The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device comprising a primary pole, a lateral pole affixed to the fore end of the primary pole, and a ducted fan assembly affixed to one end the primary pole and configured to accelerate airflow along the longitudinal axis of the primary pole. A user wields the graspable human propulsion device by grasping the primary pole with a first hand and the lateral pole with a second hand. The graspable human propulsion device acts to propel the user along the direction in which the longitudinal axis of the primary pole is pointed. This device is intended to be utilized by a user mounted on a personal transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. In one embodiment the user controls the amount of thrust by use of a throttle lever mechanism. In another embodiment the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a knobbed slide potentiometer. In a third embodiment the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a twist throttle mechanism. The graspable human propulsion device of the present invention provides a conveniently balanced, easily wielded, and enjoyable propulsive experience for the user.

The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device comprising a primary pole, a lateral pole affixed to the fore end of the primary pole, and a ducted fan assembly affixed to one end the primary pole and configured to accelerate airflow along the longitudinal axis of the primary pole. A user wields the graspable human propulsion device by grasping the primary pole with a first hand and the lateral pole with a second hand. The graspable human propulsion device acts to propel the user along the direction in which the longitudinal axis of the primary pole is pointed. This device is intended to be utilized by a user mounted on a personal transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. In one embodiment the user controls the amount of thrust by use of a throttle lever mechanism. In another embodiment the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a knobbed slide potentiometer. In a third embodiment the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a twist throttle mechanism. The graspable human propulsion device of the present invention provides a conveniently balanced, easily wielded, and enjoyable propulsive experience for the user.

A hydraulic drive system is disclosed. The hydraulic drive system includes a body housing, a rotor assembly, a motor assembly, and an engagement assembly. The first rotor assembly is attached to a first side of the body housing, while the first motor assembly is disposed inside the body housing and includes a first motor actuator. The engagement assembly positions the first motor actuator to engage and disengage with the first rotor assembly.

A hydraulic drive system is disclosed. The hydraulic drive system includes a body housing, a rotor assembly, a motor assembly, and an engagement assembly. The first rotor assembly is attached to a first side of the body housing, while the first motor assembly is disposed inside the body housing and includes a first motor actuator. The engagement assembly positions the first motor actuator to engage and disengage with the first rotor assembly.

The improved mobile robot utilizes a cooperative wheeled support arrangement having a unique axle design that preferably cooperates with a base support module. A tri-axle is preferably used to support at least one omni-wheel on each axle section. Multiple omni-wheels on each section can be used for higher load appications. The tri-axle is of a fixed design and each wheel pivots on the individual axle section. Preferably, the axle sections are welded to each other.

Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of modules that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.

A system comprises a hollow body forming a closed loop channel; one or more electromagnetic coils on the hollow body; a free-moving magnetic object in the channel; and a control system configured to control the one or more electromagnetic coils to cause the free-moving magnetic object to rotate within the channel during an acceleration phase and to cause one or more magnetic collisions with at least one of the one or more electromagnetic coils during an energy transfer phase, the one or more magnetic collisions causing a directional movement of the system.

An energy conversion system includes an energy converter, a cold generator, and a liquid water obtainer. The energy converter is configured to convert energy of a source from one form to another form and generate heat and water vapor. The cold generator is configured to generate cold using the heat generated by the energy converter. The liquid water obtainer is configured to condense the water vapor using the cold to obtain liquid water. Accordingly, the water vapor generated from the energy converter can be cooled efficiently. Therefore, efficiency in obtaining the liquid water can be improved compared with a case where the water vapor is cooled by open air.

A coolant pump assembly having a combined hydraulic drive pump and a coolant circulating pump is disclosed herein, for use in connection with a utility vehicle, such as a ride-on or stand-on mower. Such a vehicle includes at least one combination pump assembly that utilizes a first fluid circuit to hydraulically drive a wheel of the vehicle and a second fluid circuit to cool one or more vehicle components.

A coolant pump assembly having a combined hydraulic drive pump and a coolant circulating pump is disclosed herein, for use in connection with a utility vehicle, such as a ride-on or stand-on mower. Such a vehicle includes at least one combination pump assembly that utilizes a first fluid circuit to hydraulically drive a wheel of the vehicle and a second fluid circuit to cool one or more vehicle components.