Abstract: A steering system for steering a heavy haul trailer dolly comprising a turntable mounted on the dolly for connecting to another trailer unit. The dolly comprising a main frame, a wheel group mounted to the main frame, and a pivot frame mounted to the main frame between the turntable and the wheel group. A counter-steering linkage connects the pivot frame and the turntable. Hydraulic cylinders connect the pivot frame and the wheel group. To automatically steer the dolly, the hydraulic cylinders are locked in length. Rotation of the turntable in one direction causes the pivot frame and the wheel group to rotate in the opposite direction. To steer the dolly directly, the hydraulic cylinders are operated to extend and retract, pushing and pulling against the pivot frame and turntable to rotate the wheel group.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has front flotation wheels with a significantly increased diameter, increasing flotation and improving rolling characteristics, especially in soft soil conditions. The implement has a frame supported on front and rear wheels. Front flotation wheels are pivotally mounted to the frame about vertical axes. A hitch tongue is pivotally attached to the frame about a vertical hitch pivot axis. A wheel control mechanism connects the front flotation wheels to the hitch tongue, and is configured such that when the hitch tongue is in a neutral position the front flotation wheels roll in the operating direction, and pivoting the hitch tongue causes the front flotation wheels to pivot in the same direction.

Abstract: A steering mechanism intended for use in transport equipment, such as a truck, or a trailer, includes a steering knuckle on both sides of a body of the transport equipment. A king pin is fastened by articulation to the steering knuckles and a wheel of the transport equipment is fastened to each king pins. the steering knuckles being fastened by articulation to the body. The king pins are pivotable with respect to the steering knuckle to which they are fastened. The steering knuckles are pivotable so that when either of the steering knuckles pivots about the respective articulation arranged in the body, the king pin in the pivoting knuckle simultaneously remains un-pivoted with respect to the steering knuckle to which it is fastened. The other steering knuckle simultaneously remains un-pivoted and the king pin therein thus pivots with respect to the steering knuckle to which it is fastened.

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 frame locking bar is supported pivotably with respect to a rear body. The frame locking bar is constructed to be able to lock an articulated structure by fixing a front body and the rear body to each other to thereby prevent swing thereof. A fixing mechanism is constructed to be able to position this frame locking bar at a prescribed pivoted position in a cantilevered state. At the positioned prescribed pivoted position, when viewed from above, a foot mount is located outside a side surface of a driver's compartment. Thus, a wheel loader capable of locking an articulated mechanism and allowing easy and highly safe services at a high position is obtained.

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: The trailer steering mechanism automatically steers the trailer wheels in accordance with the tow vehicle steering and articulation between the tow vehicle and trailer during backing maneuvers to facilitate backing maneuvers and to prevent or greatly reduce the possibility of jackknifing between tow vehicle and trailer. The mechanism includes a pivotally attached steering frame connected between the steerable wheels of the trailer and one or more hydraulic cylinders that, when locked, create a very strong link between the tow vehicle and the trailer and its steering system. An alternative embodiment employs two non-powered hydraulic cylinders in tandem. The cylinders are able to withstand great loads, and more importantly, are able to disengage while under great load without jamming. The cylinders provide links that exert lateral force to the trailer to push or pull the trailer into a turn while backing, in addition to controlling the steering mechanism of the trailer.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, generating an oscillation signal indicative of trailer swaying relative to the vehicle, generating an initial weighted dynamic control signal for a vehicle dynamic control system in response to the oscillation signal, operating at least one vehicle dynamic system according to the dynamic control signal, and thereafter, iteratively generating a penalty function for the weighted dynamic control signal as a function of the oscillation signal response. A neural network with an associated trainer modifies the dynamic control signal as a function of trailer sway response.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, generating an oscillation signal indicative of trailer swaying relative to the vehicle, generating an initial weighted dynamic control signal for a vehicle dynamic control system in response to the oscillation signal, operating at least one vehicle dynamic system according to the dynamic control signal, and thereafter, iteratively generating a penalty function for the weighted dynamic control signal as a function of the oscillation signal response. A neural network with an associated trainer modifies the dynamic control signal as a function of trailer sway response.

