Abstract: A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a compact track loader or other construction vehicle) which may be designed to improve ride quality (e.g., reduce vibrations) for an operator and/or enhance other aspects of its performance or that of the vehicle. For example, a track of the track system may be frictionally driven and without transversal rigid parts (e.g., metallic cores). Also, power generation and transmission functions may be implemented by the track system. For instance, a motor and a transmission may be at least mostly contained within the track system.

Abstract: A work machine includes a drive wheel, a drivable track engaged with the drive wheel, a deformable spacer coupled to the drive wheel, and a secondary weight coupled to the deformable spacer. The deformable spacer facilitates oscillation of the secondary weight relative to the drive wheel to limit vibrations of the work machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snowmobile including an engine mounted on the chassis, a drive track in contact with the chassis, and a drive train, operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track. The drive train includes a driveshaft, comprising a tubular driveshaft including two or more interior channels, the channels positioned in a substantially longitudinal orientation, two or more sprocket driving features on an exterior surface of the tubular driveshaft, and one or more fitting components, positioned at one or more distal ends of the driveshaft.

Abstract: A motorcycle conversion kit for a three wheeled motorcycle wherein the conversion kit of the present invention is operable to transition the motorcycle so as to traverse across a snowy terrain. The conversion kit of the present invention includes a pair of ski assemblies that are operably secured to the front rotor assembly of the motorcycle. The ski assemblies include rotor movement inhibitors. A swing arm assembly is operably coupled to the frame and includes a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion has rotatably mounted thereto a snow belt drive wheel. The show belt drive wheel is superposed a snow belt of a snow belt assembly wherein the snow belt assembly is secured to the frame of the motorcycle. The kit further includes a fuel cell bracket assembly having support members mounted on opposing sides of the frame and having a compartment rearward of the motorcycle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snowmobile including an engine mounted on the chassis, a drive track in contact with the chassis, and a drive train, operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track. The drive train includes a driveshaft, comprising a tubular driveshaft including two or more interior channels, the channels positioned in a substantially longitudinal orientation, two or more sprocket driving features on an exterior surface of the tubular driveshaft, and one or more fitting components, positioned at one or more distal ends of the driveshaft.

Abstract: A drive system includes a main track frame adapted to be coupled with the associated tracked vehicle, a sprocket carrier, and a gear assembly operable to communicate rotational power from an associated input driving member to the sprocket carrier for driving the sprocket carrier relative to the main track frame. The main track frame includes an inboard support member, and an outboard member. The inboard and outboard support members are spaced apart relative to each other defining a gap therebetween. The sprocket carrier spans the gap and is rotatably carried by the inboard and outboard support members, and is adapted to couple with the associated sprocket of the associated tracked work vehicle. The gear assembly may be a planetary gear system. The planetary gear system may be disposed in the gap between the inboard and outboard support members. The planetary gear system may be disposed in the sprocket carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forest machine, comprising a chassis having a first chassis and a second chassis pivoted consecutively by a central pivot, first sets of wheels arranged in connection with the first chassis, an engine fitted in connection with the first chassis, a load space supported on the second chassis extending at least partly below an upper surface of the second sets of wheels, power transmission transmitting power to the second drive wheel of the second sets of wheels, wherein the second chassis includes two longitudinal parts attached to each other at least in front of the load space, which longitudinal parts are at a distance from each other in lateral direction of the forest machine at least over a partial length of the load space, in which forest machine the load space extends between the longitudinal parts in vertical direction of the forest machine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-load explosion-proof driving device, including a servo motor, a reduction box, and a power take-off assembly. The power take-off assembly includes a step sleeve, a coupling, a wheel support sleeve, and a driving wheel. The step sleeve is connected to a robot body, the coupling is disposed through the step sleeve, and a bearing structure and a sealing structure are provided between the coupling and the step sleeve. The coupling is provided with a driving wheel key and a driving wheel sleeve on the left, the driving wheel key is connected to the driving wheel sleeve, and the driving wheel sleeve is connected to the driving wheel. The present invention has the following advantages: the driving device has a high protection capability, and at the same time, power transmitted from the reduction box is distributed, thereby improving loading capability of a mobile chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for cleaning the outer side of the hull (60) of a marine vessel (50) and for cleaning the wall (70) of cargo holds, the apparatus (1) comprising a housing (2) provided with magnetic continuous tracks (3) at opposing lateral sides of the housing (2), a front wheel (6) and a rear wheel (5) for each of the magnetic continuous tracks (3), each magnetic continuous track (3) comprising a plurality of links (9) interconnected by drive pins (10), the links (9) having an inwardly facing side (18) and an outwardly facing side (19), a guide (40) configured to engage the drive pins (10) for preventing the links (9) in a first portion of the extent of the of at least one of the magnetic continuous tracks (3) between the front wheel (6) and the rear wheel (5) from moving in the direction in which the outwardly facing side (19) faces and a submersible apparatus for cleaning the outer side of the hull of a marine vessel and for cleaning the wall of cargo space in the cargo holds that comprises a watertight h

