With Attendant Station Patents (Class 180/9.23)
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Patent number: 11691682Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
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Patent number: 11524569Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly has a top par and a bottom part joined to the top part. At least one of the top and bottom parts defines a recess. The top and bottom parts define therebetween a passage formed in part by the recess. The passage has a first portion of the passage extending along a first side of the heat exchanger assembly; a second portion of the passage extending along a second side of the heat exchanger assembly; an inlet fluidly communicating with the first portion of the passage near a first end of the passage; and an outlet fluidly communicating with the second portion of the passage near a second end of the passage. Fluid enters the passage via the inlet, then flows in the first portion of the passage, then flows in the second portion of the passage, and then exits the passage via the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Sebastien Vezina, Jonathan Fortier
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Patent number: 11260920Abstract: A track work vehicle includes a track system. The track system includes a drive wheel supported by an axle housing that drives a continuous ground-engaging track, a saddle assembly that guides the track about the drive wheel and an undercarriage frame that supports one or more idler wheels that guide the track along a ground surface. The track work vehicle includes a fender assembly that includes at least one fender coupled to the track system to overlap a portion of the track.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Jade E. Bender, Amol Adsul, Joshua J. Kappelman, Jeremy P. L'Heureux
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Patent number: 11148696Abstract: An assistive robot includes a manipulator, a base coupled to the manipulator, the base defining a front end and a rear end positioned opposite the front end, the base including a chassis body, a front conveyor assembly positioned at the front end of the base, the front conveyor assembly including a front conveyor defining a conveyor pathway that extends at least partially within the chassis body and a front toe extending outward from the front conveyor, and a rear conveyor assembly positioned at the rear end of the base, the rear conveyor assembly including a rear conveyor defining a conveyor pathway that extends at least partially within the chassis body and a rear toe extending outward from the rear conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Suhas Malghan, Joseph Bondaryk, Paul W. Baim, Toffee Albina
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Patent number: 10696316Abstract: The stair-climbing stroller is a baby stroller with retractable front and rear wheels for use on flat travel surfaces and a pair of tracks for use on inclined travel surfaces including, but not limited to, staircases. The front wheels are coupled to a pivoting front wheel support shaft and the rear wheels are coupled to a pivoting rear wheel support shaft. A wheel retract motor located on the underside of the stroller may cause a retraction drive shaft to pivot the front and rear wheel support shafts, retracting the wheels. When the front and rear wheels retract, the stroller may be lowered such that the left and right track rest on the ground. Left and right track motors may then be used to drive the stroller up an inclined travel surface using the tracks.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Inventor: Douglas Parks
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Patent number: 10525784Abstract: A self-leveling mechanism for a mobility device, the mobility device including a chassis configured to propel the mobility device on a surface, includes a leveling structure on which is mounted a user support for supporting a user of the mobility device. The leveling structure is connected to the chassis by a swivel connection that enables the leveling structure to swivel about the connection, and by two linearly displaceable connections that are laterally displaced from one another. Two linear actuators are each configured to displace one of the displaceable connections to adjust a distance between each displaceable connection and the chassis. A sensor for senses a tilt of the leveling structure and a controller is configured to operate the linear actuators in accordance with the sensed tilt.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: UPNRIDE ROBOTICS LTD.Inventors: Amit Goffer, Roee Haimovich, Oren Tamari, Dudu Haimovich
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Patent number: 10384732Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.Inventors: Eric Steben, Benoit Marleau
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Patent number: 10293648Abstract: A tracked, amphibious vehicle, comprising at least two, spaced, elongated pontoons disposed generally parallel to one another. A platform structure can be supported by and structurally connects the pontoons, the platform structure including a transom, a lowermost generally horizontally extending panel above a free clearance area under a bottom panel and between the pontoons through which terrain and debris can pass. A hydraulic drive system can propel the vehicle, said drive system including left and right hydraulic motors mounted on the pontoons. At least one series of longitudinally spaced bogie wheels for supporting said vehicle can be mounted along the bottom of the pontoons. A continuous, endless belt can encircle each pontoon and engages the bogie wheels. Ground-engaging cleats assembled on the outer surface of each belt and covering the pontoon bottom provide traction to the vehicle. Gearing interfaces the motor with the endless belts.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Inventor: John B. Coast
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Patent number: 9931899Abstract: A tracked, amphibious vehicle, comprising at least two, spaced, elongated pontoons disposed generally parallel to one another. A platform structure can be supported by and structurally connects the pontoons, the platform structure including a transom, a lowermost generally horizontally extending panel above a free clearance area under a bottom panel and between the pontoons through which terrain and debris can pass. A hydraulic drive system can propel the vehicle, said drive system including left and right hydraulic motors mounted on the pontoons. At least one series of longitudinally spaced bogie wheels for supporting said vehicle can be mounted along the bottom of the pontoons. A continuous, endless belt can encircle each pontoon and engages the bogie wheels. Ground-engaging cleats assembled on the outer surface of each belt and covering the pontoon bottom provide traction to the vehicle. Gearing interfaces the motor with the endless belts.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventor: John B. Coast
