Abstract: The field-repair assembly is used for temporarily repairing a ruptured or otherwise damaged elastomeric track mounted on a vehicle and generally allows the vehicle to proceed, preferably on its own, to a maintenance site located nearby where replacement or permanent repair of the track can be undertaken. The assembly comprises a plurality of spaced-apart and generally parallel support members, each of which being generally transversely disposed on the ground engaging outer surface of the track. The transverse members are secured to each side of the track via retention brackets. The transverse members are further linked together via flexible cables which are fixedly mounted to retention brackets. The assembly further comprises a bridging element generally mounted to a subset of the transverse members. The bridging element is generally located over the damaged area of the track and on the outer surface thereof for providing continuity and support to the damaged track.

Abstract: A crawler has a track connection system. The crawler includes a crawler frame; at least one drive tumbler supported on the frame; a track made of a plurality of track shoes connected in series to produce a track having a first end and second end that can be connected together to form the track into an endless track. The track is wrapped around the frame, with the first and second ends spaced apart but each adjacent a section of the frame. The track connection system is mounted to the frame and includes a mover device connected to the frame; and a track engagement member coupled between the mover device and the track; iii) whereby actuation of the mover device causes the track engagement member to move the track into a position where the first and second ends can be connected.

Abstract: A final drive unit includes a sprocket, a hub unit and a holding portion. The hub unit is arranged inside the sprocket and includes a hub portion and a cover member mounted to the hub portion. At least the hub portion is configured and arranged to rotate about a rotational axis together with the sprocket. The holding portion is arranged on one of the hub portion and the cover member of the hub unit in proximity to an outer end of the one of the hub portion and the cover member with respect to an axial direction of the rotational axis. The holding portion is configured and arranged to hold an end of a wire-shaped member that pulls a crawler belt when the crawler belt is wound around the sprocket.

Abstract: A traction chain assembly for providing improved traction to elastomeric tracks is provided. The traction chain assembly comprises two side brackets adapted to be mounted on each side of the track and generally to the drive lugs thereof. The traction chain assembly further comprises generally two laterally extending chains which are attached to the side brackets and which further extend at least partially over the traction lugs located on the outer surface of the track and over which the assembly is disposed. Some of the chain links of the chains of the traction chain assembly are also generally equipped with outwardly projecting grousers for increasing the traction thereof.

Abstract: A self-propelled mechanical crawler adapted to move on a medium. One example of such a crawler includes a foot, a wave generator adapted to drive a periodic wave in the foot, and a wave transfer mechanism coupled between the wave generator and the foot. The wave transfer mechanism may be adapted to translate the periodic wave produced by the wave generator into a corresponding periodic deformation in the foot so as to generate forces in the medium to propel the crawler.

Abstract: A traction system for a vehicle has a support frame that defines a circular track belt support that is revolvable about an axis at its center, a flexible track belt; and a track belt stretching assembly comprising one or more track belt stretching rollers. The system has one traction configuration in which the flexible traction belt is held on said support track forming a substantially circular, wheel-like traction surface, and can change to a stretching state in which said rollers engage said belt and stretch it from its state in said one traction configuration to a stretched state to define one or more other traction configurations of the system.

Abstract: A rotary walking device having multiple sequential ground engaging elongated struts interconnected between pairs of annular drive disks. Each pair of drive disks having multiple pivot attachment points for the respective opposing apertured ends of each strut. Each strut having angularly offset parallel engagement ends which engage with spaced co-parallel drive disks affording a unique rotational linear travel path that allows each of the struts to sequentially engage the ground and propel the assembly forward in a progressive walking like motion when used in combination with corresponding second strut drive assembly.

Abstract: A traction system for a vehicle has a support frame that defines a circular track belt support that is revolvable about an axis at its center, a flexible track belt; and a track belt stretching assembly comprising one or more track belt stretching rollers. The system has one traction configuration in which the flexible traction belt is held on the support track forming a substantially circular, wheel-like traction surface, and can change to a stretching state in which the rollers engage the belt. In the stretched state, the rollers stretch the belt from its state in the one traction configuration to a stretched state to define one or more other traction configurations of the system.

