Abstract: An adjustable width trail paver comprising a prime mover, an adjustable width paver, moveable and controllable materials conveyor, a controller, a base mold, and a trimmer; the control having pivot, tilt, raise, and fold features to move or control the materials conveyor around obstacles along the path to be paved; a prime mover with hydraulically telescoping frame; an adjustable width paver having interchangeable molds or hydraulically expanding pressure compensated side plates; and, methods for achieving continuous paving near or around obstacles along a path to be paved utilizing the adjustable width trail paver.

Abstract: A steerable trailer provides the ability to offset the center line of the trailer to the tow vehicle with a swivel tongue and pivoting axles. The steerable trailer can alter the turning radius of the trailer and improve the turning and backing of the trailer. Typically, a trailer moves relative to the tow vehicle. The steerable trailer allows a user to control the trailer steering independently from the tow vehicle and adds up to two more points to steer more accurately and safely in close areas, for example. The swiveling tongue and pivoting axles can be used independently or together to position the trailer safely in different radii.

Abstract: A steerable caddy trailer is provided that has an improved structure including a main frame assembly, spindle assemblies attached to each end of the main frame for attachment of a wheel, a pair of swinging arms forwardly extending from the main frame and pivotally attached to the main frame, and tie rods connecting the swinging arms with the spindle assembly such that pivoting of the swinging arms steers the wheels.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for connecting a self-propelled trailing vehicle to a self-propelled leading vehicle and for measuring their relative positions is described. The hitch apparatus includes: a first hitch assembly for connecting a rear end of the leading vehicle to a front end of the trailing vehicle; a first angle sensor operatively connected to a pivot shaft and capable of measuring a horizontal angle between a centerline of a swivel base extending through a pivot shaft and a longitudinal centerline of the leading vehicle; a second hitch assembly for mounting on the front end of the trailing vehicle, the second hitch assembly including a connecting device mounted on the front end of the trailing vehicle and connectable to the swivel base of the leading vehicle; and a distance sensor for measuring a variable distance between a preselected point at the front end of said trailing vehicle and the swivel base.

Abstract: A steering system for a towed farm implement or wagon, such as a header transport, is provided that allows the tongue of the header transport to pivot approximately 90 degrees to the right or the left (i.e., 180 degrees in total) and translates the movement of the tongue to all of the wheels of the header transport. Front steering linkages are coupled to the tongue, and are configured to oscillate front wheels in response to rotation of the tongue. Rear steering linkages are coupled to the front steering linkages by front-to-rear linkages, and the rear steering linkages are configured to oscillate rear wheels in response to rotation of the tongue.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a system for providing a height change command for an implement, comprises a height control module configured to interact with a computer, and configured to receive topographical data, provide a virtual field map based on said topographical data, provide a forward view polygon for an implement based on said virtual field map, and provide a height change command for said implement based on said forward view polygon and an implement control unit configured to receive said height change command and control movement of said implement.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus utilizing SBW capable of downsizing an expensive turning-power motor, in which a steering mechanism 20 provided with a steering wheel 21 maneuvered by a driver is mechanically separated from a turning mechanism 30 for turning road wheels 35, 35. A turning-power motor 45 of the turning mechanism 30 turns the road wheels 35, 35 based on a turning angle-steering angle ratio determined by a control portion 66 of a controller 61 in accordance with a vehicle speed of the vehicle. The turning angle-steering angle ratio increases with increasing vehicle speed until the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined value from zero; while when the vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined value, the turning angle-steering angle ratio decreases with increasing vehicle speed.

Abstract: A trailer having a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and having a front end and a rear end, a steering linkage coupled to the frame, a pair of front wheel assemblies coupled to the front end of the frame, and a pair of rear wheel assemblies coupled to the rear end of the frame. Each wheel assembly includes a wheel carrier having a pivot member pivotally coupled to the frame along a steering axis, the wheel carrier being coupled to the steering linkage so that actuation of the steering linkage pivots the wheel carrier about the steering axis, and a wheel rotatably coupled to the wheel carrier along a wheel axis. The wheel axis is oriented approximately perpendicular to the steering axis, and the wheel axis is offset from the steering axis.

