Abstract: A powered vehicle suspension assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to be attached to a powered vehicle frame rail, a trailing arm assembly including a substantially rigid trailing arm having a first end pivotably coupled with the mounting bracket and a second end, where the trailing arm assembly is configured to operably couple with a powered vehicle axle arrangement, a spring arrangement supported by the second end of the trailing arm, and a structural reinforcement cross-member configured to extend between and couple with a pair of powered vehicle frame rails.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method have a sensor positioned above a rear axle attached to a brake of a trailer. The sensor detects whether the temperature of the brake exceeds a threshold temperature. A light is mounted on the trailer and activates in response to the temperature of the brake exceeding the threshold temperature. A handle is pulled to distribute a fluid on the rear axle of the trailer. A conduit extends across the underside of the trailer wherein the conduit carries the fluid. A nozzle sprays the fluid over the rear axle.

Abstract: A powered vehicle suspension assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to be attached to a powered vehicle frame rail, a trailing arm assembly including a substantially rigid trailing arm having a first end pivotably coupled with the mounting bracket and a second end, where the trailing arm assembly is configured to operably couple with a powered vehicle axle arrangement, a spring arrangement supported by the second end of the trailing arm, and a structural reinforcement cross-member configured to extend between and couple with a pair of powered vehicle frame rails.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method have a sensor positioned above a rear axle attached to a brake of a trailer. The sensor detects whether the temperature of the brake exceeds a threshold temperature. A light is mounted on the trailer and activates in response to the temperature of the brake exceeding the threshold temperature. A handle is pulled to distribute a fluid on the rear axle of the trailer. A conduit extends across the underside of the trailer wherein the conduit carries the fluid. A nozzle sprays the fluid over the rear axle.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of designing disc brake pads. The method includes the step of developing a finite element model of a precursor brake pad design using dimensional and material property information of its backing plate and friction pad to perform a normal mode analysis of the precursor brake pad design. The method proceeds with the step of performing the normal mode analysis using the finite element model to determine whether there is an area on the friction surface having an excitation amplitude that is greater than a threshold value of amplitude. If an area having an excitation amplitude greater than the threshold value is determined, the precursor brake pad design is modified to provide a brake pad design having a relieved portion in the area.

Abstract: The subject invention generally relates to a disc brake pad which has reduced brake squeal in response to a braking event by the incorporation of a relieved portion to the center section of a friction pad along an outer edge or inner edge thereof, or along both edges. The invention is a disc brake pad which includes a backing plate and friction pad attached to the backing plate.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of designing disc brake pads. The method includes the step of developing a finite element model of a precursor brake pad design using dimensional and material property information of its backing plate and friction pad to perform a normal mode analysis of the precursor brake pad design. The method proceeds with the step of performing the normal mode analysis using the finite element model to determine whether there is an area on the friction surface having an excitation amplitude that is greater than a threshold value of amplitude. If an area having an excitation amplitude greater than the threshold value is determined, the precursor brake pad design is modified to provide a brake pad design having a relieved portion in the area.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for disc brake pads and a method of designing disc brake pads. The brake pads include a backing plate and a friction pad having a center section, an outer edge, an inner edge and a friction surface. The method includes the step of developing a finite element model of a precursor brake pad design using dimensional and material property information of the backing plate and friction pad to perform a normal mode analysis of the precursor brake pad design. The method proceeds with the step of performing the normal mode analysis using the finite element model to determine whether there is an area on the friction surface having an excitation amplitude that is greater than a threshold value of amplitude. If an area having an excitation amplitude greater than the threshold value is determined, the precursor brake pad design is modified to provide a brake pad design having a relieved portion in the area.

Abstract: A suspension assembly comprises an axle member extending between a pair of trailing beam assemblies, wherein each trailing beam assembly comprises first and second members pivotally coupled to one another that cooperate to form an aperture within which the axle member is clamped. Each trailing beam assembly comprises a first member having a first recess, and a second member that includes a second recess, wherein the first and second members are pivotally coupled to one another and are pivotable between a first position, wherein the first recess and second recess cooperate with one another to form an open aperture, and a second position, wherein the first recess and the second recess cooperate to form a first closed aperture that receives the axle member therethrough.