superstructure with an implement, a counterweight installed in the rear of the revolving superstructure comprises a detachable, separable sub-counterweight which is located on the position corresponding to the position of a part requiring maintenance.

Abstract: In an active roll control system for a vehicle, anti-roll bars (26, 30) are provided with actuators (28, 32) which can provide a torque in the anti-roll bars to control vehicle body roll. Under certain cornering conditions when the vehicle is liable to over-steer, the pressure supply to the actuators is pulsed so that the front wheels of the vehicle tend to break away more easily, thereby reducing over-steer.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a plurality of central wheels which can be either power or manually driven, at least one rear caster wheel, and at least one resiliently biased ground engaging front wheel having a multiple suspension assembly. The wheelchair has improved tracking since the front wheel is maintained on the ground even on undulating, bumpy, or irregular surfaces. The wheelchair also has improved stability since the front ground engaging wheel also acts as a resiliently biased anti-tip wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inclination prevention structure of a child wheeled vehicle including a rotation shaft having one end extended through the bottom of the vehicle body and secured with one end of a swing arm which can be rotated with the rotation shaft. The other end of the swing arm has two sides respectively pivoted with a wheel, thereby forming a swing wheel set. An inclination prevention bracket mounted between the vehicle body and the swing arm has one end combined with the rotation shaft, and can swing with the swing arm synchronously. The inclination prevention bracket is extended toward a direction directed opposite to the wheel of the swing wheel set, is bent downward, and is formed with an abutting portion adjacent to the ground. In such a manner, the child wheeled vehicle can obtain a better support during turning around, thereby enhancing the safety of use.

Abstract: Aerial work platform apparatus comprising a vehicle, a work platform, a lift on the vehicle for elevating and lowering the work platform, and a stabilizer for inhibiting tipping over of the apparatus when the work platform is elevated. The stabilizer is mounted on the vehicle for movement between a raised retracted position and a lowered position for engagement with the surface traversed by the vehicle should the apparatus start tipping. A mechanism moves the stabilizer between its raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A wheelie inhibitor device comprises a switch housing adapted to be secured to the rear of a vehicle and containing an electric switch 2, a switch actuating rod 8 extending from the switch housing 1 substantially behind the trailing part of the or a rear wheel of the vehicle and being adapted to touch the ground when the front end of the vehicle is tilted upwards relative to the ground by a predetermined amount, the switch 2 being electrically connected to one or more engine cut out or rear brake actuating regions of the vehicle, the arrangement being such that upon tilting upwards of the front of the vehicle by the pre-determined amount the free end of the actuating rod 8 touches the ground and thereby actuates the switch 2 to, in turn, temporarily deactivate the engine or apply the rear brake, as the case may be, to thereby inhibit the wheelie.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle that includes a mechanism for positioning the cab assembly and any loads supported by the cab assembly forward or rearward along the tracked chassis so that the weight of the cab assembly and load is more evenly distributed onto the earth contacting surfaces of the tracks of the tracked chassis and thereby minimize the chance of the tracked vehicle becoming bogged down.

Abstract: An outrigger to prevent a moving vehicle from overturning includes an arm that normally stays in a retracted, stored position that allows the vehicle freedom to travel, but then automatically extends to brace the vehicle in response to tilting to a predetermined limit. The arm has a pivotal or linear motion driven by virtue of its own weight or by spring force. A releasable latch holding the arm in the stored position automatically releases the arm in response to a mechanical or electrical tilt sensor that detects that the vehicle has tilted to the limit.

Abstract: A system for balancing two-wheeled vehicles when approaching rest or when at rest is provided. The system includes a spinning gyro rotor which is precessed upon the sensing of incipient tipping of the vehicle when the vehicle is at rest or approaching rest for generating a force for preventing such tipping. The system may be packaged in a small module that can be mounted on existing two-wheeled vehicles.

Abstract: A resilient anti-tip wheel suspension includes a wheel coupled to a first mounting bracket. A second mounting bracket is adapted to be rigidly mounted to a wheelchair. Upper and lower bars each have front and rear ends that are pivotally connected to the second mounting bracket and the first mounting bracket, respectively, so as to form a parallelogram configuration.

Abstract: A sideframe for a wheelchair has a top frame and a separate bottom frame. An axle plate extends between and is attached to both the top and bottom frames. A caster plate is attached to the sideframe. The top frame and the bottom frame are removably attached to one another. In particular embodiments of the invention, the top and bottom frames each comprise a plurality of bolt apertures. The axle plate and the axle extension plate may each comprise a plurality of bolt apertures. The sideframe may support a rear-mounted major wheel, with the axle plate being to the rear of the sideframe and the caster plate being in the front of the sideframe. Alternatively, the sideframe may support a front-mounted major wheel, with the axle plate being to the front of the sideframe and the caster plate being to the rear. To mount the top frame to the bottom frame, the top frame may have a downwardly extending portion with a concave end piece extending therefrom.

