Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for steering of vehicle of the kind which is constructed to be steered for straight ahead movement or for turning to the left or to the right in response to activation of a steering device, by causing left and right traction devices on the vehicle to move at mutually the same speed or at mutually different speeds.When carrying out the method according to the invention, or when using an arrangement constructed in accordance therewith, steering is effected through the activation of clutch devices and brake devices on the vehicle, by establishing pressure changes in individual hydraulic steering control pressures, in a direction dependent on the result of a comparison made between a steer control set-point value and a steer control real-value. In this regard, the steer control real-value is generated with the aid of sensors which detect the rotational speed of the left and right traction devices of the vehicle.

Abstract: A carriage adapted for an inboard-type motorboat provided with a power take-off device for a prime mover. The carriage comprises a dolly loading the watercraft, plural wheels inclusive of driving wheels rotatably supported by shafts on the dolly, an input shaft engaging with aforesaid power take-out device, and a power transmission fixed to the dolly to transmit torque of the input shaft to aforesaid driving wheels, and is driven by the torque transmitted from the power take-off device of the watercraft loaded on aforesaid dolly.

Abstract: The braking and steering brake system of the present invention comprises two master cylinders, operable singly or jointly via brake pedals, with the master cylinders having a primary and a secondary piston each operating in a bore. The primary pressure chambers formed by the pistons are connected to the rear wheel brakes of a vehicle. The secondary pressure chambers are interconnected via a pressure fluid line in any state of operation. The primary pressure chambers via a valve arrangement and pressure medium line are interconnected in both the release position and in the braking position. The brakes of the non-steering-braked front axle are connected to the pressure fluid line. In a steering brake position, through a compression spring, one of the two valve arrangements closes so that only the steered-braked brake is supplied with pressure medium.

Abstract: The disclosure discribes an all-gear transmission which recirculates and compounds rotary motion and which results in shift-free progressively accelerated output from a limited RPM input range. A variation of the transmission provides a friction-free all-gear continuously engaged mechanical clutch for use in tandem with the transmission to provide a friction-free stepless all-gear uninterrupted drive arrangement. Also disclosed is an improved steering driver for tracked vehicles utilizing a auxiliary steering motor and one primary axle axis of rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel supported heavy load carrying vehicle which comprises a frame upon which a load may be supported. The frame includes a structural cross-member. Unlike the prior art, the spherical bearing is made an integral part of the cross-member. An axle box assembly is used to support the wheels which support the bulk of the load. The box assembly has a nose cone which has a concave bearing which mates with the spherical bearing on the structural cross-member.

Abstract: A fluid power circuit providing a selective operation of a trailer brake system, coupleable with a tractor brake system, comprises a pilot operated valve located between tractor and trailer brake system. The pilot operated valve can be put in a fluid flow passing mode from its fluid blocking mode by simultaneous engagement of two tractor brakes. An independent engagement of either of the tractor brakes, which is necessary for sharp turns in the field operation, does not actuate the trailer brake system.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a track-type vehicle has a mechanism for providing selective and facilitated assembly and disassembly thereof. The drive mechanism comprises a first housing which houses a steering clutch and brake assembly and defines a first annular flange, a second housing which houses a final drive assembly and defines a second annular flange engaging with the first annular flange through a movable annular sleeve, a freely connectable and disconnectable connecting shaft mounted between the steering clutch and brake assembly and the final drive assembly, and a connecting and disconnecting mechanism for the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A pair of tandem master cylinders have primary pressure spaces connected to the brakes on one pair of wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle, and an actuator for the brakes on a trailer is supplied with fluid under pressure from pipe-lines connected to each of the four pressure spaces and under the control of first and second disabler valves. Each disabler valve has a pair of inlet ports, each connected either to respective primary pressure spaces or respective secondary pressure spaces, and an outlet port connected to the actuator. When one master cylinder is operated on its own both disabler valves are closed to prevent the actuator from being operated. Failure of one pressure space, when both master cylinders are operated simultaneously, causes the corresponding disabler valve to close but the actuator can still be operated from the operative pressure spaces, through the other disabler valve.

Abstract: A differential lock control system includes a solenoid valve which operates hydraulic differential lock mechanisms in response to the operation of a control circuit. The control circuit includes normally closed, steering-responsive switches which open to unlock the differential when steering effort exceeds a certain level. The steering-responsive switches are operated by pins which are exposed to pilot pressures on either end of a valve spool of a conventional pilot-operated steering valve.

