Abstract: A constant velocity joint for use in a vehicle and a method of mounting a constant velocity joint including a splined shaft. The constant velocity joint also includes an O-ring gland, an inner race, an outer race, rolling elements, and a boot. The splined shaft of the constant velocity joint transmits torque from a splined hub of a second rotating element.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a driving wheel of a vehicle allows a wheel-side joint and a shaft to be rotated separately from a boot while driving so as to prevent generation of friction noise of the boot. The axle assembly includes the shaft rotated by receiving driving force from a powertrain; an axle housing disposed to pass through a center of a steering knuckle connected to a steering apparatus; a wheel bearing mounted between the steering knuckle and the axle housing; a joint bearing mounted on an outer part of the shaft; and a boot unit configured to have a first end coupled to an outer race of the joint bearing and a second end coupled to an outer race of the wheel bearing so as to form a space filled with a lubricant outside the shaft.

Abstract: A vibration-reducing portal box assembly for mounting a wheel of an off-road vehicle includes a housing with a receptacle adapted to receive a stock axle shaft of an off-road vehicle, an output shaft operably connectable to a stock axle received in the housing and effective to rotate upon rotation of said stock axle, and a wheel hub having a central opening adapted to receive said output shaft, and adapted to turn a wheel mounted to said wheel hub upon rotation of said output shaft. The output shaft has a tapered portion connecting its proximal end to its distal end. The wheel hub has a tapered portion adapted to matingly receive the tapered portion of the output shaft. The output shaft may be connected to the stock axle shaft by a geared linking mechanism.

Abstract: A vibration-reducing portal box assembly for mounting a wheel of an off-road vehicle includes a housing with a receptacle adapted to receive a stock axle shaft of an off-road vehicle, an output shaft operably connectable to a stock axle received in the housing and effective to rotate upon rotation of said stock axle, and a wheel hub having a central opening adapted to receive said output shaft, and adapted to turn a wheel mounted to said wheel hub upon rotation of said output shaft. The output shaft has a tapered portion connecting its proximal end to its distal end. The wheel hub has a tapered portion adapted to matingly receive the tapered portion of the output shaft. The output shaft may be connected to the stock axle shaft by a geared linking mechanism.

Abstract: A reducer includes a fixed housing, a rotation housing, and multi-stage planetary gear mechanisms. The fixed housing contains a motor in the fixed housing. The rotation housing is rotatably supported by the fixed housing via a bearing at an outer surface of a one-end wall of the fixed housing. The multi-stage planetary gear mechanisms are configured to decelerate a rotation of the motor and transmit the rotation that has been decelerated to the rotation housing. The multi-stage planetary gear mechanisms include a final-stage planetary gear mechanism located at a downstream position in a direction in which motive power is transmitted. The final-stage planetary gear mechanism include a planetary gear rotatably supported by a planetary gear shaft that is supported at one end of the planetary gear shaft by the one-end wall of the fixed housing.

Abstract: A foldable brake pedal apparatus for an autonomous driving vehicle is provided. A brake pedal is exposed to the interior of the vehicle allowing a driver to manipulate the brake pedal in a manual driving mode and the brake pedal is prevented from being exposed to the interior of the vehicle to prevent the driver from manipulating the vehicle in an autonomous driving situation.

Abstract: Steerable knuckle apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a steerable knuckle for a vehicle. The knuckle has a first portion to be movably coupled to a yoke of the vehicle and a second portion removably coupled to the first portion. The second portion receives a wheel hub of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a first aperture disposed on the first portion to receive a first joint for movably coupling the knuckle to the yoke.

Abstract: An improved gear lift box with a reduced number of parts through integration of elements and increased durability, serviceability and versatility through reconfiguration of various elements and accessories.

