Abstract: A vehicle is capable of being driven in a plurality of forward directions, the direction of travel being a function of the forward-facing orientation of a movable seat or movement of the driver to a different seat. The vehicle includes a frame, at least three wheels, a steering system, a braking system and an energy conversion system operable with respect to at least one of the wheels and controllable through non-mechanical control means. The vehicle has at least one movable seat connected to the frame and at least one operator interface operably connected to at least one of the steering system, braking system and energy conversion system that is usable to drive the vehicle in different directions when the seat is moved.

Abstract: A suspension system supports a seat with respect to a base mounted on a frame of a vehicle. The system includes a hydraulic actuator coupled between the seat and the base. A single accelerometer is attached to the base and generates a base acceleration signal in response to motion of the base. A control unit actively controls the hydraulic actuator as a function of the base acceleration signal. The control unit generates a base velocity signal by integrating the base acceleration signal, generates a seat position signal representing a position of the seat relative to the base, generates a seat position error signal representing a difference between a desired position and the seat position signal, and generates a command signal as a function of the velocity signal and of the position error signal. The control unit controls the actuator by applying the command signal thereto.

Abstract: A power machine having a frame and a cab rotatably coupled to the frame at a pivot axis for movement from a working position to a raised position. A first spring and a second spring both extendable from a first length to a second longer length are connected to the frame at opposite sides of the cab to assist in moving the cab from its working position. A third spring is connected to one of the sides of the cab, and is also extendable from a first length to a second longer length. The third spring is coupled to the frame and the cab, and provides an additional assisting force as the cab initially starts pivoting and becomes ineffective as the cab nears its raised position.

Abstract: The wheeled work vehicle according to the present invention comprises a link 4 that links at least either one of axles 1 and 1′ provided at the front and the rear of the vehicle to a body 70, suspension hydraulic cylinders 2 provided at the left side and the right side of the chassis 70 to link the axle 1 to the body 70 in conjunction with the link 4 and an accumulator 7 that is made to communicate with oil chambers 2b and 2c of the hydraulic cylinders 2 via restrictors 5a, 5b and 6a.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driver protection structure and a device supporting the same which secure driver's safety according to the international standardization organization when collided with a falling object and upon equipment's rollovers, comprising a first stopper which allows a driver's cabin and the driver protection structure mounted over the driver's cabin to move in a vertical direction and restricts the driver's cabin to move in a horizontal direction, and a second stopper which allows the driver's cabin to move in the vertical direction and restricts the driver's cabin to be lifted when a load is applied to the driver's cabin from external.

Abstract: An assembly that includes a mounted component that is suspended from a mounting component by a novel suspension-system in such a manner that relative movement between the mounted component and the mounting component is allowed only in certain directions and only within certain ranges. The novel suspension system comprises a travel-limiting link that is engaged to the mounted component at one connection point and also engaged to the mounting component at another connection point. The travel-limiting link is pivotally engaged to the mounted component at its connection point thereto and/or is pivotally engaged to the mounting component at its connection point thereto. The travel-limiting link comprises a first snubber that cooperates with a first bump-stop structure of the assembly to limit the rotation of the travel-limiting link relative to the mounted component and/or the mounting component.

Abstract: A cabin structure for a working machine includes a substantially transparent cabin element equipped with a bottom part having a seat for the operator of the working machine, a display and a controller for controlling the operations of the working machine. The cabin structure also includes a control mechanism for tilting the cabin element in relation to the frame of the working machine in both XZ and YZ directions. The cabin element is arranged to be substantially stationary in relation to the frame of the working machine, and the seat and controller are placed on a working base placed above the bottom part of the cabin element. The control mechanism is pieced positioned between the working base and the bottom part of the cabin element. The control mechanism can also rotate the working base around the Z axis.

Abstract: A suspension system supports a seat with respect to a base mounted on a frame of a vehicle. The system includes a hydraulic actuator coupled between the seat and the base. A single accelerometer is attached to the base and generates a base acceleration signal in response to motion of the base. A control unit actively controls the hydraulic actuator as a function of the base acceleration signal. The control unit generates a base velocity signal by integrating the base acceleration signal, generates a seat position signal representing a position of the seat relative to the base, generates a seat position error signal representing a difference between a desired position and the seat position signal, and generates a command signal as a function of the velocity signal and of the position error signal. The control unit controls the actuator by applying the command signal thereto.

