Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mining haul truck with the diesel-powered components removed, the resulting available volumes retrofitted with components of a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell/battery-based powerplant. In some embodiments, the tray and/or the canopy of the haul truck can be replaced or reconfigured to create an additional volume for receiving components of the hybrid hydrogen fuel cell/battery-based powerplant.

Abstract: A steering and suspension assembly for the rear wheels of an off-road vehicle includes: a) a first suspension component; b) a first steering component; c) a CV axle; d) a portal box assembly; e) a hydraulic steering assembly for moving the first steering component a distance effective to turn the vehicle at least 2° in either direction when the assembly is mounted to a wheel hub; f) a first suspension connection bracket for connecting the first suspension component to the rear wall of the portal box assembly; and g) a first steering connection bracket for connecting the first steering component to the rear wall of the portal box assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed and include determining, using a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a nontransitory computer-readable medium, whether a user is authenticated to operate a vehicle-sharing vehicle. The method also includes, in response to determining the user is authenticated: (i) obtaining, using the processor, a height value, wherein the height value is associated with a vehicle-sharing account of the user and is displayed on an identification card of the user; (ii) determining, using the processor, whether a position of a vehicle control mechanism needs to be adjusted based on the height value; and (iii) in response to determining that the position of the vehicle control mechanism needs to be adjusted, adjusting, using the processor, the position of the vehicle control mechanism based on the height value.

Abstract: A vehicular alert system includes a door locking control disposed at a vehicle and operable to lock a plurality of doors of the vehicle responsive to a door lock signal received from a remote transmitter carried by a user. The remote transmitter is operable to transmit a triggering signal to the door locking control. Responsive to the transmitted triggering signal, the door locking control locks the doors of the vehicle. Responsive to the transmitted triggering signal, the vehicular alert system determines whether at least one door of the vehicle is not fully closed. Responsive to determination that at least one door of the vehicle is not fully closed, the vehicular alert system generates an alert to alert the user that at least one door of the vehicle is not fully closed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle mobile device usage monitoring with a cell phone usage sensor. An example disclosed vehicle includes a cellphone usage sensor and a communication enforcer. The example cellphone usage sensor monitors a detection area around a driver's seat. The example communication enforcer changes an operation of the vehicle when the cellphone usage sensor detects usage of a mobile device within the detection area, a communication management feature is enabled, and the mobile device is not communicatively coupled to a wireless module of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, driver and passenger seats, two front and two rear suspension assemblies, two front and two rear wheels, and a motor operatively connected to the at least two wheels. Each rear suspension assembly has a trailing arm having a front end pivotally connected to the frame; a knuckle pivotally connected to a rear portion of the trailing arm; a lower link having a laterally outward end pivotally connected to the trailing arm and a laterally inward end pivotally connected to the frame; an upper link having a laterally outward end pivotally connected to the trailing arm and a laterally inward end pivotally connected to the frame; and a toe link having a laterally outward end pivotally connected to the knuckle and a laterally inward end pivotally connected to the frame.

Abstract: Highly maneuverable utility vehicles having Mecanum wheels capable of traveling in a variety of different directions and turning in a zero turn manner may include one or more controllers in communication with drive units for powering the Mecanum wheels. A multi-axis interface, such as a joystick, may be connected to the controller for proportionally controlling the direction and speed of the vehicle, and for providing different manners in which the vehicle may enter zero-turn mode. The joystick may include at least one pushbutton for switching between programmed travel modes or selecting an auxiliary function. The controller may be programmed to permit the vehicle to operate in different operating modes.

Abstract: A system of one or more computers configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One general aspect includes a first computer having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the first computer is programmed to send parameters describing a target passenger to a mobile drone. The system instructs said drone to circumnavigate an area while searching said area for the target passenger with an image capturing device. The system receives communications from the drone and confirms a match to the target passenger and instructs the drone to guide the target passenger to a destination.

Abstract: An image of a vehicle user is captured. The image is compared to a corresponding account image in a preset profile. It is determined whether the image matches the corresponding account image. A destination is selected based on the user profile. A traffic report is generated based on the destination.

Abstract: A remote keyless system having a light; and a controller coupled to the light. The controller has a processor and memory having stored thereon a plurality of executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a door closing signal from a door locking system. The door closing signal indicates that one or more doors of a vehicle have been opened and then closed within a predetermined amount of time. The instructions further cause the computer to turn the light on in response to receiving the door closing signal, send a locking signal to the door locking system, and receive a confirmation signal from the door locking system. The confirmation signal indicates that all doors of the vehicle have been successfully locked. The instructions further cause the computer to turn the light off in response to receiving the confirmation signal.

