Abstract: The planing surface of amphibious vehicle hull (2), with reference to (FIG. 2), comprises at least one discontinuity, e.g. wheel arch recesses (12) to (15). The wheels may be retractable. Access is required to the full arch aperture during vehicle manufacture, but not in use. To maximize the planing area, planing plates (9, 11) are provided. These are fixed in position in both land and marine modes; but may be removable for maintenance. At least one plate may comprise at least part of a strake (22, 25) attached to, or incorporated in, its underside. Such strake section(s) may be sacrificial, and may be made from rubber. A trim tab (30, FIG. 9), may be provided aft of a rear planing plate, and may be hinged thereto. The plates may include water drains and jacking apertures. A ride plate (38, FIG. 1) may be provided between two planing plates, and may be integral therewith.

Abstract: A power train configuration for an amphibious vehicle especially well suited for sit-astride applications. A prime mover drives a marine propulsion unit and/or at least one road wheel wherein the such road wheel is driven through a speed-change transmission. The speed-transmission is positioned above or below the axis of the prime mover's output shaft and preferably such that its input and output shafts are aligned at an angle of up to 90 degrees relative to the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral axes and/or the axis of the prime mover's output shaft.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle includes caissons, floats, and ramps stored on top of one another on a self-propelled rolling base, when the vehicle is in a folded configuration for driving over firm ground. The elements can be deployed transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rolling base when the vehicle, alone or with another vehicle of the same design, forms a pontoon or a ferry to breach a water-filled opening. The vehicle includes a deployment device to deploy the elements on one side before beginning to deploy the elements on the other side of the rolling base. The elements are deployed in at least three different configurations. The elements on each side, include respectively, from the inside outwards, in the deployed configuration, a caisson, a float, and a ramp which are hinged together in a Z-configuration.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle which has elements, such as caissons, floats, and ramps, arranged on a self-propelled rolling base, oriented essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle is in a folded configuration for movement on land, and which are deployed to form a track or bridge portion oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle, alone or with another vehicle of the same design, is used to form a floating bridge or ferry. The vehicle has a deployment device for deploying elements by pivoting of four groups of the elements around four vertical shafts spaced from one another, according to at least three different configurations, each group of elements including at least one caisson.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle operable on dry land, wet land, or marsh land covered by water. In some embodiments, the amphibious vehicle includes a land-based vehicle, such as a car, truck, or all terrain vehicle (ATV), at least two pontoons supporting the land-based vehicle, and a track system disposed around each of the pontoons. Each pontoon has an internal volume configured to provide buoyancy for the land-based vehicle, whether on wet land or in water. The track system is adapted to propel the land-based vehicle. The amphibious vehicle may further include a drive system coupled between the land-based vehicle and the track system and a skid steering system. The drive system is configured to selectably rotate the track system about the pontoons, while the skid steering system is configured to control the direction in which the land-based vehicle is propelled. The amphibious vehicle may also include a suspension system.

Abstract: A drive-steering control system suitable for off-road land and amphibious vehicles. The system includes first and second steering input levers, each operable to rotate in forward and rearward pivotal directions. A coupling mechanism converts and transmits rotation of the first steering input lever in the forward pivotal direction into rotation of the second steering input lever in the rearward pivotal direction, and vice-versa. A reducing mechanism operates to selectively reduce the propulsion outputs of first and second propulsion devices, and a converting mechanism operates to convert the rotations of the steering input levers into inputs to the reducing mechanism. Depending on the directions the steering input levers are rotated, the reducing mechanism reduces the propulsion output of either the first or second propulsion device, which causes either the lefthand or righthand side of the vehicle to travel at a lower speed and thereby turn the vehicle either left or right.

Abstract: A vehicle steering arrangement for an amphibious vehicle having retractable steered wheels with which the steering input to such wheels is automatically substantially curtailed upon retraction of the wheels. Retraction of the wheels causes a steering link to swing toward its steering axis to thereby reduce its effective radius while steering input to a marine propulsion remains unchanged. The reduced steering input to the wheels reduces space needed to accommodate the wheels in their retracted position.

