Abstract: A ground robot, comprising of a body including a drivetrain and a tail, and a plurality of hub and compliant leg assembly, capable of traveling at high speed over different terrain, with several apparatus and means to mechanically or to electrically recycle energy, and zero turn capabilities for agile maneuvers.

Abstract: A drive wheel attachment for a self-propelled irrigation system includes an annular-shaped clamping band assembly having multiple sections that fit around and clamp to existing wheel rims. A plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending structures are secured to and extend radially outwardly from the clamping band assembly. A plurality of foot assemblies are attached to the radially extending structures. Each foot assembly includes a first hinge sleeve removably attached to a respective one of the radially extending structures, and a ground engaging foot pad pivotally attached to the first hinge sleeve by a pair of second hinge sleeves and a pivot pin extending through the first and second hinge sleeves. The pivot pin is fixed to the second hinge sleeves and allows rocking movement of the foot pad relative to the radially extending structure about a pivot axis that extends generally parallel to an axial direction of the wheel rim.

Abstract: A portable load transporting dolly having a mechanism manually operable for selectively ascending or descending steps is shown. The dolly has generally cross-shaped wheels and a pivotal driving lever is located at its handle. A cable couples the pivotal driving lever to the rotating shaft of the cross-shaped wheels through a plurality of pulleys and ratchet gears such that the wheels may be rotated easily by gripping the lever. The radial arms of the cross-shaped wheels have sliding reciprocative rods which react with the steps of the staircase to enhance the climbing action of the dolly on the staircase.

Abstract: A wheel to support a pipe, or a tower carrying a pipe, of an agricultural irrigation system, especially of a rotary type, provides a polygonal metal web with feet pivotally mounted by foot supports at the vertices of the web. The feet have relatively wide base elements for support on unstable wet earth that define depending protuberances oriented perpendicularly to the direction of travel of the wheel to minimize rut creation of waterflow along ruts in the earth being traversed. Foot supports carried by the wheel provide two spaced radially extending pivot elements about which the supported foot pivots in sequence in moving over supporting earth to lessen the vertical component of motion of the wheel.

Abstract: A wheel and brake system adapted for use with a vehicle for transportation comprising: a tread having a plurality of elements circumferentially spaced around the wheel to define a substantially circular outer edge of the tread, the elements capable of flexing inwardly upon contact with a protruding surface to expose a load bearing surface to support a load of the vehicle; a brake; and a handle connected to the brake and adapted for moving of the vehicle in a pulling direction and engaging brake when a pulling force is applied in the pulling direction, the brake when engaged, adapted to permit rotation of the wheel in the pulling direction and to impede rotation of the wheel in an opposite direction. In one embodiment, the brake system comprises two braking elements and a brake actuating element to controllably engage one braking element to impede rotation thereof, the one braking element engaging another braking element to impede rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: The tire crampon comprises a cross-shaped member having four arms, interconnected by half-braces bearing bushes for connection to a vehicle's wheel hub bolts. Counter-arms are slideable on the arms and each have a toothed sector rigidly associated with an end thereof. The counter-arms move radially outwardly away from the cross-shaped member upon having a centrifugal force applied thereto, and due to the biasing action of compression springs acting between the arms and the counter-arms, thereby causing the toothed sectors to grip the ground. Chains limit the excursion of the counter arms, which can also be locked in a retracted position by pawl devices.

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: Disclosed is a wheel having two staggered rows of surface-gripping, radially-yielding feet. When the wheel encounters an obstacle, a spring compresses, thereby permitting the feet to deflect and absorb shock that would have otherwise been imparted to the vehicle. Each foot has a longitudinally-extending slot having a rubber stop at one end thereof. A plate mounted on the wheel extends into the slot. As a foot springs outwardly, the plate slides in the slot until it contacts the rubber stop, thus preventing further radial movement of the foot. A set of rollers mounted forward and rearward of each foot ride in a corresponding set of slots on the adjacent foot surface to reduce wear.