Abstract: An autonomous vehicle, an overtake assessment arrangement, and an overtake assessment system are provided. The overtake assessment arrangement is configured to receive, from at least one external source, real time traffic information on one or more surrounding vehicles outside a sensor monitoring area, assess whether to overtake at least one preceding vehicle within the sensor monitoring area or not, based on the real time traffic information received via the communication unit, and provide a vehicle drive arrangement with input indicative of the assessment, such that the vehicle drive arrangement is able to control the host vehicle to overtake the at least one preceding vehicle or not in accordance with the input.

Abstract: A vehicle control strategy provides for automatically controlled movement from rest with deliberate wheel slip to maximize thrust. Different wheel slip conditions are provided for different terrain types. Wheel slip may be progressively reduced as the vehicle reaches a steady state speed. The strategy may also be implemented to maintain vehicle progress on low friction surfaces. The vehicle driver may be commanded to vary a control input, such as accelerator pedal position.

Abstract: In order to provide a traction control device capable of preventing an initial slip at a start, the traction control device includes a drive power source outputting drive power to a drive wheel of a vehicle; a vehicle speed sensor detecting the wheel speed of a non-drive wheel of the vehicle; and target restricted speed generating means for generating a target restricted speed for the vehicle by determining the state of a road surface from target drive torque of the vehicle, the wheel speed of the non-drive wheel, and a signal indicating the extent of operation of an accelerator by a driver. The target restricted speed generated by the target restricted speed generating means is switched stepwise in a speed region where the speed of the drive wheel is not detected in correspondence with a control mode that is classified according to the slipperiness of a road surface.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a method for autocompleting an in-vehicle operation that includes monitoring sensors for sensor data. The method includes determining an occurrence of an initial vehicle operation performed by a user based on the sensor data. The method includes determining a vehicle task from a digitally stored dataset based on the initial vehicle operation. The method includes determining a next vehicle operation to autocomplete based on the vehicle task. The method includes autocompleting the next vehicle operation. The method includes determining whether the vehicle task is complete.

Abstract: A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Automated Driver Log. The system and method provides robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events, vehicle condition and/or tasking, roadway environmental conditions, selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will “score” a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. The system may respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and software are disclosed for operating a driver analysis system, including receiving vehicle operation data corresponding to operation of vehicles by drivers, identifying a peer group associated with a target driver, processing at least a portion of the vehicle operation data to determine driving performance of the target driver relative to driving performance of the peer group, generating a driving report which identifies the driving performance of the target driver, and transferring the driving report to a target device for viewing by an entity, where the driving report may exclude some information based on the location of traffic lights.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a drive of a motor vehicle, including acceleration monitoring, including: ascertaining an actual acceleration of the motor vehicle with the aid of a signal of a kinematics sensor, in particular of an acceleration sensor or of a wheel speed sensor, ascertaining a permissible acceleration of the motor vehicle as a function of a position of a gas pedal, and ascertaining the permissibility of an operating state of the drive as a function of the ascertained actual acceleration and the ascertained permissible acceleration, the permissibility of the operating state of the drive being monitored with the aid of alternative monitoring instead of acceleration monitoring when the operating state of the drive meets at least one predetermined condition.

Abstract: A travel control device (1) provided to a vehicle travel device (100) performs correction calculation of the rate of change of a requested acceleration using a relatively small value when the rate of change of the requested acceleration obtained from an angle sensor (2) is small, and performs correction calculation of the rate of change of the requested acceleration using a relatively large value when the rate of change of the requested acceleration obtained from the angle sensor (2) is large.

Abstract: Identifying risky driving situations in the context of a driver's real-time operating environment and providing effective interventions and countermeasures that mitigate the risky situation to reduce the likelihood of the driver having a vehicular accident. A driver monitoring and mentoring system includes mobile safety centers individually installed on driver-assigned smartphones or other mobile devices. The mobile safety centers collect real-time driving data and compute a risk of a driver in a specific situation being involved in an accident and provide mentoring to drivers in a driver risk situation above a risk threshold to reduce the likelihood of an accident. The mobile safety centers communicate with a master safety analytics center that collects data, collects and stores information relating to detected risk situations, creates risk algorithms, creates driving mentoring communications, and communicates the algorithms and communications to the mobile safety centers.

