Abstract: A traction assist system and method for heavy equipment on an incline or in other situations with poor or limited traction. In particular, a traction assist system for heavy equipment having an accessory such as a blade, the system including: a tether; an adaptation to the accessory allowing the tether to be placed to allow the accessory to function without disrupting the tether, such as through-holes in the blade; and an attachment point on the heavy equipment for attaching the tether to the heavy equipment. The adaptation will depend on the particular accessory involved but may generally be an adaptation allowing the tether to pass through the accessory.

Abstract: A hydraulic sub-assembly of the present disclosure can be used with a power machine. The hydraulic sub-assembly can include a support panel and a plurality of components secured to the support panel, to be supported by the support panel relative to the power machine. The plurality of components can include a control valve configured to provide hydraulic control of the work functions and hydraulic. The support panel can be configured to be a structural portion of a cab of the power machine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wheelchair includes a drive wheel, a motor coupled to the drive wheel, and a user input device. The motor, in one embodiment, is configured to rotate the drive wheel. The user input device may be configured to send a signal for controlling a motor parameter. The wheelchair, in one embodiment, includes a caster wheel and a castor sensor configured to sense a caster angle. In one embodiment, a controller is configured to receive the signal for controlling the motor parameter and a signal from the caster sensor and to determine a first turn rate parameter of the wheelchair based upon the received signal from each of the input device and the caster sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for stabilisation of a vehicle with a chassis including a rear wheel bogie, a pendulum shaft rotatable through rotary bearings around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a tipping arrangement on which a crane is arranged, and a stabilisation arrangement having first and second hydraulic stabilisation actuators in the rear wheel bogie. The tipping arrangement includes a rotating disk and rotary bearings, such that the rotating disk and crane are rotatable around a vertical axis, and first and second hydraulic tipping actuators in connection with the rotating disk, that can be rotated around a horizontal axis. The first stabilisation actuator and first tipping actuator are in fluid-mediated connection, and the second stabilisation actuator and second tipping actuator are in fluid-mediated connection. The stabilisation actuators are controlled based on the pressure at the tipping actuators.

Abstract: A crawler tractor that transfers power of an engine to a driving wheel of a crawler-type travelling device through a transmission case and a front drive axle, the crawler tractor including: a pair of main frames; a pair of truck frames; a pair of lower frames; a pair of rear beams; and a pair of rear housings. Front portions of the pair of main frames are fixedly coupled to front portions of the pair of truck frames through the front drive axle. Longitudinal intermediate portions of the pair of main frames are fixedly coupled to the pair of lower frames. Rear portions of the pair of main frames are fixedly coupled to the pair of rear housings through the pair of rear beams.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive assembly includes a mounting structure configured to mount a first hydraulic drive component in a fixed position with respect to a second hydraulic drive component along a drive axis. A first shaft coupled to the first hydraulic drive component is configured to rotate with respect to the drive axis. A second shaft coupled to the second hydraulic drive component is configured to rotate with respect to the drive axis. A power takeoff device is arranged along the drive axis between the first and second hydraulic drive components and coupled to the first and second shafts for co-rotation with respect to the drive axis. The power takeoff device is configured to transfer rotational power from the power source as received from the first hydraulic drive component to an auxiliary component of the work vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-motor coupling drive axle with a torque vectoring function. The dual-motor coupling drive axle includes: a main drive mechanism; a bevel gear differential; a TV control drive mechanism; a first single-row planetary gear train, of which a first sun gear is rotatably supported on a first half shaft and a first gear ring is connected with an output end of the TV control drive mechanism; a second single-row planetary gear train, of which a second gear ring is fixed to a drive axle housing and a second sun gear is coaxially and fixedly connected with the first sun gear; a third single-row planetary gear train.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-motor coupling drive axle with a torque vectoring function. The dual-motor coupling drive axle includes: a main drive mechanism; a spur gear differential; a TV control drive mechanism; a first single-row planetary gear train, of which a first sun gear is rotatably supported on a first half shaft and a first gear ring is connected with an output end of the TV control drive mechanism; a second single-row planetary gear train, of which a second gear ring is fixed to a drive axle housing and a second sun gear is fixedly connected with the first sun gear; a third single-row planetary gear train.

