Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-25 Filed 07/31/24 Page 1 of 32 PageID #: 40642
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-25 Filed 07/31/24 Page 1 of 32 PagelD #: 40642
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT 25
`EXHIBIT 25
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-25 Filed 07/31/24 Page 2 of 32 PagelD #: 40643
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-25 Filed 07/31/24 Page 2 of 32 PageID #: 40643
`
`(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY(PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`27 December 2002 (27.12.2002)
`
`
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 02/103117 Al
`
`(51) International Patent Classification’:
`B60G 3/01
`
`E01C 23/088,
`
`(74) Agent: WAGNER & GEYER; Gewuerzmuehlstrasse 5,
`80538 Munich (DE).
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`=PCT/EP02/04638
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`26 April 2002 (26.04.2002)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`V12001A000092
`
`27 April 2001 (27.04.2001)
`
`IT
`
`(71) Applicant(for all designated States except US): BITELLI
`SPA [ITAT]; Via IV Novembre, 2, I-40061 Minerbio (IT).
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): DUBAY, Gregory,
`Henry |US/IT]; Via Cesare Battisiti, 23, 1-40123 Bologna
`(IT). OREFICE, Michele [ITAT]; Via Tagliamento, 38,
`1-40062 Molinella - Bologna (IT). SANSONE, Dario
`[IT/AIT]; Via Bacchelli, 21 - Localitaé Mascherino, I-40050
`Catello d’Argile - Bologna (IT).
`
`(31) Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL, AM,AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU,
`CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH,
`GM,HR, HU,ID,IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC,
`LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, Mw,
`MX, MZ, NO, NZ, OM, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG,
`SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ,
`VN, YU, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, 7M, ZW),
`Eurasian patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM),
`European patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR,
`GB, GR,IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OAPI patent
`(BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR,
`NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Declarations under Rule 4.17:
`
`as to applicant's entitlement to apply for and be granted
`a patent (Rule 4.17(ii)) for the following designations AE,
`AG, AL, AM, AT; AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA,
`CH, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES,
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(54) Title: MILLING MACHINE WITH RE-ENTERING BACK WHEELS
`
`
`
`
`
`O02/103117Al
`
`(57) Abstract: A work machine includes a frame (2) supported by a plurality of wheels or tracks (5), at least some of which are
`associated with respective lifting columns (32) adaptedto raise and lowerthe frame(2) relative to the respective wheels or tracks (5).
`A worktool is supported by the frame (2), and a drive mechanism is adapted to rotate the work tool and at least one of the wheels
`or tracks (5). An articulation apparatus (10) usesafirst actuator (20) and a pivoting support arm (11) to move one of the wheels
`or tracks (5) between a projecting position and a retracted positionrelative to the frame (2). The articulation apparatus (10) further
`includes a second actuator (21) adaped to rotate the wheel or track (5) about a vertical axis (Z).
`
`S
`
`