Abstract: A crawler tractor using hydraulic pumps and motors for propulsion. One hydraulic pump operates fore and aft hydraulic motors on the same side of the tractor. Two cross members are used to join the undercarriage to the cab. The two cross members are replaceable with other cross members to change the width between the tracks and to change ground clearance of the cab. Single screwable means adjust the length of the undercarriage.

Abstract: An axle and hydraulic motor mounting arrangement for vehicle wherein the vehicle has parallel sidewalls between which an axle tube is fixably mounted. A hydraulic motor is fixably mounted into each end of the axle tube such that torsional resistance between the motors is provided by the axle tube. The axle tube also resists opposing motion of the vehicle mounting sidewalls.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically treating a floor or material on a floor is described in which a support carrying means for treating the floor is provided with a first set of wheels for moving the support in one direction or the opposite direction of a first path of motion and a second set of wheels is positioned at a right angle to the wheels of the first set of wheels for moving the support in one direction at a right angle to the first path of motion. This second set of wheels is movably mounted with respect to the support so that the second wheels can be forced downwardly to bear against the floor and thereby lift the support from the first wheels, and raised upwardly to allow the first wheels to contact the floor. Means are provided to raise and lower the second set of wheels, means are provided to drive the first and second set of wheels, and sensing means to detect an obstruction at each end of the support with respect to the first path of motion are also provided.

Abstract: A drive system for a tracked vehicle includes a composite transmission having a primary transmission unit and a secondary transmission unit which is driven by components of the primary transmission unit. The primary transmission unit includes a propulsion gear and a steering gear both of which are driven from an engine drive shaft. The secondary transmission unit includes a pair of planetary gear sets which drive a pair of output wheels, tracks or chains of the vehicle. In order to conserve space, the transmission is configured such that the propulsion gear and the steering gear are positioned alongside the engine adjacent the drive shaft end of the engine and the secondary transmission components extend in front of the drive shaft end of the engine with a portion of each planetary gear set projecting alongside the engine.

Abstract: A steering control system for crawler tractor type vehicles with dual power trains which is capable of separately driving left and right endless track mechanisms and comprises an interlocking valve unit and a hydraulic circuit, the interlocking valve unit being located between a manually operated section and an actuating section and adapted to operatively connect these two sections with each other, the manually operated section including left and right steering levers and a commonly used brake pedal, the actuating section including left and right steering brake units and a center clutch unit, the hydraulic circuit selectively supplying hydraulic fluid delivered by a hydraulic pump into the actuating section in response to the action of the interlocking valve unit caused by the manipulation of either of the steering levers and/or the brake pedal.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine which is connected to a torque responsive continuously variable transmission which in turn is connected to a simple automotive type differential. One output of the differential is connected to the right wheels and the other to the left wheels. The distance between the front to rear wheels, which are non-steerable, is smaller than the distance between right and left wheels to mimimize the vehicle's resistance to skid steering. Split brake system to allow steering right by braking the right wheels and steering left by braking the left wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle primarily intended for use as a recreational vehicle is disclosed having a pair of laterally spaced drive wheels and a pair of longitudinally spaced wheels mounted on the frame. A gasoline engine provides power to the drive wheels. Control levers are provided, one for each drive wheel, to simultaneously brake and disengage the drive power to one drive wheel. Two kinds of rotating vehicle motion is achieved. Rotation about a braked disengaged wheel occurs where the other wheel is not braked and fully engaged. Rotation about the vertical center-line of the vehicle occurs when one wheel is first braked, its power disengaged, and then its brake is released but its power remains disengaged where the other wheel is not braked and is fully engaged.

Abstract: A wheeled undercarriage unit (10) adapted to replace a tracked unit comprises elongate hollow side frames (12, 14) rigidly interconnected by cross frames (16, 18). Six wheels (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are rotatably supported in pairs on the side frames (12, 14). The wheels on each side of the unit (10) are drivingly interconnected by chain and sprocket transmissions located within the side frames (12, 14). The drive means for the wheels (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are located between the side frames (12, 14) and cross frames (16, 18). The middle wheels (22, 28) extend below a plane lying tangent to the end wheels (20, 24, 26, 30) to facilitate skid steering. Mounting pads (96) are provided for attaching a mechanism to the undercarriage unit (10). In addition to the capability of operating over adverse terrain, a vehicle incorporating the unit (10) can be operated over a paved surface without the damage thereto that would be caused otherwise by a tracked unit.