Abstract: According to the invention, inflatable buoyancy bodies are kept in storage housings on the outside of a vehicle. During normal use, buoyancy bodies are folded up and stored under covers. Only when the vehicle is on water do the covers open and buoyancy bodies fill with air. An on-board compressed air system supplies air for filling buoyancy bodies so that air, which is not required by a braking installation or the like of the vehicle, is used to fill the buoyancy bodies. The additional use of outside air enables more air to be supplied to the buoyancy bodies at a low pressure than the sole use of the on-board compressed air system. In order to empty the buoyancy bodies, a vacuum is generated in connection lines. When stop cocks are open, air is sucked out of the buoyancy bodies, which then fold up and the covers are closed and locked.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.

Abstract: A planing amphibious vehicle has at least one trim tab at its stern. A vehicle control system includes a mode change controller and a trim tab controller. The mode change controller informs the trim tab controller when a mode change event is taking place. The trim tab controller retracts the trim tabs if the mode change is from marine to land mode; and deploys the tabs if the change is from land mode to marine mode, to assist the vehicle in rising on to the plane. The controller may also retract the tabs if the vehicle reverses; and deploy the tabs if a change is made from reverse to forward motion. The vehicle control system may connect to actuators and sensors for retractable road wheels, which may use hydropneumatic struts. Safeguards against system faults and/or erroneous switch operation are included. Road wheel drive decouples are used; a marine drive decoupler may also be fitted.

Abstract: A system for transporting a span on a road vehicle capable of being transformed into an amphibious vehicle enabling crossing of a dry or water-filled gap by any road vehicle. The vehicle for transporting the span is amphibious to allow any vehicle to cross a gap filled with water by transferring and transporting the vehicle on the span supported on the amphibious vehicle operating as a floating ferry. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of civil or military engineering.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle equipped for quick exchange of its functional components and aid units includes a frame having a mounting platform which includes a plurality of spatially positioned open surfaces, a functional unit having a quick release connector adapted to connect to the functional unit to a first part of the mounting platform, and wherein the frame is made of a polymer-matrix and metal-matrix composite.

Abstract: A robotic device for navigating in at least a liquid medium, includes a legged propulsion system having a series of legs external of a body of the robotic device, each of the legs being independently driven and mounted to the body for pivotal movement about a respective transverse axis. The legs oscillating relative to the body about the respective transverse axis such that interaction between the legs and the liquid medium produces propulsive forces that displace the robotic device within the liquid medium. A control system is operatively connected to the legged propulsion system for autonomous control and operation of the robotic device based on information received from at least one sensor providing data about an environment of the device.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle which has elements, such as caissons, floats, and ramps, arranged on a self-propelled rolling base, oriented essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle is in a folded configuration for movement on land, and which are deployed to form a track or bridge portion oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle, alone or with another vehicle of the same design, is used to form a floating bridge or ferry. The vehicle has a deployment device for deploying elements by pivoting of four groups of the elements around four vertical shafts spaced from one another, according to at least three different configurations, each group of elements including at least one caisson.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (10), with reference to FIG. 1, which may plane on water, has a propulsion system comprising prime mover (20), power transmission means (30), marine propulsion means (40), and land propulsion means (50). Vehicle (10) is operable in marine mode or land mode. Common controls are used on land and water, the steering control travel may be the same in each mode. Power is transmitted to the marine propulsion means in marine mode; and to both marine and land propulsion means in land mode. The power transmission ratio between land and marine propulsion means may be variable in land mode. The propulsion control means (60) may comprise electronic processing means and/or electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or electromechanical actuation devices, or any combination thereof. Prime mover (20) may comprise an internal combustion engine; an electric motor, a fuel cell; a hybrid engine; or any combination thereof. The transmission means may be mechanical, electric, or hydraulic.