`

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`WO 02/103117
`
`AL
`
`—_(AUUIAOATTUVAAIATTATAA
`
`FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, 1D, IL, LN, IS, JP. Kb,
`—_ofinventorship (Rule 4.17(iv)) for US only
`KG, KP. KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG,
`MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, OM, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU,
`SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG,
`UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZM, ZW, ARIPOpatent (GH, GM, KE,LS,
`MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian patent
`(AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European patent
`(AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FT, FR, GB, GR, TE, IT, LU,
`MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OAPI patent (BF BJ, CF, CG, CL
`CM, GA, GN, GO, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG)
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
`ance Notes on Codes andAbbreviations" appearing at the begin-
`ning ofeach regular issue ofthe PCT Gazette.
`
`Published:
`
`—_ with international search report
`— before the expiration ofthe time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished in the event of receipt of
`amendments
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-25 Filed 07/31/24 Page 4 of 32 PagelD #: 40645
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`WO 02/103117
`
`PCT/EP02/04638
`
`1
`
`Description
`
`MILLING MACHINE WITH RE-ENTERING BACK WHEELS
`
`5 Technical Field
`
`The present invention relates generally to work machinesfor the treatment of
`roadway surfaces, and more particularly to a planer or milling machine for
`
`10
`
`15
`
`asphalt and concrete.
`
`Background
`
`A prospectus entitled "Bitelli Volpe SF 100 T4M deep-cut cold planer for
`
`asphalt and concrete" describes a work machine comprising a frame which is
`
`supported by four wheels, a pair of oppositely arranged front wheels and a
`pair of oppositely arranged rear wheels. One of the rear wheels is adapted to
`raise and lower the frame relative to the respective rear wheel. Means are
`
`provided to allow for two operating positions of the one rear wheel. In a first
`
`operating position the rear wheel is mounted at the frame in what is called a
`projecting position, in a second operating position the rear wheel is mounted
`
`20
`
`at the frame in a retracted position relative to the general outline of the frame.
`
`To allow for movement between the two operating positions a support arm is
`
`provided, which is, at its one end, pivotally connected to the frame and carries
`
`at its other end a wheel support comprisingalifting column. Typically, the rear
`
`25 wheelis driven by a hydraulic motor located in the hub of the rear wheel.
`
`Pressurized fluid is supplied to the hydraulic motor (and also any other
`
`hydraulic motors of other wheels which need to be driven) from an internal
`combustion engine mounted to the frame. To move the rear wheel from its
`
`projecting position into its retracted position the operator hydraulically lowers
`the frame with respect to the rear wheel.
`|.e. a hydraulic cylinder located
`
`30
`
`inside the lifting column provides for this lowering movement. As soon as the
`frame or some other componentfixedly mounted to the frame comes into
`engagement with the ground, thelifting column is lifted further by means of
`
`

`

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`2
`
`the hydraulic cylinder, so that the lower surface of the wheel
`
`is eventually
`
`spaced a certain distance from ground. Preferably, before the lifting of the
`wheel from ground has occurred, a pin locking the support arm at the frame is
`
`5
`
`removed. After the wheel is spaced from the ground the operator pivots the
`support arm, and also simultaneously rotates the lifting column so that the
`running direction of the rear wheel
`is maintained for the two operating
`positions.
`
`The possibility of positioning at least one of the rear wheels in the projecting
`
`10
`
`position improves weight distribution during operation of the work machine,
`while the possibility of positioning the wheel in the retracted position allows
`
`the work machine to operate flush to a wall or curb. However, the manual
`
`operation of displacing and locking or unlocking the pivotable wheel
`
`is
`
`somewhat uncomfortable for the operator, who is obliged to leave his seat and
`
`15
`
`carry out the required operations manually.
`
`EP 0 916 004 A1 discloses a work machine for the treatment of roadways
`
`having a rear support wheel which can be pivoted between an interior or
`
`retracted position and an exterior or projecting position by means of a guide
`
`20
`
`rod gear consisting of a four-link mechanism with four vertical articulated
`
`axles and two guide rods pivotable in a horizontal plane connected to the rear
`
`support wheel. The guide rod gear pivots the rear wheel supported by a non-
`
`rotatingly locked lifting column from the exterior position to the retracted
`
`position such that the rear wheel turns in the retracted position and in the
`
`25
`
`exterior position in the same direction. With this design the respective load of
`
`the work machine resting on the rear wheelis distributed to all four links of the
`
`four-link mechanism, which may result in a reduced stability and stiffness of
`
`the work machine. Also, precise couplings have to be provided which need to
`
`be inspected frequently so as to keep the wear, which might compromise good
`
`30
`
`operation of the work machine, under control.
`
`Further, typical cold planers may befitted with tracks instead of wheels which
`is of advantage especially for very heavy machines. As with wheels,
`it
`is
`
`

