Abstract: An articulated vehicle system can include a first vehicle selectively and pivotally connected to a second vehicle. A first powertrain can be mounted on the first vehicle to drive a wheel mounted on the first vehicle. A second powertrain can be mounted on the second vehicle to drive a wheel mounted on the second vehicle independent from the drive of the wheel of the first vehicle. The vehicle system may also include a controller in electrical communication with each of the first powertrain, second powertrain, and steering mechanism to assist in steering and power distribution, especially when reversing the vehicle system.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle couplable to a parent vehicle is described, and includes a chassis supported on first and second axles coupled to a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system configured to transfer torque to one of the wheels, a steering system configured to control direction of travel of the semi-autonomous vehicle, a braking system configured to apply braking force to the wheels, a high-voltage electrical energy storage system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system operatively couples to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system. A coupling device is configured to electrically couple the semi-autonomous vehicle to the parent vehicle, the coupling device consisting essentially of a high-voltage DC electrical power bus electrically coupled to the high-voltage electrical energy storage system.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional transport system having a plurality of mobile transport units, which each have a coupling device in a front and a rear region, by means of which the transport units can be coupled to each other and/or to a lead vehicle. In one configuration, the individual transport units equipped with drives follow the lead vehicle defining the path in a directionally stable manner by an independent path control system. The transport units themselves can also be removed or decoupled from the transport system as independent units. At least one handle, in addition to the couplings, can be used by an operator when in the decoupled state, so that the mailings to be transported can remain on the transport unit until delivery without manual transferring or transporting. This manual guiding of the individual transport unit takes place in a virtually force-free manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated tracked vehicle comprising a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit controllably connected by means of a control member, wherein the first vehicle unit comprises a combustion engine, wherein the combustion engine is arranged to drive a generator for electrical generation, wherein the generator is arranged to transfer power via power electronic means to at least one electric motor of at least one electric propulsion unit.

Abstract: To be able to simulate any desired kind of driving state with a test vehicle it is envisioned to connect an active secondary vehicle 2 to the front or rear of the test vehicle 1, and wherein the secondary vehicle 2 is equipped with its own drive and load device 3 by which the test vehicle 1 is braked and/or pushed additionally to its own deceleration and/or acceleration.

Abstract: A reverse drive mechanism is configured to rotate at least one wheel of a multi-wheeled device in a reverse direction so that the device moves in that reverse direction. One particular application involves a motorcycle conversion assembly in which at least one of the rear wheels of the conversion assembly is driven in the reverse direction so as to back-up the motorcycle.

Abstract: The invention is an autonomous dual tracked mobile (10) robot system comprising two or more tracked driving units (12x) configured to travel in tandem and a separate mechanical linkage (16), which joins each of the mobile units to the unit immediately preceding and following it, and enables efficient power transmission between the two driving units. Each of the mechanical linkages comprises one connecting bar (14) and three revolute joints (18y) located on each of the adjacent units and a connecting beam that connects the connecting bar on one of the units with the connecting bar on the adjacent unit.

Abstract: The road vehicle comprises a communicating door (8, 9) in each of the front (3) and rear (4) transverse faces, a part at the front and a part at the rear of the split able connection that can combine with that of another identical or same-type vehicle respectively in front (5) and behind (6) so as to constitute a disconnect able articulated connection for aligning the vehicles and obtaining a short distance between the vehicles, a projection at the front or at the rear at the inter-vehicular passenger access, a course set point for the vehicle (6) behind using a system for directional control of the vehicle behind. The road vehicle is applicable to urban public transport vehicles which can form a road train.

Abstract: Auxiliary drive for a trailer such as a caravan. Said drive consists of a drive unit with a gearwheel. Through linear movement of the drive unit relative to the chassis, said gearwheel can be brought into engagement with a ring gear fitted either on the brake drum of a wheel of the vehicle or on an auxiliary part such as a covering drum fitted over said brake drum. The ring gear preferably lies in a plane outside the plane bounded by the inside of the wheel.