Abstract: A bogie axle assembly having a housing, a spindle, a drive sprocket unit, and a planetary gear set. The drive sprocket unit may be fixedly disposed on a planet gear carrier of the planetary gear set. The spindle may be fixedly disposed on the housing. The drive sprocket unit may be rotatably supported by at least one roller bearing assembly that may be disposed between the spindle and the drive sprocket unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driving assembly for a vehicle, including an electric machine and a transmission device that is connected thereto, further having a differential and a spur gear that drivingly couple a first output shaft and a second output shaft to the electric machine. According to the invention, the differential is embodied as a rolling differential; the first output shaft is drivingly connected to the rolling differential, and the second output shaft is drivingly connected to the spur gear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a report on a drivetrain specifically designed to operate in conjunction with the Extreme-Travel Independent Suspension System. In a prior disclosure, we introduced a drivetrain concept derived from the unique configuration of the suspension system. The concept defines several elements, one element is a gearbox that is fabricated into the frame, the gearbox being called the reverse power coupler. Other elements of the concept include a differential mounted offset power coupler and differential housing assemblies. The drivetrain cooperates with the suspension configuration of upper and lower leading and trailing links thereby retaining the suspension system's fundamental properties—handling quality like a double A-arm independent suspension system and travel and articulation capabilities similar to Ford's Twin I-Beam front suspension system. This report integrates the elements introduced in the prior disclosure with novel mechanistic features of the drivetrain.

Abstract: A two piece pedal arm assembly which forms a shell forming an internal cavity is provided. The two shell piece pedal arm permits the ability to carefully control wall thicknesses. This permits the ability to provide the proper strength where needed in complex designs resulting in weight savings. Additionally, other components such as the bracket and cage for a ball and booster arm, pedal adjusters, and the like can be mounted within the shell thereby providing robust attachment and a more pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly is provided which is configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle. The transaxle assembly includes a transmission that has two separately attached pivotable knuckle assemblies. Each pivotable knuckle assembly can be independently steered and includes an axle driven by the transmission. Each axle drives a wheel of the vehicle. In another configuration, the two pivotable knuckle assemblies are joined by an integrally formed crossmember.

Abstract: A modular portal wheel end system for connection to a plurality of different axles for vehicles. The portal wheel end system includes a housing configure to be selectively coupled with any one of the plurality of different axles. A plurality of input gears are configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing about a first rotational axis. A plurality of output gears are configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing about a second rotational axis offset from the first rotational axis. Each of the gears having a different predetermined width along their respective axis. The housing includes an inner portion at least partially supporting the input and output gears and an outer ring coupled to the inner portion with the outer ring having a width corresponding to the predetermined width of the input and output gears to define a cavity surrounding the input and output gears.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a front axle of a vehicle including a motor disposed near the center of the axle and a shaft coupled at one end thereof to the motor, where the shaft defines a first axis. A first gear is coupled to a second gear, the first gear being coupled to the shaft at an end opposite the motor and being disposed along the first axis. The second gear is disposed along a second axis, where the first axis and second axis are substantially parallel to but spaced from one another. A steering pivot defines a steering axis about which a final drive assembly pivots and a wheel lean pivot defines a lean axis about which the final drive pivots. The lean axis is substantially perpendicular to the steering axis. A constant-velocity joint is disposed at the intersection of the steering axis and lean axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a front axle of a vehicle including a motor disposed near the center of the axle and a shaft coupled at one end thereof to the motor, where the shaft defines a first axis. A first gear is coupled to a second gear, the first gear being coupled to the shaft at an end opposite the motor and being disposed along the first axis. The second gear is disposed along a second axis, where the first axis and second axis are substantially parallel to but spaced from one another. A steering pivot defines a steering axis about which a final drive assembly pivots and a wheel lean pivot defines a lean axis about which the final drive pivots. The lean axis is substantially perpendicular to the steering axis. A constant-velocity joint is disposed at the intersection of the steering axis and lean axis.

Abstract: A riding work vehicle includes right and left wheels, at least one caster wheel, and a working machine. The lawnmower vehicle further includes traveling motor, steering motor, a traveling system clutch, and a steering system clutch. The traveling system clutch is configured to disable transmission of the rotational force from an axle of the caster wheel to the traveling motor in a state where the traveling motor is deactivated. The steering system clutch is configured to disable transmission of the rotational force from a steering shaft for the caster wheel to the steering motor in a state where the steering motor is deactivated.

Abstract: A modular portal wheel end system allows for connection of a portal wheel end to any of a plurality of differently configured axles for vehicles. The portal wheel end includes a housing that houses an input gear and an output gear. The input gear is coupled to the axle to which the portal wheel end is connected. A wheel hub is coupled to the output gear. A plurality of adapter brackets are each configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing and the axle. Each adapter bracket has a different predetermined configuration for connection to a separate one of the differently configured axles. The portal wheel end system allows the same housing, input gear, output gear, and wheel hub to be connected to any of the differently configured axles with the use of the appropriate adapter bracket.

