Abstract:
A method of operating a payload-carrying vehicle having two laterally disposed wheels positioned along a central axis is described. The method includes measuring a force applied by a user to the hand truck, where the measured force comprising a direction and a magnitude, and providing torque to each wheel to cause each wheel to rotate in a respective direction as a function of the measured magnitude and direction. The amount of torque provided to each wheel in response to the force from the user is such that the magnitude of measured force applied by the user is not greater than a predetermined threshold value.
Abstract:
In an aspect, a stroller rocker apparatus comprises first and second frame portions, a drive system, and a control system. The first frame portion can be fixedly mounted to a stroller frame. The second frame portion is movable relative to the first frame portion. The drive system powers a stroller wheel and includes a motor. At least a portion of the drive system is mounted to the second frame portion. The second frame portion moves between a first position where the at least a portion of the drive system is positioned such that the motor is operatively disengaged from the stroller wheel, to a second position where the at least a portion of the drive system is positioned such that the motor is operatively engaged to the stroller wheel. The control system instructs the motor to drive the stroller wheel in a reciprocating pattern between two end points.
Abstract:
In accordance with the invention, provides is a auto-navigating vehicle, that include a payload portion configured to hold or pull a payload, a drive system configured to cause the vehicle to drive, stop, and steer, the drive system including drive controls that enable a non-remote operator to drive the vehicle from an operator area proximate to the drive controls, a sensor head configured to detect information indicating the absence and presence of objects in an environment, a navigation system operatively coupled to the drive system and sensor head and configured to auto-navigate the vehicle through the environment without operator drive control. The sensor head is oriented above the drive controls and between the drive controls and payload portion, such that the sensor head is substantially out of a field of view of an operator when in the operator area.
Abstract:
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Steuerung/Regelung eines Elektrohilfsmotors für ein durch eine Person bewegbares Fahrzeug, umfassend: wenigstens einen Sensor (110) zum Messen wenigstens eines Fahrwiderstandsparameters; und Mittel zum Steuern/Regeln (170) einer durch den Elektrohilfsmotor (160) auf das Fahrzeug wirkenden Antriebskraft basierend auf dem gemessenen wenigstens einen Fahrwiderstandsparameter. Die Erfindung betrifft ebenfalls ein entsprechendes Verfahren.
Abstract:
The motorized wheelbarrow (10a, 10b) has longitudinally extending frame members (20), which extend into handle portions (28). Resting height adjustment of the wheelbarrow (10a, 10b) is achieved with a pair of tubular legs (500) cooperatively attached to.a wheelbarrow support strut (16) and a support strut brace (18). A wheel (24) is secured proximate the front end of the wheelbarrow ( 10a, 10b) to mounting points on a wheel frame (22). An electric motor (M) is attached to a front portion of the support frame members (20) underneath a load rack ( 12a) or load bucket (12b), depending on the barrow type. A battery (B) is attached under the support frame (20) proximate the motor (M). A drive mechanism consisting of a chain (202) and sprocket (200) is operably linked to a wheel sprocket (204) and to the electric motor (M). A disk brake assembly (26) having a disk rotor arid caliper (27) is disposed on the wheel (24) and frame (20) for engagement with the wheel (24) and is operably engaged to a control mechanism for safe wheelbarrow ( 10a, 10b) stopping.
Abstract:
A wheeled vehicle comprising a power-driven spider assembly for ascending and descending stairs. The vehicle includes an angular position sensor providing input to a controller operable to control a servo-motor to effectively lock the position of the spider relative to the frame, regardless of the hand truck's spatial orientation relative to a vertical plane, or any balancing of the hand truck. The angular position sensor provides input to the controller, which is programmed with predefined angular zones of instability, and causes the controller to accelerate rotation of the spiders through those zones when the wheeled vehicle is in the descent mode, to avoid instability of the hand truck. A hand truck may include a removable basket and/or a pivotable platform usable to transport loads.
Abstract:
A wheeled vehicle comprising a power-driven spider assembly for ascending and descending stairs. The vehicle includes an angular position sensor providing input to a controller operable to control a servo-motor to effectively lock the position of the spider relative to the frame, regardless of the hand truck's spatial orientation relative to a vertical plane, or any balancing of the hand truck. The angular position sensor provides input to the controller, which is programmed with predefined angular zones of instability, and causes the controller to accelerate rotation of the spiders through those zones when the wheeled vehicle is in the descent mode, to avoid instability of the hand truck. A hand truck may include a removable basket and/or a pivotable platform usable to transport loads.
Abstract:
A motorized towing device comprising a chassis, at least one motor, at least two wheels, a controller, and a quick release attachment mechanism. The controller operates the motor to cause the rotation of the wheels and the movement of the chassis over a surface. The quick release attachment mechanism releaseably secures the chassis to an object desired to be towed or moved while permitting rotational movement of the device relative to the object about a generally horizontal plane.
Abstract:
A self propelled golf bag cart assembly (10) is provided to allow a golfer to walk during a round of golf while having the golf cart (12) and the contents carried by the cart (10). The bag cart (10) includes a plurality of cooperative subassemblies for performing specific functions. The bag cart (10) includes a frame subassembly (16), a first drive wheel subassembly (18), a second drive wheel subassembly (20), a caster subassembly (28), a handle subassembly (30), and a hand grip subassembly (32). Each of the drive wheel subassemblies (18, 20) includes a shoulder (22), a motor (26), and a wheel (24) subassembly. Power and control is provided by directly driving a motor (118) associated with each wheel (24) through an electrical subassembly (38). The electrical subassembly includes a battery (48) and a variety of controlling components situated in a manual control box (34), a main power unit (54), the hand grip (32), and an optional remote control unit (36). The bag cart (10) is primarily characterized by direct independent drive of the wheels, compactibility from a use mode to a storage mode, and precise user control from the hand grip (32), or the remote control unit (36). The primary expected usage of the self propelled golf bag cart assembly (10) is by individual golfers on walking courses.