Abstract: A method of controlling the injection of hydraulic fluid into a high pressure diaphragm compressor having a hydraulic system, the method including: measuring a representation of pressure in a high-pressure part of the hydraulic system of the diaphragm compressor, and maintaining a desired pressure in the high-pressure part of the hydraulic system by adding hydraulic fluid to the high-pressure part of the hydraulic system under the control of a controller on the basis of the measuring of pressure.

Abstract: A Retrofittable Air Suspension Brackets assembly comprises an air spring retained between an Upper Air Spring Mount and a Lower Air Spring Bracket. The Upper Air Spring Mount is attached to Upper Frame Brackets that are held in place by two U-Bolts, which also secure the Lower Air Spring Bracket and a Cradle Structure which limits movement of the vehicle frame member.

Abstract: A vehicle axle suspension having a leaf spring unit suspending a rigid axle on a structural component or portion of the vehicle. The leaf spring unit arranged on the vehicle to extend parallel with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A first bearing unit, secured to the structure, and pivotably connects, at a first pivot axis, to a first end portion of the leaf spring unit. A second bearing unit is secured to the structure. A connection arm pivotably connects at one end, at a second pivot axis, to the second bearing unit. The other end of the connection arm pivotably connects, at a third pivot axis, to a second end portion of the leaf spring unit. The second bearing unit including at least one resilient spring element engaging the connection arm wherein the connection arm is supported on the resilient spring element from a pivoting about the second pivot axis a predetermined extent.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for passenger car, an SUV or light truck is provided. The suspension arrangement includes a frame for said vehicle and an axle with rotatably mounted wheels. A leaf spring is provided connected with the frame and connected with the axle. The leaf spring has a contribution to the total axle ride frequency less than 80% of the total axle ride frequency. An air spring acting in parallel with the leaf spring is also provided.

Abstract: A system for increasing stiffness and/or strength of a light-duty machine component having propensity for flexing along an elongated axis is provided. The system includes a pair of receptacles disposed on the machine component, wherein each of the receptacles is located in a spaced apart relation to one another and disposed parallel to the elongated axis. The system further includes at least one backing member corresponding to a distance between the pair of receptacles. The backing member is configured to define at least a pair of openings therethrough. The pair of openings is configured to axially align with the pair of receptacles defined on the machine component. The system further includes a plurality of fasteners such that at least one fastener is received in each pair of axially aligned receptacles and openings for releasably securing the backing member to the machine component.

Abstract: An air ride suspension assembly or kit is provided for converting a leaf spring suspension arrangement on a motor vehicle having a solid rear axle to one supported by an air ride suspension assembly is disclosed in order to leverage the benefits of such air ride suspension systems to the conversion suspension assembly is disclosed. A leaf spring is removed and replaced with an upper support arm which is secured to the pre-existing leaf spring attachment sites on the chassis. A mount is then attached to the rear solid axle to which multiple connections are made from the upper support arm including an air bladder. The air ride conversion system can be supplied as a kit for installation by owners of vehicles where they routinely move heavy loads directly with the vehicle or by towing.

Abstract: A gas spring end member is dimensioned for securement along an associated suspension member having an associated planar surface and at least an associated first side surface. The gas spring end member can include a base wall disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis and a bracket wall that extends longitudinally-outwardly from the base wall. The bracket wall can be adapted for operative connection to the associated suspension member such that the gas spring end member can be supported thereon with the base wall disposed in longitudinally spaced-apart relation to the associated planar surface of the associated suspension member. A gas spring assembly including such an end member can be included. A suspension system and a method of installation including such a gas spring assembly can also be included.

Abstract: A suspension device having a leaf spring and a piston-cylinder unit. The leaf spring has a first end that is movably attached to a frame and a second end pivotally attached to the piston-cylinder unit. In addition, the piston-cylinder unit is pivotally attached to the frame.

