Abstract: The present invention discloses a traveling control device, including a crawler type right and left traveling body; a right and a left hydraulic motor for operating the right and left traveling body said right and left hydraulic motors each having a pump as a hydraulic source; an operator means for outputting an operation command to the right and the left hydraulic motor; and a pump pressure controller means for controlling pump pressure to be supplied to the right and the left hydraulic motor according to a control input of the operator means, wherein the pump pressure controller means controls the pump pressure based on different pump pressure properties for single traveling in which only one of hydraulic motors is operated, and for double traveling in which both of hydraulic motors are simultaneously operated.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle having variable-speed left-side and right-side propulsion units (such as, without limitation, a tracked vehicle having a left track powered by a left-track motor and a right track powered by a right-track motor). The left-side propulsion unit is controlled by a first output signal from a first manual controller (such as, without limitation, a left joystick). The right-side propulsion unit is controlled by a second output signal from a second manual controller (such as, without limitation, a right joystick). At least one of the first and second output signals is modified to create a substantially identical output signal for the first and second manual controllers when the first and second output signals are within a predetermined tolerance. The left-side and right-side propulsion units are controlled with the identical output signal when the first and second output signals are within the predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a dual transmission vehicle is disclosed. First and second overlaying plates are provided, the first plate having a profiled slot which communicates with parallel slots in the second plate. The slots in the first and second plates are oriented in the direction of rectilinear movement of their respective plate. The first plate is controlled to move in a direction normal to the direction in which the second plate is controlled to move. A pair of rods connects the plates to the transmissions. Each rod has a first end joined to its respective transmission and a second end projecting through the profiled slot in the first plate and through a respective one of the parallel slots in the second plate. Dependent on the relative position of the plates, wheels connected to the transmission are driven at the same or different speeds.

Abstract: A low profile motor-driven transport trolley including a frame upon which a rotating plate may be mounted. The frame is supported by sets of wheels disposed on opposite sides thereof and hydraulic motors are provided to power the sets of wheels separately to obtain a differentiated drive. The motors are hydraulic and are fed by a pump to thereby control motion of the sets of wheels.

Abstract: A small self-propelled loader has hydraulic drive motors and at least one work cylinder, and has a hydraulic system that efficiently utilizes the available horse power from an internal combustion engine on the loader. The engine drives a tandem pump and the flows from two sections of the tandem pump pass through a first diverter valve that permits using the flow from each of the pump sections to drive a respective one of the drive motors. The return or drain flow from valves controlling the drive motors is connected to a second diverter valve to selectively direct the drain flow from the drive motors for operating remote work cylinders. Alternately, the first diverter valve directs the output from one pump section to the work cylinders, so that when the loader is standing still or moving very slowly, the work cylinder has adequate flow, and flow from the other pump section is split to power the drive motors.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with foot-controlled mobility is provided that includes a skeletal frame structure supporting a gasoline engine which utilizes a belt drive system to drive hydraulic motors with one hydraulic motor disposed at each rear wheel. The vehicle includes four wheel and tire assemblies, substantially at each corner with the rear wheels being driven and the front wheels being formed as casters for 360° rotation to provide a zero turning radius vehicle. The user sits upright in a manner wherein the user's legs are supported on pivotal leg support plates to allow the user to sit upright with legs directed down and away from the waist to allow the user to operate a hand-held implement. Both speed control and directional control are provided using pivotally mounted pedals with one pedal controlling each hydraulic motor. Movement of the pedals allows individual motor control to provide drive steering and speed control.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly having at least two transaxle housings for a zero turn or similar vehicle, where both housings mount separate hydrostatic transmissions. A mounting plate is provided to secure to the bottom of both of the housings to mount the housings to a vehicle frame and if required to seal openings formed in the bottom of both of the housings. The connection plate may include tabs or other structure to secure it to the vehicle frame to increase the ease of assembly of the transaxle unit in the vehicle.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle includes a chassis mounted on four sprung suspensions that are controlled by an electronic controller. The controller monitors the speed of the vehicle and locks the suspensions when the vehicle falls below a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A Zero Turn Radius vehicle is provided that utilizes a drive system including a single hydraulic variable displacement pump and dual variable displacement hydraulic motors connected respectively one to each of two ground engaging wheels for use in steering and propelling the vehicle. The configuration of the drive system allows for proper ZTR steering of the in the forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a chassis with spring-loaded suspensions that are pivotally coupled to the chassis closer to the center of gravity than the wheels. The suspensions include fore-and-aft extending swing arms that pivot about a lateral axis with respect to the chassis. A torsion spring such as a torsion bar is coupled to the control arm to provide torsional support for the suspension. The torsion spring is anchored to the chassis nearer the center of gravity than the point where the swing arm is coupled to the chassis.

