Abstract: Vehicles, control systems for vehicles, and methods of operating vehicles are disclosed herein. A vehicle includes a frame structure, a front section, a rear articulation section, and a control system. The front section is coupled to the frame structure and to a front plurality of wheels supported for movement on a front axle. The rear articulation section is coupled to the frame structure and to a rear plurality of wheels supported for movement on a rear axle. The rear articulation section is pivotally coupled to the front section via an articulation joint and arranged opposite the front section along a vehicle axis. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a mode selector configured to provide input indicative of a mode selected by an operator in use of the vehicle and a controller communicatively coupled to the mode selector.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a plurality of traveling devices for driving traveling, a plurality of articulated link mechanisms having at least two or more joints and supporting the plurality of traveling devices to a vehicle body, with allowing the plurality of traveling devices to be elevated/lowered independently of each other, a driving mechanism capable of changing respective postures of the plurality of articulated link mechanisms independently of each other, and a plurality of turning mechanisms configured to support the respective plurality of the articulated link mechanisms, with allowing the link mechanisms to be orientation-changeable about a vertical axis.

Abstract: The four wheel steering vehicle utilizes a cage system that extends along the longitudinal axis to protect the driver coupled to a center rail chassis. Front and Back independent suspension links extend outward along the lateral axis pivotally connected to the wheel assemblies enabling four wheel independent suspension. A centrally located pivoting shock provides both steering control and suspension attachment for the shock and spring. The vehicle is controlled by the driver using a steering wheel, acceleration pedal, and a brake pedal. The invention provides a feeling of integration with the vehicle as the driver rolls into turns with the vehicle, while minimizing fatigue caused by the continuous resistance to centrifugal cornering forces.

Abstract: Four-wheel steering of a vehicle, e.g., in which leading wheels and trailing wheels are steered independently of each other, can provide improved maneuverability and stability. A first vehicle model may be used to determine trajectories for execution by a vehicle equipped with four-wheel steering. A second vehicle model may be used to control the vehicle relative to the determined trajectories. For instance, the second vehicle model can determine leading wheels steering angles for steering leading wheels of the vehicle and trailing wheels steering angles for steering trailing wheels of the vehicle, independently of the leading wheels.

Abstract: A giant six-legged polar research vehicle with tracked feet, including a platform, six legs arranged at six ends of the platform and six tracked feet arranged below the six legs. A monitoring device is arranged on a top cover. Six power compartments each having a steering device are arranged at six ends of a chassis in the platform. Each leg includes a main traveling device with an upper end and a lower end respectively connected to the steering device and a tracked foot, an auxiliary traveling device with an upper end and a lower end respectively connected to the chassis and the main traveling device, and a connecting device arranged on the main traveling device. The tracked foot includes a main flipping mechanism, an auxiliary flipping mechanism, a tracked foot slewing device, a crawler, a sliding plate and a suspension.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a transaxle drive system for ride-on equipment. The transaxle drive system can include a frame supporting at least one power source and at least two subframes, the at least one power source including at least one drive pulley. The system can also include transaxle assemblies driven by at least a portion of at least one belt from the at least one drive pulley. The transaxle assemblies can include a first transaxle assembly supported by a subframe, the first transaxle assembly coupled to the at least one drive pulley with at least one belt, and a second transaxle assembly supported by another subframe, the second transaxle assembly coupled by at least one belt to the at least one drive pulley. The transaxle assemblies can be independently pivoted with respect to each other, the frame, and the power source.

Abstract: Systems of detecting high-voltage lines to guard against electrocution when using heavy machinery are disclosed. Systems of the inventive subject matter include an antenna to detect the high-voltage line, and upon detection, the system can cut power to a movement system of the heavy machinery. A manual override is provided so that a user can remove the heavy machinery from an area at risk of causing electrocution either by contact with the high-voltage line or by arcing from the high-voltage line.

