Abstract: A truck trailer system including a connector vehicle with retractable wheels that are designed to engage with a railroad track is provided. The connector vehicle includes main wheels and at least one pair of secondary wheels, and an actuator assembly operably connected to the pair of secondary wheels. The actuator assembly is designed to actuate in a first direction to extend the pair of secondary wheels to engage with the railroad track, and in a second direction to retract the pair of secondary wheels to disengage with the railroad track. The truck trailer system may include a reinforcement assembly comprising at least one cable provided within a conduit, for connecting multiple units to be pulled at the same time via truck or locomotive. In embodiments, the reinforcement assembly may enable hauling of at least 10, or up to about 50 units via a single locomotive.

Abstract: A shock bracket brace to fortify a roll cage shock bracket, the shock bracket brace comprising an integral brace body comprising roll cage mount that transitions to a bracket mount through a transition radius having a top surface and bottom surface where at least one through hole can extends from the top surface to the bottom surface. A slot that substantially extends from the bottom surface to near the top surface configured to accommodate a vertical extending portion of the roll cage, wherein the bracket mount comprises a first tab and a second tab extending substantially orthogonally from the bottom surface of the roll cage mount to form a slot configured to accommodate the shock bracket, wherein the first tab and the second tab comprise at least one through hole aligned to accommodate a fastener to pass through the through holes.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a height of an electric vehicle with an adjustable suspension system. In one example, a method comprises: during a vehicle stop event, adjusting a height of a skateboard frame of an electric vehicle via an adjustable suspension system, based on at least one sensor input indicative of a desired skateboard frame height. In this way, user activities, including loading and unloading, may be facilitated.

Abstract: A suspension system includes spring bellows that are associated with pneumatic springs of vehicle axles, are connectable by lines having level control valves to a main pressure line, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The main line is connectable by valves alternately to a compressed air source and a sink, and can be shut of with respect thereto. To set different air mass flow rates when air is supplied to/removed from the bellows, the bellows of the springs at least on a vehicle axle or side can be connected to the main line in parallel with the connecting lines, at least by further connecting lines having further level control valves, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The further valves have nozzle cross-sectional surfaces the same size as the other level control valves. Chokes are downstream of the further valves in the ventilation direction, the cross-sectional surfaces thereof being smaller than the nozzle cross-sectional surfaces of the further valves.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double acting suspension axle assemblies that can be used to facilitate mobility of a heavy load transporter and/or to adjust a deck height of the heavy load transporter. Each axle assembly includes a wheel assembly and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The double acting suspension axle provides the ability to force the hydraulic cylinder of each axle assembly to fully retract without relying solely on gravity. The double acting suspension axle assembly may be incorporated directly into or permanently affixed to other large structures, such as mobile robots, large tooling structures, gantry cranes, or other large machinery to provide the precise control of mobility and forced lowering capabilities.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle having an air suspension system can include an indicator, an event data recorder, and a controller. The controller can be configured to determine a load on a front axle and a rear axle when the vehicle is in a static condition and compare the determined load on the front and rear axles to a predetermined load threshold for each of the front and rear axles. A warning signal can be provided to the indicator indicative of at least one of the determined loads exceeding the corresponding predetermined load threshold upon the controller determining one of the determined loads exceeds the corresponding predetermined load threshold. Data indicative of at least one of the determined loads exceeding the corresponding predetermined threshold can be communicated to the event data recorder.

Abstract: A torsion slide suspension has a pair of polyethylene slides on each side of the suspension that is received in slide channels on a trailer frame. The torsion slide suspension has a rubber spring on top for bearing against the trailer frame and provides suspension to support the wheels of a ground level loading trailer.

Abstract: A torsion slide suspension has a pair of polyethylene slides on each side of the suspension that is received in slide channels on a trailer frame. The torsion slide suspension has a rubber spring on top for bearing against the trailer frame and provides suspension to support the wheels of a ground level loading trailer.

