Abstract: Driven lift axles and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Driven lift axle systems may include one or more motors mounted to the lift axle to provide torque to drive one or more wheels of the lift axle. Various mounting configurations of such motors are possible, such as arranging a motor on the axle to provide torque at a conventional driveshaft input by interfacing with a differential drive gear, positioning a motor at each of the wheel ends of the axle to provide torque directly to the wheels, etc. Each wheel can be driven by a separate motor, allowing for independent control of the torque applied to each wheel. Lift axles described herein can be suitable for use with various motors capable of applying torque to the axle and/or wheels, such as electric motors, hydraulic motors, internal combustion engines, etc.

Abstract: A steering assistance device includes: a steering angle sensor for detecting a steering angle of a vehicle; a motor for performing steering assistance of the vehicle by applying torque to a steering shaft; and a control unit for increasing increases the amount of steering assistance by the motor in case where the detected steering angle is included in an angular range corresponding to a steering play segment in which steering will not alter the direction of wheels of the vehicle as compared with a case where the detected steering angle is not included in an angular range.

Abstract: A refrigerated composite semi-trailer is disclosed that may improve thermal efficiency, fuel efficiency, and costs of manufacturing.

Abstract: This invention is a steering system for a trailing or leading axle of a vehicle including a steering angle sensor, a driving speed sensor, an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump, a working cylinder for steering wheels of the axle, which is joined to the hydraulic pump, a control device which determines a trailing angle of the wheels and which controls the electric motor, wherein the working cylinder has a center position borehole via which hydraulic fluid is emitted, and a piston seals the center position borehole in the straight position of the wheels, wherein the working cylinder is connected to return valves, via which hydraulic fluid can flow back into a tank, wherein the center position borehole is connected to a center position valve, via which hydraulic fluid can flow back into a tank, and wherein the return valves and the center position valve are poppet valves.

Abstract: By driving a first electromagnetic solenoid and a second electromagnetic solenoid, if first cams of a first thrust force amplification mechanism and a second thrust force amplification mechanism are connected to non-rotary members, since second cams are rotated at rotating speeds that are proportional to a vehicle speed V, the relative rotations between the first cam and the second cam increase. Therefore, the first thrust force amplification mechanism and the second thrust force amplification mechanism can be actuated quickly, to thereby switch connection/disconnection states of the first connection/disconnection mechanism and the second connection/disconnection mechanism quickly.

Abstract: A scooter, for a handicapped person, has a platform. A front wheel is steerably mounted at a front of the platform. A rear drive wheel is mounted at a back of the platform. A motor is connected to drive the drive wheel. There is a power source for the motor. A pair of protective skirts are mounted to the sides of the platform. A pair of casters are mounted below the platform, at the lateral edges of the platform. The casters are within the protective skirts. The casters are protected by the protective skirts.

Abstract: A system and method of continuously updating a steering wheel angle offset value to adapt to changing road conditions. A vehicle control system receives a plurality of vehicle parameter values each from a different vehicle sensor. The system then calculates a plurality of observed steering angle values, each using a different calculation method based on one or more of the plurality of vehicle parameter values. The plurality of observed steering angle values are then used to calculate a vehicle steering angle. A steering wheel angle offset value is then calculated based on the steering wheel angle and the calculated vehicle steering angle. The steering wheel angle offset value and the steering wheel angle are used to control the vehicle's steering system.

Abstract: The present invention features an automobile hauling system for improved maneuverability and hauling capacity for a tractor and trailer combination used to transport automobiles. The system features a cab-over automobile hauling tractor having an extended wheelbase frame with first and second side notches. The tractor features a first steering axle assembly, a second steering axle assembly, and an h-link. A pitman arm first end is located on a steering box and a pitman arm second end is pivotally located on a first drag link. The tractor features a supplemental axle assembly and a drive axle assembly located on the frame bottom. The system features an automobile hauling trailer pivotally located on the frame top side.