Abstract: A steerable vehicle knuckle has an inboard portion defining upper and lower arms, with a kingpin between them, and has an outboard portion defining a spindle that cooperates with a fluid driven motor. The arms define a cavity where an axle end portion is pivotally received. Fluid supply ports, which supply fluid to energize the motor, are located on an upper surface of the knuckle's inboard portion. Fluid drain lines extend within the knuckle from the motor to the cavity and are utilized to drain fluid from the motor. The supply ports and drain lines are each connected to separate hoses formed in a small arc that follows closely the circular curvature of the kingpin. This arrangement of port, lines, and hoses is less expensive to produce, easier to package, more robust, allows for faster steering reaction, and is easier to assemble than conventional arrangements.

Abstract: A two piece wheel hub assembly includes a hub cartridge assembly and a vehicle-mounted carrier. The cartridge assembly can be readily attached to and removed from the carrier without removal of the carrier from the vehicle.

Abstract: A driveline for a mobile vehicle comprises a one-step planetary transmission (7) in which the outer central wheel (10) is non-rotatably held, the inner central wheel (6) forms the output and the planet carrier (12) forms the output which can be connected with the housing (4) via a brake (14). To ensure an easy assembly, the output flange (17) is supported in the housing (4) via a first bearing (28) and the planet carrier (12) via a second bearing (26), one pivot (24) of the planet carrier (12) is non-rotatably held in one hole of the output flange (17).

Abstract: In a transmission for a steerable drive wheel (4) of a forklift, which transmission is pivotable around a vertical axle (8) and contains a spur gear stage (24, 26) and a second reduction stage formed by a pinion shaft (28, 30) and a bevel wheel (36), the second reduction stage is designed as hypoid wheel set (30, 36) with positive axle offset. Unlike the designs known already, it is hereby possible, by adhering to preset limits of the outer dimensions and a preset reduction ratio, to obtain a toothing of more supporting capacity and a thicker pinion shaft (28) so that the loads of the tooth flanks are canceled and it is possible to use a design of a high loaded pinion bearing (34) having more supporting capacity.

Abstract: A brake pedal mechanism limits the reaction force applied on a brake pedal lever pivot. The pivot is formed by a slot closed by a tang yieldably connected to a retaining arm of a pivotable release lever. A release arm of the release lever is engagable by an actuating rod of a brake booster when moved beyond the normal travel limit of the rod. In one case, excessive brake pedal force causes the tang to yield and release the brake pedal pivot pin. In another case, excess rearward motion of the actuating rod pivots the release lever, lifting the tang and freeing the pivot pin. In either case, the reaction force on the pivot is maintained below a desired limit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel end assembly wherein the constant velocity universal joint, the spindle, and the wheel flange are combined into an integral unit that is easy to install and service. The wheel end assembly comprises a steering knuckle including a bore, and a CV joint having an inner race coupled for rotation with an axle shaft. The CV joint includes an integral spindle supported for rotation within the bore of the steering knuckle by removable bearing assemblies. A wheel mounting flange is also formed integrally with the spindle and allows piloting of a non-offset brake rotor thereto. The wheel end assembly is less complex, lighter weight, and less expensive to manufacture. The arrangement also allows easier service and preload adjustment of the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with an on-board propelling power source and operator control functions for steering, increasing and decreasing the vehicles rate of motion. The vehicle includes a chassis with an operator seat for receiving a human operator; a front wheel that can be laterally directed by the operator so the operator can steer the vehicle; a front wheel which is connected to an electronic motor for propelling the vehicle; a drive-gear train assembly for transferring the rotational power of the electronic motor to rotational power of the front wheel; a pair of rear wheels spaced laterally relative to each other for supporting and assisting in maneuvering the vehicle; and a pair of front stabilizing wheels spaced laterally from the front wheel with the front wheel intermediate to the front stabilizing wheels. The steering mechanism, drive-gear train assembly, and electronic motor are attached to a steering shaft and rotate with the steering shaft.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system of a steerable wheel of a dump truck facilitates the attaching and detaching of a hydraulic motor and allows for a large hydraulic motor to be used. In the drive system, a wheel axle is rotatably supported within a receptacle seat supported on a yoke. The steerable wheel is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the receptacle seat. The steerable wheel and one end of the wheel axle are connected via a speed reducer. A motor casing 33 of a hydraulic motor is connected by bolts to the receptacle seat at an end of the seat remote from the steerable wheel so that the hydraulic motor can be attached to and detached from the receptacle seat by tightening and loosening the bolts.