Abstract: An endless-track type mobile climbing vehicle containing a suspension apparatus, transducer manipulator and surface cleaning system to perform non-destructive examination of structures while traversing the structure in all positions. The invention is able to conform to large range of irregularities of the climbing surface while maintaining contact between the track and adhering members and uniformly distributing the climbing loads on the adhering members giving the system a high payload to weight ratio. The invention is moves the inspection transducer over the surface while maintaining correct alignment of the tool relative to the surface. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection on structures that require cleaning or other preparation prior to inspection. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection remotely.

Abstract: An improved amphibious vehicle comprising: a drive train; a plurality of ground engaging wheels; a cooling system; a water propulsion system; and a hull which defines a passenger compartment, wherein the form/shape of the hull below the waterline is substantially defined by a plurality of buoyancy modules that are demountably mountable to the amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: An output transfer group for use with a mobile machine includes a hollow gear with a plurality of gear teeth arranged on an outer periphery of the hollow gear and configured to receive an input torque. The output transfer group also includes a differential nested inside the hollow gear and configured to split the input torque between a first output and a second output.

Abstract: A power transmission assembly for a vehicle with prime mover, prime mover output shaft, and right and left traveling devices, comprises a power distribution unit that receives rotary power from the prime mover output shaft and distributes it between right and left transmission units, which each include: a center section with a closed fluid circuit, a lateral first portion, and a second portion perpendicular thereto; a hydraulic pump mounted on the first portion such that a pump shaft is parallel to the prime mover output shaft; a hydraulic motor on the second portion fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via the closed fluid circuit, having a lateral motor shaft; and a speed reduction device on a distal side of the hydraulic motor that transmits power from the hydraulic motor to the right or left traveling device.

Abstract: Left and right front flanges are provided respectively in left and right front legs in a center frame. Left and right rear flanges are provided respectively in left and right rear legs in the center frame. Left and right front leg mounting members, and left and right rear leg mounting members, which protrude toward the center frame are provided respectively in left and right side frames. The respective front flanges are placed on the respective front leg mounting members, which are respectively fastened by bolts inserted therebetween in the upper-lower direction. The respective rear flanges are placed on the respective rear leg mounting members, which are respectively fastened by bolts inserted therebetween in the upper-lower direction.

Abstract: A wear shoe assembly is disclosed. The wear shoe assembly may have a wear shoe extending from a wear shoe front end to a wear shoe rear end. The wear shoe may have a front wear shoe transition disposed adjacent wear shoe front end. The front wear shoe transition may have a wedge shape. The wear shoe may also have a rear wear shoe transition disposed adjacent the wear shoe rear end. The wear shoe assembly may also have a lift kit extending from a lift kit front end to a lift kit rear end disposed between the wear shoe front end and the wear shoe rear end. The lift kit may have a first width. The lift kit may also have a lift kit projection extending from the lift kit front end to the wear shoe front end. The lift kit projection may have a second width smaller than the first width.

