Abstract: An automotive component including a composite casting is provided. The composite casting includes a steel member and an end cap fastened to an end portion of the steel member. A cast coupling member is cast about the end portion of the steel member including the end cap, thereby positively and rigidly securing the cast coupling member to the steel member. The automotive component can comprise an engine cradle, a control arm, an instrument panel support structure, a bumper assembly, or a twist axle. The cast coupling member is typically formed by casting-in-place aluminum about the end cap and the end portion of the steel member. The steel member is typically a tubular member, and the end cap typically includes a flange designed to provide a mechanical interlock surface with the cast coupling member. For example, the flange can have a polygonal shape, an outwardly extending member, or notches.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes an attachment member with a spindle attachment interface and a brake attachment interface. A spindle is attached to the spindle attachment interface and a brake component is attached to the brake attachment interface. The spindle attachment interface is configured to be a detachable connection that allows the spindle to be selectively attached and detached from the wheel assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an axle assembly for a commercial vehicle, having an axle produced from a first metal material and at least one trailing link produced from a second metal material which has a connecting portion with a seat which the axle sits with a hollow coupling portion such that the axle and the trailing link are in torque-proof engagement with one another.

Abstract: A fabricated 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 is inserted within the space between the cover flap and the top edges of the end extensions. King pin bolt holes are machined at each axle head section into the cover flaps, head plates and each end of the bottom plate to permit a king pin to be installed therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a twist-axle that includes a cross-beam member and two trailing arms, each trailing arm rigidly secured to the cross-beam member in one of two connection regions of the cross-beam member or formed integrally with and extending from one of the two connection regions. The cross-beam member is formed from a tubular blank and has a torsionally elastic central portion and two torsionally stiff connection regions. The cross-beam member has a wall thickness that varies longitudinally along the length of the cross-beam member from the torsionally elastic central portion to each of the torsionally stiff connection regions.

Abstract: In a traditional hitched trailer there is no way to adjust the ride height of the trailer. Provided is an angular adjusting mechanism (13) for a suspension system (10) comprising a shaft (12) and a crank arm (20), the shaft (12) having a connecting end (14) connected to the crank arm (20), said angular adjusting mechanism (13) comprising a frusto-comcal shaped surface (16) provided on the connecting end (14) and pointing outwardly from said shaft (12), said surface (16) having an array of first cavities (18) arranged circumferentially, a frusto-comcal bore (22) proximate a first extremity of said crank arm (20), said bore (22) having an array of second cavities (24), said bore (22) being operative to mate with said surface (16) of said connecting end (14), and an interlocking element (30) partly positioned in one of said second cavities (24) and partly positioned in one of said first cavities (18) so as to lock said crank arm (20) at a predetermined angular position with respect to said shaft (12).

Abstract: A fabricated 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 is inserted within the space between the cover flap and the top edges of the end extensions. King pin bolt holes are machined at each axle head section into the cover flaps, head plates and each end of the bottom plate to permit a king pin to be installed therein.

Abstract: A flexible axle for motor vehicle has a cross-member (1) connecting two longitudinal arms (2), wherein said cross-member (1) has a closed cross-section, and said cross-member has, at least in a central zone, a substantially trapezoid cross-section (11).

Abstract: Introduced is a compound crank axle having a flexurally stiff and torsionally soft cross member, on whose ends two trailing links are arranged. The respective ends of the cross member are joined with the trailing links through friction welding in an angularly stiff manner. Here, the trailing links joined with the cross member are held together at a common transition region which is created in that both trailing links are joined together simultaneously and evenly with the cross member in a materially connected manner through friction welding.

Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.

Abstract: Axles and spindle assemblies for wheeled vehicles. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, this invention relates to a substantially curvilinear axle for wheeled vehicles, alone or in combination with a spindle assembly, having a substantially continuous radius of curvature extending from one end of the axle to the other. In at least one additional embodiment, this invention relates to fabricated spindle assemblies having gusset arms for mechanical attachment to axle ends.

