Stub-axle Type Patents (Class 180/24)
  • Patent number: 11241923
    Abstract: An improved articulated heavy haul trailer combination comprises a trailing accessory vehicle such as a booster coupled to a main trailer by a coupling. The coupling includes a horizontal hinge, a vertical hinge that allows the trailing accessory vehicle to yaw in a horizontal plane, a spreader extending between the hinges and a hydraulic piston and cylinder. A turn sensor mounted on said combination detects yawing, and a controller reduces the piston and cylinder's downward biasing force on the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Aspen Custom Trailers Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Johnston, Wayne Rootsaert
  • Patent number: 10882573
    Abstract: A towing device for an automatic guided vehicle that tows a carriage is disclosed. The towing device includes a connecting member, one end of which is connected to the automatic guided vehicle, and a hook member connected to the other end of the connecting member. One end of the connecting member is swivelably connected to the automatic guided vehicle. A swivel shaft axis line of the connecting member and a swivel shaft axis line of a drive unit of the automatic guided vehicle are configured to be coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignees: AICHIKIKAI TECHNOSYSTEM CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuji Adachi, Takayuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 10808830
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a differential carrier that includes a bearing support wall that at least partially defines a first lubricant chamber. A rotor output flange that is fixedly coupled to a rotor may at least partially defines a second lubricant chamber. At least one seal may separate the first lubricant chamber from the second lubricant chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Angel Begov, Mark Smith, Dhanapal Vittala Raya
  • Patent number: 10807847
    Abstract: Vehicles, systems and methods for providing articulating two section vehicles with tracks, and a front body attached superstructure with telescopic forklift, for use on all terrain condition applications. The vehicle can include front and rear track assemblies that can tilt up and down while traveling over different ground surfaces. Each of the track assemblies can have rotatable articulating/oscillating track wheels which can traverse different contoured surfaces. The right and left tracks on both the front and rear track assemblies can separately extend outward and inward from underneath the vehicles to add stability to the vehicles. The cab can be raised and lowered to add greater visibility for the operator. Hydraulics can be used for raising and lowering the extendable boom and operator cab, as well as controlling the body articulating hinge, the articulating tracks and the tilting controls for the front track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Teletrax Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Ourada, Terri Ourada
  • Patent number: 10793205
    Abstract: An assembly for enabling rotational motion in a vehicle or mobile working machine is disclosed which includes at least two sections arranged in an overlying position relative to the vehicle's or working machine's working surface. A top section can be led to motion relative to a bottom section and a longitudinal rotation axis, the top section and the bottom section being movably coupled to each other by at least one trajectory element which generates a curvilinear trajectory. The relative motion of the top section and the bottom section proceeds along a curvilinear trajectory in a section plane which is perpendicular relative to the lengthwise rotation axis. The trajectory can be at least partly in the shape of a circular arc, the midpoint of this curvilinear trajectory being disposed below the bottom section. An actuator mounted on the vehicle or working machine affects the top section and/or the bottom section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: PONSSE OYJ
    Inventor: Pentti Hukkanen
  • Patent number: 10632842
    Abstract: A 6×2 tandem axle drive has an auxiliary 6×4 drive that is automatically engaged and disengaged. A forward rear drive axle has an input shaft with a clutch selectively driving a simple transfer shaft. A rearward rear drive axle is driven by an inter-axle transfer drive shaft that receives power from the simple transfer shaft. At least one wheel disconnect clutch is operable to selectively connect and disconnect at least one wheel of the rearward rear drive axle from the differential of the axle. A control module is configured to selectively place the vehicle in 6×2 mode by disengaging the clutch on the input shaft of the forward rear drive axle and disengaging the wheel disconnect clutch, and in a 6×4 mode by engaging the clutch on the input shaft of the forward rear drive axle and engaging the wheel disconnect clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Grzegorz Siuchta, Dean Opperman
  • Patent number: 10322387
    Abstract: A system for driving a reel mixing tool, including a unit structure, a bottom output shaft, an output gearbox, a reel mixer driveshaft, a reel mixer gearbox, a flexible coupling, and a reel mixing tool, is provided. The unit structure supports the bottom output shaft which is connected to the output gearbox, the output gearbox is connected to the reel mixer driveshaft, the reel mixer driveshaft is connected to the reel mixer gearbox, the reel mixer gearbox is directly coupled to the reel mixing tool by the flexible coupling, allowing the bottom output shaft to transfer power through to the reel mixing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: KUHN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob Veeder, Jeremiah Kleiber, Pierre Courtin, Rod Zimmerman, Dana Redman, Claude McFarlane
