Abstract: A vehicle access ramp includes a base section and a fold-out section. The base section is mounted to a vehicle and the fold-out section is mounted to the base section. The fold-out section is movable from a use position allowing access into or out of the vehicle using the vehicle access ramp to a storage position allowing movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for transporting and dumping material. A hopper for receiving materials may include a bottom surface with a front portion, a central portion, and a rear portion. The central portion may be lower than the front portion and the rear portion. A bottom gate may be disposed in the central portion for discharging the materials from the hopper. Conveyors may be provided for moving material from the front portion and the rear portion towards the bottom gate. The conveyors may include a front conveyor coupled to the front portion and a rear conveyor coupled to the rear portion.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. The apparatus also includes at least one caster assembly coupled to the support structure, with each one of the caster assemblies comprising a wheel, a wheel support coupled to the wheel, and a steer lock assembly movable relative to the wheel support. An actuator is operatively coupled to the steer lock assembly to move the steer lock assembly between a non-steer locked and steer locked state to permit or prevent the wheel support and coupled wheel from swiveling about a swivel axis. The caster assemblies can also include a brake assembly coupled to the wheel, with the actuator operatively coupled to the brake assembly to move the brake assembly between a braked and unbraked state.

Abstract: A steering system includes a first wheel and a second wheel spaced apart from the first wheel, a first tie rod, a second tie rod, and an electrical actuator. The first wheel is rotatably coupled to a first knuckle, and the first knuckle is pivotable about a first suspension post. The second wheel is rotatably coupled to a second knuckle, and the second knuckle is pivotable about a second suspension post spaced apart from the first suspension post. The first tie rod is coupled to the first knuckle and to a mechanical linkage. The second tie rod is coupled to the second knuckle and the mechanical linkage. The electrical actuator is coupled to the mechanical linkage so that movement of the electrical actuator translates the mechanical linkage axially, which adjusts the orientation of the wheels relative to the suspension posts.

Abstract: A load-bearing trailer dolly which connects a tongue-type boat, utility or other trailer to a towing tandem trailer and bears weight from the trailer during towing. In a preferred embodiment, the trailer dolly is characterized by an axle mounted on a pair of wheels. A dolly frame height-adjustable trailer hitch centered coaxial above the axle axis and midway point framed dolly plate mount by operation of an adjustable sleeve reducer fastened by pinning and lock. Includes dual connecting adjustable height tongues for attachment to rear end trailer hitches on the tandem towing trailer at which a pair of hitch fasteners for engaging the trailer dolly tongues are attached to the rear of the tandem trailer. The adjustable tongue hitches on trailer dolly will give ability to horizontal level tandem dolly. A shock-absorbing spring is fitted between the axle mount and the dolly frame for cushioning the dolly frame on the axle mount as the trailer is towed behind the towing tandem trailer.

Abstract: A lagoon pump may comprise a chassis structure having front and rear ends; a tow bar couple releasably to the front end of the chassis structure; a centrifugal pump couple to the rear end of the structure; a diesel engine fluidly connected to a fuel tank; a clutch rotationally connected to the diesel engine; an extended driveline directly connected to the clutch at one end and to the pump at an opposed end to drive the pump via rotational energy from the diesel engine; a pair of steerable wheels connected adjacent the front end of the chassis structure; and ground engaging wheels connected under the chassis structure between the ends, wherein the ground engaging wheels are both extendable radially outwardly and rotatable axially relative to the chassis structure. A method of mixing and pumping a slurry material from a lagoon or storage pit utilizing such a pump is also disclosed.

Abstract: A brake system for a patient support apparatus including at least one wheel is disclosed. The brake system comprises a braking mechanism to be operatively coupled to at least one wheel of the patient support apparatus. The braking mechanism includes a first coupling portion movable between a lock position for locking the corresponding wheel, and an unlock position for allowing rotation of the wheel. The brake system comprises an actuating tool comprising a second coupling portion complementary to the first coupling portion of the braking mechanism and allowing removably connecting the actuating tool to the braking mechanism of the patient support apparatus. The first and second coupling portions are adapted for allowing engagement between the braking mechanism and the actuating tool to urge the braking mechanism between the lock and unlock positions, and are further adapted for allowing disengagement of the actuating tool from the braking mechanism.

Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade supported by a circle, a drawbar connecting the grading blade and the circle to the machine body, and a circle drive system including a circle drive motor and a gear box. The gear box is configured to engage with and rotate the circle relative to the drawbar around a circle axis. The gear box includes a first gear that rotates about a first axis of rotation that is parallel to the circle axis, and the gear box also includes a second gear that rotates about a second axis that is parallel to the circle axis and spaced away from the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A control method in a motor grader including a running wheel, an inclination mechanism which inclines the running wheel, an operation portion, and a sensor capable of detecting whether or not the running wheel is at an erect position includes outputting from a controller, a control signal for driving the inclination mechanism in response to an operation command in accordance with a state of operation onto the operation portion and stopping output of the control signal in response to the operation command when the sensor detects the erect position.

Abstract: A system for wheel alignment provides an indexable pair of washers in conjunction with a sleeve having non-concentric inner and outer surfaces that allow for adjustments to camber, toe, and thrust. The system can be retrofitted to existing axle systems using a sleeve that fits over the spindle of the axle. Rotation of the sleeve relative to the spindle provides for adjustment to wheel alignment. The indexable washers can be used to determine the precise amount of adjustment and fix the position of the sleeve once adjusted. The system can be implemented regardless of the circumferential position (i.e. azimuthal orientation) of a keyway or groove on the axle spindle that is typically used to lock the position of the axle nut.

Abstract: A ball joint may include a stud member having a spherical portion formed to be convex along an exterior circumference, a bearing member seated on an exterior circumference of the spherical portion and facilitating rotation of the stud member, an outer pipe provided at an outside of the bearing member, a seat member provided between and coupling the bearing member and the outer pipe, a pair of rubber ring members provided respectively at both sides of the spherical portion on the exterior circumference of the stud member, and a pair of outer ring members, each of the pair of outer ring members being coupled on an exterior circumference of each rubber ring member.

Abstract: A carrier for reverse maneuvering a flat-towed dinghy attached to a towing vehicle. The carrier includes a platform, two caster wheels, and a friction slide plate. The friction slide plate is configured to present greater resistance to horizontal movement than the two caster wheels. When the front tires of a flat-towed dinghy are loaded onto a pair of carriers, the dinghy is maneuvered in reverse without the dinghy front wheels reverting to the maximum turn that is normally caused by the dinghy front wheel steering caster angle. The dinghy rolls onto the carrier when the flat-towed dinghy is moved in the backward direction. A chock or stop device prevents the front tire from rolling off the platform when the flat-towed dinghy is moving in the backward direction. The dinghy rolls off the carrier when the dinghy is moved in the forward direction.

Abstract: My weight transferring tow dolly is releasably attachable to a receiver hitch of a towing vehicle such as a pickup truck and generally provides a dolly frame formed of plural structurally interconnected box beams having a height adjustable suspension carrying an axle with wheels and tires at opposing end portions, and a support frame to partially support the weight of a carried load and to move the center of gravity of a loaded towing vehicle forwardly to increase the stability of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for use with a vehicle is provided. The wheel assembly includes a first inner wheel portion, a second inner wheel portion positioned adjacent to the first inner wheel portion, a first wheel bladder coupled to the first inner wheel portion, and a second wheel bladder coupled to the second inner wheel portion.

Abstract: A composite chassis frame may include a primarily-formed core material having a steel core material and internal composite materials laminated on both surfaces of the steel core material, an internal core material disposed between the primarily-formed core materials, wherein the primarily-formed core materials may be laminated on both surfaces of the internal core material, and a secondarily-formed external composite material covering outer surfaces of the primarily-formed core materials and the internal core material as a skin material.

