Abstract: An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle includes a frame pivotably connected to the vehicle chassis at a connection location and a wheel attachment component slidingly coupled with the frame. The wheel attachment component is positioned on a first side of the connection location and is configured to pivot in unison with the frame and to move between a plurality of operating positions relative to the frame. A suspension component regulates motion transfer between the frame and the attachment component and is positioned on a second side of the connection location opposite the attachment component. An adjustment actuator is configured to shift the attachment component between any of the plurality of operating positions relative to the frame. The adjustment actuator is functionally independent of the suspension component.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an air assist suspension, for use in a wide range of vehicles and implements having multiple axles (such as agricultural equipment). The air assist suspension uses one or more air bags (e.g., fluid-filled bladders, containers, pistons, and the like) to assist in adjusting the loading of the implement with respect to the multiple axles. In one embodiment, the air assist suspension also uses one or more rocker assemblies, coupled to the air bag(s) and coupled to the axles.

Abstract: A vehicle and a suspension system, for stabilizing vehicle disposition by lowering the center of gravity, and improving stability control performance are provided. The vehicle includes a body, at least one arm, a bottom unit, which may be a wheel, coupled to one end of an arm of the at least one arm, and a suspension system having a spring disposed to generate a counter moment in a direction that offsets an impact moment applied to the arm that is subjected to an impact.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a rear caster coupled to the frame, a drive wheel coupled to the frame, a front caster, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly couples the front caster to the frame such that upward movement of the front caster relative to the frame causes the front caster to move toward the drive wheel.

Abstract: A combine harvester has a suspension axle assembly supporting the rear end of the chassis of the harvester. Side frames of the chassis direct loading down to a transverse axle through a pair of suspension devices interposed between the side frames and the axle. The suspension devices are resilient and expandable to cushion the chassis and to provide changes in the fore-and-aft attitude of the combine. The suspension devices may be independently operated to tilt the axle relative to the chassis, and provision is made for shifting the axle longitudinally, side-to-side of the chassis to facilitate turning of the steerable rear ground wheels.

Abstract: A steerable wheel assembly comprising a mounting bracket (1) incorporating a vertical pivot mounting (2) for attachment to the vehicle. A second bracket (6) has a first arm (7) carrying a road wheel and a second arm (8) generally upstanding from the first and linked at the upper end thereof to the mounting bracket by a parallelogram linkage (4,5). A spring and shock-absorber unit (9) is pivotally connected between the second bracket and the parallelogram linkage. Another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle suspension system comprising a mounting bracket (20) for attachment to a vehicle body or chassis, and a wheel-mounting arm (21) pivotally attached to the mounting bracket and having a wheel mounted thereon. A spring and shock-absorber unit (22) extends between the mounting bracket and the wheel-mounting arm, at least one end of the spring and shock-absorber unit being connected through a member (23) whose position is adjustable along the axis of the respective bracket or arm.

Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a pivoting axle suspension assembly that includes a bolster assembly secured between the frame rails of the main frame of the crop sprayer. The bolster assembly includes formed tube members that support a bearing structure for pivotably coupling a pivot pin of a pivot axle to the main frame. The tube members are curved downwardly from the main frame.

Abstract: A trailer including a plurality of rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of said main frame, each of which includes a tandem with a plurality of wheels mounted thereto; a U-shaped cross member for maintaining said main frame level from side to side; at least one length-adjustable member operatively connected to said main frame and at least one of said plurality of frame arms; selective movement of said length-adjustable member causing said distal end of at least one of said plurality of frame arms to move up or down; and an automatic leveling system for moving each said length-adjustable members and each said corresponding frame arm such that said main frame is maintained in a relatively level orientation when said trailer encounters uneven terrain.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle body, a suspension system coupled to the vehicle body, and a plurality of wheels (16) coupled to the suspension system comprising at least one pair of wheels, each wheel of the at least one pair of wheels being located on opposite sides of the vehicle. The suspension system comprises a changeable wheel track width for the at least one pair of wheels and the wheel track width is changeable between a narrow wheel track width setting (12) and a wide wheel track width setting (14) by pivoting a suspension link (18) about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A rough terrain vehicle including an elongated main frame for supporting a self-contained v-haul body; first and second forwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame; third and fourth rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame, each arm having a wheel mounted thereon. Also included are first and second cross members pivotably connected to the arms configured to enable the main frame and the frame arms to pivot about a lengthwise axis of the main frame. First and second length-adjustable member operatively connected to the first frame arm and the third frame arm and the second frame arm and the fourth frame arm, respectively; selective movement of each length-adjustable member causing the associated arm to move up or down; and a level detector for producing and applying leveling signals to each of the length-adjustable members to maintain the elongated main frame in a relatively level orientation when the vehicle encounters uneven terrain.