Abstract: Front wheels (3A, 3B) are operably connected to hydraulic motors (21A, 21B), and hydraulic pumps (26A, 26B) driven by an engine (25) are provided, each hydraulic pump (26A, 26B) being connected to one of the hydraulic motors (21A, 21B). Control of speed is effected by switching the direction of oil flow from the hydraulic pumps (26A, 26B), changing the direction of rotation of the hydraulic motors (21A, 21B), controlling the rpm of the engine (25) and the flow rate of oil from the hydraulic pumps (26A, 26B), and changing the rpm's of the hydraulic motors (21A, 21B). Control of turning is made possible by controlling, based on the turning angle of a steering wheel or the turning angles of the rear wheels, the respective rotation speeds (equal or different) or the respective directions of rotation (same or opposite) of the front wheels (3A, 3B). Provided is a hydraulically driven forklift employing a 2-pump 2-motor system, which improves maneuverability and reduces the turning radius.

Abstract: A vehicle has a pair of opposite drive wheels driven by a dual path hydrostatic transmission. Steering and speed/direction controls are effected by changing the displacement and/or direction of fluid flow through the pair of reversible, variable displacement pumps that are respectively coupled to fixed displacement ground wheel drive motors. The control mechanism for accomplishing steering and/or speed/direction control includes a steering rack that is caused to pivot about a fixed post in response to steering wheel movement. A first crank arm is coupled for pivoting in concert with the rack and a second crank arm is coupled for pivoting in concert with a pivot plate about a second axis, the pivot plate having a pair of connection points respectively coupled to control arms of the pair of pumps by a pair of pump control rods. The pivotal motion of the steering rack is transmitted to the pivot plate by a tie-rod coupled between the first and second crank arms.

Abstract: An object is to provide a steering system for a tracklaying vehicle which is capable of preventing overrun of a motor during a pivot turn irrespective of the load of the road surface and does not cause a shortage of power during a turn. The steering system is comprised of a pair of brakes for right and left output shafts and designed to transmit the driving force of a hydraulic motor to the output shafts through a planetary gear mechanism. A transmission of a driving force from the hydraulic motor to the planetary gear mechanism is interrupted after concurrently carrying out actuation of a brake for either one of the right and left output shafts and a transmission of a driving force from the hydraulic motor to the planetary gear mechanism for a specified period of time, when the vehicle carries out a pivot turn. During a pivot turn of the vehicle, the engine is controlled such that a vehicle body speed obtained by a bevel shaft rotational speed detector becomes equal to a specified value.

Abstract: A powertrain module for a zero turn radius vehicle, such as a tractor or mower, the powertrain module generally including a structural member or mounting plate to which an engine, a pair of hydrostatic transmission modules, and a pair of axle drive units are attached to form a self-contained powertrain module which may be shipped as a single packaged unit for installation into the zero turn radius implement. The mounting plate provides structural rigidity between the powertrain components attached thereto, and the mounting plate of the powertrain module may be attached directly to the frame of the vehicle, or alternatively, may itself serve as a structural frame member for the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle including first and second hydrostatic transmission modules and an axle drive housing. Each module includes a transmission housing, a rotating fluid pump and a rotatable fluid motor with the pump being of variable displacement and the motor being rotated at various speeds and in forward and reverse directions in response to changes in pump displacement. The axle drive housing contains first and second gear trains and a pair of axles. One of the axles is operably coupled to the first transmission module motor through the first gear train, and the other of the axles is operably coupled to the second transmission module motor through the second gear train. Each of the hydrostatic transmission module housings is detachably fixed to the axle drive housing.

