Articulated Vehicle Patents (Class 280/400)
  • Patent number: 8696010
    Abstract: An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot including a drive section assembly having at least one motor and a pair of drive wheels coupled to the motor, a frame configured to support a payload, a transfer arm connected to the frame and configured for the autonomous transfer of payload to and from the frame, and a suspension system movably connecting the drive section assembly and the frame allowing relative movement between the frame and the drive section assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Toebes, Robert Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140070517
    Abstract: A mobile building transportation device can comprise a frame, a front axle, and a rear axle. The frame can support a mobile building for transport on a public highway and can include left and right longitudinal support members and front and rear transverse support members that bear at least a portion of the weight of the mobile building. The front and rear axles can each be coupled to the frame by suspension components. The front and rear transverse support members can be configured to support the mobile building above the front and/or rear axles to facilitate minimizing a vertical distance between the mobile building and the front and/or rear axles. This can minimize a height of a center of gravity of the mobile building and facilitate unobstructed movement of the front and rear axles through a range of motion of the front and/or rear suspension components. At least one of the longitudinal and transverse support members can be constructed, at least in part, of tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Heath Sartini
  • Patent number: 8654512
    Abstract: A mobile electricity generator comprising a telescopic boom, a first retractable support leg, and a base. The telescopic boom comprises a first end and a second end. A wind turbine is attached to the second end of the telescopic boom and the wind turbine is capable of transforming wind into electricity. The first end of the telescopic boom and the first retractable support leg are attached to the base. The mobile electricity generator can further comprise a first solar panel that is capable of transforming light into electricity, the base can further comprise an external surface, and the first solar panel can be attached to the external surface of the base. The mobile electricity generator can further comprise a battery in electric communication with the wind turbine and first solar panel and the battery can be capable of at least temporarily storing the electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: George Van Straten
  • Publication number: 20130306830
    Abstract: A skid assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first segment having a first engine support structure and a second segment having one or more second engine support structures. The first engine support structure configured to support a gas producer group of the gas turbine engine and the one or more second engine support structures configured to support a turbine power group of the gas turbine engine. A replaceable member removably attached to the first segment and the second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Acuna, Pablo Alfonso Olachea QuiƱones
  • Publication number: 20130300072
    Abstract: A convertible trailer assembly is provided that can be pushed or pulled. The trailer assembly can be converted between pushed or pulled operation or provided as a retrofit assembly for a stroller that allows its conversion between pushed or pulled operation. The Assembly includes a linkage assembly to provide a smoother towing experience for the user. The linkage uniquely takes up the constant jarring motion that is incompatible as between the user and the trailer and dissipates it in a toggle that consists of a lever extending upwardly from a tow point on the trailer. When accelerating or going uphill the toggle pulls forward, at equilibrium the toggle motion absorbs the incremental differences in acceleration/deceleration and at the rear limit of its range of motion, the toggle pushes a brake actuator to slow the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Piaget, Herbert Walter Bentz
  • Publication number: 20130294880
    Abstract: A firewood trailer features a roof-covered storage compartment dimensioned to accommodate a predetermined volume of cut firewood. At least one wall section of the compartment has a substantially full height access opening that is openable and closeable to access the compartment's interior, and arrays of airflow openings are provided in opposing wall sections of the compartment. Between the roof and the airflow openings, the firewood is allowed to dry out inside the trailer and subsequently kept dry by the roof protection. The same trailer can thus be used both to transport the cut firewood and then store the firewood at its destination, thereby avoiding the conventional need for a full unloading of the trailer upon reaching the firewood's destination. A fleet of trailers are used for a firewood distribution service in which a trailer left onsite for a customer, once emptied, is replaced with a newly delivered wood-filled trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Ross Sillery, Laurene Manson Sillery
