Abstract: A kit for relocating the rider position on a motorcycle or a trike with a standard-length subframe, a standard-length swing arm, standard-length side panels, a standard-length seat, a standard drive, and a standard-length exhaust, includes an extended subframe, an extended swing arm, extended side panels, an extended seat, an extended drive conversion, and an exhaust extender. The extended subframe is extended from the standard-length subframe. The extended swing arm is extended from the standard-length swing arm. The extended side panels are extended from the standard-length side panels. The extended seat is extended from the standard-length seat. The extended drive conversion is for extending the length of the standard drive. The exhaust extender is for extending the length of the standard-length exhaust. Whereby, when the kit is installed on the motorcycle or the trike, the rider position on the motorcycle or the trike is relocated backwards.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel having an axle, and a constant force mechanism coupled to the wheel. The constant force mechanism includes a horizontal support, a horizontal carriage associated with the horizontal support, a vertical support oriented perpendicular with respect to the horizontal support, a vertical carriage associated with the vertical support, and a rigid arm that is pivotally coupled with the horizontal carriage, the vertical carriage, and the axle. The rigid arm is coupled with the vertical carriage at a point intermediate where the rigid arm is coupled with the horizontal carriage and the axle. The horizontal carriage is capable of being urged along the horizontal support, and the vertical carriage is capable of being urged along the vertical support.

Abstract: A mobile object is configured so as to be capable of moving front and rear bases 10,30 object to each other in order to make a wheel base provided between the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 32 expandable and contractible. The front base 10 moves so as to be expand and contract the tread width between the front wheels 12 in association with the expansion and the contraction of the wheel base achieved. The seating part 41 is configured so as to turn forward in association with the relative movement of the front and rear bases 10,30 in order to contract the wheel base and the tread width. The seating part 41 is configured so as to turn backward in association with the relative movement of the front and rear bases 10,30 in order to expand the wheel base and the tread width.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assisting a driver of a vehicle/trailer combination (1) having a motor vehicle (2) and a trailer (4) in maneuvering the vehicle/trailer combination (1), wherein image data of a rear environmental region (12) of the vehicle/trailer combination (1) is captured by means of a rearward looking vehicle-side camera (6) and/or a rearward looking trailer-side camera (7), an image (B) of the rear environmental region (12) is created depending on the captured image data and displayed on a vehicle-side display device (14), wherein a position (20) of a part (15) of the trailer (4) movable between a stowage position and a use position is determined in the image (B), which is occupied by the part (15) by moving the part (15) from the stowage position into the use position increasing at least one geometric dimension (19) of the trailer (4), and a mark (M1) is displayed in this position (20) in the image (B) on the display device (14).

Abstract: A fifth wheel for locking to a kingpin of a towed trailer includes an operating arm pivotable into and between a locked position for locking the kingpin in the fifth wheel and an unlocked position in which the kingpin can be removed from or inserted into the fifth wheel and a housing coupled to the operating arm. A pull handle is slidable in the housing into and between an extended position in which the pull handle extends from the housing and a retracted position in which the pull handle is retracted into the housing. A spring in the housing biases the pull handle towards the retracted position. When the operating arm is pivoted into the locked position the pull handle is forced into the extended position, and after the operating arm is pivoted to the unlocked position the pull handle moves to the retracted position.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle. The suspension system has a steering knuckle connected through suspension means with a vehicle chassis portion, guiding means and driving means. The guiding means enable movement of the steering knuckle with respect to the vehicle chassis portion along an arched pathway between a first and a second position. The driving means effect the movement of the steering knuckle between the first and the second position. The guiding means effect a selected angular orientation of the steering knuckle with respect to the vehicle chassis portion during the movement between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, an engine, a drum assembly, and a control system. The drum assembly includes a drum configured to receive drum contents and a drive system coupled to the drum. The drive system is configured to rotate the drum to agitate the drum contents. The control system is configured to operate the drive system at a drive speed; receive data comprising at least one of (i) a drum speed command from a remote monitoring system, (ii) a signal from a mixture sensor configured to acquire mixture data indicative of a current property of the drum contents, (iii) the current property of the drum contents from the remote monitoring system, and (iv) an initial property of the mixture from at least one of a batching system, the mixture sensor, and a user input device; and adjust the drive speed of the drum based on the data.

