Showing papers on "Drive wheel published in 2001"

Mid-wheel drive power wheelchair

Abstract: A front wheel drive power wheel chair has the drive wheel axis of rotation forward of the wheelchair user's eyes and cranial center of perception.

An autonomous mobile apparatus for performing work within a predefined area

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a platform (28), two ground engaging drive wheels (2) positioned one at each side of the platform (28), drive means (11, 12) for independently driving each drive wheel, a control device (14) for continuously controlling the drive means (11, 12), whereby operation of the drive means (11, 12) causes the apparatus to progress over a predetermined route within the predetermined area, and at least one sensor (6) coupled to the control device (14) for sensing the proximity of signal means (23, 24) defining the borders of the predefined area.

Four-wheel drive hybrid vehicle

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a first motor generator (1) and an engine (3) connected to first drive wheels (7) via a transmission (5), a second motor generator connected to a second drive wheel (17), a battery (8) electrically connected to the first and second motor generators (7,17), a sensor (25) which detects a running state of the vehicle, a sensor which detects a charge state of the battery (8), and a controller (10,11,12). The controller (10,11,12) controls a drive force of the engine (3) and the first motor generator (1) according to the running state of the vehicle and the charge state of the battery (8), and drives the second motor generator (2) by the battery (8) or the power generated by the first motor generator (1).

Mower with combined steering and brake levers

Abstract: A twin-lever drive wheel steering mower for a sitting operator with each lever independently controlling a brake and the speed of each drive wheel through a separate hydraulic pump and motor transmission. A brake positioned on each drive wheel; a pair of pivotally mounted steering levers, each controlling one of said pumps mounted on the mower for longitudinal movement, each steering lever is connected independently to the swash plate of its controlled pump providing variable speeds forward, reverse, and a neutral zero flow position; linkage members connecting the steering levers for each wheel to said brake on each wheel; a pair of T-shaped slots having a lateral leg in a cover plate surrounding each of the steering levers allowing the levers to move laterally outward in the lateral leg to engage the brakes only in the neutral position.

Walk-behind self-propelled power equipment unit with speed control

Abstract: A self-propelled power equipment unit having a frame with a handle having a general U-shaped rear end; a drive located on the frame and connected to a drive wheel by a transmission; and a user actuated control connected to the transmission. The user actuated control comprises a speed control lever pivotably connected to the handle proximate the U-shaped rear end and an operator presence lever pivotably connected to the speed control lever.

Frame for track apparatus

Abstract: A frame (34) is provided for a track apparatus (10) which is mountable on a rotatable axle of a vehicle. The frame (34) is of uni-body construction and includes a first portion (36) and second a portion (38) which define a drive wheel receipt well (40) therebetween for receiving the drive wheel (12) of the track apparatus (10).

Lift bed with belt drive

Abstract: A lift bed has a vertically adjustable bed frame and a pulling device for moving the bed frame in the vertical direction. The lift bed includes two carriages which has secured to an end face of the bed frame horizontally spaced from one another, each of said carriages being supported such that it is movable on a vertical guide rail by means of rollers. The carriages are connected via a pull chain or a toothed belt to a counterweight and each pull chain or each toothed belt is guided over a drive wheel at the upper end of the respective guide rail. The drive wheels are rigidly coupled via a coupler rod; the coupler rod is connected to a main reel which is arranged in vertically spaced relationship with a counterreel with the main reel and the counterreel being interconnected by a drive belt, the drive belt being used for rotatably driving the coupler rod; an the counterreel is adapted to be driven selectively in one direction or the other by a motor coupled to a reduction gearing and used for rotating the coupler rod.

Vehicle having power operated liftgate

Abstract: A vehicle has a power operated liftgate and at least one power unit comprising a fixed linear guide channel and a follower that moves in the guide channel. The follower is universally connected to a rod having at one end and the opposite end of the rod is universally connected to the vehicle lift gate. A flexible drive loop which is attached to the follower wraps part way around two pulleys at opposite ends of the guide channel. The flexible drive loop is driven by a bi-directional drive unit that includes a reversible electric motor, an electromagnetic clutch and a drive wheel that engages the flexible drive loop. The flexible drive loop may be a drive cable, a drive tape, or a drive chain or a combination of cable, tape and/or chain.

