Abstract: A vehicle comprising: steering means for operation by a user, —one or more rear ground-engaging wheels; a first front ground-engaging steerable wheel (34) located substantially in the centre at substantially the front of the vehicle; second and third front ground-engaging wheels (36, 37) located either side of the first front ground-engaging wheel (34) with adjustment means for adjusting the steer angle and the height depending on the steer angle of the first front ground-engaging wheel, the adjustment means being configured such that: when the first front ground-engaging wheel (34) has a straight-ahead steer angle, the steer angles of the second and third front ground-engaging wheels (36, 37) are also straight-ahead and all three front ground-engaging wheels are in contact with the ground; and when the steer angle of the first front ground-engaging wheel (34) is turned such that motion of the vehicle would describe a curve, the steer angle of the front ground-engaging wheel on the outside of said curve is tu

Abstract: A disengagement assembly for maintaining a disengaging force on a tandem assembly. The disengagement assembly operates with an actuating arm of a retractable pin assembly of a tandem wherein the actuating arm reciprocates between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The disengagement assembly maintains an applied force on the actuating arm in the disengaged position so that the tandem remains in a movable relationship with respect to frame members of a trailer.

Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle includes a single rear drive wheel, which is mounted on a suspension subframe located near the rear of the vehicle and extending between rails of the vehicle's chassis. A transfer is also mounted on the suspension subframe and drivingly interconnects the vehicle drivetrain and the rear wheel. A four-wheel to three-wheel vehicle conversion method includes the steps of removing the differential, rear axles and rear wheels of an original drivetrain and replacing them with a subframe mounting a rear wheel and a transfer. The transfer is connected to the original transmission by a drive shaft. The converted vehicle can be certified and licensed based on less stringent governmental regulations than those applicable to comparable four-wheel vehicles.

Abstract: A trailer having retractable wheels. A lock-out mechanism is provided that prevents the trailer from being connected to a vehicle when the wheels are in the retracted position. The lock-out mechanism may also be configured to prevent movement of the wheels to the retracted position when the trailer is connected to a vehicle.

Abstract: A frame or subframe for a tractor-trailer for supporting one or more axle/suspension systems includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated, and longitudinally extending main members. At least one cross member structure extends between and is connected to the longitudinal main members using structural nodes. A bonding adhesive, or other suitable means of attachment, connects the cross member structure and the structural nodes to one another and to the main members. The structural nodes distribute loads encountered during vehicle operation generally over a relatively large area thereby generally reducing the concentration of such loadings at the connections, and assist in generally evenly distributing loads between the cross member structure and the main members to effectively react lateral, longitudinal, vertical, and racking loads. The combination of greater load distribution and reduced loading concentrations allows the structure to be constructed from lighter weight materials.

Abstract: A vehicle with a variable-length wheelbase is disclosed. The vehicle of one embodiment has a first body portion coupled to a first set of wheels and a second body portion coupled to a second set of wheels to define a vehicle wheelbase. The first and second body portions are moveable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, so as to move the base between extended and retracted positions. When the base is in the retracted position the vehicle's wheelbase has a first length, and when the base is in the extended position the wheelbase has a second length greater than the first length. A boom is pivotally coupled to the base. The boom moves toward a lowered position when the base is moved toward the extended position, and the boom moves toward a raised position when the base is moved toward the retracted position.

Abstract: A moveable axle assembly that can be moved into an operative position and retracted from an operative position and is constructed and arranged to be pivotally coupled to a motorized device, such as a skid steer loader. The axle assembly has a pair of wheels, an axle stabilizing assembly to securely support and stabilize the axle assembly and hydraulic actuator assemblies to move the moveable axle assembly in to and out of and operative position.

Abstract: A vehicle with an actively adjustable axle system suitable for traveling over even or uneven terrain with a load is herein proposed.

Abstract: Work machines such as road mills having a frame supported by tracked or wheeled ground engaging support units may require the ability to move one or more of the ground engaging units between projecting and retracted positions relative to the frame without reversing the running direction of the repositioned unit. A disclosed work machine has a machine frame supportable by a plurality of ground engaging units. A support device connected between the machine frame and at least one of the ground engaging units has a lifting column adapted to controllably raise and lower the ground engaging unit relative to the frame. A first actuator is connected to the support device to move the one ground engaging unit between the projecting and retracted positions, and a second actuator is connected to the lifting column to maintain the running direction of the associated ground engaging unit in each of the projecting and retracted positions.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments are disclosed which display modularity for accomplishing multiple modes of operation for a utility vehicle. The utility vehicle (100) may include a rear cargo platform (450), a plurality of connection points (460) disposed in matrix and adapted to couple an item to the rear cargo platform, and three or more couplings (490) for adding a subsection (470) in a non-pivotable manner or pivotably coupling the rear cargo platform. The vehicle may be a four-wheeled vehicle that coverts to a six-wheeled vehicle by the addition of the subsection. The utility vehicle may include a subsection cargo platform which may be coupled to the rear cargo platform and may pivot rearward. The utility vehicle may include couplings for adding a second subsection.