`

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`3
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`desirable to be able to changetherelative position of at Jeast one of the tracks
`
`relative to the frame,
`i.e.
`in a retracted or projecting position relative to the
`frame. However, this also changes the steering characteristic for the whole
`
`machine which is more accentuated when the machine is fitted with tracks
`
`5
`
`instead of wheels.
`
`The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems
`
`or disadvantages associated with the prior art.
`
`10 Summary of the invention
`
`In accordance with one embodimentof the present invention there is provided
`
`a work machine,
`
`in which the automated movement to position a wheel or
`
`track assembly either projecting or retracted relative to the frame occurs with
`
`15
`
`a greater stability in comparison with known machines, and which is less
`
`prone to wear, requires less maintenance, and is easier to manufacture than
`
`known machines. At the same time, change ofrotational direction of the wheel
`or track about a vertical axis is facilitated in a compact and robust manner to
`
`adapt for the changing steering requirements when moving the wheelor track
`
`20
`
`from the projecting to the retracted position relative to the frame and vice
`
`versa.
`
`This is accomplished by a work machine that, according to the main claim,
`
`includes a frame supported by a plurality of wheels or tracks, at least some of
`
`25 which are associated with respective lifting columns adapted to raise and
`
`lower the frame relative to the respective wheels or tracks. Preferably, each of
`the wheels or tracks is associated with one respectivelifting column. A work
`
`tool is supported by the frame, and a drive mechanism is adapted to rotate the
`
`work too! and at least one of the wheels or tracks. An articulation apparatus
`
`30
`
`uses a first actuator and a pivoting support arm to move one of the wheels or
`
`tracks between a projecting position and a retracted position relative to the
`frame. The articulation apparatus further includes a second actuator adaped
`
`to rotate the wheel or track about a vertical axis.
`
`

`

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`A method for controlling the position of one of the wheels ortracks of a work
`
`machine is also provided,
`
`including pivoting the wheel or track between a
`
`projecting and retracted postion and positioning the wheel or track in a
`
`5
`
`selected rotational direction about a vertical axis.
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`FIG. 1
`
`is an isometric view of a work machine,
`
`i.e. a cold planer,
`
`in
`
`10 which the features of the presentinvention may be incorporated;
`
`FIG. 2
`
`is a schematic top plan view — partially in section - of a detail of a
`
`cold planer similar to the one of FIG. 1 showing an articulation apparatus of a
`
`preferred embodimentof the present invention with a rear wheel arranged in a
`
`projecting position relative to the frame;
`
`15 FIG.3
`
`is a schematic top plan view similar to FIG. 2 with the rear wheel
`
`arranged in a retracted position relative to the frame;
`
`FIG. 4
`
`FIG. 5
`
`is a schematic vertical sectional view of the detail of FIG. 2; and
`
`is an exploded viewillustrating parts of the articulation apparatus
`
`shown in the detail of FIG. 2.
`
`20
`
`Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
`
`The work machine 1 of FIG.
`
`1 comprises a frame 2 supported by a pair of
`
`front wheels 4, a pair of rear wheels 5, and an operator seat 3 for an operator
`
`25 O. A work tool 6, e.g. a cutter or milling drum for removing road surface
`
`material like asphalt or concrete is supported and rotatably connected to the
`
`frame 2 by means of a rotary shaft 8 and arranged in a work space generally
`indicated by numeral 7. A drive mechanism (not shown),
`for instance an
`internal combustion engine, is mounted inside of the work machine 1 on the
`frame 2 in a position generally indicated by the reference numeral 9 behind
`
`30
`
`the operator seat 3. The drive mechanism supplies the power for rotating the
`work tool 6 and also the front wheels 4 and/or the rear wheels 5 resting on the
`
`surface of the road paving to be worked on generally indicated as plane 7x.
`
`

`

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`5
`
`One of the two rear wheels 5 is adapted to be moved between a projecting
`
`position (shown) and a retracted position, and vice versa. Conceivably, more
`than one wheel 4, 5 could be designed to be movable between the two
`
`positions.
`
`1 the work machine 1is illustrated as being supported by
`Although in FIG.
`wheels 4, 5, the term “wheel” is used throughout the specification to indicate
`
`either a wheel or a track assembly.
`
`includes an articulation
`10 Referring now to FIGs. 2 to 5, the work machine 1
`apparatus 10 (FIGs. 2 and 5) adapted to pivotally move one of the rear wheels
`5 betweena projecting position 60 (in FIG. 2) and a retracted position 70 (see
`
`FIG. 3) relative to the frame 2. The articulation apparatus 10 is arranged
`
`between the frame 2 and a rear wheel support of the rear wheel 5 as will be
`
`15
`
`described in detail below.
`
`As is shownin FIG. 4 the rear wheel 5 is supported by the rear wheel support
`
`comprising a U-shaped bracket 32a and, fixedly mounted thereto, a vertical
`lifting column generally indicated at 32. The lifting column 32 includes a
`
`20
`
`sleeve or inside column 132 slideably mounted inside a support column (also
`
`called outside column) 133. The sleeve 132 may be vertically moved relative
`
`to the support column 133 by means ofa lifting column acutator 31. The wheel
`5 is rotatably mounted by a bearing 105 on the bracket 32a whichis attached
`
`to the sleeve 132 such as by welding so as to vertically move together with
`
`25
`
`the sleeve 132. The bracket 32a also rotates with the sleeve 132 about a
`
`vertical axis Z so as to postion the wheel 5 in a selected rotational direction 8
`
`about the vertical axis Z.
`
`30
`
`Referring to FIG. 2, the articulation apparatus 10 extends between the frame 2
`and the lifting column 32 of the rear wheel support. The articulation apparatus
`10 comprises a support arm 11 connected to the lifting column 32 and
`pivotally mounted on the frame 2 and actuating means 19 for positioning the
`wheel 5. The actuating means 19 comprise a first actuator 20 for pivoting the
`
`

