Showing papers on "Drive wheel published in 1988"

Sperical ball positioning apparatus for seamed limp material article assembly system

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the position of a sheet member (e.g., fabric) slidingly supported on a work surface, utilizing a drive train consisting of one or more drive wheels frictionally engaging a spherical ball captively supported within a housing. The drive wheels are preferrably located in spaced, mutually orthogonal relation proximate the great circle of the spherical ball. The spherical ball rests on and frictionally engages the fabric-to-be-positioned. Rotation of one of the drive wheels causes the spherical ball to rotate which, in turn, moves the fabric in a direction dependent on the location and orientation of said one drive wheel. The inventor can be implemented as an active feedback system utilizing the above-described apparatus together with position detectors and a controller.

Automated lawn mower or floor polisher

Abstract: An automated self propelled lawn mower utilizes a pair of drive motors for independently driving left and right hand drive wheels. Each drive motor is coupled to the respective drive wheel by a double output gear reduction unit. One side of the output shaft from each gear reduction unit is provided with a rotary photo encoder for providing speed and position information relating to each drive wheel. This information from each rotary photo encoder is fed to a computer control via a computer interface. Each independent wheel drive motor is computer controlled through an interface and motor drive relays. An infrared obstacle detector is mounted on each corner of the mower frame for detecting obstructions. Grass touch detection switches on the rear of the mower frame provide an indication of the relative position of the cut or uncut grass which is fed through the computer via the interface circuit for providing computer directional control to the independent wheel drive motors which steer the mower along the proper track. A separate blade drive motor is turned on or off by a photo switch which detects uncut grass. The speed of the blade drive motor is controlled by a manual switch. A floor polishing pad may be substituted for the lawn mower blade to enable use of the device as an automated floor polisher.

Rear wheel suspension mechanism for motorcycles and the like vehicles

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension mechanism for a rear-wheel drive motorcycle or the like includes at least two longitudinally extending oscillating arms, an oscillating axle support articulated to a first end of each of the oscillating arms at respective first joints, second ends of the oscillating arms being articulated to respective points of the vehicle frame at respective second joints. The first joints and the axis of a first sprocket coupled to the rear drive wheel constitutes apices of a first virtual triangle, while the second joints and the axis of rotation of a second sprocket mounted at the output of a gear box constitute apices of a second virtual triangle, the first and second virtual triangles being substantially congruent and similarly oriented at all times. In this manner, the transmission coupling the first and second sprockets, such as a transmission chain, gear arrangement, or the like, will not become loose or too tight or misaligned during operation. Two of the first and second joints may be moveable while maintaining the first and second ends of the arms articulated to the axle support and motorcycle frame respectfully to provide for continuous adjustment of the distance between the first and second joints formed by each of the oscillating arms.

Cycle trainer having a load applying device

Abstract: A roller 26 for applying a load to a tire 44 of a rear wheel as a drive wheel is rotatably supported by support frames 30 through a roller shaft 24. The support frames 30 are rotatable about a fixing shaft 28 penetrating their ends. A support portion 29 supporting the fixing shaft 28 is fixed to a load applying device stand 2 to be inserted in a rear frame 22. A coil spring 34 is provided between a fixing plate 32 fixed to the load applying device stand 2 and a transverse plate 31 of the support frames 30. A pedal clamp 38 to be engaged with the plate 31 in a state of the coil spring 34 being compressed is rotatably provided on the load applying device stand 2. When a load applying device is to be used, the position of the load applying device stand 2 is adjusted so that the roller 26 slightly contacts the rear wheel tire 44 with the pedal clamp 38 being engaged with the plate 31. Then, the pedal clamp 38 is disengaged therefrom and the roller 26 applies a predetermined contact force as a load to the rear wheel tire 44.

Suspension mechanism for a track-type vehicle

Abstract: A vehicle capable of high speed operation over rough terrain has a suspension system including an elevated drive wheel, a front idler wheel, and a rear idler wheel with an elastomeric drive belt entrained therearound. The drive belt is driven by friction, and the suspension system includes a front suspension strut device having a recoil mechanism and a resilient front strut that resiliently biases the front idler wheel forwardly and downwardly. A braking device is in a protected location within side portions of the front idler wheel and reacts against the front suspension strut device to brake the vehicle. Such braking reaction minimizes the reduction of frictional engagement between the drive wheel and the drive belt due to the reaction of the drive belt against the recoil mechanism when traveling forwardly.

