Abstract: An electric vehicle in which each of the driving wheels is adapted to be driven and regeneratively braked by its individual and independently controlled driving motor, and the driving motors are independently controlled in response to sensors detecting the travel of the vehicle including wheel rotation sensors, steering angle sensors, and acceleration and braking sensors.

Abstract: An axial piston motor of adjustable swept volume for installation in a wheel hub, having a motor housing which is open on one side and is closed by a connection block, an output shaft rotatably mounted in the housing and a connection block, an adjusting device for adjusting the swept volume, a step-down gear unit driven by the output shaft and having a driving toothed wheel for the drive of the wheel hub, and a brake associated with the output shaft on the connection block.

Abstract: Front and rear wheeled units of vehicle are connected together for articulated steering. Wheels on at least one unit are mounted for swivelling relative to the respective unit to provide kingpin steering in combination with articulation steering. A first embodiment has front and rear kingpin steering and articulation steering performed manually and independently of the each other. In a second embodiment, a steering integrator cooperates with actuators which control at least the articulation steering and kingpin steering of the front wheels to automatically integrate two types of steering so that a controlled relationship exists between an articulation angle of the front unit with respect to the rear unit, and swivel angles of the front wheels with respect to the front unit. A manual steering control, e.g. a steering wheel, controls actuation of the steering integrator.

Abstract: A hydromechanical drive unit including a swash-plate type hydrostatic axial piston engine having a cylindrical drum located in a housing. A mechanical transmission having a housing connected to the hydrostatic axial piston engine. An output shaft extending through the drive unit having a common axis of rotation with the cylindrical drum. The transmission has an input element non-rotatably connected to the cylindrical drum and an attachment member is located on each end of the output shaft to connect the drive unit to two vehicle axles.

Abstract: A power transmitting device for a four-wheel drive vehicle which includes main driven wheels driven directly by an engine and speed-change transmission, a left sub-driven wheel driven through a first hydraulic pressure clutch, a right sub-driven wheel driven through a second hydraulic pressure clutch, a first hydraulic pump driven in operative association with the main driven wheels, a second hydraulic pump driven in operative association with the left sub-driven wheel, a third hydraulic pump driven in operative association with the right sub-driven wheel, a first oil passage which connects a discharge port of the first hydraulic pump to intake ports of the second and third hydraulic pumps, and a second oil passage which connects the first oil passage to a working chamber in the first hydraulic pressure clutch and a working chamber in the second hydraulic pressure clutch.

Abstract: A high crop agricultural vehicle has a chassis supported at an elevated position on front and rear sets of wheels. The front wheels are turnable through an arc of greater than 90.degree. so that they can be turned to a lateral travel position which is perpendicular to the direction of normal forward travel. In that lateral travel position the vehicle can be driven sideways. This allows the vehicle to be easily manoeuvred as well as facilitating the mounting of agricultural implements into the space between the front and rear wheels. The rear wheels are preferably momented in a castor-type mounting assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch driven steerable drive axle system for a four-wheel drive vehicle, such as a front mount mower, including a rotary power source, a driven front axle, a mechanical rear axle converting power from the rotary power source into tractive power at a set of wheels attached thereto, a steering mechanism connected to the rear wheels, an electromagnetic clutch between the power source and mechanical rear axle, and a transducer which provides input representative of the turning and/or tractive power status of the mower to a microprocessor which may send current to the clutch. Having a plurality of frictional clutch disks, the clutch selectively transmits driving power to the secondary axle based on input current applied by the microprocessor. With the disks separated, the rotary power source and steerable axle are uncoupled. The rear wheels are allowed to freewheel, reducing skidding during turns in forward and reverse.

