Abstract: A riding yard maintenance vehicle may include a frame, a steering assembly, a cable and at least one set of guide pulleys. Wheels of the riding yard maintenance vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a steering apparatus operably coupled to front wheels of the riding yard maintenance vehicle via a cable system. The cable system may include the cable, which may be wrapped around at least a portion of the steering shaft. The cable may terminate at respective ends thereof at corresponding ones of a first shaped cam and a second shaped cam each of which is operably coupled to respective ones of a first axle rod and a second axle rod. The first and second axle rods may be rotatably connected to respective ones of the front wheels. The first and second shaped cams may cause movement of the front wheels based on movement of the cable responsive to rotation of the steering shaft.

Abstract: To reduce the complexity, maintenance, and cost, and to increase the reliability of a riding lawnmower employing a short turn radius steering system, the riding lawn mower may be configured with a linkage and steering assembly that eliminates or reduces complicated gearing. A riding lawn mower may comprise a link system, pivot brackets, and spindle assemblies. The geometry of the steering system may be configured to provide a turn radius of seven inches or less. Moreover, the geometry of the steering system may be configured to provide Ackerman steering, such that, the inside wheel turns sharper than the outside wheel in a turn.

Abstract: A dump truck including a suspension system and a steering system. The suspension system includes a frame and a plurality of hydraulic suspensions, and every two of the hydraulic suspensions are aligned on one axle. The suspension system includes at least two axles. The frame includes a middle box beam and spars protruding from two sides of the middle box beam. The hydraulic suspensions include a pivotal bearing, rotating frame, swing arm, hanging cylinder, oscillating axle, and wheels. The upper end of the rotating frame is arranged in the lower surface of the spar of the frame via the pivotal bearing. The upper end of the rotating frame is non-rigidly connected to the swing arm. A cylindrical pin is disposed at the front end of the swing arm. The cylindrical pin is sleeved in a pinhole of the oscillating axle.

Abstract: A synchronizing system for hydraulic four wheel steering includes double acting front and rear steering cylinders. The front and rear steering cylinders are moveable between retracted and extended positions in response to the position of a power steering valve. A synchronizing valve assembly is connected by hydraulic lines between the front and the rear steering cylinders, and includes a first directional relief valve that opens in response to hydraulic fluid pressure to synchronize both steering cylinders in a full left turn position, and a second directional relief valve that opens in response to hydraulic fluid pressure to synchronize both steering cylinders in a full right turn position.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a steering device for tractor and, more particularly, to a steering device for a tractor for enabling front wheels of the tractor to be turned to an angle over or approximate to a right angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tractor by means of a driver manipulating a steering handle, thus making it possible to increase the steering angle of the front wheels and making the turning of the front wheels smoother, whereby the tractor can turn around in place and easily perform different kinds of tasks, for example, a task required in a limited space, a task where there is a need for turning the tractor around in place, etc.

Abstract: A steering system for a riding lawn mower includes a wheel frame pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame about a roll axis. The wheel frame has spaced apart upper and lower wheel frame members. Steering knuckles are pivotally coupled to opposing sides of the wheel frame for rotatably supporting wheels. Each steering knuckle is straddle mounted between the upper and lower wheel frame members. A rack and pinion steering mechanism for pivoting the steering knuckles is coupled to a steering wheel via a steering column. The steering column includes a shaft portion extending along a shaft axis and has at least one socketed connection. The socketed connection transmits rotational movement about the shaft axis between the shaft portion and another rotatable component. The socketed connection also permits axial movement of the shaft portion along the shaft axis in response to the wheel frame rolling relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A steering cable arrangement wherein front wheel steering drums turn at different rates to keep the axes of the front wheels intersecting with the axis of the rear wheels at a single point. The cable path between the two drums is altered by the steering cables being threaded around sheaves on an arm whose position is controlled by a cam follower following a cam slot in at least one of the drums.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a steering system for mobile medical equipment includes left and right steerable wheel assemblies respectively with left and right steerable wheels. A left parallelogram linkage couples to the left steerable wheel assembly to transfer a left wheel angle to the left steerable wheel assembly. A right parallelogram linkage couples to the right steerable wheel assembly to transfer a right wheel angle to the right steerable wheel assembly. A steering function generator couples to the left parallelogram linkage and the right parallelogram linkage. The steering function generator generates the left wheel angle of the left steerable wheel and the right wheel angle of the right steerable wheel. A steering tiller couples to the steering function generator and receives an input steering angle from an operator to generate the left and right wheel angles to control the direction of the mobile medical equipment around flooring.

