Abstract: A moveable subframe system, a slider box improvement system, an agent injection system, an airbag apparatus, a process of filling a suspension airbag, a process of repairing a suspension airbag, and methods of use are presented. The present disclosure provides an apparatus, process, manufacturing method, and methods of use for an airbag and/or airbag replacement for an air ride suspension system. The disclosure may include replacement and/or new installation of a no-flat airbag to be used in an air suspension system, thus reducing waste and costs associated with suspension system repair. Utilizing the system and process disclosed herein, a broken and/or punctured airbag of an existing airbag suspension system is repaired and utilized in operation. Furthermore, the system provides for utilizing new airbags in the same.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension position adjustment arrangement including a frame member having a plurality of apertures, and a trailing arm having a first end pivotally coupled to a slide member and a second end biased away from the frame member. A locking pin movable between an unlocked position where the locking pin is withdrawn from one of the apertures and the slide member is free to slide along the frame member, and a locked position where the locking pin engages one of the apertures preventing the slide member from sliding along the frame member, and a plurality of sensors spaced along the frame member, wherein a single sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to sense both the locking condition of the locking pin and the location of the locking pin along the frame member.

Abstract: A system and method comprising a feed delivery system that is adapted to load material into a trailer. The trailer may have at least one moveable axle that allows for the axle to be positioned such that there is not excessive weight on the axle due to the trailer.

Abstract: A wear pad for a guide rail of a trailer with a slider suspension assembly, including at least one leg configured to be positioned between the guide rail and a frame member of the slider suspension assembly. The wear pad permits the passage of lock pins through the wear pad. A wear pad includes two legs that provide the wear pad with an L-shaped profile. One of the legs of a wear pad includes different portions with different thickness.

Abstract: A slider suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a slider assembly with a main member that is movable relative to a primary frame of the heavy-duty vehicle in a first direction along the extent of the main member. The main member has a first portion and a second portion extending transverse to the first portion. A friction reducing slider wear pad is fixed to the main member and interposed between the main member and the primary frame. The friction reducing slider wear pad has a first segment fixed to the first portion of the main member. The friction reducing slider wear pad also has a second segment engaging at least a part of the second portion of the main member to inhibit movement of the friction reducing pad relative to the main member in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: Improvements to a sliding sub-frame for heavy-duty vehicle suspensions include torque boxes, an air slider-pin system, and a heavy-duty shear-off nut. In the prior art, all four sliding pins are linked together with bars so if one sliding pin is stuck they are all stuck. Here, each sliding pin has a dedicated air assist bladder and is independent and can release on its own. That way, if one sliding pin is stuck, it is a much easier job to get it unstuck by moving the vehicle. The torque box relates to stress-relief measures of shear strains at critical fastened (eg., bolted) connections. The shear-off nut has a break-neck flanked between a hex head and collet nut. The clearance between the outside sidewall of the collet nut very nearly fully spans the space between the flats of a hex socket for the hex head, thereby providing light on-axis support.

Abstract: A concrete mixer vehicle includes a chassis having a frame member extending in a generally-horizontal direction, an engine coupled to the chassis, and a CNG tank coupled to the engine and configured to provide fuel thereto. The CNG tank is positioned in a generally-vertical orientation relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A vehicle skid plate assembly includes multiple skid plate sections having closed apertures adapted to receive mounting bolts. The various skid plate sections are adapted to abut each other in a manner effective for the closed mounting bolt apertures of adjacent sections to overlay a single, linear array of bolt holes.

