Abstract: A nuclear emergency multifunctional operation robot includes a base, a mechanical arm, a tool change-over device, and motion supporting devices. The base includes a pedestal, a mounting seat A, a mounting seat B, a mounting seat C, a rotation driving mechanism A, and a rotation driving mechanism B. The front end of the mechanical arm is connected to the mounting seat B; the tool change-over device includes a male connector and a female connector which are abutted with or separated from each other; and the motion supporting devices are used to drive the nuclear emergency multifunctional operation robot to move. The present disclosure has the advantages that the base can be integrated with various end tools, so that the operation robot conveniently changes over tools according to operation needs to conduct various types of operations.

Abstract: A machine comprises a first ground engaging unit connected to a first leg, a second ground engaging unit connected to a second leg, and a hydraulic system to control heights of the legs, the hydraulic system comprises a fluid circuit to control fluid between the first and second legs, a load holding valve to allow fluid into the fluid circuit, a control valve system to let fluid into the load holding valve, the control valve connected to a hydraulic fluid source and a reservoir, a first lock valve to control flow of fluid between the first and second legs in a first direction, a second lock valve to control flow of fluid between the second and first legs in a second direction, and first and float valves configured to connect the first and second legs to the control valve system, respectively.

Abstract: A paving machine including a modular frame, a plurality of swing legs pivotable relative to the frame, a jacking column secured to each swing leg, a crawler track, a slew gear drive, and angular position transducers for measuring an angular position between the swing leg and the modular frame, and an angular position of the crawler track relative to the jacking column. Feedback from the transducers facilitates maintaining position of the crawler track. The jacking column can include telescoping outer and inner tubes, a vertically oriented hydraulic actuator including a cylinder and a piston operable within the outer and inner tubes, and spaced apart axial bearings coupled to the outer tube and/or the inner tube. The slew gear drive can be secured between the inner tube and a yoke and capable of steering the crawler track under load without lifting the crawler track.

Abstract: A track assembly includes a frame configured to be coupled to a chassis of a vehicle, a first wheel and a second wheel each pivotally coupled to the frame, a track engaging the first wheel and the second wheel, and a motor coupled to the track and the frame. The track extends along a track path that surrounds the first wheel and the second wheel. The motor is configured to drive the first wheel such that the track moves along the track path. The motor and the first wheel are aligned.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle is provided. The two-wheeled vehicle includes a chassis, and a first wheel carriage moveably coupled to, and longitudinally displaceable relative to the chassis. At least a first wheel is rotationally mounted on the first wheel carriage, and coupled to the chassis through the first wheel carriage. The two-wheeled vehicle further includes a first linear actuator system coupled to the first wheel carriage, and configured to longitudinally displace the first wheel carriage relative to the chassis. A first motor is mounted to the first wheel and the first wheel carriage. The first motor is configured to provide a drive energy to the first wheel, and to be displaced along with the first wheel carriage as the first wheel is displaced by the first linear actuator system.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a frame body that includes an attaching unit on an upper portion thereof, that is formed into a frame-shape structure, and that couples an object to a lower portion thereof, the attaching unit being configured to be capable of adjusting a position in an up-down direction of the attaching unit. A main body including a flying mechanism is positioned on an upper portion of the frame body. A control unit controls a position in the up-down direction of the attaching unit such that a flying posture of the object is controlled in accordance with a posture of the flying mechanism.

Abstract: A track system for use with a towed vehicle has an attachment assembly and a multi-member frame assembly. The multi-member frame assembly includes a primary frame member connected to the attachment assembly, at least one wheel-bearing frame member pivotably connected to the primary frame member about a pivot located within a recess, and at least one resilient bushing assembly located within the recess and engaging the pivot. The at least one bushing assembly is resiliently deformable in a circumferential direction to permit pivoting of the pivot with respect to the recess, and is fixedly connected within the recess to resiliently bias the pivot towards a rest position with respect to the recess. The track system further includes leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, and an endless track.

Abstract: A retrofit assembly for conversion of a wheel driven vehicle to track drive, the vehicle having an undercarriage and left and right final drive mounts, the assembly incorporating left and right setback arms attached to and extending rearwardly from the vehicle's left and right final drive mounts; a “U” bracket having left and right “U” arms, the “U” bracket being fitted for laterally spanning the vehicle's undercarriage, wherein distal ends of the left and right “U” arms are fixedly attached to rearward ends of the left and right setback arms, and wherein forward ends of the setback arms are fixedly attached to the vehicle's left and right final drive mounts; left and right final drives respectively fixedly attached to the rearward ends of the left and right setback arms; and left and right sprocket driven tracks, wherein the track's sprockets are fixedly attached to the left and right final drives.

