Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for a modular multipurpose machine or vehicle, including a modular scalable frame with battery incorporated into on the scalable frame; a modular electric drive system; and modular attachments or components for configuring the machine or vehicle for a plurality of maintenance or transportation functions. The modular electric drive system includes a power train with respective drive units for each of the front and rear wheels, each drive unit includes a planetary gear, and servo motor for each of the front and rear wheels. The power train includes steerable or non-steerable wheel power units, housing the respective drive units, and including respective servo controllers for each of the front and rear wheels. The wheel power units are configured for single, double or triple wheel configurations.

Abstract: A power wheel including a positioning device, a wireless communication module, and a controller is provided, where the controller is configured to operate in an active mode or a passive mode. When operating in the passive mode, the controller is configured to: acquire route information and moving information from the power wheel operating in the active mode by the wireless communication module, and acquire relative position information with the other power wheels by the positioning device; and determine a rotation strategy of the power wheel according to the route information, the moving information and the relative position information. When operating in the active mode, the controller is configured to: acquire the route information, and transmit the route information to the other power wheels; and determine the rotation strategy of the power wheel according to the route information. In addition, a cooperative carrying method of the power wheel is also provided.

Abstract: A binder composition for asphalt pavements that includes: an asphalt binder; an elastomeric polymer; a wax modifier; and optionally at least one of: i) fumed silica or fumed alumina; and ii) a saponified fatty acid and a resin acid gelling compound. The composition is applied as a tack coat and/or a stress absorbing membrane interlayer and is non-tracking.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for a lawn or turf care maintenance machine, including at least one of fully electric operation; multi-purpose operation; and overnight, silent operation. The machine can be configured for at least one of golf course maintenance, turf care, landscaping, outdoor work, and transportation.

Abstract: A portable configurable modular spatial stabilization and transport system that enables mounting of at least one apparatus in accordance with at least one plural controllable mounting profile, securing the apparatus, or one or more mobile profiles, in which the apparatus is movable. The system comprises an elongated base platform comprising a plurality of securable stabilization elements, and a selectively movable mounting platform for interfacing with one or more apparatus mounting interfaces, that may be secured to or moved along the base platform, thereby enabling any apparatus interfaced therewith to be mounted in one or more predefined mounting profiles.

Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle is configured to permit a user to easily get on to the vehicle in a forward-facing posture from the rear of a vehicle body. The vehicle includes a seat for supporting a user thereon, as well as a main wheel driven by an inverted pendulum control, a vehicle body frame which rotatably supports the main wheel, and a tail wheel attached to a tail wheel arm, supported for pivotal motion on the vehicle body frame. The seat is attached to the vehicle body frame at an uppermost portion thereof. The vehicle body frame pivots rearwardly around an axle of the driving wheel together with the seat upon cancellation of the inverted pendulum control and the range of pivotal motion thereof is limited by contact thereof with the arm.

Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle having a tiltable rider mounting section includes a first travel operation unit and a second travel operation unit, which are disposed with an interval provided therebetween in the longitudinal direction and which are capable of traveling in all directions, and an operation device which outputs a turn command. In the case where the turn command is output from the operation device in a situation wherein at least the first travel operation unit is traveling in the longitudinal direction or at rest, the moving velocity of the ground contact point of the first travel operation unit and the moving velocity of the ground contact point of the second travel operation unit in the lateral direction of a rider are controlled to have velocities that are different from each other.

Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle includes electrical components configured and arranged efficiently to provide a compact structure. The inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a traveling unit, including a main wheel driven under inverted pendulum control. The vehicle also includes a vehicle body frame supported on, and extending upwardly from the traveling unit, as well as a driving unit, including a pair of driving motors supported on the vehicle body frame and disposed above the main wheel for driving the main wheel. An electrical control unit is supported on the vehicle body frame in front of the driving motors for controlling the driving unit. The driving unit is disposed behind a front edge of the main wheel, and the electrical control unit is disposed between a front edge of the main wheel and the front edge of the driving unit.

Abstract: A chassis clings to a ship hull or other ferrous surface by a magnet that moves toward or away from the surface to adjust the magnet air gap and thus the attractive force. The magnet(s) can be the only clinging force or used with other sources such as a suction chamber or fluid jet drive. An internal magnet on a crank mechanism can pivot around a wheel rotation axis inside a wheel body having a non-ferrous traction surface or tire. The magnet gap is least at an angle perpendicular to the surface on which the wheel rests, and larger at an angle oblique to that, for varying the attractive force to two or more levels. The vehicle can be an autonomous hull maintenance device with sensors, controllers and actuators to sense, measure and clean away fouling.

