Abstract: An attachment assembly for use with a work machine includes an attachment adapter coupled to the work machine and fixed relative thereto and an attachment frame including a member defining an attachment point configured to engage, into an engaged mode, with the attachment adapter when a front suspension system of the work machine is raised to a raised position, and configured to disengage, into a disengaged mode, from the attachment adapter when the front suspension system is lowered to a lowered position, the attachment adapter configured to travel with the work machine when in the engaged mode and the disengaged mode, and the attachment frame configured to travel with the work machine when in only the engaged mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for suppressing oscillations of an oscillating body includes a magnetic base and a magnetic stabilizing mass pivotably coupled to the magnetic base by a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly defines a pivot axis about which the magnetic stabilizing mass is pivotable, relative to the magnetic base, between a first position and a second position. The magnetic stabilizing mass has an equilibrium position between the first position and the second position. The magnetic base produces magnetic fields that magnetically repel the magnetic stabilizing mass away from the first position at least when the magnetic stabilizing mass is offset from the equilibrium position toward the first position, and that magnetically repel the magnetic stabilizing mass away from the second position at least when the magnetic stabilizing mass is offset from the equilibrium position toward the second position.

Abstract: The vehicle includes a load bearing portion, a counterweight, a stability control system and a controller. The counterweight is mounted on the load transport vehicle along a longitudinal axis of the load transport vehicle. The counterweight is configured to counter a first moment generated by a load carried by the load bearing portion. The first moment causes the load transport vehicle to rotate along a first vertical plane perpendicular to a ground on which the load transport vehicle rests or is driven. The first plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis. The stability control system is mounted on the load transport vehicle. The stability control system is extendable along the longitudinal axis to counter a second moment causing the load transport vehicle to rotate along the first vertical plane.

Abstract: A weight transfer system for a tractor includes a front lift arm pivotably mounted to the tractor and a front accessory mounted to the front lift arm. The front accessory is located forward of a front of the tractor. A mounting bracket is secured to a frame of the tractor. An electric linear actuator includes a forward end and a rear end. The forward end is mounted to a spring and the rear end is mounted to the mounting bracket. The linear actuator is actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. The forward end is spaced a first distance from the front of the tractor in the extended position and a second distance from the front of the tractor in the retracted position. The first distance is less than the second distance.

Abstract: A movable counterweight system moves under a material-handling vehicle to provide a safe low center of gravity, and avoid interference to the operator.

Abstract: A balancing system for an agricultural vehicle includes a balance weight which has take-up pins at its sides. The pins are oriented coaxially to a common pivot axis so that the balancing weight can be taken up by the lower links of a three point implement hitch. When the balance weight has been taken up, it can be moved from a position of the center of gravity (S) of the balance weight close to the vehicle to a position distant from the vehicle. In order to attain a balance as optimal as possible, the position of the center of gravity of the balance weight in its position close to the vehicle is located below the pivot axis. Pivoting devices are provided so that the balance weight can be pivoted about the pivot axis so that it can also be brought from a position close to the vehicle to a position distant from the vehicle, where the balance weight occupies a lower position of the center of gravity in the position close to the vehicle than in the position distant from the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing counterweight to a vehicle on an inclined surface. In one embodiment, a control unit may engage a motor, which rotates a weight such that it is positioned to act as a counterweight for a vehicle on an inclined surface. In another embodiment, when an inclinometer detects the vehicle is positioned on an inclined surface, logic circuitry engages motor, causing a weight to rotate to a position such that it acts as a counterweight for the vehicle.

