Abstract: A ground engaging means providing a running surface for wheels, endless tracks and the like, which is not pneumatic in nature, thereby not susceptible to puncture, and which is resiliently flexible to offer some resistance to shock. The ground engaging means comprises a base and a number of removable, hollow, tubular ground engaging elements which extend transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface. Said ground engaging elements include an inner face for engagement to the base and an outer face for contact with the ground surface, and angular shaped side faces between the inner and outer faces allowing for resilient flexibility under normal load conditions. It is preferable that the ground engaging elements are open at their ends to allow for dissipation of heat and are arranged in circumferential rows, defining a chevron pattern, to prevent resultant side thrust imposed upon the running surface.

Abstract: Mobile irrigation equipment includes a water delivery tube, a support frame mounting the tube, and a belt traction apparatus movably mounted to the support frame and operable for moving the support frame over the ground. The belt traction apparatus includes drive wheels rotatably mounted to the support frame and an endless traction belt entrained over the drive wheels for engaging the ground and moving the support frame when the wheels are rotated. Each drive wheel has an annular plate, a central hub rotatably mounted to support frame about an axis, spokes supporting the annular plate on the hub in concentric relation with the rotational axis of the hub, and a plurality of lugs attached to the periphery of the annular plate in circumferentially spaced relation to one another and extending in transverse relation to the annular plate and in radial relation to the rotational axis of the hub.

Abstract: A traction wheel has a pair of axially spaced apart annular rims presenting ground engagement surfaces which are inclined radially and axially inwardly toward one another to form the ground into a mound on which the wheel rides. A series of wedge-shaped lugs span the rims in circumferentially spaced apart relation. One of the inclined sides of several of the lugs extends radially inwardly to serve as a spoke for the rim. Each lug is generally V-shaped with an apex directed radially outwardly. An opening is formed through the apex both to increase traction and to dissipate any vacuum between the lug and ground.

Abstract: A wheel comprises a hub 11 and a plurality of ground-engaging pads 16 disposed around and coupled to the periphery of the hub by radial studs 17. Each pad is capable of at least a limited degree of angular displacement about the axis of its stud 17 whereby the hub may turn through such angle relative to any pad currently in ground contact. A resilient stop 30 is associated with each pad to return each pad to its undisplaced position when the pad has moved out of contact with the ground. In an alternative embodiment a resilient member between the hub and the pad serves to both limit angular displacement and return the pad to its undisplaced position.

Abstract: A wheel capable of changing traction surface and track by varying the usual axis of rotation. The amount of this contacting surface can be varied and the path can be varied from usual linear to curvilinear contact. Full X, Y, and Z operation is characterized by largely symmetrically curved sinoisoidal-like motion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having at least one profiled tread with transverse profiling with segments in the form of cleats, transverse ribs or the like. The profiled tread consists of two partial profiles which are adjustable relative to one another in the running direction, whereby the vehicle has high cross-country capability, as well as great smoothness of operation when traveling over flat surfaces.

Abstract: A landfill compactor vehicle comprises two forward wheels and two rear wheels, each wheel having on its rim teeth having a substantially arrowhead configuration, when viewed in plan, each tooth having at least a slicing portion and a tamping portion, the teeth are arranged in a twin helical turbine pattern around the wheel rim. The disposition of the teeth pattern and the attitude of the teeth for each wheel is different to that of the other three wheels and this taken with the aforesaid arrowhead configuration of the teeth ensures a mincing action on refuse, waste and soil over which such a landfill compactor vehicle is driven.

Abstract: A tractor has three pairs of ground wheels: front and rear steerable pairs which cooperate to steer the tractor, and a central pair. The central pair of wheels each are connected to the frame through a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly which can be controlled to raise those wheels above the ground or to lower the wheels to engage the ground. The central wheels can be the same as the other wheels or traction caged wheels of hollow beams wherein a hub is connected to outer fellies with spokes. Supports interconnect the fellies at the inner or outer sides. All of the wheels can be driven independently by an engine and the central wheels are each detachable from a driven axle. The hub of the central wheels includes an outer cylindrical sleeve to which and end plate and the spokes are affixed. Each wheel is mounted on a hydraulic motor which is mounted on the tractor's frame, the forward and rear motors being turnable with the wheels mounted thereon.

Abstract: A friction drive wheel, particularly for obtaining a rotary drive for a hydraulic pump or electrical dynamo on a pipeline inspection pig, has a hub with a central hole and keyway for mounting on a axle. Attached to the hub is a rim in which are mounted bundles of bristles in ferrules. The bundle axis is at an acute angle to the radius of the wheel so that the bristles will act as a leading strut. A flange stop may be provided to limit deflection of the bristles.

Abstract: A vibratory compacting roller adapted to be coupled to a prime mover and equipped with hydrostatic drive and vibrator, both drivingly connected to a hydraulic power generator located on said prime mover, is provided with recessed tamping elements distributed in parallel adjacent rows around the periphery of the roller cylinder face with a peripheral offset between adjacent rows. The tamping elements are of trapezoidal design with a semi-circular recess extending centrally from the base to the short side, said recess rendering a vibrational compacting roller with tamping elements equal in weight to a plain vibratory compacting roller of the same over-all diameter.

Abstract: Roller assemblies for refuse crushers or the like are provided wherein a roller element having axial end faces and a cylindrical surface carrying refuse crushing means is provided. Structure for supporting the roller element includes a pair of end faces, each of which is situated in opposed, spaced relation to a corresponding one of the axial end faces of the roller element. Crushing apparatus is provided on the opposed end faces of the roller element and support structure which crush refuse which might enter the space between the roller element and the support end faces.

Abstract: A vibratory compacting roller adapted to be coupled to a prime mover and equipped with hydrostatic driving and vibration exciting means, both drivingly connected to a hydraulic power generator located on said prime mover, is provided with recessed tamping elements distributed in parallel adjacent rows around the periphery of the roller cylinder face with a peripheral offset between adjacent rows. The tamping elements are of trapezoidal design with a semi-circular recess extending centrally from the base to the short side, said recess rendering a vibrational compacting roller with tamping elements equal in weight to a plain vibratory compacting roller of the same over-all diameter.

Abstract: A bladed wheel tractor having wheels with angularly disposed blades. Each wheel has a web, radial to the periphery of which is mounted a plurality of flat plates joined to form a tubular member or rim. Each plate has a diagonally mounted blade element, the blades of the front wheels being skewed inwardly and the blades of the rear wheels being skewed outwardly.

Abstract: A traveling sprinkler and guide wheel assembly therefor which minimizes the chances of the sprinkler leaving operative engagement with a hose defining a path of travel for the sprinkler. The sprinkler includes an elongated body with a water distributing assembly, a pair of cleated drive wheels mounted near the rear thereof, and a guide wheel assembly including a split guide wheel mounted for rotation with respect to a horizontal shaft adjacent the front thereof. Each half of the guide wheel includes a number of radially extending portions defined by slots disposed around the circumference thereof having tip portions extending axially outwardly therefrom.