Abstract: A brake circuit for a vehicle having selectively brakeable rear wheels comprises separate master cylinders each connected to one rear wheel brake and separately operable by means of foot pedals. The outputs of the master cylinders are connected to a control valve which in turn is connected to front wheel hydraulic brakes of the vehicle. When either of the pedals is depressed without depressing the other pedal the control valve is effective to isolate the front brakes from the pressurized rear brake circuit. However, when the brake pedals are linked together by a plate so that both rear brakes are operated together with control valve establishes a communication between the output of one master cylinder and the front brakes, thereby allowing four wheel braking.

Abstract: A roof-bolting machine of Lee-Norse Model No. TDI-43 type is equipped with wheels having rims constructed to receive significantly wider than normal, tubeless tires forced into unusually tight relationship therewith and with respective O-rings provided therein so as to resist slipping when filled with a foamed plastic rather than air and so as to reduce normally required repairs to the vehicle.

Abstract: An hydraulic braking system for vehicles comprises a single pedal-operated master cylinder, a selector valve assembly and a double-acting valve incorporated into a common housing, and an actuator for a brake on either side of the vehicle. A lever acts to close a diverter valve to cut-off the supply of fluid to the actuator on one side when the brake on the other side is to be applied, so that one brake is applied independently of the brake on the other side. Each actuator comprises a differential piston which works in a stepped bore to apply the brake, and when one of the valves closes, the lever simultaneously acts on the double-acting valve to increase the effective area of the actuator for the applied brake. A greater output torque is therefore obtained from the brake on one side when the brake on that side is applied independently than when the brakes on both sides are applied simultaneously.

Abstract: A motor vehicle which includes at least two rear wheels, wherein two leaf springs extend rearwardly from both sides of the frame of the vehicle, below the driver's seat, for supporting the axles of the rear wheels, respectively. An engine is interposed between the leaf springs.

Abstract: Clutch-clutch-brake steering unit having hydraulically actuated cylinders for controlling same to control rotation of a track-drive sprocket in a crawler tractor. Specifically, one of the clutch cylinders and a brake cylinder provided in the unit have an inlet-outlet port in common, and are so arranged on a spring-applied-brake, hydraulically-applied-clutch basis that a single pressure signal in the inlet-outlet port alternately operates the cylinders to apply the brake and release the one clutch, to apply the one clutch and release the brake or, by proper modulation, to partially engage either, i.e., slip the clutch or drag the brake to intermediate degrees as desired.

Abstract: A method of moving a high mobility wheeled vehicle for transporting long loads, such as trimmed tree trunks or whole trees, over roadless terrain. The vehicle has front and rear quad wheel assemblies pivotally connected to a centrally disposed elongated bed frame so as to permit lateral rotation of these assemblies about a roll axis disposed below and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed frame.The quad wheel assembly incorporates a unique mounting for each of the wheels of the assembly which provides for individually controlled motors for driving each wheel, individually controlled brakes, and individually controlled, power actuated extensible links for steering each wheel. Sensors are provided on each wheel assembly which generate signals proportional to the rotational velocity and direction of the wheel and proportional to the turning angle of each wheel.

Abstract: In a vehicle, driving controls are utilized for control of throttle, brakes, and equipment which control a difference in speed between the drive wheels or track units of the vehicle. The driving controls comprise two foot pedals which can be actuated individually, and a differential unit which can be controlled by these. Via two means from the differential unit, a sum signal and a difference signal, respectively, is obtained from the actuation situation of the foot pedals. The acceleration and braking force is controlled with the sum signal, and the difference in speed between the drive means of the vehicle is determined by the difference signal.

Abstract: Crawler tractor adapted for stepless hydromechanical steering by driving. The power train terminates in a novel hydromechanical steering differential delivering its output to an oppositely extending pair of axles at the sides of the tractor, and forced by a differential lock in a straight line locked, primary steering condition thereof to drive the axles at a mechanically fixed 1:1 drive ratio therebetween and, secondarily, forced into differentiating by a variable displacement crossfeeding pair of axle-interconnecting hydrostatic pump/motor units during all turns so as to selectively drive either axle only at some hydrostatically fixed reduction drive ratio to the other.

