With Track-related Steering Means Patents (Class 180/9.44)
  • Patent number: 11958549
    Abstract: A standard component of a vehicle equippable with a plurality of wheels or a plurality of track systems for engaging the ground, such as an axle housing or a frame of the vehicle, comprises a connector dedicated to connecting a given one of the track systems to the vehicle and provided during original manufacturing of the standard component of the vehicle. This may facilitate installation of the track systems on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Camso Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Lussier, Frederic Couture, Etienne Poulin
  • Patent number: 11498631
    Abstract: Track system to be mounted on a vehicle in place of a rotatable OEM tire/wheel assembly, including: A frame. A drive wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame, operatively connectable to the drive shaft of the vehicle, and has a diameter of between 65% and 100% of the OEM tire diameter. Leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies are mounted on the frame. An endless track having an inner surface is disposed around the drive wheel, the leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies. The endless track has an unsupported portion between the drive wheel and one of the leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies. The unsupported portion has a length and a center. The unsupported portion deflects a distance of between 8% and 12% of its length on application of a 25-lb. force at its center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Patrick L'Herault, Louis-Frederic Marchildon
  • Patent number: 11338871
    Abstract: A magnetic track for traveling on a wall and a ceiling of a steel structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a front wheel which is connected to a main body and positioned at one end; a rear wheel which is connected to the main body and positioned at the other end to face the front wheel; and a chain which is connected, in the form of a loop, to the front wheel and the rear wheel, in which multiple support devices are provided between the front wheel and the rear wheel to support the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Zete Crezen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won Ha Park
  • Patent number: 11207232
    Abstract: A magnetic suspension system for a medical device is provided. The magnetic suspension system comprises a support structure having an area provided with a ferromagnetic characteristic, and a carriage comprising a magnet exerting a magnetic attraction force between the carriage and the support structure. The carriage comprises a friction reducing device and a drive device configured to drive a motion of the carriage upon the support structure in an arbitrary predetermined direction, the drive device being separate from the friction reducing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: TRUMPF MEDIZIN SYSTEME GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Jean-Bernard Duvert, Philippe Kaikenger, Eric D. Agdeppa, Guenter Loeffl, Ibne Soreefan
  • Patent number: 11091358
    Abstract: An all-terrain telehandler includes a pair of front tracks. Each front track may be coupled to a front bracket by an arm that telescopes relative to the front bracket. A superstructure may be coupled to the front bracket where the superstructure supports a first telescoping boom. A pair of rear tracks may be coupled to a rear body. The rear body may be coupled to the front superstructure. A maximum extension position for the first telescoping boom and a length generally corresponding to a length of the superstructure may define a ratio of approximately 4.00:1.00, whereby the all-terrain telehandler is substantially stable when moving loads supported by the first telescoping boom. A second telescoping boom may support a cab. With the second boom, the cab may be lowered beneath a top section of one of the front tracks for facilitating an operator loading sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Teletrax Equipment, LLC
    Inventor: Tim Ourada
  • Patent number: 10946869
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a system for providing steering control in a dual path machine includes a propulsion controller operatively connected to plants of the machine for driving ground contacting elements, the propulsion controller being configured to control steering of the dual path machine through drive signals sent to the plants, and a brake controller operatively connected to left and right brakes of the machine, the brake controller being configured to control steering of the machine by providing differential brake pressures to the left and right brakes. The system of the present disclosure provides redundant steering control by receiving an input signal at the brake controller with an indication of steering position, receiving an input signal at the brake controller with an indication of brake position, and providing a differential brake pressure to brakes of the dual path machine based on the steering input signal and brake input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Caleb Van De Stroet, Zhekang Du
  • Patent number: 10933929
