Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a base, wheels connected to the base, and load receiving elements. At least two of the wheels have a track width therebetween in each of a transverse drive and in a longitudinal drive. The track width in the longitudinal drive and the track width in the transverse drive are each variable. The transport vehicle is transports a load having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction between the wheels. The transport vehicle is drivable both in the transverse drive and in the longitudinal drive.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a steer by wire steering system includes a handwheel actuator, a roadwheel actuator, and a resynchronization module to dynamically adjust handwheel position that is used for rack position reference calculation. The dynamic adjustment includes determining a desynchronization amount based on a difference in an actual handwheel position and a synchronized handwheel position. The dynamic adjustment further includes computing a handwheel adjustment using the desynchronization amount, a vehicle speed, and a handwheel speed. The dynamic adjustment further includes computing an adjusted handwheel position based on the handwheel adjustment and the actual handwheel position. The dynamic adjustment further includes updating the reference rack position based on the adjusted handwheel position. The dynamic adjustment is continuously repeated until the handwheel adjustment is substantially equal to zero.

Abstract: The present application discloses a steering control system, a method and a crane. The steering control system includes: one or more first angle sensors, one or more second angle sensors, and a steering controller; each of the first angle sensors collects an actual steering angle of a wheel corresponding to a mechanical steering axle as a first steering angle; each of the second angle sensors an actual steering angle of a wheel corresponding to an electrically controlled steering axle as a second steering angle; the steering controller obtains a theoretical steering angle of the wheel corresponding to the electrically controlled steering axle in a corresponding travel mode according to the first steering angle, and compares the second steering angle with the theoretical steering angle, to control the wheel corresponding to the electrically controlled steering axle to steer according to a difference therebetween.

Abstract: A wheel suspension includes an axle limb which supports a wheel. The axle limb includes a first steering axle which provides a first steering angle in a specified range for the wheel, and components for connecting the axle limb to a support structure. At least one of the components includes a second steering axle which is selectively releasable in order to provide a steering angle which is different than the first steering axle. The components for connecting the axle limb to the support structure form a McPherson suspension.

Abstract: A steering method of a multi-directional industrial truck for controlling a movement of the multi-directional industrial truck from a starting position into a target position. The method includes selectively controlling automatically at least one of a rotatory component of the movement and a translatory component of the movement.

Abstract: A steering method of a multi-directional industrial truck for controlling a movement of the multi-directional industrial truck from a starting position into a target position. The method includes selectively controlling automatically at least one of a rotatory component of the movement and a translatory component of the movement.

Abstract: A method of performing maintenance on a wind turbine component (18, 22, 24) of a wind turbine (10) having an integrated lifting apparatus (40). The method includes lifting a first temporary support (104) using the integrated lifting apparatus (40), coupling the first temporary support (104) to the nacelle (12) or the hub (16) and the integrated lifting apparatus (40), removing the wind turbine component (18, 22, 24) using the integrated lifting apparatus (40) and the first temporary support (104) in combination. The method may further include installing a replacement wind turbine component (18, 22, 24) using at least a part of the integrated lifting apparatus (40) and the first temporary support (104) in combination, decoupling the first temporary support (104) from the nacelle (12) or the hub (16) and the integrated lifting apparatus (40), and removing the first temporary support (104) from the wind turbine (10) using the integrated lifting apparatus (40).

Abstract: A mobile agricultural sprayer includes at least one sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a temperature inversion at a worksite. The mobile agricultural sprayer also includes an inversion detection system configured to detect a presence of the temperature inversion at the worksite based on the sensor signal, and, based on the detected presence, generate a temperature inversion output indicative of the presence of the temperature inversion. The mobile agricultural sprayer also includes an action signal generator configured to receive the temperature inversion output from the inversion detection system, and, based on the received temperature inversion output, generate an action signal.

Abstract: A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.

Abstract: A steering system for a steerable vehicle includes at least two steerable wheels, to each of which an electrically operable steering actuator to enable the steering actuator to adjust the steering angle of the particular steerable wheel by application of a steering torque. The at least two steering actuators can be mechanically coupled to each other so that, in the event of a failure or a malfunction of the one steering actuator, the steering torque provided by the other steering actuator can be transferred to the one steering actuator, to enable the steering angle of the steerable wheel assigned to the failed steering actuator to still be changed via the other steering actuator. The at least two steering actuators can be mechanically coupled to each other via a bendable shaft or via a universal joint shaft which includes at least two rigid shafts hingedly connected via a universal joint.