Abstract: A trailer axle suspension system and a method of control. The trailer axle suspension system may be deflated when the trailer is approaching the dock and proximity of the trailer to the dock is within a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A trailer axle suspension system and a method of control. The trailer axle suspension system may be deflated when the trailer is approaching the dock and proximity of the trailer to the dock is within a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A vehicle fluid suspension control system includes a fluid supply adapted to fluidly communicate with a lift mechanism in the vehicle. A circuit board is connected to the fluid supply and exhausts fluid from the lift mechanism when the kneel switch is activated. The circuit board may also open a flowpath from the fluid supply to the lift mechanism when a kneel switch is deactivated and the brake pedal is depressed. A manifold may be in fluid communication with the fluid supply and the lift mechanism and may include a supply flowpath and an exhaust flowpath. The control system may be programmed with a height averaging adjustment delay, which determines whether the average height of the vehicle during a period of time is outside of a predetermined range. The control system may make corresponding adjustments to bring the height of the vehicle within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A foldable trailer is disclosed having the folding means provided by a winch that operates in conjunction with a lifting member enabling the trailer to be winched into an upright position for storage. The load bearing surface can be made of one section or two sections that fold together to allow for more compact storage. Through the lifting member the winch provides upward motion of the front of the load bearing surface while simultaneously causing the hingeably attached tongue to fold downward; continued winching will result in a vertically folded and storable position. The invention may be applied to a tilting trailer.

Abstract: A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels, and below the top of the chassis frame. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height substantially lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle, an increase in payload height, and enhanced dynamic road stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension for motor vehicles, with a suspension strut which is formed from a shock absorber and a bearing spring, the bearing spring being supported by way of spring plates on the body of the motor vehicle and on the tube of the shock absorber, and a spring plate being movably guided relative to the body and able to be moved axially by means of an actuator relative to the shock absorber tube, and the suspension strut having a preloaded spring with a spring force which is opposite the bearing spring, which is supported on the body of the motor vehicle and also on the movable spring plate of the bearing spring. According to the invention, the actuator is located outside, in particular radially outside the suspension strut.

Abstract: A suspension for a trailer vehicle that allows the trailer itself to be used as a ramp. The suspension has an axle having an axis and wheels at each end of the axle. The axle is pivotally connected to the vehicle at a pivotal connection and the axis of the axle is offset from the pivotal connection to the vehicle. An actuation device having a first and second end is pivotally connected to the axle at its first end. The actuation device is movable between a retracted length and extended length. Shifting the actuation device between its retracted and extended lengths causes the axle to pivot about the pivotal connection on the trailer, thereby changing the height of the vehicle relative to the ground surface. The trailer can be used as a ramp, thus, eliminating the need for separate ramps.