Abstract: A control system for a robotic device maneuverable in at least a liquid medium, the system having at least one visual sensor retrieving an image of the device's environment, an image analyzing module receiving the image, determining a presence of an object of a given type therein and analyzing at least one property of the object, a motion calculator determining a desired motion of the device based on the property, and a controller operating a propulsion system of the device to obtain the desired motion. Also, a legged robotic device having a control system including at least one sensor providing data about an environment of the device, the control system using sensor data to determine a desired motion of the device, determining a corresponding required leg motion of each of the legs to produce the desired motion and actuating the legs in accordance with the corresponding required leg motion.

Abstract: An amphibious, all-terrain vehicle utilizing a pair of hydrostatic pumps to independently provide power to hydraulic drive mechanisms of the left and right side of the vehicle respectively. The hydraulic drive mechanisms on a side of the vehicle comprise a plurality of hydraulic wheel motors and a hydraulic propeller motor. Using a novel hydraulic manifold assembly, the vehicle can operate in three distinct modes: wheels only, wheels and propellers, and propellers only. The hydraulic manifold assembly also allow the vehicle to by put in neutral mode for starting. The wheel motors are mounted in a pair of undercarriage assemblies that are outside of the vehicle's body and fluidly connected to the hydraulic manifold assembly thorough a hose chase that extends well above the vehicle's waterline to eliminate the potential for water to enter the body of the vehicle when operated in the water.

Abstract: An improved amphibious drive system for a watercraft. The amphibious drive system features a paddled drive wheel which is operatively mounted to a drive frame. The drive frame pivots about a horizontal pivot joint. The drive wheel can thereby be raised and lowered with respect to the watercraft. In the elevated position the drive wheel is only partially submerged in the water (such that the drive wheel may operate like a paddlewheel). In the lowered position the drive is submerged more deeply in the water. The amphibious drive system also features a mount plate for attaching the amphibious drive system to the transom of the watercraft. A swing-arm frame links the drive frame to the mount plate. The swing-arm frame pivots in the horizontal direction relative to the watercraft via a vertically-oriented kingpin. This action angularly offsets the thrust from the drive wheel, thereby allowing steering.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle has retractable road wheels to allow planing over water. Power to the road wheels is disconnected automatically as the wheels are retracted. This may be achieved through a cable attached to a suspension rocker arm to disconnect a dog clutch attached to the input shaft of a differential as the wheels are retracted; and vice versa. The system may be fitted to a steered axle or to any suitable retractable suspension system.

Abstract: A sit-astride amphibious vehicle configuration which supports a high performance envelope both on land as well as in water. The vehicle has a planing hull and four retractable wheels. Handlebars provide for directional control in both modes of operation. Each road wheel is retractable by pivoting through at least 45° so as to maximize ground clearance when in the land mode of operation and to minimize drag at substantial lean angles when in the marine mode of operation. While a jet drive may remain directly connected to the engine at all times, the driven wheels are only connected during land mode via a speed-change transmission. The entire power train is supported by a frame that is separable from the hull which in turn has a detachable top deck portion, whereby such configuration simplifies the construction, repair and servicing of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid electric system designed to lower fuel consumption in heavy-duty long-haul vehicles, and in medium and light duty vehicles (trucks, buses, vans, SUVs, recreational vehicles, and the like), utilizing a multiplicity of thermal engines, regenerative power road-wheels, solar cells, and frontal area reducing adjustable-height suspension that are utilized singly or in combinations as suits the vehicle's mission.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle (10, FIG. 8) has a retractable suspension system. The transmission to a driven wheel comprises a plunging CV joint 7 at the outer or wheel end of driveshaft 5, and a fixed CV joint 3A at the inner or differential end of the driveshaft. The fixed joint at the inner end of the shaft allows wheel movement between a lowered position allowing increased ground clearance, through a normal road use position, to a retracted wheel position above the vehicle water line (FIG. 5). At least one inner CV joint may incorporate a driveshaft decoupler 20; which may incorporate synchromesh. The vehicle may be a planing vehicle, with either a longitudinal or a mid-mounted transverse prime mover, which may be an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell powered electric motor.