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. The tongue is provided with a winch assembly having a cable attached to the trailed vehicle and operable for raising and lowering the tongue. The tongue includes a hitch assembly having an extendable and pivotable lunette for connection with a proximately located towing vehicle.

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 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 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: 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: A system and method of detecting a vehicle trailer. The method includes sensing a first vehicle condition that indicates a movement of the vehicle, and sensing a second vehicle condition that indicates an angle of the vehicle. The method also includes determining a disturbance from the movement and the angle of the vehicle, and detecting a trailer presence when the determined disturbance is above a threshold.

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 agricultural implement, such as a baler comprises a main frame and a hitch for attachment of the implement to a towing vehicle. The frame is supported on a bogie comprising a pair of steerable wheels. A pair of hydraulic rams can block these wheels in a fore-and-aft position for reversing the baler or for preventing fluttering during road transport. Hydraulic circuitry, which is used for controlling functions of said implement, such as the retraction of a bale chuteor the operation of a bale eject apparatus can be used to actuate the rams. The rams are loaded by providing pressurized oil to the return line and using a non-return valve for making the oil flow to the guiding the said circuitry to the rams.

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 steerable suspension system which includes a steering lockout feature is provided. In a described embodiment, an engagement member is displaced through an axle of the suspension system to prevent steering of the suspension system. The engagement member engages another engagement member attached to a tie rod of the suspension system.

Abstract: A steerable trailer is provided with a trailer hitch which extends forward to attach to a corresponding hitch on the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle hitch further includes an extending arm, referred to as the position arm, to which the end of the piston of a hydraulic master cylinder carried by the trailer is pivotally attached. A slave cylinder carried by the trailer adjacent to the steerable wheels is in hydraulic communication with the master cylinder for turning the steerable wheels. A pair of hydraulic lines communicate between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder to extend or retract the slave cylinder piston rod. The steerable wheels are rotatably and pivotally connected to an axle by conventional steering knuckles. A pivot arm is affixed to the steering knuckle of one of the wheels and to a tie rod extending from the steering knuckle of the opposite wheel. The extending end of the cylinder rod of the slave cylinder carries a steering knuckle to which is pivotally attached the pivot arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to transport vehicles and combinations thereof and their tow bar constructions comprising a tow bar journalled to the front of the chassis rotatably relative to a vertical and a horizontal axle, and structure for turning the axle. The structure for turning the axle comprise a steering lever secured to the tow bar rotatably relative to the center line of its vertical axle, and supporting arms secured at one end to the steering lever on opposite sides of the vertical axle and at the other end to the axle on its opposite sides.

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: A novel steering mode switching carriage is disclosed. A plurality of such carriages, if coupled to each other, can follow a single path without developing any discrepancy in turning radius between front and rear inner wheels when traveling on a curve. The carriage is used as a conventional cart if the front wheels are made to pivot freely and the rear wheels are fixedly aligned longitudinally. According to the present invention, a pair of pivotal shafts of the front wheels and a pair of pivotal shafts of the rear wheels are coupled by right and left parts of a reversing mechanism respectively. Each pivotal shaft is provided with an engaging member, which has a slider and a link lever extending therefrom. The front wheel is caused to pivot by the slider, and the reversing mechanism and the slider are coupled to each other by the link lever.

Abstract: A selectively lockable, articulated boat trailer comprising a carriage having a selectively pivoted front axle controlled by a jack column assembly. The carriage comprises a wheeled trailer and a separate front axle assembly adapted to be coupled to a conventional tow vehicle. The wheeled axle of the trailer is suspended perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. A system for retrofitting to existing trailers includes independent framework that receives the tongue of the trailer fixed to the jack column assembly. Regardless of the configuration, retrofit or original equipment, the separate front axle assembly is operatively coupled to the trailer by the jack column assembly. The jack column assembly provides lifting action and a pivot between the trailer section and the separate front axle assembly. Sleeved portions of the jack column assembly coaxially rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: A bypass and switch arrangement is connected to the conventional steering system on a towable vehicle. A rotary bypass valve includes two ports connected between the two hydraulic lines leading from the steering control valve to the steering cylinder or motor. The bypass valve has a normal operating position which blocks flow between the lines so that normal steering operation is provided. When the vehicle is connected for towing, the bypass valve is rotated to an open towing position to permit free flow of fluid between the ports and lines so that fluid may move freely to and from the steering motor or cylinder. If a steering cylinder is used, a third port on the valve is connected to the oil cooler on the vehicle and opens the lines to reservoir through the cooler to accommodate the deficient or excess flow from or to the cylinder which results from the difference in effective area on opposite sides of the ram.