Abstract: A vehicle has first and second parts with at least one road wheel. The first part pivotally connects to a connecting member at two spaced apart points to pivot about a first axis relative and the second part pivotally connects to the connecting member at two spaced apart points 18 to pivot about a second axis, which is perpendicular to the second axis, intersecting at a pivot point. A first drive shaft rotatably mounts to the first part and extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first part, a second drive shaft rotatably mounts to the second part and extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second part. The first and second drive shafts connect by a universal joint so that the two shafts to pivot relative to each other about the pivot point.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle including two wheeled sections hinged together in the middle of the vehicle by a universal movement joint enabling relative pivoting about three axes extending at right angles to each other through the center of the vehicle. A hydraulically operated strut and a hydraulically operated cylinder/jack extend between the two vehicle sections. The strut is universally pivoted at its ends to the two vehicle sections to control the relative pivoting of the two vehicle sections while, the cylinder is trunnion mounted to one end and bolted to the other to permit vertical articulation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer parameter identification system (1) for identifying at least one geometrical parameter relating to a trailer (5) comprises at least one sensor (9, 10, 11, 7A, 7B) and a processor (33A, 33B). The at least one sensor (9, 10, 11, 7A, 7B) is configured to acquire data. The processor (33A, 33B) is configured to process said data to generate a value representative of a geometrical parameter of the trailer (5).

Abstract: A portable hoist assembly for lifting, relocating and lowering loads includes a trailer that is both wheeled and configured to couple to a vehicle. A power module, a lift arm and an actuator are coupled to the trailer. The actuator is operationally coupled to the power module and the lift arm. A fastener is operationally coupled proximate to a second end of the lift arm. The fastener is configured to couple the lift arm to a load. The actuator is positioned to motivate the lift arm and the fastener upwardly and downwardly. The load that is coupled to the lift arm is elevated from a first resting position to a raised position, repositioned by movement of the trailer, and lowered from the raised position to a second resting position.

Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a pair of driven axles, a center section and a pump and a motor rotatably disposed on one side of the center section. A clutch mechanism is located adjacent an opposite side of the center section to drive the pair of axles. The clutch includes at least one clutch fork disposed adjacent to the center section and being rotatable along an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the pump input shaft and motor output shaft, and also perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the axles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated pendulum joint for an articulated vehicle, especially a construction machine. It comprises a front connection element for connecting a front frame part of the articulated vehicle, a rear connection element for connecting a rear frame part of the articulated vehicle, and an articulation joint, via which the front connection element and the rear connection element are mutually connected in a pivotable manner relative to each other about a steering axis (AS). A pendulum joint is further provided, via which the front connection element and the rear connection element are mutually connected in a twistable manner relative to each other about a pendulum axis (AT), wherein the steering axis (AS) of the articulation joint is inclined about an acute angle ? relative to the pendulum axis (AT).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a trailer backup assist system includes a state estimator that determines a current position of a trailer relative to a waypoint position. In addition, the trailer backup assist system includes a trajectory planner that generates first and second circular trajectories tangent to one another spanning between the current and waypoint positions. The trailer backup assist system also includes a controller that reverses the trailer to the waypoint position along the first and second circular trajectories, which are dynamically regenerated as the trailer reverses along the first circular trajectory.

Abstract: A power take-off includes a housing (18) which at least partly accommodates an input shaft (20), at least one output shaft (22), a first transmission device (24) connected to the input shaft (20), a second transmission device (26) connected to the at least one output shaft (22), and at least one offtake module (30) connected to the at least one output shaft (22). The second transmission device (26) and the at least one output shaft (22) are arranged to fit in and be removable from the housing (18). Also, a vehicle (1) provided with such a power take-off (16) and to an intermediate piece (48) for such a power take-off (16).

Abstract: A system includes a muffler coupled to a frame of the off-road vehicle and mounted in a substantially horizontal orientation and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) fluidly and mechanically coupled to the muffler. In certain embodiments, the DOC is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation rearward of the muffler relative to a primary direction of travel of the off-road vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for controlling engagement of a first and second transmission of an all-wheel drive (AWD) walk-behind power equipment unit such as a lawn mower. The control system may include a mechanical load balancer to split an input drive force vector into two output force vectors. These two forces act upon associated first and second connection elements coupled to the first and second transmissions, respectively. One transmission may include a resistance element selected to sequence engagement of the first and second transmissions so that both transmissions begin driving their respective wheels at or near the same time even when the wheels associated with one transmission are more heavily-loaded than the wheels associated with the other transmission.

Abstract: A trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment, provides a sensor that senses a hitch angle between a trailer and a vehicle. The trailer backup assist system also provides a selection device for selecting a longitudinal direction of the trailer or the vehicle in a static orientation. Further, the trailer backup assist system provides a controller that generates a steering command to the vehicle when reversing based on the hitch angle to guide the trailer in the selected longitudinal direction. The controller determines a kinematic relationship of the trailer and the vehicle based on a length of the trailer and a wheelbase of the vehicle, whereby the steering command is generated based on the kinematic relationship.