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 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 wheel suspension system for a vehicle having a body supported on a set of wheels each provided with a rim and an axle generally consisting of a lower control arm pivotally connectable to a first portion of such body; an upper control arm pivotally connectable to a second portion of such body; a roller bearing having inner and outer races, disposed within such rim, coaxially relative to the rotational axis of the rim; a steering knuckle mounted on the outer race of the bearing, having a first portion pivotally connected to the lower control arm and a second portion pivotally connected to the upper control arm, defining a steering axis intersecting the rotational axis of the rim; and a hub member mounted on the inner race and connectable to an axle receivable through an opening provided in the steering knuckle.

Abstract: Either or both of an exhaust pipe coupled to the output end of an automobile engine collector pipe or the plurality of pipes coupled to the input apertures of the collector pipe from the engine are apertured along their lengths and contained within a further surrounding pipe in providing an exhaust which simultaneously serves as a muffler for the vehicle and to traverse the various component parts of its exhaust system and/or the vehicle engine when composed of a plurality of pipe segments, individual ones of which are of preselected length, and cut at their respective ends at preselected angles for joining together in appropriate orientation.

Abstract: A suspended drive axle and agricultural tractor having same including a central housing having inboard final drives and left and right axle housing suspended therefrom by upper and lower control arms with axle shafts extending outwardly therefrom to which wheel and tire assemblies are mounted. A constant velocity universal joint is provided between the inboard final drives and the axle shafts. The universal joint having a pair of journal members and a coupling yoke that radially surround the drive and driven yokes of the joint whereby the axial length of the universal joint is minimized to enable the wheels to be located on the axle shafts at 60 inch tread spacing. This allows the drive axle to be used on a row crop tractor without altering the structure of the vehicle from a conventional row crop tractor whereby the characteristics of a row crop tractor are maintained.

Abstract: A suspended drive axle and agricultural tractor having same including a central housing having inboard final drives and left and right axle housing suspended therefrom by upper and lower control arms with axle shafts extending outwardly therefrom to which wheel and tire assemblies are mounted. A constant velocity universal joint is provided between the inboard final drives and the axle shafts. The universal joint having a pair of journal members and a coupling yoke that radially surround the drive and driven yokes of the joint whereby the axial length of the universal joint is minimized to enable the wheels to be located on the axle shafts at 60 inch tread spacing. This allows the drive axle to be used on a row crop tractor without altering the structure of the vehicle from a conventional row crop tractor whereby the characteristics of a row crop tractor are maintained.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a steerable rear axle of a four wheel steer motor vehicle chassis comprises a constant velocity joint drivingly interconnected with an axle shaft of the steerable rear axle, along a lateral axis defined by the axle shaft, and a wheel assembly for transmitting driving torque therebetween. A yoke has a main body portion with a central, laterally-extending pass-through for the constant velocity joint and is fixedly mounted to the chassis. The yoke has an upper and a lower ball joint arm which laterally extend towards the wheel assembly, where each ball joint arm has a ball joint passage therethrough. A knuckle for transferring steering rotation to the wheel assembly comprises a flat plate body with a central, lateral opening for the constant velocity joint to pass through and splined upper and lower ball joint pockets.

Abstract: In a steering drive axle, particularly for agricultural tractors, the transverse transmission members (16-20) which bring the drive from a central differential (12) to the wheel hubs (13a) comprise a half-shaft portion (18) having a first end connected to a universal joint (17) at the output from the differential (12), and a second end connected to a constant-velocity joint (19) fixed for rotation with a respective hub (13a). The half-shaft portion (18) is mounted for rotating on a support (22) connected (23) to articulated suspension members (14, 15) in a manner such as to support the outer end of the half-shaft portion (18) and the inner end of the constant-velocity joint (19).

Abstract: A system for recognizing authorization of a person to use a vehicle includes an optical-electronic image processor arranged to identify an authorized user of the vehicle by recognizing a distinctive physical feature of the user. The image processor provides an output signal which controls locking functions relating to operation of the vehicle based on a comparison of detected information with stored information relating to distinctive individual features of authorized users so that only authorized persons are enabled to use the vehicle.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a transfer case equipped with a dual-planetary gear reduction unit and a synchronized range shift mechanism operable for permitting the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The transfer case is also equipped with an electronically-controlled slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means for limiting angular displacement by the steering mechanism for the wheels of a vehicle by providing a pin-shaped stroke limiter on the steering knuckle for one of the front wheels which coacts with an adjustable, removable and exchangeable stop on the suspension arm for this wheel. The stroke limiter has a curved abutment surface which on angular movement of the wheel abuts against the adjustable stop on the suspension arm, at different levels and at various positions of the suspension arm. The relative movement of the curved abutment surface of the pin-shaped stroke limiter may be oblique to the surface of the adjustable stop.