Abstract: A movable subframe for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of elongated spaced-apart main members extending longitudinally relative to the tractor-trailer, at least one cross member extending between and being attached to the main members, and a retractable pin mechanism for selectively securing the position of the subframe relative to a body of the tractor-trailer. At least one of the main members includes at least one opening for receiving a pin of the retractable pin mechanism. The main member opening is formed in a shape, such as a D-shape, which reduces or minimizes distortion of the main member adjacent the top of the opening that is associated with forming of the main member.

Abstract: An interlock for a slider incorporates a cover that moves between a covered position and an uncovered position. In the covered position, the cover prevents access and movement of a handle for actuating locking pins on the slider. The cover may be pivoted to an uncovered position at which the handle can be actuated. Generally, the handle is pulled away from a trailer frame for the slider to move the locking pins out of holes in the trailer frame. When the cover has moved away from the covered position, the cover actuates a valve member that sets at least one park brake. To release the park brakes, the cover must be moved back to the covered position. The cover cannot be moved back to the covered position until the handle is in a position indicative of the locking pins being fully received in the holes in the trailer frame.

Abstract: A vehicle fleet management information system identifies location and direction of movement of each vehicle in a fleet in real-time, and automatically reports such information, as well as status of predetermined events in which the vehicle is engaged, directly to the fleet manager. One aspect relates to automated reporting of status of a ready mix slurry material truck having a mixer drum. A sensor detects the begin pour event by detecting the mixer drum being run in a discharge direction.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle suspension system shoulder joint is disclosed. A vehicle includes a plurality of wheel assemblies; a plurality of rotating shoulder joints, each wheel assembly being mounted to a respective one of the shoulder joints and rotatable in a plane by the respective shoulder joint; and a chassis to which the shoulder joints are mounted. The shoulder joint for use in a vehicle suspension system includes a housing to which a wheel assembly may be attached for in-plane rotation; a drive; and a transmission engaged with the housing and the drive to reduce the speed of the drive motor as it drives the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle with a variable-length wheelbase is disclosed. The vehicle of one embodiment has a first body portion coupled to a first set of wheels and a second body portion coupled to a second set of wheels to define a vehicle wheelbase. The first and second body portions are moveable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, so as to move the base between extended and retracted positions. When the base is in the retracted position the vehicle's wheelbase has a first length, and when the base is in the extended position the wheelbase has a second length greater than the first length. A boom is pivotally coupled to the base. The boom moves toward a lowered position when the base is moved toward the extended position, and the boom moves toward a raised position when the base is moved toward the retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle that is convertible in its operation between flying as an autogiro and driving as a motorcycle, in which the propeller rotates around a section of the fuselage. The propeller span can be as large as the space between the autogiro lifting rotor blade and the ground.

Abstract: By a self-propelled vehicle that are for example to be used for support or service works on airplanes, hereby also military airplanes, it is advantageous that a set of wheels can be lowered in at manner that makes the distance from the ground up to the bottom of the vehicle substantially larger.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a person has a chassis (103) and four wheels (105a, 105b, 150c, 105d) supporting the chassis above a ground surface. The wheels enable the vehicle to move along the ground surface. Each of the four wheels is adjustable in position to enable the wheelbase length and track width of the vehicle to be changed. Each of the wheels is steerable to enable the changes in the wheelbase length and the track width to be effected whether the vehicle is substantially stationary or in motion.

Abstract: A device for transferring two-wheel motorbike into three-wheel vehicle includes a rectangle frame directly connected to the frame of the two-wheel motorbike and two side frames are connected to two ends of the rectangle frame. Two wing rods ARE connected to the two side frames respectively and an arm is pivotably connected to each of the side rods. A cushion means is connected between the side frame and the arm. A differential frame is connected between the two side frames so as to be connected with a differential which has an input end connected to an output shaft of an engine, and an output end of the differential is connected to two transmitting shafts which are connected to two rear wheels. The rear wheels each have a brake mechanism.

