Wheel-type Propulsion Means Patents (Class 440/12.66)
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Patent number: 11674555Abstract: A magnetic brake assembly for use with a wheel rim is described. The brake assembly includes a rotor secured to rotate with the rim and a stator secured to be rotationally stationary relative to the rotor. One of the rotor and stator has an electrically conductive body and the other of the rotor and stator has a magnetic array including a plurality of magnets configured to generate a magnetic flux. An actuator is connected to at least one of the electrically conductive body and magnetic array to selectively effect a brake mode and a non-brake mode. In the brake mode, the magnetic array induces eddy currents in the electrically conductive body to generate a magnetic braking force when the rim rotates above a threshold speed and in the non-brake mode, the induced eddy currents cause a negligible or no magnetic braking force as the rim rotates above the threshold speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: AEROFLUX BRAKING SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: Nikola Kostic
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Patent number: 11235824Abstract: A work vehicle includes a plurality of traveling devices driven for traveling, a plurality of articulated link mechanisms having a plurality of links pivotally coupled to each other to provide two or more joints and configured to independently support the traveling devices to a vehicle body with allowing lifting/lowering of the traveling devices independently relative to the vehicle body, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders capable of changing respective postures of the plurality of links included in the articulated link mechanisms. A first link located at a position nearest the vehicle body is supported to be pivotable about a body side coupling portion. A first hydraulic cylinder for operating the first link has its cylinder tube side pivotally coupled to a coupled portion on the side of the vehicle body and has its piston rod side pivotally coupled to a coupled portion on the side of the first link.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Junichi Ishikawa, Minoru Hiraoka
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Patent number: 9849742Abstract: A maneuverable platform capable of operating on both fluid bodies (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans, etc. in either liquid or frozen form) and land is provided. The platform has an above water portion formed of one or more sections onto discrete sections of which are positioned a number of buoyant propulsion members configured to support the above water portion and engage a fluid body or the ground to collectively provide support, propulsion and steering for the platform. The buoyant propulsion members are configured such that they provide buoyancy to the platform when the platform is at rest and lift when the platform reaches a specified hydrodynamic speed such that the platform planes atop the fluid of the fluid body during operation. The maneuverable platform, including the above water portion and the buoyant propulsion members, may be modular such that the platform may be split into sections of predetermined configuration to operate independently.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Inventor: Theodore J. Klouzal
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Patent number: 9079466Abstract: Amphibious vehicle 10 has both land propulsion capability as well as marine propulsion capability. At least two axles with wheels 12 are spaced apart along the length of the vehicle. At least one intermediate axle with retractable wheel(s) 14 is positioned between the other axles. This additional axle may improve manoeuvrability over rough ground. Wheel(s) 14 may be retracted on water and/or on land. Wheels 12may also be retractable. One or more axles may be driven, full time or selectively. The vehicle may plane on water, and may have a vee type hull (11 FIG. 2). Marine propulsion may be by means of a jet drive. Wheel(s) 14 may retract vertically or through arcs around a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Skid steer may be used. Mudguards, a vehicle roof, and retraction guides for the wheels (slides 16 , FIG. 2) may be fitted. Pairs of slides may provide roof supports. A forward control driving position may be provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Stephen James Bailey
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Publication number: 20150056876Abstract: An amphibian (1) for use on land and water, comprising: a hull having a planing surface (2), and at least one retractable suspension apparatus (4) movable from a vehicle supporting position to a retracted position, comprising for each wheel (5), upper and lower suspension arms (8, 9) that are pivotably connected at inboard ends to a support structure within the hull; and are pivotably connected at outboard ends to a suspension upright (7). Upright (7) extends from a first, upper connection past a second, lower connection to a location (10) for a wheel hub mounting. The suspension upright when deployed in land use extends externally of the hull across a side face (2A) of the planing surface; while lower suspension arm (9) remains above the top of planing surface (2) throughout use of the amphibian on land. This suspension arrangement allows the hull to have no cutouts in its planing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
