Abstract: A self-contained axle module for a vehicle having a support structure is provided. The self-contained axle includes a housing removably coupled to the support structure and an output shaft extending from the housing. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and drives the output shaft. Two wheel end assemblies are coupled to the output shaft, and an independent suspension assembly is coupled between each wheel end assembly and the housing, so that the independent suspension assemblies and the wheel end assemblies and the electric motor and the housing are removable from the vehicle as a unit by detaching the housing from the support structure.

Abstract: A self-contained axle module for a vehicle having a support structure is provided. The self-contained axle includes a housing removably coupled to the support structure and an output shaft extending from the housing. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and drives the output shaft. Two wheel end assemblies are coupled to the output shaft, and an independent suspension assembly is coupled between each wheel end assembly and the housing, so that the independent suspension assemblies and the wheel end assemblies and the electric motor and the housing are removable from the vehicle as a unit by detaching the housing from the support structure.

Abstract: A self-contained axle module for a vehicle having a support structure is provided. The self-contained axle includes a housing removably coupled to the support structure and an output shaft extending from the housing. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and drives the output shaft. Two wheel end assemblies coupled to the output shaft, and an independent suspension assembly is coupled between each wheel end assembly and the housing, so that the independent suspension assemblies and the wheel end assemblies and the electric motor and the housing are removable from the vehicle as a unit by detaching the housing from the support structure.

Abstract: A self-contained axle module for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a support structure, a source for electric power, a source of cooling medium, and a vehicle control device. The self-contained axle includes a first side plate removably coupled to the support structure. A second side plate removably coupled to the support structure. A housing coupled to the first and second side plate. An electric motor coupled to the housing and the source for electric power. A motor drive controller unit coupled to the electric motor and to the vehicle control device to communicate signals to the vehicle control device such that one of the speed and torque of the electric motor is controlled based upon the signals. A gear train is mounted in the housing and coupled to the electric motor and an output shaft, wherein, the self-contained axle module can be selectively coupled and decoupled from the support structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work vehicle having a frame and an auxiliary axle system having an arm assembly including a pair of arms, an elongate tube extending between the arms and having an end attached to each of the arms, a pair of levers attached to the tube, and cylinder blocks extending between the levers; a cylinder assembly including a first cylinder shaft extending between the cylinder blocks and having an end attached to each of the cylinder blocks, a cylinder cross member attached to the frame, a second cylinder shaft attached to the cylinder cross member, and a hydraulic cylinder having one end attached to the first cylinder shaft and another end attached to the second cylinder shaft; and a rear assembly including a rear cross member attached to the frame, a pair of pivot blocks attached to the rear cross member, and a pivot shaft extending between the pivot blocks and having an end attached to each of the cylinder blocks.

Abstract: A modular independent coil spring suspension for steerable and non-steerable wheel assemblies and driven and non-driven axles. The suspension is of the general type in which each wheel has an upper and a lower control arm, and a single coil spring secured between the lower of the two control arms and the chassis. The upper and lower control arms each have inner ends split into two segments, each of which is connected to the vehicle frame by a special bushing assembly. The suspension has a novel upper control arm which is split into two segments, each segment being bent to accommodate an edge of the frame of the vehicle, thereby allowing the frame of the vehicle to be mounted lower with respect to the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: An all wheel steering system for heavy vehicles such as airport and municipal service vehicles. A rear wheel lockout is provided to ensure safe operation by preventing rear steering above a pre-set vehicle speed. The system can be adjusted so that rear steering range angles can be varied to fit particular applications. The steering control involves the use of a closed loop position feedback circuit in which a change in the relative polarity of the command and feedback RVITs results in switching of the system between various modes.

Abstract: An auger type snow blower assembly having an auger with two sets of rotating ribbon spokes which transfer snow from the auger to an impeller inlet located at the mid-portion of the auger assembly, the ribbon spokes terminating a substantial distance short of the center of the auger assembly whereby snow lying directly in the center of the path of the auger assembly may move directly to the impeller inlet without contact with the ribbons. Further, the ribbons revolve around a generally cone-shaped structure at the ends of the auger assembly whereby the ribbons and the stationary cones cooperate to impel snow entering the auger assembly toward the impeller inlet. The auger assembly further includes a bi-directional, variable speed hydraulic drive system for the ribbon system consisting of variable forward speeds and reverse speeds, the forward speeds including a low ribbon speed high torque speed, and a high ribbon speed low torque speed, together with pressure relief valves to avoid the use of shear pins.

Abstract: An all wheel steering system for heavy vehicles such as airport and municipal service vehicles. The system includes several display devices to inform the operator of the operational status of various components of the system. A rear wheel lock-out is provided to ensure safe operation by preventing rear steering above a pre-set vehicle speed. The system can be adjusted so that rear steering response timing and front and rear steering range angles can be varied to fit particular applications.

Abstract: A high lift tag axle load transfer system which can be used with front or rear discharge mixers, and front or rear mounted engines, and which includes raise, lower, and load cylinders carried on the outside of the main truck frame.