Abstract: A steerable caddy trailer is provided that has an improved structure including a main frame assembly, spindle assemblies attached to each end of the main frame for attachment of a wheel, a pair of swinging arms forwardly extending from the main frame and pivotally attached to the main frame, and tie rods connecting the swinging arms with the spindle assembly such that pivoting of the swinging arms steers the wheels.

Abstract: An improved steer axle assembly for a trailer is provided in which a tapered roller thrust bearing extends between each lower kingpin yoke thrust face and each lower kingpin sleeve thrust face to transfer load between the lower yoke sleeve and the kingpin sleeve while allowing the yokes to swivel about the kingpins. Upper and lower needle bearing assemblies extend respectively between the upper and lower yoke sleeves and the kingpins to guide the swivelable movement of the yokes about the kingpins. Upper and lower kingpin caps are secured across the upper and lower yoke sleeves respectively above and below the kingpins to seal the opposite ends of the kingpins within the yoke sleeves.

Abstract: A steerable caddy trailer is provided that has an improved structure including a main frame assembly, spindle assemblies attached to each end of the main frame for attachment of a wheel, a pair of swinging arms forwardly extending from the main frame and pivotally attached to the main frame, and tie rods connecting the swinging arms with the spindle assembly such that pivoting of the swinging arms steers the wheels.

Abstract: An oscillating in-line steering system for a pulled agricultural implement includes first and second in-line axles pivotably coupled with a frame. The system also includes at least first and second in-line wheel arrangements pivotably coupled with the first and second axles respectively. Each wheel arrangement has a plurality of pivotable wheel assemblies arranged in-line and wheel linkages coupling the in-line wheel assemblies such that in-line wheel assemblies oscillate together. A right-to-left linkage couples the wheel linkage of the first in-line wheel arrangement to the wheel linkage of the second in-line wheel arrangement so that the first in-line wheel arrangement oscillates at a steering angle proportional to that of the second in-line wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A tractor/trailer combination wherein a trailer is connected to a tractor through the connection of a kingpin with a fifth wheel is provided with a trailer steering system. Using given dimensions of the tractor/trailer combination and a measured articulation angle between the tractor and trailer during a turn, the wheels of the rear axles of the trailer are turned so that they turn approximately about the instant center established for the tractor. In this way, the trailer turns around approximately the same point as does the tractor, thus significantly eliminating off tracking.

Abstract: A steering system for a tractor and trailer includes first and second sender cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other, and first and second receiver cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other. First and second front link members connect the first and second sender cylinders to a front equalizer arm, and first and second rear link members connect the first and second receiver cylinders to a rear equalizer arm. The pistons of the cylinders travel in straight paths experiencing no side loads, and each piston travels the same distance as the tractor turns with respect to the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer and hitch system for a mobile robot. The trailer includes a front Ackerman steering linkage, a releasable locking mechanism for releasably positioning the Ackerman steering linkage in a turned position to arrest the trailer, a tow bar extending upwardly from the Ackerman steering linkage and terminating in a lunette ring, and spaced skid members extending downwardly and rearwardly. The mobile robot includes a hitch assembly for the lunette ring. The hitch assembly has a frame including a slot for the lunette ring and a guide portion for guiding the lunette ring into the slot, a latch pivotable with respect to the frame and biased to close the slot, and a decoupling mechanism configured to move the latch to release the lunette ring from the slot. A robot arm is maneuverable to engage the decoupling mechanism.

Abstract: A towable wheeled vehicle releasably attachable to a towing vehicle at two horizontally spaced apart points provides a frame supporting a deck, a wheel carriage having a leaf spring suspension and a tubular steering axle with rotatable and turnable wheels at each end, and an electrically powered pneumatic system. Airbags communicating between the steering axle and the frame inflate and deflate to axially rotate the steering axle in axle sleeves carried by the leaf spring suspension reversing the caster and camber of the wheels responsive to activation of the towing vehicle's back up lights.

