Abstract: A vehicle includes an axle which is connected with steerable vehicle wheels and is movable relative to a body of the vehicle with the steerable vehicle wheels. A rack and pinion steering mechanism is fixedly connected with the axle and is movable with the axle relative to the body of the vehicle. A shaft assembly connects the rack and pinion steering mechanism with a vehicle steering wheel. The length of the shaft assembly can be varied to accommodate movement of the rack and pinion steering mechanism and the axle relative to the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for steering a wheel assembly in a riding mower has a steering sprocket nonrotatably connected to a rotatable steering column and a transmission chain which is flexible in the plane of the steering sprocket and extends over the steering sprocket and forms, on both sides of the steering sprocket, a rectilinear chain run. Two deflecting wheels arranged on both sides of the steering sprocket are positioned in a deflecting wheel plane turned around the respective chain run lines relative to the plane of the steering sprocket. Each of two transmission chains, which extend over the respective deflecting wheels between the free end of the respective chain runs and the wheel assembly, is, between the steering sprocket and the respective deflecting wheels, coupled by way of a link element to the chain, which is flexible in the plane of the steering sprocket, so as to form a straight line with the chain.

Abstract: In a cable-type steering device (in which a steering torque of a steering wheel is transmitted to wheels through a driven pulley, cables, and a follower pulley, and is assisted by a motor for a power-steering operation), a rotational angle of the driven pulley and a rotational angle of the follower pulley upon operation of the steering wheel are detected by potentiometers. A deviation between both of the rotational angles is proportional to an amount of elongation of the cables, i.e., the steering torque. Hence, an electronic control unit U controls the driving of the motor for the power-steering operation based on the deviation.

Abstract: A sensing device conveniently and accurately produces electrical signal representative of the direction in which he steerable wheels (10 and 11) of a vehicle are pointing and the rate of change of the direction of the steerable wheels. The device includes a circular or donut-shaped magnet (26) that is attached to the pinion (12) of a rack and pinion steering gear (6). The magnet has a plurality of magnetic poles (28) spaced around its circumference and preferably extending axially through the magnet. As the magnetic poles rotate past a plurality of sensors (36 and 38) that are located in quadrature positioning relative to the magnetic poles and to each other, the sensors generate electrical signals that are processed to determine the rotation direction of the pinion and the rate of such rotation.

Abstract: In a utility vehicle, a muffler accommodating chamber is defined in front of and below an engine mounted at a front portion of a vehicle frame. A rear wall of the muffler accommodating chamber is formed by a front axle frame which is mounted to extend between both of vertical frame portions of the vehicle frame and supports a front axle beam for rotatably supporting front wheels at its opposite ends. The front axle frame has a function to support the front axle beam, a function as a strength member in the form of a cross member, and a function as a member defining the muffler accommodating chamber. A driving gear is mounted to a steering shaft and thrust-supported by a lower surface of a support portion of a support frame which is fixedly mounted on the vehicle frame. A driven gear meshed with the driving gear and a pitman arm are connected to a rotary shaft whose axially upward movement is limited by the support portion and whose axially downward movement is limited by a bracket mounted to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A linkage assembly (20) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a hollow center link (30) formed of a single piece of sheet metal. A first hollow tie rod (54) is pivotally connected with a first connector section (48) of the center link (30) and with a steerable vehicle wheel (22). The first tie rod (54) includes a hollow inner section (62) formed of a single piece of sheet metal and a hollow outer section (64) formed of a single piece of sheet metal. An adjustment mechanism (66) interconnects the inner and outer sections (62, 64) of the first tie rod (54) to enable the length of the first tie rod to be varied. A second hollow tie rod (74) has the same construction as the first tie rod (54) and is connected with a second connector section (50) of the center link (30) and with a second steerable vehicle wheel (24).

