Drive Means Betwen Vehicles Through Coupling Patents (Class 180/14.4)
  • Patent number: 11900487
    Abstract: A method of processing a charging information of a vehicle and system of processing a vehicle charging information comprises a user terminal transmitting a vehicle information to a cloud server; the cloud server obtaining a charging information of the vehicle; the cloud server transmitting a reward information corresponding to the vehicle identity information to the user terminal based on the state information of the vehicle, the information comprising the charging information; and the user terminal displaying the reward information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Neutron Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Charlie Fang, Aaron Nojima, Zhao Zhang, Fuxing Luan, William Lee, Meng Xie, Colin McMahon, Nicholas S. Fong, Yuxin Zhai
  • Patent number: 11745552
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame and an oscillating hitch. A first cylinder couples to a first side of the oscillating hitch and a first side of the frame. A second cylinder couples to a second side of the oscillating hitch and a second side of the frame. A first isolating mechanism couples to the first cylinder and rotates in response to a first rotation of the first cylinder relative to the frame or the oscillating hitch. A first angle sensor senses a first angular displacement of the first isolating mechanism about a first rotational axis. A second isolating mechanism couples to the second cylinder and rotates in response to a second rotation of the second cylinder relative to the frame or the oscillating hitch. A second angle sensor senses a second angular displacement of the second isolating mechanism about a second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John James Krone, Daniel Peter Sergison, Edward William Mate, Jeremy T. Peterson, Bradly Glen Duffer, Matthew Stephen Marquette
  • Patent number: 10794457
    Abstract: An assist device for lifting and facilitating the coupling of an implement's driveline to a power take-off on a vehicle is disclosed. The assist device is configured with a handle enabling a user to rotate the device from a storage position to an upright position where the device engages the driveline and hits it into a position suitable for coupling the driveline to the power take-off. The assist device is equipped with a roller to allow the driveline to slide along its longitudinal axis to facilitate coupling. The assist device may be equipped with one or more springs to further accept at least some of the weight of the driveline and enable easier maneuvering of the driveline during the coupling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark McLane
  • Patent number: 10647400
    Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, transmission devices for such an outboard motor, and related methods of making, operating, and modifying attributes of same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the motor, positioned substantially above a trimming axis of the motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to propeller(s). In at least a further embodiment, the motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, and/or other transmission features. In at least some additional embodiments, a transmission device of the motor is configured to facilitate gear ratio variation and/or includes an integrated oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 10358201
    Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Seven Marine, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 10343518
    Abstract: A PTO support assembly for a work vehicle train includes a work vehicle having a PTO drive shaft and a work implement, towed by the work vehicle, having a PTO shaft. The PTO support assembly has a mounting base with a connection interface coupled to the work implement. A support member is coupled to the mounting base and has a support interface for contacting the PTO shaft. The PTO support is adjustable to a support position in which the support interface is maintained at a height corresponding to a height at which the PTO shaft is engaged with the PTO drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Timothy J. Kraus
  • Patent number: 10034425
    Abstract: A combine harvester with a feeder house assembly, the assembly including a feeder house with an inlet end; a tilt frame surrounding the inlet end of the feeder house and in pivotal arrangement relative to the feeder house; a gearbox attached to the tilt frame; and a first dog clutch operably coupled to the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic Ducroquet, Steven Tippery, Emmanuel Regis Magisson
  • Patent number: 9877423
    Abstract: An agricultural machine including a chassis carrying an arm including first and second ends, a first unit connected to the arm and extending laterally between the first and second ends, a second unit connected to the arm and extending laterally beyond the second end, a device connecting the second unit to the arm in vicinity of its second end and allowing it to swivel relative to the arm around a second longitudinal axis close to the second end, a mechanism driving elements of the first and second units and carried by the arm in vicinity of the second end. The device includes an axis oriented upwards during work around which the mechanism is mounted with swiveling action on the arm, and the mechanism and at least one of the first and second units can, in a lateral position of the arm relative to the chassis, jointly swivel around the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: KUHN S.A.