  • Patent number: 8567811
    Abstract: A trailer-mounted platform that unfolds to provide a multipurpose platform is herein disclosed, comprising a conventional double axle trailer. A pair of side panels is attached to a longitudinal edge and folded up for transport. In their folded state, the side panels form a triangular shape with a bottom center panel. As such, the interior of the triangular space is used to transport various items associated with the final use of the platform. Upon arrival at its destination, the side panels are lowered and supported with adjustable jack stands along with the center panel to form a platform assembly. The jack stands are adjustable over a wide range to accommodate ground conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Garry Jones
  • Publication number: 20130277942
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a front vehicle portion, a rear vehicle portion, and a pivot assembly connecting the front vehicle portion to the rear vehicle portion. The pivot assembly includes a horizontal axis pivot member and a vertical axis pivot member to allow the front vehicle portion to pivot about the rear vehicle portion about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Jacob CHRISTENSEN, Dave SHOEMAKER
  • Patent number: 8562011
    Abstract: A utility trailer that includes a main compartment, an aft compartment, a hitch and jack assembly to attach it to a vehicle, and a number of components that will assist an individual in both shredding brush and branches as needed and also removing the resulting residue quickly and easily with use of various control boxes attached to the utility trailer. The trailer also includes a top-mounted shoot opening for throwing brush and debris into the utility trailer and conveyor belt system located within the main compartment for moving debris within the main compartment onto a pulled-out debris tray. A fold-down interior door is located within the main compartment and usually covers the conveyor belt system. Furthermore, a debris pusher blade is also located within the main compartment and can be utilized to push debris out of the main compartment by attached controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Charles D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130270794
    Abstract: A trolley for transporting individuals of limited capacity in a sedentary position on a chair is disclosed. The aforesaid trolley comprises (a) a carrying structure and (b) at least three wheels rotatably secured to the structure within a perimeter thereof. The carrying structure is configured for releasably fixating legs of the chair such that the chair is reversibly mountable on the carrying structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: ZDF LTD
    Inventor: David Mizrachi
  • Publication number: 20130257015
    Abstract: Arrangement for axle and wheels with rolling cylinders for transportation of a load, formed by two separate wheels (1) positioned parallel to one another by means of a main axle (10) arranged in the centre of the wheels and a plurality of rolling cylinders (11) that turn radially about the individual axis thereof, supporting and moving thereon a base board (12); said cylinders are fastened by cable or cord (13) to the reel (14), which optionally takes up the cord (13) by means of the handle (15); the rolling cylinders (11) are arranged in an annular manner on the inner face of the wheels (1), following the circumference of the wheels; the ends of the main axle (10) and the base board (12) are connected by cables or cords or the like to the pulling animal or to any other force capable of moving the assembly; movement of the wheels (1) gives rise to the simultaneous movement of the rolling cylinders (11), which, in operation, pass under the base (12) and support the load contained on the base, allowing the slid
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: AndrƩ Luiz Esteves Palmeira
  • Publication number: 20130241176
    Abstract: A travel trailer is provided. The travel trailer may include a camping pod that contains tent fabric. The travel trailer may also have a telescoping member that is configured for raising and lowering the camping pod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas M. Dempsey, Gregory K. Mundt, Thomas W. Reeder
  • Publication number: 20130234413
    Abstract: A dual lane, multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes a forward module mounted on a plurality of axles and a rearward module mounted on a plurality of axles. The forward module is mechanically connected to the rearward module for providing a dual lane transport body. The forward module and the rearward module of the transport body each have a single central spine wherein the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module are each attached to the corresponding single central spine. The axles of both the forward module and the rearward module have an axle spacing of at least six feet. A hydraulic suspension is provided for dynamically stabilizing the axles for reducing axle yaw. An axle steering system having a plurality of steering rods controls the position of the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Earl R. Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Publication number: 20130220896