Abstract: A risk-degree setting unit (108) sets the degree of risk for the case where an inverter (103) performs conversion processing (inverter risk degree), and sets the degree of risk for the case where a storage battery (105) stores electrical energy (storage battery risk degree). A final output destination determination unit (109), based on the degrees of risk set by the risk-degree setting unit (108), determines the final output destination of electrical energy output from an electric motor (106), and controls the turning ON or OFF of a relay (110). The final output destination determination unit (109) turns the relay (110) ON when the storage battery (105) is determined as the final output destination of the electrical energy output from the electric motor (106), and turns the relay (110) OFF when the inverter (103) is determined as the final output destination of the electrical energy output from the electric motor (106).

Abstract: Wheeled vehicle, comprising of one front wheel, two side wheels and one rear wheel, configured on a chassis frame in a symmetrical rhombus (diamond) layout. The non-steered front wheel is turned by pedals using human power, similar or exactly in bicycle use design, or with electric motor power. The two parallel side wheels in one axis are perpendicular to the chassis frame, allowing them to swivel in unison for steering the vehicle without elaborate axle pivoting apparatus. The rear wheel is powered by an electric motor, hybrid motor or. liquid. fuel motor. The rear wheel is attached longitudinally with the center of the chassis frame so that it swivels also in unison for steering with the side wheels.

Abstract: A front wheel assembly for a child support device including a first castor wheel coupled to first swivel joint and a second castor wheel coupled to a second swivel joint, the first and second swivel joints being operatively coupled together by a linkage that steers the wheels in unison and maintains a generally parallel alignment between the wheels. The wheels are sufficiently spaced apart to allow for 360-degree pivoting of each of the wheels. Also a child support device such as a stroller, including such a front wheel assembly.

Abstract: A wheel cover for a wheeled vehicle which can be placed onto an associated wheel and secured using the same securing mechanism used to secure wheels to the wheeled vehicle. The securing member can be, for example, a nut typically used to attach wheels to the wheeled vehicle. The wheel cover can have a circumferential wall portion to cover a rolling surface of the associated wheel and a sidewall portion to contact a side of the associate wheel. The circumferential wall portion can have multiple features, such as protrusions, to reduce or inhibit rotation of the associated wheel when the wheel cover is attached thereto.

Abstract: A tire rim for a rolling apparatus with wheels mounted with a camber. The rim comprises a first shoulder having a first diameter, a second shoulder having a second diameter, and a main body arranged for connecting spoke elements, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. By having the first diameter of the first shoulder larger than the second diameter of the second shoulder the restrains of the tire at the first shoulder will be different than the restrains of the tire at the second shoulder. By mounting a wheel, comprising the tire rim according to the invention, with a camber, wherein the first and second shoulder have a substantially similar distance to the floor, the tire may be supported substantially more opposite to the floor.

Abstract: The invention provides a wheeling device for a packaged article which may be directly attached to the packaging of the article and which comprises wheeling means. The invention also provides a wheelable package for an article comprising at least one wheeling device according to the present invention, the wheeling device being directly attached to the package. The invention further provides a method of improving the handlability of a packaged article comprising directly attaching to the packaging of the article one or more wheeling devices of the invention.

Abstract: An automotive product having a plurality of components coated with a refractory interface coating and method for making the same are provided. The automotive product may include at least a first component and a second component configured to interconnect and engage one another. The first component may be composed of a first high-density material. The second component may be formed of a second lower-density material. A refractory interface coating may be applied at the interconnection between the first and second components to provide an enhanced surface finish to limit friction, prevent metallurgical bonding between the first material and second material, provide a barrier against galvanic corrosion, and provide a thermal barrier between the first component and second component to guard against thermal deformation or change in dimension of the second component.