Wind and water power generation device using a rail system

Abstract: A power generation assembly for use in generating electrical power from air or water currents includes a rail system forming a loop, a vane assembly having a frame and at least one vane, and a car assembly slidably mounted to the rail, including a linkage portion coupled to the frame of the vane assembly and a power-take-off arrangement includes an element that is operatively coupled to the car assembly and a drive wheel coupled to a generator and configured to take power off the moving car assembly by the drive wheels being rotated by the passing power take off element.

Control apparatus and control method for hybrid vehicle

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle includes an engine (11), first and second electric motors (16, 25), an output shaft (14) connected to a drive wheel (41), a differential gear device (13), the gear elements of which are connected to the engine (11), the first and second electric motors (16, 25), and the output shaft (14), respectively, target output torque setting means (91) for setting target output torque, control torque calculating means (92) for setting a target output torque, and torque control means (93) for controlling a torque in accordance with the control torque. The control torque calculating means (92) includes engine non-rotational state forming means (94) for bringing the engine (11) into a non-rotational state. Since the electric motor torque can be controlled independently, the target output torque can easily be generated, allowing easy generation of a target output torque in the state where the engine (11) is stopped as well as preventing the output torque loss.

Power operated tape measure

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device including a case and flexible steel spring-biased measuring tape wound about an annular reel fitted within a circular housing within the case, a single battery-powered motor having an output shaft, a driving wheel fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor for directly engaging the surface of the tape and thereby pushing the tape out of the case, a first switch mounted on the case for controlling the motor, a pull rod connected to the drive wheel, and a second switch mounted on the case and connected to the pull rod for disengaging the driving wheel from the tape surface.

Rectilinear propulsion apparatus

Abstract: A rectilinear propulsion apparatus for propelling a bicycle. The rectilinear propulsion apparatus includes a rectilinear drive portion comprising a plurality of rack gear assemblies fixedly coupled to the sides of the middle frame portion of the bicycle, each of which have a pedal for biasing the rack gear assemblies by the rider. A quadrant drive portion comprising a plurality of quadrant sprocket members fixedly coupled to a main drive gear member which drives a drive wheel of the bicycle. The sprocket members are designed for alternately engaging the rack gear assemblies thereby propelling the bicycle. A clutch member coupled to the main drive gear member permits one of the rack gear assemblies to ratchet upwardly while the opposing gear assembly is being manually biased downwardly by the rider thereby allowing the rider to reciprocately propel the bicycle.

Vehicle drive system

Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprises a frame, a motor, a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly and an endless drive member. The motor is mounted to the frame and has a motor shaft powered by the motor. The first wheel assembly includes a first axle, a first drive wheel and a first riding wheel. The first axle extends generally transversely from the frame and is journalled for rotation relative to the frame. A proximal end of the first axle is operatively connected to the motor shaft in a manner so that rotation of the motor shaft causes rotation of the first axle. The first axle is operatively connected to the frame in a manner so that a distal end of the first axle is moveable in a generally vertical arcuate path relative to the frame about a first pivot axis. The first drive wheel and the first riding wheel are both mounted to the first axle. Similarly, the second wheel assembly includes a second axle, a second drive wheel and a second riding wheel. The second axle extends generally transversely from the frame and generally parallel to the first axle. The second axle is journalled for rotation relative to the frame and is operatively connected to the frame in a manner so a distal end of the second axle is moveable in a generally vertical arcuate path relative to the frame about a second pivot axis. The second drive wheel and the second riding wheel are both mounted to the second axle. The endless drive member is trained around the first and second drive wheels in a manner so that rotational motion of the first drive wheel causes rotational motion of the second drive wheel.

Drive wheel traction control during vehicle stability enhancement events

Abstract: A traction control for a motor vehicle derives a target delta velocity as the sum of a longitudinal velocity of the vehicle and a target delta velocity derived from one or more of a longitudinal acceleration, a lateral acceleration and a turn curvature. The vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system of the type becoming active when a vehicle yaw rate error is sensed for providing braking control of individual wheels of the motor vehicle to reduce the vehicle yaw rate error below a predetermined value. In response to activity of the vehicle stability enhancement system in reducing a vehicle yaw rate error, the target delta velocity, and thus the target velocity, is bounding between a maximum target velocity value and a minimum target velocity value, at least one of which is derived from an estimated coefficient of friction between the vehicle drive wheels and the drive surface. The choice of which of the upper and lower bounds is to be so limited depends on whether the drive wheels are front wheels or rear wheels and whether the vehicle is in understeer or oversteer.