`

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`6
`
`support arm 11 relative to the frame 2 and a second actuator 21 for rotating
`
`the wheel 5 about the vertical axis Z which is generally orthogonal to the
`
`plane xz on which the wheel 5 rests.
`
`5 The support arm 11 is connected to thelifting column 32 in such a manner
`that the sleeve 132 ofthe lifting column 32 can rotate about the vertical axis Z
`
`with respect to the support arm 11 and is allowed to move in a vertical
`
`direction along the vertical axis Z.
`
`10
`
`In particular, the lifting column 32 is arranged in a first seat 28 comprising a
`
`through hole 29 made in a fork shaped portion or end 30 of the support arm
`
`11 as shownin FIG. 4. As also can be seen in FIG. 4, a coupling member 13
`
`which is preferably formed as a ring is received over the sleeve 132 of the
`
`lifting column 32. The ring 13 is arranged coaxially with the vertical axis Z of
`
`15
`
`the lifting column 32 or the wheel 5 in an axially and radially extending space
`
`defined by an upper and a lower wall of the fork shaped end 30 of the support
`
`arm 11.
`
`The ring 13 is provided with a through hole 113. The through hole 29 in the
`
`20
`
`fork shaped end 30 of the support arm and the through hole 113 are mutually
`
`coaxial. The through hole 29 receives the outside or support column 133 that
`
`ends at the upper wall of the seat 28.
`
`As shownin FIG. 4, the outside column 133 is formed as a sleeve whichis
`
`25
`
`coaxially fixed, for instance by means of welding within the through hole 29,
`
`i.e.
`
`in the upper wall of the seat 28 or the fork shaped portion 30. Inside the
`
`support column 133, the sleeve or inside column 132 is coaxially arranged to
`
`the support column 133 and passes through the through hole 113 of the ring
`13 and the through hole 29 in the lower wall of the seat 28. The through hole
`29 receives the sleeve 132 rotatably and vertically movable relative to the
`support arm 11.
`
`30
`
`

`

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`7
`
`In particular, the ring 13 is coupled to the fifting column 32 by means of a
`longitudinally extending groove 32b provided in the sleeve 132. The groove
`32b has a certain length defining the desirable extent of movement between
`
`the sleeve 132 and the support column 133. A key 33 is fixedly mounted on
`the ring 13 and engages the groove 32b so asto rotationally couple the ring
`13 with the sleeve 132 but allowing sliding movement of the sleeve 132
`relative to the support column 133 and the ring 13 in the vertical direction.
`In
`
`the preferred embodiment, a second key 33a mounted on the ring 13 engages
`
`another groove 32b provided in the sleeve 132 (see FIGs. 2 and 3).
`
`Thelifting column actuator 31 is arranged inside of the sleeve 132. Preferably,
`the lifting colum actuator 31 is a hydraulic jack having a body 134 connected
`
`to the support column 133, while the end of a stem 134b of the hydraulic jack
`
`is connected to the bracket 32a supporting the wheel 5. The hydraulic jack of
`the lifting column actuator 31 allows lifting and lowering, respectively,
`the
`wheel 5 in the vertical direction Z. Thus, the height of the support arm 11
`relative to the ground or pavementto be worked on can be adjusted.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`The second actuator 21 is connected between the support arm 11 and the
`lifting column 32 to causerelative rotation between thelifting column 32 and
`
`20
`
`the support arm 11. The second actuator 21 is connected to the lifting column
`
`32 via the coupling member 13 which, as mentioned above, is rotatably fixed
`
`to the sleeve 132 of thelifting column 32.
`
`25
`
`In particular with reference to FIGs. 2 and 5,
`
`the second actuator 21
`
`comprises an extendable actuation member in the form a body 21b slidably
`receiving an extendable rod 21a. The body 21b is pivotably supported on the
`
`support arm 11 by means of a third hole 25 in the support arm 11 receiving a
`pin 26 hinged or connected to the body 21b of the second actuator 21. The
`
`30
`
`extendable actuation member of the second actuator 21 may be realised as a
`
`hydraulic jack.
`
`

