Abstract: A power distribution and control system for a military vehicle comprises a power source, a power transmission link, a plurality of input and output devices, a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, and a communication network that interconnects the interface modules. The interface modules are also each coupled to respective local subsets of the input and output devices so as to permit distributed data collection from the input devices and distributed power distribution to the output devices. Each of the interface modules collects input status information from the respective local subset of the input devices and broadcasts the input status information over the communication network to each of the remaining ones of the interface modules. Each of the remaining ones of the interface modules receive the input status information and locally store the input status information.

Abstract: A snow removal vehicle is provided comprising an impeller, an engine system, and an engine control system. The engine control system receives feedback information pertaining to operation of the impeller, and controls the engine system based on the feedback information. A method of controlling a snow removal vehicle is provided comprising acquiring feedback information pertaining to operation of an impeller of the snow removal vehicle, analyzing the feedback information with an electronic signal processor, and controlling forward movement of the snow removal vehicle based on the feedback information.

Abstract: A front discharge concrete vehicle includes a chassis having a front end and a rear end, a mixing drum supported by the chassis having a first end and a second end, a support column extending between the chassis and the second end of the drum to support the second end of the drum and a cab enclosure supported by the chassis below the second end of the drum. The cab enclosure includes an integrally formed housing extending about a first operator station and a second operator station. The cab enclosure further includes at least one control member between the first and second operator stations and an opening extending between the first and second operator stations. The opening extends below the at least one control member to enable the at least one control member to be accessed from both the first operator station and the second operator station.

Abstract: A modular independent coil spring suspension for steerable/non-steerable wheel assemblies and driven/non-driven axles having a single coil spring with a low spring rate secured (a) to the lower of two vertically spaced control arms which connect the chassis to wheel assembly on one end, and (b) to the chassis at an upper location approximately level with a tire of the wheel assembly at the other end which provides maximum wheel travel, decreased rearward thrust, and tire/ground mobility.

Abstract: A steering lock mechanism for a steerable axle assembly. The mechanism includes a fluid-actuated pin mounted within a cylinder. The cylinder is carried by a plate attached to a steerable wheel end. The pin carried by the cylinder has a tapered end which engages a tapered hole. When these tapered components are in engagement, steering motion of the steerable wheel end is prevented. The mechanism has several significant features, one of which is a fail-safe design in which a mechanical spring urges the pin to assume an extended or locking position in the event of failure of the pneumatic actuating system. The mechanism is designed so that the pin will find the hole as the steered wheels sweep past the straight ahead position, in the event of a failure of the fluid actuation system used to retract the pin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work vehicle having a frame and an auxiliary axle system having an arm assembly including a pair of arms, an elongate tube extending between the arms and having an end attached to each of the arms, a pair of levers attached to the tube, and cylinder blocks extending between the levers; a cylinder assembly including a first cylinder shaft extending between the cylinder blocks and having an end attached to each of the cylinder blocks, a cylinder cross member attached to the frame, a second cylinder shaft attached to the cylinder cross member, and a hydraulic cylinder having one end attached to the first cylinder shaft and another end attached to the second cylinder shaft; and a rear assembly including a rear cross member attached to the frame, a pair of pivot blocks attached to the rear cross member, and a pivot shaft extending between the pivot blocks and having an end attached to each of the cylinder blocks.

Abstract: A modular independent coil spring suspension for steerable and non-steerable wheel assemblies and driven and non-driven axles. The suspension is of the general type in which each wheel has an upper and a lower control arm, and a single coil spring secured between the lower of the two control arms and the chassis. The upper and lower control arms each have inner ends split into two segments, each of which is connected to the vehicle frame by a special bushing assembly. The suspension has a novel upper control arm which is split into two segments, each segment being bent to accommodate an edge of the frame of the vehicle, thereby allowing the frame of the vehicle to be mounted lower with respect to the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: An improved cement-mixing drum support and drive arrangement is disclosed herein. Such an arrangement can be used with a cement-mixing drum of the type incorporated in a self-propelled mobile cement mixer, a stationary cement mixer, or a trailer-supported cement mixer. The drum support provides an axis of rotation for the driven end of the drum, wherein the motor which generates the energy to rotate the drum can move with the driven end of the drum in response to deflections of the drum relative to the structure supporting the drum. In particular, the shaft which supports the driven end of the drum is rotatably supported by a bearing, wherein the bearing is permitted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the bearing. This may be provided by using a bearing supported by a universal-type joint.

Abstract: A iron-based material such as cast iron is made by a process wherein filler particles are added to an iron base metal, as the base metal is poured into the mold. Pieces containing ceramic filler particles held together by a binder can be disposed in the mold prior to pouring molten iron base metal therein. Molten iron base metal is then poured into the mold so that the molten base metal contacts the pieces, gradually dissolving the filler. The filler becomes distributed throughout the molten base metal within the mold. Upon cooling, the base metal has the filler distributed therein, resulting in a iron-based material. The resulting material is particularly useful for making vehicle parts normally made of cast iron or steel.

Abstract: An improved semi-trailer panel assembly which offers the strength and durability of a standard "post and sheet panel" trailer as well as the lighter weight and increased cargo area which, until now, has only been associated with a "plate-type" trailer. Multiple rectangular panels having a generally corrugated design are placed side-by-side upon the side of a semi-trailer. Seam extrusion members, each having two elongated grooves, are positioned between adjacent panels whereby the side edges of these panels are inserted into the grooves and secured in place with a flexible adhesive; no bolts or rivets are necessary for this function.. Small connection clips are also provided which snap over the side edges of the panels and ensure the proper positioning of the panel edges within the grooves for adhesion purposes. The upper and lower edges of all panels and extrusion members are then secured with bolts or rivets to the upper and lower base rails, respectively, of the trailer frame.