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Publication number: 20150038027Abstract: An amphibious vehicle is capable of traveling on water by controlling a manipulation panel installed in the vehicle when the vehicle moves from land to water or from water to land.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventor: YOUNG CHAN PARK
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Publication number: 20140370765Abstract: The present invention provides, with reference to FIG. 2, an amphibian operable in land and marine modes, the amphibian comprising a hull, at least one discontinuity (wheel bay) provided in the hull, and at least one retractable wheel or track assembly at least partially located in the at least one discontinuity (wheel bay). The hull is a planing hull, and the at least one discontinuity (wheel bay) is provided in the front half of the hull of the amphibian. The amphibian further comprises at least one conduit which opens, or is provided with an entry which opens, into or at the at least one discontinuity (wheel bay) and is configured for channelling, in use, fluid away from the at least one discontinuity (wheel bay).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: Gibbs Technologies LimitedInventors: Alan Timothy Gibbs, Simon James Longdill, Stephen James Bailey
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Publication number: 20140335748Abstract: There is provided an amphibious vehicle including a plate aluminium planing boat hull (10) having a transverse collision bulkhead (12) and a pair of recesses (13) disposed each side of the stem (14). Transom portions (17) are located at either side of a central pod (21). The collision bulkhead (12) and the transom portions (17) support respective pairs of extendable strut and wheel assemblies (24) each comprising a mounting bracket (25) and a coil spring over shock absorber assembly (27). Spaced suspension rods 31 extend through the bottom of the bracket to provide for suspension travel to stop (35). The upper ends of the suspension rods are secured to a header assembly (36) which forms the upper mount for a wheel strut assembly (37) consisting of double acting hydraulic ram (40) secured to a strut casing (44) of square section passing through a bearing pack assembly (46) mounted to the suspension rods (31).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Ross Anthony Stevens
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Publication number: 20140308859Abstract: The invention concerns an amphibious vehicle (100) comprising: a chassis (102) having a housing (106a) having an opening (202) having edges, for said housing (106a), a handling device (108a) having a fixed part (210) fixed to the chassis (102) and a movable part (104a) mounted so as to be able to move on the fixed part (210) and comprising among other things a wheel (104a), the movable part (104a) being able to move between a running position wherein the wheel (104a) is outside the housing (106a), and a retracted position wherein the wheel (104a) is in the housing (106a), and a hatch system (204) having a hatch (206), designed to adopt alternately an open position in which it does not close off the opening (202) or a closed position in which it comes into abutment against the edges of the opening (202) and closes it off at least partly, the movable part (104a) being designed to be moved into a locking position in which a locking element (104a) of the movable part (104a) locks the hatch (206) in the closedType: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventor: Guirec Daniel
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Patent number: 8753155Abstract: A circular folding wheel has a center wheel section encompassing the center of a circle and adapted to be mounted to an axle at the center, with a side substantially corresponding to a chord of the circle. A wheel segment is pivotally attached to the center wheel section about a pivot axis extending along the side of the center wheel section. The wheel segment is movable from a rolling orientation, where the outer edge of the wheel segment is aligned with an outer edge of the center wheel section such that the folding wheel takes a rolling circular shape, to a folded orientation where the wheel segment extends laterally away from the pivot axis. Two, three, or more wheel segments can be pivotally attached to corresponding sides of the center wheel section.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Draganfly Innovations Inc.Inventors: Orville Olm, Zenon Dragan, Greg Wood
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Publication number: 20140080368Abstract: An amphibious vehicle, mostly watercraft in appearance, has a single drive system that accelerates, propels, steers, reverses, and brakes the vehicle on land or in the water. This control is effectuated by one or both twin control levels positioned to the left and right of the vehicle operator. Rear mounted propulsions units include a paddlewheel and tire combination, which operate independently and are rotatable in either direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventor: Douglas Scroggs
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Patent number: 8668535Abstract: An amphibious vehicle, mostly watercraft in appearance, has a single drive system that accelerates, propels, steers, reverses, and brakes the vehicle on land or in the water. This control is effectuated by one or both twin control levels positioned to the left and right of the vehicle operator. Rear mounted propulsions units include a paddlewheel and tire combination, which operate independently and are rotatable in either direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Douglas Scroggs