Abstract: A method of forming metal castings, including positioning a first end of a structural member in a first mold cavity and a second end of the structural member in a second mold cavity. The first and second mold cavities being fluidly coupled to a reservoir of molten metal. Applying a main pressure to the molten metal in the reservoir to force the molten metal into the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity. Then, applying a first auxiliary pressure to the first mold cavity and a second auxiliary pressure to the second mold cavity to densify the casting formed in the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity. Also, a method for casting including maintaining a main pressure at or less than an initial, mold-filling pressure after first and second mold cavities have been filled. Additionally, a method for detecting whether a first mold cavity is sufficiently filled with molten metal by monitoring a moveable element.

Abstract: The wobble bearing axle assembly is used for engaging the upper body of a person for use in human powered vehicles and exercise equipment. The wobble bearing assembly converts linear input force derived by the operator into rotational force, which is directed toward the forward propulsion of a wheel. The wobble bearing axle assembly comprises a wobble bearing, a wobble axle, at least two engagement members a first arm and a second arm. The wobble bearing is disposed upon the oblique retainer of the wobble axle. The oblique retainer of the wobble axle is angled offset from the axis of the wobble axle Y. The engaging members are rotatably affixed with the first and second arms through pins which is longitudinally disposed through complementary orifices through the first and second arms and the engaging members respectively. In some preferred embodiments additional bearings are engaged with the pedals powered by the legs of the operator.

Abstract: Axles and spindle assemblies for wheeled vehicles. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, this invention relates to a substantially curvilinear axle for wheeled vehicles, alone or in combination with a spindle assembly, having a substantially continuous radius of curvature extending from one end of the axle to the other. In at least one additional embodiment, this invention relates to fabricated spindle assemblies having gusset arms for mechanical attachment to axle ends.

Abstract: A fabricated vehicle axle is provided with a single piece main body having an inverted U-shaped configuration. The ends of the main body are curved upwardly to define a pair of gooseneck portions. A first king pin fixture having a king pin bore is secured to one of the gooseneck portions, while a second king pin fixture having a king pin bore is secured to the other gooseneck portion. A bottom plate is secured to the main body and has ends extending beyond the gooseneck portions to provide seats for the king pin fixtures.

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 powered motor vehicle rear axle 10 is provided that can be coupled with a motor vehicle drive train. The powered motor vehicle rear axle is configured as twist-beam rear axle with two wheel carrying resistant trailing arms that are elastically linked to the motor vehicle structure and a bending resistant, but torsion flexible cross member. Here each of the trailing arms swings around at least one swivel axle. Over its entire length the cross member has a one-piece pipe profile or an open profile. Here it is separate from the swivel axles as well as from the wheel centers when viewed lengthwise from of the motor vehicle. In the area of its both ends the cross member is welded to the trailing arms 12. The cross member is, in particular, generally bent upwards to make space for the installation of at least one module allocated for the drive train, for example for the installation of a drive shaft and a rear axle differential.

Abstract: A height adjustable motorcycle training wheel apparatus including a base plate that is detachably attachable to the underside of a motorcycle engine case or frame. A detachably attachable axle is attached to the base plate and a pair of auxiliary wheels are rotatably maintained thereon. The axle includes a series of bends that create a secondary axle axis that is parallel to and offset from the primary axle axis. The distance between the auxiliary wheels and the riding surface may be adjusted by detaching the axle from the base plate, rotating the axle to the desired position, and reattaching the axle to the base plate.

Abstract: In a rigid vehicle axle comprising an axle beam with axle journals forming wheel carriers arranged at the ends thereof, and at least two trailing arms rigidly fixed to the axle beam, each half of the rigid vehicle axle comprises an axle beam section, a trailing arm section and a wheel head section arranged adjacent one after another and the ends of the axle tube sections overlap with the adjoining ends of the trailing arm sections and their end faces are congruent with the respectively adjoining end faces of the wheel head sections, at least in some areas, and the adjoining sections are welded together.

