Importance

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Abstract

A method of moving a high mobility wheeled vehicle for transporting long loads, such as trimmed tree trunks or whole trees, over roadless terrain. The vehicle has front and rear quad wheel assemblies pivotally connected to a centrally disposed elongated bed frame so as to permit lateral rotation of these assemblies about a roll axis disposed below and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed frame. The quad wheel assembly incorporates a unique mounting for each of the wheels of the assembly which provides for individually controlled motors for driving each wheel, individually controlled brakes, and individually controlled, power actuated extensible links for steering each wheel. Sensors are provided on each wheel assembly which generate signals proportional to the rotational velocity and direction of the wheel and proportional to the turning angle of each wheel. A microprocessor receives all such signals and compares same with a desired turning angle and rotational velocity of the wheels in accordance with one of a plurality of modes of operation of the vehicle selected by the operator, and generates appropriate control signals to the individually controlled wheels to adjust the turning motion and the rotational velocity to that required to effect the desired movement of the vehicle. The described vehicle is operated according to any selected one of a plurality of distinct movement patterns.

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First Claim