Abstract: A track assembly for providing traction to an off-road vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, or another work vehicle, in which the track assembly may comprise a suspension between a frame of the track assembly and a bogie carrying roller wheels of the track assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disconnect mechanism for removably coupling an input member and an output member to one another. The mechanism includes a drive member configured to be rotationally driven and a driven member rotationally coupled to the drive member. A collar is rotatably coupled to the driven member, where rotation of the drive member induces rotational and longitudinal movement of the collar along the shaft. The mechanism further includes a coupler member coupled to the collar such that the coupler member is adapted to be removably coupled to the input member and output member. As the collar moves along the longitudinal shaft, the coupler member moves longitudinally between a first position in which the input member and output member are coupled and a second position in which the input member and output member are decoupled from one another.

Abstract: A driven hatch arrangement is provided, particularly a rear hatch arrangement, for a motor vehicle with a hatch and with a hatch drive for opening and/or closing the hatch, with the hatch drive comprising a motor with a motor shaft and a motor pinion and at least one planetary gear with a sun gear, planetary carriers with planetary rolling elements arranged on bearing pins, and an annulus, with the sun wheel of the planetary gear being formed by the motor pinion and a driven shaft being driven via the planetary gear, in which the driven shaft is embodied in one piece with a planetary carrier including the bearing pins for planetary rolling elements.

Abstract: Continuously tracked vehicles such as tippers and bulldozers endure stresses and strains and it is desirable to reduce these stresses to extend their efficiency and life. A continuous track system is provided, comprising: a support structure supporting at least one jockey wheel and at least two tensioner wheels for supporting a track; two tensioners, one end of each tensioner being pivotably connected to the support structure, the two tensioner wheels being rotatably connected to an opposite end, for inducing tension in the track, wherein an axle of each tensioner wheel is pivotably connected by a link member to an axle of an adjacent jockey wheel; a controller for controlling the tensioners, wherein the controller maintains tension in the track by controlling the tensioners; a drive sprocket for rotation of the track; and a slew ring for attaching the support structure to a chassis of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric tracklaying gear and the use thereof for a self-propelled working machine, preferably for a construction or earth-moving machine or a surface mining machine such as Surface Miner, which includes an endlessly circulating track chain which can be driven by a crawler drive that is arranged inside the path of circulation of the track chain. It is proposed to associate a cooling device with a closed fluid cooling circuit to the electric motor of the crawler drive arranged in the interior of the path of circulation of the track chain. Due to the high thermal capacity of a suitable cooling fluid such as oil or water-glycol mixture small volumetric flow rates in the fluid cooling circuit and hence small conduit cross-sections are sufficient. On the other hand, due to the closed formation of the fluid cooling circuit any dust input into the crawler drive and also any generation of dust by exhaust air can be avoided.

Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a chassis with a front portion and a tunnel, and a power train unit supported by the chassis. The snowmobile further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members cooperating with the power train unit to operate the snowmobile. The plurality of ground-engaging members includes a pair of front skis and an endless track assembly.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a track of a snowmobile includes a drive shaft and a drive sprocket coupled to the drive shaft. The drive sprocket includes a first drive member having a plurality of teeth configured to engage drive lugs on an inner surface of the track and a second drive member having plurality of teeth configured to enter the openings formed in the track upon rotation of the drive shaft. First and second connecting webs extend between the teeth of the first and second drive members, respectively. The first and second connecting webs each have first and second side angled surfaces aligned an angle of less than 180° relative to each other to minimize snow build up on the first and second drive members, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric tracklaying gear and the use thereof for a self-propelled working machine, preferably for a construction or earth-moving machine or a surface mining machine such as Surface Miner, which includes an endlessly circulating track chain which can be driven by a crawler drive that is arranged inside the path of circulation of the track chain. It is proposed to associate a cooling device with a closed fluid cooling circuit to the electric motor of the crawler drive arranged in the interior of the path of circulation of the track chain. Due to the high thermal capacity of a suitable cooling fluid such as oil or water-glycol mixture small volumetric flow rates in the fluid cooling circuit and hence small conduit cross-sections are sufficient. On the other hand, due to the closed formation of the fluid cooling circuit any dust input into the crawler drive and also any generation of dust by exhaust air can be avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to track systems 14, 14? that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles 10. A preferred embodiment of the track system 14, 14? includes a frame 60, 182 having a reinforcing enclosure 150, 230, a plurality of track engaging rollers 82-86, 202-206, a sprocket 102, 214, and an endless track 76, 198 operatively connected to the frame 60, 182. Tension on the endless track 76, 198 is maintained with two tensioning members 170, 244 operatively connected to the forwardmost roller 82, 202. The track system 14, 14? preferably includes a limiting apparatus 300 that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame 60, 182 relative to a vehicle axle 16 to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus 300 has a first component 40, which is associated with the vehicle axle 16, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component 262, which is associated with the frame of the track system 14, 14?.

Abstract: To provide a crawler type traveling device with few rotating wheel mechanisms and equalizing the pressure contacting the ground. A crawler type traveling device comprises a driving wheel driven by a driving axis; idler wheels having axes parallel to that of the driving wheel; and a crawler belt which is spooled around the driving wheel and the idler wheels and travels around the driving wheel and the idler wheels. The crawler belt comprises an inner crawler belt having an engaging structure engaging with the driving wheel, the inner crawler belt being driven by the driving wheel; an outer crawler belt encircling circumferentially the outside of the inner crawler belt; a plurality of elastic members connecting the inner crawler belt to the outer crawler belt; and a plurality of crawler plates mounted to the outer crawler belt, and having lag for engaging with the ground.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a track pad for a chain of a chain wheel drive, the track pad having a bearing surface provided with at least one grouser (1, 2), extending in the lateral direction of the bearing surface, wherein at least one flat part (4, 5) is provided next to at least one grouser part (1, 2) in the lateral direction of the bearing surface. Further, the invention comprises a track pad for a chain of a chain wheel drive, the track pad having a bearing surface provided with at least one grouser (32, 33) protruding from a base plate (40), the grouser (32, 33) extending in the lateral direction of the bearing surface, wherein the bearing surface of the base plate has a profile in the lateral direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a submersible pool cleaning vehicle having an endless loop track. The vehicle including a housing and the housing having members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The vehicle including an endless loop track. The track having an exterior and an interior, the interior having a series of ribs and ridges, the ribs having a predetermined width and pitch. The ribs being centrally located on the track while the ridges flank either side of the ribs. The vehicle including drive members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The drive members and associated members for moving the vehicle have an exterior surface with a series of grooves and ridges for compatible connection with the ribs. The width of the rib is substantially smaller than the width of the groove and the track ribs engaging the groves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric tracklaying gear and the use thereof for a self-propelled working machine, preferably for a construction or earth-moving machine or a surface mining machine such as Surface Miner, which includes an endlessly circulating track chain which can be driven by a crawler drive that is arranged inside the path of circulation of the track chain. It is proposed to associate a cooling device with a closed fluid cooling circuit to the electric motor of the crawler drive arranged in the interior of the path of circulation of the track chain. Due to the high thermal capacity of a suitable cooling fluid such as oil or water-glycol mixture small volumetric flow rates in the fluid cooling circuit and hence small conduit cross-sections are sufficient. On the other hand, due to the closed formation of the fluid cooling circuit any dust input into the crawler drive and also any generation of dust by exhaust air can be avoided.

Abstract: An unmanned guided vehicle that is at least twice as fast as those of the prior art, lighter, less vulnerable, and more reliable than the prior art having at least one of: a dual-action dogleg suspension system; a track system comprising a plurality of cleats, a rubber insert secured to each cleat, and two cables serially joining each cleat to make up a track; a track guide system comprising a shark fin secured to each cleat that runs through a plurality of track guides; a dry clutch and braking system; a tubular chassis comprising a tubular center chassis and a tubular suspension chassis; a spring-loaded piston track tension compensator system; a flat drive tooth drive sprocket system that allows for clearing foreign debris from between the teeth; and a suspension carrier modular design assembly system comprising a passenger side suspension carrier, center cage, and driver's side suspension carrier.

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.

Abstract: The mobile robot includes a chassis, a pair of drive system, a manipulator arm with a turret. The pair of drive systems is operably connected to opposed sides of the chassis. The turret is rotationally attached to the platform. The first link of the manipulator arm is attached to the turret at a first joint. The manipulator arm has at least a first link, and the first link is adapted to function as a traction device.

