Vehicle Trains Patents (Class 180/14.1)
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Patent number: 7806646Abstract: A delivery rack system for transporting a dolly. The delivery rack system includes a frame disposed on a plurality of wheels. The frame includes a side rail and first and second transverse rails disposed proximate the side rail. The side rail, the first transverse rail, and second transverse rail cooperate to define a compartment adapted to receive the dolly.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Anthony Riordan, Robert Liggins, Cliff Graham, Michael Colberg
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Patent number: 7798262Abstract: A vehicle has at least three drive axles each with a pair of drive wheels, a steering system that directly controls the steering angle between at least two of the drive axles. The vehicle is arranged so that all drive wheels on its right hand side and left hand side, respectively, essentially follow the same wheel tracks when it is driven. The frequency of rotation is individually controllable for each drive wheel. The vehicle includes differential compensating elements arranged to register the relative steering angle for each consecutive pair of drive axles, respectively, and the mutual frequency of rotation for the drive wheels of each drive axle is controlled by the registered relative steering angle associated with the axle. A drive axle arrangement for such a vehicle is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: El-Forest ABInventor: Lennart Lundström
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Patent number: 7715958Abstract: An energy management system is provided for use with one of a plurality of hybrid energy diesel electric vehicles. The energy management system includes a position identification device to provide position information of one the plurality of vehicles at incremental positions along one of a plurality of routes. More particularly, the energy management system includes a database to store historical data of a traction and/or auxiliary energy demand for each vehicle at incremental positions along each route, and an energy management processor coupled to the position identification device and the database. The energy management system retrieves historical data of each vehicle at incremental positions along each route to estimate an anticipated traction and/or auxiliary energy demand of the one of a plurality of vehicle at each incremental position along one of a plurality of routes.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
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Publication number: 20100038154Abstract: An improved lifting and transportation device including an attachment means adapted to engage a wheeled device to be transported; and one or more driving wheels adapted to engage the ground to propel said lifting and a transportation device, whereby, said lifting and transportation device is steerable by the independent engagement of said driving wheels; and a controller adapted to control the motion of said driving wheels and control the operation of said attachment means.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2007Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Peter Raymond March, Kenneth Ian Bell
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Patent number: 7664586Abstract: An engine output controller provided in a bulldozer includes an output curve storage device storing a plurality of output curves of an engine and an output curve changing device selecting and shifting to one of the plurality of output curves. The output curve changing device, when a pressure of a blade tilt cylinder is equal to or more than a predetermined value, calls and shifts to a higher output curve from the output curve storage device. When an oil pressure is supplied to the tilt cylinder to tilt a blade and an operation is performed without reducing a soil pressing speed in this condition, the output curve changing device shifts the current output curve to the higher output curve to drive the engine. However, in many other cases, the output curve is automatically switched to a lower output curve to reduce an output of the engine. Thus, the fuel consumption is improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Godo Ozawa, Harushige Nishida
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Patent number: 7571914Abstract: The present invention is a shopping cart collection device adapted to engage to first and second shopping carts and capable of pulling a first train of shopping carts extending from the first shopping cart and pushing a second train of shopping carts extending from the second shopping cart. The device comprises a motorized unit comprising a drive wheel, a first hitch and a second hitch. The first hitch is proximate a first side of the motorized unit and is adapted to engage the first shopping cart. The second hitch is proximate a second side of the motorized unit opposite the first side and is adapted to engage the second shopping cart.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Dane Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul D. Holtan, Daniel T. Johnson, James W. Wiff
