Abstract: A drive assembly is provided and includes a rotatable housing, a motor disposed within and to rotate with the housing, the motor including a drive element and first and second drive shafts, which are independently rotatably drivable by the drive element, a first drivable element coupled to the first drive shaft such that rotation thereof is transmitted to the first drivable element and configured to propel the housing in a first direction during first drive shaft rotation and a second drivable element coupled to the second drive shaft such that rotation thereof is transmitted to the second drivable element and configured to propel the motor in a second direction, which is transversely oriented relative to the first direction, relative to the housing during second drive shaft rotation.

Abstract: Left and right front wheels are steered by rotation of steering shafts, and a steering force from a steering wheel is inputted into the steering shaft. Mutually adjacent ends of the shafts are coupled to a ring gear and a sun gear of a planetary gear set, a steering angle adjustment motor is drivably coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear set, and the rotation ratio between the shafts is made changeable. Left and right rear wheels are steered by rotation of steering shafts, and a steering force from a steering motor is inputted into the shaft. Mutually adjacent ends of the shafts are respectively coupled to a ring gear and a sun gear of a planetary gear set, a steering angle adjustment motor is drivably coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear set, and the rotation ratio between the shafts is made changeable.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: An all-wheel steering system and vehicle, e.g., riding lawn mower, incorporating the same. The system may include a linkage system that operatively connects the vehicle wheels for simultaneous turning. The system, in one embodiment, includes a power steering unit having fixed or variable output for a given steering input. The system may further include a mechanism for reducing speed based upon mower steering angle.

Abstract: An electronic control unit determines that a vehicle is traveling in a straight line if a state in which the steering torque is less than a predetermined steering torque and an amount of change in the steering angle is less than a predetermined steering angle continues for a predetermined period of time when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined vehicle speed. Also, if the steering angle of the steering wheel is not 0, while the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, the electronic control unit calculates the steering amount of rear wheels that matches the steering amount of front wheels, using the steering angle of the steering wheel. Then the electronic control unit steers the rear wheels by driving an electric motor until a controlled neutral steering position of the rear wheels that corresponds to the steering amount matches an absolute neutral steering position.

Abstract: A self-tracking cart is provided and includes a body defining an enclosure into and from which a secondary cart is receivable and removable, selectively rotatable first and second hitch assemblies, first and second motive elements, first and second steering assemblies to turn the first and second motive elements in opposite directions responsive to rotations of the first and second hitch assemblies and a linkage, which is coupled to the first and second hitch assemblies to cause the first and second hitch assemblies to rotate jointly in opposing directions, the linkage being disposed for non-interference with the secondary cart during reception and removal thereof into and from the enclosure.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with refraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: In a steering arrangement for vehicles, in particular underground transport vehicles, including at least four steerable wheels (2), wherein, during cornering, a respective curve-inner wheel is turned more sharply than the respective curve-outer wheel, at least two wheels (2) located opposite each other in respect to the longitudinal center plane of the vehicle are coupled with each other via angle levers (21) and a tie rod (22) connected to the angle levers (21). Curve-inner or curve-outer wheels consecutively arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are coupled to common pivotal movement via a gear. The angle levers (21), via a coupling rod (24), are each connected with a steering lever (13) each connected with a steerable wheel (2) via a steering rod (10).

Abstract: A rear wheel steering system includes a rear rack shaft that slides in a vehicle-width direction to steer a pair of rear wheels, a recess formed in the rear rack shaft, and a pin member that is fitted into the recess from the outer side of the rear rack shaft, and is retracted to be disengaged from the recess. The pin member is fitted into the recess to lock sliding of the rear rack shaft in a neutral position, and the pin member placed in a retracted state is disengaged from the recess to cancel slide lock on the rear rack shaft. The rear rack shaft has guide grooves formed on respective sides of the recess in a longitudinal direction of the rear rack shaft so as to be contiguous with the recess, and used to guide the pin member, placed in the advanced state, toward the recess.

