Abstract: A rocking arm structure includes an arm body, a first wheel assembly connected to the arm body, a second wheel assembly connected to the arm body, and a shaft assembly disposed between the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly. The arm body can rotate relative to the main body around the shaft assembly, and drive the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly to revolve in a same direction around the shaft assembly. The first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly are both steering wheel assemblies or both directional wheel assemblies.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is provided having a differential carrier, the differential carrier including a forward surface having an input, the forward surface including a plurality of vertical ribs. In an example, the differential carrier may be used in a vehicle system for a rear differential of a drivetrain of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems are provided for an axle housing comprising at least one dam. In one example, an axle housing, comprising a center portion including a cavity configured to house a differential assembly and at least one dam arranged in an arm portion that extends from the center portion and is configured to receive an axle shaft, wherein the at least one dam comprises a flow facilitating protrusion that extends from the dam panel in a direction away from the center portion.

Abstract: In a pressing step, a first forged product is pressed by a first die, and thereby, a second forged product including a rough flange having a thickness-changing portion is produced. The thickness-changing portion includes a front part protruding frontward from a side of a rough web part and a rear part protruding rearward from the side of the rough web part. Each of the front part and the rear part includes a first part, and a second part that is thicker than the first part and is located farther from the rough web part than the first part. In the pressing step, at least a part of the rough flange that is above or below the web part (thick part) is pressed by the first die, whereby the material of the first forged product in the part is caused to flow frontward and rearward, and the thickness-changing portion is formed.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for a multi-link suspension system is provided, said bracket assembly mounted to a housing of an automotive vehicle, as opposed to a chassis of the automotive vehicle, enabling modularity and ease of replacement of the housing and adjustability of suspensions system components. The bracket assembly may have a body, wherein the body includes: an axle tube hole; one or more cross tube support holes; at least one trailing arm attachment portion having a first plurality of adjustment holes and a second plurality of adjustment holes; an anti-roll bar attachment portion having one or more attachment holes; and a shock attachment portion having a plurality of attachment holes. Further, the bracket assembly may include one or more engagement points, configured to support a number of said suspension system components, such as at least one trailing arm, an anti-roll bar, a shock absorber coupler, and a shock absorber.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a pair of rear wheels and a prop-shaft. A rear drive unit is operably coupled between the prop-shaft and the pair of rear wheels, the rear drive unit being configured to transmit torque from the prop-shaft to the pair of rear wheels. A twist-beam structure is provided having a first trailing arm and a second trailing arm. Each of the trailing arms is operably coupled to one of the pair of rear wheels. The twist-beam structure further comprising a curved beam member extending between the trailing arms, the curved beam member having a center portion disposed offset from the prop-shaft. A Watt linkage includes a first link coupled to the first trailing arm and a second link coupled to the second trailing arm.

Abstract: An electric axle for a vehicle, including an electric motor, a reduction gear section, a torque-distributing differential and two output shafts, where the electric motor, the torque-distributing differential and the two output shafts are disposed coaxially with a main transmission axis, and where the electric motor generates a drive torque which is reduced by the reduction gear section and distributed to the two output shafts via the torque-distributing differential, and further including a differential mechanism. The torque-distributing differential is designed as a planetary differential, and the differential mechanism is operatively connected to the torque-distributing differential via a shaft means disposed coaxially with the main transmission axis. The differential mechanism makes it possible to vary a speed difference and/or torque difference between the output shafts.

Abstract: A vehicle axle is provided with a main body defined by the combination of a channel having an inverted U-shaped configuration and a bottom plate. The ends of the main body are curved upwardly to define a pair of gooseneck portions. Axle head sections are formed at the ends of the axle and are closed off by end extensions extending from the front and rear walls of the channel and a cover flap extension extending from the top wall of the channel. A head plate having a rounded back edge and/or a pocket is inserted within the space between the cover flap and the top edges of the end extensions.

Abstract: The application discloses embodiments of a universal pinning system for lift arms of a power machine or vehicle. In embodiments disclosed, the universal pinning system includes a universal shaft. Lift arms are coupled to the universal shaft to provide a common pivot axis for the lift arms. The universal shaft is coupled to a frame or support of the power machine or vehicle via a pinning assembly. As disclosed, the universal pinning system has application for radial lift arms operable along a radial path or vertical lift arms operable along a vertical path.

