Abstract: An access platform system for enabling access to and from ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment. The system has a main frame that is attached to or juxtaposed with one or more of the ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment; a vertical platform displacement assembly attached to the main frame; and a folding steps assembly. The vertical displacement mechanism has a multi-stage apparatus for influencing the stroke of lift cylinders. In one embodiment, the folding steps assembly has folding and unfolding steps.

Abstract: A platform-based observation system that is in communication with a substrate. The system is configured to identify a condition in, on, or within the substrate. The system has components selected from the group consisting of: inputs, processing, and outputs. The inputs may include a visual scanning sensor, an infrared scanning sensor, at least one GPS receiver, and a means for image collection. Processing includes the processing of measurements and image collection data to define conditions and organizing them according to file formatting associated with geographic systems. The outputs include recording the conditions and outputting the conditions on a monitor.

Abstract: A transmission device 10 coupled to a processor energy source 12 having one or more processor driving rollers 14. The processor 12 provides energy to the transmission device 10. Multiple driven winch drive rollers 32 are supported by the body 18. A vertically-oriented propeller shaft 36 coupled with an implement such as a chipper are attached to the body 18.

Abstract: A surface scanning apparatus attached to a movable highway vehicle, mobile equipment or a drone (collectively, “platform”) that passes over a substrate, at least some of the features of which are to be sensed and characterized. The apparatus includes a variously adaptable, complete, and ready to operate packaged kit including configured sensor suites with components selected from the group consisting of a visual scanning sensor; an infra-red scanning sensor; a ground-penetrating radar unit; a laser range finder for sensing elevation of the apparatus above the substrate; a distance sensor for measuring displacement of the apparatus from a point of origin; a position sensing unit for determining a position of the apparatus; a simultaneous trigger mechanism; a structural boom assembly attached to the platform; and a processor for digitally processing measurements and signals collected by one or more of the group of components.

Abstract: An access platform system for enabling access to and from ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment. The system has a main frame with walls that is attached to or juxtaposed with the ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment; a vertical platform displacement assembly attached to the main frame; and a folding steps assembly. The vertical displacement mechanism has left and right intermediate carriage assemblies, and left and right lift cylinders with a multi-stage apparatus for influencing the stroke of the lift cylinders. In one embodiment, the folding steps assembly has an electromechanical means for folding and unfolding the steps.

Abstract: A winch system 10 coupled to a processor energy source 12 having one or more processor driving rollers 14. The processor 12 provides energy to the winch system 10. Multiple driven winch drive rollers 32 are supported by the body 18. A horizontally-oriented winch drum 36 is attached to the body 18. A drum gear 38 in communication with the driven rollers 32 and the winch drum 38 transfers rotational energy about the vertical axis from the processor driving rollers 14 to rotational energy about the axis of rotation of the winch drum 38. Attached to the winch drum is a cable 40 having a proximal end 42 region and a distal end region that is detachably attachable to an object 46 to be retrieved by the winch system.

Abstract: A winch system 10 coupled to a processor energy source 12 having multiple processor driving rollers 14. The processor 12 provides energy to the winch system 10. The winch system has a body 18 with a front face 20, a back face 22, lateral sides 24, a top 26, a bottom 28 and an imaginary vertical axis A-A. Multiple driven winch drive rollers 32 are supported by the body 18 so that they are rotatable about axes that are parallel to the vertical axis in response to the multiple processor driving rollers. A winch drum 36 is attached to the body 18. A drum gear 38 influences the speed and direction of winch drum rotation. Attached to the winch drum is a cable 40 having a proximal end 42 region and a distal end region that is detachably attachable to an object 46 to be retrieved by the winch system. The cable extends outwardly from the front 20 or back faces 22 of the body 18.

Abstract: A winch system 10 coupled to a processor energy source 12 having multiple processor driving rollers 14. The processor 12 provides energy to the winch system 10. The winch system has a body 18 with a front face 20, a back face 22, lateral sides 24, a top 26, a bottom 28 and an imaginary vertical axis A-A. Multiple driven winch drive rollers 32 are supported by the body 18 so that they are rotatable about axes that are parallel to the vertical axis in response to the multiple processor driving rollers. A winch drum 36 is attached to the body 18. A drum gear 38 influences the speed and direction of winch drum rotation. Attached to the winch drum is a cable 40 having a proximal end 42 region and a distal end region that is detachably attachable to an object 46 to be retrieved by the winch system. The cable extends outwardly from the front 20 or back faces 22 of the body 18.

Abstract: A road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a circular mounting flange having a dished wall extending radially outwards and circumferentially therefrom, a peripheral rim having a first edge and a second edge with the rim connected to an outer edge of the dished wall at an intermediate region of the rim, and a first lip extending from the first edge. Another road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a mounting flange, a peripheral rim, at least one inner dished wall, at least one outer dished wall offset from the inner dished wall along the flange, and at least two connector walls with each connector wall extending between the inner dished wall, outer dished wall, and the peripheral rim.