Abstract: A water-tight compartment for containing a penetration point on the hull of an amphibious vehicle, comprising a bottom panel comprising the hull of the amphibious vehicle; a forward panel of the box comprising a forward bulkhead of the amphibious vehicle; a rearward panel of the box comprising a rearward bulkhead of the amphibious vehicle; two lateral panels; and a top panel; wherein the panels are joined together in a water-tight manner and wherein there is a water-tight penetration point for a drive shaft in at least one of the panels.

Abstract: An amphibious passenger vehicle having several open or covered holes and a surrounding cover to accommodate fishing and hunting. An aft mounted engine, forward/reverse transmission, drive linkage and disk/caliper brake assembly controls a pair of rear wheels. Electric, screw actuated cylinders and pistons or manual linkage control the steering of a pair of forward wheels. Independent front and rear elevation control linkages independently control the elevation of the fore and aft wheels.

Abstract: A control system for a robotic device maneuverable in at least a liquid medium, the system having at least one visual sensor retrieving an image of the device's environment, an image analyzing module receiving the image, determining a presence of an object of a given type therein and analyzing at least one property of the object, a motion calculator determining a desired motion of the device based on the property, and a controller operating a propulsion system of the device to obtain the desired motion. Also, a legged robotic device having a control system including at least one sensor providing data about an environment of the device, the control system using sensor data to determine a desired motion of the device, determining a corresponding required leg motion of each of the legs to produce the desired motion and actuating the legs in accordance with the corresponding required leg motion.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle having road wheels which are retractable to allow planing. Each wheel suspension is protractable through a gap in the planing surface of the hull. To reduce hydrodynamic drag and improve marine handling, covers are provided which cover such gaps when the wheels are retracted. These covers may be hinged parallel to a longitudinal, or to a transverse, axis of the vehicle or may be otherwise connected to the hull.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided by which the wheels of an amphibious vehicle are simultaneously retracted or protracted for switching between a land mode and a marine mode of operation. Each of a transversely spaced pair of wheels is supported by a horizontally arranged spring and damper combination acting on at least one suspension link. Each spring and damper combination is in turn supported by a movable anchor point, the position of which determines the extent of protraction or retraction of the associated wheel. The anchor points for the two wheels may be located at opposite ends of a rotatable rocker member, the rotational orientation of which is determined by an actuator taking the form of for example a hydraulic ram or electric motor.

Abstract: A planing amphibious vehicle with retractable wheels and a sit-astride seat having dimensions that impart enhanced capability in both land as well as water modes of operation. The beam, track, dead rise angle and the location of the handlebars cooperate to enhance freeboard and ground clearance without sacrificing manoeuvrability. The length is at least 2400 mm; the beam is at least 1250 mm; the deadrise angle at least 10°; and the handlebars are located only slightly forward of the halfway distance from transom to bow.

Abstract: A retractable suspension for an amphibious vehicle, the configuration of which allows the size of an opening in the hull necessary for accommodating the protraction of each wheel to be kept to a minimum. The suspension is configured such that the only component that comes to extend beyond the hull upon protraction is a generally tube shaped lower link that is pivotally attached to the hull at it is inboard end, that pivotally supports a hub carrier at its outboard end and that may simultaneously accommodate a drive shaft therein. The weight of the vehicle is supported by a spring arrangement bearing on the inboard end of the lower link.

Abstract: The invention concerns an off-road vehicle, in particular of the amphibious type, having a left wheel-train (6, 7, 8) and a right wheel-train, arranged to propel the vehicle on both land and water, propulsion resources (10) to drive the said wheel trains, and mobile control resources (15) capable of supplying at least one control signal as a function of their position. The said propulsion resources include a first electric motor capable of driving the left wheel-train, a second electric motor capable of driving the right wheel-train, and synchronisation resources (16) to synchronise the two electric motors as a function of the control signal.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle needs less power on land than on water. A control system is provided to limit power and/or speed on land, using: restriction of flow of fuel, air, or exhaust gases; heated intake air; exhaust gas recirculation; declutching of a supercharger; bypassing of a turbocharger; a variable throttle stop, dual throttles, or a switchable throttle damper; cylinder or intake valve deactivation; a dual length intake manifold; dual mode ignition or engine mapping; dual fuel—gasoline on water, compressed natural gas on road; variable compression ratios or valve timing; a clutch designed to slip; automatic brake application; or aerodynamic brakes. The suspension may tilt the vehicle to increase aerodynamic resistance. The road transmission may be geared to limit maximum speed. High rolling resistance tires or twin engines may be used. A sensor on retractable suspension may indicate whether the vehicle is on land or on water.