Abstract: A synchronous steering vehicle body includes wheels, a cab and a steering mechanism for driving the wheels and the cab to synchronously steer, steering center axes of the wheels are vertical to rotation center axes of the wheels, and the wheels are vertical to the center of the horizontal ground to be concentric to the steering center axes of the wheels, and the steering motions of the wheels and the cab are kept synchronous. The disclosure provides a synchronous steering vehicle body capable of directly achieving the synchronous steering of the wheels and the cab.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle including wheels, and a steering module configured to steer the wheels in one of two mutually opposite right and left directions, or in one and the other of the two mutually opposite right and left directions, respectively. In the vehicle, a caster angle is set within the range of ±3 degrees relative to a kingpin angle. Though each wheel usually forms a camber angle when steered, by setting in the wheel the caster angle beforehand within the above range, the wheel does not or is less likely to form the camber angle because the camber angle and the caster angle cancel each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the steering angles of the wheels from being restricted, and to prevent the deterioration of steering operability.

Abstract: On-road autonomous vehicles and other vehicles operative to: autonomously collect and transport a load over public roads, autonomously collect and transport a passenger in a cabin, autonomously collect transport and place a functional load according to a request, autonomously collect and use a functional load, exchange a functional load between at least two on-road autonomous vehicles in a convoy, lift and transport a load by at least two on-road autonomous vehicles, charge batteries of the on-road autonomous vehicle on the move, provide a hybrid air-gap and mechanical protection for a passenger cabin, protect the on-road vehicle from impact with foreign objects, control a length thereof, reduce drag on the vehicle, and adapt to carry a long load.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an electric vehicle, an active safety control system of an electric vehicle, and a control method of the active safety control system of an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes: multiple wheels, multiple motors, a wheel speed detection module, a steering wheel rotation angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, and a battery pack. The active safety control system includes: an acquisition module, acquiring the wheel speed signal, the direction information, the yaw information, status information of the battery pack, and status information of the multiple motors; a status determining module, determining status of the electric vehicle; and a control module, generating a control instruction and delivering the control instruction to at least one motor.

Abstract: Hydraulic cylinders controlled by electronic valves can be provided at each rear corner of an agricultural machine to improve four wheel steering. The valves can receive hydraulic fluid from a pump and release hydraulic fluid to tank, while independently controlling an amount of hydraulic fluid to each rear steering cylinder. The valves can be controlled by a controller that is also in communication with position sensors configured to sense positions of the front and rear steering cylinders, so that the rear steering cylinders can be correspondingly controlled to follow the front steering cylinders.

Abstract: A surface walker for human beings consisting of a chassis holding four articulated, movable limbs for walking. Each limb rests on foot, ski or float. Chassis is topped with cushioned seat whereon user lies prone on chest and belly with access to limbs, which are activated with arms and legs. Chassis height and limb length are adjustable. User regulates walking gait, limb stride and motion frequency of limbs. Walker advances on land and water and diverse landscapes. Design incorporates optional computer-controlled power assistance for walker motion and use of mechanical hand for enhanced traction and anchoring effects.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an industrial vehicle driving in four directions and a traveling mechanism for the industrial vehicle. The traveling mechanism for the industrial vehicle driving in four directions comprises four wheel sets at bottom of the vehicle body, the wheel sets are sequentially connected to form a quadrangle; one wheel set is a rotating wheel set, another wheel set is a reversible directional wheel set, and the axis direction of the rotating wheels is switched between two directions through the rotating action of a rotating shaft of the wheel set; the other two wheel sets are variable-state wheel sets, and the rotating wheel state are switched between a directional state and a follow-up universal state. The present disclosure has simple structure, low cost, good supporting stability, and usage range, usage efficiency and maneuvering capability of the industrial vehicle are facilitated.

