Abstract: An axle housing assembly and a method of manufacture. A friction weld may join a spindle to an arm portion of the axle housing assembly. An extension weld may encircle the arm portion. The extension weld may extend from the friction weld in a direction that may extend away from the spindle.

Abstract: A method of making an interaxle differential unit. The method may include piercing a workpiece and then ring roll forging the workpiece to form an annular case that is a seamless ring. The annular case may be heat treated before installing an interaxle differential unit gear nest inside the annular case.

Abstract: An axle housing assembly and a method of manufacture. A friction weld may join a spindle to an arm portion of the axle housing assembly. An extension weld may encircle the arm portion. The extension weld may extend from the friction weld in a direction that may extend away from the spindle.

Abstract: A shift fork and a method of manufacture. The shift fork may be made by bending a rod to form a first prong, a second prong, and a ring portion. First and second intermediate segments of the rod may extend from the ring portion to the first and second prongs, respectively.

Abstract: A method of making an assembly having a cast iron subassembly. The method may include providing a steel insert having a first joining surface and bonding the steel insert to a cast iron part to form a cast iron subassembly such that the first joining surface may be an exterior surface of the cast iron subassembly.

Abstract: A shift fork and a method of manufacture. The shift fork may be made by bending a rod to form a first prong, a second prong, and a ring portion. First and second intermediate segments of the rod may extend from the ring portion to the first and second prongs, respectively.

Abstract: A brake rotor assembly having a brake rotor and a brake rotor weight. The brake rotor weight may be received between vanes of the brake rotor. The brake rotor weight may include a hook arm, a guide arm, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion may bias the hook arm in the guide arm against the vanes.

Abstract: A brake rotor assembly having a brake rotor and a brake rotor weight. The brake rotor weight may be received between vanes of the brake rotor. The brake rotor weight may include a hook arm, a guide arm, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion may bias the hook arm in the guide arm against the vanes.

Abstract: A system and method of making a welded assembly. The system may include a welding system and an ultrasonic inspection device. The welding system may be configured to weld a first part to a second part. The ultrasonic inspection device may transmit an ultrasonic beam to facilitate pre-weld inspection and/or post-weld inspection.

Abstract: A method of making an assembly having a cast iron subassembly. The method may include providing a steel insert having a first joining surface and bonding the steel insert to a cast iron part to form a cast iron subassembly such that the first joining surface may be an exterior surface of the cast iron subassembly.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly provides a plurality of drain openings located through a brake shoe table which correspond with drain openings in a brake lining. The aligned drain openings provide an unobstructed moisture escape path from an inner surface of the brake shoe table to minimize moisture retention and the possibility of corrosion.

Abstract: A method of welding an axle housing surface to a blank surface includes generated heat in one of the two components. Heat is generated from at least one of these surfaces at their interface sufficient to weld them together. The surfaces are then applied together.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A system for connecting a slider to a trailer frame includes a rotatable locking member having a plurality of teeth that engage with a plurality of openings in the trailer from. The locking member is biased by a rotary biasing in a locked position.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the vertical position of the transport trailer floor of a heavy trailer bearing vehicle having a pivoting air spring suspension system such that the transport trailer floor maintains a fixed position level to an adjacent dock platform when parked for loading or unloading. The mechanism comprises various embodiments of a locking system that disables the pivotal movement of selected pivoting suspension elements in any one of a plurality of possible fixed positions such that the transport trailer floor, when parked, resists downwardly imposed forces and maintains a fixed elevation equal to the elevation of an adjacent loading dock platform.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly provides a plurality of drain openings located through a brake shoe table which correspond with drain openings in a brake lining. The aligned drain openings provide an unobstructed moisture escape path from an inner surface of the brake shoe table to minimize moisture retention and the possibility of corrosion.

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.

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.

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.