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Publication number: 20140057505Abstract: A circular folding wheel has a center wheel section encompassing the center of a circle and adapted to be mounted to an axle at the center, with a side substantially corresponding to a chord of the circle. A wheel segment is pivotally attached to the center wheel section about a pivot axis extending along the side of the center wheel section. The wheel segment is movable from a rolling orientation, where the outer edge of the wheel segment is aligned with an outer edge of the center wheel section such that the folding wheel takes a rolling circular shape, to a folded orientation where the wheel segment extends laterally away from the pivot axis. Two, three, or more wheel segments can be pivotally attached to corresponding sides of the center wheel section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: DRAGANFLY HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Orville OLM, Zenon Dragan, Greg Wood
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Publication number: 20140004761Abstract: A streamlined amphibious, catamaran yacht is provided that may serve military or civilian purposes as a passenger or cargo carrying truck, limousine, bus, motor home or recreational vehicle on land, and extend those same functions on water, while matching the functionality and performance of similar length boats. The amphibious yacht includes a continuous reveal on the hull bottom from bow to transom that separates two asymmetric catamaran hulls. This reveal, or hull tunnel, may enhance sea stability and maneuverability, and create lift that helps the hull achieve plane and attain higher water speeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventor: Kevin R. NEPRUD
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Publication number: 20130203305Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-speed sealift system which meets the requirement of the 21st century. In the 21st century, the indispensable requisites for a commercial sealift system that is to be deployed across the five oceans are high speed and stability. The present invention relates to a high-speed sealift system which operates at the super-high speed of 40 knots to 70 knots, and which is capable of the marine transport, in a quick and safe manner, of perishable goods, expensive capital goods, goods the volume or weight of which result in them being incapable of being transported via the air, strategic military goods, and capable of the large-scale redeployment of forces, and particularly, parts or equipment and materials which require a timely arrival.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventor: Jong Soo Lee
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Patent number: 8444227Abstract: A loose terrain traction assist device for wheeled vehicles includes a generally frusto-conical structure having a proximal portion with a diameter smaller than an overall diameter of a tire of a vehicle, a distal portion that extends outwardly from the wheel, and an outer surface defined between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The traction assist device also includes an attachment arrangement for releasably coupling the frusto-conical structure to a wheel assembly of the vehicle, such that at least part of the frusto-conical structure is adapted to engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle in loose terrain and to not engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle on normal terrain.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Inventors: John Mills, Jacob Mills
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Patent number: 8083557Abstract: The methods and apparatuses of the present invention provides for powering and maneuvering (forward, reverse and steering) systems for amphibious vehicle, marine vessel or ground vehicle operation and control. An improved propulsion system may incorporate the use of electric motors combined with impellers which use positive and negative magnetic torque applications and allows for new control strategies when used in water or on the ground. More precise control of the motoring and steering forces is provided which is suitable for use in a variety of amphibious, marine vessels or ground vehicle applications. Various types of electric drive motor/generators may be incorporated for use therein. Intelligent motion control systems may provide for improved vehicle control that can provide motive force and braking force in a precisely controlled manner that significantly improves performance and has faster control dynamics incorporating a fully integrated electrical braking and maneuvering system.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventor: Steven Sullivan
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Publication number: 20110189908Abstract: An amphibian (1) for use on land and water, comprising: a hull having a planing surface (2), and at least one retractable suspension apparatus (4) movable from a vehicle supporting position to a retracted position, comprising for each wheel (5), upper and lower suspension arms (8, 9) that are pivotably connected at inboard ends to a support structure within the hull; and are pivotably connected at outboard ends to a suspension upright (7). Upright (7) extends from a first, upper connection past a second, lower connection to a location (10) for a wheel hub mounting. The suspension upright when deployed in land use extends externally of the hull across a side face (2?) of the planing surface; while lower suspension arm (9) remains above the top of planing surface (2) throughout use of the amphibian on land. This suspension arrangement allows the hull to have no cutouts in its planing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2008Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: GIBBS TECHNOLOGIES LTDInventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