Abstract: A trailer having front and rear pairs of wheels, each wheel being rotatably supported on a knuckle arm having a pivotal shaft tilted inwardly for biasing the wheel to a straight line position, a front tow bar pivotally mounted on a front steering member pivotally secured to the trailer body, a rear steering member pivotally mounted on a rear portion of the trailer body, a pair of tie rods connecting the knuckle arms of the front wheels and the front tow bar and a pair of rear tie rods connecting the knuckle arms of the rear wheels and the rear steering member, a rear stabilizer rear stabilizer having a spring for urging the rear steering member straight ahead between the rear steering member and the trailer body and a front stabilizer between the front tow bar and the body.

Abstract: A steerable wheeled assembly for a vehicle such as a harvesting or windrowing machine of the type adapted to be drawn over crop rows in the ground is disclosed. The assembly includes rotatable vertical members and a horizontal axle member which are arranged in a "C" frame supportingly connected to the vehicle and which provides clearance under the axle. Ground engaging wheels rotate on stub axles which pivot in steering movement when the vertical members are rotated. Steering or pivot arms are mounted on each of the vertical members and are connected together by a tie rod. A fluid power actuated cylinder connected to one of the arms is used to pivot the arm and stear the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for steering in the reverse direction a towed or pulled wheeled vehicle, such as a trailer with one or more axles, each axle having one or more pairs of steerable wheels. A steering rod is connected to at least one of the steerable trailer wheels and extends generally along the trailer axle, terminating at a pivotal connection mechanically movable in relation to a pivotal connection between a fixed support rigid with the trailer axle and a plate rotatable with respect to the trailer axle and angularly positioned by operative association with the vehicle. Movement of the pivotal connection between the steering rod and plate, provided for by suitable mechanical means, imparts a lateral displacement to the steering rod, causing the trailer wheel and by mechanical connection, all trailer wheels, to turn and the trailer to proceed in the same path of movement as the towing vehicle when the vehicle and trailer are moving in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A vehicle tow trailer particularly useful for farm vehicles such as tractors or combines having an underslung frame with cradles for receiving the front wheels of the vehicle. The trailer is arranged with steerable wheels which track the angular relationship of a tow bar. Light weight towing vehicles can tow heavy equipment by arranging the cradles to position the axes of rotation of the trailer supported wheels of the towed vehicle ahead of the axis of rotation of the trailer wheels thereby loading the towing vehicle through the tow bar to give it better traction. The towed vehicle is afforded an abutment bar near the center of the cradle supported wheels to prevent the overrun of the towed vehicle on the towing vehicle and to provide a means for securing the towed vehicle to the trailer as by a chain. The underslung trailer body has skids on its underbody to facilitate traversing rough terrain as where a trailer wheel falls into a hole.

Abstract: A trailer that is closely coupled to the rear of a passenger vehicle and includes a steering mechanism for automatically positioning the trailer wheels in a locked, straight-ahead position when the vehicle is traveling forwardly and in a steerable mode when the vehicle is moving rearwardly.

Abstract: In a vehicle comprising on each side one substantially horizontal jointed cross-shaft axle, a cradle frame pivotally journalled on said cross-shaft axle and consisting of one central section and two arms and two wheels supporting the cross-shaft axle and journalled each on one arm of the cradle frame, the wheels skid in bends. Consequently, the tyres are subject to heavy wear. When the vehicle is being used for agriculture, the structure of the soil is deteriorated by the skidding movement of the wheels. In order to prevent the skidding movement of the wheels, the arms are connected with the central section of the cradle frame so as to be pivotable about an upright axis.