Abstract: A tandem suspension for connecting a vehicle chassis to front and rear steerable axles is provided. The tandem suspension includes, on each side of the vehicle, a front leaf spring linking the chassis and the front axle, a rear leaf spring linking the chassis and the rear axle, an equalizer assembly mounted to the chassis for equalizing the front and rear axles, a front air spring disposed between the chassis and the front axle, a rear air spring disposed between the chassis and the rear axle, and a pneumatic control system pneumatically linked to the front and rear air springs for supplying pressurised gas thereto and operable to unload one of the front and rear air springs. A method of installing a tandem suspension in a vehicle having a first steerable axle and a front leaf spring is also provided.

Abstract: An air spring assembly includes a primary airbag mounted to a piston air bag such that the piston airbag provides a rolling surface for the primary airbag. A change in the piston airbag pressure changes the effective rate of the primary air spring. A relatively small change in the piston airbag volume provides a change in the spring rate of air spring assembly as the diameter of the rolloff surface is selectively modified.

Abstract: An air suspension anti-roll stabilization system includes air suspension devices, such as at least one pair of air bags air spring mounted upon an axle via leaf spring suspension arms of an associated vehicle on respective opposed sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, with the axle being located at least partially with respect to the frame or chassis of the vehicle by means of a pair of leaf spring arms which are located on respective opposed sides of the longitudinal vehicle axis and of which each has one end mounted pivotally to the vehicle frame or chassis, wherein anti-roll means is connected rigidly between the pair of longitudinal leaf spring suspension arms.

Abstract: An air spring suspension for a rear axle of truck is stabilized using a trailing link constructed from a hollow, rectangular tube. The air spring is positioned between a portion of the trailing link extending beyond the rear axle and turning inwardly on the vehicle and the frame rails of the truck's chassis. An auxiliary spring is provided by a half leaf mounting beneath the trailing link. The suspension can provide cornering stabilization by providing a connecting link between the ends of the trailing links.

Abstract: A pneumatic front suspension assembly for an industrial vehicle comprises: a front axle linked to a pair of side-members, and a pair of airbags for adjusting the height of the axle relative to the side-members. On each side, there is provided a rigid arm whereof one end is articulated relative to the side-members, and the other end receives the axle and the lower part of the suspension air bags; a pair of connecting rods mutually articulated about a pin substantially parallel to the axle, one of said connecting rods, the upper connecting rod, being articulated relative to the side-member, the other connecting rod, the lower connecting rod, being articulated relative to the rigid arm, and a generally U-shaped additional element, forming an anti-roll bar, and including a transverse rod linked to the lower connecting rods at their articulation points with the rigid arms, and branches located on either side of the transverse rod, and linked to the lower connecting rods.

Abstract: An air suspension system mountable on the axle of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The suspension system includes an air spring, a pusher torque rod and a lever arm. The torque rod has one end pivotably affixed to the chassis and its other end affixed to the axle housing to control movement of the axle housing in an arcuate path. The lever arm has an end pivotably affixed to the chassis and its other shiftably and slidably supported on an axle bracket. The air spring is mounted on the lever arm to provide load support to the chassis. The shock absorbers for the vehicle are controlled from the same air pressure source as the air spring.

Abstract: An air suspension system mountable on the axle of a vehicle such as a pick-up truck. The suspension system includes an air spring, a pusher torque rod and a lever arm. The torque rod has one end pivotably affixed to the chassis and its other end affixed to the axle housing to control movement of the axle housing in an arcuate path. The lever arm has an end pivotably affixed to the chassis and its other shiftably and slidably supported on an axle bracket. The air spring is mounted on the lever arm to provide load support to the chassis. The shock absorbers for the vehicle are controlled from the same air pressure source as the air spring.

Abstract: The rear axle suspension system is retrofittably attachable to spaced-apart suspension mountings of an ambulance type of vehicle. The suspension system has an axle bearing arm having a first end that pivotally connects with one of the suspension mountings, and an opposite second end. A complementary arm has a first end that pivotally connects with the other one of the suspension mountings, and an opposite second end pivotally connected to the second end of the axle bearing arm. An axle bracket is secured to the axle bearing arm at or near the second end thereof, to receive the rear axle. A pair of spaced-apart absorber bearing arms downwardly project respectively from the axle bearing and complementary arms and face each other. A shock absorber is mounted between the absorber bearing arms.

