Abstract: A vehicle-dynamics control method and system for a vehicle train comprising a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle. The vehicle-dynamics control system provided in the tractor vehicle, on the basis of vehicle-dynamics signals measured in the tractor vehicle, delivers brake-demand values (BAW) to the trailer vehicle. The trailer vehicle is equipped with a brake system, in which the brakes of the trailer vehicle can be actuated on the basis of the BAW. The vehicle-dynamics control method and system use data signals received from the trailer vehicle and calculates the BAW and permits activation of the brake system of the trailer vehicle while at the same time avoiding an undesirably large reduction of the cornering forces on the wheels of the trailer vehicle.

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system for a four-wheeled vehicle suitable for attaining vehicle weight reduction, setting weight distribution of the vehicle, improving vehicle design freedom, and decreasing the number of components as compared to conventional rear wheel suspension systems. The system includes a joint member mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle body with a pair of left and right front wheels secured thereto, the joint member including a roll shaft extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and connecting to a vertical swing shaft extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. In addition, a power unit for supporting the two rear wheels is connected to a rear portion of the joint member by means of the vertical swing shaft, thereby allowing the power unit to be secured to the vehicle body rollably and swingably.

Abstract: A joint case includes a flange, a joint shaft extending from the flange, and a case main body fitted to the joint shaft. The flange is fitted to a rear portion of a front vehicle body, whereas the side of the case main body of the joint case is fitted to a rear vehicle body. With the above construction of the joint case, the distance between the front vehicle body and the rear vehicle body can be reduced, and a reduction in the overall length of the tricycle can be obtained.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using an extrusion, forging, casting and/or machining process to provide an aluminum hitch component with increased strength that eliminates encumbrances, such as rusting and fusing, associated with traditional hitch components. Accordingly, an extruded hitch is provided that includes increased tensile strength, does not rust, is lighter, and is more appealing to consumers.

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 portable motor-vehicle workshop has a plurality of rigid rectangular I-beam reinforced floor panels, bolts securing the floor panels together to form a planar horizontal floor, and a plurality of portals each having a pair of spaced vertical lower posts having lower ends secured to the floor, respective angled connector beams extending inward and upward at acute angles from upper ends of the lower posts, respective upper posts extending vertically from upper ends of the angled beams, and a horizontal connector beam extending between upper ends of the respective upper posts. A plurality of panels are bolted to the posts and beams of the portals and enclose a space above the floor. A lift on the floor can raise a vehicle up between the upper posts.

Abstract: An articulated truck for carrying a load through a plurality of work cycles is disclosed. An embodiment includes a frame assembly, an articulation. joint, a plurality of axles, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, a body, an engine, a transmission and an apparatus for receiving the torque and transferring the torque to a plurality of drive shafts. The apparatus includes a plurality of gears, an inter-axle differential, and a plurality of drive shafts. The inter-axle differential is located such that the front axle may be suspended to allow oscillation.

Abstract: A lift truck has a wheeled rear section to which is pivotally connected a wheeled front section, with one of the sections being drivable, in use. The front section, which has lifting forks, is pivoted to an extended length arm at the front of the rear section, to allow the front section to pivot relative the rear section, to at least one side thereof, by an angle substantially greater than 90°. Part of the rear section can be relieved to permit said pivoting.

Abstract: A tracking unit signal filter 10 for a vehicle, typically tractor/trailer combinations, having at least one signal input 15-17 for receiving a respective signal A, B or C indicative of a respective vehicle parameter eg. signal C for sensing tractor/trailer coupling, and processor means 28 operable to pass the signal C after a predetermined time delay TC, if said signal is stable, and which is also operable to maintain said stable signal C if the signal is interrupted for less than a predetermined time interval tc.

Abstract: An arrangement used with perambulators or shopping-carts, comprising a chassis (2) having wheels and supporting a bed, a seat or a basket crib (11). The chassis (2) is constituted by two main sections, a front section (12) and a rear section (13), the latter (13) being arranged to carry out a swinging movement relatively to the front section (12) around a substantially vertical axis (14) for the purpose of improving the maneuverability of the pram (1) in narrow spaces.