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Patent number: 9630465Abstract: A tracked, amphibious vehicle, provides at least two, spaced, elongated pontoons disposed generally parallel to one another. A platform structure can be supported by and structurally connects the pontoons, the platform structure including a transom and a lowermost generally horizontally extending panel. A continuous, endless belt can encircle each pontoon engaging bogie wheels on the pontoon. A supplemental, marine drive assembly includes a hydraulic motor having a shaft with an axis, a propeller shaft having an axis, wherein the motor axis and propeller axis are aligned. A universal joint connects the hydraulic motor to the transom. A housing includes a sleeve that contains the propeller shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Inventor: John B. Coast
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Patent number: 9616947Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: PRINOTH LTD.Inventors: Eric Steben, Benoit Marleau
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Patent number: 9289338Abstract: A multi-terrain motorized wheelchair apparatus is disclosed that comprises a seating assembly for supporting a user in a seated position, a track assembly with the seating assembly being pivotable with respect to the track assembly. The track assembly includes a pair of track units positioned on opposite sides of the seating assembly. The apparatus comprises a seating orientation adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the seating assembly with respect to the track assembly. The apparatus includes at least one drive assembly mounted on the seating assembly and which has at least one drive shaft structure connected to the track units to drive the track units.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Timmy R. Swenson
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Patent number: 9248874Abstract: An articulated vehicle including a main frame, a drive system disposed on the main frame, and at least one arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the at least one arm being pivotally coupled to the main frame and the distal end being pivotable above the surface. The vehicle also including an articulator motor disposed on the main frame and coupled to the at least one arm for pivoting the at least one arm above the surface and about the transverse axis, and a slip clutch coupled between the articulator motor and the at least one front arm for enabling rotation of the at least one front arm without rotation of the articulator drive motor when a torque between the at least one front arm and the main frame exceeds a threshold torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventor: Chikyung Won
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Publication number: 20150008052Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Eric Steben, Benoit Marleau
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Publication number: 20140360811Abstract: A crawler undercarriage configured for modular attachment of work tools wherein the crawler undercarriage operates on at least two endless crawler tracks. Each crawler track extends around and is driven by a crawler sprocket at one extremity of its travel and extending around an idler roller at its other extremity of travel. The crawler undercarriage configured for modular attachment of work tools comprising a longitudinally extending center channel for securing a modular tool. The crawler undercarriage also includes at least one substantially vertical support member extending upwardly from the center channel. The crawler undercarriage also includes at least one mounting bracket secured to extending upwardly from the substantially vertical support member, wherein the modular member is secured to the at least one lower mounting bracket on the substantially vertical support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Fredrick Martin Ross, Jr., James H. Esch
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Patent number: 8789628Abstract: A multi-terrain motorized wheelchair apparatus is disclosed that comprises a seating assembly for supporting a user in a seated position, a track assembly with the seating assembly being pivotable with respect to the track assembly. The track assembly includes a pair of track units positioned on opposite sides of the seating assembly. The apparatus comprises a seating orientation adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the seating assembly with respect to the track assembly. The apparatus includes at least one drive assembly mounted on the seating assembly and which has at least one drive shaft structure connected to the track units to drive the track units. The seating assembly is supported on the track units of the track assembly by the drive shaft structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Inventor: Timmy R. Swenson
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Publication number: 20140174839Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventors: Eric Steben, Benoit Marleau
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Patent number: 8607903Abstract: A tracked vehicle (e.g., a tracked carrier vehicle) comprising a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each of the track assemblies supports a portion of a weight of the tracked vehicle when the tracked vehicle is in use. Each track assembly comprises: a first wheel and a second wheel spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the tracked vehicle; a number of support wheels arranged in an in-line configuration between the first wheel and the second wheel; and an endless track disposed around the first wheel, the second wheel, and the support wheels. The support wheels may comprise at least five (5) support wheels mounted such that, when the tracked vehicle is in use, the portion of the weight of the tracked vehicle supported by the track assembly is never applied to only one of the support wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Rolic Invest SarlInventors: Marc-André Godin, François Paquet