  • Patent number: 10202154
    Abstract: A partially tracked utility vehicle and conversion are provided. The converted partially tracked utility vehicle has a chassis, front wheels, and a trailing link suspension. The trailing link suspension has a trailing link with a first end pivotably connected to the chassis and a second end pivotably connected to a walking beam at a walking beam pivot; a shock having a first end pivotably connected to a tension shaft and a second end pivotably connected to the trailing link; the walking beam further comprising a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging a track of the partially tracked utility vehicle; a sprocket mounted to a traction drive of the utility vehicle for engaging and providing rotational power to the track; and an actuator attached to the chassis, the actuator having a shaft pivotably connected to the tension shaft and configured to rotate the tension shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Sr., Peter Joseph Buchanan
  • Patent number: 10077974
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a modular, blast resistant suspension module for an armored vehicle. Each suspension module has a first and second axle assembly. The first axle assembly has a Short-Long Arm (SLA) suspension system pivotally connected to a blast resistant differential housing and the second axle assembly has a Road Arm (RA) suspension system pivotally connected to the differential housing. The suspension modules may be used to form 4×4 or 8×8 vehicle configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: PRATT & MILLER ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Kwiatkowski, Kris Houghton, Celyn M. Evans, Benjamin J. Wright
  • Patent number: 9981688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering system and an independent suspension wheel-type heavy vehicle. The steering system comprises a steering mechanism for providing a steering force to wheels and a steering hydraulic assisting system for providing a steering assisting force overcoming a steering resistance moment from the ground to the wheels. According to the invention, by providing the steering mechanism for providing a steering force to wheels and by providing the steering hydraulic assisting system for providing a steering assisting force overcoming a steering resistance moment from the ground to the wheels, the steering resistance moment from the ground can be effectively overcome, and the vehicle is offered the steering capability for various places, as compared with a steering system only depending on the torque output by a steering gear or only depending on the torque output by the steering gear and a steering assisting follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: XUZHOU HEAVY MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Honggang Ding, Zhifang Wang, Yunwang Ma, Baoluan Liu, Shuyuan Cao, Pengcheng Lu
  • Patent number: 9004510
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a base portion and a modular portion. The base portion may be a four wheel vehicle having an operator area with seating for at least two occupants in a side-by-side arrangement. The modular portion may be coupled to the base portion resulting in a six wheel vehicle. The wheels of the modular portion may be powered by an engine of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leonard, Richard Raymond Maki, Eric Bjerkctvedt, Michael D. Schneider, Bradley Robert Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell
  • Patent number: 8672065
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis and a plurality of wheel assemblies articulated with the chassis, each of the plurality of wheel assemblies comprising a rotatable wheel spaced away from the chassis. A vehicle includes a chassis and an articulated suspension system mounted to the chassis. A method includes comprising articulating at least one of a plurality of wheel assemblies with a chassis, each of the wheel assemblies including a rotatable wheel spaced apart from the chassis. A vehicle includes a chassis and articulatable means for rolling the chassis along a path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Beck, Jon T. Stinchcomb, Wendell H. Chun, Donald W. Nimblett, James E. Tomlin, Kevin L. Conrad
  • Patent number: 8641067
    Abstract: A suspension unit is disclosed comprising: a hub 6; a bearing sleeve 24 eccentrically mounted within the hub 6; a crank pin 22 rotatably received within the bearing sleeve 24; and a connecting rod 20, a first end 28 of which is connected for rotation with the crank pin 22 over a connecting area 26 that comprises less than a complete circumference of the crank pin 22; the bearing sleeve 24 comprising a slot 52 through which the connecting rod 20 extends from the first 28 end to a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Horstman Defence Systems Limited
    Inventors: Tim Holman, Robert D'Aubyn
  • Patent number: 8376077
    Abstract: A vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle body, a suspension system coupled to the vehicle body, and a plurality of wheels (16) coupled to the suspension system comprising at least one pair of wheels, each wheel of the at least one pair of wheels being located on opposite sides of the vehicle. The suspension system comprises a changeable wheel track width for the at least one pair of wheels and the wheel track width is changeable between a narrow wheel track width setting (12) and a wide wheel track width setting (14) by pivoting a suspension link (18) about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Venton-Walters
