Abstract: A mating assembly is provided and includes a first mating component, a second mating component, a bolt to bolt first and second mating components together and an alignment pin. The alignment pin aligns the first and second mating components so that the first and second mating components can be bolted together. The alignment pin is configured to yield upon an application of a specified load thereto. A magnitude of the specified load is less than magnitudes of loads expected to be transferred between the first and second mating components through the bolt once bolting is complete.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering handle; an upper shaft to which the steering handle is connected; a lower shaft that is disposed below the upper shaft; a universal joint that connects the upper shaft with the lower shaft; a column tube that covers an outer periphery of the upper shaft; and a parking brake release lever. The column tube has a lever backing bracket that supports the parking brake release lever swingably around an axis orthogonal to an axial direction of the upper shaft, and the parking brake release lever is disposed under the column tube.

Abstract: A mounting device is disclosed, including a first torsion bar structure having an elongated axis and opposing end portions connected by a middle portion. The mounting device further includes a second torsion bar structure having an elongated axis and opposing end portions connected by a middle portion. The middle portions of the first and second torsion bar structures are connected. The end portions of the first torsion bar structure are configured for attachment to a vehicle, and the end portions of the second torsion bar structure are configured for attachment to an accessory. The first and second torsion bar structures are configured to decrease transmission of vibration frequencies between the vehicle and the accessory.

Abstract: An operation unit provided on a grip part of a steering wheel, and having an operation panel in which contact operations are possible by the fingers of an operator; an operation detection unit that detects contact operations with respect to the operation panel with a predetermined coordinate system as a reference; a display control unit that controls the display of a display device according to the contact operations detected by the operation detection unit; a correction unit that corrects a coordinate system according to a steering angle detected by a steering angle detection device; and a correction prohibition device that, based on at least one from among contact operations detected by the operation detection device, a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor, and a speed detected by a speed sensor, prohibits correction of the coordinate system by the correction unit.

Abstract: A throttle twist grip controller assembly includes a rotatable hand grip, a throttle housing coupled to the hand grip, and a ring potentiometer assembly located in the throttle housing. In one embodiment, the ring potentiometer assembly is fitted and supported on a sleeve associated with the throttle housing. A ring rotor is seated in the ring potentiometer assembly, surrounds the sleeve of the throttle housing, and includes at least a first tab which couples the rotor to the hand grip for rotation with the hand grip. A second tab on the rotor holds a potentiometer conductor. A spring is fitted and supported on the sleeve of the throttle housing. One end of the spring is coupled to the hand grip and the other end is coupled to the throttle housing for returning the hand grip to idle.

Abstract: Provided is a steering device that is enabled to move and operate in multiple directions and has a simple configuration. A steering device is equipped with a steering member and a guide member, and the guide member is attached to an input shaft. The steering member is provided with left and right grips, and a movement direction changing mechanism is provided between the guide member and the left and right grips. If the left and right grips are operated by a small steering angle, the movement direction of the left and right grips is changed to the direction around the input shaft through the movement direction changing mechanism. When the left and right grips are operated by a large steering angle, the movement direction of the left and right grips is the direction around the input shaft.

Abstract: A throttle control apparatus includes a throttle control sleeve rotatably mounted on a handlebar of a vehicle, a throttle control housing fixed to the handlebar, and a throttle sensor unit housed in the throttle control housing. The throttle sensor unit is operable to detect a rotational angle of the throttle control sleeve. The throttle control housing is rotatably engaged with an outer periphery of the throttle control sleeve. The throttle sensor unit includes a rotary member having a spline hole formed therein, a fixed contact and a movable contact for detecting rotation of the rotary member. The throttle control sleeve and the throttle sensor unit are engaged with each other by spline fitting. A throttle return mechanism and the sensor unit are arranged in an overlapping manner in an axial direction. Handle switches are arranged on a vehicle body center side of the throttle control housing.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus of an all-terrain vehicle includes: a non-stage transmission; a forward and backward movement switching device capable of switching to a forward movement position, a neutral position, or a backward movement position; and a shift operation device of rotary type for switching forward and backward movement disposed on a handle bar at a position adjacent to a handle grip. The shift operation device includes a rotary member for a shift operation and a locking mechanism for locking the rotary member so as not to move toward at least a position for backward movement from a position for neutral. The locking mechanism is configured to be handled by a hand griping the handle grip to make the locking mechanism unlocked.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus of an all-terrain vehicle includes: a non-stage transmission disposed in a power transmission path from an engine to drive wheels; a forward and backward movement switching device capable of switching to a forward movement position, a neutral position, or a backward movement position, the forward and backward movement switching device being disposed in the power transmission path at a position near said engine; and a shift operation device for switching forward and backward movement disposed on a handle bar at a position adjacent to a handle grip, the shift operation device and the forward and backward movement switching device being interlocked with each other.