    Abstract: A track system for a vehicle has an attachment assembly mountable to a chassis of a vehicle and defining an attachment-assembly-pivotable connector pivot axis; a track assembly including a support frame disposed laterally outward from the attachment assembly, the support frame including a leading frame assembly and a trailing frame assembly, each frame assembly including a frame member connectable to the attachment assembly pivotable connector and a frame-suspension pivotable connector; at least one wheel-load-bearing connector, and at least one idler wheel being at least indirectly connected to the frame member via the at least one wheel-load-bearing connector. The track system further has a sprocket wheel, an endless track, and a suspension assembly having a forward suspension pivotable connector, a rearward suspension pivotable connector, and a suspension member operatively connected to the forward suspension pivotable connector and to the rearward suspension pivotable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Yves Sauvageau, Branislav Nanac
  • Patent number: 10618526
    Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus includes: a driving assistance unit configured to control a braking unit which decelerates a moving body, and assist driving of the moving body by automatic driving; and a switching unit configured to perform instructing a driver of the moving body to operate the braking unit which is under control by the driving assistance unit, and switching from the automatic driving to manual driving by transferring an authority of driving to the driver when receiving an operation of the braking unit by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norio Imai, Masaya Kato, Yusuke Kiyokawa, Motokatsu Tomozawa, Yuichi Ukai
  • Patent number: 9950756
    Abstract: A track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle, the track assembly comprising a set of wheels and an endless track disposed around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises elastomeric material to flex around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises a plurality of drive/guide lugs projecting inwardly. The set of wheels comprises a drive wheel for imparting motion to the endless track. The set of wheels may comprise a first plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a first rolling path of the inner side and a second plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a second rolling path of the inner side such that the drive/guide lugs are located between the first rolling path and the second rolling path, as well as a third plurality of roller wheels for rolling on top of the drive/guide lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Kris de Boe, Alain Lussier
  • Patent number: 9730376
    Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine includes a front harvesting attachment, a ground drive with first and second drive shafts offset relative to the front harvesting attachment, first and second track roller units to which first and second drive shafts are drivably connected and which extend on both sides of the harvesting machine and a rear axle having rear wheels that are steered via a steering mechanism provided in a rear region of the harvesting machine. The first and second drive shafts are driven by separate first and second hydraulic motors of a hydrostatic transmission. A displacement volume of each of the first and second hydraulic motors is changed depending on a steering movement transferred from the steering mechanism to the rear wheels, realizing an additional moment about a vertical axis of the harvesting machine simultaneously with the steering of the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Philipp Behra, Markus Loeneke, Stephan Bleischwitz
  • Patent number: 9630664
    Abstract: The invention relates to load-carrying frame for carrying load of an articulated tracked vehicle comprising a front and a rear vehicle unit connected to each other through said load-carrying frame, wherein said front vehicle unit comprises a rolling link. The load-carrying frame is configured for rotatable attachment to the front vehicle unit via said rolling link for enabling rotation of the front vehicle unit relative to the load-carrying frame about an axis of said rolling link running in the axial main direction of extension of said load-carrying frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS HÄGGLUNDS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Björn Hellholm, Björn Nordberg
  • Patent number: 9409611
    Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle comprising a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit controllably connected by means of a control member, wherein each vehicle unit comprises two tracks driven by drive wheels, wherein the first vehicle unit comprises a mechanical propulsion unit with a combustion engine for driving the drive wheels of the first vehicle unit and the second vehicle unit consists of one electric propulsion unit for driving the drive wheels of the second vehicle unit, wherein the combustion engine is arranged to drive a generator for electric power generation, wherein the generator is arranged to transfer electric power via power electronics to the electric propulsion unit of the second vehicle unit, wherein power transfer between said vehicle units is arranged to be effected only electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Bjorn Hellholm, Gustav Soderstrom
  • Patent number: 9186977
    Abstract: A drive system including a transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The system includes a gear set having first, second, third and fourth elements. The second element connects with an output shaft of the transmission and a first output shaft of an internal combustion engine connects with the third element for driving the third element. An electric motor having an output shaft connecting with the first element drives the first element in response to an electrical signal. An electric motor-generator unit has an output shaft which connects with the fourth element for driving the fourth element in response to an electrical signal. A second output shaft of the engine also connects with the fourth element through the unit for driving the fourth element. The resulting system has a plurality of different operating modes including a reverse gear or operating mode powered electrically and by the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 9120479