Suspension structure for a tracked vehicle

Abstract: A vehicle (10) such as a combine harvester or the like includes a main frame (12), a track roller frame (62) pivotally connected to the main frame (12), a drive wheel (22) including a hydraulic drive motor (41) having a housing (98) and a rotatable shaft assembly (99), and an equalizer bar (140) connected in a first embodiment to the shaft assembly (99) by a coupling device (148) including an anti-friction bearing (156/158) and a trunnion member (164) having a pair of pivot pins (166) arranged along a substantially horizontal and longitudinally extending axis (168). In a second embodiment the equalizer bar (140'') is connected to the housing (98'') by another coupling device (148'') including a trunnion member (164'') having a pair of similarly oriented pivot pins (166''). In each instance the transversely oriented equalizer bar (140, 140'') is arranged along the transversely oriented central axis (40) of the drive wheel (22), which provides a very stable 3-point frame suspension that is also rugged and economical and has a minimal tendency to collect mud or debris on the upper surfaces thereof in use.

Double V-shaped endless track drive system

Abstract: An endless drive track for use on a track vehicle such as a bulldozer includes a plurality of polymeric endless track drive members, each drive member including a first lateral frictional drive face sloping inwardly with respect to a transverse direction of the endless drive track at a first angle with respect to horizontal and a second lateral frictional drive face sloping inwardly with respect to the transverse direction of the endless drive track at a second angle with respect to horizontal, and a reinforcement member for connecting the drive members to one another to form an endless track. Each drive member of the endless track preferably includes first and second lateral frictional drive faces sloping inwardly toward one another at the first angle with respect to horizontal and third and fourth lateral frictional drive faces, above the first and second drive faces, sloping inwardly toward one another at the second angle with respect to horizontal, the second angle being greater than the first angle. The endless drive track preferably is utilized with a drive wheel which has drive surfaces sloped and shaped to match the lateral frictional drive faces of the drive members.

Vehicular differential limiting torque control system

Abstract: A differential limiting torque control system for a vehicle includes a differential limiting clutch provided in a differential, a sensing section including sensors such as an accelerator position sensor, and sensors for sensing speeds of left and right front wheels and left and right rear wheels, and a control unit controlling a differential limiting torque of the differential limiting clutch in accordance with an accelerator opening degree of movement, a left and right drive wheel speed difference, and a drive wheel slip which is represented, for example, by a front and rear wheel speed difference, in such a manner that the differential limiting torque is held equal to a difference obtained by subtraction whose subtrahend is a quantity proportional to the drive wheel slip, and whose minuend is a sum of a quantity proportional to the accelerator opening degree and a quantity proportional to the left and right drive wheel speed difference. The control unit may further control the differential limiting torque in accordance with a lateral acceleration in such a manner that the subtrahend is decreased with increase of the lateral acceleration.

Belt tension control system

Abstract: Hydraulic recoil mechanisms are useful, for example, in maintaining desired tension in the drive belts of vehicles. The hydraulic components of such mechanisms are prone to leakage over an extended period of frictionally driven belted non-usage and thereby allow the tension in the belts to gradually decrease. The subject belt tension control system (62) includes a friction locking device (52) to automatically lock the piston rod (41) relative to the cylinder (36) to maintain a predetermined level of tension in the belt (18) when the pump (63) which furnishes pressurized hydraulic fluid to the system stops operating. Thus, the frictional couple between the belt (18) and the drive wheel (16) is maintained during periods of non-use and the parking brake is effective to hold the vehicle at a stationary position.