Abstract: A drill rig with a steering system may include a substructure having a wheelhouse, a drill floor arranged atop the substructure, a mast extending upwardly and above the drill floor, and a steering system arranged within the wheelhouse. The steering system may include a wheel assembly comprising an electric motor configured for driving rotational motion of a wheel, a deployment device configuring for deploying the wheel assembly to carry the drill rig, and a steering mechanism configured for selective engagement with the wheel assembly and rotating the wheel assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a wheel alignment change of a vehicle may include: a straight driving situation detection unit configured to detect whether a vehicle is going straight, based on information on positions of objects on a road and a yaw rate and steering angle; a wheel alignment change detection unit configured to detect a wheel alignment change based on lane information acquired from a camera sensor of the vehicle, when the vehicle information detected by the straight driving situation detection unit indicates that the vehicle is going straight; a driver alarming unit configured to output an alarm to a driver when the detected wheel alignment change is larger than a preset threshold value; and a wheel alignment change compensation unit configured to compensate for steering for SCC or LKAS control, when the detected wheel alignment change is smaller than the threshold value.

Abstract: A machine controller may communicate with a joystick (or grip) and/or a touchscreen Human Machine Interface (HMI) (or other input module) on first data communication bus or path, and communicate with machine specific control modules and/or a field computer on a second data communication bus or path. The machine controller may receive operator commands from the joystick or other input module and instruct the corresponding machine specific control module accordingly. Concurrently, the field computer may be used by the operator to monitor and/or control a different function of the machine via a different machine specific control module. As a result, the operator may keep his hand on the joystick or other input module while monitoring a different function.

Abstract: A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.

Abstract: A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography can include a support structure, a scanner assembly coupled to the support structure for controlled movement in at least x, y and z orientations, the scanner assembly can include a DR detector configured to move along at least a portion of a detector path that extends at least partially around a scan volume with a distance D1 that is sufficiently long to allow the scan volume to be positioned within the detector path; a radiation source configured to move along at least a portion of a source path outside the detector path, the source path having a distance D2 greater than the distance D1, the distance D2 being sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the scan volume for an image capture by the detector; and a first gap in the detector path.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for assisting in a lane change and an operating method thereof. The apparatus includes a driving information collecting unit, an image generating unit, a line detecting unit, a lane change determination unit, and a danger determining unit. The apparatus calculates a danger of an accident based on an image photographed by a camera and notifies a driver of the danger of the accident in advance when two or more vehicles, which are travelling with one lane interposed therebetween, simultaneously change lanes toward the same lane, thereby enabling a driver of a vehicle to be safe according to a lane change before the driver actually changes the lane.

Abstract: A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.

Abstract: A steering method for an industrial truck includes manually steering at least one steerable wheel, detecting an angular position of the at least one steerable wheel, and motor-steering at least one additional steerable wheel as a function of the detected angular position. For a 90° change of a travel direction of the industrial truck, the method comprises steering the at least one steerable wheel and the at least one additional wheel by 90°, manually steering the at least one additional wheel, and motor-steering the at least one steerable wheel.

Abstract: A robotic surgery method may include moving and temporarily fixing the position of a mobile base relative to the floor; coupling a first element of a fluoroscopic imaging system, including a source element and a detector element, to a first robotic arm coupled to the mobile base, the first robotic arm including a mounting fixture configured to be interchangeably coupled to a surgical tool and the first element; mounting a second element of the fluoroscopic imaging system in a position and orientation relative to the first element such that a targeted patient tissue structure may be positioned between the first and second elements of the fluoroscopic imaging system; and utilizing a sensing system and one or more sensing elements coupled to each of the first and second elements of the fluoroscopic imaging system to determine a relative spatial positioning between each of the first and second elements.