Abstract: A lock assembly for selectively latching the pivoting tongue of a steerable trailed vehicle includes an actuator assembly on the vehicle connected by a cable to latch bolt for spring biasing in discrete positions into aligned apertures for enabling and preventing tongue pivoting.

Abstract: In a steering-without-driving state, a larger current limit value, drive limit time and steering angle deviation threshold value are set than when a low-speed driving state occurs. An automatic parking mode is held until a time period over which a state where a motor current value of an electric motor which drives a steering mechanism is equal to the current limit value reaches the drive limit time. Even though the state where the motor current value is equal to the current limit value has continued over the drive limit time, the automatic parking mode is held during the steering angle deviation not exceeding the steering angle deviation threshold value. When the state where the motor current value is equal to the current limit value has continued over the drive limit time Ta and that the steering angle deviation exceeds the threshold value, the automatic parking control is cancelled.

Abstract: A steering connection assembly that interconnects an implement train comprising first and second detachable implements towed by a draw bar of a tow vehicle is provided. The first implement is pivotally attached at the draw bar so as to rotate about a first vertical axis, and the second implement is pivotally attached to the first implement. The steering connection assembly includes a drive linkage pivotally connected at a draw bar so as to rotate about a second vertical axis. A steering linkage interconnects a rearward end of the drive linkage to a wheel assembly in support of the frame of the second towed implement. In response to a turn of the tow vehicle, a hitch coupling member generates a turn signal communicated via the drive linkage so as to cause the steering linkage to steer the wheel assembly of the second implement in a direction opposite a turn direction of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for controlling steering dead band in a mobile machine. In one embodiment, a first dead band value for actuating a steering mechanism in a first direction is determined. Then, a second dead band value for actuating the steering mechanism in a second direction is determined. The first dead band value and the second dead band value are then stored as discrete values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering device for facilitating the steering of an implement towed by a work vehicle. The towed implement, for example, a farm implement such as a seeding device, comprises a main frame having front and rear ends and at least one steerable surface engaging wheel attached to the frame. The steering device comprising a sensor means mounted on the main frame of the towed implement for sensing a misalignment of the towed implement and the work vehicle and producing a signal corresponding to the misalignment. The steering device further comprises a steering means associated with the steerable wheel for receiving the signal produced by the sensor means and for effecting movement of the steerable wheel in response to the signal until the towed implement and the work vehicle are once again realigned.

Abstract: An articulated harvester includes a powered harvester having a pair of forward wheels or tracks, having a pair of rotatable rearward caster wheels, and carrying an on-board harvester grain bin for housing harvested grain. The harvester tows a grain cart, which carries a grain cart bin for housing harvested grain. A joint assembly interconnects the harvester and the grain cart. The joint assembly includes a grain cart tongue that mates with the harvester. An articulation cylinder assembly connects the harvester and the grain cart tongue in the region of the joint assembly. Bi-directional, biased guide rods connect between the grain cart tongue and the caster wheels. The grain car may be steerable and/or powered. The harvester may be steerable by its pair of forward wheels or tracks. A conventional harvester and grain cart assembly can be converted into the novel articulated harvester.

Abstract: The fifth wheel hitch lube plate (30) of the present invention comprises a perforated support member (40) having a plurality of perforations (50) and a lubricious material (42) molded around the perforated support member such that the lubricious material covers both the top and bottom surfaces of the perforated support member and extends through the perforations formed in the perforated support member. Preferably, the support member is a perforated metal plate and the lubricious material is nylon, graphite, or an ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene material. The problems associated with utilizing nylon (or similar materials) and bonding it to a support plate are overcome by forming the plurality of apertures in the support plate so that a mechanical cohesive bond is formed between the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate, thereby substantially increasing the lube plate strength, and shear strength, while decreasing the likelihood that the lube plate may buckle.