Abstract: A leaf spring for use in a suspension system is disclosed which includes an eye for attachment with the frame member on one side of a vehicle chassis. A front cantilever portion of the leaf spring extends from the eye to a predetermined point of the leaf spring. A rear cantilever portion extends from the predetermined point to its own endpoint which is positioned in close proximity to the end of the leaf spring. The front cantilever portion of the leaf spring has a relatively high spring rate and the rear cantilever portion has a relatively low spring rate to provide comfortable riding conditions for the vehicle and roll stability for the suspension system while eliminating the practical necessity of implementing auxiliary roll stabilizers within the suspension system.

Abstract: A novel solid axle front suspension system is disclosed having a staggered shock absorber arrangement which increases and balances shock absorber lever ratios, and provides adequate damping in both vehicle roll and axle pitch conditions. A leaf spring assembly with an elliptical forward bushing improves vehicle suspension noise, vibration and harshness levels. Leaf spring windup is reduced by an axle anti-windup device which is secured at its rearward end to the axle and which includes at its forward end a movable link to the vehicle frame. A bilateral link steering linkage assembly provides improved steering and handling, wherein a tie rod connects the two front steering knuckles together, and a drag link extends from a pitman arm to one of the two steering knuckles at a rearward sweep angle in a substantially horizontal plane. A panard rod extends from the vehicle frame to the solid axle at a rearward sweep angle that is substantially equivalent to the rearward sweep angle of the drag link.

Abstract: A suspension system including an integrally formed axle seat provides reduced suspension system maintenance, increased reliability, reduced number of parts, reduced stress on axles, reduced manufacturing cost, and more convenient assembly as compared to conventional suspension systems. In a preferred embodiment, a suspension system has a hanger attachable to a vehicle frame, a bushing received in the hanger and fastened thereto, a spring beam pivotably attached to the bushing, an integrally formed axle seat coupling the spring beam to an axle, and an air spring mounted between the axle seat and the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A suspension device for a commercial vehicle includes a leaf spring member, a shackle pivotally connected to the leaf spring and a frame, a first piston cylinder member fixed to the center of the leaf cylinder, and a second piston cylinder member pivotally connected to the shackle and in communication with the first piston cylinder member through an oil conduit whereby upon being fully loaded with goods, the suspension device prevents the vehicle from rolling when the vehicle turns, and improves a comfortable feeling of entering the vehicle and handling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A conventional form of vehicle axle suspension comprises on each side of a vehicle a leaf spring pack and a shock absorber system. According to this invention the leaf spring pack of a conventional suspension is replaced by a single-leaf leaf spring and an air spring. The opposite ends of the single-leaf leaf spring are shackled to the existing shackle attachments and their vehicle frame mounts. Midway between its ends the single-leaf leaf spring is connected to the adjacent axle end by the existing spring-to-axle attachment components. In order to compensate for the difference in thicknesses of a leaf spring pack and a single-leaf leaf spring at their mid-points, a spacer having an effective vertical thickness equal to the difference in the thicknesses is mounted on top of the single thickness spring at the axle. An air spring support bracket is mounted on the chassis frame member over the middle of a single-leaf leaf spring.

Abstract: A clamp-on air suspension kit for an after market item for vehicles. The kit includes an inflatable sleeve, and a bracket attachable to the frame without drilling or welding. The air sleeve can be filed with pressurized air from either an external source or compressed air if available on the vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle seat support comprising a bicycle seat providing a seat surface to support a rider during use. The bicycle seat is coupled at a bottom side to a telescoping shaft for insertion within a larger, hollow shaft forming a part of a bicycle frame. A nonlinear spring member composed of a composite material and including two ends and an intermediate section provides resilient support to the bicycle seat. Attachment clamps are coupled at each of the ends of the nonlinear spring member for enabling attachment of the nonlinear spring member between the bicycle seat and the larger, hollow shaft.