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Patent number: 7513321Abstract: Two cars in tandem consist of a small front cab car and a second caboose car that plugs into the small car resulting in a larger car for more passengers or cargo space. The front car includes a longitudinal support frame that supports the cab. The support frame is angled downward from front to back relative to the ground so that a forward end of the frame is higher than the back end of the support frame when the cab is operating in a stand along mode. During coupling, the back end be raised up to be parallel to the ground to provide a proper alignment to receive a telescopic entry of the caboose's longitudinal support frame and thereby hold the rear wheels of the cab up elevated off of the ground completing a connection for operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Inventor: John Splawn Page, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090050380Abstract: The invention provides a transport unit including at least one passenger transport vehicle and at least one attached driver vehicle; a set of networks including a train bus, first and second gateways, first and second vehicle buses each connected to the train bus via the first and second gateways respectively, and first and second on-board equipment groups connected solely to the first and second gateways. The transport unit includes at least two vehicles each having at least one piece of equipment in the first equipment group and at least one piece of equipment in the second equipment group.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: ALSTOM TRANSPORT SAInventors: Christine Leignel, Christian Thuery, Michel Gellon
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Patent number: 7493977Abstract: A motorized chariot comprises a drive unit, a driver carrier unit and a tongue pivotally connecting the drive unit with the driver carrier unit. A tie-rod extends between the drive unit and the carrier unit with the tie-rod being moveable between the carrier unit and the frame such that movement of the tie-rod causes pivoting between the drive unit and the driver carrier unit to enable steering of the motorized chariot.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventor: Terry Ewert
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Patent number: 7464776Abstract: A utility vehicle having first and second vehicle modules and a method of operating a utility vehicle. The utility vehicle having a first vehicle module including a first vehicle body, a first plurality of wheels operatively connected with the first vehicle body, and a steering controller operatively connected for controlling at least one of the wheels among the first plurality of wheels. The second vehicle module including a second vehicle body and a second plurality of wheels operatively connected with the second vehicle body. The second vehicle body having a greater wheel spacing than that of the first vehicle body. Also, the second vehicle body being sized and configured to engage and carry the first vehicle body. The utility vehicle further having a control interface between the first vehicle module and the second vehicle module.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Textron InnovationsInventor: Bernhard Heine
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Publication number: 20080302585Abstract: A transport system comprises a first cart comprising a first plurality of wheels and a first docking system. A second cart comprises a second plurality of wheels and a second docking system for releasably connecting to the first docking system such that at least one of the first plurality of wheels is axially aligned with at least one of the second plurality of wheels. The carts may comprise a two shelf cart, a platform truck, an accessory module or other type of cart. A method of using the transport system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLCInventors: Thomas Perelli, Grant M. Mason
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Patent number: 7438144Abstract: For power purposes, an electrically-powered autonomous vehicle requires a mass and/or a significant volume of batteries, the batteries being supported by an independent chassis (4). The independent chassis is designed to be received in a housing (3) which is defined under the chassis of the vehicle and which is provided with at least one wheel (5)-equipped axle. Each of the chassis includes a connection interface, each including the complementary male and female parts of at least one centering member (15) and of at least one socket member (16). The vehicle chassis-side interface has a plate (10) which is independent of the chassis and which is connected to same at least three points, namely: two points which are controlled by jacks (12) and a third point which takes the form of a ball joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: R&D IndustriesInventors: Richard Chene, Dominique Delamour, Olivier Rodi
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Patent number: 7400108Abstract: Techniques are described for control of a robot system, wherein the robot system includes a plurality of individual wheeled robot modules interconnected by at least one compliant member. The technique includes developing a kinematic control model of the robot system from a combination of the kinematic characteristics of the individual wheeled robot modules and the stiffness properties of the compliant member. Development of the kinematic control model for a reconfigurable robot system is enhanced by the scalable nature of the technique.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: Mark A. Minor, Corey Schwensen