Abstract: An axle structure for a motor vehicle includes a body of U-shaped configuration with two longitudinal beams and a cross member interconnecting the longitudinal beams at one end thereof. Each longitudinal beam has ends formed as a neck. The longitudinal beams and the cross member are made of two identical metallic shells which extend in congruent relationship and are cemented to one another at least in sections thereof in sandwich-like manner.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for vehicles. The invention relates to both double axle vehicles and single axle vehicles. Feasible areas of use are: prams, carts (pulled manually or by a vehicle), walkers, wheel chairs, skateboards, luggage carts and motor vehicles. It is significant for the wheel suspension that the centre axles (15a, 15b) of wheels (11a, 11b) of a set of wheels are connected to elements (14a, 14b) that extend in the travelling direction of the vehicle, that these elements (14a, 14b) are hingedly/pivotally connected to a frame (1?) of the vehicle, that the centre axles (15a, 15b) for adjacent wheels (11a, 11b) are located at a certain distance from each other in the longitudinal direction/travelling direction (2) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A golf cart spindle to allow mounting of a larger wheel and tire combination on a golf cart. The spindle having a spindle body which includes a top end and a bottom end, the spindle body including a bolt channel between the top end and bottom end of the spindle body, the spindle body sized to fit existing front spindle supports of the golf cart as a replacement to the production spindle. The spindle having a spindle leg extending from the spindle body, the spindle leg having a spindle end attached to the spindle body; the spindle leg having an axle end. The spindle having an axle extending from the axle end of the spindle leg. Whereby, the spindle leg extends from the spindle body such that the axle end and the axle is positioned forward and lower than the original position of the axle of the production spindle.

Abstract: In the torsion beam axle suspension of the present invention, by providing mounts formed on one end of each of trailing arms with a three-dimensional slant angle, when a transverse force is applied to a turning outer wheel at a rear suspension during cornering of a vehicle, toe-in characteristics are induced, and at the same time a transverse rigidity of the mounts can be increased.

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: A suspension and axle assembly is provided having two identical stampings, each of which form a portion of an axle and a portion of first and second suspension control arms that extend from the axle. The two stampings are coupled to one another along a continuous weld path. The assembly eliminates the connection points between the axle and control arms. The assembly also defines a pair of bores in which springs may be disposed at varying heights to lower the vehicle floor and reduce loads on the control arms, bushings, and other joints.

Abstract: A robotic pool or tank cleaner is supported by wheels that are mounted on fixed or movable axles that form an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the pool cleaner's body when the cleaner moves in either or both of two opposing directions to thereby provide a variable path as the device moves back and forth across the bottom surface of the pool or tank that is being cleaned.

Abstract: A fabricated vehicle axle is shown to include a main body having an inverted U-shaped configuration. The fabricated vehicle axle further includes a continuous bottom plate welded to the main body. The fabricated axle also includes a first king pin top plate having a reversed curved fork portion welded to the main body at one end thereof. Similarly, the fabricated vehicle axle includes a second king pin top plate having a reversed curved fork portion welded to the main body at an opposite end thereof. Still further, the fabricated vehicle axle includes a first gooseneck part welded to the first king pin top plate and the first end of the bottom plate. Similarly, the fabricated vehicle axle includes a second gooseneck part welded to the second king pin top plate and the second end of the bottom plate.