Abstract: The invention offers a conversion kit for all terrain vehicle, which is adjusted for driving both on the terrain and in the water. For that purpose, pontoons to lengthen the front and rear side of the all terrain vehicle have been constructed, the height whereof in respect of the vehicle in working position can be adjusted according to one's needs. The pontoons can be turned in such position that does not disturb the movement of the all terrain vehicle on dry land.

Abstract: A power train for an amphibious vehicle includes an engine and transaxle arranged North-South, driving front, rear, or all four road wheels. A power take off with optional decoupler and constant velocity joint drives marine drive. The power take off may be taken from the input shaft of the transmission, and may use a synchronizer. The transaxle includes a differential. The rear wheels may be set back from the differential outputs, with intermediate drives by chains or belts. A sandwich type power take off may also be used. In the four wheel drive embodiment, a power take off is required from the rear differential. Decouplers may be provided in at least one wheel drive shaft on each driven axle.

Abstract: Apparatus to convert an all terrain vehicle into an amphibious off-road vehicle. A buoyant unitary structure is fitted to the all terrain vehicle with releasable fasteners. The buoyant unitary structure includes one or more internal air pockets, and a hollow compartment to accommodate the legs and feet of a user of the amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: A multipurpose amphibious vehicle is configured with an enclosed cabin to protect occupants from impacts, hazardous environments, fire and extreme temperatures. The vehicle can be deployed from an aircraft with a parachute to remote areas for rescue, relief and security operations. A helicopter transports the vehicle by air with a single quick attachment/release device. The vehicle equipped with armor materials and gun ports, is used in hostile environments and protects occupants from chemical and biological weapons.

Abstract: Disclosed is an AFIFD mounted on the front surface and both side surfaces of an amphibious vehicle to provide additional buoyancy. The AFIFD allows safe swimming of the amphibious vehicle, provides rapidity through automated folding and unfolding processes. The AFIFD has a membrane structure having a seal function and a plate structure having protection power, which are organically combined with each other, to provide both a seal function and protection power. The AFIFD is provided with air while being unfolded by the operation of driving means when the amphibious vehicle swims in water, so that the membrane structure and the plate structure are unfolded to form a completely sealed floating space. When the amphibious vehicle does not swim in water, the structures are folded and closed fixed to a vehicle body, so that the amphibious vehicle can run on ground without any difficulty.

Abstract: Bump stop for an amphibious vehicle suspension having a member selectively movable between an operating position, and an inoperative position. This allows the suspension to retract road wheels along locus for conversion to marine mode. Bump stop free end may be moved by filling cavities with pressurized fluid. Alternatively, the entire bump stop may be rotated on a pivot by a hydraulic cylinder, an electric solenoid, manually or by any other mechanical means. Alternatively, the movable member may be a position in a cylinder, withdrawn against a return spring by hydraulic pressure, and may act against resilient snubber on the vehicle suspension. Bump pad has a curved undersurface, allowing the bump stop to be bent out of the way when the suspension is lowered.