Abstract: A platform dolly system that has first and second dolly devices. Each of the dolly devices has a power unit, a frame, a suspension and a wheel rotatably secured to an axle. A control unit remote to the first and second dolly devices is presented that is in over the air electronic communication with the power unit of each of the first and second dolly devices in order to either simultaneously or independently control the first and second dolly devices depending upon the mode of the control unit.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a zero-turn radius vehicle using a steering mechanism coupled to a first set of wheel assemblies by a plurality of cables. User input to the steering mechanism causes the cables to turn the first set of wheel assemblies about a vertical axis. Specifically, the cables link the steering mechanism to cam mechanisms that are attached to each wheel assembly. The design of the cam mechanism, which preferably includes two cams of varying radii, enables the two wheel assemblies to rotate about their vertical axes at varied degrees of rotation and greater than ninety degrees from the forward facing position, thereby resulting in zero-turn radius capability.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a zero-turn radius vehicle using a steering mechanism coupled to a first set of wheel assemblies by a plurality of cables. User input to the steering mechanism causes the cables to turn the first set of wheel assemblies about a vertical axis. Specifically, the cables link the steering mechanism to cam mechanisms that are attached to each wheel assembly. The design of the cam mechanism, which preferably includes two cams of varying radii, enables the two wheel assemblies to rotate about their vertical axes at varied degrees of rotation and greater than ninety degrees from the forward facing position, thereby resulting in zero-turn radius capability.

Abstract: An improved steer axle assembly for a trailer is provided in which a tapered roller thrust bearing extends between each lower kingpin yoke thrust face and each lower kingpin sleeve thrust face to transfer load between the lower yoke sleeve and the kingpin sleeve while allowing the yokes to swivel about the kingpins. Upper and lower needle bearing assemblies extend respectively between the upper and lower yoke sleeves and the kingpins to guide the swivelable movement of the yokes about the kingpins. Upper and lower kingpin caps are secured across the upper and lower yoke sleeves respectively above and below the kingpins to seal the opposite ends of the kingpins within the yoke sleeves.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a zero-turn radius vehicle using a steering mechanism coupled to a first set of wheel assemblies by a plurality of cables. User input to the steering mechanism causes the cables to turn the first set of wheel assemblies about a vertical axis. Specifically, the cables link the steering mechanism to cam mechanisms that are attached to each wheel assembly. The design of the cam mechanism, which preferably includes two cams of varying radii, enables the two wheel assemblies to rotate about their vertical axes at varied degrees of rotation and greater than ninety degrees from the forward facing position, thereby resulting in zero-turn radius capability.

Abstract: Methods for steering mobile medical equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes supporting medical equipment with a base above a floor over which a left steerable wheel, a right steerable wheel, and a pair of front wheels roll; receiving an input steering angle other than zero; linearly sweeping a long link in response to the input steering angle, pivoting a pair of short links in response to the linearly sweeping of the long link; pivoting a pair of cam plates in response to the pivoting of the pair of short links; transferring the pivoting of one of the pair of cam plates to a left wheel assembly to position the left steerable wheel at a left wheel angle; and transferring the pivoting of another one of the pair of cam plates to a right wheel assembly to position the right steerable wheel at a right wheel angle.

