Abstract: A steering wheel system for a semi-trailer is described. The system uses a retractable encoded system releasably connected to a kingpin, a mechanical steer driving system translating the rotation of the kingpin to a hydraulic system, and a non-circular cogged system driven by the hydraulic system adapted to steer the wheels. A hydraulic generator system powered by the rotation of the wheels is used to decrease the electric energy required by the hydraulic system. Other improvements are also present to increase security, decrease weight and improve time expectancy of the components.

Abstract: A trailer for towing by a power vehicle is provided and generally includes a frame and a tandem wheel assembly. The frame forms an undercarriage chassis which the tandem wheel assembly is positioned there under. The undercarriage chassis includes a steerable rear wheel assembly, a steerable front wheel assembly, and an extension assembly moving the front wheel assembly between trailing position and a self-propelled position where the rear wheel assembly and the front wheel assembly are positioned to equally support the undercarriage chassis.

Abstract: A knee walker with four-wheel steering. The knee walker includes a frame, at least one front axle assembly, at least one rear axle assembly, a kneeling pad assembly, and a steering system. The steering system is configured to turn the rear axle assembly in the opposite direction from the front axle assembly. The opposing angles of the front and rear wheels enable the knee walker to perform tighter turns by eliminating rear wheel drag.

Abstract: A lawn care trailer system that is versatile, that is easily assembled and disassembled, and that is easily controlled during use. The system is supported by wheels and has a frame assembly with spaced apart longitudinal bars and a plurality of transverse bars to form a rectangular platform for supporting a mounting assembly for supporting storage containers and tools; or a box shape support assembly; or a flat-screened bed assembly. Tubular members of the frame assembly attach one or more roller units thereto and a tow bar assembly attaches the frame assembly to a tractor or lawnmower. The frame assembly supports various components making the lawn care trailer system suitable for spring, summer, and/or fall operations.

Abstract: A grain cart is provide having a wheel assembly with four ground wheels that all pivot in unison. The wheel assembly can include a first side front wheel, a first side rear wheel, a second side front wheel and a second side rear wheel. A first side steering link assembly can be operatively coupled between the first side front wheel and the first side rear wheel to cause the first side front wheel and the second side rear wheel to pivot in opposite directions. A second side steering link can be operatively coupled between the second side front wheel and the second side rear wheel to cause the second side front wheel and the second side rear wheel to pivot in opposite directions. A unison linkage assembly operatively can couple the movement of the first side rear wheel and second side rear wheel.

Abstract: A toy vehicle including a chassis, four running wheels, which are attached to the chassis, an activating element configured to steer the toy vehicle, and a steering device. The steering device includes a steering plate articulated onto all four running wheels. The steering plate is movable by the steering activating element relative to the chassis. The vehicle also includes four axle knuckles, each axle knuckle supporting one of the four running wheels, thee axle knuckles being articulated both onto the steering plate and also the chassis. The steering plate has a central portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and four cross-arms extending outwardly from the central portion, each of the cross-arms connecting to a respective one of the four axle knuckles.

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: 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: 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 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 four-wheel steering system for a remote control vehicle. The system includes a pair of steering actuators driving a pair of front bell cranks. A front toe link is pivotally connected to each of the spaced front bell cranks for lateral translation. Right and left front tie rods are each pivotally connected between corresponding ends of the front toe link and a corresponding front steering knuckle. An elongated center tie rod is pivotally connected between one front bell crank and one of a pair of rear bell cranks. An elongated rear toe link is dependently pivotally connected to the pair of rear bell cranks for lateral translation. Right and left rear tie rods are each pivotally connected between corresponding ends of the rear toe link and corresponding right and left rear steering knuckles whereby the front knuckles steer in one direction while the rear knuckles steer in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A rear axle, specifically a steerable rear axle, of a motor vehicle, has wheel carriers for holding in each case one rear wheel, with in each case one upper transverse link, one lower transverse link and one track rod interacting with each rear wheel, and with the track rods being positioned behind a center of the rear wheels or of the wheel carriers as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, wherein both track rods which are positioned in each case behind the center of the rear wheels or of the wheel carriers as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle are engaged on by a common steering actuator which is likewise positioned in each case behind the center of the rear wheels or of the wheel carriers as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A mower apparatus and method for making the same is provided. A mower apparatus may include a multi-wheel drive mower system having at least one mower blade and at least one front wheel positioned proximate the front of the mower system and at least one rear wheel positioned proximate the rear of the mower system. The mower apparatus may also include a zero turn assembly haying at least one caster wheel. The zero turn assembly may be rotatably attached to the multi-wheel drive mower system to provide the mower apparatus with the capability of operating in either a multi-wheel drive mode having at least the at least one front wheel and the at least one rear wheel engaging the ground or a zero turn radius mode having only the at least one caster wheel and the at least one rear wheel engaging the ground.