Abstract: A modular independent coil spring suspension for steerable/non-steerable wheel assemblies and driven/non-driven axles having a single coil spring with a low spring rate secured (a) to the lower of two vertically spaced control arms which connect the chassis to the wheel assembly on one end, and (b) to the chassis at an upper location approximately level with a tire of the wheel assembly at the other end which provides maximum wheel travel, decreased rearward thrust, and tire/ground mobility.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a combined refuse vehicle and refuse side loaded and recycling curbside collector vehicle. Recycled materials may be placed either in (i) a hopper which is elevated and tilted to discharge into the upper, open end of a recycling bin or (ii) to elevate roller cart vehicles into an upper loading position. In either event, the bins are side tilted and displaced transversely of the vehicle axis for roll-off clearance. Refuse is loaded at curbside level and forced into a packer body from the body up whereby previously charged refuse acts to compress subsequently charged refuse. A tag axle-drive axle system is disclosed which, by means of a proportioning valve, causes the legal loads on the tag axle-drive axle combination to be reached simultaneously.

Abstract: A universal joint for the transfer of power between an input shaft and an output shaft. The joint comprises a modified Cardan or Hooke's joint that is driven by four bevel gears. A first bevel gear is mounted to the end of a fixed housing through which the input shaft passes. A drive bevel gear is mounted to the distal end of the input shaft. Two opposing planetary gears are driven by the drive gear and rotate about the fixed gear. The planetary gear axle is connected to an output yoke which is connected to the output shaft. If the drive, fixed and planetary bevel gears are of the same size, a 2:1 speed reduction joint is provided. Variations of the bevel gears sizes may provide input:output ratios ranging from about 2:1 up to about 10:1.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for vehicles including but not limited to trailers of tractor-trailer rigs is provided. The system requires no modification to the wheel hubs or axle tubes and therefore may be incorporated as original equipment or in the form of retrofit kits. Communication is provided between a pressurized air reservoir through the axle tubes and through a spindle sleeve disposed on the end of each tube into a sealed chamber. The chamber is defined by the spindle hub, hub cover, rotary seal and spindle sleeve or seal carrier attached to a spindle nut. The seal carrier encloses the end of the axle. At least one air passageway is provided in the spindle hub which provides communication to the wheel valves. The control system includes a plurality of multi-port two-way pneumatic valves.

Abstract: A full-time all wheel steering system is provided whereby the rear wheel angle is determined by the front wheel angle and a relational curve, polynomial equation or set of tabulated values. The front wheel angle is measured and the desired rear wheel angle is calculated by a programmable controller. If the desired rear wheel angle is not sufficiently close to the actual rear wheel angle, the controller means sends a signal which results in adjustment of the rear wheel angle. The desired rear wheel angle may be a function of the vehicle speed as well as the front wheel angle. Further, the operator may select from a plurality of relational curves, polynomial equations, tabulated values as well as a plurality of manually selectable modes including an independent rear wheel steering mode. The system is applicable to passenger cars, trucks and tractor-trailer rigs.

Abstract: A system for shifting gears in an auxiliary transmission is provided. The system enables shifting between gears of an auxiliary transmission without stopping the vehicle and without requiring a clutch between drive-line components. The system is activated by the operator while the vehicle is moving and includes safety features that preclude downshifting when the vehicle is traveling above a predetermined speed. The system is fully compatible with automatic main transmissions. An electronic control system monitors the rotational velocities or frequencies of the input and output shafts for clutchless shifting while the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having a support frame includes a set of wheel assemblies, a swing arm attached to each of the wheel assemblies, a torsion bar assembly interconnecting the swing arms and a shock absorbing and dampening device located between the supported frame and the torsion bar assembly whereby a load imposed on one of the wheel assemblies due to turning of the vehicle will transmit a torque to one portion of the torsion bar assembly, which torque is resisted by the shock absorbing device and another portion of the torsion bar assembly.

Abstract: An all wheel steering system for heavy vehicles such as airport and municipal service vehicles. A rear wheel lockout is provided to ensure safe operation by preventing rear steering above a pre-set vehicle speed. The system can be adjusted so that rear steering range angles can be varied to fit particular applications. The steering control involves the use of a closed loop position feedback circuit in which a change in the relative polarity of the command and feedback RVITs results in switching of the system between various modes.

Abstract: An auger type snow blower assembly having an auger with two sets of rotating ribbon spokes which transfer snow from the auger to an impeller inlet located at the mid-portion of the auger assembly, the ribbon spokes terminating a substantial distance short of the center of the auger assembly whereby snow lying directly in the center of the path of the auger assembly may move directly to the impeller inlet without contact with the ribbons. Further, the ribbons revolve around a generally cone-shaped structure at the ends of the auger assembly whereby the ribbons and the stationary cones cooperate to impel snow entering the auger assembly toward the impeller inlet. The auger assembly further includes a bi-directional, variable speed hydraulic drive system for the ribbon system consisting of variable forward speeds and reverse speeds, the forward speeds including a low ribbon speed high torque speed, and a high ribbon speed low torque speed, together with pressure relief valves to avoid the use of shear pins.