Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, a computer program product, and a computer system predicting parking availability. A computer identifies parking spaces and groups the parking spacing into parking locations. In addition, the computer distinguishes private parking spaces from public parking spaces, and trains a crowd forecast model for each of the parking locations. The computer further receives a destination and preferences, from which the computer creates a geofence based on the destination and preferences. The computer then predicts parking availability based on the crowd forecast models and refines the crowd forecast model.

Abstract: A dynamic joint structure (DJS) for movably connecting a wheel set to a chassis of a vehicle, and a vehicle including a front such DJS and a rear such DJS. The DJS includes an upper suspension plate having at least one upper recess with an upper opening; a middle suspension plate having at least one middle recess with a middle opening; and at least one connector assembly including: (i) an elongated bolt defining an insert axis “Zi” along its longer side; and (ii) a restriction unit configured to restrict the movement of the bolt over an XiYi plane that is perpendicular to Zi, for enhancing translation of tilting movements of the chassis of the vehicle into steering movements of the vehicle's wheels set to which the DJS connects.

Abstract: A window-cleaning robot that includes: a powered agitator that, when active, mechanically removes debris from a window surface; a cleaning pad, which is wetted with a cleaning fluid and contacts the window surface so as to remove debris therefrom with the aid of the cleaning fluid; and a movement system, for example including a number of wheels, which moves the robot over the window surface and has a defined forwards direction; the agitator is located forwards of the cleaning pad and the agitator and the cleaning pad are arranged such that, as the robot moves over the window surface in the forwards direction, the agitator addresses a width in a width direction, which is perpendicular to the forwards direction and parallel to the window surface, that is greater than the width addressed by the cleaning pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a rollover condition of a vehicle may include: a rate sensing unit configured to sense one or more rates of a pitch rate PitchRate and a yaw rate YawRate of a vehicle and a roll rate RollRate_IN; an acceleration sensing unit configured to sense horizontal acceleration and vertical acceleration of the vehicle; a conversion unit configured to convert the horizontal acceleration and vertical acceleration into a pitch rate PitchRate_ACC and a yaw rate YawRate_ACC; a combination unit configured to calculate a pitch rate PitchRate_IN and a yaw rate YawRate_IN by combining the one or more rates with the pitch rate PitchRate_ACC and the yaw rate YawRate_ACC; and a determination unit configured to calculate a roll angle RollAngle, and determine whether the vehicle has rolled over, based on the roll rate RollRate_IN and the roll angle RollAngle.

Abstract: A control system for an off-road vehicle is configured to provide automatic guidance for the vehicle. The control system is configured to apply an estimator to determine a plurality of system process parameters, determine a reference model based at least in part on user input, determine a plurality of control parameters using the process parameters and the reference model, determine a guidance input according to the control parameters, a setpoint of a desired output, and a previously measured output, and use the guidance input to automatically guide the vehicle. The estimator is configured to determine the plurality of system process parameters such that the control system automatically guides the vehicle so that the vehicle responds substantially in the same manner across different ground surface conditions, hitch forces and vehicle velocities.

Abstract: A steering knuckle of a vehicle turning wheel, a steering device and a vehicle. The steering knuckle includes a steering end connected to a turning wheel and a driving end connected to a steering driving component of the turning wheel, in which the driving end is located above or below the side of the steering end; the steering end is provided with a first connecting hole, and the driving end is provided with a second connecting hole; the axis of the second connecting hole and the axis of the first connecting hole are in the same plane, and the axis of the second connecting hole is not parallel to the axis of the first connecting hole.

Abstract: Provided is a robotic device including: a body; an electronic computing device housed within the body; and at least two wheel suspension systems coupled with the body including: a first suspension system including: a frame; a rotating arm pivotally coupled to the frame on a first end and coupled to a wheel on a second end; and an extension spring coupled with the rotating arm on a third end and the frame on a fourth end, wherein the extension spring is extended when the wheel is retracted; and a second suspension system including: a base slidingly coupled with the frame; a plurality of vertically positioned extension springs coupled with the frame on a fifth end and the base on a sixth end; at least one set of paired magnets, with at least one magnet affixed to the frame and paired to at least one magnet affixed to the base.