Abstract: A final drive assembly is used to support a track chain on a track type machine. The final drive assembly includes a sprocket hub mounted for rotation on a fixed hub. A seal is positioned between the fixed hub and the sprocket hub. The fixed hub and the sprocket hub define a seal protection passageway that extends between an outer surface and the seal. The seal protection passageway includes a labyrinth located between an annular attachment flange and the seal along a rotation axis of the sprocket hub. The outer surface includes a valley between a sprocket mount of the sprocket hub and a machine mount of the fixed hub. The seal protection passageway opens at a greater radius than a minimum radius of the valley.

Abstract: A hybrid mobile robot includes a base link and a second link. The base link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and a turret. The second link is attached to the base link at a first joint. The second link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and to be deployed for manipulation. In another embodiment an invertible robot includes at least one base link and a second link. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a chassis and a track drive pulley system including a tension and suspension mechanism. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a wireless communication system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a submersible pool cleaning vehicle having an endless loop track. The vehicle including a housing and the housing having members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The vehicle including an endless loop track. The track having an exterior and an interior, the interior having a series of ribs and ridges, the ribs having a predetermined width and pitch. The ribs being centrally located on the track while the ridges flank either side of the ribs. The vehicle including drive members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The drive members and associated members for moving the vehicle have an exterior surface with a series of grooves and ridges for compatible connection with the ribs. The width of the rib is substantially smaller than the width of the groove and the track ribs engaging the groves.

Abstract: A final drive assembly is used to support a track chain on a track type machine. The final drive assembly includes a sprocket hub mounted for rotation on a fixed hub. A seal is positioned between the fixed hub and the sprocket hub. The fixed hub and the sprocket hub define a seal protection passageway that extends between an outer surface and the seal. The seal protection passageway includes a labyrinth located between an annular attachment flange and the seal along a rotation axis of the sprocket hub. The outer surface includes a valley between a sprocket mount of the sprocket hub and a machine mount of the fixed hub. The seal protection passageway opens at a greater radius than a minimum radius of the valley.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric tracklaying gear and the use thereof for a self-propelled working machine, preferably for a construction or earth-moving machine or a surface mining machine such as Surface Miner, which includes an endlessly circulating track chain which can be driven by a crawler drive that is arranged inside the path of circulation of the track chain. It is proposed to associate a cooling device with a closed fluid cooling circuit to the electric motor of the crawler drive arranged in the interior of the path of circulation of the track chain. Due to the high thermal capacity of a suitable cooling fluid such as oil or water-glycol mixture small volumetric flow rates in the fluid cooling circuit and hence small conduit cross-sections are sufficient. On the other hand, due to the closed formation of the fluid cooling circuit any dust input into the crawler drive and also any generation of dust by exhaust air can be avoided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A suspension system for a machine is disclosed. The suspension system may have a front torsion axle assembly with a first arm connected at a first end to a first shaft, and a first axle connected to a second end of the first arm. The suspension system may also have a rear torsion axle assembly with a second arm connected at a first end to a second shaft, and a second axle connected to a second end of the second arm. The suspension system may further have a frame connected to an end of the first shaft and an end of the second shaft. The second ends of the first and second arms are oriented within common angular quadrants defined by a coordinate system having an axis passing through the first ends of the first and second arms and aligned with a travel direction of the machine.

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 road wheels, and a guide rail.

Abstract: A hybrid mobile robot includes a base link and a second link. The base link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and a turret. The second link is attached to the base link at a first joint. The second link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and to be deployed for manipulation. In another embodiment an invertible robot includes at least one base link and a second link. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a chassis and a track drive pulley system including a tension and suspension mechanism. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a wireless communication system.