Abstract: A reinforcing bracket for a trailer frame comprises a first side that bolts onto one frame member of a trailer frame, a second side that bolts onto a second member of a trailer frame, and a third side that bolts onto a flange of one or both members. Both the first side and second side comprise a plurality of dimples that nest into dimples in the trailer frame members. Each dimple has an aperture therein that corresponds to an aperture in the frame members, enabling the bracket to be bolted to the frame members. The third side of the bracket is approximately ninety degrees to both the first and second sides, and includes at least one aperture that corresponds to an aperture in a flange of one or both of the frame members.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a bogey beam on which are mounted the steering axle at the forward end of the bogey beam and the middle axle on the rearward end of the bogey beam. A rear drive axle is supported by the frame of the utility vehicle. The bogey beam is connected to the frame by a pivot assembly defining a transverse pivot axis about which the bogey beam can oscillate. The weight transferred to the bogey beam is proportionately distributed between the front steering axle and middle axle. As a result, the steering characteristics of the steering axle are not impaired by the imposition of a load in the load bed of the utility vehicle, as the middle axle cannot be loaded sufficiently to overpower the front steering axle. The middle axle is rotatably driven by the rear drive axle.

Abstract: A towing vehicle includes a body on two frame side members and a towing device supported on the members. The frame side members extend substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are in a plane parallel to the surface on which the vehicle travels. The towing device is mounted on a towing beam which extends between the two frame side members at the rear of the vehicle and the towing device is couplable to a towable vehicle. A support arrangement at the rear of the vehicle is connected to the two frame side members and incorporates at least one and preferably two beams which are connected respectively to one of the frame side members either directly or by a connecting element that extends laterally outwardly from the respective frame side member. The beams are connected to a support member that extends across the body. The beams extend at an angle of inclination relative to the plane.

Abstract: An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.

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 vehicle is connected via a data link to a second electronic device provided in or on the trailer vehicle; the first and second electronic 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 electronic device sends request data via the data link to the second electronic device. The first electronic device receives status information via the data link sent by the second electronic device in response to the request data. The first electronic device outputs, in a manner that can be correlated with the trailer vehicle, the received status information by means of an output device disposed on or in the tractor vehicle.

Abstract: A truck tractor fifth wheel for semi-trailer trucks includes a built-in structure and mechanism for supporting and deploying a T-shaped retaining activation bar. The bar is carried underneath the fifth wheel and is supported on side walls of a support block cast integrally with the fifth wheel body. Upon being deployed in a jackknifing situation, an end of the bar comes into contact with a stop block underneath the trailer. Anti-jackknifing components are included in the fifth wheel design from the outset, thus avoiding difficulties associated with after-market installation of such components. Integral casting of components provides increased strength of the overall structure.

Abstract: A bolt-together hitch for a machine having articulatable first and second sections, including a generally annular yoke member of cast steel having a cylindrical portion which is trunnion mounted by bearings in a longitudinal bore formed by the first section and a tube member of forged steel bolted end to end to the yoke member, the yoke member integrally forming brackets to provide an articulated pivot joint with the second section.

Abstract: A motorcycle carries a saddlebag on either side, and each saddlebag has several openings which are used to secure the respective saddlebag to the motorcycle. The saddlebags are removed from the motorcycle and the motorcycle is converted to a trike. The saddlebags are mounted on a trailer which can be hitched to the trike, and the trailer is designed so that the saddlebags can be secured to the trailer via the openings which were used to secure the saddlebags to the motorcycle. The trailer runs on a single tire which is supported by a cantilevered axle. The trailer has a rear bumper provided with feet onto which the trailer can be tilted for storage.

Abstract: A transportation unit is provided for the secure and efficient collection, storage, and hauling of waste. The unit consists of a fully enclosed containment area that is secured to a frame and supported by wheels. The containment area is equipped with a dual access sliding door system to facilitate the convenient loading and unloading of waste.

Abstract: A utility transport tractor having a cargo box above the rear axle with the operator's platform forward of the rear axle enabling additional seats to be included. To maintain the functionality of a conventional agricultural tractor, the cargo box tail gate and a portion of the cargo box floor can be raised to positions in which they both extend upwardly and forwardly toward the operator. In these positions, the three point hitch at the rear of the tractor is visible to the operator as is typically the case conventional agricultural tractors. The tail gate is mounted to the cargo box for rotation about multiple axes to pivot the tail gate to multiple open positions.