Abstract: The present invention realizes a common use of left and right gear casings aims thus reducing a manufacturing cost by an amount corresponding to the common use of the left and right gear casings. According to the present invention, in a tractor in which a front axle case which extends in the lateral direction is mounted on a body frame, and a pair of left and right front wheels are respectively mounted on left and right end portions of the front axle case by way of left and right gear casings, the front axle case is constituted of a center casing forming body and left and right casing forming bodies which have respective proximal end portions thereof connected to left and right end portions of the center casing forming body, and proximal end portions of the left and right casing forming bodies have mounting positions thereof arranged adjustable about axes with respect to the left and right end portions of the center casing forming body.

Abstract: A steering mechanism of a vehicle has a suspension arm, and steering acceleration gear mechanisms for steering left and right front wheels provided to either end of the suspension arm. A portion of the suspension arm protrudes further forwardly of the vehicle than the steering acceleration gear mechanisms, so that the steering acceleration gear mechanisms including knuckle arms are protected from obstructions.

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: In one embodiment of the invention, a steering system for mobile medical equipment is disclosed including left and right steerable wheel assemblies including left and right steerable wheels, left and right parallelogram linkages coupled to the left and right steerable wheel assemblies, a steering function generator coupled to the left and right parallelogram linkages, and a steering tiller coupled to the steering function generator. The left and right parallelogram linkages transfer differing left and right wheel angles to the left and right steerable wheel assemblies respectively. The steering function generator generates the left wheel angle (LWA) of the left steerable wheel and the right wheel angle (RWA) of the right steerable wheel. The steering tiller receives an input steering angle to generate the left wheel angle and the right wheel angle to control the direction of the mobile medical equipment around flooring.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle has a vehicle body, at least a pair of wheels mounted on the vehicle body for undergoing rotation to cause the motorized vehicle to undergo travelling, and a pair of electric motors each mounted on the vehicle body to selectively undergo forward and reverse rotation to rotationally drive a respective one of the wheels. A first switch is connected to the electric motors so that operation of the first switch causes the electric motors to undergo rotation simultaneously in opposite directions to turn the motorized vehicle in a first direction while the motorized vehicle does not undergo travelling. A second switch is connected to the electric motors so that operation of the second switch causes the electric motors to undergo rotation simultaneously in opposite directions to turn the motorized vehicle in a second direction opposite to the first direction while the motorized vehicle does not undergo travelling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering linkage device which transmits a user's input motion to at least one wheel of a vehicle, wherein the steering linkage device produces an output motion of a particular magnitude. The ratio of the magnitude of the input motion to the magnitude of the output motion varies, depending upon the magnitude of the input motion. The steering linkage device enhances the steering control of vehicle users by varying the steering responsiveness for different steering motions made by the users.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a working vehicle is provided which is capable of steering dirigible wheels by increased steering angles while checking sideways sliding of the wheels on the ground. For this purpose, a pair of right and left intermediate cases are supported by right and left wheel supports of a vehicle body, each to be pivotable about a first steering axis extending substantially vertically. Each intermediate case supports an axle case in a position thereof opposed to the associated dirigible wheel, to be pivotable about a second steering axis extending substantially vertically. The axle case supports the associated dirigible wheel to be rotatable on an axle.

