How Cycloidal Land Propulsion Began

The automotive home lawn mower is an example of the fact that conventional land vehicles possess very limited maneuverability characteristics. This paper describes the design of a completely maneuverable vehicle. Supported on wheels which are mounted on the periphery of a rotating undercarriage and steered sinusoidally to follow a cycloidal path, this vehicle maneuvers with great power and agility in every conceivable manner. Selectively variable mechanical advantage without lost motion and complete braking control are inherent features of its unique wheel and undercarriage arrangement. Various versions have application as tractors, forklifts, aircraft and missile ground handling vehicles, and the like.