Abstract: A compact, portable locking pin locator device adapted to assist the driver of a semi truck including a tractor and a trailer to locate the trailer over the tandem axle under the back end of the trailer to achieve proper weight and balance of the load carried in the trailer over the wheels of the truck.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle, which may plane on water, has at least one pair of front or rear wheels having wheel suspensions fitted with an anti-roll bar (46). Said bar rotates upwards as the wheels are stowed above the waterline for use of the vehicle on water. The wheels may be driven wheels, and may be steered by pivotable steering link (20); or passively steered. Anti-roll bar (46) may be mounted to the vehicle by at least one bearing (48), so that the bar rotates about a single axis when the wheels are retracted. The bar passes through watertight outside bodywork (60), where it may be sealed by an elastomeric seal (62). Said seal may comprise a lip portion (72), sealing against the bar itself or against a ring or a collar (68) attached thereto. The ring or collar may be continuously welded around the anti-roll bar.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for robotic control that allows an unbalanced pendulum robot to raise its Center of Mass and balance on two motorized wheels. The robot includes a pair of arms that are connected to the upper body of the robot through motorized joints. The method consists of a series of movements employing the arms of the robot to raise the robot to the upright position. The method comprises a control loop in which the motorized drives are included for dynamic balance of the robot and the control of the arm apparatus. The robot is first configured as a low Center of Mass four-wheeled vehicle, then its Center of Mass is raised using a combination of its wheels and the joint located at the attachment point of the arm apparatus and the robot body, between the rear and front wheels; the method then applies accelerations to the rear wheels to dynamically pivot and further raise the Center of Mass up and over the main drive wheels bringing the robot into a balancing pendulum configuration.

Abstract: A variable wheel positioning vehicle has a wheel position changing mechanism and a wheel position control device to change a wheel position of a wheel with respect to a center of gravity of a vehicle body. The wheel position changing mechanism is arranged to move a suspension device along a movement path with respect to the vehicle body and to hold the suspension device at any position along the movement path. The wheel position control device issues a movement command to the wheel position changing mechanism that changes a wheel positioning distance between a center rotation axis of one of the wheels and the center of gravity of the vehicle body as measured in a direction parallel to an acceleration direction of the center of gravity of the vehicle body based on a traveling condition the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for removing coverings laid on even surfaces, comprising a support frame (10) for mounting driving wheels (16) and for accommodating a motor (17) and a gear (18) for driving the driving wheels (16), and comprising a motor-driven separating knife (25). According to the invention it is provided that at least one loosely rotatable support element (21) is arranged on the support frame (11) parallel to the driving wheels (16).

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A transport drive, in particular for stage elements, fork-lift vehicles and moving platforms (R), comprising at least one element which is driven or may be driven, integrated in a base region of the stage element (R), whereby the at least one element for raising and lowering the stage element (R) may be driven on a foundation into the stage element (R).

Abstract: A chassis suspension for agricultural equipment, the chassis suspension comprising: an axle having a substantially upright journal adapted for upright axial constraint of an inner journal therein; an inner journal extending into the upright journal, the inner journal having a lower end, wherein the inner journal is adapted to constrain axial movement of a strut rod therein; a strut rod extending into the inner journal and having a lower strut rod portion adapted for mounting a ground-engaging drive mechanism and wheel, wherein the lower strut rod portion has an upper end; and, a spring constrained between the lower end of the inner journal and the upper end of the lower strut rod portion.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device and a motor for moving the patient support. A motor disconnect arrangement is provided to enable manually powered movement of the patient support.

Abstract: A locking pin system is operated through an air spring which rotates a torque tube to remove a spring bias from a multiple of locking pins. Operation of the locking pin system is controlled by a trailer spring brake valve which operates in response to actuation of the slider parking brakes.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle suspension system shoulder joint is disclosed. A vehicle includes a plurality of wheel assemblies; a plurality of rotating shoulder joints, each wheel assembly being mounted to a respective one of the shoulder joints and rotatable in a plane by the respective shoulder joint; and a chassis to which the shoulder joints are mounted. The shoulder joint for use in a vehicle suspension system includes a housing to which a wheel assembly may be attached for in-plane rotation; a drive; and a transmission engaged with the housing and the drive to reduce the speed of the drive motor as it drives the housing.