Abstract: A wheel mounting apparatus is disclosed for mounting a wheel carrying a track onto a vehicle. The wheel mounting apparatus comprises a mounting structure for mounting onto an axle of the vehicle. The mounting structure is removably mountable to the axle of the vehicle. The wheel mounting apparatus also includes an aligning structure for aligning the wheel with an end of an axle of the vehicle for permitting mounting of the wheel on the axle. The aligning structure is coupled to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A tandem track system and method provides for safe withdrawal of a tracked vehicle if either of the main tracks becomes separated. The tracked vehicle has a main track longitudinally extending in a closed endless main loop on opposite sides and engaging a separate main drive sprocket assembly, extending under roadwheels to a main drive idler wheel, and back to the main drive-sprocket assembly in the main loop. The tandem drive system has a secondary track engaging each main drive-sprocket assembly and extending forward along the track vehicle from each main drive-sprocket assembly under only an aft-most fractional portion of the roadwheels. The secondary track is configured as a closed endless secondary loop inside of the main loop of each main track whereby each secondary track can transfer rotary power to move the tracked vehicle to safety.

Abstract: A wheel has a rigid rim, a soft tire arranged on the rigid rim, and a unit for generating different pressures from inside in the soft tire in contact zone of tire with road surface, at opposite sides of a vertical transverse plane of symmetry of the rim so as to cause pushing of the tire with rim of wheel along a roadway, the tire being subdivided in a plurality of separate chambers spaced from one another in a circumferential direction, the unit for generating different pressures being operative for generating different pressures in a computerized way in any chamber of the tire at any time.

Abstract: A drive for a vehicle traversing rough terrain including first and second drive units and first and second pairs of tires. The first drive unit includes a first differential and axle. The second drive unit includes a second differential and axle. A secondary drive shaft synchronizes the second and first differentials. Each tire is divided into first and second segments. The center of the first segment is the rotational center of the tire so as to allow it to roll when in contact with the rough terrain. The first segment extends 240° and the second segment extends 120°. The radius of curvature of the second segment is greater than that of the first segment so as to allow it to be only slightly curved and almost flat, and as a result thereof, pointed areas are formed that bite into, and allow the second segment to grip, the rough terrain.

Abstract: Postal meters can print envelopes with indicia that include embedded information. This embedded information can be used for a variety of purposes, including indicating postal value, allowing tamper detection, conveying address or mail sorting/routing information, permitting linking to URLs, conveying public or private messages, creating philatelic collectibles, mail tracking and management, etc. The indicia need not have a utilitarian appearance—postal value and other information can be represented by printing of any form (aesthetic artwork or even tinting) extending over any part of the envelope (or envelope label). Such functionality can be provided using meters at corporate settings, or through equipment available at post offices (e.g., for consumer or USPS use). Desirably, such devices have network connectivity, e.g., to link to databases and exchange information with other systems. The information embedding can take various forms, including but not limited to digital watermarking.

Abstract: The device (10) is used for temporarily repairing a ruptured or otherwise damaged rubber-band track (50) of a vehicle and allow the vehicle to proceed on its own to the nearest maintenance site or to a convenient location where replacement or permanent repair of the track (50) can be undertaken. A method for temporarily repairing a damaged rubber-band track (50) is also disclosed. The device (10) comprises a plurality of spaced-apart and parallel support members (12), each being transversely disposed on the exterior side (50a) of the track (50). A plurality of linking members (18) is extending between corresponding ends of two adjacent support members (12) and are pivotally connected to each adjacent linking member (18). A plurality of track retention members (30) maintain the device (10) on the track (50). Damaged portions of the track (50) are also positively secured to the device (10) by fasteners or the like to prevent them from moving.

