Abstract: A configurable modular robotic autonomous guided vehicle having an engine module and multiple different ones of selectably interchangeable logistic or material handling accessory modules. The engine module has motors, sensors and a control system integrated with each other for autonomous navigation freely throughout a travel area forming a logistic space. A module interface is located at one end of the engine module for modular coupling of the engine module with a handling accessory module of the vehicle. Each of the handling accessory modules has a different predetermined logistic or material handling characteristic that on integral coupling with the engine module define a different logistic or material handling autonomous guided vehicle type. Selectable coupling of the handling accessory module with the engine module configures the vehicle so as to change the vehicle type from a first vehicle type to a second vehicle type different than the first vehicle type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer that is especially used for moving over very soft ground and for launching lightweight boats, comprising a motor-driven supporting running gear (11) designed to hold the hull of the boat and extended by a longitudinal edge (12) ending in a lift jack (13) comprising a maneuvering handle (132). The supporting running gear (11) comprises an essentially tubular frame (111) arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and to which a sealed differential-motor reducer unit (14) or an electric motor could be fixed.

Abstract: A chassis frame for a rail vehicle which includes at least one drive unit fastened to the chassis frame via at least one elongated fastener, wherein the at least one fastener is arranged transversely with respect to the direction of travel and protrudes into the chassis frame or is guided through brackets which are fixedly connected to the chassis frame and protrudes into a space above or below the chassis frame in order to reduce the weight for the bearing of the drive unit and to facilitate mounting of the drive unit.

Abstract: A work machine may include a power module including a battery and engine and configured to provide power. The work machine also includes a drive module configured with one or more motors and positioned over a track roller frame. The work machine may also include a ripping module configured with one or more ripping devices to cut or rip encountered material. Further, the work machine may also include a hydraulic module including one or more devices in a front region to cut or rip the encountered material.

Abstract: A work machine is provided. The work machines may include a power module configured to provide power including a battery and an engine and configured to a folding heat exchange device. The work machine may also include a drive module configured with one or more motors and positioned over a track roller frame.

Abstract: An electric drive machine includes a power module configured to provide power including a battery and an engine coupled to a folding heat exchange device. The electric drive machine may also include a drive module configured with one or more motors and positioned over a track roller frame. The electric drive machine may also include a ripping module configured with one or more ripping devices to rip encountered material. The electric drive machine may also include a hydraulic module with one or more devices in a region to cut or rip the encountered material.

Abstract: A mobile concrete pump with a support structure, which can be placed on a vehicle frame of a truck chassis, for receiving functional units which form a support device and a distributing boom. The functional unit which forms the distributing boom has a rotary head mounted on a boom pedestal in a rotatable manner about a vertical axis, the boom pedestal being secured to the support structure, and the boom pedestal comprises a tank which engages into the support structure and is provided as a rotary bearing for the rotary head. Each functional unit which forms the support device has a support leg mounted in a bearing in a pivotal and/or telescopable manner, the bearing being secured to the support structure. A tank wall of the tank tapering from the top to the bottom in a truncated cone-like manner or in a truncated pyramid-like manner in the cross section, engages into the support structure and is rigidly secured, preferably welded, into the support structure.

Abstract: When a current sensor fails, instead of a normal-time motor control section, an abnormal-time motor control section drives and controls a motor. The abnormal-time motor control section detects a timing at which motor current I becomes zero in a state in which all the switching devices are turned off (S11 to S13). Every time the motor current I becomes zero, the abnormal-time motor control section sets an ON time T0 corresponding to steering torque |tr| (S14 to S15), and turns on the switching devices corresponding to the direction of the steering torque for the ON time T0 (S17 to S20). With this operation, an average current Iavg corresponding to the steering torque |tr| flows through the motor 20, whereby deterioration of the followability of steering assist is suppressed.