Abstract: An electric vehicle which includes in-wheel motor driving devices and an independent-steering apparatus and is capable of making pivot turns within a minimum-required parking space, having a structure without a chassis and a part of the body protruding out of a minimum-required circular space necessary for the wheels to make pivot turning. In a case where the electric vehicle has four wheels including left and right front wheels and left and right rear wheels, an in-wheel motor driving device is incorporated only in the left and right front wheels, only in the left and right rear wheels, or in all of the wheels. An independent-steering apparatus serves for all of the wheels. A kingpin axis in each of the wheels makes an intersection with a road surface on a circle inboard of a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: An electric vehicle which includes in-wheel motor driving devices and an independent-steering apparatus and is capable of making pivot turns within a minimum-required parking space, having a structure without a chassis and a part of the body protruding out of a minimum-required circular space necessary for the wheels to make pivot turning. In a case where the electric vehicle has four wheels including left and right front wheels and left and right rear wheels, an in-wheel motor driving device is incorporated only in the left and right front wheels, only in the left and right rear wheels, or in all of the wheels. An independent-steering apparatus serves for all of the wheels. A kingpin axis in each of the wheels makes an intersection with a road surface on a circle inboard of a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).

Abstract: The invention describes vehicles where the steering effect of the driver-selected wheel angles is made identical to the steering effect of positively and independently driving the driven wheels. Means of delivering most of the power to each of the driven wheels by means of shaft drives is also described. Here speed-correcting differentials are close coupled to each driven wheel where the first input to the said differentials is by means of shaft drives, and the second input to the said differentials is provided by means of speed-correcting hydraulic or electric motors.

Abstract: A variable wheel positioning vehicle has a wheel position changing mechanism and a wheel position control device to change a wheel position of a wheel with respect to a center of gravity of a vehicle body. The wheel position changing mechanism is arranged to move a suspension device along a movement path with respect to the vehicle body and to hold the suspension device at any position along the movement path. The wheel position control device issues a movement command to the wheel position changing mechanism that changes a wheel positioning distance between a center rotation axis of one of the wheels and the center of gravity of the vehicle body as measured in a direction parallel to an acceleration direction of the center of gravity of the vehicle body based on a traveling condition the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for steering and regulating a driving mechanism in motor vehicles having hybrid drive. A drive torque (M) desired by the driver is distributed to at least one electric motor (Em) and a combustion engine (Vm) so that therewith the driving mechanism of the vehicle can be steered, together with the hybrid functions. In a central digital unit (1), a resulting distribution degree of the torques (M_Em, M_Vm) of at least one electric motor and of the combustion engine is determined, the sum of the torque (M_Em, M_Vm) corresponding to the drive torque (M) desired by the driver. The resulting distribution degree takes into account here requirements according to the needed hybrid and driving mechanism functions.

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).

Abstract: The invention describes vehicles where the steering effect of the driver-selected wheel angles is made identical to the steering effect of positively and independently driving the driven wheels. A method of compensating for the linear portions of the slip angles of all wheels and the linear portions of the longitudinal slip of the driven wheels is described where the slip angles and longitudinal slips are deduced from the forces acting on the wheels. Methods of measuring the slip angles and longitudinal slips of all wheels by means of two dummy castors are also described. Vehicles where the steering effect of the driver-selected wheel angles is made identical to the steering effect of positively and independently braking all wheels are also described. Means of applying the above principles to vehicles with either hydrostatic or mechanical drives are also described, including simplified vehicles with only two steerable wheels.

Abstract: This invention refers to a wheelchair control system which enables them to move in an omnidirectional way without much effort by its user. The system is made up of a base (1) where the wheels and motors are attached (2) the batteries (3). The necessary electronics to the full functioning of the wheelchair are located on the second level (4). On the next level up, is placed the processing unit (5). Over all this structure is placed the wheelchair seat (6). On its arm is mounted a joystick (or other wheelchair controlling device) (7) as well as a digital screen (8) so that the user can write and read the all the wheelchair information. The processing unit on board can also receive information from sensors located all around the wheelchair to automatically avoid obstacles. Additionally, this wheelchair control system is electrically fed through rechargeable batteries or fuel cells (3), offering great usage autonomy.

Abstract: There is provided a driving device of an electric car, exactly selecting drive wheels of the electric car in accordance with road circumstances. In the electric car having four or more wheels, all wheels (1 to 4) have driving motors (5 to 8) placed therein, capable of driving and regenerative braking, and a plurality of the wheels (1 to 4) are selected so as to serve as drive wheels or regenerative brake wheels in accordance with traveling circumstances of the car.