Abstract: A drive system is presented for controlling rotation of a sphere. The system facilitates holonomic motion of a drive with respect to a sphere such that a holonomic drive or drives may be maintained at a relative position with respect to a sphere. The motion of a sphere may be controlled by controlling the position of a drive with respect to the sphere. The drive may be controlled by way of a controller. A holonomic drive may be urged against a sphere by way magnetic interaction of the holonomic drive and a second structure. Also, a support structure is facilitated that allows a sphere to pass through a support column without breaks or interruptions in the sphere.

Abstract: A self-contained, vehicle-mounted system for operating a retractable cover with respect to proximate open top containers transported by the vehicle to cover and uncover the containers. The system includes all of the items necessary to accomplish the covering and uncovering of a container and needs only to be mounted on the vehicle and connected to a source of electric power on the vehicle.

Abstract: Here is invented an efficient road vehicles having special aerodynamic shapes, with stabilizing devices that enable aerodynamic efficiency. It is an articulated vehicle that is tall and narrow. It includes a carriage part that encloses a driver and passenger riding in tandem. This car is only wide enough for persons seated in single file, so it has very low projected frontal area compared with typical cars. Further, the narrow width makes a body shaped like an airship practical, where that shape is characterized by a very low drag coefficient in free flow conditions. The carriage is elevated on struts to enable such free flow aerodynamic conditions, thus the drag coefficient of the airship is made applicable to this road vehicle. Because this car has both low frontal area and low drag coefficient it will require minimal energy for high speed operation.

Abstract: An all-wheel steer trailer is disclosed which includes front and rear axle beams which are pivotally mounted, above vertical axes, to the forward and rearward ends of a frame. In normal operation, the front and rear axle beams are interconnected so that the rear axle beam will pivot in an opposite direction to pivotal movement of the front axle beams so that the rear wheels of the trailer will track the front wheels of the trailer as the trailer is being turned. The trailer includes a convenient locking assembly which may be quickly utilized to prevent pivotal movement of the rear axle beam with respect to the frame when it is desired to pull the trailer on a highway or roadway.

Abstract: An oscillating in-line steering system for a pulled agricultural implement includes first and second in-line axles pivotably coupled with a frame. The system also includes at least first and second in-line wheel arrangements pivotably coupled with the first and second axles respectively. Each wheel arrangement has a plurality of pivotable wheel assemblies arranged in-line and wheel linkages coupling the in-line wheel assemblies such that in-line wheel assemblies oscillate together. A right-to-left linkage couples the wheel linkage of the first in-line wheel arrangement to the wheel linkage of the second in-line wheel arrangement so that the first in-line wheel arrangement oscillates at a steering angle proportional to that of the second in-line wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle has at least three drive axles each with a pair of drive wheels, a steering system that directly controls the steering angle between at least two of the drive axles. The vehicle is arranged so that all drive wheels on its right hand side and left hand side, respectively, essentially follow the same wheel tracks when it is driven. The frequency of rotation is individually controllable for each drive wheel. The vehicle includes differential compensating elements arranged to register the relative steering angle for each consecutive pair of drive axles, respectively, and the mutual frequency of rotation for the drive wheels of each drive axle is controlled by the registered relative steering angle associated with the axle. A drive axle arrangement for such a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle having a main chassis (3) and a power source (4) for driving the vehicle, a drivable steer carriage (1) pivotally supporting the main chassis (3) about an at least substantially upright pivotal axis (2), the carriage including a plurality of opposed pairs of carriage wheels (5a, 7a, 9a), at least one said pair of carriage wheels being driven by a drive transmission including an input shaft (17a) at least substantially aligned with said upright pivotal axis (2) such that the power source (4) can transfer power through the input shaft (17a) to at least one carriage wheel pair.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided with a reduced part count and improved alignment. The assembly includes a drive axle housing with input and output shafts and an inter-axle differential that is driven by the input shaft. The inter-axle differential is drivingly coupled to the output shaft and divides power between first and second axles. The output shaft is a unitary member and defines a yoke at one end disposed outside of the drive axle housing and restrained against axial movement within the drive axle housing. A bearing set is disposed between the output shaft and the drive axle housing and includes first and second bearing cones and a unitary bearing cup. The bearing cup includes threads that engage corresponding threads in the drive axle housing.