Abstract: A driven caster wheel assembly may include a wheel, an axle, a drive assembly, a drive shaft, and a bevel gear. The wheel may be mounted to the axle for rotation about a drive axis and steering about a substantially vertical steering axis. The drive shaft may extend along the steering axis from a first end to a second end, with the first end being connected to the axle and the second end being connected to the drive assembly such that the drive assembly controls rotation of the drive shaft about the steering axis. The bevel gear may connect the first end to the axle such that rotation of the drive shaft about the steering axis controls rotation of the wheel about the drive axis to drive the driven caster wheel assembly in a substantially horizontal direction. Various other assemblies and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel unit includes a motor, a pinion gear fixed to a rotating portion of the motor, a wheel including an annular ground surface and rotating around a final gear support shaft, and a final gear disposed on one side in an axial direction with respect to the wheel. The wheel unit further includes a speed reduction mechanism which decelerates rotation of the pinion gear and transmits the rotation to the final gear and a gear case which accommodates the pinion gear. When viewed from the axial direction, the final gear support shaft and the motor shaft are disposed in different positions. The motor includes a stationary portion and a rotary portion, and the stationary portion is fixed to the gear case by an attachment plate.

Abstract: A portal hub assembly for raising the chassis of a vehicle. The portal hub assembly includes a portal box and a mounting assembly removably attachable to one side of the portal box. The mounting assembly includes a mounting body forged as a unitary body. A bracket assembly including at least one mounting bracket is selectively attachable to the mounting body to allow the mounting assembly to receive a component of the suspension system of a desired vehicle.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for providing weight-based task-specific speed control in a self-propelled agricultural product applicator utilize a controllable ride-height trailing arm suspension system, including an extensible air strut and an angular position sensor, for independently joining each wheel to a frame of the applicator. An electronic control unit utilizes the angular positions detected by the sensors, in conjunction with a desired task input, to calculate a present suspended weight and control maximum speed of the applicator for each task, per a predetermined schedule in response to the present suspended load of the applicator.

Abstract: In one aspect, a control system is provided which determines fluid flow in a suspension system for an agricultural machine by determining total fluid in a closed loop piston system. Fluid is determined using position sensors and a pressure transducers and application of the ideal gas with respect to each accumulator. A closed loop control system can then target an amount of fluid for optimum suspension control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in situ gap inspection in a machine, such as a generator, an electric motor, or a turbomachine are described. A robotic crawler has multidirectional traction modules, an expandable body, and sensor modules. A control system communicates with the robotic crawler to provide a control signal to navigate an inspection path within an annular gap of the machine. The inspection path includes axial and radial movements to inspect the annular gap using the sensor modules.

Abstract: A wheel unit includes a motor, a pinion gear fixed to a rotating portion of the motor, a wheel including an annular ground surface and rotating around a final gear support shaft, and a final gear disposed on one side in an axial direction with respect to the wheel. The wheel unit further includes a speed reduction mechanism which decelerates rotation of the pinion gear and transmits the rotation to the final gear and a gear case which accommodates the pinion gear. When viewed from the axial direction, the final gear support shaft and the motor shaft are disposed in different positions. The gear case includes a circular hole portion including a cylindrical inner peripheral surface which supports the rotation support portion. The inner peripheral surface of the circular hole portion comes into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the rotation support portion with lubricant interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus and corresponding methods are provided. The apparatus employs weights within a spherical assembly that can rotate within the spherical assembly. Gravity, acting on the weights, causes a moment of a gravitational force to be applied to the spherical assembly, which can cause the spherical assembly to propel. The spherical assembly may also include one or more motors to rotate the weights within the spherical assembly. In some embodiments, the weights include magnetic cores and conductors. The apparatus can include magnetic windings that provide a magnetic flux through which the weights may rotate. The apparatus can also provide an electrical current to the conductors. As the weights with the magnetic cores rotate through the magnetic flux, the apparatus applies a current to the conductors. As such, a magnetic force is applied to the weights, which can propel the spherical assembly.

Abstract: A wheel unit includes a motor, a pinion gear fixed to a rotating portion of the motor, a wheel including an annular ground surface and rotating around a final gear support shaft, and a final gear disposed on one side in an axial direction with respect to the wheel. The wheel unit further includes a speed reduction mechanism which decelerates rotation of the pinion gear and transmits the rotation to the final gear and a gear case which accommodates the pinion gear. When viewed from the axial direction, the final gear support shaft and the motor shaft are disposed in different positions. An initial stage composite gear of the speed reduction mechanism meshes with the pinion gear. The initial stage composite gear is supported by the final gear support shaft such that the initial stage composite gear and the final gear are rotatable relative to the gear case.

