Abstract: A bulk materials transportation system having a plurality of carriages pivotally coupled endwise to form an endless chain of carriages, a rail track for guiding the carriages from a mine stockpile to a port stockpile, and a plurality of drive mechanisms located along the length of the rail track arranged for propelling the carriages. The rail track and the endless chain of carriages are substantially the same length. The drive mechanism is stationary with respect to the rail track. The carriages each have a coupling capable of allowing limited relative movement (including slack) with respect to endwise adjacent carriages to allow limited endwise movement between adjacent carriages to facilitate starting of the chain of carriages from a stationary condition.

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.

Abstract: A ground engaged vehicle includes a front portion and a rear portion joined by an articulation. The articulation rotates around a longitudinal axis. An engine drives a hydrostatic pump which drives four hydrostatic motors, each of the hydrostatic motors in operative engagement with one of four wheels. The wheels are on wheel mounts, each of the wheel mounts having a vertical axis around which one of the four wheels with one of the hydrostatic motors is turnable. A steering system turns the two wheels of the front portion in a first direction and the two wheels of the rear portion in an opposite direction. The steering system is powered by the hydrostatic pump. A pedal control system has a first pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a forward direction and a second pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a rearward direction.

Abstract: An extended forward tow, single rail saddlemount or tow bar is disclosed. The tow bar allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck. The tow bar allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck, rather than the much higher high wind loads and unusual stresses imposed by a rear-ward facing tow. The saddlemount is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck. Lower stress is achieved by using a pivot pin nearer the towed truck rather than the usual pivot pin or king pin on the towing truck.

Abstract: A versatile bicycle trailer that turns into a wheel barrow is disclosed. This trailer comprises of a single wheel which follows directly inline with the bicycle tires and sustains a low centre of gravity, maneuvering easily around sharp turns and corners. The trailer has handles which are in closed position when the trailer is connected to a bicycle. The handles open when the trailer is not connected to the bicycle, therefore, allowing the trailer to be used as a wheelbarrow to carry cargo. Special kickstand holds the bicycle standing upright for easy loading and unloading of cargo.

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.

Abstract: A fifth wheel apparatus for detachably coupling a trailing vehicle to a towing vehicle is disclosed. An equalizer bridge is supported on a towing vehicle and is pivotable about a roll axis that extends in a direction of towing motion. The equalizer bridge includes first and second arms that extend laterally from respective first and second sides of the roll axis. A fifth wheel head is coupled to the equalizer bridge for movement therewith about the roll axis. The fifth wheel head is pivotable relative to the equalizer bridge about a pitch axis transverse to the roll axis. First and second damping elements are operably interposed between the towing vehicle and the first and second arms, respectively. When the trailing vehicle is attached to the fifth wheel head, the first and second damping elements resist rolling movement of the trailing vehicle about the roll axis during travel over uneven roads.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated harvester composed of a forward bogey having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, but being devoid of an on-board grain bin. A rearward bogey is attached by a joint to the forward bogey and has a powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward bogey grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The disclosed improvement includes the rearward bogey having a powered wheel assembly of a powered stiff axle wheel assembly pivotable for steering the articulated harvester when the joint has articulated by a defined number of degrees. The joint may be connected to the rearward bogey powered stiff axle wheel assembly by a beam that has a second joint disposed ahead of the stiff axle and actuatable to crab the articulated harvester for grain unloading.

Abstract: An apparatus for on-site manufacturing of lightweight concrete used for insulation in roof decks and roof systems of building structures. The apparatus is supported on a transportable trailer frame and includes a mixer, a concrete pump, and one or more tanks for holding a mixture of water and chemical products, such as foaming agents. The chemical agents/water solution is mixed with pressurized air according to a desired foam density and volume and is pumped through a foam cylinder ejector. The air/solution mixture exiting the ejector is directed into a carburetor which generates a foam product by mechanical impact of the air/solution mixture with beads contained in the carburetor. Concrete and the foam product are combined in the mixer, in accordance with a predetermined mixture ratio, and released into the concrete pump for forced discharge from the apparatus and application to a roof structure.

Abstract: The present invention helps a driver steer a vehicle while backing up a trailer. A trailer being pushed wants to turn around and be pulled (i.e., to jackknife). To compensate for this instability, the driver must skillfully control his steering to cause the trailer to alternately move to be pulled from the opposite side thereby repeatedly crossing the centerline of the pushing vehicle. The moment when the trailer crosses this centerline is the moment of greatest instability and the position in which the driver would most desire to have the trailer travel. A pointer indicates in what direction the trailer is presently being directed; to backup the trailer, the driver turns the vehicle's wheel such that the pointer is kept pointing in the direction of the intended trailer destination. The present invention can be adapted to most vehicle and trailer combinations with minimal cost and complexity.