Abstract: A wheel suspension and retraction apparatus (2) for an amphibious vehicle comprises a suspension unit having transverse upper and lower suspension links (4, 8); spring and damper unit (12), and suspension upright (6) supporting wheel (10), and pivotally connected to outboard ends of links (4 and 8). The wheel retraction mechanism has a retraction linkage (14, 16, 18), pivotably connectable to the vehicle, and an actuator (38) for moving the wheel suspension between a protracted position for land use and a retracted position for use on water. The retraction mechanism supports the suspension unit spaced apart transversely from the vehicle. Tie bar (16) is connected to upper retraction arm (14) at an intermediate location (30) to ensure a large angle of tilt on retraction, to ensure that the wheel is retracted above hull line (156). The wheel suspension does not have to be compressed on retraction.

Abstract: A configurable assistive device comprising: a platform; at least three wheels; and, at least three independent leg mechanisms, each respective leg mechanism coupled to the platform and a respective one of the at least three wheels, each respective leg mechanism configured to move the platform relative to the respective wheel for positioning the platform at an elevation and for inclining the platform to an inclination to configure the assistive device into one of a plurality of configurations.

Abstract: Provided are an adjusting base and a self-driven robot. The flexible base includes: a chassis, a carrying plate and an adjusting mechanism. The bottom of the chassis is provided with at least one second driven wheel and at least two driving wheels. The bottom of the carrying plate is provided with at least a first driven wheel. The adjusting mechanism is configured to connect to the carrying plate and the chassis or connect to the carrying plate and the second driven wheel. When the ground is uneven, the adjusting mechanism is configured to dynamically adjust the second driven wheel in such a manner that the first driven wheel, the second driven wheel and the driving wheels are in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for managing events. A method receives mobile sensor information from mobile devices operated by human nodes in a location and determines whether the event has occurred at the location in which event management is needed for the event using the mobile sensor information. The method identifies resources needed for the event using the mobile sensor information in response to a determination that the event has occurred and allocates the resources identified to handle the event using the mobile sensor information.

Abstract: A track-width adjustment system, apparatus and method limit track-width adjustments in a self-propelled product applicator, according to a first speed-based protocol for track-width adjustments initiated by an operator of the applicator, and according to a second speed-based protocol for track-width adjustments initiated by an automatic track-width control arrangement of the applicator. An automatic track-width control arrangement continually monitors and adjusts track-width, as required to maintain a desired track-width at substantially any ground speed while the applicator is in motion. Operator initiated adjustments to track-width are allowed only within a prescribed range of ground speeds.

Abstract: A system for detachably coupling subassemblies to vehicles or other components is discussed herein. The system can include one or more driveshafts and worm drives to drive fasteners to couple the subassembly to the vehicle. The system can enable drive interfaces located in a substantially conventional location (e.g., located vertically on the bottom of the vehicle) to drive fasteners horizontally into the body or other subassembly. In this manner, fasteners can be hidden and to utilize blind holes in the body of the vehicle. The system can be partially disassembled in situ to enable parts replacement and fastener access in the event of a failure. The system can be used in conjunction with a robotic cart to enable subassemblies to be removed from the vehicle for service and repair. A portion of the system can also act as a portion of, or to reinforce, the crash structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A swing arm suspension for suspending a rear drive wheel in a three-wheeled electric vehicle has an adjustable arm which allows the tension on the drive belt to be easily adjusted for installing or removing the drive belt or adjusting tension for operation.

Abstract: A drive line arrangement for self-propelled agricultural product applicator includes an engine connected to a remotely mounted pump arrangement by a driveshaft that passes through an axle of a frame of the applicator. The axle includes an axle tube extending transversely across the frame and defining front and rear facing surfaces of the axle tube, and a tubular-shaped tunnel fixedly attached to and extending through the axle from the front to the rear facing surfaces of the axle tube, and defining an internal opening of the tunnel for passage of the driveshaft through the tunnel. The tunnel extends beyond at least one of the front and rear facing surfaces of the axle tube to structurally reinforce the axle tube around the opening in the tunnel.