  • Patent number: 8215423
    Abstract: A stack axle assembly as used in a cask transporter or an horizontal storage module (HSM) gantry transporter. The stack axle assemblies include a slew gear; an upper bearing; a lower bearing; a vertical cylinder retained by the slew gear, upper bearing and lower bearing; an independent driver wheel and idler wheel revolving on a common shaft/trunnion assembly attached to the bottom of the vertical cylinder; a frame assembly formed on top of the vertical cylinder, the frame assembly including one or more drive motors connecting an upper drive assembly downwardly to a driven assembly mounted between the idler wheel and driver wheel; and a slew driver motor to drive the slew gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Intelliport Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin Dean Terry
  • Patent number: 7963537
    Abstract: A suspension unit comprises a hub about which a suspension arm is pivotable. The hub is secured to a vehicle chassis or hull by means of a connecting element. The connecting element has a flange provided with holes positioned to coincide with pre-existing holes on the vehicle hole or chassis. The suspension unit can thus be retro-fitted to a vehicle in place of an existing suspension unit of a different kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Horstman Defence Systems Limited
    Inventor: Brian Stockford
  • Patent number: 7823673
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Asogawa
  • Patent number: 7669675
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer is provided, having a plurality of wheels. By providing six wheels, a narrow overall wheel width may be maintained to allow for use of the sprayer in post-emergent crop spray applications. By providing six wheels, a greater amount of fluid may be provided on the vehicle without increasing soil compaction. By providing low soil compaction and a high fluid capacity, the applicator may be utilized in both pre-emergent and post-emergent situations, and may be utilized on wet or soft ground, where standard applicators may not be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hagie Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Alan B. Hagie
  • Publication number: 20100006355
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a vehicle defined by a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal axis between the sides. The vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle supporting wheels consisting of a first wheel proximate the first side, a second wheel proximate the second side, and a plurality of tertiary wheels. The first and second wheels are not symmetrical with one another, nor with any tertiary wheel, across the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: W. Reynolds Smith
  • Patent number: 7258182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for continuously regulating the erection of a tandem axle of a vehicle or a self-moving working machine having a vehicle frame and at least one drive axle, wherein a tandem drive axle with a movable tandem axle housing is respectively disposed at the ends of the drive axle, and the torque introduced by the drive axle is mechanically distributed to the wheels disposed in the tandem axle housing through the drive tandem axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: NAF Neukirchener Achsenfabrik AG
    Inventor: Ernst Auer
  • Patent number: 7040428
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chassis structure for a working machine moving on a terrain, the chassis structure comprising a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels supporting the frame, and a controlled frame joint between the frame parts, when the frame is composed of two frame parts. The chassis structure further comprises a suspension controlled by actuators and arranged to move each wheel in a level transverse in relation to the frame. Each wheel is mounted rotatably and to turn by the actuators to the suspension, and each wheel is usually provided with a hub motor for drive transmission. The chassis structure can further comprise a pair of middle wheels for a second frame part. In a method related to the chassis structure the forest machine can also be turned in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Timberjack Oy
    Inventors: Sami Arola, Arto Huhmarkangas, Jouko Hyytiäinen, Markku Jaatinen, Arto Vento
  • Patent number: 6634446
    Abstract: A multi-wheel-drive vehicle has at least six wheels, a transmission with a first brake, and a transaxle device for the front drive wheels. The transaxle device includes a drive axle, an input shaft perpendicular to the drive axle for receiving power from the transmission, a drive train connecting the drive axle to the input shaft, a second brake, and a clutch device on the input shaft. The transaxle device may include a pair of drive axles connected by a differential unit. The clutch device can selectively isolate the drive axles from the rotation of the input shaft. Further, the clutch device is engaged when the first brake is applied. Additionally, the first and second brakes may be connected such that their operation may be synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Ima
  • Patent number: 5767663
    Abstract: A system for producing electrical power on a wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a wheeled vehicle that has a chassis carried upon a plurality of wheel units where each wheel unit is rotatably coupled to the chassis. The wheel unit includes a wheel and a hub upon which the wheel rotates relative to the chassis. At least one of the wheel units is adapted to generate electricity and has at least one length of reactive wire and a magnetic field generator positioned in the wheel unit for relative motion therebetween during rotation of the wheel. The configuration induces an electrical flow in said length of reactive wire thereby producing electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Min-Der Lu
  • Patent number: 5628377
    Abstract: This invention relates to a goods-handling cart having chassis provided with a drive and steer wheel together with two swivelling stabilizing wheels, and at least one spring-effect element which acts on both of the stabilizing wheels via a mechanism that transmits a downwardly-directed vertical force to the stabilizing wheels, the mechanism is not attached to the wheels but merely bears thereagainst via simple contact surfaces engaging respective mounting elements for mounting the wheels in such a manner that the mechanism is free to move away from one or other of the mounting elements in a direction opposite to the direction in which the spring-effect element acts; retaining mechanism being associated with each wheel to limit displacement thereof in a downwards direction relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: M I C, Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Andre Le Gloan
  • Patent number: 5599249
    Abstract: A power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle is disclosed having a part-time transfer case with its input angled relative to its outputs by means of a constant velocity (CV) universal joint. More specifically, the transfer case input includes a first rotary member adapted to be rotatably driven about the rotary axis of the transmission output shaft, a second rotary member supported for rotation about a second rotary axis that is angled relative to the first rotary axis, and a CV joint interconnecting the first and second rotary members. The transfer case outputs include a pair of rotary output members supported for relative rotation about a common third rotary axis that is offset from the second rotary axis. A torque transfer arrangement is provided for transferring torque from the transfer case input to its outputs. As such, the CV joint allows the transfer case to be angulated so that reduced departure angles are achieved with respect to the prop shaft connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Zalewski, James S. Brissenden
  • Patent number: 5078105
    Abstract: An engine having a crank case splitted into upper and lower crank cases, and including a crank shaft and a transmission drive shaft disposed on the split plane between the upper crank case and the lower crank case and a transmission main shaft carried by either one of the upper or lower crank case. The length and the size of the engine can be reduced by the arrangement according to the invention, and a starter motor, a transmission drum and balancers can be arranged efficiently to save space required for mounting the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuo Ito, Yorio Futakuchi, Mamoru Atsuumi
  • Patent number: 4890509
    Abstract: A gear arrangement capable of producing a differential effect is combined with a viscous coupling and two other coupling devices in a manner which enables the selective production of three output distribution modes in a vehicle that provides a user optional front, rear or "front plus rear" wheel drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Hara
  • Patent number: 4754826
    Abstract: A tractor for agricultural purposes, especially for seedbed preparation comprises an engine with a power of at least 30 kilowatt. Further the tractor has a frame (1), at least two power driven wheels (35,40), at least one lifting device (21), and at least one power take-off shaft (55). The weight of the tractor is about 40 kilograms per kilowatt engine power, the engine power is directly transferable to the power take-off shaft of the tractor and the lifting device of the tractor at its coupling points (44, 48) has a lifting power of at least 1000 kilograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4739678
    Abstract: A four wheel drive automatic transmission, comprising: a speed-changing transmission unit; a front wheel transmission mechanism driven by the transmission unit and having a large driving gear and bearings for the large driving gear; a center differential unit having an input member driven by the large driving gear and two output members for driving front wheels and for driving rear wheels, respectively; a transfer with a rear wheel driving transmission having a driving gear member disposed coaxially with the output member for rear wheel driving, a connecting member between the output member for rear wheel driving and the driving gear member and a transfer output gear member driven by the driving gear member; a case in which the front wheel transmission mechanism, the center differential unit and the transfer are disposed; and, an oil separating structure defining separately lubricatable cavities within the case, the structure comprising two seal members, disposed between the connecting member and the case at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignees: Aisin-Warner Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakatsu Miura, Takeshi Inuzuka, Tatsuya Iwatsuki, Seitoku Kubo, Koujiro Kuramochi