Abstract: An article dump truck has a front tractor unit connected to an associated rear trailer unit with a tipping container by an articulated coupling. The articulated coupling is operable to allow the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit to pivot about a vertical pivot axis, rams being provided to turn the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit about the pivot to steer the dump truck. The articulated coupling also allows the front tracter unit and rear trailer unit to rotate relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the dump truck. In addition, the front tractor unit has a front chassis mounted on a pair of wheels by an independent suspension system.

Abstract: The revolving trailer for motorcycles is a portable trailer for transporting and supporting motorcycles. The revolving trailer includes a rotating platform, allowing a motorcycle mounted thereon to be rotated 180° so that the motorcycle can be driven off of the trailer, rather than having to be backed off of the trailer. The trailer includes a base, with a recess being formed in an upper surface thereof. The base has a central opening formed therethrough. The platform is mounted for rotation within the recess. An upper surface of the rotating platform is coplanar with the upper surface of the base, allowing the motorcycle to be smoothly driven onto and off of the rotating platform. A central opening is formed through the rotating platform. A central shaft or pivot pin extends through the central openings to secure the platform within the recess.

Abstract: A trailer 10 having a trailer assembly 20 which is adapted to be deployed on a tongue 12 and which provides a storage box 170 and a container 180.

Abstract: A system for installation and removal of a storage shed is disclosed. The system includes a custom trailer, a specialized storage shed, and a complete set of unique lifting components. The system allows a single operator to conveniently and safely deliver/remove a storage shed, without causing damage to the it in the process.

Abstract: A method, a vehicle using the method, and a system using the method, of controlling the vehicle configured to tow a trailer. The method includes determining first and second vehicle parameters indicative of first and second conditions of the vehicle, and determining a trailer presence from at least one of the first and second vehicle parameters. The method also includes updating the first vehicle parameter when the trailer is present, generating a third vehicle parameter, and determining first and second braking control parameters from the first, second, and third vehicle parameters. The first braking control parameter corresponds to at least one of the second and third vehicle parameters, and the second braking control parameter correspond to at least one of the first and second vehicle parameters. The method can further include generating a braking signal based on one of the first and second braking control parameters.

Abstract: A trailer that is configured for use with an inflatable balloon consisting of a flat bed having a topside and an underside, a front, a left side, a right side and a rear; a tongue; a plurality of suspension systems, axles, and wheels; a balloon stabilization mechanism; a gas bottle storage rack; a centralizing gas piping system with a plurality of bottle connection valves and one inflation valve; a balloon deployment winch; three balloon stabilization winches; an electric generator; an electrical distribution panel, an operational equipment payload docking station, an operational equipment cabling system; and a deflated balloon storage container.

Abstract: A low profile hold down assembly is mounted to the exterior surface of a sidewall of a trailer. The hold down assembly includes a cover member formed from the same material from which the sidewall of the trailer is formed and therefore is aesthetically desirable.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a towing vehicle adapted to be connected to a trailer at a hitch. The method includes sensing a plurality of vehicle conditions indicative of at least a movement of the towing vehicle, and an angle of the towing vehicle, determining a disturbance at the hitch based on data including at least the movement of the vehicle and the angle of the vehicle, and generating a compensation signal based on the determined disturbance at the hitch.

Abstract: A device and method of use as an imitation police passenger vehicle are disclosed. The imitation police passenger vehicle may have a molded shell in the shape of a police passenger vehicle which is placed on a trailer with four wheels with the wheels in positions similar to a police passenger vehicle. The imitation police passenger vehicle may be used to increase safety and deter crime.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for removing heavy metals such as gold from sand. A mixture of sand and metals is placed in a hollow tube which has an open end, an opposite closed end at a relatively lower position, an exterior, and an interior formed into spiral grooves. The grooves are arranged in a helical fashion so that metal caught in the grooves is carried toward the open end of the tube as the tube is rotated. Water is supplied to the tube to mix with the sand and metal, so that rotation of the tube causes relatively heavy metal to be washed from the sand and water mixture into the grooves. The mechanism can be transported to a location where heavy metals naturally occur in sand or other materials.

Abstract: An automatic towing vehicle includes a self-moving vehicle body for moving along a traveling path, an engaging member, a pressing member and an elevating device for moving up and down the pressing member relative to the vehicle body. The vehicle body is movable under a truck body of the truck. The engaging member is mounted on the vehicle body and engageable with the truck body. The pressing member is mounted on the vehicle body and movable up for pressing the truck body upward. When the pressing member is located under the truck body and moved up by the elevating device, the pressing member is brought to contact with the truck body to press upward. The truck is towed while the pressing member presses against the truck body.