Abstract: In a shuttlecar wheel end, the wheel unit on which the wheel is mounted is driven by a right angle drive and incorporates first and second planetary gear reduction stages acting sequentially to supply a twice reduced drive to the wheel. Each gear reduction stage has a sun gear meshing with planet gears meshing in turn with a fixed ring gear. The planet gears in each case are carried by a rotatable planet carrier, with the planet carrier of the first reduction stage carrying the sun gear of the second reduction stage. The resulting wheel end is compact in design and does away with the need for an external speed reduction stage.

Abstract: A wheel bearing support with an eccentric drive has a drive shaft extending through the input side bearing arrangement. A gear is provided around the internal circumference of the wheel hub, which is driven by the drive shaft via intermediate gears. Various bearing arrangements provide minimum axial length and torsional moment.

Abstract: A mounting of a steerable wheel, in particular a driven wheel, which is carried on a front axle of an agricultural tractor, has a pivot axis which is displaced horizontally rearwardly with respect to the center of rotation of the wheel. The pivot axis is inclined to provide a positive caster. The horizontal displacement shortens the spacing between the pivot axis and the rearward end of the wheel so that the wheel can be turned to a greater extent before it strikes against the body of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a front wheel drive tractor comprising, at each of opposite lateral sides thereof, a front axle, a front axle case housing the front axle, a kingpin, a transmission case provided in an outer end region of the front axle case to be pivotable about the kingpin, and a front wheel attached to the transmission case and including a hub shaft. The kingpin is operatively connected to the front axle through a bevel gear transmission, and the hub shaft is operatively connected to the kingpin through a bevel gear transmission and a planetary reduction mechanism. The front wheel has a substantially zero camber angle, and the kingpin is inclined such that a lower portion of the transmission case disposed inwardly with respect to a center of the tractor is substantially contained inside a rim of the front wheel.

Abstract: This invention comprises a driveable, steerable platform for industrial, domestic, entertainment and related uses. A frame member travels on a plurality of wheels which can be turned 360.degree. to steer the platform in a desired direction. Separate endless drive means in the form of gear-driven concentric shafts drive and steer the wheels. The platform travels substantially parallel to the terrain traversed. The entire platform may be housed in a hollow sphere to cause the sphere to selectively roll, providing the platform the ability to move about on radically uneven terrain including the ability to climb steps of height equal to approximately one-half the sphere's diameter. The wheels engage the inner surface of the rolling sphere to drive and steer the rolling sphere.

Abstract: A driving arrangement for selectively drivable wheels of a motor vehicle has, in or on an adjustable bearing axle, telescopic input shafts connected at one end to a direction-changing gear and at the other end to an input shaft for a spur gearing in a swivel housing. A clutch engaging and disengaging in dependence upon relative rotation between the wheels and the input shaft is connected between the spur gearing and the input shaft. This allows catching up of the wheels, while the driving connection to the other wheels is maintained, as well as engine braking.

Abstract: A compact industrial vehicle, for example in the form of a compact loader, has four steered wheels may be swiveled through 180.degree. between two end positions. The vehicle has a straddling or gantry chassis and the wheels are mounted on straddling axles, whose axle members are placed towards the top of the wheels. Running down from the axle members there are oblique wheel mounting legs ending at the space inside the wheels, in which there is a drive for the final drive step down gearing. Therefore the vehicle is optimally maneuverable while the ground and the tires are not subjected to heavy wear, there are good running characteristics and the driver is able to board the vehicle easily.