  • Patent number: 4648472
    Abstract: A tractor for agricultural purposes, particularly for seedbed preparation, which comprises an engine of thirty or more kilowatts' power which turns gears in a steel metal gear box as supported together with the engine box a frame primarily of tubular or hollow beams, the frame having two frame parts which are movable relative to each other about the frame's longitudinal axis. The tractor has eight wheels which support the frame, four on each side. Each frame part has an axle which mounts on each side on common wheel supports two tandem wheels with pneumatic tires mounted thereon. Each wheel is driven directly by its own hydraulic motor controlled from a cabin mounted on the frame. Two trestles, which also function as ballasts, are adapted to be connected to the tractor's three-point lifting device, each trestle having fastening devices adapted for the lifting device on one hand and further hooks adapted for receiving agricultural implements on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4629021
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle has a chassis based on two longitudinal box section members and designed to permit a degree of torsional flexibility, with four beam axles equally spaced along the wheelbase. The drive transmission is arranged so that drive to the wheels on all four axles, or only the center two, can be selected, and the wheels on both the front and rear axles are steerable. The front axle wheels are positively steered whereas the rear axle wheels are arranged to castor to a smaller turning angle than the front wheels. All the wheels are fitted with extra large balloon tires. The axles are of the beam type, with coil suspension springs and swing axle radius rods permitting a considerable amount of vertical movement; limited lateral movement is permitted by Panhard rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Esarco Limited
    Inventor: Michael Somerton-Rayner
  • Patent number: 4599030
    Abstract: A highly maneuverable straddle carrier vehicle structure is provided for dling various sizes of containers and outsized loads over rough, unleveled, weak and unprepared soils to meet austere requirements which are beyond the capability of commercial straddle lifts that normally operate on prepared surfaces within specific boundaries of yards and docks. Features include high flotation tires capable of operation over marginal terrain, fording capability, all wheel 360 degree steering and offset wheel yokes which permits automatic changing of wheelbase dimensions for rugged sloping terrain operations and wheel positioning for optimum mobility including lateral and oblique movement and vehicle rotation within its own length for a variety of close quarters operations. Load stabilization devices permit container securing during transit and hinged transverse members operate to reduce torsion and bending moments on the vehicle structure over severe terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Clifford I. Skaalen, Herman G. Lange, Preston S. Springston
  • Patent number: 4585084
    Abstract: The tractor has four front wheels and four rear wheels. The wheels are arranged so that they all run in different tracks during the tractor's straight-ahead travel. The wheels are provided with low-pressure, low-profile tires. The front wheels are drivable by the tractor's engine and steerable about king pins mounted from the change-speed gear box. They can be turned in an arc of 150.degree.. The rear wheels are undriven and rotate by ground contact. The tractor is relatively light (about 3500 kilograms or less) and the design minimizes soil compaction. The engine is mounted under the cabin at one side between the front and rear wheels with the change-speed gear box located centrally and primarily above the front wheels. The fuel tank is under the cabin disposed opposite the tractor's longitudinal centerline from the engine. Lifting devices extend to the rear between the central rear wheels and forward of the forward central wheels. Two PTO's are provided both forward and the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4523656
    Abstract: A tractor for agricultural purposes, particularly for seedbed preparation, which comprises an engine of thirty or more kilowatts' power, a frame having two frame parts which are movable relative to each other about the frame's longitudinal axis, an axle extending from each side of each frame part which mounts on common wheel supports two tandem wheels having pneumatic tires mounted thereon. Each wheel is driven directly by its own hydraulic motor which is energized by a common hydraulic pump which, in turn, is driven by a diesel motor. The latter also drives via a gear box PTOs extending outwardly between wheels fore and aft and is the power source for two lifting devices, also extending outwardly between wheels fore and aft. The weight of the tractor is about forty kilograms per kilowatt engine power. Each lifting device has at its coupling points, a lifting capacity of at least one thousand kilograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4432427
