Abstract:
A tram has a lead vehicle and one or more trailing vehicles coupled to it. Each vehicle has sets of front and rear wheels, both sets being steerable independently of the other. A manual controller provides signals to a processor in the lead vehicle, which in turn steers the front and rear wheels along a desired path. A processor on the first trailing vehicle controls front and rear servos to steer its wheels according to the path of the rear wheels of the leading vehicle. The second trailing vehicle has a processor that steers its front and rear wheels according to information provided by the first leading vehicle. Steering sensors on the vehicles sense distance to a steering rail while the vehicles are on a guideway and provide signals to the processors for automatic steering. While on a guideway, the tram uses power collectors to transfer power from the guideway.
Abstract:
A method of controlling interlinked vehicles in mining and tunnelling operations with at least one of the vehicles having a travelling mechanism is disclosed. Distance measurements to adjacent wall surfaces which define a path of movement are taken on opposite sides of the vehicles, and on each side at least two ultrasonic sensors are arranged to be offset in the direction of movement in determining the distances. Signalling lines of the sensors are fed to an evaluation and control circuit via vehicle couplings. The control circuit is formed by an autoadaptive learning microcomputer.
Abstract:
The present invention teaches a system of cooperative driving for use in traffic mitigation or towing, in which two or more non-mechanically connected vehicles are identically equipped with automatic driving controls, which cooperate with sensors and communication devices so that the vehicles are effectively driven by the driver in the leading vehicle.
Abstract:
An intelligent slave vehicle follows the movements of a master vehicle without imposing a requirement on the master vehicle to supply towing power for the slave vehicle, the slave vehicle being self powered and self controlling in dependence on movements of the master vehicle.
Abstract:
A train comprising a lead and a plurality of interconnected succeeding transport vehicles and having devices for actuating the steering gears of succeeding vehicles. Adjacent transport vehicles are interconnected through links, whereas each device for actuating the steering gear incorporates two shafts vertically mounted on the bodies of adjacent transport vehicles and connected to pulleys wound around with a flexible pulling member, and a bushing hingedly installed on each vertical shaft and rigidly associated with said link. The vertical shaft mounted on the preceding transport vehicle is kinematically associated with an independent drive remotely controlled from the lead transport vehicle, while the succeeding transport vehicle and the shaft of the steering gear thereof carry pulleys wound around in a crosswise manner with flexible pulling member.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a powered trailer is provided having a chassis, a fixation structure for fixing the chassis to a target vehicle to be pushed, a drive mechanism for applying motive force to the chassis, an energy source for powering the drive mechanism, and a controller for controlling the application of motive force to the chassis by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is actuated by the controller to push the target vehicle.
Abstract:
An apparatus and system for: combining independent driving vehicles into a single assembly for condensed, efficient, variable capacity transportation on common routes; and for separating into independent vehicles for flexibility on diverse routes. Connection logistics are exchanged locally via line of sight optical channel. Retractable coupling and mated coupling on opposing ends of the vehicles provide multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) to accommodate misalignment during initial dynamic engagement, and lock as rigidly coupled assembly with zero DOF. Mating vehicles' doors open during transit, permitting inter-vehicle movement and consolidation of passengers en route to urban locales, and release of empty vehicles. On return, independent vehicles combine to dense passenger vehicles from urban locales for redistribution of passengers in individual vehicles that later separate for diverse destinations. Slaved vehicle systems allow one vehicle to control coupled vehicles' systems of retractable suspension, coordinated steering, power sharing. Utility vehicles couple to assembly for service.
Abstract:
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for providing multi-trailer reverse assistance. In a multi-trailer reverse assistance system in an articulated transport system comprising a lead vehicle, an intermediate trailer, and a final trailer, the reverse assist system includes a controller. The controller is configured to: receive a view of an environment behind the final trailer; cause the view to be displayed in a display screen of a user interface device; receive, via a secondary steering device of the user interface device, a user intended direction of travel of the articulated transport system in reverse to direct the final trailer in a desired direction; continuously calculate controllable steering angles for directing the articulated transport system to direct the final trailer in the desired direction; and control the articulated transport system to direct the final trailer in the desired direction using the calculated controllable steering angles.
Abstract:
A work vehicle includes a vehicle body, a plurality of traveling devices disposed on the right and left sides on the front and rear sides of the vehicle body respectively, a plurality of bending link mechanisms configured to liftably support each one of the traveling devices to the vehicle body and a plurality of drive operating devices capable of changing the posture of each one of the plurality of bending link mechanisms. The vehicle body is split into a front side body section and a rear side body section. The front side body section and the rear side body section are configured to be bendably pivotable relative to each other via a pivot interlocking mechanism.