Abstract: A ride control system for insuring safe operation of articulated vehicles by monitoring, detecting and suppressing erratic jackknifing, comprises a mechanism for monitoring among several inputs the driver's intentions, road conditions, the vehicle behavior, a microprocessor, and a means for commanding an anti-lock brake system to apply brakes on selected trailer wheels to suppress erratic jackknifing and restore vehicle stability. The microprocessor is used primarily for computing the probability of trailer and tractor roll-over due in part to erratic jackknifing when the vehicle is expected to move straight ahead. The probability of roll-over is converted to a time varying voltage signal for use by an electronic control module to proportionally apply brakes to those wheels whose angular velocity is greater than the average in order to drag the trailer on the side until erratic jackknifing is suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns embodiments of a portable fluid-transporting system for mounting on a land-driven vehicle, such as a loader, and methods for their use. In an illustrated embodiment, a fluid-transporting device includes at least one fluid container, or tank, that is mountable to and completely removable from a vehicle. The container is configured to be carried by the vehicle such that at least a portion of the container is supported in front of the forward end of the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the container is generally U-shaped and includes a forward-container portion and first and second side-container portions extending from respective ends of the forward-container portion.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints, colored paints and/or additive enhanced paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural, industrial and/or specialty coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having an additive integrated paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural, industrial and/or specialty coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an array of batteries that recharge with a generator connected to a Stirling engine, steam engine and/or steam turbine powered by combusting a solid fuel product. The battery array for this vehicle, which is a series hybrid, can be recharged using residential electrical current. A preferred solid fuel product for burning in the generator-charging engine of this vehicle is selected from cellulose, lignin and combinations thereof, most preferably in the form of pellets or small logs.

Abstract: A trailer includes a frame defining a body of the trailer. The trailer also includes a power system stored in the body of the trailer. At least a portion of the power system is integral to the body of the trailer. The power system includes at least one power generating device stored in the body and removable from the body.

Abstract: A trailer includes reference marks that depict the position whereby cargo may be placed for proper installation on the trailer. The reference marks may be applied by affixing a label onto the frame of the trailer respective of the trailer axle. One or more reference marks may be applied depicting the multiple positions, one for each of differently sized cargo, which may be welding power supplies. Instructions may also be used in conjunction with the labels for instructing placement of the welding power supply at the appropriate position respective of the trailer axle.

Abstract: A deployment system and associated products utilize a magazine for holding and dispensing the products. The products may have any of a number of internal and external trusses that may be in tension and/or compression for rigidifying the product in selected directions. Thus the product may be shaped to fit a predetermined contour. The magazine may be supported on a deployment vehicle for ease of deployment of the product.

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.

Abstract: In its simplest form the present invention includes a drawbar hitch accessory having a hitch plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge, a left side edge and a right side edge. The top surface is generally rectangular in shape and is divided into six zones including a front right zone, a front center zone, a right center zone, a rear left zone, a rear center zone and a rear right zone. The rear left zone has a first hook opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and is generally centered in the rear left zone. The rear center zone has a second hook opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and is generally centered in said rear center zone and the rear right zone has a third hook opening which extends from the top surface to the bottom surface and is generally centered in the rear right zone. The front center zone has a first hitch plate ball mount opening extending from the top surface and is generally centered in the front center zone.

Abstract: An improved vertically stow able modular multi-purpose trailer with a levered suspended ramp and detachable lever. The trailer includes a forward angle iron frame section with a platform planar deck covering the interior area of the frame and a rear hinge cross member, all supported by a square tubular composite trailer tongue/backbone which extends from in front of and the entire length of the forward angle iron frame section and connects with the rear hinge cross member. The trailer further includes a ramp rear angle iron frame section with a second platform planer deck, a forward integral hinge, and a rear lip. The trailer further includes a tubular lever section above and the length of the forward angle iron frame outlining the forward angle iron frame silhouette and a knee joint vertical post extending down at the rear.

Abstract: A transporter for transporting a first person and one or more riders over a surface. The transporter includes a first support platform for supporting the first person, the first support platform having left and right sides and defining a fore-aft vertical plane and a lateral plane. At least one ground-contacting element is coupled to the first support platform such that the first support platform is capable of tilting in the fore-aft plane about a tilt axis. The at least one ground-contacting element is driven by a motorized drive arrangement so as to cause locomotion of the transporter. A controller commands the motorized drive arrangement. The controller is configured so that at least one of fore and aft sustained motion of the transporter is based at least on fore-aft tilting of the first support platform.