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated vehicle for scrubbing floors that provides an operator station for riding on the vehicle and is particularly useful in cleaning relatively large floor surfaces that are defined by intersecting aisles of relatively narrow width. In this regard, the dimensional characteristics of the vehicle body facilitate tight turns in such aisles. Further, the location and/or shape of components of the vehicle and/or the positional relationship of one component to another component facilitate turns in narrow aisles. The vehicle also incorporates shock absorbing systems for the scrub head and vacuum squeegee that benefit the noted application.

Abstract: A steering system for an automotive vehicle provides an improved steering response characteristic and has has an elastic member which is included in a transmission path from a steering wheel to tires of the vehicle to be operated by the steering wheel, such as a steering column coupling which is elastically deformed according to the rotation of a steering column shaft, or a rack insulator for elastically supporting a rack housing of a rack/pinion steering mechanism. The elastic member is comprised of a spring element and a damping element of which the ratio C/K of the damping coefficient C to the spring constant K is such that C/K is greater than 1/(10.pi.).

Abstract: A cross member for use in a motor vehicle having a frame with right and left rails and a rack and pinion steering gear assembly is disclosed. The cross member includes a center portion disposed between the right and left rails and being operative to support a rack and pinion steering gear. The cross member further includes right and left arm portions projecting upwards from the center portion and terminating at first and second ends, respectively. The first and second ends attach to the right and left rails of the motor vehicle frame. The cross member further includes right and left steering gear apertures disposed in the right and left arm portions. The rack and pinion steering gear assembly operatively passes through the apertures, thereby providing maximum free length of the right and left rails and minimum front overhang.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system having a rack and pinion housing, a steering shaft assembly, a driven rack assembly, and an idler lever. The housing has a unitary idler lever mount. The steering shaft assembly has a pinion gear located in the housing. The driven rack assembly is operably connected to the pinion gear and extends out of the housing. The idler lever is pivotally mounted to the housing at the idler lever mount. The driven rack assembly is attached to the idler lever.

Abstract: A single track vehicle includes at least one front drive wheel and one rear steered wheel. A steering mechanism causes the front and rear wheels to substantially track each other during a turn and also causes the center of gravity of the vehicle to be raised during a turn. The steering mechanism further allows simultaneous variance of both the camber angle and turn angle of the rear wheel for even more exact tracking of the front and rear wheels. The steering mechanism further provides for a more linear relationship between the rate of change in the angle of rotation of the steering head of the vehicle and the rate in change of the turn radius of the vehicle. In other aspects, a steering mechanism is provided which allows the operator to maintain a constant width between his hands while turning a vehicle incorporating the steering mechanism. Preferred embodiments of the vehicle are shown in the form of a bicycle and a motorcycle.

Abstract: This assembly includes a steering shaft (101) which can move in rotation in a column body (102) and includes an anti-theft bolt (104) mechanism (103) which can move between a retracted position and an active anti-theft position. The shaft includes two shaft portions (105, 106), one (105) carrying a steering wheel and the other (106) being connected to the rest of a vehicle steering mechanism. The portions are connected by a disengagable linkage mechanism (108) which can move, under the control of the anti-theft mechanism, between an active position for coupling the two shaft portions and a retracted anti-theft position freeing the two shaft portions from each other so that the shaft portion (105) carrying the steering wheel can rotate freely with respect to the other shaft portion (106). The corresponding end zones (105a, 106a) of the shaft portions are arranged one around the other, and the disengagable linkage mechanism (108) is mounted so as to move around the shaft portion carrying the steering wheel.

