Abstract: Disclosed are a special robot with complex terrain adaptive function and a motion and operation method thereof. The special robot comprises a crawler chassis, a shock absorption suspension assembly, a suspension adaptive adjustment assembly and an electronic control assembly. The present disclosure achieves an adaptive angle adjustment on the left and right sides of the shock absorption suspension assembly, including the independent pitch angle and roller angle adjustment on the left and right sides of the shock absorption suspension assembly by the configuration of structures such as the suspension adaptive adjustment assembly and then achieves the adaptability of the robot on complex and tough pavement conditions by the combination with a sensor for pavement perception, which ensures walking performance and attachment ability of mechanisms, further improves the load-bearing performance of the crawler robot, ensures the safety, stability and adaptability of the mobile platform.

Abstract: A rescue vehicle (2) includes a chassis (4), a drive unit (6) fastened to the chassis (4) and a driver's cab (8), which is fastened to the chassis (4). The chassis (4) is arranged behind the driver's cab (8) in a longitudinal direction L of the rescue vehicle (2). The rescue cab (10) has a gas-tight configuration. The rescue cab (10) has at least one door (12) as an access to the interior (14) of the rescue cab (10). The rescue vehicle (2) has an air supply unit (16), which is configured to supply the interior (14) of the rescue cab (10) with breathing air.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is provided with a lower traveling unit, an upper structure, an engine, a hydraulic pump, an engine compartment, a pump compartment and a plurality of filter devices. The upper structure is rotatably disposed on the lower traveling unit. The pump compartment provided on the upper structure for housing the hydraulic pump. The pump compartment has a door that allows access to an interior of the pump compartment. The filter devices, which are disposed adjacent to each other, are disposed at positions that are mutually offset in a height direction of the hydraulic excavator.

Abstract: A track assembly for a vehicle has an endless track having a belt disposed on an inner side thereof, a frame member, a first axle connected to the frame member and disposed at least in part inside the track, a first pulley disposed inside the endless track and mounted to the first axle, the first pulley being rotatable relative to the frame member, the belt being received in part inside the first pulley, a second axle connected to the frame member and disposed at least in part inside the track, a second pulley disposed inside the endless track and mounted to the second axle, the belt being received in part inside the second pulley, and a brake assembly operatively connected to one of the first and second pulleys. A snowmobile having the track assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to protective device for an articulated vehicle (1) comprising at least a first and second vehicle portion (4, 6); a control gear (8) connected to the respective vehicle portion (4, 6); and an actuating member (16) for, via the control gear (8), changing the relative position of the vehicle portions (4, 6) in relation to one another. The protective device (2) comprises at least one stiffening means (22), which fixes the position of each respective vehicle portion (4, 6) in relation to one another whenever the acceleration and/or speed of at least one of the vehicle portions (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined limit value. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a stiffening means of such a protective device (2) for an articulated vehicle (1).

Abstract: A self-movable mine refuge chamber powered by a drive assembly, preferably in the form of a set of crawler or tractor mechanisms, mounted on the chamber, so that the chamber can be moved through the mine without use of any other motive force. The drive assembly further includes a tilt assembly so that one end of the other of the chamber can also be tilted to establish a modified height profile to permit obstacles along the path to be negotiated. The drive assembly is powered by an on-board, detachable power supply module and, using controls from outside the chamber, the chamber can be maneuvered through working tunnels or roadways, crosscuts, or other passageways within the mine, and be positioned and repositioned at will.