Abstract: A changeable operation feeling (tactile sensation) is provided for a user manipulating the knob of manual input device. The manual input device includes a feeling providing device which has plural discs fixed to a control shaft, bearing feeling patterns on their circumferential surfaces and a ball holder which works in conjunction with the discs to provide an operation feeling to the knob. An actuator is driven to move up or down the ball holder to select the feeling pattern to be elastically forced to contact the ball to change an operation feeling as the user rotates the knob. A car-mounted apparatus controller incorporates this type of manual input device for functional control of car-mounted electric apparatuses.

Abstract: A throttle-opening detecting apparatus has a case mounted on a handle bar of a vehicle, a throttle grip mounted on a leading end side of the handle bar from the case so as to be rotatable with respect to the handle bar, a detect member incorporated in the case and rotatable in linking with the throttle grip, a throttle-opening sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the detect member, and a rotative direction changing unit for rotating the detect member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotative direction of the throttle grip, so as to provide a throttle-opening detecting apparatus which can decrease the thickness-direction dimension of the case to thereby reduce the size of the throttle-opening detecting apparatus.

Abstract: A steering device for a motor vehicle has a stationary steering wheel rim, a measurement transducer integrated into the steering wheel rim and provided for generating an electric or electronic signal, and an actuator that can be actuated as a function of the electronic signal in order to adjust steerable wheels. The measurement transducer comprises touch-sensitive sensors on the circumference of the steering wheel rim which detect a position and movement of the hands of a driver touching the steering wheel rim and generate the electric or electronic signal that corresponds to the position and the movement of the hands. An electronic unit for detecting the signal and converting it into a steering signal for controlling the actuator is associated with the measurement transducer.

Abstract: A locked antifriction bearing, for control wheel, includes an outer part and an inner part, one being rotating and the other non-rotating through at least a row of rolling elements arranged between said rotating and non-rotating parts, the device further comprising elements for detecting rotation parameters and elements for braking the rotating part. The braking elements comprise an axial stack of discs maintained in frictional contact through at least a disc angularly secured to the non-rotating part and at least a disc integral with the rotating part. The braking elements comprise at least an elastic washer for providing axially prestressed mutual contact of the friction surfaces of the discs.

Abstract: A control device for an electric scooter has a base, a potential regulator, a control lever, a torsion spring and a circuit board. The potential regulator is attached to the base. A rod is rotatably attached to the potential regulator to adjust a voltage sent out from the potential regulator. The control lever is securely attached to the rod. The torsion spring is mounted on the rod to provide a recoil force to the control lever. The circuit board is electrically connected to the potential regulator and the electric motor of the electric scooter. Accordingly, the voltage sent from the potential regulator can be adjusted by pushing the control lever. The circuit board can send current to the electric motor of the scooter based on the voltage sent from the potential regulator. Consequently, the electric motor can be caused to move forward or backward.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a nosewheel on an aircraft, or the like, while the aircraft is on the ground. The apparatus includes a steering shaft that engages a cluster of gears and transfers torque from a steering command to the gears. The steering shaft is rotatable from a centered position in response to steering torque. A centering mechanism imparts a counter-torque on the cluster of gears to restore the steering shaft to the centered position when steering torque is released. The gear cluster comprises two drive gears that accurately guide the steering shaft to the centered position under the influence of the centering mechanism. The gear cluster is configured to minimize and compensate for gear wear, permitting accurate and consistent centering of the main shaft each time a steering torque is released.

Abstract: A throttle-opening detecting apparatus has a case mounted on a handle bar of a vehicle, a throttle grip mounted on a leading end side of the handle bar from the case so as to be rotatable with respect to the handle bar, a detect member incorporated in the case and rotatable in linking with the throttle grip, a throttle-opening sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the detect member, and a rotative direction changing unit for rotating the detect member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotative direction of the throttle grip, so as to provide a throttle-opening detecting apparatus which can decrease the thickness-direction dimension of the case to thereby reduce the size of the throttle-opening detecting apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.

Abstract: A foldable rod linkage for connecting a handgrip to a front wheel of a foldable stroller includes a lower mount member having front lateral walls extending rearwardly from two ends of an upright front wall, an upward abutment wall between the left and right front lateral walls, an upright bore for receiving an upper end of a front rod, and rear lateral walls extending respectively from the front lateral walls. An upper slide body has a through-hole to permit extension of a handle rod such that a lower end of the latter is pivoted on the rear lateral walls, and a downward abutment wall to mate with the upward abutment wall when the linkage is in an unfolded position. An operating device is mounted movably on the handgrip, and includes a pull rod having a lower end mounted on the slide body such that upward pulling of the pull rod will result in disengagement of the slide body from the lower mount member.

Abstract: A cover unit for sealing the passage of a steering wheel column through an opening in the partition wall of a motor vehicle having a front wheel steering assembly including a steering wheel column. The unit includes a coverplate to be positioned against the engine side of the partition wall, the coverplate having an annular sealing sleeve extending outwardly from one side of said coverplate for insertion through the opening in the partition wall. The steering wheel column is axially insertable through the annular sleeve of the coverplate and shoulder in the sleeve serving as a stop for a collar on the steering wheel column is provided to limit the travel of the column through the plate. The unit also includes a counterplate to be positioned against the driver's side of the partition wall, the counterplate having a cylindrical opening therein and a locking ring extending outwardly from one side of the counterplate coaxial with the opening.

