Abstract:
An apparatus and method for estimating a location of an object within a mobile reference frame. Sensor data is received from an accelerometer associated with an object followed by determining from the sensor data that the mobile reference frame is executing one of a set of pre-determined maneuvers. In response to such determination: (1) the sensor data is applied to a mathematical model associated with the executed maneuver, the model trained with previously obtained data from one or more reference accelerometers positioned at known locations within the mobile reference frame and estimating the location of the object by applying the sensor data to the mathematical model; and/or (2) incorporating reference accelerometers in the mobile reference frame and comparing the sensor data with the reference accelerometers and estimating the location of the object.
Abstract:
A vehicle steering system includes a steering input device, a front steering subsystem, a rear steering subsystem, a first force transmission route, a steering control mechanism, a second force transmission route, and a third force transmission route. The front steering subsystem is coupled to front motive members to steer the front motive members based upon movement of a front steering subsystem input shaft. The rear steering subsystem is coupled to rear motive members to steer the rear motive members based upon movement of a rear steering subsystem input shaft. The first force transmission route extends from the steering input device to the front steering subsystem input shaft, wherein force is transmitted from the input device to the front steering subsystem input shaft to steer the front motive members. The steering control mechanism has a movable input member and a movable output member. The movable input member is movable through a first distance without transmitting force to the output member and is movable through a second distance in which force is transmitted to the output member to move the output member. The second force transmission route extends from the steering input device to the input member, wherein force is transmitted from the input device to the input member to move the input member. The third force transmission route extends from the output member to the rear steering subsystem input shaft to move the rear steering subsystem input shaft and to steer the rear motive members.
Abstract:
A modular independent coil spring suspension for steerable and non-steerable wheel assemblies and driven and non-driven axles. The suspension is of the general type in which each wheel has an upper and a lower control arm, and a single coil spring secured between the lower of the two control arms and the chassis. The upper and lower control arms each have inner ends split into two segments, each of which is connected to the vehicle frame by a special bushing assembly. The suspension has a novel upper control arm which is split into two segments, each segment being bent to accommodate an edge of the frame of the vehicle, thereby allowing the frame of the vehicle to be mounted lower with respect to the wheel assemblies.
Abstract:
A vehicle suspension system for use with a vehicle includes a first hydraulic cylinder, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a fluid circuit. The first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder each include an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The fluid circuit is hydraulically coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder and includes a valve that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the upper and lower chambers of each hydraulic cylinder are hydraulically coupled to the opposite chamber of the other cylinder. When the valve is in the second position, the upper chamber of each hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the lower chamber of the same cylinder. The valve is configured to move between the first position and the second position in response to manual input.
Abstract:
The vehicle steering system includes front vehicle motive members, rear vehicle motive members, a steering input device, a front steering subsystem, a rear steering subsystem and a rear steering control mechanism. The front steering subsystem is operably coupled to the steering input device and coupled to the front motive members to steer the front motive members. The rear steering subsystem is coupled to the rear motive members to steer the rear motive members. The rear steering control mechanism includes a movable input member coupled to the steering input device so as to move in response to input from the device and a movable output member coupled to the rear steering subsystem. The rear steering subsystem adjusts steering of the rear motive members in response to movement of the output member. The control mechanism operates in a rear steering state in which force is transmitted from the input member to the output member to move the output member and a dwell state in which the output member does not move in response to movement of the input member.
Abstract:
A modular independent coil spring suspension for steerable/non-steerable wheel assemblies and driven/non-driven axles having a single coil spring with a low spring rate secured (a) to the lower of two vertically spaced control arms which connect the chassis to wheel assembly on one end, and (b) to the chassis at an upper location approximately level with a tire of the wheel assembly at the other end which provides maximum wheel travel, decreased rearward thrust, and tire/ground mobility.
Abstract:
A modular independent coil spring suspension for steerable/non-steerable wheel assemblies and driven/non-driven axles having a single coil spring with a low spring rate secured (a) to the lower of two vertically spaced control arms which connect the chassis to the wheel assembly on one end, and (b) to the chassis at an upper location approximately level with a tire of the wheel assembly at the other end which provides maximum wheel travel, decreased rearward thrust, and tire/ground mobility.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for estimating a location of an object within a mobile reference frame. Sensor data is received from an accelerometer associated with an object followed by determining from the sensor data that the mobile reference frame is executing one of a set of predetermined maneuvers. In response to such determination: (1) the sensor data is applied to a mathematical model associated with the executed maneuver, the model trained with previously obtained data from one or more reference accelerometers positioned at known locations within the mobile reference frame and estimating the location of the object by applying the sensor data to the mathematical model; and/or (2) incorporating reference accelerometers in the mobile reference frame and comparing the sensor data with the reference accelerometers and estimating the location of the object.
Abstract:
A mounting assembly for use with a mounting surface includes an arm, a pin, a pair of clamping blocks and a fastener. The arm has a cylindrical bore at one end. The pin extends through the bore. Each block of the pair of clamping blocks includes a central opening and is circumferentially discontinuous about the central opening. Each clamping block further includes a slot defined by portions of the block. The slot is dimensioned to allow the pin to pass through the slot when the block is in an unclamped position and to tightly grip the pin when the block is in a clamped position. The fasteners extend across the slots and are configured to engage the mounting surface to mount the blocks to the mounting surface.
Abstract:
A spring guide for maintaining the alignment of a vehicle's suspension coil spring and for reducing the tendency for such springs to buckle. The spring guide is a smooth tube which fits into and slides in an elastomeric bushing mounted to the top bearing plate of a coil spring assembly. The lower end of the spring guide is threaded into the pivoting support for the lower end of the spring. The guide ensures that the ends of the spring are aligned with respect to one another.