US3903979A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Heavy-duty motor vehicles
Assignee: NICOLAS EQUIPEMENT
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Filing: 1974-05-17
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Granted: 1975-09-09
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Expires: 1994-05-17
Abstract
Abstract A steering mechanism for a self-propelled vehicle is carried by a plurality of rows each of several axles. It has a main steering system for angular control of all said axles by the driver for causing the vehicle to follow a circular path with all axles converging toward the center of the circular path. Each of the axles is provided with a locking mechanism for optional coupling or uncoupling of the axle with the main steering system. An additional system for angularly moving the axles to or from a position transverse to the position of straight front movement of the vehicle, comprises power cylinders independent from the main driving system and operatively connected to said axles and which in de-activated condition do not impede control of the axles by the main steering system.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean Perrotin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:33
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60G; B60G3/00; B60G21/00; B60G21/02; B60G21/06; B62; B62D; B62D13/00; B62D13/04; B62D33/00; B62D33/06; B62D61/00; B62D61/10; B62D7/00; B62D7/02; B62D7/04; B62D7/06; B62D7/14; B62D7/142; B62D7/144; B62D7/15; B62D7/1509; B60G2200/00; B60G2200/10; B60G2200/30; B60G2200/32; B60G2200/322; B60G2300/00; B60G2300/36; B60G2300/37
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A steering mechanism for a self-propelled vehicle carried by a plurality of wheel rows, each including several wheel axles, said mechanism comprising a driver actuated main steering system for angular control of all said axles simultaneously for causing the vehicle to follow a rectilinear or circular path with all axles converging toward the center of the circular path; a locking mechanism associated with each of the axles for positively coupling all of the axles with the main steering system; means under the control of the driver for deactivating said locking mechanisms and uncoupling all said axles from said main steering system simultaneously; and an auxiliary steering system for angularly moving the axles to and from a position for transverse movement of the vehicle when actuated, comprising power cylinders independent from the main driving system and operatively connected to said axles and which in deactivated condition release said axles and permit free angular control of the axles by the main steering system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A steering mechanism for a self-propelled vehicle carried by a plurality of wheel rows, each including several wheel axles, said mechanism comprising a driver actuated main steering system for angular control of all said axles simultaneously for causing the vehicle to follow a rectilinear or circular path with all axles converging toward the center of the circular path; a locking mechanism associated with each of the axles for positively coupling all of the axles with the main steering system; means under the control of the driver for deactivating said locking mechanisms and uncoupling all said axles from said main steering system simultaneously; and an auxiliary steering system for angularly moving the axles to and from a position for transverse movement of the vehicle when actuated, comprising power cylinders independent from the main driving system and operatively connected to said axles and which in deactivated condition release said axles and permit free angular control of the axles by the main steering system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A steering mechanism according to claim 1, having abutment means which positively limit the actuating path of the said power cylinders to the extent corresponding to transverse angular position of the axles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A steering mechanism according to claim 1, wherein each said power cylinder is operatively connected to one of said axles and to the frame of the vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A steering mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said power cylinders are double acting fluid pressure cylinders and means are provided for connecting all said chambers of said cylinders together upon deactivation of said cylinders.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A steering mechanism according to claim 1, having display means activated rEsponsive to completion of angular movement of all said axles to said transverse position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A steering mechanism according to claim 1, having display means responsive to completion of positive coupling of all said axles with the main steering system by said locking mechanism.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A steering mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said main steering mechanism comprises a plate associated with each said axle and adapted to be connected with said axle in a predetermined relative angular position by said locking mechanism.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
A steering mechanism according to claim 7, wherein a fluid pressure suspension is located between each said axle and the frame and is provided with means for adjusting the heigth of the frame with respect to the axle, each said axle being connected to a plate actuatable by said main steering system and said auxiliary steering system by a scissor linkage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
54 words
A steering mechanism according to claim 1, wherein each said axle is driven by a separate motor, said motors being actuated from a common prime mover and certain at least of said motors being provided with means for optionaly deactivated them, whereby the angular position of said vehicle may be adjusted during transverse movement.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
90 words
A steering mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the main steering system comprises fluid pressure cylinders each associated with at least one axle and comprises an electrical comparator circuit having two inputs, one of said inputs being connected to a control potentiometer driven by a driver actuated steering wheel and the other input being connected to a potentiometer actuated by said fluid pressure cylinder, the output signal of said comparator being connected to the input of a solenoid actuated distributor valve controlling a fluid flow to and from said cylinder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3387684A
Cited
US3680653A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-08 | 1979-03-10 | 1979-09-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-08 | 1983-03-10 | 1983-09-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-08 | 1987-03-10 | 1987-09-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |