A method of operating a construction machine that includes a base, support arms each pivotally coupled to the base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies each coupled to the one of the support arms, the method including, in a transport mode of the construction machine, turning a wheel of each of the wheel assemblies, independently from a wheel of another of the wheel assemblies, to a toe out orientation. The method also includes driving each support arm to a deployed condition of the support arm in an operational mode of the construction machine. Driving each support arm to the deployed condition causes the distal ends of each of the support arms to move away from one another and outwardly from the base. The method also includes locking each support arm in the deployed condition and controlling steering of each wheel in the operational mode of the construction machine.

A steering linkage for a vehicle includes a cross-linked pivot assembly which includes a first connector configured for connection with the axle, first and second links, and a second connector configured for connection with a wheel. The first connector has a first end with which a first end of the first link is pivotally connected and a second end with which a first end of the second link is pivotally connected. The second connector has first and second ends and is arranged in spaced relation from and at an angle relative to the first connector. The first end of the second connector is arranged closer to the second end of the first connector than is the second end of the second connector. A second end of the first link is pivotally connected with the first end of the second connector and a second end of the second link is pivotally connected with the second end of the second connector. The cross-linked pivot assembly is operable, preferably via a linear actuator, about a vertical pivot axis to steer the wheel.

A steering system for a wheel of a vehicle comprises a pivot member having multiple pivot-node locations, and connectable at a first pivot-node location to a sub-frame of the wheel, a steering rod actuatable to rotate the wheel about a steering axis and mechanically coupled with the pivot member to be co-pivotable with the pivot member, and a suspension-connector rod having a first end that is connected to the pivot member at a second pivot-node location, and having at a second end that is connectable to a suspension arm linking the wheel of the vehicle to the sub-frame. When the steering system is installed in the vehicle, a lateral force acting upon the wheel is transmitted via the steering rod to the pivot member so as to rotate the pivot member, and the rotation is effective to transmit a substantially-vertical force vector to the sub-frame.

A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.

A steering mechanism intended for use in transport equipment, such as a truck, or a trailer, includes a steering knuckle on both sides of a body of the transport equipment. A king pin is fastened by articulation to the steering knuckles and a wheel of the transport equipment is fastened to each king pins. the steering knuckles being fastened by articulation to the body. The king pins are pivotable with respect to the steering knuckle to which they are fastened. The steering knuckles are pivotable so that when either of the steering knuckles pivots about the respective articulation arranged in the body, the king pin in the pivoting knuckle simultaneously remains un-pivoted with respect to the steering knuckle to which it is fastened. The other steering knuckle simultaneously remains un-pivoted and the king pin therein thus pivots with respect to the steering knuckle to which it is fastened.

A steering mechanism intended for use in transport equipment, such as a truck, or a trailer, includes a steering knuckle on both sides of a body of the transport equipment. A king pin is fastened by articulation to the steering knuckles and a wheel of the transport equipment is fastened to each king pins. the steering knuckles being fastened by articulation to the body. The king pins are pivotable with respect to the steering knuckle to which they are fastened. The steering knuckles are pivotable so that when either of the steering knuckles pivots about the respective articulation arranged in the body, the king pin in the pivoting knuckle simultaneously remains un-pivoted with respect to the steering knuckle to which it is fastened. The other steering knuckle simultaneously remains un-pivoted and the king pin therein thus pivots with respect to the steering knuckle to which it is fastened.

A machine includes a frame, a first steering arm, a second steering arm, a first hydraulic actuator coupled to the frame and the first steering arm, and a second hydraulic actuator coupled to the frame and the second steering arm. A first angle sensor measures a rotational displacement of the first hydraulic actuator relative to the first steering arm. A first link couples the first hydraulic actuator and the first sensor, and isolates movements other than the first rotational displacement. A second angle sensor measures a second rotational displacement of the second hydraulic actuator relative to the second steering arm. A second link couples the second hydraulic actuator and the second sensor, and isolates movements other than the second rotational displacement.

A motion assembly that produces pitch and roll motions includes lower and upper plates. A pivotable coupling having upper and lower shafts extending from its center is coupled between the upper and lower plates. At least two linear actuators are coupled between the plates. Extension and retraction of the actuators pivots the upper plate about the pivotable coupling relative to the lower plate. A vehicle includes two steerable propulsion wheels coupled to a chassis. A lower plate of a pitch and roll assembly, similar to that just described, couples to the chassis via a slew bearing. Seating is coupled to the upper plate. The seating rotates with respect to the chassis via controlled rotation of the slew bearing with reference to the chassis. The seating can be rotated to point in any direction with respect to the chassis regardless of the direction the steerable propulsion wheels move the chassis.

A motion assembly that produces pitch and roll motions includes lower and upper plates. A pivotable coupling having upper and lower shafts extending from its center is coupled between the upper and lower plates. At least two linear actuators are coupled between the plates. Extension and retraction of the actuators pivots the upper plate about the pivotable coupling relative to the lower plate. A vehicle includes two steerable propulsion wheels coupled to a chassis. A lower plate of a pitch and roll assembly, similar to that just described, couples to the chassis via a slew bearing. Seating is coupled to the upper plate. The seating rotates with respect to the chassis via controlled rotation of the slew bearing with reference to the chassis. The seating can be rotated to point in any direction with respect to the chassis regardless of the direction the steerable propulsion wheels move the chassis.

An over actuated system capable of controlling wheel parameters, such as speed (e.g., by torque and braking), steering angles, caster angles, camber angles, and toe angles, of wheels in an associated vehicle. The system may determine the associated vehicle is in a rollover state and adjust wheel parameters to prevent vehicle rollover. Additionally, the system may determine a driving state and dynamically adjust wheel parameters to optimize driving, including, for example, cornering and parking. Such a system may also dynamically detect wheel misalignment and provide alignment and/or corrective driving solutions. Further, by utilizing degenerate solutions for driving, the system may also estimate tire-surface parameterization data for various road surfaces and make such estimates available for other vehicles via a network.