Abstract: An oleopneumatic actuator cylinder device for steering and self-centering for the alignment to a straight drive of steering or self-steering axles, in particular for rear axles (11) of vehicles (10), is constituted by a single oleopneumatic actuator cylinder (25), for each of said respective rear steering axles (11), said actuator cylinder (25) comprising a sector (41) communicating with a respective pneumatic circuit (34) and closed at one end thereof by a suitable bottom base (43), and a sector (40) communicating with a respective oleodynamic circuit (37), said actuator cylinder (25) being cinematically connected, by means of a stem (33), to a suitable mechanical driving element (24) suitable for moving the wheels (26, 31) of the said axles (11).

Abstract: The present invention is a self steering “add on” axle system for use with a vehicle such a dump truck in order to increase the legal weight capacity of the vehicle and provide effective steering in both the forward and reverse directions. The system comprises a standard axle with king pin within a sleeve that is suspended by a leaf spring. The leaf spring is rotatably connected to a first leaf spring hangers and interconnected to second leaf spring hangers by a load adjustment members. The axle and king pin are tilted approximately eight degrees positively or negatively from vertical by a control system to further promote self steering when the vehicle is moving in either the forward or reverse direction.

Abstract: A steering tiller and a steered wheel(s) of a steer-by-wire steering system of a materials handling vehicle are synchronized with one another and a virtual coupling force is exerted on the steering tiller to maintain synchronization. A motor or brake is associated with the steering tiller and the positions of the tiller and the steered wheel(s) are monitored and used to control the motor or brake to apply the virtual coupling force to the tiller. Thus, an operator of the vehicle receives feedback corresponding approximately to that experienced in a mechanically coupled steering system so that synchronism is maintained between the tiller and the steered wheel(s). In this way, if the operator attempts to oversteer or outrun the steered wheel(s) by rapid rotation of the tiller, a force proportional to the operator's action is applied to oppose that action.

Abstract: An improved trailer dolly having a fifth wheel and also carrying a ball-type trailer hitch to give the driver the option of towing either type of trailer and having steering means built into the dolly to provide sure and positive steering and control of the towed trailer.

Abstract: The system for guided steering of a set of rear wheels of a semi-trailer comprises a pulling vehicle and a semi-trailer having rear wheels which are turnable with respect to a chassis of the trailer to turn from a neutral position to one or the other side of the semi-trailer for generating steering of the vehicle in one direction with respect to a neutral position. The system further comprises power generating apparatus to act on the rear wheels to generate turnings of the rear wheels, activating apparatus mounted in the driver's cabin of the vehicle for operation by the driver of the vehicle for generating a steering of the rear wheels independently of the steering of the vehicle as well as locking structure operated from the driver's cabin, in a first position for generating locking of the rear wheels in the neutral position, and switchable from the first position to a second position, where the rear wheels are released and brought to turn by activation of the activating apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (110) is provided for connecting a towed vehicle (111) to a towing vehicle that includes a support structure (216) with a self-steer axle system (290) connected to the support structure. The self-steer axle system has a reversible axle caster angle changing mechanism. A fifth wheel receiver (120) for connecting the support structure to a towed vehicle is mounted on the support structure. Additionally a locking mechanism (125) that is operable to prevent rotation of the trailer with respect to the support structure is provided.A method for connecting a towed vehicle (111) to a towing vehicle to allow backing up of the towed vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the step (820) of attaching a towed vehicle to a fifth wheel receiver of a dolly having a self-steering axle system with reversible caster angle. Another step (810) of the method includes attaching the dolly to a towing vehicle. Yet another step (830) of the method includes preventing rotation of the trailer with respect to the dolly.

Abstract: A remotely-steered trailer, and a sensor for sensing the direction of motion of a vehicle towing the trailer. The sensor includes a source of varyng electrical potential, rigidly fastened to the trailer; a pointer in electrical contact with the source of varying electrical potential; and a bar resiliently and perpendicularly connected to the pointer, pivotally connected to the trailer, and held in contact with the towing vehicle by a spring disposed between the pointer and the bar.