Abstract: Systems for towing a trailer by a towing vehicle and a method for controlling such a system are disclosed. The systems and method are configured to maintain a constant towing load on the towing vehicle as well as optimizing other performance criteria such as fuel efficiency. The system comprises a closed loop controller, a towing arm assembly, a load measuring device, an electric hub motor, brakes, a motor controller and a brake controller disposed on the trailer. In another embodiment, two separate systems are installed, one on each side of the trailer. A load force feeds into a PID controller programmed with preset proportional, differential and integral parameters. The PID controller generates a command signal to either modulate the brakes or motor up or down depending on the sign of the command signal. A process output updates the system which continuously adjusts based on driving conditions.

Abstract: Quasi-autonomous system of energy storage and electrical motorization that can be installed on carrying axles or bogies of railway cars or road trailers to provide a tractive effort or electrical braking without an external power supply and assemblies, convoys and trains. The recharging energy of the energy storage system is principally obtained from regenerative braking and generated by the inertia of the convoy or by the traction of the convoy motor coach; the stored energy is returned as tractive effort when necessary. The system has a controller independent of all external control.

Abstract: This invention is for improved vehicles for my Under-way Vehicle transfer where railway depot cars run on track flush in runways for buses or other highway vehicles to drive parallelly into bottom and side openings, berths, in the cars while moving at train speed along the runway and be lifted and lowered in their berths for transfer of passengers to and from the train nonstop. The buses have an alignment arm at each front (both ends are front) for the driver to extend into the opening and apply pressure on the front face of the berth on the train so the bus driver can detect steady alignment by reading a pressure gauge before turning to enter the opening. The arm is pushed into the bus as the bus reaches alignment under the berth and turns the bus wheels parallel with the train if the driver has not.

Abstract: A hybrid dinghy pusher for pushing motorhomes is provided. A hybrid vehicle can be connected to a motorhome by a tow bar for towing the hybrid vehicle. When being towed behind a motorhome, the hybrid vehicle can be switched into hybrid dinghy pusher mode. In this mode, during acceleration of the motorhome, the electrical batteries and motors of the hybrid vehicle can provide a propulsive force through the tow bar to the motorhome, which assists the motorhome in accelerating and improves fuel efficiency. Additionally, the dinghy motors can act as generators when appropriate, creating energy which can be stored in batteries for later use during acceleration. The resistance created by the hybrid vehicle can also provide an additional braking force to the motorhome via the tow bar.

Abstract: A self propelled trailer for boats or other loads in which the trailer includes two tracked propulsion units. The propulsion units raise to a position adjacent the frame to allow the trailer to be towed by a towing vehicle, and lower to a position in contact with a road surface to allow the operator to move the trailer and its load without being attached to the towing vehicle. In the case of a load that is a boat, the self propelled trailer and the boat could be driven without an attached vehicle, down a boat loading ramp to launch the boat, and be driven with the boat up the boat loading ramp to rendezvous with a towing vehicle in a parking lot. The propulsion units would then be raised into a position adjacent to the trailer frame and the trailer would be towed on the highway.

Abstract: A design for a wheel loader. The wheel loader has two units connected back to back via a pivot. Each unit has a base unit that is easily disassembled into parts no more than 8 feet wide for transport by using steel plates connected by sleeves, shafts and nuts. A dipper arm arrangement connects the base to a high capacity bucket arrangement of 300 cubic yards. Hydraulic cylinders raise and lower the bucket arrangement and tip the bucket arrangement for dumping. The hydraulic cylinders are operated by hydraulic pumps which are operated by diesel engines. A rotatable cab sits on top of the base to provide a view for an operator.

Abstract: This invention of two cars in tandem consists of a small front cab car and a second caboose car that plugs into the small car resulting in a larger car for more passengers or cargo space. People seated in both cars are close enough to talk to each other. The small car could have a turbo diesel engine that gets 80 miles per gallon when operating alone, the caboose car could have one or two electric motors and battery that combined with the diesel engine would provide impressive power. The small cab car can be used alone when only one or two people need transportation. The cars could be purchased separately and dealers could make the caboose car available to rent when an owner of a small cab car needs a larger car. Each car has two frames; a lower frame and an upper frame that connect, together telescopically and can be disconnected. The caboose cars could be equipped with seats or beds or kitchens or showers or be empty for hauling motor cycles, toys or materials.

Abstract: A system for providing enhanced stability, control, and management for a tow-vehicle towing a trailer assembly with trailer sensors is disclosed. The system includes a tow-vehicle with an electronic stability enhancing system in communication with a processor with memory and computer instructions. The system includes sensors located on the tow-vehicle and the trailer for detecting engagement with the trailer when communicating with an integrated circuit system and for detecting force, motion, and combinations thereof, when communicating with the processor. Computer instructions instruct the processor to identify specifications representing the tow-vehicle and trailer assembly and to calculate force values and motion values affecting the tow-vehicle and trailer assembly.

Abstract: A steerable drive assembly for local movement of a trailer includes an electric motor drive wheel unit having a drive wheel connected to the output shaft of a gear reduction unit. A steering shaft is connected to the drive wheel unit and an upper operating handle. The steering shaft is rotatably supported by a sleeve assembly that is attached to the tongue of the trailer. The operating handle includes a throttle coupled with the electric motor through a variable speed control for providing progressing power to the motor to enable speed variation without wheel slippage.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a primary internal combustion engine is equipped with a secondary engine and an electric motor to supplement the power produced by the primary engine. The primary engine provides power for acceleration and hill climbing. When in a cruising mode of travel, the primary engine is deactivated, and the secondary engine, which is smaller and more fuel-efficient than the primary engine, provides the driving power. The electric motor adjustably augments the power provided by the secondary engine.

Abstract: A two wheeled trailer is attached to a human powered vehicle such as a bicycle or a scooter for carrying load such as children. The trailer is powered by two electric motors and at least one battery. The control of the motor is through a force/pressure meter inserted to the attachment arm between the two wheel vehicle and the trailer. The attachment arm, on the vehicle side is mounted near the rear axle of the vehicle. A coupler that allows free rotation attaches the trailer to the vehicle.

Abstract: A self propelled trailer for boats or other loads in which the trailer includes two tracked propulsion units. The propulsion units raise to a position adjacent the frame to allow the trailer to be towed by a towing vehicle, and lower to a position in contact with a road surface to allow the operator to move the trailer and its load without being attached to the towing vehicle. In the case of a load that is a boat, the self propelled trailer and the boat could be driven without an attached vehicle, down a boat loading ramp to launch the boat, and be driven with the boat up the boat loading ramp to rendezvous with a towing vehicle in a parking lot. The propulsion units would then be raised into a position adjacent to the trailer frame and the trailer would be towed on the highway.

Abstract: The boat trailer tug includes a primary frame with a mounting beam that is attachable to a boat trailer frame. A primary collar is fixed to the mounting beam front end. A hitch tongue is connected to the collar and extends forward from the collar. A hitch ball receiver is mounted on a front end of the hitch tongue for connecting the tug to a towing vehicle. A vertical height adjustment frame is slidably connected to the collar. A linear actuator moves the height adjustment frame up and down relative to the collar. A power unit frame is pivotally attached to the height adjustment frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A motor, transmission and driven wheels are mounted on the power unit frame. The linear actuator raises and lowers the driven wheels. A steering system pivots the power unit frame to steer the tug.

Abstract: In a control system for a train composed of a towing vehicle and a trailer, the towing vehicle is equipped with an electronically actuatable drive train. A trailer steering angle actual value sensor determines a trailer actual steering angle of a wheel axle which steers the trailer. The driver of the vehicle can input a trailer setpoint steering angle via a trailer steering angle setpoint value sensor. A reversing device is provided which determines, from the trailer actual steering angle and the trailer setpoint steering angle, a modified towing vehicle setpoint steering angle of a wheel axle which steers the towing vehicle. In the active state of the reversing device, the modified towing vehicle setpoint steering angle takes the place of the present towing vehicle setpoint steering angle in a modified movement vector; and when the train is moving, it changes the trailer actual steering angle into the trailer setpoint steering angle when the modified movement vector is processed.

