Abstract: A fuel injection pump includes: a tappet configured to reciprocate by rotation of a cam; a cylinder that supports the tappet to reciprocate; and a plunger configured to reciprocate with the tappet. The tappet includes: a tappet body supported by the cylinder to reciprocate; a pin supported on both sides in an axial direction of the pin by the tappet body; a roller rotatably fitted to an outer peripheral side of the pin; a washer disposed between at least one end surface of the roller in the axial direction and an inner peripheral surface of the tappet body. The washer has at least one protrusion to be in contact with a stopper of the tappet body in either of two rotational directions.

Abstract: An amphibious multi-terrain water planing vehicle including: a. a hull having a top, a bottom, a front end, a rear end, a first side and a second side; b. at least one track frame, in exemplary embodiments a pair of track frames, mounted to the hull; c. a sole propulsion and water planing device including at least one continuous rotatable track having an outside surface and an inside surface, in exemplary embodiments a pair of continuous rotatable tracks, mounted to the at least one track frame, in exemplary embodiments each of the pair of continuous rotatable tracks mounted to each of the pair of track frames; the at least one continuous rotatable track, in exemplary embodiments the pair of continuous rotatable tracks not vertically adjustable relative to the hull wherein the vehicle when transitioning from land to water and vice versa requiring no modification, and wherein the vehicle is able to plane on water from a stand still position.

Abstract: The proposed technology relates to an amphibious vehicle with a forward shape transforming system and, more particularly, to an amphibious vehicle with a forward shape transforming system that can adjust resistance in traveling by adjusting an aspect ratio by changing the length of the amphibious vehicle. The present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems and an object of the present invention is to maintain a posture and reduce resistance on the water by increasing the length of a vehicle body by configuring a front extension unit that moves by sliding on the front of an amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: A crawler device includes a wheel support, wheels respectively rotatably supported thereto, and a crawler belt run around the wheels. Each of the wheels includes a rigid wheel body and an elastic material exterior part fixed to an outer periphery of the wheel body. Raised portions are formed in an outer periphery of the exterior part to continuously extend in a width direction and be arranged in a circumferential direction spaced from each other. Drain grooves extending through the exterior part in the width direction are formed between the raised portions. Top surfaces of the raised portions of the exterior part surface contact an inner peripheral surface of the crawler belt with a frictional force working therebetween. Restriction members stopping opposite side edges of the crawler belt are provided in the wheel support to restrict the crawler belt from being displaced with respect to the wheels in the width direction.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a stable, high-speed utility vehicle. In an implementation, an example utility vehicle provides stable, fast transport over snow and ice. A chassis places the center of gravity of the entire vehicle low for stability during quick turns at high speed. The hull of the vehicle can float over snow or loose debris. The hull includes angular side panels that grip and grab snow when the vehicle tilts substantially to one side. The sides constitute a rail or riding surface for the vehicle to support the vehicle during sideways traverse on a steep slope. Multiple simultaneous steering mechanisms enable the vehicle to turn stably, in a tight radius, even at relatively high speeds. In an implementation, the vehicle features a 200-500 HP engine with speeds of 60 mph to transport work crews to remote utility sites.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings an amphibious machine is described and shown with a first wheel and a second wheel; a track, the track comprising a first belt engaged to the first wheel and a second belt engaged to the second wheel, wherein the first belt and the second belt are constructed of a flexible material; the first belt and the second belt being substantially parallel to each other; and a space between the first belt and the second belt.

Abstract: This invention relates to an amphibious vehicle and especially to an amphibious vehicle having twin internal combustion engines propelling the vehicle in water with a pair of water jet drives and propelling the vehicle on land with one of the same engines having an electric generator powering a pair of electric motors each coupled to a track assembly. Each electric motor and each air brakes are controlled separately to steer and brake the track assemblies.