Abstract: A mechanism for swinging and steering a support leg for a pavement milling machine is provided having a milling machine frame, a swing rod, a steering rod, a first guiding rod and a second guiding rod, the support leg includes a support leg exterior sleeve and a interior sleeve, the support leg exterior sleeve is sleeved onto the support leg interior sleeve, the support leg interior sleeve rotates relative to the exterior sleeve; one end of the swing rod is hinged to the milling machine frame, and the other end is fixedly connected to the exterior sleeve; one end of the second guiding rod is hinged to the milling machine frame, the other end is hinged to one end of the first guiding rod, the other end of the first guiding rod is hinged to one end of the steering rod, and the other end of the steering rod is connected to the support leg interior sleeve.

Abstract: A gyro-stabilizer for a two-wheeled single-track vehicle, preferably a motorcycle, applicable in several driving modes, is configured in the form of a gyroscope in a gimbal mount, an outer ring of which is connected by a two-way axial pivot joint to the vehicle frame, wherein the axis of said joint is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; an inner ring of the gimbal mount is connected by a two-way axial pivot joint to the outer ring; and a spin axis of the gyroscope is connected by a two-way axial pivot joint to the inner ring, wherein the axes of all three pivot joints are mutually perpendicular, and wherein the gyro-stabilizer has a means for locking rotation of the outer ring about the axis of the pivot joint between said outer ring and the frame of the vehicle. The gyro-stabilizer is disposed on the rear wheel swingarm and has a means for locking rotation of the inner ring about the axis of the pivot joint between the inner ring and the outer ring.

Abstract: A ground drive hose routing system and method for a self-propelled agricultural product applicator utilize segments of a hose arrangement that are constrained to lie and move primarily in only one direction, to isolate horizontal hose movement related to track-width adjustment from vertical hose movement resulting from action of suspension members. For steerable wheels, an additional pivotable segment is utilized to accommodate turning motion while maintaining isolation between other primarily horizontally and vertically constrained movable segments of the hose arrangement.

Abstract: In a kit comprising a self-propelled two-track stilt vehicle and a transportation trailer, a lifting device, braced on the trailer, is provided that acts on central elements of the running and carrying structure of the stilt vehicle. The running and carrying structure of the stilt vehicle having four wheels comprises, oriented transversely relative to the travel direction, front and rear transverse structures, on which two stilt structures respectively having a wheel-carrying unit that carries at least one wheel are disposed on both sides at the end. The transverse structures are constructed in multiple parts having a middle piece and left and right end pieces, which can be fixed in various width positions. The stilt structures are constructed in multiple parts having primary parts connected to the associated end piece of the transverse structure and secondary parts, fixable thereon in various height positions and on which associated wheel-carrying units are disposed.

Abstract: A protected tread widening system for a self-propelled high clearance sprayer. The system includes a frame with side rails and a first cross member and a second cross member extending between the opposite side rails, with the cross members being substantially hollow. Each of the cross members form slider receivers. The system also includes axle slider assemblies that are telescopically inserted into the slider receivers. Additionally, actuators are mounted within the cross members. These actuators are secured to the frame and to the axle slider assemblies to allow for telescopic movement of the axle slider assemblies into and out of the cross members. The actuators run substantially through a central axis of the first cross member and a central axis of the second cross member. This minimizes the bending moment of each actuator. Additionally, this system isolates the actuators from materials outside of the cross members.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bearing surface transporter comprising an upper part for receiving an object to be transported, such as a patient bearing surface of an operating table, and a lower part. The lower part may comprise: at least three castors for manually moving the bearing surface transporter in any horizontal direction, at least one motorized drive wheel/roller, and a lowering mechanism for selectively lowering and raising the at least one drive wheel/roller relative to the castors, wherein the drive wheel(s)/roller(s) assume(s) an upper position for moving the bearing surface transporter manually and a lower position for moving the bearing surface transporter in a motorized manner.

Abstract: A vehicle has improved energy absorbing capability and occupants have increased blast survivability. The vehicle includes a suspended floor assembly. The floor assembly may be suspended by, at least in part, one or more suspensions arms that have an extendable portion. The floor assembly may also have a yaw plane energy absorber between the floor assembly and a wall of the vehicle.

Abstract: A stabilization apparatus for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a rotationally mounted gyroscope and a drive unit, as well as a rotational-direction reversal unit disposed between the drive unit and the gyroscope.

Abstract: A split offset axle joins a front cycle wheel to a first and a second fork of a cycle. The axle has two rigid structures joined together with a fastener to form a singular axle. The axle has a cylindrical first end, a cylindrical second end and a cylindrical offset center section. The center section locates and supports a cycle wheel hub. The first and the second ends are housed in a pinchable split axle housing of the first and the second fork, respectively. Rotation of the axle adjusts the center section axis to a plurality of positions relative to the forks. The center section is adjusted to a desired position, thereby adjusting the cycle's steering and handling characteristics, the desired position is secured with pinched split axle housings. The pinched split axle housings rotationally and rigidly secure the respective axle ends.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for controlling the height of a frame of a self-propelled high ground clearance, agricultural product applicator above a ground surface utilize a trailing link suspension system including an extensible air strut, for connecting ground engaging wheels of the applicator to the frame of the applicator. The trailing arm suspension system includes an upper suspension arm attached to the frame, a lower suspension arm providing sole support of a ground engaging wheel attached to the lower arm, and the extensible air strut interconnected between the upper and lower arms. Height of the applicator above the ground surface is controlled by regulating a flow of pressurized air to the air strut, to thereby control extension of the air strut.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a constant force mechanism and a wheel coupled to the constant force mechanism. The wheel is displaceable in at least one dimension, and the constant force mechanism imparts a substantially constant force on the wheel in the dimension. In one aspect, the wheel is displaceable in a first regime and a second regime. For a wheel displacement in the first regime, the constant force mechanism imparts a substantially constant force on the wheel, and for a wheel displacement in the second regime, the constant force mechanism imparts a variable force on the wheel. The variable force can be linear or non-linear to the magnitude of the displacement in the second regime and is equal to or greater than the substantially constant force.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for moving a patient from one location to another. The patient transport apparatus comprises a suspension system to limit discomfort to the patient when the patient transport apparatus moves over disturbances in floor surfaces. The suspension system comprises suspension devices such as a spring and/or a damper. The suspension system is operable in an energy-absorbing mode in which the suspension system absorbs energy as wheels move over the disturbances during transport or a lockout mode in which the suspension system is relatively more rigid as compared to the energy-absorbing mode. A control system operates to place the suspension system in one of the modes.

Abstract: A ground drive hose routing system and method for a self-propelled agricultural product applicator utilize drive hose bulkhead connection arrangements mounted on transversely movable axle members to define segments of a hose arrangement that are constrained to lie and move primarily in only one direction, to isolate horizontal hose movement related to track-width adjustment from vertical hose movement resulting from action of suspension members. For steerable wheels, an additional pivotable segment is utilized in conjunction with the drive hose bulkhead connection arrangements to accommodate turning motion while maintaining isolation between other primarily horizontally and vertically constrained movable segments of the hose arrangement.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention relates generally to a vehicle that has axles with tires mounted thereon with at least one axle that is a lift axle, and more specifically, to a method that optimizes the effective tire rolling resistance by adjusting the load on the tires, resulting in an improvement in the fuel economy of the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the method takes into consideration the rolling resistance characteristics of the tires placed onto the axles of the vehicle and provides an algorithm for optimizing their rolling resistance by raising or lowering the lift axle.

Abstract: An air spring actuated slider pin release system for a semi-trailer slider includes an actuator shaft oriented to extend in generally parallel relationship to at least one of a pair of parallel main members, being connected to the slider for axial rotation, and having a transverse lever arm secured to each end of the shaft for common rotation. Each lever arm has an end connected to a retractable, biased lock pin via a link so that rotation of the shaft and the lever arms causes retraction of the associated lock pin relative to the main member. The actuator shaft has a normally projecting air spring bracket. An air spring is disposed between one of the main members and the air spring bracket so that inflation of the air spring acts on the air spring bracket, axially rotating the shaft and the lever arms for retracting the lock pins.