    Abstract: An electrical axle for a four wheeled road vehicle with an electrical propulsion motor arranged coaxially on the axle. A first planetary gear is connected to the electrical propulsion motor and to a first side of the axle. A second planetary gear is connected to the electrical propulsion motor and to a second side of the axle. The first and second planetary gears form a differential mechanism. A torque vectoring unit includes an electrical motor arranged coaxially on the axle for providing a change in torque distribution between the first side and the second side of the axle. The electrical motor of the torque vectoring unit is connected to the first and second planetary gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems AB
    Inventor: Lars Severinsson
  • Patent number: 9051009
    Abstract: A steerable track system for steering a vehicle with a main frame and a track includes an undercarriage with pivoting links connected to the main frame; a bendable flexible track to provide a vehicle-surface interface for propelling the vehicle; a plurality of idler wheels which engage the track and are connected to the undercarriage; and a plurality of bogie wheels which engage the track and are connected to the undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: James B. Prohaska
  • Patent number: 8757302
    Abstract: A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and a rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive wheel hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive wheel hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Jochen Pfrenger
  • Patent number: 8757301
    Abstract: A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive wheel hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive wheel hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Jochen Pfrenger
  • Patent number: 8627907
    Abstract: A steering drive system includes a drive arrangement having a first drive and a second drive, a summing gear unit for summing driving torques of the drives on an output shaft of the summing gear unit, a first drive connection device by which the first drive is drivingly connected to a first input shaft of the summing gear unit, and a second drive connection device by which the second drive is drivingly connected to a second input shaft of the summing gear unit. The two drive connection devices are arranged in each instance such that no driving torque directed to the drives from the summing gear unit can be transmitted to the drives during a continuously produced drive connection between the drives and the summing gear unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Renk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg-Peter Karrie, Nikolaus Müller, Dieter Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20140008134
    Abstract: The present invention provides track assemblies and a method that allow bringing the contact patch towards the inside (the outside) of the suspension arm, by providing a asymmetric track assembly, either by lowering at least one inside (outside) support wheel relative to the remaining support wheels, or by using a belt that comprises, transversally, at least one first profile on the outer (inner) side thereof lower than a second profile on an inner side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: CAMOPLAST SOLIDEAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremie ZUCHOSKI, Denis BOISVERT
  • Patent number: 8499876
    Abstract: A central endless drive track is disposed below the seat of a snowmobile. At least two left wheels are operatively connected to a left track frame disposed forwardly of the seat. A left track engages the left wheels. A left brake is connected to the left track frame and selectively engages one of a first left wheel and the left track to brake the left track. At least two right wheels are operatively connected to a right track frame disposed forwardly of the seat. A right track is disposed around the right wheels. A right brake is connected to the right track frame and selectively engages one of a first right wheel and the right track to brake the right track. A brake lever causes the left and right brakes to brake the left and right tracks respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Mercier, Guillaume Longpre, Alain Massicotte, Etienne Guay
  • Patent number: 8459898
    Abstract: A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Guntert & Zimmerman Const. Div., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Guntert, Jr., Gerald L. Dahlinger, Richard Wood Francis
  • Patent number: 8393422
    Abstract: A serpentine robotic crawler is disclosed. The robotic crawler can include a first frame having a first continuous track rotatably supported by the first frame, a second frame having a second continuous track rotatably supported by the second frame, and a linkage arm coupling the first and second frames together in tandem. The linkage arm can be movable about a first lateral axis associated with the first frame, a second lateral axis associated with the second frame, and at least two longitudinal axes. The longitudinal axes can be oriented by movement of the linkage arm about the first lateral axis and/or the second lateral axis. Movement about the first lateral axis and the second lateral axis can facilitate or provide exposure of leading and trailing ends of each continuous track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Ralph W. Pensel