Abstract: A compact suspension system for a wheeled vehicle and method for its manufacture. The suspension includes a tapered, vertically mounted elongated arm having an integral eye at one end. The integral eye rotatably connects the elongated arm to the vehicle while the other end connects to an air spring attached to the vehicle. The axle connects to the arm near the air spring. The arm is tapered between the axle and the integral eye so that the amount of arm material, and thus weight, is reduced. A second arm is placed adjacent to, and parallel with, the first arm to back up the first arm if the first arm fails, or vice versa. A shock absorber is mounted near the axle on the opposite side of the axle as the air spring. The method of manufacture includes plasma cutting a blank elongated arm from spring steel, heat-treating the arm, machining to final form, and then shot peening the arm.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a vehicle such as a pick-up truck, wherein an air spring is mounted directly on the leaf spring of the vehicle and the air spring and leaf spring support the weight of the vehicle frame and load, effectively in series. The combination of the air spring and leaf spring provides a reduction in ride vibration whereby the vehicle rides as smoothly when it is unloaded as when it is carrying a load.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle having a rear axle beneath the frame of the vehicle. An elongated gooseneck spring includes a center portion, an upwardly inclined front portion and a lower trailing rear portion. The front portion of the spring operatively engages a front hanger mounted on the frame. The spring is clamped to the rear axle at the center portion of the spring. An air spring is mounted on the lower trailing rear portion of the spring and is also attached to the frame. A shock absorber is located between the rear axle and the air spring and is operatively connected between the frame and the rear axle. The lower trailing rear portion of the gooseneck spring extends inwardly under the frame. The gooseneck spring is formed with a downwardly and inwardly twisted portion between its center portion and its lower trailing rear portion.

Abstract: An axle of a motor vehicle axle includes a rigid axle body and at least one leaf spring arrangement on each of opposite sides of a longitudinal median plane of the vehicle. The spring arrangement is hinged at a front end thereof to a chassis-stationary bearing axis and is clamped at a position spaced from such axis rigidly to the axle body. One supporting arm projects rearwardly from the axle body and forms the bottom bearing of an air spring on an upper side of which a chassis is braced and having an axle lifting mechanism.

Abstract: The axial load of the mechanically spring-supported drive axle of a lifting axle structure aggregate is defined by a compression of a respective suspension spring and the pressure of the lifting bellows. A two-dimensional contour is disposed at a signal body which determines for each disposition of the rotary angle the position of a first end piece of a tappet, which position of the end piece of the tappet represents a value corresponding to the axial load signal to be obtained. The two-dimensional contour is employed to engage the tappet and deliver a distanace signal. The tappet is shiftable in a direction disposed parallel to its axis based on the contour curve of the cam. The tappet is also shiftable based on the spring support. The setting of the position of the a second end piece (26) of the tappet (22, 24, 26) is superposed to a setting of the position depending on the tappet length by the contour (20, 21).

Abstract: A damping bearing assembly, in particular a motor bearing for the vibration-insulated mounting of engines in motor vehicles, comprising an approximately annular spring body of fibrous composite materials, the spring body including a coil form of artificial resin impregnated fibers wound in several layers, force introducing elements clamping the coil form on mutually opposite sides, a working chamber for additional hydraulic damping disposed inside the spring body between the force-introducing elements, the working chamber being formed of elastically deformable material having a low degree of stiffness in an operating direction and a high degree of volume stiffness, a conduit hydraulically communicating with the work chamber and a compensating chamber hydraulically communicating with the conduit.

Abstract: The axial load of the mechanically spring-supported drive axle of a lifting axle structure aggregate is defined by the compression of the suspension spring and the pressure of the lifting bellows. A two-dimensional contour of a signal body is employed to engage a signal pin. The signal pin is axially shiftable based on the pressure and rotatable based on the spring support. A two-dimensional contour (20, 21) is disposed at the signal body. The shiftability of the stator (25) of the distance path sensor (24) is provided depending on the pressure of the lifting bellows (1). The pressure-dependent setting of the immersion depth is superposed to the setting of the immersion depth of the signal pin (22) by the contour (20, 21).