Abstract: A tractor includes a tractor body (2), a driver's seat disposed on the tractor body, a working implement attached to a rear end of the tractor body, a tractor control station disposed forwardly of the driver's seat, an implement control station disposed rearwardly of the driver's seat, and a position switching mechanism for switching the driver's seat between a forward facing position for allowing a driver seated on the driver's seat to operate the tractor control station, and a rearward facing position for allowing the driver to operate the implement control station. A passage (52) is disposed on the tractor body (2) for allowing the driver to move past the driver's seat (8) between the tractor control station (43) and the implement control station (33).

Abstract: A supporting structure for an operator cab on a body frame of a work machine having a floor frame with a low floor portion and a high floor portion. A vibro-isolating support provided between the low and high floor portions so as to support the operator cab resiliently. At least one of said vibro-isolating supports located at either of the low floor portion having a support axis (M—M) or the high floor portion a having support axis (N—N) inclines longitudinally at a predetermined angle (&thgr;) from a vertical axis toward the center of gravity (G) of the operator cab. Either one of the vibro-isolating supports is located at the low floor portion and the high floor portion having a vertical support axis.

Abstract: A power machine having a frame and a cab rotatably coupled to the frame at a pivot axis for movement from a working position to a raised position. A first spring and a second spring both extendable from a first length to a second longer length are connected to the frame at opposite sides of the cab to assist in moving the cab from its working position. A third spring is connected to one of the sides of the cab, and is also extendable from a first length to a second longer length. The third spring is coupled to the frame and the cab, and provides an additional assisting force as the cab initially starts pivoting and becomes ineffective as the cab nears its raised position.

Abstract: A suspension for a cab of an over the highway truck or tractor. The suspension includes a pair of spaced apart springs and a pair of spaced apart motion dampers interposed between and connected to the cab and a frame of the truck or tractor. A third spring is mounted to one of the frame or the cab. A panhard rod has a first end connected to the third spring. A second end of the panhard rod is connected to one of the frame or cab that does not mount the third spring. The third spring biases the cab to a centered position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A method in a working machine, comprising a frame movable by means of a wheelwork, the frame provided with a boom assembly movable around a first pivot point in a first angle sector. The free end of the boom assembly is provided with equipment for work performances to be carried out with the working machine, and the frame is provided with a cabin for the operator of the working machine, movable around a second pivot point in a second angle sector. To synchronize the movements of the boom assembly and the cabin, for the purpose of optimizing the number of movements of the cabin during successive work performances performed by the equipment, a monitoring angle sector is selected for the cabin. The cabin is kept stationary, if the equipment is in the monitoring angle sector. After this, the cabin is moved to a new location of a new monitoring angle sector, if the equipment moves out of the location of the preceding monitoring angle sector.

Abstract: A swivel type working vehicle having a turntable (3) with a rear hood (28) covering an engine (11) and a side hood (42) covering hydraulic equipment. The rear hood (28) includes a pivot device (30) disposed in an upper front end region thereof and having a pivot axis extending transversely of a vehicle body. The rear hood is pivotable by the pivot device between a closed position covering the engine and an open position exposing the engine. The side hood (42) includes a pivot mechanism (50) disposed in a lower front end region thereof and having a pivot axis extending transversely of the vehicle body. The side hood being pivotable by the pivot mechanism between a closed position covering the hydraulic equipment and an open position exposing the hydraulic equipment.

Abstract: There is now provided a skid steer loader and like off-road vehicles with engine mounts having internally snubbed shocks and vibrations isolators, particularly for mounting three and four cylinder engines. The engine mount provides for minimized damage due to shocks from the chassis to the engine and due to vibrations from the engine to the chassis.

Abstract: Driver's cab suspension, particularly for a conventional cab vehicle, comprising a vehicle frame which supports a driver's cab by at least three springs. At least two springs are arranged in a front area of the driver's cab and the at least one other spring is arranged in a rear end area of the driver's cab. A stabilizer arranged transverse to the vehicle frame opposes the roll movement of the driver's cab. The stabilizer extends in the rear end area of the driver's cab.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driver protection structure and a device supporting the same which secure driver's safety according to the international standardization organization when collided with a falling object and upon equipment's rollovers, comprising a first stopper which allows a driver's cabin and the driver protection structure mounted over the driver's cabin to move in a vertical direction and restricts the driver's cabin to move in a horizontal direction, and a second stopper which allows the driver's cabin to move in the vertical direction and restricts the driver's cabin to be lifted when a load is applied to the driver's cabin from external.