  • Patent number: 8267212
    Abstract: A central endless drive track is disposed below the seat of a snowmobile. At least two left wheels are operatively connected to a left track frame disposed forwardly of the seat. A left track engages the left wheels. A left brake is connected to the left track frame and selectively engages one of a first left wheel and the left track to brake the left track. At least two right wheels are operatively connected to a right track frame disposed forwardly of the seat. A right track is disposed around the right wheels. A right brake is connected to the right track frame and selectively engages one of a first right wheel and the right track to brake the right track. A brake lever causes the left and right brakes to brake the left and right tracks respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Mercier, Guillaume Longpre, Alain Massicotte, Etienne Guay
  • Patent number: 8205696
    Abstract: A gasoline engine powered snowboard having an endless track trained about a support frame containing driven and idler wheels. Engine operation is directed from an upright operator support column. A molded chassis is hinge coupled to pivot about alternative contoured track support pan assemblies. The pan support assemblies cooperate with flexible track surfaces (e.g. fringe or pleat members) and foot supports to enable steering with foot and body movements. A lower support pan exhibits convex edge surfaces that contact track pleats or fringe pieces and includes an elliptic longitudinal channel. Alternative upper support pans provide a reciprocating wheeled steering plate, longitudinal drive lug channels and contoured snow diversion surfaces and/or an agitator. Internal track surfaces include UHMW pieces at or aligned to the drive lugs. Ground contact lugs exhibit traction promoting and snow clearing contoured profiles, shapes and recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Glen Brazier
  • Patent number: 8205695
    Abstract: A suspension system for a lightweight robotic crawler is disclosed. The suspension system provides for mounting of a flexible endless track thereon. The suspension system includes a forward guide and a rearward guide around which the endless track can be looped. A deflector positioned between the forward guide and the rearward guide downwardly deflects a ground-engaging portion of the endless track to form a peaked area. The peaked area can support the lightweight robotic vehicle allowing alteration of a distribution of load over the ground-engaging portion of the endless track with respect to a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Brian J. Maclean, Ralph W. Pensel, Christopher R. Hirschi
  • Patent number: 8157033
    Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle having left and right endless tracks, left and right sprocket wheels, a motor and a hydraulic pump includes left and right hydraulic motors mounted to a respective one of the left and right sprocket wheels, a hydraulic circuit connecting the fluid outlet of each hydraulic motor to the fluid inlet of the other hydraulic motor, and a steering mechanism for receiving hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pump and selectively distributing it to the first and second hydraulic motors. The steering mechanism is in fluid communication with the fluid inlets of the left and right hydraulic motors to provide hydraulic pressure in response to first and second steering inputs from a user. An attachment kit includes the steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Les Produits Gilbert Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvain Gilbert, Daniel Paré, Robert Gagnon
  • Patent number: 8042630
    Abstract: A serpentine robotic crawler capable of multiple movement moves is disclosed. The serpentine robotic crawler includes a plurality of frame units, coupled together by at least one actuated linkage. Each frame unit includes a continuous track, enabling forward movement of the serpentine robotic crawler. The at least one actuated linkage has at least 7 degrees of movement freedom, enabling the serpentine robotic crawler to adopt a variety of poses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Stephen C. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8007058
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a wheel replacing traction assembly which uses, for propulsion, a longitudinally extending endless track disposed around and cooperating with a sprocket wheel, idler and/or road wheels and a supporting frame. The endless track generally comprises an inner wheel-engaging surface and an outer ground-engaging surface, the latter being provided with traction lugs. The outer surface further comprises at least one laterally extending portion which also extends along the circumference of the track; the traction lugs located on this laterally extending portion being generally higher than the traction lugs located on the remainder of the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bessette
  • Patent number: 8002365
    Abstract: A suspension system for a lightweight robotic crawler is disclosed. The suspension system provides for mounting of a flexible endless track thereon. The suspension system includes a forward guide and a rearward guide around which the endless track can be looped. A deflector positioned between the forward guide and the rearward guide downwardly deflects a ground-engaging portion of the endless track to form a peaked area. The peaked area can support the lightweight robotic vehicle allowing alteration of a distribution of load over the ground-engaging portion of the endless track with respect to a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Brian J. Maclean, Ralph W. Pensel, Christopher R. Hirschi