Abstract: A situation awareness method can be used to provide information to a vehicle operator via first, second, and third substantially transparent ambient displays that are coupled to a windshield of a vehicle.

Abstract: A system of a semi-autonomous driving vehicle for transitioning from a semi- autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode. A navigation system to determine a route to a destination. A vehicle head unit to receive data that comprises information related to a geographic zone in which autonomous driving is discouraged or prohibited along the determined route to the destination. A processor to process the received data to determine if the semi-autonomous driving vehicle in autonomous mode is approaching a geographic zone in which autonomous driving is discouraged or prohibited. The semi-autonomous driving vehicle issues a notification to the driver of the semi-autonomous driving vehicle requesting the driver to manually drive the semi-autonomous driving vehicle in response to a determination that the semi-autonomous driving vehicle is approaching the geographic zone in which autonomous driving is discouraged or prohibited.

Abstract: A transport system has at least one hauling cable to which a cableway vehicle formed with running gear and a vehicle cab can be coupled. Alternatively, the system has a carrying cable or a track on which a cableway vehicle formed with running gear and a cab can be moved by a traction cable. The section with the hauling cable or carrying cable, or the track, is adjoined by a further track section along which a carrying vehicle for the cableway vehicle can be moved. The carrying vehicle has a drive motor. The running gear of the cableway vehicle runs onto and attaches to the carrying vehicle, whereupon the cableway vehicle is movable along the adjoining track by the carrying vehicle.

Abstract: A door structure of an electric rail car is provided to block outside noise and vibration. The door structure of the electric rail car includes a door frame, a guide rail and a sealing device. The door frame has an opening thereinside. The guide rail guides an opening and a closing of the door frame. The sealing device is inserted into the opening, descends to make contact with the guide rail when the door frame is closed, and ascends to be spaced apart from the guide rail when the door frame is open.

Abstract: An expandable safety gate for a vehicle door opening comprising a first substantially rectangular frame and a second substantially rectangular frame slidingly engaged in the first frame such that the two frames are positioned in the same vertical plane, the second frame being extendable from the first frame to fit within the door opening; and locking mechanisms to secure the second frame in its extended position within the vehicle door opening, wherein safety gate is comprised of non-conductive material.

Abstract: A railcar bogie includes: a bogie frame including a cross beam and plate springs, the plate springs supporting both respective car width direction end portions of the cross beam and extending in a car longitudinal direction; axles extending in a car width direction; bearings provided at both respective car width direction sides of each of the axles; axle boxes accommodating the respective bearings and supporting the plate springs from below; and rubbing plates provided on an upper surface of the bogie frame to slidingly contact respective rubbed plates provided on a lower surface of a bolster. In a plan view, each of the rubbing plates is arranged within a region where the cross beam and the plate spring intersect with each other and is arranged on a center line of the plate spring, the center line extending in the car longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The object is to solve the issue of an over-steered state at an exit straight portion in addition to enhance a curve passage performance than when a steering angle of front and rear axles is set at a radial steering angle. A steering method for a steering device intentionally turns two axles (12a, 12b) of a truck (12) of a railway vehicle relative to a frame of the truck. The two axles are arranged at front and rear of the truck with respect to a direction of running of the railway vehicle. The steering method includes steering the axles such that a steering angle (?1) of the front axle (12a) is larger than a steering angle (?2) of the rear axle (12b).

Abstract: A system includes a motion switch module, an energy storage module, a resistive module, and an interface. The motion switch module includes at least one motion activated switch that is movable between an open and a closed position responsive to movement of an axle to which the motion switch module is coupled. The energy storage module includes at least one energy storage element that discharges a stored charge responsive to a motion of the corresponding at least one motion activated switch from the open to the closed position. The resistive module includes least one resistive element that dissipates energy discharged by the corresponding at least one energy storage module. The interface is configured to provide information regarding a change in charge state of the at least one energy storage element, wherein the change in charge state corresponds to a movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trainline network access point connected to an intra-consist electrical cable of a consist has a network data signal path, first and second communication modules, and a network switch. The network switch is connected to the first and second communication modules and configured to selectively connect the network data signal path to the first communication module and the second communication module. The first communication module has a first processor configured to receive first network data via the network data signal path, modulate the first network data for transmission over the intra-consist electrical cable, and transmit the first modulated network data over the intra-consist electrical cable. The second communication module includes a second processor configured to receive second network data via the network data signal path, modulate the second network data for transmission over the intra-consist electrical cable, and transmit the second modulated network data over the intra-consist electrical cable.