Abstract: Robotic devices are presented including: a body; an electronic computing device housed within the body; and at least two wheeled suspension systems coupled with the body, each wheeled suspension system including, a first suspension system including: a frame, a rotating arm pivotally coupled to the frame on a first end and coupled to a wheel on a second end, and an extension spring coupled with the rotating arm on a third end and the frame on a fourth end, where the extension spring is extended when the wheel is retracted, a second suspension system including: a base slidingly coupled with the frame, and a number of vertically positioned extension springs coupled with the frame on a fifth end and the base on a sixth end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated maintenance of the top and bottom surfaces or skins of an integrally stiffened hollow structure (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) using surface crawling vehicles. Each system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to couple an external drive tractor to a pair of passive trailers disposed in the interior of the hollow structure on opposite sides of a vertical structural element. The external drive tractor is also coupled to an external maintenance tool, which the tractor pushes or pulls across the surface skin to perform a maintenance function. The systems allow maintenance operations to be performed on both surface skins without turning the hollow structure over. Each system is modular and can be transported to and easily set up in a building or factory.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle including a frame, a counterweight connected to a rear part of the frame, and a drive device disposed in a lower position of the counterweight to drive rear wheels. The counterweight has an opening extending in a vertical direction. At least part of the drive device is disposed immediately below the opening.

Abstract: A steering unit for conveying devices on wheels such as beds, stretchers or trolleys includes a wheel unit and a motor unit. The wheel unit includes a base structure and a wheel mounted on a supporting element to rotate about an axis. The supporting element is mounted on the base structure to rotate about an orientation axis. A transmission includes an inlet unit and outlet shaft. The inlet unit includes an engagement device to reversibly engage the inlet unit on a transmission unit of the motor unit. The outlet shaft is integral with the supporting element and defines the orientation axis. The transmission transforms an inlet motion of the inlet unit into an outlet rotation of the outlet shaft about the orientation axis. A motor includes a complementary engagement device operating with the engagement device for reversibly engaging the inlet unit on the transmission unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an example motor system. The motor system includes a steering motor with a first rotor positioned within a first stator. The steering motor is configured to rotate the first rotor about a steering axis. The motor system also includes a traction motor including a second stator positioned within a second rotor. The second rotor includes a traction surface defining a wheel. The traction motor is configured to rotate the second rotor about a rolling axis, and the traction motor is positioned within an opening in the first rotor. The motor system also includes an axle positioned coaxial to the second rotor and coupled to the first rotor such that the traction motor rotates about the steering axis as the steering motor rotates the first rotor about the steering axis.

Abstract: Holonomic bases, and drive shafts and roller assemblies that can be used in the holonomic bases. In some implementations, a holonomic base includes at least two pairs of roller assemblies, with each of the pairs being coupled to a corresponding drive shaft. In some of those implementations, each of the roller assemblies of each pair includes three roller segments that are each coupled to the corresponding drive shaft and that each include an exposed outward facing spherical zone that approximates a portion of the surface of a sphere. The roller segments of each roller assembly are in fixed relation to one another relative to the rotational axis of a drive shaft to which the roller assembly is coupled, but the roller segments each freely rotate about a corresponding roller segment rotational axis that extends outward from the drive shaft.

Abstract: For the purpose of realizing an operationally reliable window lifter (opener) for a vehicle, there is provision to ascertain from an operating variable of a servomotor in each case a measure of a regulated position of the window pane in the course of a plurality of operating cycles of the window lifter in which a window pane of the vehicle is opened and closed again, in each case entirely or partly. In each operating cycle, or at least in selected operating cycles, the measure is normalized to a reference value if at the end of the respective operating cycle the window pane is driven by the servomotor for at least a predetermined blocked time beyond a blocked position. The blocked time is shortened if the normalization was not carried out for a predetermined number of consecutive operating cycles.

Abstract: An omniwheel is presented that may be included with additional omniwheels in a wheel assembly, which can be used in nearly any omnidirectional device such as a robot, a park ride or other vehicle, and the like. The omniwheel includes a wheel support or frame, and a first roller pivotally supported on the wheel support. Further, the omniwheel includes a second roller pivotally supported on the wheel support. The first and second rollers are each generally spherical in shape and have equal outer diameters. The first and second rollers each has a pair of recessed contact surfaces at opposite poles. Each of the first and second rollers is supported in the wheel support for freewheeling about a rotation axis passing through the opposite poles, and the first and second rollers are oriented in the wheel support to have their rotation axes offset relative to each other by an offset angle.