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 weels (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 camera dolly has a steering unit which provides conventional, crab, and round steering modes, selected by the operator via use of a single steering/shifting handle. The steering unit includes first and second transmissions and a differential. Chains link sprockets on the transmissions and differential, to steer the wheels of the camera dolly to appropriate angles, so that the dolly can roll easily and without wheel scrubbing. A dolly leg position compensator adjusts the amount of steering angle correction provided by the differential, to compensate for changes in the dolly wheelbase/tread dimensions. Sprockets in the differential are locked into offset positions, during conventional and round steering, to maintain proper steering angle correction, even under heavy loads. Active idlers are mechanically linked within the steering unit to automatically maintain appropriate chain tension, in all steering modes.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting a patient along a floor includes an elongated frame, a patient-support deck carried by the frame, and an elongated shaft having a longitudinally-extending axis of rotation. The shaft is coupled to the frame for rotation about the axis of rotation between a first orientation and a second orientation. The stretcher also includes a wheel supported relative to the frame and movable relative to the frame in response to rotation of the shaft. The wheel is in a first position engaging the floor when the shaft is in the first orientation and the wheel is in a second position spaced apart from the floor when the shaft is in the second orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with at least one front wheel pivotable about a first vertical axis to control the direction of the vehicle. A rigid swing arm is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis for pivoting about a horizontal axis. On the rear end of the swing arm is a wheel mounting assembly including a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the rear end of the swing arm for pivotal movement about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary joint for alternating passage of a lubricating medium and a non-lubricating medium from a stationary (3) to a rotating machine part (1), having a first seal (7) in the form of two flat, substantially circular ring-shaped sliding sealing surfaces (4, 6) arranged so as to slide one on the other, which sealing surfaces (4, 6) are substantially concentric relative to the axis of rotation (10) of the rotating machine part (1) and may be moved at least far enough from one another, in the axial direction, that they do not come into contact with each other during rotation of the rotating machine part (1).

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly includes steerable wheels mounted on half fork members which are pivotally coupled the outer ends of an axle member. A rack and pinion assembly is attached to the axle member and has an input shaft coupled to a steering wheel, and a laterally movable rack member. The outer ends of the rack member are pivotally coupled via a vertical pivot pin to one end of a corresponding tie rod member. The other end of each tie rod member is pivotally coupled to one end of a connecting rod and to one end of a rocker arm. The other end of each connecting rod is pivotally coupled to a corresponding half fork member. The other end of each rocker arm is pivotally coupled to a corresponding outer end of the axle member.

Abstract: A multiple axle trailer is disclosed consisting of a main chassis articulated to a tractor unit and a sub-chassis relative to which the main chassis rotates on a turntable. The sub-chassis has a pair of forward wheel (3) and pair of rear wheels (4), each of which rotates on a stub axle and king pin assembly (6). A steering mounting has two swinging arms depending from the main chassis, joined at their free ends by a horizontal tie. A primary link of a linkage mechanism is coupled to the horizontal tie, the linkage mechanism coupling the wheels to the steering mounting such that rotation of the main chassis relative to the sub-chassis causes the stub axles to pivot about the king pins. Movement of the swinging arms causes the line of action of the primary link to cross the axis about which the main chassis rotates relative to the sub-chassis, reversing the direction of steer for when the trailer is backed up.

Abstract: A steering assembly for means of transport comprises at least one truck supported by a supporting structure which is rigidly coupled to the means of transport and has, in an upward region, a central center bearing for the coupling of at least one axle so as to allow rotation about a vertical axis; the axle has, at its two ends, wheels which rest on the ground or on another support; the wheels are provided with electric or hydraulic motors or the like which are controlled by an electric and/or electronic control device and are adapted to produce the rotation of the axle.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting a patient along a floor includes an elongated frame, a patient-support deck carried by the frame, and an elongated shaft having a longitudinally-extending axis of rotation. The shaft is coupled to the frame for rotation about the axis of rotation between a first orientation and a second orientation. The stretcher also includes a wheel supported relative to the frame and movable relative to the frame in response to rotation of the shaft. The wheel is in a first position engaging the floor when the shaft is in the first orientation and the wheel is in a second position spaced apart from the floor when the shaft is in the second orientation.

Abstract: A steering linkage coupled with a drive and steer transmission allows a steering wheel to be turned a maximum of between ninety and one-hundred-eighty degrees from a neutral straight forward position, and is adjustable for altering the maximum degree to which the steering wheel is turnable from the neutral forward position.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position, which wheeled carriage has thereon a patient support having head and foot regions and a pair of lateral side regions and a wheeled base supported at least by three floor surface engaging and castered wheels spaced from one another at locations defining corners of a theoretical polygon. An auxiliary wheel and a support structure therefor are suspendedly mounting the auxiliary wheel to the wheeled base. The auxiliary wheel is oriented inside a boundary of the theoretical polygon and includes an axle about which the wheel rotates. A control structure includes a first manually manipulatable member at at least one of the pair of lateral side regions and a second manually manipulatable member at at least one of the head end and the foot end so that an attendant can operate a selected one of the manually manipulatable members to effect a movement of the auxiliary wheel and the support structure therefor.