    Abstract: There is provided a work vehicle having a wheel lock mechanism that is compactly disposed while avoiding an effect of surrounding sand. A wheel lock mechanism 201 has a disc portion 202 rotating integrally with a wheel 53 inside a rim portion 56A of the wheel 53, and a slide member 20X that is movable in the axial direction of the wheel 52 so as to be freely engageable with the disc portion 202 inside the rim portion 56A and rotates integrally with the axle 52.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Ito, Tatsuo Masuda, Yasuji Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20130187360
    Abstract: An axle for providing a steering arrangement in a machine. The axle including a differential housing from which a first arm and a second arm are extending. A first support portion is disposed in the first arm. The first support portion is configured to receive a first steering actuator. Similarly, a second support portion is disposed in the second arm. The second support portion is configured to receive a second steering actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Springer, Bruno L. Risatti
  • Publication number: 20130181425
    Abstract: A towable farm implement includes a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to a frame by a plurality of suspension systems. Each suspension system includes an upper support structure and a lower support structure. Each of the upper and lower support structures have a first end configured to be pivotably coupled to the frame about a first pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame, and a second end pivotably coupled to a portion of the wheel assembly about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis. Each suspension system further includes a damping device having a first end configured to be pivotably coupled to the frame, and a second end pivotably coupled to the wheel assembly. The damping device is configured to move the wheel assembly generally vertically while maintaining the longitudinal position and, optionally, a steering angle of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Ronald J. Schlimgen, John Walvatne
  • Patent number: 8489290
    Abstract: An apparatus and method using GNSS for dynamically adjusting side-to-side positioning of a farm implement along a geographical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Arthur F. Lange
  • Patent number: 8464508
    Abstract: A baling apparatus for towing behind a combine, said baling apparatus comprising a tongue to enable said towing, said baling apparatus defining a target for receiving at least a portion of material discharged directly from the combine across a gap extending the distance from a rear of the combine to a front of said baling apparatus to impact on said target of said baling apparatus through an opening defined by forward frame members and a cross member connected to the tongue rather than impacting the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Matousek, Patrick Kendrick, Kevin M. Tacke, Allen J. Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20130147154
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting torque transferred from an engine or motor to a drive shaft or other components. In some embodiments, the torque-limiting device has a spindle disposed within both coupling flanges to increase the resistance to radial forces and to maintain coaxial alignment of the flanges and attached drive shafts. In some embodiments, the axial spacing of bearings that enable rotation of the coupling flanges is based upon the diameter of the spindle. In another embodiment, torque-limiting devices that maintain coaxial alignment may be used to modify vehicle drive shafts to enable long distance towing for long durations at high speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SONNAX INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8448989
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer comprising a trailer bed which is at least 5 partly made of a composite material and at least one axle which extends in cross direction of the trailer and is connected to the trailer bed for suspending the wheels. The trailer bed comprises an upper and a lower load absorbing surface, wherein the upper load absorbing surface comprises in longitudinal direction a front and a back area and a connection area between them. Between the upper 10 and lower load absorbing surface, at least one reinforcing member is mounted which is resilient and which is provided to function as a support for the upper load absorbing surface in a loaded state of the upper load absorbing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Groep Stevens International
    Inventor: Jan Verhaeghe
  • Patent number: 8430209
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle has front and rear sections that are connected via a vertically pivot, and the front section has one or more front wheels that pivot a horizontal plane. A first sprocket is mounted on a vertical axis, for movement with the front section, the axis of the first sprocket is offset from the axis of the pivot between the front and rear sections, a shaft transmit angular movement at a ratio of 1:1 and in the same direction from the front wheel or wheels to the first sprocket, and a second sprocket is mounted on the rear section of the vehicle coaxially of the axis of the pivot between the front and rear sections. The second sprocket is drivingly connected to a rotary sensor, the first and second sprockets are drivingly connected by way of a chain, and the first and second sprockets having a drive ratio of 1:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Translift Bendi Limited