Abstract: A frame and suspension assembly is capable of a low frame rail orientation and enhanced on-road stability when incorporated in a motor vehicle. An air spring suspension system is mounted outwardly of the frame rails and the frame rails include a reinforced notch to provide the required structural clearance for the rear axle to compensate for the low-to-the-ground frame rail positioning. An anti-sway bar which spans the distance between the two sides of the frame is also included for further stabilization.

Abstract: A suspension system in a motor vehicle has a suspension including at least a resilient member extending transversely of the motor vehicle and having one end operatively coupled to a knuckle, the resilient member supporting a vehicle body of the motor vehicle, and a detector disposed on the resilient member for detecting at least one of a change in a load and a change in the height of the motor vehicle from the ground due to an external force applied to the suspension. The resilient member comprises at least a leaf spring, and the detector is attached to the leaf spring for detecting a strain of the leaf spring due to flexing thereof. A calculator is provided for calculating at least one of a vertical load applied to a road wheel coupled to the knuckle and a displacement of the road wheel with respect to the vehicle body based on a change in the strain detected by the detector.

Abstract: A supplemental suspension and method of supplementing the suspension in a vehicle having an axle, wheels rotatably disposed on the axle, a frame and an existing leaf spring suspension system for mounting the axle onto the frame. The supplementary suspension system includes first and second suspension arm members having front and rear ends, a cross member for connecting the two arm members, hanger means for pivotally suspending the rear ends of the arm members from the frame of the vehicle, mounting means for mounting the front ends of the arm members on the axle, and air suspension means for operably connecting a portion of the suspension arm members disposed between the front and rear ends of the members to the vehicle frame. The air suspension means further includes air bags, wherein the degree of suspension of the suspension means can be adjusted by altering the amount of air in the air bags. The arm members preferably have a generally "U" shape when viewed from a side of the vehicle.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a spring in the form of a zig-zag strip of fibre reinforced plastics material with limbs (10-16) connected by reflex portions (17,22), wherein end limbs (10,16) of the spring are mounted at an attitude they would adopt when loaded if they were pin-jointed so as to be free to move as the spring is loaded so that over-stressing of the reflex portions (18,21) of the spring is thereby avoided when the spring is loaded. In modifications of the invention, a spring end limb (39) may be progressively engaged by a surface (42) of a mounting to be supported at a range of attitudes corresponding to a range of spring loads; or a spring mounting may be associated with pivotable members so that end limbs of the spring move arcuately therewith and change their relative attitude as if they were pin-jointed.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes an elongate dual leaf spring assembly mounted at each end thereof to a vehicle frame member and which is adapted to be engaged over an axle of the vehicle at an approximate midpoint along the length thereof. A brake torque reaction beam comprising a thick, planar half leaf spring member has one end thereof engaged between the leaf spring assembly and the axle. The other end of the reaction beam member extends rearwardly away from the midpoint of the leaf spring assembly a predetermined distance which is slightly less than to greater than the distance the leaf spring assembly extends rearwardly. In a preferred embodiment, an air bag is suspended from the vehicle frame member and interposed between the frame member and the leaf spring assembly at the approximate midpoint thereof and is engaged to the leaf spring assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for suspending a vehicle from an axle may be used on a steering axle and includes resilient members, such as two air springs, on opposite longitudinal sides of the axle and supported on seats suspended from the ends of a beam. The beam is connected at its center to the axle. The air springs are are connected to hangers that are mounted to the vehicle chassis. The hangers for the air springs include spaced opposed surfaces that allow a longitudinal sway guide to pass between and be transversely restrained by the surfaces. One end of the sway guide is pivotally attached to a hanger on the chassis and the other end to a shackle. The sway guide comprises a small number of spring leaves that can flex but that are not adequate for load bearing, so almost all of the chassis load is on the air springs. The assembly can be installed as original equipment or retrofit to existing equipment. The beam may be inclined to provide caster to the axle.

