Abstract: An axle assembly includes a central tube and an axle spindle. The axle spindle is fixed to the central tube. The axle spindle has a tubular first section and a tubular second section extending from the first section. The second section has an outer diameter. The second section has a bearing support surface. A tubular transition section is located between the first section and the second section. An annular shoulder portion is formed in an axial end segment of the tubular transition section adjacent the second section. The shoulder portion has at least one annular profile located in the shoulder portion between the annular shoulder surface and the bearing support surface. The annular profile is defined by a surface with a diameter not less than the outer diameter of the second section. An antilock braking system sensor bracket locator nub is integrally formed in the tubular transition section.

Abstract: A spring seat attachment assembly for use with an axle/suspension system having at least one leaf spring and an axle, said attachment assembly including a band and a spring seat. The band may include a locator structure and is fixed to the axle and extends around a portion of the axle between 180 degrees and 360 degrees. The spring seat receives the leaf spring and is fixed to the band.

Abstract: A hub for a heavy-duty vehicle and for mounting a wheel for relative rotation comprises a substantially cylindrical body having axially opposite end portions and a longitudinal central axis. Each of a pair of bearing receiving bores is formed in the cylindrical body at a respective axially opposite end portion of the cylindrical body. A circumferential envelope has an outer diameter and is formed on the cylindrical body about one of the pair of bearing receiving bores. A flange extends radially outward from the cylindrical body at a location between the pair of bearing receiving bores. A barrel portion of the cylindrical body extends between the flange and the circumferential envelope and has an outer diameter. The hub provides sufficient strength and minimizes weight by incorporating specific longitudinal profiles and ratios and/or relationships of various dimensions of the barrel portion 104.

Abstract: A brake component mounting structure for a thin-wall axle of a heavy-duty vehicle including a mounting plate and a brake component bracket. The brake component bracket is attached to and extends from the mounting plate. The mounting plate has at least one continuous edge attached by a continuous weld to the axle.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes a central tube and an axle spindle. The axle spindle is fixed to the central tube. The axle spindle has a tubular first section and a tubular second section extending from the first section. The second section has an outer diameter. The second section has a bearing support surface. A tubular transition section is located between the first section and the second section. An annular shoulder portion is formed in an axial end segment of the tubular transition section adjacent the second section. The shoulder portion has at least one annular profile located in the shoulder portion between the annular shoulder surface and the bearing support surface. The annular profile is defined by a surface with a diameter not less than the outer diameter of the second section. An antilock braking system sensor bracket locator nub is integrally formed in the tubular transition section.

Abstract: A spring seat attachment assembly for use with an axle/suspension system having at least one leaf spring and an axle, said attachment assembly including a band and a spring seat. The band may include a locator structure and is fixed to the axle and extends around a portion of the axle between 180 degrees and 360 degrees. The spring seat receives the leaf spring and is fixed to the band.

Abstract: An axle and wheel end assembly includes a tubular axle housing with an annular end surface. The axle and wheel end assembly also includes a spindle with an annular end surface welded to the annular end surface of the tubular axle housing at an attachment periphery. The axle and wheel end assembly further includes reinforcing structure fixed to the tubular axle housing and spindle. The reinforcing structure is located to encompass at least a portion of the attachment periphery.

Abstract: Self-steering axle assembly has an axle with central tube having a longitudinal central axis. A king pin is connected with an end portion of the axle. A knuckle is connected with the king pin. The knuckle includes a torque plate section. A first arm of the knuckle extends from a side of the torque plate section and receives a first end portion of the king pin. A second arm extends from the torque plate section in the same direction as the first arm. The second arm receives a second end portion of the king pin. A spindle is friction welded to the torque plate section and has a longitudinal central axis. The torque plate section has at least one surface on the torque plate section extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the spindle. A tool engages the surface during friction welding of the spindle to the torque plate section.

Abstract: A hub for a heavy-duty vehicle and for mounting a wheel for relative rotation comprises a substantially cylindrical body having axially opposite end portions and a longitudinal central axis. Each of a pair of bearing receiving bores is formed in the cylindrical body at a respective axially opposite end portion of the cylindrical body. A circumferential envelope has an outer diameter and is formed on the cylindrical body about one of the pair of bearing receiving bores. A flange extends radially outward from the cylindrical body at a location between the pair of bearing receiving bores. A barrel portion of the cylindrical body extends between the flange and the circumferential envelope and has an outer diameter. The hub provides sufficient strength and minimizes weight by incorporating specific longitudinal profiles and ratios and/or relationships of various dimensions of the barrel portion 104.