Miniaturized motor vehicle

Abstract: A miniaturized motor vehicle (10) includes a frame (12), a rear axle supporting a pair of rear wheels (18, 19) including a drive wheel, a motor mounted to the frame (12) and coupled to the rear axle, and a front axle supporting a pair of front wheels (14). A steering assembly is rotatably mounted to the frame (12) for steering the front wheels (14). The steering column assembly is readily removable. A seat is mounted to the frame (12) and is adjustable in height to accommodate drivers of various sizes. The seat assembly is readily removable. A pair of footrests is mounted to the frame (12) to provide a platform on which the driver can rest his feet and to more easily shift his weight. The motor is coupled to the rear axle, the rear axle is a live axle, and the rear axle is rigidly fixed to one of the rear wheels and is rotatably mounted to the other of the rear wheels. The steering assembly includes a steering bar and a steering column that is rotatably coupled to the frame (12) at a point between the steering bar and the seat. The steering column is bent at an angle toward the front wheels (14) of the vehicle (10). The weight of the motor vehicle (10) is between about 30 pounds and about 50 pounds, and the wheel base is about 24 inches.

Electric-powered Scooter

Abstract: An electric-powered scooter is disclosed having a chassis with a platform upon which the rider stands, a front wheel mounted to provide steering control and a rear wheel rotatably mounted at the rear section of the chassis. A pedal is pivotably mounted at the rear section of the chassis and is attached to the motor and drive wheel. The pedal, in an inactive position, holds such drive wheel in a position where it does not contact the rear wheel. When the pedal is depressed by the foot of the rider, the motor is turned on and the drive wheel contacts the rear wheel, propelling the scooter forward. When released, the pedal returns automatically by spring means to its inactive position, breaking the contact of the rear wheel with the drive wheel, and automatically turning the motor off.

Tread wheel frame system

Abstract: A Tread Wheel Frame System drives a human-powered cycle by means of a tread wheel driving a tread of a drive wheel of a cycle rather than driving a drive wheel hub, as conventional cycles do. Most of the driving mechanism, including the tread wheel, a speed ratio mechanism, shifting means, and a power unit device, are safely located above the level of a cycle s axles where they are less likely to encounter accidental impact. The tread wheel with the power unit device also does the braking, which eliminates the need for caliper brakes or hub brakes. Accordingly, a drive wheel is lighter, without the need for a heavy hub, or a heavy rim to withstand the wear and heat of friction of caliper brakes. The tread wheel frame is uniquely designed and engineered to be light, yet strong where needed. The best mode includes many features an energy recapture and storage system that saves energy that would be lost in braking, for assisting in going up hills, thigh levers, extendable pedal cranks for providing more pedal leverage, a frame extension that has no cross bar, and foot room to allow easy, low-level, mounting and dismounting, retractable stand, lean-on device, adjustable steering, and low-mass suspension.

Band sawing machine having band saw replaceable rapidly

Abstract: A band sawing machine has a band saw which runs on a drive wheel and a driven wheel of the band sawing machine. The band sawing machine is provided with a slide seat to which the driven wheel is pivoted. The band sawing machine is provided with an eccentric wheel in contact with the slide seat. The eccentric wheel is turned to bring about a change in diametrical distance, thereby resulting in the up-and-down movement of the slide seat. The distance between the drive wheel and the driven wheel is thus shortened to facilitate the replacing of the band saw.

Positively driven elastromeric track and suspension system for an agricultural tractor

Abstract: The invention relates to a track and suspension system for an agricultural tractor. Invention consists of an endless rubber track (2) encircling a drive wheel (3), front and rear idle wheels (4, 5) and a supporting undercarriage (10). The undercarriage has front and rear suspension arms (15, 13) supporting front and rear idler wheels. Movement of the suspension arms is limited and controlled by a bridge beam (24) and a pair of air springs (14, 16). The undercarriage also has mid track roller frames (20, 21) whose movements are limited and controlled by a bridge beam.