Abstract: A robotic surgery system includes a mobile base configured to be movably coupled to the operating room; a first robotic arm coupled to the mobile base and comprising a mounting fixture configured to be interchangeably coupled to a surgical tool and a first element of a fluoroscopic imaging system comprising a source element and a detector element; a second element configured to be repositionable relative to a patient tissue structure that may be placed between the first and second elements; and a controller operatively coupled to the first robotic arm, the controller configured to receive signals from a sensing system operatively coupled to the controller, the sensing system configured to detect motion of one or more sensor elements coupled to each of the first and second elements of the fluoroscopic imaging system and determine a relative spatial positioning between each of the first and second elements.

Abstract: A locking device for baby strollers is described which is automatically engaged and disengaged based simply on the presence or absence of a human hand on the stroller handle. If there is no hand on the stroller, the lock is automatically engaged, and if a hand is present on the handle, the lock is automatically disengaged.

Abstract: A device for use in a vehicle steering system, said device comprising at least one actuator affixed to a wheel linkage of at least one wheel of said vehicle steering system. The actuator comprises a rotation assembly engagable with a first wheel linkage segment, an electric motor for actuating movement of the rotation assembly via a gear box and one or more sensors integrally contained in the actuator for sensing one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of force, speed, turns and rotation. Rotation of the rotation assembly actuates linear movement of said first wheel linkage segment into and out of said actuator to thereby adjust one or more wheel parameters of said at least one wheel, and wherein said one or more sensors provide real time data to an actuator control unit integral to said actuator to self-adjust rotational parameters of said rotation assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control device is provided. The device includes a steering device which steers left and right wheels, first and second electric motors which separately apply power to the left and right wheels, an operation amount acquisition unit which acquires an acceleration operation amount by the driver of the vehicle, a steering angle acquisition unit which acquires a steering angle which is a value between an inner wheel steering angle and an outer wheel steering angle; a vehicle speed acquisition unit configured to acquire an actual speed of the vehicle; and a control unit configured to control the first electric motor and the second electric motor on the basis of the acceleration operation amount, the actual speed, the steering angle, and a steering geometry indicating a geometric relationship between the steering angle and a turning center of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a left-right independent steering control system and a method thereof, particularly a left-right independent steering control system that controls the other steering system such that the steering angles of both wheels satisfy Ackerman condition, when the steering angle of a vehicle is not controlled in accordance with steering input from a driver due to a breakdown in any one of left wheel and right wheel steering systems of the vehicle, and a method thereof.

Abstract: An automatic steering device for self-propelled straddle carriers for lifting and transporting manufactures, includes a spatial portal structure (1) resting on the ground on a plurality of steering wheel units (4) connected by a fifth wheel (14) to the structure above, where each wheel unit (4) includes two tyred wheels (8, 8?) each of which is associated with its own electric motor unit (10, 10?) independently with respect to the other; each electric motor is supplied by its own vector frequency converter controlled by a control unit provided with a control microprocessor; angular rotation of each wheel unit (4) is measured by an incremental encoder integral with the upper structure and with the fifth wheel (14) and connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for controlling a vehicle using an in-wheel system which controls a motor mounted in each wheel of the vehicle independently. More specifically, a control unit is configured to determine a turning mode of the vehicle based on vehicle driving information, calculate a present Ackerman rate of the vehicle based on the determined turning mode, generate a control command based on the present Ackerman rate, and control the motor of each wheel using the control command, independently.

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: An autonomous modular wheel assembly includes at least one connector for connecting the wheel control assembly to a vehicle axle, one or more suspension arms that support the assembly with respect to the axle, an electric drive motor connected to a the vehicle wheel, a steering bearing, and a steering actuator. The electric drive motor and steering bearing control the operation of the vehicle wheel in response to commands received via the actuator. The connector has one or more electrical connection points for providing power and information to the wheel assembly. The robot wheel increases the vehicle steering range to up to 150 degrees and enables new vehicle drive modes. The traditional +/?30 degrees of front wheel steering are enabled, as well as at least three new drive modes: four wheel parallel and converse steering, spin on spot steering, and 90 degree sideways motion.

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: According to one aspect, a vehicle control system. The control system includes a steering control coupled to at least one steerable wheel, the steering control having a first position, a second position and a plurality of positions therebetween. The control system also includes a steering sensor coupled to the steering control and configured to generate steering sensor signals based upon the position of the steering control. The control system also includes a control module coupled to the steering sensor, the control module configured to (i) record a first steering sensor signal value when the steering control is in the first position; (ii) record a second steering sensor signal value when the steering control is in the second position; and (iii) determine a current position of the steering control by comparing the first and second steering sensor signal values with a current steering sensor signal value.

Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a rotatable steering unit, a wheel supported by the steering unit, a drive member rotating about an axis extending along a center axis of the steering unit, an output shaft located at an offset position from the center axis of the steering unit and transmitting rotational force of the drive member to the wheel. The drive member includes a first drive unit driven in a forward rotation direction and a second drive unit driven in a reverse rotation direction and located coaxially with the first drive unit. The output shaft includes a first output unit to which driving force is transmitted from the first drive unit, and a second output unit to which driving force is transmitted from a conversion unit for converting rotation of the second drive unit, is restricted by both the output units, and transmits rotational force obtained from the output units to the wheel.

Abstract: An electronic control unit determines that a vehicle is traveling in a straight line if a state in which the steering torque is less than a predetermined steering torque and an amount of change in the steering angle is less than a predetermined steering angle continues for a predetermined period of time when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined vehicle speed. Also, if the steering angle of the steering wheel is not 0, while the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, the electronic control unit calculates the steering amount of rear wheels that matches the steering amount of front wheels, using the steering angle of the steering wheel. Then the electronic control unit steers the rear wheels by driving an electric motor until a controlled neutral steering position of the rear wheels that corresponds to the steering amount matches an absolute neutral steering position.

Abstract: A work machine includes a frame, at least one drive wheel carried by the frame, at least one caster wheel assembly carried by the frame, and at least one turn assist arrangement. Each turn assist arrangement is coupled between the frame and a corresponding caster wheel assembly. Each turn assist arrangement is configured to bias the corresponding caster wheel assembly during an operator commanded turn, and to be overridden by forces applied by the ground to the caster wheel assembly.

Abstract: A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a rear wheel toe angle control system that can prevent the impairment of the tracking performance of the electric actuator and enable the rear wheel toe angle control system to ensure the stability of the vehicle even when the electric actuator for steering the rear wheel according to the operating condition of the vehicle is subjected to an axial force. An ECU (12) serving as a rear wheel toe angle control unit for variably controlling the rear wheel toe angle (?r) of the motor vehicle (V) by using an electric actuator (11) is provided with a duty ratio correcting unit (25) that corrects the target duty ratio (Dtgt) for achieving the target rear wheel toe angle (?rtgt) according to the load condition of the electric actuator (11) that depends on the lateral acceleration (Gy) of the motor vehicle (V).

Abstract: A compact, low profile omnidirectional drive and steering unit that, in one embodiment, utilizes a single, centrally located wheel, mounted on a drive shaft, upon which is also mounted a tapered pinion gear. The pinion gear on the drive shaft meshes with a ring shaped beveled worm gear contained within the outer housing of the gear unit that surrounds the centrally located wheel. At one side of the outer housing is a worm drive that meshes with the ring shaped and beveled worm gear. Rotation of the worm drive causes rotation of the ring shaped worm gear, which causes the drive shaft mounted pinion gear to turn, which turns the drive wheel to provide driving power for whatever vehicle or system of which the unit is a part. A steering and timing gear is mounted on the lower surface of the unit to provide steering capability.

Abstract: A truck includes at least three steered wheels (5, 6, 7) that are mounted on a chassis (1). The arrangement of the wheels relative to the chassis (1) is predetermined to increase the stability of the truck during the pivoting of the steered wheels (5, 6) and to protect the wheels in frontal mode.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus moves a concrete pump hose over a base surface and has a wheeled frame in which the wheels are pivotable about a generally vertical pivot axis between a longitudinal orientation and a transverse orientation. Each of the front pair of wheels and the rear pair of wheels are coupled to a steering mechanism to permit independent pivotal movement of the respective pairs of wheels to provide four wheel steer of the frame. The hose is supported by front and rear horn members above the base surface and below the frame. An intermediate grappling apparatus engages the hose to affect elevation thereof onto the horn members. The horn members are split between a fixed portion and a pivotally movable portion that pivots away from the fixed portion to permit the hose to be elevated above the horn members. A boom apparatus can substitute for the grappling apparatus.