Abstract: Transport apparatus is provided for heavy duty equipment which allows for the interchangeable connection of the caterpillar power drive units used for transport of a plurality of supporting frames holding different pieces of heavy equipment. A lesser number of expensive drive units is required for moving a lot of equipment. This is achieved by providing separate support bases or feet for each of the supporting frames. Each of the bases include a mechanism for lifting the supporting frames so that the power drive units can move under the supporting frame being transported. Also, each of the caterpillar power drive units include a connector device for connection to the supporting frame to be supported. Each connector device, in turn, includes hydraulically operated arms for relative vertical displacement between the drive unit and the support frame and universal relative horizontal displacement.

Abstract: A crawler tractor vehicle having steering clutches and associated steering brake includes a control apparatus for each clutch and brake system, including a valve made up of a valve body, and a clutch valving spool and a brake valving spool movably associated therewith. In one embodiment, the clutch valving spool and brake valving spool are identical in configuration, and are disposed in a common bore. Actuator means are associated with such clutch valving spool and brake valving spool, in one embodiment including an actuator assembly made up of a plurality of plungers movable relative to each other and relative to the valve body to provide particular movement of the clutch and brake valving spools. In another embodiment, the actuator means comprise mechanical linkage means, for providing movement of brake and clutch valving spools positioned in respective separate bores defined by the valve body.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided, for use inter alia as a mobile anti-tank guided missile-firing platform, which is sufficiently inexpensive to be expendable in battle and can be readily carried by a helicopter. The vehicle has a main frame comprising a pair of longitudinal closed box section members joined to form a ladder construction by a cross member and having strong points for the mounting of an engine and gearbox. The ground wheels, which lean outwards by about 5 degrees, are mounted on stub axles journalled in the box section members and are all driven by chains housed in oil baths within the box section members. Steering is accomplished by braking the transmission on one side or the other. The wheel tires are low pressure raw hide tires. The closed box section members project below the body of the vehicle and have toboggan-shaped ends to act as runners in snow. The body of the vehicle is constructed as a waterproof box to give buoyancy.

Abstract: The scooper-excavator is self-propelling and comprises a chassis having a roughly U-shape in its horizontal plane. A bucket-wheel is mounted to be rotatable about a horizontal axis which is fixed relative to the chassis and is engaged at least partly between the branches of the chassis. Discharge means are mounted on the chassis to discharge the product scooped by the bucket-wheel. The scooper-excavator is supported on the ground by three support means which define in the aforementioned horizontal plane three bearing points located at the corners of an isosceles triangle. Those of the support means corresponding to the corners at the base of the isosceles triangle are, in the course of the work of the scooper-excavator, permanently driving means and orientable about respective vertical axes. These driving and orientable means are located on each side of the chassis and respectively associated with the branches of the chassis.

Abstract: A crawler tractor vehicle having steering clutches and associated steering brake includes a control apparatus for each clutch and brake system, including a valve made up of a valve body, and a clutch valving spool and a brake valving spool movably associated therewith. In one embodiment, the clutch valving spool and brake valving spool are identical in configuration, and are disposed in a common bore. Actuator means are associated with such clutch valving spool and brake valving spool, in one embodiment including an actuator assembly made up of a plurality of plungers movable relative to each other and relative to the valve body to provide particular movement of the clutch and brake valving spools. In another embodiment, the actuator means comprise mechanical linkage means, for providing movement of brake and clutch valving spools positioned in respective separate bores defined by the valve body.

Abstract: Front wheel suspension for electric vehicles with front wheel drive, comprisingat least two arms provided between a rigid front axle and frame members of the vehicle, at least one of said arms being articulated to the axle and all arms extending mainly horizontally from the axle and being connected to the frame members by means of ball joints,a differential unit arranged at the central part of the axle between the arms,an electromotor mounted directly on the differential unit and extending away from the axle mainly horizontally and in the same direction as the arms so that the center of gravity of the motor is all the time lying substantially stationary on a line through said ball joints, andsprings in the form of helical springs or rubber springs provided between the axle and the frame members.