Abstract: An independently suspended, driven axle shaft set in which the axle shafts are asymmetric with respect to each other, wherein the asymmetry provides mitigation of powerhop. The asymmetric axle shafts are asymmetrically selected such that the relative torsional stiffness therebetween is different by a ratio substantially between about 1.4 to 1 and about 2.0 to 1. The asymmetry may be provided by any known modality that alters torsional stiffness and is compliant with operational load demands of the axle shafts, as for example the axle shafts having the same length, but differing cross-sectional diameters; or by the axle shafts having the same cross-sectional diameters, but differing lengths; or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A blank for an axle beam intended to support a wheel axle is formed from a continuous piece and, at its respective ends, has, on the one hand, a bushing constituting a bearing for a kingpin for supporting a wheel spindle and, on the other hand, lug-shaped protrusions on each side of the bushing, and a wheel axle made from such a blank. The invention can provide a blank which is suitable both for steerable and non-steerable wheel axles for vehicles.

Abstract: A modular axle assembly includes a first tube assembly and a second tube assembly interconnected by a center section. A number of different modular axle assemblies are constructed by using different center sections. For example, a non-driving axle includes a sleeve interconnecting first and second tube assemblies. A driving front axle includes a differential housing interconnecting the first and second tube assemblies.

Abstract: Process for fabricating an axle that includes a cross-member and arms which are assembled to extremities of the cross-member, wherein the process includes forming a cross-member, forming at least one arm, arranging the cross-member and the at least one arm in a fastening position, and fastening together in a rigid manner the cross-member and the at least one arm using a magneto-forming process. Wherein the fastening occurs while the cross-member and the at least one arm are in the fastening position and at least one of the cross-member and the at least one arm include at least one metallic material. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission mountable to a vehicle frame. The hydrostatic transmission is adapted to removeably receive an axle shaft. The hydrostatic transmission is also adapted to be mounted to at least one of two opposed side members of the vehicle frame. The opposed side members have openings through which the axel shaft passes. The vehicle may be a snow thrower.

Abstract: An axle system includes an axle shaft offset located within an axle center beam housing. The axle shaft is located in a recess in a top wall of the axle center beam shaped with slopes to maximize clearance to the bottom of the vehicle floor panels. The pneumatic brake cylinders define a cylinder axis angled within an angular range from a generally vertical orientation for enhanced packaging.

Abstract: A steer axle for a vehicle and a method of making the same involves forming portions of a steer axle to have a three sided design. Spring seats that wrap around two of the three sides are secured to the steer axle. Plates are secured to the spring seats. The plates extend over the third surface of the steer axle. Angled spring pads are located over the plates.

Abstract: An improved steering axle provides an improved interface between the steering knuckle kingpin and the axle. The axle includes distal ends, each formed into a boss with a central bore configured to receive the kingpin of a knuckle assembly. The boss has an improved structure that includes first and second axially extending and angularly spaced ribs each defining an axial portion having increased thickness. Each rib extends angularly from a location longitudinally outboard of the bore axis to a location longitudinally inboard of the bore axis. The boss provides increased rigidity in the area surrounding the kingpin, thereby improving retention of the kingpin and preventing motion between the kingpin and the boss.

Abstract: The inventive fabricated steer axle assembly includes an axle beam, a kingpin housing, and, a fabrication connecting the axle beam and kingpin housing. The kingpin housing comprises an open-ended cylindrical tube having a groove disposed proximate each end of the tube. The fabrication includes a first end and a second end and is bent around the kingpin housing so that the first and second ends may be attached to the axle beam. A continuous weld may be used to couple the ends of the fabrication to the axle beam and secure the ends of the fabrication together along a seam extending between the kingpin housing and the beam formed after bending the fabrication around the kingpin housing.

