Abstract: An endless-track traveling apparatus includes a casing, pulleys having axes arranged in parallel in the casing, a motor for driving the pulleys, and an endless track wound on outer circumferential surface portions of the pulleys to rotate together with the pulleys and move on a traveling target. The endless-track traveling apparatus further includes: a plate-shaped member disposed in contact with the endless track and opposed to the traveling target in a space surrounded by the endless track, and fitted in the casing; a magnet fixed in the casing to attract the traveling target; and an elastic member having one end in contact with an inside of the casing and another end in contact with the plate-shaped member, and urging the plate-shaped member in such a direction as to press the plate-shaped member against the endless track.

Abstract: A skid frame for a snowmobile is disclosed including a generally planar skid surface extending between front and rear idler wheels. The front and rear idler wheel are offset from one another and define a longitudinal direction. A track encircles the skid frame having the skid surface positioned over a center of the track such that a major longitudinally extending portion of the track that is coextensive with the skid surface has first and second unsupported lateral portions on either side of the skid surface. The first and second unsupported lateral portions extend in the horizontal direction at least 25 percent of a width of the track. A suspension arm member may mount the skid rail and include mount portions for mounting to a tunnel and spanning a distance at least twice the width of the longitudinal beam.

Abstract: A skid frame for a snowmobile is disclosed including a generally planar skid surface extending between front and rear idler wheels. The front and rear idler wheel are offset from one another and define a longitudinal direction. A track encircles the skid frame having the skid surface positioned over a center of the track such that a major longitudinally extending portion of the track that is coextensive with the skid surface has first and second unsupported lateral portions on either side of the skid surface. The first and second unsupported lateral portions extend in the horizontal direction at least 25 percent of a width of the track. A suspension arm member may mount the skid rail and include mount portions for mounting to a tunnel and spanning a distance at least twice the width of the longitudinal beam.

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, and carrier rollers extend from the bell crank. When the slide rails collapse in normal operation, the bell crank strokes the LFE, and the suspension is progressive throughout the range.

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 preassembled traction mechanism drive having at least two drive wheels (1, 2) around which an endless traction mechanism (3) is wrapped, and a tensioning device (6) that has a housing (4) and is supported on the internal side of the endless traction mechanism (3). In the housing (4), at least two fixation elements (5) are provided that are fixedly connected to the housing (4) and that fix the drive wheels (1, 2), around which the endless traction mechanism (3) is wrapped, at an operational distance from one another.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a snowmobile is provided that rotatably supports a closed-loop track in the rear tunnel of the snowmobile and also supports both vertical and horizontal travel of said closed-loop track during suspension system travel. The suspension assembly includes at least one elongated ground contact that supports rotational travel of the closed loop track and at least one swing arm angularly disposed in the closed-loop track and having a front end portion pivotably coupled to the rear tunnel and a rear end portion coupled to the at least one ground contact. In the preferred arrangement, a front resilient member is arranged to bias against displacement between the chassis and the at least one ground contact during suspension assembly travel and a rear resilient member arranged to bias against displacement between the chassis and the swing arm during suspension assembly travel. A tensioner couples the rear end portion of the swing arm to the at least one ground contact.

Abstract: A snow traction unit to replace a wheel of an all wheel drive vehicle which includes a frame supporting two carrier wheels; said carrier wheels being spaced apart a distance greater than their combined radii; an endless snow contacting track mounted for rotation on said carrier wheels; a track contacting surface provided between the lower extremities of said carrier wheels; a drive engagement means for engaging the drive shaft of the vehicle and for driving at least one of said carrier wheels; the arrangement of the width of the track, the spacing between the carrier wheels and the track contacting surface resulting in the vehicle having a force imprint less than 250 Kg/square meter.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to snowmobiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to the components of a snowmobile such as the frame, skis, motor, and endless belt assembly.

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: An in-arm suspension (12) is provided for actively controlling a suspension arm (20) mounted to a vehicle frame (14). The suspension arm (20) has a housing (60) in which the a compressible fluid strut (32) and a fluid control section (90) are enclosed. The compressible fluid strut (32) includes a cylinder (134) and a piston rod (136) which is urged to extend from within the cylinder (134) in response to fluid pressure applied to compressible fluid disposed within the cylinder (134). A damper piston (174) is mounted to an interior portion of the piston rod (136), and moves with the piston rod (136) to pass the compressible fluid through the damper piston 174 and attenuate bounce and rebound of the piston rod (136) within the cylinder (134). A damper lock (210) is mounted to the piston rod (136) for selectively preventing the flow of compressible fluid through the damper piston (174).