Abstract: A self-contained, vehicle-mounted system for operating a retractable cover with respect to proximate open top containers transported by the vehicle to cover and uncover the containers. The system includes all of the items necessary to accomplish the covering and uncovering of a container and needs only to be mounted on the vehicle and connected to a source of electric power on the vehicle.

Abstract: Presented is a heavy vehicle, such as a transport vehicle or civil engineering vehicle, of a mass greater than 500 metric tons configured to carry heavy loads and operable to generate a motive power. The vehicle includes tires of radial structure having a diameter greater than 3.5 meters and an axial width greater than 37 inches, a front steering axle coupled to at least two tires, at least one rear axle coupled to at least two tires and by which is transmitted at least part of the motive power, and a third, intermediate axle coupled to at least two tires. The intermediate axle is a steering axle and is moveable to a raised position. When the intermediate axle is in the raised position, the tires coupled to the intermediate axle are not in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A trailer having a frame assembly with front and rear axle beams rotationally coupled to the frame assembly. At least one member interconnects the front and rear axle beams to synchronize movement of the axle beams allowing the front and rear wheels to track one another. In one embodiment a first member connects the right front axle beam with the left rear axle beam and a second member connects the left front axle beam with the right rear axle beam causing the rear axle beam to rotate in the opposite direction of the front axle beam when the front axle beam turns. The push-pull operation of the members cause the rear wheels to track the front wheels.

Abstract: A multiple rear drive axle system for a vehicle includes a first axle coupled with a drive shaft from a transmission of the vehicle. The first axle includes a first cantilevered input pinion mechanically coupled with the drive shaft and with a first driven gear. The system also includes an output shaft mechanically coupled with the drive shaft. A second axle has a second cantilevered input pinion mechanically coupled with the output shaft of the first axle system and with a second driven gear. The first and second input pinions are common, that is, are substantially identical pinions. The first and second driven gears are also common, that is, are substantially identical gears.

Abstract: A utility vehicle that has a bogey beam suspension for the front steered wheels is also provided with all wheel drive and steered rear wheels for greater maneuverability. The steering of the rear wheels is coordinated with the steering of the front wheels to have the rear wheels follow in the tracks of the front wheels, thereby avoiding the need to disable the front drive on turns.

Abstract: A trailer for carrying cargo includes a frame, at least two axles mounted to the frame, and a deck. The axles have wheels at opposite ends of the axles for movably supporting the frame above the ground. The deck is pivotally mounted to the frame and is pivotable about a first axis relative to the frame and a second axis relative to the frame via at least two supports. The first axis extends generally longitudinally along the deck and the second axis extends generally laterally across the deck and generally normal to the first axis. The deck is also slidable generally along the first axis relative to the frame and/or one of the supports. The deck thus may be adjusted about multiple axes and may be moved forwardly or rearwardly relative to the frame to position the deck in a desired location and orientation relative to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle having a load frame with wheels, a drive frame, a drive wheel, a non-driven rigid castor wheel, and a pivot link assembly. The drive wheel and non-driven rigid castor wheel are each fixed to move with the drive frame. The pivot link assembly couples the drive frame to the load frame to permit the drive frame to move vertically relative to the load frame. The pivot link assembly also has a first pivot axis about which the drive frame is rotatable relative to the load frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chassis structure for a working machine moving on a terrain, the chassis structure comprising a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels supporting the frame, and a controlled frame joint between the frame parts, when the frame is composed of two frame parts. The chassis structure further comprises a suspension controlled by actuators and arranged to move each wheel in a level transverse in relation to the frame. Each wheel is mounted rotatably and to turn by the actuators to the suspension, and each wheel is usually provided with a hub motor for drive transmission. The chassis structure can further comprise a pair of middle wheels for a second frame part. In a method related to the chassis structure the forest machine can also be turned in place.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus of a multi-axle vehicle capable of realizing high traveling stability is provided. For this purpose, the suspension apparatus forms a quadric link structure (31) by a vehicle body (9), a front link (21) with an upper end portion being connected to the vehicle body with a pin and a lower end portion being in a vicinity of a front axle, a rear link (22) with an upper end portion being connected to the vehicle body with a pin and a lower end portion located in a vicinity of a rear axle, and a connecting link (1) for connecting portions in vicinities of respective lower end portions of the front and rear links, and a side length at a side of the connecting link is made shorter than a side length at a vehicle body side.