Abstract: A suspension linkage for an axle has hard mechanical oscillation stops that move relative to the vehicle frame as the axle travels vertically. The linkage uses thrust bearings to eliminate sideways movement of the axle that causes bounce steer. The linkage is a scissors linkage, having an upper link and a lower link joined together at a center pivot. The hard mechanical oscillation stops are carried by the linkage, as opposed to the vehicle frame, and thus move vertically with the axle.

Abstract: A truck and trailer hub of the type having a cylindrical portion defining an aperture, whereby the hub is adapted for mounting on a spindle of an axle such as to be free to rotate on the spindle. The hub has a flange projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the cylindrical portion. The flange comprises throughbores therein, whereby the flange is adapted for securing a wheel and brake drum assembly thereto, such that the wheel and brake drum assembly can rotate with the hub and brake therewith when a brake member of the axle is actuated on a portion of the wheel and brake drum assembly by a cam shaft. The flange has at least one notch therein such that the cam shaft may be removed by pulling it through the notch without the hub requiring to be removed from the spindle.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a steer beam of a generally I-beam like construction having a web and flanges. A plurality of lightening apertures are located through the web and by reinforcing the lightening apertures and adjusting the relationship of the web to the flanges a greatly lightened steer beam is provided without reducing the strength and rigidity thereof. The lightening apertures are preferably elongated slot-like apertures oriented along the length of the web. Each lightening aperture includes a reinforced area along its perimeter that is integrally formed within the web.

Abstract: A carrier for lifting devices having a variable width track includes a base frame, a first wheel frame, a second wheel frame, at least four slide assemblies, at least two actuation devices, and at least four wheel assemblies. The first wheel frame is slidably attached to one side of the base frame with at least two of the slide assemblies. The second wheel frame is slidably attached to the other side of the base frame with at least two of the slide assemblies. At least one of the actuation devices moves the first wheel frame relative to the base frame. At least one of the actuation devices moves the second wheel frame relative to the base frame. At least two of the wheel assemblies are mounted to the first wheel frame and at least two of the wheel assemblies are mounted to the second wheel frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method substantially reduce moments of a steering axle while substantially increasing clearance between the steering axle and a ground surface and increasing strength of the axle. The method and apparatus also include a reversible high ground clearance steering axle having stops at different relative locations which facilitate mounting of the steering axle on more than one type of vehicle.

Abstract: A sprung axle is described comprising a central body which is suitable for attachment in a fixed or oscillating manner to a supporting structure of the vehicle and to which are connected two side bodies by means of respective independent-wheel suspensions including suspension arms articulated by one of their ends to the respective side body and by the opposite end to the central body and also shock-absorbing and/or spring-suspension means between the corresponding side body and the central body, the shock-absorbing and/or spring-suspension means and the suspension arms being otherwise substantially detached from the supporting structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved steerable suspension system provides light weight and ease of assembly. In a preferred embodiment, a steerable suspension system has a device attached to opposite ends of a tubular axle. The device includes a number of interconnected plates which cooperate to form an axle seat, and to which a king housing portion is attached.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) intended for operation on level ground is equipped with a chassis (22) and a wheel carrier (50) on which a wheel (12) is supported. In order to operate the vehicle (10) on an incline, a pivoting arrangement (44) is inserted between the wheel carrier (50) and the chassis (22). The pivoting arrangement comprises a mount (52), a pivot arm (54) mounted therein and an actuating arrangement (56) to move the pivot arm (54). The attachment points on the chassis (22) or on a support (46) spaced at a distance thereto and on the wheel carrier (50) are configured in such a way that the wheel carrier (50) can be directly attached to the chassis (22) or to the pivoting arrangement (44).

Abstract: A fabricated high strength non-driven steer axle is provided so as to be cost effective to manufacture, the axle having a limited number of parts and steps of manufacture, as well as being of a reduced weight. The axle includes an integral one piece metallic form having a substantially U-shaped central portion in cross-section, and a pair of spaced arms extending from each end thereof toward a respective king pin mounting area. In order to simplify king pin mounting (e.g. eliminate the need for a bearing sleeve or tube), a separate king pin reinforcing plate is inserted between the spaced arms so that each king pin is received through an orifice in the reinforcing plate and a corresponding orifice defined in another plate, both in a bearing manner so as to efficiently support the king pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integral motor vehicle rear axle of the twist-beam axle type, which comprises an opposed pair of longitudinal control arms (2) of a high flexural strength and torsional stiffness for carrying a wheel carrier for a wheel, and a transverse strut (3) which is resistant to bending but resilient relative to torsional stress and which comprises a profiled cross-section changing the position of the shear center. The transverse strut (3) consists of an extruded aluminum profile with an extrusion structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the transverse strut.

