A system for sensing the angular position of a caster wheel includes a sensor mounted on a bearing which supports a shaft aligned with the rotational axis of the caster. A target on the shaft is detected by the sensor which generates signals indicative of the presence or absence of the target. The position of the target is coordinated with the position of the caster wheel such that the signals are indicative of the angular position of the caster wheel. The target may be a groove extending partially around the shaft and a remaining ungrooved portion of the shaft.

A system for sensing the angular position of a caster wheel includes a sensor mounted on a bearing which supports a shaft aligned with the rotational axis of the caster. A target on the shaft is detected by the sensor which generates signals indicative of the presence or absence of the target. The position of the target is coordinated with the position of the caster wheel such that the signals are indicative of the angular position of the caster wheel. The target may be a groove extending partially around the shaft and a remaining ungrooved portion of the shaft.

A caster 1 includes a wheel 10, a fork 20, a second member 20, and a rolling bearing 40. The rolling bearing includes an outer ring 40A, an inner ring 40B, and a plurality of rolling elements. The outer ring 40A includes a first outer ring 41 and a second outer ring 42. The inner ring 40B includes a first inner ring 43 and a second inner ring 44.

Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing friction on a brake arm of a caster wheel brake. A washer can be positioned between the brake arm and the support arm to reduce friction in this area. Lubricant can also be provided between the brake arm and the support arm, and also between the brake arm and the brake cam, to reduce the friction in these areas. The presently disclosed embodiments therefore allow less force to actuate the brake arm as compared to prior art caster wheels.

A hydraulic system for controlling a pair of steerable caster wheels includes a left steering command valve, a right steering command valve, and a rear steering control valve. A supply pressure fluid circuit interconnects a pressure source and the rear steering control valve. A command valve supply fluid circuit interconnects the rear steering control valve with both the right steering command valve and the left steering command valve. A left side steering fluid circuit interconnects a left side actuator and the left steering command valve. A right side steering fluid circuit interconnects a right side actuator and the right steering command valve. A fluidic tie rod fluid circuit interconnects both the left side actuator and the right side actuator with the rear steering control valve. A tank return fluid circuit interconnects the rear steering control valve, the left and right steering command valves, and a tank.

The present disclosure relates to a caster wheel assembly (1) for a wheelchair, comprising: a caster housing (3), a central body (9) having a radially outwards extending flange (9a), which central body (9) is configured to be received by the caster housing (3), a spindle shaft (23) configured to be rotationally locked relative to the central body (9), a first bearing (11) having an inner bearing race (11b) configured to be rotationally locked relative to the spindle shaft (23), a friction member (13; 11a) configured to be rotationally locked relative to the caster housing (3), and a resilient member (15) configured to be arranged between the flange (9a) and the friction member (13), and configured to provide a force between the flange (9a) and the friction member (13) to thereby create friction torque between the caster housing (3) and the spindle shaft (23).

Mobile folding restaurant booth style benches are provided, which may be arranged in opposed pairs to form restaurant style booths. An individual bench incorporates a mechanism for shifting the weight of the bench between a mobile base, which may be supported by swivel casters, and a stationary base, which may be supported by non-slip feet, actuated by pivoting a bench seat down from a folded storage position to an unfolded seating position. The weight shifting mechanism may include an engagement member, which is initially spaced apart from an actuator at a folded angle of the seat, and which contacts and begins transmitting force and movement to the actuator at a partially unfolded angle of the seat. Preferably, the bench further includes a biasing component that biases the stationary base upward relative to the mobile base, a locking mechanism that resists a force provided by the biasing component to retain the bench seat in the unfolded seating position, contoured shells or other covers for the seat and a seat back, and a back panel extending vertically above the seat back.

Mobile folding restaurant booth style benches are provided, which may be arranged in opposed pairs to form restaurant style booths. An individual bench incorporates a mechanism for shifting the weight of the bench between a mobile base, which may be supported by swivel casters, and a stationary base, which may be supported by non-slip feet, actuated by pivoting a bench seat down from a folded storage position to an unfolded seating position. The weight shifting mechanism may include an engagement member, which is initially spaced apart from an actuator at a folded angle of the seat, and which contacts and begins transmitting force and movement to the actuator at a partially unfolded angle of the seat. Preferably, the bench further includes a biasing component that biases the stationary base upward relative to the mobile base, a locking mechanism that resists a force provided by the biasing component to retain the bench seat in the unfolded seating position, contoured shells or other covers for the seat and a seat back, and a back panel extending vertically above the seat back.

A work vehicle includes a chassis; a primary wheel carried by the chassis; and a caster assembly carried by the chassis. The caster assembly includes a pivotable swivel structure defining a caster angle; and a caster wheel swivelly linked to the swivel structure and defining a wheelbase relative to the primary wheel. A change in the wheelbase passively causes the swivel structure to pivot and change the caster angle.

A hydraulic system for controlling at least one steerable caster wheel of an agricultural machine includes a first actuator having a piston and including an inboard fluid port for supplying fluid to a first side of the piston to move the piston in a first direction, and an outboard fluid port for supplying fluid to a second side of the piston to move the piston in a second direction. A first fluid pressure equalizer is fluidically coupled to the first side actuator and operable to equalize fluid pressure over a period of time between the first side and the second side of the piston of the first side actuator.