Abstract: A tractor comprises a lifting device and two driven front sets of wheels which are power driven and steerable about a common axis. Each front set of wheels has two side-by-side front wheels driven by a kingpin which extends between them. Front of the front wheels is a lifting device comprising three coupling points which are movable together up and down along a straight guide. Such guide is pivotable about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A front-wheel driving apparatus for use in tractors and the like has bevel-gear cases one each of which a front-wheel case is fitted for free rotation about a kingpin axis, the front-wheel case being adapted to support a front wheel and accommodate therein a bevel-gear train which is for incorporating the kingpin and the front wheel. Both upper and lower end portions of the kingpin are supported on the bevel-gear case via the respective bearings, and are provided with the respective bevel pinions as mounted thereon so as to exert axial thrusts on the kingpin in directions opposite to each other, and further with the respective thrust retainers as secured thereon for taking up any possible overall balance thrust. A hub base is consolidatedly incorporated in the front-wheel case, and on the hub base there is fitted, for free rotation, through a bevel gear fixture base a bevel gear which meshes with the lower bevel pinion on the kingpin.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for the steering wheels of a vehicle. The drive mechanism includes a housing adapted to be mounted on the frame of the vehicle and a differential gear in the housing adapted to be operatively connected to the drive shaft of the vehicle. A pair of half shafts are provided in the housing which are operatively connected to the differential gear and extend outwardly from the differential gear in opposite directions generally perpendicular to the vehicle drive shaft with at least the inner portions thereof having a common axis. A pair of stub shafts are provided in the housing which are operatively connected to the half shafts and extend outwardly beyond the ends of the half shafts remote from the differential gear generally parallel to and laterally spaced from the outer portions of the half shafts. The drive mechanism also includes a mechanism for accommodating the relative pivotal movement between the stub shafts and at least a portion of the half shafts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a front-wheel drive device for a vehicle in which an inner gear case is mounted onto the outer end of a front axle housing which contains a front-wheel drive axle, an outer gear case equipped with a gear chamber which is open toward the outside is fitted onto the inner gear case while maintaining the freedoms of steering and turning, a planetary gear mechanism is introduced into the gear chamber, the opening thereof is closed by attaching a cover supporting the front wheel axle over the outer gear case, and the front wheel axle is driven at a reduced speed by the planetary gear mechanism via a bevel gear mechanism which is driven by the front-wheel drive axle. The improvement to this device is that an inner member of the front wheel axle extends into the gear chamber, and the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism and the bevel gear on the output side of the bevel gear mechanism are allowed to rotate freely as a unitary structure about the inner member.

Abstract: A homokinetic tripod joint includes a first element connected to rotate with a tripod element having rollers and a second element having runways for the rollers. The first and second elements form a ball and socket connection with the first and second elements having, respectively, complementary concave and convex spherical surfaces. The joint includes a bayonet connection having recesses in the concave spherical surface of the first element and corresponding segments on the convex spherical surface of the second element the joint also includes an abutment member having a convex spherical surface with a shape complementary to the second element.

Abstract: A steered and driven axle-end assembly has a steering knuckle whose inside and outside halves are pivotal about an upright pivot axis. An axle extends into the inside knuckle half and is connected to the inner side of a universal joint whose outer side is connected to one end of a gear train whose other end is connected to a wheel support which is rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis on the outside knuckle half. A pair of roller bearings centered on the wheel axis are spaced axially apart therealong by a spacing which is equal to at most half of the axial distance through which the outside knuckle half extends into the wheel support. Thus the outside knuckle half and associated structure can pivot through a considerable angle relative to the inside knuckle half for minimum turning radius of a vehicle embodying the axle-end assembly.

Abstract: A front wheel driving device for agricultural vehicle or the like. The device has a front axle housing accommodating a front wheel drive shaft. An inner gear case is attached to the outer side of the front axle housing. An outer gear case is steerably secured to the inner gear case. A planetary gear mechanism is adapted to be driven by the front wheel drive shaft through bevel gear mechanisms, and is supported by an intermediate seat which is fitted in the outer gear case. The arrangement is such that, when a cover supporting the front wheel axle is coupled to the outer side of the outer gear case, the front wheel axle is automatically fitted to the output shaft of the planetary gear mechanism.

Abstract: A mounting sleeve extends from a vehicle body or other housing and contains on its body/housing side a planetary gearing whereby, in particular, the sleeve is provided with an internal ring gear for planetary gearing; the sun gear is carried by an input shaft, and the planet gear carrier is integral with a shaft which is keyed to a hub; the hub is journaled by two roller bearings in the mounting sleeve both being on the same side, as far as the planetary gearing is concerned. The roller bearing elements are of a frustoconical configuration, and their axes are particularly oriented to prevent the reaction of radial and axial forces into the gearing.

Abstract: A wheel hub with an epicyclic reducing gear is disclosed, which essentially comprises a bottom section in the form of a cup which is bolted to an intermediate belt like section having a ring gear formed in its inner periphery, a planetary gear carrier carrying gears which mesh with the ring gear and the pinion.The carrier is divided into two sections assembled by bolts. Running races for bearing balls are complementarily formed on the beltlike section and on the complementary sections of the carrier.