Abstract: An omnidirectional vehicle 1 includes: a main wheel 3 which is able to be driven in all directions; a base 2 which supports the main wheel 3; and a sub wheel 4 which is connected to the base 2 via an arm 15 and is grounded at a position apart from the ground contact point of the main wheel 3. The sub wheel 4 is attached so as to circularly move about the center of rotation of the main wheel 3.

Abstract: A transport device includes a support base, at least two spiral drives, at least one drive device, a control device and a power source. Each one of the at least two spiral drives are preferably driven by a single drive device. However, a single drive device could drive the at least two spiral drives through some type of drive system. The at least two spiral drives are rotatably retained on the support base. The at least two spiral drives are rotated through any suitable drive system. The power source supplies power to the at least one drive device through the control device. The control device controls the rotation and the amount of power sent to the at least one drive device. An object to be transported is placed on the support base. However, multiple transport devices may be attached to multiple sides of the object.

Abstract: [Task] To allow a wheel that provides a performance required for use in an omni-directional vehicle to be manufactured in an efficient manner. [Solution] An annular member (51) comprises a C-shaped main body (61) and a complementary member (62) defining an endless annular shape jointly with the main body (61), a joint (63) between the main body (61) and complementary member (62) includes mating surfaces that are non-perpendicular to the cross sectional center line of the annular member, and the main body (61) and the complementary member (62) are fixedly joined to each other by using a threaded bolt (64) passed radially through the mating surfaces.

Abstract: An omnidirectional wheel has a hub that is rotatable around a rotational axis, and two wheel discs connected to the hub and spaced coaxially on the hub. A number of roller bodies are located between the wheel discs, evenly distributed around a circumferential edge of the wheel. The respective roller axes of the roller bodies are aligned at a diagonal angle relative to the rotational axis, and are each supported in a freely rotating manner between the wheel discs at opposite ends thereof. Each roller body is mounted in a freely rotating manner in respective modules respectively attached to the wheel discs.

Abstract: In a frictional drive device comprising a pair of drive disks each rotatably supported by a frame around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship and configured to be individually rotatively actuated by a pair of actuators, a plurality of drive rollers arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk so as to be rotatable along a prescribed plane of rotation, and an annular main wheel disposed at least approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member and a plurality of driven rollers supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member, each drive roller includes at least a pair of individually rotatable disk members coaxially disposed to each other and having different diameters, the diameters being selected so that the disk members engage the corresponding driven roller at outer peripheral parts thereof.

Abstract: In a frictional drive device comprising a pair of drive disks (48) each rotatably supported by a frame (10) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship and configured to be individually rotatively actuated by a pair of first actuators (45), a plurality of drive rollers (58) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk each via a roller bracket (52) which is rotatable around a center line (B) extending in a radial direction at an angle with respect to the central axial line of the drive disks, each roller bracket rotatably supports the corresponding drive roller so as to be rotatable along a prescribed plane of rotation, and an annular main wheel (100) disposed at least approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (102) and a plurality of driven rollers (106) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member, eac

Abstract: The omni-directional drive device comprises a main wheel (2) comprising an endless annular member rotatable around a center of cross section perpendicular to a corresponding tangential line, electric motors (5R and 5L) for producing rotative forces around the rotation axis of the main wheel (2) and around the center of cross section perpendicular to a corresponding tangential line of the main wheel (2) and an arrangement (rotary members (4R and 4L) fitted with free rollers (3R and 3L)) for converting the rotational forces of the electric motors (5R and 5L) to the rotational forces around the rotation center of the main wheel (2) and around the center (C) of cross section perpendicular to a corresponding tangential line of the main wheel (2).

Abstract: A ball drive assembly for a vertical takeoff and land aircraft of the type having a plurality of supports extending outwardly from a central aircraft body. The ball drive assembly for one of the supports has a ball wheel housing containing a spherical, rigid ball, a drive shaft extending into the ball, a first driver for initiating rotating movement of the ball with respect to the ball wheel housing, and a second driver for initiating swiveling left and right movement of the ball so that it twists laterally of the ball wheel housing. Two motors are connected to the drivers, for operating them to rotate the ball with respect to the ball wheel housing, and effect both straight line movement and turning movement of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surface traversing apparatus that includes a frame, a seal having a seal perimeter that is mounted to the frame, and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface. The seal perimeter is adapted substantially for rolling contact with the surface to be traversed. The device is capable of suction adhering and moving along horizontal, vertical, inverted surfaces and the like, and overcoming obstacles or surface irregularities while maintaining suction adhesion to the surface. The device can be propelled along the surface with a locomoting rolling seal assembly, which provides both a seal to affect the vacuum adhesion and the locomotion to drive the device across the surface.

