Abstract: A container handling apparatus (30) includes longitudinally extending primary frames (36, 38) and a cross frame (34) which interconnects the front ends of the primary frames. Lift masts (72, 74, 76 78) are mounted on the primary frame (36, 38) and extend upwardly therefrom. A load beam (80) is supported from the lift masts (72, 74, 76 78) and includes latching mechanisms (96) adapted for connection to a container. Secondary frames (50) are pivotally supported on the primary frames (36, 38) are in turn rotatably support driven wheel members (52). The pivotal relationship between the secondary frames (50) and the primary frames (36, 38) is regulated and controlled by spring/shock absorber/cylinder assemblies (54). The cross frame (34) is selectively retractable and the load beam (80) is selectively foldable to reduce the width of the apparatus.

Abstract: A container handling apparatus having a pair of side frames and a cross frame. The apparatus also has four lift mechanisms for attachment to a container. Each lift mechanism is mounted on one end of a secondary lift arm. Four primary lift arms are connected to the side frames and to the midpoint of each of the secondary lift arms. A cam follower on the lower end of each secondary lift arm follows a cam horizontally along one of the side frames. Hydraulic cylinders rotate the primary lift arms about a pivot connection to the side frames. This causes the upper ends of the secondary lift arms to move vertically to raise and lower the lift mechanisms and the container. Transducers connected between the primary arms and the side frames equalize the amount of rotation of each of the primary lift arms and automatically keep the positions of the four lift mechanisms at the same height.

Abstract: An undercarriage (12) includes a primary frame (22) and a plurality of secondary frames (26) which in turn carry wheel members (28). The secondary frames (26) are urged to pivot away from the primary frame (12) by spring mechanisms (38). An undercarriage (112) includes a primary frame (122) and a plurality of secondary frames (126) which in turn carry wheel members (128). Pivotal movement of the endmost secondary frames (126e) is controlled by spring/shock absorber assemblies (134). Pivotal movement of the center secondary frame (126c) is controlled by a spring/shock absorber/cylinder assembly (136). Spring/shock absorber/hydraulic cylinder assemblies (250) may be used to control the positioning of all of the wheels of an undercarriage (422, 452, etc.).

Abstract: An undercarriage (12) includes a primary frame (22) and a plurality of secondary frames (26) which in turn carry wheel members (28). The secondary frames (26) are urged to pivot away from the primary frame (12) by spring mechanisms (38). The center secondary frames (26c) are each biased outwardly by two spring mechanisms (38) while the endmost secondary frames (26e) are biased outwardly by a single spring mechanism (38). An undercarriage (112) includes a primary frame (122) and a plurality of secondary frames (126) which in turn carry wheel members (128). Pivotal movement of the endmost secondary frames (126e) is controlled by spring/shock absorber assemblies (134). Pivotal movement of the center secondary frame (126c) is controlled by a spring/shock absorber/cylinder assembly (136) which selectively positions the center wheel member (128) below the end wheel member to facilitate skid steering, or in alignment with the end wheel members to facilitate high speed operation.

Abstract: An armored personnel carrier (10) includes a hull (14) supported on two undercarriages (12). Each undercarriage (12) includes a primary frame (22) and a plurality of secondary frames (26) which in turn carry wheel members (28). The secondary frames (26) are urged to pivot away from the primary frame (12) by spring mechanisms (38). The center secondary frames (26c) are each biased outwardly by two spring mechanisms (38) while the endmost secondary frames (26e) are biased outwardly by a single spring mechanism (38). The wheel members (28) are driven by a drive mechanism (64), a primary transmission (58) enclosed within the primary frame (22) and a plurality of secondary transmissions (82) each enclosed within one of the secondary frames (26).