Transmission shift control apparatus arranged to perform compulsory shift-down action of continuously variable transmission

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for controlling a continuously variable transmission device including a continuously variable transmission mechanism having rotary elements and operable to transmit a rotary motion of a drive power source of an automotive vehicle to a drive wheel of the automotive vehicle, such that a speed ratio of said mechanism is continuously variable, the shift control apparatus includes a power-transmission-state determining device for determining whether the mechanism is placed in a non-power-transmitting state, a speed-ratio determining device for determining whether the mechanism is placed in a lowest-speed position, a rotation-stop detecting device for determining whether the rotary elements are at rest, and a compulsory-speed-ratio-change implementing device for effecting a compulsory shift-down action of the mechanism toward the lowest-speed position when the mechanism is placed in the non-power-transmitting state while the mechanism is not placed in the lowest-speed position and while the rotary elements of the mechanism are at rest.

Remotely controlled toy motorized snake

Abstract: A motorized snake includes a chassis having a front end and a rear end with at least one ground contacting drive wheel. A neck is pivotally coupled with the front edge of the chassis to pivot forward and back. A head portion, which includes eyes and an extending tongue, is pivotally connected to the front portion of the neck. A multi-section tail including a trailer and at least one follower is coupled with the rear end of the chassis. The trailer has at least one ground contacting wheel and is coupled with the rear end of the chassis to pivot side to side on the rear end of the chassis. The one or more followers are coupled with the rear end of the trailer in a chain to pivot side to side on the rear end of the trailer. A motor or other prime mover in the chassis is drivingly coupled with the drive wheel to rotate the wheel to propel the snake and simultaneously with the neck so as to move the neck forward and back on the front end of the chassis, and also with the trailer so as to move the trailer side to side on the rear end of the chassis.

Pedal mechanism for cycles

Abstract: A drive mechanism for bicycles or similar exercise equipment in which the left and right pedals move generally up and down in a vertical plane. The pedals slide on vertical slide bars from their top to bottom positions. The pedals are connected by a pedal chain that engages and rotates a sprocket. The sprocket is in turn connected through a drive shaft to a pair of drive gears. The drive gears are mounted to the drive shaft by means of one way clutches. A reversing bevel gear is mounted between both drive gears to produce a driving output force that is transmitted to the rear drive wheel regardless of whether the left or right pedal is pushed from its top to bottom position. In an alternate embodiment the drive mechanism is adapted for use on a recumbent bicycle and the pedals move in a horizontal plane.

Road safety marker assembly

Abstract: A road safety marker assembly having a road safety marker and a drive wheel supporting at least a portion of the road safety marker above a road surface to permit movement of the road safety marker assembly relative to the road surface. A motor is drivingly connected to the drive wheel for driving the drive wheel to self-propel the assembly relative to the road surface. In one embodiment, the road safety marker assembly includes a receiver for receiving a control signal. The motor is electrically connected to the receiver and is responsive to the signal to drive rotation of the drive wheel to move the assembly relative to the road surface.

Sweeping slurry dispenser for chemical mechanical polishing

Abstract: A sweeping slurry dispensing device for use in a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus for the uniform distribution of a slurry solution on top of a polishing pad is described. The sweeping slurry dispensing device consists of a drive wheel, a dispenser wheel, a push arm, a motor means and a slurry dispensing nozzle. A first end of the push arm is pivotally attached to the outer periphery of the dispenser wheel while a distal second end equipped with a roller for rollingly engaging in outer surface of the oval-shaped drive wheel. The slurry dispensing nozzle is attached to a bottom surface of the drive wheel for dispensing the slurry solution in an arcuate path when the dispenser wheel is turned by the drive wheel.