Abstract: A full-time all wheel steering system is provided whereby the rear wheel angle is determined by the front wheel angle and a relational curve, polynomial equation or set of tabulated values. The front wheel angle is measured and the desired rear wheel angle is calculated by a programmable controller. If the desired rear wheel angle is not sufficiently close to the actual rear wheel angle, the controller means sends a signal which results in adjustment of the rear wheel angle. The desired rear wheel angle may be a function of the vehicle speed as well as the front wheel angle. A dead band may be employed which maintains the rear wheels in a straight ahead position when the front wheel angle does not exceed the dead band value. The maximum rear wheel cramp angle may also be controlled as a function of vehicle speed. The system is applicable to passenger cars, trucks and tractor-trailer rigs.

Abstract: A full-time all wheel steering system is provided whereby the rear wheel angle is determined by the front wheel angle and a relational curve, polynomial equation or set of tabulated values. The front wheel angle is measured and the desired rear wheel angle is calculated by a programmable controller. If the desired rear wheel angle is not sufficiently close to the actual rear wheel angle, the controller means sends a signal which results in adjustment of the rear wheel angle. The desired rear wheel angle may be a function of the vehicle speed as well as the front wheel angle. Further, the operator may select from a plurality of relational curves, polynomial equations, tabulated values as well as a plurality of manually selectable modes including an independent rear wheel steering mode. The system is applicable to passenger cars, trucks and tractor-trailer rigs.

Abstract: Motor vehicles in which steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are steered by the same steering wheel which steers the front wheels. In one aspect the present invention provides an extended motor vehicle thus steered, and in a second aspect a tractor-trailer assembly in which the trailer is steered from the tractor. In one embodiment a mechanical power train is used to forcibly steer the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels. In a second embodiment the wheels are steered electronically, and in a third embodiment they are steered pneumatically. For extended vehicles the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are forcibly steered in response to the position of the Pitman arm which controls the front wheels. For tractor-trailer assemblies a directional sensor is disposed and held in the V-shaped slot of the fifth wheel of the tractor, and the steerable wheels on the trailer are forcibly steered in response to the direction of motion of the tractor sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: An automatic self-steering trailer axle wherein the wheel spindles are pivotally mounted upon the steering knuckle plate and may be pivoted in front of or behind the kingpin by means of a ratchet wheel which is engaged or disengaged by changing the direction of movement of the axle. The invention also includes a control linkage assembly which may be connected to the trailer axle and also connected to the trailer hitch or towing vehicle steering so that a change in direction of the towing vehicle while it is being operated in a rearward direction is transmitted directly to the control linkage.

Abstract: A four-wheeled freight trailer adapted particularly to farm use has its front axle beam fixed with respect to the frame of the trailer, and has steerable wheels at the opposite ends of this beam. The tongue of the trailer is fixed with respect to the frame against rotation on a vertical axis. A crank arm on the front of the tongue engages an abutment on the hitch of a towing vehicle, so that turning the vehicle induces rotation of the crank arm which actuates a steering linkage connected to the front wheels of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer steering hitch system for towing and trailer vehicles in which a tongue extends between the vehicles and in which a cable system extends along the tongue from a stationary elliptical pulley disposed beneath the towing vehicle to a rotating elliptical pulley beneath the trailer, the trailer having the wheels of its forward wheel system mounted for turning in accordance with the rotational position of the trailer elliptical pulley, the tongue being attached to the trailer in a manner for extending straight-forwardly therefrom at all times, inclination of the truck with respect to the tongue as the truck turns causing a cable movement bringing corresponding rotation of the trailer elliptical pulley for turning the wheels of the forward trailer wheel system toward that side of the trailer in which the towing vehicle is turning.

