Abstract: A suspension system for supporting fore- and aft extending frame members of a vehicle chassis on a hollow axle, the system on one side of the vehicle being duplicated on the opposite side. Included in the suspension on each side are: (1) a frame bracket for pivotally supporting the fore or leading end of an asymmetric leaf spring; (2) a spring end support mounted on the frame side member for supporting the aft or trailing end of the leaf spring, and (3) a suitable assembly for attaching the leaf spring at a location intermediate its opposite ends to the axle so that the spring is divided into two cantilever limbs extending in opposite directions from the center line of the axle. The spring is formed so that one of the cantilever limbs has a stiffness substantially greater than the stiffness of the other limb. In all forms, at least one leaf of the asymmetric spring extends the full length of the spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for use as an active component in vehicle suspension systems includes a full-leaf leaf spring component and a half-leaf leaf spring component connected thereto. The full-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of the leaf spring assembly and the half-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of one of the cantilevers. In a preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially unequal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a constant caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound. In another preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially equal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a varying caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound.

Abstract: In a torsion spring the spring action is a result of the relationships between the torque applied in twisting the spring, the angle through which the torsion spring twists, and the modulus of elasticity of the spring material in shear. Torsion springs employed industrially have been strips, rods, or bars, generally termed shafts, capable of being flexed by twisting about their axes. They rely on the variations in shearing forces to furnish an internal restoring torque. In the torsion springs herein the restoring torque is external, and therefore independent of the shearing modulus of elasticity the torsion spring shaft. Also provided herein is a variable stiffness torsion spring. This torsion spring can be so adjusted as to have a given spring constant. Such variable stiffness torsion springs are extremely useful in gimballed payloads such as sensors, telescopes and electronic devices on such platforms as a space shuttle, a space station.

Abstract: Outrigger structures are useful for supporting and stabilizing a work machine while the work machine is operating. When the work machine is in operation dirt and other debris can fall onto the moveable components of the outrigger structure thus a guard mechanism must be provided. The subject outrigger structure includes a guard member which is pivotally mounted to the top of the outrigger structure and is spring biased toward a pivotal leg member to cover a portion of the moveable components to prevent accumulation of debris on the moveable components to reduce wear on the outrigger structure. This arrangement of components provides a guard member which moves with the leg member to always maintain the guard member in position to cover the moveable components.

Abstract: A system for enabling modification and adjustment of an automobile torsion bar suspension assembly housed in a tubular beam housing includes a plurality of torsion spring stiffener members, each comprising a tubular member dimensioned to be slidably received about the torsion leaf spring assembly within the beam housing. The tubular member includes opposed end portions provided with an inner peripheral surface formed complementary to the outer surface conformation of the leaves of the torsion bar assembly and adapted to engage the leaves assembly in nonrotating fashion. The stiffener member acts to rotationally immobilize a segment of the length of the torsion leaf assembly, thereby increasing the stiffness of the torsion spring. The invention also includes a socket tool having a recess in one end formed in complementary fashion to the outer surface conformation of the torsion leaf assembly and adapted to be engaged thereon.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for the driven plate of a friction clutch comprises a hub, a flange extending radially out from the hub and an outer member comprising an annular side plate arranged to one side of the flange and having a central aperture such that the side plate surrounds the hub with a clearance. The side plate is capable of limited angular movement relative to the flange with circumferentially directed resilient means acting between the flange and the side plate to control the angular movement. A friction damper is provided between the hub and the side plate and comprises a resilient friction element supported in the central aperture of the side plate and bearing against the outer surface of the hub.

Abstract: This invention pertains to end constraints for torsion members applicable r use in cannon breech closing mechanisms, vehicle suspensions, etc. To provide torsion members with greater load carrying ability when subjected to large magnitudes of twist, special end constraints are required. The instant invention features end constraints with substantially square or rectangular cavities having a pair of opposing surfaces contoured such as to eliminate or minimize transverse shear within the ends of the torsion member at the region of transition between the active and non-active portions. These contoured surfaces have opposed oblique surfaces diagonally spaced in a transverse direction with respect to the trailing face of the constraints. To facilitate manufacture, the end constraints can be made to feature surface contoured inserts fixedly mounted within the sockets. It should be ascertained that two end constraints are used to apply moments at the ends of a torsion member.