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Patent number: 7334809Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly better secures a trailer to a vehicle trailer hitch. By restricting vertical travel of the trailer coupling, a hitch ball on a draw bar is better engaged by the trailer coupling as any vertical dislodgement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball is restricted by the underlying trailer hitch assembly. The underlying trailer hitch assembly cannot travel upward when locked into position as the draw bar obstructs its upward travel, thus preventing the trailer coupling from disengaging the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly is lockably pivotable away from the underside of the draw bar in order to allow controlled disengagement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly may act as a support when placed in the vertical or downward position with a wheel, pad, or skid providing support for the accompanying trailer and its load. Additionally, a new trailer hitch ball system is detachably attachable to the draw bar without a shank, nut, or washer.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Inventor: Thomas Coy
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Publication number: 20070261899Abstract: One provides (101, 102) at least one towable rolling terrestrial container and emergency survival items. The emergency survival items are positioned (103) in the towable rolling terrestrial container(s) to provide at least one corresponding pre-provisioned towable unit. Consideration-based private civil security subscriptions are then accepted (107) from one or more subscribers with respect to providing civilly-catastrophic event-based access to the pre-provisioned towable unit. The pre-provisioned towable unit is then maintained (108) pending a need to permit subscription-based access to the pre-provisioned towable unit upon occurrence of a catastrophic event. If desired, other items, such as selected non-necessities of life, can be included (103) with the emergency survival items. The pre-provisioned towable units can be stored at a shared location and attended, if desired, by dedicated attendants (105).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2006Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventor: Barrett H. Moore
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Patent number: 7273114Abstract: A tractor-trailer coupling mechanism for a powered tow vehicle and unpowered trailer vehicle which eliminates jack-knifing. The coupling includes at least one extension or more on the trailer vehicle which is constructed to slide into a receptor channel or recesses in the powered vehicle. A locking or latching arrangement is attached at the front of the tractor vehicle. The result is that the tractor vehicle and the trailer vehicle are fixedly connected to each other as a single chassis vehicle, making the powered tractor vehicle and the trailer vehicle operate as one unit. An alternative arrangement would provide the channel on the trailer and the extension protruding from the powered tractor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Jacob Sidney Rand
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Patent number: 7223057Abstract: A trailer which can be used to tow a vehicle and which can be towed by the same vehicle while that vehicle is inside the trailer and lowered down to ground level.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: William B. Bellis, Jr.
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Patent number: 7178660Abstract: A manufacturing operation having a first production area, a second production area, and a plurality of platforms each having independently controllable drive assemblies for moving the platforms through the production and delivery areas. Adjacent platforms are spaced from one another a first distance in the delivery areas and a second distance in the production areas, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance and, preferably, where the second distance creates a “zero” gap between adjacent platform decks.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Jervis B. Webb CompanyInventors: Noel F. Dehne, Gerald E. Chilson, Earl A. Raynal, Jr., James J. Bedells, Lewis R. Poole, Timothy R. Crumbaugh
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Patent number: 7093682Abstract: A multi-combination vehicle or road-train consisting of a powered prime mover, at least one powered trailer and which may include a number of non-powered trailers. The powered trailer includes a cooling system separated from the engine to provide improved cooling and enabling the road-train to be used in confined areas, such as in underground mines. Preferably, the cooling system is located at the rear of the powered trailer. The engines of the prime mover and powered trailer(s) are preferably controlled either by manual controls in the truck cab.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Inventor: James W. Cooper
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Patent number: 6986397Abstract: A riding trailer apparatus useful for controlling a floor treatment implement is provided including a frame, an operator support platform, and a hook-up mechanism structured to enable the apparatus to be operably coupled to one of various, conventional floor treatment implements. The apparatus also includes a drive assembly including a bi-directional DC motor and gear assembly, and an having an electronic controller with a speed board coupled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Floorstyle Products, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Mattson, Michael T. Powers
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Patent number: 6921238Abstract: A trailer which can be used to tow a vehicle and which can be towed by the same vehicle while that vehicle is inside the trailer and lowered down to ground level.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Inventor: William B. Bellis, Jr.
