Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for interfaces for remote trailer maneuver-assist. An example trailer maneuver-assist system includes a mobile device including a touchscreen to present an interface. The interface includes an icon for receiving a direction-of-travel and a track for receiving a continuous motion input. The example trailer maneuver-assist system also includes a vehicle. The vehicle includes a communication module for wireless communication with the mobile device and a local control unit that performs motive functions in the direction-of-travel while the mobile device receives the continuous motion input via the touchscreen.

Abstract: A vehicle 1 towing a trailer 4 is fitted with three video cameras 5, 6, 7 fitted to the rear of the vehicle and on each door mirror. A view from any camera can be presented to the driver on a display 11. A predicted trailer path, calculated in a computing unit 10, is also presented to the driver on the display 11 as guide lines overlaid on the camera view. The computing unit 10 is also configured to calculate a hitch angle by tracking the position of a trailer-mounted marker in the camera view.

Abstract: Coupling arrangement for a dolly, and a dolly equipped with such an arrangement, includes a female connecting part and a male connecting part. The male connecting part includes a draw bar and a connecting peg and the female part comprises an at least partially closed recess having an area limited by at least partially closed wall having a height and including at least a concave guiding part and a ceiling positioned to form the at least a partially closed recess with the wall. A hole is provided in the ceiling at the tip of the concave part of the wall dimensioned to receive the connecting peg.

Abstract: A trailer backup steering input apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus comprises a rotatable control element (e.g., a knob) and a rotatable control element movement sensing device. The rotatable control element biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The rotatable control element movement sensing device is coupled to the rotatable control element for sensing movement of the rotatable control element. The rotatable control element movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the rotatable control element, and/or a direction of movement of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position.

Abstract: A system and method for steering an oversized trailer is described herein. In one embodiment, the system can comprise a steering frame, a column, and one or more biasing devices. The steering frame can be horizontally positionable at the bottom of a center support. The steering frame can comprise a pair of stabilizers and a track rod. The stabilizers can be mounted to the steering frame. Further, the center support can be positionable between the stabilizers. Additionally, The track rod can be mateable with a dolly. The column sleeve can be mateable to the track rod. Furthermore, the biasing device can be connected to the track rod and the column sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle (1), comprising a vehicle part (26) comprising:—a connecting frame (20) mountable in substantially rigid manner on the vehicle;—a transport frame connectable to the connecting frame and provided with at least two steerable wheels (32, 34); and—wherein control means are provided which are adapted to counter-steer the steerable wheels of the vehicle part relative to the front wheels (4) of the vehicle, and to adjust the steering angle of the steerable wheels such that an imaginary axis through the rotation shaft of the steerable wheels of the vehicle part intersects at the intersection an imaginary axis through the left front wheel of the vehicle, an imaginary axis through the right front wheel of the vehicle and an imaginary axis through the rear wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for disabling the implement steering system of a towed implement includes monitoring the position of the implement while in transport and if the implement is outside a correctable position, automatically disabling the implement steering system. The method further includes monitoring the speed of the implement with the implement steering system disabled and if the speed remains below a threshold for a predefined period then enabling manual control of the implement steering system.

Abstract: A trailer for a trailer truck, comprising a chassis provided with a central chassis element and at least one axle with independent wheel suspension, which is connected to the chassis, the wheel suspension comprising a first, lower wheel suspension arm that is pivotally connected to the chassis about a first pivot axis that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the chassis, a second, higher wheel suspension arm that is pivotally connected to the chassis about a second pivot axis, a steering knuckle connecting the first wheel suspension arm and the second wheel suspension arm, a wheel axle attached to the steering knuckle, on which a wheel is rotatably mounted. The second pivot axis extends substantially in the transverse direction of the chassis, with the second end of the second wheel suspension being spaced from the first end of the second wheel suspension arm, seen in the longitudinal direction of the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering device (I) comprising a steering member (10) for mutually steering a first vehicle unit (2) and a second vehicle unit (3) of an articulated vehicle (1) comprising means (30, 32) for mutually pivoting said vehicle units, wherein the steering device comprises a housing configuration (50) arranged to form a supply space between said vehicle units (2, 3), comprising means (5, 6, 8, S; 60, 62, A, O) arranged for removal of stuff in the supply space (S) incoming from the surrounding. The invention also relates to an articulated vehicle with a steering member.