Abstract: Vehicle for handling various material such as nodes, ladles or operating units in rooms wherein a wide maneuver capacity is required in narrow spaces and/or in the presence of obstacles, impediments, such as industrial sheds, airports, areas for heavy means, and markets comprising a front driving and steering structure carrying a driver's cab, said structure being suitable to rotate continuously by 360° in both the clockwise and the anti-clockwise directions about its own vertical axis.

Abstract: A camera dolly has a steering unit which provides conventional, crab, and round steering modes, selected by the operator via use of a single steering/shifting handle. The steering unit includes first and second transmissions and a differential. Chains link sprockets on the transmissions and differential, to steer the wheels of the camera dolly to appropriate angles, so that the dolly can roll easily and without wheel scrubbing. A dolly leg position compensator adjusts the amount of steering angle correction provided by the differential, to compensate for changes in the dolly wheelbase/tread dimensions. Sprockets in the differential are locked into offset positions, during conventional and round steering, to maintain proper steering angle correction, even under heavy loads. Active idlers are mechanically linked within the steering unit to automatically maintain appropriate chain tension, in all steering modes.

Abstract: A camera dolly has a steering unit which provides conventional, crab, and round steering modes, selected by the operator via use of a single steering/shifting handle. The steering unit includes first and second transmissions and a differential. Chains link sprockets on the transmissions and differential, to steer the wheels of the camera dolly to appropriate angles, so that the dolly can roll easily and without wheel scrubbing. A dolly leg position compensator adjusts the amount of steering angle correction provided by the differential, to compensate for changes in the dolly wheelbase/tread dimensions. Sprockets in the differential are locked into offset positions, during conventional and round steering, to maintain proper steering angle correction, even under heavy loads. Active idlers are mechanically linked within the steering unit to automatically maintain appropriate chain tension, in all steering modes.

Abstract: A turn assisting mechanism assists a turning motion of a vehicle, such as a lawn mowing vehicle, so that the vehicle may not damage the ground (lawn grass, crops, etc.) when the vehicle makes a U-turn. The turn assisting mechanism is disposed near a wheel of the vehicle nearest to the center of turning of the vehicle about which the vehicle makes a U-turn. The turn assisting mechanism stretches out the rod of a hydraulic cylinder actuator to set a ground contact unit on the ground and lifts up the wheel nearest to the center of turning of the vehicle. When the vehicle makes a U-turn, the hydraulic cylinder actuator sets the ground contact unit on the ground so that the axis of turning of the ground contact unit passes the center of turning of the vehicle, and lifts up the corresponding wheel from the ground. The vehicle makes a U-turn on the ground contact unit without damaging the ground.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting a patient along a floor includes an elongated frame, a patient-support deck carried by the frame, and an elongated shaft having a longitudinally-extending axis of rotation. The shaft is coupled to the frame for rotation about the axis of rotation between a first orientation and a second orientation. The stretcher also includes a wheel supported relative to the frame and movable relative to the frame in response to rotation of the shaft. The wheel is in a first position engaging the floor when the shaft is in the first orientation and the wheel is in a second position spaced apart from the floor when the shaft is in the second orientation.