System for automatically controlling vehicle speed to desired cruise speed whose control function is inhibited when system for controlling a vehicular traction operates and method therefor

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling a vehicle speed to a desired cruise speed are disclosed in which an opening angle of a first throttle valve is adjusted so that the vehicle speed coincides with a target vehicle speed at which the vehicle cruises. The cruise control for the vehicle speed through the first throttle valve is inhibited when an occurrence of a slip on a drive wheel is detected and a traction control by means of a traction controlling system such that a driving force of the vehicle is reduced through a second throttle valve disposed in series with the first throttle valve in an engine intake air passage is executed so that an effective traction control can be achieved without interference of both systems when the vehicle enters on a road surface having a very low friction coefficient.

Hydraulic transmission apparatus

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission apparatus comprises an input unit to which power from a power source is applied in a first direction, a direction changing unit hydraulically coupled to the input unit for extracting power in a second direction which is different from the first direction, and a case supporting the input unit and the direction changing unit. The input unit and the direction changing unit comprise an oil pump and an oil motor mounted respectively on one surface and another surface of the case. The case is filled with working oil for operating the oil pump and the oil motor. An operating device for a lawn mower has a first power transmitting path for transmitting power from the power source to a drive wheel, the first power transmitting path having a hydraulic transmission apparatus and a first clutch for selectively rotating and stopping the drive wheel, and a second power transmitting path for transmitting power from the power source to a grass cutter, the second power transmitting path including a second clutch for selectively rotating and stopping the grass cutter. The first clutch is independently operable. The second clutch has a mechanism for inactivating the first clutch in unison therewith when the second clutch is inactivated.

Traction control device for vehicle

Abstract: PURPOSE:To enhance the stability and acceleration capability of a vehicle in which a slip at drive wheels is restrained by controlling a throttle or a brake, by providing such an arrangement that the lower the degree of turning, the large the degree of recovery control for drive wheel torque is controlled during running from a turn into a straight forward running. CONSTITUTION:In a vehicle incorporating a traction lowering means (a) using motor throttle control by a throttle control system, and right and left wheel independent brake control by a brake control system so that a traction transmitted to drive wheels is decreased, a turning degree detecting means (c) is provided, and accordingly, a turning condition detecting means (d) detects a turning condition in accordance with an output from the detecting means (c). During traction control during which a slip upon acceleration is detected, when a condition in which running is shifted from a turn into a straight forward running is detected, a recovery control means (e) delivers, to the traction lowering means (a), an instruction such that the lower the degree of the turn, the larger the degree of recovery control for the drive wheel torque.

Anti-slip control device for drive wheels of automotive vehicle

Abstract: An anti-slip control device for a drive wheel of a vehicle, for preventing an excessive amount of slip of the drive wheel during acceleration of the vehicle, by lowering a speed of the drive wheel when the amount of slip of the drive wheel exceeds a predetermined value. The control device includes a target-speed determining device for determining a target speed of the drive wheel based on a detected speed of the vehicle and the detected speed of the drive wheel. The control device further includes an uphill-road determining device for determining whether the vehicle is on an uphill road, and a low-speed detecting device for detecting that a detected running speed of the vehicle is lower than a predetermined threshold value. If the vehicle is on an uphill road and the vehicle speed is lower than the threshold value, the target speed determining device is operated in an uphill-road mode such that the determined target speed is lower than that determined in a flat-road mode.

Endless track drive system

Abstract: An endless track drive system for use on a track vehicle such as a bulldozer includes a plurality of polymeric endless track drive members integrally interconnected in a closed loop to form an endless track, each drive member including at least one frictional drive face, and at least one continuous reinforcement member encased within and further interconnecting the plurality of drive members. Each drive member of the endless track preferably includes at least two lateral frictional drive faces sloping inwardly with respect to a transverse direction of the endless track for engagement with a drive wheel. The endless track also preferably includes tread members which are either integrally formed with, bonded to or removably fastened to the drive members, and the tread members may be bias-ply, fiber reinforced or cable reinforced. The drive wheel preferably is provided with drive surfaces shaped to match the shape of the lateral drive faces on the drive members and/or a sprocket for engaging with additional drive faces on the drive members. The endless track drive system also preferably includes a scraper for scraping dirt and debris from the endless track and/or the drive wheel.