Abstract: Amphibious construction equipment comprising a working unit supported on a pair of elongate, parallel, buoyant pontoons (2) each of which carries a caterpillar track (3) driven by sprockets mounted on an axles (5), the axles (5) being positioned at or towards the ends of each pontoon (2) on its upper surface, wherein each axle (5) is driven by at least one hydraulic motor (4), all the motors (4) being powered by a single hydraulic pump (7), the motors (4) on each pontoon (2) being arranged such that they run synchronously as to both direction and rate but not necessarily in the same direction or at the same rate as the motors (4) on the other pontoon (2).

Abstract: This disclosure describes a stable, high-speed utility vehicle. In an implementation, an example utility vehicle provides stable, fast transport over snow and ice. A chassis places the center of gravity of the entire vehicle low for stability during quick turns at high speed. The hull of the vehicle can float over snow or loose debris. The hull includes angular side panels that grip and grab snow when the vehicle tilts substantially to one side. The sides constitute a rail or riding surface for the vehicle to support the vehicle during sideways traverse on a steep slope. Multiple simultaneous steering mechanisms enable the vehicle to turn stably, in a tight radius, even at relatively high speeds. In an implementation, the vehicle features a 200-500 HP engine with speeds of 60 mph to transport work crews to remote utility sites.

Abstract: This invention relates to an amphibious vehicle and especially to an amphibious vehicle having twin internal combustion engines propelling the vehicle in water with a pair of water jet drives and propelling the vehicle on land with one of the same engines having an automatic transmission controlling a pair of track assemblies with a pair of planetary gears, clutches and disc brakes.

Abstract: The present patent consists of a vehicle equipped with a series of floating caterpillars that circulate on an ovoid rail, forming a continuous track; the male-female couplings between the traction caterpillars, their hydrodynamic locks and their direction system operate with the braking of one of the sides of the track and the slipping of the opposite track, being able to rotate through 360°. Said vehicle has the purpose of towing load barges on rivers or lakes. Due the absence of displacement, since the vehicle moves on the water, the performance is distinctly improved and the fuel consumption is considerably reduced in comparison with watercraft having an equivalent load-carrying capacity.

Abstract: The purpose of an embodiment of this invention is, in order to satisfy the requirements for 21st century amphibious landing operations, to develop an amphibious personnel carrier capable of driving faster than 25 Km/hr on the surface of water, executing a seamless transition from sea to land and maneuvering with a mechanized task force for sustained operations ashore. This goal is achieved by the amphibious personnel carrier being composed of 4 front tires and two set of rear tracked belts including six tires configured in a 3×3 arrangement to which the principle of moving on the surface of water depending upon the elevation force being generated over the critical speed is applied, and an engine that can propel the vehicle to run on land and water surfaces with its own traction by the rolling friction over the critical speed.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an amphibian provided with at least one retractable wheel or track drive, includes a first hydraulic circuit having at least one hydraulic actuator and associated controller for retracting and protracting the at least one wheel or track drive, a second hydraulic control having at least one hydraulic actuator and associated controller for providing hydraulic assist for steering and/or brake functions of the amphibian.

Abstract: When the multi-purpose amphibious vehicle moves on surfaces of any type of terrain, it runs on a rolling track by rolling friction faster than a critical speed. The multi-purpose vehicle can run very smoothly and economically with a single engine, can provide multi-terrain capability with no hesitation between surfaces of different types of terrains, and can go as fast on the surfaces of water, snow and ice as it can run on the surface of land. Journey between islands, use for arctic expeditions, higher speed entry along inland rivers, and on the other hand, operation on areas of marsh or swamp using lower ground pressure tracks are all possible with this multi-purpose amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: An articulated amphibious vehicle includes a boat in the front and a rear propulsion unit pivotally connected by an articulation mechanism to the boat. The rear propulsion unit comprises an engine mechanically coupled to a pair of drive tracks for propelling the vehicle. Steering and throttle devices are provided in the boat to enable the operator to turn and power the rear propulsion unit, to thereby steer and control the vehicle. The articulated amphibious vehicle can travel over water, snow, ice, marsh, bogs, swamp, soft wet terrain or even hard terrain (preferably by adding wheels to the boat). Because it can traverse such a wide variety of environments, this “track boat” is more versatile than conventional air boats or conventional all-terrain vehicles.