Abstract: A working vehicle with a traversing system wherein a front wheel is installed on a swing member rotatable about a vertical axis relative to a body and including a rotating cylinder for rotating the swing member. The entire part of the front wheel is formed compact in connection with a drivingly running device stored in the swing range of the front wheel. A battery mountable on the body comprises a wide front part movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction between rear wheels in the straight forward running attitude. A narrow rear part is positioned between the rear wheels in the transverse running attitude, whereby the attachment and detachment of the wheel can be preformed easily and can be mounted stably.

Abstract: An electronic device for selecting and controlling the steering modes of vehicles, in particular industrial vehicles, comprising an electronic control unit (30), which receives two input signals (S3, S4) from two magnetic sensors (34, 36), which are placed onto the pistons (20, 22) of the rear axle and the front axle, respectively, of the vehicle; the sensors (34, 36) are activated when suitable magnetic bands (32, 38) which are provided on the pistons (20, 22) of the steering cylinders (24, 26), pass in front of them and they enable, by means of the control unit (30), an automatism (28) that switches to a prefixed steering mode when the front and rear wheels of the vehicle are aligned.

Abstract: During ordinary travel, a direction change cylinder (51) is actuated by an orbit roll (58) by turning a steering wheel (16) right and left, so that the rear wheels (4) can be turned for direction change in response to the operation of the steering wheel. When the direction change cylinder is actuated to the limit, the right and left rear wheels can be turned for direction change into an inclined state with their rear ends approaching each other, thereby making it possible to make a pivot turn. The front and rear wheel turning devices (30, 50) are actuated to turn the front wheels (3) and rear wheels around vertical axes (27, 49) for direction change by 90 degrees (directed exactly sideways). At this time, in the rear wheel turning device, with the direction change cylinder put in the neutral position, the rear wheel transverse travel cylinders (53) are actuated to turn the rear wheels for direction change by 90 degrees.

Abstract: A vehicle capable of turning a vehicle body with a relatively small turning radius and with a good operability in a turning operation. One of front and rear pairs of left and right wheels, to which a running torque produced by a vehicle driving source is not transmitted, is arranged for rotation concerning respective axes perpendicular to the ground. For turning the vehicle body, the one pair of left and right wheels are fixed at angular positions along tangential directions of an arc which passes the axes perpendicular to the ground of the one pair of left and right wheels. At these angular positions, a rotating torque is applied to the one pair of left and right wheels to turn the vehicle body substantially about the center point of the rotating axle for running the vehicle of the other pair of left and right wheels.

Abstract: A drive system base or platform, such as for a mobile robot, is disclosed having multiple caster wheels, each wheel having its own first motor for independent driving and its own second motor for independent steering. Each wheel is rotably and pivotably mounted in a separate wheel module, which includes both the driving and steering motors associated with the wheel. All of the wheel modules on the base are identical and interchangeable. The two motors of each module are mounted side by side in a vertical arrangement for compactness. Each wheel module includes a suspension for allowing each wheel to move vertically and independently relative to the base. The hub and tread of each wheel are each cast concentrically around a bevel drive gear in an offset manner to provide a wheel and bevel gear that turn more smoothly and precisely.

Abstract: A drive system for all-wheel drive vehicles is provided having separate front and rear transaxles powered by a single engine through a power transfer system. The transaxles each include a hydrostatic transmission and an axle, the hydrostatic gearing system within the hydrostatic transmission serving, in conventional manner, to transfer power from the engine to the axle and drive wheel or wheels. Thus, the front and rear transmissions each may include driving shafts, lay shafts, gear wheels, differentials, and/or other drive train entities employed in the art. A single shifting mechanism associated with the gear systems within each hydrostatic transmission is employed to operate the separate hydrostatic transmissions in harmony.

