Abstract: A steering system is provided for a vehicle including a frame. Upper and lower control arms have first end portions that are pivotally supported on the frame at first spaced apart connections. The control arms also each include second end portions that are pivotally connected to an intermediate support member at second spaced apart connections. A steer knuckle is pivotally supported by the intermediate support member at third spaced apart connections that define a king pin axis. A drive motor is mounted on the intermediate support member and is coupled to the steering knuckle to rotate the steering knuckle about the king pin axis relative to the intermediate support member. A gear set may also be used in conjunction with the drive motor and steering knuckle. The intermediate support member is constrained against forward and aft movement, but is permitted to move upward and downward with the control arms.

Abstract: A driveline assembly for interconnecting one driveline component to another driveline component includes a vibration dampening mechanism. The vibration dampening mechanism is installed between a universal joint member and a companion flange. The universal joint member is coupled to a driveshaft and the companion flange is coupled to a drive axle member. A resilient member is secured between the universal joint and the companion flange for absorbing vibrations transmitted between the axle member and the driveshaft. Together the universal joint and companion flange define a central axis. The resilient member is compressible in a linear direction along the central axis to absorb vibrations.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly is provided which facilitates maintenance of the wheel end assembly, and further provides a more secure bearing housing. The spindle is caused to rotate with the drive axle, and is in turn connected to drive a wheel hub. In other features, a housing mounts a bearing cup structure which surrounds the spindle, and has a piloting land for positioning a brake torque plate or a spider, along with the bearing cup. A tone wheel is sandwiched between two nuts, and is caused to rotate with the spindle. The tone wheel includes a tab extending into an opening on the washer such that the washer rotates with the tone wheel. The overall assembly facilitates maintenance and assembly, and provides a more secure environment for the bearing structure.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly includes a first bearing assembly, a wheel hub, a grease retainer, and a second bearing assembly mounted on a spindle. The grease retainer extends between and in engagement with the first bearing cup, and the second bearing cup. The grease retainer is formed of a resilient material, to maintain the retainer against the bearing cups such that the required grease fill is reduced and prevents grease from escaping the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A vehicle data storage system in communication with a diagnostic unit provides a “quick fault” screen which summarizes event data stored within a storage device of the vehicle data storage system. The “quick fault” screen displays a plurality of keys organized in matrix format to display an overview of fault conditions through animation and/or coloring of each key in response to the event data stored within the storage device. By selecting any animated/colored key, a more detailed representation of the event data stored in the storage device for the particular fault condition is presented. The detailed subsystem screen presents the event data recorded within the storage device in a graphical and/or tabulation format showing associate subsytem parameters over time.

Abstract: A lightweight vehicle suspension which is particularly useful for a drive axle uses V-shaped suspension members mounted vertically above the drive axle. The V-shaped members are pivotally connected to the vehicle frame, and an apex of the a-shape is connected at a ball joint to the axle. A lower connecting rod set is also mounted beneath the drive axle. Preferably, there are two of the V-shaped members above the axle and two of the connecting rods below the axle. The overall combination provides a lightweight suspension system that will resist all forces on the axle.

Abstract: An improved differential lock is self-setting. A movable lock member is driven to reciprocate between two hydraulic chambers at a speed which increases when there is increasing relative movement between a shaft and differential case. As the movable lock member increases its speed, the resistance to further movement of the lock member due to the hydraulic fluid increases. Preferably, the movable lock member has a pin received in a cam groove in the shaft, and another pin received at an axial groove in the case. The movable lock member is thus constrained to rotate with the case, and is caused to reciprocate as the pin moves within the cam groove in the shaft. A fluid passage through the lock member allows fluid to move between the opposed hydraulic chambers. However, a valve closes this passage as the movable lock member increases its speed. As the passage is restricted, the hydraulic fluid resists further movement of the lock member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for automatically shutting down a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle system for performing a vehicle function such as brakes for performing braking of the vehicle. A vehicle control system controls the vehicle system by controlling valve switches or actuators to manipulate the vehicle system. A portable handheld computing device includes a program defining a vehicle shutdown sequence. Preferably, the portable handheld computing device is what is known as a personal digital assistant (PDA), such as a Handspring® or Palmpilot®. A cradle removably receives the portable handheld computing device to connect the portable handheld computing device with the vehicle control system, such as through the vehicle databus. A switch enables the portable handheld computing device to command the vehicle control system to perform the vehicle shutdown sequence.

Abstract: A brake pad comprises a first pad layer made of a first friction material and a second pad layer made of a second friction material different from the first friction material and operatively mounted to the first pad layer The first pad layer has a higher level of friction initially and the second pad layer has a higher level of friction after wearing and the first pad layer is less wcar resistant than the second pad layer. As the first pad layer wears away, the second pad layer commences to wear or “break-in.” Because the wearing is uneven at the interface, portions of the first pad layer continue to offer an immediate and higher level of friction as portions of the second pad layer “break-in” gradually to offer the high level of friction. Eventually, the first pad layer wears away, leaving the second pad layer already “broken-in” for a long-lasting life.