Abstract: A machine including a frame with a working implement assembly connected thereto and a steering assembly for steeringly guiding the frame. The frame is movably supported on a first, second and third wheel. The steering assembly is connected to the first and the second wheels for steeringly turning the first and the second wheels simultaneously in opposite directions for steeringly causing the machine to be turned.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system for vehicles with steerable front wheels and steerable rear wheels. A specially elongated pinion steering shift includes two groups of pinion gears. One of the first group of pinion gears meshes with a gear on a steering rack for the front wheels; and, simultaneously, one of the second group of pinion gears meshes with a gear on a steering rack for the rear wheels. A vehicle user can selectively shift the steering shaft to four distinct operating positions. Each operating position provides a specific steering mode, including: a first steering mode for steerage of front wheels with rear wheels neutral, a second steering mode for steerage of rear wheels with front wheels neutral, a third steering mode for coincidence-phase steerage of front wheels and rear wheels, and a fourth steering mode for reverse-phase steerage of front wheels and rear wheels. This invention can be similarly applied to a steering system with worm shaft and ball nut, or other types of steering systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device providing information to the driver of a motor vehicle, which includes a concave mirror (100), located below the lowered line of vision within the field of vision of the exterior, its concavity being directed towards the driver, and an imager (200) designed to direct a light signal to the mirror (100), characterized by the fact that the concave mirror (100) is defined by an O-dome.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a theftproofing system for motor vehicles with a locking member which can be engaged in a recess of a closing ring arranged concentrically to a steering shaft (9) and firmly connected to it and, when the locking member is engaged, blocks the steering shaft until a limiting torque is introduced into it.According to the invention, it is proposed that, in the frictional connection between the steering wheel (steering wheel spoke 5) and steering shaft, a slip clutch (3, 4, 8) be provided whose transmittable torque is lower than the limiting torque.

Abstract: A tractor includes: (a) a one piece frame having opposite ends defined by respective members adapted for receiving ballast with the rear member including a hitch located below any mounted ballast, (b) a dual screen filtering arrangement located upstream of a radiator and an engine combustion air inlet, (c) an implement lift system including a main spring lift assist which is locked out when the implement is lowered and an auxiliary lift assist for increasing the lift assist for front-mounted implements but is mounted so as to join the main lifts assist to produce a near constant lift force during lifting the implement while producing a minimal lift force when the implement is completely lowered (d) short and long effective lengths of a steering pitman arm may be selected, for respectively minimizing steering effort or maximizing responsiveness, by respectively connecting a mounting point closest to or a mounting point farthest from a pivot axis of the arm to a drag link, (e) a steering wheel is tiltable toget

Abstract: In a steering wheel assembly for motor cars having a steering wheel column with two covering segments arranged side by side in an upper region in front of a steering wheel and with a passageway therebetween for the spokes of a steering wheel to pass through between the segments. A locking mechanism is provided to connect the covering segment to the steering drive. This locking mechanism is made to be disengageable from its locked fixed rotational position upon the occurrence of an obstruction in the rotation of the steering wheel hub or of the spokes to it, and thus allows at least one covering segment to be able to be rotated with the steering wheel when normal rotation is obstructed and to be reengageable in it original position after removal of the obstruction.

Abstract: An electrical drive system is controlled by a microprocessor-based, electronic control unit which is coupled to operator-generated input signals and various feedback signals to individually control the major components of the drive system including a turbine engine, a three-phase alternator, power control units and their respective synchronous AC motors and gearboxes. A combat vehicle which utilizes the drive system includes a vehicle bed on which right and left sets of three wheels are mounted on opposite sides of the centerline of the vehicle in driving engagement with their respective gearboxes. Each of the wheels includes a hollow hub in which its gearbox and its synchronous AC motor is mounted. A torsilastic suspension system supports the wheels on the vehicle bed. The turbine engine drives the alternator which comprises a brushless, synchronous device having a variable three-phase power output.

Abstract: A front suspension system for a motorcycle utilizing upper and lower wishbone type control arms set in a parallelelogram and attached to a motorcycle frame modified to facilitate mounting positions. The upper reverse wishbone is mounted from the frame to a pivot on legs above the wheel and the lower wishbone is mounted from the frame to pivoting curved bearings attached to the legs and situated at the center of the wheel. Steering is accomplished by a tensioned bi-directional chain or notched belt and connected from a fixed pulley in the top of the upright legs to a pulley on a steering shaft accommodated by the frame.