System for controlling rotation of drive wheel for vehicles and method therefor

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a rotation of drive wheels (15,16) for a vehicle are disclosed in which a slippage (slip rate in percentage) between the drive wheels and a road surface on which the vehicle runs is calculated on the basis of a drive wheel rotation speed and a vehicle body speed, a plurality of different predetermined slippages, each representing a magnitude of a slip occurrence are stored, and a plurality of different characteristic graphs, each representing a relationship between opening angles of a first throttle valve (2) associated with an accelerator (4) and of a second throttle valve (3) installed in series with the first throttle valve in an intake air passage (1) of a vehicular engine are stored. Then, one of the characteristic graphs is selected to use the control of the opening angle of the throttle valve (3) according to a change of the slip occurrence in such a way that when the slippage increases and exceeds one of the predetermined slippages, the opening angle of the second throttle valve is decreased toward its fully close position with respect to that of the first throttle valve and when the slippage decreases and becomes below one of the predetermined slippages, the opening angle of the second throttle valve is increased with time toward its original fully open position.

Method for controlling an acceleration slip of a vehicle

Abstract: An acceleration slip control method quickly terminate an acceleration slip control when it is no longer necessary. A quick detection of the termination adopts, as terminating conditions, a preset time duration of reduction of drive wheel brake force and reduction of the drive wheel slip rate. The quick termination of the acceleration slip control enables immediate voluntary acceleration and better maneuverability of the vehicle.

Regenerative braking systems

Abstract: An electric drive system of a battery electric vehicle comprises a d.c. series motor 4 which is supplied by a battery 1, and is connected to a vehicle drive wheel 8 via a gear box 7. An electronic switch 6 controls the supply of current to the motor 4, and is itself controlled by a control unit 3, which receives a brake demand signal from a pedal 2, and a current measurement signal from a current measurement device 5. A switch 9 controls motor and braking modes. Normally, the switch 9 is closed, but when it is opened, regenerative braking takes place. The control unit 3 regulates the retardation rate of the vehicle, by altering the mark/space ratio of the electronic switch 6, in order to maintain a constant retardation rate of the vehicle.

Modular endless track drive system and methods of making, installing and repairing same

Abstract: A modular endless track drive system for use on a track vehicle such as a bulldozer is made up of a number of polymeric drive modules interconnected with polymeric master links. Each drive module includes a plurality of drive members with lateral frictional drive faces for engagement with a drive wheel, each master link having similarly configured drive faces. The drive wheel is provided with drive surfaces shaped to match the shape of the lateral drive faces on the drive modules and master links and/or a sprocket for engaging with additional drive faces on the drive modules and master links. A drive module is made by molding a polymeric multiple drive member structure atop a plurality of base portions, encasing one or more connecting members therein with their ends exposed. The master links are made in a similar fashion, but with upper and lower base portion parts for fastening the drive module connector members therebetween to form an endless track. The system is readily installed by assembling the necessary drive modules and all but one of the master links to form a track with two disconnected ends, laying the assembled track linearly across the ground, positioning a track vehicle thereover, looping the track over the wheels of the track vehicle, and installing the final master link to form the endless track. Repairs to the system are made by simply removing and replacing broken drive modules and master links in situ.

Self-propelled mower with hydrostatic drive

Abstract: A self-propelled lawnmower employs a hydrostatic transmission and differential to power rear drive wheels which are situated behind a forward mowing deck. The hydrostatic drive has infinitely variable adjustment of speed from reverse, through neutral, to a maximum forward speed. There are independently actuated disc brakes for the drive wheels, with right and left brake levers situated adjacent the operator hand grips. A vertical shaft engine is situated with its center of gravity behind the drive wheel shaft to balance the weight of the mowing deck. The operator can control the speed and direction of the mower without removing his hands from the hand grips. By selecting actuation of the disc brakes, the machine can be effortlessly turned without a reduction in speed. The engine output shaft has pulleys connected by drive belts to the blades and to the hydrostatic drive.

