Abstract: Multi-axle motor vehicle, particularly commercial vehicles, preferably a motor vehicle with a body, of which the contents is comprised of instruments, such as a workshop car, the motor vehicle comprising a warp flexible frame (1, 2) and the body being discharged as much as possible of warping efforts: the body, respectively its bottom construction group (8), is supported at least at one end, preferably throughout its length with distribution on several locations and at both ends, on a load distribution curve surface (5), preferably configured as an arc of a circle, connected to the frame (1, 2), the curvature center of the load distribution curve surface (5) being located in the warping axis of the frame (1, 2, 3, 4): at least one side thrust support connection (12) is provided in order to prevent the load distribution surface (6) from sliding on the load distribution curve surface (5).

Abstract: A drive unit including an engine and steerable wheels, is pivotally connected to the forward end of a chassis, including a body and ground support wheels. A pair of struts movably mounted to the chassis, equilaterally outboard and above the pivotal connection, extend downwardly inward to the drive unit and are movably affixed. In response to the natural tilt of the chassis while transversing a corner, weight is transferred through the struts to equalize traction upon the steerable wheels.

Abstract: There is described a vehicle or vehicle frame including a first elongated sub-frame and a second sub-frame rotatably connected to one end of the first sub-frame for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis of the first sub-frame. A walking beam is provided at each of the elongated sides of the first sub-frame in parallel, spaced apart relation thereto. A walking beam pivot assembly extends transversely across the first sub-frame adjacent the other end of the first sub-frame and each of the walking beams is pivotally connected at a point intermediate along its length to a respective outer end of the pivot assembly whereby each walking beam is suspended for independent pivotal movement in its own vertical plane. A connector is provided to join a first end of each walking beam to the adjacent end of the second sub-frame to permit simultaneous pivotal movements of the walking beams and the second sub-frame in their respective, mutually perpendicular vertical planes.

Abstract: A self-contained trailer for transporting operative or inoperative motor vehicles. The trailer includes a tiltable flat bed for carrying the vehicle, a supporting framework, a towing bar, and an electric winch tilting mechanism. Six low profile wheels are provided to soften ride and to minimize degree of tilt required for loading and unloading. Aerodynamic features, including air scoops and dams, improve handling and fuel efficiency. Steel construction is used throughout for durability. An alternative embodiment is provided which can carry two autos or one very long vehicle. A second alternative embodiment is laterally expandable for hauling extra-wide vehicles.

Abstract: A suspension and steerage system is disclosed for a wheel supported vehicle. A suspension arm assembly of parallelogram configuration is pivotally attached to one side of the main frame and freely supports a wheel spindle. The piston rod of a hydraulic motor interconnects opposite wheels, and a lever structure is provided which, in response to pivotal oscillation of one wheel, axially activates the piston rod to transfer reactive forces to the opposite side of the main frame, and serves to level the plane of the main frame. The hydraulic motor can further be equallized to lock out further movement of the wheels, thereby stabilizing the vehicle in a static condition.

Abstract: A wire-guided vehicle (10) in which a load is carried by a load platform (18) which is suspended from a base frame (12) by link members (42). The load is carried on a load carriage (20) which is moved vertically relative to the load platform by a plurality of screw jacks (92) acting between the load platform and the load carriage. The base frame is articulated about a transverse axis (27), and a power unit (14) which includes drive-steer units (16) is mounted on the base frame for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis (34). A battery carrier (116) of the vehicle includes a latch assembly (152) which retains the power supply batteries within the vehicle while permitting easy removal when the latch assembly is engaged by a battery cart (170).

Abstract: A tilt-cab tractor including a chassis, a cab pivotally mounted about an axis near the front of the chassis, a suspension cylinder mounted at each corner of the cab, at least one hydraulic cab tilting cylinder, an accumulator, and a first conduit connecting the accumulator to the suspension cylinders wherein the improvement comprises; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for delivering hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic tilting cylinder and the shock absorber suspension cylinders, a second and third hydraulic conduit for delivering hydraulic fluid to the cab tilting cylinder and for delivering hydraulic fluid to the first conduit respectively, a control valve and means for selectively blocking flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the accumulator when the tractor brakes are applied.

Abstract: The vehicle suspension system embodies a vehicle chassis, a pair of opposed axle-mounted wheels mounted to a U-shaped member which is pivoted to the chassis for allowing interdependent vertical wheel deflection relative to the chassis, and a pair of opposed link members. Each link member is pivotally connected to a U-shaped member and also pivotally connected to a respective toggle. A damping means is extendable transversely across and upwardly of the chassis and is pivotally engageable at each of its termini with a respective adjacent toggle. Any deflection in one of the wheels generating a stress in the damping means transmits a compensating reaction on the opposite wheel through its associated link member.

