Abstract: A motor electric control unit (ECU) for an electromechanical power steering mechanism, which controls current through an electric assist motor in response to steering mechanism sensors' signals. The ECU may comprise at least two channels. Each channel has the steering mechanism sensors in a redundancy concept. At least one voter that is assigned to an actuator and is configured to vote on the correct steering mechanism sensors' outputs of the at least two channels. The steering mechanism sensors may include a steering column torque sensor and an RPS sensor for sensing a rotor angle of the electric assist motor. Each of the at least two channels may include processors that have different software to protect against systematic faults.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a shank, coupleable to a receiver carried by a towing vehicle. A ball attachment bracket is attachable to the shank. A ball assembly is receivable within the ball attachment bracket, the ball assembly capable of mating with a trailer coupler carried by a trailer to be towed. A distribution block is attachable to one or both the ball attachment bracket or the shank. The distribution block has arm socket attachments to allow coupling of a pair of arm sockets to the distribution block, each of the arm sockets capable of receiving one of a pair of spring arms attachable to the trailer to be towed. The distribution block is removable from each of the ball attachment bracket and the shank while the ball attachment bracket remains operably coupled to the shank for use as a standard ball hitch assembly.

Abstract: An improved suspension system for a track-driven work vehicle includes a main undercarriage support beam and a rear suspension assembly provided in operative association with the main undercarriage support beam. In one embodiment, the rear suspension assembly includes a rear rocker arm that pivotably couples both a rear idler wheel and a separate rear roller wheel of the system to the main undercarriage support beam.

Abstract: A hitch system for distributing weight from a trailer to the wheels of a towing vehicle. The system has a hitch head that is pivotally connected to a hitch bar and is pivotable about a hitch head axis with respect to the hitch bar. A hitch pin is rotatably fixed to the hitch head and the hitch pin is rotatable with respect to the hitch head about a hitch pin axis. The hitch pin axis is transverse to the hitch head axis. A single spring is pivotally connected to the hitch head and is pivotable with respect to the hitch head about a spring axis. A distal end of the spring spaced from the spring axis is connectable to the trailer when the trailer is connected to the hitch pin and the spring can provide a biasing force when the distal end of the spring is moved nearer the trailer.

Abstract: A selectable and height-adjustable hitch apparatus for towing comprising an elongated shank received by a vehicle attached to an upper bracket with pentagonal opposing vertical support arms with pinholes for angular adjustment of the elongate shaft to the upper bracket. An upper tube integral with the upper bracket in telescopic relation to at least one lower or middle tube and adjustable in length by aligned pinholes. A lower bracket integral with a lower tube receiving a ball mount, wherein the ball mount is angularly and height adjustable via the tow-hitch apparatus.

Abstract: A cross-link for tracks of snow groomers, the cross-link comprising a section bar, which has an elongated shape, extends in a first direction, is limited by an outer surface and comprises a portion for fixing to at least one belt of a track of a snow groomer, and it is provided with an inner cavity, which extends through the section bar in the first direction, and is open at the side in the first direction; wherein the inner cavity is filled, at least in part, with a filling material comprising metal foam, and in certain embodiments, the inner cavity is completely filled with the filling material.

Abstract: A levelling assembly is provided, for levelling an upper carriage assembly of a machine with respect to an undercarriage assembly having a first track roller frame and the second track roller frame. A levelling body is rotatably coupled to the first track roller frame and the second track roller frame and defines a first side and a second side laterally opposite to the first side. The levelling assembly includes a first pair of fluid actuators for movably coupling first side of the levelling body with the first track roller frame and a second pair of fluid actuators for movably coupling second side of the levelling body with the second track roller frame. The first and the second pair of fluid actuators move the levelling body between a fore tilted position and an aft tilted position relative to the first and the second track roller frames.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle frame, a base fixed relative to the vehicle frame, and a hook supported by the base and rotatable relative to the base between an extended position and a retracted position. One of the hook or the base has a flange and the other of the hook or the base has a pair of extensions. The flange is between the extensions. A post is fixed relative to the flange and engages both extensions. A spring is connected to the post and one of the extensions. The spring is positioned to bias the hook toward the extended position.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame having cross sectional profiles. The profiles are designed according to certain criteria to enhance bicycle performance. The profiles for multiple frame members may each fall within a range for each of aspect ratio, circumference, drag coefficient, first moment of inertia and/or second moment of inertia.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly for a work machine including a drive wheel; front and rear idler wheels; an endless track belt about the drive and idler wheels; mid-rollers located between the front and rear idler wheels to engage the endless track belt; a track roller frame mounted on the machine at a main pivot, between front and rear ends of an elongate member, with the front idler wheel connected near the front end of the roller frame; a major bogie connected to the roller frame at a major bogie pivot, and the rear idler wheel connected to a trailing arm of the major bogie; a minor bogie, mounted on a forward arm of the major bogie, and pivotably connected to the major bogie at a minor bogie pivot, and including front and rear axles, supported by a suspension that provides damping between the front and rear axles and the minor bogie pivot.