Abstract: A method for actively determining a steering stop angle for tires associated with a front axle of a work vehicle may generally include receiving an input associated with a tire parameter for the tires, monitoring a suspension travel distance of the front axle and monitoring an oscillation angle of the front axle. In addition, the method may include determining a maximum allowable steering angle for the tires based on both the suspension travel distance and the oscillation angle of the front axle, wherein the maximum allowable steering angle corresponds to a steering angle at which clearance is maintained between the tires and at least one hood-related component of the work vehicle when the tires are moved to the maximum steering angle.

Abstract: A recess-projection fitting structure includes projections extending in an axial direction on an outer diameter surface of a shaft section of an outer joint member or an inner diameter surface of a hole of a hub wheel, press-fitting the projections in another of the outer diameter surface and the inner diameter surface along the axial direction, and forming recesses brought into contact and fitted with the projections by press fitting in the other of the outer diameter surface and the inner diameter surface, the projections and the recesses being held in contact with each other through intermediation. An outer member is fitted in a hole of a knuckle of a vehicle. Annular grooves are formed respectively in an outer peripheral surface of the outer member and an inner peripheral surface of the hole of the knuckle, and a snap ring is engaged with both the annular grooves.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wheel unit which comprises: a motor; a pinion gear which is fixed to a rotating portion of the motor; a wheel which includes an annular ground surface and rotates about a final gear support shaft; a final gear made of a resin, which is fixed to the wheel directly or via another member and is disposed on one side in an axial direction with respect to the wheel; a speed reduction mechanism which decelerates rotation of the pinion gear and transmits the rotation to the final gear; and a gear case which accommodates the pinion gear, the speed reduction mechanism, and the final gear, wherein a rotation support portion which rotates along with the final gear and the wheel while being supported by the gear case directly or via another member is provided between the final gear and the wheel; and at least a portion of the final gear is positioned on an inside of a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical area surrounded by the ground surface; when viewed from one side in the axial d

Abstract: A wheel unit includes a motor, a pinion gear fixed to a rotating portion of the motor, a wheel including an annular ground surface and rotating about a final gear support shaft, a final gear fixed to the wheel directly or via another member, a speed reduction mechanism which decelerates rotation of the pinion gear and transmits the rotation to the final gear, and a gear case which accommodates the pinion gear, the speed reduction mechanism, and the final gear. A rotation support portion rotating along with the final gear and the wheel while being supported by the gear case is provided between the final gear and the wheel. An outside diameter of the rotation support portion is greater than an outside diameter of the final gear support shaft.

Abstract: [OBJECT] To provide a device which is held by vacuum on a wall surface or a window surface of glass of a building, and which is moved along the surface, thereby performing the cleaning operation. [SOLVING MEANS] In three clinging units which are arranged in a row, each of the clinging units includes clinging unit putting forward/backward means for putting the clinging unit in and out in a direction intersecting with the surface. The clinging units adjacent to each other are coupled by transverse expansion and contraction means via the clinging unit putting forward/backward means, so as to constitute a row clinging unit group. In three row clinging unit groups which are arranged in the longitudinal direction, the row clinging unit groups adjacent to each other are coupled by lengthwise expansion and contraction means via the clinging unit putting forward/backward means. Each of the clinging units can be selectively set in one of three states, i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for driving the drive wheels (1) of a vehicle, comprising two sets of electric motors (2) and casings (3) (left and right). Each of the casings (3) comprises an input pinion (8) which rotates interdependently with the rotor of one of the electric motors (2) as well as with a set of gears (12) driving the ring gear (7) of a planetary gear set (4). The two planetary gear sets (4) are connected to one another by a connecting means (9) that rotates interdependently with each of the two sun gears (5) (inner planetaries). The planet carrier (6) of each of the planetary gear sets (4) rotates interdependently with a connecting means (11) of one of the drive wheels (1). The two planetary gear sets (4) perform a double differential function. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the electric motors (2) that allows the drive system to be used as a torque converter. The drive system can be fixed to the chassis frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tractor which is configured such that front wheel axles are disposed above upper portions of front wheels so that the front wheels are prevented from being impeded by the front wheel axles even when the front wheels are steered to maximum angles in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and turned to an angle over or approximate to a right angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tractor, whereby the tractor can be turned in place by manipulating a steering wheel.