Abstract: A remote data backup system for a locomotive may include a communication unit on-board the locomotive configured to be communicatively coupled with an off-board server. The communication unit may be configured to transmit data to the off-board server and receive at least one of data, commands, and applications from the off-board server. The remote data backup system may also include a central processing module on-board the locomotive comprising a cab electronics system configured to receive and store on-board equipment operational data from outputs of one or more of machine gauges, indicators, sensors, and controls in an on-board memory, process and integrate the received equipment operational data, receive additional equipment operational data and one or more control command signals from the off-board server, and communicate commands based on the equipment operational data and the received control command signals.

Abstract: System and method for a virtual crossing alert system that provides a notification, an alert, or a command to an alert receiving system depending on the spatial relationships of actors within a specified area.

Abstract: A convertible hand truck includes first and second truck frames coupled with each other through a pair of fixed members and a pair of pivoting members such that the second truck frame is turnable relative to the first truck frame among a folded position, a platform-cart position and a reclined-truck position. A stabilizing lever is pivotably connected with the second truck frame or the pivoting members to be engaged with or disengaged from the fixed members in response to the turning of the second truck frame. The second truck frame extends outwardly from the first truck frame in the reclined-truck position so as to expand and enlarge the carrying area of the hand truck for more loads.

Abstract: An infant carrier holder has a floor with a ramp and sidewalls and is mounted to a shopping cart. The ramp and sidewalls can contribute to stably supporting an infant carrier. The holder serves as a mechanical interface between an infant carrier, which can be received in the holder, and the shopping cart. The holder can be concavely shaped to assist in shopping cart nesting in addition to supporting a received infant carrier at a desired angle. The holder can be adjustably mounted to a gate or a basket of the shopping cart and may/may not interfere with nesting operations. The holder permits an infant carrier to be supported on a shopping cart without using a significant amount of shopping cart space or interfering with nesting operations.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a steering device includes: an outer shaft disposed around a center axis and includes an inner space with a spline hole portion; and an inner shaft that includes a spline shaft portion including a surface disposed around the center axis, at least a part of the inner shaft being disposed in the inner space. The spline shaft portion includes a first spline shaft portion including a first surface formed of synthetic resin and includes a second spline shaft portion including a second surface formed of metal. A distance between the center axis and the second surface is smaller than a distance between the center axis and the first surface. The spline hole portion and the first spline shaft portion are spline-fitted to each other, and the outer shaft and the inner shaft are relatively movable in the axial direction.

Abstract: To improve silence in a vehicle interior space in an idle reduction state, a vehicle includes an idle reduction function of stopping the idling of the engine and restarting the engine when the vehicle starts moving. When the engine is in a working state, the clutch is disengaged and control of driving of a turning actuator is performed, and when the engine is in a stop state, the clutch is engaged and the control of driving of the turning actuator is stopped. Furthermore, a disconnected state of the clutch is maintained when idling of the engine is stopped by the idle reduction function.

Abstract: There is provided an in-vehicle electronic control apparatus suitable for enhancing a robust characteristic of a failure diagnosis process performed for a functional part having a function relating to a drive-control of an actuator. A functional part (120) relating to the drive-control of an electric motor (12) includes a main functional part (120a) and an alternative functional part (120b) that is an alternative of the main functional part.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting failure of a steering angle sensor include: a steering angle sensor, an angular position encoder and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit reads an initial value of the steering wheel rotation angle signal and estimates a rotation angle of a steering wheel based on the motor rotation angle signal, the electronic control unit checks if a difference between an actual value of the steering wheel rotation angle signal and an estimated rotation angle of the steering wheel is smaller than a predetermined value or not, if the difference is bigger than the predetermined value, it means that the steering wheel rotation angle signal fails, and the estimated rotation angle of the steering wheel serves as a substitute signal and is sent to the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A method of controlling an active rear wheel steering apparatus according to the present invention is a method of controlling a rear wheel steering apparatus of a vehicle with the rear wheel steering apparatus, the method including a step of determining an operation state of the rear wheel steering apparatus, a step of determining a running mode of the vehicle, and a step of controlling the rear wheel steering apparatus of the vehicle according to a result of determining at least one of the operation state of the rear wheel steering apparatus and the running mode of the vehicle.