Abstract: This patent discloses a climbing vehicle capable of high payload to weight ratio and capable of climbing surfaces with geometric variations and traveling along a single dimension. More specifically, this invention applies to a vehicle well adapted to climbing non-planar surfaces such as pipes or other structural members while traveling along a single dimension, for example traveling parallel to the axis of the pipe. The climbing vehicle makes contact with the climbing surface through drive wheels and a trailing arm. The adhering members are aligned with the primary axis and are rigidly attached or contained in a suspension that is able to conform to a large range of surface irregularities while providing push and pulling forces between the adhering members and the climbing vehicle chassis to uniformly distribute the climbing loads on the adhering members.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus of a vehicle includes: a load sensor installed in a seat of the vehicle to measure a weight of a passenger sitting on the seat; and a balance control apparatus that controls a center of gravity of the vehicle, when the balance control apparatus includes: a battery pack that supplies power to the vehicle, and the battery pack is movably installed on a frame module and moves to control the center of gravity of the vehicle based on a value measured by the load sensor.

Abstract: Improved suspension and steering systems for a trike may include a steering assembly including a power steering assembly coupled to a steering wheel and a front frame assembly. The front frame assembly may include a front plate coupled to a steering hub and two front suspension piston and sleeve assemblies. The front plate and steering hub may be positioned above the front tire so that front tire rotates about an axis that is substantially perpendicular with the surface of the road. This system reduces and/or eliminates problems associated with traditional steering assemblies, such as wheel flop, limited tire life, driver burden, and the like. In addition, the front suspension piston and sleeve assemblies also may be positioned substantially perpendicularly to the road surface to reduce and/or eliminate lateral forces on the trike and changes to the overall geometry of the trike during usage.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method and system including a sensor on a vehicle and a processor connected to the sensor. The processor determines a probability of falling based on input from the sensor, whether the probability of falling exceeds a threshold, and a state of an operator of the vehicle. An actuator connected to the processor receives a signal from the processor when the probability of falling exceeds the threshold and when the state of the operator includes an impaired state. Stabilizer wheels are connected to the actuator, where the signal includes a command to deploy the stabilizer wheels.

Abstract: A brake system includes a brake activator which controls, when a slipping condition is detected at a central rear wheel based on a signal detected by a central rear detector, the operating condition of a central rear brake based on the signal detected by the central rear detector so as to reduce a braking force on the central rear wheel lower than a braking force which is obtained as a result of operation of an input member. In this state, when an operation quantity of the input member increases as a result of operation of the input member, changing the operating conditions of both a right front brake and a left front brake, the brake activator increases the braking forces in both a right front wheel and a left front wheel according to an operation quantity of the input member.

Abstract: A removable axle assembly for transporting a load bearing frame includes an axle mounting structure configured to be removably attached to an axle mount. The axle mounting structure includes an inner surface that is aligned with a tapered surface of the axle mount. One or more fastening devices are attached to a clamping structure. In response to securing the one or more fastening devices, the clamping structure is configured to exert a compression force that maintains contact between the tapered surface of the frame support structure and the inner surface of the axle mounting structure.

Abstract: A milling machine includes a frame, a housing, a milling drum mounted on the frame within the housing and a drive assembly. A positioning assembly is provided for moving the drive assembly between a first position which is laterally outside the periphery of the machine housing and a second position which is laterally inside the periphery of the machine housing, and for locking the drive assembly in at least the first and second positions without requiring the operator to manually manipulate a locking pin.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an electronic braking system for vehicles, in particular for trailer vehicles, signals of wheel-speed sensors are processed. At least signals of one or more sensors that are not wheel-speed sensors are processed for a detection of motion and/or standstill.

Abstract: A motorcycle with an integrated drum set positioned about the trike, the motorcycle having a rear-steering assemblage for allowing the integrated drum set to be played by a forward rider.

Abstract: A grounds maintenance apparatus such as a lawn mower adapted for movement from a horizontal operating orientation to a vertical storage orientation. Embodiments of the apparatus provide supplemental storage wheels adapted to permit rolling of the apparatus over a ground surface while in the vertical storage orientation.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic imaging device capable of controlling a moving device according to a movement direction of a platform in the front or the rear thereof. An ultrasonic imaging device includes a platform to which an ultrasound probe is connected, a moving device configured to move the platform, and a manipulation unit configured to control the moving device to be in any mode of an aligned movement mode, a free movement mode and a stop mode, wherein the manipulation unit includes a first manipulation unit that is provided in a first direction of the platform and controls operations of the moving device and a second manipulation unit that is provided in a second direction facing the first direction of the platform and controls operations of the moving device.

