The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 29, 2003
Filed:
Dec. 17, 1999
Dale Bell, Ortonville, MI (US);
Christos T. Kyrtsos, Southfield, MI (US);
Christopher S. Keeney, Troy, MI (US);
Frank A. Palmeri, Troy, MI (US);
Dean A. Molde, Pinehurst, NC (US);
Gerald J. Montgomery, Pinehurst, NC (US);
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and system for independently controlling the steering of at least two wheels of a vehicle includes a steering angle sensor for sensing a desired amount of turning of the vehicle and a direction for the desired amount of turning. An electronic control unit, in communication with the steering angle sensor, determines a first desired turning angle for one of the wheels and a second desired turning angle for the other one of the wheels based on the desired amount of turning of the vehicle and the direction of the turning of the vehicle. The second desired turning angle may be the same as or different from the first desired turning angle. Independent turning mechanisms are coupled to each of the wheels and receives control signals from the electronic control unit for controlling the turning angles of each of the wheels independently of the other wheel.