Abstract: A truck cab suspension system provides improved lateral location of the cab and restrains the cab from detachment from the vehicle chassis during accidents. The suspension system offers simplification over the prior art by providing a lateral locating wheel set in a vertical travel between the chassis and the vehicle cab. The travel provides a backup link between cab and chassis. The locating wheel is cushioned to provide bumper like protection for lateral, and both up and down vertical shocks.

Abstract: A swivel type working vehicle having a turntable (3) with a rear hood (28) covering an engine (11) and a side hood (42) covering hydraulic equipment. The rear hood (28) includes a pivot device (30) disposed in an upper front end region thereof and having a pivot axis extending transversely of a vehicle body. The rear hood is pivotable by the pivot device between a dosed position covering the engine and an open position exposing the engine. The side hood (42) includes a pivot mechanism (50) disposed in a lower front end region thereof and having a pivot axis extending transversely of the vehicle body. The side hood being pivotable by the pivot mechanism between a dosed position covering the hydraulic equipment and an open position exposing the hydraulic equipment.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle for transporting an individual over ground having a surface that may be irregular. The vehicle has a support platform for supporting the subject and the support platform is coupled to a ground-contacting module at a pivot. While the ground-contacting module may be statically stable, balance of the support platform with respect to the ground-contacting module is maintained by motion of the ground-contacting module in response to leaning of the support platform. A motorized drive coupled to the ground-contacting module causes locomotion of the vehicle and the subject therewith over the surface, while a control loop, in which the motorized drive is included, dynamically enhances stability in the fore-aft plane by operation of the motorized drive in connection with the ground-contacting module. In the event of failure of the control loop, the pivot connection of the support platform to the ground-contacting module may be locked, thereby ensuring stability of the static assembly.

Abstract: A truck cab suspension system provides improved durability of the truck cab structure by reducing twisting forces applied to the cab frame from the suspension system. The suspension system provides support to the rear sill of the truck by positioning two air springs on either side of the vehicle center line under the sill and two shock absorbers aligned along the vehicle center line between the air springs. The forces applied to the cab frame rear sill balance one another avoiding twisting.

Abstract: A truck cab suspension system provides improved durability of the truck cab structure by reducing twisting forces applied to the cab frame from the suspension system. The suspension system provides support to the rear sill of the truck by positioning two air springs on either side of the vehicle center line under the sill and two shock absorbers aligned along the vehicle center line between the air springs. The forces applied to the cab frame rear sill balance one another avoiding twisting.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body structure that is suspended from a chassis of the vehicle by a vehicle body suspension system. The vehicle body suspension system is constructed in a manner to allow relative movement to occur between the suspended body structure and the chassis in such a manner to at least partially isolate the suspended body structure from the vibrations and accelerations of the chassis. The vehicle body suspension system includes one or more spring/damper components that comprise an elastomer body that is surrounded and, therefore, reinforced by a reinforcing wall constructed of a relatively rigid material. The vehicle body suspension system may utilize one or more of the reinforced elastomer block spring/damper components as bump stops and/or primary spring/damper components.

Abstract: A vehicle cab is resiliently suspended on a vehicle frame. Between the cab and the frame is arranged a device for limiting the mobility of the cab relative to the frame during operation and upon tilting of the cab. The device incorporates two stop surfaces fastened to the cab, and a movement limiter fastened to a stabilizer which is fastened to the frame. The movement limiter extends between the stop surfaces so that it shifts between them upon movement of the link arms. The cab's mobility is limited by the fact that contact occurs between the movement limiter and the stop surfaces.

Abstract: Driver's cab suspension, particularly for a conventional cab vehicle, comprising a vehicle frame which supports a driver's cab by at least three springs. At least two springs are arranged in a front area of the driver's cab and the at least one other spring is arranged in a rear end area of the driver's cab. A stabilizer arranged transverse to the vehicle frame opposes the roll movement of the driver's cab. The stabilizer extends in the rear end area of the driver's cab.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle that includes a mechanism for positioning the cab assembly and any loads supported by the cab assembly forward or rearward along the tracked chassis so that the weight of the cab assembly and load is more evenly distributed onto the earth contacting surfaces of the tracks of the tracked chassis and thereby minimize the chance of the tracked vehicle becoming bogged down.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanical suspension system for cab-over tractors, specifically those used in terminal transport having two front cushion dual suspension components on the front pivot area of the cab to tractor frame connection and a single rear cushion dual suspension component on the rear of the tractor frame at the cab-over latch area, the three point dual suspension system providing a more stable suspension package than the four point and other single suspension systems.