Abstract: A mobile robot platform and a method for sensing movement of the same are disclosed, which utilize two omni-directional meter wheels perpendicular to each other and a magnetic sensing module for detecting a moving condition of the platform moving on a planar surface while transmitting the detected moving condition to a signal processing unit to calculate the position, velocity, angular position and angular velocity of the platform.

Abstract: In a frictional drive vehicle, a load acting on the vehicle such as the weight of a rider is converted into a force that urges two frictionally engaging parts (3L, 3R, 25) toward each other. Thereby, the contact pressure between the two frictionally engaging parts is maintained at an optimum level under all conditions. A weight of a rider may be transmitted to a drive member that frictionally engages a main wheel via a four-link parallel link mechanism (40, 50).

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis comprises a turbofan engine mounted on the chassis for providing thrust to propel the vehicle over a surface, and four wheels located about and mounted on the chassis wherein at least two of the wheels are substantially spherical or partially spherical in shape. Braking systems, steering systems and stabilizing mechanisms may be provided in accordance with various aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A main ellipsoidal drive element is provided including a buoyant internal chamber. The main ellipsoidal drive element defines a main ellipsoid axis, a minor ellipsoid plane, a first ellipsoid end portion, a second ellipsoid end portion, and an outer ellipsoid surface. A drive engagement element is mounted to the first ellipsoid end portion and selectively transfers rotational drive to the main ellipsoidal drive element around the main ellipsoid axis. A plurality of roller elements are mounted around a minor ellipsoid periphery of the main ellipsoidal element. Each of the roller elements are orientated to provide friction reduced rolling in a main ellipsoid axis direction and traction perpendicular to the main ellipsoid axis direction.

Abstract: A travel control method for a self-propelled carriage having a travel control section for controlling steering-driving wheels. In the method, the steering-driving wheels are steered by a predetermined angle based on a direction change command, and in this state, the carriage is moved forward and backward for a predetermined distance to make the carriage depart from a base line. Then, the carriage is steered toward the base line to return to the base line. After that, the carriage is made to be able to travel along the base line.

Abstract: A motorized monowheel, comprising a wheel, an inner frame, a plurality of roller, a propelling device, and a deck. The wheel comprises a tire and an outer frame. An inner frame is set with proximity to said wheel, with a plurality of rollers located between the wheel and inner frame. The propelling device is mounted on the inner frame and connected with wheel, so as to drive the wheel to conduct rotation. The deck is mounted on the inner frame.

Abstract: A multi-stop mechanism for providing multiple stop positions between first and second objects that are movable into and out of contact with one another. The multi-stop mechanism of the present invention includes a housing which secures the multi stop mechanism to the first object and/or the second object, a rotatble shaft rotatably mounted to the housing, and plurality of stops located on the rotatable shaft. When the shaft is rotated within the housing, the stops are rotated to different positions relative to the housing. As such, the rotatable shaft positions one of the stops to contact the first or second object that the multi-stop mechanism is not attached to.

Abstract: Storage carts for the storage of pallets and other loads that may be moved between an open position into an aisle for access to the load and a closed position out of the aisle when desired.

Abstract: A materials handling device includes a chassis, handle shaft pivotally mounted to the chassis for maneuvering the device, two rollers rotationally mounted to the chassis, battery pack supported on the handle shaft, electric motor and gearbox fitted in one roller in-line with a rotational axis thereof, and a controller supported on the chassis and having capacitors charged by the battery pack so as to have available when needed a store of electrical power. The controller is electrically connected between the battery pack and electric motor such that the store of electrical power can be supplied to the electric motor which, via the gearbox, can transmit a high torque driving output, when needed and instantaneously, to the one roller to thereby enable the device to move across a surface and to manipulate and move a heavy load.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surface traversing apparatus that includes a frame, a seal having a seal perimeter that is mounted to the frame, and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface. The seal perimeter is adapted substantially for rolling contact with the surface to be traversed. The device is capable of suction adhering and moving along horizontal, vertical, inverted surfaces and the like, and overcoming obstacles or surface irregularities while maintaining suction adhesion to the surface. The device can be propelled along the surface with a locomoting rolling seal assembly, which provides both a seal to affect the vacuum adhesion and the locomotion to drive the device across the surface.

