Abstract: A steering handle of a vehicle includes a support structure, which is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation and at each end of which an angled gripping element for a hand of a driver is provided such that the gripping element can be rotated relative to the support structure. In at least one defined driving state of the vehicle, the two gripping elements are or have been positioned by way of an actuating device in such a way that portions of the gripping elements that are provided for grasping with the hands of the driver lie on a line, the free ends of the portions facing one another.

Abstract: A device for performing autonomous agricultural operations may include a toolbar to which a plurality of implements may be interchangeably coupled, and a pair of parallel chassis beams mounted perpendicularly on the toolbar. At least a portion of each of the chassis beams may be telescopic and configured to be extended outward from, and retracted inward towards, the toolbar. The device may also include a plurality of drive assemblies each mounted on one of the chassis beams, and a plurality of motors corresponding to the drive assemblies and configured to drive the drive assemblies in accordance with one or more drive parameters to move the device throughout a site. The device may further include a computing device configured to automatically determine the drive parameters, and cause the plurality of motors to drive the corresponding drive assemblies in accordance with the drive parameters.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes an automatic steering mechanism to automatically steer a vehicle body so that the vehicle body travels on a target travel path. The automatic steering mechanism includes a motor to drive a steering shaft to rotate, and is in a steering tower. The motor is under a steering wheel and laterally adjacent to the steering shaft.

Abstract: A tricycle has a forward oriented fork member (20) supported for rotation about a steering axis (14) of the tricycle, a handle bar (50) mounted to the fork member, a cargo unit (24) supported by the fork member, and a pair of transversally spaced linkages (30), wherein each linkage at a proximal end is linked to the fork member and at a distal end supports a respective front wheel (16) of the tricycle. The cargo unit and the linkages are shiftable between respective forward and backward end positions to thereby transform the tricycle to a wheel cart and vice versa.

Abstract: A terminal position learning unit includes a first storage unit configured to store a steered position positioned farthest from a neutral position of a turning mechanism within a range of a steered position detected by a position detection unit when rotational force applied to the turning mechanism is less than or equal to a first predetermined value, a second storage unit configured to store a steered position positioned farthest from the neutral position within a range of a position to which a steered position detected by the position detection unit is shifted in a direction toward the neutral position by a second predetermined value, and a third storage unit configured to store, as a terminal position stored by the terminal position learning unit, one of the steered positions stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit positioned farther from the neutral position than the other.

Abstract: To provide an expansion device and a movable body including a mechanism for quick deformation. An expansion device includes a main body and a limb portion attached to the main body, in which the limb portion includes a main link connected to the main body via a joint, an end link provided at a front end of the limb portion, at least one or more limb joints that are interposed between the main link and the end link and connect the main link and the end link, and a linear member of which both ends couple an end at the front end side of the limb portion of the end link and the main body and are retractable to one or both of the end link and the main body.

Abstract: A vehicular display control system includes first and second displays disposed in a vehicle interior, a screen switching operation receiver, and a screen switching controller. The screen switching operation receiver is disposed at a position in the vehicle interior operable by a user while maintaining a driving posture, and receives a first screen switching operation and a second screen switching operation from the user. The screen switching controller performs a first screen switching control for switching a display of a content screen on the first display when the first screen switching operation is received and performs a second screen switching control for switching a display of a content screen on the second display when the second screen switching operation is received.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a vehicle may include a frame having longitudinal axis. The vehicle may include a steering assembly having a steering input and at least one wheel. The steering assembly may be coupled to the frame and configured to steer the vehicle based on input from a steering input. The vehicle may include a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel. The vehicle may include a steering position sensor configured to detect steering input including a position of the steering input and at least one of i) a rate of change of position of steering input and ii) steering position time. The vehicle may include at least one controller configured to process a signal from the steering position sensor and, in response to the processed signal, drive the first drive wheel and the second drive wheel, the first drive wheel being driven independent of the second drive wheel.

Abstract: Each of embodiments provides a power transmission device of a steering apparatus including: a first shaft that has an one-side end at which a coupling end of which a diameter is reduced and formed is provided; a second shaft that has an end facing the first shaft at which a coupling groove into which the one-side end of the first shaft is inserted is provided; and an elastic support member having an inner circumferential face into which the coupling end is inserted and an outer circumferential face that is supported on and coupled with an inner circumferential face of the coupling groove.

Abstract: Lifting robot systems and methods for operating the same are disclosed. A lifting robot system includes a sensor device and a robot device. The robot device includes a body, a lifting component movably coupled to the body, and a collection tray coupled to the lifting component. Upon receiving a command to lift an object, the sensor device automatically detects the object, the robot device places the object on the collection tray, and the robot device causes the lifting component to lift the collection tray from a first height to a second height.

