Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle frame from a steering axle has first and second air springs mounted on the steering axle and directly below the frame to support a portion of vehicle weight. A trailing U-shaped stabilizer bar functions as a roll stiffener, lateral control element and fore-aft movement control element. Upper torque rods are positioned over the U-shaped stabilizer bar, creating an effective parallelogram linkage with the stabilizer bar on each side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A novel suspension-system for a vehicle has two or more leaf-spring groups that vertically support a portion of the weight of a suspended structure of the vehicle. The novel suspension-system further includes pneumatic springs that are engaged to spring-support components of the novel suspension-system and also the suspended structure supported by the novel suspension-system in such a manner that the pneumatic springs assist the leaf-spring groups of the novel suspension system in vertically supporting the weight of the suspended structure.

Abstract: A novel suspension-system for a vehicle has two or more leaf-spring groups that vertically support a portion of the weight of a suspended structure of the vehicle. The novel suspension-system further includes pneumatic springs that are engaged to spring-support components of the novel suspension-system and also the suspended structure supported by the novel suspension-system in such a manner that the pneumatic springs assist the leaf-spring groups of the novel suspension system in vertically supporting the weight of the suspended structure.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle suspension containing a leaf spring or set of leaf springs engaged between a forward frame bracket and a rear frame bracket; the frame brackets being engaged to face of the frame rail for each frame rail. The leaf spring is engaged to an axle through a pair of U-bolts. There is a U-bolt seat with a widened rubber spring engagement face; the U-bolt seat is sandwiched between the curved portion of the U-bolts and the steel spring. There is also a rubber spring bracket engaged to each frame rail. Each rubber spring bracket has a rubber spring that is aligned to make contact with the U-bolt seat upon a modest increase in chassis load beyond a very lightly loaded condition. Thereafter the rubber spring remains in contact with the widened rubber spring engagement face.

Abstract: The invention is a compressible fluid suspension system using a compressible fluid spring, like an air spring, communicating with a reservoir for auxiliary volume of compressible fluid. The reservoir is located within an axle.

Abstract: A suspension system for the steering axle of a vehicle chassis includes a right side air spring and a left side air spring. In the preferred embodiment leading rigid arms link each end of the steering axle to a pivoting mount on the chassis and transmits brake reaction torque as a lifting force to the chassis. Spring half leaf trailing links connect each end of the steering axle to the chassis, rigid leading arms provide anti-roll capacity as well as help in locating and stabilizing axle position.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle frame from a steering axle has first and second controllable rate springs mounted above the steering axle and below the frame to support a portion of vehicle weight. A trailing V-link member is mounted to pivot on its vertex on a cross-member of the frame forward of the steering axle. The opposite ends of the V-link member are pivotally connected to opposing ends of the steering axle allowing the V-link member to constrain fore to aft movement of the steering axle, lateral displacement of the steering axle and frame roll. A pitman and trailing draglink from a steering gear on the frame to the steering axle controls steering. First and second shackle assemblies depend from the frame aft of the steering axle. First and second leading arms are suspended from the shackle assemblies to permit longitudinal translation of the first and second leading arms relative to the frame.

Abstract: A shock absorber (10) is longitudinally compressible and extendable under the influence of vehicle suspension loads. The shock absorber (10) includes a tubular structure (16) which defines upper and lower hydraulic fluid chambers (52, 50) above and below a piston (18). A control rod (28) is supported for movement longitudinally through the piston (18) simultaneously with compression and extension of the shock absorber (10). The control rod (28) and the piston (18) together define a hydraulic fluid flow path extending through the piston (18) between the upper and lower fluid chambers (52, 50).