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: 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 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 knuckle arm includes a body having a bearing hole. A first connection plate extends from a rear end of one of two sides thereof so as to be connected with a brake pump. Two protrusions extend from a front end of the body, and two second connection plates are connected to the two protrusions such that a pull rod is removably connected to either of the two second connection plates. Two connection boards extend from two ends of the front end of the body, with each connection board having a hole for receiving joints of the upper and lower control arms. The knuckle arm can be used for right and left wheels, and the length of the pull rod can be optionally connected thereto.

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 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 model electric train car possessing various movable parts which allow the train car's pivotally-mounted truck and coupler assembly to maneuver around tight curves without interference from model train steps, skirts or other train car parts in close proximity to the train coupler, thereby, avoiding derailment of the toy train. The steps, skirts or other train parts to swing, slide, rotate, or otherwise move away from the truck and coupler assembly, being attached to the train car by pins, hinges, slides, snap connectors or the like to allow the free movement of the train parts.

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

Abstract: A compensating means (28) for compensating for different wheel turn angles in a vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of wheels (12, 14, 16, 18) at least two of which (12, 14) are operatively connected by a drive system (22, 30) so as to turn simultaneously, the compensating means being adapted to be used with the drive system; the compensating means (28) including a first rotatable means (46) for rotation about a central shaft (44), a second rotatable means (48) for rotation about the central shaft (44), the first means (46) and the second rotatable means (48) being concentric, and a connecting means (52, 54) operatively connecting the first rotatable means (46) and the second rotatable means (48) for limited relative angular movement therebetween.

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: The present invention provides a rear-wheel steering angle control device which is capable of drastically reducing the man-hours required for setting a gain of a target rear-wheel steering angle relative to a front-wheel steering angle. The rear-wheel steering angle control device includes a target rear-wheel steering angle calculating device which has a variable coefficient inputting device. A specific parameter (such as steady &bgr; gain) of a theoretical transfer function of physical quantity (such as vehicle-body slip angle &bgr;) relative to a front-wheel steering angle is multiplied with variable coefficients (such as K&bgr;) to a transfer function as a target transfer function (target &bgr; transfer function 5).

Abstract: A six wheeled off-road utility vehicle includes a frame upon which is mounted an engine for use in providing locomotive power to drive the vehicle. A steering wheel is also connected to a steering system for use in providing steering for the ground engaging wheels. Turning the steering wheel rotates a steering column rod about a longitudinal axis and rotates a pinion gear. The first and second front ground engaging wheels are connected to a first axle and first and second rear ground engaging wheels are connected to the second axle. A mechanical linkage is operatively connected between the first and second front ground engaging wheels and the first and second rear ground engaging wheels. The mechanical linkage is engaged in a first linkage direction, the first and second front ground engaging wheels pivot in a first steering direction, and the first and second rear ground engaging wheels pivot in a second steering direction.

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 differential for dolly , particularly for shootings in the TV and movie fields, comprising a first inlet axis, coupled with a selection and control bar, provided on the dolly, for the selection of one of the two steering wheels, four steering wheels or crab configuration, the inlet axis being provided with motion transmission for the two steering wheel configuration, with motion transmission for the four steering wheel configuration, and with motion transmission for the crab configuration; a motion output axis; and two lateral axes, respectively for the transmission to the wheel and to the right wheel, the inlet axis and the output axis providing central movable axis to selectively engage the transmission, coupled at the bottom with rocking levers, transmitting the position of the movable central axis of the inlet axis to the movable central axis of the output axis.