Abstract: An adjustable ski track width mechanism allows adjusting the ski track between a narrow ski track width and a wide ski track width. The adjustable ski track width mechanism includes a steering mechanism that provides correct steering geometry and corresponding steering characteristics regardless of the narrow ski track width or the wide ski track width. The adjustable ski track width mechanism can be adjusted by the operator or automatically depending on operator preference or terrain conditions.

Abstract: A suspension system for the rear axle of a self-propelled agricultural windrower. The axle is split into two components, each having an air spring to absorb shocks. The two air springs are interconnected by a tube to equalize the internal pressure. A pair of pins can be inserted through the respective axle components and a structural member of the tractor to fix the components relative to the unit structure, thereby incapacitating the suspension and permitting effective steering of the tractor in the absence of a header.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle and methods for transporting persons, robots or cargo, and more particularly motorized vehicles, and methods for transporting over surfaces, including surfaces such as floors, roads, paths and sidewalks, and surfaces having obstacles or inclined surfaces and for enabling the ascending or descending of stairs without tilting while supporting a user or a load on a frame. The vehicle uses horizontal extending and retracting rods and vertical extending and retracting rods to pass over an obstacle or ascend or descend stairs. The horizontal extending and retracting rods are used as mechanisms to move the first set of ground contacting modules located to the fore of the vehicle or the last set of ground contacting modules located to the aft of the vehicle in a fore-aft plane to pass over an obstacle or to position the first set or last set of ground contacting modules upon a stair to be used for ascending and descending stairs.

Abstract: A trailer provided with a manoeuvring device. The manoeuvring device has a pivoting frame that can be moved with respect to the chassis of a trailer, such as a caravan, and is provided at the end with a roller driven by an electric motor. This roller does not engage on one of the wheels but is itself able to function as a wheel. Lifting of the chassis of the trailer is achieved with the aid of the pivoting frame, as a result of which the existing wheels at least partially lose contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for converting a two wheel vehicle to a three wheel vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a swing arm assembly having two arms connected by an intermediate member with each of the arms having a pivotal connector attached to one of their ends. A third link has a first end pivotally connected to the intermediate member and a second end free of the swing arm assembly. The mounting assembly may be adapted to fit the frames of Harley Davidson V-Rod model motorcycles by using arm extensions that connect the swing arm shaft assembly to the frame of the motorcycle.

Abstract: An automated axle control system provides both indication to the driver when a lift axle should be raised or lowered, and takes action to effect axle positioning when the driver fails to respond. Operations are based on estimates of vehicle weight and vehicle speed and are implemented primarily through preexisting vehicle controllers and a controller area network over which the controllers communicate.

Abstract: A carriage for transporting heavy loads on conventional roads is disclosed. The carriage comprises a central beam extending the length of the carriage and a plurality of cross beams. At least one of the plurality of cross beams comprises a hollow element having a first end and a second end, wherein the hollow element is coupled to and extends perpendicularly to the central beam; a first beam slidably positioned within the first end of the hollow element, wherein the first beam is coupled to at least one axle; and a second beam slidably positioned within the second end of the hollow element, wherein the second beam is coupled to at least one axle. The carriage further comprises a hydraulic system coupled to each of the plurality of cross beams for hydraulically sliding each beam positioned within each hollow element.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: A wheelchair with a footrest that tucks as a power base on which the wheelchair seat is mounted rotates about an axis parallel to a surface. The rotation of the power base raises the height of the seat above the surface. The footrest, which is coupled to the support, tucks towards the power base and still avoids obstacles on the surface. The footrest tuck improves the maneuverability of the wheelchair by reducing the radius about which the footrest swings as the wheelchair turns.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is attachable to a vehicle frame for pivotally connecting a booster axle assembly comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having a first end, a second end, and an axle connected therebetween. The mounting bracket includes a U-shaped portion having a base and a pair of spaced legs connected to the base and extending in a first direction generally normal to the base. The pair of spaced legs and base define a space for receiving the first end of one of the arms of the booster axle assembly. Each leg defines first and second spaced appendages that define a slot. A mounting plate is connected to the base of the U-shaped portion and extends in a second direction normal to the base to permit connection of the mounting bracket to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A forward-control counterweight fork-lift truck has a liftable and tiltable load-lifting device (1), a traction drive, operating drives, and a steering drive. A calculation model (D) based on vehicle-specific information is stored in a control device (SE). A plurality of sensors (S) detect physical variables (V, R, H, M, L, WM, WL, BL, BQ, G) relevant to the tipping behavior of the industrial truck. The control device (SE) determines a driving and load state (Z) based on the detected physical variables (V, R, H, M, L, WM, WL, BL, BQ, G) and the stored calculation model (D) and is operatively connected to the traction drive, the operating drives, and the steering drive such that, depending on the driving and load state (Z) determined, corrective interventions (K1, K2) which maintain or increase the tipping stability can be carried out.