    Inventor: Frederick Leslie Brown
  • Patent number: 8376381
    Abstract: A collapsible cart-trailer includes a folding mechanism that folds the cart-trailer into a small form factor, at least two wheels, modular, and removable and compartmentalized storage. The collapsible cart-trailer is operable in a cart mode and a trailer mode. In the trailer mode, the cart-trailer may be coupled to a movable object by a collapsible, length adjustable tow bar. In the cart mode, the cart-trailer includes a collapsible handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Commonwheel Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadia Shalaby, Matteo Visentin
  • Patent number: 8380390
    Abstract: A system and method for determining characteristics of a trailer being towed by a vehicle. The trailer is coupled to the vehicle using a trailer hitch using at least one intelligent bolt or fastener. The intelligent fastener has structural characteristics similar to those of traditional bolts for fastening a trailer to a vehicle (e.g., shear strength, diameter, etc.), but the intelligent fastener is configured to sense forces at a junction between the trailer and the vehicle. An ESC system receives force readings from the intelligent fastener sensors along with signals from a plurality of other sensors and determines one or more characteristics of the trailer. The ESC system compensates the motion of the vehicle based on the forces sensed at the junction and the characteristics of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Williamson Sy, Doug Johnston, Pascal Martin, Damian Nowicki
  • Publication number: 20130038037
    Abstract: A trailer including a plurality of rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of said main frame, each of which includes a tandem with a plurality of wheels mounted thereto; a U-shaped cross member for maintaining said main frame level from side to side; at least one length-adjustable member operatively connected to said main frame and at least one of said plurality of frame arms; selective movement of said length-adjustable member causing said distal end of at least one of said plurality of frame arms to move up or down; and an automatic leveling system for moving each said length-adjustable members and each said corresponding frame arm such that said main frame is maintained in a relatively level orientation when said trailer encounters uneven terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Herman Madler, James R. Madler
  • Publication number: 20130009385
    Abstract: A low profile trailer and method of use with mountable equipment includes an axle system allowing reduced trailer deck height, open trailer sides, and peripheral trailer stabilizer legs, said axle system comprising aligned axle structures at each of two sides of the trailer, each said axle structure including a sleeve fixedly attached to the trailer body and including an axle assembly slidably received in the sleeve such that the sleeve and axle assembly is structured to allow removal and insertion of an axle assembly on one trailer side without the necessity of replacing the axle assembly on the other trailer side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: John A. Vlahakis
  • Patent number: 8326504
    Abstract: A trailer sway intervention system. The trailer sway intervention system includes a trailer having a plurality of wheels, each wheel having a brake, and a vehicle towing the trailer. The vehicle includes a plurality of sensors configured to sense operating characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller. The controller receives the sensed operating characteristics from the sensors, determines an error based on a difference between an expected yaw rate and a sensed yaw rate, asymmetrically applies braking forces to one or more trailer wheels based on the difference, and symmetrically applies braking forces to the trailer wheels when the absolute value of the difference between the expected yaw rate and the sensed yaw rate is declining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hsien-cheng Wu, Jin-jae Chen, Nathan Drummond
  • Patent number: 8295033
    Abstract: A mobile electricity generator comprising a telescopic boom, a first retractable support leg, and a base. The telescopic boom comprises a first end and a second end. A wind turbine is attached to the second end of the telescopic boom and the wind turbine is capable of transforming wind into electricity. The first end of the telescopic boom and the first retractable support leg is attached to the base. The mobile electricity generator can further comprise a first solar panel that is capable of transforming light into electricity, the base can further comprise an external surface, and the first solar panel can be attached to the external surface of the base. The mobile electricity generator can further comprise a battery in electric communication with the wind turbine and first solar panel and the battery can be capable of at least temporarily storing the electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: George Van Straten