Abstract: Track management system for use with a work machine and a track assembly that is pivotably coupled thereto at a pivot point. The track management system includes a first mount, a second mount, and an actuator. The first mount is coupled to the work machine, and the second mount is coupled to the track assembly. The actuator includes a first portion that is coupled to the first mount and a second portion that is coupled to the second mount. Expanding the actuator urges the track assembly about the pivot point in a first direction, while retracting the actuator urges the track assembly about the pivot point a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: A work machine includes a frame including an axle and an arm, a track undercarriage assembly including an undercarriage assembly connected to the arm, a drive assembly operably attached to the axle, and a track belt mounted on the drive assembly. The undercarriage assembly and the drive assembly are each configured for lateral adjustment relative to a longitudinal centerline of the frame from a first position to a second position. The drive assembly includes a drive sprocket that is assembled with the axle in a first configuration to laterally adjust the drive assembly towards the first position and a second configuration to laterally adjust the drive assembly towards the second position. The undercarriage assembly includes an undercarriage frame attached to the arm, wherein the undercarriage frame and the arm are adjustably coupled to allow the undercarriage frame to be movably adjusted between the first and the second positions.

Abstract: The bottom of a household appliance is provided with leveling feet. The leveling foot comprises a fixed part and a movable part, and a hollow chamber is formed between the fixed part and the movable part. The hollow chamber is provided with a hydraulic medium. Under the action of pressure, the hydraulic medium can be circulated in the hollow chamber inside the leveling foot and/or the hollow chamber between leveling feet to realize the expansion and contraction of the movable part, to execute automatic leveling. The leveling device of a household appliance of the present disclosure, according to the hydraulic principle, is provided with a hydraulic medium in the leveling foot. Under different pressures, the leveling foot is made to automatically adjust adaptively due to the fluidity of the hydraulic medium.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a drive wheel, front and rear idler wheels and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A belt disposed about the drive and idler wheels. A roller frame defines a main pivot axis located between front and rear ends. The front idler wheel is connected to the front end of the track roller frame. A major bogie having a forward bogie arm and a trailing bogie arm pivotably connects to the roller frame. The rear idler wheel connects to the trailing bogie arm. The major bogie pivot is offset from the main pivot along the roller frame such that the major bogie pivot is between the main pivot and the rear end of the roller frame. A minor bogie is connected to the major bogie at a minor bogie pivot defining a minor bogie pivot axis with the mid-rollers mounted on the minor bogie.

Abstract: A road finisher includes an undercarriage, a chassis, a hopper, a paving screed, and a lifting device for lifting the chassis relative to the undercarriage at least in a rear region of the road finisher. A locking element can be moved by a locking element actuator between a locked state, in which the locking element mechanically locks the chassis at a predefined transport height relative to the undercarriage, and a release state, in which the mechanical locking of the chassis is released at the transport height.

Abstract: A carriage assembly includes a primary frame, a first idler wheel mounted to the primary frame, and a secondary frame pivotably mounted to the primary frame. The carriage assembly further includes an idler wheel assembly coupled to the secondary frame and movable with respect to the secondary frame along a longitudinal axis of the idler wheel assembly. The idler wheel assembly includes at least one second idler wheel and at least one third idler wheel mounted to the idler wheel assembly such that the second idler wheel is located between the first idler wheel and the third idler wheel. The first idler wheel is configured to pivot with the primary frame relative to the secondary frame, and the second idler wheel and the third idler wheel are configured to move with the idler wheel assembly relative to the secondary frame along the longitudinal axis of the idler wheel assembly.