Abstract: A towed vehicle includes a frame, front and rear ground-engaged wheel assemblies mounted along said frame in such a manner that the center of gravity of said vehicle is situated between said front and rear wheel assemblies, and a gooseneck secured to said frame and projecting therefrom. A fluid pressure suspension cylinder is secured to the gooseneck adjacent the free outer end thereof and has a plunger reciprocally mounted therein and projecting downwardly therefrom. A plate with a king pin is secured to the plunger for coupling with the saddle of a fifth wheel on a towing vehicle. The plunger in the cylinder acts in conjunction with a compressible medium, to cushion loads between said gooseneck and towing vehicle. The fifth wheel by way of linkages from a collar rotatably mounted on the cylinder, steer steerable wheels on the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a transport converter dolly for use as the front wheels of a trailer towed by another vehicle, when it is required to provide a substantial spacing between the vehicle and the trailer so as to meet axle loading requirements of the regulatory authorities. The dolly is connected by a towing connection to a transversely-extending bar connected to the rear of the towing vehicle. The wheels of the dolly are forcibly steered as the vehicle train negociates a curve by means of a steering connection between the bar and the dolly wheels. The steering connection preferably is a parallelogram linkage that can be altered in length without affecting the steering it produces. The dolly wheels may be mounted on steerable stub axles or the entire axle may be swivelled by mounting it to the dolly frame via a turntable bearing. The dolly frame may be fixed to the rear trailer or connected thereto by a fifth wheel connection.

Abstract: A steering device for steering a spaced axle trailer includes a pair of pivots connecting a tongue to a frame of the trailer. The steering device includes a primary arm pivotally connected to the trailer frame. The primary arm is coupled to pivotal spindle mechanisms on which the front trailer wheels are mounted to translate pivotal movement of the primary arm to the spindles, causing steering of the trailer. A mechanical surge brake device is connected to the tongue. A laterally movable element of the surge brake mechanism is attached to a hitch socket that fits over a hitch ball attached to a tow vehicle, so that the distance between the tow vehicle and the trailer is decreased slightly when the brakes of the tow vehicle are applied.

Abstract: An automatic steering system for a towed vehicle, or trailer, wherein the wheels of the trailer are steered while backing by means of a lockable, in length, rod extending longitudinally from a towing vehicle, the rod being positioned to the side of a towing connection.

Abstract: An independently powered mowing attachment for small or medium sized lawn and garden tractors of the low profile type having a rotary mower mounted on the underside of the tractor frame. The attachment has spaced mower assemblies that cut swaths on both sides of the tractor mowers central cut. The mower attachment includes a frame pivotally connected to the tractor drawbar having rear wheels that steer as the tractor turns to assure that the mower assemblies follow and overlap the swath of the leading tractor mounted mower.Each mower assembly is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis at one side of the attachment frame and has three rotary cutting blades driven by an internal combustion engine mounted centrally on the frame. Two hydraulic actuators are provided for raising and lowering the mower assemblies either simultaneously prior to transort and use, or independently when an obstruction is encountered on one side of the cutting path.

Abstract: A two-wheel tractor is provided with an improved type of steerable two-wheel trailer having a steering mechanism which enables an operator of the tractor seated in the trailer to bring about turning movement of the tractor-trailer assembly in a natural and efficient manner by applying a lateral steering force to the handlebars of the tractor. This arrangement minimizes the steering force required upon the tractor handlebars and the amount of lateral movement thereof relative to the trailer while also providing enhanced lateral stability to the tractor and trailer assembly.

Abstract: A steerable towing device having at least two wheels, a frame, a tongue having at one end a socket adapted for connection to a first ball on a towing means and having the other end connected to said frame, at least two axially aligned wheels, a steering assembly having a bifurcated steering crank having a center pivot point and two extended arms of predetermined length extending from the center pivot point with the extended arms having an obtuse angle therebetween, a steering arm having at one end a socket for connection to a second ball on a towing vehicle spaced a selected distance from the first ball and the other end of the steering arm being pivotally connected to the end of one extended arm of the bifurcated crank, a connecting rod pivotally connected to the end of the other extended arm and a steering assembly which includes an integral drag arm and a tie rod connecting arm connected to steer one of the two axially aligned wheels and a separate tie rod connecting arm connected to steer the other of the