Abstract: A powered hand truck for assisting in the movement of objects. The powered hand truck includes an electric motor, a power source, a programable motor controller, and a transaxle, which are adaptable to existing hand trucks, or may be integrated into a new powered hand truck. The transaxle includes a differential allowing easy maneuvering of the hand truck. Power is provided by replaceable/rechargeable batteries. The motor controller controls the motor to provide consistent speed independent of load weight or incline, and further provides regenerative braking. The motor controller also includes diagnostics communicated through a display mounted to the hand truck.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A work machine includes a frame (2) supported by a plurality of wheels or tracks (5), at least some of which are associated with respective lifting columns (32) adapted to raise and lower the frame (2) relative to the respective wheels or track (5). A work tool is supported by the frame (2), and a drive mechanism is adapted to rotate the work tool and at least one of or tracks (5). An articulation apparatus (10) uses a first actuator (20) and a pivoting support arm (11) to move one of the wheels or tracks (5) between a projecting position and a retracted position relative to the frame (2). The articulation apparatus (10) includes a second actuator (21) adaped to rotate the wheel or track (5) about a vertical axis (Z).

Abstract: A wheel chair drive apparatus includes a frame having a wheel mount, a battery mount, and a control shaft mount. A drive wheel has a drive motor incorporated within the drive wheel. A battery is in operative communication with the drive motor via a detachable jack. A battery housing is dimensioned to mount in the battery mount of the frame and has a handle. A control shaft pivotably mounted on the control shaft mount, so that it has a stow position, and operating position, a user entry position and a table use position. A caster lever is pivotably mounted to the frame, so that it has a rolling position and an engaged position. The caster lever is disposed to engage a receiving seat on a wheel chair. A locking lever is releasably biased toward a position locking the caster lever in the engaged position.

Abstract: A slider locking pin control receives feedback of the actual position of the locking pins. If the locking pins are not engaged in the trailer frame rails, then the interlock valve will vent air to release a parking brake. Once the locking pins are engaged, the interlock valve will allow the flow of air to release the parking brakes. If the vehicle operator attempts to move the vehicle, but the locking pins are not engaged, the operator will be unable to release the parking brakes. This will prevent movement of the trailer until the locking pins are engaged. The interlock valve is placed downstream of a spring brake control valve and pressurized air reservoir, such that the pressurized air reservoir can still receive pressurized air to charge, and provide air for use by various components on the trailer.

Abstract: A machine for providing hot-in-place recycling and repaving of an existing asphalt-based pavement, in which the pavement is first heated. Using this machine the heated pavement surface is then scarified, and new aggregate is dispensed onto it, to form a recycled, preheated asphalt and aggregate mixture. This mixture is again heated and scarified to premix it, and a new pavement surface is now milled to grade and width by applying this mixture using a plurality of extension mills having a main frame. The pavement surface is then remilled to grade using a main mill. Rejuvenator fluid is introduced in the main mill of the machine, and mixed with the recycled asphalt and aggregate mxiture. Rejuvenator fluid is also introduced into a pug mill of the machine and again mixed with the recycled asphalt and aggregate mixture. The rejuvenator-enriched, recycled asphalt and aggregate windrow thus formed is then laid to grade using one or more screeds.

Abstract: A detachable suspension mounting includes a pair of plates each having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of a first of the plates is fixedly coupled to a bottom side of the trailer. A plurality of securing members selectively secures a second plate of the pair of plates to the first plate such that the upper surface of the second plate is adjacent to the lower surface of the first plate. A suspension is fixedly coupled to the lower surface of the second plate and wheels are rotatably coupled to the suspension.

Abstract: A conversion apparatus for attachment to a vehicle is provided. The conversion apparatus may include a frame having a mounting assembly adapted to releasably couple the conversion apparatus to the vehicle, and a first extension and a second extension, where each extension laterally extends from the mounting assembly on opposing sides of the vehicle. The frame further includes a first support member extending from the first extension to form a first pocket between the vehicle and the first support member, and a second support member extending from the second extension to form a second pocket between the vehicle and the second support member.