A frictional resistance measuring apparatus having a platform (28) attached to a frame (20). A pair of tandem wheels (36) are also attached to the frame (20), the combination providing a resistance surface and a rotational drive source when placed upon the ground or floor. A movable weight box (38) is slideably disposed and captivated within the frame (20) and is free to move fore and aft. A gear reduction drive arrangement in the form of gears and roller chains transmit the rotation of the wheels (36) to a linear movement when removably connected to the weight box (38). When a remote power source in the form of a model vehicle is attached to the front of the apparatus and operated, the frictional resistance of the platform (28) is increased proportionately as the weight box (38) simultaneously moves forward from the rear placing the box with weights progressively closer to the platform (28) thereby increasing the resistance providing measurement of the pulling power of the vehicle.
A weight transferring sled toy for simulating a weight transfer sled used in truck and tractor pulls. The weight transferring sled toy includes a main body portion that has a main body base and a pair of tracks that extend upward from the main body base. A pair of wheels are coupled to a rear portion of the main body portion. An axle extends between the wheels and is coupled to the rear portion of the main body portion. An axle gear is coupled to a medial portion of the axle. A bar extends between a forward portion of the tracks. A drive chain extends between the bar and the axle gear such that rotation of the axle gear rotates the drive chain. A weight sled is positionable on the tracks. The weight sled has a hook member for engaging the drive chain whereby the weight sled is moved along the tracks when the wheels rotate and the hook member is engaged to the drive chain.
An apparatus for moving the center of gravity of a robot, and a system and method using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a weight conveyor with a conveyed weight weighing a predetermined amount and disposed within the main body of the robot. The conveyed weight is conveyed in a predetermined direction to move the center of gravity of the robot, thus allowing a non-driven caster of the robot to surmount obstacles in its path and not become stuck while the robot is moving.
