Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a chassis, an axle carriage, a rigid axle and a pair of suspension cylinders. The axle carriage is attached to or forms a part of the chassis, and includes a generally vertically arranged slot. The rigid axle is mounted to the axle carriage with a wheel hub at each end thereof, and is vertically movable relative to the axle carriage. The suspension cylinders are connected between the axle carriage and axle, and are operable to move the axle in vertical directions relative to the axle carriage. The off-road vehicle is characterized in that the axle includes a first pair of roll angle stops which engage the axle carriage when the axle is at or near a fully lowered position relative to the axle carriage, and a second pair of roll angle stops which engage the axle carriage when the axle is at or near a fully raised position relative to the axle carriage.

Abstract: Presented is a heavy vehicle, such as a transport vehicle or civil engineering vehicle, of a mass greater than 500 metric tons configured to carry heavy loads and operable to generate a motive power. The vehicle includes tires of radial structure having a diameter greater than 3.5 meters and an axial width greater than 37 inches, a front steering axle coupled to at least two tires, at least one rear axle coupled to at least two tires and by which is transmitted at least part of the motive power, and a third, intermediate axle coupled to at least two tires. The intermediate axle is a steering axle and is moveable to a raised position. When the intermediate axle is in the raised position, the tires coupled to the intermediate axle are not in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A steering axle for vehicles includes means for angularly displacing the axle body about a steering axis as a consequence of the relative displacement between the wheel hubs and the axle body, and vertical securing means are provided between the axle body and the bearing structure in order to hold the axle body secured vertically to the bearing structure during the lateral displacement, wherein the vertical securing means comprise an extensible member, the extension of which is correlated to the position of the axle body with respect to the second steering axis.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame and wheels. An engine powers the wheels through a drive system that includes a front differential gear unit. A housing encloses the front differential gear unit. The housing is positioned generally on a longitudinal center plane of the frame with the plane extending generally vertically and fore to aft. A steering system controls directional movement of the front wheels. The steering system includes a steering wheel that is offset relative to the center plane. A steering shaft is connected to the steering wheel and is disposed on the frame for rotation. A pair of tie-rods are coupled with the respective front wheels. A coupling mechanism couples the steering shaft to the tie-rods. The coupling mechanism converts the rotary movement of the steering shaft to an axial movement of each tie-rod. The coupling mechanism includes a rack-and-pinion assembly. A gear case encloses the rack-and-pinion assembly.

Abstract: A method for reducing repetitive false alarm indications in a vehicle impact detection system for a host vehicle includes generating false alarm positional information corresponding to a detected object determined to be a false alarm. The false alarm is determined subsequent to an issued warning to a driver, and the false alarm positional information is stored in a database. The false alarm positional information in the database is further evaluated to determine, based on predefined removal criteria, whether any of the false alarm positional information in the database is to be removed therefrom. The false alarm positional information remaining in the database is used to inhibit the issuance of a warning to a driver of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a working vehicle is provided which is capable of steering dirigible wheels by increased steering angles while checking sideways sliding of the wheels on the ground. For this purpose, a pair of right and left intermediate cases are supported by right and left wheel supports of a vehicle body, each to be pivotable about a first steering axis extending substantially vertically. Each intermediate case supports an axle case in a position thereof opposed to the associated dirigible wheel, to be pivotable about a second steering axis extending substantially vertically. The axle case supports the associated dirigible wheel to be rotatable on an axle.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a bogey beam pivotally connected to the chassis of the vehicle. The bogey beam supports the front axle at a forward end thereof and is connected to a suspension strut at the rearward end thereof. The pivotal connection of the bogey beam to the vehicle chassis is at a point intermediate of the forward and rearward ends. The suspension strut takes the place of a middle axle from a three-axle utility vehicle configuration to permit the construction of a two-axle embodiment of the utility vehicle without requiring a significant change in the configuration of the vehicle. Loads placed on the load bed of the vehicle are still distributed to the front axle through the connection of the chassis with the bogey beam.