Abstract: The proposed invention is an indoor firefighting robot which has the capability to climb stairs and negotiate several types of floor materials inside buildings. it can withstand very high temperature up to 700 Celsius for as long as 60 minutes using multiple thermal insulation technique. It can communicate with trapped and injured persons inside the fire scene and can send back video and audio information describing the fire environment inside the building to the controller. It has also an insulated container at the rear with oxygen masks to help victims to breathe safely in the smoke environment in the early stage of the firefighting process. Several of these compact firefighting robots can be launched and can work together inside the room or multiple rooms under fire with assistance of remote control unit. The fire robot can avoid obstacles while trying to rescue injured victims.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a transmission unit that transmits a driving force generated by an engine to the ground surface, in which ground touching portions of the transmission unit that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction receive reaction forces mutually different in magnitude from the ground surface; a suspension that supports the transmission unit so as to swing in the up-down direction; and a vehicle body vibration control damper extending between a first portion and a second portion that are spaced apart from each other of the vehicle body frame and a member fixed to the vehicle body frame, the vehicle body vibration control damper generating a damping force against variations that change the distance between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A pair of storage tanks are mounted to a tractor on either side of a tractor frame. In one embodiment, each tank can be mounted underneath a tractor cab and between a track and the tractor frame. Furthermore, each tank extends from a leading end forming a tapered, frusto conical tip to a trailing end extending longitudinally along the tractor frame. The tanks can be supported with one or more mounting brackets assembled to the tractor frame. The tanks are fluidly coupled to plumbing and a pump that feeds liquid to a sprayer attached to the tractor.

Abstract: A crawler undercarriage configured for modular attachment of work tools wherein the crawler undercarriage operates on at least two endless crawler tracks. Each crawler track extends around and is driven by a crawler sprocket at one extremity of its travel and extending around an idler roller at its other extremity of travel. The crawler undercarriage configured for modular attachment of work tools comprising a longitudinally extending center channel for securing a modular tool. The crawler undercarriage also includes at least one substantially vertical support member extending upwardly from the center channel. The crawler undercarriage also includes at least one mounting bracket secured to extending upwardly from the substantially vertical support member, wherein the modular member is secured to the at least one lower mounting bracket on the substantially vertical support member.

Abstract: An assembly that is configured to receive a cab assembly is described. The assembly includes an undercarriage that is configured to hold hydraulic oil. One or more utility arms are coupled to the undercarriage frame for lifting and lowering attachments coupled to the one or more utility arms. A hydraulic pump is coupled to the undercarriage frame and is configured to operate the one or more utility arms.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a powered guard group for a machine, the guard group including a frame, a linkage, a door, and an actuator for moving the guard group between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A ski and front track assembly has a track assembly including: an endless track, and at least two wheels disposed inside the track. At least one of the at least two wheels is disposed forwardly of at least one other of the at least two wheels. The ski and front track assembly also has a front ski element connected to the track assembly and extending forwardly therefrom. The front ski element is pivotable about a steering axis together with the track assembly. A snowmobile having the ski and front track assembly is also disclosed. A track assembly having a braking system and a snowmobile having the track assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a trolley that can safely transport a load on staircases, so as to prevent ruining or overturning the load. The trolley can easily ascend onto the first step and easily descend from the last step of a staircase. The trolley provides adjustable transport conditions during the ascent and descent on and from a staircase. The trolley can transport a load on straight staircases and on helical staircases, even with very low curvature radius. The trolley can be driven starting from both sides. The trolley can balance the load during the transportation on staircases.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is provided with a lower traveling unit, an upper structure, an engine, a hydraulic pump, an engine compartment, a pump compartment and a plurality of filter devices. The upper structure is rotatably disposed on the lower traveling unit. The pump compartment provided on the upper structure for housing the hydraulic pump. The pump compartment has a door that allows access to an interior of the pump compartment. The filter devices, which are disposed adjacent to each other, are disposed at positions that are mutually offset in a height direction of the hydraulic excavator.

Abstract: A mining vehicle includes one or more crawlers, a first deck positioned above the crawlers, and a second deck positioned above the first deck. The first deck includes a first floor surface providing a walking surface, and one or more first deck maintenance components configured to allow a person to move among and access the first deck maintenance components. The second deck includes a second floor surface providing a walking surface, one or more second deck maintenance components, and one or more aisles configured to allow a person to move among and access the second deck maintenance components. The first and second decks are configured to provide maintenance access to the first and second deck maintenance components.