Abstract: A trailer including an axle assembly which travels horizontally beneath the trailer, transforming the trailer from a transport position to a loading position. The axle assembly is connected to a tail rod which connects with a tail ramp located at the rear of the trailer. As the axle assembly travels forward, the tail rod is removed from the tail ramp, causing the ramp to tilt down towards the ground away from the trailer bed, allowing a vehicle to be driven up over the ramp and onto the bed of the trailer. A hitch assembly allows the hitch to move in relation to the trailer, preventing damage to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying an ingredient to a geographic area, the agricultural implement includes a chassis, weight bearing conveyance devices, a component and a weight distribution system. The weight bearing conveyance devices including a fore conveyance device and an aft conveyance device. The fore and aft conveyance devices are connected to and carry the chassis respectively in a fore and an aft position. The component is carried by and coupled to the chassis. The weight distribution system is configured to allow an adjustment of a position of the component relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer coupling system comprises a plurality of proximity sensors which, through a controlled area network bus system, transmits data to an engine/electronic control module which, depending upon the sensor readings, is adapted to transmit an alert to an operator or transmit signals to control units to alter operating parameters of a tractor. The plurality of sensors comprises a fifth wheel position sense adapted to detect fifth wheel positioning beneath a trailer chassis; a kingpin sensor adapted to determine kingpin positioning within a fifth wheel yoke; a jaw sensor adapted to determine jaw positioning; a fifth wheel height sensor adapted to determine fifth wheel height; and a weight sensor adapted to measure the weight of the trailer near the weight sensor.

Abstract: A trailer assembly suitable for carrying a container of proppant has a frame with a first side rail and a second side rail extending in generally parallel relation to each other and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted below the frame. The frame has a plurality of cross members extending between the side rails. First and second outriggers extend across the side rails so as to each have one end extending outwardly of one of the side rails and an opposite end extending outwardly of the other side rail. The first and second outriggers are suitable for receiving the container of proppant thereon. The frame has a first section positioned above the wheels and a second section positioned at a level lower than a level of the first section. The proppant container is placed on the first section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a wheel arm assembly for an autonomous vehicle. The wheel arm assembly may be inserted into a base of the autonomous vehicle from the exterior of the base. A number of fasteners may be installed at the exterior of the base to attach the wheel arm assembly to the base of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor having a cellulose-based core to compartmentalize a cargo area of the vehicle into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment is provided. The floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a compression-molded composite panel that includes first and second outer layers of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material and positioned between the outer layers. The core has a cellular structure. The outer layers are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets and by press molding. The first outer layer having a top surface on which a multi-layer sheet is bonded by the press molding. The multi-layer sheet has a substantially planar upper support surface to support cargo in the upper compartment and to provide the load floor with the wood grain finish.

Abstract: A trailer has a three-section flat bed in which the front and rear sections fold onto the middle section. The trailer has an airbag suspension system and one wheel on each side. When the airbags are deflated, the entire flat bed forms a ramp for loading and unloading. When the airbags are deflated and the flat bed is folded, the trailer can be stored vertically while resting on its wheels.

Abstract: A spring assembly elongate along a longitudinal direction includes a first spring that includes a first spring member and a first elongate member that extends from the first spring member along the longitudinal direction. The spring assembly includes a second spring including a second spring member and a second elongate member that extends from the second spring member along the longitudinal direction. The second elongate member extends through the first spring member, and the first elongate member extends through the second spring member such that the first and second spring members are spaced apart with respect to each other along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A fifth wheel mounting assembly comprises first and second support members adapted to couple to frame members and support assembly that comprises first and second portions slidably engaging the first and second support members and adjustable along a length thereof, the first and second portions including an upwardly-opening recess, first and second mounting members coupled to the first and second portions and configured to pivotably support the fifth wheel hitch plate, and a center portion having a first and second end received within the recesses of the first and second portions, wherein the recesses of the first and second portions are configured to receive the ends of the center portion subsequent to the first mounting member being coupled to the first mounting portion and the second mounting member being coupled to the second mounting portion.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes an axle pivoting plate mounted to the frame at a first pivot point and rotationally fixed to the axle. Also included is a connection arm having a first end onto which the wheel is mounted and a second end for rotationally fixing the axle to the connection arm. An actuator is pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point, and is pivotally connected to the axle pivoting plate at a third pivot point. The first pivot point, the second pivot point and the third pivot point are all located below the lower surface of the side rail. When the actuator is extended, the axle pivoting plate pivots about the first pivot point causing the axle and connection arm to swing rearwardly and rotate, causing the wheel to move vertically with respect to the frame to displace the trailer to a lowered position.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes a vehicle frame rail, a slide rail extending longitudinally along the vehicle frame rail and slidably adjustable thereto, a support bracket extending downwardly from the slide rail, a trailing arm pivotably coupled to the support bracket, a spring member positioned between the trailing arm and the slide rail, and an elastically resilient coupling arrangement coupling the slide rail to the vehicle frame rail, wherein the coupling member is configured to elastically deform during vertical displacement of the vehicle frame rail with respect to the slide rail.