Abstract: A steered and driven axle-end assembly has a steering knuckle whose inside and outside halves are pivotal about an upright pivot axis. An axle extends into the inside knuckle half and is connected to the inner side of a universal joint whose outer side is connected to one end of a gear train whose other end is connected to a wheel support which is rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis on the outside knuckle half. A pair of roller bearings centered on the wheel axis are spaced axially apart therealong by a spacing which is equal to at most half of the axial distance through which the outside knuckle half extends into the wheel support. Thus the outside knuckle half and associated structure can pivot through a considerable angle relative to the inside knuckle half for minimum turning radius of a vehicle embodying the axle-end assembly.

Abstract: A steering axle comprises a steering shaft connected to a wheelhub either directly or through a planetary gear set, and to a shaft joint. The shaft joint includes an external component which is connected to a driven shaft. A boot is affixed to the steering shaft and the external component and collectively with the external component encloses the shaft joint. There is a housing about the shaft joint and affixed to the shafts such that when the shafts are located transversely relative to each other the boot and joint can be laterally removed. A plug in the wheelhub axially locates the steering shaft, and permits withdrawal of the steering shaft.

Abstract: The specification of the present application discloses a geared hub for use in transmitting power to the wheels of a vehicle. The geared hub is particularly useful for all terrain type vehicles where high strength and reliability are required. The hub uses a one-piece cast housing having various access openings to allow assembly of the unit. The one-piece housing defines an elongated gear chamber which extends generally perpendicular to the wheel spindle. Three access ports are provided; one for supporting the wheel spindle, a second port for allowing the insertion of an input pinion and input shaft, and a third port for allowing insertion of the output gear. The first two ports are located in the end walls of the gear chamber with the third port located in the sidewall of the gear chamber. The unique design, according to the present invention, results in an inherently strong and durable hub having reduced manufacturing and assembly costs.

Abstract: A hub reduction gear drive unit for mounting in a hub of a vehicle. Essentially, the hub reduction gear unit comprises an epicyclic gear train in which the planet gear carrier is retained stationary so that the planet gear carrier also forms a hub axle and may be manufactured from a low cost robust casting. The sun gear and sun gear shaft are driven which in turn drives the annulus gear, fast on the hub through the planet gears.

Abstract: A motor vehicle wheel support assembly, with a stationary casing, a stub axle for a road wheel supported within the casing by thin-walled bearing liners, a thrust plate carried by the axle and engaged by thrust washers in the casing to take axial loads, and a reservoir above the bearing liners from which lubricant is delivered to the liners. Lubricant collects in a sump at the bottom of the casing and is returned to the reservoir by being impelled by the thrust plate.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a hub and a homokinetic joint comprising a first tripod element connected to the hub and defining three trunnions on which are mounted three part-spherical rollers and a second element connected to a transmission shaft and defining three raceways in which the rollers carried by the tripod element are received. The hub defines a cavity in which is received at least partly this tripod element which constitutes a distinct part and is connected to the wall of this cavity by an auxiliary homokinetic coupling. The latter is capable of operating at a given angle which is added to the normal pivoting or break angle of the joint and consequently increases the maximum break angle of the joint.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive tractor is provided with a front-wheel driving mechanism according to the invention, a universal joint is interposed in a portion of the front-wheel drive shaft system which carries out the front-wheel drive and intersects with the center axis of the kingpin. A universal joint housing encloses the universal joint and is divided into upper and lower parts along a plane perpendicular to the center axis of the kingpin, and the lower universal joint housing part is interlocked with a yoke and is pivotable in relation to the upper universal joint housing part together with the front wheels.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for steerable wheels which is pivotally mounted on the frame of a motor vehicle and has two drive shafts in a single axle housing, the shafts angled with respect to each other so that they form a V-shaped configuration opening downwardly and rearwardly to increase the distance between the underside of the axle housing and the ground while maintaining the improved steering capabilities of a swept-back design. The assembly includes a differential having an output axially aligned with and connected directly to one of the drive shafts. The differential is driven by a pinion gear connected to a non-articulated shaft which extends from a transmission and is mounted for rotation about an axis corresponding to the pivotal axis of the assembly so that no universal joint is required between the transmission and differential. The other drive shaft is connected through a universal joint to the differential.