Abstract: An adjustable width trail paver comprising a prime mover, an adjustable width paver, moveable and controllable materials conveyor, a controller, a base mold, and a trimmer; the control having pivot, tilt, raise, and fold features to move or control the materials conveyor around obstacles along the path to be paved; a prime mover with hydraulically telescoping frame; an adjustable width paver having interchangeable molds or hydraulically expanding pressure compensated side plates; and, methods for achieving continuous paving near or around obstacles along a path to be paved utilizing the adjustable width trail paver.

Abstract: A load-haul-dump (LHD) vehicle for constrained spaces such as underground mines. The LHD includes a front axle and a rear axle, and an articulation in the vehicle between the front and rear axles. A diesel engine is positioned to the rear of the rear axle, and powers a hydraulic pump. A hydraulic motor is positioned forwardly of the articulation, and is hydraulically driven by the hydraulic pump. A transmission is driven by the hydraulic motor, and drives the front axle and rear axle via respective drive shafts.

Abstract: A tractor control/display system includes a display means (28) for displaying to a tractor operator tractor performance parameters and receiving operator's inputs. Sensors (30, 34, 37) are also provided to determine various operating conditions of the tractor (10), and a processing unit (27) for receiving the sensor signals and operator's inputs and processing these signals and inputs to provide selected performance parameters for display on the display means (28). The processing means (27) also provides a simulation mode in which the operator can enter proposed changes in operating conditions of the tractor (10) and the processing means (28) can indicate on the display means (27) the effect of these proposed changes on selected tractor performance parameters.

Abstract: A control system for a tractor (10) fitted with two or more axles (21, 22) which carry wheels (13, 14) having pneumatic tires and which is set up to pull an implement or trailer. The system having a display means (28) for displaying to a tractor operator tractor performance parameters and has sensors to determine the current pull force (F) applied to the implement or trailer, the current wheel load and the current tractor ground speed (V). The system also has a control unit which determines and advises the tractor operator via the display means (28) as to the optimum weight of the tractor (10) using a predetermined relationship between pull force (F) and tractor weight and also the required load on each axle (21, 22) to achieve a predetermined optimum axle load ratio. The system also advises via the display means (28) the appropriate tire pressure for the current wheel load and tractor ground speed (V) using a look-up table.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a hybrid work vehicle which is simple in configuration, good in ease of mounting on a vehicle and capable of efficiently transmitting motive power. [Solution] The hybrid work vehicle includes: an engine (1); a hydraulic pump (4) which is driven by the engine; a work device (5) which is disposed at the front of the vehicle and performs work using the hydraulic pump as a drive source; a motor/generator (6) which generates electric power by use of the torque of the engine; and a travel drive device which causes the vehicle to travel by rotating and driving wheels by use of the electric power generated by the motor/generator. The hybrid work vehicle is steered while the vehicle bends by way of a center joint (15). The travel drive device includes: a plurality of electric motors (21 and 22); and a propeller shaft (8) which is linked with the plurality of electric motors and transmits motive power from the plurality of electric motors to the wheels.

Abstract: A platform system for an articulated machine is disclosed. The platform system can include a first platform which can be pivotally supported by a front frame of an articulated machine. The front frame of the articulated machine can be pivotally coupled to a rear frame of the articulated machine at an articulation joint. A second platform can be pivotally supported by the rear frame of the articulated machine. The second platform can include a first edge which can be positioned adjacent to a first edge of the first platform. Each of the first edge of the first platform and the first edge of the second frame platform can have a radial profile which can be aligned with a path of pivotal movement between the first platform and the second frame platform.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering actuator system for a forklift with front and rear sections includes a hydraulic steering motor. The forklift front section includes a mast mounting a pair of fork blades and a pair of wheels. The forklift rear section mounts a pair of drive wheels. The forklift front and rear sections are connected by an articulated connection with a vertical rotational axis. The steering actuator motor driveshaft extends along the vertical rotational axis. First and second actuator mounting brackets are connected to the forklift front and rear sections respectively. One of the mounting brackets includes upper and lower locking assemblies locking the hydraulic steering motor driveshaft whereby torque applied to the steering motor is transmitted to the articulated connection for turning the forklift front section relative to the forklift rear section. The range of motion is preferably 180°-205° for accommodating side-loading operations from relatively high storage shelves.