Abstract: A steering apparatus and method are provided for a gantry crane with four corner-mounted wheel assemblies having steerable wheels. The crane is a type which drivable in either longitudinal or transverse directions, wherein steering control is automatically switched steering control to the “leading” wheels, or more particularly the wheels of the “leading” pair of wheel assemblies. The system detects which two of the wheel assemblies are leading, whether the crane is moving longitudinally frontwardly or rearwardly, or transversly rightward or leftward. The system includes a steering controller which controls steering actuators in such a manner that the wheels of the then-leading wheel assemblies are moved according to steering control input, while the wheels of a remaining pair of then-“trailing” wheel assemblies are moved to and/or held in, a straight alignment.

Abstract: A steering system (11) reduces the steering radius and minimizes tire scuffing is used with vehicles which include a front steering assembly having first and second wheels (20a, 20b) and a tag axle steering assembly having third and fourth wheels (21a, 21b). The steering system comprises a front steering ram assembly (26) fluidly coupled to a tag axle ram assembly (30) through a conduit system (102), which has no flow control valves, in a master-slave configuration such that a hydraulic fluid moves between the steering axle assembly and the tag axle ram assembly in response to a turning of the first and second wheels to cause the third and fourth wheels to turn in an opposite direction. The front steering ram assembly comprises first and second ram (42, 44). The first and second ram cylinders (46, 52) are normally affixed to either the frame (40) or the first tie rod (36), while the first and second ram shafts (50, 56) are affixed to the other of the frame and the first tie rod.

Abstract: A diagnosing apparatus and method for determining an occurrence of failure in a rear road wheel steering angle sensor of a motor-driven four wheel steering system of an automotive vehicle which can achieve a highly accurate detection of the occurrence of failure in the single rear road wheel steering angle sensor at an appropriate timing irrespective of a sensor failure mode. The detection of failure in the rear road wheel steering angle sensor is carried out on the basis of whether a target deviation between a rear road wheel steering angle sensor value and a target rear road wheel steering angle exceeds a predetermined deviation value and whether a generation time duration during which the target deviation exceeds the predetermined deviation value has continued over a predetermined period of time. In addition, the detection of failure in the rear road wheel steering angle sensor is carried out on the basis of whether an accumulated value of a rear road wheel steering angle estimated deviation .intg..DELTA..

Abstract: The present invention relates a rear wheel self-steering system for a vehicle which can minimize a turning radius of a vehicle and a tire wear by independently steering the rear wheel during cornering. The system includes a side frame, a first spring mounted on a first rear wheel axle below the side frame and having a front end fixed to the side frame, a second spring mounted on a second rear wheel axle below the side frame and having a rear end fixed to the side frame, and a steering control part for controlling a distance between the first and second rear wheel axles in accordance with a vehicle's running state such that when the vehicle is in cornering the first rear wheel axle becomes far away from the second rear wheel axle, the steering system connecting the first and second spring members to each other.

Abstract: Method, for use in a vehicle including a four wheel steering system and an electronic control unit having memory, of controlling the four wheel steering system while at least one of the wheels is under a torque load such that the vehicle behaves like a front wheel steering vehicle under no torque load, or a four wheel steering vehicle under no torque load. The method includes determining at least one control gain for the four wheel steering system so that the torque loaded vehicle behaves like a front wheel steering vehicle under no torque load, and controlling the four wheel steering system according to the control gain, thereby improving directional stability of the vehicle travelling on a slippery road surface. Apparatus is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An agricultural bagging machine including a wheeled frame having at least first and second wheels provided at the forward end thereof and at least third and fourth wheels provided at the rearward end thereof. First, second, third and fourth hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected to the first, second, third and fourth wheels respectively with the first and second wheels being operated together and independent of the third and fourth wheels. The third and fourth wheels operate together and operate independently of the first and second wheels. A vertically disposed hydraulic jack stand is mounted on the machine at the tow end thereof to enable the second and fourth wheels as well as the tow end of the machine to be raised so that the second and fourth wheels are out of ground engagement. The povital arrangement of the wheels permits the machine to be spin-turned and maneuvered.