Abstract: A hydraulic system including hydraulic units serving as wheel motors and pumps is disclosed. The hydraulic units include a stationary member supporting cylinders with piston assemblies reciprocating therein. The piston assemblies have bodies and follower assemblies which follow lobes on a rotary cam. The piston assemblies serve both as pistons and as timing valves for controlling the flow of fluids. The piston assemblies may have either undercuts or internal passages in their bodies. The follower assemblies have compliant springs elastically positioning rollers between arms of a yoke to allow lateral movement of these rollers relative to the arm of the supporting yokes. Sealing mechanisms are provided which seal between the rotary cam and the stationary member to form an annular scavenge chamber. At least one sealing mechanism has a non-rotating annular intermediate member which pilots relative to the rotary cam. A static seal accommodates radial movement between the stationary and intermediate members.

Abstract: The right and left front wheels of an asphalt finisher are each supported by a beam, one end of which is mounted to the body of the asphalt finisher by way of a pin such that the beam can swing, and the other end of the beam is mounted to the end of the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder which is vertically mounted to the body of the asphalt finisher in a downward direction, both cylinders being connected to each other by way of a single oil line. As a result, when either one of the front wheels encounters an obstacle, the sideward inclination of the body can be eliminated.

Abstract: An agricultural combine such as used in the harvesting of crops includes oscillating or fixed forward tandem drive wheels which are coupled to the combine's support frame, or undercarriage, to provide a smooth ride over rough fields and a more uniform crop cutting height above the soil. The combine also includes a body typically housing a diesel engine, operator controls such as in an enclosed cab, a grain and residue separating system, a grain storage bin, and an auger of off-loading the harvested grain. The combine body, which also typically has an array of row crop heads disposed on a forward portion thereof, is disposed on and coupled to the support frame in a slidable manner permitting the body to move forward to distribute the weight primarily over the tandem drive wheels for improved traction for operating in muddy fields and to accommodate larger grain loads.

Abstract: A power transmitting system of a four-wheel drive vehicle having primary driven wheels driven directly by a prime mover, and subsidiary driven wheels driven through a hydraulic clutch. The power transmitting system comprises a first hydraulic pump driven in operative association with the primary driven wheels and a second hydraulic pump driven in operative association with the subsidiary driven wheels. Each hydraulic pump has a pair of ports which serve as an intake and a discharge with the functions of such ports being reversed between forward and backward movement of the vehicle. A first oil passage connects the intake port of one pump with the discharge of the other pump and a second oil passage connects the discharge of the one pump with the intake of the other pump. Third and fourth oil passages connect the first and second oil passages, respectively, with a working hydraulic pressure chamber in the hydraulic clutch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement of the driving characteristics of an electric vehicle in which each of the driving wheels is adapted to be driven by its individual driving motor, and more particularly, firstly to an improvement of the driving characteristics of the electric vehicle without complication of the mechanical structure thereof and secondly to an improvement of the motion characteristics of the electric vehicle by simplifying the structure of steering wheel also having a function of driving wheel and by increasing the degree of freedom of the swiveling action of the steering wheel.In order to achieve these objects, according to the present invention, each of the driving wheels arranged at both sides of the electric vehicle is provided with an independently controlled driving motor and such a structure is applied also to the steering wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle having an electro-generating system which includes a dynamoelectric generator. The shaft of the dynamoelectric generator is linked directly or indirectly with the rotating axle of the road wheels of the vehicle, preferably via a mechanical turns amplifier. The turns amplifier will multiply the rotation rate of the electro-generating system and increase the production capacity of electric power. The dynamoelectric generator can be utilized to recharge a storage battery driving the vehicle while the car is in motion, especially automatically when the vehicle is going down hill. The vehicle's electric motor can be driven directly from a dynamoelectric generator in place of a storage battery after the vehicle is moving. In railroad cars (freight and passenger) the electro-generating system can be utilized to charge storage batteries, with their electricity utilized for other electro-energy requirements.