Abstract: A column type change lever mechanism mounted on a tiltable steering shaft assembly having an upper steering column arranged to be tiltable upwardly or downwardly at a tilt center axis. The column type change lever mechanism is composed of a shift arm rotatably mounted on the upper steering column, a manual change lever connected to the shift arm to be operated for rotating the shift arm, a bell crank mounted on the upper steering column in such a manner as to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the tilt center axis and a central axis of the upper steering column and having a first arm pivoted to the shift arm and a second arm pivotally connected to one end of a forwardly extending push-pull cable the other end of which is operatively connected to an automatic transmission of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A relay mechanism for a steering wheel comprising a plurality of slip rings disposed isolated from each other in a circular track having a steering shaft as its center, and sliders, one provided at each slip ring. It further includes an arcuate common line slip ring extending so as to have a predetermined central angle, and a common line slider sliding on the common line slip ring with the steering shaft as its center, the common line slider being positioned at the midpoint of the common slip ring when the steering wheel is at its straight travel position. When the steering wheel is turned over more than a predetermined angle from its travel position, the common line connecting the slip rings and a power source is rendered non-conductive thereby to disable the signal transmission between the slip rings and electric devices.

Abstract: A control assembly for an electric powered wheelchair having a forward steering column (13) on which a handle bar (14) and a control lever (119) are mounted, said control lever adapted when pressed forward to move the chair forwardly, and when pressed rearward to move the chair rearwardly, a second control lever (120) mounted on an idler shaft (130) and operatively engaged with said first control lever (119) whereby pressing either lever forward or rearward will cause the chair to move in the desired direction.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a steering wheel structure which has a stationary pad. On a steering shaft, there are mounted a boss plate of the steering wheel and column-side and pad-side sun gears. The boss plate is formed with at least one mounting recess which is opened to the outside. In this mounting recess, there is rotatably mounted through an intermediate member at least one planetary shaft which has column-side and pad-side planetary gears at its two ends. Upon assembly, the two planetary gears are brought into respectively meshing engagements with the two sun gears from the radially outer sides of the same.

Abstract: A signal transmitting device for transmitting signals from operating switches which are provided on a steering wheel of an automobile to an electric load provided on a body thereof, is disclosed. The device comprises one annular electrode which is provided on a lower end surface of a steering wheel boss rotating with the steering wheel and another annular electrode which is provided on an upper end surface of a steering column cover fixed to the body so as to be opposed to the one annular electrode. These annular electrodes form a capacitor.

Abstract: A change-speed maneuvering apparatus in a vehicle provided with a steering-wheel apparatus including a generally upright steering-wheel post, has a main change-speed maneuvering shaft assembly on one lateral side of the steering-wheel post, in parallel to it. On the other lateral side of the steering-wheel post, there is, also in parallel to it, a forward-and-rearward running-travel shiftover actuation shaft, and there also are interlocking levers which are pivotally supported on the forward-and-rearward running-travel shiftover shaft and which function to operatively connect the main change-speed maneuvering shaft to the drive power transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A universal adaptor linkage for connection between the transmission and the shift or linkage rod associated with the gear selector lever of an automobile comprising a lower linkage portion having at least one hole therein for selective connection to the shift or linkage rod, a center linkage portion having a hole therein for connection to the gear shift control valve trunnion of the transmission, a transverse linkage portion for connecting the upper end of the lower linkage portion to the lower end of the center linkage portion, an upper linkage portion extending upwardly from the center linkage portion and having at least one hole therein for selective connection to the shift or linkage rod, and an upper transverse linkage portion extending between the upper end of the center linkage portion and the lower end of the upper linkage portion.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00319 SEC. 371 Date May 14, 1979 SEC. 103(e) Date May 14, 1979 PCT Filed May 14, 1979An apparatus (10) includes an upwardly inclined stationary support column (12) and an upwardly inclined steering wheel column (14) pivotally mounted thereon. An interlock mechanism (86) is provided at the distal end (52) of the support column (12) for locking the columns (12, 14) together at one angular position including that of substantially parallel alignment of the columns (12, 14). A vehicle control member (60) can be mounted at the distal end (52) of the support column (12) subjacent the steering wheel (16), and the support column (12) can include a pair of posts (30, 32) defining a U-shaped slot (50) for receiving the steering wheel column (14).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an auxiliary handle adapted to be removably attached to a rotatable part of an outboard motor steering handle for rotation of the steering handle part to control outboard motor engine operation and for lateral swinging movement of the steering handle to control outboard motor steering operation. The auxiliary handle comprises an attachment section adapted to be removably fixedly connected to the steering handle part for common rotation and lateral movement, together with an extension section, and a linkage connecting the extension section to the attachment section for effecting common rotary movement of the attachment section in response to rotation of the extension section, for effecting common lateral movement of the attachment section in response to lateral movement of the extension section, and for permitting movement of the extension section relative to the attachment section in response to application to the extension section of a force above a predetermined amount.