Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 6, 2011
Publication date:
October 13, 2011
Applicant:
INFINITRAK, LLC
Inventors:
Axel Schaedler, Hans Hauser, Rick Ruebusch, Ian David Cornwell, Christopher John Greenwood
Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 21, 2006
Date of Patent:
August 9, 2011
Assignee:
Infinitrak, LLC
Inventors:
Axel Schaedler, Hans Hauser, Rick Ruebusch, Ian David Cornwell, Christopher John Greenwood