Abstract: To provide a crawler belt with no movable portion connected by pins etc., and to provide a crawler type traveling device with few rotating wheel mechanisms and equalizing the pressure contacting the ground. A crawler type traveling device comprising: a driving wheel (12) driven by a driving axis (11); idler wheels (13) having axes parallel to that of the driving wheel; and a crawler belt which is spooled around the driving wheel and the idler wheels and travels around the driving wheel and the idler wheels. The crawler belt comprising: an inner crawler belt (18) having an engaging structure engaging with the driving wheel, the inner crawler belt being driven by the driving wheel; an outer crawler belt (19) encircling circumferentially the outside of the inner crawler belt; a plurality of elastic members (20) connecting the inner crawler belt to the outer crawler belt; and a plurality of crawler plates (21) mounted to the outer crawler belt, and having lag for engaging with the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing vibrational effects of track chain assembly catenary hang is disclosed. A work machine includes a pair of track roller assemblies one positioned on each side of the work machine. The vibration reducing apparatus and method includes repositioning undercarriage components to vary the catenary hang from one side of the work machine to the other.

Abstract: An unmanned guided vehicle that is at least twice as fast as those of the prior art, lighter, less vulnerable, and more reliable than the prior art having at least one of: a dual-action dogleg suspension system; a track system comprising a plurality of cleats, a rubber insert secured to each cleat, and two cables serially joining each cleat to make up a track; a track guide system comprising a shark fin secured to each cleat that runs through a plurality of track guides; a dry clutch and braking system; a tubular chassis comprising a tubular center chassis and a tubular suspension chassis; a spring-loaded piston track tension compensator system; a flat drive tooth drive sprocket system that allows for clearing foreign debris from between the teeth; and a suspension carrier modular design assembly system comprising a passenger side suspension carrier, center cage, and driver's side suspension carrier.

Abstract: An electrically driven wheel for a tracked vehicle which includes a driving track wheel with built in cogs and a brushless DC motor having a mounting shaft to connect the wheels to the tracked vehicle. The brushless DC motor is coupled within the driving track wheel to develop rotational torque for rotating the driving track wheel and includes a drum, a bank of pole assemblies connected between the drum and the stationary mounting shaft, and electrical wiring for energizing the bank of pole assemblies. In an embodiment, the brushless DC motor includes permanent magnet high multiple pole motors. The electrically driven wheels are part of a drive system for the tracked vehicle. The drive system includes a track module frame, at least two flexible tracks coupled with the electrically driven track wheels, and a controller for controlling the electrically driven track wheels in response to a driver command.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine has a forward direction of travel and includes a frame, at least one lift arm, a first torsion axle assembly, an undercarriage, and an endless track. The lift arm is pivotally attached to the frame. The first torsion axle assembly is attached to the frame and includes a first torsion arm, a first torsion shaft, and a first axle, with the first torsion shaft and the first axle extending from the first torsion arm. The undercarriage is attached to the first torsion axle assembly and the endless track encircles the undercarriage. One of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the frame and the other of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the undercarriage. The first torsion arm extends upward from the frame at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from the forward direction of travel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention facilitate shifting by reducing forces on certain shifting components and includes a snowmobile comprising a chassis, an engine supported by the chassis, a drive train operatively connected to the engine, the drive train comprising a reverse sprocket assembly functionally coupled to an upper sprocket assembly, a jackshaft rotatable within the upper sprocket assembly, and a pinion operatively connected to the jackshaft and selectively positionable axially along the jackshaft to a first position that engages the upper sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a forward direction or to a second position that engages the reverse sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A variable configuration articulated tracked vehicle comprises a chassis, a pair of right and left drive pulleys, a right and left planetary wheel, a right and left track, a right and left arm mechanism, and a right and left drive motor. The drive pulleys are rotatably attached to the chassis and each pair of drive pulleys is in the same plane. The planetary wheels are movable relative to the chassis such that each planetary wheel is in the same plane as its respective drive pulleys. The tracks extend around the pair of drive pulleys and the planetary wheel on the respective sides. The arm mechanisms connect the respective planetary wheel to the chassis. Each arm mechanism is rotatably attached to the chassis with a cam. The cam defines a motion path of one end of the arm whereby the motion of the planetary wheel provides a path for the planetary wheel such that the track path defined by the respective drive pulleys and the planetary wheel is a constant track length.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a signal processor and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the signal processor and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced power to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.