Abstract: A road finisher including an undercarriage, a chassis, a hopper, a paving screed, and a lifting device for lifting the chassis relative to the undercarriage at least in a rear region of the road finisher. The lifting device comprises a rocker mounted rotatably around an undercarriage rotational axis at an undercarriage-side bearing surface and rotatably around a chassis rotational axis at a chassis-side bearing surface. The lifting device further comprises a length-variable adjustment member connecting a chassis-side link point to a rocker-side link point and configured to change a distance between the chassis-side link point and the rocker-side link point by changing its length to selectively lift or lower the chassis relative to the undercarriage. A distance between the chassis rotation axis and the undercarriage rotation axis is greater than a distance between the chassis rotation axis and the chassis-side bearing surface.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly including a track assembly that can be oriented to align with the primary roll axis of the farm implement. The track assembly can be pivotably connected to an undercarriage arm of the farm implement such that the track assembly can be pivoted about a pivot axis parallel to the roll axis of the farm implement. In this configuration, when moving a farm implement in a direction parallel to the roll axis, the track assembly can pivot around the pivot axis in response to an angled road surface to maximize the amount of the track surface that contacts the road surface.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to vehicle and machinery in agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and powersport. It further generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies used with such vehicles. The track assembly includes components having particular features that, alone or in combination, participate in decreasing the vibrations 5 undergone by the vehicle. According to embodiments, split frames are used with suspension, tandem subassemblies, “tridem subassemblies”, adjustable damping components, drive shaft openings, lowering of resulting the track band tension and rosta assemblies.

Abstract: A seal assembly is for a spherical plain bearing with an inner ring mounted on a shaft and an outer ring disposed about the inner ring and having a concave inner surface slidably displaceable against the inner ring convex outer surface. The seal assembly includes an annular inner member disposed about the shaft axially adjacent to the bearing inner ring and having opposing first and second axial ends and an outer engagement surface extending axially between the first and second ends. A generally annular outer member has a base portion coupled with the bearing outer ring and a lip portion extending radially inwardly from the base portion and having an outer end sealingly engageable with the outer engagement surface of the seal inner member. The lip portion slidably displaces generally axially along the inner member engagement surface when the outer ring displaces axially relative to the inner ring.

Abstract: A mobile entertainment and announcement system has a trailer base and a trailer body mounted on the trailer base. A trailer hitch projecting from a forward end of the trailer base allows the mobile entertainment and announcement system to be transported to a desired venue by connecting the trailer hitch to a vehicle. A telescoping boom is supported by at least one of the trailer base and the trailer body, and is adapted to move from a transport position to a set-up position and to a broadcast position. At least one broadcast speaker is mounted on the telescoping boom when the telescoping boom is in a set-up position, so that when the telescoping boom is moved from the transport position to the broadcast position, the broadcast speaker is moved to a higher elevation above the trailer base. An audio component housed in the trailer body is connected to the broadcast speaker for transmitting audio content to an audience over a larger area.

Abstract: A track unit may include one or more bogies arranged between front and rear guide wheels. The bogies are provided with wheel pairs that are rotatably arranged about a longitudinal axis of the bogie itself, and capable of adapting individually to transversal oscillations caused by the terrain. The bogies can furthermore be equipped to adapt to longitudinal oscillations as well, by the longitudinal portion of the bogie being rotatable about a transversal axis. The track unit may also be equipped with a cutter, non-rotatably mounted on one or both outer faces of the rear guide wheel, in a position where said wheel is in direct contact with the track, the cutter configured to cut crop material transported upwards between the rear guide wheel and the track when the track unit moves forward.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a drive wheel, front and rear idler wheels and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A belt disposed about the drive and idler wheels. A roller frame defines a main pivot axis located between front and rear ends. The front idler wheel is connected to the front end of the track roller frame. A major bogie having a forward bogie arm and a trailing bogie arm pivotably connects to the roller frame. The rear idler wheel connects to the trailing bogie arm. The major bogie pivot is offset from the main pivot along the roller frame such that the major bogie pivot is between the main pivot and the rear end of the roller frame. A minor bogie is connected to the major bogie at a minor bogie pivot defining a minor bogie pivot axis with the mid-rollers mounted on the minor bogie.

Abstract: A tracked climbing vehicle containing a compliant suspension apparatus to prescribe the distribution of forces on the adhering members in the tracked climbing machine. The compliant suspension apparatus is configured to negotiate irregularities in a climbing-surface without the vehicle tracks losing full surface contact and adhesion by distributing the loads from the climbing machine chassis to the adhering traction members in a specific prescribed fashion. The apparatus thus avoids exceeding the allowable force in any adhering traction member and significantly improves the performance of the climbing machine.

Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.