Abstract: A steering linkage for a vehicle, having a first draglink (32), an auxiliary steering cylinder (34) and a second draglink (38). The auxiliary steering cylinder (34) has a through piston rod (36). The first draglink (32) is arranged between a guide arm (12) of a steering gear (10) and a first end (35) of the through piston rod (36). The second draglink (38) is arranged between steerable vehicle wheels (48, 50) and the second end (37) of the through piston rod (36), thereby making it possible for the steerable vehicle wheels (48, 50) to be steered via the steering gear (10).

Abstract: An all-wheel steering system and vehicle, e.g., riding lawn mower, incorporating the same. The system may include a linkage system that operatively connects the vehicle wheels for simultaneous turning. The system, in one embodiment, includes a power steering unit having fixed or variable output for a given steering input. The system may further include a mechanism for reducing speed based upon mower steering angle.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the corner when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.

Abstract: In a central transmission device of a four-wheel steering system, a turning output unit includes an output shaft extending rotatably through a rear wall of a housing for connection with a rear wheel turning mechanism, and a rotary disc coaxial and integral with a front end of the output shaft. The rotary disc has a radially extending slide groove. A turning input unit includes an input shaft extending rotatably through a front wall of the housing for connection with a front wheel turning mechanism, and a cam protrusion disposed eccentrically at a rear end of the input shaft. The cam protrusion extends into the slide groove and drives the rotary disc. The rotary disc turns reciprocally within a limited angle when the cam protrusion rotates one revolution.

Abstract: An all-wheel steer trailer is disclosed which includes front and rear axle beams which are pivotally mounted, above vertical axes, to the forward and rearward ends of a frame. In normal operation, the front and rear axle beams are interconnected so that the rear axle beam will pivot in an opposite direction to pivotal movement of the front axle beams so that the rear wheels of the trailer will track the front wheels of the trailer as the trailer is being turned. The trailer includes a convenient locking assembly which may be quickly utilized to prevent pivotal movement of the rear axle beam with respect to the frame when it is desired to pull the trailer on a highway or roadway.

Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the comer when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.

Abstract: Steering mechanism for orienting the steered wheels (1a-d) of a short vehicle with respect to the chassis, comprising one first vertical axis (2) per steered wheel, allowing each steered wheel (1a-d) to pivot with respect to said chassis and a first link (5a-d) allowing a torque to be applied to each steered wheel to make it pivot around said first vertical axis. The inner end of the link is able to slide along a straight rail (11a-d) which in turn is rotatably mounted with respect to the chassis 60. A second link (6a-d) not parallel to the wheels forces the first link (5a-d) to slide in a defined manner along a rail (11a-d). This makes possible the differentiated orientation of the left and right wheels. Advantage: very small turning radius. Particularly applicable to electric chairs for the disabled.

Abstract: In a steering arrangement for vehicles, in particular underground transport vehicles, including at least four steerable wheels (2), wherein, during cornering, a respective curve-inner wheel is turned more sharply than the respective curve-outer wheel, at least two wheels (2) located opposite each other in respect to the longitudinal center plane of the vehicle are coupled with each other via angle levers (21) and a tie rod (22) connected to the angle levers (21). Curve-inner or curve-outer wheels consecutively arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are coupled to common pivotal movement via a gear. The angle levers (21), via a coupling rod (24), are each connected with a steering lever (13) each connected with a steerable wheel (2) via a steering rod (10).

Abstract: Steering control apparatuses and methods for a vehicle are provided. A steering control apparatus can include a steering shaft drivingly linked to a pair of front wheels of a vehicle. A movable steering handle can also be provided and disposed about the steering shaft, with the steering handle being capable of selectively turning the pair of front wheels to direct the movement of the vehicle. A first and second brake clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging first and second drive wheels, respectively, can be provided. First and second brake clutch control levers can selectively control the first and second brake clutch mechanism, respectively, to engage and disengage the first and second drive wheels. The steering handle can include a coupling base.