  • Patent number: 7938216
    Abstract: The moving carrier which sticks to the surface is provided with easy transverse movements on the surface. The moving carrier has at least two sets of driving wheels or one set of caterpillar on each of its right and the left sides relative to its traveling direction. One of the driving wheels is situated in the vicinity of the center of the sticking force; and another of the driving wheels is situated away from the center of the sticking force. The moving carrier can pivot at contact area as the pivot axis; at the contact area, one of the driving wheels situated in the vicinity of the center of the sticking force is contacted with the surface; and one of the moving units is driven and another moving units is not driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Fukashi Urakami
  • Patent number: 7900723
    Abstract: A gasoline engine powered snowboard having an endless track trained about a support frame containing driven and idler wheels. Engine operation is directed from an upright operator support column. A molded chassis is hinge coupled to pivot about alternative contoured track support pan assemblies. The pan support assemblies cooperate with flexible track surfaces (e.g. fringe or pleat members) and foot supports to enable steering with foot and body movements. A lower support pan exhibits convex edge surfaces that contact track pleats or fringe pieces and includes an elliptic longitudinal channel. Alternative upper support pans provide a reciprocating wheeled steering plate, longitudinal drive lug channels and contoured snow diversion surfaces and/or an agitator. Internal track surfaces include UHMW pieces at or aligned to the drive lugs. Ground contact lugs exhibit traction promoting and snow clearing contoured profiles, shapes and recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Glen Brazier
  • Patent number: 7891447
    Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels is described. The vehicle includes a track assembly that includes a center track drive wheel and corresponding endless center track. A pair of driving wheels are mounted on opposing lateral sides of the track assembly. Two independently operated motors are included, each supplying power to only one of the driving wheels. A differential gear set is operatively connected between each of the two motors and the center track drive wheel. The gear set is formed to drive the center track drive wheel in a vehicle driving direction when both motors are concurrently operated to drive the pair of driving wheels in the vehicle driving direction. The gear set also imparts a minimal force to the center track drive wheel when each of the motors are operating to drive the pair of driving wheels in opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein
  • Publication number: 20110036650
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose ground vehicle (10) that may serve as a platform (12) for carrying a payload (14). The vehicle has a chassis (16) and a suspension (18) mounted to the chassis (16) for varying ride height and for influencing a response of the chassis (16) to underlying terrain. Track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) are associated for the suspension. These modules (22, 24, 26, 28) can be reoriented independently of each other. Preferably, at least some of the track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) include a band track (38) that circumscribe one or more wheels (30, 32) that are associated with a given track module (22, 24, 26, 28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: GS ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Glen Raymond Simula, Luke Stephen Luskin, David Jon McKinstry
  • Patent number: 7844378
    Abstract: An apparatus and method using GPS for dynamically adjusting side-to-side positioning of a farm implement along a geographical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Arthur F. Lange
  • Patent number: 7836982
    Abstract: A compact crawler type tractor having an excellent turning feeling is provided. A hydraulic speed change mechanism for turning includes a hydrostatic transmission pump for turning and a hydrostatic transmission motor for turning, and is characterized in that the hydrostatic transmission pump for turning is a variable displacement pump, and an output of the hydrostatic transmission motor for turning is input into a differential mechanism. By combining the hydrostatic transmission pump for turning and the hydrostatic transmission motor for turning and the differential mechanism, an excellent turning feeling can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masafumi Tsujita, Kozo Kitayama, Kazuhisa Yokoyama, Yumiko Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20100230185
    Abstract: A drive system has a drive-system frame operatively connectable to a vehicle. The drive-system frame is capable of pivotal movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to steer the vehicle. The drive-system frame is incapable of pivotal movement with respect to the frame of the vehicle in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and normal to the ground when the vehicle is on flat level terrain and steered straight. A rail is pivotally mounted to the drive-system frame. A ground-engaging endless belt is in sliding engagement with the rail. The belt is operatively connectable to an engine to propel the vehicle. The drive system is operatively connectable to the steering device of the vehicle. A steering angle stopper is disposed on the vehicle such that a steering linkage of the vehicle does not bear a force created when the stopper is engaged. A vehicle is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Jeannnot Belanger, Robert Bessette