Abstract: A traveling vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left front crawler traveling devices, a pair of right and left rear crawler traveling devices, a front suspension device that suspends the pair of right and left front crawler traveling devices on the vehicle body frame, and a rear suspension device that suspends the pair of right and left rear crawler traveling devices on the vehicle body frame. The front suspension device integrally suspends the pair of right and left front crawler traveling devices on the vehicle body frame and allows the pair of right and left front crawler traveling devices to be swingable in the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides track assemblies and a method that allow bringing the contact patch towards the inside (the outside) of the suspension arm, by providing a asymmetric track assembly, either by lowering at least one inside (outside) support wheel relative to the remaining support wheels, or by using a belt that comprises, transversally, at least one first profile on the outer (inner) side thereof lower than a second profile on an inner side thereof.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a machine is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a main frame including a pair of spaced apart members extending longitudinally between the front and back of the machine and a front frame. The front frame includes a top plate having a first portion extending between the spaced apart members and a bottom plate coupled to the top plate. The bottom plate has a second portion extending between the spaced apart members. The front frame is connected to the main frame by attaching at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion to the spaced apart members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an earth working apparatus having an undercarriage which is designed as a running gear, and an upper carriage which is supported in a rotatable manner on the undercarriage and has a driver's cab as well as a drive motor for the undercarriage. According to the invention, between the undercarriage and the upper carriage an extension segment is arranged, through which a vertical distance between the undercarriage and the upper carriage is extended. On the extension segment between the undercarriage and the upper carriage a support means for tilt protection is mounted. The invention furthermore relates to a method for earth working with an earth working apparatus of such type.

Abstract: A method of repairing an equalizer bar including removing a portion of the end of the equalizer bar which may create an elongated member. The elongated member may include an attachment surface at one end. The method may include positioning an equalizer bar end to the elongated member. The equalizer bar end may include a hole and a mating surface configured to attach to the attachment surface of the elongated member. The method may include aligning the hole with a hole terminal end in the elongated member, and securing a fastener into the hole and hole terminal end.

Abstract: A track suspension is provided wherein a rear wishbone member is rotatably affixed to a yoke assembly and a yoke plate carrier through a rear wishbone joint, wherein a front wishbone member is rotatably affixed to the rear wishbone member through a front wishbone joint, wherein a rear rocker assembly is comprised of a rear rocker beam, a rear roller wheel and a rear idler wheel, wherein a front rocker beam is rotatably affixed to the front wishbone through a front rocker joint, wherein the rear rocker beam is rotatably affixed to the rear wishbone member through a rear rocker joint, wherein a front suspension spring assembly is affixed between a yoke assembly and a front wishbone member, and wherein a rear suspension spring assembly is affixed between the yoke assembly and the rear wishbone member.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a plurality of ground engaging members, a frame supported by the ground engaging members, and a powertrain assembly supported by the frame. Additionally, the snowmobile includes a front suspension assembly supported by the frame. The front suspension assembly includes an upper control arm operably coupled to the frame and a lower control arm operably coupled to the frame. The lower control arm is forged. At least a portion of the lower control arm includes an artificially-induced area of localized stress, and the lower control arm is configured to absorb energy at the area of localized stress.

Abstract: A repair fixture for an aircraft portion comprises a frame for supporting the aircraft portion, and rigid variable-length rods having first ends secured to the frame and second ends configured to be firmly secured to the aircraft portion and locked in length.

Abstract: A track system for use as a wheel replacement on a vehicle comprises a first drive wheel configured to be mounted to the vehicle, a first frame pivotally yet non-drivingly mounted to the first drive wheel, a second frame mounted to the first frame, at least a second drive wheel pivotally mounted to the second frame, at least an idler wheel pivotally mounted to the second frame at a second extremity, and at least an endless traction band disposed about the second drive wheel and the idler wheel. The second drive wheel is configured to drivingly engage the traction band. The first drive wheel is operatively coupled to the second drive wheel via a transmission mechanism (e.g. a loop) such that rotation of the first drive wheel causes the rotation of the second drive wheel.

Abstract: A wheel 4 mounted on a vehicle body 2 by a suspension arm 6 can be retained in a raised position by a retaining mechanism 10. The retaining mechanism 10 comprises a latching element 12 which can be disposed in a deployed position by a control element 14. When the control element 14 is moved to a position corresponding to the deployed position of the latching element 12, the latching element 12 is resiliently displaceable towards the vehicle body 2, to allow the suspension arm 6 to rise, for example when the wheel 4 is driven over an obstacle. The latching element 12 can then move to the deployed position to prevent lowering of the arm 6, so retaining the wheel 4 in the raised position. All wheels of the vehicle may be moved to the raised position, so as to reduce the ride height of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a forestry machine (100), in which arrangement there is—a chassis (12), —a single-axle set of wheels (13) pivoted to the chassis (12), and —at least one auxiliary wheel (18) fitted the outside the set of wheels (13), in order to increase the load-bearing capacity of the rear part (19) of the chassis (12). —The arrangement further includes —at least one support arm (20) arranged to carry the said auxiliary wheel (18) at its first end (22) and pivoted at its second end (24) to the said chassis (12) with the aid of a transverse shaft (23), —a support surface (36) attached to the chassis (12) and a counter surface (38) attached to the said support arm (20), for limiting the transverse movement of the support arm (20). —The invention also relates to a corresponding forestry machine.