  • Patent number: 8240418
    Abstract: A pivot-steered vehicle, in particular a pivot-steered construction vehicle or machine, is provided. The vehicle includes a front frame and a rear frame which are connected to each other via a pivot steering gear and a steering drive. The pivot steering gear has a first and a second vertical pivot axis which are arranged opposing each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a neutral position, the pivot steering gear being embodied in a first steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the first pivot axis and in a second steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the second pivot axis, the first and the second steering ranges being separated from each other via the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bomag GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Ponstein
  • Publication number: 20120187658
    Abstract: A vehicle trailer hitch platform system is disclosed. In one embodiment, said vehicle trailer hitch platform system comprises a platform assembly. Said platform assembly comprises a platform, a undercarriage, a hitch connector, and one or more leg assemblies. Said platform is capable of receiving a load. Said undercarriage is capable of supporting said platform assembly. Said hitch connector capable of attaching to a trailer hitch of a vehicle. Said one or more leg assemblies are capable of supporting platform assembly. Said platform assembly comprises a first side, a second side, a front, a back, a top and a bottom. Said undercarriage comprises said hitch connector. Said leg assemblies selectively attach to platform assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: WHEELER FOGGER, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Wheeler, Terry Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8214108
    Abstract: A vehicle system and method includes a primary vehicle (PV) and an auxiliary vehicle (AV) selectively connectable to the primary vehicle. The PV and AV vehicles each having an ECU, a propulsion system a braking system, and a directional control system for steering at least one wheel thereon. The ECU of the PV and the ECU of the AV in communication with one another to form an interactive control system that control operation of the systems of the PV and the AV when connected to one another. The vehicle system also includes a docking system for connecting the AV and the PV. The docking system includes an automatic docking actuator that automatically connects the AV to the PV when actuated. Optionally, a remote control device communicates with the ECU of the AV for controlling the AV through the ECU of the AV when disconnected from the PV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James W. Post, II, Allen B. Sheldon
  • Publication number: 20120138377
    Abstract: An off-road vehicle comprising a pair of articulatable chassis members each swivelably connected at or near one end thereof by a generally upright trailing yoke therebetween, each chassis member including means for mounting respective forward, middle and rearward wheel means thereon, the center of the yoke including means for swivelably receiving the trailing end of a rockable cradle for supporting a driver of the vehicle, the cradle being rockable about an axis generally transverse to the wheel axes, the leading end of the cradle forming a leading yoke connected to respectively opposite ends of a pair of pivotable struts, the other end of each strut being pivotally connected to a respective leading part of one of the pair of chassis members, the arrangement being such that independent vertical movement of the or each wheel means is generally isolated from the cradle and hence the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Sion Emyr Pierce
  • Patent number: 8069942
    Abstract: A device and a method for engaging and disengaging a longitudinal differential (10) disposed between a forward wheelshaft (4) and a rear wheelshaft (5) of an articulated vehicle (1) which has a front element (2) and a rear element (3) pivotable about a steering linkage (6) disposed between them and which comprises a distribution box (9) which supplies power from an engine (7) to the forward wheelshaft (4) in the front element (2) via a first shaft (11) and to the near wheelshaft (5) in the rear element (3) via a second shaft (12), wherein the longitudinal differential (10) is disposed between the first shaft (11) and the second shaft (12), whereby a steering angle v formed between the front element (2) and the rear element (3) is detected by a detection means (25a) so arranged that the detection means (25a) causes a differential brake (20) for the longitudinal differential (10) to be kept locked, or braked, when the detection means (25a) detects a steering angle v which is smaller than a predetermined steerin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Karl-Erik Niva
  • Patent number: 8051687