Abstract: An articulation control system is disclosed for use with a mobile machine having a traction device. The articulation control system may have a speed sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a travel speed of the mobile machine, a steering angle sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a steering angle of the traction device, and an articulation actuator configured to articulate a front frame of the mobile machine relative to a rear frame of the mobile machine. The articulation control system may also have a controller in communication with the speed sensor, the steering angle sensor, and the articulation actuator. The controller may be configured to track a travel path of the front frame based on the first and second signals, and to regulate operation of the articulation actuator to cause the rear frame to follow the travel path of the front frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge assembly for connecting two vehicle parts to a vehicle that is capable of crab steering, has articulated frame steering and comprises articulating vehicle axles. Four structural elements are connected to each other by four hinge connections, the hinge centers being arranged in a common plane in a basic state, such that they form a frame which is substantially rigid with respect to thrust forces in that plane. Two of the structural elements forming opposite sides of the frame can in each case be rotated about a rotational axis located in said plane with respect to the other three structural elements. Furthermore, the hinge connections are designed in such a manner that, starting from the basic state, the two rotational axes can be articulated relative to each other in that one of the rotational axis can be pivoted out of the plane.

Abstract: An articulated steering load-carrying vehicle (1) with a front portion (2), which by a steering joint (10) is connected to a rear portion (3), and in which the front portion (2) includes a first power engine (12) and at least one forward driven wheel pair (5, 5?), and in which, the rear portion (3) includes a load receiving device (6) and at least two driven wheel pairs (7, 7?; 8, 8?). A second wheel pair (8, 8?) of the at least two driven wheel pairs (7, 7?; 8, 8?) on the rear portion a second wheel pair (8, 8?) is steeringly connected to the rear portion. A system for driving of such a load-carrying vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a front frame, a rear frame, an oscillation frame, a slew bearing, and a rolling-element bearing. The slew bearing and the rolling-element bearing allow oscillation between the oscillation frame and the rear frame about a fore-aft axis.

Abstract: A frame-steered vehicle includes a powertrain configured to provide drive torque to a transverse axle in a front vehicle section and at least one transverse axle in a rear vehicle section. At least one longitudinal drive shaft is connected to the at least one transverse axle in the rear vehicle section. At least one controllable longitudinal clutch is variably adjustable between an engaged operational state and a disengaged operational state is arranged in the at least one longitudinal drive shaft.

Abstract: An articulated machine and method of operation, the articulated machine having a first frame with a first traction device and a steering apparatus that controls a steering angle thereof, the first frame pivotally coupled to a second frame at an articulation joint, the second frame having a second traction device, a steering sensor configured to provide a steering signal indicative of the steering angle, and an electronic controller configured to automatically control an articulation angle based on the steering signal.

Abstract: A traction control device includes: rotation speed detectors provided to wheels; a control-start determiner that determines whether or not to control a braking mechanism and a differential adjusting mechanism based on rotation speeds; a braking mechanism controller that controls the braking mechanism based on a result of the determination of the control-start determiner; and a differential adjusting mechanism controller that controls the differential adjusting mechanism based on the result of the determination of the control-start determiner, in which the control-start determiner includes: a right-left-wheel rotation speed difference calculating section; a front-rear-wheel rotation speed difference calculating section; and a control-start determining section that determines whether or not to start controlling at least one of the braking mechanism and the differential adjusting mechanism when one of rotation speed differences reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An article dump truck has a front tractor unit connected to an associated rear trailer unit with a tipping container by an articulated coupling. The articulated coupling is operable to allow the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit to pivot about a vertical pivot axis, rams being provided to turn the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit about the pivot to steer the dump truck. The articulated coupling also allows the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit to rotate relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the dump truck. In addition, the front tractor unit has a front chassis mounted on a pair of wheels by an independent suspension system.

Abstract: An articulated harvester is composed of a forward bogey having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, but being devoid of an on-board grain bin. A rearward bogey is attached by a joint to the forward bogey and has a powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward bogey grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The forward bogey wheel assembly is powered by a first drive system. The rearward bogey wheel assembly is powered by a second drive system. Each of the first and second powered drive systems includes coordinated transmission and drive motors.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering actuator system for a forklift with front and rear sections includes a hydraulic steering motor. The forklift front section includes a mast mounting a pair of fork blades and a pair of wheels. The forklift rear section mounts a pair of drive wheels. The forklift front and rear sections are connected by an articulated connection with a vertical rotational axis. The steering actuator motor driveshaft extends generally along the vertical rotational axis. First and second actuator mounting brackets are connected to the forklift front and rear sections respectively. One of the mounting brackets includes upper and lower locking assemblies locking the hydraulic steering motor driveshaft whereby torque applied to the steering motor is transmitted to the articulated connection for turning the forklift front section relative to the forklift rear section. The range of motion is preferably 180°-205° for accommodating side-loading operations from relatively high storage shelves, e.g.