Abstract: Here invented are efficient road vehicles having special aerodynamic shapes, with stabilizing provisions that enable aerodynamic efficiency. It is a vehicle that is configured to include a carriage part that encloses a driver and passenger riding in tandem. This car width is for persons seated in single file, enabling a narrow width that makes a body shaped like an airship practical, where that shape is characterized by a very low drag coefficient in free flow conditions. This body is elevated on struts above a wheel system to enable such free flow aerodynamic conditions, thus, the drag coefficient of the airship is made applicable to this road vehicle. The wheel system includes wheels on each side of the vehicle that are arranged in horizontal columns, to which the struts are attached. The horizontal columns act as individual aerodynamic entities that function independently of the carriage aerodynamic operation.

Abstract: A trailer for a trailer truck, comprising a chassis provided with a central chassis element and at least one axle with independent wheel suspension, which is connected to the chassis, the wheel suspension comprising a first, lower wheel suspension arm that is pivotally connected to the chassis about a first pivot axis that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the chassis, a second, higher wheel suspension arm that is pivotally connected to the chassis about a second pivot axis, a steering knuckle connecting the first wheel suspension arm and the second wheel suspension arm, a wheel axle attached to the steering knuckle, on which a wheel is rotatably mounted. The second pivot axis extends substantially in the transverse direction of the chassis, with the second end of the second wheel suspension being spaced from the first end of the second wheel suspension arm, seen in the longitudinal direction of the chassis.

Abstract: A steerable agricultural implement configured to be coupled to a tractor by a multi-point hitch system that restrains side-to-side articulation between the tractor and the implement. The agricultural implement includes a steering controller that receives a positional attribute from a steering system of the tractor and controls a degree of pivot of a wheel assembly of the agricultural implement based on the positional attribute of the tractor steering system. The wheel assembly is configured with a steering actuator that is operable to pivot a portion of the wheel assembly without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, abutment stops to define maximum degrees of pivot of the portion of the wheel assembly and relieve the steering actuator without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, and a quick release free-wheel mechanism to enable a disconnected or “free wheel” operation of the wheel assembly independent of the steering actuator.

Abstract: A dual lane, multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes a forward module mounted on a plurality of axles and a rearward module mounted on a plurality of axles. The forward module is mechanically connected to the rearward module for providing a dual lane transport body. The forward module and the rearward module of the transport body each have a single central spine wherein the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module are each attached to the corresponding single central spine. The axles of both the forward module and the rearward module have an axle spacing of at least six feet. A hydraulic suspension is provided for dynamically stabilizing the axles for reducing axle yaw. An axle steering system having a plurality of steering rods controls the position of the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module.

Abstract: An articulated harvester is composed of a forward bogey having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, but being devoid of an on-board grain bin. A rearward bogey is attached by a joint to the forward bogey and has a powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward bogey grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The improvement includes the rearward bogey having a powered wheel assembly of a powered stiff axle wheel assembly pivotable for steering the articulated harvester when the joint has articulated by a defined number of degrees. The joint may be connected to the rearward bogey powered stiff axle wheel assembly by a beam that has a second joint disposed ahead of the stiff axle and actuatable to crab the articulated harvester for grain unloading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering device for mutually steering a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit of an articulated vehicle, which vehicle comprises a substantially vertical link shaft about which said vehicle units are pivotable, first and second steering elements arranged to mutually turn said vehicle units, wherein the steering device comprises a housing configuration arranged to form a supply space between said vehicle units. The invention also relates to an articulated vehicle with a steering device.

Abstract: A dolly for the transport of elongated loads which includes an adjustable steer linkage assembly, an adjustable steer ratio, means for switching between rear- and forward-steering, and manual over-ride of the self-steering configuration. All of these adjustments can be achieved without the need to manually delink subassemblies.