Abstract: An amphibious robotic crawler for traversing a body of water having two frame units coupled end-to-end or in tandem by an actuated linkage arm. Each frame unit includes a housing with a drivable continuous track rotatably supported thereon. The frame units are operable with a power supply, a drive mechanism and a control module. Each frame unit further includes a buoyancy control element for suspending the frame unit in the water, and for controlling the depth of the robotic crawler within the water. The control module coordinates the rotation of the continuous tracks, the position of the linkage arm and the buoyancy of the buoyancy control elements to control movement, direction and pose of the robotic crawler through the body of water.

Abstract: An amphibious paddle track propulsion system mountable on any water or land vehicle for enabling the ability to selectively travel over land or water, the paddle track propulsion system having a paddle track, spring-loaded paddles, paddle supporting terrain treads, terrain treads, lead and rear sprockets, chain sprocket, engaging assembly for extending and retracting the paddles and lever for controlling the engaging assembly wherein each paddle has an engager extension that is engaged and disengaged by the engaging assembly to extend and retract paddles.

Abstract: A traction cell for use in a track drive of an amphibious or all-terrain vehicle includes a rigid section for connection to a track drive and at least one semi-rigid compliant section which is connected to the rigid section. The semi-rigid compliant section has a bottom surface to which a penetration resistant sole is secured on a rear face which is raked relative to the vertical.

Abstract: A tracked amphibious vehicle having adjustable ballasting means for changing between a neutral-trim position and an ice-engaging-end-up trim position when floating so as to facilitate moving from floating in water to the surface of adjacent floating ice.

Abstract: An amphibious fighting vehicle capable of moving on a water surface including a front planing tracked belt disposed on a front portion of the amphibious fighting vehicle, a rear driving tracked belt, side buoys disposed on lateral sides of the amphibious fighting vehicle, a rear buoy disposed on a rear end of the amphibious fighting vehicle, the buoys assisting in setting an immersion line of the amphibious fighting vehicle at a predetermined value, and a set of identical engines that propel the amphibious fighting vehicle at a speed sufficient for movement on the water surface and a land surface.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle capable of high speeds on the water has a buoyant hull with driven tracks on each side of the hull. The tracks are movable between an upper position and a lower position relative to the hull. The tracks propel the vehicle both for land travel and water travel. Water diverter vanes at the aft end of each track divert water being carried forward by the tracks. Water diverter vanes at the forward ends direct water carried on the upper runs in a downward and aft direction. A cavitation plate is located behind each of the tracks while waterborne and below the waterline of the hull. A tiltable transom flap is attached to the transom and extends rearward.

Abstract: An amphibious fighting vehicle capable of moving on a water surface including a front planing tracked belt disposed on a front portion of the amphibious fighting vehicle, a rear driving tracked belt, side buoys disposed on lateral sides of the amphibious fighting vehicle, a rear buoy disposed on a rear end of the amphibious fighting vehicle, the buoys assisting in setting an immersion line of the amphibious fighting vehicle at a predetermined value, and a set of identical engines that propel the amphibious fighting vehicle at a speed sufficient for movement on the water surface and a land surface.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle for transiting deep or shallow waters and/or the full range of wetland and dry soil environments, consists of a box-like structure with buoyant tracks that are powered to move around the structure. The buoyant tracks encircle the vehicle's length and extend laterally for a substantial portion of the vehicle's width or beam. When operating in water the buoyant tracks provide a majority of the buoyancy keeping the box-like structure above water surface or its tracks can be flooded to submerge the vessel. The amphibious vehicle can transport heavy equipment and personnel from ships located offshore, across undeveloped beaches, to positions ashore.

Abstract: An amphibious robotic crawler for traversing a body of water having two frame units coupled end-to-end or in tandem by an actuated linkage arm. Each frame unit includes a housing with a drivable continuous track rotatably supported thereon. The frame units are operable with a power supply, a drive mechanism and a control module. Each frame unit further includes a buoyancy control element for suspending the frame unit in the water, and for controlling the depth of the robotic crawler within the water. The control module coordinates the rotation of the continuous tracks, the position of the linkage arm and the buoyancy of the buoyancy control elements to control movement, direction and pose of the robotic crawler through the body of water.