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Patent number: 8485287Abstract: A stand-up, ride-on work vehicle adapted for multiple applications. The vehicle comprises a base unit, an articulating joint, and one of a plurality of interchangeable equipment chassis. The base unit has at least one ground supporting member, and provides power and mobility to the work vehicle. The articulation joint is supported on a front end of the base unit. An operator station extends from a back end of the base unit. Each of the plurality of chassis comprises at least one ground support member and is pivotally connected to the base unit by the articulation joint. Each of the plurality of chassis may be a dedicated equipment chassis or a universal equipment chassis. Each dedicated chassis comprises a dedicated work tool. Each universal chassis comprises an attachment surface for connection to one of a plurality of work tools. The ground supporting members may be any combination of drive wheels, trail wheels, tracks, or work tools.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Cody L. Sewell
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Publication number: 20120325567Abstract: A non-conventional motorcycle designed to be a wearable application. It is intended that the present invention is used to transport a passenger commuting between a suburb and a city which lack a reliable public means of transportation to school, work or other, however it is more particular, that the present invention be used in extreme, sport competition racing of various applications providing an area facilitating spectators.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Marcus Mark Henry Ganeous
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Publication number: 20120317846Abstract: Embodiments of an all-terrain vehicle for ski track setting, military applications, gardening, etc are described herein which include a rear section having a power train and a first set of drive wheels coupled to the power train so as to be driven thereby, a front section having a drive train and a second set of wheels coupled to the drive train so as to be driven thereby; and a universal coupler that attaches the front and rear sections together and that allows free controlled movement therebetween. The drive train of the front section is coupled to the power train so as to be driven thereby. The front section includes a passenger compartment having user controls therein. Tracks are mounted on both set of wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Carl Audet
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Patent number: 8256541Abstract: A transferring system using aero-levitation style and a transferring device using aero-levitation style are provided. The transferring device using aero-levitation style includes one or more pairs of caterpillars each of which moves while drawing a track; a plurality of air bearings disposed inside of the caterpillars and levitated from an inner bottom surfaces of the caterpillars by repulsive force of air; and a loading unit coupled to the air bearings onto which a portage is loaded, wherein the loading unit is levitated and moved together with the caterpillars by the movement of the caterpillars.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: PoscoInventor: Kyeong Mann Park
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Publication number: 20120007937Abstract: A multi-purpose armored vehicle is configured for a wide range of purposes by military and police units and in both defensive and offensive postures. A protective canopy covers an entrance to a cockpit capable of accommodating at least one person. The vehicle is sufficiently narrow to enable it to pass through conventional gates and also doorways to, and within buildings. A pair of armor-plated shields are pivotally engaged, and selectively positionable, with the sides of the vehicle, allowing shelter to personnel traveling alongside the vehicle. An extensible boom may be fitted with a wide range of hardware including weapons and communications equipment for dealing with situations involving criminals, terrorists, etc. The shields, boom movement and extension, and hardware are all controllable from the cockpit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2008Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventor: Kennith Hall
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Patent number: 7874387Abstract: A track extension in combination with a track system comprises a track system having a track frame, wheels mounted to the frame and adapted to allow cyclic movement of a track about the frame, drive means in the frame adapted to transmit a drive of a vehicle to the track to drive the track in a cyclic movement. An extension frame is releasably secured to an end of the track frame. An idler wheelset is mounted to an end of the extension frame. A track is mounted about the track frame and the extension frame such that a footprint of the track is delimited at an end by the engagement of the track with the idler wheelset. A method is provided to increase a footprint of a track system.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventor: Jean Després
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Publication number: 20110011652Abstract: A multi-terrain motorized wheelchair apparatus is disclosed that comprises a seating assembly for supporting a user in a seated position, a track assembly with the seating assembly being pivotable with respect to the track assembly. The track assembly includes a pair of track units positioned on opposite sides of the seating assembly. The apparatus comprises a seating orientation adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the seating assembly with respect to the track assembly. The apparatus includes at least one drive assembly mounted on the seating assembly and which has at least one drive shaft structure connected to the track units to drive the track units. The seating assembly is supported on the track units of the track assembly by the drive shaft structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventor: TIMMY R. SWENSON
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Patent number: 7815003Abstract: A motorized vehicle is of a type which is used to travel on snow and which is equipped with at least one ski and one caterpillar track. The motorized vehicle comprises: handlebars (2) which are solidly connected to a chassis (3) of the vehicle (1); a pair of skis (4) which are solidly connected to the chassis (3) and which are not symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal and transverse axes thereof, the width of each ski decreasing from front to rear and the outer side (5) being curvilinear; and a platform (6) for a standing user, the width of the platform being greater than the maximum distance separating the two skis (4).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Inventor: Pablo Ferrer Almazan
