Patents by Inventor R. Scott Fulton
R. Scott Fulton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240116320Abstract: An under beam lift assembly for a heavy-duty vehicle that is removably connectable with an axle/suspension system of the heavy-duty vehicle. The under beam lift assembly includes structure that enables the lift assembly to pivot in an axis different than an axis of a pivotal connection between a suspension assembly and a hanger of the axle/suspension system. The under beam lift assembly is free of contact with the pivotal connection between the suspension assembly and the hanger of the axle/suspension system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Gavin M. Rundell, Dominic J. Romito, Jason W. Jones, R. Scott Fulton
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Publication number: 20230311994Abstract: A subframe for heavy-duty vehicles, the subframe comprising a pair of elongated, longitudinal main members; at least one pair of hangers; and a battery storage structure integrated into the subframe. Each hanger of the at least one pair of hangers is attached to a respective one of the main members.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Jeff R. Zawacki, R. Scott Fulton, David M. Morar, JR.
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Patent number: 10953499Abstract: A brake system component axle mount for a vehicle axle/suspension system includes an axle having at least one depression formed therein. A sleeve is formed with at least one depression and disposed about the axle so that the axle depression and the sleeve depression matingly engage one another to form a mated pair of depressions. A brake mount assembly is rigidly attached to the sleeve. A method of forming the brake system component axle mount includes providing an axle and disposing a sleeve about the axle. At least one mated pair of depressions is simultaneously formed in the axle and the sleeve. A brake mount assembly is rigidly attached to the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, Andrew J. Westnedge, Dmitriy E. Rubalskiy, Michael J. Keeler, Phillippi R. Pierce
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Patent number: 10759245Abstract: An axle/suspension assembly for a heavy-duty vehicle supported by a frame and a hanger includes a beam, an axle, and a bumper. The axle is supported by a first portion of the beam for pivotal movement of the beam relative to the hanger at a pivot joint. The first portion of the beam is located on a first side of the pivot joint. The bumper is fixed to at least one of the frame, the hanger, and a second portion of the beam. The second portion of the beam is located on an opposite second side of the pivot joint. The bumper includes a portion for contacting structure of at least another of the frame, the hanger, and the beam to limit pivotal movement of the axle in one direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, John E. Ramsey, Donald R. Hester, Benedetto A. Naples, Jacob D. Andreasen
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Publication number: 20200254843Abstract: An axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle including a wheel and a sensor. The sensor is operatively connected to an air spring mounted on the axle/suspension system and is capable of detecting a condition of a road or the heavy-duty vehicle. The air spring has a stiffness capable of being altered in response to the sensor and to reduce resonant load variation on the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, Damon Delorenzis
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Patent number: 10703155Abstract: A bushing for use in an axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle. A beam supports an axle for pivotal movement with a hanger of the heavy-duty vehicle at a pivot connection. A bumper is fixed to the beam and contacts an engagement member of the heavy-duty vehicle to limit the relative pivotal movement of the beam and axle in one direction. A force is applied to the pivot connection in a force application direction that is angularly spaced from horizontal and vertical planes. The pivot connection includes a bushing to connect the beam and the hanger. The bushing includes an elastomeric bushing body with at least one void for decreasing rigidity of the bushing body in a substantially vertical direction. The one void is located in the bushing body angularly spaced from the force application direction. The bushing body is substantially solid along the force application direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: Donald R. Hester, R. Scott Fulton, Ross Leonard, Randy J. Zimmerman, James J. Patterson
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Patent number: 10525769Abstract: An axle and wheel end assembly includes a tubular axle housing with an annular end surface. The axle and wheel end assembly also includes a spindle with an annular end surface welded to the annular end surface of the tubular axle housing at an attachment periphery. The axle and wheel end assembly further includes reinforcing structure fixed to the tubular axle housing and spindle. The reinforcing structure is located to encompass at least a portion of the attachment periphery.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: Dane Gregg, R. Scott Fulton, Phillippi R. Pierce, Jay D. White, Jeffrey R. Wittlinger
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Patent number: 10343668Abstract: An air disc brake system for a heavy-duty vehicle comprising an axle. A spindle is attached to an end portion of the axle. At least a portion of an air disc brake assembly is supported by the spindle. A suspension beam has an axle support portion connectable with the axle. An end portion of the suspension beam is spaced from the axle support portion for attachment with the heavy-duty vehicle. The suspension beam may pivot about the end portion of the suspension beam. An actuator actuates the air disc brake assembly. The actuator has a movable member to actuate the air disc brake assembly. Structure is associated with the suspension beam for supporting at least a portion of the actuator. A surface defines an opening in the suspension beam through which the movable member may extend or that may receive and support a portion of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, Jeffrey R. Wittlinger, John E. Ramsey, Donald R. Hester, Benedetto Naples, Matthew Karich
