Abstract: During coordinated operation of multiple different modular traction power units (MPUs), a desired change in relative tractive effort contributed by each of the MPUs is identified. Relative distances between a connection point for each MPU and an implement hitch point is determined, in order to identify a hitch bar target position that will achieve the identified relative tractive effort contribution. The hitch bar is adjusted to make distance adjustments, based on the target position, to achieve the identified relative tractive effort for the MPUs.

Abstract: Position data signals based upon sensing of coupled mobile machines in a position in which the coupled mobile machines have first orientations relative to one another are received. The receive position data signals are used to determine geometric information for the coupled mobile machines. Control signals are generated output based upon the determined geometric information for the coupled mobile machines, wherein the control signals facilitate monitoring and control of operation of the coupled mobile machines.

Abstract: During coordinated operation of multiple different modular traction power units (MPUs), a desired change in relative tractive effort contributed by each of the MPUs is identified. Relative distances between a connection point for each MPU and an implement hitch point is determined, in order to identify a hitch bar target position that will achieve the identified relative tractive effort contribution. The hitch bar is adjusted to make distance adjustments, based on the target position, to achieve the identified relative tractive effort for the MPUs.

Abstract: Position data signals based upon sensing of coupled mobile machines in a position in which the coupled mobile machines have first orientations relative to one another are received. The receive position data signals are used to determine geometric information for the coupled mobile machines. Control signals are generated output based upon the determined geometric information for the coupled mobile machines, wherein the control signals facilitate monitoring and control of operation of the coupled mobile machines.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for a towing vehicle pulling a towed vehicle, such as a tractor pulling a scraper. The drive system includes a diesel engine which drives a generator for generating electrical power. Tractor drive motors are drivingly connected to driven wheels of the tractor. An assist drive motor is drivingly connected to driven wheels of the scraper. A power distribution unit controls distribution of electric power from the generator to the tractor and assist drive motors. A control unit controls the power distribution unit as a function of vehicle speed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle suspension system including the steps of detecting, computing and altering the center of gravity of the vehicle. The detecting step includes the detecting of a center of gravity of the vehicle thereby defining a detected center of gravity. The computing step includes computing what alteration of a plurality of actuators is needed to substantially reduce a value of a difference between the detected center of gravity and a preferred center of gravity using a fuzzy relations control strategy. The computing step is carried out in a controller. The altering step includes altering the center of gravity of the vehicle by way of the controller actuating at least one of the actuators connected to suspension elements of the vehicle dependent upon the alteration arrived at in the computing step.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a multi-input range box driven by multiple electric drives. Range shifting involves momentarily increasing the current through all but a given motor, to a level that will carry the entire load, comprising specified constant power. Simultaneously, torque of the given motor is reduced to zero. The given motor is then disconnected from supplying power, is synchronized to the input speed of the new speed range, and is then engaged for the new range. The above sequence is then repeated for each remaining motors, in turn. The motor current is re-equalized for all of the motors, after all the motors have been connected to provide power at the new range. Thus, there is no interruption in power flow during a range shift, and the motors are always used to deliver power, rather than to serve as a brake.

Abstract: A steering control method including the steps of obtaining a heading error, obtaining a velocity value, obtaining a distance error, applying the heading error and defuzzifying an output from a steering rule base. The velocity value and the distance error are applied along with the heading error to fuzzy logic membership functions to produce an output that is applied to a steering rule base. An output from the steering rule base is defuzzified to produce a steering signal.

Abstract: A vehicle arrangement includes a tow vehicle and a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle includes at least two wheels and at least one motor, with each motor being coupled with a corresponding wheel. A load sensing hitch between the tow vehicle and the towed vehicle provides an output signal representing a sensed load on the load sensing hitch. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the load sensing hitch. The electrical processing circuit actuates at least one motor, dependent upon the output signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle suspension system including the steps of detecting, computing and altering the center of gravity of the vehicle. The detecting step includes the detecting of a center of gravity of the vehicle thereby defining a detected center of gravity. The computing step includes computing what alteration of a plurality of actuators is needed to substantially reduce a value of a difference between the detected center of gravity and a preferred center of gravity using a fuzzy relations control strategy. The computing step is carried out in a controller. The altering step includes altering the center of gravity of the vehicle by way of the controller actuating at least one of the actuators connected to suspension elements of the vehicle dependent upon the alteration arrived at in the computing step.

Abstract: A transmission control device which receives steering inputs and speed inputs, and produces an input for a steer transmission and an input for a drive transmission in order to control the direction and speed of a vehicle. The transmission control device, coupled to a steering assembly, coordinates the steering inputs with the speed inputs. The steering assembly which includes an elongated force transmitter operatively coupled to a steering device. The force transmitter, which is operatively coupled to a plurality of front wheels, has a fore-aft path of movement for pivoting the front wheels clockwise or counterclockwise. The present invention enhances the user's control and maneuverability of vehicles.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer suspension includes four generally identical independent strut suspension assemblies each having a pneumatic spring supported above a strut shaft which is received within a strut journal connected to an adjustable axle. A scissors assembly located above the axle maintains wheel steer while facilitating vertical movement of the strut shaft within the journal. On non-steerable wheels, the lower end of the scissors assembly is connected to the journal to maintain a preselected wheel orientation. For steerable wheels, the lower end of the scissors assembly is connected to a hydraulic steering structure which allows axle adjustments for varying wheel tread. Similar construction of the steerable and non-steerable wheel assemblies reduces the number of different parts required and facilitates selective construction of sprayers with either two-wheel or four-wheel steering. A centrally located cab and sloping hood structure provide good visibility and direct viewing of all four wheels.

Abstract: A bulldozer has track support rollers arranged such that a line drawn through their lowermost points forms a curved line. This support roller arrangement is effective to minimize large pitch motions normally experienced during operation of conventional bulldozers having rollers arranged such that a straight line passes through the lowermost points thereof.