Abstract: A tractor configuration includes a mainframe structure, a control station having a means of controlling the tractor, an undercarriage system having one left side and one right side track assembly, a wheel mechanism containing one or more wheels located forward of the track assemblies, a power train for forcing both track assemblies to travel at the same or different speeds, a controller responsible for exerting force to transfer vertical load back and forth between the front portion of the track assemblies and the wheel mechanism and controlling the amount of weight carried by the wheel mechanism. The controller causes or allows the wheel or wheels of the wheel mechanism to follow the tractor's curved path caused by track speed difference.

Abstract: A machine includes a frame, at least one implement, and a linkage assembly movably coupled to the implement and to the frame. The machine also has an energy recovery system that includes an energy storage system. The energy storage system includes at least one of a hydraulic accumulator, a battery, a flywheel, an ultra-capacitor, a fuel cell, and an auxiliary power unit. At least a portion of the energy storage system is disposed as counterweight to the implement.

Abstract: A self-movable mine refuge chamber powered by a drive assembly, preferably in the form of a set of crawler or tractor mechanisms, mounted on the chamber, so that the chamber can be moved through the mine without use of any other motive force. The drive assembly further includes a tilt assembly so that one end of the other of the chamber can also be tilted to establish a modified height profile to permit obstacles along the path to be negotiated. The drive assembly is powered by an on-board, detachable power supply module and, using controls from outside the chamber, the chamber can be maneuvered through working tunnels or roadways, crosscuts, or other passageways within the mine, and be positioned and repositioned at will.

Abstract: An assembly that is configured to receive a cab assembly is described. The assembly includes an undercarriage that is configured to hold hydraulic oil. One or more utility arms are coupled to the undercarriage frame for lifting and lowering attachments coupled to the one or more utility arms. A hydraulic pump is coupled to the undercarriage frame and is configured to operate the one or more utility arms.

Abstract: A climbing robot for travelling over adhesive surfaces with endless traction mechanisms (14) and, fastened to them at a distance, controllable adhesive feet (21) that circulate with the endless traction mechanisms (14) along guides (17) in the travel plane, by means of which the adhesive sides of their adhesive elements (15) always point towards the travel surface and wherein the adhesive elements (15) that support and move the climbing robot are switched “ON” and lowered onto the adhesive surface and all of the other adhesive elements (15) are switched “OFF” and raised from the adhesive surface, wherein the climbing robot has square running gear (11), one foot plate (13) each with a guide (17) running around the edges for a multitude of adhesive feet (21) driven by traction mechanisms is arranged in two diagonally opposite corner areas (18) of the running gear (11), wherein the foot plates (13) are attached to a support bar (12) of the running gear (11) and the adhesive feet (21) and therefore their adhesive

Abstract: An endless-track type mobile climbing vehicle containing a suspension apparatus, transducer manipulator and surface cleaning system to perform non-destructive examination of structures while traversing the structure in all positions. The invention is able to conform to large range of irregularities of the climbing surface while maintaining contact between the track and adhering members and uniformly distributing the climbing loads on the adhering members giving the system a high payload to weight ratio. The invention is moves the inspection transducer over the surface while maintaining correct alignment of the tool relative to the surface. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection on structures that require cleaning or other preparation prior to inspection. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection remotely.

Abstract: A vehicle, having a main body is equipped to be fitted mechanically with devices to form a wheeled vehicle, or with devices to form a crawler vehicle. The main body having of the vehicle houses the common components utilized in both configurations such as the engine and the gear box of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a differential propulsion mechanism including two or more concentric and mutually counter-rotating first wheels (4, 6, 8, 10), mutually reacting and balancing the torque of a motor drive (20) interacting with the wheels. The motor drive has a stator attached to one of the first wheels to power a first wheel over a first track (12, 14, 16, 18), a rotor coupled to a mechanical link, at least indirectly connecting the rotor with a second of the two or more first wheels to power the second wheel over a second track, and a concentric connecting device affixed for coupling a payload thereto or for coupling the mechanism itself to another device.