Abstract: A apparatus having a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of a trailer. The height adjustment mechanism is comprised of, among other elements, an outer tube, a crank assembly having a drive gear, an inner tube having an internally threaded acme nut, and an acme screw assembly. The acme screw assembly is linearly and cooperatively assembled such that the crank assembly causes the elongated acme screw to thread vertically through the internally threaded acme nut and the acme screw assembly to concurrently move vertically. The outer tube telescopically and slidably encases the inner tube, such that the outer tube can be vertically adjusted with respect to the inner tube when the crank assembly is operated. The trailer has a trailer hitch including a hitching end integrally secured to the outer tube outside surface, and is integrally attached to the trailer hitch at the trailer end. The trailer is adjusted vertically, concurrently when the crank assembly to the height adjustment mechanism is operated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle coupled thereto. A first electronic device provided in or on the tractor is connected via a data link to a second electronic device provided in or on the trailer; the first and second devices being connected to sensors and/or actuators for controlling operating functions of the vehicle allocated thereto and for measuring status information. Initiated by an information request, the first device sends request data via the data link to the second device. The first device receives status information via the data link sent by the second device in response to the request data. The first device outputs, in a manner that correlates with the trailer, the received status information by means of an output device disposed on or in the tractor. The same output scheme is used for both the tractor and trailer.

Abstract: A steering system for an articulated vehicle has a microprocessor connected to a proportional solenoid valve which controls the direction, amount and rate of flow of hydraulic fluid to and from hydraulic articulation cylinders, which provide articulation between the frames of the articulated vehicle. A positional feedback sensor measures the angle of articulation between the frames and communicates the angle of articulation to the processor. A gear sensor monitors the gear that the vehicle is in and communicates it to the processor. A user input device allows a user to select the desired level of steering sensitivity and also allows the user to input the size of the tires installed on the vehicle. A steering device allows the operator to provide steering input and communicates electrical steering signals to the processor based on the steering input from the operator.

Abstract: A folding camping trailer for use with an ATV. The trailer is of rugged construction and uses low inflation tires, and is large enough, when unfolded, to allow at least one sleeper. The interior is equipped with camping equipment such as stove, lantern, lights, toilet, equipment lockers, water, sink, heater and the like. Importantly, the trailer is dimensioned and configured to take up a foot print similar to that of an ATV, so that a standard garage or trailer dimensioned and configured to hold ATVs may hold the camping trailer in an ATV space. The trailer may have an extendible yoke, a torsional axle, and additional beds.

Abstract: This invention describes a commuter car trailer. A commuter car is a significantly smaller vehicle compared to the average sized car in the United States. A commuter car trailer efficiently and safely transports commuter cars, and can do so with the driver still in the commuter car. The commuter car trailer may be attached and towed by a vehicle capable of pulling the weight of the commuter car trailer and commuter cars carried by the commuter car trailer. It is also possible to have a vehicle with a commuter car trailer permanently attached to its frame. In addition to many safety features, the commuter car trailer also offers a numerous conveniences for the operator of the commuter car trailer and for commuter car owners being carried by the commuter car trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for an expandable trailer. The apparatus, in one embodiment, is an expandable trailer that lengthens from a compact position to one of a plurality of extended positions. The trailer may comprise an axle assembly to mount a plurality of wheels, a frame having a front and a back, and an extension mechanism configured to lengthen the frame from a compact position to one of a plurality of extended positions, such that the front extends a front distance from the axle assembly and the back extends a rear distance from the axle assembly. The extension mechanism further maintains a proportionally greater front distance than the rear distance. As a result, the expandable trailer provides a properly distributed load-bearing area, with respect to the axle assembly, in the compact position as well as the various extended positions.

Abstract: A sulky that includes a platform having a top and a bottom, a connector disposed upon a front of the platform, at least three wheels disposed upon the bottom of the platform in a wheel arrangement such that the connector is zero-weight bearing, and a seat disposed upon the top of the platform. A hinged platform extension provides added stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable ski skin attachment device that can be used to efficiently attach a skin to a ski or snowboard. In accordance with the present invention, an adjustable ski skin attachment device includes two threaded members, a coupler, and a cover. The two threaded members are threaded in reverse directions from one another. The coupler includes two receiving portions with reverse threaded receiving portions such that when the threaded members are inserted into the two receiving portions and the coupler is rotated in one direction, the two threaded members move closer together. And when the coupler is rotated in the opposite direction, the two threaded members move away from one another. The cover is positioned over the two threaded members opposite the coupler. Unlike conventional skin attachment devices, the adjustable ski skin attachment device in accordance with the present invention can be adjusted to fit over a wide variety of widths and tip shapes.