Abstract: An electric actuator motor drives an actuator leg between inner and outer limits of an actuator stroke relative to an actuator base. A controller detects when the actuator leg is at one of the inner and outer stroke limits by monitoring and comparing actuator motor power draw to known actuator motor power draw values associated with the operation of an electric actuator when its leg has reached an actuator leg stroke limit. A position sensor senses changes in the position of a monitored actuator component and provides corresponding signals to the controller. The controller calculates the position of the monitored actuator component relative to the position that the monitored actuator component was in when the actuator leg was in a predetermined home position. The controller recognizes and records the concurrent position of the monitored actuator component as indicating that the actuator leg is in the home position whenever the leg reaches a stroke limit.

Abstract: An oscillation joint for a chain driven independent suspension is disclosed. The oscillation joint may include a stationary frame member configured to support a first end of a drive chain. The oscillation joint may also include an oscillating frame member configured to support a second end of the drive chain and rotate about the stationary frame member. The oscillation joint may further include a first thrust washer located between a first surface of the stationary frame member and a substantially parallel first surface of the oscillating frame member. A first wear sleeve may be located substantially perpendicular to the first thrust washer.

Abstract: A cargo carrier for movably supporting cargo includes a frame configured to support cargo at the cargo carrier and at least two wheels at each side of the frame. Each of the wheels is rotatably mounted to a respective support arm. The support arms are pivotally mounted to respective sides of the frame and are pivotable relative to the frame to adjust at least one of a height and tilt of the frame relative to a support surface. The cargo carrier is readily adapted to position the frame at a lower position for road applications and a raised position for uneven terrain applications. The cargo carrier may include a deck that is movably mounted to the frame and is longitudinally movable along the frame.

Abstract: A rough terrain vehicle including an elongated main frame for supporting a self-contained v-haul body; first and second forwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame; third and fourth rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame, each arm having a wheel mounted thereon. Also included are first and second cross members pivotably connected to the arms configured to enable the main frame and the frame arms to pivot about a lengthwise axis of the main frame. First and second length-adjustable member operatively connected to the first frame arm and the third frame arm and the second frame arm and the fourth frame arm, respectively; selective movement of each length-adjustable member causing the associated arm to move up or down; and a level detector for producing and applying leveling signals to each of the length-adjustable members to maintain the elongated main frame in a relatively level orientation when the vehicle encounters uneven terrain.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a frame assembly with a generally flat platform for supporting a wheelchair within the interior compartment of the vehicle. Air cylinders couple the frame assembly to wheel assemblies operate to move the frame assembly to an up vehicle driving position and to a down position wherein the platform engages the vehicle support surface or ground whereby the wheelchair can be moved directly onto the platform.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a load carrying vehicle has multiple air bags associated with selected vehicle wheels to at least assist supporting the load and to control relative movement between the respective wheel and a supporting frame structure of the vehicle. A high flow-rate air tube connected to at least one air bag receives air from the connected air bag when air pressure in the air bag increases above that in the air tube. Air flows from the high flow rate air tube to a connected air bag when the air pressure in the air tube is above that of the air bag. The flow rate of air from the air tube to the air bag is controlled by the structure of the fittings between the respective air bags and the high flow-rate air tubes. A height valve maintains a predetermined pressure in the air bags when the vehicle is at rest.