Abstract: The vehicle has a body provided with ground-engaging portions and has an imaginary longitudinal medial vertical face of symmetry. At least one pair of devices which produce fluid streams is disposed substantially symmetrically on opposite sides of the face of symmetry. The devices have axes of rotation which parallel one another and the said face of symmetry. The body has further mounted thereon at least one pair of matching hydraulic motors whose rotors are connected with the fluid-stream producing devices to drive the same. The motors are supplied at the same rate of flow with streams of hydraulic pressure fluid, and consequently the fluid-stream producing devices are driven at equal velocities and, in turn, produce equal reaction thrusts symmetrically on both sides of the said face of symmetry. This stabilizes the attitude of the vehicle and produces forward movement in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing or measuring omni-directional motion of the apparatus upon a relatively smooth but not necessarily planar surface and/or for producing or measuring omni-directional movement of the surface relative to the apparatus. The transport device includes a frame and at least two wheels having peripheral rollers. The wheels rotate about non-parallel axes. Any desired movement of the device relative to a given surface can be achieved by appropriate rotational inputs to the wheels. Movement of the device in all directions can be achieved without incurring significant sliding of the device relative to the surface. This relatively slip-free motion is achieved by means of the peripheral rollers which allow a given wheel to be moved in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation without sliding. In this manner motions of the device upon the surface are essentially completely reversible by merely applying a rotational input to the wheels opposite of the initial rotational input.

Abstract: A fire safety transmission apparatus comprising an explosion-proof container, an adapter plate secured to the container, a cylindrical sleeve mounted to the adapter plate defining a central bore, allowing communication with the interior of the container. The sleeve bore is stepped, defining seats for a plurality of ball bearing races mounted therein. A rotatable stepped shaft having a diameter adapted to fit within the central bore rests on the ball bearing races. The shaft is connected to a motor mounted in the explosion-proof container with the spacing defined between the inner wall of the cylindrical sleeve and the outer surface of the freely rotating shaft being sized a predetermined tolerance for a predetermined length sufficient to prevent a flame from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A hand control system for a tractor having several controllable units such as hydraulic and brake units. A tubular member is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis and it connects to one of the units for actuating the same, and a member is pivotally mounted on the tubular member and has a handle thereon which connects to a linkage extending partly through the tubular member and connects to another of the units for operating same. The tubular member can be rotated to actuate its connected unit, without requiring actuation of the handle, and, conversely, the handle can be actuated to move its linkage and actuate its connected unit, without moving the tubular member and its unit. Also, another tractor unit, such as a brake, is connected into the system such that when the one member is pivoted upwardly on the tubular member the handle is placed in an inoperative position and the brake is automatically operated, as desired.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a vehicle comprising a first control member for operating a steering clutch and a steering brake on the left side of the vehicle, a second control member for operating a steering clutch and a steering brake on the right side of the vehicle, first link means connecting the first control member to the steering clutch and the steering brake on the left side, second link means connecting the second control member to the steering clutch and the steering brake on the right side, and a third control member and third link means connected thereto for simultaneously operating the left and right steering brakes. The first, second and third link means are made operative about vertical rod members to provide a flat compact mechanism. The third link means operates the steering brakes with a force increasing with the brake operating movement of the third control member to ensure effective braking action.

Abstract: Drive and steering mechanism for a vehicle embodying a frame supported by a pair of transversely spaced wheels separately connected to a pair of transverse shafts rotatable about a common axis with adjacent ends being rotatable relative to each other. A sleeve mounted non-rotatably on adjacent ends of the shafts is movable axially of the shafts to a first position in contact with both ends of the shafts so that both shafts rotate as a unit and to a second position in engagement with only one of the adjacent ends. Drive means connected to one of the shafts rotates the same while the sleeve is in the second position and rotates both shafts while the sleeve is in the first position.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle of the large relatively slow earthmoving type having a rear frame with a set of wheels and having, at its forward end, a front frame, for example in the form of an axle assembly, mounting a set of steerable wheels and with means for driving at least one set of wheels. A suspension coupling in the form of a fore-and-aft extending hinge joint is interposed between the two frames to accomodate relative rolling movement. Such hinge joint is positioned adjacent the front wheels and is angled downwardly so that the hinge axis, when extended, intersects the ground at a position which is substantially centered with respect to the rear wheels, with the result that the steering direction remains substantially constant in spite of engagement of humps and hollows by individual ones of the wheels. Alternate embodiments of the invention utilize different drives, steering gear, and cab location.