Abstract: A driving form switching apparatus enabling even a user of wheelchair who cannot freely use limb to easily change over a driving form by single hand self-operation. By using a differential gear mechanism or a combination mechanism comprising pinions and racks, the rotating, tilting and shifting motions of a steering lever are transmitted to two rotating shafts. Drums are directly coupled to the two rotating shafts, and the rotations of the two rotating shafts are transmitted to steering shafts through flexible wires as first connecting means. Also, the steering shafts for wheels are parallel- or cross-connected by second connecting means. Thus, the driving forms of a four-wheel drive vehicle such as back and forth traveling, counter-clockwise turning, clockwise turning, turning on the spot, parallel traveling, stopping and braking, etc, can be switched by a single-hand simple operation.

Abstract: A trailer having a frame assembly with front and rear axle beams rotationally coupled to the frame assembly. At least one member interconnects the front and rear axle beams to synchronize movement of the axle beams allowing the front and rear wheels to track one another. In one embodiment a first member connects the right front axle beam with the left rear axle beam and a second member connects the left front axle beam with the right rear axle beam causing the rear axle beam to rotate in the opposite direction of the front axle beam when the front axle beam turns. The push-pull operation of the members cause the rear wheels to track the front wheels.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle having a body supported on at least two sets of steerable wheels, generally consisting of a steering shaft provided with a wheel, supported on such body; a torque transmitting main shaft supported longitudinally on the body; means operatively interconnecting the steering shaft and the main shaft for transmitting rotary motion of the steering shaft to rotary motion of the main shaft; a first transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of one of the sets of steerable wheels; a steering gear directly operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the first transversely displaceable means for translating rotary motion of the main shaft to linear motion of the first transversely displaceable means; second transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of the other of the sets of steerable wheels; and a steering gear directly operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the second transversely displaceable means for tra

Abstract: A steering assembly for a vehicle includes a forward apparatus positioned toward the front of the vehicle and having a first front wheel assembly and a second front wheel assembly. The steering assembly includes a gear having teeth and being pivotable about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is positioned between the teeth of the gear and the forward apparatus. A first front link is attached to the gear and to the first front wheel assembly to turn a first front wheel. A second front link is attached to the gear and to the second front wheel assembly to turn a second front wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering input device, a front steering subsystem, a rear steering subsystem, a first force transmission route, a steering control mechanism, a second force transmission route, and a third force transmission route. The front steering subsystem is coupled to front motive members to steer the front motive members based upon movement of a front steering subsystem input shaft. The rear steering subsystem is coupled to rear motive members to steer the rear motive members based upon movement of a rear steering subsystem input shaft. The first force transmission route extends from the steering input device to the front steering subsystem input shaft, wherein force is transmitted from the input device to the front steering subsystem input shaft to steer the front motive members. The steering control mechanism has a movable input member and a movable output member.

Abstract: A control system with slow-in-turn capabilities for use with a self-propelled, steerable vehicle, such as a lawn mower, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system slows the vehicle speed when turns are made beyond a predetermined range and the speed is at or above a predetermined level, as determined by a speed control device operatively connected to the speed control structure of a motive device by a speed control linkage. This slowing results in increased traction for achieving tighter turns and also improves dynamic stability. Two different types of rack-and-pinion steering systems capable of being used with the control system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The vehicle steering system includes front vehicle motive members, rear vehicle motive members, a steering input device, a front steering subsystem, a rear steering subsystem and a rear steering control mechanism. The front steering subsystem is operably coupled to the steering input device and coupled to the front motive members to steer the front motive members. The rear steering subsystem is coupled to the rear motive members to steer the rear motive members. The rear steering control mechanism includes a movable input member coupled to the steering input device so as to move in response to input from the device and a movable output member coupled to the rear steering subsystem. The rear steering subsystem adjusts steering of the rear motive members in response to movement of the output member.

Abstract: An airport rescue fire-fighting vehicle comprising a support structure coupled to at least two wheel sets. The support structure has a front end and a back end with one wheel set coupled to the front end of the support structure and one wheel set coupled to the back end of the support structure. A power source is mounted on the support structure and coupled to at least one wheel set. Each wheel of the vehicle is coupled to a modular independent suspension. A mechanical steering apparatus is coupled to the front wheel set and at least one rear wheel set.