Abstract: Engine (101) of an amphibious vehicle (100) is located in engine compartment (102). The engine is cooled by radiator(s) (103), mounted in cooling compartment (104), which is separate to compartment (102), and may be sealed off therefrom. Ram air effect or fans (105) (driven electrically, hydraulically, or mechanically) may be used to draw cooling air into compartment (104) through radiator (103), and out past exhaust silencer(s) (107) through opening (106). Coolant hoses (109) and exhaust pipes (111) may pass through apertures (108) and (110), sealed by rubber, or metal and rubber composite seals (112) and (113). Catalytic converters may be mounted in compartment (102) or compartment (104). Similarly, coolers for engine oil; transmission oil; oil for a marine propulsion power take off; and an intake air intercooler, may be mounted in either compartment. A further cooling system may be provided for compartment (102), with further cooling air ducts and fans.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (10, FIG. 1) has at least one rear wheel arch 14 with recess 20 opening at mouth 22 in arch rear surface 28. The recess contains spray generated by the wheel arch passing over water, channelling spray in a desired direction; preferably underneath the back of the vehicle. At least two such arches and recesses may be fitted on opposing sides of the vehicle. Each recess may be formed in the bottom of the hull; and extend towards the rear of the vehicle. The recess may be tapered rearwardly; and may be substantially semi-circular in a transverse cross-section. A spray rail (25, FIG. 3) may extend around the front of the recess to discourage spray from recirculating into the wheel arch; while the rear edge (26, FIG. 4) of arch 14 may curve smoothly from the recess to the outer bodywork. The vehicle may be a planing vehicle with retractable wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle which includes a lower chassis section including a means for rollably supporting the vehicle's weight on land, and a means for hydrodynamically supporting the vehicles weight on water, an upper passenger compartment section including a passenger compartment for housing at least one passenger and a frame for attaching drive line components thereto; a suspension section sandwiched between said passenger compartment and said chassis section, said suspension section including suspension elements for absorbing and smoothing bumps and irregularities encountered on road surfaces wherein said suspension elements include gas filled cushions extending around the periphery of said vehicle, wherein said cushions being disposed between said passenger compartment and said chassis section.

Abstract: A decoupler for coupling/decoupling drive between a power train output and road wheels or marine drive means in an amphibious vehicle, is integrated with a constant velocity joint, saving space, weight, and cost for low production volumes, and simplifying mounting arrangements. Power train output shaft enters casing through aperture, and terminates in a flange with splines. Baulk ring and synchrocone provide synchromesh action between drive ring and driven CV joint cap. Rod is attached to selector arm, located in slot, allowing coupling and decoupling by an external control, which may be assisted by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The synchromesh parts may be sourced from truck gearboxes. CV joint is mounted in bearings, and may be a Rzeppa type. Groove allows fitment of a conventional dust gaiter.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle comprises longitudinally mounted prime mover, transmission, and offset final drive; with drive outputs; and a power take off. Outputs drive front and rear differentials, via optional decouplers. Power take off powers drive tube, independently from co-axial rear propshaft. Tube powers sprockets via belt or chain; gears could be used here. Optional marine decoupler drives shaft, and thus water jet pump. A power train with front wheel drive only; a dead rear axle is provided. A power train with rear wheel drive only; a dead front axle is provided. Prime mover may be offset parallel to centre line; and may be an engine or an electric motor, possibly powered by a fuel cell. The power take off may be in the form of a drive spline.

Abstract: An armor-protected buoyancy module is installed in multiple unit sets on tracked or wheeled vehicles to provide the vehicles with amphibious capability. The buoyancy modules can be lifted by two men without additional material handling equipment. The buoyancy modules are attached to fixed mounting devices that are mounted on the subject vehicle. Existing armor elements may be present to serve as the mounting devices. The armor shell provided for the buoyancy module protects it in both the deployed and stowed configurations.