Abstract: A driving and steering mechanism for a vehicle having a pair of driving wheels includes a steering wheel rotatably mounted to the vehicle and an accelerator foot pedal pivotably mounted to the vehicle. Transmissions associated with the driving wheels include a pivotable control arm for controlling the operation of the transmission, which independently controls the speed and direction of rotation of the associated wheel. The vehicle is turned by causing one wheel to rotate faster than the other wheel. A zero turning radius turn can be effected by causing the driving wheels to rotate in opposite directions.The driving and steering mechanism includes a pair of floating links pivotably connected at one end to a respective transmission control arm. Steering links, associated with the steering wheel, are pivotably connected to a respective floating link distal the connection to the control link.

Abstract: A front wheel suspension of a motorcycle includes a front wheel fork with an upper fork bridge and a lower fork bridge. A bell crank is pivotally connected at the lower fork bridge by way of a ball joint located in the wheel center plane; two guide arms are pivotally connected at the rear corner area of the bell crank by way of a bearing shaft which in their turn are pivotally connected at the motorcycle frame. Two lever arms project upwardly from the bell crank, at the end sections of which one guide member each is pivotally connected by way of a bearing bolt; the guide members in turn are also pivotally connected at the motorcycle frame. During the inward spring movement of the front wheel fork, the ball joint of the bell crank is displaced slightly forwardly and the resulting wheel base change is reduced thereby.

Abstract: A front suspension for a vehicle having a pair of swing arms and steering arm. The swing arms are mounted to the steering arm in a manner such that savings in weight and material are realized. The swing arms are pivotally mounted forwardly at upper and lower locations on said steering arm and pivotally mounted rearwardly on the vehicle, said forward mounting location of said upper swing arm being outside the circumference of the front wheel and said forward mounting location of said lower swing arm being above and rearward of the front wheel axle, said upper and lower swing arms extending upwardly from said rearward mounting locations. Accordingly, the front wheel can take a wide steering angle and the swing arm does not become too heavy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a center position of the vehicular steering system includes a steering sensor and a control unit. A variable sampling time strategy is employed to determine a precise center for the steering system. As an option, the control algorithm may employ both variable sampling time and a variable size for a window of operation.

Abstract: An angular movement limiting mechanism is incorporated in a steering system for a motor vehicle includes a steering handle, a pair of steerable wheels, a pair of knuckles on which the steerable wheels are rotatably supported, a pair of knuckle supporting members on which the knuckles are angularly movably supported, and a pair of tie rods operatively coupled between the steering handle and the knuckles for transmitting angular movement of the steering handle to the knuckles. The angular movement limiting mechanism comprises a pair of stoppers mounted on the knuckle supporting members, respectively, and engageable with the knuckles, respectively, for limiting angular movement of the knuckles. The stoppers and the knuckles are relatively positioned such that when the steering handle is turned through a maximum angle, there is a clearance kept between the knuckle coupled to the tie rod being pushed and the stopper associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering stabilizer which may be used on automobiles, motor homes, trucks, busses or tractor-trailers to provide better steering control by automatically returning the steering wheel to the neutral position after deflection due to a road hazard or a tire blowout.According to the present invention there is provided a steering stabilizer apparatus having a generally tubular outer casing. Compression spring means is disposed within generally tubular outer casing and internal shaft means passes through the central channel formed by the coil of compression spring means. Compression spring means is preferably a single spring, but may consist of two or more compression coil springs disposed in-line with respect to each other.

