Patent classifications
B62D55/116
TRACK SYSTEM
A track system includes an attachment assembly, a frame assembly connected to the attachment assembly including at least one wheel-bearing frame member. The track system further has leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, at least one support wheel assembly at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, an endless track extending around the leading idler wheel assembly, the trailing idler wheel assembly, and the at least one support wheel assembly. At least one monitoring sensor connected to the endless track and including an array of sensing devices communicates with a track system controller for determining, at least indirectly, at least one of a state of the track system and a ground surface condition.
Suspension apparatus and specialized vehicle including the same
Provided herein are a suspension apparatus and a specialized vehicle including the same. The suspension apparatus includes a crankshaft fixed to a vehicle body, a housing rotatably connected to the crankshaft, a first damping portion arranged in the housing and having a damping fluid accommodated in the first damping portion, an amount of the damping fluid in the first damping portion being adjusted according to an external force applied to the vehicle body, a second damping portion arranged in the housing, connected to the first damping portion such that the damping fluid moves between the first damping portion and the second damping portion, and including: a first space accommodating a compressed gas; and a second space accommodating the damping fluid, the first space facing the second space; and a rotational force applier arranged in the housing and configured to apply a rotational force to the housing by adjusting an amount of a working fluid in the rotational force applier.
Suspension apparatus and specialized vehicle including the same
Provided herein are a suspension apparatus and a specialized vehicle including the same. The suspension apparatus includes a crankshaft fixed to a vehicle body, a housing rotatably connected to the crankshaft, a first damping portion arranged in the housing and having a damping fluid accommodated in the first damping portion, an amount of the damping fluid in the first damping portion being adjusted according to an external force applied to the vehicle body, a second damping portion arranged in the housing, connected to the first damping portion such that the damping fluid moves between the first damping portion and the second damping portion, and including: a first space accommodating a compressed gas; and a second space accommodating the damping fluid, the first space facing the second space; and a rotational force applier arranged in the housing and configured to apply a rotational force to the housing by adjusting an amount of a working fluid in the rotational force applier.
TRACK SYSTEM
A track system for use with a vehicle includes an attachment assembly connectable to the chassis of the vehicle having a first pivot extending vertically and defining a yaw pivot axis of the track system, and a second pivot extending laterally and defining a pitch pivot axis of the track system. A frame assembly is disposed laterally outwardly from the attachment assembly and connected thereto. The frame assembly includes at least one wheel-bearing frame member. The track system further includes at least one actuator connected between the attachment assembly and the frame assembly for pivoting the frame assembly about the yaw pivot axis, a leading idler wheel assembly at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, a trailing idler wheel assembly at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, at least one support wheel assembly, and an endless track.
MILLING MACHINE HAVING A VALVE CURRENT BASED HEIGHT MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
A milling machine may have a frame, a milling drum attached to the frame, and ground engaging tracks that support the frame and propel the milling machine in a forward or rearward direction. The milling machine may have height adjustable actuators connecting the frame to the tracks. Each actuator may have a cylinder attached to the frame, a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder, and a rod connected at a first end to the piston and connected to a track at a second end. The milling machine may have a tank storing hydraulic fluid and a fluid conduit connecting the tank to the cylinder. The milling machine may have a control valve selectively controlling a flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in the fluid conduit. The milling machine may also have a controller that determines a height of the frame relative to the ground surface based on the flow rate.
Oscillating track system
Disclosed are various embodiments, aspects and features an oscillating track system that includes an oscillating track lock subsystem. The oscillating track system may include a track operable to rotate around a housing structure that is configured to receive an axle. While in operation, i.e. while the track is being rotated around the housing, the oscillating track system may be able to oscillate about the axle and, in doing so, incline or decline to accommodate undulating terrain. Advantageously, when stopped, the degree to which the oscillating track system has oscillated around the axle may be locked in place via an oscillating track lock subsystem comprised within the oscillating track system, thereby providing stability to the heavy equipment that includes the oscillating track system.
Method and system for providing an improved all-terrain telehandler
An all-terrain telehandler includes a pair of front tracks. Each front track may be coupled to a front bracket by an arm that telescopes relative to the front bracket. A superstructure may be coupled to the front bracket where the superstructure supports a first telescoping boom. A pair of rear tracks may be coupled to a rear body. The rear body may be coupled to the front superstructure. A maximum extension position for the first telescoping boom and a length generally corresponding to a length of the superstructure may define a ratio of approximately 4.00:1.00, whereby the all-terrain telehandler is substantially stable when moving loads supported by the first telescoping boom. A second telescoping boom may support a cab. With the second boom, the cab may be lowered beneath a top section of one of the front tracks for facilitating an operator loading sequence.
INCLINATION CONTROL FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINES
A system may include a first transportation device of a milling machine, a controller, and an inclination control system. The controller can control a construction machine including the first transportation device, which can move the construction machine over an operating surface. The inclination control system includes a first sensor coupled to the first transportation device to sense an orientation of the first transportation device relative to the frame of the milling machine. The controller controls the milling machine based on inclination information received from the inclination control system.
WHEELED VEHICLE HAVING RETRACTABLE DRIVEN TRACKS
A retractable driven track system for wheeled vehicles includes a frame on which is mounted an endless flexible track a pivotable linkage coupled at a lower end thereof to the frame, and adapted for coupling at an upper end thereof to the underside of a vehicle, a selectively actuable actuator operatively coupled to the frame or linkage to selectively raise and lower the track relative to the vehicle when the track is mounted to the vehicle, a drive selectively driving rotation of the track relative to the frame so as to assist in at least forward traction of the vehicle when the track is driven by the drive and the track is lowered into contact with soft ground under the vehicle.
Inclination control for construction machines
A system may include a first transportation device, a controller, and an inclination control system. The controller can control a construction machine including the first transportation device, which can move the construction machine over an operating surface. The inclination control system includes first and second slope sensors. The first slope sensor is coupled to the first transportation device and the second slope sensor is coupled to the construction machine. The controller controls the construction machine based on inclination information received from the inclination control system.