Abstract: A field crop collection vehicle provides improved crop collection and storage. The vehicle steers through mutually orthogonal directions of travel and includes forward and reverse propulsion for accurate, quick and convenient field positioning in preparation for a bagging operation. During bagging, the vehicle is propelled by compaction force developed by placement of crop material with the storage bag and is steerable to more controllably place the storage bag upon the ground.

Abstract: In a steering mechanism wherein the turning angle of a steering wheel is transmitted to a wheel via a link mechanism employing a tire rod (3) and a knuckle arm (4), the link mechanism and the wheel (1) are coupled by a multiplying gear (2). Individual drive mechanisms are mounted independently on each wheel, and each wheel is driven independently to enable front-wheel independent drive, rear-wheel independent drive and four-wheel independent drive. Drive of an inner rear wheel is changed over at a steering angle in the vicinity of 90.degree. to effect control of steering. A steering angle multiplied twofold or more can be obtained in simple fashion via the multiplying gear (2) even for a steering angle of about 45.degree. using the conventional link mechanism. In the drive of each wheel, drive of the inner rear wheel is halted in the vicinity of the 90.degree. steering angle, so that locking of the inner front wheel can be avoided.

Abstract: A four-wheel mobile vehicle including provision for controlling the steering position of each of the four (4) wheels so that every wheel's rolling axis will intersect at a common point around which the vehicle will turn. The control is provided by a pair of cables, one on each side of the vehicle which interconnect a pair of front and back wheels to turn each pair through similar angles in the opposite direction.The variance in angular turning between wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle is caused by wrapping the cables on each side around an identical cam pulley, one on each side, both of which are mounted on a common shaft so that their angular rotation is always identical while their winding radius is changing.

Abstract: A steering system (1) for vehicles including a front wheel steering mechanism (1a) for steering front wheels (5) at an angle in accordance with a steering operation of a driver, and a rear wheel steering mechanism (1b) for steering rear wheels (11) at an angle (Sr) in accordance with a travelling state of the vehicle.For the steering of the rear wheel, a reference steering angle (Ar) according to a turning state of the vehicle and a corrective steering angle (Ac) according to a velocity derivative thereof are computed, and the steering angle (Sr) of the rear wheel is obtained by making either an addition or a subtraction of the reference and corrective steering angles at least in accordance with the velocity derivative.

Abstract: A front and rear wheel steering apparatus in a motor vehicle includes a front wheel steering mechanism and a rear wheel steering mechanism which are operatively coupled to front wheels and rear wheels rotatably supported on a vehicle frame for transmitting turning movement of a steering handlebar to the front and rear wheels. While the steering handlebar is being turned from a neutral position to a prescribed angle in one direction, the rear wheels are steered in the same direction as the front wheels, and while the steering handlebar is being turned from the prescribed angle to a maximum angle, the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels. The front wheel steering angle reaches a maximum value when the steering handlebar is turned to the prescribed angle, and substantially remains at the maximum value even when the steering handlebar is further turned beyond the prescribed angle.

Abstract: A four wheel steering tractor comprising a grass cutting system vertically movably mounted in a lower space of the tractor between front and rear wheels. The grass cutting system carries gauge wheels disposed at opposite lateral sides in rear regions thereof. An interlocking structure between a steering wheel and the front and rear wheels includes a front drag link extending from a pitman arm toward the left (or right) front wheel, and a rear drag link extending from the pitman arm toward the right (or left) rear wheel. This interlocking structure places the center of tractor turning approximately on a straight line extending through the gauge wheels and adjacent one of the gauge wheels.

Abstract: A 4-wheel mobile vehicle including provision for controlling the steering position of each of the four (4) wheels so that every wheel's rolling axis will intersect at a common central point around which the vehicle will turn. The control is provided by a pair of cables which can interconnect each of the pair of wheels on each side of the vehicle to turn through similar turns in the opposite direction, and wherein the linear position of the cables are provided by a pair of specially cut cams which are positioned by the steering column. Each pair of wheels is further characterized by a support system which provides for vertical deviation of the front and back wheels without substantially causing the vehicle carriage itself to be vertically deviated by a substantial amount.

