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Andrew C Masters

Connie Ruby Masters

Nathan Eugene Masters

A method and apparatus for controlling the steering of a trailing section of a multi-sectioned vehicle is described. The trailing section follows the path of the first section. Data is acquired by a controller from sensors on the various sections. The controller then processes this data, generating a configuration needed for the controller-steered wheels to follow a path approximately equivalent to the path taken by the first steered section. Power is then applied by some means to steer these controller-steered wheels, forcing them into the desired configuration. The complexity of the control system can be varied with different algorithms providing alternative steering patterns as desired. This system can be extended with more trailing sections without necessitating more than minor changes to the control algorithms.

Robotic vehicle that tracks the path of a lead vehicle

This invention relates generally to systems used to steer trailing sections of articulated vehicles and trailers. The preferred embodiment of this invention is a steerable dolly that can be manually and/or automatically switched among multiple modes. The dolly receives its primary input from the angle of the rear of the front trailer (or other towing vehicle). There are at least two modes. In one mode the wheels of the dolly are steered in the opposite direction as the rear trailer, providing more maneuverability. In the other mode the wheels are steered in the same direction, providing a more stable mode. It is envisioned that the more stable mode would be used at high speeds while the more maneuverable mode would be used at lower speeds. There is also disclosed an alternate steering algorithm, which provides for additional maneuverability beyond that of the mode in which the wheels are steered in an opposite direction.

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Raceland, LA, United States of America

Andrew C Masters