Abstract: A shock absorbing suspension system for a lightweight, bicycle pulled trailer, fitted to the frame of a light weight trailer. The trailer suspension system includes a pair of shock absorbers each mounted to cushion the trailer and its contents, which can be a passenger. The suspension system mounts to a trailer frame that has a shock base and an arm base. The shock base includes a shock base pivot and the arm base includes an arm base pivot. A wheel arm attaches to the arm base of the trailer frame. The wheel arm includes a hub end and a pivot end, and the pivot end hingably connects to the arm base pivot. A wheel hub is received into the wheel arm proximate the hub end of the wheel arm. An arm shock bearing is positioned on the wheel arm. A shock, for dampening the hinging of the wheel arm about the arm base pivot, is mounted between the trailer frame and the wheel arm. The shock includes a base bearing and an arm bearing.

Abstract: An improved utility trailer for all terrain vehicles including brush and tree deflectors, spring suspension, flotation tires, enclosed storage and animal transport compartment, tail gates and side rails, dumping capability, conversion to personnel transporter further including a windshield to prevent personnel injury from low limbs and brush or mud thrown up by the ATV and an awning to provide shade and reduce heat. The trailer may also include such amenities as passenger cushions and drink holders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compactor comprising at least one drum unit (14, 15) in which a cylindrical drum (21) is rotationally mounted about its axle (40), the at least one drum unit (14, 15) being rotationally mounted about a steering axis (18) on a chassis frame (45) of the compactor (10) and connected to a middle piece (27, 35) rotationally mounted via two opposing maintenance-free angular-contact articulation joints (28, 34) about the steering axis (18) on two trunnions (31) non-rotatively connected to a mounting fixture (16, 17) on the chassis frame (45).

Abstract: A trailer and fuel tank assembly are disclosed. The fuel tank preferably forms the body of the trailer. The fuel tank may include a recess in the top surface for receiving the motor and/or pump, which may lower the pump closer to the ground to increase the suction performance of the pump. The bottom surface of the fuel tank may be bowed upward. This may cause any contaminants in the fuel tank to collect along the edges of the tank. Drain ports, positioned near the edges of the tank, can then be used to drain the contaminants from the tank. To easily attach accessories to the trailer, one or more track bars may be mounted to the trailer body. The track bars preferably include an elongate channel and an elongate slot. By placing an insert inside of the channel and bolting the accessory to the insert through the longitudinally extending slot, the accessories can be easily attached to the trailer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for a trailer hitch for motorcycles that allows for easy attachment and an unobtrusive profile. The hitch assembly includes two (2) support ribs connected to the motorcycle frame and a cross piece to which a ball hitch is attached. The hitch assembly attaches to the frame of the motorcycle, regardless of whether the rear fender is a bob tail, a conventional fender or a low retro style; whether the wheel is a fat tire or not; and whether there are side bags or turn signals or not. The hitch assembly does not use supports mounted to the exterior of the wheel or hub. Further the hitch assembly in some embodiments can be installed such that it is not visible except for the ball hitch hanging down from the particular fender far enough to attach and detach a trailer tongue. In one embodiment the ball hitch is removably attached. The invention also addresses the potential height disparity between the ball hitch and the trailer tongue.

Abstract: A pontoon trailer travel kit minimizes transverse spaces between a pontoon boat trailer and the pontoons of a pontoon boat. The kit comprises a bunk bracket that is mountable to and adjustable along a lift arm of the trailer. A bunk assembly is fastened to and is adjustable on the bunk bracket in directions perpendicular to the directions of adjustment of the bunk bracket. A kit is installed on a lift arm on each side of the trailer. The kits are pre-set such that the bunk of each bunk assembly is in close proximity to a pontoon. The boat is substantially prevented from sliding laterally on the trailer. In a modified embodiment, only the bunk assembly is used, and it is clamped directly to the trailer lift arm. That embodiment is used with boats in which the pontoons are exceptionally closely spaced to each other.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a vehicle is described. The device contains a first determining arrangement using which at least one vehicle motion quantity is determined. Furthermore, the device contains a second determining arrangement using which a characteristic quantity is determined for the vehicle motion quantity. In addition, the device contains a control arrangement using which intervention quantities are determined as a function of the vehicle motion quantity and the characteristic quantity and are supplied to an actuator arrangement to perform brake interventions and/or engine interventions in order to stabilize the vehicle. The second determining arrangement contains a computing arrangement using which a final value for the characteristic quantity is determined and is supplied to the adjusting arrangement using which the variation over time according to which the characteristic quantity attains its final value is adjusted to the behavior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-function control system for use with an articulated vehicle for controlling speed and forward and rear movement of the vehicle through a single control. The system includes an operating lever connected to the vehicle by a double pivot and movable in a first direction to control the forward and reverse movement of the vehicle and in a second direction, normal to the first, to control movement of attachments carried by a hitch attached to the front of the vehicle simultaneously. A second operating lever may be connected to the vehicle by a double pivot and connected to the hydraulic valve for the hitch so that the hitch may be operated independently upon movement of the second lever alone in the second direction. The first and second operating levers are connected for movement together in the first direction.

Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40).

Abstract: A device and method for stabilizing a combination of a tractor vehicle and at least one semitrailer or trailer, the brakes of the at least one semitrailer or trailer being set automatically as a function of the yaw rate of the tractor vehicle and the setpoint yaw rate of the tractor vehicle, or as a function of the yaw rate of the tractor vehicle, the speed of the combination and the steering angle.

Abstract: A system for moving a step assembly in response to maneuvers of an articulated work vehicle. The step assembly moves to avoid interference with the vehicle's wheels or tracks. A push rod assembly provides actuation to the step assembly in response to the vehicle motions.

Abstract: A golf equipment trailer for hitching to a motorcycle to permit towing thereby of the trailer. The golf equipment trailer includes a carriage having a pair of ground engaging wheels and a forwardly extending elongate trailer tongue adapted for coupling to a trailer hitch. A pair of bag seats are mounted on the carriage between the wheels of the carriage. Each of the bag seats is adapted for resting a bottom of a golf bag thereon. A bag support frame is upwardly extended from the carriage. The bag support frame includes a back frame and a pair of side frames forwardly located from the back frame. The bag seats are positioned between the side frames and in front of the back frame.

Abstract: The running stabilizing linkage system of the invention, which is applicable to the joints of a 3-coach articulate car essentially consisting of a front coach, a rear coach and an intermediate coach which is comparatively short, comprises a link holder 2 disposed rotatably about a vertical axis in the center in plan view of the intermediate coach, a pair of connecting rods 4, 4 each connected to the link holder through a bearing 7, with the connecting rods being supported rotatably about vertical axes in positions radially equi-spaced from the center of the link holder, and a pair of link brackets 3, 3 each disposed in the transverse center of the end of the front or near coach which is closer to the intermediate coach, with the other end of each connecting rod being connected rotatably about a vertical axis to the corresponding link bracket 3 through a bearing 8. This linkage prevents jolt of the car, particularly pitching of the intermediate coach.

Abstract: This invention provides for painting a second coat upon a set of parallel striped lines in exact registration in one pass of a motorized painting vehicle for such applications as painting aircraft taxi stripes at airports. Beads are also registered on one of the lines in the same pass. Provisions are made for maintaining registration about curved lines by steering around curves with a shortened wheelbase vehicle and by extending paint nozzles for striping a plurality of parallel lines, typically a center twelve inch wide yellow line between two six inch wide black lines, outboard from one side of the painting vehicle. The vehicle comprises two four wheeled units articulated together by a universal articulation joint permitting vertical articulation so that the leading and trailing wheels may be lifted off the ground to reduce the wheelbase for steering around curves.

Abstract: This invention provides for painting a second coat upon a set of parallel striped lines in exact registration in one pass of a motorized painting vehicle for such applications as painting aircraft taxi stripes at airports. Beads are also registered on one of the lines in the same pass. Provisions are made for maintaining registration about curved lines by steering around curves with a shortened wheelbase vehicle and by extending paint nozzles for striping a plurality of parallel lines, typically a center twelve inch wide yellow line between two six inch wide black lines, outboard from one side of the painting vehicle. The vehicle comprises two four wheeled units articulated together by a universal articulation joint permitting vertical articulation so that the leading and trailing wheels may be lifted off the ground to reduce the wheelbase for steering around curves.