Abstract: A method of coupling a rack and pinion steering mechanism to a vehicle includes interfacing a first spherical washer with the rack and pinion steering mechanism and interfacing a second spherical washer with the vehicle. The second spherical washer is interfaced with the first spherical washer. A relative angle is formed between the rack and pinion steering mechanism and the vehicle via the first spherical washer and the second spherical washer. The first spherical washer is retained with the second spherical washer via a ring retainer.

Abstract: A scooter, which is driven by an electric motor, for transporting persons, includes an electric drive motor and a standing platform. A front wheel is arranged along a center axis of the standing platform. A steering rod is coupled to the front wheel. Handlebars pivot the front wheel about a rotational axis, which is formed by the steering rod. Two rear wheels are at a spacing from the front wheel and are each arranged laterally offset with respect to the center axis. A feed-through aperture, which is preferably completely closed circumferentially and is passed through by the steering rod, or in which the front wheel sits, is incorporated into the standing platform. The front wheel is flanked on both sides in each case by at least one support element which projects from an underside of the standing platform that faces an underlying surface.

Abstract: A tie rod end includes a body portion having a curved portion and extending in a rod shape, an engaging portion with a tie rod provided at one end of the body portion, and a connecting portion with a knuckle arm provided at the other end of the body portion, and constitutes a part of a vehicle steering apparatus used for steering a vehicle. The body portion made of an aluminum warm-forged material is provided so that an outer curved portion is oriented toward a front of the vehicle when attached to the vehicle. Dimension in a vehicle height direction of the body portion is larger at an inner curved portion than at the outer curved portion. It is possible to obtain the tie rod end capable of securing sufficient rigidity against stress concentration inside the curved portion.

Abstract: A vehicle lower portion structure includes: a suspension member including a pair of left and right under from side members that extend in a vehicle front-rear direction, a cross member that extends in a vehicle transverse direction and connects the under front side members, and a steering gear box that extends in the vehicle transverse direction and is formed integrally with the cross member; and an under front bumper reinforcement that extends in the vehicle transverse direction and is installed between front end portions of the pair left and right under front side members.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot including a hand including a plurality of finger sections and a work device in which the robot performs work. The work device includes a first rotating body, a second rotating body configured to rotate in association with rotation of the first rotating body, a grip section provided in the first rotating body, and a setting section provided in the second rotating body, a target object of the work performed by the robot being set on the setting section. The robot grips the grip section with the finger sections to rotate the first rotating body.

Abstract: A steering support rack assembly and method are disclosed. The steering support rack assembly includes a linear bearing with a sliding support shaft attached to a bracket at each end of the support shaft, where the brackets are also connected to a steering assembly and tie rods of a vehicle. A steering support rack assembly includes a pair of tie brackets with a support shaft assembly coupled between the tie brackets, such that the steering support rack assembly is configured to couple to a rack and pinion assembly and tie rod assemblies of a vehicle so that a shaft of the support shaft assembly moves in combination with the rack and pinion assembly to steer the vehicle with the tie rod assemblies and increase the strength and durability of the rack and pinion assembly.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an anti-rotation assembly for a steering column is provided. The anti-rotation assembly includes a bushing and a pin having a detent for engaging the bushing when the pin is inserted into the bushing.

Abstract: In a steering system that includes: an intermediate shaft on a steering wheel side; a pinion shaft on a steered wheel side; and a cross joint by which the intermediate shaft and the pinion shaft are rotatably connected to each other on a plane intersecting with each of the shafts, and that steers steered wheels by transmitting steering torque of a steering wheel from the intermediate shaft to the pinion shaft, a weakened portion is formed in a joint spider of the cross joint. The weakened portion can be identified in advance as a portion that breaks first. This makes it possible to realize a failure mode in which a vehicle is able to run by itself for a certain period of time after a failure.

Abstract: A target pinion angle computation unit computes a target pinion angle on the basis of a basic assist component and a steering torque, and computes the target pinion angle so as to rapidly increase a steering reaction force when it is determined based on the target pinion angle that a rack shaft of a rack-and-pinion mechanism reaches a position near a limit of a movable range of the rack shaft. In an EPS, a correction component for the basic assist component, which is necessary to increase the steering reaction force rapidly, is computed through execution of PID control for causing an actual pinion angle to coincide with the target pinion angle. Because the correction component is added to the basic assist component, the steering reaction force is increased rapidly when the rack shaft reaches the position near the limit of the movable range.