Abstract: A variable displacement hydraulic motor has a motor housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A pair of hydraulic displacement units are mounted in the housing in a parallel arrangement and are operatively associated with a common output shaft. The common output shaft is supported for rotation within the housing and has a pair of spaced ends extending outside the housing, one of the ends driving a first axle shaft and the other end driving a second axle shaft. Each motor unit has a rotatable cylinder block with reciprocable pistons communicating with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and an angularly positionable swashplate for varying the stroke of the pistons. A minimum-maximum servo regulates the position of each swashplate independently to provide a wide range of output of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive system having valving which disengages power to selected drive wheel motors in response to a sensed lack of traction, while the driven vehicle is in motion. The valving also allows communication of fluid between the inlet port of one drive wheel motor and the outlet port of another, in response to the decoupling of one of the motors in order to prevent an abrupt transition.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle for carrying and moving heavy loads providing the vehicle with a gross weight of more than about 100 tons includes a vehicle platform or deck for carrying the loads and wheel assemblies at either end of the platform for both steering and driving the vehicle along a predetermined path. Each of the wheel assemblies includes a differential gear assembly and a drive arrangement therefor for driving the wheels, and each wheel assembly includes a drive arrangement for rotating the wheel assembly to steer the vehicle. Suspension arrangements are disclosed for supporting the vehicle against the imposition of undesirable forces on the wheel assemblies during loading.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for earth moving machines of simplified structure which allows ready access to the various parts thereof for servicing. The arrangement includes a controlled hydrostatic motor dispersed between a fluid power pump associated with the internal combustion engine of the machine and which is connected through its drive shaft to the universal drive shaft of the machine at a point between the rear wheel driving axle and the universal joint associated therewith.

Abstract: Motive power unit comprising an internal combustion engine associated with a hydrostatic transmission, in particular for fitting to an automobile vehicle.In accordance with the invention, the motive power unit comprises an internal combustion engine (60) mechanically coupled to a hydrostatic transmission device comprising at least one pump (12) with a piston (13) driven by said engine and an elastic accumulator coupled to the or each pump; the pumps being connected to a volumetric motor (14).

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrostatic axle for a lift truck comprising a frame, two displacement members coupled to motors and a mast for handling mounted to pivot with respect to said frame, this axle comprising two drive assemblies, right- and left-hand, each comprising a hydrostatic motor and a brake and being coupled to one of said displacement members. According to the invention, a) each of the motors is a slow motor coupled to the corresponding displacement member without the interposition of a speed reducer; b) the two motors and the two brakes are contained in a single resistant beam fixed on the frame of the list truck; and c) the handling mast is pivitally mounted on said beam via at least two pivot bearings. One application of the invetion is the economical production of a resistant lift truck.

Abstract: A wiring and piping arrangement for a vehicle motor comprises a wheel motor connected to a wheel, a wheel support member connected to a vehicle frame through a damper, an internal gear rotatably supported on the wheel support member, and a pivot fixed to a casing of the wheel motor. The pivot is provided with an external gear meshing with said internal gear. The arrangement further comprises a wiring and/or piping for the wheel motor extended through an interior or said pivot. Since the wirings and pipings are extended through the pivot for a steering operation of the wheel motor, the wiring and/or piping are required to have slacks or extra lengths which allow only the vertical movement of the wheel, and are not required to have the slacks for allowing the lateral movement of the wheel.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having two steerable front wheels. Left and right-fluid powered rotary actuators have their bodies rigidly attached to the vehicle frame with their drive shafts attached to wheel brackets. The front wheels are each attached to one of the wheel brackets. Each actuator includes a pair of fluid ports, and a piston sleeve which reciprocates within the body of the actuator to rotate the drive shaft relative to the body through a range of at least 180.degree.. Fluid conduit interconnects the ports of the two actuators in series, and with a fluid-control steering valve. Operation of the valve selectively applies pressure to the piston sleeves of the actuators to simultaneously rotate their drive shafts and, thus, the left and right front wheels in unison and in substantially equal angular amounts through a steering range of at least 180.degree.. A motor provides drive to one of the front wheels to facilitate movement of the vehicle forward end when it is not desirable to drive the rear wheels.