  • Patent number: 7784571
    Abstract: A gasoline engine powered snowboard having an endless track trained about a support frame containing driven and idler wheels. A molded chassis having a contoured track support pan cooperates with a fringed track and forward and rear foot supports to enable steering with foot and body movements. Engine operation is directed from operator directed servos coupled to the engine. The support pan exhibits a beveled contour and includes a recessed center region. The track is divided into center and right and left fringe portions defined by seriatim, lateral slits. Alternating rows of transverse, laterally offset drive lugs and ground contact lugs project from internal and external surfaces of the track. The drive lugs rotate within a contoured recess provided in the support pan. The ground contacting lugs exhibit contoured thickness profiles and provide transverse horizontal and obtuse extending portions that exhibit elongated, inverted V-shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Glen Brazier
  • Patent number: 7753155
    Abstract: A snowmobile having a multiple endless track propulsion system. The multiple track propulsion system includes a rear endless track operably supported to engage a ground surface, and a pair of steerable front endless tracks positioned forward of the rear endless track. The front endless tracks are oriented in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship to one another, and operable to engage the ground surface. A power supply is disposed in the snowmobile body and operably configured to power the rear endless track and the pair of front endless tracks to propel the snowmobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventors: Jacob B. Snyder, Donald A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7686109
    Abstract: A gasoline engine powered snowboard having an endless track trained about a support frame containing driven and idler wheels. A molded chassis having alternative contoured track support pans cooperate with flexible track surfaces (e.g. fringe or pleat members) and forward and rear foot supports to enable steering with foot and body movements. Engine operation is directed from an upright operator support column and directed servos coupled to the engine. One support pan exhibits a beveled contour and includes a recessed elliptic channel; another supports a reciprocating plate and steering wheels. Slit fringe members and pleats along right and left peripheral track edges cooperate with the pan contours and/or wheels to steer the vehicle. UHMW covered drive lugs and formed UHMW stiffener surfaces project from internal track surfaces. Ground contact lugs exhibit contoured thickness profiles, elongated, inverted V-shapes and include recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Glen Brazier
  • Patent number: 7581598
    Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis and corresponding A-frames. The points of the A-frames face each other. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The tracks are independently suspended. The C-frame and blade are mounted to the first A-frame while the controlling cylinders are mounted to the front chassis portion. This allows the blade to follow the tracks or ground and yet stabilize its motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Daniel Dean Radke, James Arthur Nagorcka, Lyal Douglas Allen, Lawrence William Bergquist
  • Patent number: 7543664
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a motorized belt track directly or indirectly connected to a frame. The belt track frictionally contacts a drive surface on which the vehicle moves, such as any form of road or off-road surface. The belt track moves forward and backward in a direction parallel to a centerline of the belt track to move the vehicle backward and forward along the drive surface. A steering appendage is also directly or indirectly connected to the frame. The steering appendage is also adapted to frictionally contact the drive surface. The steering appendage is off the centerline of the belt track. The steering appendage causes the vehicle to turn from the centerline of the belt track when in contact with the drive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Carl V. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20090095544
    Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels is described. The vehicle includes a track assembly that includes a center track drive wheel and corresponding endless center track. A pair of driving wheels are mounted on opposing lateral sides of the track assembly. Two independently operated motors are included, each supplying power to only one of the driving wheels. A differential gear set is operatively connected between each of the two motors and the center track drive wheel. The gear set is formed to drive the center track drive wheel in a vehicle driving direction when both motors are concurrently operated to drive the pair of driving wheels in the vehicle driving direction. The gear set also imparts a minimal force to the center track drive wheel when each of the motors are operating to drive the pair of driving wheels in opposing directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein
  • Patent number: 7490682
    Abstract: A device for reversing the steering movement of a steering-wheel shaft of a vehicle by superimposing a further movement on the steering movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: RENK Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Max Witzenberger
  • Patent number: 7451840
    Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis, two A-frames, and four track assemblies. A narrow portion each of the A-frames faces a narrow portion of the other A-frame. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The chassis of the vehicle is suspended above the first and second A-frames. The vehicle is propelled along the ground by tracks that are independently suspended. The bulk of the load from the blade, i.e., the blade load, is transferred directly to the tracks via the first and second Aframes; the first and second ball joints and pivot connections between the first and second A-frames and the track frames for each track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Daniel Dean Radke, James Arthur Nagorcka, Lyal Douglas Allen
  • Patent number: 7416219
    Abstract: A swiveling work machine includes a swivel deck mounted to be pivotable about a vertical axis and a side cover for covering one lateral side on the swivel deck, an accommodating space capable of accommodating a work machine accessory being provided inside the lateral cover. The accommodating space accommodates, as the implement accessory, a work oil tank, a fuel tank and a control valve unit. The work oil tank is disposed at a fore-and-aft intermediate portion on one lateral side on the swivel deck. The fuel tank is disposed forwardly of the work oil tank with forming a gap relative thereto. The control valve unit is disposed upwardly of the fuel tank and longitudinally along the fore/aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Fumiki Sato, Shizuo Shimoie, Yoshihiro Kato, Takanori Matsumoto, Kenzo Koga
  • Patent number: 7347293
    Abstract: A working vehicle such as a mobile agricultural machine is designed such that it has an improved working efficiency if any spinning turn is not required, and has an improved running property in a wet farm. The vehicle has a pair of right and left crawlers (2), a speed change apparatus (25) for imparting traction force to the crawlers, a speed change lever (73) operable to control the speed change apparatus so as to alter running speed of the vehicle in a step-less manner. The vehicle further has a steering apparatus (28) and a steering wheel (19) operable to control the steering apparatus so as to alter difference in the running speeds between the crawlers (2). The running speed generally determined for each crawler by the speed change lever (73) can be decreased voluntarily and proportionally to an operated angle of the steering wheel (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignees: Yanmar Agricultural Equipment Co., Ltd., Serei Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigemi Hidaka
  • Publication number: 20080039264
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism of a model vehicle capable of mechanically performing accurate straight running and turning control without relying upon the output characteristic of each drive system in an RC tank having two drive systems. The power transmission mechanism comprises a motor (10) for traveling providing a drive force for traveling, a motor (30) for turning providing a drive force for turning, a left side differential gear (40) and a right side differential gear (50) to which the rotations of the motor (10) for traveling and the motor (30) for turning are transmitted, and a center differential gear (80) to which the rotation of the motor (30) for turning is transmitted. The turning is performed by using the left side differential gear (40), the right side differential gear (50), and the center differential gear (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Shigeki Araki
  • Patent number: 6926109
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle includes a track operatively connected to a driveshaft. An output shaft of a hydrostatic motor is selectively rotationally engaged with the driveshaft via a clutch mechanism. When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the motor drives the track. When the clutch mechanism is disengaged, the tracked vehicle may be towed without rotating the output shaft of the motor. The clutch mechanism includes splined surfaces on the driveshaft and output shaft that are adapted to rotationally engage a splined surface of an axially-movable clutch shaft. The clutch mechanism further includes an engagement controller that selectively axially moves the clutch shaft into and out of rotational engagement with the output shaft while maintaining continuous rotational engagement between the clutch shaft and the driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Camoplast Industrial Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Thibault
  • Patent number: 6907946
    Abstract: A direct braking of a drive shaft for a tracked vehicle that moves on rotating track(s). A disc brake is connected to the same drive shaft that has sprocket(s) for engaging the track(s). Upon activation by a vehicle driver, opposing pistons engage the disc to retard rotation of the drive shaft. This, in turn, causes slower rotation of the tracks and slower movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Wilwood Engineering
    Inventors: Shawn D. Buckley, Kenneth C. Ramey, William H. Wood
  • Patent number: 6789014
    Abstract: A global positioning system based navigation system for a ground vehicle, in particular an agricultural ground vehicle such as a tractor, combine, sprayer, or the like, includes an inertial compensation assembly that provides inertial augmentation to compensate global positioning system based navigation information such as position, course, and track spacing for errors caused by variation of ground vehicle attitude (i.e., roll and yaw) over non-level terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Andrew Karl Wilhelm Rekow, Frederick William Nelson, Dave Mercer, Terence Pickett