Abstract: A vehicle configuration wherein the center of mass of the vehicle is approximately superimposed upon the passenger and driver centers of mass when seated within the vehicle. An occupant's center of mass can be approximated using a standard center of mass position approximation, or a combination of any number of standard center of mass position approximations. The vehicle's center of mass can be approximately superimposed upon the occupant's center of mass in at least the longitudinal and vertical directions.

Abstract: High centering bases for hospital gurneys are disclosed. An example hospital gurney includes a sensor to detect a position of a foot pedal of the hospital gurney. The example high centering base includes a processor responsive to the sensor to create a movement instruction based on the position of the foot pedal. The example high centering base includes an actuator to move a first wheel based on the movement instruction, the first wheel located between a first end of the hospital gurney and a second end of the hospital gurney.

Abstract: An integrated infusion management system provides for stable support of components attached to the system, even when the system is mobile. The system is optionally a mobility assist or walker for a patient who is attached to any number of medical components. A central trunk connects to a two-sided base that does not interfere with patient motion. The trunk may be angled with respect to vertical and oriented to support medical components in a configuration that is tip-resistant. The system is optionally deployable to facilitate conversion between a compact storage configuration and a stable deployed configuration. In an embodiment, additional deployable features include holding arms for holding various medical components, wheels, mobility arms and handles. Also provided is a novel wheel system with deployable wheels and methods associated with providing compact storage of any one or more of the systems presented herein.

Abstract: Arrangement for axle and wheels with rolling cylinders for transportation of a load, formed by two separate wheels (1) positioned parallel to one another by means of a main axle (10) arranged in the centre of the wheels and a plurality of rolling cylinders (11) that turn radially about the individual axis thereof, supporting and moving thereon a base board (12); said cylinders are fastened by cable or cord (13) to the reel (14), which optionally takes up the cord (13) by means of the handle (15); the rolling cylinders (11) are arranged in an annular manner on the inner face of the wheels (1), following the circumference of the wheels; the ends of the main axle (10) and the base board (12) are connected by cables or cords or the like to the pulling animal or to any other force capable of moving the assembly; movement of the wheels (1) gives rise to the simultaneous movement of the rolling cylinders (11), which, in operation, pass under the base (12) and support the load contained on the base, allowing the slid

Abstract: The invention provides a theft-inhibiting carrier which includes a body 12 having a chassis 16 on which three wheels 18 20 and 22 are mounted. The carrier 10 includes theft deterrent means 12. The theft deterrent means is configured, when activated, to dismount the wheels 20, 22 from their respective axles 44 but to retain them connected to the chassis 16 by an elongate flexible tether to impede the movement of the carrier. Two containers 60, 62 are provided and contain chemicals which are fed via pistons 68 to a mixing device 76 and into a valuables receiving chamber in which they foam and set thereby encasing valuables contained therein. A pair of arms 88 are pivotally displaced from a retracted position to an extended position in which they protrude from the containers 60, 62. Sharpened teeth 94 are provided on the arms to further inhibit displacement of the carrier.

Abstract: A brake system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The brake system may have a first brake associated with a first traction device of the mobile machine, and a second brake associated with a second traction device of the mobile machine. The brake system may also have an operator input device movable through a range from a neutral position to a maximum displaced position to generate a signal indicative of a desire to brake the mobile machine, and a controller in communication with the operator input device. The controller may be configured to activate only the first brake based on the signal when the operator input device has been displaced to a position less than a threshold position within the range, and to activate both the first and second brakes based on the signal when the operator input device has been displaced to a position greater than the threshold position.