Abstract: A bracket for fastening an axle housing to a suspension beam of a vehicle comprises a base with a pair of upwardly extending opposing walls. The base is configured to be secured to the lower portion of the axle housing and is provided with apertures for receiving fasteners attached to the suspension beam. Each of the opposing walls is configured such that they frictionally engage the lower channel portion of the lateral walls of the axle housing. Each opposing wall also has a upper surface suitable for welding to the lateral wall of the axle housing near the channel seam weld and an aperture through the wall for welding the wall to the fractionally engaged lateral wall. The top surface of each opposing wall is rounded off at each end to facilitate placement of a weld that extends down onto the lower portion of the axle housing. The welding aperture on each wall is preferably an elongate slot, especially one where the elongate dimension of the slot is parallel to the top surface and has rounded ends.

Abstract: Structural Additions for Boosting Lateral Effectiveness improves on existing suspension systems to resist car-body rotation during turns around curves. Lateral structural additions increase the separation of springs and shock absorbers to increase a vehicle's rotational stiffness against rolls caused by lateral inertial forces. Vertical structural additions change the magnitude and direction of the moment that causes a vehicle's body to roll. The combination of lateral and vertical structural additions allows the design of vehicle suspension systems that can provide simultaneously smooth ride and good turning performance.

Abstract: A bird cage having a roller bearing imposed between the axle casing and the bird cage frame. The roller bearing may be sealed to effectively alleviate the problem of dirt accommodation interfering with the rotational action of the axle casing with respect to the bird cage frame. The inside of the roller bearing may be attached to the outer surface of the axle tube or casing to alleviate side play, a sliding motion of the bird cage with respect to the axle casing. This provides a more predictable and freer suspension. The bird cage design may be modular to allow the adaptation of the bird cage to different suspension configurations and to allow for the replacement of damaged parts.

Abstract: A split-type axle bracket is provided that is secured to a vehicle axle housing and extends downward over opposite lateral sides of a vehicle suspension torque beam, equalizer beam, or compensator beam and bushing. The axle bracket is secured to opposite lateral ends of the beam bushing on opposite lateral sides of the beam by a pair of releasable clamps. The clamps are secured to the depending legs of the bracket over the opposite lateral ends of the beam bushing. The pair of clamps are easily disassembled from the depending legs of the bracket to remove the beam and bushing from its connection to the axle bracket.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle comprising a body having a front end and a rear end and ground engageable propulsion wheels disposed on opposite sides of the body, each propulsion wheel being carried on an outer end of a stub axle which is housed, so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, in a stub axle housing member mounted on the body wherein each stub axle housing member is provided with a carrier member which is mountable on the body in a selected one of a plurality of any angular positions about a reference axis, the stub axle housing member being positioned relative to the carrier member so that said axis of rotation is disposed eccentrically relative to said reference axis.

Abstract: A dual axle assembly for large vehicles having an elongated vehicle frame, a forward axle housing, a first torque arm rearwardly extending from the forward axle housing, a rearward axle housing having a second torque arm forwardly extending from the rearward axle housing, the first and second torque arms being generally parallel to and spaced apart from each other, the first torque arm having an outer end pivotally affixed to the rearward axle housing and the second torque arm having an outer end pivotally affixed to the forward axle housing, spring supports extending between the forward and rearward axle housings to the vehicle, and a wheel structure supported at each opposed ends of each axle housing being pivotal in vertical planes about an axis drawn through the points of pivotal attachments of the torque arms.

