Abstract: A brake camshaft (22), having a cam (23) at one end for actuation by rotation of the camshaft to expand the brake shoes of a drum brake, has two spaced bearing assemblies (16, 21), preferably both self-aligning, releasably secured on an axle beam (1) at mountings (8, 9). The mountings have apertures, conveniently slots (10, 13), at least one of which is open or openable laterally of the brake camshaft (22) to enable the camshaft (22) to be manoeuvred, with tilting or lateral movement, out of engagement with the apertures when the bearing assemblies (16, 21) have been released from the mountings, to withdraw the camshaft with its bearing assemblies from the mountings. In one example the mounting (9) remote from the cam, a bearing mounting bracket, has an open-ended slot (10) opening to the edge of the mounting for withdrawal of the camshaft, and the other mounting (8) has a slot (13) with which the cam (23) has to be aligned for withdrawal.

Abstract: In an air suspension system of a vehicle the height of the vehicle platform is maintained in use by height control valves. To facilitate loading, the height may be adjusted by an operator by overriding the height control valves by means of a selector valve. The height may then be adjusted by a Raise/Lower valve. If the operator omits to return the selector valve and/or the Raise/Lower valve to their normal condition, the selector valve is reverted to its normal condition by a pilot line connected to a service brake line so that the vehicle automatically returns to its normal ride height on the first brake application. Alternatively the valve may be operated by a solenoid connected to the brake light circuit so that the service brake line is not affected. In an alternative arrangement, the suspension system height is adjusted by two manually-operable spring-return valves. Again, a selector valve reverts to a condition in which ride height is attained on application of the service brake.

Abstract: There is provided in combination a shaft and a bearing assembly on the shaft comprising a bush having a cylindrical bore in which the shaft is received and a part-spherical outer periphery, and opposed housing members secured, or adapted to be secured, together having inner surfaces shaped to co-operate with the outer periphery of the bush so as to hold and locate the bush whilst allowing tilting of the bush within the assembled housing members, at least one of the housing members being formed to provide for axial and radial location of the assembly on or in a mounting therefor, characterized in that the shaft has a peripheral annulus, the bush has an annulus in its bore and a locating member is engaged with the two annuli and thereby locates the shaft axially in the bearing assembly.

Abstract: When attaching components to composite members, for example leaf springs of composite fibre reinforced resin material, it is necessary to avoid stress concentrations and also the access of foreign matter between the spring and the component since this can cause abrasion and break down of the spring. A composite leaf spring having upper and lower planar surfaces has a two element component clamped to it as indicated by the arrows. Liners of elastomeric material are interposed between one element and the upper planar surface and between the other element and the lower planar surface. Towards their ends the surfaces of the elements adjacent the spring diverge from the spring and the liners are shaped to fill the divergencies. The liners extend beyond the ends of the elements to form sealing lips at the spring surfaces. In an eye end attachment at an end of a composite spring in a one piece component may be used.

Abstract: Running gear comprises a beam having upwardly directed, aligned, first brackets at or towards each end for attachment of the beam transversely to a trailer, aligned second brackets depending from the beam at or towards its ends, at least one third bracket depending from the beam in alignment with and intermediate the second brackets, arms respectively pivoted at their front ends to a second bracket and the or a third bracket and carrying stub axles at their rear ends on which are brake means and wheel mounting means, and rigid with and extending rearwardly from each arm and stub axle assembly a member having a platform for an air spring. The running gear is fixed as a unit to a trailer chassis by the first brackets. Preferably the beam is tubular of vertically elongated hexagonal cross-section, and upper and lower regions of the section are embraced by the first and second brackets respectively.