Abstract: A U-shaped multi-purpose uni-body digging service vehicle particularly adapted for transport and hauling comprising: a U-shaped frame having opposing sides and front ends connected by a front piece, and rear ends defining an open interior space in communcation with an open front end; an open top earthmover digging and carrying module structured to fit within and mounted within the interior of the opening of the U-shaped frame to carry loads, wheel mounts capable of pivoting attached to the opposing sides; a plurality of wheels independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts; pivot means associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel in a desired direction; independent drive means associated with each wheel to rotate said wheels forward and backward; a power source operably associated with the pivot means and independent drive means; and control means mounted to the frame and associated with the drive means, pivot means, and power source to selectively activate the drive means

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission for a vehicle, such as a commercial walk-behind mower, comprises a fixed displacement pump, first and second reversible hydraulic motors for driving first and second ground engageable wheels, respectively, of the vehicle, and first and second spool valves for controlling hydraulic fluid flow from the fixed displacement hydraulic pump to the first and second hydraulic motors, respectively. The transmission may have a further fixed displacement hydraulic pump arranged in tandem with the first mentioned pump, a fluid pressure operated device and a third spool valve movable between a first position in which hydraulic fluid from the further pump is supplied to the pressure operated device and a second position in which hydraulic fluid from the further pump is supplied to the first and second spool valves to supplement hydraulic fluid from the first mentioned hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A propelling apparatus for a vehicle switchable between a four wheel drive mode and a two wheel drive mode. The apparatus comprises a hydraulic pump for driving hydraulic motors associated with front wheels and rear wheels, respectively. A shutoff valve is provided on oil lines extending between the hydraulic pump and one of the hydraulic motors, e.g. the motor associated with the front wheels. The shutoff valve is operable to establish the two wheel drive mode for driving only the rear wheels. A pumping preventive device prevents the hydraulic motor associated with the front wheels from effecting pumping action due to power transmitted from the front wheels when the shutoff valve is operated.

Abstract: A movable die support cart with a frame structure supported by spaced axles consisting of continuous beams extending parallel to the axles and continuous plate members extending normal to the beams and beneath the beams. Each plate member is configured with an upwardly curved arch between its end portions. The beams and plate members are attached together by welds to define an upwardly convex die support surface in the unloaded condition and a flatter surface in the loaded condition.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle includes an articulated frame formed by front and rear frame sections which are pivotally joined. A hydraulic motor is coupled to a front pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the front frame section. An oscillating axle assembly which includes a rear pair of wheels is pivotally mounted to the rear frame section for rotation about an axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal extent of the vehicle. The rear pair of wheels are coupled to the front pair of wheels through a drive assembly. A transverse torsion bar is rotatably mounted to the rear frame section. A pair of torsion arms are rigidly mounted to opposite ends of the torsion bar and extend rearwardly toward the oscillating axle assembly. A pair of links are pivotally coupled to the torsion arms via a pair of pivot mounts. Further pivot mounts pivotally couple opposite ends of the links to opposite ends of the oscillating axle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically powered, hydraulic drive system for a vehicle, with the capability of being recharged with electrical energy from vehicle momentum, utilizing the hydraulic drive system. The power for the electric motor, which drives the vehicle wheels through a hydraulic rotator, is obtained from an energy storage device, which can be recharged by recapturing vehicle kinetic energy during braking of the vehicle, through an electric generator which is linkable to the hydraulic rotator. The hydraulic system includes a central hydraulic rotator driven by the electric motor or driving the generator, and satellite rotators driving the wheels, including dirigible front wheels.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer tractor is provided with hydraulic motors mounted at each wheel to drive the wheels. Each wheel and associated hydraulic motor is pivotable relative to the frame of the tractor. Steering is accomplished at all four wheels simultaneously by use of a hydraulic piston which rotates a longitudinal bar suspended under the frame. The elongated bar drives tie rods to the wheel and motor assemblies to cause steering deflection. The front wheels steer oppositely to the rear wheels to reduce the turning radius of the tractor.

Abstract: In a continuously variable speed transmission having a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic closed circuit hydraulically connecting the pump with the motor, a control apparatus has a slip sensor for detecting slip of the driving wheels and a hydraulic control apparatus for lowering hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic closed circuit in accordance with magnitude of the slip of the wheels in such a way that the driving force of the driving wheels is reduced so as to be less than a slip limit force, the slip of the driving wheels being increased when the driving force applied to the driving wheels exceeds the slip limit force.