Abstract: A single or double axle trailer including an axle assembly for moving the trailer axles forward or backwards along a track. As the axle assembly moves toward the front end of the trailer, the track leads into a drop cavity space which causes the trailer to drop closer to the ground. At the same time, a pair of carrier arms which hold up a dovetail platform hingedly connected to the rear of the trailer are pulled out from the dovetail, causing the platform to drop toward the ground. Once the carrier arms are pulled all of the way forward and the axles are in the drop cavity, vehicles may be driven up the dovetail platform like a ramp.

Abstract: A transport system for a wind turbine nacelle is provided. The transport system comprises a first trailer and a second trailer, as well as a first leg arrangement attached to a front end or a rear end of the nacelle and a second leg arrangement attached to a bottom portion of the nacelle. A bridge assembly interconnects the first trailer and the second trailer and is fixed to the first leg arrangement and to the second leg arrangement to define a stable frame suspended between the first trailer and the second trailer for the nacelle.

Abstract: A weight distribution system for dynamically controlling and adjusting the weight load on each axle of a vehicle uses a manifold that is fluid flow disposed between a source of pressured air of the vehicle and the air bags of the vehicle. The manifold allows an individual air bag to be inflated or deflated to a desired pressurization depending on either preprogrammed or user input parameters. By individually controlling the air bags, the system allows the setting of the maximum amount of weight to be borne by a given axle so that tires can be removed from that axle without weight overloading the remaining tires. The system also automatically self-levels the chassis of the vehicle and maintains proper ride height of the vehicle using input from a height sensor located on one of the axles.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixed position suspension and support structure attached to the trailer body using a locking device consisting of pins, bolts and/or other fastening devices. The support structure has a removable locking device that when attached to the support structure locks the support structure and suspension into a fixed position relative to the trailer body. When the trailer is not in operation, the locking device can be removed allowing the suspension group to be reconfigured, and each suspension to be repositioned relative to the trailer body. The removable locking device is then reattached to the suspension support structure locking the support structure and suspension into a new fixed position relative to the trailer body.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixed position suspension and support structure attached to the trailer body using a locking device consisting of pins, bolts and/or other fastening devices. The support structure has a removable locking device that when attached to the support structure locks the support structure and suspension into a fixed position relative to the trailer body. When the trailer is not in operation, the locking device can be removed allowing the suspension group to be reconfigured, and each suspension to be repositioned relative to the trailer body. The removable locking device is then reattached to the suspension support structure locking the support structure and suspension into a new fixed position relative to the trailer body.

Abstract: A pull rod bag with telescopic wheels (1) and a wheel telescoping operation mechanism, the wheel telescoping operation mechanism comprising: two pushing parts (9), the front end of each pushing part (9) can be connected with the rotating shaft (7) of a corresponding telescopic wheel (1); a transmission unit, comprising a transmission rod (8), two ends of the transmission rod (8) are connected with the rear end of a corresponding pushing part (9), respectively, such that the rotating shaft (7) of the corresponding telescopic wheel (1) can be driven to move back and forth in a mounting groove (45) when the transmission rod (8) moves up and down; and two locking parts (3), each locking part (3) can cooperate with a corresponding pushing part (9) so that the rotating shaft (7) of the telescopic wheel (1) connected with the corresponding pushing part (9) is locked in a folded state or an unfolded state.