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: A suspension assembly for a snowmobile is provided that rotatably supports a closed-loop track in the rear tunnel of the snowmobile and also supports both vertical and horizontal travel of said closed-loop track during suspension system travel. The suspension assembly includes at least one elongated ground contact that supports rotational travel of the closed loop track and at least one swing arm angularly disposed in the closed-loop track and having a front end portion pivotably coupled to the rear tunnel and a rear end portion coupled to the at least one ground contact. In the preferred arrangement, a front resilient member is arranged to bias against displacement between the chassis and the at least one ground contact during suspension assembly travel and a rear resilient member arranged to bias against displacement between the chassis and the swing arm during suspension assembly travel. A tensioner couples the rear end portion of the swing arm to the at least one ground contact.

Abstract: A suspension for a tracked vehicle providing a wide range of performance characteristics via a user-adjustable spring system within a rear suspension portion. An optimum spring force can depend on the both operator characteristics and local operating conditions. A user is afforded the ability to adjust a rear suspension system to provide desired ride characteristics. A suspension system particularly for long-tracked snowmobiles is disclosed.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a vehicle frame, a track belt to which driving force is transferred from an engine mounted on the vehicle frame, a guide rail guiding the track belt, a frontal connecting member rotatably connected to the vehicle frame and the guide rail in a front portion of the snowmobile, a rear connecting member rotatably connected to the vehicle frame and the guide rail in a rear portion of the snowmobile, a first link member rotatably connected to the frontal connecting member, and a second link member rotatably connected to the first link member and the guide rail, and a shock absorber rotatably connected to the first link member or the second link member via a first connecting member. The first connecting member is provided above a second connecting member connecting the guide rail and the second link member.

Abstract: A rail slide for a slide rail suspension system in a vehicle having an endless track, the rail slide having a sliding surface for contacting the endless track, the sliding surface containing one or more grooves aligned at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rail slide and containing a low friction insert material therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a liner from a plurality of longitudinal sections of flexible material having longitudinal edges adapted to be joined one to another to form the liner includes a path means along which the longitudinal sections of flexible material can be conveyed in a laterally reduced condition, an assembly zone at which the longitudinal edges can be joined together to form the liner, and a guide structure about which the flexible material can turn upon exiting from the path means to provide an inner section and an outer section turned back with respect to the inner section. The guide structure presents a guide, surface over which the longitudinal sections of flexible material can pass, the surface being configured to facilitate spreading of each longitudinal section from the laterally reduced condition.

Abstract: An endless belt system for a vehicle having a negative trail steering geometry is provided. The endless belt system replaces the wheels that steer a vehicle, particularly an all-terrain vehicle, to provide increased steerability and floatation over soft terrain.

Abstract: A slide rail assembly adapted for engaging a drive track of a snowmobile. The slide rail assembly comprises a rail adapted for engagement with a rear suspension system of the snowmobile, and aligned forward and rear slide portions disposed on a lower surface of the rail adjacent the drive track. The forward and rear slide portions are respectively located on forward and rear portions of the rail. The rear slide portion comprises a first material and the forward slide portion comprises a second material, the second material having a hardness which is less than that of the first material. Noise and vibrations resulting from contact between the drive track and the forward slide portion are attenuated by the second material.

Abstract: A soil stabilizer treating earth includes a stabilizer frame, a rotor rotatably mounted thereon and including a cutting tool for cutting earth and being movable such that the rotor may engage various depths of earth, a rotatable axle, and a track apparatus mounted on the rotatable axle, the track apparatus supporting the stabilizer frame and providing for movement of the stabilizer frame and rotor across the ground surface. The track apparatus may include a continuous flexible track having an upper length and a ground-engaging lower length and including an inner surface, an axle wheel mountable to the rotatable axle for rotational movement therewith, the axle wheel engaging the inner surface of the flexible track along the upper length to drive the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle, and an apparatus frame for mounting the axle wheel.

Abstract: A snowmobile slide includes a slide member having specific guide members therein for guiding, supporting, and contacting single runner and multiple runner snowmobile skis. The guide members including pairs of raised vertical ribs and a groove. The vertical ribs defining pairs of upwardly facing surfaces with the groove therebetween. The guide member is dimensioned to engage, support, and guide runners of the snowmobile skis without a portion of the snowmobile ski resting on the upwardly facing surfaces of the vertical ribs. Snowmobile slide kits are also included.