Abstract: A machine, such as a mobile asset, vehicle, or agricultural vehicle, includes a chassis, an adjustment system, and a wheel. The adjustment system replaces a conventional non-extendable leg connected between the chassis and the wheel of the machine. The adjustment system can extend and withdraw in length, such that the height of the machine can vary as needed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing platform attitude adjustment range for platforms supported by jacks in which the apparatus includes jacks for supporting a platform at spaced-apart locations, jack drive mechanisms, and a controller connected to each of the jacks through their respective jack drive mechanisms and programmed to adjust platform attitude by coordinating jack movement. The controller coordinates jack movement by selecting and commanding at least one of the jacks to retract and selecting and commanding at least one other of the jacks to extend.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension unit for use on a vehicle including a ring bearing, a trailing arm, a spring and damper for providing large vertical wheel travel in a jounce and rebound suspension condition. The ring bearing may include external threads for rotationally connecting the trailing arm to a mounting plate or a hull of the vehicle. Further, supply lines for electrical and fluids may be passed through the opening in the ring bearings without the use of a slip ring and passed through a passage in the trailing arm to a wheel on the vehicle. The spring and damper may be located on top of the trailing arm and separately connected to the mounting plate to generate significant mechanical advantage. The geometry of the spring, damper, and trailing arm allow the spring in the suspension unit to be gas cylinder employing air.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: A caster suspension system that employs a linkage between the two casters constraining one to rise when the other falls while keeping moment internal to the system such that there is no tipping of the load carried by the caster suspension system.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension unit for use on a vehicle including a ring bearing, a trailing arm, a spring and damper for providing large vertical wheel travel in a jounce and rebound suspension condition. The ring bearing may include external threads for rotationally connecting the trailing arm to a mounting plate or a hull of the vehicle. Further, supply lines for electrical and fluids may be passed through the opening in the ring bearings without the use of a slip ring and passed through a passage in the trailing arm to a wheel on the vehicle. The spring and damper may be located on top of the trailing arm and separately connected to the mounting plate to generate significant mechanical advantage. The geometry of the spring, damper, and trailing arm allow the spring in the suspension unit to be gas cylinder employing air.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting the stroke limit of an electric motor-driven jack while the jack is being used to adjust the attitude of a mobile platform. A controller is programmed to detect when an electric jack motor has driven a jack to a jack stroke limit by monitoring one or more jack motor power draw characteristics and comparing those values to known values associated with the driving of a jack at or near the end of a jack stroke.

Abstract: A mobile viscous matter pump comprising a hydraulically operated support construction, a distribution boom (16) and a pneumatic cushioned trailing axle (42). To ensure stability during the pump operation, the trailing axle (42) can be lifted by means of a lifting element (58) by bleeding the pneumatic suspension, whereby the bleeding of the pneumatic suspension (44) and the operation of the lifting element (58) and a locking element (64) can be controlled according to the on-condition of the auxiliary drive (NA) of the vehicle motor, used to supply the hydraulic fluid of the drive hydraulics.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically leveling a vehicle is provided. Having a plurality of legs, a sensor and a controller. The sensor is mounted to the vehicle to sense pitch and roll of the vehicle relative to a reference level plane. The sensor produces an orientation signal representing the vehicle pitch and roll. The controller is coupled to each of the legs and to the sensor, and monitors the orientation signal received from the sensor and in response to that signal the controller causes at least one of the legs to retract to move the vehicle downwardly relative to the ground surface, for orienting the vehicle with the reference level plane within a tolerance.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically leveling a vehicle is provided. Having a plurality of legs, a sensor and a controller. The sensor is mounted to the vehicle to sense pitch and roll of the vehicle relative to a reference level plane. The sensor produces an orientation signal representing the vehicle pitch and roll. The controller is coupled to each of the legs and to the sensor, and monitors the orientation signal received from the sensor and in response to that signal the controller causes at least one of the legs to retract to move the vehicle downwardly relative to the ground surface, for orienting the vehicle with the reference level plane within a tolerance.

Abstract: An excavator-hoist including a chassis for supporting an operator's cab, a drive assembly, and a boom with a working tool supported at the free end of the boom, two pairs of projecting pivotable arms connected to opposite end sides of the chassis, respectively, for supporting at their free ends two pairs of wheels, with the arms, which support the front wheels having free end portions offset relative to respective remaining portions of the front wheel supporting arms in a vertical plane, with the front wheels being carried by the offset portions of the arms, and with respective piston-cylinder units, which are provided for pivoting the front wheel supporting arms in respective vertical planes, having one of their respective ends attached to the respective arms above pivot axes of the respective arms, and having another of their respective ends attached in respective regions of bottoms of the respective arms.

Abstract: A log hauler having a wheeled tractor and one or more wheeled log trailers with support wheels which are individually steerable to permit the log hauler to travel in a serpentine manner through a tree harvesting area. The support wheels are vertically adjustable to provide stability as the log hauler traverses uneven ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a sled having independently steerable skis is provided. The apparatus provides a sled having skis that move in three distinct directions in response to a single control input. Each of the skis is independently controlled, and can be used in combination or individually to control the movement of the sled. The sled may be provided with a seat for carrying a human occupant, or alternatively may be remotely controlled using extended levers, or servo motors operated remotely, such as by a radio frequency remote controller. The method of the present invention comprises controlling a sled by providing a control input to a first ski of a sled, wherein the control input simultaneously pushes down the ski in relation to the frame, rotates a forward end of the ski towards the center of the sled, and rotates the ski about its longitudinal axis such that an outside edge of the ski moves towards the frame of the sled and an inside edge of the ski moves away from the sled.