Abstract: A steering system for vehicles operative in a number of modes, requiring a narrow wheelbase for travelling on highways, and a wide wheelbase for performing tasks, typically agricultural. The steering system enables each of the wheels connected with such a vehicle to be steered independently, thus enabling movement in any direction, and full turns, to include turning about its geometrical center.Additional computerized systems are provided for the regulation of steering and for the regulation of a power transfer system conventionally used to transfer power to agricultural machinery.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle having a pair of powered main wheels the speed of which is controlled in an independent manner for vehicle speed changes and turning. A caster wheel is carried by a suspension member which is manually adjustable relative the vehicle body. A control mechanism includes an operator control member, first and second linkage means coupling a vehicle control member with first and second variable speed transmission units and permits individual speed and directional control of each transmission unit. Appendages on the control member include swivel components with movement of the control member about multiple axes permitting like or differential movement to be imparted to the first and second linkage means. Linkage biasing springs return the control member to a neutral position in the absence of operator exerted force. A modified control member includes a switch to terminate engine operation upon release of the control member.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering driving mechanism is provided for a vehicle having a front wheel steering system and a rear wheel steering system. The drive mechanism includes an input shaft adapted to be operatively connected to the front wheel steering system for rotation thereby whenever the front wheel steering system is activated and an output shaft adapted to be operably connected to the rear wheel steering system to selectively transmit front wheel steering system activity to the rear wheel system. Stop pins are provided to maintain a loose crank pin in an initial position during the initial portion of input shaft rotation.

Abstract: A driving and steering mechanism for a vehicle having a pair of driving wheels includes a steering wheel rotatably mounted to the vehicle and an accelerator foot pedal pivotably mounted to the vehicle. Transmissions associated with the driving wheels include a pivotable control arm for controlling the operation of the transmission, which independently controls the speed and direction of rotation of the associated wheel. The vehicle is turned by causing one wheel to rotate faster than the other wheel. A zero turning radius turn can be effected by causing the driving wheels to rotate in opposite directions.The driving and steering mechanism includes a pair of floating links pivotably connected at one end to a respective transmission control arm. Steering links, associated with the steering wheel, are pivotably connected to a respective floating link distal the connection to the control link.

Abstract: A rigid frame off-highway vehicle in which there are a plurality of wheels on each side, each wheel of each of the plurality of wheels being lockedly connected to the other wheels and commonly connected to a torque delivery source such that the wheels rotate in unison; the wheels being steerable and connected with steering means to operate in a selected steering mode.

Abstract: A riding-astride type whole-wheel steered vehicle (100; 200) comprising front wheels (2) and rear wheels (3) attached to the front part and the rear part of a vehicle body frame (1), respectively, a power transmission mechanism (8, 11, 21) for transmitting power of a midship engine (5), which is mounted on the vehicle body frame between axles (13, 14, 16 and 23, 24, 26) of the wheels in terms of the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, to at least either of the axles, left and right footsteps (7) attached to the vehicle body frame at both sides of the engine, respectively, a front-wheel steering mechanism (29) for interconnecting a handle member of the vehicle with the front wheels and steering the front wheels, a rear-wheel steering mechanism (19) for steering the rear wheels, and a steering transmission mechanism (34) for mechanically interconnecting the front-wheel steering mechanism with the rear-wheel steering mechanism.

Abstract: A driving and steering mechanism for a vehicle having a pair of driving wheels includes a steering wheel rotatably mounted to the vehicle and an accelerator foot pedal pivotably mounted to the vehicle. Transmissions associated with the driving wheels include a pivotable control arm for controlling the operation of the transmission, which independently controls the speed and direction of rotation of the associated wheel. The vehicle is turned by causing one wheel to rotate faster than the other wheel. A zero turning radius turn can be effected by causing the driving wheels to rotate in opposite directions.The driving and steering mechanism includes a pair of floating links pivotably connected at one end to a respective transmission control arm. Steering links, associated with the steering wheel, are pivotably connected to a respective floating link distal the connection to the control link.