Abstract: A cart includes a frame body, a tray, a driving mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The frame body includes a top portion, a bottom portion including a number of castors, and a number of connecting bars between the top portion and the bottom portion, which cooperatively defines a receiving space. The tray is configured to support a workpiece and to be slidably received in the receiving space. The transmission mechanism is connected between the tray and the driving mechanism to transmit the power of the driving mechanism to the tray to drive the tray to move in the receiving space.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes a vehicle height adjustment unit that changes the vehicle height at each wheel of the vehicle; a vehicle height sensor that detects the vehicle height at each wheel; a vehicle height control unit that executes the vehicle height control; a pressure sensor that detects the fluid pressure within the vehicle height adjustment unit; a control stop unit that temporarily suspends the execution of the vehicle height control if the detected pressure exceeds a threshold pressure; a road surface estimation unit that estimates the condition of a road surface over which the vehicle travels; and a control recovery unit that cancels the temporary suspension of the vehicle height control and allows the vehicle height adjustment unit to change the vehicle height if the road surface estimation unit estimates that the road surface over which the vehicle is traveling satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a freight container is comprised of a frame having a front frame section which is adapted to be coupled to a suitable road vehicle. A pair of displaceable horizontal side beams are secured to the front frame section and are provided with a hingeable rear gate formed by a pair of hinge arms. Each of the side beams has a suspension assembly to support a tandem wheel arrangement. Retractable vertical lifting piston cylinders are secured to a portion of the front frame and to the pair of hinge arms and are actuable to lift the pair of horizontal side beams and its wheels above a ground surface. Laterally extendable piston cylinders are also secured to the front frame and the hinge arms to displace the horizontal side beams outwardly and inwardly with respect to one another when lifted off the ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Raised Axle and Suspension System that consists of a unique design that is intended to be used on a wide variety of front wheel drive vehicles and trailers by raising the axle overarm to an overhead position. This is accomplished by having the wheels on stub axles attached to a pivoting wheel support castings that are attached to frame attachment members. Angular support members are fixably attached to the frame attachment members and suspension support members that connect to the axle overarm. The axle overarm extends from the left side of the vehicle to the right side. The suspension springs extend between the suspension base members that are pivotally connected to the wheel support castings and the suspension support members along with conventional shock absorbers creating a spring cushioning system.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting a relative leveled height of a sprung mass of a vehicle to an unsprung mass of the vehicle. The method also includes receiving an input from an operator for incrementally/decrementally changing the height of the sprung mass. A system for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air suspension control apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a charge tank maintained at a first air pressure such that selective filling of the charge tank with compressed air is permitted. The arrangement is such that, in a first disposition of the tank air valve, the charge tank is maintained at a second air pressure which is less than the first air pressure. When the tank air valve is in a second disposition thereof, the charge tank is maintained at the first air pressure. In a third mode of operation of the air suspension control apparatus, the tank air valve is in the first disposition thereof and a ride height air valve is in the first setting thereof. The arrangement is such that the first pressure within the charge tank rapidly inflates the air spring from the third pressure to the second pressure so that driving of the vehicle is permitted.

Abstract: A trailer with a tilting bed includes an hydraulic tilt control. The tilt control includes piston-and-cylinder units for restraining or cushioning the pivotal movement of the bed between a transport mode and a tilt mode. A flow control valve provides fine control of the rotation of the bed when equipment is placed thereon and the trailer converts to a transport mode with the bed level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load lifting trailer including a frame and a bed operatively attached to the frame for actuated movement between trailing and loading positions. A pivot plate having first, second and third connectors pivotally attach the frame to the bed and to each other, and when actuated by a linear extensible actuator provides the necessary force for moving the bed relative to the frame of the trailer up and down between trailing and loading positions.

Abstract: A trailer having a frame movable between a raised position, suitable for towing of the airplane on a roadway, and a lowered position, allowing the airplane wheels to be in contact with a common surface with the trailer wheels when the trailer is under the airplane. A hitch assembly, suitable for towing the trailer in a closed position with the frame in the raised position, is coupled to the front of the frame. The open position allows the airplane to be loaded/unloaded on land from the front of the frame when the frame is in the lowered position. The airplane may be loaded/unloaded from the rear of the frame when the airplane trailer is placed in water. Also, a method of loading the airplane onto the trailer from the rear in water and unloading the airplane from the front on land.

Abstract: The adjustable height trailer is a fifth wheel-type trailer with a single rear axle supporting the rear of the trailer and a fifth wheel hitch supporting the front. The rear axle and hitch have adjustable height suspensions, allowing the trailer to be lowered or raised uniformly while remaining hitched to the towing vehicle. One embodiment is configured as a livestock trailer with a series of stall positions therein. The loading and exit doors are generally diagonally opposite one another. A series of adjustably positionable partitions is installed on overhead tracks, with a partition placed between each animal as they are boarded and positioned in the trailer. Animals depart the trailer through the opposite door, with the partitions being repositioned correspondingly. The trailer suspension allows the trailer to be lowered to the underlying surface to facilitate loading and unloading animals therefrom, or other commodities, depending upon the trailer configuration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modifying a vehicle chassis. In one embodiment the modified vehicle is capable of being placed close to the roadway at a position suitable for deployment of a wheel chair ramp that complies with ADA requirements. In yet another embodiment, the vehicle can be raised to a position in which the frame of the vehicle is higher than it was when the ramp was deployed, such that the frame provides crash worthiness to the vehicle relative to side impacts. Yet other embodiments pertain to vehicles that have a plurality of wheels in which the suspension for the wheel is biased by a pneumatic spring. Various embodiments pertain to methods and apparatus for safely interlocking the operation of the pneumatic air springs with the controls of the vehicles.

