Abstract: A vehicle corner module (VCM) is provided for regulating motion of a host vehicle which comprises a vehicle-onboard vehicle-controller. The VCM comprises a sub-frame mountable to a reference frame of the host vehicle; a wheel-hub assembly comprising a wheel-hub; VCM-sub-systems mediating between the sub-frame and the wheel-hub assembly, e.g.

Abstract: A vehicle corner module (VCM) is provided for regulating motion of a host vehicle which comprises a vehicle-onboard vehicle-controller. The VCM comprises a sub-frame mountable to a reference frame of the host vehicle; a wheel-hub assembly comprising a wheel-hub; VCM-sub-systems mediating between the sub-frame and the wheel-hub assembly, e.g.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system and method includes a prime mover driving a generator/motor to produce an AC power output. The AC power output is applied to a rectifier which is controlled to transform the applied AC power to DC power to supply a DC Power bus at a selected voltage and current. An energy storage device is also connected to the DC power bus and the current flow between the energy storage device and the DC power bus is monitored and compared to preselected values and the results of that comparison are used to alter the operation of the rectifier to increase or decrease, as needed, the current provided to the DC power bus as electrical loads on the DC power bus change.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.

Abstract: A structure for a vehicle body lower portion according to the present invention includes: a side sill (3) located on each side in a vehicle width direction and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a side member (13) joined to a lower face (1b) of a floor panel (1) and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at a position above the side sill (3) and inside the side sill (3) in the vehicle width direction; a brace member (39) connecting a lower part of the side member (13) to an upper side of the side sill (3); and an outer cross member (37) connecting the lower part of the side member (13) to a lower side of the side sill (3).

Abstract: A mounting method for a skid steer loader is disclosed including coupling a first end portion of a component directly to a first wall of a skid steer loader frame. The method also includes coupling a second end portion of the component to an opposite wall of the skid steer loader frame by a mounting system that allows for dimensional differences between the component and the skid steer loader frame.

Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a pivoting axle suspension assembly that includes a bolster assembly secured between the frame rails of the main frame of the crop sprayer. The bolster assembly includes formed tube members that support a bearing structure for pivotably coupling a pivot pin of a pivot axle to the main frame. The tube members are curved downwardly from the main frame.

Abstract: A wheel motor device applicable to a working vehicle including a driving power source, a hydraulic pump main body operatively driven by the driving source and a driving wheel, the wheel motor device comprising a hydraulic motor main body forming an HST in cooperation with the hydraulic pump main body, a motor shaft supporting the hydraulic motor main body in a relatively non-rotatable manner with respect thereto, an output member outputting toward the driving wheel the rotational power that has been operatively transmitted from the motor shaft, and a casing accommodating the hydraulic motor main body and supporting the motor shaft and the output member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a suspension element for self-propelled machine comprising: a suspension fork (100) secured to the chassis of the machine and comprising two parallel arms (120, 130), a motor (400), secured to two sleeves (200, 300) each comprising at least one bearing (210A, 210B, 310A, 310B) adapted to slide in translation on the arms (120, 130), the suspension element being characterized in that the two sleeves (10) (200, 300) are separate parts, the motor (400) comprising a casing (410) adapted to form a supporting frame allowing the ensured rigid connection between the two sleeves (200, 300) and for this purpose comprising connecting means designed to ensure the connection between the supporting frame of the motor and each of the two sleeves over a center distance range of the sleeves whilst withstanding the forces applied by the chassis on the casing.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a wheel assembly for a vehicle, including a non-rotating support member, a wheel and an electric motor. Loads incurred during vehicle use can cause dynamic flexing of portions of the wheel. The wheel assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention has a load path for loads incurred by the wheel that passes from the wheel to the non-rotating support member without passing through the motor, thereby reducing a potential source of distortion of the gap in the motor (between the motor's rotor and stator) during the aforementioned flexing.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An operating system for a tractor to which an implement is attachable, the operating system comprises: a steering wheel provided rearwardly of a hood that houses an engine located in a forward region of the tractor; a control panel provided rearwardly of the hood and adjacent the steering wheel; a center cover extending generally vertically below the steering wheel; an operation lever provided at a position laterally of the control panel; a valve unit with a pair of spools, the valve unit being located at a lower position with respect to the steering wheel and being covered by the center cover; a link mechanism that links the operation lever and the pair of spools, the link mechanism being covered by the center cover.

Abstract: A chassis having systems responsive to a nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes preassembled modules to enhance ease and simplicity of chassis assembly. The chassis is preferably configured to minimize the possibility of a preassembled module being incorrectly positioned within the chassis. Methods for advantageously employing preassembled modules to assemble vehicle chassis are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a structural frame having a frame portion that partially defines an open space and that has a predetermined configuration such that the open space maintains a predetermined amount of spatial integrity in the event of a horizontal impact to the vehicle chassis. The frame also includes a frame component operatively connected to the frame portion that further defines the structural frame. The open space provides a protected packaging space wherein certain critical chassis components are placed. The frame portion configuration provides a pre-engineered protected area that may be used in a variety of structural frame configurations. Accordingly, a method for using pre-engineered frame portions is provided.

Abstract: A control system for a powered wheel chair drive modulates a pulse power delivery signal such that power is delivered gradually at throttle positions corresponding to a low speed, and power is delivered more rapidly at throttle positions corresponding to a higher speed.