Abstract: A connection system for a fifth wheel hitch assembly or other vehicle accessory includes a plurality of interlocking flanges are received in corresponding ports. Additionally, a plurality of fasteners are used in combination with friction bushings. This overall combination creates a synergistic effect that enables the connection of high load components along a single shear facing.

Abstract: A hitch is provided including a tongue, an insert, and a base. The tongue includes a C-shaped section having an internal spherical raceway and opposing walls, each extending from an opposite arm of the C-shaped section. The insert includes a spherical segment received within the internal spherical raceway and having a draw pin hole, and a projection extending rearward between the opposite arms of the C-shaped section and having a socket recess. The base being pivotally connected to the tongue through the opposing walls. The base includes a ball located in front of the pivotal connection, the ball being received within the socket recess of the insert, and a back end being adapted for connection to a towing implement.

Abstract: A radio-controlled vehicle having a frame, a left undercarriage and a right undercarriage; wherein the frame has a front guide and a rear guide, each configured to house a respective cylinder; each undercarriage having a front slide and a rear slide, which are connected in a sliding manner to the front guide and to the rear guide, respectively; wherein each cylinder is configured to selectively vary the distance between the longitudinal axis of the frame and the longitudinal axis of each undercarriage; wherein each undercarriage comprises an anti-derailment plate.

Abstract: A farm implement is provided having a frame and first and second track assemblies. The first track assembly has a first track frame, a first idler wheel, and a first brake assembly. The first idler wheel has an inboard side facing toward and an outboard side facing away from a center the first track frame. The first brake assembly has a first disc coupled to the first idler wheel on the outboard side of the first idler wheel, a first caliper couplable to first and second sides of the first disc, and a first torque arm coupled to the first track frame and a spindle of the first idler wheel. The first caliper is mounted on the first torque arm, and is configured to clamp down on the first and second sides of the first disc in order to slow and/or stop rotation of the first idler wheel.

Abstract: An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket and a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly includes a chain guide, a first lock and a second lock. The first lock and the second lock are capable of being actuated separately to lock the chain guide into a position in each of a first and second orientation relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A steering axle for steering the wheels on the axle of a four-wheel forklift truck by a hydraulic or electric steering device. The steering axle has an axle beam with first and second wheel carriers. The wheel carriers are arranged pivotably on the axle beam. A steering rod is connected, in articulated fashion, to the two wheel carriers in order to transmit steering movements. A steering actuator produces the steering movement and has an actuator housing. The actuator housing has at least one guide section for the passage of the steering rod through the actuator housing. The steering actuator has at least one sliding bearing device for the radial support of the steering rod on the at least one guide section.

Abstract: A gangway for a multi-car vehicle, the gangway comprising a bellows and an endframe, whereby the bellows is attached to the endframe, whereby a crimping element is attached to the endframe, the crimping element having a crimping mouth, whereby a part of the bellows is inserted into the crimping mouth and held inside the crimping mouth and/or a holding element is attached to the endframe, the holding element having a holding surface that faces a counter surface on the endframe, whereby a part of the bellows is arranged between the holding surface and the counter surface and is pressed against the counter surface by the holding element.

Abstract: A powered trailer hitch apparatus is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a casing fixedly mounted to a frame of the vehicle and a ram at least partially disposed within the casing. The ram includes an extension member and a trailer-connecting member. The trailer-connecting member is external to the casing and fixed to an end of the extension member. The trailer-connecting member is configured to be selectively coupled to the trailer.

Abstract: A support frame assembly mounted to a narrow track vehicle to enhance stability during turns is provided. The support frame assembly includes a pivot frame assembly coupled to the narrow track vehicle and having a horizontal beam connected to a vertical beam, the horizontal beam supporting the seat of the narrow track vehicle thereon, a fixed frame assembly coupled to the narrow track vehicle and having a horizontal beam pivotably mounted to the vertical beam of the pivot frame assembly, and a pair of struts coupled to the pivot frame assembly and fixed frame assembly. The pair of struts apply counteracting forces on the vertical beam of the pivot frame assembly in response to pivotal movement of the pivot frame assembly relative to the fixed frame assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension in which a link extends between a front frame and a rear frame, and a shock absorber between a front frame and a rear frame is provided with a pivot connection and a fixed connection.