Abstract: The steered vehicle, which may be a road vehicle or a vehicle devised to be usable upon road surfaces and also upon a rail line, has road wheels or a combination of road and rail wheels as required. The wheels are mounted upon a bogie pivoted about a generally vertical pivot and the vehicle has a main steering control to align at least some of the wheels with the intended direction of travel of the bogie, and a supplementary steering control to modify the steered path produced by that main steering control.

Abstract: An airport rescue fire-fighting vehicle comprising a support structure coupled to at least two wheel sets. The support structure has a front end and a back end with one wheel set coupled to the front end of the support structure and one wheel set coupled to the back end of the support structure. A power source is mounted on the support structure and coupled to at least one wheel set. Each wheel of the vehicle is coupled to a modular independent suspension. A mechanical steering apparatus is coupled to the front wheel set and at least one rear wheel set.

Abstract: A multi-wheel-driving vehicle including at least three parallel axles each of which is provided on both ends thereof with respective drive wheels and including power dividing means for permitting the rotary speed among the axles, is improved in its effect of braking so that the braking force of fewer brakes is effectively transmitted to all drive wheels of a vehicle according to a simple braking operation by a driver. The power dividing means, for example, a differential gear unit, includes an input member and a pair of output members, like differential side gears, each of which interlocks with at least one of the axles so as to differentially share a driving force received by the input member between the pair of output members.

Abstract: A rear part of a vehicle body is supported by a rear-front axle (18) and a rear-rear axle (20), and right and left rear-front wheels (17) rotatably mounted at opposite ends of the rear-front axle (18) are constituted so as to be steered by a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism is driven by an actuator so as to steer the rear-front wheels (17), and the actuator (51) is controlled by the control means. The control means stops the steering of the rear-front wheels (17) when a vehicle speed is approximately zero, and the control means operates the actuator when a difference between a theoretical steering angle of the rear-front wheels (17), relative to that of the front wheels (15), and an actual steering angle exceeds a predetermined value even though the vehicle speed is approximately zero.

Abstract: A steering mechanism of an electric car including tandem wheel suspensions and steering means for each pair of right and left wheels is provided in order to perform a smooth turning motion.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for steering rear axles of vehicles comprises a distribution system (10) coupled to a wheel of the rear axle. The distribution system (10) has a core (12) encased in a casing (11) and rotatable to distribute pressurised fluid to a cylinder (40). The distribution system comprises resilient centring means in form of a sphere (22) and spring (23).

Abstract: An auxiliary axle system for a work vehicle is disclosed including a pair of spaced arms pivotally mounted to the vehicle, at least one tag axle and wheel and a cross member and a latch pin carried on one arm. An operating system for moving the auxiliary axle assembly between a raised stowed position and a ground engaging support position is provided with a modular latch mechanism for retaining the auxiliary axle assembly in the elevated position by containing the latch pin. The modular latch mechanism is carried on a base plate mounted as a unit through adjustable bolt slots behind an existing vehicle metal structure so that only a hook device extends beyond the plate.

Abstract: A bogie construction includes at least two stiff axles interconnected by a rocking lever. The rocking lever is pivoted in its middle so that it can move in its longitudinal direction as a result of steering movements. The rocking lever is preferably connected to the bogie axle that turns the least, by a joint of an ear, and thus this axle determines the longitudinal displacement of the rocking lever. The rocking lever is connected to the other axles which turn more by suspension rods. A suspension rod pivoted below the axle is used, and thus the suspension rod can be made as long as possible. Consequently, the suspension rod tilts less as a result of the longitudinal movement of the rocking lever.