Abstract: A compound steering mechanism for a vehicle includes a steering axle, steerable wheels mounted on the lateral ends of the axle for pivoting movement relative to the axle, and a mechanism for mounting the axle to the vehicle body to permit pivotal movement relative to the vehicle body about two orthogonal axes, the first axis being generally vertical and offset from the line of contact between the steerable wheels and the ground and the second axis extending generally fore-aft of the vehicle body. The mechanism for mounting the steering axle on the vehicle body is formed with an intermediate member, termed a skate, that is mounted on the vehicle body for pivoting about the said fore-aft axis and having a gimbal mount for supporting the steering axle in a manner to allow pivoting of the latter about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A power-takeoff apparatus for use on a compact tractor equipped with a compound steering mechanism is disclosed wherein the chassis includes a front chassis member having an opening formed therein to allow the passage of a power-takeoff shaft therethrough for connection to a front-mounted implement mounted to the steerable axle for lateral movement therewith. The opening in the front chassis member having a sufficient transverse width to accommodate the lateral swinging movement of the power-takeoff shaft in unison with the movement of the front-mounted implement. The front chassis member is also adapted for mounting a front-mounted implement thereto for providing an alternative mounting thereof so that the implement will not move with the steerable axle.

Abstract: A compound steering mechanism for use on a compact tractor is disclosed wherein the chassis is provided with alternate mounts for the selective connection of the inboard tie rod ends at transversely spaced apart locations. The inboard ends of the tie rods are pivotally connected to a triangular mounting plate that is detachably connectable to a selected one of the alternative chassis mounts to vary the transverse spacing of the inboard ends of the respective tie rods. Greater lateral spacing is utilized whenever additional clearance is required for the swinging motion of a PTO shaft connected to an implement mounted to the laterally movable front axle. The smaller lateral spacing is otherwise selected to keep the tie rods as long as possible and, thereby, minimize angular deflection in the tie rod ball joints when the front axle oscillates.

Abstract: An oscillation stop mechanism for use in conjunction with a compound steering mechanism adapted for use on a compact tractor is disclosed wherein an elongated stop link is positioned on opposing sides of the steering axis about which the pivoted axle rotates to effect a compound steering action as a function of the amount of steering movement of the steerable wheels. The elongated stop links are provided with upper and lower cupped flanges that are engageable with corresponding upper and lower brackets affixed, respectively, to the chassis and the front axle to stop the pivotal movement of the front axle about its oscillation axis. The upper flange on each stop link is positionally adjustable along the length of the stop link for selectively varying the linear distance between the upper and lower flanges and, thereby, vary the amount of permissible oscillation of the front axle relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A compound steering mechanism for improving the turning radius of a compact tractor is disclosed wherein the front axle is pivotally mounted to the tractor chassis by upper and lower pivot joints, the lower pivot joint being transversely swingable relative to the upper pivot to accommodate a vertical oscillation of the steerable wheels mounted to the front axle. A support link mounts the lower pivot joint and fixes the longitudinal spacing thereof relative to a rear pivot joint. The lower pivot joint and the front axle oscillate about an oscillation axis passing through the upper and rear pivot joints. The front axle pivots in the direction of steering in response to the steering movement of the steerable wheels as a result of the connection of a respective tie rod interconnecting the chassis and each of the steerable wheels.

Abstract: A tractor having a steerable axle that pivotally moves laterally in response to a corresponding steering action of the steerable wheels mounted on the steerable axle and is also pivotally supported for oscillatory pitching movement about a longitudinal axis is disclosed wherein an oscillation stop is provided in the form of an arcuate track mounted to the steerable axle and a pair of transversely spaced rollers engageable with the arcuate track through the entire range of lateral movement of the axle to limit the amount of permissible oscillatory pitching movement. The arcuate track has a center of curvature that coincides with the vertical pivot axis for the lateral movement of the axle. The rollers are spaced on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis and have rotational axes that are generally aligned with the center of curvature of the arcuate track.

Abstract: A tractor having a steerable axle that pivotally moves laterally in response to a corresponding steering action of the steerable wheels mounted on the steerable axle and is also pivotally supported for oscillatory pitching movement about a longitudinal axis is disclosed wherein an oscillation stop is provided in the form of an arcuate track mounted to the steerable axle and a pair of transversely spaced rollers engageable with the arcuate track through the entire range of lateral movement of the axle to limit the amount of permissible oscillatory pitching movement. The arcuate track has a center of curvature that coincides with the vertical pivot axis for the lateral movement of the axle. The rollers are spaced on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis and have rotational axes that are generally aligned with the center of curvature of the arcuate track.

Abstract: A tractor having a steerable axle that pivotally moves laterally in response to a corresponding steering action of the steerable wheels mounted on the steerable axle is disclosed wherein the front of the axle is pivotally supported by a four-bar linkage to control vertical movement of the chassis relative to the steerable axle during lateral relative movement between the chassis and the axle. The mechanism is composed of a spherical ball joint connecting the steerable axle to the chassis, a front carrier member pivotally connected to the chassis, and a pair of link members pivotally interconnecting the carrier member and the steerable axle. All pivot axes associated with the carrier member and the link members coincide at the spherical ball joint.