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Patent number: 10286746Abstract: An air-ride axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle. A frame and at least a pair of suspension assemblies support opposite ends of an axle for movement relative to the frame. An air spring is associated with one of the suspension assemblies that establishes a first relative position between the axle and the frame as a function of fluid pressure in the air spring. A tire and wheel assembly is operatively mounted to an end portion of the axle associated with the air spring. A sensor detects an inflation condition of the tire and wheel assembly. A venting system exhausts fluid pressure from the air spring to establish a second relative position between the axle and the frame that is different than the first relative position in response to detecting a predetermined inflation condition of the tire and wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventor: R. Scott Fulton
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Publication number: 20190054787Abstract: An axle/suspension assembly for a heavy-duty vehicle supported by a frame and a hanger includes a beam, an axle, and a bumper. The axle is supported by a first portion of the beam for pivotal movement of the beam relative to the hanger at a pivot joint. The first portion of the beam is located on a first side of the pivot joint. The bumper is fixed to at least one of the frame, the hanger, and a second portion of the beam. The second portion of the beam is located on an opposite second side of the pivot joint. The bumper includes a portion for contacting structure of at least another of the frame, the hanger, and the beam to limit pivotal movement of the axle in one direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2018Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, John E. Ramsey, Donald R. Hester, Benedetto A. Naples, Jacob D. Andreasen
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Publication number: 20190054786Abstract: A bushing for use in an axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle. A beam supports an axle for pivotal movement with a hanger of the heavy-duty vehicle at a pivot connection. A bumper is fixed to the beam and contacts an engagement member of the heavy-duty vehicle to limit the relative pivotal movement of the beam and axle in one direction. A force is applied to the pivot connection in a force application direction that is angularly spaced from horizontal and vertical planes. The pivot connection includes a bushing to connect the beam and the hanger. The bushing includes an elastomeric bushing body with at least one void for decreasing rigidity of the bushing body in a substantially vertical direction. The one void is located in the bushing body angularly spaced from the force application direction. The bushing body is substantially solid along the force application direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2018Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Donald R. Hester, R. Scott Fulton, Ross Leonard, Randy J. Zimmerman, James J. Patterson
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Publication number: 20190047535Abstract: An air actuated brake system for use on a heavy-duty vehicle having a frame. Each of a first pair of air actuated brake assemblies is mounted to a first axle supported by the frame. Each of a second pair of air actuated brake assemblies is mounted to a second axle supported by the frame. A source of pressurized air is provided. Valve structure is in fluid communication with the source of pressurized air. The valve structure is located substantially central relative to each of the air actuated brake assemblies. Conduits of substantially equal length and/or volume fluidly connect the valve structure with the first pair of air actuated brake assemblies and with the second pair of air actuated brake assemblies to actuate the air actuated brake assemblies at substantially the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, Donald R. Hester, Benedetto A. Naples, Matthew P. Karich
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Publication number: 20180117965Abstract: An axle and wheel end assembly includes a tubular axle housing with an annular end surface. The axle and wheel end assembly also includes a spindle with an annular end surface welded to the annular end surface of the tubular axle housing at an attachment periphery. The axle and wheel end assembly further includes reinforcing structure fixed to the tubular axle housing and spindle. The reinforcing structure is located to encompass at least a portion of the attachment periphery.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Dane Gregg, R. Scott Fulton, Phillippi R. Pierce, Jay D. White, Jeffrey R. Wittlinger
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Publication number: 20180043743Abstract: An air-ride axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle. A frame and at least a pair of suspension assemblies support opposite ends of an axle for movement relative to the frame. An air spring is associated with one of the suspension assemblies that establishes a first relative position between the axle and the frame as a function of fluid pressure in the air spring. A tire and wheel assembly is operatively mounted to an end portion of the axle associated with the air spring. A sensor detects an inflation condition of the tire and wheel assembly. A venting system exhausts fluid pressure from the air spring to establish a second relative position between the axle and the frame that is different than the first relative position in response to detecting a predetermined inflation condition of the tire and wheel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventor: R. Scott Fulton