Abstract: A spring support system for tandem axles that supports the adjacent ends of the springs which support the front and rear tandem axles in the center and automatically adjusts the level of the trailer as load changes by having inflatable air bags that support a movable cross beam relative to the trailer frame. The spring ends are mounted on the movable cross beam. Air bags are inflated at a pressure that is automatically adjusted to be proportional to the load on the trailer. The air bags provide an air cushion support for smoother and more trouble free operation. The movement is guided adequately so that the support is very stable, by automatically adjusting the stiffness of the pneumatic bags which compensate for differing loads.

Abstract: An air ride suspension having a step spring pivotally mounted from a front hanger by a universal bushing mount. A vertical step positions the trailing end of the step spring below the leading end and supports a transverse bolster beam for connection to the lower side of an air spring. The upper side of the air spring is connected to a seat that is fastened to the vehicle chassis. All the fasteners are bolts so that the suspension system can be readily used as a conversion for a vehicle suspension system. The air spring preferably supports two-thirds of the axle load with about one-third distributed to the step spring.

Abstract: A suspension system is described which interconnects each of the longitudinally extending frame members of a truck or the like to a transversely extending axle housing positioned therebelow. Each of the suspension systems comprises a leaf spring assembly connected to the associated frame member forwardly of the axle housing. The leaf spring assembly is connected, intermediate its ends, to the axle housing. A box-like support is positioned at the rearward end of each of the leaf spring assemblies and has its forward end receiving the rearward end of the associated leaf spring assembly. The rearward end of the support has the lower end of an air spring mounted thereon. The upper end of the air spring engages a plate which extends laterally from a bracket secured to the associated frame member. The rearward end of the leaf spring assembly is pivotally secured to the upper intermediate portion of the support forwardly of the air spring.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension is described for a vehicle whose frame is supported through leaf springs lying on the axles, which avoids reverse bending of the springs while also providing a smoother ride. The system includes an air sleeve having an upper end mounted on the vehicle frame and a lower end bearing against the top of the leaf spring at a location between the axle and the front of the spring. The distance between the axle and the air sleeve is about 38% of the total distance between the axle and the front of the spring where it is connected to the frame, this spacing having been found to provide maximum shock absorbtion and smoothness of ride.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a leaf spring suspension assembly for a tractor trailer or the like having single or multiple axles includes a first and second hanger with a camelback spring slidingly secured to an axle bracket assembly with a single torque rod extending between the forward hanger and the axle bracket assembly to stabilize same and prevent axle wind up or wheel hopping. In a multiple axle vehicle, a pivoting type equalizer is mounted between leaf springs and provides the bearing support for an end of each spring. In a second embodiment, an equalizer is supported from the chassis member by an elastomeric spring member with a shock absorber dampening the oscillation thereof. The equalizer is stabilized in the fore and aft direction by a mounting bracket and web assembly within which the mounting bracket extends, and a telescoping tube assembly vertically aligned and surrounding the shock absorber to permit vertical movement but restrict fore and aft movement of same.

Abstract: A low-frequency-rate spring suspension system for a wheeled vehicle. A metal leaf spring has one end shackled directly to a bracket on the vehicle frame and a central portion secured to an axle. The second end of the leaf spring is spaced from the frame with guide means limiting lateral movement thereof while enabling vertical and longitudinal movement thereof. An air bag of an air spring is secured to the leaf spring in between the second end and the central portion and is also secured to the frame, the air bag being offset from the axle. The height of the air bag is controlled by a valve and a lever, so that the second end does not come into contact with the frame except under extraordinary circumstances. The leaf spring positions the air bag relative to the axle and provides roll resistance, while the air spring carries load to the frame in parallel with the forward section of the leaf spring, and no vertical load is placed on the leaf spring through the rear bracket.

Abstract: A tracked agricultural tractor in which the frame of the driver's cab is mounted on the tractor body by a suspension including a pair of transverse suspension structures, a pair of rigid transverse support structures and first and second shock absorber means, can be driven at speed over rough ground without a substantial adverse effect on the driver's comfort, since the rolling and pitching oscillations of the cab relative to the tractor body are damped by the shock absorbers, and their amplitudes limited by stop elements acting between the suspension and the cab frame.