Abstract: A pilot valve control for the drive motors of an excavator utilizes four pilot valves, each of which has a linear actuable plunger. A control body having a cam type member is mounted on a universal swiveling connection so that in a centered position none of the plungers are moved to actuate the respective valves, but upon tilting of the control body the plungers are actuated. A motion alarm actuator is connected to the control body and is associated with a normally closed switch so that in a centered position of the control body the normally closed switch is held open, but when the control body moves to any one of its positions actuating a pilot valve, the switch, which forms an alarm switch, moves to its normally closed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to an outdoor equipment unit such as a walk-behind utility loader. The loader has a tracked traction system in which endless tracks are entrained around a rear drive support member and a front support member. The front support member is spring biased forwardly, but can move rearwardly against the spring bias to allow debris that is caught between the front support member to clear itself to help prevent the track from detracking. A single control handle proximate to a fixed grab bar assembly can be rotated and/or twisted to control the traction system. Return to neutral systems ensure that the control handle will return to a centered, neutral position upon release of the control handle by the operator.

Abstract: The aim is to improve operability in vehicles such as skid steer loaders and to reduce the burden on the operator. It is made easy to switch between a first operation pattern wherewith only one operation apparatus of two operation apparatuses is used in driving two actuators, and a second operation pattern wherewith the two actuators are driven using both of the two operation apparatuses. It is made possible to hold operation positions, and to release held positions, whether with an operation lever apparatus that is capable of operation in only one directional component or with an operation lever apparatus that is capable of operation in two directional components in the forward and backward direction and in the left and right direction. When a change to a first combination is designated by a pattern switching lever, the first combination (first operation pattern) is switched to by switching means.

Abstract: A Zero Turn Radius vehicle is provided that utilizes a drive system including a single hydraulic variable displacement pump and dual variable displacement hydraulic motors connected respectively one to each of two ground engaging wheels for use in steering and propelling the vehicle. The configuration of the drive system allows for proper ZTR steering of the in the forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: An autonomous rolling robot is in the form of a hollow sphere containing at least two sets of rotors. Each set of rotors includes a rotor mounted on a shaft which is driven by a motor. All of the shafts are radially mounted within the hollow sphere so that an extension of the shafts would intersect at the geometric center of the sphere. The center of mass of the robot is also located at the geometric center of the sphere.

Abstract: A piste-maintenance tracklaying vehicle including a vehicle control unit and an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is drivingly connected via a gear to a drive sprocket of at least one track. Accessory drives for additional devices are mountable on the tracklaying vehicle, and may include vehicle components such as a tilting device for a platform and driver's cab or track tensioner. An internal combustion engine is connected via a generator and at least one electric motor and a gear to each drive sprocket. In overrun mode an electric motor is switchable as a current generator for accessory drives designed as electrohydraulic or electric drives. The electric drive for a shaft of said additional device is electrically synchronized with the electric motor of said drive sprocket through the vehicle control unit.

Abstract: Improvements to personal vehicles including self-propelled and balancing personal vehicles. Ready detachability of a seat, footrest, seat back, control unit, wheels and caster assembly is provided using quick disconnect mechanisms.

Abstract: A skid-steer mini-loader (10) has a compact chassis formed by two side walls (11,12) fixed to either side of a tank (13) which forms an oil reservoir for a hydraulic drive system for the mini-loader. A hydraulic pump (30) is located within the tank (13), and is driven by a motor (31) mounted directly on top of the tank. A panel (19), which forms the rear wall and top of a cover for the power plant, is pivotally mounted at its lower end to the chassis, enabling the panel (19) to be opened out and allow access to the power plant. The mini-loader has a lifting arm (17) of inverted channel configuration with a relatively wide central web which forms the front face of the arm. The lifting arm has a mounting plate (16) pivotally mounted at its free end for mounting a bucket (15) or other attachment. A toggle arm (34) is provided on the mounting plate (16) for automatically locking the attachment to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A power unit for use with a motorized cart. Two wheels are rotatably mounted to opposite ends of an interconnecting member. In one embodiment, at least one driving motor is housed in at least one of these two wheels. In another embodiment, a driving motor is housed in one of the two wheels, and batteries are housed in the other wheel. In a further embodiment, two opposite platforms are mounted over the interconnecting member in a spaced relation to each other. In yet another embodiment, a battery-accommodating portion is disposed between the two platforms. Batteries are housed in the battery-accommodating portion. Where the cart is a golf cart, the motor and the batteries are concealed from view in every embodiment of the invention. This is favorable from an aesthetical point of view. Furthermore, the space in at least one wheel can be effectively utilized. Where the frame of the golf cart is foldable, it is easy to store and transport the cart.

