Gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm for load carrying devices including pivotal load carrying devices

An apparatus for providing a gyroscopically-responsive power assist to a user for carrying a load, comprising:

• a pair of spaced frame support members;
• an elongated wheel support member coupled transversely across the pair of frame support members along a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pair of spaced frame support members, wherein the pair of spaced frame support members rotate about the horizontal axis at a pivot point of the elongated wheel support member;
• a single wheel rotatably mounted substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis, the wheel being coupled to the elongated wheel support member, disposed between the frame support members, and extending at least partially below the frame support members;
• a motor to drive the wheel when energized;
• a sensor;
• and
• a gyroscopic fore-and-aft balance control system configured to output an energized signal for controlling power being provided to energize the motor,
• wherein the balance control system deactivates the motor using the energized signal after sensing, by the sensor, a rotational force applied to the frame support members about the pivot point, and wherein the balance control system activates the motor using the energized signal after sensing, by the sensor, a longitudinal force applied to the frame support members and instructs the motor to accelerate or decelerate the wheel in accordance with the direction and magnitude of the longitudinal force applied to the frame support members.