Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle, the vehicle defining a vertical direction, a forward direction and a reverse direction, the steering system including: an axle assembly defining a central axis comprising an axle and a bearing sleeve circumferentially surrounding the axle; a wheel assembly; and axle-to-wheel connection hardware set defining a caster axis with the caster angle being the angle between the caster axis and the vertical direction; and a caster angle adjustment assembly; wherein: the axle-to-wheel connection hardware mechanically connects the axle assembly to the wheel assembly so that the wheel assembly can rotate about the caster axis with respect to the axle assembly; and the caster angle adjustment assembly is structured, connected and/or located to actuate at least the axle-to-wheel connection hardware set to change the caster angle between at least a first angle and a second angle during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tool used to maintain proper alignment and centering of the spring during retrofit operations (such as retrofit operations to create a self-steering axle. In most cases, four alignment tools, according to the present invention, are used to maintain spring/hanger alignment and centering during retrofit. More specifically, two springs (one at each end of the axle) must be held in alignment, and one tool is used at each longitudinal end of each spring, thereby making a total of four spring/hanger junctures where alignment must be established and maintained and a corresponding total of four tools to maintain this alignment. The tools are removed from the spring/hanger junctures when the retrofit is completed.

Abstract: A suspension system for use with a trailer or truck having a frame and front and rear axles. In one embodiment, the suspension system includes a front hanger having a lower portion, a bearing portion, and an upper portion engaged with the frame. The suspension system further includes a hanger assembly having a lower portion, a bearing portion, and an upper portion engaged with the frame and a rocker arm having first and second bearing portions. The suspension system further comprises a rear hanger engaged with the frame and having a bearing portion. The suspension system further comprises a first saddle engaged with the front axle and a second saddle engaged with the rear axle. The suspension system further comprises a leaf spring having a first end portion engaged with the bearing portion of the front hangar and a second end portion engaged with the first bearing portion of the rocker arm.

Abstract: The present invention is a suspension system for use with a trailer or truck having a frame and front and rear axles. In one embodiment, the suspension system comprises a front hangar having a lower portion, a bearing portion, and an upper portion engaged with the frame. The suspension system further comprises a hangar assembly having a lower portion, an upper portion engaged with the frame and a rocker arm having first and second bearing portions. The suspension system further comprises a rear hangar engaged with the frame and having a bearing portion. The suspension system further comprises a first saddle engaged with the front axle and a second saddle engaged with the rear axle. The suspension system further comprises a leaf spring having a first end portion engaged with the bearing portion of the front hangar and a second end portion engaged with the first bearing portion of the rocker arm.

Abstract: The present invention is a suspension system for use with a trailer or truck having a frame and front and rear axles. In one embodiment, the suspension system comprises a front hangar having a lower portion, a bearing portion, and an upper portion engaged with the frame. The suspension system further comprises a hangar assembly having a lower portion, an upper portion engaged with the frame and a rocker arm having first and second bearing portions. The suspension system further comprises a rear hangar engaged with the frame and having a bearing portion. The suspension system further comprises a first saddle engaged with the front axle and a second saddle engaged with the rear axle. The suspension system further comprises a leaf spring having a first end portion engaged with the bearing portion of the front hangar and a second end portion engaged with the first bearing portion of the rocker arm.

Abstract: The present invention is a self steering “add on” axle system for use with a vehicle such a dump truck in order to increase the legal weight capacity of the vehicle and provide effective steering in both the forward and reverse directions. The system comprises a standard axle with king pin within a sleeve that is suspended by a leaf spring. The leaf spring is rotatably connected to a first leaf spring hangers and interconnected to second leaf spring hangers by a load adjustment members. The axle and king pin are tilted approximately eight degrees positively or negatively from vertical by a control system to further promote self steering when the vehicle is moving in either the forward or reverse direction.

Abstract: An automatic powered, self-tracking system for the rear axles of large vehicles which experience difficulty in cornering manueverability. A motion sensing device is placed in proximity to a steering component of the vehicle and is operable to sense and distinguish between right and left-hand turns in both forward and reverse travel. The motion sensor connects to a plurality of axle-pivoting mechanisms which are positioned to exert a force on preselected components of the vehicle's suspension system. The force exerted by the mechanisms is directly proportional to the degree of the turn, so that the associated axle is caused to pivot by an amount which directs it in an arcing path through the turn without skidding or cutting a curb or other obstacle short.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for use on a conventional bicycle which permits independent actuation of both pedals and provides a driving force through 100% of a pedal stroke. The clutch is generally comprised of a single, outer, cylindrical rotor which extends between the two pedals, and two internal rotors, respective to each pedal, positioned within the outer rotor. The internal rotors each include respective longitudinally extending, annularly spaced webs and longitudinally extending V-shaped portions integrally positioned between successive webs. In addition, magnets are attached to each rotor and positioned at the vortices of the V-shaped portions. The clutch further includes a set of cylindrical rods positioned between the two rotors which become wedgingly engaged between the magnets and the outer rotor when the pedal is actuated by a user of the bike. In addition, each pedal is attached to the frame of the bike via a spring which prohibits the pedal from being rotated a full 360.degree..

Abstract: Apparatus and method of providing self-tracking rear axles on non-articulated vehicles having more than one rear axle. In existing suspension systems employing torque rods which lie substantially parallel to the longitudinal center-line of the vehicle, the forward ends of each pair of torque rods are moved laterally inwardly toward each other and the vehicle center-line and re-mounted to one of the frame or associated rear axle (the same one on which the forward end was originally mounted). The forward ends of each torque rod pair are also laterally spaced from each other to provide separate reaction forces at each forward end which provides the self-tracking movement of the rear axles upon cornering. Shock absorbers are also modified to accept lateral deflection. Other specialized suspension modifications are disclosed as they relate to specific existing suspension types.