Abstract: An inner column 2 is fitted in an outer column 1 in such a way as to be able to slide in the axial direction. The outer column 1 is mounted on a vehicle body 5 by a vehicle mount bracket 3. Fastening portions 65B, 65B of a right distance bracket 6B pass through through-holes 13, 14 respectively to be able to be in contact with the outer circumference 21 of the inner column and directly fasten the outer circumference of the inner column. Thus, there is provided a steering apparatus that is simple in structure without need to provide an additional mechanism for preventing rotation of an inner column and in which the magnitude of fastening force exerted on the inner column does not vary depending on the telescopic position of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for a vehicle having an onboard diagnostics connector and a connector interface connected to the onboard connector includes at least one external controller adapted for unfastenable connection to the connector interface; and at least one operator control connected to said at least one external controller.

Abstract: There is provided a switch unit which is downsized and which can reduce cost by eliminating a connector and an intermediate harness embedded in a body. A wiper switch and a light switch are attached to a steering column. Each of the wiper switch and the light switch includes a base portion which positions a stator portion of the steering column between each other, a housing portion projecting from the base portion along a periphery of the stator portion. A connector is housed in the housing portion. The connector of the wiper switch and the connector of the light switch are attached to the steering column with the connectors being directly connected together.

Abstract: A vehicle has a trailer backup steering input apparatus, a trailer backup assist control module coupled to the a trailer backup steering input apparatus, and an electric power assist steering system coupled to the trailer backup assist control module and. The trailer backup steering input apparatus is configured for outputting a trailer path curvature signal approximating a desired curvature for a path of travel of a trailer towably coupled to the vehicle. The trailer backup assist control module is configured for determining vehicle steering information as a function of the trailer path curvature signal. The electric power assist steering system is configured for controlling steering of steered wheels of the vehicle as a function of the vehicle steering information.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement for a vehicle comprises a first portion rotatably supported by a second portion. The steering column arrangement further comprises a first electrical motor that is adapted to be operably connected to a vehicle control system. The steering column is arranged to be moved laterally and/or axially by the first electric motor. The steering column arrangement further comprises locking means arranged to lock the steering column thereby preventing rotation of the steering column. The locking means comprise a first locking member attached to the steering column and a second locking member arranged to be attached to the vehicle chassis, where the first electric motor is arranged to move the steering column to a locked position in which the first locking member and the second locking member are arranged to engage, thereby preventing rotation of the steering column.

Abstract: A steering system includes a column shaft that is supported by a column tube so that the column shaft is able to rotate. A male serration is formed in a lower end of a lower shaft of the column shaft in an axial direction. A universal joint connects the lower shaft with an intermediate shaft. A first portion of the male serration is fitted to a serration hole of a rotor of a steering angle sensor, and a second portion of the male serration is fitted to a serration hole of a first yoke of the universal joint.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame and a steering assembly. Wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a steering wheel operably coupled to rear wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle via a cable system. The cable system may include a first cable portion, a second cable portion and a pulley assembly. The first and second cable portions may each contact a steering column pulley at respective first ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering column pulley may be configured to pull a corresponding one of the first cable portion or the second cable portion based on a direction of rotation of the steering wheel. The first and second cable portions may each be in operable communication with a steering disc at respective second ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering disc may provide translation of movement of the first cable portion and the second cable portion into corresponding movement of the rear wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for steering a three wheeled personal transportation vehicle is described. Steering is accomplished by one or more footpads attached to a fore and aft rotatable torsion bar, which in turn is attached at the front end to a Pitman arm and conventional steering mechanism. An adjustable steering centering assembly is also described.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A recumbent vehicle is disclosed, which generally consists of a front, seat and rear chassis. The seat chassis is operatively connected to upper and lower pivot joints, which allow for the seat chassis, and thus the rider, to move independently from the remainder of the vehicle. Said upper and lower pivot joints are each comprised of subcomponents such as spherical axial bearings along with a coil to create said independent movement, which manifests itself during turns and when hitting obstacles on the terrain. The rider can control the direction of the recumbent vehicle by means of a steering arm.

Abstract: A steering column has an overall hollow and cylindrical shape at least part of which is formed using a column member. The column member includes a main body portion having one-side end section and the other-side end section and a cylindrical member having one-side end section and the other-side section. The cylindrical member is joined in the axial direction with respect to the main body portion by fitting and fastening the other-side end section of the cylindrical member inside the one-side end section of the main body portion. The inner diameter of the end surface of the other-side end section of the cylindrical member is smaller than the inner diameter of a portion of the other-side end section of the cylindrical member. The portion of the other end section of the cylindrical member constitutes a joined section between the main body and the cylindrical member.