Abstract: Provided is a driving device that applies a braking force to a first tire and a second tire rotatably arranged in a vehicle body. The driving device includes: a master cylinder configured to include a first liquid pressure chamber and a second liquid pressure chamber that supply a liquid pressure; a piston configured to apply an external force to the first liquid pressure chamber and the second liquid pressure chamber; a first hydraulic braking unit configured to apply a braking force to the first tire based on the liquid pressure supplied from the first liquid pressure chamber; and a second hydraulic braking unit configured to apply a braking force to the second tire based on the liquid pressure supplied from the second liquid pressure chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly is provided which includes a vehicle frame having a first axle, a wheel assembly having a housing with an aperture engaging the first axle and enabling the wheel assembly to pivot in a first plane about a first axis formed by the first axle. A cylindrical member is carried by the housing of the wheel assembly, the cylindrical member and housing are arranged perpendicular to the first axle. A first wheel is pivotably connected to a first portion of the cylindrical member and a second wheel is pivotably connected to a second portion of the cylindrical member. The first wheel and second wheel independently pivot in a second plane about a second axis formed by the cylindrical member. The first axis is arranged perpendicular to the second axis and the first plane is arranged perpendicular to the second plane.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient has a wheeled base having frame members supporting a plurality of caster wheel assemblies and a braking system. A moveable brake lock assembly, a brake lock actuator, and a swivel lock receiver are operatively connected to one of the caster wheel assemblies to define a locking caster wheel assembly. The brake lock assembly comprises an actuating member, a swivel lock member, and a brake member that are interconnected as a unit for simultaneous movement. The brake lock actuator is operable to selectively move the brake lock assembly into an engaged position via engagement with the actuating member such that the swivel lock member engages the swivel lock receiver and the brake member contacts a wheel of the locking caster wheel assembly thereby preventing rotation and swiveling of the wheel.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a vacuum appliance, such as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, is described, wherein the tool assembly may include a frame, a mount configured to couple the frame to the appliance, a pivot, an actuator configured to support the frame in one or more positions, and a tool coupled to the frame. The assembly may also include a biasing device between the pivot and an end of the frame, and may be disposed in one or more positions relative to a vacuum surface. Also described is a vacuum appliance system that can include a debris collector, a power head assembly, a base, and a tool assembly. Such a vacuum appliance system can also include a main wheel assembly and a plurality of optional main wheel assembly mounting locations. The system may further include a quick-release filter cage coupled to the power head assembly.

Abstract: A terrain traversing device includes an annular rotor element with a plurality of co-planar microspine hooks arranged on the periphery of the annular rotor element. Each microspine hook has an independently flexible suspension configuration that permits the microspine hook to initially engage an irregularity in a terrain surface at a preset initial engagement angle and subsequently engage the irregularity with a continuously varying engagement angle when the annular rotor element is rotated for urging the terrain traversing device to traverse a terrain surface.

Abstract: A heavy vehicle comprising at least four mounted assemblies, intended to draw machinery. The properties of the vehicle satisfy the relationship: ( ? ? - ? · ( 1 - ? ) ) 2 + ( ? - h ? · ? 2 ) 2 > ( h ? · ? 2 ) 2 , where, ??=?/L, ? being the turning radius of the vehicle and L being the wheelbase of the vehicle, K is the proportion of the total vertical stiffness under the front axle with respect to the sum of the total vertical stiffnesses under the front and rear axles of the vehicle, ? is the ratio between the forward offset of the center of gravity and the wheelbase, h? is the ratio between the height of the draft line above the level of ground that forms a horizontal plane and the wheelbase of the vehicle, ? is the ratio between the longitudinal component of the resistive force applied by the drawn machinery to the vehicle, and the weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A floor conveyor, with a frame on which a drive unit and a load unit are attached, the load unit having a load carrying means adjustable in its height, further with two parallel wheel arms which are adapted to be mounted on the outer sides of the frame, each wheel arm mounting one load wheel, and with means for reducing the distance of the wheel arms from each other, wherein a frame portion or a frame plate is fixedly connected to the frame on each outer side thereof, said frame portion or frame plate having an outer bearing surface and holes which result in a first hole pattern, wherein a wheel arm plate is connected to the wheel arms, which has first through bores resulting in a second hole pattern, and an inner bearing surface.