Abstract: A self initiated prone progressive crawler facilitates crawling in infants by sensing the infant's intent and assisting movement. The device is designed as a mobility aid to assist an infant in prone locomotion. The infant can be placed in a prone position on a platform and secured with hook and loop straps. The arms and legs are unconstrained and are able to reach the floor comfortably. The self initiated prone progressive crawler is a motorized wheeled platform which has three points of contact with the ground. One point is an industrial trackball, mounted upside down to provide positional and positional derivative data to a controller. It is located roughly under the chest of the infant and is highly sensitive to movement. The other points of contact are two DC torque motors which are controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A sliding fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a longitudinal rail having a substantially vertical side member, a first end portion, and a second end portion. At least one carriage bracket is slidably engaged with the longitudinal rail. The carriage bracket is adapted to support a hitch plate. An engagement assembly is coupled with the carriage bracket for releasably engaging the longitudinal rail along a length of the longitudinal rail between the first and second end portions. At least one slide stop laterally extends from the substantially vertical side member of the longitudinal rail proximate at least a select one of the first end portion and the second end portion. The slide stop is positioned to abut the carriage bracket, thereby limiting a sliding motion of the hitch plate with respect to the longitudinal rail.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a foldable vehicle has a foldable chassis. The wheelbase (and thus the overall footprint) of the vehicle can be reduced when parking, and can be extended when driving on the open road. In exemplary implementations the ability to shorten and lengthen the wheelbase is achieved by using two 4-bar linkages, activated by one or more linear actuators positioned in parallel. The dual 4-bar linkage and linear actuator(s) can provide: (i) the ability to maintain full maneuverability in the vehicle's folded and unfolded state; (ii) a fail-safe static system, and (iii) a rigid but transformable chassis.

Abstract: The stair-climbing apparatus has a series of articulating wheel sets extending below the platform. All of the wheel sets are vertically adjustable to negotiate stairways and similar changes of elevation. The lead wheel set is fixed longitudinally relative to the platform, while following wheel sets are longitudinally adjustable to adjust for the pitch or slope of different stairways. The apparatus uses sensors (e.g., mechanical, infrared, ultrasonic, etc.) to detect the presence of the stair risers and their height, control of the assembly being accomplished by a control circuit on board the machine. The wheel sets are raised and lowered independently of one another by pantograph mechanisms extending between the platform and the wheel sets. The horizontally adjustable wheel sets are positioned by a longitudinally disposed rack on the platform.

Abstract: A trailer slider locking system includes body rails longitudinally slidable relative to a suspension frame side rail. The body rails have holes providing multiple suspension positions. A pin locking system includes a pin moveable between retracted and locked positions. An end of the pin is received in one of the holes in the locked position. The pins have tapered ends so that the pin will extend through the body rail hole prior to advancing to the fully locked position.

Abstract: The rollover prevention apparatus defines an adaptive steering range limiting device comprising a control unit and a pair of opposing unidirectional brake assemblies mounted to a steering column position detection disc. The rollover prevention apparatus prevents the steering wheel of the vehicle from being turned beyond the threshold of vehicle rollover, but otherwise does not restrict the rotational range of motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle.

Abstract: The stair-climbing apparatus has a series of articulating wheel sets extending below the platform. All of the wheel sets are vertically adjustable to negotiate stairways and similar changes of elevation. The lead wheel set is fixed longitudinally relative to the platform, while following wheel sets are longitudinally adjustable to adjust for the pitch or slope of different stairways. The apparatus uses sensors (e.g., mechanical, infrared, ultrasonic, etc.) to detect the presence of the stair risers and their height, control of the assembly being accomplished by a control circuit on board the machine. The wheel sets are raised and lowered independently of one another by pantograph mechanisms extending between the platform and the wheel sets. The horizontally adjustable wheel sets are positioned by a longitudinally disposed rack on the platform.

Abstract: A tandem bar guide pin assembly for independently adjusting a tandem bar on a trailer to desired position for even weight distribution includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. The second end is configured for insertion into a hole on a tandem bar whereby the shaft is positioned to obstruct movement of a trailer along the tandem bar. A head is coupled to the first end of the shaft to preventing the first end of the shaft from passing through the hole in the tandem bar. A slot extending into the head is configured for receiving a flange of the tandem bar. The flange is adjacent the hole of the tandem bar. Thus when the slot is engaged, the shaft is prevented from rotating in the hole of the tandem bar.

Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle trailer includes a pair of elongated, spaced-apart parallel main members, each one having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical walls. At least one cross member extends between and attaches to the main members, and includes a pair of spaced apart parallel transversely-extending vertical walls. Each one of a first pair of hangers includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel vertical walls that generally align and attach to the main member vertical walls. Each hanger includes a hanger support having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical webs integrally formed with a diagonally extending side member. The hanger support attaches to the inboard hanger wall and also to the cross member. The frame reduces weight and provides improved reaction of longitudinal and side loads, yet still efficiently reacts vertical and racking loads imparted on the frame during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a vehicle and its axles exceed predetermined roadway weight limitations. Air fittings are installed in the air-ride systems of the vehicle. Air pressure readings taken using a hand held gauge are compared to maximum pressure values marked on the vehicle. If the air pressure exceeds the values, weight may be redistributed, if possible, until measured pressure is equal to or less than the maximum pressure values. The method allows an operator to quickly confirm that the total weight and axle weight does not exceed legal limits without the use of truck scales.