Abstract: A crawler tracked vehicle of the type including right and left crawler tracks is provided and includes a prime mover drivingly connected to the crawler tracks through a differential, or the equivalent, as well as separate clutch and brake mechanisms interposed in the drive train for the tracks intermediate the differential and the tracks. A single oscillatable control is provided as well as a set of fluid pressure actuators for the clutch and brake mechanisms. A source of fluid under pressure is also provided and a set of fluid flow conduits communicate the source of fluid pressure with each of the actuators, independently, with a set of valves being provided and operatively associated with the fluid flow conduits for selectively controlling the flow of fluid therethrough to the corresponding actuators.

Abstract: A drive and steering apparatus for a vehicle of a type having ground engaging wheels or tracks on each side thereof. A shaft rotatably connected to the frame of the vehicle is selectively rotated by a motor through a drive train. A first drive assembly is rotatably disposed on one side of the shaft and a second drive assembly is rotatably disposed on the other side of the shaft. A first clutch mechanism is attached to the shaft and is selectively movable between positions in contact with the first drive assembly and out of contact with the first drive assembly. A first brake mechanism is attached to the frame and is selectively movable between positions in and out of contact with the first drive assembly.

Abstract: A crawler tractor vehicle having steering clutches and associated steering brake includes a control apparatus for each clutch and brake system, including a valve made up of a valve body, and a clutch valving spool and a brake valving spool movably associated therewith. In one embodiment, the clutch valving spool and brake valving spool are identical in configuration, and are disposed in a common bore. Actuator means are associated with such clutch valving spool and brake valving spool, in one embodiment including an actuator assembly made up of a plurality of plungers movable relative to each other and relative to the valve body to provide particular movement of the clutch and brake valving spools. In another embodiment, the actuator means comprise mechanical linkage means, for providing movement of brake and clutch valving spools positioned in respective separate bores defined by the valve body.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling steering clutches and independent brakes of a vehicle comprising a steering device responsive to a pair of clutch actuating steering levers for selectively and independently disengaging the clutches for steering purposes. Operation of a single brake pedal and the disengagement of at least one of the clutches selectively and independently engages the vehicles brakes. An inhibiting mechanism coupled to the steering device selectively inhibits either of the vehicle brakes from responding to actuation of the brake pedal when one of the steering levers is actuated to disengage the corresponding clutch, and prevents the opposite brake from being engaged during brake pedal operation. As a result, the vehicle may be steered while employing a pair of steering levers and a single foot pedal. A control system permits the vehicle to be stopped when both steering levers and the single foot pedal are actuated by inactivating the brake inhibiting mechanism.

Abstract: A steering and transmission arrangement for an off-road all-terrain vehicle provides for the drive ratios to each of the vehicle wheels to be geared up and down in unison so that each wheel receives a torque which is an average of the torque requirements of all the wheels. Steering is effected by varying the drive ratios to the left-hand and right-hand wheels differentially so that the wheels on one side are speeded up and the wheels on the other side are slowed down. The wheels are supported independently on longitudinally-extending legs pivotally connected on the vehicle body. Problems of stress on the drive train as the wheel legs rock up and down on rough terrain are avoided through a speed-reducing coupling at the pivotal leg connection and a torsional energy-storing drive shaft between the coupling and the wheel which absorbs small torques induced by the rocking of the legs and by rotational advancements and retardations of the wheels as they ride over local bumps in the terrain.

Abstract: A loader or other vehicle provided with three pairs of wheels located as closely to each other as is practical while allowing a small space between the peripheral surfaces of adjacent wheels; the axles of the three pairs of wheels extending transversely of the vehicle, with the center axle located in a horizontal plane lower than the horizontal planes of the front and rear axles, providing four wheel traction at all times automatically utilizing either the combination of two front and two center wheels or the combination of two rear and two center wheels depending on whether the vehicle load is greater forwardly or rearwardly of the center axle.

Abstract: In a vehicle or the like, a source of power is connected to a drive shaft. Two pairs of pulley halves are splined to this shaft and can be moved apart and together and are rotated by the shaft. Driven shafts also carry pairs of pulley halves which are splined thereto and can be moved therealong and belts extend between corresponding pulley halves on the drive shaft and corresponding pulley halves on the driven shafts. A pair of spur gears are journalled for partial rotation and mesh with one another, there being one pair for each two sets of pulley halves and a third drive gear engages between the innermost gears of said spur gears so that movement of this drive gear causes equal and simultaneous rotation of the spur gears. Levers are secured to the spur gears and are operatively connected to the pulley halves so that when the drive gear is rotated, one of the sets of pulley halves are moved apart on one of the shafts whereas the other set are moved together by equal amount and vice versa.