Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes a chassis rail. Also included is a pivot block operatively coupled to the chassis rail and rotatable relative to the chassis rail. Further included is a leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate an end of the leaf spring. Yet further included is a half leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and operatively coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a first chassis rail and a second chassis rail, each extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. Also included is a first leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the first leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the first chassis rail and at an intermediate location to an axle assembly of the vehicle. Further included is a second leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the second leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the second chassis rail and at an intermediate location to the axle assembly of the vehicle. Yet further included is at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes a chassis rail. Also included is a pivot block operatively coupled to the chassis rail and rotatable relative to the chassis rail. Further included is a leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate an end of the leaf spring. Yet further included is a half leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and operatively coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes a chassis rail. Also included is a pivot block operatively coupled to the chassis rail and rotatable relative to the chassis rail. Further included is a leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate an end of the leaf spring. Yet further included is a half leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and operatively coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a first chassis rail extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system also includes a second chassis rail extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system further includes a transverse beam coupled to the first chassis rail and the second chassis rail. The suspension system yet further includes at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable. The suspension system also includes a fulcrum locator operatively coupled to the at least one leaf spring and to the transverse beam, the fulcrum locator in a sliding relationship with the at least leaf one spring.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a first chassis rail extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system also includes a second chassis rail extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system further includes a transverse beam coupled to the first chassis rail and the second chassis rail. The suspension system yet further includes at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable. The suspension system also includes a fulcrum locator operatively coupled to the at least one leaf spring and to the transverse beam, the fulcrum locator in a sliding relationship with the at least leaf one spring.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a first chassis rail and a second chassis rail, each extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. Also included is a first leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the first leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the first chassis rail and at an intermediate location to an axle assembly of the vehicle. Further included is a second leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the second leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the second chassis rail and at an intermediate location to the axle assembly of the vehicle. Yet further included is at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes a chassis rail. Also included is a pivot block operatively coupled to the chassis rail and rotatable relative to the chassis rail. Further included is a leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate an end of the leaf spring. Yet further included is a half leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and operatively coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of making a reinforced composite structure wherein a reusable mold closure is mated to a mold to close off a mold cavity in which a reinforcement is positioned. The mold closure or mold includes a plurality of collapsible resin supply ports through which resin is pumped into the mold cavity from a source of resin to infuse or impregnate the reinforcement with resin. After the resin is introduced into the mold cavity, the resin residing in the resin supply ports is selectively cured to form respective cured resin plugs on which the resin supply ports collapse to seal them in air-tight manner. The resin residing in the mold and infused in the reinforcement is not cured at that time.