Abstract: An axle and wheel end assembly includes a tubular axle housing with an annular end surface. The axle and wheel end assembly also includes a spindle with an annular end surface welded to the annular end surface of the tubular axle housing at an attachment periphery. The axle and wheel end assembly further includes reinforcing structure fixed to the tubular axle housing and spindle. The reinforcing structure is located to encompass at least a portion of the attachment periphery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring seat for a mechanical spring axle/suspension system that includes continuous window welds and facilitates the use of a thin-wall axle, thereby saving weight and cost. The seat secures at least one mechanical spring of the axle/suspension system to an axle of the axle/suspension system. The spring seat comprises at least one body configured to seat on the axle, and the body forms at least one window when disposed on the axle. The body is rigidly attached to the axle by a continuous weld formed in the window. The spring seat is free of a line weld between the body and the axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring seat for a mechanical spring axle/suspension system that includes continuous window welds and facilitates the use of a thin-wall axle, thereby saving weight and cost. The seat secures at least one mechanical spring of the axle/suspension system to an axle of the axle/suspension system. The spring seat comprises at least one body configured to seat on the axle, and the body forms at least one window when disposed on the axle. The body is rigidly attached to the axle by a continuous weld formed in the window. The spring seat is free of a line weld between the body and the axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake component mounting bracket for an axle/suspension system that includes a continuous window weld to join the bracket to the axle, which enables the use of a thin-wall axle, desirably reducing the weight and the cost associated with the axle/suspension system. The axle brake bracket secures a cam shaft assembly and a brake assembly to an axle of the axle/suspension system. The bracket comprises an axle portion configured to seat on the axle. At least one window is formed in the axle portion, and the axle portion is rigidly connected to the axle by a continuous weld formed in the window. The axle brake bracket is free of a line weld between the axle portion and the axle.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a pair of U-bolt brackets that extend generally to or beyond a selected centerline of the axle. The U-bolt brackets are located a distance from one another so that the distance between the U-bolt brackets is equivalent to or preferably less than the outside diameter of the axle resulting in a slight deformation of the axle and a compressive preload between the axle and the U-bolt brackets when the axle is seated between the U-bolt brackets. A weld is placed between the U-bolt brackets and the axle at or beyond the horizontal centerline of the axle within the residual compressive stress field on the axle created by the interference fit of the axle into the U-boll brackets. Means for securing connection of the axle to the beam includes a U-boll or other similar means to provide additional locating support to the axle.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a pair of U-bolt brackets that extend generally to or beyond a selected centerline of the axle. The U-bolt brackets are located a distance from one another so that the distance between the U-bolt brackets is equivalent to or preferably less than the outside diameter of the axle resulting in a slight deformation of the axle and a compressive preload between the axle and the U-bolt brackets when the axle is seated between the U-bolt brackets. A weld is placed between the U-bolt brackets and the axle at or beyond the horizontal centerline of the axle within the residual compressive stress field on the axle created by the interference fit of the axle into the U-boll brackets. Means for securing connection of the axle to the beam includes a U-boll or other similar means to provide additional locating support to the axle.

Abstract: A cam shaft support/enclosure assembly for brake systems of heavy-duty vehicles is mounted on a beam of an axle/suspension system and includes a cam tube. A bracket for mounting the cam tube on the beam includes a pair of plates that are mounted on the beam. Each one of the plates is formed with an opening for receiving the cam tube and includes at least three tabs, and preferably four tabs, that extend outwardly from each respective plate adjacent the opening and contact the outer surface of the cam tube. Each tab includes a generally arched and optionally textured face for mating with an outer surface of the cam tube, which may also be optionally textured, so that when the plates are mounted the tabs engage the cam tube in a press-type fit, minimizing movement of the cam tube.

Abstract: A liftgate platform assembly may include: (a) a platform support structure having a plurality of non-tube brace members each having a first and a second tab; and, (b) a platform including a plurality of slots. The tabs of the non-tube brace members are received within the slots in order to attach the platform to the platform support structure.

Abstract: A movable subframe for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending main members. At least two cross members extend between and are attached to the main members, and a retractable pin mechanism selectively positions the subframe beneath a body of a trailer of the tractor-trailer. The retractable pin mechanism includes only two pins, with each pin being located generally centrally along a length of a respective one of the main members of the subframe. Each pin is extendable through an opening formed in its respective main member and a selected one of a plurality of openings formed in a body rail of the trailer, so that when the pins are in an extended or locked position, the retractable pin mechanism provides generally central support for the subframe and for an axle/suspension system which depends from the subframe.

Abstract: A cam shaft support/enclosure assembly for brake systems of heavy-duty vehicles is mounted on a beam of an axle/suspension system and includes a cam tube A bracket for mounting the cam tube on the beam includes a pair of plates that arc mounted on the beam. Each one of the plates is formed with an opening for receiving the cam tube and includes at least three tabs, and preferably four tabs, that extend outwardly from each respective plate adjacent the opening and contact the outer surface of the cam tube.