Abstract: A drive linkage that is used for controlling valves for the drive motors of an implement or machine, such as an excavator, has a pair of links that can be loaded in tension and compression by manually moving operating levers. The links in turn actuate a cam that tilts a swiveling disk to operate a pilot valve assembly normally used for a joystick control. The links are connected so that the pilot valve can selectively operate motors for driving opposite tracks on sides of the implement in either forward and reverse direction, and wherein motors for both sides can be operated in a forward direction and in a rearward direction. Additionally, each of the drive motors can be controlled so the motor for one side drives in forward direction and simultaneously the motor for the other side drives in reverse direction. A control disk for moving the plungers is operated through a cam plate that is in turn moved by moving the links.

Abstract: A maneuverable self-propelled cart having a drive assembly including independently suspended drive wheels for propelling the cart over rough or uneven surfaces. The drive assembly is comprised of a drive wheel carriage having at least two drive wheels. The drive wheel carriage may include a turntable or the like adapted to rotate the carriage about a substantially vertical axis relative to the frame of the cart. Each drive wheel may be independently suspended beneath the cart frame by a suspension apparatus so as to allow each drive wheel to individually engage a ground or floor surface.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle has an electrohydraulic drive/steering system having an engine driven variable displacement hydraulic steering pump which drives a hydraulic steering motor which is coupled to a differential track drive mechanism via a transmission with multiple gear ratios. A steering wheel is coupled to a variable friction device which produces a variable friction force which resists rotation of the steering wheel. A control system is responsive to a position of the steering wheel and controls the steering pump displacement and controls the friction device. The control system sets the variable friction device to its high friction level when a limit of the steering pump displacement is reached when the transmission is in a higher one of its gear ratios.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop “wheelies” upon acceleration.

Abstract: In a hydraulic travelling agricultural machine which includes travelling sections, a pump operating unit is disposed in an operating section for controlling the steering and speed change of the travelling sections. The pump operating unit is connected interlockingly to a pair of varible flow rate control pumps via a link mechanism for a spool, and is operated by a steering mechanism and a speed changing mechanism. Accordingly, the natural vibration occurring in the variable flow rate control pumps is obsorbed by the link mechanisms, and hence the vibration transmitted to the pump operating unit is attenuated. The propagation of the vibration to the steering mechanism and the speed changing mechanism is thereby inhibited.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for displacing manure from the floor of a stable of the type used for dairy cattle. The vehicle comprises a steering unit and a frame to which are attached two wheels driven by separate motors at different control speeds for steering the vehicle as well as propelling and supporting it. Attached to the frame forward of the two wheels is a manure displacing member for displacing manure on the floor and which also serves the purpose of supporting the vehicle. Forward of the manure displacing member is a coaster. The vehicle also includes orientation apparatus for determining the relative position of the vehicle and guidance apparatus for determining and controlling the course which the vehicle follows for displacing manure from the stable floor. It further includes an anti-bumping device which senses obstacles and controls the vehicle to avoid them and prevents the vehicle from moving away from the area of the stable floor.

Abstract: A remote control vehicle comprising a body having a front end and a rear end and provided with first and second ground engageable propulsion means respectively disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle and in which the first and second propulsion means are driven by first and second transmission means respectively to permit the vehicle to be propelled and steered by driving the propulsion means on one side of the vehicle independently from the propulsion means on the other side of the vehicle, a boom assembly having carrying means for carrying an implement on the boom assembly, the boom assembly being mounted on the body for lifting movement between a raised position and a lowered position by a lifting means and wherein the ground engageable propulsion means and the lifting means of the boom assembly are operable by a receiver, of an electromagnetic signal, provided on the body.