    Abstract: A tractor has three pairs of ground wheels: front and rear steerable pairs which cooperate to steer the tractor, and a central pair. The central pair of wheels each are connected to the frame through a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly which can be controlled to raise those wheels above the ground or to lower the wheels to engage the ground. The central wheels can be the same as the other wheels or traction caged wheels of hollow beams wherein a hub is connected to outer fellies with spokes. Supports interconnect the fellies at the inner or outer sides. All of the wheels can be driven independently by an engine and the central wheels are each detachable from a driven axle. The hub of the central wheels includes an outer cylindrical sleeve to which and end plate and the spokes are affixed. Each wheel is mounted on a hydraulic motor which is mounted on the tractor's frame, the forward and rear motors being turnable with the wheels mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4350190
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unique self propelled vehicle capable of transporting massive loads over natural terrain, such as the loading and transporting whole trees from their growing site to a processing station. The invention provides a vehicle having an elongated rigid frame element supported by two spaced sets of quad wheel assemblies, with each assembly permitting movement of individual wheels about both a roll axis parallel to the longitudinal frame element and a pitch axis transverse to the frame element. An operator's platform is adjustably mounted on the forward portion of the rigid frame structure for vertical movements and may carry with it a boom having means on its free end for severing and engaging whole trees or lifting massive objects to deposit same in cradles or a body mounted on the rigid frame element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce J. McColl
  • Patent number: 4311203
    Abstract: A tractor has three pairs of ground wheels: a front steerable pair, a rear steerable pair and a central pair. The central pair of wheels each are fitted to the frame through a hydraulic piston assembly that can be controlled to raise those wheels above the ground or to lower the wheels to engage the ground. The central wheels can be the same as the other wheels or traction caged wheels of hollow beams wherein a hub is connected to outer fellies with spokes. Supports interconnect the fellies at the inner or outer sides. All of the wheels can be driven independently by an engine and the central wheels are each detachable from a driven axle. The hub of the central wheels includes an outer cylindrical sleeve to which an end plate and the spokes are affixed. Each wheel is mounted on a hydraulic motor which is mounted on the tractor's frame, the forward and rear motors being turnable with the wheels mounted thereon. A hydraulic jack connected to the motors of the central wheels is adapted to raise and lower same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4296826
    Abstract: A tractor which has three or four wheels on each side, two of the wheels on each side being mounted on a bogie which includes a wheel carrier. The bogie is pivotable relative to the rest of the vehicle about a horizontal transverse axle which connects it to the frame of the tractor. The foremost and rearmost wheels are steerable and driveable. In one embodiment, the intermediate wheels are also steerable and driveable. Lifting devices are provided to extend from both the forward and the rear of the tractor. An engine together with a transmission and differential gear is disposed between the foremost and the rearmost wheel axles. A cab has a driver's seat and steering wheel with a control console which may be rotated together whereby it selectively faces forwardly or to the rear. A cab in two embodiments is disposed forwardly and is centrally located in one embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4237994
    Abstract: A high mobility wheeled vehicle for transporting long loads, such as trimmed tree trunks or whole trees, over roadless terrain. The vehicle has front and rear quad wheel assemblies pivotally connected to a centrally disposed elongated bed frame so as to permit lateral rotation of these assemblies about a roll axis disposed below and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed frame. A linkage type roll control interconnects the quad wheel assemblies and the bed frame to proportionately control the relative angular movement of the bed frame with respect to the quad wheel assemblies. The roll control includes a plurality of interconnected links plus a pair of power extensible links for selectively adjusting the steady state position of the vehicle bed relative to the quad wheel assemblies in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce J. McColl
  • Patent number: 4207956
    Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for mounting, driving and steering the wheels of a high mobility wheeled vehicle, such as those used over roadless terrain in tree harvesting operations. Each vehicle wheel is mounted on a rotatable hub which is in turn journaled on the end of a wheel drive housing. The housing is medially pivoted to the wheel suspension structure of the vehicle for steering movements and has a driving motor mounted on the inner end of the housing and connected to the wheel hub through an appropriate gearing system. The pivotal mounting of the drive housing is preferably located at the end of a walking beam arm which is disposed at a substantial horizontal angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to provide clearance for steering movements of the vehicle wheel. The steering motion is imparted to the drive housing by an actuator which is connected between the inner end of the drive housing and the inner end of the walking beam arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce J. McColl
  • Patent number: 4205730