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).

Abstract: The present invention provides a rear wheel toe angle variable control system-equipped vehicle that is capable of assisting the steering of the front wheels by a power steering system mounted therein without deteriorating the steering feeling experienced by the vehicle operator even when the rear wheels have been steered.

Abstract: In a steering control unit, a U-phase feed line branches into paired branch feed lines, phase-open MOSFETs are provided in middle portions of the branch feed lines, phase-open MOSFETs are provided in middle portions of a V-phase feed line and a W-phase feed line, and the phase-open MOSFETs are arranged in such a manner that parasitic diodes are in the same orientation with respect to a motor. When an abnormality occurs, all the phase-open MOSFETs are turned off. Then, a closed circuit, which includes phase coils and through which electric currents flow, is no longer present.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a chassis having a footprint, a load carrying structure, and a support assembly coupling the chassis and the structure. The support assembly is adapted to move the structure relative to the chassis between a stowed position and a deployed position outboard of the footprint of the chassis. A plurality of wheels is configured to roll on the support surface and a plurality of axles coupling the wheels to the chassis are provided. Each axle includes at least one spindle supporting an individual wheel for rotation on a spindle axis. A steering system is adapted to position the wheels between driving and rotation arrangements with respect to the chassis such that in the rotating arrangement each of the plurality of wheels rotate relative to the chassis whereby the chassis, the platform and the support assembly may rotate in unison about the steer axis.

Abstract: A straddle carrier for transporting and stacking freight containers, with automatic steering, is made up of two chassis beams having steerable wheels, for traveling over the container stack. At least one laser scanner measures the distance to a container wall from different angles, and passes the measurement signals to an electronic control, which calculates a steering angle reference value for the electronically regulated vehicle steering from the measurement signals.

Abstract: A device for orientating rear wheels of a vehicle, including: a rear axle fitted with two orientable wheels; an actuator including: a body with a lubricated guide bearing and an actuating member that can move relative to the body, guided by the bearing, and the movements of which orientate the wheels about the vertical of the rear axle; a temperature sensor; and a control circuit for the actuator, configured to lock movements of the actuating member when the temperature determined by the temperature sensor is below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A steering system for steering a machine having opposing first and second sides with first and second pairs of rotatably mounted rear wheels disposed along the respective sides and at least one rotatably mounted, spaced front wheel. The system includes at least one first drive unit and at least one second drive unit for rotating the rear wheels of the respective pairs, and a steering input device that provides a signal to a controller that produces drive unit request signals to control the drive units to rotate the associated rear wheels along one side at rotational speeds greater than those along the other side to facilitate turning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle steering system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a desired front road wheel angle signal at a controller. The desired front road wheel angle signal is indicative of a desired front road wheel angle of vehicle wheels. The method further includes receiving a parking assist request signal at the controller indicating a parking assist operational mode is desired. The method further includes generating a desired motor torque signal for controlling a power steering motor in the parking assist operational mode utilizing the controller, based on the desired front road wheel angle signal and the parking assist request signal.

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).

Abstract: Steering control system for a land vehicle with at least four steered wheels (1AvG, 1AvD, 1ArG, 1ArD), the system comprising one actuator per steered wheel (3AvG, 3AvD, 3ArG, 3ArD). The system comprises a control member (2) available to a driver and delivering a demanded steering angle (?), a steering control unit (4) which, by way of input variable, uses at least the said demanded steering angel (?) to determine a steering control angle for operating the said actuator, and means (5) for detecting a lock-up of one of the steered-wheel actuators, which are capable of delivering an alarm signal identifying an actuator that has locked up.

Abstract: An alignment changing control device that includes: a motor drive section which adjusts electrical power supplied to a motor of the electric actuator according to an operation command and, when receiving an operation inhibiting signal, limits or stops supplying the electrical power to the motor; a motor temperature estimating section for calculating an estimated temperature of the motor from at least a current supplied to the motor, an outside air temperature and a vehicle speed, based on heat balance relationship; and a comparator which transmits the operation inhibiting signal to the motor drive section when the estimated temperature of the motor calculated by the motor temperature estimating section is higher than a predetermined temperature, which is equal to or lower than an operation allowable temperature of the motor.