Abstract: A cylinder cart system that incorporates a stabilizing platform for safely loading and offloading of gas/fluid cylinders from trucks and the like is disclosed. The cylinder cart system incorporates a stabilizing platform to which a tank retention mechanism is attached that permits a gas/fluid cylinder to be retrained and raised/lowered via the use of an integrated elevator mechanism that may be manually or power operated. In the raised position, the cylinder cart provides sufficient stability to permit safe offloading of a gas/fluid cylinder onto a pickup truck or the like by a single person. In the lowered position, the cylinder cart incorporates hand truck functionality to permit transport of the gas/fluid cylinder across rugged terrain. An optional integrated safety braking system may in some embodiments provide additional stabilization of the system when the cylinder cart is in the raised position.

Abstract: A ground vehicle for feeding photovoltaic modules to an automatic assembly machine is disclosed, wherein the automatic assembly machine is movable on previously installed PV modules and the PV modules that still need to be installed are fed to the automatic assembly machine above a supporting structure. The ground vehicle has six vertically movable rams arranged in spaced-apart relationship in pairs in the direction of travel, with the PV modules to be installed located above the rams. Timing of the vertical ram motion is controlled so that a retracted ram of a ram pair is always extended before the other ram of the ram pair is lowered.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided in which the durability of an operation changing means is improved when this means is provided to the suspension mechanism in a suspension structure for a work vehicle. A maximum position (A1) and minimum position (A2) of the operation of the suspension mechanism are detected, and an intermediate position (B1) between the maximum and minimum positions (A1) and (A2) is detected. When the intermediate position (B1) departs from the target range (H1), the operation of the suspension mechanism is changed to the body raising side or body lowering side so that the intermediate position (B1) moves toward the target range (H1).

Abstract: A trailer having a frame movable between a raised position, suitable for towing of the airplane on a roadway, and a lowered position, allowing the airplane wheels to be in contact with a common surface with the trailer wheels when the trailer is under the airplane. A hitch assembly, suitable for towing the trailer in a closed position with the frame in the raised position, is coupled to the front of the frame. The open position allows the airplane to be loaded/unloaded on land from the front of the frame when the frame is in the lowered position. The airplane may be loaded/unloaded from the rear of the frame when the airplane trailer is placed in water. Also, a method of loading the airplane onto the trailer from the rear in water and unloading the airplane from the front on land.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile vehicle or wheelchair having the ability to provide stabilized transport to at least one individual on a variety of surfaces, slopes and/or terrains. The mobile unit or wheelchair of the invention may travel across smooth and very rough surfaces, slopes of varying or different angles and various outdoor terrains (including grassy, rocky, sandy, muddy and/or hilly terrains). In one aspect of the invention, the height of any part of the unit or the overall height of the device may be adjusted preferably to raise or lower the center of gravity. For example, the height of the device may be lowered to provide more stable transportation. In another aspect, the device may be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the footprint (or any part of the footprint) of the device. For example, the footprint of the device may be enlarged to provide more stable transportation.