Abstract: A supplemental air spring assembly for use in the front end suspension system of a truck or similar vehicle, characterized by a load dissipating arm adapted to be pivotally connected near its midportion to a trailing end portion for a leaf spring assembly for the truck, an air bag seated on the arm, near one end thereof, disposed in load supporting relation with the frame of the truck, and an articulated linkage connecting the opposite end portion of the arm to the frame for oscillatory motion about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: An improved air-ride suspension system including cradle supporting air bags adapted to be extended transversely beneath the frame of a wheeled vehicle and supported in suspension by a pair of laterally spaced leaf spring assemblies, and centering means including a link interconnecting the leaf spring assemblies and the frame of the vehicle, whereby conversion of conventional spring suspension systems to air-ride suspension systems may be facilitated with minimal loss of time and expense.

Abstract: A tag axle suspension that can adjust the load forces on tag axles or the like, with the tag axle supported upon swinging rigid torque arms pivoted to the vehicle frame at its opposite sides with leaf springs concentrically mounted with and parallel to the torque arms, and with hydraulic piston motors extending from the frame of the vehicle to each torque arm and a two-way hydraulic pump motor system. The hydraulic motors can operate one way to apply solid lifting forces directly to the torque arms intermediate the ends thereof to raise the tag axle. Upward forces on the tag axle are transmitted to the leaf springs, and by them to the hydraulic pistons to urge them upwardly, their upward movement being resiliently opposed by interposition into the hydraulic system of an accumulator having a predetermined gas pressure above the liquid.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension assembly capable of moving a vehicle wheel between a surface-engaging position and a retracted position wherein the assembly comprises a support structure, a connecting bracket for attaching the support structure to the undercarriage of the vehicle, an arm for rotatably supporting a vehicle wheel, the arm being pivotally connected to the support structure to permit reciprocal movement of the arm in a generally vertical plane, a resilient member supported by the support structure, and a combined connecting and lifting device connecting the arm to the resilient member; the device being movable between a first mode in which the vehicle wheel is in a surface-engaging position and the arm is rigidly connected to the resilient member and a second mode in which the vehicle wheel is in a retracted position, the device including a control mechanism for selectively moving the device between the first and second modes.

Abstract: An improved air spring unit adapted to be employed in modifying suspension systems for a wheeled vehicle having a cantilevered leaf spring assembly. The air spring unit is characterized by a pressurizable air bag disposed in substantial vertical alignment with a live axle, a force dissipating rocker arm having one end portion supported by the air bags, and a second end portion disposed in a supported relationship with a projected end portion of the leaf spring assembly, and a clevis connecting the midportion of the arm to a longitudinal frame member provided for the vehicle, whereby the air bag is employed in juxtaposition with the well of an adjacent wheel, so that increased radial expansion of the bag is facilitated.

Abstract: An air-ride suspension assembly particularly adapted to be installed as an integrated unit on the frame of a wheeled vehicle. The assembly includes a cradle adapted to be extended transversely beneath the frame of a selected vehicle and supported in suspension at the adjacent ends thereof by a pair of laterally spaced leaf springs shackled thereto and mounted on the axle of the vehicle, a pair of laterally spaced vertically oriented air bags seated on the cradle and a transverse pillow plate seated on said pair of air bags and adapted to be united in supporting relation with the adjacent end portions of the frame of the vehicle whereby a conventional spring suspension system can readily be converted to an air-ride suspension system with minimal loss of time and attendant expense.

Abstract: Provided is a unitized auxiliary lift axle suspension system for wheeled vehicles having frame-to-ground clearance of about 37 inches or more. The suspension system weighs less than about 550 lbs. and usually less than 500 lbs., is certifiable at greater than about 18,000 lbs./axle and is adaptable to a wide variety of vehicle frame widths. The system generally comprises a pair of upwardly biased leaf springs and, for each leaf spring, a spring retaining means for retaining the spring at about its central portion, and air bags located on either end of the spring retaining means, the spring retaining means being sufficiently long to provide a platform for said air bags, but insufficiently long so as to allow the leaf spring to flex below its flat spring condition. The system further comprises spring hanger means having at least one vertical wall for retaining the leaf springs at their ends.