`

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`8
`
`The extendable rod 21a is linked to the coupling member 13 via a first and a
`
`second rigid link member 14 and 16 (also called first and second connecting
`rods). The coupling member or the ring 13 is pivotably connected to the first
`rigid link member 14 via a hole 13a (see FIG. 5) provided on the ring 13, a
`hole 38 provided in the first rigid link member 14 and a pin 15 coupling the
`holes 13a and 38. Thefirst rigid fink member 14 in turn is pivotably connected
`to the second rigid link member 16 via a hole 39 in the first rigid link member
`
`14, a hole 41 in the second rigid link member 16 and a pin 18 extending
`
`therethrough. The second rigid link member 16 again is pivotably connected to
`the support arm 11 via a fourth hole 27 in the support arm 11, a hole 40 in the
`second rigid link member 16 and a pin 17 extending therethrough. In addition,
`the second rigid link member 16 is pivotably connected to the extendable rod
`21a via a hole 42 in the second rigid link member 16 receiving a pivot pin 43
`
`providedin the extendable rod 21a.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`As can be seen in FIGs. 2 and 3, extending the extendable rod 21a of the
`
`second actuator causes rotation of the coupling ring 13 in a clockwise
`direction as viewed from abovewith the rigid link member 14 and 16 acting as
`
`torque arms. Retracting of the extendable rod 21a rotates the coupling ring 13
`
`20
`
`ina anticlockwise direction.
`
`With reference to FIG. 4, the support arm 11 comprises a second seat 34
`adjacentto the first seat 28 and receiving the body 35 of a movement detector
`36 having a sensing element 37 in contact with the coupling ring 13 so as to
`detect any rotation of the coupling ring 13 relative to the support arm 11. The
`
`movement detector 26 can be any device knownin the art for detecting the
`position of the ring 13 relative to the support arm 11.
`
`The first actuator 20 is adapted to pivot the support arm 11 so as to position
`the wheel 5 either to project from the frame 2, as indicated by reference
`numeral 60 in FIG. 2, or to be retracted inside the frame 2, as indicated by
`reference numeral 70 in FIG. 3, and vice versa.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`

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`9
`
`The support arm 11 is pivotably connected to the frame 2 by means ofa first
`hole 22 receiving a pin 12 hinged or connected to the frame 2.
`In order to
`pivot the support arm 11 relative the frame 2, the first acutator 20 comprises
`an extendable actuation memberin the form of a body 20bslidably receiving
`an extendable rod 20a. The body 20b of the first actuator 20 is pivotably
`supported on the frame 2 of the work machine 1. A second hole 23 providedin
`the support arm 11 receives a pin 24 hinged to the extendable rod 20a of the
`first actuator 20. As is readily seen in FIGs. 2 and 3, by extending the rod 20a,
`the support arm 11 is pivoted from the projecting position of the wheel 5 toits
`retracted postion relative to the frame. Preferably, the first actuator 20 is also
`
`realised as a hydraulic jack.
`
`lt is noted that the support arm 11 is the only support for connecting the rear
`
`wheel support including the sleeve 132 to the frame 2. The second actuator
`21 does not take up any support load. The second actuator 21 is only used for
`rotating the sleeve 132 and consequently the rear wheel support about the
`
`vertical axis Z of the wheel 5.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Turning again to the support arm 11, FIG. 4 showsthat this arm 11 is provided
`also with a seat 131 receiving an actuator 50 which is preferably a hydraulic
`
`20
`
`25
`
`jack. The actuator 50 is used for blocking a rotary movement of the support
`arm 11 with respect to the frame 2. The actuator 50 is mounted in the seat
`131 provided in the support arm 11. A stem 51 of the actuator 50 can be
`inserted into holes 52, 52a provided in the frame 2 so as to block or Jock the
`support arm 11 and prevent the articulation apparatus 10 from pivoting the
`support arm 11 relative to the frame 2. Blocking or locking the articulation
`apparatus 10 in this manner will also lock or block the wheel 5 supported by
`
`the inside column 132 in the retracted position 70 and in the projecting
`
`position 60 relative to the frame 2,
`
`respectively. However,
`
`the articulation
`
`30
`
`apparatus 10, i.e.
`
`its second actuator 21, may still rotate the wheel 5 about
`
`the vertical axis Z.
`
`