Abstract: A compound steering lock-out apparatus to be selectively used with a vehicle equipped with a compound steering mechanism in which the front steerable axle is pivotally connected to the vehicle chassis and a pair of tie rods extend between the pivotable wheels and the chassis to effect a pivotal movement of the axle upon the actuation of a pivotal movement of the wheels relative to the steerable axle. The lock-out apparatus includes a fastener engageable with pivotable components of the compound steering mechanism to restrict the pivotal movement of the carrier linkage interconnecting the axle and the chassis and a single conventional tie rod to replace the dual tie rod concept of the compound steering mechanism. The installation of the lock-out mechanism makes the compound steering apparatus operate as a conventional automotive-type steering mechanism.

Abstract: A tractor having a front axle that pivotally moves laterally in response to a corresponding steering action of the steerable wheels mounted on the front axle is disclosed wherein an implement attachment mechanism is detachably connected directly to the front axle in a manner so as to be laterally movable relative to the chassis with the shiftable front axle. The implement attachment mechanism includes a hydraulically powered lift mechanism to power a vertical movement of any implement attached thereto relative to the chassis. An optional supplemental support strap detachably connects to the frame portion of the implement attachment mechanism and engages the pivot assembly supporting the front axle from the chassis to provide additional support for connecting said implement attachment mechanism to said front axle without interfering with the pivotal movement of the front axle relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A tractor having a front axle that pivotally moves laterally in response to a corresponding steering action of the steerable wheels mounted on the front axle is disclosed wherein the ballast assembly is supported directly by the front axle so as to be laterally movable relative to the chassis with the shiftable front axle. The ballast assembly is formed by individual weights mounted on an arcuate rack detachably connected to the front axle. The individual weights are connected together by fasteners to form a unitary package positioned centrally between the steerable wheels.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for improving the turning radius of a tractor is disclosed wherein the wheels are turned relative to the steering axle simultaneously with a pivotal movement of the steering axle relative to the chassis of the tractor. A connecting link interconnects the pivot mechanism pivotally supporting the steering axle relative to the chassis with the steering mechanism such that a manipulation of the steering mechanism to affect a turning of the wheels affects a pivotal movement of the steering axle in the same direction the wheels are being turned. The pivot mechanism allows for pivotal movement of the steering axle about longitudinally extending horizontal axis in addition to the pivotal movement of the steering axle about a generally vertical axis relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for improving the turning radius of a tractor is disclosed wherein the wheels are turned relative to the steering axle simultaneously with a pivotal movement of the steering axle relative to the chassis of the tractor. A connecting link interconnects the pivot mechanism pivotally supporting the steering axle relative to the chassis with the steering mechanism such that a manipulation of the steering mechanism to affect a turning of the wheels affects a pivotal movement of the steering axle in the same direction the wheels are being turned. The pivot mechanism allows for pivotal movement of the steering axle about longitudinally extending horizontal axis in addition to the pivotal movement of the steering axle about a generally vertical axis relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A self propelled forklift vehicle having a frame formed by two spaced parallel longitudinal frame members and a rear transverse frame member. The fork carriage is movable forwardly and rearwardly on the longitudinal frame members, along the path of the machine, and carries a fork tower and forks. The forks can be forced below the vehicle to raise the vehicle up beneath the rear of a trailer for transport. The vehicle's rear wheels, which steer and drive the vehicle, are closely spaced and tiltable from side to side to allow for rough terrain, with the operator seat and motor on opposite sides thereof to balance each other. A manually operated split pulley drive allows creeping of the vehicle at a closely controlled low speed. The fork tines include erectable rollers to support part of the vehicle weight when the forks carry a forwardly extended load, to prevent tipping. A front gate causes discharge of the contents of a pallet onto the ground when the fork carriage is retracted.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the hydraulic suspension system of an articulated vehicle having a first pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a drive axle and a tractor frame to control vertical bounce movement of the axle, and a second pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a tractor and a trailer portion of the articulated vehicle for controlling relative roll movement therebetween. A first valve system directs hydraulic fluid under a first pressure to the head ends of the hydraulic cylinders for supporting the weight of the vehicle and load, and to dampen the bounce motion of the drive wheels and the relative roll motion between the tractor and trailer portions of the articulated vehicle. A gas precharged accumulator and a plurality of flow restrictors disposed in this portion of the circuit, control and spring and viscous damping rates of the cylinders.