Abstract: An engine-transaxle-belt drive configuration is provided for a lawn and garden rear engine vehicle. The transaxle housing has been adapted to receive the engine drive pulley and electric clutch in order to lower the engine mounting and vehicle center of gravity. A releasable fastening structure is provided to facilitate clutch movement and removal of the transmission and implement drive belts.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle or fork lift truck may be equipped with either cushion or pneumatic tires. When converting the vehicle from cushion to pneumatic tires, the front axle is moved downward and the mast assembly is moved forward to provide adequate clearance. The rear axle is also moved downward and backward. Changing configurations requires the addition of only one component; all of the other axle mounting hardware can be either repositioned or its orientation reversed in order to accommodate the change.

Abstract: A chassis frame crossbeam assembly for a four wheel drive motor vehicle comprising a lower crossmember and an upper bridge member fixed thereon. The crossmember intermediate portion being downwardly depressed formed with a thinned valley section. The bridge member having a hollow-section including an intermediate bifurcated portion in the form of fore and aft upwardly arched branch sections with end extensions welded on either side of the crossmember thinned valley section. The vertically opposed bridge member branch sections and crossmember depression combine to define a through passage for a longitudinal drive shaft for driving the rear wheels. The bridge member branch sections define a free open channel therebetween adapted to receive a transverse tube portion of the steering assembly therethrough arranged with its principal axis orthogonal to the principal axis of the subjacent longitudinal drive shaft.

Abstract: An automobile tire pneumatic pressure controlling apparatus is disclosed. The automobile includes a vehicle body, vehicle compartment and axle shaft, and the control apparatus comprises a pressure source, a communication passage extending through the axle shaft and having one end opened to the automobile tire. The control apparatus further comprises a coupling means and valve means. The coupling means has a sealing means in sliding contact with the axle shaft and fluid-tightly maintains fluid communication between the pressure source and the other end of the communication passage. The valve means is disposed on a fluid path between the pressure source and the tire.

Abstract: An axle beam for supporting drivetrain and steering components of a motor vehicle comprises a first elongated channel member having a substantially hat-shaped cross section including first and second sidewalls, a bottom wall having a longitudinal edge at one edge of each of the sidewalls, and side flanges extending outwardly from the other edges of the sidewalls. A second elongated member includes surface portions registering with and bonded to the side flanges of the first member. An end plate is secured at each longitudinal end of the beam and is configured to support a wheel spindle support knuckle. Additional steering structure including the steering control assembly can be mounted on sidewalls of the beam. Additional reinforcement can be provided to the axle beam by corrugated web panels inserted within the longitudinal channel as well as by flanged apertures formed in the sidewalls of the first elongated member.

Abstract: An axle weight load indicator device for mounting on a motor vehicle to detect when a pre-set axle weight has been exceeded. The device includes an electrical switch, an axle-mounted permanent stop and a retractable probe mounted in a housing which is operably associated with the electrical switch and permanent stop. When not in use, the probe is retracted into the housing to ensure that false signals are not emitted during movement of the motor vehicle. When operable, the probe is positioned to make contact with the permanent stop when a pre-set load limit has been exceeded. Continued loading causes activation of the electrical switch. The electrical switch trips an alarm to warn of the excess load.

Abstract: An improved tractor axle oscillation limiter of the type projecting upwardly on the axle structure to engage a fixed bolster on the tractor. The device includes a base having a first top abutment surface, and a mounted member securable to the base in working position with a second top abutment surface positioned above the first. The mounted member is preferably also securable to the base in a storage position.