Abstract: The steerable conveyor includes a conveyor frame supported on a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels at laterally opposed first and second sides of the conveyor. The conveyor includes a hitch for connection to a towing vehicle such that the conveyor is pivotal relative to the towing vehicle about a vertical steering axis. A steering mechanism is arranged to pivot all of the steerable wheels relative to the conveyor frame about respective upright steering axes in a common direction of rotation such that the conveyor is arranged to be steered relative to the towing vehicle about the vertical steering axis by steering the conveyor wheels relative to the conveyor frame when the conveyor is towed by the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Here is invented an efficient road vehicles having special aerodynamic shapes, with stabilizing devices that enable aerodynamic efficiency. It is an articulated vehicle that is tall and narrow. It includes a carriage part that encloses a driver and passenger riding in tandem. This car is only wide enough for persons seated in single file, so it has very low projected frontal area compared with typical cars. Further, the narrow width makes a body shaped like an airship practical, where that shape is characterized by a very low drag coefficient in free flow conditions. The carriage is elevated on struts to enable such free flow aerodynamic conditions, thus the drag coefficient of the airship is made applicable to this road vehicle. Because this car has both low frontal area and low drag coefficient it will require minimal energy for high speed operation.

Abstract: A steering system and method are capable of steering a plurality of vehicles arranged in a train with adjacent vehicles pivotally connected to each other for movement about a vertical axis. Each vehicle has a pair of steerable wheels with one pair at one end of the train being a selected leading pair having its steering angle determined by an operator. An electrical control system automatically steers all of the wheels trailing behind the leading pair. Vehicle angle sensors measure intercar angles between adjacent vehicles and provide this information to the control system. An indicator provides the controller with the current distance traveled by the train. Wheel angle sensors provide signals indicative of the current steering angle for each wheel pair. The controller adjusts the actual steering angle for each trailing pair to a desired angle by calculating adjustments based on the measurement inputs.

Abstract: A braking and steering assembly in a vehicle having a pushing section and a riding section. The assembly includes an upper connection post containing braking and steering components for the riding section. The upper connection post has an upper end and a lower threaded end. The assembly further includes a lower connection post containing braking and steering components for the pushing section. The lower connection post has an aperture for threadedly receiving the lower threaded end of the upper connection post. The assembly also includes a rotatable front knob fixed to the upper end of the upper connection post. Rotatably tightening the front knob connects the lower end of the upper connection post with the upper end of the lower connection post. Braking and steering in the riding section controls braking and steering in the pushing section.

Abstract: An oscillating in-line steering system for a pulled agricultural implement includes first and second in-line axles pivotably coupled with a frame. The system also includes at least first and second in-line wheel arrangements pivotably coupled with the first and second axles respectively. Each wheel arrangement has a plurality of pivotable wheel assemblies arranged in-line and wheel linkages coupling the in-line wheel assemblies such that in-line wheel assemblies oscillate together. A right-to-left linkage couples the wheel linkage of the first in-line wheel arrangement to the wheel linkage of the second in-line wheel arrangement so that the first in-line wheel arrangement oscillates at a steering angle proportional to that of the second in-line wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle for pushing and riding, the vehicle including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the frame has a lower connection post containing braking and steering components and the rear portion of the frame has an upper connection post containing braking and steering components for the rear portion. The upper and lower connection posts are threadedly engaged within a steering portion of the frame. A hitch beam on the front portion forms part of the frame. A hitch clamp on the rear portion of the frame is fastened around the hitch beam for connecting the front portion and the rear portion of the frame. A pair of front wheels is operationally connected to the front portion of the frame. At least one rear wheel is operationally connected to the rear portion of the frame.

Abstract: A steering system for a tractor and trailer includes first and second sender cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other, and first and second receiver cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other. First and second front link members connect the first and second sender cylinders to a front equalizer arm, and first and second rear link members connect the first and second receiver cylinders to a rear equalizer arm. The pistons of the cylinders travel in straight paths experiencing no side loads, and each piston travels the same distance as the tractor turns with respect to the trailer.