Abstract: A drive unit for propelling a cart in a forward or reverse direction or from side-to-side. The drive unit has a top plate affixed to a bottom frame of the cart. A pivot plate carrying a drive wheel carriage is pivoted from the plate. The drive wheel carriage includes a yoke in which a drive wheel is mounted. The drive wheel carriage is rockably and rotatably suspended from the pivot plate with the drive wheel biased out of contact with a supporting surface by a spring and biased into contact with the supporting surface with an inflatable air bag. The drive wheel may propel the cart forward when the drive wheel is aligned with the cart's longitudinal axis and from side-to-side when the drive wheel is aligned with the cart's transverse axis.

Abstract: A chassis front assembly, a chassis rear assembly and a chassis intermediate assembly are disclosed. The chassis front assembly and the chassis rear assembly are connected to the chassis intermediate assembly for forming a chassis. A kit is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stowable powered jack for steering a boat trailer includes an electric motor turning a drive shaft running longitudinally through a support tube which is mounted to a trailer frame. The drive shaft powers a transmission which sits between a pair of wheels driven by a transverse axle. Controls for the motor provide at least forward and reverse motion for wheels. The transmission is sealed within a housing that is swivels in relation to the fixed support tube. An extendable handle facilitates steering.

Abstract: A device for adapting a manual wheelchair to drive with a powered wheel is disclosed. The device attached to the wheelchair provides means for raising the wheelchair front caster wheels and simultaneously having the powered wheel contact the driving surface. The disclosed device may be rotated so that the powered wheel lifts from the surface as the front caster wheels are lowered to contact the driving surface enabling manual operation of the wheelchair. The disclosed device includes a mechanism for steering the powered wheel, controls for varying the forward or backward speeds and braking. The device may be detached from the chair and is adaptable to fit a large variety of wheelchairs with capability for ergonomically adjusting the steering column for the comfort of the user. Optional human interface devices may be incorporated so the chair occupant may control speed and steering by operating a joystick, head array or other such devices.

Abstract: A wheelchair tow device which includes a frame sub-assembly, at least one front ground engaging wheel, at least one rear ground engaging wheel, a motive source capable of rotating at least one of the at least one front ground engaging wheel and the at least one rear ground engaging wheel, an energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device is in electrical communication with the motive source, and a handle assembly.

Abstract: A power add-on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors, wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels. The power add-on device includes a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add-on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair; and a controller, reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair, that controls the latching mechanism, the motors, and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground. The front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles, or can be lifted by the user leaning back. Advantageously, the power add-on device can be detached from the manual wheelchair and loaded into the trunk of a car when travelling or may be checked in as baggage when flying.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support.

Abstract: A power assist apparatus for powering a manual wheelchair may include one or more wheels, one or more motors that drives the one or more wheels, a remote operable to control the one or more motors, and a connector operable to attach to the manual wheelchair. The power assist apparatus may be quickly and easily attached to, and removed from a manual wheelchair.

Abstract: A reverse drive mechanism is configured to rotate at least one wheel of a multi-wheeled device in a reverse direction so that the device moves in that reverse direction. One particular application involves a motorcycle conversion assembly in which at least one of the rear wheels of the conversion assembly is driven in the reverse direction so as to back-up the motorcycle.

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle drive device includes a top plate member, a drive unit, a holding plate member and a turning shaft mechanism. The drive unit has left and right wheel axles attached to left and right wheels, respectively. The holding plate member is coupled between the top plate member and the drive unit to pivotally hold the drive unit with respect to a movement direction. The turning shaft mechanism is coupled between the top plate member and the holding plate member to turnably support the drive unit about a vertical line passing through an intersection between an axial centerline of the wheel axles and a middle line oriented in the movement direction and passes through an approximate middle position between the wheel axles while exerting a force along the vertical line in a direction of separating the drive unit from the top plate member via the holding plate member.

