Patent ID: 8447448
Filing Date: 2013-05-21
Classification: B60L,G05D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A vehicle for transporting material along a defined path, comprising: a chassis including first and second bulkheads spaced mutually along a first length of the chassis, the first and second bulkheads defining a first bay therebetween, a third bulkhead spaced along a second length of the chassis from the second bulkhead, the second and third bulkheads defining a second bay therebetween, a fourth bulkhead spaced along a third length of the chassis from the third bulkhead, the third and fourth bulkheads defining a third bay therebetween; a source of electric power mounted on the chassis in the third bay; nonsteerable rear wheels supporting the chassis; a steerable wheel located between the first and third bays; a traction system including a traction motor connected to the power source for driving the nonsteerable rear wheels; a steering system located in the second bay including a steering motor connected to the power source for adjusting an angular position of the steerable wheel; and a controller located in the first bay for adjusting the vehicle's speed and direction by controlling operation of the traction motor and steering motor in response to information regarding the vehicle's location and travel direction relative to the path.