Abstract: The invention is an autonomous dual tracked mobile (10) robot system comprising two or more tracked driving units (12x) configured to travel in tandem and a separate mechanical linkage (16), which joins each of the mobile units to the unit immediately preceding and following it, and enables efficient power transmission between the two driving units. Each of the mechanical linkages comprises one connecting bar (14) and three revolute joints (18y) located on each of the adjacent units and a connecting beam that connects the connecting bar on one of the units with the connecting bar on the adjacent unit.

Abstract: A traction apparatus to improve the winter operation of rubber tracks on endless track vehicle. A plurality of chains are provided each having a first end and a second end separated by multiple chain links. The chains are secured to the track at only the first end with the second end free.

Abstract: There is provided a self torque-balancing differential mechanism (2), including two concentric counter-rotating wheels, rotatable about a central shaft (24), mutually reacting and balancing a torque of a motor drive (20) interacting with the wheels, the motor drive being concentrically or eccentrically attached to one of the wheels to power the wheel and an element coupled thereto. The motor drive has a rotor (12) connected with a second of the two wheels, to power the second wheel and the element coupled thereto. The motor drive is electrically fed via two slip-ring contactors (26, 28), and the central shaft has a carrier (22) for coupling another device thereto.

Abstract: A drive unit (10) for an inspection vehicle which can be used on ferromagnetic bases (19), especially in generators, which drive unit includes a motor-powered crawler track (18) and also magnetic devices for holding the drive unit (10) on the base (19). An improved insensitivity to uneven spots in the base is achieved by the crawler track (18), in the region where it bears upon the base (19), being guided via inner, spring-mounted running wheels (12), and by the magnetic devices being integrated in the running wheels (12).

Abstract: The invention is an autonomous dual tracked mobile (10) robot system comprising two or more tracked driving units (12x) configured to travel in tandem and a separate mechanical linkage (16), which joins each of the mobile units to the unit immediately preceding and following it, and enables efficient power transmission between the two driving units. Each of the mechanical linkages comprises one connecting bar (14) and three revolute joints (18y) located on each of the adjacent units and a connecting beam that connects the connecting bar on one of the units with the connecting bar on the adjacent unit.

Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine maintenance vehicle that can fit and travel within the air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The maintenance vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely attach to an adjustable wedge within a coil slot of the stator and tighten the wedge in position and then move on to repeat the process until all the wedges on the stator are secured.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a motor controller logic circuit and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the motor controller logic circuit and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced voltage to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.

Abstract: The vehicle (1) includes a chassis (2) and a pair of track assemblies (3, 4) mounted at the front and rear of the chassis respectively. At least one of the track assemblies is powered by a motor (5) to propel the vehicle. The chassis include mounting points (6, 7) for attaching the track assemblies. A deck area including rider footpads (8, 9) flanks a central motor mounting section (10).

Abstract: A system is described for performing work or maintenance on a structure having an inclined working surface that includes a support robot for positioning at a high point on the structure and a payload robot attached to the support robot by an umbilical or tension cord for maneuvering along the working surface. The support robot and payload robot include traction devices having a continuous traction belt provided on a pair of opposing rollers. The traction belt includes openings such that a vacuum may be applied through the traction belt causing the traction device to cling to a working surface. A method for using the support robot and payload robot to perform work or maintenance on an inclined surface of a structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A semicrawler-type working vehicle is provided having a vehicle body (3), a front steering control wheel (7) arranged at a front side of the vehicle body, a drive shaft (26) and a pivot shaft (22) arranged at a rear side of the vehicle body, and a semicrawler unit (2) driven by the drive shaft. The semicrawler-type working vehicle comprises: a track frame (16) by which the semicrawler unit (2) is supported via the pivot shaft (22) so as to be pivotable relative to the vehicle body (3); a drive wheel (11) arranged on the drive shaft (26); a front driven wheel (12) and a rear driven wheel (13) that are supported by the track frame (16) such that a horizontal distance from the drive wheel (11) to the front driven wheel (12) is longer than a horizontal distance from the drive wheel (11) to the rear driven wheel (13); and a crawler belt (15) that is wound around the drive wheel (11), the front driven wheel (12), and the rear driven wheel (13).