Abstract: A system and method of increasing the traction and mobility of a tandem axled vehicle by disposing an endless track 16 around the vehicle tires 18,20 and using a tensioning device 22 to impart a force on the endless track 16 to maintain an optimal track tension. The tensioning device 22 may impart a constant force, a force within a set range, or a variable force controlled by a processor 64 on the endless track 16. The processor 64 monitors vehicle parameters to determine if endless track slipping is occurring. The slip-control processor 64 sends signals to the tension device 22 to increase endless track tension when a track slip condition is sensed, and sends signals to decrease endless track tension when slipping is not occurring, thereby allowing for greater suspension movement and improving overall vehicle mobility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose ground vehicle (10) that may serve as a platform (12) for carrying a payload (14). The vehicle has a chassis (16) and a suspension (18) mounted to the chassis (16) for varying ride height and for influencing a response of the chassis (16) to underlying terrain. Track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) are associated for the suspension. These modules (22, 24, 26, 28) can be reoriented independently of each other. Preferably, at least some of the track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) include a band track (38) that circumscribe one or more wheels (30, 32) that are associated with a given track module (22, 24, 26, 28).

Abstract: A roller element bearing 40 track bushing system embodiment for track link assemblies 14 capable of being used on a vehicle 10 having an endless track 12. Each track link assembly 14 has a track shoe assembly 20 defining a front pin bore 22 and a rear pin bore 24. Each track link assembly 14 has a front pin 26 at least partially disposed within the front pin bore 22, and a rear pin 28 at least partially disposed within the rear pin bore 24. The embodiment discloses at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the front pin bore 22 around a portion of the front pin 26, at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the rear pin bore 22 around a portion of the rear pin 28. The roller element bearings 40 cooperate to prolong the useful life of the track link assembly 14.

Abstract: A mine roller assembly for a mine roller is provided for detonating mines located in or on an underlying ground surface. A bracket is adapted for attachment to a mine roller system frame. An arm is pivotally connected to the bracket. A spring and damper system extends between the bracket and the arm. A wheel assembly is rotatably connected to the arm and is configured to interact with the underlying surface.

Abstract: A segmented wear ring 40 for a tracked vehicle 10 road wheel 22 that cooperates with a track guide 32. The segmented wear ring 40 has at least two wear ring segments 42, and each of the wear ring segments 42 have a wear surface 50. The wear ring segments 42 are attached to a tracked vehicle wheel 22 such that the wear surfaces of each of the wear ring segments 42 form a substantially uninterrupted wear surface 50 designed to cooperate with a track guide 32.

Abstract: A system and method of increasing the traction and mobility of a tandem axled vehicle by disposing an endless track 16 around the vehicle tires 18,20 and using a tensioning device 22 to impart a force on the endless track 16 to maintain an optimal track tension. The tensioning device 22 may impart a constant force, a force within a set range, or a variable force controlled by a processor 64 on the endless track 16. The processor 64 monitors vehicle parameters to determine if endless track slipping is occurring. The slip-control processor 64 sends signals to the tension device 22 to increase endless track tension when a track slip condition is sensed, and sends signals to decrease endless track tension when slipping is not occurring, thereby allowing for greater suspension movement and improving overall vehicle mobility.

Abstract: A road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a circular mounting flange having a dished wall extending radially outwards and circumferentially therefrom, a peripheral rim having a first edge and a second edge with the rim connected to an outer edge of the dished wall at an intermediate region of the rim, and a first lip extending from the first edge. Another road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a mounting flange, a peripheral rim, at least one inner dished wall, at least one outer dished wall offset from the inner dished wall along the flange, and at least two connector walls with each connector wall extending between the inner dished wall, outer dished wall, and the peripheral rim.

Abstract: A road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a circular mounting flange having a dished wall extending radially outwards and circumferentially therefrom, a peripheral rim having a first edge and a second edge with the rim connected to an outer edge of the dished wall at an intermediate region of the rim, and a first lip extending from the first edge. Another road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a mounting flange, a peripheral rim, at least one inner dished wall, at least one outer dished wall offset from the inner dished wall along the flange, and at least two connector walls with each connector wall extending between the inner dished wall, outer dished wall, and the peripheral rim.

Abstract: A roller element bearing 40 track bushing system embodiment for track link assemblies 14 capable of being used on a vehicle 10 having an endless track 12. Each track link assembly 14 has a track shoe assembly 20 defining a front pin bore 22 and a rear pin bore 24. Each track link assembly 14 has a front pin 26 at least partially disposed within the front pin bore 22, and a rear pin 28 at least partially disposed within the rear pin bore 24. The embodiment discloses at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the front pin bore 22 around a portion of the front pin 26, at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the rear pin bore 22 around a portion of the rear pin 28. The roller element bearings 40 cooperate to prolong the useful life of the track link assembly 14.

Abstract: A mine roller assembly for a mine roller is provided for detonating mines located in or on an underlying ground surface. A bracket is adapted for attachment to a mine roller system frame. An arm is pivotally connected to the bracket. A spring and damper system extends between the bracket and the arm. A wheel assembly is rotatably connected to the arm and is configured to interact with the underlying surface.