Abstract: An air suspension control apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a charge tank maintained at a first air pressure such that selective filling of the charge tank with compressed air is permitted. The arrangement is such that, in a first disposition of the tank air valve, the charge tank is maintained at a second air pressure which is less than the first air pressure. When the tank air valve is in a second disposition thereof, the charge tank is maintained at the first air pressure. In a third mode of operation of the air suspension control apparatus, the tank air valve is in the first disposition thereof and a ride height air valve is in the first setting thereof. The arrangement is such that the first pressure within the charge tank rapidly inflates the air spring from the third pressure to the second pressure so that driving of the vehicle is permitted.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for tilting objects includes a lower portion which comprises at least one foot plate and at least three supporting walls. A height of the top of the lower portion is about the height of a supporting structure. The apparatus also includes an upper portion which comprises a substantially flat surface and at least one connector for coupling a node carrier to the upper portion. The upper portion is coupled to the lower portion, and the upper portion tilts relative to the lower portion between an angle about horizontal to an angle about vertical.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a frame assembly with a generally flat platform for supporting a wheelchair within the interior compartment of the vehicle. Air cylinders couple the frame assembly to wheel assemblies operate to move the frame assembly to an up vehicle driving position and to a down position wherein the platform engages the vehicle support surface or ground whereby the wheelchair can be moved directly onto the platform.

Abstract: A vehicle has a body and at least two trailing arm suspensions, one proximate each side of the body. Each trailing arm suspension has a swing arm pivotably mounted at one end to the body and a fluid suspension extending between the swing arm and the body. A wheel is rotatably mounted to a free end of each swing arm. A power plant is provided for powering each wheel and a control system is provided for controlling a volume of fluid in each fluid suspension. The vehicle may have a longitudinally extending body with a sliding side door riding along a track configured such that said door has an open position extending transversely of said body. The vehicle may have a monocoque body with at least substantially planar sides and at least one parcel shelf extending along an inside of, and attached to, each of the sides for stiffening the sides and resisting torsion.

Abstract: An operating module for localized signal processing at a corner of a vehicle includes a housing, a valve assembly or a sensor, and a signal processing device. The operating module can be used in operative association with an air spring assembly. The operating module can be in communication with other components and/or systems. A vehicle suspension system and method are also discussed.

Abstract: An improved trailer wheel system including a trailer mounting support, a fender mounting support, a main suspension support arm and an air bag. The trailer mounting support is mounted to a trailer platform. The fender mounting support is attached to the trailer mounting support. One end of the main suspension support arm is mounted to one end of the trailer mounting support. The air bag is attached to the other end of the main suspension support arm and the fender mounting support. A wheel axle is mounted to the main suspension support arm and a wheel is mounted to the wheel axle. The air bag is used to raise or lower the trailer for more efficient loading and unloading, as well as acting as an anti-theft device, and providing a smoother ride for the equipment being transported and the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a load bearing vehicle which includes a pair of air springs fluidly connected to a pair of auxiliary air reservoirs and to a main air reservoir. The system includes control valves which permit the air in the air springs to be exhausted therefrom to lower the vehicle frame without exhausting the air from the auxiliary air reservoirs.

Abstract: Method and device for calculating chassis height of a vehicle that has at least three air-suspended wheel axles (2, 3, 4). The device includes a control unit and two level sensors (9, 10). The control unit detects the chassis height at the front axle (2) via a first level sensor (9) and at the forward rear axle (3) via a second level sensor (10), and the control unit calculates the chassis height at the rearmost wheel axle (4). An object of the disclosure is to protect the rear axle installation with as few level sensors as possible.