Abstract: An improved tractor trailer having a tractor unit and a trailer unit and wherein the tractor unit includes an internal combustion engine, the improvement comprising an electrical drive arranged to drive at least some of the wheels on at least one of the axles of the trailer, in a control system associated therewith. The arrangement provides extra power for situations where it is required and can, in the case of electric drive motors mounted directly on the wheel, provide for better braking.

Abstract: A multi-combination vehicle having at least two engines, each engine having a transmission coupled thereto, each transmission including an electronic control unit, each engine including an electrical power source adapted to provide power to a respective one of the electronic control units. The multi-combination vehicle further including an electronic gear selector in communication with each transmission, the gear selector having a power input and a gear selector output, and a gear selector module that is provided power from the electronic control units, the gear selector module including a manual switching device that is adapted to selectively provide the electronic control unit power.

Abstract: A system is provided for the throttle control of a multi-combination vehicle operable by a driver where said vehicle includes at least two engines each engine operable by an independent throttle. One of the throttles is controlled by a standard throttle pedal, the other by a hand-controlled throttle. Under conditions of severe braking the second throttle is caused to be disregarded by the second engine that is forced to an idle position. Further, the second throttle can only become operable when the second throttle has been manually reset to a pre-determined position, generally the idle position. The system is appropriate in cases where the driver may be forced to apply emergency braking and is not able to control the hand throttle to ensure that the second engine does not continue to drive the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive train assembly for use in powered vehicles or trailers having at least one axle of driving wheels. The assembly includes a coupling mechanism coupling the engine of the vehicle and the driving wheels. The coupling mechanism is activatable between a first and a second state, wherein in the first state the engine and driving wheels are mechanically uncoupled and in the second state the engine is mechanically coupled to the driving wheels. When the driving wheels are rotated by the vehicle or trailer being towed and the engine turned off the coupling mechanism ensures that no parts of the drive train assembly do not rotate and are therefore damaged due to lack of lubrication. Two embodiments are disclosed, one with the coupling (138) in the transfer box (110), and in the second embodiment the coupling is in the wheel hub assembly. Also disclosed is an oil pump assembly driven by the wheels rather than the drive train to provide some lubrication when the wheels are rotating and the engine is off.

Abstract: A multi-combination vehicle or road-train consisting of a powered prime mover, at least one powered trailer and which may include a number of non-powered trailers. The powered trailer includes a cooling system separated from the engine to provide improved cooling and enabling the road-train to be used in confined areas, such as in underground mines. Preferably, the cooling system is located at the rear of the powered trailer. The engines of the prime mover and powered trailer(s) are preferably controlled either by manual controls in the truck cab.

Abstract: A self-propelled sulky for attachment to existing non-self-propelled equipment,thereby enabling the equipment to be converted into a self-propelled equipment with a modular propulsion system. The sulky includes a frame, a motor mounted to the frame, wheels rotatably mounted to the frame, a device for transferring power from the motor to at least one of the wheels, a device for controlling the power transferring device and thereby the ground speed and direction of the sulky, a device for connecting the sulky to a rearward end of the non-self-propelled equipment to enable pushing of the non-self-propelled equipment with the sulky, and a support structure on the frame for supporting an operator in a standing position. The support structure is located and configured on the frame to enable the operator to selectively step onto the support structure to ride the sulky and step off the support structure to walk behind the sulky.

Abstract: A system is provided for the control of two transmissions in a multi-combination vehicle having at least two engines, each engine operatively coupled to one transmission. Each transmission has its own electrical power source and an electronic control unit. The system includes an electronic gear selector having a power input and a variable output representative of a desired operation of each of the transmissions. The system further includes a gear selector control module that is provided power from each of the electronic control units and selectively provides power to the power input of the electronic gear selector from a selected one of the electronic control units. The variable output of the electronic gear selector is in communication with at least the selected one of the electronic control units.