Abstract: A superior performance highway striping system is provided with various features including single person operation for different kinds of striping requirements and simplified automatic tracking around curved striping patterns provided by articulation at a ball joint between a towing truck and trailer paint striping unit. A common non-dedicated pick-up truck tows a trailer mounted modular paint striping system that may be broken down into a hand pushed parking lot type of striper sub-system or a ride behind motorized airport runway striper sub-system for a versatility of operational environments with one or two coat striping in multiple colors and widths. The towed trailer carries two 55 gallon paint drums of different colored paint, loaded and unloaded by a one person loading winch. Thus, the striping system controlled by a single person provides the versatility of on-highway and off-highway striping.

Abstract: Coach coupling assembly for coupling together two coaches of a railbound multi-unit set of coaches has a first coupling arm fixed to one of the coaches and a second coupling arm fixed to a second one of the coaches. The first coupling arm has a vertical through-bore that houses the outer race ring of a rolling bearing. The bore in the inner race ring of the bearing receives a depending shaft journal that is fixed to the second coupling arm. An arrangement is provided to damp radial forces acting upon the coupling and to compensate for misalignment between the axes of the through-bore and the shaft journal. In this regard, the through-bore is provided with an elastic lining of resilient material, and the bearing used is an angularly self-aligning rolling bearing that permits a certain degree of misalignment between the through-bore and the shaft journal. The bearing is fitted inside the lining, which is thereby adapted to take up and dampen radial forces acting upon the coupling.

Abstract: A bearing and brake support assembly includes a drive shaft and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly has an inner race and an outer race. The inner race is secured around the drive shaft. The bearing and brake support assembly further includes a one-piece housing having a central passage extending therethrough. The outer race of the bearing assembly is secured to the one-piece housing at a location within the central passage. The bearing and brake support assembly further includes a yoke secured to the drive shaft. The bearing and brake support assembly moreover includes a brake drum secured to the yoke. The bearing and brake support assembly also includes a brake shoe assembly secured to the one-piece housing. The brake shoe assembly cooperates with the brake drum so as to selectively prevent rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A traction control system for a machine having two driven wheels is disclosed. Braking mechanisms controllably apply braking forces to each of the driven wheels. Transducers produce an actual speed signal having a value proportional to the rotational velocity of each driven wheel. A microprocessor produces a desired speed signal having a value representative of a desired rotational velocity of each driven wheel, and an error signal representative of the difference between the values of the desired and actual speed signals. The microprocessor additionally multiplies the error signal by a gain value and produces a braking command signal to the braking mechanism to apply braking forces to a slipping wheel. The present invention provides the advantage of modifying the gain value based on machine operating conditions in order to achieve good performance.

Abstract: A carrier or cart for holding and transporting two or more containers, in particular, garbage/trash cans or bins. The cart is designed for easy maneuverability to facilitate storage and simultaneous transport of multiple containers.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having a front section and a rear section pivotably joined together at their common ends to allow the two chassis to pivot or swivel providing better traction for off-road travel. Limiting structure is provided to limit the amount of degrees the two chassis can swivel in relation to each other as well as locking structure between them for on road travel.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for use in hauling a motorcyle behind a motorcyle which includes a wheel cradle for positioning the front wheel of the motorcyle in front of the hitch. Such arrangement allows for the use of a lighter weight trailer and provides for greater stability as the front wheel is held in-plane with the vehicle during travel.

Abstract: A flat bed off-road trailer has a rigid planar frame supporting the bed. frame has transverse members at the forward and rear edges of the bed, and has longitudinal members at lateral edges of the bed. A rigid undercarriage fixed to the trailer's axle is hinged to the frame via journal connections between forward outboard zones of the frame and forward outboard zones of the undercarriage. The trailer has springs for absorbing road shocks, the springs being located between rear outboard zones of the frame and rear outboard zones of the undercarriage. The trailer has a tiltable tractive subassembly which comprises walking beams journalled to the axle, wheels mounted at either end of the walking beams, a band wrapped around the wheels and structure to limit tilting of the subassembly.