Abstract: A brake assembly affixed to a skateboard. A brake drum is held to an inner surface of one of the wheels of the skateboard and has an outwardly facing braking surface. A brake pad is held between the underside of the board and the outwardly facing braking surface. A brake pedal extends through an opening in the skateboard. When the brake pedal is depressed, the brake pad moves downwardly and contacts the outwardly facing braking surface, thereby slowing the wheel to which the brake drum is affixed.

Abstract: A movable robot includes a main body unit, and at least three wheel units connected with the main body unit. The wheel units have respective contact portions for contact with a floor surface. The contact portions are rotatable about respective axes. The main body unit moves along the floor surface as the contact portions rotate. Lines projected onto the floor surface and originating from the axes of rotation of the contact portions are spaced at substantially equal angular intervals. At most two of the axes are on a common plane. Each of the wheel units includes a motor base, a rotation drive motor supported on the motor base, a casing being rotatable relative to the motor base about related one of the axes and having related one of the contact portions, and a device for transmitting a rotational force generated by the rotation drive motor to the casing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: A munitions handling vehicle is adapted for loading and unloading weapons in military aircraft. The munitions handling vehicle includes a vehicle chassis and a plurality of wheel axles attached to the chassis. A plurality of omni wheels are mounted on respective wheel axles, and cooperate to induce omni-directional movement of the vehicle. A mechanical lift is supported by the vehicle chassis. A munitions carrier is secured to a top end of the lift, and is movable upon actuation of the lift between a weapons-transport position and an aircraft-access position. In the weapons-transport position, the lift is sufficiently retracted adjacent the vehicle chassis to facilitate transport of weapons in the carrier to and from the aircraft. In the aircraft-access position, the lift is sufficiently extended to enable precision loading and unloading of weapons in the aircraft without repositioning or reconfiguring the aircraft.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. The invention consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly includes a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. Constant ride height and low vibration operation are accomplished by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for performing maintenance procedures such as washing, cleaning, deicing, and painting to an aircraft. The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably has a mobile base having a plurality of wheel members for allowing the mobile base to travel along surfaces and a plurality of support surface registering members for registering the mobile base to a support surface to inhibit movement of the plurality of wheel members. The apparatus also preferably has a boom member having a proximal end portion rotatably mounted to the mobile base and being movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an aircraft maintenance tool rotatably connected to a distal end portion of the boom member.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. The invention consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly comprises a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. Constant ride height and low vibration operation are accomplished by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. The invention consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly comprises a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. Constant ride height and low vibration operation are accomplished by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.

Abstract: A power drive unit (1) for attachment to a golf trolley comprises a drum (2) rotatable about a generally horizontal axis (3) with the external periphery (4) of the drum (2) adapted to seat on the ground and to make frictional contact with the ground for drive purposes, a battery (16) within the drum (2), an electric motor (19) powerable from the battery (16), a transmission from the drive motor (19) to the drum (2), manually operable control means for controlling forward rotation of the drum (2), an end cap (5) at each end of the drum (2), and a final output gear (25) mechanically connected to one end cap (5) via a vibration isolating connection (26, 28, 29).

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. The invention consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly comprises a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. Constant ride height and low vibration operation are accomplished by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.

Abstract: A device for removing dirt adhering to the tire (2) of a roller used for compacting soil and for spraying the tire (2) with water. The scraping unit (5, 6) and a nozzle system (10, 11, 12) are joined into one modular component and the scraper (6) forms a cavity (10) that is sealed off from a scraper support (5). A water supply pipe (11) leads into the cavity (10) from which nozzles (12) branch off through the wall of the scraper support (5).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling the steering of a carrier vehicle having a horizontal compacting roller and a side edge confinement roller or shoe for compacting an asphalt concrete lane. In one embodiment, a sensor is on the carrier vehicle for sensing the position of a defined edge of the lane, and a control is provided for steering the carrier vehicle so that the horizontal roller and the edge confinement force roller or shoe follow the defined edge of the lane to provide uniform density. A method is also provided for controlling the compacting force of a horizontal compacting roller carried by a carrier vehicle.

Abstract: A traction control apparatus for a work machine having an engine and a hydrostatic drive system that powers a first and second set of ground engaging traction devices is disclosed. The hydrostatic drive system includes a variable displacement pump being rotatably driven by the engine, and first and second variable displacement motors which receive pressurized fluid from the variable displacement pump, the first motor driving the first set of ground engaging traction devices and the second motor driving the second set of ground engaging traction devices. The control apparatus includes a first speed sensor that produces a first speed signal indictative of the rotational speed of the first set of ground engaging traction devices and a second speed sensor that produces a second speed signal indictative of the rotational speed of the second set of ground engaging traction devices.