Abstract: A balancing system for an agricultural vehicle includes a balance weight which has take-up pins at its sides. The pins are oriented coaxially to a common pivot axis so that the balancing weight can be taken up by the lower links of a three point implement hitch. When the balance weight has been taken up, it can be moved from a position of the center of gravity (S) of the balance weight close to the vehicle to a position distant from the vehicle. In order to attain a balance as optimal as possible, the position of the center of gravity of the balance weight in its position close to the vehicle is located below the pivot axis. Pivoting devices are provided so that the balance weight can be pivoted about the pivot axis so that it can also be brought from a position close to the vehicle to a position distant from the vehicle, where the balance weight occupies a lower position of the center of gravity in the position close to the vehicle than in the position distant from the vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile ballast device includes a bladder member configured to hold various amounts of matter and having an inlet for selectively allowing the matter to enter the bladder member. The automobile ballast device further includes a plurality of lower panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform below the bladder member, each lower panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective lower panel. Similarly, the automobile ballast device includes a plurality of upper panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform atop the bladder member, each upper panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective upper panel. The ballast device also includes a plurality of spacers, each spacer being coupled to respective lower upper panels for maintaining a selected distance therebetween. Each spacer includes indicia indicative of a volume or weight of ballast matter.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving the center of gravity of a robot, and a system and method using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a weight conveyor with a conveyed weight weighing a predetermined amount and disposed within the main body of the robot. The conveyed weight is conveyed in a predetermined direction to move the center of gravity of the robot, thus allowing a non-driven caster of the robot to surmount obstacles in its path and not become stuck while the robot is moving.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an article in the cargo area of a vehicle and for adding weight to the vehicle when driving on snow covered roads. The apparatus comprising an elongated flexible tubular member having each of a first predetermined shape and a predetermined length. A filler type material is disposed inside the elongated tubular member for adding a predetermined weight to such apparatus. The apparatus further includes a mechanism disposed at each end of the elongated tubular member for both acting as a handle and for securing such apparatus to a predetermined portion of a cargo area in such vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a mobile carriage which is adapted to shift the center of gravity efficiently by utilizing the weight of wheel rotating means, power source means and control means to thereby increase the weight of a weight portion and reduce the increase in the weight of the entire carriage, the carriage comprising a base frame, a front wheel and a rear wheel which are disposed under the base frame, wheel rotating means coupled to the front wheel and the rear wheel for rotatingly driving the wheels, power source means for the wheel rotating means, center-of-gravity shifting means having a weight portion disposed above the base frame and a mechanism for moving the weight portion relative to the base frame to shift the position of the center of gravity of the base frame by moving the weight portion by the moving mechanism, and control means for controlling the wheel rotating means and the moving mechanism, the carriage being characterized in that at least one of the wheel rotating means, the power source

Abstract: Ambulatory apparatus includes a framework mounted to a chassis for movement between sitting, standing and reclining conditions. Leading, trailing and intermediate wheel assemblies are attached to the chassis for supporting the chassis in a first wheeled condition including the leading and intermediate wheel assemblies engaged for wheeled movement against a support surface and a second wheeled condition including the trailing and intermediate wheel assemblies engaged for wheeled movement against a support surface. The chassis and the framework define a center of gravity that is centered at the intermediate wheel assembly in each of the sitting and reclining conditions of the framework, and that is centered at the leading wheel assembly in the standing condition of the framework.

Abstract: The invention provides a mobile carriage which is adapted to shift the center of gravity efficiently by utilizing the weight of wheel rotating means, power source means and control means to thereby increase the weight of a weight portion and reduce the increase in the weight of the entire carriage, the carriage comprising a base frame, a front wheel and a rear wheel which are disposed under the base frame, wheel rotating means coupled to the front wheel and the rear wheel for rotatingly driving the wheels, power source means for the wheel rotating means, center-of-gravity shifting means having a weight portion disposed above the base frame and a mechanism for moving the weight portion relative to the base frame to shift the position of the center of gravity of the base frame by moving the weight portion by the moving mechanism, and control means for controlling the wheel rotating means and the moving mechanism, the carriage being characterized in that at least one of the wheel rotating means, the power source

Abstract: The invention is of a vehicle traction enhancement system, primarily intended for use with boat towing vehicles for increasing the traction between the vehicles wheels and the driving surface (usually a “boat ramp”) during boat launching and retrieval operations. The system includes a vehicle-mounted liquid holding tank and associated conduits and pump(s) for moving water into and out of the holding tank, respectively for increasing and decreasing weight of the vehicle as needed for traction requirements during and after boat launching and retrieval operations.

Abstract: A ballast attachment for a tractor three-point hitch includes a cubical, rotational molded polyethylene shell filled with steel reinforced concrete. The front side of the attachment includes a forwardly opening receptacle for receiving a transverse hitch bar carried by the lower links of a tractor three-point hitch, the rear portion of the receptacle including a semi-cylindrical seat for the hitch bar. The center of gravity of the attachment causes the lower part of the attachment to tend to pivot about the hitch bar toward the tractor to the point where it engages the lower three-point hitch draft links. A chain secures the attachment in place.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle that includes a mechanism for positioning the cab assembly and any loads supported by the cab assembly forward or rearward along the tracked chassis so that the weight of the cab assembly and load is more evenly distributed onto the earth contacting surfaces of the tracks of the tracked chassis and thereby minimize the chance of the tracked vehicle becoming bogged down.

