Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a suspension system, and a steering system operably coupled to the chassis and to the suspension. The chassis includes a mounting member that has a first elongated slot. The suspension system includes a beam that is pivotally coupled to the mounting member. The steering system includes a first axle, a second axle, a tie bar that extends between first and second tie bar ends, and a slider. The first and second axles are pivotally coupled with respect to the beam. The tie bar is operably coupled to the first and second axles and includes a second elongated slot that is configured to overlie the first elongated slot. The slider is positioned in the first and second elongated slots, and is configured to move in the first and second elongated slots to select a ratio of the tilting of the mounting member to the steering of the first and second axles.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.

Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a suspension system, and a steering system operably coupled to the chassis and to the suspension. The chassis includes a mounting member that has a first elongated slot. The suspension system includes a beam that is pivotally coupled to the mounting member. The steering system includes a first axle, a second axle, a tie bar that extends between first and second tie bar ends, and a slider. The first and second axles are pivotally coupled with respect to the beam. The tie bar is operably coupled to the first and second axles and includes a second elongated slot that is configured to overlie the first elongated slot. The slider is positioned in the first and second elongated slots, and is configured to move in the first and second elongated slots to select a ratio of the tilting of the mounting member to the steering of the first and second axles.