Abstract: A rear axle for a motor vehicle, especially for a four-wheel drive motor vehicle with a torsionally soft cross bearer member, includes longitudinal guide members welded to the ends of the cross bearer, whereby the wheels are supported on the longitudinal guide members; the cross bearer member together with guide members is pivotally connected at the body in bearings which are arranged in the center axis of the cross bearer. The cross bearer includes a center section with an opening for the passage therethrough of a drive shaft. This opening is so large that the drive shaft comes to lie approximately inside of the interior contour formed by the cross section of the bearer.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for mounting ground-engaging wheels to a vehicle frame where two arms are secured to opposite sides of the frame and a wheel-carrying axle is suspended between the arms. The axle is secured to the arms by a wrapper plate partially surrounding the axle, and a bolt is utilized to compress the wrapper plate about the axle so that the wrapper plate supports and strengthens the axle. A plug weld is provided between the axle and the wrapper plate. The wrapper generally conforms to the profile of that portion of the axle which it surrounds. The axle can be square, round or D-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel supported heavy load carrying vehicle which comprises a frame upon which a load may be supported. The frame includes a structural cross-member. Unlike the prior art, the spherical bearing is made an integral part of the cross-member. An axle box assembly is used to support the wheels which support the bulk of the load. The box assembly has a nose cone which has a concave bearing which mates with the spherical bearing on the structural cross-member.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a frame and ground-engaging wheels suspended therefrom by a suspension having, on each side of the vehicle, a bracket rigidly secured to the frame; a trailing arm pivotably mounted to the bracket and having two sets of openings, each set aligned transversely of the trailing arm; an air spring rigidly connected to and between the frame and the trailing arm; and a bushing extending between each set of aligned openings and positioned within the trailing arm. An axle is rigidly connected to each trailing arm by an axle bracket. Each axle bracket comprises a wrapper rigidly secured to the axle; two plates rigidly secured to the wrapper, each plate having two apertures aligned with the two sets of openings; a shock mounting bracket rigidly secured to one of the plates; and four gussets rigidly secured to and between the plates and the wrapper to add rigidity to the axle bracket to aid in withstanding torsional and lateral forces exerted thereon incidental to the operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension for a rigid axle of vehicles which includes an axle body extending transversely to the driving direction, at the two ends of which is supported one wheel each. The axle body is connected with the vehicle body by way of two lateral longitudinal arms and is connected and guided with respect to the vehicle body by way of a lateral guide arrangement. The longitudinal arms are constructed bending- and torsion-rigid and are pivotally connected at the vehicle body in a rubber-elastic pivot bearings having a wide bearing base and pivot axis arranged substantially transversely and horizontally. The longitudinal arms are also connected to the torsion-rigid axle body by way of rubber-elastic pivot bearings having a wide bearing base, whose pivot axes extend, as viewed in plan view, at an inclination and intersect with the pivot axes of the longitudinal arms on the side of the body in a point at least approximately in the vehicle center plane.

Abstract: A device for mounting an axle of a rearwardly connected vehicle in twin-type motor scraper has first and second support brackets fixedly secured to and projecting from both the left and right sides of a bottom portion of a rear frame of the vehicle, a third support bracket fixedly secured to and projecting from a substantially central portion of a cross-member located at a rear part of the rear frame, and mounting brackets fixedly secured to and projecting from an axle housing so as to correspond to the support brackets respectively. Each of the mounting brackets is connected to each of the support brackets by means of a pivot pin.

Abstract: A device is provided to prevent lateral movements of a motor vehicle body relative to a vehicle axle, having a fixture pin, a rocker arm constructed as a double lever and pivotable by its central part about the fixture pin, and two guide rods which are each connected articulately by their one end to one of the rocker arm arms. In order to keep the overall height for the rocker arm mounting as low as possible and to be able to achieve high load capacity both in the rocker arm axis direction and also perpendicularly to the latter, together with high tilting rigidity, the rocker arm is mounted in a circumferential groove of a bearing body which consists of two discs pluggable onto the fixture pin, mutually connectable integrally in rotation and conjointly forming the circumferential groove by their circumferential surfaces, and which is anchorable on the fixture base supporting the fixture pin.

Abstract: A vehicle axle-frame mounting has a vehicle frame portion having transversely aligned generally inverted U-shaped wells. A transverse axle includes a differential casing and tubular section extending laterally and opposite from the casing. A mounting member is formed on each tubular section to be received in a respective frame well to have a generally horizontally extending interface and in spaced-apart relationship to the sidewalls of the well. A plurality of cap screws are threadably received in the lower portion of each well's sidewall such that the head of corresponding cap screws capture the lower portion of a respective mounting member therebetween.

Abstract: An axle and hydraulic motor mounting arrangement for vehicle wherein the vehicle has parallel sidewalls between which an axle tube is fixably mounted. A hydraulic motor is fixably mounted into each end of the axle tube such that torsional resistance between the motors is provided by the axle tube. The axle tube also resists opposing motion of the vehicle mounting sidewalls.