Abstract: A rider lift truck with a drive portion, in which is arranged a travelling drive featuring at least one electric travelling motor for at least one steered driving wheel, with a steering device for the driving wheel, a load portion featuring a mast, an electric control unit for the travelling drive and operational controls for the travelling drive and the steering device and with a standing platform, wherein a horizontally arranged travelling motor is provided below the flatly built standing platform as a wheel hub drive for the driving wheel, and a steering motor is arranged below the standing platform alongside to the travelling motor, which is coupled with a fifth wheel for the driving wheel via a steering gear.

Abstract: A power add-on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors, wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels. The power add-on device includes a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add-on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair; and a controller, reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair, that controls the latching mechanism, the motors, and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground. The front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles, or can be lifted by the user leaning back. Advantageously, the power add-on device can be detached from the manual wheelchair and loaded into the trunk of a car when travelling or may be checked in as baggage when flying.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support. The traction device includes a storage position and a use position.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive device is disclosed that connects to a motorised vehicle to supplement the drive of the motorised vehicle depending on the speed and acceleration of the motorised vehicle by using stored energy. The auxiliary drive device obtains energy by regenerative braking when the motorised vehicle decelerates, extracting energy from the motorised vehicle by using hybrid through the road, and by recharging from the power grid. The auxiliary drive device uses the stored energy to supplement the drive of the motorised vehicle depending on the motorised vehicle speed, acceleration, drive cycle, the amount of energy stored, and if the motorised vehicle is towing a load. A controller maximizes fuel savings and towing performance of the motorised vehicle. The controller determines when the auxiliary drive device needs to provide the mortised vehicle with power assistance, resistance via braking and when to conserve the stored energy for later use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for driving movement of a patient support device across a floor, comprising a base having a front side facing the patient support device, first and second drive wheels arranged on said base said wheels being rotatable around first and second respective wheel axles substantially parallel to the floor and rotatable around first and second respective swivel axles substantially perpendicular to the floor, wherein the first and second swivel axles are spaced apart from each other when projected onto the front side and arranged at fixed positions on the base, wherein the drive wheels are rotatable around their swivel axles between a first orientation for forward movement, and a second orientation for transverse movement, wherein in the second orientation the first and second drive wheels are positioned at substantially different distances from the front side of the base.

Abstract: A wheel with a self-contained drive mechanism is provided to propel (or assist in propulsion of) bicycles, tricycles, and similar vehicles. The wheel preferably takes the form of a shock absorbing detachable wheel, which is readily received within the dropouts of a bicycle frame or fork to be attached therein by a standard quick-release mechanism. Thus, the wheel may be added to (or removed from) preexisting standard bicycles and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for attaching a manually operated wheelchair to a motorized scooter having a seating apparatus and supporting structure and a floor, comprising: (a) a motorized scooter attachment angle iron, wherein the angle iron comprises: (i) a vertical wall; and (ii) a horizontal wall, the horizontal wall forming approximately a right angle to the vertical wall, wherein the horizontal wall has at least two embedded elongated slots; (b) an angle iron attachment adjustable bar, wherein the adjustable bar comprises (i) a left elbow shaped tubular segment having a horizontally oriented bottom end and a vertically oriented top end; (ii) a right elbow shaped tubular segment having a horizontally oriented bottom end and a vertically oriented top end; and (iii) a straight middle tubular segment having a diameter larger than the left segment and the right segment, so as to permit the left segment to insert into a left end of the middle tubular segment and so as to permit the right segment to i

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle drive device includes a top plate member, a drive unit, a holding plate member and a turning shaft mechanism. The drive unit has left and right wheel axles attached to left and right wheels, respectively. The holding plate member is coupled between the top plate member and the drive unit to pivotally hold the drive unit with respect to a movement direction. The turning shaft mechanism is coupled between the top plate member and the holding plate member to turnably support the drive unit about a vertical line passing through an intersection between an axial centerline of the wheel axles and a middle line oriented in the movement direction and passes through an approximate middle position between the wheel axles while exerting a force along the vertical line in a direction of separating the drive unit from the top plate member via the holding plate member.