Abstract: A lift device includes a chassis, a lift boom, a sensor, and a controller. The chassis includes a frame, an axle pivotally coupled to the frame, and an actuator positioned to move the axle. The lift boom is rotatably coupled to the chassis and operable within a work envelope, and the sensor is positioned to monitor an orientation of the lift boom. The controller is configured to engage the actuator based on the orientation of the lift boom. Engagement of the actuator moves the axle to adjust the work envelope of the lift boom.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for providing stability to a vehicle using one or more auxiliary support members on the vehicle, such as lateral sides of the vehicle. The auxiliary support members may extend away from the vehicle body to approach and/or touch a support surface and provide stability and in some cases additional centripetal force to facilitate steering of the vehicle. The auxiliary support members may also retract towards the vehicle.

Abstract: A carriage structure for a vehicle test may include a power train substitution part provided in a front wheel carriage frame and including weight plates mounted at a connection part at which an upper member and a center beam are connected to each other, door substitution parts provided at both sides of the front wheel carriage frame, connected to the power train substitution part, and including an upper beam and an lower beam formed in the horizontal direction while having a predetermined interval therebetween and coupled to a rear stand formed in the vertical direction; and a rear wheel carriage substitution part provided at the rear of the front wheel carriage frame, connected to the door substitution parts, and including a floor member forming a lower portion thereof, a truss part connecting the floor member and the front wheel carriage frame to each other, and a weight member.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle system includes determining a vehicle reference speed using an off-board-based input speed and an onboard-based input speed. The off-board-based input speed is representative of a moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data received from an off-board device. The onboard-based input speed is representative of the moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data obtained from an onboard device. The method includes using the vehicle reference speed to at least one of measure wheel creep for one or more wheels of the vehicle system or control at least one of torques applied by or rotational speeds of one or more motors of the vehicle system.

Abstract: A vehicle having two chassis components, which are connected by a sloping plane, especially by a guidance device and/or sliding bearing along a sloping plane, a first drive wheel being situated on at least one of the chassis components, and one wheel on the other chassis component, a rotational speed differential between the rotational speed of the drive wheel and the rotational speed of the wheel being able to be induced by a device.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer assembly includes a wheeled carriage, a chassis, and a spray delivery system. The wheeled carriage has a number of adjustable support legs (e.g., four), each formed of hydraulically coupled and actuated upper and lower leg sections or members. The chassis is supported on the wheeled carriage, at an adjustable clearance height defined by the operational height of the support legs. The spray delivery system includes a spray boom coupled to a boom support, and an actuator coupled to the boom support and the chassis. The actuator is configured to adjust the height of the spray boom with respect to the clearance height of the chassis.

Abstract: An exemplary power driven vehicle has a take-apart frame comprising a front frame and a rear frame that are detachably and pivotally connected together. The front frame includes means for receiving at least one steerable wheel and a steering mechanism and means for receiving a seat, and the rear frame includes means for receiving at least two drive wheels. The vehicle also has at least one steerable wheel, a steering mechanism, and a seat connected to said front frame. At least two drive wheels are pivotally connected to said rear frame via a single axle. An electric motor is mounted on the rear frame and adapted to drive at least one of the drive wheels. A shroud partially covers the front frame and is fixedly connected thereto. At least one battery box is detachably mounted on the shroud and is in electrical communication with the electric motor. A locking and unlocking means of the vehicle is adapted to prevent, or alternatively allow, the disconnection of the rear frame from the front frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated drill apparatus composed of one or more gang drills mounted to a gang drill chassis, at least one powered drive wheel affixed to the gang drill chassis, and at least three pivotable support wheels. A control panel provides remote operation of drill rotation activation, drill advance, and drill bed position adjustment, and a panic off switch. A control system implements steering the automated drill apparatus and is selectable by the operator for steering in two-wheel mode or crab steer mode. The pivotable drive wheels, in conjunction with the control panel and control system, are used to position the automated drill apparatus along a slab to be drilled, and further activate one or more gang drills for drilling a slab.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention relates generally to a vehicle that has axles with tires mounted thereon with at least one axle that is a lift axle, and more specifically, to a method that optimizes the effective tire rolling resistance by adjusting the load on the tires, resulting in an improvement in the fuel economy of the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the method takes into consideration the rolling resistance characteristics of the tires placed onto the axles of the vehicle and provides an algorithm for optimizing their rolling resistance by raising or lowering the lift axle.