Abstract: Motor vehicle axle assembly that includes two arms configured to be mounted in an articulated manner to a motor vehicle body. Each of the two arms is coupled to a wheel-bearing knuckle. A crosspiece is coupled to each of the two arms. At least one insert includes at least one elastomer element and at least one bearing. The at least one insert is arranged to at least one of couple at least one end of the cross piece to at least one of the two arms and couple a first part of the cross piece to a second part of the cross piece. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension and a control arm therefor are provided. The control arm includes first and second members each defining a recess corresponding to a portion of the outer surface of a vehicle axle. The members are welded or otherwise coupled together to surround at least a majority of the axle thereby enabling installation of the control arm without sliding the arm onto the axle. Each of the members includes a pair of sidewalls and a lateral wall joining, and integral with, the sidewalls. The sidewalls are angled relative to an axis of the axle to provide sufficient clearance for a spring assembly mounted to the control arm and centering of spring loads. The two sidewalls of one member may further include aligned apertures configured to receive a tube on which a shock absorber may be mounted. The tube enables strong and accurate mounting of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A vehicle axle crosspiece includes inner and outer tubes extending crosswise of the vehicle, with the axially outer end of the outer tube being connected to a wheel arm on one side of the vehicle and the axially outer end of the inner tube being connected to a wheel arm on the other side of the vehicle. The inner and outer tubes are joined together by at least two axially-spaced antiroll articulations of elastomeric material housed between the inner and outer tubes. Each of the two antiroll articulations has its own radial stiffness and is assigned a coefficient proportional to its radial stiffness. The center of inertia of the antiroll articulations is closer to the wheel arm connected to the outer tube than to the wheel arm connected to the inner tube.

Abstract: A vehicle axle, for example for a driven; undriven, steering or trailer system, comprises a member (1) formed as a hollow monocoque structure which includes at least one integral location (3, 20, 23) formed in the structure as a low stress area adapted to receive an attachment (24, 31, 34) thereto for use of the axle in a vehicle. The monocoque structure may be rigid, or substantially so, or it may include one or more compliant portions. It distributes throughout the member stresses to which the member is subjected when the axle is use in a vehicle and parts of the structure may be specifically shaped to suit the particular stresses to which they will be subjected when in use. In one embodiment the monocoque structure includes an axle beam part of a hollow lobed cross-section which gives roll compliance without necessarily having to add resilient components. In this embodiment trailing arms (4) are formed as an integral part of the monocoque structure which forms part of a trailing suspension system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing an irregular section tubular body and axle beam. The axle beam has a tubular worked body that has sealed liquid therein and is press-formed by upper and lower press molds. One of the press molds has a convex mold portion to form a concave portion concaved in an axis perpendicular direction at an axial part of the axle beam. The press-forming of the tubular worked body is completed by a one stroke process using liquid pressure that increases as the internal volume of the worked body decreases due to formation of the concave portion. The concave portion extends substantially the length of the axle beam and has a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section forming a closed and sealed space.

Abstract: A torsion axle is provided, which includes an axle tube having an interior chamber and an insert assembly positioned within the interior chamber. The insert assembly includes a rigid shaft, a relatively flexible cartridge, and relatively inflexible front and rear bushings. The cartridge has an interior passageway receiving the shaft and the front and rear bushings likewise each have an aperture receiving the shaft. The front bushing is positioned on the shaft in front of the cartridge, while the rear bushing is positioned on the shaft to the rear of the cartridge. The front and rear bushings are dimensioned to fit closely within the interior chamber and are freely rotatable relative to the shaft, while the cartridge is non-rotatable relative to the shaft at the interior passageway.

Abstract: A transverse support as a component of a twist beam axle of a passenger car has a bending resistant, torsionally yielding tubular profiled member formed by cold-forming a tube blank of a micro-alloyed, high-strength steel or a polyphase, higher strength steel, wherein the profiled member has a torsionally yielding central longitudinal section with a double-wall cross-section and opposed torsion-proof end sections. The tubular profiled member can also be made of special steel such as a stainless high-alloy chrome steel.

Abstract: A torsion axle assembly 10 having readily removable and replaceable spindle axles 20. The assembly comprises a tubular axle beam 12, a inner torsion bar 14 seated inside the tubular axle beam 12, rubber cords 16 positioned in the four corners of the tubular axle beam 12 for providing torsional resistance to the inner torsion bar 14, torsion arms 18 rigidly secured to the inner torsion bar 14 at opposing ends thereof, and removable spindle axles 18. A removable spindle axle 20 generally includes a boss 26 of defined taper arranged and configured to be mounted in abutment with the spindle axle socket 28 of the torsion arms 18, a threaded fastener 36 for securing the spindle axle 20 to torsion arm 18, and a spindle end 30 that is arranged and configured to mount a wheel and hub assembly 32 thereon.

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 motor vehicle rear axle including a pair of longitudinal control arms made of cast iron or aluminum and a transverse torsion bar made of steel. Each control arm has a first end hinged to a body of the motor vehicle for up and down pivotal movement, a second end at which a wheel spindle is rigidly attached, and a socket facing the other control arm. Each socket has a diametrically opposite pair of apertures therein. The torsion bar has a pair of opposite terminal ends which are formed to match and interference fitted in respective ones of the control arm sockets. A pair of plugs in each of the pair of diametrically opposite apertures in the control arm sockets are fusion bonded to corresponding ones of the terminal ends of the torsion bar. The fusion bonded plugs define lugs in the apertures which torsionally reinforce the interference fit between the terminal ends of the torsion bar and the control arm sockets and which positively prevent dislodgment of the terminal ends from the control arm sockets.

Abstract: An axle comprises having a crossmember coupling two arms, each arm carrying a stub axle for receiving a wheel, the crossmember being formed essentiy by two coaxial half-crossmembers partially inserted into each other. Resilient rings non-slidingly integral with each of the half-crossmembers and axially spaced from each other ensure the relative torsional stress transmission between the half-crossmembers. The crossmember is not aligned with the pivot axis of the arms on the body.

Abstract: A torsion axle for a trailer for transporting a load such as a pontoon boat. The torsion axle assembly is part of a wheel unit for maintaining stability for the trailer during transport. The torsion axle is assembled to have two pairs of resilient elements and an elongated shaft housed between inner and outer elongated sections. The inner and outer elongated sections are held together temporarily by a weld and then releasably held together by releasable fasteners in a normal use position.

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 motor vehicle rear axle suspension has an inherently stiff axle guide member. The axle guide member is articulated by a universal joint on the vehicle body in the central longitudinal plane of the vehicle. Lateral guidance is effected by a lateral guide linkage. In order to reduce the tendency of the rear axle to oversteer under the action of a lateral force, an axle tube has a configuration curved in the forward direction of travel and is articulated directly on the body by a universal joint.

Abstract: A camera dolly has a steering compensator including offset shaft sections and drive members rotationally displaceable from each other. The steering compensator provides steering angle correction in conventional steering wherein the front wheels of the dolly remain fixed straight ahead and the rear wheels steer. A crab-conventional camera dolly steering shift mechanism uses shift plates and sprockets on a vertical axle to shift between crab and conventional steering modes. An electronic shifter, provided as an accessory, automatically shifts between crab and conventional steering modes. A rocker suspension for the wheels of the camera dolly reduces undesired movement of the dolly, and of a camera mounted on the dolly, when the dolly wheels encounter a bump or obstruction. A bogey wheel system improves the performance of the rocker suspension by offsetting the wheels of the dolly dual wheel sets.

Abstract: A non-driven tubular vehicle axle assembly in which the axle body is formed from the mating of opposing axle sections constructed of sheet material formed into channel members. The utilization of channel members of differing lengths combined in the construction of the axle body along with separately formed spring pads and knuckle/king pin mountings provides for ease of assembly of axles of various length and specification.

Abstract: In this improved trailer chassis, the accessories which typically added weight without adding to the structural capacity of the trailer have been replaced with accessories which are incorporated into the structural members. The frame of the trailer chassis is comprised of a front and rear beam connecting two longitudinal side beams that incorporate a recess to capture the trailer floor decking. The axle beam mounts between the two side beams to serve as lateral support to the side beams and as a flooring beam and incorporates a open section into its section through which an axle can be mounted. The fenders for the trailer are mounted so that they contribute to the structural integrity of the frame while serving as a side enclosure in addition to a wheel well.