Abstract: A system is provided for the control of multiple engines in a multi-combination vehicle having at least two engines, each engine having its own power source and an electronic control module. The system includes an electronic throttle control having a power input and a variable output representative of a desired operation of each of the engines. The system further includes a throttle control module that is provided power from each of the electronic control modules and selectively provides power to the power input of the electronic throttle control from a selected one of the electronic control modules. The variable output of the electronic throttle control is in communication with at least the selected one of the electronic control modules. In other embodiments, the system of the present invention is effective for the control of multi-combination vehicles having at least three engines.

Abstract: The present invention is for a multi-combination vehicle or road-train consisting of a powered prime mover, at least one powered trailer and which may include a number of non-powered trailers. The power trailer includes a cooling device separated from the engine to provide improved cooling and enabling the road-train to be used in confined areas such as in underground mines. Typically the cooling device located at the front or rear of the power trailer. The engines of the prime mover and power trailer(s) are controlled either by a synchronisation-system and a dual-pot accelerator pedal by controlling their relative torques or by manual controls in the truck cab.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is made up of two independently moveable vehicle bodies, for instance tracked vehicle bodies. The first vehicle body has an engine and the second one has a motor/generator. An articulation device connects them to allow the first vehicle body to drive the second vehicle body or vice versa or even for them to act together. A drive transmission that can be used in the vehicle allows power to be input from two shafts or for one of the shafts to be an additional power output. An articulation device that can be used in the vehicle allows quick alignment and/or coupling and decoupling of the two bodies.

Abstract: A braking system for the control of vehicle speed, the vehicle including an engine having a first plurality of engine cylinders, an electronic throttle, electrical power source and engine brake adapted to provide engine braking, comprising an electronic control unit in communication with the engine electrical power source, engine throttle and engine brake, and a speed sensor adapted to measure the speed of the vehicle and communicate the measured vehicle speed to the electronic control unit, wherein when the measured vehicle speed is greater than a pre-determined vehicle speed threshold, the electronic control unit disables the engine throttle and applies the engine brake using a second plurality of the engine cylinders, the second plurality of engine cylinders being less than the first plurality of engine cylinders.

Abstract: A motorized directionally steerable trailer tongue jack having a height adjustment system, a steering system, a drive system, a mounting plate, and a control system. The height adjustment system includes a power transmission screw. The power transmission screw is secured to the drive system at one end and proceeds to pass through the height adjustment system, the mounting plate, and the steering system. The power transmission screw engages the height adjustment system through threaded receipt in a power sleeve nut, and engages the steering system via receipt in a steering sleeve that fixes the relative position of the screw and the sleeve. The power transmission screw and power sleeve nut may be self-locking. The control system may include a wireless user pendent. The control system permits a user to move and steer a trailer while adjusting the tongue height to cooperate with a vehicle hitch.

Abstract: A vehicle for sporting and off-road driving includes a front and a rear component assembly and a joint arrangement. Each component assembly includes a plate mounted on a single flexible track and that is actuated by the single flexible track. The joint arrangement connects the plate of the front assembly to the plate of the rear assembly, and has two degrees of freedom that permits the front and rear component assemblies to be displaced with respect to each other around a horizontal, transverse axis and around a vertical axis.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle system for terrain navigation mobility provides a way to climb stairs, cross crevices, and navigate across difficult terrain by coupling two or more mobile robots with a coupling device and controlling the robots cooperatively in tandem.

Abstract: A distributed propulsion system is provided for a multi-unit articulated road train. The distributed propulsion system includes a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling the tractor. A trailer is secured to the tractor at an articulated joint, such as a fifth wheel or draw bar connection. The tractor has a second propulsion system for substantially propelling the trailer. A load sensor for detecting a load between the tractor and the trailer, preferably the tensile load, is associated with the articulated joint. The load sensor produces a load signal. An input device produces a request signal for actuating the second propulsion system. An electronic control mechanism is electrically connected to the input device and the load sensor for coordinating the various sensors and inputs. The control mechanism commands the second propulsion system in response to the load signal and the request signal such that the trailer is propelled in a controlled manner relative to the tractor.

