Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle suspension includes a resilient spring body that is partially surrounded by a protective cover. The protective cover protects the resilient spring body from rupturing when used in harsh vehicle conditions. The protective cover is comprised of a rigid or flexible armor material that is resistive to munitions, such as projectiles and razor wire, for example.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly includes first and second connection points associated with a component. The second connection point is selectively adjustable to adjust a position of the component. A shield has one end coupled to the first connection point and an opposite end proximate to the second connection point to selectively prevent access to the second connection point. The shield is selectively movable when the first connection point is loosened to allow access to the second connection point. To achieve proper adjustment of the component, the first connection point must be loosened prior to adjusting a position of the second connection point.

Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) is used to selectively run a secondary device. The PTO includes a clutch assembly having first and second clutch members that are selectively engaged with each other to drive the secondary device. The first clutch member is associated with a driving input and rotates at an input speed. An accumulator is in power communication with the secondary device and is used to provide power to temporarily drive the second clutch member via the secondary device such that a speed of the second clutch member can be synchronized with the input speed for clutch engagement.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly includes first and second connection points associated with a component. The second connection point is selectively adjustable to adjust a position of the component. A shield has one end coupled to the first connection point and an opposite end proximate to the second connection point to selectively prevent access to the second connection point. The shield is selectively movable when the first connection point is loosened to allow access to the second connection point. To achieve proper adjustment of the component, the first connection point must be loosened prior to adjusting a position of the second connection point.

Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) is used to selectively run a secondary device. The PTO includes a clutch assembly having first and second clutch members that are selectively engaged with each other to drive the secondary device. The first clutch member is associated with a driving input and rotates at an input speed. An accumulator is in power communication with the secondary device and is used to provide power to temporarily drive the second clutch member via the secondary device such that a speed of the second clutch member can be synchronized with the input speed for clutch engagement.

Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle suspension includes a resilient spring body that is partially surrounded by a protective cover. The protective cover protects the resilient spring body from rupturing when used in harsh vehicle conditions. The protective cover is comprised of a rigid or flexible armor material that is resistive to munitions, such as projectiles and razor wire, for example.

Abstract: A self-energized disk brake assembly includes gain stabilization features for controlling the multiplication of applied force against a rotatable brake member. The brake assembly includes a first brake pad supported about a first pivot and a second brake pad supported about a second pivot. An actuator applies a force to drive the brake pads into the rotatable brake member. Frictional force between the brake pads and the rotatable brake member pulls the brake pads into further engagement generating an increase in braking force from self-energization. A position of the first and second pivots is adjustable to control the amount of braking force generated from self-energization.

Abstract: A brake assembly has a caliper with a first brake pad and a second brake pad. The first brake pad is moveable relative to the caliper. A brake actuator moves the first brake pad and has a first threaded member and a second threaded member. The first threaded member has first thread characteristics for moving the brake actuator at a first speed and a first force. The second threaded member has a second thread characteristics for moving the brake actuator at a second speed and a second force. The first speed is greater than the second speed while the first force is lower than the second force.

Abstract: A brake system includes a rotor and a brake pad. An actuator is connected to the brake pad. The actuator includes an energy receptive material that expands when excited to move the brake pad into contact with a braking surface on the rotor. A drive unit moves the energy receptive material between a first position and a second position, where the second position is closer to the rotor than the first position. An energy source energizes the energy receptive material to expand, moving the brake pad into contact with the braking surface. A control unit controls the drive unit and the energy source.

Abstract: A suspension for a heavy duty vehicle is provided that includes a frame. A lower linkage is supported by the frame at a first pivotal connection. A drive axle assembly is supported by a lower linkage at a second pivotal connection. The drive axle assembly includes an input shaft defining a pinion angle. An upper linkage interconnects the drive axle assembly and the frame at third and fourth pivotal connections, respectively. The upper linkage includes an adjustment member, such as a turnbuckle, for modifying the length of the upper linkage to obtain a predetermined pinion angle. In this manner, the pinion angle may be adjusted upon assembly of the suspension system. Furthermore, by permitting the drive axle assembly to pivotally move relative to the linkages, the pinion angle may be maintained during suspension movement.

Abstract: A driveline assembly for interconnecting one driveline component to another driveline component includes a vibration dampening mechanism. The vibration dampening mechanism is installed between a universal joint member and a companion flange. The universal joint member is coupled to a driveshaft and the companion flange is coupled to a drive axle member. A resilient member is secured between the universal joint and the companion flange for absorbing vibrations transmitted between the axle member and the driveshaft. Together the universal joint and companion flange define a central axis. The resilient member is compressible in a linear direction along the central axis to absorb vibrations.