Abstract: A vacuum intake horn is constantly secured to a portion of a land vehicle and connected to a vacuum generator to increase the load on the wheels and, thereby, enhance traction. In order to minimize the clearance between the intake horn face and road surface for greater vacuum force, the vacuum intake horn is attached to a portion of the vehicle such that movement of the vacuum intake horn relative to an associated wheel of the vehicle is no greater than 75% of the movement of the vehicle chassis relative to the wheel. The vacuum intake horn is mounted behind and substantially entirely within the outline of a tire, so that the tire protects the vacuum intake horn from debris and bumps in the road. In one embodiment, the vacuum intake horn is attached to the vehicle by a compensation arrangement that maintains the vacuum intake horn at a generally constant height close to the road surface despite tire deflection or movement of the chassis relative to the associated wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is for a machine for digging under pipes, wherein the machine comprises a frame having a caterpillar drive traction device mounted thereon, as well as left and right end effectors. The end effectors are each made in the shape of a mount which is attached to the frame and capable of forced rotation about the vertical axis. These end effectors also comprise a cylindrical endless-screw-type driving cutters as well as a cylindrical blade attached to the mount coaxially behind the cutter. The cutter is mounted at a lower end and on the side of the mount so that its rotation axis is horizontal. The machine further includes a transversal stabilization device comprising two stabilization mechanisms, wherein each mechanism comprises an adjustable-height support member that rests on the bottom of the trench. The traction device includes a frame as well as a caterpillar that comprises rigid brackets and flexible support members.

Abstract: A variable shaped wheel having a hub, a plurality of extendable ram rods connecting the hub and shape adaptable rim. Extension and retraction of the ram rods cause the rim to harmonize to a selected wheel shape such as horizontal oval, vertical oval, elliptical, tractor like and numerous other shapes, when stationary and while moving. The selected shape of the variable wheel in motion is maintained by continual length adjustment of the ram rods. The variable shaped wheel adjusts to the most effective, efficient shape for travel over varying surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, sand, mud, rock, snow, ice and others, providing optimum speed and comfort.

Abstract: A magnet-type transportation system of a car-side primary type includes a rail of a magnetic material, fixedly laid down along a traveling track, and a power car capable of self-movement by a plurality of wheels adapted to roll over the traveling track. The power car includes a plurality of magnet belt conveyor units, each having a magnet belt extended in an endless manner around a driving wheel and a driven wheel. The power car also includes a power unit and a power transfer/transmission mechanism for driving each conveyor unit. The power car is adapted so that the magnet belts mounted thereon are magnetically attracted to the rail.

Abstract: A robot traveling on wall face is capable of advancing or retreating on the wall face in a stable manner with a quick change-over of its traveling direction with the help of a plurality of movable adsorption discs designed for a close contact with the wall face, and a pair of fixed adsorption rods, while commencing to be moved by drive motors. The adsorption force by these movable adsorption discs is constantly so large that no worry of dropping the robot from the wall surface is needed. The frictional resistance of each frictional surface promotes contact between the robot and the wall face. Thereby, the robot works on the wall in a safe manner, instead of human workers.

Abstract: A self-aligning idler wheel assembly for a belted work vehicle includes a spindle having first and second radially extending flange portions. First and second self-aligning mechanisms are associated with a respective flange portion. The vehicle has an undercarriage assembly including a belt tensioning mechanism and a roller frame assembly. The first self-aligning mechanism connects the idler wheel assembly to the belt tensioning mechanism and the second self-aligning mechanism connects the idler wheel assembly to the roller frame assembly. The first and second self-aligning mechanisms provide self-aligning of the idler wheel assembly to ensure that the track belt runs straight and true.

Abstract: A vehicle propelling assembly to propel a vehicle in a given direction comprises a pair of propelling members (19a, 19b) each having a body portion (20a, 20b) which rotates about a rotation axis extending substantially at right angles to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Body portions (20a, 20b) extend along a plane which is substantially in alignment with the rotation axis and include a curved ground or fluid engageable portion (22a, 22b). The vehicle propelling members (19a, 19b) can be mounted to ends of an axle assembly (15) which can be secured to a vehicle through a coupling assembly comprising a ball and socket assembly (25) and connecting struts (30, 31), which are pivotally connected at one end to axle assembly (15) and at the other end to a connecting member (32) which itself is pivotally mounted for movement about a vertical axis. The coupling arrangement accommodates the various forces acting on the axle assembly upon rotation of the propelling members.

Abstract: A wheelchair adapted for use both on smooth surfaces and uneven or rough ground wherein a cleated belt is trained around a plurality of wheels on both sides of the chair and is driven by a spring-loaded handgrip engaging therewith. Means are provided for tensioning the belt and for locking the hand grip in engagement with such belt.