Abstract: The stair-climbing apparatus has a series of articulating wheel sets extending below the platform. All of the wheel sets are vertically adjustable to negotiate stairways and similar changes of elevation. The lead wheel set is fixed longitudinally relative to the platform, while following wheel sets are longitudinally adjustable to adjust for the pitch or slope of different stairways. The apparatus uses sensors (e.g., mechanical, infrared, ultrasonic, etc.) to detect the presence of the stair risers and their height, control of the assembly being accomplished by a control circuit on board the machine. The wheel sets are raised and lowered independently of one another by pantograph mechanisms extending between the platform and the wheel sets. The horizontally adjustable wheel sets are positioned by a longitudinally disposed rack on the platform.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine, in particular a self-propelled forage harvester, has a body which includes frame parts and parts of the outer shell, a chassis having at least two drive axles which form the ground drive, and various working units and drive units, and the harvesting machine is separatable into at least one front module and one rear module which are displaceable relative to one another.

Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle trailer includes a pair of elongated, spaced-apart parallel main members, each one having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical walls. At least one cross member extends between and attaches to the main members, and includes a pair of spaced apart parallel transversely-extending vertical walls. Each one of a first pair of hangers includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel vertical walls that generally align and attach to the main member vertical walls. Each hanger includes a hanger support having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical webs integrally formed with a diagonally extending side member. The hanger support attaches to the inboard hanger wall and also to the cross member. The frame reduces weight and provides improved reaction of longitudinal and side loads, yet still efficiently reacts vertical and racking loads imparted on the frame during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixed position suspension and support structure attached to the trailer body using a locking device consisting of pins, bolts and/or other fastening devices. The support structure has a removable locking device that when attached to the support structure locks the support structure and suspension into a fixed position relative to the trailer body. When the trailer is not in operation, the locking device can be removed allowing the suspension group to be reconfigured, and each suspension to be repositioned relative to the trailer body. The removable locking device is then reattached to the suspension support structure locking the support structure and suspension into a new fixed position relative to the trailer body.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixed position suspension and support structure attached to the trailer body using a locking device consisting of pins, bolts and/or other fastening devices. The support structure has a removable locking device that when attached to the support structure locks the support structure and suspension into a fixed position relative to the trailer body. When the trailer is not in operation, the locking device can be removed allowing the suspension group to be reconfigured, and each suspension to be repositioned relative to the trailer body. The removable locking device is then reattached to the suspension support structure locking the support structure and suspension into a new fixed position relative to the trailer body.

Abstract: A locking pin mechanism for a transport semi-trailer, the locking pin mechanism is used for locking longitudinally extending members of a frame of a transport semi-trailer together with a trailer body movably arranged on the longitudinally extending members. The locking pin mechanism comprises at least two bolt assemblies and a linkage assembly for driving the at least two bolt assemblies. The bolt assembly comprises a bolt, an inner spring, a sliding sleeve, an outer spring and a bracket. The sliding sleeve at an end away from its sliding sleeve end-plate is connected with the linkage assembly; the linkage assembly can be pulled such that the sliding sleeve of the bolt assembly is compresses the inner and outer springs to force the bolt to be pulled out from a locating hole under an action of an elastic force of the inner spring; and after the linkage assembly is released, the bolt can be inserted into the locating hole under the action of the elastic force of the outer spring.

Abstract: Heavy equipment trailer and deck extension. The trailer has an elongated main deck with longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides thereof, and ground engaging wheels toward the rear of the main deck. The extension has longitudinally extending frame members aligned with the frame members of the main deck, and coupling pins extend between the frame members of the main deck and the extension in load supporting relationship, with lock pins preventing longitudinal separation of the main deck and the extension. C-shaped channel members extend along the upper, lower, and outer sides of the extension, past the coupling pins, and along upper, lower, and outer side portions of the frame members of the main deck to hold the frame members in alignment and prevent sagging under load conditions.