Abstract: A wheelchair having torsion-acting shock absorbers from which cantilevered swing arms connected to drive wheels are connected is disclosed. The wheelchair incorporates a compact, collapsible power scooter that attaches to the wheelchair and presents a pair of handlebars having an accelerator and a brake, thus enabling the rider to propel him or herself by a power drive train rather than by hand.

Abstract: A powered, directionally steerable trailer jack that can be used to elevate and lower a trailer tongue and having a caster wheel assembly affixed to a lower end of the jack. The caster wheel assembly includes a shroud having the wheels' axle journaled for rotation at a lower end thereof along with a pair of shafts also journaled for rotation in the shroud and oriented parallel to the axle. A chain and sprocket arrangement provides a low-speed, high torque transmission between one of the shafts and the axle and a high-speed, low torque transmission between the other of the shafts and the axle. The trailer jack assembly can be tilted out of its vertical disposition to provide adequate clearance when the trailer is being pulled over uneven road surfaces. The power for driving the wheels may be provided manually by means of a crank for turning one or the other of the shafts or by an electric motor coupled one of the shafts.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a wheel of a self-propelled vehicle includes a wheel spindle on which the wheel is rotatably mounted, a steering motor turning a steering tube defining a generally vertical steer axis, a propulsion drive motor turning a propulsion drive shaft extending through the steering tube, and a plurality of gears providing a gear reduction ratio between the propulsion drive motor and the wheel. The wheel is offset from the steer axis and rotates on the wheel spindle if the steering motor turns the steering tube while the propulsion drive shaft is stationary.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for steering wheels (1) of a vehicle (2) comprises support means (4) arranged for supporting said wheels (1), driving means (27) arranged for rotating said support means (4) around respective longitudinal axis means (Z) and connecting means arranged for connecting said driving means (27) with said support means (4), said connecting means comprising transmission gear means (26); a vehicle comprises steered wheel means (1) and steering means (3) arranged for controlling said steered wheel means (1), said steering means (3) comprising support means (4) arranged for supporting said steered wheel means (1), driving means (27) arranged for rotating said support means (4) around respective longitudinal axis means (Z) and connecting means arranged for connecting said driving means (27) with said support means (4) , said connecting means comprising transmission gear means (26).

Abstract: For power purposes, an electrically-powered autonomous vehicle requires a mass and/or a significant volume of batteries, the batteries being supported by an independent chassis (4). The independent chassis is designed to be received in a housing (3) which is defined under the chassis of the vehicle and which is provided with at least one wheel (5)-equipped axle. Each of the chassis includes a connection interface, each including the complementary male and female parts of at least one centering member (15) and of at least one socket member (16). The vehicle chassis-side interface has a plate (10) which is independent of the chassis and which is connected to same at least three points, namely: two points which are controlled by jacks (12) and a third point which takes the form of a ball joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a critical breakthrough in wheeled vehicle concepts, by enabling stable vehicle operations, where wheelbase configuration varies in relation to the need for roll preventing force. This enables a new form of automobile that is especially suited for electric adaptation. The invention is an articulated vehicle that includes a stabilizer part and a carriage part where the two parts are linked by a two axis joint that locks the parts together in regard to relative roll motion, but allows pitch attitude and yaw attitude of each part to be mutually independent. Such a joint allows wheels to maintain firm contact with road surfaces while liking to cause the carriage to follow the stabilizer, and enables roll stabiliztion effects. In a turn condition, the stabilizer extends a wheel toward the outside of the turn such that upward force on that wheel counters roll torque that occurs due to radial acceleration due to the turning radius and speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a carrier frame, a driven wheel unit disposed below the frame, a motor unit, a drive wheel unit disposed below the frame and coupled operably to the motor unit in such a manner that actuation of the motor unit results in rotation of the drive wheel unit. A lifting-and-lowering device interconnects the frame and the drive wheel unit for lowering and lifting the drive wheel unit with respect to the driven wheel unit between an upper position, in which, the drive wheel unit is disposed at an elevation above the driven wheel unit, and a lower position, in which lower surfaces of the driven and drive wheel units are flush with each other.