Abstract: An axle mount device for mounting an axle to a snowmobile track suspension frame has a base portion and an adjuster portion. The base portion has an axis and a bore coincident with the axis. The adjuster portion is secured to the base portion asymmetrically with respect to the axis, and engages an opening in the frame. The axle mount may be moved between first and second positions to vary a position of the axle with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A slide rail system of a snowmobile vehicle includes a pair of substantially parallel elongated front slide rails, each front slide rail having a forward end and a rear end, the forward end pivotally connected to a chassis or a front drive axle of the snowmobile. The system also includes a pair of substantially parallel elongated rear slide rails, each rear slide rail having a forward end pivotally connected to the rear end of each front slide rail.

Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis.

Abstract: A slide rail system of a snowmobile vehicle includes a pair of substantially parallel elongated front slide rails, each front slide rail having a forward end and a rear end, the forward end pivotally connected to a chassis or a front drive axle of the snowmobile. The system also includes a pair of substantially parallel elongated rear slide rails, each rear slide rail having a forward end pivotally connected to the rear end of each front slide rail.

Abstract: A crawler link slide suitable for mounting on a projection extending from a crawler frame. The crawler link slide includes a slide body having an upper surface engageable with a crawler belt and a lower surface engageable with a projection extending from a crawler frame. A hook extending from the slide body is engageable with the projection, and limits movement of the slide body relative to the projection in an upwardly and first direction of travel of the crawler belt over the slide body.

Abstract: An improved snow vehicle track suspension employing a force-distributing mechanism comprising a swingarm, a three-arm bell crank, a connecting linkage, and a telescoping limiter linkage. The force-distributing mechanism apportions cushioning force from a shock absorber to track carriage components that bear upon a lower run of an endless-loop track to establish a desired weighting distribution of the track upon the surface of the snow. The force-distributing mechanism allows the track carriage to incline and decline within a limited angular range to enable the track to maintain tractional compliance with the surface of the snow.

Abstract: A extended movement rear suspension for a snowmobile. The suspension includes at least two elongated members of a substantially constant length coupled to the snowmobile frame and to an endless track guide rail assembly. The suspension keeps the guide rail assembly at a substantially constant angular orientation relative to the frame for improved performance and operator comfort. The suspension also configures the endless track into a generally triangular shape.

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.

Abstract: A slide bar for snowmobiles has sinusoidal grooves running lengthwise on the sliding surface that open at the aft end of the slide bar for drainage. The sinusoidal grooves retain packed snow accumulated during operation over snow-covered terrain, until the packed snow absorbs sufficient heat to soften and pass through the recurving path of the grooves. The retention characteristic of the sinusoial grooves for holding packed snow provides extended lubrication and cooling to the slide bar and track when the snowmobile leaves snow covered terrain to cross intermittent stretches of bare ground.

Abstract: A robot especially adapted for use in hazardous environments, and particularly adapted for explosives disposal, includes a wheeled platform carrying a winder mechanism which ensures that the remote control cable will not be fouled by the robot or its attachments. Coaxial with the winder mechanism is a turret mechanism that can rotate indefinitely and which carries thereon a manipulator arm section which, includes a first arm pivotable through about 110.degree. and which carries thereon a second arm which is pivotable through about 120.degree. and carries a bulkhead to which any of a plurality of end effectors can be connected by way of a quick connect and disconnect mechanism. The end effectors include a set of links having different lengths, one or two extension links, a wrist and gripper mechanism, an aiming and disruptor mechanism, and a relocatable surveillance camera.

Abstract: A conversion system for converting an all terrain vehicle (ATV) for use in snow and in other adverse condition, the system including an endless track assembly. Endless track assemblies are comprised of a drive cog mounted on the rear axle, having teeth for engaging a track, and a slide rail assembly for guiding and tensioning a composite track. The drive cog is uniquely designed to provide optimal power to gear ratios to be used with the drive gear of the ATV. The standard ATV axle may be replaced with a stronger axle. The track mount assembly is mounted by a bearing housing support constructed to fit the axle. The drive cog is constructed with bolt patterns compatible with bolt patterns on existing ATV axle mounts. A unique motion-limiting device keeps the track assemblies properly positioned when riding over uneven terrain. The track mount assemblies provide a dual track construction that replaces the ATV drive wheels and converts the ATV to a vehicle that can transverse terrains such as snow and mud.

Abstract: An endless track structure to replace the wheels of an all-terrain vehicle, that is adequately attached to the existing wheel hub by a removable mounting shaft. This provides a non-rigid frame that supports spaced apart synchronized driving cog wheels. This frame has mounted within its upper portion, two hexagon bore anti-friction bearings that slide onto a hexagon shaped thin wall sleeve, allowing the assembled track structure to be installed as a unit. There are spaced idler wheels in front and rear portions of the non rigid frame that support the track. They form a triangular configuration with raised front portion and flat rear portion. A non rigid frame provides interconnected resilient leaf spring supports located in the front and rear of the track.An endless track maintains its appropriate configuration over the driving cog wheels by the front and rear idler wheels, and under the lower course by spaced apart slider rub bars supported by a flexible frame.