Abstract: A fork-lift truck supported by two front wheels and a rear wheel carried by a dolly assembly. The dolly assembly is pivoted for movement about a vertical axis and a rack and pinion unit is provided to control the pivoting for steering with the rear dolly wheel. Hub units are provided in each wheel that include a hydraulic motor and an axially aligned torque hub to obtain the desired traction for each wheel.

Abstract: A powereed riding tractor lawn mower suited to uneven terrain has four fluid motor powered driven wheels and includes a frame comprising front and rear frame sections connected for pivoting about a first axis between the sections and normal to the ground plane. The rear frame section is in turn made up of forward and rearward portions, the rearward portion of which pivots about a second axis which intersects and is perpendicular to the first axis enabling the rear wheels to pivot about both axis. Sterring is accomplished by a steering mechanism which changes the angular relation of the frame sections.

Abstract: A method for controlling the driving torque transmitted to a trailer having hydraulically powered driving axles. The tractor pulling the trailer is driven directly by an engine. The engine also drives a hydraulic pump which feeds at least one hydraulic motor on the trailer. The hydraulic system is controlled so that the speed of the driving wheels of the trailer is the same as the driving wheels of the tractor. The volumetric capacity of the pump or motor is controlled to control the torque transmitted to the trailer. The system is controlled by comparing the ratio of the rotational speeds of the hydraulic motor and hydraulic pump to a predetermined valve.

Abstract: There is disclosed an all-terrain vehicle having a front and a rear body frame connected by an articulated joint for allowing relative lateral oscillation of the frames about an oscillation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the front body frame and located above both frames. The joint simultaneously allows for relative pivoting movement of the frames about a pivot axis which is perpendicular to the oscillation axis. The vehicle is driven by four pressure-fluid operated motor assemblies of which the motor output shafts are coaxial two-by-two and are mounted to extend laterally outwardly of the frames and on which shafts are operatively mounted endless track assemblies for winter use, particularly, or pneumatic tires. The motors are fed in pressure-fluid by piping connected to pumps actuated by an engine mounted on the front body frame. At least that part of the piping that traverses the body frames, at the articulated joint, is flexible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a discrete drive system for a skid steer loader comprising a pair of independent transmission cases interconnected by a plate member at a spaced relationship. The transmission cases enclose chain and sprocket drives for the loader and have the axle housings outwardly extending from the outer side walls thereof. A pair of gear reduction means are mounted on the inner side walls of the transmission cases to provide a drive power to the front and rear stub axles at reduced speeds. The gear reduction means incorporates an improved brake device including a circular drum secured to the reduction gear, a flexible band wound around the drum and an eccentric cam shaft for actuation of the brake device. Coupled to the gear reduction means are a pair of hydrostatic motors having output shaft extending into the outer casings of the reduction means. Each of the output shafts has a tapering shape and terminates at its threaded end to facilitate the mounting of the pinion gear.