Abstract: A pivot-steered vehicle, in particular a pivot-steered construction vehicle or machine, is provided. The vehicle includes a front frame and a rear frame which are connected to each other via a pivot steering gear and a steering drive. The pivot steering gear has a first and a second vertical pivot axis which are arranged opposing each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a neutral position, the pivot steering gear being embodied in a first steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the first pivot axis and in a second steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the second pivot axis, the first and the second steering ranges being separated from each other via the neutral position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge assembly (1) for connecting two vehicle parts (2, 3) to a vehicle that is capable of crab steering, has articulated frame steering and comprises articulating vehicle axles. It comprises four structural elements (4, 5, 6, 7) which are connected to each other by four hinge connections (8, 9, 10, 11), the hinge centers of which are arranged in a common plane in a basic state, in such a manner that they form a frame which is substantially rigid with respect to thrust forces in that plane. Two of the structural elements (4, 6) forming opposite sides of the frame which is substantially rigid with respect to thrust forces can in each case be rotated about a rotational axis (D1, D2) located in said plane with respect to the respective other three structural elements.

Abstract: A device and a method for engaging and disengaging a longitudinal differential (10) disposed between a forward wheelshaft (4) and a rear wheelshaft (5) of an articulated vehicle (1) which has a front element (2) and a rear element (3) pivotable about a steering linkage (6) disposed between them and which comprises a distribution box (9) which supplies power from an engine (7) to the forward wheelshaft (4) in the front element (2) via a first shaft (11) and to the near wheelshaft (5) in the rear element (3) via a second shaft (12), wherein the longitudinal differential (10) is disposed between the first shaft (11) and the second shaft (12), whereby a steering angle v formed between the front element (2) and the rear element (3) is detected by a detection means (25a) so arranged that the detection means (25a) causes a differential brake (20) for the longitudinal differential (10) to be kept locked, or braked, when the detection means (25a) detects a steering angle v which is smaller than a predetermined steerin

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a set steering angle ?o of steered wheels of a vehicle comprising a tractor and a trailer that is articulated with regard to the tractor. This method makes it possible to produce a set value that can be used for various purposes. This set value can thus be used for controlling an actuator acting upon the steering angle or for being communicated in order to inform the driver. According to the invention, during reversing maneuvers: based on a target point C via which the driver would like the path of the vehicle to pass, an angle set value ?c between the axes of the trailer and of the tractor is determined according to said target point C and to the dimensions of the vehicle, and; the set steering angle ? of the steered wheels is determined according to a servo-system causing the measured angle ? between the axis of the trailer and the tractor to tend toward said angle set value ?c.

Abstract: A personal vehicle has a fore section and an aft section. The fore and aft sections each have a frame, a transaxle mounted to the frame, and a wheels attached to the transaxle. The wheels of the aft section are vertically articulated relative to the frame of the aft section. A seat is disposed on the frame of the fore section. A joystick and interface are mounted to the fore section. A motor is mounted to the frame of the aft section. A hydraulic system is operatively connected to the motor. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. A fender assembly is mounted to the fore and aft sections. A rollover structure is mounted to the fore and aft sections. The hydraulic systems controls the directional movement of the personal vehicle and includes a hydraulic pump, rotovalves, a null valve, a drive cylinder, and a steering cylinder.

Abstract: The invention is a vehicle for ground operation that is an aerodynamic shell attached to wheels. The aerodynamic shell is shaped according to aircraft technology and it is elevated such that air flow around that shell is like air flow would be for that shell in flight. Elevation is accomplished by the attaching structure. Wheels at each side of the vehicle are arranged in wheel trains that are filled in and streamlined to form secondary aerodynamic units, with space between wheels used for equipment. This minimizes objects that would interfere with air flow. Special stability issues arise due to the resulting higher center of gravity of the elevated vehicle. These issues are addressed by significantly rearranging conventional vehicles. The result is a collection of novel vehicles such as trucks, automobiles, and buses that offer the benefit of large reductions in energy usage.