`

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`WO 02/103117
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`.
`
`10
`
`PCT/EP02/04638
`
`The work machine 1 also includes an electric and electronic control device
`generally indicated by reference numeral 53 in FIG. 1. The control device 53
`is installed adjacent the drivers seat 3 so as to be conveniently accessible by
`the operator O in order to control in particular the pivoting movement of the
`
`5
`
`support arm 11, its locking or unlocking in the projecting and in the retracted
`position, and for rotating the wheel 5 about the vertical axis Z. These functions
`may be controlled either independently or coordinated, as will be described
`
`below.
`
`10
`
`Specifically, the control device 53 is connected to operative means (not shown
`in the drawings)
`for
`the actuating means 19.
`In case of the preferred
`
`embodiment,
`
`in which the first and second actuators 20 and 21 comprise
`
`hydraulic jacks,
`
`the operative means comprise distribution electro valves
`
`known per se having more ways and more positions so as to accurately
`control the actuation of the hydraulic jacks by pressurized oil. Also, the control
`
`15
`
`device 53 is electrically connected to the motion detector 36 so as to detect
`
`the rotational direction 8 about the vertical axis Z of the wheel 5. The control
`
`device 53 may be a separate control unit or it may be part of a central control
`unit operable to control a plurality of functions of the work machine 1. It is
`clear that the man skilled in the art will conceive many known and practical
`
`configurations of the contro! device 53 so as to realize the desired control
`
`functions.
`
`Industrial Applicability
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Operatively, the movement of the rear wheel 5 of the working machine 1
`
`now described by making reference to a start condition shown in FIG. 2,
`
`is
`
`in
`
`which the rear wheel 5 is arranged at the position 60 projecting from the frame
`
`2 and oriented with a vertical rotation track plane a arranged parallel to an
`
`30
`
`axis X defining the machine movementdirection.
`
`The rotation of the support arm 11 is effected by the first actuator 20. To pivot
`the support arm 11 and hence the wheel 5, the extendable rod 20a ofthe first
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-25 Filed 07/31/24 Page 14 of 32 PagelD #: 40655
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-25 Filed 07/31/24 Page 14 of 32 PageID #: 40655
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`WO 02/103117
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`PCT/EP02/04638
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`11
`
`actuator 20 is extended, with the consequence that the support arm 11 can be
`
`rotated clockwise as shownby arrowV,until the configuration shownin FIG. 3
`is reached with the wheel 5 being in its retracted position 70.
`
`5 When the wheel 5 reachesthe retracted position 70 as shown in FIG. 3, the
`
`stem 51 of the actuator 50 is inserted into the hole 52a provided in the frame
`
`2 so as to block the wheel 5 in the retracted position 70.
`
`If it is desired to move the wheel 5 from the retracted position 70 of FIG. 3 into
`
`10
`
`the projecting position 60 of FIG. 2, it is sufficient to actuate the first actuator
`
`20 in the opposite direction so as to retract the extendable rod 20a. Stability of
`the wheel 5 in the projecting position 60 is provided by the stem 51, whichis
`then inserted into the hole 52 provided in the frame 2.
`
`15
`
`In view of the aboveit is clear that the articulation apparatus 10 of provides
`
`for enhanced operational reliability compared with prior art work machines.
`
`The only weight or load bearing element of the articulation apparatus 10 is the
`
`support arm 11. The support arm 11 requires only one pivot point 12 at the
`
`frame 2 so as to allow a play-free or rigid rotational movement of the wheel 5
`
`20
`
`between the projecting and retracted positions 60 , 70, respectively. Thus, a
`
`more stable motion, less vibration and less wear are obtained with the work
`
`machine of the invention.
`
`It should be understood that through the use of a rotating inside column or
`
`25
`
`sleeve 132 together with a single support arm 11 of the articulation apparatus
`
`10 that is also adapted to rotate the inside column 132 and the wheel 5 by a
`
`selected amount about
`
`the vertical axis Z as the wheel shifts from the
`
`retracted position 70 to the projecting position 60, or vice versa, a swinging
`
`motion for the wheel assembly may be obtained.
`
`30
`
`A selected orientation of the vertical plane a of the wheel 5 relative to the
`
`frame can be maintained by sensing the rotational position of the ring 13 and
`thus the lifting column 32 or its sleeve 132, and accordingly coordinate the
`
`