Abstract: Motorcycles are provided which include a frame, two front steering wheels, a steering pipe rotatably connected to the frame and rigidly connected to two supporting assemblies, one for each front steering wheel and a steering group consisting of two pairs of transversal arms—upper front, lower front, upper rear and lower rear—arranged inverted at the opposite sides of a central steering pipe and laterally connected through two lateral posts. On each of the supporting assemblies the fixed portions of two telescopic elements may be constrained. Each pair of telescopic elements may be cantilever-mounted with respect to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and trailer assembly comprises initiating a path input mode on an electronic input device associated with an electronic control unit in the vehicle. An intended backing path is input into the electronic control unit by defining the intended backing path with an input control mechanism for the electronic input device. The path input mode on the electronic input device is ended.

Abstract: A steering controller for controlling an electric power steering includes a load estimator estimating a road surface load, a pre-correction target determiner determining a pre-correction target steer torque based on the estimated road surface load, a steer angle detector detecting a steer angle, and a target corrector correcting the pre-correction target steer torque based on the steer angle, and the controller determines an assist torque instruction value based on the deviation between the target steer torque and a steer torque, thereby establishing a robust steering feel of an electric power steering system irrespective of the change of the mechanical friction of the power steering system.

Abstract: A method for providing a warning to a vehicle driver when a lane keeping and/or lane centering system will be unable to negotiate a tight curve at the present vehicle speed prior to the vehicle reaching the curve. The method obtains lane information at a predetermined number of sample times in the future and generates a desired path for the vehicle. The method also obtains vehicle motion information and determines steering angles for the vehicle for the vehicle to track the desired path based on the desired path and vehicle motion. The method determines the steering torque for each of the steering angles and determines whether any of the steering torques exceed the predetermine torque limit. The method issues an alert if any of the steering torques do exceed the predetermined torque limit prior to the lane keeping system being required to provide that torque to steer the vehicle.

Abstract: In a suspension tower plate, in a plate body that is made of a sheet metal and is a part of an upper wall portion of a suspension tower, three suspension fixing portions are disposed. Three suspension fixing portions fix to an upper end part of a suspension. Further, in the plate body, a bend portion is disposed on an outer periphery side of the three suspension fixing portions. In the suspension fixing portion and the bend portion like this, strain is likely to be generated by an upward load that is input from the suspension. However, in the suspension tower plate, the suspension fixing portion and the bend portion thick portions are disposed. Thick portions are thicker than the plate body.

Abstract: Deformation of a vehicle compartment is suppressed at the time of a small overlap collision. A front pillar lower structure (10) includes a gusset (50) joined to a lower end portion of a pillar reinforcement (41). In the gusset (50), a front wall (50B) and a lower wall (50C) extend from a side wall (50A) located on the outer side in a vehicle width direction of a rocker reinforcement. The front wall (50B) covers the rocker reinforcement (29) from the vehicle front side, while the lower wall (50C) extends toward the vehicle rear side from a lower end of the front wall (50B) and is joined to a lower surface of the rocker reinforcement (29). Since the strength of a joint portion (51) between the pillar reinforcement (41) and the rocker reinforcement (29) can be improved by the gusset (50), it is possible to prevent or suppress breakage of the joint portion (51) at the time of a small overlap collision so that deformation of a vehicle compartment (21) due to such breakage can be suppressed.