Abstract: An earthmoving machine wherein a driver's cab and a propulsion device for powering the machine are located on opposite sides of a central lift arm. The propulsion device is provided with a cooling device located over the propulsion device itself.

Abstract: The present invention comprises at least one cylinder, such as a hydraulic cylinder connected between a vehicle or machine upper structure frame and a dual track undercarriage which is used to shift the weight of a tracked vehicle so that the vehicle or machine turns easier, suffers less componentry wear, and inflicts less damage on a surface under the tracked vhiicle or machine. A simple electronic control can be used to permit an operator to indicate the desired direction of turn, which then actuates a sensor which signals an electric solonoid operated hydraulic valve which then directs hydraulic fluid to the cylinder which shifts the weight as required for the direction of turn.

Abstract: A frame for an all terrain vehicle (ATV). The frame includes a bottom frame portion which has one or more bottom plates. Each of these plates is a sheet metal stamping with precision located mounting holes stamped into it for mounting vehicle components. The plates are secured to a pair of elongated reinforcing members oriented generally horizontally and generally parallel to one another along the length of the bottom frame portion. The bottom plates are of a length and width sufficient to shield a substantial portion of an engine and/or transmission mounted to the frame. The frame also includes a top frame portion and several structural support members supporting the top frame portion with respect to the bottom frame portion. Preferably at least some of the structural support members supporting the top frame portion with respect to the bottom frame portion are sheet metal stampings. In one preferred embodiment, one of the structural support members is a portion of the ATV's transmission.

Abstract: A counterweight installation and removal apparatus for a truck-mounted crane includes a counterweight having a bottom surface, a plurality of rollers attached to either the bottom surface of the counterweight or to a crane carrier deck, and at least one inclined surface positioned on the other of the bottom surface of the counterweight or the crane carrier deck to engage the plurality of rollers when the counterweight is installed and removed.

Abstract: A farm implement includes a plurality of equipment heads (such as planter heads) for engaging the earth and a carriage for mounting the heads for movement in a first direction. The equipment heads are kept level when moving in a first direction over terrain that is sloped and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction so that the equipment heads remain in proper operative engagement with the earth. The leveling mechanism includes a channel shaped structure so that it is substantially stationary with respect to the carriage and extends substantially in a second direction, a movable ballast element mounted in the channel shaped structure, and a powered ballast moving device.

Abstract: In a device for damping torsional vibrations of the body of a convertible vehicle, an elastically mounted weight is used. The damper is mounted elastically on a frame of a windshield by slide bearings and at a distance from the frame, relatively free to vibrate in the transverse directions of the vehicle. The damper has a frequency equal to the torsional natural frequency of the vehicle in the area of the frame, with the bearings having a sliding resistance determined by their geometry. The damper is elastically mounted by at least one central slide bearing on the frame element, with the damping weight having a leaf spring element at each end and mounted to abut the frame element and to permit transverse movement of the damping weight.

Abstract: A damper is provided on a convertible for the dampling of bodyside torsional vibrations in the area of the windshield frame. This damper is arranged particularly on the frame of the windshield and is held by way of elastic slide bearings. The damper is arranged in the open at a distance from the frame and can swing relatively freely in the transverse directions of the vehicle so that natural torsional frequencies of the vehicle on the frame are damped.

Abstract: A suitcase weight for use in forming a ballast assembly for the front of an agricultural tractor is disclosed wherein the weight has a body member including a rearward portion adapted for support on a carrier detachably connected to said tractor. Each individual weight further has an upper and lower fastener opening forming a transversely extending passageway for the insertion of a fastener from each side of the ballast assembly for engagement with a fastener strip inserted through flutes formed in the body member and extending vertically from each of the fastener openings. Each weight is thicker at the forward end than at the rearward end to form an arcuate ballast assembly when the weights are clamped together.

Abstract: A trailer load shifting device comprises a framework adapted to ride along a trailer and to which weights are engageable. The framework incorporates wheeled carriers which are retractable and extendable by actuation of air bags positioned between the framework and the wheeled carriers. When the wheeled carriers are retracted, the framework of the device rests upon frame members of the trailer and is engaged to the trailer framework by removable pins. When the pins have been removed, the air bags are filled, extending the wheeled carriers and simultaneously raising the framework off the trailer frame members. Then, upon light snubbing of the brakes of a slowly moving tractor engaged to the trailer, the device can be shfited fore or aft, as desired, by its inertia.