Abstract: A vehicle is adapted to operate on land and in water having a depth of over four feet. The vehicle includes a chassis, one or more pontoons supported by the chassis, and a track system disposed on each of the one or more pontoons and adapted to provide propulsion to the vehicle. Each pontoon has a height of at least four feet, a width and a length adjacent to the land, wherein a ratio of the height to the width exceeds 1.4, and a volume configured to provide buoyancy and support the chassis weight.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle operable on dry land, wet land, or marsh land covered by water. In some embodiments, the amphibious vehicle includes a land-based vehicle, such as a car, truck, or all terrain vehicle (ATV), at least two pontoons supporting the land-based vehicle, and a track system disposed around each of the pontoons. Each pontoon has an internal volume configured to provide buoyancy for the land-based vehicle, whether on wet land or in water. The track system is adapted to propel the land-based vehicle. The amphibious vehicle may further include a drive system coupled between the land-based vehicle and the track system and a skid steering system. The drive system is configured to selectably rotate the track system about the pontoons, while the skid steering system is configured to control the direction in which the land-based vehicle is propelled. The amphibious vehicle may also include a suspension system.

Abstract: A drive-steering control system suitable for off-road land and amphibious vehicles. The system includes first and second steering input levers, each operable to rotate in forward and rearward pivotal directions. A coupling mechanism converts and transmits rotation of the first steering input lever in the forward pivotal direction into rotation of the second steering input lever in the rearward pivotal direction, and vice-versa. A reducing mechanism operates to selectively reduce the propulsion outputs of first and second propulsion devices, and a converting mechanism operates to convert the rotations of the steering input levers into inputs to the reducing mechanism. Depending on the directions the steering input levers are rotated, the reducing mechanism reduces the propulsion output of either the first or second propulsion device, which causes either the lefthand or righthand side of the vehicle to travel at a lower speed and thereby turn the vehicle either left or right.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amphibian vehicles, more particularly to track paddling propulsion. The present application is a copy of drawings submitted as a provisional patent application No. 61/130,123 filing date May 28, 2008 confirmation no. 1620. The object of the invention is to provide a novel means of amphibian locomotion via track retractable paddling. The paddle track apparatus can be installed on a single floater for use as a water cycle or a vehicle floater having paddle tracks on opposite sides (port and starboard) for whatever use is desired. Locomotion power is either pedaling or motorized. In essence this apparatus is to provide a means of locomotion for any type of amphibian or water bound locomotion.

Abstract: A pontoon crawler track assembly intended to be used as a crawler-track-driven undercarriage in a working machine. The assembly includes a mounting frame and pontoon members. The mounting frame includes a coupler to couple the pontoon crawler track assembly with the working machine and a fastener for attachment of box-structured, hollow pontoon members at the sides of the mounting frame. Each pontoon member includes a crawler track arrangement, which is arranged moveable by way of an internal power transmission arrangement. The breadth of the pontoon crawler track assembly is adjustable. Actuators adjust a breadth of the assembly in a way that a working machine equipped with the pontoon crawler track assembly may be brought, by changing the distance between its pontoon members with the actuators, operating by auxiliary power, first into a narrowed position particularly and on the other hand into a broadened position.

Abstract: The amphibious vehicle is a motorized vehicle capable of travel on land as well as in the water. The amphibious vehicle has a boat-like hull and a caterpillar track assembly mounted along each side by a respective pair of rotating supports. The tracks are arranged so that the tracks can be rotated between a lowered position supporting the amphibious vehicle and providing traction and propulsion during land operation, and a raised position, where the tracks rest vertically above the hull's deck during marine operation. With the caterpillar track assemblies in the raised position, the caterpillar track assemblies are fully removed from the water to improve performance and maneuverability therein. The track assemblies are hydraulically driven to rotate the wheels and tracks between the lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A vehicle is adapted to operate on land and in water having a depth of over four feet. The vehicle includes a chassis, one or more pontoons supported by the chassis, and a track system disposed on each of the one or more pontoons and adapted to provide propulsion to the vehicle. Each pontoon has a height of at least four feet, a width and a length adjacent to the land, wherein a ratio of the height to the width exceeds 1.4, and a volume configured to provide buoyancy and support the chassis weight.