Abstract: Improved paint striper control, speed and quality is achieved by articulating a motor driven push tractor unit to a steerable walk behind paint striping unit. In a preferred embodiment, a two wheeled rear push tractor unit supporting a drive motor and driver's seat is coupled through a quick release ball-socket pivot joint behind a three wheeled handlebar steered push-to-paint manual striping unit. The articulation joint with help of a hydrostatic trans-axle transmission in the tractor unit produces a sharp turning eighty degree radius. Also the transmission unit functions to drive the assembly in straight lines. The user controls steering to deviate from a straight line at the handlebar grips in substantially the same manner as if walking behind the paint striper. Thus the user rides quickly along the striping path with a good view at the paint spray jets to monitor performance and achieve higher output volume and quality.

Abstract: A vehicle extender is connected to a towing vehicle by way of a towing beam bolted to the normal tow hitch and presenting two ball and socket joints so that the vehicle extender can pitch upwardly and downwardly but cannot yaw from left to right nor roll clockwise or anti-clockwise relative to the vehicle. The vehicle extender has a single castor mounted wheel set so located that even in reversing mode in which by castor action the wheel set swivels to a forward located position the center of gravity of a load in the vehicle extender such as sand still remains forwardly of the horizontal axis of rotation of the wheels of the wheel set providing for security and stability in use. The vehicle extender is very adaptable to different applications.

Abstract: A trailer for carrying power driven equipment which can be driven onto or off from either side or the rear thereof is disclosed. The trailer comprises a drawbar having a trailer hitch for coupling to a vehicle that tows the trailer, a second coupling device for allowing the trailer bed of the trailer to be disconnected from the drawbar, and a universal joint that not only allows for the tilting up and down of the trailer bed, but also rotational motion of the trailer bed, thereby allowing the trailer bed to be arranged to accommodate side loading/unloading of the equipment.

Abstract: An anti-spin apparatus for a machine is disclosed. The machine is articulated and has at least one axle set with at least two driven wheels. The anti-spin apparatus includes braking mechanisms which controllably apply braking forces to each of the driven wheels. A controller produces a slip signal having a value responsive to the difference in rotational velocity between the wheels of the axle set. A transducer produces an articulation signal having a value responsive to the angle of articulation of the machine. Further, a microprocessor receives the slip signal and the articulation signal, and produces a braking control signal. One of the braking mechanisms receives the braking control signal and responsively applies the braking forces to the faster rotating wheel.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating the segment length of a multi-segment vehicle such as a semi tractor trailer vehicle is disclosed. The estimate is generated when the vehicle executes a turning maneuver. The method comprises determining the turning radius of the vehicle, sensing the articulation angle between two vehicle segments, such as a tractor and a trailer, generating a length estimate, and controlling the vehicle based on the estimate. The method and system are particularly useful for vehicles with steerable trailer axles in which controlling the vehicle includes automatically steering the trailer so that the trailer wheels follow a path substantially the same as the tractor wheels thus eliminating off-tracking. Controlling the vehicle may include detecting a jackknife condition and operating the braking system.

Abstract: A trailer attachable to an all terrain vehicle (ATV) and being particularly suited for use in off-road environments. The trailer has a main frame assembly and two wheels each supported from an independent axle support assembly having a substantially open gap extending therebetween. Each axle support assembly includes a skid component slidably engagable with off-road obstacles. Extending under and outwardly from the main frame assembly is a hitch arm having an end portion couplable to the ATV. The hitch arm includes a skid portion also slidably engagably with off-road objects. Both passengers and cargo may be simultaneously transported from a container housing. This container housing is supported upon the main frame assembly and defines a rearwardly extending cavity for cargo and a seat for passengers. A front shield extends vertically from the main frame assembly and provides a protective safety wall between passengers and the ATV.

Abstract: An anti-spin apparatus for a machine is disclosed. The machine is articulated and has at least one axle set with at least two driven wheels. The anti-spin apparatus includes braking mechanisms which controllably apply braking forces to each of the driven wheels. A controller produces a slip signal having a value responsive to the difference in rotational velocity between the wheels of the axle set. A transducer produces an articulation signal having a value responsive to the angle of articulation of the machine. Further, a microprocessor receives the slip signal and the articulation signal, and produces a braking control signal. One of the braking mechanisms receives the braking control signal and responsively applies the braking forces to the faster rotating wheel.