Tire cutting machine

Abstract: The present invention is a tire cutting machine comprising of a base, a body member, a drive assembly means and a cutting assembly means. The drive assembly means includes a drive power means simultaneously engaged to a pair of front drive wheels and to a pair of rear drive wheels to provide rotation thereof. The front drive wheels are coaxially mounted in close relation to one another on a front drive wheel shaft extending between a first drive assembly arm and a second drive assembly arm. The rear drive wheels are coaxially mounted in close relation to one another and to a guide wheel which is directly engaged to the drive power means. The cutting assembly means includes a cutting power means simultaneously engaged to a front cutting wheel and to a rear cutting wheel to provide rotation thereof. The cutting assembly means is mounted such that the lower arc of the front cutting wheel passes between the upper arcs of the front drive wheels to form a front cutting assembly and, similarly, the lower arc of the rear cutting wheel passes between the upper arcs of the rear drive wheels to form a rear cutting assembly. In operation, a scrap tire, or a portion thereof, is passed between a cutting wheel and the corresponding drive wheels thereby cutting the tire. The front cutting assembly may be used to provide transverse cuts across the tire material or the tire material may be manipulated to provide decorative cuts or various shaped portions for practical or aesthetic uses. The rear cutting assembly is used primarily to cut strips of tire material, primarily of the tread portion of a scrap tire, and includes an adjustable guide to control the width of such strips.

Hybrid type vehicle control apparatus and control method

Abstract: A control apparatus has: an engine; first and second electric motors; an output shaft connected to a drive wheel; a differential gear device whose gear elements are connected to the engine, the first and second electric motors, and the output shaft, respectively; a generated control torque calculation processing device for calculating a control torque generated in association with an electrical control of the second electric motor; an inertia torque calculation processing device for calculating inertia torques; a target control torque calculation processing device for calculating a control torque serving as a target; and a torque control processing device for performing a torque control of the first electric motor in accordance with the control torque serving as the target. The control torque can be calculated without being affected by inertia torques, so that the drive feeling of the hybrid type vehicle does not deteriorate.

Wheel lock for a wheelchair

Abstract: A wheel lock for a wheelchair, where the wheelchair has a rear drive wheel, includes a housing adapted to be mounted on the wheelchair. The housing has two pivot points spaced apart in a forward/rearward direction. A wheel contact arm has a pivot shaft pivotally mounted about one of the pivot points. The wheel contact arm has a wheel engagement edge adapted to contact the rear drive wheel. The wheel lock also includes an actuation lever pivotally mounted about the other of the pivot points, and a linkage connecting the wheel contact arm and the actuation lever. The housing, the pivot shaft, the actuation lever and the linkage form a four bar linkage. Pivoting of the actuation lever causes pivoting of the wheel contact arm to engage the wheel contact edge with the rear drive wheel.

Control design for an electro power steering system: Part I the reference model

Abstract: This paper dealing with the problem of modeling an Electro Power Steering System. We introduce a new position model reference structure composed of two inter-connected models. The first model, is a torque booster stage modeled by an hydraulic-like power steering unit providing the total desired steering torque. The second model is a mechanical model providing the desired drive wheel angle, and including a desired tire/road stiffness. This is a two-part paper, the second part (in the same proceedings) presents the corresponding control design and uses the model presented in this paper as a reference one.

Water pump drive, in an IC motor cooling circuit, has an electromagnetic friction clutch for torque transmission between the drive wheel and shaft, with a second eddy current clutch

Abstract: The water pump drive (1), in the cooling circuit for an internal combustion motor, has a drive wheel (7) and a shaft (4) coupled to the water pump. An electromagnetic friction clutch (9-12) is between the drive wheel and the shaft for the torque transmission between them. A second eddy current clutch (14) drags the shaft when the electromagnetic clutch is disengaged.

Steel products bundling machine

Abstract: The utility model relates to a binding device for steel products, which comprises a binding head, a machine frame, a base, a hydraulic station, an electric control cabinet and a wire feeding device, the binding head is connected with the machine frame through a roller hydraulic cylinder, and can make relative movement with the machine frame; the binding head comprises an automatic positioning device fixed on a frame body, a wire channel, a clamping twisting mechanism and an upper wire conducting mechanism and a lower wire conducting mechanism positioned on both sides of the clamping twisting mechanism, and a cutting mechanism is positioned on one side of a jaw of the clamping twisting mechanism and is tangential with a drive wheel of a wire delivery tightening mechanism; the binding head also comprises a pressure head pushing-buckling mechanism near the other side of the twisting mechanism The binding device for steel products has the advantages of tight binding, high work rate, and convenient maintenance, and is especially suitable for binding medium-sized steel products and small-sized steel products