Abstract: A torsion axle for a vehicle includes an elongated axle tube enclosing first stage torsion shafts and second stage torsion shafts all having a common axis, and a metal tube or a non-circular portion of the axle tube and a plurality of resilient rubber rods confine each of the shafts for torsionally resisting rotation of the shaft. Each first stage metal tube is secured to the surrounding axle tube, and each second stage metal tube is connected to the corresponding first stage shaft. A stud projects outwardly from each second stage metal tube through a slot within the surrounding axle tube to limit rotation of the second stage tube with the first stage shaft, and a crank arm and eccentric spindle are secured to the outer end portion of each second stage shaft for receiving a wheel. In modifications, the first stage shafts for both the left and right wheels are connected as one shaft, and a hydraulic winch cable and spool provide for pre-rotating the one shaft or the axle tube to lower and raise the vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for attaching wheel assemblies to a frame includes a pair of torsion spring subassemblies adjustably interconnected by a center axle tube to form a unitary axle-like assembly whose torsion spring subassemblies can be adjustably fixed in various desired spaced positions for connection to a selected frame having a particular width. Each torsion spring subassembly includes a torque limiter and further includes an outer tube with a bracket-like mounting member thereon for connecting the outer tube to the side beams on the frame, the bracket member being generally planar in shape and adapted to communicate forces from wheels directly through the torsion spring subassemblies to the frame in a manner that minimizes deformation when the torque limiter engages.

Abstract: A torsion axle for a vehicle includes an elongated axle tube enclosing first stage torsion shafts and second stage torsion shafts all having a common axis, and a metal tube and a plurality of resilient rubber rods confine each of the shafts for torsionally resisting rotation of the shaft. Each first stage metal tube is secured to the surrounding axle tube, and each second stage metal tube is connected to the corresponding first stage shaft. A stud projects outwardly from each second stage metal tube through a slot within the surrounding axle tube to limit rotation of the second stage tube with the first stage shaft, and a crank arm and eccentric spindle are secured to the outer end portion of each second stage shaft for receiving a wheel. In modifications, the first stage shafts for both the left and right wheels are connected as one shaft, and a winch cable and spool provide for prerotating the one shaft to lower the vehicle for convenient loading.

Abstract: A braking device for a vehicle utilizing a plurality of wheels for motion relative to a surface. The present invention includes a bent axle for supporting at least one of the wheels. The bent axle has a first axle portion being disposed parallel to a y-axis which is perpendicular to an x-axis, the x-axis defining the longitudinal axis of a main structure of the vehicle, the x-axis also defining the direction of vehicle motion. The bent axle includes at least one terminal axle portion angularly disposed from the first axle portion. The first axle portion of the bent axle rotatably engages with the main structure of the vehicle, along an axis parallel to the y-axis. The terminal axle portion of the bent axle rotatably engages with the wheel. Therefore, the wheel rotates in a plane that is not parallel to the direction of vehicle motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new ceramic-metal composite body and a method for producing the same. Particularly, a compliant layer composition is utilized for preventing the rupture of a ceramic article and/or the yielding or failure of a metal during the pouring, solidification and cooling of a molten metal which has been cast around the ceramic. A slurry composition for the compliant layer includes plaster of paris, a liquid vehicle and a filler material. The slurry composition is coated on the ceramic article and thereafter is heat-treated to form a compliant layer. Ceramic-metal composite bodies comprising low strength hollow articles and high expansion coefficient metals may be manufactured according to the method of this invention.

Abstract: A fabricated vehicle axle is shown to include a main body having an inverted U-shaped configuration. The fabricated vehicle axle further includes a continuous bottom plate welded to the main body. The fabricated axle also includes a first king pin top plate having a reversed curved fork portion welded to the main body at one end thereof. Similarly, the fabricated vehicle axle includes a second king pin top plate having a reversed curved fork portion welded to the main body at an opposite end thereof. Still further, the fabricated vehicle axle includes a first gooseneck part welded to the first king pin top plate and the first end of the bottom plate. Similarly, the fabricated vehicle axle includes a second gooseneck part welded to the second king pin top plate and the second end of the bottom plate. REEXAMINATION RESULTS The questions raised in reexamination request 90/007,703, filed Sep.