Abstract: To enable a rider to control in real time the type of ride he desires, a snowmobile is equipped with a suspension system that includes at least one fluid actuated device which can be adjusted in real time to control the relative distance between the body of the snowmobile onto which the rider sits and the frame, or the slide tracks about which the drive belt is mounted. By setting a constant predetermined desirable distance between the body and the slide tracks, or the frame, of the snowmobile, an optimal cushioned ride for the rider is obtained. The control of the fluid actuated device(s) may be effected at any time manually by the rider, or be effected by a feedback system. The snowmobile is also equipped with an ABS system for enhancing the traction of the drive belt on snow and therefore the control of the snowmobile by the rider.

Abstract: A crawler or tracked vehicle has a running gear with separately operable tracks, and a vehicle body pivotably connected to the running gear about a substantially horizontal pivot axis that allows the running gear to pivot relative to the vehicle body. The two tracks can pivot independently of each other and independently of the vehicle body. At least one spring arrangement preferably including a spring and a shock absorber is arranged on each side of the body, and is respectively connected between the running gear and the vehicle body. The spring may be vertically or horizontally oriented.

Abstract: A vehicle for grooming a terrain of snow having a plurality of hydraulically driven rotary tiller units independently mounted for axial lateral movement relative to the plane of the rectangular main frame of the vehicle. Bogey track units support the vehicle and allow for movement.

Abstract: A multi-point mobility device that is capable of navigating over rough terrain without difficulty, including snow, say and, and mud, and which is able to reconfigure the two belt track assemblies so as to minimize lateral friction by the belts with indoor floor surfaces or carpets. A separate rear wheel, located behind the side mounted track assemblies is able to be lowered when desired, so as to raise the rear portion of the multi-point mobility device off of the ground surface.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system with a variable geometry. A moveable suspension arm is pivotally attached to a vehicle chassis. A biasing/dampening mechanism is operatively attached to the vehicle chassis at a first end. An actuator mechanism operatively connects the second end of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the moveable suspension arm. The actuator mechanism has a mechanism for moving the second end along at least one axis when the vehicle is in a static or dynamic mode to increase or decrease the motion ratio or displacement of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the total displacement of the suspension system relative to the vehicle chassis. A control mechanism is provided for activating the actuator mechanism.

Abstract: A sugar cane harvester for harvesting two rows of cane stalks is equipped with a pair of endless track assemblies which each include a track frame suspended from the main frame of the harvester by a four-point suspension including tilt and elevation cylinders that permit side-to-side tilting, and elevation adjustments of the harvester main frame so as to place base cutters at the best attitude for cutting cane contained in the rows, even if the rows are at different elevations.

Abstract: An adjustable rear suspension system for a tracked vehicle comprises a slide frame for guiding a portion of the endless track, the slide frame having a pair of substantially parallel slide rails, the slide rails defining a longitudinal direction. The rear suspension system further comprises at least one spring-like member for urging the slide frame away from the chassis. A front suspension arm assembly has an upper end pivotally connected to the chassis and a lower end pivotally connected to the slide frame. A rear suspension arm assembly has ail upper arm pivotally connected to the chassis and a lower end connected to at least one block capable of limited displacement in the longitudinal direction between a front stopper and a rear stopper. The rear suspension system further includes a rocker arm having an upper end connected to at least one block and a lower end pivotally connected to the slide frame.