Abstract: An individualized golf cart comprises a golf cart body supported off the ground a pair of front steering wheels and a pair of rear driving wheels. The cart further includes a mounting structure for retaining a golf bag on the cart. A steering system is operatively coupled to the steering wheels to steer the golf cart. A propulsion system including a motor and power supply are operatively coupled to the wheels to drive the golf cart. A brake system is operatively coupled to the wheels to slow and/or stop the golf cart. A platform is attached to the cart body adjacent the driving wheels and extends rearwardly therefrom to support a person in an upright position behind the driving wheels. The platform includes a safety enclosure defining an operating station which includes access to controls for the steering system, propulsion system and brake system. The platform provides a short step to the ground, the golf bag being within reach of the golfer upon exiting the operating station.

Abstract: A hydrophilic film coating (11) is formed on outer surfaces of cab (5), equipment housing cover (6) and counterweight (7) of an upper rotary body (2), so that a water film (18) is formed on the surface of the hydrophilic film coating by raindrops or at the time of rainfall. By formation of the water film (18), contaminant substances (13) which have deposited on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2) are urged to float up and carried away with dripping water of the water film (18). As a consequence, it becomes possible to prevent development of raindrop stains on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2) and, even if spattered particles of grease have deposited on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2), such contaminants can be easily washed off, thereby permitting to maintain the quality in outer appearance of the upper rotary body (2).

Abstract: The present invention includes a resilient cab mounting apparatus for resiliently mounting a cab structure, incorporating a roll over protective structure, onto a vehicle frame. The cab mounting apparatus includes a first resilient member which is positioned between the cab structure and the frame members and held in place by use of a mounting structure having an attached upper flange.

Abstract: A hydrophilic film coating (11) is formed on outer surfaces of cab (5), equipment housing cover (6) and counterweight (7) of an upper rotary body (2), so that a water film (18) is formed on the surface of the hydrophilic film coating by raindrops or at the time of rainfall. By formation of the water film (18), contaminant substances (13) which have deposited on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2) are urged to float up and carried away with dripping water of the water film (18). As a consequence, it becomes possible to prevent development of raindrop stains on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2) and, even if spattered particles of grease have deposited on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2), such contaminants can be easily washed off, thereby permitting to maintain the quality in outer appearance of the upper rotary body (2).

Abstract: There is provided a crawler carrier capable of smoothly operating the driving force source even at a slant ground or the like. The driving force source is arranged between the dump body and the cab and laid in a lateral direction and at the same time the driving force source and the heat exchanger are arranged in series in a lateral direction. With such an arrangement as above, the driving force source can be arranged at the upper structure frame under a state in which it becomes substantially horizontal without being interfered with the dump body. With such an arrangement as above, even in the case that the crawler carrier performs a work at the slant ground such as a mountain area having a high gradient, the engine can always be lubricated with lubricant oil and the driving force source can be operated smoothly.

Abstract: A lock mechanism (32) is constituted by a slide plate (36) with a slot (37) and a notched groove (39), and a lock pin (41) which is provided on the side of a console (24). Through the slot (37), the slide plate (36) is slidably supported on a couple of support projections (34) which are provided on the side of an operator's seat (7). By engaging the notched groove (39) with the lock pin (41), the console (24) is locked in an operating position. When an entrance gating lever (29) is manipulated by an operator, the slide plate (36) is pulled by a push-pull cable (43) to slide in a rearward direction against the action of a tension spring (42). Whereupon, the notched groove (39) is disengaged from the lock pin (41), and the console (24) is swung back into an upturned position by the action of a gas spring (28).

Abstract: A construction machine adapted to suppress transmission of vibrations from a main frame to a cab. The cab is supported on a bed frame by anti-vibrational mounts, each provided with a laminated rubber body having relatively high rigidity against vibrations in vertical directions and relatively small rigidity against vibrations in horizontal directions. A floor panel of the cab is connected to the bed frame by horizontally mounted oil dampers constituting vibration attenuators. Consequently, when the bed frame is vibrated, the cab undergoes horizontal parallel movements due to flexure of the laminated rubber bodies, thereby preventing occurrences of pitching, rolling and yawing vibrations. Even if residual vibrations occur on the cab due to the resilient restoring force of the laminated rubber bodies, such residual vibrations can be attenuated by the oil dampers, thereby preventing the phenomenon of resonance which might otherwise result from the residual vibrations and to improve the amenity within the cab.