Abstract: A stability control system 24 for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors 28-37 sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle and a controller 26 that controls a distributed brake pressure to reduce a tire moment so the net moment of the vehicle is counter to the roll direction. The sensors include a speed sensor 30, a lateral acceleration sensor 32, a roll rate sensor 34, and a yaw rate sensor 20. The controller 26 is coupled to the speed sensor 30, the lateral acceleration sensor 32, the roll rate sensor 34, the yaw rate sensor 28. The controller 26 determines a roll angle estimate in response to lateral acceleration, roll rate, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The controller 26 may ultimately be used to determine a tire force vector such as brake pressure distribution or a steering angle change in response to the relative roll angle estimate.

Abstract: An ultra-narrow automobile is comprised of a body with an enclosed cabin, a pair of tandem seats inside the cabin, four wheels at the corners of the body, a propulsion system driving at least some of the wheels, and ballast positioned in the body for stability. The cabin is preferably narrow enough to enable two of such automobiles to travel side-by-side on a lane. The ballast is heavy enough and positioned low enough for providing a low center of gravity and a high rollover threshold of preferably about 50 degrees or more. The propulsion system is preferably comprised of an electric motor powered by a fuel cell, and the ballast is preferably comprised of a tank of metal hydride for fueling the fuel cell. The ballast may include dead weight for providing a desired rollover threshold when the batteries are not heavy enough, or when the motor is not an electric motor.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop “wheelies” upon acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus for tuning the weight distribution in a vehicle, typically a high performance automobile, is provided. The apparatus includes a weight tray having an internal passage, a screw element, typically a threaded bolt, that extends into an end of the internal passage, a retainer at the same end of the passage, defining a hole through which the screw is rotatably retained, a primary weight is disposed within the passage and having a bore into which the screw extends and a nut or a threaded portion (i.e., a tapped portion) disposed within the bore that operatively engages the threads of the screw. Additional weights may be attached to the primary weight to increase the weight in the weight tray. The primary and additional weights may further include interlocking portions that are suitably configured to interlock with a corresponding interlocking portion on another weight. One or more of the weights may be assembled from two weight segments to facilitate assembly of the apparatus with minimal tools.

Abstract: A steering rear axle (5) of a fork lift truck is swingable about a longitudinal swing shaft (9). Even with an ignition key (89) on, if an operation switch (88) is off, an electromagnetic switch valve (83) is de-energized, holding a port-connecting valve position (C) allowing hydraulic oil to be supplied from a hydraulic line (79) via the electromagnetic switch valve (83) and a hydraulic line (49) to a driving hydraulic cylinder (31), so that a slider (23) abuts on a stopper member (19), restricting a swing action of the steering axle (5). With the operation switch (88) turned on, the electromagnetic switch valve (83) is energized, having a port-connecting valve position (D) interrupting a hydraulic oil supply to the driving hydraulic cylinder (31), causing the slider (23) to depart from the stopper member (19), enabling the swing action of the steering axle (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling pivoting of a forklift rear axle. A hydraulic damper is arranged between a rear axle and a forklift body. The damper includes two oil chambers. The oil chambers are connected to a first passage and a second passage. A two-way switch valve is arranged between the oil chambers. The valve permits the flow of oil between the oil chambers and allows pivoting of the rear axle when opened. The valve restricts the flow of oil between the oil chambers and prohibits pivoting of the rear axle, thereby locking the rear axle when closed. When the rear axle is released from a locked state, the valve repeats a valve cycle, which includes opening and closing the valve, to regulate the amount of fluid that flows between the chambers. The valve is then kept in an opened state. This prevents shock that may be produced by sudden tilting of the body when the rear axle is released from a locked state.

Abstract: A system (10) and an associated method to avert vehicle side rollover for a vehicle (12) that has inflated tires (14A-14D). A sensor (18) senses a parameter indicative of an imminent threat of vehicle rollover to one side of the vehicle (12). A tire deflator device (e.g., 26A) reduces an inflation pressure of one of the vehicle tires (14A) on one side of the vehicle (12) to avert vehicle rollover in response to the imminent threat of vehicle rollover.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement has an adjusting spindle of a spindle drive for the axial adjustment of the interior steering column tube relative to the exterior steering column tube which is fixed by a holder on the interior steering column tube. The holder is a ring-shaped collar which, by way of a ring arrangement positioned between the outer jacket of the interior steering column tube and the inner circumference of the collar, is axially form-lockingly and frictionally engaged in the circumferential direction fixed on the interior steering column tube.