Abstract: A track vehicle that uses a sliding rail type suspension, which is mounted on the outside of the vehicle frame. A supporting frame is used to support the outer edge of the track. The use of this type of suspension allows the vehicle to operate at speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour. A support shaft attaches to the track suspension arm. The support shaft is secured to the vehicle using a pair of spaced apart bearings. These bearings restrain the shaft, and thus the track from a deflectional force that causes the track to splay outwards. The shaft and bearings prevent this splaying action, thus permitting the vehicle to operate at high speeds.

Abstract: A suspension system mountable to the chassis of a snowmobile and about which an endless track is carried. The suspension includes a slide frame for engagement with a lower portion of the endless track and one or more springs for urging the slide frame downwardly away from the chassis. The suspension system also includes a downwardly angled suspension arm having an upper end pivotally mounted to the snowmobile chassis. The lower end of the arm is pivotally connected to the slide frame so as to permit limited longitudinal movement of the lower end of the arm with respect to the slide frame. An adjustable limit is provided for adjustably limiting the degree of longitudinal movement of the lower end of the arm with respect to the slide frame to adjustably control the range of orientations of the slide frame with respect to the snowmobile chassis.

Abstract: First rear swing arms are pivotably supported at their front ends to a drive shaft on which drive wheels are mounted. The rear ends of the first rear swing arms are pivotably supported through a shaft to the front ends of side rails, and first idlers are mounted on the shaft. Second idlers are mounted on a shaft to which the rear ends of the side rails are supported, and second rear swing arms are supported at their lower ends to shafts supported to the rear ends of the side rails. The upper ends of the second rear swing arms are supported to a shaft supported to a floor. A track belt is wrapped around the drive wheels and the idlers. Sliders and are individually mounted on the first rear swing arms and the side rails, respectively.

Abstract: An improved marsh craft construction uses spaced apart pontoons with endless belts (e.g.,. rubber) that encircle the pontoons and ride upon a rail system. Lugs are fastened to the belts for sliding against the rails. Drive wheels have cylindrical pins that intermesh with correspondingly shaped surfaces of the lugs. This improved construction eliminates any roller chain.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for a land vehicle comprising a single generally centrally mounted structure in a middle portion of the rear suspension system. The suspension system comprises a pair of inclined primary suspension means, and a pair of inclined primary oscillating arms for pivotally connected to a pair of laterally spaced longitudinal slides at an underside area of the chassis of the land vehicle. Each of the primary oscillating arms comprise a distal end, which are further coupled to a horizontal bar adjacent a distal end of the primary suspension means, such as a shock absorber, and a proximal end which are individually mounted a horizontal bar adjacent a front end of the primary suspension means at an underside portion of the chassis. The suspension system further comprises a Weight Transfer Dynamic Compensator for raising a front tip portion of the longitudinal slides each time there is a transfer of weight in the vehicle.

Abstract: A light weight track system for a buoyant amphibious vehicle, the vehicle having two pontoons, the pontoons having a flat horizontal top surface and a flat horizontal bottom surface, each end of the flat horizontal top surface and the flat horizontal bottom surface being connected by a flat inclined surface, the track system including a plurality of treads connected by a single continuous drive chain assembly around the outside of each of the pontoons, the flat horizontal top surface and the flat horizontal bottom surface having a channel therein for rotatable receipt of the drive chain assembly, the drive chain assembly including a plurality of rotatable drive rollers connected to the treads and connected to adjacent drive rollers by links to form a continuous drive chain extending completely around the outer surface of each of the pontoons, each tread having an idler roller connected at each end thereof which contacts the surface of the pontoon to support the tread.

Abstract: A suspension system mountable to the chassis of a snowmobile and about which an endless track is carried. The suspension includes a slide frame for engagement with a lower portion of the endless track and one or more springs for urging the slide frame downwardly away from the chassis. The suspension system also includes a downwardly angled suspension arm having an upper end pivotally mounted to the snowmobile chassis. The lower end of the arm is pivotally connected to the slide frame so as to permit limited longitudinal movement of the lower end of the arm with reset to the slide frame. An adjustable limit is provided for adjustably limiting the degree of longitudinal movement of the lower end of the arm with respect to the slide frame to adjustably control the range of orientations of the slide frame with respect to the snowmobile chassis.

Abstract: An improved wear blade which slidingly engages an endless track of a snowmobile, and presses the endless track against the ground, has low friction, is highly wear resistant, and comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and one or more of carbon, graphite, bronze, and molybdenum disulfide.