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for detecting and compensating for a traction steer event is provided. A first wheel speed of a first driven wheel is compared with a second wheel speed of a second driven wheel to determine whether a wheel slip condition has occurred. If a wheel slip condition is determined to have occurred, a current operating state of a vehicle is compared to an expected operating state of the vehicle to determine if a traction steer event has occurred. If a traction steer event is determined to have occurred, brake pressure is selectively applied to the first or second driven wheel to compensate for the traction steer event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David T. De Carteret, Larry G. Gepfrey, Gregory K. Peterson, Mark S. Hogle
  • Publication number: 20110262254
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle has front and rear sections that are connected via a vertically pivot, and the front section has one or more front wheels that pivot a horizontal plane. A first sprocket is mounted on a vertical axis, for movement with the front section, the axis of the first sprocket is offset from the axis of the pivot between the front and rear sections, a shaft transmit angular movement at a ratio of 1:1 and in the same direction from the front wheel or wheels to the first sprocket, and a second sprocket is mounted on the rear section of the vehicle coaxially of the axis of the pivot between the front and rear sections. The second sprocket is drivingly connected to a rotary sensor, the first and second sprockets are drivingly connected by way of a chain, and the first and second sprockets having a drive ratio of 1:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: TRANSLIFT BENDI LIMITED
    Inventor: Frederick Leslie Brown
  • Patent number: 8029228
    Abstract: A cable hoisting apparatus for loading and unloading of containers with respect to vehicles including a modular assembly allowing the apparatus to be easily attached or detached with respect to the vehicle. This modular assembly includes a subframe directly attachable detachably to the vehicle which includes a reeve cylinder and a lifting cylinder mounted therewithin. A top frame is included which is pivotally movably mounted to the subframe. The lifting cylinder powers pivotal movement of the top frame. Loading and unloading of the container is powered by the reeve cylinder. The reeve cylinder moves a shoe within a shoe track which extends or contracts a cable attached to a container which is positioned about a plurality of sheaves one of which is attached to the slideable shoe. A positively engaging locking construction is included defined between the subframe and the top frame for positively retaining the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Omaha Standard, Inc.
    Inventor: Lazar Marmur
  • Patent number: 8020495
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a longitudinal axis, a first superstructure, a second superstructure that adjoins the first superstructure in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a pitch joint that connects the first superstructure and the second superstructure. The pitch joint is embodied as a rod assembly, which extends substantially on one pitch joint plane and comprises two pitch joint arms, two pitch joint rods, and a coupling device. The pitch joint arms are pivotally hinged to the first superstructure in the region of their first end, each of the pitch joint rods is pivotally hinged to the free second end of one of the pitch joint arms in the region of its first end, the pitch joint rods are pivotally hinged to the second superstructure in the region of their second end, and the coupling device couples the two pitch joint such that they perform swiveling movements in opposite directions about their hinged points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd MĆ¼ller, Harald Hentschel
  • Patent number: 8006796
    Abstract: A personal vehicle has a fore section and an aft section. The fore and aft sections each have a frame, a transaxle mounted to the frame, and a wheels attached to the transaxle. The wheels of the aft section are vertically articulated relative to the frame of the aft section. A seat is disposed on the frame of the fore section. A joystick and interface are mounted to the fore section. A motor is mounted to the frame of the aft section. A hydraulic system is operatively connected to the motor. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. A fender assembly is mounted to the fore and aft sections. A rollover structure is mounted to the fore and aft sections. The hydraulic systems controls the directional movement of the personal vehicle and includes a hydraulic pump, rotovalves, a null valve, a drive cylinder, and a steering cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Roger F. Fontaine
  • Publication number: 20110198824
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of utility trailers, in particular, utility trailers with rear pivotable gates. The utility trailer includes a trailer bed supported on wheels for rolling motion on the ground. The trailer bed has a floor on which cargo may be placed and a support frame for carrying the floor. The support frame includes a front end; a rear end; and a pair of spaced apart, upper and lower, bent U-shaped members extending between the front and rear ends of the support frame. Each U-shaped member is fabricated from a hollow section having one of a square cross-section and a rectangular cross-section. The support frame further includes a plurality of spaced apart, substantially upright struts extending between, and connecting the upper and lower bent U-shaped members to each other and a plurality of spaced apart cross-members connecting portions of the lower bent U-shaped member to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Vladan Markovich