Abstract: A sideframe for a wheelchair has a top frame and a separate bottom frame. An axle plate extends between and is attached to both said top and bottom frames. A caster plate is attached to the sideframe. The top frame and the bottom frame are removably attached to one another. In particular embodiments of the invention, the top and bottom frames each comprise a plurality of bolt apertures. The axle plate and the axle extension plate may each comprise a plurality of bolt apertures. The sideframe may support a rear-mounted major wheel, with the axle plate being to the rear of the sideframe and the caster plate being in the front of the sideframe. Alternatively, the sideframe may support a front-mounted major wheel, with the axle plate being to the front of the sideframe and the caster plate being to the rear. To mount the top frame to the bottom frame, the top frame may have a downwardly extending portion with a concave end piece extending therefrom.

Abstract: A balance control mechanism for an overhead traveling carrier includes a movable section disposed on a carrier body at a position below the fulcrum of a traveling wheel of the carrier such that the movable section can be moved laterally of the carrier body to thereby displace the center of gravity of the movable section laterally of the carrier body, a gravity center moving unit for moving the center of gravity of the movable section with respect to the carrier body, and a balance control unit for calculating a balancing position at which the center of gravity of the movable section is to be placed so that the moment of a centrifugal force turning around the fulcrum with an axis lying in a direction of travel of the carrier and applied to the carrier in its entirety upon travel of the carrier over a curved portion of the rail is counterbalanced by the moment of gravity, and then controlling the gravity center moving unit to cause the center of gravity of the movable section to be moved to the balancing positi

Abstract: Lockup hydraulic valve system for controlling side swing arm supported wheels on a motorcycle when the wheels are in a downward ground engaging position. The valve system has an open-unlocked and closed-locked position. In the unlocked position, a driver riding the motorcycle about turns where the bike tilts either to the right or to the left allows the corresponding side wheel to move upward. Also in the unlocked position, the side wheels will raise when the motorcycle is running over uneven road surfaces. In the locked position, the side wheels stay in a rigid/fixed downward position while the motorcycle is standing still up to speeds of approximately 15 mph. Magnets attached to the front wheel along with a pickup sensor determine the speed of the motorcycle. Above, 15 mph, a relay activated safety switch overides the locked position putting the valve controls into the unlocked position.

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: An industrial vehicle including an axle to which wheels are mounted and supported to pivot vertically relative to a body of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a pivot control apparatus for controlling pivoting of the axle. The industrial vehicle further includes a controller for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the pivot control apparatus. A warning lamp having two or more different modes is located in the cabin. The modes include an abnormality mode for indicating the occurrence of an abnormality in the pivot control apparatus and a normality mode for indicating normal functioning of the pivot control apparatus. The controller also notifies the operator of two or more additional different pieces of information using the modes of the warning lamp. That is, the single warning lamp also indicates the reason for restricting the axle by its color.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus is used in an industrial vehicle. The apparatus has a hydraulic cylinder interposed between a vehicle frame and an axle swingably coupled to the frame. A passage connects a first chamber with a second chamber defined by a piston in a cylinder case. The piston is movable based on differential pressure in the chambers. A cylinder rod selectively extends and retracts in respect with the cylinder case to absorb a swinging motion of the axle. The passage is selectively open and closed based on at least one of a traveling state and a loading state of the vehicle. The piston has a first surface defining the first chamber and a second surface defining the second chamber. The first surface has an area equal to that of the second surface.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a hydraulic cylinder that controls pivoting of a rear axle in a forklift. The rear axle is supported pivotally to the body. The hydraulic cylinder connects the rear axle to the body. Two hydraulic oil chambers are defined in the hydraulic cylinder. Movement of hydraulic oil between the oil chambers is selectively permitted and prohibited to selectively permit and prohibit pivoting of the rear axle. The body includes a pair of side frame members located on the sides of the body and a pair of cross frame members connected to the side frame members. The rear axle is located under the cross frame members. One end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to the cross frame members by an upper joint. An upper pin, which is part of the upper joint, is directly supported by the cross frame members. Accordingly, an exclusive bracket for coupling the hydraulic cylinder to the body is not necessary. This simplifies the structure for coupling the hydraulic cylinder to the body.

Abstract: A utility vehicle ha a rigid axle that can be pivoted about a fixed swivel extending the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The axle is mounted on a swinging link, with which the cylinder of a hydro-pneumatic spring suspension engages. Such vehicle are equipped with a spring suspension for road travel at speeds in excess of 40 km/hr. However, both the spring action and the swivel movement of the rigid axles are potentially dangerous when working on uneven or sloping ground. This invention permits both the spring action and the swivel movement of the rigid axle to be prevented. This invention is particularly well suited for vehicles used in agriculture, forestry, and construction.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant (33) during a vehicle rollover condition includes a rollover sensor (68) for sensing a vehicle rollover condition. The rollover sensor (68) provides a signal indicative of the vehicle rollover condition. The system also includes a vehicle body portion (14) defining a vehicle occupant compartment (16). The vehicle body portion (14) also includes at least one actuatable power device (44; 52; 56) for, when actuated, helping to protect the vehicle occupant (33) in a rollover condition by modifying a characteristic of the vehicle body portion (14). A controller (28) actuates the power device (44; 54; 56) in response to the rollover sensor signal.