Abstract: A rear-wheel steering control system for a vehicle/trailer combination that adaptively changes an open-loop feed-forward command signal for different trailers or the same trailer with different configurations based only on vehicle parameters. The system includes a hand-wheel sensor for providing a hand-wheel angle signal of a hand-wheel position of the vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor for providing a vehicle speed signal of the vehicle, and a vehicle yaw rate sensor for providing a measured vehicle yaw rate signal of the vehicle. The system also determines if a vehicle yaw rate has reached a steady state and uses the steady-state yaw rate signal to calculate the rear-wheel steering command. In one embodiment, the system updates feed-forward rear/front values for a plurality of predetermined vehicle speeds when determining the proper rear-wheel steering command.

Abstract: The invention provides a trailer for use as part of an articulated vehicle (15) with improved cornering characteristics. The trailer includes: a main chassis (18) connectable to a wheeled section (16) of the vehicle immediately ahead of the trailer so that the trailer is rotatable relative to the wheeled section (16) about a substantially upright first axis (19) in the main chassis (18); a sub-chassis (20) having ground-engaging wheels (21) mounted thereto, the sub-chassis (20) being connected to the main chassis (18) and pivotable about a substantially upright second axis (23) in the main chassis (18); and stop means arranged for limiting rotation of the sub-chassis (20) about the second axis (23) and away from a position of a longitudinal alignment with the main chassis (18). The stop means is movable responsively to relative rotation of the wheeled section (16) and the main chassis (18) about the first axis (19).

Abstract: A cart assembly comprises an undercarriage supporting a cart frame, the undercarriage having one end and a connecting portion extending from cart frame and/or the undercarriage for connecting the cart assembly with an adjacent article, the cart frame including a handle portion disposed at an elevation for manipulation by a human operator in an upright standing position to steer or otherwise control the cart assembly, and an actuating member mounted on the handle portion for actuating the connecting portion between a first connecting position and a second disconnecting position.

Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis and two A-frames. The points of the A-frames face each other. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The vehicle is propelled along the ground by independently driven tracks. The invention includes a feature to limit the motion of the suspension system based on the load applied to the suspension cylinders, i.e., the pressure experienced by the head end of the suspension cylinders. This is accomplished via pilot operated check valves.

Abstract: A trailer for all terrain vehicles and/or snowmobiles for transporting injured persons from remote locations. Trailer has a frame of tubing, a main axle, spring and shock suspension, flotation type tires, IV pole with multiple mounting locations, carrier area for injured personnel transport, and accessory tube for attaching miscellaneous accessories.

Abstract: A traveling carriage equipped with a traveling means to travel on and along a surface of an object. A frame of the traveling carriage is composed of two divided frames to the right and to the left in the forward traveling direction, one frame having an arc-shaped sliding rail which forms an arc viewed from the side. The arc-shaped sliding rail is supported by a sliding guide installed onto the other frame as to be capable of sliding along the arc-shaped sliding rail.

Abstract: A two-wheeled riding sulky for powered ground-maintenance machines includes, in addition to a primary hitch connection which operates in tension between the powered ground-maintenance machine and the sulky, a buck-bar which operates in compression between these two devices. The buck-bar is used to prevent the powered ground-maintenance machine from bucking. In a preferred embodiment, the powered ground-maintenance machine is a snow blower having only two ground-engaging, load-bearing traction wheels.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a vehicle combination composed of a towing vehicle and a trailer or semitrailer, in which when a snaking motion of the trailer or semitrailer is detected, braking interventions are implemented for damping the snaking motion, in which symmetrical braking interventions are implemented first, and asymmetrical braking interventions are implemented if the desired subsidence behavior of the snaking motion is not achieved through the symmetrical braking interventions.

Abstract: The present invention, when used in conjunction with a trailer to be backed-up, will indicate to the driver which direction to steer his vehicle as well as when and how much to steer. Trailers have been around for many years, yet every summer and winter one can observe the owners of boats and snowmobiles, respectively, backing up those devices on trailers with great difficulty. The problem arises from the fact that a trailer being backed-up is an inherently unstable system. A trailer being pushed wants to turn around and be pulled (i.e., to jackknife) instead. To compensate for this instability, the driver must skillfully reverse the direction of his steering so as to cause the trailer to want to turn around and be pulled from the opposite side thereby repeatedly crossing the centerline of the pushing vehicle. The moment when the trailer crosses this centerline is the moment of greatest instability and the position in which the driver would most desire to have the trailer travel.