  • Patent number: 7997605
    Abstract: A trailer with a pivoting and extendable tongue for use with all terrain vehicles (ATV) wherein the trailer tongue connects to a standard vehicle hitch receiver providing means for pivoting the trailer up in a raised transport or storage space saving configuration supported by the ATV or other vehicle receiver. The tongue is telescoping. The wheels are provided with heavy duty fenders which can be pivotally mounted on the wheel axles to function as sled runners. Support members extend from the axles to a selected point under the trailer frame at a selected angle in front of the wheels to function as brush guards so that the wheels are not caught in brush, hung on stumps, or deep gullies. A keeper can be removed to allow the fenders to be rotated forward and down to be used as sled runners when the ATV is towing a load in the snow. The wheels are also positioned under the trailer bed to extend pass the frame to allow the trailer to be backed over objects such as logs or gullies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Floyd L. Kittrell
  • Publication number: 20110194921
    Abstract: The center-pivot vehicle has forward and rearward sections with traversing means for traversing terrain. A rotary actuator connects the forward and rearward sections. Rotation of the rotary actuator articulates the forward and rearward sections relative to each other for steering the vehicle. One of the sections includes a bed operably attached to a bed frame that is operably attached to a trailer frame for actuated movement between trailing and loading positions. The bed is pivotally attached to the bed frame for moving between tilted and non-tilted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: ROOSE MFG. COMPANY
    Inventor: GERALD L. ROOSE
  • Publication number: 20110174873
    Abstract: A plant handling, tagging and shipping system includes a flood trailer towed by a cart for delivering potted plants from a grow site to a prepping station while also soaking the pots, an on-demand tag-printing system for printing plant tags based on customized client data, and a conveyor system that enables workers to trim, weed, clean, and tag the plants as they travel along the conveyor. This novel system and process for handling, tagging and shipping plants provides enormous efficiencies as compared with traditional processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: William Mori
  • Patent number: 7980572
    Abstract: An amputee mobility device includes a wheeled frame, and seat with webbed pocket for receiving an amputated leg. The seat is adjustable height adjustable, as is the pocket for customizing to individuals. Adjustable handles allow amputees to move themselves, or allow a helper to push like a wheelchair. In one form, the frame includes front and rear articulated subframes. In another form, the wheeled frame forms an elongated rigid frame, with two fixed-axle wheels and two rear-located steerable wheels and one front-located steerable wheel. In another form, the frame includes two fixed-axle wheels and two steerable wheels arranged to function somewhat like a wheeled walking cane. Optional features include outriggers for leg protection, a foldable frame for compact storage and shipment, bicycle-like lockable hand brakes, a seat without aperture for supporting a lower leg extending horizontally, storage shelves, and cup holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Becky J. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7959169
    Abstract: An oscillation joint for a chain driven independent suspension is disclosed. The oscillation joint may include a stationary frame member configured to support a first end of a drive chain. The oscillation joint may also include an oscillating frame member configured to support a second end of the drive chain and rotate about the stationary frame member. The oscillation joint may further include a first thrust washer located between a first surface of the stationary frame member and a substantially parallel first surface of the oscillating frame member. A first wear sleeve may be located substantially perpendicular to the first thrust washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpilar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Alan Gentry, Jeffrey G. Jable, Jason Stepp, Jay S Underwood
  • Publication number: 20110085879
    Abstract: A bin, including a receptacle movable between a first condition of use for loading and a second condition of use in which it can be engaged for emptying; and attachment means including first and second elongate sleeves for engagement by respective forks of a front lift truck, wherein in the second condition of use the receptacle is arranged in a manner whereby forks of a front lift truck can engage respective sleeves of the attachment means so that the bin can be lifted and emptied by the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: TRAILER TRASH PTY LTD
    Inventors: Thomas Alexander Garfield Jamieson, Dale Patrick Cooney
  • Publication number: 20110061599
