Patents Assigned to Michael D. Lindorfer
  • Patent number: 5000476
    Abstract: A suspension system having a horizontal roll axis eliminates bump steer. The roll axis is formed by a line connecting the instant center of the axle locating links and the roll center. A pair of locating links trail rearwardly from a pivot point on the chassis to pivotal mounting point on the axle adjacent the wheels. In another embodiment, the roll center is controlled by a pair of lateral links which are mounted at their outboard ends to the axle and at their inboard ends to a pair of bellcranks pivotally mounted to the chassis, the bellcranks being linked to one another by a connecting link, gear teeth or a flexible member. The lateral links may also be mounted using compliant elastomer mounting points or by using a fore-aft pivoting A-arm mounted to the chassis. A rack and pinion steering mechanism may be mounted directly to the solid axle to enhance handling and reduce weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignees: Michael D. Lindorfer, Frederick C. Schilplin
    Inventors: Michael D. Lindorfer, Brian L. Anderson