Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including a mainspring connected to at least one axle of the vehicle, a hanger attached to the vehicle frame for retaining the mainspring while permitting vertical travel thereof within a predetermined range, and an auxiliary spring. A spring force multiplication mechanism connects the auxiliary spring to the mainspring so that the force exerted by the auxiliary spring is multiplied and applied to the mainspring, urging the mainspring toward the lower end of its travel range.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system in which an auxiliary spring having a lower spring rate than the mainspring provides a resilient ride under empty or lightly loaded conditions by urging the mainspring toward the lower limit of its vertical travel. The auxiliary spring, which can be added to an existing suspension system of conventional design, extends along the underside of the vehicle frame toward a hanger in which the mainspring is inserted. A sliding bracket with an anti-friction liner is carried by the auxiliary spring and engages the mainspring to reduce wear.The size of the auxiliary spring is minimized by the use of multiple leaves. A pivoted attachment of the auxiliary spring permits its position to be adapted to the dimensions of a particular vehicle by varying the size or configuration of a spacer.

Abstract: A thermal enclosure for use as a furnace having non-structural pads of pliant, low density material made of randomly interwoven ceramic fibers that form a continuous insulating layer overlying its interior surface. The pads can be interlocked along their edges and are held in place by hangers secured to the walls. Each hanger includes a pin driven into the wall, a plurality of vertical rods that extend into the pads and a cross piece that ties the rods to the pin. Since the hangers do not extend all the way through the pads, they are insulated from the interior furnace temperatures.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system in which an auxiliary spring having a lower spring rate than the mainspring provides a resilient ride under empty or lightly loaded conditions by urging the mainspring toward the lower limit of its vertical travel. The auxiliary spring, which can be added to an existing suspension system of conventional design, extends continuously, without any stress concentrating reverse bends, from a selected point of attachment on the bottom of the frame to a hanger that retains an end of the mainspring. To accommodate differences in vehicle construction and make fine adjustments in the auxiliary spring rate, the point of attachment of the auxiliary spring to the frame can be varied or a wedge between the spring and the frame can be repositioned.

Abstract: An anti-sway mechanism for motor vehicles in which a pair of levers transmit a reaction force transversely of the vehicle to counteract tilting moments, thereby holding the vehicle body relatively upright and distributing the weight uniformly on the wheels. The levers are connected to the body at their outer ends, connected to each other at their inner ends, and pivotable on fulcrums supported on the axle housing. An added spring assist for the vehicle suspension system is provided by the resiliency of the levers.

Abstract: A free standing thermal enclosure for use as part of an oven, furnace or refrigeration system, including a plurality of adjoining insulating walls and a ceiling spaced inwardly from and supported by an open skeletal framework. The walls and ceiling are formed by interlocking, non-structural pads of a pliant, low density, insulating material that can be made of interlaced ceramic fibers.