Abstract: A dual lane, multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes a forward module mounted on a plurality of axles and a rearward module mounted on a plurality of axles. The forward module is mechanically connected to the rearward module for providing a dual lane transport body. The forward module and the rearward module of the transport body each have a single central spine wherein the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module are each attached to the corresponding single central spine. The axles of both the forward module and the rearward module have an axle spacing of at least six feet. A hydraulic suspension is provided for dynamically stabilizing the axles for reducing axle yaw. An axle steering system having a plurality of steering rods controls the position of the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module.

Abstract: A belted asphalt compactor and method are provided. The compactor includes a first unit with a roller frame. A second unit is coupled to the first unit, and is generally identical thereto. At least one mid roller and two end rollers are mounted in the roller frames, and a compactor belt extends about the rollers. Load adjusters are associated with each of the units and operable distribute a load among the rollers. A steering system is operable to rotate one of the first unit and the second unit about a vertical axis relative to the other unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a critical breakthrough in wheeled vehicle concepts, by enabling stable vehicle operations, where wheelbase configuration varies in relation to the need for roll preventing force. This enables a new form of automobile that is especially suited for electric adaptation. The invention is an articulated vehicle that includes a stabilizer part and a carriage part where the two parts are linked by a two axis joint that locks the parts together in regard to relative roll motion, but allows pitch attitude and yaw attitude of each part to be mutually independent. Such a joint allows wheels to maintain firm contact with road surfaces while liking to cause the carriage to follow the stabilizer, and enables roll stabiliztion effects. In a turn condition, the stabilizer extends a wheel toward the outside of the turn such that upward force on that wheel counters roll torque that occurs due to radial acceleration due to the turning radius and speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a trailer for use as part of an articulated vehicle (15) with improved cornering characteristics. The trailer includes: a main chassis (18) connectable to a wheeled section (16) of the vehicle immediately ahead of the trailer so that the trailer is rotatable relative to the wheeled section (16) about a substantially upright first axis (19) in the main chassis (18); a sub-chassis (20) having ground-engaging wheels (21) mounted thereto, the sub-chassis (20) being connected to the main chassis (18) and pivotable about a substantially upright second axis (23) in the main chassis (18); and stop means arranged for limiting rotation of the sub-chassis (20) about the second axis (23) and away from a position of a longitudinal alignment with the main chassis (18). The stop means is movable responsively to relative rotation of the wheeled section (16) and the main chassis (18) about the first axis (19).

Abstract: A liquid manure spreader is described which comprises a frame having a plurality of frame portions and having articulation means between each frame portion for permitting relative movement of each frame portion in response to directional changes of the liquid manure spreader. Such an arrangement facilitates turning of the liquid manure spreader. The liquid manure spreader also comprises two or more liquid manure tanks which are in fluid communication with each other. A pump may be used to re-circulate the liquid manure between the tanks, transfer the liquid manure to a spreader means, or both. Liquid manure can also be transferred between the tanks to thereby achieve a pre-determined weight distribution between the tanks. Such a fluid arrangement permits better weight distribution leading to better handling of the manure spreader.