Abstract: A tandem track system and method provides for safe withdrawal of a tracked vehicle if either of the main tracks becomes separated. The tracked vehicle has a main track longitudinally extending in a closed endless main loop on opposite sides and engaging a separate main drive sprocket assembly, extending under roadwheels to a main drive idler wheel, and back to the main drive-sprocket assembly in the main loop. The tandem drive system has a secondary track engaging each main drive-sprocket assembly and extending forward along the track vehicle from each main drive-sprocket assembly under only an aft-most fractional portion of the roadwheels. The secondary track is configured as a closed endless secondary loop inside of the main loop of each main track whereby each secondary track can transfer rotary power to move the tracked vehicle to safety.

Abstract: A vehicle for use on a battlefield, having a hull with at least one endless track unit mounted underneath, and with a plurality of selectively vertically moveable wheels. The endless track unit may cover substantially all of the bottom side of the vehicle and may wrap upward to cover a portion of the front of the vehicle. The vehicle may be operated with only the wheels, the wheels and the endless track unit in combination, or only the endless track unit in contact with the ground. The vehicle has a height variable suspension element, which may be a hydro-pneumatic spring, coupled to each wheel. The suspension elements are connected with a power unit and a control unit to allow selective controllability of suspension height, and corresponding extension or retraction of the wheels. The wheels may also be provided with a resilient suspension mechanism that is either separate or formed by the height variable suspension elements.

Abstract: A machine frame assembly is provided that includes a machine frame, a hollow pivot shaft attached to the machine frame and configured to support a drive assembly for a track-type machine to allow pivotal movement of the drive assembly relative to the machine frame, and a power source, a portion thereof extending into the hollow pivot shaft and a portion thereof mounted adjacent to an end of the hollow pivot shaft. The power source is configured to transmit power through the hollow pivot shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle is driven by a central track assembly and differential speed steering wheels in flanking relation thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided including a main frame structure, a track assembly mounted to the main frame structure and having an single, endless ground-engaging track extending in a longitudinal direction. A pair of steerable ground-engaging wheels flank the track, constructed and arranged to exert a ground bearing pressure sufficient to change a direction of travel of the track in response to turning of the wheels to steer the vehicle. Steering structure is operatively associated with the wheels to turn the wheels. Power drive structure is mounted with respect to the main frame structure and is constructed and arranged to drive the wheels and the track simultaneously so as to move the vehicle along the ground. The wheels are constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to the main frame structure so as to change a position thereof with respect to the main frame structure, thereby permitting driving, steering and ground pressure of the vehicle to be adjusted in accordance with ground conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided including a main frame structure, a track assembly mounted to the main frame structure and having a single, endless ground-engaging track extending in a longitudinal direction. A pair of steerable ground-engaging wheels flank the track, constructed and arranged to exert a ground bearing pressure sufficient to change a direction of travel of the track in response to turning of the wheels to steer the vehicle. Steering structure is operatively associated with the wheels to turn the wheels. Power drive structure is mounted with respect to the main frame structure and is constructed and arranged to drive the wheels and the track simultaneously so as to move the vehicle along the ground. The wheels are constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to the main frame structure so as to change a position thereof with respect to the main frame structure, thereby permitting driving, steering and ground pressure of the vehicle to be adjusted in accordance with ground conditions.