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting and driving mechanism for the steerable wheels of a multi-wheel, off-road vehicle of the type utilized for transporting long loads, such as trimmed tree trunks or whole trees, over roadless terrain. Such vehicles generally have front and rear quad-wheel assemblies pivotally connected to a centrally disposed elongated bed frame so as to permit lateral rotation of the quad-wheel assemblies about a roll axis disposed below and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed frame. Each quad-wheel assembly additionally includes a pair of walking beams which are respectively disposed in laterally spaced relationship with respect to the longitudinal bed frame and are pivotally mounted for rotation about a horizontal transverse axis. At each end of each walking beam, a wheel is mounted in a unique fashion together with individually controlled motors for respectively supplying traction power and steering movements to such wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce J. McColl
  • Patent number: 4186814
    Abstract: A construction vehicle has pairs of tandem roadwheels on each side thereof. The pairs of tandem roadwheels are simultaneously coordinatively anglable relative to the frame to accomplish steering thereof. The roadwheels are mounted to strut cylinders which act as kingpins therefor. A linkage is provided that allows for simultaneous coordinative angling of the roadwheels through pivoting at the kingpins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Cullen P. Hart
  • Patent number: 4121680
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having, viewed from the side, at least three ground wheels arranged one behind the other with respect to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle, and at least one lifting device. At least one of said ground wheels is interconnected with another wheel by a freely pivotable quadrangular structure that is in front or behind said one ground wheel with respect to the direction of forward travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4074784
    Abstract: The haulage vehicle has a frame member with separate front and rear sections that are connected to each other by universal means and are free to articulate in a plurality of planes. The frame rear section has a transversely mounted rear axle adjacent the rear portion on which a pair of propelling wheels are mounted and a transversely mounted intermediate axle adjacent the front portion of the frame rear section on which a pair of intermediate propelling wheels are mounted. The frame front section has a transversely mounted front axle on which a pair of front propelling wheels are mounted. Separate propelling motors are mounted adjacent each of the propelling wheels and are drivingly connected to the adjacent propelling wheel. All of the propelling wheels are steerable and the drive motors are movable therewith. A body member is supported on the frame rear section and a boom member is supported on the frame front section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1978
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur L. Lee, Arthur B. Coval
  • Patent number: 3983950
    Abstract: A crushing implement on rubber tire equipped wheels in which the understructure of the implement can selectively be lifted off the ground hydraulically while resting on the wheels or can be rested on the ground, preferably at three points, while the wheels are lifted off the ground. The implement is equipped with hydraulic pump means for supplying the driving fluid for driving at least some of the wheels and also for supplying actuating fluid to hydraulic cylinder-piston systems for lifting and lowering the understructure, and if desired also to conveyor means for feeding material to be crushed to the crusher rollers of the crushing implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Horst Fabian
  • Patent number: 3977693
    Abstract: A chassis for a heavy duty vehicle is disclosed herein having an elongated box frame supported on an undercarriage of articulated wheel sets. The undercarriage includes a front wheel set carried on one end of the frame by a pivoting torque box having trailing pivotal arms for rotatably supporting the front wheels. A pair of rear wheel sets include a pair of wheel axles carried on trailing arms and controlled by a walking beam assembly and having shock-absorbers and an air cushion device interconnecting the beam assembly with the frame. The pivot coupling at the front wheel torque box with the frame and the beam assemblages interconnecting the frame with the rear wheel sets constitute a three point suspension for the frame. A progression steering mechanism is provided including an eliptical sprocket and chain arrangement which intercouples the rear wheel set with the steering for the front wheel set via a drive shaft operably extending therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1976
    Inventor: Roger L. Gamaunt
  • Patent number: 3941074
    Abstract: A bus is provided which may be driven over highways and freeways in the usual manner. The bus is equipped with elongated wheel housings which are pivoted to opposite side walls to swing from a horizontal position to a vertical position. When in horizontal position the sides of the elongated wheel housing form decks extending along opposite sides of the bus, the low hung hull forming the bottom of the bus supporting the bus in the water. When the wheel housings are swung into vertical position, the wheels carried thereby extending vertically to support the amphibious bus on land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1976
    Inventor: Paul A. Millerbernd