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Patent number: 6679181Abstract: A transportation system for use on a roadway having first and second lanes. The system has a lead vehicle adapted for travel at high speeds on the roadway and a passenger vehicle adapted for travel at high speeds on the roadway. Means for coupling the passenger vehicle to the lead vehicle while the lead vehicle and the passenger vehicle are traveling at high speeds on the roadway so that the passenger vehicle travels with the lead vehicle on the roadway is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Inventor: Richard B. Fox
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Publication number: 20030221880Abstract: A system is provided for the control of multiple engines in a multi-combination vehicle having at least two engines, each engine having its own power source and an electronic control module. The system includes an electronic throttle control having a power input and a variable output representative of a desired operation of each of the engines. The system further includes a throttle control module that is provided power from each of the electronic control modules and selectively provides power to the power input of the electronic throttle control from a selected one of the electronic control modules. The variable output of the electronic throttle control is in communication with at least the selected one of the electronic control modules. In other embodiments, the system of the present invention is effective for the control of multi-combination vehicles having at least three engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Mark J. Stummer
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Publication number: 20020179350Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-power electric environmental protection automobile, comprising a internal combustion engine, a battery power system, a power converter, and a universal. The internal combustion engine power system comprises the coupling of the engine, clutch, and transmission. The first input end of the power converter is connected to the output end of the transmission; the second input end of the power converter is connected to the output end of the battery power system; and the output end of the power converter is connected to the input end of the main reducer. The invention can effectively reduce pollution and make the automobile run long enough after charging. The logical location and structure of the power converter in the present invention make the automobile with multi-power systems of internal combustion engine and battery power to be really realized.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: Chuguan Li
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Publication number: 20020056579Abstract: The present invention is for a multi-combination vehicle or road-train consisting of a powered prime mover, at least one powered trailer and which may include a number of non-powered trailers. The power trailer includes a cooling means separated from the engine to provide improved cooling and enabling the road-train to be used in confined areas such as in underground mines. Typically the cooling means is located at the front or rear of the power trailer and is located. The engines of the prime mover and power trailer(s) are controlled either by a synchronization system and a dual-pot accelerator pedal by controlling their relative torques or by manual controls in the truck cab.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventor: James W. Cooper
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Patent number: 6361269Abstract: A multicombination vehicle and method are provided for transporting a payload, such as a mined metal ore, over the roadways existing in an underground mine. The multicombination vehicle includes a powered towing unit, which may comprise a rigid body truck, and at least one towed unit mechanically coupled to the rigid body truck. The vehicle may also include a plurality of the towed units, with a forward most one of the units coupled to the rigid body truck and each adjacent pair of the towed units being coupled to one another. Each of the units includes a chassis, a plurality of wheeled axles connected to the chassis for supporting the respective unit as the vehicle travels over the roadways of the mine, and a draw frame attached to and extending rearwardly from the corresponding chassis, with a coupling attached to a rear end of the draw frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Gulf Transport Co. PTY. Ltd.Inventor: James W. Cooper
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Patent number: 6325168Abstract: A transit vehicle for transporting an object (22) having a plurality of ground-interfacing wheels (24, 25), comprising a lift mechanism adapted to lift and grip a portion of the object such that the object is maintained at a lifted transit position in which all of the ground-interfacing wheels do not engage the ground. In a preferable embodiment the lift mechanism comprises a piston-cylinder unit (51) that is mounted on the chassis of the transit vehicle and is operated to retractably move at least one freely rotatable support wheel (18). In another embodiment the lift mechanism comprises a grip mechanism comprised of at least one horizontal extendible bar (37).Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Inventor: Hillel Hillel
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Patent number: 6276469Abstract: An improved transporter to guide and propel heavy loads in an industry where the loads levitate upon pressurized fluid plenums. The transporter is very light weight that provides many opportunities of lower cost, small size, ease of movement to its point of use, short turn radius, etc. The transporter is able to pull or push very heavy loads with such light weight. The key is that transporter includes a vertical forcing device, such as a piston and cylinder. The forcing device pushes upward against a load hitch rigidly attached to the load. More importantly, the forcing device pushes downward on transporter drive wheels. The vertical downward force on the wheels is controllable. Force can vary from so minimal as to allow wheel slipping on the floor during steering, to extreme force facilitating maximum desired pulling or pushing wheel traction.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Jason L. Smith
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Patent number: 6260643Abstract: A cart pulling system for pulling a line of nested carts including a reelable retaining cord mechanism and a hitch to engage the line of nested carts. The reelable retaining cord mechanism is a dual spindle system which is attached to a motorized cart-puller. Attached to the spindles is a retaining cord which extends around and engages the line of nested carts. The retaining cord is preferably slidable with respect to the nested carts to prevent the line of nested carts from binding when they turn. A hitch is also attached to the motorized cart-puller and has a set of stationary jaws and set of movable jaws which slidably engage the line of nested carts.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Rhino Craft, Inc.Inventor: Peter W. Schuchardt
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Patent number: 6206118Abstract: A work vehicle includes a first section having a first set of ground engaging motive members, a second section having an operator station, and a third section having a second set of ground engaging motive members. The first section is pivotally coupled to the second section about the first pivot axis, while the second section is pivotally coupled to the third section about a second pivot axis. Preferably, the operator station has an arcuate front contour with a radius centered proximate the first pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Adam R. Menze, Thomas G. Lykken, Bryan J. Garberg