Abstract: The present invention is for a multi-combination vehicle or road-train consisting of a powered prime mover, at least one powered trailer and which may include a number of non-powered trailers. The power trailer includes a cooling means separated from the engine to provide improved cooling and enabling the road-train to be used in confined areas such as in underground mines. Typically the cooling means is located at the front or rear of the power trailer and is located. The engines of the prime mover and power trailer(s) are controlled either by a synchronization system and a dual-pot accelerator pedal by controlling their relative torques or by manual controls in the truck cab.

Abstract: A multicombination vehicle and method are provided for transporting a payload, such as a mined metal ore, over the roadways existing in an underground mine. The multicombination vehicle includes a powered towing unit, which may comprise a rigid body truck, and at least one towed unit mechanically coupled to the rigid body truck. The vehicle may also include a plurality of the towed units, with a forward most one of the units coupled to the rigid body truck and each adjacent pair of the towed units being coupled to one another. Each of the units includes a chassis, a plurality of wheeled axles connected to the chassis for supporting the respective unit as the vehicle travels over the roadways of the mine, and a draw frame attached to and extending rearwardly from the corresponding chassis, with a coupling attached to a rear end of the draw frame.

Abstract: A trailer maneuvering jack comprised of a tongue jack and a compact drive wheel assembly. The tongue jack is comprised of an outer sleeve and an extendable and retractable inner sleeve. The drive wheel assembly is comprised of a wheel, motor, and drive train. The drive wheel assembly is attached to the outer end of the inner sleeve of the tongue jack by means of a power drive mounting bracket. The wheel is located along the longitudinal centerline of the tongue jack with its axle perpendicular thereto. The axis of the drive shaft of the motor is located along the wheel axle axis and operably connected thereto by a drive train. In a first embodiment the motor case is cylindrical and it and cylindrical bearing means mounted thereon constitute the axle of the drive wheel. In a second embodiment a rotational ring gear forms the axle of the wheel.

Abstract: A feller-buncher includes a first axle having a number of first wheels attached thereto and a second axle having a number of second wheels attached thereto. The feller-buncher also includes a first hydraulic motor operable to rotate the first axle and a second hydraulic motor operable to rotate the second axle. The feller-buncher also includes a first hydraulic pump operable to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid. Yet further, the feller-buncher includes a first flow sharing valve fluidly coupled to each of the first hydraulic pump, the first hydraulic motor, and the second hydraulic motor. The first flow sharing valve is configured to distribute the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump evenly between the first hydraulic motor and the second hydraulic motor, whereby the first axle and the second axle are driven at a substantially equal speed relative to one another. A method of operating a feller-buncher is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer driver for guiding and driving a trailer when the trailer is disconnected from the hitch of a vehicle. The device includes a support frame and a ground engaging wheel rotatably mounted to the support frame. A mounting bracket is pivotally coupled to the support frame and is adapted for mounting the support frame to a trailer tongue. A motor is provided for rotating the ground engaging wheel. A steering handle upwardly extends from the support frame.

Abstract: A powered towing vehicle having steering wheels and a wheeled trailer is connected to the vehicle for its towing. The wheels of the trailer are connected to a source of power for generating forward and rearward movement of the trailer. These wheels also are connected to a source of power for turning such wheels in order to steer the trailer. These wheels further are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the trailer wheels as they are being steered. The steering wheels of the towing vehicle also are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the vehicle wheels as they are being steered. The trailer steering wheel sensor is displayed to an operator of the vehicle so that the vehicle operator knows the relative position of each of the steering wheels. The trailer steering power source is connected to the vehicle so that an operator of the vehicle can remotely steer the wheels of the trailer.