Abstract: An articulated amphibious vehicle includes a boat in the front and a rear propulsion unit pivotally connected by an articulation mechanism to the boat. The rear propulsion unit comprises an engine mechanically coupled to a pair of drive tracks for propelling the vehicle. Steering and throttle devices are provided in the boat to enable the operator to turn and power the rear propulsion unit, to thereby steer and control the vehicle. The articulated amphibious vehicle can travel over water, snow, ice, marsh, bogs, swamp, soft wet terrain or even hard terrain (preferably by adding wheels to the boat). Because it can traverse such a wide variety of environments, this “track boat” is more versatile than conventional air boats or conventional all-terrain vehicles.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle capable of high speeds on the water has a buoyant hull with driven tracks on each side of the hull. The tracks are movable between an upper position and a lower position relative to the hull. The tracks propel the vehicle both for land travel and water travel. Water diverter vanes at the aft end of each track divert water being carried forward by the tracks. Water diverter vanes at the forward ends direct water carried on the upper runs in a downward and aft direction. A cavitation plate is located behind each of the tracks while waterborne and below the waterline of the hull. A tiltable transom flap is attached to the transom and extends rearward.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle operable on dry land, wet land, or marsh land covered by water. In some embodiments, the amphibious vehicle includes a land-based vehicle, such as a car, truck, or all terrain vehicle (ATV), at least two pontoons supporting the land-based vehicle, and a track system disposed around each of the pontoons. Each pontoon has an internal volume configured to provide buoyancy for the land-based vehicle, whether on wet land or in water. The track system is adapted to propel the land-based vehicle. The amphibious vehicle may further include a drive system coupled between the land-based vehicle and the track system and a skid steering system. The drive system is configured to selectably rotate the track system about the pontoons, while the skid steering system is configured to control the direction in which the land-based vehicle is propelled. The amphibious vehicle may also include a suspension system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing propulsion to naval vehicles by using one or more suspended belt drives to consistently engage the water proximate to the surface using a variety of belts with multiple attachments, tires, or variable lugs. The drive belt system incorporates the use of a linear air bearing surface to minimize the belt friction of the drives. This invention also involves the use of open-bottomed enclosures to insulate the propulsion system from adverse water conditions that might otherwise prevent the belt drives from consistently and efficiently engaging the water.

Abstract: A ship employing a buoyant propulsion system. A preferred such ship comprises a superstructure, a backbone, and a sub-structure. The backbone supports the superstructure. The sub-structure depends from the backbone and adapted to float the backbone and the superstructure above liquid water. The sub-structure includes one or more buoyant propulsion units. Each buoyant propulsion unit comprises an endless track having a plurality of associated paddle members and is adapted for elongate rotary motion of at least portions of the associated paddle members through the water. Each buoyant propulsion unit further comprises a race-roller-bearing assembly for transmitting load imposed by the superstructure to the track. Preferably, the one or more buoyant propulsion units are adapted to float the backbone and the superstructure substantially above the water.

Abstract: Presented in an advanced amphibious marine vehicle that incorporates retractable land drives for operation over beaches or other hard surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the land drives retract into hull recesses when the vehicle is waterborne so as not to add water resistance when waterborne. Power for water propulsion as well as land drive is normally supplied from the same propulsor motor(s) for simplicity. Land drives may incorporate tracks, tires, or other land contact mechanisms.

Abstract: Presented in an advanced high speed air cushioned marine vehicle that incorporates retractable land drives for operation over beaches or other hard surfaces. The land drives retract into air cushion hull recesses when the vehicle is waterborne so as not to add water resistance at high waterborne speeds. Power for water propulsion as well as land drive is normally supplied from the same propulsor motor(s) for simplicity. Land drives may incorporate tracks, tires, or other land contact mechanisms.