    Inventor: Sylvain Billard
  • Patent number: 9845580
    Abstract: A compaction system includes a first frame; a second frame coupled to the first frame via an articulated joint; a first propulsion device operatively coupled to the first frame via a first propulsion motor, the first propulsion device being configured to propel the compaction system over a work surface in response to a power applied by the first propulsion motor; a compaction drum operatively coupled to the second frame, the compaction drum being configured to compact the work surface via rolling engagement with the work surface; a force sensor configured and arranged to generate a signal that is indicative of a propulsion force transmitted through the articulated joint; and a controller operatively coupled to the force sensor. The controller is configured to determine compaction performance of the compaction system against the work surface based at least in part on the signal from the force sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Utterodt, Thomas Frelich
  • Patent number: 9827841
    Abstract: A wheel driving system includes a generator connected to an engine and configured to generate electrical energy, a front axle configured to drive at least one front wheel and including a front electric motor configured to produce a driving torque from the electrical energy supplied from the generator and transmit the driving torque to the front wheel via a front drive shaft, a rear axle configured to drive at least one rear wheel and including a rear electric motor configured to produce a driving torque from the electrical energy supplied from the generator and transmit the driving torque to the rear wheel via a rear drive shaft, and a central connection unit operatively connected to the front drive shaft and the rear drive shaft and configured to transmit the driving torque between the front axle and the rear axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun-Soo Jung, Chang-Hyun Kim, Dong-Mok Kim, Lee-Hyoung Cho
  • Patent number: 9480198
    Abstract: A drawbar hitch mechanism has a fore-and-aft extending receiver, a gearbox assembly coupled to the receiver and a tongue assembly attached to the gearbox assembly. A first pivot mechanism couples the receiver with the gearbox assembly for side-to-side movement about a longitudinal axis of the receiver. A draft arm is configured to disperse draft loads between the tongue assembly and the receiver. A second pivot mechanism couples the gearbox assembly and the draft arm. The second pivot mechanism is oriented such that it pivots about an upright axis such that the gearbox assembly and second pivot mechanism enable pivoting movement of the tongue assembly relative the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas R. Treffer, Martin E. Pruitt, Jeffrey Funk, Shane A. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 9328773
    Abstract: A system for the mutual adjustment of two drive shafts connected by means of a cardanic shaft is described, the first shaft being actuated by a machine by means of a power take-off being connected to a cardanic shaft, said cardanic shaft being connected to a second shaft being a power take-off of a miter gear box of a crusher/tiller, the miter gear box actuating at least one machine tool. According to the invention the miter gear box is connected to the chassis of the crusher/tiller by means of two small arms in order to allow both a rotation about one axis and a transverse movement controlled by a tilting and rotation sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SEPPI M. SPA
    Inventor: Lorenz Seppi
  • Patent number: 9193385
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering device for mutually steering a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit of an articulated vehicle, which vehicle includes a substantially vertical link shaft about which the vehicle units are pivotable, first and second steering elements arranged to mutually turn the vehicle units, wherein the steering device includes a housing configuration arranged to form a supply space between the vehicle units. The invention also relates to an articulated vehicle with a steering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS HÄGGLUNDS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Sverker Svärdby, Patrik Forsberg
  • Patent number: 9004205
    Abstract: A multi-vehicle arrangement for heavy haulage includes at least a first tractor unit mechanically connected with a second tractor unit, wherein each tractor unit forms a separately drivable tractor unit including a driver cab), a digital communication device, steering wheels, a braking system, and a power train comprising a power source, a friction clutch, and an automatic transmission, where the friction clutch is arranged to be disengaged or engaged for drive torque transmission from the power source to the automatic transmission, a digital communication link is provided between the tractor units by the digital communication devices, and a control system of the first tractor unit is arranged to control at least a clutch load of the friction clutch of each of the first and second tractor units for the purpose of reducing the risk of over-heating of any of the friction clutches during engagement or disengagement of the friction clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Jan Öberg, Niklas Öberg