Abstract: A retaining clip is used to maintain proper shoe contact and orientation for a cam actuated brake assembly. The brake assembly includes a pair of brake shoes each having an anchor end and an actuation end. Each brake shoe is pivotally mounted at the anchor end to a brake spider with an anchor pin. When the brakes are applied, a cam acts against the actuation end causing the brake shoes to pivot about axes defined by the anchor pins. Preferably the retaining clip is mounted to the brake shoe and includes a pair of hooks that support opposite ends of the anchor pin. The retaining clip cooperates with the anchor pins to maintain proper shoe geometry.

Abstract: An automatic axle engagement system utilizes wheel speed sensors, engine control, and braking control to provide optimal engagement of a front drive axle to provide all wheel drive under poor driving conditions. The system includes a transfer case that is coupled to a power source and which has output shafts for front and rear drive axles. The engine provides torque to the transfer case via an input shaft. Wheel sensors generate wheel speed signals that are transmitted to a controller, which determined whether or not there is wheel slip. The controller initiates a shift to drivingly engage the front drive axle if there is wheel slippage by controlling one or both of the output torque or axle braking forces to bring rotational speeds of the input shaft and the rear axle output shaft within a predetermined speed range.

Abstract: Tandem drive axles include a pair of drive axles interconnected by a thru-shaft. An inter-axle differential allows speed differentiation between the pair of axles. Differences in tire rolling radii and variations in axle load distribution between the pair of drive axles are examples of why axle differentiation is needed. By measuring and monitoring wheel speed and/or tire pressure, tire rolling radii differences can be determined and appropriate adjustments can be made to tire pressures to provide a common tire rolling radii range for all tires. In addition to tire pressure adjustment, by adjusting other axle parameters that affect axle performance, such as suspension height and weight distribution, the need for axle differentiation is eliminated.

Abstract: A universal friction lining support is affixed on or just under the surface of a friction lining to resist wear and vibrations caused by the road, eliminating the need for a backing plate. The support is configured to fit in the corners of friction linings of various lining assembly sizes. Extensions on the exterior edge of the support locate the friction lining relative to the caliper housing as the piston is engaged. Various attachment features, such as holes or protrusions, can be also added to the support to secure the support to the friction lining.

Abstract: A system measures multiple operational angles of a driveline assembly and compares the signals to each other to determine whether the angles and the respective driveline components are properly balanced. Different types of sensor assemblies can be used to measure the operational angles including various types of contact and non-contact sensors. In one example, the operational angle between one axle differential case and a corresponding universal joint can be compared to the operational angle between another axle differential case and corresponding universal joint mounted at an opposite end of the driveline. If the angles are equal or very close to one another than the angles are properly balanced. If the ratio between the two angles exceeds a predetermined limit, the driveline components are not properly balanced and the components can be repositioned to avoid premature wear.

Abstract: An improved transfer case has fewer parts than the prior art to achieve the pneumatic three-position function. In the prior art the pneumatic cylinders were provided by bolt-on housings which required additional components to achieve a fluid tight connection. The present invention incorporates its fluid cylinders within bores formed into the transfer case housings. In this way, the required number of housing components is greatly reduced compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A steering assembly interconnects right and left wheel ends on a vehicle. The steering assembly includes right and left steering knuckles that each support tie rod arms. One of the knuckles includes a steering arm that receives steering input from the vehicle's steering wheel. A tie rod assembly includes a cross-tube and a pair of tie rod end assemblies that connect the tie rod arms to the cross-tube. The tie rod assembly transmits the steering input force from the steering arm knuckle to the opposite knuckle. Ball studs are used to connect each of the tie rod ends to the respective tie rod arm. A support member is mounted to the tie rod arm or ball stud to prevent separation of the tie rod end from the respective ball stud as tie rod end components wear or fail. The support member includes a lower portion that extends underneath the tie rod end and an upper end that engages the tie rod arm or ball stud assemblies to prevent separation.

Abstract: An improved transfer case has fewer parts than the prior art to achieve the pneumatic three-position function. In the prior art the pneumatic cylinders were provided by bolt-on housings which required additional components to achieve a fluid tight connection.

Abstract: A temperature indicator is mounted within a wheel hub to generate a warning signal when a wheel end component overheats. The temperature indicator comprises a thermal battery that is activated only when the wheel end component exceed a predetermined temperature. Once activated the battery powers an RF transmitter to generate a wireless warning signal that is transmitted to a remote receiver to display a warning.

Abstract: A refrigerant fluid is placed within a driveline component, and in particular an axle housing. This refrigerant fluid is received within a sealed reservoir such that it is sealed from the typical lubricant in the driveline component. The lubricant heats the refrigerant through a housing such that the refrigerant vaporizes within the driveline component housing, thus cooling the lubricant. The vaporized refrigerant travels to a cooling chamber mounted remotely from the reservoir. The cooled refrigerant is cooled to a liquid state, and then returned to the reservoir. Preferably the cooling chamber is positioned on the vehicle frame vertically above the driveline component.

Abstract: A number of improved ways of connecting a slider to a trailer frame are disclosed. In one general type of solution, a wedge-shaped locking surface is formed on both the slider and the trailer. The wedged surfaces provide a very secure connection. In another general way of describing the embodiments, several of the embodiments have a plurality of locking surfaces which again provide a more secure connection.