Abstract: An armored personnel carrier (10) includes a hull (14) supported on two undercarriages (12). Each undercarriage (12) includes a primary frame (22) and a plurality of secondary frames (26) which in turn carry wheel members (28). The secondary frames (26) are urged to pivot away from the primary frame (12) by spring mechanisms (38). The center secondary frames (26c) are each biased outwardly by two spring mechanisms (38) while the endmost secondary frames (26e) are biased outwardly by a single spring mechanism (38). The wheel members (28) are driven by a drive mechanism (64), a primary transmission (58) enclosed within the primary frame (22) and a plurality of secondary transmissions (82) each enclosed within one of the secondary frames (26).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system which includes longitudinally extending suspension rails supporting the wheels of the vehicle with the rails being interconnected by a transverse beam and with transversley extending leaf spring assemblies. The leaf spring assemblies also are connected to the body or frame of a vehicle and loads imposed on any one of the wheels is transmitted through the rails, the transverse beam and the leaf spring assemblies to the remaining wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle level detector has a pair of switching elements respectively secured to a vehicle body and a suspension member for displacement with respect to one another corresponding to the displacement of the vehicle body and the suspension member. The switching elements are arranged to detect relative distance between the vehicle body and the suspension member and to produce signals when the detected distance is smaller or greater than predetermined minimum or maximum values. A fail-safe mechanism is provided to urge one of the switching elements to a position normally placing the switching element in relation to the other switching element such that the relative distance between the vehicle body and the suspension member is maintained within a range between the minimum and maximum predetermined values.

Abstract: A suspension system for a member such as a vehicle chassis having wheels on which it is supported at four corners, piston and cylinder units at each corner being arranged to control movement under changing load conditions, and each unit having upper and lower chambers, the lower chamber in one unit being connected to the upper chamber in an adjacent unit and the upper chamber in unit being connected to the lower unit in the other adjacent unit, the connections between all the units forming a closed circuit, whereby movement at one position tends to produce movement at an adjacent position in the same sense.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system augmenter includes one or more selectively actuatable hydraulic jacks positioned to elevate the frame of a vehicle with respect to its suspension system on at least one side in order to achieve a leveling function of the frame when the vehicle is on uneven terrain. The system contemplates appropriate brackets and mounting devices to enable the system to be applied during the original construction of the vehicle, or as an after-market item, and further contemplates employing fluid pressure systems already embodied in the vehicle or as auxiliary items. The fluid pressure system may be activated by the operator from the driver station and when in a non-use configuration, the hydraulic jacks are totally disconnected from at least one of the frame or suspension elements, whichever is appropriate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unique self propelled vehicle capable of transporting massive loads over natural terrain, such as the loading and transporting whole trees from their growing site to a processing station. The invention provides a vehicle having an elongated rigid frame element supported by two spaced sets of quad wheel assemblies, with each assembly permitting movement of individual wheels about both a roll axis parallel to the longitudinal frame element and a pitch axis transverse to the frame element. An operator's platform is adjustably mounted on the forward portion of the rigid frame structure for vertical movements and may carry with it a boom having means on its free end for severing and engaging whole trees or lifting massive objects to deposit same in cradles or a body mounted on the rigid frame element.

Abstract: A structure for a load carrying vehicle and the track therefor. The load carrying vehicle includes a load carrying platform and a pair of side plates, one plate located adjacent to each of the platform sides. The side plates are structurally weakened, that is, the rigidity of the side plates is controlled by, for example, fabricating them to include grooves, apertures, etc., so that the vehicle may deflect longitudinally. This is done so that all the wheels of the vehicle will be in contact with the track, and thereby serve to support at least part of the load being carried, thus improving the weight distribution of the vehicle load on the wheels and on the track. The track provided for supporting the load carrying vehicle, which track may be fabricated by roll forming a sheet of steel, includes four sections, two of which sections join the other two at an obtuse angle thereby providing a pivot point or flexure.

Abstract: A trailer for elongated loads, especially for torsionally-sensitive loads, such as a crane boom, consists of a channel cross-section body having a plurality of wheels at each side to the rear. Each wheel is independently mounted on the trailer frame by a cranked arm pivoted to the frame and carrying the wheel on a stub axle. Normal road shocks are accommodated by helical compression springs mounted around the piston rod of a respective cylinder and piston assembly mounted above the wheel between the arm and the trailer frame, the assembly permitting the height of the trailer frame above the ground to be adjusted. The cylinders of each plurality are connected to one another for equalization and all of the cylinders are connected together for slow travel over rough terrain so that the trailer stays relatively level if any one wheel encounters an obstacle. For rapid travel on smooth roads the cylinders of one plurality are isolated from those of the other plurality by a valve in the hydraulic supply system.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a sprung mass and unsprung masses, front and rear suspensions coupling said sprung mass through said unsprung masses so that said unsprung masses can move independently in a vertical direction with respect to said sprung mass. Each of said suspensions comprising a resilient element and levers, the ends of which are hingedly connected to an unsprung mass while their other ends are connected to said sprung mass. A unit for said resilient elements is arranged on said sprung mass; and a plurality of flexible elements, each coupling said unit for said resilient elements with an unsprung mass. The flexible elements are under tension in the entire range of the vertical movement of an unsprung mass with respect to said sprung mass due to pretightening of the resilient elements.

Abstract: A high mobility wheeled vehicle for transporting long loads, such as trimmed tree trunks or whole trees, over roadless terrain. The vehicle has front and rear quad wheel assemblies pivotally connected to a centrally disposed elongated bed frame so as to permit lateral rotation of these assemblies about a roll axis disposed below and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed frame. A linkage type roll control means interconnects the quad wheel assemblies and the bed frame to proportionately control the relative angular movement of the bed frame with respect to the quad wheel assemblies. The roll control means includes a plurality of interconnected links plus a pair of power extensible links for selectively adjusting the steady state position of the vehicle bed relative to the quad wheel assemblies in either direction.In a modification, parallel links are employed to interconnect the quad wheel assemblies with pivotally mounted load supporting cradles.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing or measuring omni-directional motion of the apparatus upon a relatively smooth but not necessarily planar surface and/or for producing or measuring omni-directional movement of the surface relative to the apparatus. The transport device includes a frame and at least two wheels having peripheral rollers. The wheels rotate about non-parallel axes. Any desired movement of the device relative to a given surface can be achieved by appropriate rotational inputs to the wheels. Movement of the device in all directions can be achieved without incurring significant sliding of the device relative to the surface. This relatively slip-free motion is achieved by means of the peripheral rollers which allow a given wheel to be moved in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation without sliding. In this manner motions of the device upon the surface are essentially completely reversible by merely applying a rotational input to the wheels opposite of the initial rotational input.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a frame, wheel carriers spaced longitudinally of the frame, and wheels on the carriers. A suspension system supports the frame on the carriers with connections between the frame and the carriers allowing relative rocking movement of the frame and each carrier about an axis extending generally longitudinally and centrally of the vehicle. Linkages between the carriers on opposite sides of the axis each comprise bell cranks having a first arm interengageable with the respective carrier and a second arm, and a tension link interconnecting the second arms, adapted to effect relative rocking movement in one direction of one carrier and the frame on relative rocking movement of the other carrier and the frame in the opposite direction, and vice versa.

Abstract: A high-mobility wheeled vehicle for transporting long loads over roadless terrain. The vehicle has front and rear quad wheel assemblies pivotally connected to a centrally disposed elongated bed frame so as to permit lateral rotation of these assemblies about the longitudinal axis of the frame. A roll control means interconnects the quad wheel assemblies and the bed frame to proportionately control the relative angular movement. The wheels of each quad wheel assembly are paired together by walking beam members, thus providing a suspension system having balanced load distribution between the wheels over a wide range of terrain roughness conditions. A differential drive system provides a balanced distribution of power to each wheel on both assemblies under all wheel drive conditions. Preferably, each of these wheels is steerable and the steering control means provides for oblique travel in conjunction with conventional steering.

Abstract: A cultivating implement has an elongated frame portion with soil working tines rotatably mounted along the length of the frame portion. The implement is supported, at least in part, by a leading member and a rear member each of which bear on the ground in advance and to the rear of the soil working tines. The supporting members can be wheels, rollers, a row of rods, levelling bars or combinations thereof which are interconnected by at least one linkage. Each supporting member has a respective carrier that is pivoted to a strip or pair of strips secured to the frame portion. The carriers include upwardly extending arms or plates with holes at different levels that receive pins and the pins interconnect the upper portions of the carriers to an adjustable connecting member. When one supporting member is displaced upwardly or downwardly, the other member is displaced in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A vehicle with a spring-supported frame has torsion transmitting hydraulic cylinders arranged between the ends of the axles of the undercarriages and the frame. Each cylinder is in torsion transmitting connection with the frame and conduits interconnect corresponding cylinder chambers at each side of the vehicle.

Abstract: Suspension apparatus, particularly for use with motor vehicles, utilizing a pair of pistons. The upper ends of the piston rods are connected one to either side of the underbody of the vehicle. Each piston is displaceable within its respective fluid containing cylinder. The upper and lower chambers of one cylinder are respectively connected by fluid lines to the lower and upper chambers of the other cylinder. Each fluid line is connected by an auxiliary line through a separate metering valve to separate hydraulic accumulators.

Abstract: Camper bodies bolted to truck boxes are relatively top heavy and sway badly in normal use and can make driving hazardous. The stabilizing assembly includes a shackle connection on each side of the rear axle to which a stabilizing member is secured. The two members are pivotally connected to the truck body and linkage is provided interconnecting the two members so that when the chassis commences to lean in one direction, it is automatically checked by transferring the force to the opposite side of the truck body through the stabilizing members and the linkage.

Abstract: A self propelled apparatus providing a cultivator, planter units and fertilizer tanks. A traction wheel assembly composed of a plurality of wheels adapted to propel the entire apparatus forwardly by pushing. The plurality of traction wheels being mounted from a traction wheel assembly frame and the traction wheel assembly frame being formed in two sections which are pivoted together at the mid-point thereof. The plurality of traction wheels being arranged in pairs and adjacent pairs of traction wheels being connected together for co-action therebetween. Separate means are provided for driving the traction wheels and such wheels being balanced and mounted from the pivotal frame will impart substantially no compacting forces to the treated soil. The apparatus includes structure and mechanism whereby the sections of the traction wheel assembly frame may be separated to thereby reduce the width of the traction wheel assembly and traction wheel assembly frame for road transport.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a four-wheeled automotive vehicle body with independently suspended wheels, comprises front and rear pairs of transversely aligned horizontal torsion bars rotatably supported by front and rear parts of the body. The transversely outer ends of these torsion bars are indirectly coupled to the respective wheels, so that these torsion bars undergo torsional displacement when their associated wheels are moved up and down. The transversely inner ends of the front and rear torsion bars are rigidly coupled to front and rear vertical arms the free ends of which are mutually connected by links extending in the front-to-rear direction of the body. One of the front and rear pairs of vertical arms are pivotally connected by a transverse lever pivotally supported at its middle parts by the vehicle body, whereby the diagonally opposite wheels move in the same vertical direction while the transversely opposite wheels move in the opposite vertical directions.

Abstract: A semi-trailer has two multi-wheeled undercarriage assemblies, at opposite sides of its longitudinal centerline. Each comprises a first laterally extending beam medially pivotally connected to a longitudinally extending beam which can be raised or lowered relative to the trailer body, a pair of second beams, one transverse to each end of the first beam and each medially pivotally connected to the first beam, and at least one wheel rotatably mounted on each end of each second beam. The pivotal connections of the beams with one another and with the body enable all wheels to share equally in supporting the load.

Abstract: An independent rear suspension and drive system for a motorcycle having a steerable front wheel and a laterally mounted pair of rear wheels, including a transverse driveshaft having a differential connection with the engine, a pair of trailing-links journaled on the drive-shaft and mounting the respective rear wheels pivotally about the driveshaft, a pair of driveshaft output sprockets respectively on opposite sides of the differential, a pair of chains operatively connecting the driveshaft output sprockets with respective wheel drive sprockets, and a transverse arm centrally pivoted to the frame and having at each end a dashpot connecting to a respective trailing link; associated dashpot spring means is arranged to be determinative of the combined trailing link positions relative to each other, but not to the motorcycle frame.

Abstract: An interconnected suspension system for a motor vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a one-piece torsion bar which functions as the left and right front wheel positioning members, the left and right front suspension springs and the front roll stabilizer bar. The rear suspension has wheels rotatably supported at the outer ends of an axle which is positioned by a longitudinally extending upper arm and left and right laterally extending suspension arms. A rear torsion bar has a transverse portion supported on the vehicle body and end portions connected to the laterally extending rear suspension arms. The rear bar functions as a main suspension spring for the rear wheels, as a positioning member for the lateral arms and as an anti-roll stabilizer bar. Left and right generally longitudinally extending torsion bars interconnect left and right portions of the front torsion bar with the left and right rear suspension arms, respectively.