Abstract: A steering system for turning a machine has a plurality of wheels that include a first and second wheel that share a first axis of rotation. The plurality of wheels also includes at least one tether wheel that has a second axis of rotation and may be pivoted relative to the first and second wheels. The first and second axes of rotation define a turning angle. A plurality of drive units include first and second drive units for independently rotating the first and second wheels respectively at variable speeds. A steering input device produces a steering input signal, and a controller receives the steering input signal and produces drive unit request signals to control the drive units. The drive unit request signals may command a turn by rotating the wheels at different speeds thereby altering the turning angle and turning the machine. In this manner, the present invention may steer the machine without articulation cylinders, a transmission, a drive shaft, or a differential.

Abstract: This is a new motor-driven transport trolley comprising a frame with a rotating plate on top, having two sets of wheels, right and left, and two or more hydraulic motors which move the two sets of wheels separately to obtain differentiated drive. The motors are hydraulic and are fed by a pressure pump; the motion is differently distributed to the various hydraulic motors by means of valves connected to a control unit which controls the operation of the hydraulic motors, the pressure pump and the valves. This control unit is controlled by a push-button panel connected to it by means of an electric cable, infrared rays or radio waves, etc.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A first rotating axis and a second rotating axis are respectively connected to one of a sun gear, a ring gear, and a planetary gear carrier of a first planetary gear train and a second planetary gear train. One of the sun gear, ring gear, and planetary gear carrier of the first planetary gear train is fixed to a frame, and one of the other elements is synchronized in revolution. One corresponding sun gear, ring gear, and planetary gear carrier of the second planetary gear train is rotatably mounted. A rotation degree of the rotatably mounted sun gear, ring gear, and planetary gear carrier of the second planetary gear train is measured. Then, a phase difference with respect to rotations of the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis can be detected.

Abstract: An improved connection between articulated bodies for agile vehicles is disclosed. It features independent bodies which are connected to each other with concentric sleeves serving as the pivot to allow the bodies to rotate in a plane parallel to the direction of forward movement. The concentric bushings are preferably made of graphite/epoxy and secured to the chassis body sidewalls. Each of the body segments remains uninterrupted by the bushings which are principally disposed between the facing interior sides of the two bodies. The bearing assembly, which is preferably graphite/epoxy, is self-lubricating as it wears over time. Lateral movement is easily controlled, and relative rotation is also controlled by a collar which serves a dual function to control lateral movement of the bodies as well as relative rotation.

Abstract: A vehicle with a driving track assembly and a pair of secondary driving and steering assemblies disposed on opposing lateral sides of the track. Each secondary driving and steering structure includes a ground engaging driving and steering structure that is preferably a ground engaging wheel. The driving track assembly includes an endless ground engaging track that drives the vehicle. The flanking driving and steering structures also engage the ground and are rotated to impart force to the vehicle. A steering device is operatively connected to the secondary driving and steering assemblies. the steering device control operation of the secondary driving and steering assemblies so as to affect a vehicle steering operation wherein the ground engaging driving and steering structures are operated to turn said vehicle with respect to said vehicle driving and steering direction.

Abstract: A main frame assembly is assembled by manufacturing a lower frame assembly with a pair of spaced side rails. A front wall extends continuously between the side rails and a pair of spaced and separated transmission housings are connected to the front wall and extend rearwardly therefrom a predetermined distance along a respective side rail. An upper frame assembly is manufactured with a pair of spaced tower assemblies and a pair of side members connected to a respective tower assembly. The upper frame assembly is mounted to the lower frame assembly by a horizontal connection exclusively between the side members of the upper frame assembly and the respective side rails of the lower frame assembly.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a tracked vehicle drive/steering system which has an engine driven hydraulic steering pump which drives a hydraulic steering motor. The steering pump is responsive to steering pump control signals, and an operator manipulated steering wheel generates steering command signals. A steering motor provides an input to a differential track drive mechanism which responds to manipulation of the steering wheel and drives left and right tracks, turning the vehicle. The control system includes a steering wheel position sensor, a steering motor position sensor and a wheel speed sensor. The control system generates a motor displacement value as a function of the steering wheel position and the wheel speed. The control system also generates a motor target position value as a function of the motor displacement, and generates a motor desired position value as a function of the target position value.

Abstract: A zero-turning-radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing-occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing-occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero-radius-turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned at this turning point so that the standing-occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero-radius-turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop “wheelies” upon acceleration.