Abstract: A turn assisting mechanism assists a turning motion of a vehicle, such as a lawn mowing vehicle, so that the vehicle may not damage the ground (lawn grass, crops, etc.) when the vehicle makes a U-turn. The turn assisting mechanism is disposed near a wheel of the vehicle nearest to the center of turning of the vehicle about which the vehicle makes a U-turn. The turn assisting mechanism stretches out the rod of a hydraulic cylinder actuator to set a ground contact unit on the ground and lifts up the wheel nearest to the center of turning of the vehicle. When the vehicle makes a U-turn, the hydraulic cylinder actuator sets the ground contact unit on the ground so that the axis of turning of the ground contact unit passes the center of turning of the vehicle, and lifts up the corresponding wheel from the ground. The vehicle makes a U-turn on the ground contact unit without damaging the ground.

Abstract: A device for steering a wheel assembly in a riding mower has a steering sprocket nonrotatably connected to a rotatable steering column and a transmission chain which is flexible in the plane of the steering sprocket and extends over the steering sprocket and forms, on both sides of the steering sprocket, a rectilinear chain run. Two deflecting wheels arranged on both sides of the steering sprocket are positioned in a deflecting wheel plane turned around the respective chain run lines relative to the plane of the steering sprocket. Each of two transmission chains, which extend over the respective deflecting wheels between the free end of the respective chain runs and the wheel assembly, is, between the steering sprocket and the respective deflecting wheels, coupled by way of a link element to the chain, which is flexible in the plane of the steering sprocket, so as to form a straight line with the chain.

Abstract: The four-wheeled lift truck has a tight turning radius and improved stability, and is of the type having front wheels with independent powerplants. The rear turning wheels are mounted below the stems of respective hydraulic jacks that have vertical axes and are rigidly coupled to the chassis of the truck. The hydraulic circuits of the jacks are connected to one another, so that the lowering of one wheel is matched by a rise of the other. The stems of the jacks are interconnected by an articulation mechanism which mutually coordinates the turning angles of the wheels to move the maximum turning center to the intersection between the fixed axis of the front driving wheels and the centerline plane of the truck.

Abstract: A wheeled chassis having separately and independently pivotable drivewheels for omnidirectional motion, including a frame preferably defining at least three comers; first and second drivewheels, each of which is connected by a kingpin to the frame and preferably to a respective one of two of the corners of the frame; at least one free-spinning wheel rotatably attached to a third corner of the frame; first and second pivoting devices for separate and independent and substantially unrestricted 360.degree.

Abstract: An automatic powered, self-tracking system for the rear axles of large vehicles which experience difficulty in cornering manueverability. A motion sensing device is placed in proximity to a steering component of the vehicle and is operable to sense and distinguish between right and left-hand turns in both forward and reverse travel. The motion sensor connects to a plurality of axle-pivoting mechanisms which are positioned to exert a force on preselected components of the vehicle's suspension system. The force exerted by the mechanisms is directly proportional to the degree of the turn, so that the associated axle is caused to pivot by an amount which directs it in an arcing path through the turn without skidding or cutting a curb or other obstacle short.

Abstract: An articulated toy vehicle operable by a child includes a cab and a trailer pivotally connected to the cab. A pair of non-steerable front wheels are mounted to the cab to be driven by pedals. A pair of back wheels are mounted to the trailer. A steering mechanism is provided which pivots the trailer relative to the cab to turn the vehicle.

Abstract: An axle assembly and configuration of axle assemblies for a mobile vehicle. The axle assembly includes a fixed axle fastened to the frame of the vehicle so that the axle maintains a fixed orientation with respect to the vehicle frame. A steerable spindle is connected to each end of the axle by a vertical king pin. The axle is straight beam, king pin to king pin, with the king pins lying on the longitudinal axis of the axle, thus eliminating caster. The configuration of axle assemblies includes a fixed axle with fixed wheels and a fixed axle with steerable wheels. The axles are straight beam, king pin to king pin, with the king pins lying on the longitudinal axes of the axles. The axles are separated by a distance of at least about ten feet.