Abstract: A mount for mounting a cab on a vehicle frame includes a first and a second mounting part, one of which is provided on the cab and the other of which is provided on the frame. The mount further includes a vibration damper acting between frame and cab. The first mounting part includes an inner anchoring part and an outer anchoring part that is movable with respect to the inner anchoring part, the outer anchoring part radially enclosing the inner anchoring part, an elastic spring element acting between the inner and the outer anchoring parts, the cab being raiseable with respect to the vehicle frame, e.g., in a swiveling manner, from a driving position into a service position, and being lowerable from the service position into the driving position. In response to raising the cab into the service position, the first and the second mounting parts are separated from each other, and, in response to lowering the cab into the driving position, the first and second mounting parts are reconnected.

Abstract: A position adjusting apparatus of a control console for a work vehicle in which the control console moves in a state of substantially keeping a relative position with respect to the operator seat prior to a rotation in accordance with the rotation of the operator seat, thereby maintaining a suitable operability, and a maintenance of the vehicle can be performed in an improved manner. Accordingly, a floor frame (20) and a mounting table (26) which mounts a control console (10) are connected to each other via an irregular four section link, and a turn table (12) which is rotatably supported to the floor frame or the operator seat and the mounting table are connected by an interlocking link (15). Accordingly, when an operator seat (11) which is mounted to the turn table rotates, the control console substantially maintains a relative position with respect to the operator seat before the rotation automatically, and can move in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: An agricultural machine, comprising a pair of from wheels and a pair of rear wheels, rigidly connected to a main frame, a control cab mounted on the main frame and suspension means placed between the cab and the main frame. Suspension means comprise a plurality of actuators for controlling the rotation of the cab with respect to the main frame about at least two axis orthogonal to each other. An electronic control unit is provided with sensor means for detecting variations of the cab tilt angle with respect to an horizontal reference direction. The electronic control unit is programmed for controlling said actuators so as to maintain a constant orientation of the cab with respect to said reference direction.

Abstract: Vehicle for handling various material such as nodes, ladles or operating units in rooms wherein a wide maneuver capacity is required in narrow spaces and/or in the presence of obstacles, impediments, such as industrial sheds, airports, areas for heavy means, and markets comprising a front driving and steering structure carrying a driver's cab, said structure being suitable to rotate continuously by 360° in both the clockwise and the anti-clockwise directions about its own vertical axis.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor with four ground contacting suspensions, two front and two rear disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle can be steered such that its front suspension lies behind its rear suspension. The front suspension can pivot about an articulation joint in the vehicle and also about a wheel-end steering joint such that when it is in an extreme left or right turn position, the front suspension cannot be turned about the wheel-end steering joint while holding the articulation joint in an extreme left or right turn position without causing the front suspension to interfere with and contact the rear suspension.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a work vehicle, such as a tractor, having a frame, a compartment, a hood coupled to the frame and configured to at least partially cover the compartment when disposed in a closed position; and a mechanism coupling the hood to the frame, the mechanism configured to move the hood between the closed position and at least one at least partially opened position, the mechanism including at least one four-bar linkage, a first bar of the linkage including a portion of the frame and a second bar of the linkage including a portion of the hood, the vehicle further having a support member configured to engage the at least one linkage at predetermined positions and thereby immobilize the hood against further changes in position.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a frame and a cab or the like supported by the frame by a resilient suspension, the resilient suspension is essentially constituted by a main U-shaped torque rod interposed in slanting or horizontal position between the frame and the cab, a main actuator being associated to the said main torque rod to determine its neutral position.

Abstract: A revolving construction machine includes a lower track structure, an upper revolving structure mounted on the lower track structure and a working device mounted to the front of the upper revolving structure. A floor panel portion is provided on the upper revolving structure. A walk-through passageway is defined by a left-hand floor panel portion, a left side portion of a cabin cover and a left-hand cover of an engine cover for allowing a person to walk through the construction machine in the front and rear directions by passing the left side of an operator's seat, the cabin cover and the engine cover.