Abstract: A new and improved kingpin housing assembly operatively coupling the wheel mounting assembly, the front axle and the steering assembly with the help of kingpin. The kingpin housing assembly is provided with upper and lower arm supports. The lower arm support provides a new and improved locking mechanism to keep the kingpin in place. For the kingpin housing assembly to function efficiently, the kingpin used to couple the wheel mounting assembly to the front axle must always be securely held in place to prevent wear and tear during road shocks and rapid steering maneuvers. The kingpin is held in place with the help of a locking cap received into the lower arm support and locked in place with the help of a nut and bolt combination. The lower arm support is provided with castellations along the bottom circumference. A horizontal bore is provided in the locking cap across its diameter.

Abstract: An axle shaft retention structure includes a retainer ring trapped between a shoulder on an axle shaft and the inner end of a hollow sleeve which is a part of a universal joint. The hollow sleeve is attached to the axle shaft by a snap ring. The retaining ring is provided with spherical slots which receive the spherical inner ends of retaining screws extending through the axle housing. The retaining screws nest into the spherical slots in the retaining ring inward against an internal shoulder on an axle housing. The shoulder on the axle housing and retaining screws limit both axial and rotary movement of the retainer ring. Thus, end play, which is detrimental to oil seal life, is limited to a minimum.

Abstract: In a saddle riding type vehicle suitable for running on rough lands, a pair of left and right frontwheels supported frontwardly of a body frame through a swing arm and a front axle housing have relatively wide wheel rims, within which rims knuckles and joints for transmitting a power for driving the front wheels are arranged, and a brake mechanism is provided outwardly of the knuckle and joint.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for providing a reliable seal between a shaft and an opening through which the shaft passes where the shaft undergoes both rotary and axial movement relative to the opening. The seal assembly consists of a seal suitable for relative rotary motion between the gasket surface and the surface to be sealed, a sleeve, and a seal suitable for sealing when there is relative axial movement between the seal and the sealed surface. The sleeve is used to isolate the rotary and axial motion of the shaft into two components so that each seal will only see one type of motion. In order to accomplish this, the sleeve is restrained from axial motion relative to the opening and has synchronous rotary motion with the shaft. This seal arrangement is particularly useful in pivotable drive assemblies where the use of a simple universal joint will impose a reciprocating motion on a drive axle.

Abstract: A steering axle stop for an axle steering joint assembly is defined by a stub shaft rigidly supported within a steering knuckle boss. In a preferred form, the stub shaft contains a plurality of apertures which extend through the shaft and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The steering knuckle boss is pivotal relative to the axle housing, and the stub shaft extends through an aperture of the boss which has its axis extending tangentially to the swing movement of the boss. The stub shaft is rigidly secured in any one of the selectable apertures by means of a clevis pin which extends through the boss perpendicularly to the latter swing movement. Also in a preferred form, the axle housing contains a projection which includes a contact surface disposed for limiting the rotation of the steering knuckle via contact of one end of the stub shaft with the latter surface.

Abstract: The joint comprises two opposed forks which are angularly offset from each other at 60.degree. and are axially extended by nose portions which are internally spherical. These nose portions swivel on a ring through which extends with a large clearance a shaft section which carries at each end a tripod element associated with one of the forks. The ring is maintained roughly in the bisecting plane of the joint by contact or quasi-contact with the rollers of the two tripod elements. In this way it is possible to produce steering road wheel homokinetic joints which are capable of operating at angles of 50.degree. and more with no reduction in their transmitting capacity.

Abstract: Mobile vehicles, such as lift trucks, are normally mounted on pairs of front and rear wheels for locomotion purposes. The rear wheels are steerable to move the truck into various work positions. However, the turning radius and maneuverability of vehicles of this type are limited, particularly when working in narrow aisles. The vehicle (10) of the present invention includes a frame assembly (13), a plurality of wheels (72,74) mounted on the frame assembly (13) for universal movement about a pivot point (110), and a support and drive system (70) for driving the wheels (72,74) and for infinitely positioning the wheels (72,74) relative to a supporting surface (11) to move the vehicle (10) in any chosen direction.

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 holding structure for a drive shaft used in a vehicle of rear wheel independent suspension type to transmit power from a differential gear to a wheel. The structure comprises a constant velocity universal joint of fixed type provided in one end of the drive shaft near the differential gear and another constant velocity universal joint of slidable type provided in the other end of the drive shaft near the wheel to prevent longitudinal movement of the drive shaft.