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Patent number: 7874259Abstract: Road and marine steering means in an amphibious vehicle are linked so that the ratio between them is variable. In a first embodiment, an arm connects a lever to a steering rack. A cable operates the marine steering means. The lever pivots about a pin, which may be moved along a slot by the motor and gearbox driving screw shaft. At pin position A, full road steering travel x is achieved with minimal marine steering travel. At pin position B, road and marine steering have equal travel x?; and at position C, full marine steering travel z is achieved with minimal road steering travel y. In a further embodiment, a lever arm fixed to steering rack casing has a cam profile constraining pin. Full marine steering travel z of the cable is achieved over rack travel y. The steering wheel controls both road and marine steering.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LimitedInventors: James Neville Randle, Terence James Roycroft
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Patent number: 7850252Abstract: A loose terrain traction assist device for wheeled vehicles includes a generally frusto-conical structure having a proximal portion with a diameter smaller than an overall diameter of a tire of a vehicle, a distal portion that extends outwardly from the wheel, and an outer surface defined between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The traction assist device also includes an attachment arrangement for releasably coupling the frusto-conical structure to a wheel assembly of the vehicle, such that at least part of the frusto-conical structure is adapted to engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle in loose terrain and to not engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle on normal terrain.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Inventors: John Mills, Jacob Mills
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Patent number: 7770483Abstract: A power train for an amphibious vehicle includes an engine and transaxle arranged North-South, driving front, rear, or all four road wheels. A power take off with optional decoupler and constant velocity joint drives marine drive means. The power take off may be taken from the input shaft of the transmission, and may use a synchronizer. The transaxle includes a differential. The rear wheels may be set back from the differential outputs, with intermediate drive by chains or belts. A sandwich type power take off may also be used. In the four wheel drive embodiment, a power take off is required from the rear differential. Decouplers may be provided in at least one wheel drive shaft on each driven axles.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LimitedInventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
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Publication number: 20100003872Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: Thomas F. Jessen
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Publication number: 20090186535Abstract: The methods and apparatuses of the present invention provides for powering and maneuvering (forward, reverse and steering) systems for amphibious vehicle, marine vessel or ground vehicle operation and control. An improved propulsion system may incorporate the use of electric motors combined with impellers which use positive and negative magnetic torque applications and allows for new control strategies when used in water or on the ground. More precise control of the motoring and steering forces is provided which is suitable for use in a variety of amphibious, marine vessels or ground vehicle applications. Various types of electric drive motor/generators may be incorporated for use therein. Intelligent motion control systems may provide for improved vehicle control that can provide motive force and braking force in a precisely controlled manner that significantly improves performance and has faster control dynamics incorporating a fully integrated electrical braking and maneuvering system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventor: Steven SULLIVAN
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Patent number: 7530866Abstract: A planing amphibious vehicle has at least one trim tab at its stern. A vehicle control system includes a mode change controller and a trim tab controller. The mode change controller informs the trim tab controller when a mode change event is taking place. The trim tab controller retracts the trim tabs if the mode change is from marine to land mode; and deploys the tabs if the change is from land mode to marine mode, to assist the vehicle in rising on to the plane. The controller may also retract the tabs if the vehicle reverses; and deploy the tabs if a change is made from reverse to forward motion. The vehicle control system may connect to actuators and sensors for retractable road wheels, which may use hydropneumatic struts. Safeguards against system faults and/or erroneous switch operation are included. Road wheel drive decouples are used; a marine drive decoupler may also be fitted.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LimitedInventors: Christopher Paul Darby, Mathew Roger Pease