    Abstract: A moveable vehicle such as a truck, railway carriage, or the like is structured and dimensioned to enable the transportation of products including live aquatic species such as fish in a refrigerated condition. The vehicle includes insulating and heat exchange layers which when utilized to transport live aquatic species may maintain them in a dormant state by temperature controls within the refrigeration system. A water spraying assembly provides a humidity and oxygen level for disposing of waste and also enables the spraying of fog to provide effective humidity between spraying cycles. Any existing animal waste is treated in the water and a recirculation or closed loop system is provided. A product storage area facilitates loading and unloading and a separate storage room may be provided to house the systems equipment or optionally may be attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Edward Boudreau
  • Publication number: 20110049836
    Abstract: Towing adjustment and coupling techniques may include a retentive lateral trailer adjustment device of a trailer (1) configured to provide lateral adjustment of the trailer (1). In some embodiments, a trailer (1) may include a coupler element (3) and at least one retentive lateral adjustment device configured to provide adjustment in a lateral direction (8) of the coupler element (3). Embodiments may have configurations directed to couplers such as a gooseneck hitch, a fifthwheel hitch, and a pull-type or tongue hitch. Embodiments may also provide a fore-aft position indicator (44) with or without a fore-aft position sensor (50) through which proper positioning of a source of tow power (54) relative to a trailer (1) may be facilitated in a fore-aft direction (7). Corresponding methods are included as embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Weber, Linda Weber
  • Publication number: 20110018230
    Abstract: The center-pivot vehicle has forward and rearward sections with traversing means for traversing terrain. A rotary actuator connects the forward and rearward sections. Rotation of the rotary actuator articulates the forward and rearward sections relative to each other for steering the vehicle. The present invention also includes a method for controlling articulation of a center-pivot vehicle which includes connecting first and second sections of the center-pivot vehicle together with a rotary actuator, powering the rotary actuator with an engine and providing a steering input by an operator for operating the rotary actuator for rotating the rotary actuator and articulating the first and second sections of the vehicle relative to each other for turning the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ROOSE MFG. COMPANY
    Inventor: GERALD L. ROOSE
  • Patent number: 7866671
    Abstract: An automatic leveling vehicle comprising a front frame section and a rear frame section interconnected by a swivel joint which permits pivotable movement of the front frame section relative to the rear frame section about a generally horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the vehicle, a gear train attached to the rear frame section, right and left rear wheel assemblies, right and left rear axle assemblies operatively interconnecting the gear train, a lever arm connected to the gear train for controlling the position of the rear axle assemblies, selective movement of the lever arm causing the right and left rear axle assemblies to move their associated wheel assemblies up or down in opposite directions, a level detector for producing and applying leveling signals for positioning a lever arm control such that the rear frame section is maintained in a relatively level orientation when the rear wheel assemblies encounter an uneven terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Herman Madler
  • Publication number: 20100319742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique multi-purpose towed trailer unit having an aerodynamic streamlined configuration which results in less drag on the towing vehicle-trailer combination compared with drag resulting from the use of a bluff body trailer and a towing vehicle. At rest, the trailer is used in combination with a collapsible self-supporting deployable shelter which is stored in the interior of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: A. Jon Prusmack
  • Publication number: 20100320725
    Abstract: A trailer to transport golf equipment and other cargo in an enclosure towed behind a motorcycle or other properly-equipped vehicle includes a trailer frame and a cargo container mounted thereon and carried thereby. The trailer frame includes a tongue member extending therefrom and having a free end adapted to be releasably coupled to a trailer hitch and at least two wheels mounted to opposing sides of the trailer frame. The cargo container generally includes a container wall defining an enclosed cargo space and an access panel into the cargo space, and is about three times taller than it is wide so that it travels in a substantially vertical orientation. The interior of the cargo container is equipped to securely hold a golf bag containing golf clubs, and may also be adapted (e.g., with hooks, rods, and secondary storage compartments) to hold and other cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jim Thomas Thorpe, SR.