Abstract: A lightweight mobile robot includes a chassis less than 500 pounds and two independent tracked drives including a drive wheel assembly, four or more independently suspended bogie assemblies, an idler wheel assembly, a compliant front shoe fixedly coupled to an independently suspended bogie assembly positioned adjacent the idler wheel assembly, and a compliant elastomer track entraining the drive wheel, road wheels, idler wheel assembly and compliant front shoe. The bogie assembly includes a serpentine suspension arm having a corresponding road wheel rotatably mounted at a distal end thereof, the bogie arm swingable through a range entirely beneath the chassis. The serpentine suspension arm provides clearance for adjacent road wheels to swing past one another without making contact with any portion of the adjacent bogie assembly. The compliant elastomer track has center guides and peripheral drive features protruding therefrom for engaging the drive wheel, road wheels, and idler wheel.

Abstract: A tracked ATV includes a frame, a track coupled to the frame, and a power source supported by the frame and drivingly coupled to the track. The tracked ATV further includes a steering and drive assembly, which has a first hydraulic pump coupled to the tracks for large radius turns. The steering and drive assembly also has a second hydraulic pump coupled to the tracks for small radius turns.

Abstract: A snowmobile rear suspension is shown comprised of a linear force element (LFE) positioned outside the envelope of the snowmobile endless track. The LFE is attached at one end to the frame and at the other end to a bell crank. The bell crank is operatively connected to the slide rails. When the slide rails collapse in normal operation, the bell crank strokes the LFE, and the suspension is progressive throughout the range.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous track drive system (10) for cooperating with a pair of opposite drive wheels (18.1, 18.2) of a vehicle for converting the vehicle (12) into a half-track vehicle. In an operative configuration of the system, on each side of the vehicle, a continuous track (38) of the system runs around a drive wheel of the vehicle and a primary idler (36) of the system behind the drive wheel. The track defines between the wheel and the idler a bottom, traction run (40). A secondary idler (42) of the system bears against the outside of the track, at a position along a top run (46) of the track between the primary idler and the drive wheel, in a configuration in which the secondary idler induces and maintains an inward deflection or kink in the track for providing clearance between the track and the vehicle.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle (10,100,150A,150B150C,160,1000,1000A,1000B,1000C) includes a chassis (20,106,152,162) having front and rear ends (20A,152A,20B,152B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (34,44,108,165). Right and left elongated flippers (50,60,102,154,164) are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage (70,156,166) connects a payload deck assembly (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (70A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (71), and a second end (70B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (73). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers (72,74) operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots (71,73) to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806) with respect to the chassis (20,106,152,162).

Abstract: A track assembly 30 for converting a wheeled vehicle 10 into a tracked vehicle. The track assembly 30 has a longitudinally adjustable support frame 40 having a motive source 170 with a drive sprocket 190, a plurality of support rollers 80, 84, 88, a tensioning assembly 90, and an endless track 200. The track assembly 30 is connected to a vehicle 10 by articulated, resiliently biased mounting assemblies 210, 410. Each mounting assembly 210, 410 includes a first attachment member 212, 412, a link 250, 450, and a second attachment member 300, 500, with the first attachment member 212, 412 configured to be removably attached to a position on a vehicle 10 where a wheel axle attached to an internal drive unit 19 would normally reside but which has been disconnected from its control lines and removed, and with the second attachment member 300, 500 configured to be connected to the support frame 40.