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 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: An all-wheel-steer biasing mechanism having a torsion biasing spring which engages a rear wheel pivot plate between the rear wheel tie rods for biasing the rear wheel steering linkage back to a position corresponding to straight forward travel.

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 children's ride-on vehicle is provided with a chassis having a seat configured to accommodate a driver. The chassis includes a generally vertical, cylindrical channel extending therethrough. A handlebar is disposed in front of the seat and is operable by the driver to steer the vehicle. A steering column, connected to the handlebar, is pivotal in the channel about a first vertical axis. A motor and gear train housing is coupled to the steering column for rotation with the steering column about the first vertical axis and the housing supports a battery, an electric motor powered by the battery, and a gear train operatively coupled to the motor. A front axle is captured in the housing nominally transverse the vehicle and two front wheels are rotatably held on the front axle and coupled to the gear train for driving the vehicle. A keyway in the channel and a mating structure on the steering column limit the pivoting of the steering column to about 7.degree. from the nominal position in each direction.

Abstract: A novel steering mode switching carriage is disclosed. A plurality of such carriages, if coupled to each other, can follow a single path without developing any discrepancy in turning radius between front and rear inner wheels when traveling on a curve. The carriage is used as a conventional cart if the front wheels are made to pivot freely and the rear wheels are fixedly aligned longitudinally. According to the present invention, a pair of pivotal shafts of the front wheels and a pair of pivotal shafts of the rear wheels are coupled by right and left parts of a reversing mechanism respectively. Each pivotal shaft is provided with an engaging member, which has a slider and a link lever extending therefrom. The front wheel is caused to pivot by the slider, and the reversing mechanism and the slider are coupled to each other by the link lever.

Abstract: A trailer assembly to be drawn by a towing vehicle is provided. The trailer assembly includes a frame having a front end, a rear end, and a central axis. A tongue has one end attached to the frame front end, the other end of the tongue is adapted for removable attachment to a towing vehicle for drawing the trailer. A pair of steerable front wheels cooperate with the frame front end on opposite sides of the central axis. The front wheels are retained by front wheel supports which are pivotally attached to the frame about a steering axis. Each front wheel has an axis of rotation offset from its steering axis to allow self-steering of the front wheels. A pair of steerable rear wheels cooperate with the frame and are mounted by rear wheel supports. A steering mechanism connects the front wheels to the rear wheels so as to mutually steer the rear wheels when the front wheels self-steer in response to the trailer being drawn by the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a wheelchair which minimizes the turning radius of the wheelchair providing good maneuverability while also minimizing the misalignment of each of the wheels. The steering mechanism substantially comprises a flat plate defining cam follower slots, two sliding members defining slots, four linkages which follow the path of the cam followers and are connected to the wheels, and a single actuator.

Abstract: An all-wheel steered vehicle in which all wheels are always parallel and have an equal role in steering the vehicle. It consists of a plurality of wheel assemblies capable of wheel rotation about the wheel's axis. The shaft of each wheel assembly (14) passes through bearings (16) such that the shaft is fastened to the chassis (15) but rotatable in its vertical axis. These wheel assemblies are attached to a common steering linkage (18) by lever arms(17). The steering linkage maintains the wheels in parallel, but allow the wheel assemblies to rotate simultaneously about their vertical axis. The vehicle body or seat (23) is rotatable about the center of the chassis. The vehicle body or seat is in linkage with the wheel assemblies such that a rotation of vehicle body or seat relative to the chassis causes a simultaneous and equal rotation of all the wheel assemblies about their vertical axis. That is, both the vehicle body or seat and all of the wheels are maintained parallel to one another.