Abstract: A 4-wheel mobile vehicle including provision for controlling the steering position of each of the four (4) wheels so that every wheel's rolling axis will intersect at a common central point around which the vehicle will turn. The control is provided by a pair of cables which can interconnect each of the pair of wheels on each side of the vehicle to turn through similar turns in the opposite direction, and wherein the linear position of the cables are provided by a pair of specially cut cams which are positioned by the steering column. Each pair of wheels is further characterized by a support system which provides for vertical deviation of the front and back wheels without substantially causing the vehicle carriage itself to be vertically deviated by a substantial amount.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive vehicle includes an articulated frame formed by forward and rearward transmission cases which are pivotally joined. A first set of wheels is rotatably mounted to the forward transmission case, while a second set of wheels is rotatably mounted to the rearward transmission case. A first hydraulic motor is coupled to the first set of wheels by a chain reduction linkage and limited slip differential which are mounted within the forward transmission case. A second hydraulic motor is coupled to the second set of wheels by a chain reduction linkage and limited slip differential mounted within the rearward transmission case. An engine and hydraulic pump are mounted to the frame. The first and second hydraulic motors are coupled to the hydraulic pump in a series hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: An electric vehicle which has motor wheels of the direct-drive outer-rotor type which permit simplification and compaction of the motor wheels. Current regulating covers introduce ambient air for cooling the motors and reduce air resistance, and batteries and control devices are disposed symmetrically relative to the axial line of the vehicle body and to axial lines of the axles so as to reduce and uniformly distribute the weight of the vehicle. All these devices contribute jointly to increasing the range of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A trencher comprising a digger located adjacent the rearward wheels, which pair of wheels are driven hydraulically and which have an open area between them into which the digger may be partially positioned. The forward wheels of the trencher are steerable by use of a self-locking angular adjustment mechanism. A hydraulic circuit which includes a pressure relief valve provides substantially constant pressure on the chain of the digger. A locking mechanism is provided for the forward wheels when initiating the cutting action of the digger.

Abstract: A hydraulic four-wheel drive apparatus for driving by a hydraulic motor four wheels: steering wheels and driving wheels, in which the steering wheels are driven by a variable capacity motor for the steering wheels and a front differential gear unit, and the driving wheels are driven by a fixed capacity motor for the driving wheels, so that, when a vehicle turns, a swash plate of the variable capacity motor associates with operation of a steering handle, thereby accelerating the speeds of steering wheels.

Abstract: A hydromechanical all wheel drive mechanism providing both hydraulic and mechanical drive to each wheel. A valve in the hydraulic drive senses the relative wheel slippage on one side of the vehicle and compensates for that slippage by directing greater hydraulic power to the side of the vehicle which has greater traction.

Abstract: Separate left and right hydrostatic transmissions (17) for controlling rotation of left and right final drive wheels (11) of a working vehicle independently are disposed laterally inwardly of the drive wheels in a vertical posture such that, while an input shaft (18) is directed axially outwardly of the vehicle, an output shaft (19) is directed axially inwardly of the vehicle. To each of the hydrostatic transmissions is attached a L-shaped gear box (20) which extends over axially inward and laterally outer sides of the hydrostatic transmission and supports the axle (21) of final drive wheel. Within the box is housed first and second reduction gear trains which form L-shaped transmission path between the output shaft and axle.The hydrostatic transmission (17) and gear box (20) of each side may be handled as a unit in assembling the transmission system and are compactly disposed in the proximity of each final drive wheel (11).

Abstract: A vehicle is described having a front pair of ground contacting wheels, a rear pair of ground contacting wheels, an internal combustion engine, hydraulic motors for driving each said ground contacting wheel, and a plurality of variable flow hydraulic pumps for driving the hydraulic motors. In such a vehicle the internal combustion engine (7) is arranged to drive directly first and second variable displacement pumps (12, 13) for driving the motors (46, 47) of the front pair of wheels (2) and the motors (47, 48) of the back pair of wheels (3) respectively as well as first and second boost pumps (14, 15), while a control valve (22) is supplied with hydraulic fluid from one of the boost pumps (14) and is arranged to give an output hydraulic pressure which is dependent on the speed of the engine (7).

Abstract: A fluid control valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid at a high pressure from a primary pump and the flow of the hydraulic fluid at a low charge pressure from a charge pump to cam-lobe type hydraulic motors which are used to assist in driving a vehicle. When energizing the motors, charge pressure is first delivered to the motors. Thereafter, all of the supply and return lines leading to the motors and to the primary pump and the charge pump are connected together to further increase the pressure delivered to the motors. Finally, the charge pressure line is disconnected and the supply and return lines leading to the motors are connected to the high pressure supply and return lines leading to the primary pump. When the supply and return lines leading to the motors are disconnected from the primary pump, the lines leading to the motors are drained into a reservoir. An accumulator is provided within the motors to absorb sudden pressure delivered thereto.