Abstract: An elongated single-unit vehicle having a steering system that provides increased vehicle maneuverability at slow speeds. The vehicle has a front steering axle connected to steerable front wheel assemblies, an auxiliary steering axle connected to steerable wheel assemblies and positioned rearward of the front steering axle, and a rear axle and wheel assemblies rearward of the auxiliary steering axle and positioned at the rear portion of the vehicle. A remotely adjustable linkage assembly is coupled to the front and auxiliary steering axles and connected to the steerable front end auxiliary wheel assemblies, so the ratio of the degree of wheel turn of the front wheels to the degree of wheel turn of the auxiliary wheels can be adjusted from a remote position, such as the driving compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering and suspension mechanism for use with a vehicle (1) and including a steering gear (14) interconnected to a steering wheel (8) through a series of universal joints (10, 11, 12, 13, 87). An output of the steering gear (14) is connected to a Pitman arm (21) which extends from a point (31) relatively near the axle (34) to a point (22) relatively far from the axle, where the Pitman (21) is pivotably interconnected to a pair of tie rods (25, 26). Extending upwardly from the wheels (6, 7) are a pair of A-frame members (40, 81) which pivotably support end caps (42, 47). A pair of coil springs (45, 46) are retained between the end caps, the faces (50, 51) of the end caps being preserved in a parallel relationship by linkages (56, 61), thus preventing buckling of the coil springs (45, 46).

Abstract: A compound steering lock-out apparatus to be selectively used with a vehicle equipped with a compound steering mechanism in which the front steerable axle is pivotally connected to the vehicle chassis and a pair of tie rods extend between the pivotable wheels and the chassis to effect a pivotal movement of the axle upon the actuation of a pivotal movement of the wheels relative to the steerable axle. The lock-out apparatus includes a fastener engageable with pivotable components of the compound steering mechanism to restrict the pivotal movement of the carrier linkage interconnecting the axle and the chassis and a single conventional tie rod to replace the dual tie rod concept of the compound steering mechanism. The installation of the lock-out mechanism makes the compound steering apparatus operate as a conventional automotive-type steering mechanism.

Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus of a canvas for a load transport vehicle is provided, which does not require a large working space. The apparatus has support posts raised at least at the front and tail ends of the rear body of the load transport vehicle and the canvas which covers the rear body by way of the support posts is lifted and lowered along the support posts, the apparatus including: a drum and has an outer diameter larger than that of drum; a wire which is taken up at one end thereof by the pulley and is connected at the other end of the lower portion of the rear body; a driver mechanism which is provided between said drum and the pulley, which causes the pulley to rotate integrally with the drum when the tension of the wire wound on the pulley is less than a predetermined value, and which causes the pulley to slide with respect to the drum when the tension is equal to or more than the predetermined value.

Abstract: An agricultural tank wagon is provided for attachment to a tow vehicle. The tank wagon comprises front running gear, rear running gear, a first coupling assembly pivotably coupling the rear running gear to the front running gear, a wagon tongue for attachment to the tow vehicle, and a second coupling assembly pivotably coupling the wagon tongue to the front running gear. The front running gear includes a front axle defining a central axis of rotation The rear running gear cooperates with the front running gear to support the tank. The first coupling assembly operates to pivot the rear running gear relative to the front axle about a first pivot axis that is offset from the central axis of rotation. The second coupling assembly operates to pivot the wagon tongue relative to the front axle about a second pivot axis lying in substantially parallel offset relationship with the central axis of rotation.

Abstract: A multiple axle trailer comprises a chassis pivotally connected to turn substantially horizontally with respect to a sub-chassis and provided with means at its forward end to enable the trailer to be hitched to a towing vehicle, the sub-chassis carrying forward and rear pairs of wheels. An adjustable length steering arm is pivotally connected to the sub-chassis and to the chassis forward of the connection to the sub-chassis. A system of linkages connects the forward wheel king pins with a mounting point which is rotationally fixed with respect to the steering arm and operates to turn the forward wheels from the steering arm so that the trailer tracks the towing vehicle. In a preferred embodiment the mounting point is moveable longitudinally to enable the forward wheels to be moved in the opposite direction during reversing of the trailer.