Abstract: Pneumatic tires made of a flexible elastomer material are well established for vehicles on paved roads. However, in many instances paved roads are in the minority, a rarity, or non-existent. Further many applications of motorized vehicles occur permanently off paved or unpaved surfaces where terrain is not solid but loose. Elsewhere compacted snow, very low temperatures, rocky environments, and mud present issues to pneumatic tires as does increasing vehicle weight which requires the load to be distributed across multiple wheels. It would be beneficial to have a tire that allowed for an expansion of the design space for tires that addresses the issues discussed above in a wide range of lunar and planetary environments with high load bearing. Such a tire is presented employing flexible particulate filled designs for improved drawbar pull, lateral resistance, hill climb potential, rolling resistance, and terrain accommodation.

Abstract: A wheel support assembly for use with a vehicle is disclosed that comprises a vehicle mount coupleable to the vehicle, a recess formed in the vehicle mount, a bearing seated at least partially within the recess, an axle engaged with the bearing and extending away from the bearing, and a wheel supported by the axle. To inhibit the transfer of heat from the bearing to the wheel the bearing is in thermal communication with the vehicle mount and the wheel is spaced apart from the bearing along a longitudinal axis of the axle. The vehicle mount is configured as a heat sink such that a larger portion of the heat generated by the bearing is transferred to the heat sink as compared to the portion transferred to the axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.

Abstract: A non-circular wheel assembly for vehicles. The wheel assembly includes a wheel body having a first radius and a second radius, measured from a center of rotation of the wheel body. The wheel assembly includes a compensation mechanism compensating for changing height values of the center of rotation with respect to an external contact surface of the wheel during rotation. The compensation mechanism includes a linear support member with a first connector mounting a vehicle frame to the wheel body. A second connector adjustably connects the compensation mechanism to the wheel body and is positioned at the center of rotation but apart from the first connector. The compensation mechanism includes a linear position assembly adjusting positions of the second connector relative to the first connector during rotation, which allows a distance between the first connector and the outer contact surface to remain constant to provide a single ride height.

Abstract: A heavy vehicle comprising at least four mounted assemblies, intended to draw machinery. The properties of the vehicle satisfy the relationship: ( ? ? - ? · ( 1 - ? ) ) 2 + ( ? - h ? · ? 2 ) 2 > ( h ? · ? 2 ) 2 , where, ??=?/L, ? being the turning radius of the vehicle and L being the wheelbase of the vehicle, ? is the proportion of the total vertical stiffness under the front axle with respect to the sum of the total vertical stiffnesses under the front and rear axles of the vehicle, ? is the ratio between the forward offset of the centre of gravity and the wheelbase, h? is the ratio between the height of the draft line above the level of ground that forms a horizontal plane and the wheelbase of the vehicle, ? is the ratio between the longitudinal component of the resistive force applied by the drawn machinery to the vehicle, and the weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A non-circular wheel assembly for vehicles. The wheel assembly includes a wheel body having a first radius and a second radius, measured from a center of rotation of the wheel body. The wheel assembly includes a compensation mechanism compensating for changing height values of the center of rotation with respect to an external contact surface of the wheel during rotation. The compensation mechanism includes a linear support member with a first connector mounting a vehicle frame to the wheel body. A second connector adjustably connects the compensation mechanism to the wheel body and is positioned at the center of rotation but apart from the first connector. The compensation mechanism includes a linear position assembly adjusting positions of the second connector relative to the first connector during rotation, which allows a distance between the first connector and the outer contact surface to remain constant to provide a single ride height.

Abstract: An improved speed sensing system is disclosed for a machine, such as a truck, that has an axle with an end and an axis. The machine further includes a sensor non-rotatably coupled to the end of the axle and coaxial with the axis. A wheel hub is rotatably coupled to the axle and a wheel cover is coupled to the wheel hub. The machine further includes a magnet coaxially disposed with the axis and coupled to the wheel cover for rotation about the axis as the wheel rotates. The sensor generates signals based on the rotational speed of the magnet and the wheel. For non-rotating axles that are solid or include solid spindles, a passageway for a communication line between the sensor and electronic control module (ECM) may be easily drilled thereby making the disclosed system easy to add to an existing machine or vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile medical diagnostic or therapy apparatus has at least one Bowden cable element via which the travel movement of the diagnostic or therapy apparatus is controlled. The use of one or more Bowden cable elements allows them to be placed relatively freely in the mobile diagnostic or therapy apparatuses and they require very little space.