Abstract: A torque splitting device (12) capable of use in a four wheel drive road vehicle has two coupled epicyclic differential devices providing the two outputs and connected respectively with a torque input shaft (30), which may be driven by a vehicle gearbox and a control shaft (35). The control shaft is driven from the input shaft (35) by way of an infinitely variable ratio drive means comprising a fixed displacement hydrostatic motor (51) coupled with a variable displacement hydrostatic pump (50) which is controlled by signals from a control unit (60). The unit (60) may be responsive to signals representing vehicle control and/or experience.

Abstract: A rotary fluid pressure device is disclosed of the type including housing means defining a fluid inlet (57) and a fluid outlet (61) and including some form of rotary fluid energy-translating displacement mechanism associated with the housing. In one embodiment of the invention, the displacement mechanism comprises a gerotor gear set (17) including a housing member (22), an internally-toothed ring (23), and an externally-toothed star (27). Included is a free-wheeling mechanism (71) having an engagement member (73) and an actuation means (81) operable to move the engagement member between first and second positions. In a first position, the engagement member (73) prevents rotational movement of the ring (23) and the star (27) has its normal and orbital rotational movement to define expanding (28) and contracting (29) fluid volume chambers.

Abstract: A vehicle particularly suited for loading and transporting elongated articles such as trees. The vehicle has a chassis with one pair of wheels on one side of the chassis and another pair of wheels on the other side of the chassis. A cab and a power supply are mounted from the chassis over the one pair of wheels. A grapple is mounted at about the center of the vehicle and movable sideways over the other side of the chassis to pick up a bundle of trees alongside the vehicle. The grapple picks up the bundle at about its center of gravity and moves the bundle over the chassis between the wheels to transport the trees. The first pair of wheels is fixed to the chassis via a first beam while the second pair of wheels is mounted on a second beam which is pivotally mounted to the chassis.

Abstract: A rotary fluid pressure device is provided of the type in which a valve spool (47) is axially movable within a spool bore (35). In the normal operating position of the valve spool (47), torque output is transmitted from the gerotor gear set (17) by means of a main drive shaft 53 through one spline connection (51, 49) then through a second spline connection (49, 75) to the output device. The valve spool (47) may be moved axially to a position in which the second spline connection (49, 54) is disengaged, and the device operates in a free-wheel mode. The valve spool (47) may also be moved axially to a position in which a set of teeth (71) on the valve spool engage a set of teeth (69) on the stationary housing, such that the device operates in a locked mode.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable straddle carrier vehicle structure is provided for dling various sizes of containers and outsized loads over rough, unleveled, weak and unprepared soils to meet austere requirements which are beyond the capability of commercial straddle lifts that normally operate on prepared surfaces within specific boundaries of yards and docks. Features include high flotation tires capable of operation over marginal terrain, fording capability, all wheel 360 degree steering and offset wheel yokes which permits automatic changing of wheelbase dimensions for rugged sloping terrain operations and wheel positioning for optimum mobility including lateral and oblique movement and vehicle rotation within its own length for a variety of close quarters operations. Load stabilization devices permit container securing during transit and hinged transverse members operate to reduce torsion and bending moments on the vehicle structure over severe terrain.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, all terrain vehicle with four independently suspended driving wheels and high ground clearance. The vehicle height can be independently controlled at each wheel to maintain the vehicle chassis level over rough terrain. Further, the front wheels can be steered together but independently of the rear wheels, which are also steerable together so that the vehicle is capable of extremely tight turns and movement in a direction at an angle to its longitudinal axis. The configuration of the vehicle provides substantial flexibility of the installation of working accessories to the front, rear and middle of the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for an aircraft belt loader having a frame, an electric motor with a releasable mounting ring, a vertical support plate affixed to the frame with a circular opening, the center thereof being elevated above the frame, a flange positioned in the opening and secured to the support plate and releasably secured to the ring, and a planetary reducer with an output housing and a mounting plate, the reducer being driven by the motor; the mounting plate releasably secured to the flange and a drive wheel affixed to the housing.