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Mallen Research Limited

Mallen Research Limited Partnership

Thomas Towles Lawson, Jr

Carl Andrew Bailey

David Alton McDaniel, Jr

James W Newman, Jr

A steering axle drive assembly includes a steering axle having opposite ends, a wheel pivotally connected with each steering axle end, and a control mechanism. The wheels are operated by the control mechanism for rotation about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. When the axle is connected with a vehicle, the control mechanism controls the steering axle wheels independent of other wheels of the vehicle, such as the main drive wheels, to steer and drive the vehicle from an origin in any direction without passing through the origin. Preferably, a motor or linear actuator controls the rotation of the steering axle wheels. The steering axle drive assembly can be further improved by including an angled axle.

Steering axle drive assembly and method for controlling said drive assembly

A steering linkage for a vehicle includes a cross-linked pivot assembly which includes a first connector configured for connection with the axle, first and second links, and a second connector configured for connection with a wheel. The first connector has a first end with which a first end of the first link is pivotally connected and a second end with which a first end of the second link is pivotally connected. The second connector has first and second ends and is arranged in spaced relation from and at an angle relative to the first connector. The first end of the second connector is arranged closer to the second end of the first connector than is the second end of the second connector. A second end of the first link is pivotally connected with the first end of the second connector and a second end of the second link is pivotally connected with the second end of the second connector. The cross-linked pivot assembly is operable, preferably via a linear actuator, about a vertical pivot axis to steer the wheel.

Vehicle steering linkage and axle assembly including said linkage

A fixed vane positive displacement rotary device is disclosed that includes a primary rotor and one or more scavenging rotors rotatably disposed in a rotor encasement. The primary rotor includes a plurality of protrusions. And each of the scavenging rotors includes a first curved surface that is configured to move adjacent to the primary rotor between the protrusions as the primary rotor and scavenging rotors rotate, a protrusion-receiving groove extending that is configured to receive one of the plurality of protrusions therein so that at least a tip of that protrusion moves adjacent to the protrusion-receiving groove as the primary rotor and scavenging rotors rotate, and a second curved surface and a third curved surface extending away from a center of the protrusion-receiving groove on opposing sides of the protrusion-receiving groove that are configured to move adjacent to a leading side and a trailing side of the one protrusion, respectively.

Fixed-vane positive displacement rotary devices

A four wheel drive system for bilaterally symmetric vehicles has separate controlled drive speed and direction for each wheel. Each drive system is operable to independently drive each wheel. The rear wheels of the vehicle are steering wheels which are connected with the vehicle frame for independent rotation about a vertical axis. Steering and driving of the wheels is controlled by a controller. The combination of controlled steering for the rear wheels through many degrees about their vertical axes and individual power to all four wheels provides the vehicle with a zero turning radius for improved mobility as well as improved traction on unstable surfaces.

Four wheel drive system

A motor vehicle transmission includes a power splitter connected with the vehicle engine and having two outputs. A differential and a clutch are connected with the outputs of the splitter. Separate gearboxes including alternating sequential gear mechanisms are connected with the differential and clutch. The differential and clutch are independently operated under control of an electronic control unit to provide continuous flow of power from the engine to the gearboxes which may be simultaneously operated.

Transmission

A four wheel drive system for bilaterally symmetric vehicles is characterized by separate drive systems for the front and rear wheels. Each drive system is operable to independently drive each wheel. The rear wheels of the vehicle are steering wheels which are connected with the vehicle frame for independent rotation about a vertical axis. Steering and driving of the wheels is controlled by a controller. The combination of independent steering for the rear wheels and independent powering of all four wheels provides the vehicle with a zero turning radius for improved mobility as well as improved traction on unstable surfaces.

A drive assembly for a bilaterally symmetrical machine such as a vehicle or aircraft is provided to precisely control and vary engine power delivered to a pair of opposed drive mechanisms of the assembly. Each drive mechanism includes a first differential clutch connected with a power source via a power splitter, a drive element such as a wheel or propeller connected with the first differential clutch, and a first braking device connected with the first differential clutch to independently control the delivery of power to the drive element. A second differential clutch may be provided for each drive mechanism to control movement of the drive mechanism in an opposite direction.

Drive system for stability and directional control of vehicles and aircraft

A heat energy recovery system for cooling an internal combustion engine is characterized by separate oil and water circuits. The oil circuit is used to lubricate and cool the engine. A heat exchanger between the oil and water circuits cools the oil and produces steam from the water. The steam is used to power a steam engine in the water circuit which in turn is used to drive accessories normally driven by the engine. The recovery of heat from the cooling oil and the generation of energy via the steam engine reduces the load on the engine, decreasing its fuel consumption and increasing its net output to drive a vehicle.

Cooling system for internal combustion engines

A turbocharged engine air supply system for eliminating turbo lag in an internal combustion engine includes an air tank containing a pressurized auxiliary air supply which is used to raise manifold pressure promptly during periods of turbo lag, an air pump connected with the engine crankshaft for filling the air tank with compressed air during deceleration and during other periods of operation when it is not necessary to devote all of the engine torque to the driveline, a first valve for controlling the flow of auxiliary air from the air tank to the engine, and a second valve for recirculating turbocharged air when auxiliary air is being supplied to the engine, thereby allowing the turbocharger to accelerate more quickly.

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Charlottesville, VA, United States of America

Thomas Towles Lawson, Jr