Abstract: An armored tracked vehicle is provided with traction-increasing grousers and a remotely controllable system for extending and retracting the grousers. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the grousers are extended by a hydraulic system formed of a plurality of radially arrayed pistons and cylinders. Conduits for the hydraulic system are located in protected positions within the vehicle's wheel axles. Preferably, the grousers are retracted in the absence of hydraulic pressure by springs located in each cylinder. Further, the grousers are arranged to align the track with respect to the wheels. This way, the track does not have to have a heavy center alignment guide.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle identification includes an identification code formed in the tread of a tracked vehicle so as to leave an imprint on the ground. A second embodiment of the invention includes a plate affixed to the vehicle track with apertures therein to form an identifiable imprint in the ground with predetermined positioning of the apertures. A template with apertures therein is utilized to locate a predetermined sequence of apertures in the plate or in the vehicle tread in properly spaced alignment. A clipboard with apertures matching those of the template is utilized to cover an imprint in the ground and indicate the positioning of the code marked in the imprint. An evidence recording form on the clipboard is then marked with the sequence of apertures showing through the apertures in the clipboard so as to identify the tracked vehicle.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a belt alignment mechanism for causing the belt of a belt driven vehicle to run true. In such vehicles, the belt runs around wheels and often such belts have a tendency to run to one side of the wheels or in other words not run true. By angling one of the wheels in a direction opposite to the direction the belt runs untrue, the belt can be made to run true. The belt alignment mechanism described herein has a member for angling one of the wheels and a jack for fixing the wheel in the angled position so the belt runs true.

Abstract: An endless crawler chain capable of driving machinery across a surface. The endless crawler chain includes a plurality of first links interconnected with a plurality of second links to form the endless chain. Each of the second links has a pair of openings to accommodate adjacent first links. The openings allow the first links to move a predetermined amount in the longitudinal direction thereby allowing the chain to collapse while not under tension. The second links also include a pair of holes for rigidly attaching two halves of a crawler pad to each side of the second link. The entire crawler chain is so designed to be capable of being driven in an orbit to thereby propel the machinery across the surface.

Abstract: The rotatably mountable track chain roller has two molded axle journal stubs which each engage rotatably in an end cap formed as a radial and axial bearing. Further expecially the track chain roller is provided with lubricant material for its bearings which has a lubricant action on them. An easy and economical manufacture for the track chain roller results when at least one spacer suitable for providing a set value of axial play in the axial direction of the track chain roller is clamped between the track chain roller and one of the end caps without play. The spacer is made of a soft grindable lubricant-resistant material which does not influence the lubricant action and which is grindable against the track chain roller, the axial journal and the end cap. The spacer can be ring shaped and have a plurality of approximately equal width spacing maintaining regions distributed approximately equally circumferentially around the ring and connected by straps of a narrower width.

Abstract: A track type vehicle is provided with debris removal apparatus to prevent packing in a cavity defined by the track, the vehicle body, the drive sprocket, the idler and the frame member which mounts the drive sprocket and the idler. The debris removal apparatus is constructed in the form of a shaped plate whose peripheral edge conforms to the shape of the cavity and the plate is dimensioned such that the peripheral edge lies in immediate proximity of the cavity defining elements. In a normal or reset position, the plate lies immediately adjacent the body of the vehicle and in the operated condition, is moved outwardly by a plurality of hydraulic rams to push debris out of the cavity and prevent accumulation and packing. The plate may be further shaped, as viewed from the top, to include pockets for receiving roller supports which carry rollers for supporting the upper section of the track. Advantageously, the roller supports may include holes therethrough for receiving the piston rods of the hydraulic rams.

Abstract: An add-on mechanism for high pitched sounds emitted by the tracks of miliy vehicles. Centerguide structures on the tracks are equipped with special U-shaped vibration dampers. Squeaks (high pitched sounds) associated with rubbing contact between the centerguides and the roadwheels are eliminated or minimized.

Abstract: Mobile vehicles, such as lift trucks, are normally mounted on pairs of front and rear wheels for locomotion purposes. The rear wheels are steerable to move the truck into various work positions. However, the turning radius and maneuverability of vehicles of this type are limited, particularly when working in narrow aisles. The vehicle (10) of the present invention includes a frame assembly (13), a plurality of wheels (72,74) mounted on the frame assembly (13) for universal movement about a pivot point (110), and a support and drive system (70) for driving the wheels (72,74) and for infinitely positioning the wheels (72,74) relative to a supporting surface (11) to move the vehicle (10) in any chosen direction.