  • Patent number: 8950523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train (1; 52) between a power take-off shaft (27) of a tractor unit (26) and the gearbox (34) of a trailer vehicle (33), the drawbar of which is coupled in a bottom hitching arrangement to the hitch (28) of the tractor unit (26), wherein the drive train (1; 52) extends above the drawbar beam. Depending on the rotational speed and length of the propeller shaft, a long propeller shaft may result problems in revolution that is agitated and vibratory. The novel drive exhibits smooth running properties and allows for easy handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Stauvermann, Patrick Büth, Richard Kleine-Nieβe
  • Patent number: 8875817
    Abstract: A hitch assembly is disclosed for use with an articulated mobile machine. The hitch assembly may have a yoke portion, a tube portion, a driveshaft, and a hitch carrier to rotationally support the driveshaft inside the tube portion and having a plurality of first holes. The hitch assembly may further have a plurality of fasteners to connect the hitch carrier to the tube portion via the plurality of first holes, and a thrust collar to threadingly engage a periphery of the hitch carrier and having a plurality of second holes. The hitch assembly may additionally have a locking plate with at least one pin to engage at least one of the plurality of second holes, and a plurality of third holes to receive at least some of the plurality of fasteners. The number of the plurality of second holes is greater than the number of the plurality of first holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Iain J. Giles-Brown, Ian H. Mearns, Terence Fairless
  • Publication number: 20140151137
    Abstract: A hitch assembly is disclosed for use with an articulated mobile machine. The hitch assembly may have a yoke portion, a tube portion, a driveshaft, and a hitch carrier to rotationally support the driveshaft inside the tube portion and having a plurality of first holes. The hitch assembly may further have a plurality of fasteners to connect the hitch carrier to the tube portion via the plurality of first holes, and a thrust collar to threadingly engage a periphery of the hitch carrier and having a plurality of second holes. The hitch assembly may additionally have a locking plate with at least one pin to engage at least one of the plurality of second holes, and a plurality of third holes to receive at least some of the plurality of fasteners. The number of the plurality of second holes is greater than the number of the plurality of first holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Iain J. GILES-BROWN, Ian H. MEARNS, Terence FAIRLESS
  • Patent number: 8555994
    Abstract: An agricultural device is couplable to a tractor vehicle with carrier arms. The agricultural device comprises a carrier frame with a set of wheels and a coupling device for coupling the agricultural implement to a tractor vehicle. The agricultural device further comprises a coupling frame having at least one coupling point for coupling of the coupling frame to both carrier arms of the tractor vehicle. The coupling frame is connected to the carrier frame so as to be rigid in rotation in the vertical plane, wherein at least one coupling point of the coupling frame is positioned on or above the center line of the carrier frame. Owing to the fact that the carrier arms extend horizontally or upwards, the carrier arms will not or will hardly get out of position as a result of the travelling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Alfonsus Jacobus Van Den Engel
  • Patent number: 8544574
    Abstract: A grain cart capable of self-propulsion and receiving steering and propulsion inputs from a lateral extendable connector to a tractor for the grain cart so that the grain cart may be deployed close to the central chassis of a combine for unloading of grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Fegley, Alan D. Sheidler, Noel W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8333401
    Abstract: A dual chassis with multi-directional transmission includes a front chassis and a rear chassis that can be united to function as a traditional unitary chassis or can be separated to become two independently, but connected, chassis that can traverse uneven terrain during ground movement. The multi-directional transmission serves to increase the distance between the two chassis and enable them to travel at differing vertical and horizontal angles with respect to the surface of the earth. As part of the multi-directional transmission, a central multi-directional mechanism connects a medial portion of said front chassis to a medial portion of said rear chassis to selectively allow for the independent horizontal and vertical movement of said front and rear chassis when traversing uneven terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Lares Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Lares
  • Publication number: 20120298431
    Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis (11) with front and rear axles (12, 13) suspended from the chassis for vertical and roll movement relative to the chassis. The axles are each mounted on the chassis via an upper pivotal mounting means in the form of an upper pair of arms (12a, 13a) which is pivoted on the chassis for vertical pivoting movement relative thereto and which carry an axle support (15, 16) on which the axle (12, 13) is free to pivot in the roll mode. A second lower pair of pivoting arms (12b, 13b) also connect each axle (12, 13) to the chassis to control fore and aft movement of the axle relative to the chassis. The line of action of the forces (F1-F4) applied to the chassis (11) by the upper arms (12a, 13a) at one end of the chassis are be substantially aligned with the line of action of the forces applied to the chassis by the lower arms (12b, 13b) at the other end of the chassis to reduce and tendency for the chassis to be twisted by these forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: AGCO SA
    Inventors: Geoffroy Husson, Frederic Ducroquet
  • Patent number: 8292008
    Abstract: An articulated harvester is composed of a forward bogey having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, but being devoid of an on-board grain bin. A rearward bogey is attached by a joint to the forward bogey and has a powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward bogey grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The forward bogey wheel assembly is powered by a first drive system. The rearward bogey wheel assembly is powered by a second drive system. Each of the first and second powered drive systems includes coordinated transmission and drive motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
  • Patent number: 8181725
    Abstract: An aircraft tug includes a tow bar which extends from a chassis, the tow bar operable to autonomously attach with an aircraft main landing gear assembly and transfer electrical power therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Andres, Shin Katsumata
  • Patent number: 7997362
    Abstract: A device for coupling a universal joint shaft to a power take-off shaft (1) of a tractor has a first coupling mechanism (48) that is non-rotatably arranged on the universal joint shaft. A second coupling mechanism (17) is non-rotatably arranged on the power take-off shaft (1) of the tractor. The first and second coupling mechanisms can be non-rotatably coupled to transmit torque. A coupling shield (7) is provided to couple the coupling mechanism (17, 48). The first coupling mechanism (48) is at least indirectly rotationally supported on the coupling shield (7). A locking mechanism (58, 58?) projects from the coupling shield (7). A bracket (2) is attachable on the rear of the tractor. The bracket (2) has at least one locking device (5, 5?) that is displaceable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking device (5, 5?) is displaced from the unlocked position into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Herchenbach, Andreas Sarfert, Andreas Lohmüller
  • Publication number: 20110180335
    Abstract: The invention relates to the automotive technique. Its use while creating new and improving current all-terrain vehicles allows to ensure the achievement of the technical result in the form of simplifying the all-terrain vehicle transmission, increasing the reliability, and decreasing the wheels surface wear, specifically for wheels having a non-hub drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Mikhail V. Ivankov, Maksim M. Ivankov
  • Patent number: 7913782
    Abstract: A vehicle and a pull behind unit are disclosed. The pull behind unit may be attached to a hitch of the vehicle. The pull behind unit may include powered ground engaging members which may be powered by an engine of the vehicle or an engine of the pull behind unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: David A Foss, Michael R. Trihey
  • Patent number: 7784812
    Abstract: A dual chassis with multi-directional transmission wherein a front chassis and a rear chassis can be united to function as a traditional chassis or separated when traveling over uneven terrain. A multi-directional transmission serves to increase the distance between the two chassis and enable them to travel at differing vertical and horizontal angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Lares
  • Patent number: 7712760
    Abstract: When the electric vehicle is to be towed by a towing vehicle, the two vehicles are connected by a connection tool, and a drive motor prioritization control unit is connected to the communication network by a communication cable. Power from a battery is then supplied to the low voltage line by a power supply cable, and the inverter is controlled by a signal from the drive motor prioritization control unit of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yosuke Ohtomo
  • Patent number: 7575077
    Abstract: A lever-operated PTO shaft connection mechanism for use with a three-point hitch quick coupler that aligns and engages the PTO driveline between a tractor and a powered implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Edward H. Priepke, Douglas S. Fitzkee
  • Patent number: 7480562
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle, in which the method allows feedback about imminent risks. In this context, the vehicle moves on a predefined route at a current traveling velocity. A value characteristic of the vehicle movement along the predefined route is precalculated as a function of the current traveling velocity and the predefined route. A vehicle function is activated as a function of this value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Kustosch
  • Patent number: 6880651
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd.