Abstract: A suspension unit 1 comprising a resilient arrangement 37 is provided. The damping arrangement 37 comprises a chamber having a primary volume arranged to contain a primary fluid and jounce and rebound variable volumes 58, 60 arranged to contain jounce and rebound fluids respectively. A piston 38 is slidably disposed in the chamber so as to act on the primary fluid and jounce and rebound moveable members 54, 56 separate the primary fluid from jounce and rebound volumes 58, 60 respectively. A jounce abutment member 55 is provided to limit the movement of the jounce moveable member 54 and a rebound abutment member 57 is provided to limit the movement of the rebound moveable member 56. When in use and the piston 38 is in a static position, the jounce moveable member 54 abuts the jounce abutment member 55 and the rebound moveable member 56 abuts the rebound abutment 57 member over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: An equalizer bar end joint may include a pin defining a longitudinal axis; and a bearing configured to support the pin. The bearing may include an inner race including a bore configured to cooperate with the pin and a semispherical outer surface. The bearing may also include an outer race including a semispherical inner surface, wherein the semispherical inner surface of the outer race is configured to cooperate with the semispherical outer surface of the inner race. A solid lubricant may be disposed about a surface of the bore, and a first seal may be positioned within a first groove disposed about the bore at a first end and a second seal may be positioned within a second groove disposed about the bore at a second end.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a personal tracked vehicle comprises a first swing arm pivotally connectable to a frame of the vehicle. The first swing arm has a first end and a second end. A second swing arm is pivotally connectable to the first swing arm. The second swing arm has a first end and a second end. At least one spring member is connected to the first and second swing arms. At least one first wheel is rotatably connected to the first end of the first swing arm. At least one second wheel is rotatably connected to the first end of the second swing arm. The at least one first and second wheels are adapted to be in contact with the same track of the vehicle. The first and second wheels are one of an idler wheel and a drive wheel. Suspensions and personal tracked vehicles are also presented.

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 vehicle equipped with a double tandem members suspension system to suspend the vehicle, the double tandem members being operatively interconnected together and adapted to receive idling wheels adapted to support and guide an endless belt thereon to provide significant suspension travel and prevents an endless belt disengagement from the idling wheels.

Abstract: A tracked climbing vehicle containing a compliant suspension apparatus to prescribe the distribution of forces on the adhering members in the tracked climbing machine. The compliant suspension apparatus is configured to negotiate irregularities in a climbing-surface without the vehicle tracks losing full surface contact and adhesion by distributing the loads from the climbing machine chassis to the adhering traction members in a specific prescribed fashion. The apparatus thus avoids exceeding the allowable force in any adhering traction member and significantly improves the performance of the climbing machine.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle (e.g., a tracked carrier vehicle) comprising a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each of the track assemblies supports a portion of a weight of the tracked vehicle when the tracked vehicle is in use. Each track assembly comprises: a first wheel and a second wheel spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the tracked vehicle; a number of support wheels arranged in an in-line configuration between the first wheel and the second wheel; and an endless track disposed around the first wheel, the second wheel, and the support wheels. The support wheels may comprise at least five (5) support wheels mounted such that, when the tracked vehicle is in use, the portion of the weight of the tracked vehicle supported by the track assembly is never applied to only one of the support wheels.

Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine has a forward direction of travel and includes a frame, at least one lift arm, a first torsion axle assembly, an undercarriage, and an endless track. The lift arm is pivotally attached to the frame. The first torsion axle assembly is attached to the frame and includes a first torsion arm, a first torsion shaft, and a first axle, with the first torsion shaft and the first axle extending from the first torsion arm. The undercarriage is attached to the first torsion axle assembly and the endless track encircles the undercarriage. One of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the frame and the other of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the undercarriage. The first torsion arm extends upward from the frame at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from the forward direction of travel.

Abstract: A front suspension system for a track-type tractor includes a suspension saddle having first and second suspension arms pinned to the suspension saddle, the first and second suspension arms being connected to the machine tracks via first and second front idler respectively. Respective first and second hydraulic suspension assemblies support the first and second suspension arms, and a hydraulic suspension circuit fluidly links the first hydraulic suspension assembly to the second hydraulic suspension assembly such that a movement of either the first or the second hydraulic suspension assemblies causes an opposite movement of substantially the same magnitude in the other of the first and second hydraulic suspension assemblies, thereby allowing the first track and the second track of the track-type tractor to oscillate relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose ground vehicle (10) that may serve as a platform (12) for carrying a payload (14). The vehicle has a chassis (16) and a suspension (18) mounted to the chassis (16) for varying ride height and for influencing a response of the chassis (16) to underlying terrain. Track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) are associated for the suspension. These modules (22, 24, 26, 28) can be reoriented independently of each other. Preferably, at least some of the track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) include a band track (38) that circumscribe one or more wheels (30, 32) that are associated with a given track module (22, 24, 26, 28).