Abstract: A flatbed trailer comprising front and rear flatbed trailer sections and a method of operation is provided. In one embodiment, a first support assembly is configured to lift the front flatbed trailer section relative to the rear flatbed trailer section, and second support assembly is configured to lift the rear flatbed trailer section relative to the front flatbed trailer section. Roller wheels may provide rolling engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and slide members may provide sliding engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections.

Abstract: A trailer slider locking system includes body rails longitudinally slidable relative to a suspension frame side rail. The body rails have holes providing multiple suspension positions. A pin locking system includes a pin moveable between retracted and locked positions. An end of the pin is received in one of the holes in the locked position. The pins have tapered ends so that the pin will extend through the body rail hole prior to advancing to the fully locked position.

Abstract: A trailer is provided with a bed and a slidably adjustable axle assembly. The bed includes a frame with left and right, inverted U-shaped channels. The axle assembly includes left and right rails upon which the channels are slidably mounted. Pins extend through the channels, but not through the rails, to limit sliding movement of the bed relative to the axle assembly. The pins are inserted into the channels with a twist lock action under spring bias. Lock members are provided to prevent accidental removal of a pin from the channel during travel.

Abstract: A trailer slider locking system includes body rails longitudinally slidable relative to a suspension frame side rail. The body rails have holes providing multiple suspension positions. A pin locking system includes a pin moveable between retracted and locked positions. An end of the pin is received in one of the holes in the locked position. The pin has a first centerline and the holes have a second centerline. The end of the pin extends through the hole with the centerlines being offset from one another in the locked position. The pins have tapered ends so that the pin will extend through the body rail hole prior to advancing to the fully locked position.

Abstract: A locking pin mechanism for a transport semi-trailer, the locking pin mechanism is used for locking longitudinally extending members of a frame of a transport semi-trailer together with a trailer body movably arranged on the longitudinally extending members. The locking pin mechanism comprises at least two bolt assemblies and a linkage assembly for driving the at least two bolt assemblies. The bolt assembly comprises a bolt, an inner spring, a sliding sleeve, an outer spring and a bracket. The sliding sleeve at an end away from its sliding sleeve end-plate is connected with the linkage assembly; the linkage assembly can be pulled such that the sliding sleeve of the bolt assembly is compresses the inner and outer springs to force the bolt to be pulled out from a locating hole under an action of an elastic force of the inner spring; and after the linkage assembly is released, the bolt can be inserted into the locating hole under the action of the elastic force of the outer spring.

Abstract: A trailer-locking pin locating device comprising an elongated body having a first end, a second end, a crossbar located proximal the first end of the elongated body with the crossbar slidably supported by elongated body and positioned at an angle to the elongated body, a securing member connecting the elongated body to a portion of a semi-trailer, a signaling member comprising a rod having a first highly visible end and a second end, a resiliently flexible member connecting the second end of the rod to the elongated body with the highly visible end of the rod extending beyond the second end of the elongated body in a normal condition, a rod holder for supporting the signaling member in a loaded condition, and a trigger mechanism located on the elongated body with trigger mechanism displacing the signaling member from the loaded condition to the normal condition when triggered.

Abstract: A land vehicle includes a wheeled axle that is operable to be selectively self-steering. The axle includes a ground wheel that is operable to be selectively locked into a straight-ahead position so that self-steering is restricted. The land vehicle also includes a wheel lockout indicator system that is operable to sense when the ground wheel is locked in the straight-ahead position and can alert an operator by confirming that the ground wheel has been locked in the straight-ahead position.

Abstract: A variable wheel base vehicle includes a vehicle body having front end rear ends supporting body members one of which is capable of displacement relative to the other. Drive motors mounted to the vehicle body are linked to the body members. A carriage assembly including drive wheels provide support for the vehicle body. An extension assembly responsive to the drive motor is connected to at least one of the body members. Upon actuation of the drive motor, the extension assembly enables one body member to displace relative to the other body member to enable extension and retraction of the vehicle wheel base. Each body member includes at least one wheel of the carriage assembly and, as a result of displacement of one body member relative to the other body member, the displaced body member provides increased counterbalance in the vehicle.