Abstract: A locking pin system is operated through an air spring which rotates a torque tube to remove a spring bias from a multiple of locking pins. Operation of the locking pin system is controlled by a trailer spring brake valve which operates in response to actuation of the slider parking brakes.

Abstract: A locking pin system is operated through an air spring which rotates a torque tube to remove a spring bias from a multiple of locking pins. Operation of the locking pin system is controlled by a trailer spring brake valve which operates in response to actuation of the slider parking brakes.

Abstract: A self-steering auxiliary axle assembly having an elastic member for use as a steering damper is provided. The axle assembly has a frame with an axle supported by the frame in spaced relation therefrom with retracted and highway positions. At least one air spring is arranged between the axle and the frame. The air spring is actuateable between an operative mode for damping the axle in the highway position and a non-operative mode when in the retracted position. The axle has opposing ends with spindle assemblies pivotally supported thereon for permitting rotation of said spindle assemblies relative to said axle. Steering arms extend from the spindle assemblies. A control rod interconnects the steering arms for linking the spindle assemblies together. The elastic member interconnects one of the steering arms and the axle for damping the rotation of the spindle assemblies relative to the axle.

Abstract: A operating system for slider locking pins includes an air compressor connected to an air supply tank. An air pressure protection valve is connected to the air tank to protect the brake system of the trailer. A flipper valve is connected to the air pressure protection valve and provides selective fluid communication between the air tank and a plurality of locking pin driver assemblies. Each locking pin driver assembly is adapted to move a locking pin to a disengaged position when in fluid communication with the air tank while being adapted to move the locking pin to the engaged position when not in fluid communication with the air tank. Each driver assembly is configured to substantially provide protection to each of its elements from adverse weather conditions and articles thrown up from the road. In one embodiment, the driver assembly includes a fixed bracket attached to the frame of the sliding undercarriage. A traveling bracket is connected to a locking pin.

Abstract: A suspension repositioning system for a trailer is provided that includes a trailer frame having spaced apart rails with a plurality of sets of holes in the rails. A suspension unit is movable relative to the frame along the rails. The suspension unit has a set of pins movable between locked and unlocked positions which are engageable with one of the plurality of sets of holes in the locked position to secure the suspension unit to the trailer frame. A speed sensor detects a speed of the suspension unit, and a pin position sensor detects the unlocked position of at least one of the pins. An alarm is connected with the speed sensor and the pin position sensor. The alarm sends an alert signal in response to the speed sensor detecting a predetermined speed and the pin position sensor detecting the at least one of the pins in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A operating system for slider locking pins includes an air compressor connected to an air supply tank. An air pressure protection valve is connected to the air tank to protect the brake system of the trailer. A flipper valve is connected to the air pressure protection valve and provides selective fluid communication between the air tank and a plurality of locking pin driver assemblies. Each locking pin driver assembly is adapted to move a locking pin to a disengaged position when in fluid communication with the air tank while being adapted to move the locking pin to the engaged position when not in fluid communication with the air tank. Each driver assembly is configured to substantially provide protection to each of its elements from adverse weather conditions and articles thrown up from the road. In one embodiment, the driver assembly includes a fixed bracket attached to the frame of the sliding undercarriage. A traveling bracket is connected to a locking pin.

Abstract: A multi-mode trailer suspension system for use on a highway and a railroad is provided. The suspension system has a frame and a sub-frame pivotally connected to the frame. At least one lower suspension arm is pivotally connected to one of either the frame or the sub-frame. The lower suspension arm supports an axle assembly. At least one suspension spring is arranged between the sub-frame and the lower suspension arm to provide damping. At least one bi-directional actuator interconnects the frame and the sub-frame for moving the sub-frame relative to the frame to a plurality of positions, namely a highway position, a rail position, and a transition position. Accordingly, the bi-directional actuator is used to raise and lower the trailer without using the suspension springs.

Abstract: A operating system for slider locking pins includes an air compressor connected to an air supply tank. An air pressure protection valve is connected to the air tank to protect the brake system of the trailer. A flipper valve is connected to the air pressure protection valve and provides selective fluid communication between the air tank and a plurality of locking pin driver assemblies. Each locking pin driver assembly is adapted to move a locking pin to a disengaged position when in fluid communication with the air tank while being adapted to move the locking pin to the engaged position when not in fluid communication with the air tank. Each driver assembly is configured to substantially provide protection to each of its elements from adverse weather conditions and articles thrown up from the road. In one embodiment, the driver assembly includes a fixed bracket attached to the frame of the sliding undercarriage. A traveling bracket is connected to a locking pin.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system that is especially useful for truck trailer suspensions includes an adjustable support that stabilizes the vehicle when desired. The adjustable support preferably is hydraulic having a housing and a movable shaft. One end of the movable shaft preferably engages a receiver portion on a suspension beam to either adjust a position of the suspension beam relative to an underside of a truck trailer or to effectively lock the suspension beam into a desired position.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for a vehicle having a beam type suspension system is disclosed. The beam-to-axle connection includes an axle connection, a beam connection and a resilient member located therebetween. The resilient member forms a continuous path between the axle connection and the beam connection such that the axle connection and the beam connection do not directly interface at any point. The axle connection includes a saddle plate, which retains the axle, and a pair of extension plates which are connectable to the saddle plate and extend down along both sides of the beam. The resilient member is of a non-uniform shape and thickness and includes a continuum of loci which is designed and shaped so that each locus assumes its fair share, but not more, of the torsional, vertical and horizontal forces exerted on the resilient member during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a lift axle suspension system employing an extendible air chamber in which the lifting mechanism is located. The mechanism for lifting the vehicle's wheels out of road engagement includes a spirally coiled spring connected to a reel having a cable wrapped around it. The unwrapped end of the cable is connected to the vehicle and the reel is connected to the suspension. When air is supplied to the air chamber it extends, lowering the wheels into road engagement. In doing so, the chamber acts against the normal bias of the spirally coiled spring, playing out the cable as the reel rotates. Release of air from the chamber causes the bias of the spring to automatically rotate the reel in the opposite direction which in turn takes up the cable and raises the wheels from the road surface. Preloading of the spring serves to hold the suspension firmly in its riding position. The predetermined length of cable to be played out serves as a stop or shock absorber against over-extension of the air chamber.