Abstract: A rotatable-in-place, powered riding vehicle typically may be used as a lawnmower, garden tractor, wheelchair, or warehouse utility truck. Its simplified construction and operator controls facilitate steering maneuverability. Thus the vehicle can be used in tight working places such as narrow aisles, for turning around at the end of rows, and steering around abutments disposed in the travel path, all in forward drive without requiring a reverse gear transmission. This provides more safety and simpler turning than in vehicles requiring a reverse transmission. Also, the vehicle is simplified, quite inexpensive and requires little maintenance and repair. Thus, the set of wheels pivotably mounted and simple control mechanisms provide optimum pivoting in both forward motion and the rotation-in-place steering functions.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for dynamically adjusting the positions of the front and rear wheels of an automotive vehicle comprising first and second accelerometers disposed to sense the acceleration of front and rear wheels and to generate first and second electrical signals representative of the magnitude of such acceleration, a speed sensor disposed to sense the speed of the vehicle and to generate a third electrical signal representative of such speed, a steering dispenser disposed to sense the position of the steering mechanism of the vehicle for generating a fourth electrical signal representative of vehicle turning and direction thereof, a plurality of actuators at least one being connected to each wheel to selectively adjust the toe angle of the wheel and control means connected to the actuators responsive to the first, second, third and fourth electrical signals for controlling the actuators to dynamically adjust the toe angle of each wheel to a position optimum for vehicle speed and driving

Abstract: A four-wheel steering vehicle having a body frame, front and rear wheels steerable by a steering wheel, and a connecting mechanism for transmitting movement of the steering wheel to the front and wheels. The connecting mechanism includes a pitman arm overhanging laterally of the body frame to be pivotable with turning of the steering wheel, a first front wheel knuckle arm operatively connected to one of the front wheels, a first rear wheel knuckle arm operatively connected to one of the rear wheels disposed at the same side as the other front wheel, a front wheel drag link disposed laterally outwardly of the body frame and extending longitudinally of the body frame, the front wheel drag link interconnecting the pitman arm and the first front wheel knuckle arm, and a rear wheel drag link extending substantially horizontally over and across the body frame, the rear wheel drag link interconnecting the pitman arm and the first rear wheel knuckle arm.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle provides the capability to access obstructed areas, to quickly connect to fire water sources, to discharge large amounts of water and/or foam to fight major industrial fires, and to be capable of repositioning while fighting these fires. The vehicle is adapted from a boom truck chassis and mounts a large flow rate capability fire monitor in a position to provide maximum orientation flexibility.

Abstract: Vehicles having front and rear steerable wheels (14,16) and a plurality of steering modes are commonly used in many applications. A vehicle (10) includes a steering input device (24) having a plurality of positions corresponding to the desired rate of turn of the vehicle (10) and a steering control (23) for changing the steering mode in which the vehicle (10) is operating. The steering control accomplishes (23) the steering mode transition while causing the rate of turn of the vehicle (10) to be substantially equal to the desired rate of turn throughout the transition.

Abstract: A steering compensator has a shaft with a first shaft section offset from a central shaft section. A second shaft section of the shaft is offset from the first and central shaft sections. A first drive member is rotatably attached to the first shaft section and a second drive member is rotatably attached to the second shaft section. A central member is rotatably attached to the central shaft section between the first and second drive members. A pivotal link interconnects the first and second drive members through the central member to allow relative angular displacement between the first and second drive members. The steering compensator provides steering angle correction in conventional steering. A crab-conventional camera dolly steering shift mechanism has shift plates and sprockets aligned on a shaft. An electronic shifter automatically shifts between crab and conventional steering modes.

Abstract: A mechanical function generating mechanism for a front and rear wheel steered vehicle is operable to generate a rear steer angle output as a function of front steer angle and vehicle speed inputs. The mechanism has a three dimensional cam with a cam surface and a contacting follower. The cam surface is traversed relative to the follower in a first direction in accordance with the front steer angle input and is traversed relative to the follower in a second direction substantially at right angles to the first direction according to the vehicle speed input. The follower is constrained to move in a third direction, determined by the shape of the cam surface, substantially normal to the first and second directions to generate the rear steer angle output.

Abstract: A camera pedestal has a cylinder with a tapering cross-section for providing a uniform counterbalancing force using a compressed gas. Telescoping column sections which make up a column assembly have inner relief channels and outer slots for hardened roller strips. A column drive system has a motor driving a gear engaged to a rack on the column, to automatically or remotely raise or lower the column. A column braking system locks the column assembly into any selected position and prevents extension or retraction of the column assembly if the load on the column is not counterbalanced by the compressed gas. The column assembly is eccentrically positioned on its base tank. The pedestal is engageable to a receptacle on a camera dolly with a telescoping steering drive tube interconnecting a steering assembly on the pedestal with a steering system in the dolly.