Drive wheel unit

Abstract: A drive wheel unit for moving equipment inside a pipe. A housing is connected to associated equipment by U-joints on either side of the housing. A drive wheel which extends above the top edge of the housing is driven by a drive motor and gear reducer mounted in the housing. A brake connected to the drive motor allows precise positioning of the equipment. A hydraulic cylinder and piston arrangement and wheel attached thereto are provided at each end of the housing and are used to lift the housing into a driving position where the drive wheel is in driving engagement with the top inside surface of the pipe.

Wheeled vehicle winch assembly

Abstract: A winch assembly for use with a wheeled vehicle. The assembly includes a first hub member fixedly attached to a drive wheel of the vehicle, a reel member fixedly attached to the first hub member, a cable having one end attached to the reel member and having another end fixedly attached relative to an anchor, a second hub member fixedly attached to a non-drive wheel of the vehicle, and a guide attached to the second hub member and guiding the cable between the reel member and the anchor.

Vehicle braking system for drive wheels, having means for delaying commencement of brake pressure change

Abstract: A braking system including a hydraulically operated brake (26) for braking a drive wheel of a motor vehicle, a slip detector (84, 86, 100, 102, 72, 112) for detecting an amount of slip of the drive wheel, and a pressure-regulating controller (24, 80, 100, 105, 106, 108) for increasing or decreasing a fluid pressure to be applied to the brake, in response to each output signal of the slip detector, whose value indicates a pressure-increase or pressure-decrease condition which requires an increase or decrease in the fluid pressure, respectively, whereby the amount of slip of the drive wheel is maintained within an optimum range. The braking system incorporates a device (72, 100, 104, 110, 111) for commanding the pressure-regulating controller to delay commencement to increase and/or decrease the fluid pressure to be applied to the brake (26), with respect to a part of occurrences of the pressure-increase condition and/or the pressure-decrease condition, for a predetermined time duration as measured from a point of time at which the pressure-increase and/or said pressure-decrease condition is/are established.

Portable aircraft moving device

Abstract: A portable aircraft moving device comprising a portable electric drill containing a drive shaft extending from the drill output shaft to a worm gear reducer having an output shaft connected to a drive wheel that is mounted temporarily to the front wheel of an airplane above the airplane wheel, the drive shaft located inside a straight hollow support tube attached between the drill and the gear reducer, so that by actuating the trigger on the drill, causes the drive shaft to be turned and produce, through the gear reducer, rotation of the drive wheel on an axis parallel to the axis of the airplane's wheel. Pivotal means are employed to allow the drive wheel to be rotated into contact with the airplane wheel, by lowering the drill, to impart rotation to the airplane's wheel and movement to the airplane.

Continuous, variable power bicycle transmission device

Abstract: A continuous, variable power transmission device for use with a crank driven power train wherein crank lever arm movement passes through a prescribed arc of less than 180 degrees in reciprocating sequence applicable to a rotary drive wheel. The device includes a frame, a support arm movably attached to the frame in a manner such that the suport arm may be variably displaced in forward and rearward directions. A rotary drive wheel is attached to the support arm such that the wheel axis is displaced in concert with the support arm movement. At least one crank lever arm is rotationally coupled to the frame, with the remaining end being free to receiprocate through a portion of the defined prescribed arc. A guide track is disposed along the length of the crank lever arm and a tracking member is coupled within the guide track for displacement in reciprocating movement. Coupling structure is attached to enable applied force at the crank lever arm to pass through the tracking guide to the rotary wheel. A biasing member is coupled to the support arm for urging the support arm toward a forward position which causes the tracking member to pass through a larger perimeter segment of arc movement than would occur without such a biasing member. This device operates to variably increase the moment arm with respect to the rotary wheel in response to increasing force applied at the crank lever arm.

Freewheeling clutch and implement employing same

Abstract: A bidirectional freewheeling clutch assembly (50) and a self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower (10) including same are disclosed. Lawn mower (10) preferably includes a prime mover (18) which can be selectively coupled to a gear box (34). The output shaft (44) of gear box (34) extends to a pair of clutch assemblies (50) which selectively apply torque to a pair of gear driven wheels (16). Each clutch assembly (50) includes as its basic components a key (68) and a friction disk (66). Key (68) has a wedge portion (74) which rocks within an axial first keyway (62), and a tang portion (76) which is received within a tang relief (84) in friction disk (66). When shaft (44) is rotated friction disk (66) frictionally engages the housing (12) of mower (10) and applies a drag force to the tang portion (76) of key (74) to cause it to cock and positively engage a pinion (46) which engages a gear (48) attached to drive wheel (16). When gear box output shaft (44) is not rotated key (68) is not cocked and pinion (46) and drive wheel (16) can bidirectionally freewheel.