Abstract: At a vehicle, rockers and torque boxes are connected, from a front side, to first connecting portions of spacers. Joined portions of the rockers and the torque boxes are reinforced, and a front wheel directly hitting the joined portion at a time of a collision is suppressed. Separation of a joined portion of a front pillar and a dash panel, whose origin is separation of the previously-mentioned joined portion, can be suppressed. Front portions of the spacers are disposed further toward a front side than the joined portions of the front pillars and the dash panel. Therefore, the front wheel first hits the spacer, and collision load is transmitted to the rocker and the torque box, and thus, input of an excessive collision load to the dash panel is suppressed. Because the first connecting portions extend in a vehicle transverse direction, the spacers becoming large can be suppressed.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a size of an access into a vehicle is provided. The system may include a pillar, which may be substantially vertical, and a track allowing the pillar to be moved. A latch may be attached to the pillar securing the pillar along the track. The pillar may be secured at one or multiple locations along the track. Multiple rolling mechanisms may be part of the pillar. These mechanisms may allow the pillar to glide back and forth enlarging or reducing the entrance into the vehicle from the front or rear entrances. The track may be interior to a front and rear door of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle hood structure, which includes an outer panel that forms an outer surface of a vehicle, an inner panel that is disposed below the outer panel and fixedly attached to the outer panel and that has a plurality of beam portions extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, having a hat-shaped section opening downward, and being separated from each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle, and which covers a front part of the vehicle, the vehicle hood structure including: a reinforcing member that is disposed below the inner panel so as to extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle and to have clearance between the reinforcing member and the beam portions, that has a convex shape curved upward in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and that is fixedly fastened at its both ends in the lateral direction of the vehicle to the inner panel.

Abstract: A vehicle floor lower structure comprises a floor panel that configures a floor of a vehicle; a fuel tank that is disposed at a vehicle body lower side of the floor panel; an exhaust pipe that extends from an engine toward a vehicle body rear side, and that passes at a vehicle width direction outer side of the fuel tank; and a left and right pair of under reinforcements that are joined to a lower face of the floor panel and that respectively extend along a vehicle body front-rear direction at vehicle width direction outer sides of the fuel tank and the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an underbody and a cradle assembly. The assembly includes a cradle body and a flange extending to a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a platform having at least one side and defining an aperture spaced from the side. A fastener is disposed through the aperture and in engagement with the underbody when the cradle body is in a first position. The platform defines a void and has a portion of material disposed adjacent to the void to present a release pathway. The cradle body is configured to move from the first position to a second position which separates the flange of the cradle body from the underbody by moving the fastener out of the aperture, through the void and the portion of material along the release pathway, and out the side of the platform when the cradle body moves to the second position.

Abstract: An open top container for transporting loads and a rail for strengthening an upper rim of the container's peripheral wall. The rail includes a U-shaped first region including first, second, and third legs secured end-to-end; and an F-shaped second region comprising a base with first and second arms extending downwardly from the base. The base is secured end-to-end with the third leg of the first region. A first strengthening rib extends outwardly from the first region and toward the container's wall. The first rib is laterally spaced from the wall but runs parallel thereto for substantially the entire length of the rail. A second rib vertically spaced from the first rib but parallel thereto may also extend outwardly from the first region and toward the container's wall. The rail increases progressively in thickness from the first leg to the second leg, then the third leg, and finally the base.

Abstract: A retractable trailer decking system comprises a retractable decking configured to extend from a retracted position, along a pair of rails, to one of a plurality of extended positions. Each of the plurality of extended positions comprises a different length of usable retractable decking. In each of the plurality of extended positions, the retractable decking is configured to divide at least a portion of a cargo storage area into an upper cargo storage area and a lower cargo storage area, and a top surface of the retractable decking is configured to support cargo for storage in the upper cargo storage area.

Abstract: An auxiliary axle or lift axle is pivotally mounted to the frame of a vehicle for selectively providing additional flotation for the vehicle. A pair of frame brackets are secured to the frame members of the vehicle and have horizontally disposed mounting plates adjacent to the lower ends thereof. A bracket member extends downwardly from one end of the mounting plate and has a pair of spaced-apart slots formed therein. A bracket member also extends downwardly from the other end of the frame bracket and has a pair of spaced-apart first and second slots formed therein. The hanger brackets are adjustably secured to the bracket members to permit the axle assembly to be mounted on frame members having varying distances therebetween and having varying frame thicknesses. The novel method of securing the hanger brackets to the frame brackets is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retractable fairing for reducing aerodynamic drag at a rear end of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) may comprise a streamlining element having a medial plane and an airflow surface for streamlining air flow. A suspension frame may have an element end for hingedly supporting the streamlining element at approximately the medial plane and may have a trailer end for hingedly mounting the suspension frame to approximately an outer vertical corner of the rear end and may include a trailer hinge allowing the streamlining element to move in a horizontal plane into a folded position adjacent to the rear end. A pair of streamlining elements of complementary shape may be each mounted by a suspension frame to respective left and right halves of the rear end and placed in the folded position, the medial planes of each element facing one another and the streamlining elements collectively forming the retractable fairing.