Abstract: A suspension system for an amphibious vehicle is able to be locked in either a lowered or in a retracted position according to whether the vehicle is on land or in water, respectively. The suspension system includes a main suspension arm pivoted to a vehicle hull at one end thereof and has a rotably mounted road wheel thereon at an opposite end thereof. A moving mechanism operably attached to the pivoted main suspension arm enables the arm and the road wheel to be retracted relative to the hull. An upper suspension link is operably and pivotally connected to the road wheel end of said main suspension arm and has a pivoted joint intermediate its ends. The upper suspension link is operably engagable with a suspension position locking mechanism in both the lowered and retracted positions.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle power train includes an engine mounted above, or above and to one side of transmission. Axis of crankshaft is parallel to axis of transmission input shaft, and to longitudinal vehicle axis. Crankshaft longitudinally overlaps input shaft. Engine is mounted North-South, and transmission South-North. Crankshaft drives input shaft through sprockets, connected by belt or chain; or by gears. Shaft drives marine propulsion means through drive shaft and optional decoupler. Transmission may be manual, sequential change manual, automated manual, seem-automatic, automatic, or continuously variable. Power train may be mounted towards the rear of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels through differential. Alternatively, the front wheels may also be driven, through drive shaft and differential. Either axle may be decoupled in road mode.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be bolted to the transom of a vehicle, comprising in combination a central box, which is open on at least the part of the surface that faces the transom of the vehicle and forms an extension for increasing the carrying volume and the buoyancy. Two lateral elements, for flotation and support of hydraulic propulsion motors with ducted propeller, are connected to the central box and contain respective fuel tanks and reservoirs for the motor actuation fluid, and there are ducts that end on the surface that faces the transom of the vehicle and are preset for the output, return and drainage connections of the motors.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (10, FIG. 1) has at least one rear wheel arch 14 with recess 20 opening at mouth 22 in arch rear surface 28. The recess contains spray generated by the wheel arch passing over water, channelling spray in a desired direction; preferably underneath the back of the vehicle. At least two such arches and recesses may be fitted on opposing sides of the vehicle. Each recess may be formed in the bottom of the hull; and extend towards the rear of the vehicle. The recess may be tapered rearwardly; and may be substantially semi-circular in a transverse cross-section. A spray rail (25, FIG. 3) may extend around the front of the recess to discourage spray from recirculating into the wheel arch; while the rear edge (26, FIG. 4) of arch 14 may curve smoothly from the recess to the outer bodywork. The vehicle may be a planing vehicle with retractable wheels.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (40, FIG. 7) comprises engine (2) with its crankshaft aligned with front and rear axis (X) of the vehicle; transmission (3); and differential (4) offset from the transmission. The differential has front and rear outputs (21, 16), whose axes are parallel to axis (X). These outputs drive at least one retractable front road wheel (42, FIG. 7) ahead of the front passenger seats, and corresponding retractable rear road wheel(s) (48, FIG. 7) behind the rear passenger seats. The marine drive power take off (PTO) may be taken from the engine timing end (7), as a sandwich PTO between engine and transmissions (28, FIG. 5), or from the transmission (38, FIG. 6). Front and rear differentials (22 and 17) may be provided. Decouplers may be provided in front and rear road wheel outputs, and in the marine drive (10). The engine may be mounted to the rear of the passenger seat(s).

Abstract: A decoupler for coupling/decoupling drive between a power train output and road wheels or marine drive means in an amphibious vehicle, is integrated with a constant velocity joint, saving space, weight, and cost for low production volumes, and simplifying mounting arrangements. Power train output shaft enters casing through aperture, and terminates in a flange with splines. Baulk ring and synchrocone provide synchromesh action between drive ring and driven CV joint cap. Rod is attached to selector arm, located in slot, allowing coupling and decoupling by an external control, which may be assisted by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The synchromesh parts may be sourced from truck gearboxes. CV joint is mounted in bearings, and may be a Rzeppa type. Groove allows fitment of a conventional dust gaiter.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) that can be bolted to the transom of a vehicle comprises in combination a central box (12), which is open on at least the part of the surface that faces the transom of the vehicle and forms an extension for increasing the carrying volume and the buoyancy. Two lateral elements (14a, 14b), for flotation and support of hydraulic propulsion motors (16a,16b) with ducted propeller, are connected to the central box and contain respective fuel tanks (20,22) and reservoirs (24) for the motor actuation fluid, and there are ducts (36) that end on the surface that faces the transom of the vehicle and are preset for the output, return and drainage connections of the motors (16a, 16b).