Abstract: A control system for estimating the tongue length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle in connection with a front wheel steering with or without a coordinated rear wheel steering associated with the vehicle. The control signal system employs an algorithm that calculates an estimated hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on an estimated tongue length, a front wheel steering angle, a rear wheel steering angle, a measured hitch angle, vehicle speed and vehicle yaw rate. The estimated hitch angle is compared to the measured hitch angle to generate a hitch angle error that is converted to a tongue length error. The tongue length error is compared to the estimated tongue length to become a corrected estimated tongue length for a next computation period. After a few seconds of processing, the corrected estimated tongue length will be the actual tongue length of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism to compensate for instabilities including a vehicle frame, a front axle coupled to the vehicle frame, the front axle further coupled to two front wheels, a rear axle coupled to the vehicle frame, the rear axle further coupled to two rear wheels, an actuator for changing the direction and angle of the two rear wheels, a trailer hitch coupled to the frame, at least one sensor for measuring instability in the trailer hitch, a controller processing the measured instability, and where the controller controls the actuator and the direction and angle of the two rear wheels to compensate for the measured instability.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a shifting apparatus for a vehicle transmission which can easily adjust the initial load and the following shock load over a predetermined stroke with keeping the static strength of the shock absorbing members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the steering of a trailing section of a multi-sectioned vehicle is described. The trailing section follows the path of the first section. Data is acquired by a controller from sensors on the various sections. The controller then processes this data, generating a configuration needed for the controller-steered wheels to follow a path approximately equivalent to the path taken by the first steered section. Power is then applied by some means to steer these controller-steered wheels, forcing them into the desired configuration. The complexity of the control system can be varied with different algorithms providing alternative steering patterns as desired. This system can be extended with more trailing sections without necessitating more than minor changes to the control algorithms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compactor comprising at least one drum unit (14, 15) in which a cylindrical drum (21) is rotationally mounted about its axle (40), the at least one drum unit (14, 15) being rotationally mounted about a steering axis (18) on a chassis frame (45) of the compactor (10) and connected to a middle piece (27, 35) rotationally mounted via two opposing maintenance-free angular-contact articulation joints (28, 34) about the steering axis (18) on two trunnions (31) non-rotatively connected to a mounting fixture (16, 17) on the chassis frame (45).

Abstract: A steering system for a towed implement includes a first double-acting hydraulic actuator that is coupled between the towing vehicle and the towed implement such as that turning the towing vehicle relative to the towed implement results in fluid being forced out of the first actuator and into a second double-acting hydraulic actuator that is coupled for effecting steering of a steerable wheel of the towed implement. The piston rod of the second actuator is coupled to the piston rod of a third double-acting hydraulic actuator forming part of a control for steering the towed implement wheel independently of the turning action of the towing vehicle in order to straighten the steered wheel so that the implement may be moved backwards with out any problems. In one embodiment, the towed implement frame is made so as to be extensible and retractable in the fore-and-aft direction.

Abstract: A multiple axle trailer is disclosed consisting of a main chassis articulated to a tractor unit and a sub-chassis relative to which the main chassis rotates on a turntable. The sub-chassis has a pair of forward wheel (3) and pair of rear wheels (4), each of which rotates on a stub axle and king pin assembly (6). A steering mounting has two swinging arms depending from the main chassis, joined at their free ends by a horizontal tie. A primary link of a linkage mechanism is coupled to the horizontal tie, the linkage mechanism coupling the wheels to the steering mounting such that rotation of the main chassis relative to the sub-chassis causes the stub axles to pivot about the king pins. Movement of the swinging arms causes the line of action of the primary link to cross the axis about which the main chassis rotates relative to the sub-chassis, reversing the direction of steer for when the trailer is backed up.

Abstract: A steering system for a multiple vehicle train that is pulled by a prime mover. A series of connected adjacent leading and trailing vehicles each have a single axle mounted under a rear body portion and are equipped with a triangular linkage. The linkage is defined by three connections: a pivotal connection of the axle to a rear portion of the vehicle body; a pivotal connection between the bodies of the leading and trailing vehicles; and a fore and aft movable connection between the body of the trailing vehicle and a tongue that extends back from the axle. When the vehicle train is traveling straight ahead, the movable connection is in its forwardmost position and the three connection points are aligned in a straight line where the axle is disposed perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A steerable machinery trailer (1) has a chassis (2, 33, 35, 36) intermediate a pivotal towing attachment (26, 29, 30, 46) and trailer wheels (3) proximate a rear portion of the chassis. The trailer wheels have pivotal attachment to the trailer and are pivotal for steering with a steering shaft (4) that is length-controllable intermediate rigid positioning on the chassis and a steering arm (6) attached to a steering rod (7) that is connected to a pivotal attachment of the trailer wheels to the chassis. Separately and optionally from being pivotal on the pivotal towing attachment by wheel-following of the trailer wheels, the chassis is pivotal on the pivotal towing attachment with a positioning shaft (8) that is length controllable intermediate rigid positioning on the chassis and a rigid lateral attachment (5, 9) to the towing vehicle. Length changes of the steering shaft steer the trailer wheels to guide the rear portion of the trailer from-side-to-side for selective turn-positioning of the trailer wheels.