Abstract: An aerodynamic skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a first side skirt wall and a second side skirt wall each configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend generally below a storage container of the trailer at least partially along a length of the trailer. The first side skirt wall defines a first length and the second side skirt wall defines a second length smaller than the first length. The second side skirt wall is positioned generally rearward of the first side skirt wall and is side skirt wall is angled relative to the side wall of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine generating exhaust gas flow and a vehicle body having a first body end facing oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion and an opposite second body end. A vehicle underbody section spans a distance between the first and second body ends. A diffuser disposed at the second body end controls an underbody airflow portion past the second body end. An exhaust duct discharges the exhaust gas via a duct outlet arranged between the underbody section and the diffuser. A first diffuser aperture aligns with the duct outlet for discharging the exhaust gas from the outlet to the ambient. A second diffuser aperture pulls at least a fraction of the underbody airflow over the duct outlet and through the first aperture. The first and second apertures accelerate the pulled underbody airflow to increase a downforce on the vehicle body at the second body end.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes left and right track assemblies, each track assembly including a main frame, a pivot member, a pivot shaft coupled to the pivot member, and an actuator coupled between the pivot shaft and the main frame. Each track assembly is configured to permit pivotal steering movement, pivotal pitch movement, and pivotal camber movement. The actuator of each track assembly is coupled to the respective main frame at one end of the actuator, and at an opposite end of the actuator to an actuator anchor via a self-aligning bearing arrangement to permit transmission of steering forces while enabling pivotal movement of the respective track assembly.

Abstract: The track system includes a plurality of track assemblies, each having track; a frame structure to mount the track to the vehicle; and inner wheels in contact with an inner surface of the track. The track assembly also includes two drive gears disposed externally to the track and configured to frictionally engaged an outer surface of a corresponding one of the tires. The drive gears are drivingly connected with the track for transmitting power thereto. Each one of the drive gears has a rotation axis, a plurality of elongated traction bars extending substantially parallel and circumferentially to the rotation axis, and open ends. The elongated traction bars are spaced-apart from one another and define channels therebetween allowing granular and liquid materials to flow inwardly towards the rotation axis, and outwardly of the drive gears through the apertured ends.

Abstract: A drive sprocket for driving a track of a tracked vehicle is provided. The drive sprocket includes an interior ring, an exterior ring, and an intermediate ring situated between the interior ring and the exterior ring. The interior ring, exterior ring, and intermediate ring are oriented in a substantially spaced-apart manner, each of the rings have an outer peripheral surface. A plurality of rods is attached to the rings adjacent to the outer peripheral surface thereof. The interior, exterior, and intermediate rings have a substantially “U” or “J” shape.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly for a mobile machine includes a continuous track having a plurality of mated track links that can translate with respect to the machine. Each track link may include a shoe portion and a body portion. The body portion includes a plurality of projecting pin lugs each having a pin bore to receive a bin and link adjacent track links together. The pin lugs can include a pair of sprocket lugs for making rolling contact with a sprocket, a pair of roller lugs for making rolling contact with a plurality of rollers, and a side lug having a protruding shoulder to assist in aligning the plurality of rollers.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving a robot along an inclined surface is disclosed. An endless tread engages a pair of wheels to define a planar bottom surface of the endless tread. A vacuum motor pulls air through holes in the endless tread when the holes are aligned with a vacuum opening.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes providing an axle assembly having a first end including a first mounting structure and a second end, providing a first bearing block and a second bearing block, forming a first aperture in the first bearing block and a second aperture in the second bearing block, attaching the first and second bearing blocks to the first mounting structure subsequent to forming the first and second apertures; and providing a first spindle assembly coupled to the first mounting structure by a first spherical bearing located within the first aperture and a second spherical bearing located within the second aperture, wherein a first kingpin assembly extends through the first and second spherical bearings, thereby coupling the first spindle with the first mounting structure.