Abstract: A patient support including a linkage assembly providing communication between at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering system includes a frame that carries an axle that rotationally mounts a pair of front wheels via a pair of front pivotal wheel support assemblies. For steering, the front pivotal wheel assemblies are pivotal with respect to the axle. The frame also carries a pair of rear wheels that are rotationally mounted to the frame via a pair of rear pivotal wheel support assemblies. For steering, the rear pivotal wheel assemblies are pivotal with respect to the frame about vertical axes. The front pivotal wheel support assemblies are connected together by a front axle tie rod. Steering by an operator causes expansion or contraction of a hydraulic cylinder arranged between one front pivotal wheel support assembly and the axle, causing selective pivoting of both front pivotal wheel support assemblies.

Abstract: A moveable load-carrying assembly including a chassis (1) having a plurality of wheels (6) arranged as a first wheel set and a second wheel set, each wheel (6) being rotatable and swivellable relative to the chassis (1); the wheels (6) of the first wheel set being connected by a first linkage (21), and the wheels (6) of the second wheel set being connected by a second linkage (22); and wherein one of the wheels (6) of the second wheel set is linked to the opposite one of the wheels (6) of the first wheel set by a link (11) such that when one of the wheels (6) of the first wheel set is swivelled in one direction relative to the chassis (1), all the wheels (6) of the first wheel set swivel in that direction in unison, and all the wheels (6) of the second wheel set swivel in the opposite direction in unison. Means are included to provide three distinct modes of operation for a wheel set, the modes corresponding to straight-line travel, fully-steerable travel and a braking mode.

Abstract: A wagon for agricultural use having an all-wheel steering mechanism. The wheels are hingedly attached to their respective axles. Steering alignment of the front wheels is provided by the wagon tongue, which is pivotally connected to the wagon frame and at least one of the front wheels. The front wheels are connected to each other by a steering linkage, consisting of two equal length members pinned to each other at a connection point. A front shaft crank is pivotally attached at the same connection point and rigidly attached to a rotatable shaft mounted with bearings to the underside of the wagon frame. Changes to the steering alignment of the front wheels causes lateral movement of the connection point, leading to rotation of the shaft and a corresponding direct change in alignment of the rear wheels, which are equipped with a similar system of linkages and cranks. This causes the front and rear wheels to follow the same path.

Abstract: The invention consists of an offset kingpin in the rear steering axle of a self-propelled combine harvester. Attached to the rear axle is a knuckle. The kingpin is pivotally attached to the knuckle and the spindle is rotationally attached to the knuckle. The kingpin is positioned forward of the spindle allowing the rear tires equal clearance with the combine side shielding. This positioning of the kingpin relative to the spindle improves the turning radius of the combine. It also aids tire stability at road speeds.

Abstract: The vehicle with controlled running wheels according to this invention comprises a steering system with a reference-unit element and units for matching of wheels turn angles. Each of the matching units incorporates a tracer pin and guide slot. The number of guide slots is equal to the number of controlled wheels. The tracer pin cinematically connected with the reference-unit element, and each guide slot—with the appropriate wheel. All set-point devices are located equidistant to each other and have a common axis of a turn. The tracer pin is hinged on an axis of a turn of set-point devices, with a capability of the turn in any of several planes.

Abstract: A steering system (11) reduces the steering radius and minimizes tire scuffing is used with vehicles which include a front steering assembly having first and second wheels (20a, 20b) and a tag axle steering assembly having third and fourth wheels (21a, 21b). The steering system comprises a front steering ram assembly (26) fluidly coupled to a tag axle ram assembly (30) through a conduit system (102), which has no flow control valves, in a master-slave configuration such that a hydraulic fluid moves between the steering axle assembly and the tag axle ram assembly in response to a turning of the first and second wheels to cause the third and fourth wheels to turn in an opposite direction. The front steering ram assembly comprises first and second ram (42, 44). The first and second ram cylinders (46, 52) are normally affixed to either the frame (40) or the first tie rod (36), while the first and second ram shafts (50, 56) are affixed to the other of the frame and the first tie rod.