`

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`PCT/EP02/04638
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`12
`
`rotational position B about the vertical axis Z with the extent of pivoting of the
`
`support arm 11 by the first actuator 20 so as to maintain the running direction
`
`of the wheel.
`
`5
`
`the control device 53 is adapted to detect relative rotation
`In particular,
`between the support arm 11 and the ring 13 by means of the movement
`detector 36, and may responsively actuate the second actuator 21 so as to
`
`rotate the wheel 5 aboutthe vertical axis Z in order to keep the vertical plane
`
`a of the wheel 5 always parallel to the movement direction X of the work
`
`10 machine until the rear wheel 5 is placed in the final retracted or projecting
`
`position 70 and 60, respectively. Thus it
`
`is possible to move the wheel 5
`
`betweenthe projecting position 60 and the retracted postion 70 in such a way
`
`that it remains always oriented along the advancementdirection of the work
`
`machine,
`
`i.e. with the vertical rotation plane «a substantially parallel
`
`to the
`
`15
`
`frame 2.
`
`Alternatively, it is possible to modify the wheel orientation B about the vertical
`
`axis Z either when the wheel
`
`is moved and when it
`
`is at a standstill.
`
`Specifically, the wheel 5 may be positioned by meansof the contro! device 53
`
`20
`
`ina selected rotational driection B about the vertical axis Z, i.e. clockwise or
`
`anticlockwise relative to the drawing plane of FIG. 2, by operating only the
`
`second actuator 21 and with the first actuator 20 for pivoting the support arm
`11 inactive. l.e. the wheel 5 may be rotated about the vertical axis Z,
`beit in
`
`the projecting position as shownin FIG. 2, or be it retracted relative to the
`
`25
`
`frame 2 as shown in FIG. 3. Further, the rotation of the wheel about the
`
`vertical axis Z is also independent of whether the work machine 1 is in motion
`
`or not, i.e. when it is at a standstill, by actuating the second actuator 21 via
`
`the control device 53. Especially when the work machine 1 is fitted with tracks
`
`this ensures maneuverability of the work machine 1
`
`in every position of the
`
`30
`
`track 5 between the fully projecting position 60 and the retracted position 70.
`
`in accordancewith the invention
`Thus, advantageously in the work machine 1
`it
`is possible to move and steer each wheel or track 5 through a single
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-25 Filed 07/31/24 Page 16 of 32 PagelD #: 40657
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`PCT/EP02/04638
`
`13
`
`respective articulation apparatus 10. Moreover, said moving and steering
`
`operations may be facilitated either independent or coordinated with each
`other. Particularly, steering may be carried out both when the wheelor track 4,
`5 is in the retracted position and whenit is arranged in a position projecting
`
`5S
`
`from the frame 2 whichis of particular advantage in case the machine is fitted
`with tracks instead of wheels. The movementof the wheelor track 5 from the
`
`projecting position 60 to the retracted position 70 relative to the frame 2 as
`
`well as its steering can be obtained by a single articulation apparatus 10
`
`provided with a first actuator 20 for the movementof the wheel or track 5 and
`
`10
`
`a second actuator 21 for the steering operation. Advantageously the operator
`O - without having to leave the o