Abstract: A method and system for independently controlling the steering of at least two wheels of a vehicle includes a steering angle sensor for sensing a desired amount of turning of the vehicle and a direction for the desired amount of turning. An electronic control unit, in communication with the steering angle sensor, determines a first desired turning angle for one of the wheels and a second desired turning angle for the other one of the wheels based on the desired amount of turning of the vehicle and the direction of the turning of the vehicle. The second desired turning angle may be the same as or different from the first desired turning angle. Independent turning mechanisms are coupled to each of the wheels and receives control signals from the electronic control unit for controlling the turning angles of each of the wheels independently of the other wheel.

Abstract: A system measures multiple operational angles of a driveline assembly and compares the signals to each other to determine whether the angles and the respective driveline components are properly balanced. Different types of sensor assemblies can be used to measure the operational angles including various types of contact and non-contact sensors. In one example, the operational angle between one axle differential case and a corresponding universal joint can be compared to the operational angle between another axle differential case and corresponding universal joint mounted at an opposite end of the driveline. If the angles are equal or very close to one another than the angles are properly balanced. If the ratio between the two angles exceeds a predetermined limit, the driveline components are not properly balanced and the components can be repositioned to avoid premature wear.

Abstract: A suspension for a heavy duty vehicle is provided that includes a frame. A lower linkage is supported by the frame at a first pivotal connection. A drive axle assembly is supported by a lower linkage at a second pivotal connection. The drive axle assembly includes an input shaft defining a pinion angle. An upper linkage interconnects the drive axle assembly and the frame at third and fourth pivotal connections, respectively. The upper linkage includes an adjustment member, such as a turnbuckle, for modifying the length of the upper linkage to obtain a predetermined pinion angle. In this manner, the pinion angle may be adjusted upon assembly of the suspension system. Furthermore, by permitting the drive axle assembly to pivotally move relative to the linkages, the pinion angle may be maintained during suspension movement.

Abstract: A refrigerant fluid is placed within a driveline component, and in particular an axle housing. This refrigerant fluid is received within a sealed reservoir such that it is sealed from the typical lubricant in the driveline component. The lubricant heats the refrigerant through a housing such that the refrigerant vaporizes within the driveline component housing, thus cooling the lubricant. The vaporized refrigerant travels to a cooling chamber mounted remotely from the reservoir. The cooled refrigerant is cooled to a liquid state, and then returned to the reservoir. Preferably the cooling chamber is positioned on the vehicle frame vertically above the driveline component.

Abstract: A driveline assembly module includes a drivetrain assembly having drivetrain components such as a transmission and differential assembly integrated with a first and a second axle assembly. In one embodiment the drivetrain assembly is integral to the second axle assembly and a coupling attaches the drivetrain assembly to the first axle assembly. By mounting the driveline components, rigid axles, and suspension as an integral module, the components are replaced or serviced by replacement of the entire module. Thus, the individual mounting, replacement and servicing of the individual components, each having multiple independent attachment points, is avoided.

Abstract: A distributed propulsion system is provided for a multi-unit articulated road train. The distributed propulsion system includes a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling the tractor. A trailer is secured to the tractor at an articulated joint, such as a fifth wheel or draw bar connection. The tractor has a second propulsion system for substantially propelling the trailer. A load sensor for detecting a load between the tractor and the trailer, preferably the tensile load, is associated with the articulated joint. The load sensor produces a load signal. An input device produces a request signal for actuating the second propulsion system. An electronic control mechanism is electrically connected to the input device and the load sensor for coordinating the various sensors and inputs. The control mechanism commands the second propulsion system in response to the load signal and the request signal such that the trailer is propelled in a controlled manner relative to the tractor.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing performance of vehicle control systems based on the dynamics of the specific vehicle include a sensor for sensing a predetermined parameter associated with any one of the vehicle control systems during a predetermined trigger event. A control logic determines a critical vibration mode characteristic for the vehicle control system based on the sensed parameter and operates the vehicle control system based on the determined critical vibration mode characteristic.

Abstract: An device for controlling a level of lubricant in a gear housing of an automotive vehicle that has a sealed interior portion containing lubricant. A gear is rotatably mounted in the housing and rotates through the lubricant. The housing includes at least one wall secured to a bottom portion of the sealed interior portion. The wall defines a first and second space wherein the gear rotates in the first space and displaces the lubricant over the wall into the second space as the gear rotates at high speeds. The wall has an opening of a predetermined size that allows the lubricant to flow back into the first space at a rate greater than the displacement rate at low speeds and less than the displacement rate at high speeds. The gear and housing may be an axle housing, a transmission or other gears and housings.

Abstract: Systems are provided which retard rotation of a driveline at times associated with an engine firing pulse from an engine driving the driveline to reduce torque peaks. In one system, a control monitors rotation of a drive shaft, to provide an indication of when an engine firing pulse should occur. The control selectively closes a switch to power a coil such that the coil retards rotation of the driveline, and generates electricity for use elsewhere. In a second embodiment, circumferentially spaced magnets are mounted on a driveline and move past a coil at a selected circumferential location. The coil resists the rotation of the shaft, retarding torque peaks. The embodiments thus reduce or eliminate imbalances in rotation of the shaft due to engine firing pulses.