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Patent number: 7802815Abstract: A working machine has a main frame structure which includes a pair of endless tracks; each track is entrained about track supporting devices mounted by a track sub-frame. The sub-frame includes inner and outer members interconnected by cross members. The inner and outer members are arranged side by side and mounting at or adjacent upper edges thereof, at least one upper track support device between the members. The inner and outer members mount at or adjacent lower edges thereof, at least one lower track supporting device between the members. The inner and outer members and cross members of at least one of the track sub-frames is a monolithic casting.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: JCB Compact Products LimitedInventor: Richard James Brindle
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Patent number: 7779940Abstract: Disclosed are vehicles and methods for transporting materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventor: Gregory Demetrulias
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Publication number: 20100152968Abstract: A machine employing controllable mounts and a method for controlling such mounts based on operator input are disclosed. The controllable mount may include a housing, a pin, rheological fluid within the housing and coils provided proximate to the rheological fluid. As current is applied to the coils, the apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid is increased, and in so doing so is the stiffness and damping of the controllable mount. Depending on various factors, the operator may want a particular level of feedback. For example, when fine grading, the operator may want to feel every vibration and thus the controllable mounts should be as stiff as possible. The present disclosure therefore provides the operator with the ability to select the desired level of feedback.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.Inventors: Steven D. Jones, Ronald B. Warnat, Nathan S. Pauli, Lindner J. Timothy
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Publication number: 20090308669Abstract: The quad track vehicle includes a chassis including a front end, a rear end and a left side and a right side. The chassis is supported on a plurality of tracks. Each of the tracks defines a generally triangular shape. The plurality of tracks includes a front left track at the left side of the chassis, a front right track at the right side of the chassis, a rear left track at the left side of the chassis rearward of the front left track and a rear right track at the right side of the chassis rearward of the front right track. The rear tracks have rearward portions that project a first distance rearwardly beyond the rear end of the chassis. The front tracks have forward portions that project a second distance forwardly beyond the front end of the chassis. The second distance is less than the first distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Matthew Stephen Vos, Ronald Scott Hansen
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Publication number: 20080169135Abstract: Disclosed are vehicles and methods for transporting materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: Gregory Demetrulias
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Publication number: 20080128183Abstract: The present invention is an improved personal tracked vehicle consisting of a platform pivotally mounted on top of a housing, the platform having a right and left side and a central axis. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position wherein the right side of the platform is below the left side of the platform and a second position wherein the left side of the platform is below the right side of the platform. The platform has a forward portion, a rearward portion and middle portion between the two, the middle portion being arched upwardly. The vehicle further includes a pair of parallel right and left tracks mounted to the housing below the platform, the right track being coupled to a right track transmission and the left track being coupled to a left track transmission, the right and left track transmissions both being coupled to a motor for driving the transmissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Ryan Fairhead
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Patent number: 6691806Abstract: The invention concerns a drive unit for a tracked vehicle with a first and a second electric generator (6, 8) and with a first and a second internal combustion engine (10, 12), such that one generator (6, 8) can be driven respectively by one combustion engine (10, 12), and with electric drive motors (14, 16, 18, 20) for driving a right-hand and a left-hand drive track (4, 2). According to the invention it is proposed that the elements of the drive unit are linked in such manner that the right-hand drive track (4) is associated with first and second right-hand electric drive motors (14, 16), the left-hand drive track (2) is associated with first and second left-hand electric drive motors (18, 20), the two first drive motors (14, 18) being fed by the first generator (6) and the two second drive motors (16, 20) being fed by the second generator (8). Due to the wiring of the energy paths according to the invention, very great operational security is achieved even when the drive unit is partially damaged.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Werner Wolfgang, Hubert Hund, Thomas Rösch, Bruno Walter
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Patent number: 6604590Abstract: A battery powered, all-terrain vehicle for the physically challenged comprises a battery powered transportation unit that allows a handicapped person to travel on otherwise inaccessible terrain.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Robert Foulk, Jr.
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Patent number: 6571893Abstract: A vehicle for sporting and off-road driving includes a front and a rear component assembly and a joint arrangement. Each component assembly includes a plate mounted on a single flexible track and that is actuated by the single flexible track. The joint arrangement connects the plate of the front assembly to the plate of the rear assembly, and has two degrees of freedom that permits the front and rear component assemblies to be displaced with respect to each other around a horizontal, transverse axis and around a vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Yozmot Gfanot Initiative CenterInventors: Yoram De-Noor, Yoram Uziel