Abstract: A powertrain configuration for a truck chassis includes a chassis having at least two frame rails and at least one intermediate cross member. A forward wheel assembly is attached to a forward region of the chassis and a rearward wheel assembly is attached to a rearward region of the chassis. An engine is positioned adjacent to the forward wheel assembly and attached to two chassis frame rails such that, at most, only ten percent of an overall engine height extends above a top of the chassis frame rails. The powertrain configuration may further include a transmission attached to the engine and a driveshaft attached to the transmission.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for limiting torque of a motor on a vehicle. A torque limit determining device receives a weight signal indicative of an approximate weight of the vehicle. The torque limit determining device transmits a torque limit signal indicative of a torque limit for the motor as a function of the weight signal.

Abstract: An improved heavy vehicle chassis for recreational vehicles, busses and trucks is provided. According to the invention, the chassis has a front frame chassis subcomponent and a rear chassis subcomponent. The front chassis subcomponent contains appropriate chassis subcomponents such as wheels, axles, a suspension unit, braking and steering apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the engine is disposed between the front chassis subcomponent axles allowing better handling, turning, and maneuverability, while not significantly reducing overall vehicle ground clearance. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear chassis configuration has increased storage capacity to accept items as large as additional recreational vehicles such as a personal water craft, golf cart, dirt bike, and the like. A drop deck can be added to assist in delivering the small recreational vehicle to ground level.

Abstract: A drive train system for an automobile includes a power unit, a differential and a rigid frame coupling the power unit and the differential. The drive train system is oriented so that it extends in the lengthwise direction of the automobile, and has an engine mounted near the front end of the automobile body and providing the automobile with rear wheel drive. A structure used for mounting the drive train system includes power unit mounts for supporting primarily the power unit and a differential mount for supporting primarily the differential. The power unit mounts are disposed at a position or positions either in front of or behind the center of gravity of the whole drive train system in the lengthwise direction of the automobile, and the differential mount is disposed, depending on the position of the power unit mounts, at a position either rearward of or forward of axle shafts of the differential in the lengthwise direction of the automobile.

Abstract: A general delivery load carrying vehicle comprising a unitized load and stress bearing monocoque body and a front wheel drive engine unit. The body comprises a base floor, side walls and a top wall or roof structurally interconnected to support the vertical and torsional forces on the vehicle. The base floor has a length sufficient to provide a cab area and a load carrying area. The base floor is such as to provide a floor in the cab area that is at the same height throughout and at a level such that persons entering the vehicle may step into the vehicle directly in a single step without the need for additional structural steps or running boards. The side walls have openings adjacent the cab area for entrance and exit and one end wall defines structural pillars for receiving the windshield.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a suspension member for supporting suspension control arms to the vehicle body with high resiliency in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle but high rigidity in the lateral direction as well as in turning as viewed from a top of the vehicle or as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the structure including substantially cylindrical elastic bushes disposed between the suspension member and the vehicle body to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and assist links restricting lateral shifting of longitudinal end portions of the suspension member relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle for running on an uneven ground includes a swing type engine unit whose pivot is positioned before a center of the wheel base of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a lower member disposed opposite to a lower surface of the engine unit and includes a frame connected by coupling the lower member and an upper member by a bridge member surrounding a main portion of the engine unit.

Abstract: Components in or for self-powered vehicles, including in particular an integrated power unit in which a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine and a transmission system are formed as a compact, single structural item in which the engine cylinders and the principal rotary members of the transmission are all located to one side of a plane which lies normal to the cylinder axes and includes the engine crankshaft axis. Compactness and simplicity are further promoted by designing the casing structure of the power unit to include an indivisible main component which encases parts of both the engine and the transmission system. The invention also includes features combined with and/or related to such a power unit, including a specific design for the transmission system, an arrangement of the induction system for the engine, installation arrangements for the power unit within vehicles, and related vehicle suspension systems.

Abstract: Components in or for self-powered vehicles, including in particular an integrated power unit in which a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine and a item in which the engine cylinders and the principal rotary plane which lies normal to the cylinder axes and includes the engine crankshaft axis. Compactness and simplicity are further promoted by designing the casing structure of the power unit to include an indivisible main component which encases parts of both the engine and the transmission system. The invention also includes features combined with and/or related to such a power unit, including a specific design for the transmission system, an arrangement of the induction system for the engine, installation arrangements for the power unit within vehicles, and related vehicle suspension systems.

Abstract: A drive unit including an engine and steerable wheels, is pivotally connected to the forward end of a chassis, including a body and ground support wheels. A pair of struts movably mounted to the chassis, equilaterally outboard and above the pivotal connection, extend downwardly inward to the drive unit and are movably affixed. In response to the natural tilt of the chassis while transversing a corner, weight is transferred through the struts to equalize traction upon the steerable wheels.

Abstract: The tractor unit of an articulated, freight-carrying road vehicle has two rear axles, one of which is driven by an engine mounted rearwardly of the driven axle. The axis of the fifth wheel coupling to the trailer is situated forwardly of the driven axle so that the center of gravity of the tractor unit is in the vicinity of or is to the rear of the fifth wheel axis. The engine is connected at its rear end with a chassis of the tractor unit and is supported by the rear axles so that the engine moves relative to the chassis when the rear axles move relative to the chassis.