Coupling for a bicycle

Abstract: A coupling for a bicycle provided with a pedal operated brake actuator (8) which is separated from the drive chain, comprising a first freewheel coupling (8) which is associated with the pedal assembly for torque transfer to the brake actuator (8) at reverse rotation of the pedal crank, and a second freewheel coupling (43; 64; 143) for torque transfer to the drive wheel at forward rotation of the pedal crank, and a third freewheel coupling which is associated with the drive wheel and arranged to deactivate either of said first freewheel coupling or said second freewheel coupling (43; 64; 143) by means of a shifter (30; 65; 130) at reverse rotation of the drive wheel. A slip clutch (35, 36; 67, 69; 135, 136) is arranged to enable greater freedom of rotation as said third freewheel coupling is engaged.

Anti-lock braking system for a vehicle having a traction control module

Abstract: A vehicle anti-lock braking system having a master cylinder operated upon operation of a brake operating member, a wheel cylinder activated by a pressure produced by the master cylinder, and an anti-lock control device which includes a slip ratio detector for detecting a slip ratio of a drive wheel of the vehicle, and a pressure regulating device for controlling a pressure in the wheel cylinder, so as to maintain the slip ratio in an optimum range. The system also has a traction control device including a traction control power source, and a communication switching device for selective communication of the pressure regulating device with the traction control power source or the master cylinder. The switching device maintains a discharge port of the pressure regulating device in communication with a reservoir while the traction control power source is in communication with the pressure regulating device, and disconnects the discharge port from the reservoir while the master cylinder is in communication with the pressure regulating device.

Height control system in automotive suspension system with feature of capability of height adjustment in lock condition of drive wheel and power train

Abstract: A vehicular height control system detects lock condition of a drive wheel and a power train. When the lock condition of the drive wheel and the power train is detected, magnitude of the height adjustment is limited within a predetermined magnitude which corresponds to magnitude of rotation of the drive wheel allowed by play in the power train. By adjusting the vehicular height within a limited range, height difference between the predetermined height range and the actual vehicular height can be reduced. On the other hand, by limiting magnitude of height adjustment in the drive wheel and the power train clocked condition, overshooting in the height adjustment can be successfully prevented.

Vehicle traction control system providing two or more different drive modes at the driver's option

Abstract: A wheel slip responsive traction control system particularly well suited for use with a four wheel drive vehicle having a hydraulic brake control mechanism for individually controlling a fluid pressure acting on a brake on each drive wheel. The traction control system includes a drive mode selector which offers to the vehicle driver a choice among a "normal drive" mode, a "front drive" mode and a "rear drive" mode. When the driver chooses the "normal drive" mode, the control system controls the brakes on both front and rear pairs of drive wheels so as to maintain their slip rates at less than a relatively low first limit. When the "front drive" mode is chosen, the front pair of drive wheels are so braked as to maintain their slip rate at less than a second limit higher than the first limit. When the "rear drive" mode is chosen, the brakes on the rear pair of drive wheels are so controlled as to maintain the rear wheel slip rate at less than the second limit.

Belted crawler having auxiliary drive wheel

Abstract: A crawler having a friction driven elastomeric belted track which is driven by rear mounted main drive wheels and front mounted auxiliary drive wheels. The auxiliary drive wheels are operatively coupled through hydraulic clutches to hydraulic motors that are fluidically coupled to a reversible variable displacement pump. An electronic controller controls the output of the pump so that the auxiliary drive wheels are driven at a speed less than the main drive wheels in the forward direction at a speed equal to or greater than the speed of the main drive wheels in the reverse direction. A valve assembly selectively couples and decouples the hydraulic clutches for engaging and disengaging the motor when turning the vehicle.