Abstract: A steering system and method are capable of steering a plurality of vehicles arranged in a train with adjacent vehicles pivotally connected to each other for movement about a vertical axis. Each vehicle has a pair of steerable wheels with one pair at one end of the train being a selected leading pair having its steering angle determined by an operator. An electrical control system automatically steers all of the wheels trailing behind the leading pair. Vehicle angle sensors measure intercar angles between adjacent vehicles and provide this information to the control system. An indicator provides the controller with the current distance traveled by the train. Wheel angle sensors provide signals indicative of the current steering angle for each wheel pair. The controller adjusts the actual steering angle for each trailing pair to a desired angle by calculating adjustments based on the measurement inputs.

Abstract: A dual-lever compression system comprising a shock absorber, a first lever, and a second lever. The shock absorber first end is pivotally coupled to a frame. The shock absorber second end is pivotally coupled to a first lever first end and the first lever second end is coupled to the frame. The second lever first end is pivotally coupled to the shock absorber second end and the second lever second end is coupled to a swing- arm. The compression performance control provided by embodiments of the dual-lever compression system is directly related to the incorporation of dual levers coupled to the shock absorber; that is, the first lever and the second lever. Angles, position, and pivotal rotations of the dual levers provide for controlled shock absorption.

Abstract: A swing arm support system for automated irrigation systems has a support hub and a means to attach and operate two wheels to opposite sides of the support hub. The support hub provides greater ground flotation to prevent the forming of ruts in a field and traction to prevent an automated swing arm from becoming stuck. The swing arm support system provides for the use of common automated irrigation components so that fabrication, repair and operation are most efficient. The support hub in pivotally attached to an existing swing arm support tower. The support hub is carried by two pneumatic tires in one embodiment, four tires in another embodiment, six tires in another embodiment, and movable tracks in another embodiment.

Abstract: A method of operating a machine having a lockable differential includes monitoring a first operating parameter indicative of wheel slip, and monitoring a second operating parameter different from the first parameter, the method further including controlling locking and unlocking of the differential responsive to the second operating parameter. A machine is provided having an electronic controller including software control logic for controlling locking and unlocking of a differential, the electronic controller being configured to lock the differential where the machine is in an operating mode where wheel slip is likely, such as a digging/dozing mode. Satisfaction of criteria for locking may be recognition by the controller of a predetermined pattern of sensor inputs corresponding with a likely wheel slip condition, or actual slip detection.

Abstract: A mine transport vehicle is disclosed having two main bodies, one a power and control section and the other a payload section, the two sections being connected by an articulating joint. The power and control section has seating for an operator and a passenger. The payload section has seating for four passengers as well as capacity for at least approximately 2000 pounds of equipment. The weight distribution of each section is such that the stress on the frame and articulating joint is minimized thus providing improved life of the joint.

Abstract: This invention of a “FORWARD CAB ARTICULATED TRACTOR” comprises a front cab section and an articulating joint attached to the rear of the front cab section and a rear section attached to the rear of the articulated joint with the front of the rear section attached to the rear section of the articulated joint and a gas driven internal combustion engine mounted in the rear section of the forward cab articulated tractor, and the gas driven engine connected to drive a hydraulic fluid pump to provide hydraulic fluid to a manifold and the manifold to supply hydraulic fluid to lines connected to disc brakes and to steer the forward cab articulated tractor by activating hydraulic fluid from the manifold to cylinders attached to the articulated joint and to the rear of front cab section. The front wheels are provided with brakes activated by hydraulic fluid from the manifold and the brakes are further activated by a spring loaded cylinder which is activated by shut off of hydraulic fluid from the manifold.

Abstract: A device and a method for engaging and disengaging a longitudinal differential (10) disposed between a forward wheelshaft (4) and a rear wheelshaft (5) of an articulated vehicle (1) which has a front element (2) and a rear element (3) pivotable about a steering linkage (6) disposed between them and which comprises a distribution box (9) which supplies power from an engine (7) to the forward wheelshaft (4) in the front element (2) via a first shaft (11) and to the near wheelshaft (5) in the rear element (3) via a second shaft (12), wherein the longitudinal differential (10) is disposed between the first shaft (11) and the second shaft (12), whereby a steering angle v formed between the front element (2) and the rear element (3) is detected by a detection means (25a) so arranged that the detection means (25a) causes a differential brake (20) for the longitudinal differential (10) to be kept locked, or braked, when the detection means (25a) detects a steering angle v which is smaller than a predetermined steerin

Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shaft receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a flexible port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected via piping to a directionally adjustable connection portion of the flexible port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second frames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.