Abstract: A control system for steering either or both of front wheel pair and a rear wheel pair of a controlled vehicle has a processing unit such as a microcomputer for determining a desired vehicle behavior, and an actuator unit for steering either or both of the front and rear wheel pairs under command of the processing unit. The processing unit first determines a desired value of a dynamical variable such as a yaw acceleration corresponding to sensed steering input and sensed vehicle speed by solving equations of motion of a desired vehicle obtained by setting vehicle parameters appearing in the equations to desired values determined by the desired vehicle. The processing unit further determines a desired value of a steering angle of at least one of the front and rear wheel pairs which is required to achieve the desired value of the dynamical variable by solving equations of motion obtained by setting the vehicle parameters equal to actual values determined by the controlled vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for steerable wheels, especially front wheels of motor vehicles, with a wheel carrier supporting the wheel; an upper cross guide member and a tie rod displaceable in its longitudinal direction are pivotally connected at this wheel carrier. The lower cross guide member supporting the vehicle support spring is connected by way of a corner-rigid pivot joint with an intermediate member, at which in turn the wheel carrier is supported by way of a corner-rigid pivot bearing having approximately vertical axis and a possibility of displacement in the direction of this axis. The wheel carrier and the intermediate member are each pivotally connected with an approximately vertical tension rod. The tension rod is extended beyond its pivotal connection with the intermediate member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering apparatus for automotive vehicles in which tie rods are connected to the motion transmitting device, e.g. a toothed rack, of a steering gear mechanism by way of elastic means, whereby the elastic means when subjected to thrust and/or compression transmit insignificant steering force only, the elastic means or the connecting member of the tie rods being mounted between deviation or deflection limiting devices of the motion transmitting device, there being provided a defined lost motion between the connecting member and the deflection limiting devices, there being no connection between the connecting device and the motion transmitting device for transmitting body noise.

Abstract: An operating system for a multistable suspension unit having a plurality of predetermined operating states includes a suspension control unit which selects a preferred suspension unit operating state based upon input parameters including vehicle speed and linear acceleration and predicted lateral acceleration. The system includes a sensor for determining steering center position and steering system excursion angle and angular velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle generally consisting of a body of monocoque construction, front and rear axle assemblies provided with brakes, wheels and tires, suspension systems mounted on the axle assemblies for supporting the body on the axle assemblies, a steering system, an engine mounted in the body between the axle assemblies and adjacent both a side of the body and the rear axle assembly, a transmission mounted on the body rearwardly of the engine, a chain assembly for transmitting drive from the transmission downwardly and laterally, means for transmitting drive from a lower end of the chain assembly forwardly to the rear axle assembly, a cooling system for the engine mounted in the body and control means mounted on the body for operating the engine and transmission.

Abstract: In a rack and pinion type steering mechanism of a vehicle having a steering wheel and road wheels steered by the steering wheel, a structure for effectively transmitting the movement of the rack member to two tie rods liked to the road wheels. A male member formed on an inside end of one tie rod is slidably received in a female member formed on an inside end of the other tie rod. The movably coupled male and female members are held through a bearing device in a holder which is fixed to the rack member.

Abstract: A cross member includes a steering shaft support and mounts a ground engaging wheel at each end thereof via a component mounted at each end of the cross member for partial rotation about a vertical axis. A steering arm extends from this component which is adjustably clamped to the steering arm. A connecting rod extends from each steering arm to a centrally located pitman arm extending from the steering shaft which in turn is mounted on the steering shaft support. Preferably, one connecting rod freely hooks onto one steering arm and to the pitman arm with the other connecting rod being hooked to the other steering arm and to the first connecting rod. The angular relationship between the pitman arm, the connecting rods and the hooked ends of the steering arms causes the wheels to turn at different radii and the hooked connections provide the necessary up and down movement without excessive play or clearance thus eliminating the need for more expensive pivot type assemblies.

Abstract: A lawn and garden tractor includes an inclined steering input shaft and a vertical steering output shaft which are both journalled for oscillation in a support plate and which converge downwardly. Respectively axially shiftably keyed or splined on the input and output shafts at respective desired working positions just below the support plate are a straight bevel gear and a gear sector. The gear and gear sector are biased to their desired working positions by a pair of coil springs.