Abstract: A method of attaching a manually operated wheelchair to a motorized scooter using an angle iron, an adjustable bar that has a left segment, a middle segment, a right segment and a pair of adapters. A user slides the middle segment over the left and right segments, and inserts screws into left and right holes in the middle segment and aligned holes in the left and right segments. The user then screws the adapters onto upper ends of the left and right segments and snaps them into position on the underside of the wheelchair. Next, the user removes the seating apparatus from the scooter, fastens the angle iron to the floor of the scooter by inserting a pair of bolts through the slots in the angle iron and tightening the bolts with a pair of matching nuts, and places the bar squarely against the angle iron.

Abstract: A device for transporting strollers includes a base member having a plurality of compartments, a plurality of wheels for supporting the base member wherein two such wheels are mounted adjacent the rear portion and another wheel is pivotally mounted to the base member. A plurality of elongated straps are secured to the top surface and to a stroller positioned thereon respectively. The device further includes a mechanism for rotating at least two of the plurality of wheels and a hand-operable remote control unit for selectively transmitting RF signals to the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a plurality of motors, at least one power source disposed within select ones of the plurality of compartments, a receiver for receiving the RF signals generated from the remote control, and a microprocessor electrically coupled to the receiver.

Abstract: An electric drive attachment for a wheelchair comprising a drive housing containing an electric motor, a drive wheel which touches the ground and drives the wheelchair through frictional contact with the ground and speed reducing mechanism between the motor and drive wheel, attachment structure to attach the wheelchair drive unit to the wheelchair as a pair of clamps one on each side of the frame. Also included are torque dampening systems to reduce the shock of starting the motor, a clutch which enables manual forward movement of a wheelchair without engagement of the motor and without dragging of the drive wheel, an under run wheel and positive pressurization of the gear works and area surrounding the drive wheel to keep the housing free of debris.

Abstract: In a ventilation system of a motor vehicle, a film valve can selectively open and close an air path opening defined by a housing with a rib or projection that encircles such opening. The rib can define a point contact between the film valve and the housing when viewed in cross-section. The rib geometry can include substantially straight edges in cross-section and/or can include arcuate edges. Different geometry can define the rib at different cross-sections. The point contact defined between the rib and the film valve substantially reduces noise generated when the film valve moves relative to the rib, especially when the film valve has been subjected to a harsh environment.

Abstract: To improve convenience of a wheelchair by enabling an outside fitting type of auxiliary power device to be automatically and securely mounted on and removed from the habituated wheelchair, the auxiliary power device, which can be mounted on and removed from the wheelchair and provide power assistance to the wheelchair, comprises photoelectric sensors for detecting positions of predetermined frames of the wheelchair, arms, each having a handle of a shape capable of being engaged with the frames attached to an outer end thereof, and driving motors for displacing the arms. When the frames are determined to be at predetermined positions based on information from the photoelectric sensors, the arms are displaced by the driving motors so as to have the handles engage with the frames.

Abstract: A rotary floor finisher for use with a power rider trailer for the sanding and screening of large wood floor areas. The floor finisher and sander to attached in substantially rigid relationship to each other and steered by a wheel provided on the floor finisher.

Abstract: A pallet truck for manually transporting loaded pallets is provided with a momentary locomotion means that assists an operator in starting a load moving from a state of rest. The locomotion subsystem is of suitable weight and size to allow the power-assisted pallet truck to be manually operated, and to allow for use of the pallet truck in similar space constraints as manual pallet trucks. In an enhanced embodiment, a governor switch is provided which disables the power-assistance after the load has been accelerated to walking speed in order to protect the motor from use as a full-time locomotion means.