Abstract: An articulated train such as a coal haulage system includes first, second, third and fourth vehicles pivotally pinned to one another in end-to-end relationship. In the improvement, the train includes a steering system having first mechanism for selectively securing the second and third vehicles in aligned relationship and second mechanism for selectively securing the third and fourth vehicles in aligned relationship. Turn control mechanism unlocks the first mechanism when the first vehicle turns through a predetermined angle. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second mechanism includes an actuator and a hydraulic valve which coacts with such actuator. The steering system locks those vehicles following the first vehicle in an aligned (i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to transport vehicles and combinations thereof and their tow bar constructions comprising a tow bar journalled to the front of the chassis rotatably relative to a vertical and a horizontal axle, and structure for turning the axle. The structure for turning the axle comprise a steering lever secured to the tow bar rotatably relative to the center line of its vertical axle, and supporting arms secured at one end to the steering lever on opposite sides of the vertical axle and at the other end to the axle on its opposite sides.

Abstract: A crop harvester having a wheeled frame with a tongue pivotally connected to the frame in the vicinity of a longitudinal centerline. The tongue, rotatable about a first generally vertical pivot axis, is swingable between extreme left and right positions on opposing sides of the longitudinal centerline with its distal end adapted for connection to a prime mover. A drive line transmits rotational power from the prime mover. A crop harvesting header, suspended from the frame in a forward disposition, includes operable components for engaging and processing crop material as the harvester is pulled over a field of standing crop. A gearbox receives rotational power from the drive line and transmits it to the operable components. The gearbox, mounted on the crop harvesting header in the vicinity of the longitudinal centerline forwardly of the first generally vertical pivot axis, is journaled for rotation about a second generally vertical pivot axis.

Abstract: A powered towing vehicle having steering wheels and a wheeled trailer is connected to the vehicle for its towing. The wheels of the trailer are connected to a source of power for generating forward and rearward movement of the trailer. These wheels also are connected to a source of power for turning such wheels in order to steer the trailer. These wheels further are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the trailer wheels as they are being steered. The steering wheels of the towing vehicle also are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the vehicle wheels as they are being steered. The trailer steering wheel sensor is displayed to an operator of the vehicle so that the vehicle operator knows the relative position of each of the steering wheels. The trailer steering power source is connected to the vehicle so that an operator of the vehicle can remotely steer the wheels of the trailer.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle comprising a first vehicle portion attached to a second vehicle portion by a joint assembly. The joint assembly preferably comprises a bearing assembly that is pivotally attached to the first vehicle portion such that the bearing assembly can pivot relative to the first vehicle portion about a substantially horizontal axis that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The bearing assembly is also preferably pivotally attached to the second vehicle portion such that the bearing assembly can pivot relative to the second vehicle portion about a substantially vertical axis. The bearing assembly is preferably constructed to enable the first vehicle portion to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the second vehicle portion.

Abstract: An articulated trailer utilizing two pivot points and an angular transfer system to control the radial movement of the front axle during turning is disclosed. The articulated trailer comprises an elongated carriage having two spaced-part, wheeled axles. The rear axle rigidly attaches to the carriage while the front axle is pivotally mounted. The carriage front end comprises two spaced-apart pivot points, a hollow jack column assembly and a tongue assembly. A structural assembly supports the jack column assembly and the tongue assembly. A draw bar extends from the tongue assembly to the draft vehicle. Tie-rods attach the ends of the upper tongue assembly to a pair of plates. The plates are interconnected by a shaft. A responder plate is coupled to an electric motor. The electric motor selectively rotates to effect the radial movement of the tongue assembly to transfer angular movement to the jack column assembly.

Abstract: A steerable, load-supporting dolly is provided wherein the dolly is self-steerable in response to the loading thereon. Controllable responsiveness of the steering is provided by at least one king-pin, the castor of which may be selectively varied.

