Abstract: A track assembly for a vehicle has an endless track having a belt disposed on an inner side thereof, a frame member, a first axle connected to the frame member and disposed at least in part inside the track, a first pulley disposed inside the endless track and mounted to the first axle, the first pulley being rotatable relative to the frame member, the belt being received in part inside the first pulley, a second axle connected to the frame member and disposed at least in part inside the track, a second pulley disposed inside the endless track and mounted to the second axle, the belt being received in part inside the second pulley, and a brake assembly operatively connected to one of the first and second pulleys. A snowmobile having the track assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ski and front track assembly has a track assembly including: an endless track, and at least two wheels disposed inside the track. At least one of the at least two wheels is disposed forwardly of at least one other of the at least two wheels. The ski and front track assembly also has a front ski element connected to the track assembly and extending forwardly therefrom. The front ski element is pivotable about a steering axis together with the track assembly. A snowmobile having the ski and front track assembly is also disclosed. A track assembly having a braking system and a snowmobile having the track assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Rolling member comprising a track (2) and a moving part (1) able to move relative to the track (2) and designed to form a rolling strip (10) travelling in a closed circuit, said member being characterized in that the moving part (1) comprises a flexible and continuous movement bead, and the track (2) is designed to guide the moving part (1) along a skew path of variable curvature.

Abstract: A rolling contact suction system for vehicle braking and adhesion, in one embodiment comprising a suction cylinder adapted to be mounted on a vehicle for rolling contact with the surface upon which the vehicle moves; a plurality of suction disks contained in a surface layer of, and positioned within the profile of, the suction cylinder, the surface layer being made of a resilient material; and passageway within the suction cylinder for allowing the passage way of air from inside each suction disk, operable only when the internal volume of the suction disk is decreased.

Abstract: An improved track tensioning and recoil arrangement for crawler track drive systems is disclosed which uniquely functions to tension the crawler tracks responsively to the load thereon. The arrangement includes a pair of hydraulic drive motors respectively associated with each of the crawler tracks for independent operation thereof. Tensioning of the tracks is provided by a hydraulic tensioning cylinder assembly. In order to tension the tracks responsively to the torque applied thereto by the drive motors, branch hydraulic fluid lines are provided from the fluid supply lines for each hydraulic motor to the tensioning cylinder assembly of the respective track. By this arrangement, tension in the track is increased as torque applied to the track by its drive motor is increased. In the preferred form, pressure relief valve means are provided in communication with each tensioning cylinder assembly in order to relieve pressure within the tensioning cylinders if it exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A rotary shock absorber whose rotor and stator have interfitting annular disks or coaxial cylinders and which receives a dilatant copolymer dispersion. The shock absorber is especially effective for use between a support arm and wheel for the track of a tracked vehicle.

Abstract: A relatively low-cost, lightweight vehicle has a traction belt drive system, a force-spreading air bag suspension, and operational efficiency features. The traction belt cooperates with track wheel assemblies on each side of the vehicle to spread the suspension forces and to provide efficient steering ability. Each traction belt can be in the form of a Moebius strip. The air bag suspension uses integral air bags on each side of the vehicle cooperative with plural flaps pivotable on a central keel to spread varying suspension forces and to smooth the ride over a variety of terrains. The vehicle lends itself to efficient relatively low cost manufacturing techniques using standard materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency braking system for a tracked vehicle, uch as a military tank. Loss or separation of one or both tracks from the vehicle energizes an electrical sensor which automatically triggers an emergency brake control system operating on the road wheels. The track loss triggers a "driver override" system that inhibits manual steering, manual shift change, and manual sprocket brake operation. The emergency system takes over control of the vehicle to preclude the driver from making unsafe inputs to the system.