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Patent number: 7445530Abstract: An amphibious vehicle for one or more operators is equipped with four buoyant amphibious propulsion wheels, the wheels having a number of collapsible pockets disposed about the surface of the wheel. Each pocket comprises an opening oriented in the direction of rotation of the wheel and an outlet means distal to the opening for draining the pocket. Methods for using the amphibious wheel are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventors: Todd Munshaur, Steven Van Osdell
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Patent number: 7416457Abstract: An amphibious vehicle (32) having a transverse mid- or rear-mounted engine (12) arranged to drive rear road wheels (30) and/or through an axial transmission (37), a marine propulsion unit (38), in which the engine (12) is so mounted in relation to the transmission (37) to the marine propulsion unit (38) that the bottom (8) of the engine is below the axis (37) of the transmission. This ensures an advantageous metacentric height which is preferably between 370 and 180 mm.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
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Patent number: 7329161Abstract: An amphibious passenger vehicle having several open or covered holes and a surrounding cover to accommodate fishing and hunting. An aft mounted engine, forward/reverse transmission, drive linkage and disk/caliper brake assembly controls a pair of rear wheels. Electric, screw actuated cylinders and pistons or manual linkage control the steering of a pair of forward wheels. Independent front and rear elevation control linkages independently control the elevation of the fore and aft wheels.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Inventor: Thomas Roering
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Patent number: 7314394Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (1, FIG. 1) has retractable road wheels (2, 2?, FIG. 1). This may allow planing. During marine travel, at least one wheel may droop below the water line. This increases drag, particularly when cornering. Suspension height sensor 22 may be arranged to detect a threshold beyond which the wheel should not be allowed to droop over water, unless mode change is in progress. When this threshold is passed, pump 18 co-operates with controller 15 to pump fluid into lower chamber 7? of actuator 5 to retract the wheel. Switchable valves 9, 19, 21, and 23 are provided to allow adjustment of fluid chamber volumes. Gas filled accumulators 11 may be provided where a hydraulic suspension is used. Numeral 42 represents an adjustable trim tab. FIG. 4 shows an alternative fluid system layout, with valves 19, 19?, and 110 to allow fluid to be returned to tank 18?.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Christopher Paul Darby
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Patent number: 7311568Abstract: An amphibious vehicle wheel suspension includes upper and lower linkages, a road suspension device and a retraction device for moving the wheel between a protracted position for road use, and a retracted position for marine use. Suspension device can be operatively disconnected from the wheel and/or the linkages to allow for retraction and protraction. Retraction device may also be disconnected for road use. The disconnection mechanisms may comprise a ball and track mechanism, interlocking splines, interlocking teeth, or a pneumatic clutch. Also provided is a combination of splines for a suspension lever arm, and a pneumatic clutch for retraction arm. Suspension device may be connected to upper linkage. Coil, torsion bar, or hydropneumatic springs may be used.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
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Publication number: 20070155257Abstract: An amphibious vehicle for one or more operators is equipped with four buoyant amphibious propulsion wheels, the wheels having a number of collapsible pockets disposed about the surface of the wheel. Each pocket comprises an opening oriented in the direction of rotation of the wheel and an outlet means distal to the opening for draining the pocket. Methods for using the amphibious wheel are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventors: Todd Munshaur, Steven Van Osdell
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Patent number: 7211983Abstract: The invention concerns an off-road vehicle, in particular of the amphibious type, having a left wheel-train (6, 7, 8) and a right wheel-train, arranged to propel the vehicle on both land and water, propulsion resources (10) to drive the said wheel trains, and mobile control resources (15) capable of supplying at least one control signal as a function of their position. The said propulsion resources include a first electric motor capable of driving the left wheel-train, a second electric motor capable of driving the right wheel-train, and synchronisation resources (16) to synchronise the two electric motors as a function of the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: HeuliezInventors: GĂ©rard Queveau, Patrick Largeau