Abstract: A swivel drive system, such as for providing a driving force for a vehicle, comprises multiple drive modules, with each drive module including a plurality of wheel assemblies mounted for rotation relative to an axis of the drive module, with each wheel assembly being separately rotatable relative to a respective axis of the wheel assembly. Simultaneous rotation of the wheel assemblies relative to the axis of the drive module and rotation of each wheel assembly about its own axis generates a driving force for the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steering control device capable of adjusting reference points of a plurality of motions, which are used for a steering operation in a steering operating unit, with high precision. In the steering control device, a control unit performs N-point learning under the condition that the absolute value of an operating amount in operation systems other than a target is smaller than a predetermined value (or substantially 0). This makes it possible to suppress the influence of operation systems other than the target on the steering of a vehicle M during N-point learning, making it possible to learn the N point in the operation system of the target with high precision. With this N-point learning for each target, even in an operation system which can be steered through a plurality of motions, it is possible to learn the N point of each motion with high precision.

Abstract: An agricultural machine, such as a combine harvester, includes a chassis supported by a pair of front wheels and a pair of steerable rear wheels, a first drive mechanism for driving at least one of the front wheels to move the chassis at a designated forward speed, and a second drive mechanism configured to operate independently of the first drive mechanism and to drive at least one of the rear wheels. A controller is configured to actuate the second drive mechanism in response to a user command to drive the at least one rear wheel to apply forward pressure on the chassis regardless of the forward speed. The controller may actuate the second drive mechanism to apply a maximum forward torque to the at least one rear wheel to thereby apply the forward pressure to the chassis.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention teaches the use of two or more “floating pivot points” in a trailing/leading arm suspension system. A complimentary steering system is also described herein. The present invention eliminates a number of significant shortcomings of the traditional trailing/leading arm suspension type, thereby offering substantial performance improvements.

Abstract: A drive for an industrial truck with at least one drive motor for driving a wheel of the industrial truck and at least one steering motor for supporting a steering movement of the wheel around a steering axle also features a drawbar for guiding the steering or driving movement by applying a load on the drawbar. The drive motor also rotates upon a steering movement of the wheel, whereas the drawbar is connected in a torque-proof manner, relative to the steering axle, with a component also rotating upon a steering movement of the wheel.

Abstract: A trochoid propulsion system includes wheels provided at three points of the outer edge of an outer wheel part that turns around a driving shaft; and a steering link part that co-rotates with the action part and is movable horizontally on a turning plane. The steering link part includes a liner slider including a guide member attached to a vertical steering shaft that rotates each wheel so that the length direction is in a radial direction of the steering shaft and a moving member that slides on the guide member. In a state where a center of rotation of the steering link part coincides with the driving shaft of the outer wheel part, a rotating shaft provided corresponding to the steering shaft is attached rotatably to the corresponding moving member at a position separated from the steering shaft by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A multifunction bin utility apparatus comprises a mobile base, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the mobile base with each of the wheels being rotatable independently of each other to steer movement of the mobile base, a tool mount movable with respect to the mobile base, an arm assembly mounted on the mobile base and configured to move the tool mount with respect to the mobile base, at least one tool attachment mounted on the tool mount, and a control apparatus configured to control movement of the plurality of wheels and the arm assembly with the control apparatus being remotely controllable by a remote control device.

Abstract: The invention is a working vehicle that has high practicality and a high degree of freedom of a turning operation. A lawn mowing vehicle includes a lawn mowing unit that includes drum wheels driven so as to rotate about an axis Ax1 extending in a vehicle width direction as a rotational center, a frame that is connected to the lawn mowing unit, and a steering drive device that is provided in the frame. The steering drive device includes a pair of steered wheels that is disposed in the vehicle width direction, steering units that can independently steer the pair of steered wheels respectively, and wheel driving units that can rotationally drive the pair of steered wheels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe receiving, via a plurality of sensors, data indicating vehicle information. Said information may indicate at least orientation of a frame of a vehicle, orientation of a front wheel of the vehicle with respect to the frame, orientation and rotational speed of a first and second flywheel, and speed of the vehicle. In one embodiment, each flywheel is included in a first and second gyroscope coupled to the vehicle frame. Based, at least in part, on the data received from the plurality of sensors, at least one of the orientation and rotational speed of at least one of the flywheels may be adjusted. Said adjustment may further be based on an input to change at least one of speed and direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive and steering apparatus for an industrial truck with a drive wheel, which is rotatably suspended in a drive wheel suspension, which is swivel-mounted around a mainly vertical axis, a steering device, which has a handlebar and a bearing component, which is swivel-mounted coaxially or axially parallel to the drive wheel suspension, and a steering wheel control device, which has at least one sensor, which is permanently arranged with respect to the drive wheel suspension or the bearing component and captures a differential angle between the drive wheel suspension and the bearing component, and a steering drive, with which the drive wheel suspension is pivotable as required by the measured differential angle, characterized by a sensor arm, which is connected in a torque-proof manner with a sensor shaft of the at least one sensor, and a counter piece, which is permanently arranged with respect to the bearing component or respectively of the drive wheel suspension and works together with the sensor arm such