Abstract: A lift system for integration with the air suspension system of a truck for raising the rear of the truck so that the trailer can be attached and the landing gear let up includes an air dump valve, two air control switch valves, one one-way valve, one air gauge rated to 100 psi., one air regulator, an on/off control switch, a safety alarm buzzer, and the appropriate number and size of fittings and airlines. The on/off control switch is located within the cab of the truck and allows the operator to manually engage or disengage the lift system. The lift system is interconnected to and powered by the truck's main battery and main air supply whereupon engagement of the lift system facilitates the alignment and connection of the rear of the truck to the trailer and removes the weight from the truck's landing gear by raising the landing gear so that the landing gear can be let up.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method of aid and protection in the moving of a mattress or box spring of various sized beds about a residence, retail or commercial premise or institution. It also is very helpful for the handling of panel materials such as sheetrock, plywood, hardy-board or other construction materials, at the same time in all cases affording some protection against back injury and follow-on medical claims plus labor saving, as many of the jobs can be done safely by one person.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for the stabilization of a mobile liquid tank during transportation of a liquid. Sensors feed information regarding the status and position of a liquid retained therein to a control unit which calculates expected movement of the liquid, and controls a set of pneumatic valves to adjust airsprings of a pneumatic suspension as to minimize undesirable movement of the liquid.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a load bearing vehicle which includes a pair of air springs fluidly connected to a pair of auxiliary air reservoirs and to a main air reservoir. The system includes control valves which permit the air in the air springs to be exhausted therefrom to lower the vehicle frame without exhausting the air from the auxiliary air reservoirs.

Abstract: A truck is disclosed with a vertically adjustable bed to facilitate cargo loading and unloading. The truck includes a U-shaped frame within which the vertically adjustable bed is located. The vertically adjustable bed is movable between elevated and lowered positions by hydraulic cylinders. When in its fully elevated position, the vertically adjustable bed is secured to the U-shaped frame by bed locking pins. When the vertically adjustable bed is in its fully elevated position, left and right tailgate doors are secured to each other by tailgate door locking screws. The left and right tailgate doors are secured to the vertically adjustable bed by tailgate bed locking pins and a lateral recess in the left and right tailgate doors designed to receive the rear edge of the vertically adjustable bed.

Abstract: A sensor for a height control system uses a transducer to detect changes in position of an arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.

Abstract: An anti-creep locking mechanism for a trailer suspension system is disclosed. The disclosed locking mechanism includes at least one column that may be swung into a first position in a gap formed between a trailer frame and a suspension component to keep a trailer at a predetermined height. The column is biased into the first position by a spring. An actuator, such as a contracting air bag or an air cylinder with a linkage assembly, is used to overcome the biasing force of the spring and retract the column into a second position, thereby deactivating the anti-creep locking mechanism. The anti-creep mechanism may further include an angle limiter to insure that column is fully retracted once the system is deactivated.

Abstract: Method and device for calculating chassis height of a vehicle that has at least three air-suspended wheel axles (2, 3, 4). The device includes a control unit and two level sensors (9, 10). The control unit detects the chassis height at the front axle (2) via a first level sensor (9) and at the forward rear axle (3) via a second level sensor (10), and the control unit calculates the chassis height at the rearmost wheel axle (4). An object of the disclosure is to protect the rear axle installation with as few level sensors as possible.

Abstract: An anti-creep locking mechanism for a trailer suspension system is disclosed. The disclosed locking mechanism includes at least one column that may be swung into a first position in a gap formed between a trailer frame and a suspension component to keep a trailer at a predetermined height. The column is biased into the first position by a spring. An actuator, such as a contracting air bag or an air cylinder with a linkage assembly, is used to overcome the biasing force of the spring and retract the column into a second position, thereby deactivating the anti-creep locking mechanism. The anti-creep mechanism may further include an angle limiter to insure that column is fully retracted once the system is deactivated.

Abstract: A lift system for integration with the air suspension system of a truck for raising the rear of the truck so that the trailer can be attached and the landing gear let up includes an air dump valve, two air control switch valves, one one-way valve, one air gauge rated to 100 psi., one air regulator, an on/off control switch, a safety alarm buzzer, and the appropriate number and size of fittings and airlines. The on/off control switch is located within the cab of the truck and allows the operator to manually engage or disengage the lift system. The lift system is interconnected to and powered by the truck's main battery and main air supply whereupon engagement of the lift system facilitates the alignment and connection of the rear of the truck to the trailer and removes the weight from the truck's landing gear by raising the landing gear so that the landing gear can be let.

Abstract: A sensor for a height control system in a trailing arm suspension uses a transducer to detect changes in position of a trailing arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the trailing arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.