Abstract: Hinged assemblies, and children's products including at least one hinged assembly, include a base member and a hinged member operatively and pivotally coupled to the base member to define a hinge. The hinge is configured to release if an obstruction is positioned between the hinged member and the base member while the hinged member is being closed and if a closing torque is greater than or equal to a release torque. The hinge also may be configured to not release when an opening torque is applied when the hinged member is in its open position even when the opening torque is greater than the release torque.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, at least a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion supported by the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels, a first seat portion and a second seat portion supported by the frame portion and arranged side by side in a width direction of the vehicle, a steering wheel in front of the first seat portion, and a roll-over protection cage supported by the frame portion and covering the first seat portion, the second seat portion and the steering wheel. The first seat portion includes a first seat back portion which has a first backrest surface. The second seat portion includes a second seat back portion which has a second backrest surface. The first seat portion and the second seat portion are adjacent to each other in a width direction of the vehicle. At a height of a lower end of the steering wheel, a center of the second backrest surface is at a more rearward position than a center of the first backrest surface.

Abstract: Wheeled vehicle, comprising of one front wheel, two side wheels and one rear wheel, configured on a chassis frame in a symmetrical rhombus (diamond) layout. The non-steered front wheel is turned by pedals using human power, similar or exactly in bicycle use design, or with electric motor power. The two parallel side wheels in one axis are perpendicular to the chassis frame, allowing them to swivel in unison for steering the vehicle without elaborate axle pivoting apparatus. The rear wheel is powered by an electric motor, hybrid motor or. liquid. fuel motor. The rear wheel is attached longitudinally with the center of the chassis frame so that it swivels also in unison for steering with the side wheels.

Abstract: A steering wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle has a steering wheel which is coupled in terms of movement to a steerable axle of the motor vehicle via a steering axle. The steering wheel is arranged rotatably on a steering column having a housing body. The housing body has at least one upwardly open recess which is bounded at least by two opposite walls extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal centre axis of the housing body.

Abstract: A steering device for a motor vehicle has a steering wheel which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a steering shaft which is continuously hollow and through which at least an electrical conductor is led in order to make electrical connection with steering-wheel-side equipment. The conductor, in particular flexible conductor tracks, highly flexible cables, and/or flat conductor ribbons, is guided in an axial direction through the entire steering shaft, and emerges therefrom at the two ends of the steering shaft, and is surrounded essentially by a protective device. The protective device has two protective tubes which can be changed in length in the axial direction, in particular by moving them in and out in a telescopic fashion.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame, a seat base and an adjustable seat. Wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The seat base may also be coupled to the frame. The adjustable seat may be coupled to the seat base of the riding lawn care vehicle to enable selectable repositioning of at least a portion of the adjustable seat at variable distances from the seat base.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame and a steering assembly. Wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a steering wheel operably coupled to rear wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle via a cable system. The cable system may include a first cable portion, a second cable portion and a pulley assembly. The first and second cable portions may each contact a steering column pulley at respective first ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering column pulley may be configured to pull a corresponding one of the first cable portion or the second cable portion based on a direction of rotation of the steering wheel. The first and second cable portions may each be in operable communication with a steering disc at respective second ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering disc may provide translation of movement of the first cable portion and the second cable portion into corresponding movement of the rear wheels.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame, a steering assembly, and an axle mount. The axle mount may include a first sleeve and a second sleeve disposed at opposite ends of the axle mount. The first and second sleeves may receive top portions of a first axle rod and a second axle rod. The first axle rod and the second axle rod each include a top portion and a bottom portion bent with respect to the top portion. The bottom portion may be received by the rear wheels. The first and second sleeves may be disposed in a fixed position relative to the axle mount and an orientation of the first and second sleeves may be provided such that the bottom portion of each of the first and second axle rods is substantially parallel to a driving surface in response to the steering wheel being oriented in a neutral position.

Abstract: A steering column device includes a tilt bracket that is fixed to a vehicle body, and a telescopic bracket that is fixed to a column jacket. A lock mechanism includes a fastening shaft that is inserted through a first side plate and a second side plate of the tilt bracket, and a third side plate and a fourth side plate of the telescopic bracket, and achieves tilt locking and telescopic locking by fastening the third and fourth side plates by using the first and second side plates. Tilt friction plates and telescopic friction plates are provided separately from each other on right and left sides of the tilt bracket, respectively.