Abstract: The amphibious vehicle is a motorized vehicle capable of travel on land as well as in the water. The amphibious vehicle has a boat-like hull, and a caterpillar track assembly mounted along each side by hinges. The tracks are arranged so that they can be rotated between a lowered position, where they support the amphibious vehicle and provide traction and propulsion during land operation, and a raised position, where they rest vertically on or above the hull's deck during marine operation. With the caterpillar track assemblies in the raised position, the caterpillar track assemblies are fully removed from the water to improve performance and maneuverability. Additionally, with the tracks in their upright position the overall width of the amphibious vehicle is narrowed to facilitate trailering. The tracks employ hydraulic motors in a direct drive configuration for propulsion, reducing weight and complexity of the tracks.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted to operate on dry land, in soft terrain, and while floating. The vehicle includes a chassis formed by two interconnected pontoon sections sized such that the chassis and equipment will float. The pontoons are fitted with a track system providing propulsion to the vehicle. The chassis a plurality of spuds that are deployed to a position extending below the bottom of the pontoons so as to stabilize the vehicle for operations while floating.

Abstract: A head sprocket assembly and sprocketless tail roller assembly for a pontoon track drive system wherein the sprocket assembly and tail roller is fitted with a plurality of support rings for straightening the track's elongated cleats attached to a plurality of chains passing lengthwise around the pontoons.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle comprising: a chassis (10), which has a hull-like structure and comprises supporting wheels (11) and driving wheels (13-14) for tracks (12) of the rubber-clad type, a fore buoyancy reserve (21) and an aft buoyancy reserve (22) which are obtained by means of a corresponding fore element (21′) and aft element (22′) which are permanently applied by means of watertight welds (CS) to the chassis. A power plant (MP) comprises an internal-combustion engine and two hydraulic pumps (41′-41″) which, by virtue of corresponding delivery circuits (42′-42″), feed first hydraulic motors (44′-44″) for simultaneous or selective driving of tracks for propulsion and steering on land and second hydraulic motors (45′-45″) for simultaneous or selective rotation of hydrodynamic propulsion and steering propellers.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle for traversing a body of water or solid terrain such as a layer of ice floating atop the body of water. The vehicle includes a floatable boat hull having an elongate aperture there-through, and a snowmobile for traveling over the solid terrain received in the opening and sealed to the hull in water impervious relation. The snowmobile includes an endless drive track for supporting the hull in spaced relation with solid terrain being traversed and for rearwardly propelling water in the body of water to forwardly propel the vehicle over solid terrain or through the water, and a pair of skis which support the front of the hull in spaced relation with the solid terrain being traversed and include upturned forward ends mounting upstanding rudders for steering the boat hull as the vehicle traverses a body of water.

Abstract: A floating track device for releasable attachment to a drive mechanism of an existing vehicle for supporting, floating, moving and steering the vehicle on a traveling surface includes an endless belt member to weight support the vehicle on the traveling surface. The endless belt member includes a belt endless inner layer spaced from a belt endless outer layer so as to define a plurality of inner and outer surface sections there along. The inner and cuter surface sections form generally elongated floating members positioned adjacent relative to each other and forming housings in which buoyant bodies are disposed. Each outer surface section forms an external corrugation of the endless belt member for traction. Each inner surface section includes an internal corrugation for releasable driving engagement with the vehicle drive mechanism. Holding rods, separating two adjacent floating members, hold and secure the complementary inner and outer surface sections to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a flotation apparatus converting a land excavator for amphibious operation. The conversion package comprises a pair of elongated pontoon assemblies secured to each other in a spaced apart manner by transverse support beams telescopically and detachably connected to transverse sleeves located in each pontoon the beams fitted with a base to support and attach a land excavator in an operational manner. Each pontoon includes an endless track guided around it longitudinally and threaded around a head and tail sprocket assembly, the tail sprocket assembly being inboard and fully protected, driven by a hydraulically motor attached to a fully enclosed internal gear reducer. The endless track, configured with only two chain runs on each pontoon, is attached to a light weight traverse channel cleats A series of polymer guide or wear blocks are also provided, attached to each cleat.