    Inventors: Heng Fong Loh, Jun Shu, Shi Jin Tu, Choon Mong Tay, Dominic Phoon Yong Soon, Yew Chuen Poon, Hin Chee Leong
  • Patent number: 6877758
    Abstract: A hitch extension apparatus for attaching an implement with a pto driven drive shaft having front and rear universal joints to a tractor drawbar. The apparatus comprises a first member adapted for attachment to the tractor drawbar by insertion of a drawbar pin through the drawbar such that the first member is fixed with respect to the drawbar. An extension member is pivotally attached to the first member about a horizontal pitch axis oriented perpendicular to the travel direction, and about a horizontal roll axis oriented parallel to the operating travel direction. The extension member defines a pivotal attachment location rearward of the draw pin hole adapted for pivotal attachment of the implement about a vertical yaw axis located equidistant from the front and rear universal joints when the drive shaft is connected to the tractor power take off. The pitch axis can be located forward of the yaw axis, and forward of the draw pin hole in order to reduce bending forces on the drawbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Schulte Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Vincent Colistro
  • Publication number: 20040099452
    Abstract: A split-frame vehicle in which the front and rear sub-frames may rotate relative to one another along a longitudinal axis that runs generally parallel to the ground. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a locking mechanism operatively coupled between the front and rear sub-frames. The locking mechanism is operative between a locked position in which the sub-frames are rigidly coupled and an unlocked position in which the sub-frames are free to rotate relative to one another. In a second embodiment, the vehicle includes an axial rotator joint connected between the sub-frames. The joint includes a first bearing plate connected to the front sub-frame and a second bearing plate connected to the second sub-frame. The faces of each bearing plate bear on one another and define the rotational interface between the sub-frames. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the center of each bearing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Calvin Keith Cope
  • Patent number: 6631773
    Abstract: An articulated truck for carrying a load through a plurality of work cycles is disclosed. An embodiment includes a frame assembly, an articulation. joint, a plurality of axles, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, a body, an engine, a transmission and an apparatus for receiving the torque and transferring the torque to a plurality of drive shafts. The apparatus includes a plurality of gears, an inter-axle differential, and a plurality of drive shafts. The inter-axle differential is located such that the front axle may be suspended to allow oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Richard D. Walker
  • Patent number: 6581718
    Abstract: An arrangement for the steering and coupling together of two associated tracked units to form an articulated tracked vehicle set, includes a first upright for releasable coupling to a fixture on one of the tracked units, a second upright for coupling to a fixture on the other tracked unit, a first steering link which is connected in an articulated manner to the first upright about a first horizontal axis and a second steering link which is connected in an articulated manner to the second upright about a second horizontal axis, parallel with the first horizontal axis. The first and second steering links are mutually joined to a steering link unit about a steering pivot with a vertical axis of articulation. Hydraulic ram cylinder units are arranged so as to control relative turning movements between the first upright and the steering link unit, between the second upright and the steering link unit, and between the first and second steering links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Alvis Hagglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Mats Vigren, Max Thoren
  • Publication number: 20020195795
    Abstract: A connecting section (3) is connected to the tractor (1) and trailer (2) so as to allow pivoting about a transverse axis (26), and the rearward end part (33) of the connecting section (3) is connected to the forward end part (13) so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis (38). The rearward end part (33) is additionally pivotable about a longitudinal axis (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: David John Bowes Brown
  • Publication number: 20020170755
    Abstract: A split-frame vehicle in which the front and rear sub-frames may rotate relative to one another along a longitudinal axis that runs generally parallel to the ground. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a locking mechanism operatively coupled between the front and rear sub-frames. The locking mechanism is operative between a locked position in which the sub-frames are rigidly coupled and an unlocked position in which the sub-frames are free to rotate relative to one another. In a second embodiment, the vehicle includes an axial rotator joint connected between the sub-frames. The joint includes a first bearing plate connected to the front sub-frame and a second bearing plate connected to the second sub-frame. The faces of each bearing plate bear on one another and define the rotational interface between the sub-frames. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the center of each bearing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Calvin Keith Cope