Abstract: An actuation and control system for a steering mechanism of a mobile vehicle includes a motor including a drive shaft that is rotatable in two opposing directions, a securing structure configured to be secured to the steering mechanism of the mobile vehicle, and a linking structure that couples the motor with the securing structure. The system is configured such that rotational motion of the drive shaft is imparted to the securing structure to facilitate control of the steering mechanism of the mobile vehicle. The system is relatively easy to assemble and install and in a mobile vehicle and can be used with a variety of different vehicles to facilitate remote and/or unmanned navigational control of a mobile vehicle.

Abstract: A child's riding toy is provided having a vehicle body, at least one rotatable tire, and traction band. The at least one rotatable tire is configured to support at least a portion of the vehicle body and move the vehicle body from one location to another. The rotatable tire comprises a circumferentially-extending tread section, a sidewall, and a circumferentially-extending shoulder connecting to both the tread section and sidewall. The circumferentially-extending tread section comprises a tread surface configured to engage a ground surface while supporting at least the portion of the vehicle body. The tread section includes a channel equatorially located and circumferentially-extending. The traction band is sized to fit within the channel and have a top surface located about flush with the tread surface such that as the tread surface engages the ground surface so too does the band's top surface. Wherein both the traction band and tire tread simultaneously engage the ground to move the ride-on toy.

Abstract: A stabilizing arrangement (100) characterized by a mounting member (32), at least one forward truck (34) supporting a forward pair of surface engaging members (36), and at least one rear truck (38) supporting a rear pair of surface engaging members (40), each truck (34, 38) allowing biased rotation about a central axis thereof, the forward truck (34) being mounted on the mounting member (32) such that it projects forwardly thereof and the rear truck (38) being mounted on the mounting member (32) such that it projects rearwardly thereof, and whereby the mounting member (32) is supported substantially between the trucks (34, 38) and pairs of surface engaging members (36, 40). A suspension and steering arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a public transport vehicle or a “civil engineering plant” vehicle, comprising at least two axle systems, at least one of them comprising at least two twin-mounted sets fitted with tires. Each of the treads of the tires fitted to two twin-mounted sets comprises at least on its exterior surface at least two circumferential parts made of polymer blends that have different physico-chemical properties, the distributions of the said polymer blends in the treads of each of the tires being symmetric with respect to a longitudinal plane passing through a point mid-way between the two twin-mounted sets.

Abstract: A machine includes an axle assembly coupled with a frame and defining a central axis. The axle assembly includes a wheel axle disposed within a spindle housing, and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the wheel axle about the central axis by rotating the spindle housing. According to one embodiment, for example, the rotary actuator may be configured to adjust a wheel axis of rotation relative to the frame of a machine, such as a scraper, by rotating the spindle housing.

Abstract: Method is provided for after market conversion of a 4×4 vehicle produced by a manufacturer into a high mobility vehicle having increased maneuverability and on-road and/or off-road capability, relative to the 4×4 vehicle. The 4×4 vehicle has a chassis with a frame, front axle and rear axle, said chassis having a standard wheelbase. The method includes dismounting at least one of the front axle or rear axle from the frame; shortening said frame; and mounting the dismounted axle to the shortened frame so as to obtain a shortened chassis having a shortened wheelbase which is shorter than any standard wheelbase of the line of models produced by the manufacturer.

Abstract: The present application is to power an electric vehicle using this compact method of transmitting rotational energy and movement with three main parts, two of which are identical (33) (34). But this type of simple design could have nanotechnology applications.