Abstract: The invention relates to cargo-handling vehicles and the like which comprise a handling device such as a bucket or a fork. A balancing device in equipped either at the front or the rear of the vehicle in such a way as to be rotatable on an axle which is horizontal and at right angles to the running direction of the vehicle, the balancing device comprising a balance weight coupled with a vehicle body by the axle, and an elastic body and a shock absorber provided between the balance weight and the vehicle body. Pitching phenomenon of a cargo-handling vehicle or the like can be automatically restrained in a responsive manner. It is possible to prevent the vehicle from overturning caused by an unexpected imbalance. The running stability can be improved and a comfortable ride accomplished.

Abstract: An improved vibration absorber that overcomes deficiencies of known heavy vibration absorbers that require exact manufacturing tolerance for the rigidity of the absorber in order to generate a sufficiently large frequency range of the vibration absorber. The new vibration absorber has the purpose of covering a larger frequency range with a lower weight by having the absorber mass disposed to be pivotable around a pivot at one end and on an opposite side supports itself on the vehicle body through at least one bearing arrangement. The absorber mass and/or the bearing arrangement are slideably arranged with respect to the pivot. The vibration absorber may be used in vehicles which have a natural vibration in the low frequency range.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for use with automotive vehicles wherein a weight is mounted appropriately toward the rear of the vehicle, which weight has the ability to shift slightly to the right or to the left of the vehicle under forces such as turning at high speed, or the like, in order to add to the control of the vehicle by the driver and wherein the weight therein returns to a centered position with reference to the center line of the vehicle after the unusual stress is relieved, and wherein the driving characteristics of the driver are reported as a result of unusual physical stresses placed upon the vehicle.

Abstract: Several embodiments of shimmy damper arrangements for motorcycles wherein an inertial member is coupled to the front wheel by a suspension arrangement that permits the inertial member to move relative to the front wheel for dampening shimmy forces.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle counterweight device (10) with cylinder positioning means (62). The vehicle counterweight device (10) comprises a frame (16) for being secured to a motor vehicle, such as a tractor (12), and comprises a weight member (14) reciprocatably supported by the frame (16) such that the weight member (14) is laterally reciprocatable and selectively positionable along a path of travel substantially parallel to the axis of the axle (13) of the tractor so as to allow the selective alteration of the center of gravity of the tractor (12). The device (10) also includes means for selectively moving the weight member (14) along its path of travel, which, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a hydraulic cylinder (22) provided with cylinder positioning means (62) for adjusting the axial position of the cylinder portion (24) of the hydraulic cylinder (22) to alter the range of travel of the weight member (14).

Abstract: Fork lift truck comprising a chassis, a front and a rear axle supported by the chassis and having wheels at their outer ends, a portal which is pivotally connected to the front of the chassis, a fork, on which a load can be placed, being movable along said portal, an engine which is provided on the chassis for driving wheels of the fork lift truck, said truck being intended for being transported under the loading floor of a vehicle intended for goods carriage. A counterweight is provided outside the wheelbase at the end of the chassis located opposite the portal, whilst the portal is pivotally connected to the chassis in such a manner that the portal can be folded down over the engine and the counterweight against the upper side of the chassis.

Abstract: A stabilizing system for vehicles such as sailing craft, ice craft or racing cars that are periodically subject to lateral forces that tend to heel or roll such vehicles, the stabilizing system having a ballasted member laterally movable and positionable by non binding locking mechanism, the method to use the stabilizing system providing the ballasted member to be moved only by forces present in the environment such as wind or wave energy, centrifugal, gravity and inertia forces, the method allowing surface vehicles to execute turns with their weight more evenly distributed among their wheels or runners and allowing sailing vessels to sail with windward heel and reduced resistance and better balance.

Abstract: A device preferably mounted to the rear section of a vehicle such as from the vehicle rear axle for stabilizing the vehicle in turns and skids and providing improved overall holding power of the vehicle to the roadway. The stabilizer operates on a hydraulic principle and comprises a housing that may be partially liquid filled such as with a hydraulic oil, although the stabilizer also is operative with the use of solely an air fill. A substantial weight mass is disposed in the housing and is responsive to centrifugal force such as occasioned by a vehicle turn, particularly an abrupt turn, to cause displacement thereof axially of the housing. The device further comprises a piston at each end of the housing and a spring associated therewith for biasing the piston to a normal rest position. The piston has an aperture to permit fluid bleeding between opposite sides thereof to enhance stabilizer action.