Abstract: A four wheel steering system for a vehicle which significantly reduces or eliminates scrubbing of the outside tires. A preferred embodiment is specially adapted for use on riding lawn mowers, and includes a longitudinally moveable cam plate having a pair of cam slots formed therein, each slot engaging an individual steering arm for separately steering each rear wheel. The cam plate is coupled to a sector gear which reciprocates in response to left and right hand movement of a steering wheel, with the sector gear interconnecting the front and rear wheel steering mechanisms. The slots in the cam plate are specially configured to vary the turning angles of the rear wheels so that the wheels turn through varying angles, thereby reducing scrubbing to an acceptable level. In a preferred embodiment, all four wheels may be calibrated to turn about a single point, thereby completely eliminating scrubbing.

Abstract: A steering compensator has a shaft with a first shaft section offset from a central shaft section. A second shaft section of the shaft is offset from the first and central shaft sections. A first drive member is rotatably attached to the first shaft section and a second drive member is rotatably attached to the second shaft section. A central member is rotatably attached to the central shaft section between the first and second drive members. A pivotal link interconnects the first and second drive members through the central member to allow relative angular displacement between the first and second drive members. The steering compensator provides steering angle correction in conventional steering.

Abstract: A vehicle having a frame and front and rear pairs of wheels that are pivotal to steer the vehicle. A mower deck is operatively carried beneath the vehicle frame and between the front and rear pairs of wheels. A linkage mechanism operatively couples the front and rear pairs of wheels for transmitting pivotal motion therebetween. The linkage mechanism includes a first swing member swingably carried by the frame and coupled with the first rod member for swinging about a vertical axis as the front wheels pivot. A second rod member couples the first swing member with a second swing member that is carried by the frame for pivotal motion about a generally horizontal axis. A third rod member couples the second swing member with the rear pair of wheels. The longitudinal axis of the second rod and the pivot axes of the swing members are arranged at approximately ninety degrees to each other, and thereby provides clearance for other vehicle components located beween the mower deck and the vehicle.

Abstract: In a steering mechanism wherein the turning angle of a steering wheel is transmitted to a wheel via a link mechanism employing a tire rod (3) and a knuckle arm (4), the link mechanism and the wheel (1) are coupled by a multiplying gear (2). Individual drive mechanisms are mounted independently on each wheel, and each wheel is driven independently to enable front-wheel independent drive, rear-wheel independent drive and four-wheel independent drive. Drive of an inner rear wheel is changed over at a steering angle in the vicinity of 90.degree. to effect control of steering. A steering angle multiplied twofold or more can be obtained in simple fashion via the multiplying gear (2) even for a steering angle of about 45.degree. using the conventional link mechanism. In the drive of each wheel, drive of the inner rear wheel is halted in the vicinity of the 90.degree. steering angle, so that locking of the inner front wheel can be avoided.

Abstract: An all-wheel steered vehicle in which all wheels are always parallel and have an equal role in steering the vehicle. It consists of a plurality of wheel assemblies capable of wheel rotation about the wheel's axis and wheel assembly rotation about the wheel's vertical axis. These wheel assemblies are fixed normally to (at right angles to) and evenly spaced around a circle on the chassis (17). These wheel assemblies are attached to a common linkage (18) which maintains the wheels in parallel, but allow the wheel assemblies to rotate simultaneously about their vertical axes. The cab (21) of this vehicle is rotatable about the center of the circular chassis in a plane parallel to the chassis. The cab is in linkage with the wheel assembly's linkage such that a rotation of the cab relative to the chassis causes a simultaneous and equal rotation of all of the wheel assemblies about their vertical axis. That is, both the cab and all of the wheels are maintained parallel to one another.

Abstract: An all wheel steering arrangement having a coupler lever mechanism between the front-wheel steering and rear-wheel steering. The transmission ratio between the steering angle of the front wheels and the steering angle of the rear wheels is controllable, the variation of the transmission ratio causing no steering deflections in the straight-ahead position of the steering. The steering angle of the rear wheels increases within a predeterminable range on both sides of the straight-ahead position with an increasing steering angle of the front wheels. As soon as a limit angle is reached, however, the steering angle of the rear wheels remains substantially constant, even when the steering angle of the front wheels increases further; and if appropriate, the steering angle of the rear wheels can even decrease somewhat.