Abstract: Motorized manipulator, wherein it comprises a body, a shaft which rotates about its longitudinal axis with respect to the body, an upper arm articulated to the end of the shaft about a shoulder axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and to the longitudinal axis of the arm, an intermediate arm directly articulated to the end of the upper arm about an elbow axis parallel to the shoulder axis, a forearm articulated to the end of the intermediate arm about a third axis parallel to the elbow axis, the forearm being able to rotate about its longitudinal axis, a tool having a longitudinal axis mounted in pivotal manner at the end of the forearm about an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the forearm and the tool, the latter being able to rotate about its longitudinal axis and a plurality of motors fixed to the body and a transmission including cables and pulleys for transmitting the control movements of the motors to the corresponding moving members of the manipulator.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a support surface which is mounted upon at least two carriers, one of the carriers being steerable and having a castor like structure and in which steering can take place by tilting of the castoring axis of the castor like structure.

Abstract: A hydrofoil sailboat having a sailing frame that is secured by swivel connection to a conventional hull, the frame comprising a plurality of prestressed interconnected spars, guys and a sail, a pair of buoyant hydrofoils, one at each of the leeward extremities of the frame, and a single manually operable tiller situated at the hull for governing the direction of movement by articulating the hydrofoils in accordance with the point of sailing and the direction of the wind. The tiller is operatively associated with the hydrofoils through pairs of spreaders and multiple cables. The sail is inclined to the vertical axis, and is tightly stretched to define an air foil spaced laterally away from the hull. The crank adjusts the inclination of sail and the hydrofoils cancel out listing moments. The sail frame exerts a towing force on the hull.

Abstract: A steerable vehicle has at least one rigid axle carrying steerable wheels, a steering box secured to the axle, and an input rotatable relative to the housing of the steering box with steering control means having first and second relatively rotatable parts, a connection between the first part of the steering control means and the housing of the box having a first element arranged to take up an average position between the first part and the housing during relative rotation therebetween, and a differential gearing between the second part of the control means and the input to the steering box, the differential gearing having a second element which takes up an average position between the second part and input during relative rotation, the first and second elements being connected for simultaneous movement. This prevents steering of the wheels due to relative roll occurring between the steering box and the control means.

Abstract: An axle assembly for steerable wheels of a vehicle, especially an industrial floor vehicle such as a forklift truck, is designed to permit a maximum steering displacement of the wheels by mounting the wheels on axle carriers pivotal upon an axle housing and displacing each of these carriers by a respective tie bar. The tie bars are pivotally connected to a central member which, in turn, is swingable upon the axle housing. Each of the tie bars has a substantially rectangular cross section and the two bars have the same bending strength and stiffness in the plane of the bars perpendicular to the axes at which the bars are pivoted to the common central member independently and to the respective axle carriers.

Abstract: A riding vehicle includes a body and a top portion defining a seat upon which the operator of the vehicle may sit. A plurality of wheels are rotatably secured to the body for movement over a suitable surface. A pair of the wheels are pivotally mounted on a steering column for controlling the direction of the vehicle. A grasping mechanism including a pair of operable jaw members is mounted by the steering column to permit grasping of objects such as, toys, balls, or the like.

Abstract: A narrow track cambering vehicle having a steerable front wheel and a pair of laterally separated rear wheels suspended on trailing arms mounted for independent swinging movement in separate and parallel planes. The arms form part of a cambering system controlled by cables and tillers actuated by foot pedals which allow the operator to vary vehicle camber independent of steering to maximize vehicle cornering through a wide range of turns at varying speeds.

Abstract: A driving and steering mechanism for a vehicle having a pair of driving wheels includes a steering wheel rotatably mounted to the vehicle and an accelerator foot pedal pivotably mounted to the vehicle. Transmissions associated with the driving wheels include a pivotable control arm for controlling the operation of the transmission, which independently controls the speed and direction of rotation of the associated wheel. The vehicle is turned by causing one wheel to rotate faster than the other wheel. A zero turning radius turn can be effected by causing the driving wheels to rotate in opposite directions.The driving and steering mechanism includes a pair of floating links pivotably connected at one end to a respective transmission control arm. Steering links, associated with the steering wheel, are pivotably connected to a respective floating link distal the connection to the control link.