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Patent number: 9849745Abstract: A suspension system can include an air spring, an air reservoir external to the air spring, and a flow control device which variably restricts flow of air between the air spring and the air reservoir. Flow between the air spring and the air reservoir may be permitted in response to compliance of the suspension system, and the air spring can have an internal air volume at least 2½ times as great may permit flow between the air spring and the air reservoir in response to a predetermined pressure differential level across the flow control device. Multiple air reservoirs can be internal to an axle, or other suspension system or vehicle component, and can be isolated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: HENDRICKSON USA, L.L.C.Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, John E. Ramsey, Kimm L. Carr, Brett L. Muckelrath, Thomas J. Long, William W. Brewer, Damon Delorenzis, Andrew J. Westnedge
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Publication number: 20170259800Abstract: An air disc brake system for a heavy-duty vehicle comprising an axle. A spindle is attached to an end portion of the axle. At least a portion of an air disc brake assembly is supported by the spindle. A suspension beam has an axle support portion connectable with the axle. An end portion of the suspension beam is spaced from the axle support portion for attachment with the heavy-duty vehicle. The suspension beam may pivot about the end portion of the suspension beam. An actuator actuates the air disc brake assembly. The actuator has a movable member to actuate the air disc brake assembly. Structure is associated with the suspension beam for supporting at least a portion of the actuator. A surface defines an opening in the suspension beam through which the movable member may extend or that may receive and support a portion of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, Jeffrey R. Wittlinger, John E. Ramsey, Donald R. Hester, Benedetto Naples, Matthew Karich
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Patent number: 9744824Abstract: A damping air spring and shock absorber combination for heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension systems includes a damping air spring and a shock absorber both operatively attached to the axle/suspension system. The damping air spring primarily provides damping to the axle/suspension system over a first range of frequencies. The shock absorber primarily provides damping to the axle/suspension system over a second range of frequencies. The first range of frequencies is from about 0.0 Hz to about 6.0 Hz and the second range of frequencies is from about 0.0 Hz to about 13.0 Hz.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: HENDRICKSON USA, L.L.C.Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, Andrew J. Westnedge, Thomas J. Long
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Publication number: 20160280033Abstract: A damping air spring and shock absorber combination for heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension systems includes a damping air spring and a shock absorber both operatively attached to the axle/suspension system. The damping air spring primarily provides damping to the axle/suspension system over a first range of frequencies. The shock absorber primarily provides damping to the axle/suspension system over a second range of frequencies. The first range of frequencies is from about 0.0 Hz to about 6.0 Hz and the second range of frequencies is from about 0.0 Hz to about 13.0 Hz.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, Andrew J. Westnedge, Thomas J. Long
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Publication number: 20140300076Abstract: A suspension system can include an air spring, an air reservoir external to the air spring, and a flow control device which variably restricts flow of air between the air spring and the air reservoir. Flow between the air spring and the air reservoir may be permitted in response to compliance of the suspension system, and the air spring can have an internal air volume at least 2½ times as great may permit flow between the air spring and the air reservoir in response to a predetermined pressure differential level across the flow control device. Multiple air reservoirs can be internal to an axle, or other suspension system or vehicle component, and can be isolated from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicants: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing Inc., Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, John E. Ramsey, Kimm L. Carr, Brett L. Muckelrath, Thomas J. Long, William W. Brewer, Damon Delorenzis, Andrew J. Westnedge
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Patent number: 8851492Abstract: An axle/suspension system for heavy-duty vehicles having a frame and at least one suspension assembly operatively connected to the frame, the axle/suspension system including a mechanical stop having a plurality of links and a first end and a second end, the second end rigidly attached to the suspension assembly and the first end rigidly attached to the vehicle frame, wherein the first end and the second end control a distance between the first end and the second end, and control the plurality of links to attain a movement tolerance range of said mechanical stop from about 0.0 inches to about 2.0 inches.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: Jacob Andreasen, R. Scott Fulton, John E. Ramsey, Ryan J. Lippincott