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Patent number: 7128175Abstract: A multi-terrain amphibious vehicle for travel across various types of surfaces and upon various bodies of water. The vehicle has an elongated longitudinally extending chassis having a bottom surface having a centerline. A plurality of left side propulsion units and a plurality of right side propulsion units extend inwardly toward the centerline and they are supported by the chassis. A vehicle body having a passenger compartment is mounted on the chassis. A source of drive power is mounted on the chassis. Power transmission structure connects the drive power structure to the driven axles of the respective left and right side propulsion units. The propulsion units each have a plurality of cam-shaped wheels mounted on each driven axle. The cam-shaped wheels are oriented on the driven axle so that there will always be an arcuate perimeter segment of one of the cam-shaped wheels positioned to contact the ground surface during each 360 degree rotation of the driven shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Inventor: Duane G. Martineau
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Patent number: 7089822Abstract: A power train for an amphibious vehicle includes an engine and transaxle arranged North-South, driving front, rear, or all four road wheels. A power take off with optional decoupler and constant velocity joint drives marine drive. The power take off may be taken from the input shaft of the transmission, and may use a synchronizer. The transaxle includes a differential. The rear wheels may be set back from the differential outputs, with intermediate drives by chains or belts. A sandwich type power take off may also be used. In the four wheel drive embodiment, a power take off is required from the rear differential. Decouplers may be provided in at least one wheel drive shaft on each driven axle.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LimitedInventors: Alan Timothy Gibbs, Terence James Roycroft
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Patent number: 6945832Abstract: Vehicle suspension having a control arm pivotally mounted to vehicle body. Wheel support is pivotally mounted to the control arm. A hydraulic strut is pivotally mounted to body at trunnion mount. The wheel may be protracted to be placed vertically on the road surface or retracted at an angle, for example to allow good marine performance in an amphibious vehicle. Strut may be extended or retracted by hydraulic fluid pumped through ports and may also be used for wheel springing and damping. As trunnion mount is part way up the strut, the strut can pivot out of the way of the retracing wheel. A second control arm may also be fitted; this may be part of a double wishbone wheel suspension.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Gibbs Technologies LimitedInventor: Terence James Roycroft
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Patent number: 6808430Abstract: An amphibious vehicle which on land looks remarkably like a conventional automobile. The wheels may be raised when the vehicle is in the water. The engine is placed in the stern, directly over the jet and transaxle, which provides room for four passengers. The vehicle has plates which slide under the wheels for use in water, and the plates do not extend up over the sides of the wheel wells.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventor: J. David March
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Patent number: 6319079Abstract: The amphibious robot mine locator may be used in water-based and land-based environments to locate mines and other hazards. In a water-based environment a diver controls movement of the amphibious robot mine locator. In a land-based environment movement of the mine locator is via remote control. Mine locator includes a pair of oppositely rotating propellers which propel the mine locator through the water with a ruder being provided to control the direction of movement of amphibious robot mine locator as it travels through the water. There is also a control panel which includes the controls for allowing the diver to steer amphibious robot mine locator and control the depth of mine locator. When amphibious robot mine locator switches to a land-based mode of operation, the propellers function as wheels rotating in the same direction to move amphibious robot mine locator along a programmed path to continue its search for mines and other obstacles and hazards.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Guy Frank Cooper
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Patent number: 6174209Abstract: The amphibious robot mine locator may be used in water-based and land-based environments to locate mines and other hazards. In a water-based environment a diver controls movement of the amphibious robot mine locator. In a land-based environment movement of the mine locator is via remote control. Mine locator includes a pair of oppositely rotating propellers which propel the mine locator through the water with a ruder being provided to control the direction of movement of amphibious robot mine locator as it travels through the water. There is also a control panel which includes the controls for allowing the diver to steer amphibious robot mine locator and control the depth of mine locator. When amphibious robot mine locator switches to a land-based mode of operation, the propellers function as wheels rotating in the same direction to move amphibious robot mine locator along a programmed path to continue its search for mines and other obstacles and hazards.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Guy Frank Cooper