Abstract: A replaceable wear cover for track chain bushings which covers and protectively shields the track bushing such that the wear cover, rather than the bushing, directly engages the metallic outer radial portions of the chain-driving sprocket wheel. The wear cover may be made of heat treated steel or like material for long life and includes noise suppression and impact absorbing elastomeric members for reducing noise and impact resulting from driving engagement with the sprocket wheel. A mounting portion of the replaceable wear cover is attached to the inner surface of the track plate by one or more fasteners that pass through the track plate and wear cover mounting portion or by using the same fasteners which attach the track plate to the track links. The wear cover includes a shield portion having depending legs for covering the standard track bushing and which are sprung apart for installation or removal, thereby insuring a tight fit on the bushing.

Abstract: A wheelchair and rolling suspension system are supported by a pair of inclined, nested circular hoops. The hoops may be manually driven by lever arms accessable to the chair occupant. Moreover, the drive system permits the chair to negotiate straight lines, gradual and sharp curves, as well as to rotate about a vertical axis. The wheelchair is a two-wheel system having self-righting characteristics and is collapsible for storage and transportation. A seat assembly is articulatable between a vertically upright position and a fully reclined position. In addition, the wheelchair can function as a rocking chair.

Abstract: A tool (12) for mounting a track assembly (11) on a track-type vehicle comprises first (18) and second (39) attachments for being interconnected between a drive sprocket (10) and the track assembly (11). A flexible connector (35) has its ends attached to the first attachment (18) and is further attached to the second attachment (39). In carrying forth the method, the sprocket (10) is rotated to dispose the free ends of the track assembly (11) adjacent to each other for connection by a master link (16) or pin (42). The tool and method provide for the expeditious and safe mounting of the track assembly (11) on the vehicle, including smaller-sized ones.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided particularly suitable for use in ambulators ving a mobile platform that transports a paraplegic in a standing position, the unique drive mechanism enabling the platform to be of a minimum size with a very low center of gravity, and being movable about three axes to provide maximum maneuverability and access to confined spaces.

Abstract: A crawler type vehicle has a frame and front idler and rear sprockets over which a crawler track extends in an upper flight and a lower flight with a pair of pusher plates being mounted on hydraulic cylinders beneath and closely adjacent said track upper flight for transverse movement from a retracted position to an extended position for kicking accumulated dirt or the like from beneath the upper flight.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension apparatus includes a shaft on which track frames are pivotally mounted, the shaft at the ends thereof having fitted on each end thereof a cap, the track frame on that end having secured thereto a retaining member with a plate in sealing relation with the track frame and disposed between the cap and retaining member.

Abstract: In a track tensioning apparatus for a tracked vehicle, recoil lock device is provided to prevent unintentional release of a prestressed helical spring during disassembly of the apparatus. Partial compression of the spring is necessary for assembly or disassembly of the track tensioning apparatus and installation or removal of the recoil lock device. Such compression may be accomplished by utilizing the tensioning apparatus, or before assembly by utilizing a specially configured compression device. The recoil lock device are retained in a lock position by a retainer ring engaging narrowed mid-portions of spatially separated pin members of the recoil lock device.

Abstract: A frame for a crawler tractor designed to permit selective mounting of at least two pairs of endless track assemblies of different widths, together with bulldozer assemblies of different configurations suitable for use with the respective pairs of track assemblies. The tractor frame comprises a pair of laterally spaced, rigidly interconnected main frame members, and track frame means bracketed to the opposite sides of the main frame members. A selected pair of track assemblies are mounted on the usual sprockets and idlers arranged adjacent the front and rear ends of the track frame means. A pair of lift cylinders are supported in predetermined positions over the main frame members so as to be made common use of by both types of bulldozer assemblies.

Abstract: A track-type vehicle comprises a pair of track roller frames pivotally mounted on either side thereof. Each of the frames comprises a tubular guard including a pair of longitudinally disposed members secured together by a pair of upper and lower welds extending substantially the full length of the frame and disposed medianly thereon. Each of the members is initially formed with an upwardly projecting flat portion which is thereafter bent inwardly to have its end secured to an adjacent end of the other member by the upper weld.