Abstract: A width variable structure using mecanum wheels is provided, which includes a plurality of mecanum wheels, a plurality of links connecting the mecanum wheels, and motors mounted on the mecanum wheels to transfer driving forces to the links, respectively. Since the width of the structure in the horizontal and vertical directions can be adjusted using the driving forces of the mecanum wheels, components such as actuators are omitted in the overall assembly.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a base; a front wheel that can be driven omnidirectionally; a rear wheel that is mounted on the base so that a symmetry axis is parallel with a symmetry axis of the front wheel; a seat member that is mounted so that a straight line connecting a wheel center of the front wheel and a wheel center of the rear wheel specifies a fore-and-aft direction; an controller that detects an acceleration and deceleration command and a turning command; an inclination sensor that detects inclination of the base; and a control unit that controls acceleration and deceleration of the base based on the acceleration and deceleration command detected by the controller, that controls turning of the base based on the turning command detected by the controller, and that controls translational motion of the base based on inclination of the base detected by the inclination sensor.

Abstract: A trolley for transporting individuals of limited capacity in a sedentary position on a chair is disclosed. The aforesaid trolley comprises (a) a carrying structure and (b) at least three wheels rotatably secured to the structure within a perimeter thereof. The carrying structure is configured for releasably fixating legs of the chair such that the chair is reversibly mountable on the carrying structure.

Abstract: A frame-steered vehicle includes a front frame section including at least one front axle and a rear frame section including at least one rear axle. The front and rear frame sections are arranged along a longitudinal axis and are connected by at least a first pivot joint. The at least first pivot joint has a first pivot axis oriented transversal with respect to the longitudinal direction. The at least one front axle includes driven wheels and at least the at least one rear axle is suspended by a truck-type suspension.

Abstract: The vehicle is narrow such that it can pass through narrow space. The overall vehicle is approximately the same width as a seated worker. Stabilization is provided by wheel rigidity of a front and a rear wheel set that is configured to give a stable vehicle stance, even though it is exceptionally narrow. Energy efficient operation is achieved with wheels having approximately continuous ground contact from edge to edge of a wheel, thus maximizing ground contact area. The narrow vehicle is an articulated configuration that enables agile turning. This articulated turning capability is especially suited for load carrying situations.

Abstract: A wheel-steered vehicle includes a frame and steerable wheels on at least one front axle, wherein the frame includes a front frame section including the at least one front axle and a rear frame section including at least one rear axle, the front and rear frame sections being arranged along a longitudinal direction and being connected by at least a first pivot joint wherein the at least first pivot joint has a first pivot axis oriented in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the wheels on the at least one front axle include a separate drive unit for each steerable wheel on the at least one front axle.

Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved stability control while turning, including a rotatable drive unit having a steerable drive tire. A first slide mechanism is coupled to the rotatable drive unit, and a second slide mechanism is mounted to a caster plate. A steering mechanism coupled to the rotatable drive unit is moved to steer the steerable drive tire, causing the first slide mechanism to interact with the second slide mechanism and to produce a downward pressure and/or reduce the downward pressure on a caster mounted to the caster plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe receiving vehicle information data from a plurality of sensors. This vehicle information data may indicate at least orientation of a frame of a vehicle, orientation of a front wheel of the vehicle with respect to the frame, orientation and rotational speed of a flywheel included in a gyroscope coupled to the frame, and speed of frame. Based on the received data, a vehicle state may be determined. Based at least on this determination, at least one of the orientation and rotational speed of the flywheel may be adjusted. This adjustment may be further based on an input to change at least one of speed and direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A double articulated thick has a front vehicle module with a drive engine and having at least one wheeled axle driven by the drive engine through a transmission and having a load-bearing bin, the front vehicle module being interconnected in an articulated manner about a first vertical pin to the front of the load-bearing bin. A rear vehicle module is interconnected in an articulated manner about a second vertical pin to the rear of the load-bearing bin, the rear vehicle module having at least one wheeled axle whereby the bin is supported by the front and rear vehicle modules. The rear module only articulates about the second vertical pin when the articulation of the front module to the bin exceeds 30 degrees and then in a synchronous manner. Typically the maximum articulation of the front module is around 42 degrees and the rear module some 13 degrees.