Abstract: A human powered vehicle with four unpowered wheels. Front and rear wheel bearing sections are joined by a top frame structure. A swing suspended from the frame structure supports a driving rider in either a prone or a sitting position. In the prone position, the rider is oriented, heard first, along the axis of travel, and positioned beneath the frame structure. The vehicle has a steering mechanism and a braking system, both situated to be operative by the rider when the rider is positioned to be in any of a standing, sitting or prone position.

Abstract: A grass mowing machine operator platform includes a one-piece plastic composite molded structure with a top surface and an outer wall, and a plurality of slots in the top surface and outer wall. A pair of steering levers may be pivotably mounted to steering pivot bolts in the slots in the top surface, and a brake lever pivotably mounted in a slot in the outer wall. The slots where the steering levers and brake lever are mounted have integral bearing surfaces.

Abstract: An example can include a frame of a vehicle. An example can include at least two wheels coupled to the frame, wherein at least one of the wheels is configured to pivot around a steering axis. An example can include a cornering force sensor to measure a cornering force of the frame with respect to the surface and produce a cornering force signal. An example can include a thrust generation controller to receive the cornering force signal and to produce a desired downforce signal. An example can include and a thrust generator to receive the desired downforce signal and to pump air through at least one of the at least two wheels to produce lateral force on the wheel in association with the desired downforce signal.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a chassis, an operator station, and a steering column. The operator station is carried by the chassis and includes a floor. The steering column is mounted to and extends upward from the floor. The steering column includes a pair of opposite sides and a pair of foot rests, with each foot rest extending laterally outward from a respective side. The position of the foot rests is preferably adjustable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attenuating torsional vibration of a steering system. The apparatus can include a housing including a chamber. The housing can be couplable to a rim of a hand wheel of the steering system. The apparatus can include a mass disposed in the chamber of the housing. The mass can have a fixed stiffness. The apparatus can also include a damping fluid disposed in the chamber of the housing. The damping fluid can have a variable stiffness. The apparatus can include a control module that determines a torsional vibration experienced by the steering system and outputs a signal to vary the stiffness of the damping fluid in response to the torsional vibration in substantially real-time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attenuating translational vibration in a steering system. The apparatus can include a housing having a fluid chamber, a recess and a mounting bracket that couples the housing to a hand wheel of the steering system. The fluid chamber can be in communication with the recess. The apparatus can include a mass disposed in the recess of the housing, which can have a fixed stiffness. The apparatus can include a damping fluid disposed in the housing so as to flow between the fluid chamber and the recess. The mass can be movable in the damping fluid, and the damping fluid can have a variable stiffness. The apparatus can further include a control module that determines a translational vibration experienced at the hand wheel and outputs a signal to vary the stiffness of the damping fluid in response to the translational vibration in substantially real-time.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle capable of maintaining a stable state when a rider gets on the step plate or get off the step plate. A vehicle is a vehicle that performs a turning movement based on the rotation of step plates on which a rider rides in the left/right direction. The vehicle includes restriction means to enable the rotation of the step plates in the left/right direction to be restricted. The vehicle preferably further includes first control means that controls the restriction means so that the rotation of the step plates in the left/right direction is restricted when the rider gets on the step plates or gets off the step plates.

Abstract: A human powered vehicle with four unpowered wheels. Front and rear wheel bearing sections are joined by a top frame structure. A swing suspended from the frame structure supports a driving rider in either a prone or a sitting position. In the prone position, the rider is oriented, heard first, along the axis of travel, and positioned beneath the frame structure. The vehicle has a steering mechanism and a braking system, both situated to be operative by the rider when the rider is positioned to be in any of a standing, sitting or prone position.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with refraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, first and second wheels that are selectively rotatable about a first horizontal axis, a third wheel, and a steering system. The steering system operatively connects the third wheel to the frame such that the third wheel is selectively rotatable about a second horizontal axis. The steering system is configured to selectively toe the third wheel and to laterally displace the third wheel with respect to the frame, thereby increasing stability during turning.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle that has an improved dual front wheel integrated steering and suspension system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered by a combination of arm and leg steering movements coupled with front end leaning that shifts the center of mass of the vehicle down and toward the inside wheel. This transfer of mass counteracts a conventional cornering vehicle's tendency to fling its mass to the outside wheel and lift the inner wheel off the ground as well as changing the angle of the line of force exerted through the tires, and enhancing the vehicles's grip on the ground. The vehicle has a reduced amount of sliding and potential of flipping when turning sharply. The steering system is compatible with traditional ACKERMAN steering geometry wherein the inner wheel turns in a smaller diameter circle than the outer wheel.