Abstract: An earth compactor is propelled by a hydraulic circuit that includes a first hydraulic motor to drive a drum member and a second hydraulic motor to drive a tractor member mounted on tires, with a traction control system that includes a motor speed sensing device on each hydraulic motor. The speed sensing devices transmit electrical signals to a microcontroller, which compares the speeds and varies the speed of the tires or drum to maintain a preselected ratio between the two, thereby maintaining traction of both members. The compactor includes a ground slope sensing device which generates electrical signals and transmits the signals to the microcontroller such that, whenever the tires become elevated above the drum, the microcontroller lowers the speed of the tires and the drum to prevent tire hop.

Abstract: A ball-transfer mechanism 1 is movable along the surface of floor 9, having a main body 2, a large ball 5, a plurality of small balls 6 and a restriction member 20. The large ball 5 is spherical and contacts the floor 9. A plurality of small balls 6 are disposed within portions of the main body 2 and support the large ball 5. Some of the small balls 6 are in rolling contact with the large ball 5, but upon rolling some of the small balls 5 move to a space defined within the main body 2 away from the large ball 5, while other small balls 6 move from the space back into contact with the large ball 5. The restriction member 20 can restrict a movement of all or a part of small balls 6 by contacting balls in the space within the main body 2 thereby restricting movement of adjacent small balls 6. The ball-transfer mechanism 1 has at least one restriction member 20, but can have a plurality of restriction members such as the restriction members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual steering system for a tandem-type surface compacting machine equipped with two independent steering modes, for example, a machine equipped with both frame steering (3) and with individual steering (6) of one of the rollers (4a). The invention provides a control of both systems, one enabled by a steering-wheel activated steering valve (11) and the other enabled by a joystick-activated control valve ( 12). The control valve ( 12) is operatively connected to the switching valves (14a to 14d) which are activated with an electric switch in such a way that the machine operator can instantly select the steering mode whose activation with the steering wheel or joystick he deems most appropriate at any given time.

Abstract: A mobile, ground compacting vehicle includes a front row of compacting wheels and a rear row of compacting wheels. The rear row includes two spaced-apart, driven wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly carrying a pair of rims, with a and tire on each rim. A center wheel assembly carries a single rim and tire thereon and is positioned between the spaced-apart wheel assemblies. For replacement of an inner tire of the driven wheel assemblies, the center wheel assembly can be pivoted to the side to provide access to the adjacent wheel assembly lug nuts.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and lubricating an exterior surface of an asphalt compacting machine includes a support member removably attached to the machine. Positioned on the support member for easy access are a flexible scraper for cleaning the drum and a fluid spray system, for spraying and uniformly distributing a lubricating fluid onto the drum. Elastic spring means on the support member assures positive contact between the drum and the scraper and between the drum and the fluid distributor.

Abstract: An articulated utility vehicle having forward and rearward frame portions, each supported by a roller. A pair of fluid-powered rotary actuators are positioned between the front and rear frame portions of the vehicle. One actuator accomplishes side shifting of the rear frame portion relative to the front frame portion. The side shifting actuator has its drive shaft secured to the front frame portion and is oriented with its longtitudinal axis extending horizontally. The other actuator provides for steering of the vehicle. The steering actuator has its body rigidly attached to the rear frame portion and has its axis oriented vertically. The steering actuator is positioned immediately below the side shifting actuator, and has its drive shaft extending upwardly to pivotally couple to a clevis rigidly attached to the body of the side shifting actuator. The actuators can be separately and simultaneously operated to achieve separate and simultaneous steering and side shifting of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration insulation system for a self-propelled vibrating compactor providing a chassis supporting a roller and a chassis supporting both a cabin and elements for self-propulsion of the compactor. The chassis supporting the roller is connected to the chassis supporting both the cabin and the elements for self-propulsion by a series of shock absorbers connected to a cross bar, whereby vibrations of the roller are prevented from being transmitted to the chassis supporting the cabin and self-propulsion elements.

Abstract: An aerator device for attachment to the front end of a power riding lawn mower has two features which enable a spiked roller assembly to guide itself smoothly through a desired path and to make turns without excessive digging in of the spikes. The roller assembly includes a plurality, and preferably three, of rollers disposed coaxially on a shaft with each roller being rotatable independently of the others, facilitating turning. Self-tracking of the rollers on a desired path is provided by vertical mounting of a pivot pin connected to the roller assembly in a journal supported by a frame forward of the roller axis. The roller assembly pivots to follow the frame journal without operator intervention when propelled forward.