Abstract: The invention relates to the control of the steering of the wheels of a dolly interposed between a tractor and a semi-trailer. The bars controlling the steering of the wheels of the dolly are actuated by a power system controlled from a pilot stage detecting the steering movement of the wheels of the tractor. The pilot stage comprises a pilot link freely rotating on a shaft and driven in rotation by a transmission connected to the steering lever of the wheels of the tractor; the rotation of the pilot link selectively controls a hydraulic valve which actuates a double-acting actuator connected to a link controlling the steering bars.

Abstract: A baggage cart intended to be selectively coupled to other carts to form a train of carts comprises a body and an undercarriage supporting the body. The body includes a double-walled plastic floor, a double-walled plastic roof, and a pair of double-walled plastic end members. Each of the end members has integral lower and upper extension portions extending toward and being fastened with the longitudinal ends of the floor and roof, respectively. The undercarriage includes a plurality of metal stringer members extending substantially the length of the body and attached thereto. A tower assembly is secured to the stringer members, and a steerable front axle assembly is disposed beneath the tower assembly, with a bearing member interconnecting the tower assembly and front axle assembly such that the front axle assembly is rotatable relative to the tower assembly.

Abstract: Steering mechanism for trailer wheels is provided with a slide having a tongue selectively engaged with and retracted from the fifth wheel of a tractor. When the tongue is engaged with the fifth wheel, any pivoting of the fifth wheel about the kingpin connection between the tractor and trailer, as when the tractor is steered from a straight ahead position relative to the trailer, causes the tongue to swing a link pivoted on the slide mechanism under the trailer. This swinging of the link drives a flexible cable to control a valve of a power steering system for the trailer rear wheels. The components are mounted under the floor of the trailer and a cable driven winch with a crank or power drive at the side of the trailer advances and retracts the slide to move the tongue into and out of engagement with the tractor fifth wheel. Magnets are mounted in the tongue and a torsion spring is provided in the winch mechanism to maintain tight contact between the tongue and fifth wheel.

Abstract: A baggage cart intended to be selectively coupled to other carts to form a train of carts comprises a body and an undercarriage supporting the body. The body includes a double-walled plastic floor, a double-walled plastic roof, and a pair of double-walled plastic end members. Each of the end members has integral lower and upper extension portions extending toward and being fastened with the longitudinal ends of the floor and roof, respectively. The undercarriage includes a plurality of metal stringer members extending substantially the length of the body and attached thereto. A tower assembly is secured to the stringer members, and a steerable front axle assembly is disposed beneath the tower assembly, with a bearing member interconnecting the tower assembly and front axle assembly such that the front axle assembly is rotatable relative to the tower assembly.

Abstract: A heavy load hauler for travelling on conventional road ways to move, for example heavy construction equipment such as cranes or the like from one work site to another. The hauler includes a front tractor drawn carriage, a rear carriage and a load unit disposed between and carried by such carriages. The front carriage is supported upon a multiplicity of independent wheel and axis units. There is a first fifth wheel coupling at the leading end of the front carriage, for connecting to the fifth wheel coupling of a tractor, and a second fifth wheel coupling spaced rearwardly therefrom. The load carrying rear carriage is also supported upon a multiplicity of independent wheel and axle units and there is a fifth wheel coupling intermediate the leading and trailing ends of such carriage.

Abstract: A powered towing vehicle having steering wheels and a wheeled trailer is connected to the vehicle for its towing. The wheels of the trailer are connected to a source of power for generating forward and rearward movement of the trailer. These wheels also are connected to a source of power for turning such wheels in order to steer the trailer. These wheels further are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the trailer wheels as they are being steered. The steering wheels of the towing vehicle also are connected to a sensor to sense the position of the vehicle wheels as they are being steered. The trailer steering wheel sensor is displayed to an operator of the vehicle so that the vehicle operator knows the relative position of each of the steering wheels. The trailer steering power source is connected to the vehicle so that an operator of the vehicle can remotely steer the wheels of the trailer.