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: A rotary floor finisher for use with a power rider trailer for the sanding and screening of large wood floor areas. The floor finisher and sander to attached in substantially rigid relationship to each other and steered by a wheel provided on the floor finisher.

Abstract: A computerizable robotic automated bogie is provided including a drive motor and a main drive shaft extending downwardly from the drive motor. A rotatable plate is rotatably coupled to a bottom of a platform and further rotatable with respect to the main drive shaft. A gear mechanism is operatively coupled to the drive shaft. At least one wheel has an axis coupled with the gear mechanism thereby effecting rotation of the at least one wheel about a horizontal axis upon the actuation of the drive motor. The axis about which the at least one wheel rotates is fixed with respect to the rotatable plate. Further included is a rotating mechanism operatively engaged with the rotatable plate for selectively rotating the horizontal axis about which the at least one wheel resides.

Abstract: A wheeled chassis including at least one traction bar pivotable about a horizontal axis between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal, towing position, and two spaced from each other axle elements for supporting each pair of freely rotatable wheels, a driving wheel supported on the chassis, and a device for steering the driving wheel about an upright-extending axes, with the wheels supported by one of the two axle elements pivoting about vertical axes, with the pivotal wheels forming apexes of corners of an imaginary rectangular frame and with the driving wheel being located inside of the imaginary rectangular frame adjacent to a longitudinal side of the frame in an offset relationship with respect to a vertical longitudinal central plane of the chassis, while the pivotal freely rotatable wheels located in a trailing relationship with respect to the driving wheel in to a towing direction of the chassis.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus, and more particularly, an improvement of a transfer aid mechanism which allows a patient to be transferred from a bed to a wheelchair, for example, is disclosed. The transfer aid mechanism according to the invention includes casters disposed at four locations on a frame, and a drive mechanism which is elevatable with respect to the frame. When required, the drive mechanism is lowered to bring its drive wheel into contact with a floor, and when the drive wheel is driven for rotation under this condition, the transfer aid mechanism may be moved back and forth by utilizing the drive wheel alone. Accordingly, a travelling movement of the transfer aid mechanism is facilitated if there is a carpet laid over the floor or there is a step in the floor.

Abstract: A detachable propulsive device for a wheelchair includes a longitudinal skeleton frame, a driving unit attached to the front of the skeleton frame, a handle for steering the propulsive device, dimensions adjusting unit, and auxiliary wheels. The dimensions adjusting unit carries four retaining clips and allows to adjust distances between these clips lengthwise and widthwise, so that the clips are capable of engaging and holding side members of the bottom frame of the wheelchair of any desired length and width. The length adjusting mechanism of the dimensions adjusting unit includes a system of telescopically movable hollow tubes with U-shaped cross sliding rails secured to them, while the width adjusting mechanism includes sliding arms carrying the retaining clips on their outer ends and sliding longitudinally along the U-shaped cross sliding rails in the lateral direction. The auxiliary wheels at the rear of the propulsive device are lifted from the ground once the device has been attached to the wheelchair.

Abstract: In a vehicle combination, a traction vehicle which can be used independently of the combination, is rigidly connected with a trailer vehicle. The rear wheels of the traction vehicle can be lifted from the road when the combination is coupled, the wheels of the traction vehicle being located at the ends of link rods pivoting about an axis and the link rods are connected with a pivoting driving system capable both of lifting the wheels from the road and providing a high quality rolling structure for the traction vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a number of retractable supporting wheels. When this vehicle is coupled to a load, the supporting wheels can be lifted off the ground so that a very easily controllable assembly is produced. Through the correct selection of the position of the center of gravity, the wheel pressure on the drive wheels is as great as possible. Due to the fact that the supporting wheels can be raised independently, coupling with a load is facilitated.

Abstract: A system for controlling the acceleration, deceleration, braking, travel speed, and power assisted steering of a pallet truck, comprising setting a steering system and a traction system performance as a function of a position and rate of change of position of a control arm in a vertical axis and a horizontal axis of rotation.