Abstract: A transporting device for launching and hauling boats is provided. The device includes a frame arranged to support a boat hull and is provided with at least two pairs of wheels. Each pair of wheels is formed by two wheels aligned with each other on opposite sides of the frame, and the frame is further provided with one or more tracks. The device is capable of easily and effectively moving both on roads and other hard terrains, and on soft terrains, such as for instance sandy or muddy terrains. According to an embodiment, the wheels and the tracks are mounted on the frame so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the frame itself so that they can be selectively brought into contact with the underlying ground or moved away from ground depending on the kind of terrain on which the device is moving.

Abstract: A vehicle tire track system having a tread hub including at least one spoke assembly positioned in a radial direction from the center of the tread hub, with the tread hub rigidly connected to a driven wheel of the vehicle, a belt having internal teeth disposed on an inside surface of the belt, at least two roller arms, each rotatably connected at a first end to the tread hub, at least two rollers, each rotatably connected to a second end of the at least two roller arms, and a tensioning device, disposed to provide tension between the roller arms. The belt is connected around the spoke assemblies of the tread hub and at least two rollers, and the belt is driven as the driven wheel of the vehicle turns the tread hub and force is transferred from at least one spoke assembly to the internal teeth of the belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to track systems 14, 14? that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles 10. A preferred embodiment of the track system 14, 14? includes a frame 60, 182 having a reinforcing enclosure 150, 230, a plurality of track engaging rollers 82-86, 202-206, a sprocket 102, 214, and an endless track 76, 198 operatively connected to the frame 60, 182. Tension on the endless track 76, 198 is maintained with two tensioning members 170, 244 operatively connected to the forwardmost roller 82, 202. The track system 14, 14? preferably includes a limiting apparatus 300 that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame 60, 182 relative to a vehicle axle 16 to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus 300 has a first component 40, which is associated with the vehicle axle 16, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component 262, which is associated with the frame of the track system 14, 14?.

Abstract: The invention relates to track systems 14, 14? that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles 10. A preferred embodiment of the track system 14, 14? includes a frame 60, 182 having a reinforcing enclosure 150, 230, a plurality of track engaging rollers 82-86, 202-206, a sprocket 102, 214, and an endless track 76, 198 operatively connected to the frame 60, 182. Tension on the endless track 76, 198 is maintained with two tensioning members 170, 244 operatively connected to the forwardmost roller 82, 202. The track system 14, 14? preferably includes a limiting apparatus 300 that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame 60, 182 relative to a vehicle axle 16 to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus 300 has a first component 40, which is associated with the vehicle axle 16, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component 262, which is associated with the frame of the track system 14, 14?.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracked running gear, in which two running gears are arranged parallel to one another and each running gear has a longitudinal member (1) and a running gear chain (2) which runs around the longitudinal member in the longitudinal direction thereof and forms an upper and a lower strand, and at least one traction drive, composed of a motor, transmission and a drive gearwheel which meshes into the running gear chain and also a deflecting wheel which permits chain tensioning by means of a movement relative to the fixed part of the longitudinal member, characterized in that at least one additional traction drive (3) which acts on the upper strand is provided on the longitudinal member, wherein the running gear length is changed or remains unchanged.

Abstract: A carriage wheel assembly for golf bag drag carriage or baby carriage is disclosed to include a wheel holder assembly, two road wheels respectively mounted on front and rear wheel axles at the wheel holder assembly, multiple auxiliary wheels respectively mounted on a respective wheel axle between the road wheels, and a capillary track supported on the road wheels and the auxiliary wheel and surrounding the wheel holder assembly for direct contact with the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crawler vehicle having a chain drive with two closed chains (110) which are arranged spaced apart in the vehicle transverse direction and which are guided in each case at a first end around a drive wheel (112) and at a second end around a guide wheel (114), and which are designed to be supported against the ground in a ground-side chain section (110a) between the drive wheel (112) and the guide wheel (114). According to the invention, in each case at least one support rail (130) which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction is arranged between the drive wheels (112) and the guide wheels (114), which support rail (130) is designed to bear permanently against a contact section (110d) of the respective ground-side chain section (110a). The invention also relates to the use in particular for snow-going crawler vehicles, for example piste grooming vehicles.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

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

Abstract: Vibration or the like is prevented for long-term use by normalizing, with operation continuing, a tread of a crawler belt link through grinding in an early stage where uneven wear such as corrugated wear occurs. With a crawler belt of a crawler vehicle wound, an abrasive plate for grinding the tread of the crawler belt link is disposed to contact the tread. While the crawler vehicle does normal traveling work, the abrasive plate corrects the tread of the crawler belt link for the uneven wear. The vibration of a vehicle body can thus be prevented during travel with no uneven wear produced.

Abstract: Flexible track (1) for converting a wheeled vehicle into a track vehicle. The track comprises a band of elastomeric material (5) reinforced with at least one flexible elongated reinforcing element (7) embedded in the band and extending along the length of the said band, the extremities of the track are respectively provided with at least one hole (14) extending in cross direction of the length of the band and forming a passage (15) for receiving a means (13) for connecting the said extremities, for forming an endless track. The at least one reinforcing element (7) forms a loop around teach of the extremities of the band. The tension stresses endured at the junction of the extremities of the track in operation on the vehicle wheels will be absorbed by the flexible elongated reinforcing element thus avoiding formation of cracks in the band of elastomeric material at the sides of the passage receiving the means for connecting the extremities of the said band.

Abstract: A modular crawler system for moving heavy objects comprises multiple crawlers that can be controlled independently of each other. Each crawler has a pair of tracks that are controllable independently of each other to enable the crawler to travel in straight lines as well as to turn the crawler. The crawlers are very compact and have low profiles. Each crawler has a carrier on which the object is placed. Locking means selectively engage and disengage the carrier. When the locking means is engaged with the carrier, the carrier cannot rotate within the crawler, thereby enabling multiple crawlers to move the object in a straight line. When the locking means is disengaged, the carrier can rotate relative to the object and thereby enable the crawler to turn under the object. The crawlers can then move the object in a different direction without changing the orientation of the object.