Abstract: An improved vehicle stabilizing apparatus for mounting on a rear portion of a vehicle for reducing vehicle skidding and for dampening vehicle vibration. An inverted V-shaped hollow tubular housing having closed ends and defining an interior chamber is transversely mounted on the vehicle. Weights are located and are movable within the chamber, and resilient means within the chamber transfer forces from the weights to the vehicle to resist lateral movement of the vehicle and to maintain the rear wheels of the vehicle in contact with the road surface.

Abstract: A device preferably mounted to the rear section of a vehicle such as from the vehicle rear axle for stabilizing the vehicle in turns and skids and providing improved overall holding power of the vehicle to the roadway. The stabilizer operates on a hydraulic principle and comprises a housing that may be partially liquid filled such as with a hydraulic oil, although the stabilizer also is operative with the use of solely an air fill. A substantial weight mass is disposed in the housing and is responsive to centrifugal force such as occasioned by a vehicle turn, particularly an abrupt turn, to cause displacement thereof axially of the housing. The device further comprises a piston at each end of the housing and means associated therewith for biasing the piston to a normal restposition, said piston having means permitting fluid bleeding between opposite sides thereof to enhance stabilizer action.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted apparatus is disclosed for supporting ballast weights on the front or rear of the tractor and for elevating the weights relative to the ground. The apparatus includes a pair of U-shaped channels fastened to frame members of the tractor in an upright position. The channels are aligned with their open faces opposite to one another such that the ballast weights can be received therebetween. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are each secured at one end to one of the U-shaped channels and each has an outwardly extending piston rod detachably coupled at its lower end to the ballast weights. The piston rods are moved into and out of the hydraulic cylinders by a control mechanism thereby permitting the ballast weights to be raised and lowered in a substantially vertical fashion. The apparatus also includes means for permanently locking the ballast weights to the U-shaped channels while the ends of the piston rods are connected to the lower links of an attached implement.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle with pivoting motion, on which the forward carriage supports a loading shovel for a forklift and the rear carriage a counterweight, at least a portion of the counterweight being displaceably arranged on a rear guide mounted transversely to the rear carriage and being so connected with the forward carriage that for every pivoting excursion an opposite displacement of the counterweight is achieved.

Abstract: A ballast weight for use on agricultural or industrial machines such as tractors, the weight being provided with a cut-out which opens through one edge and which receives part of a mounting frame attached to the machine. The weight is retained in position on the mounting frame by shaping the upper portion of the cut-out adjacent the opening to form a lip which can be hooked behind an upper part of the frame and by a linearly slidable latch member which is housed in a cavity provided in that portion of the weight which defines the lower portion of the cut-out. One end of the latch member projects from the upper end of the cavity into the cut-out and is arranged to automatically engage a locating formation on the lower part of the mounting frame under the action of a spring bias when the weight is brought into its operational position.

Abstract: In a trailer having two steerable wheels, there is provided a device which, in response to the lateral acceleration of a turn, applies a steering force to the wheels such that the tires generate a side force toward the center of the turn which is equal and opposite to that of the trailer resulting from the acceleration. As a consequence, no net force is exerted on the tow vehicle by the trailer, preserving its handling characteristics. The application is either through a mass on the trailer, or through use of the mass of the trailer itself.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having excavating machinery mounted thereon and having at least two axles, at least one of which is driven, and further including an operator cab, the vehicle having counterweights on each lateral side of the cab, guides for the counterweights extending lengthwise of the vehicle on each lateral side of the cab, the counterweights being movable along the guides from a first position above one of the axles to a second position above the other of the axles, and apparatus for selectively securing the counterweights in each of the two positions.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00080 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 9, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 9, 1979 PCT Filed Feb. 9, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO80/01682 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 21, 1980An adjustable double link mounting for interconnecting a pair of structures, such as structures (37, 51) mountable on a crawler vehicle (10), including at least a pair of spaced-apart lugs (44, 82, 83, 84, 85) on each of the structures and each having a bore, a pair of spaced-apart links (80,81) having a pivotal connection at each end to at least one lug as provided by a pin-receiving opening (91, 92, 105, 107) for receiving a pin (93, 94, 104, 106) which also extends through an apertured lug, and one (81) of the links including a turnbuckle (110, 111, 112) for adjusting the effective length thereof.

Abstract: A counterweight is positioned adjacent an end portion of a frame and is attached to the frame to permit limited up and down movement thereof relative to the frame. A resilient supporting device is mounted on the end portion of the frame and is attached to the counterweight with the supporting device being of a construction sufficient for resiliently supporting the counterweight and for cushioning shock loads exerted on the frame in response to inertia force of the counterweight.