Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets. A first intermediate bracket dependent from a vehicle, a second intermediate bracket a pair of control arms, and a torque rod. One end of each control arm is pivotally mounted on a corresponding hanger bracket. Another end of each control arm, is pivotally attached to an axle seat. The torque arm is pivotally mounted between the first and second intermediate brackets. One end of a stabilizer bar is mounted to each control arm to increase the suspensions roll stability, and resistance to lateral deflection. In one embodiment, the stabilizer bar extends through a hole formed in each control arm, and in other embodiments, flanges extend outwardly from the stabilizer bar adjacent respective control arms for mounting the stabilizer bar to the control arms.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets and a pair of beams. A first end of each beam is pivotally attached to each hanger bracket, and an axle is rigidly attached to the second end of each beam. A tri-functional bushing is positioned at each pivot to provide a horizontal spring rate different from the vertical spring rate. Each beam is formed with a top section and a bottom section which are joined along the longitudinal axis. Both the top section and bottom section are formed with axle recesses complementary related to a portion of the axle. Each axle recess is formed with a trailing edge positioned on either side of a arcuate section of the axle. In one embodiment, a rear plate extends downwardly from the top section adjacent the front of the axle and is welded thereto. In another embodiment, a half sleeve is positioned circumferentially around a front portion of the axle and is complementary related to the axle recesses of the top section and the bottom section.

Abstract: A suspension system for mounting to a vehicle frame includes a pair of stationary hanger brackets each formed with a compression plate and a pair of sidewalls. A movable hanger bracket is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin intermediate the sidewalls of the stationary hanger bracket, and a beam is pivotally mounted to each movable hanger bracket. An axle extends substantially perpendicular to the beams, and is rigidly attached thereto. An elastomeric bushing is positioned intermediate the movable hanger bracket and the stationary hanger bracket with a compression bolt extending therethrough. A nut threadably engages the compression bolt to draw the movable hanger bracket toward the compression plate thereby applying a compressive force to the elastomeric bushing.

Abstract: A tag axle assembly has a frame having a pair of hanger brackets, an upper cross tube and a lower cross tube. A pair of rocker beams having a primary pivot for pivotally mounting the rocker beam to the support frame is mounted to the frame. A suspension air spring extends between the upper cross tube and each rocker beam, and a lift air spring extends between each hanger bracket and the front end of the rocker beam. An axle seat is hingedly mounted to the rear end of each rocker beam. An upper beam having an actuator beam and a lift bar are pivotally mounted to the axle seat and to the support frame. A linear actuator extends between the support frame and the actuator beam. Inflation of the lift air spring causes the rocker beams to rotate about the primary pivots, and expansion of the linear actuator causes the actuator beam and the interconnected lift bar to raise.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension system to be mounted under a vehicle for selectively raising and lowering a tire-wheel assembly into and out of engagement with a road surface which includes a beam mounted to a hanger bracket via a pivot connector. The hanger bracket is rigidly attached to a vehicle frame rail. An air bellows is interposed vertically between one end of the beam and the hanger bracket for lowering the tire-wheel assembly into engagement with the road surface and providing the support therefor. Another air bellows extends horizontally from the hanger bracket, and is pivotally attached to the beam by a pivot plate at its other end. The pivot plate is pivotally mounted to the beam such that expansion of said other air bellows will cause the beam to rotate about the pivot connector raising the beam and attached axle to raise the tire-wheel assembly out of engagement with the road surface.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets, with one control arm and one torque arm pivotally mounted on one end to each hanger bracket. Each control arm and each torque arm is pivotally attached to one of a pair of axle seats at another end. One end of a stabilizer bar is mounted to a control arm to increase the suspensions roll stability, and resistance to lateral deflection. The pivotal connections on either end of the control arm include a flexible bushing formed with a hole, and a pivot pin extending through the hole. A lift mechanism includes a compression spring acting against a force plate to move a pair of tire-wheel assemblies between ground engaging and non-ground engaging positions through an interconnected lift bar. The lift mechanism will raise the tire-wheel assembly between a non-ground engaging position, a first ground engaging position, and a second ground engaging position for use in roadrailer applications.

Abstract: An axle aligning connector particularly applicable to an axle-type suspension system having a substantially rigid beam and an elastomeric bushing structure located at or near the pivot connection between the hanger bracket and the beam, features an inner tube that extends transversely across the entire beam and through and beyond inner and outer plates located near opposed sides of the beam to connect without the use of threaded fasteners and allows rebushing without removing the inner plate.

Abstract: An air ride suspension system having very high (height) carrying and/or lift capabilities includes a pair of stacked, expandable airbags connected to the frame of a wheeled vehicle such that there is a lower beam for supporting the stack and an intermediate beam with plate member for stabilizing the connection between the stacked airbags. The frame of the vehicle can serve as the upper support for the stack, or optionally, a separate third beam may be used therefor. There is provided in a further embodiment on the lower beam a unique caster adjusting feature comprised of an adjustable radius rod, and a pivot pin connection, attached to the axle in such a way that adjustment of the radius rod pivots the axle orientation about the pivot pin, thus adjusting caster.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for a vehicle having a beam type suspension system is disclosed. The beam-to-axle connection includes an axle connection, a beam connection and a resilient member located therebetween. The resilient member forms a continuous path between the axle connection and the beam connection such that the axle connection and the beam connection do not directly interface at any point. The axle connection includes a saddle plate, which retains the axle, and a pair of extension plates which are connectable to the saddle plate and extend down along both sides of the beam. The resilient member is of a non-uniform shape and thickness and includes a continuum of loci which is designed and shaped so that each locus assumes its fair share, but not more, of the torsional, vertical and horizontal forces exerted on the resilient member during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a lift axle suspension system employing an extendible air chamber in which the lifting mechanism is located. The mechanism for lifting the vehicle's wheels out of road engagement includes a spirally coiled spring connected to a reel having a cable wrapped around it. The unwrapped end of the cable is connected to the vehicle and the reel is connected to the suspension. When air is supplied to the air chamber it extends, lowering the wheels into road engagement. In doing so, the chamber acts against the normal bias of the spirally coiled spring, playing out the cable as the reel rotates. Release of air from the chamber causes the bias of the spring to automatically rotate the reel in the opposite direction which in turn takes up the cable and raises the wheels from the road surface. Preloading of the spring serves to hold the suspension firmly in its riding position. The predetermined length of cable to be played out serves as a stop or shock absorber against over-extension of the air chamber.

Abstract: An upwardly biasing back-to-back, quarter-elliptic, diverging pair of leaf springs are employed as the lifting mechanism in a lift axle suspension system for wheeled vehicles. The springs normally bias the lift axle off of the road surface. By inflation of air bags, the wheels are lowered into engagement with the road surface against the normal upward bias of the leaf springs. Release of the air automatically retracts the wheels to their riding, lift position.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connecting member for a beam type axle suspension, the member comprising an axle housing capable of rigidly retaining an axle therein, an elastomerically bushed beam housing for retaining a beam therein and an elastomerically bushed pin connection for pivotally connecting the member to the beam, the pin connection being displaced in the longitudinal direction of the beam from the beam housings.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension wherein the mechanism for lifting the axle includes a pivotal connection located below the longitudinal frame member of the vehicle and a pair of plates, one pivotally attached to the pivotal connection and the other rigidly attached in the suspension, an air bellows located between the pair of plates and a link member functionally attached between the axle and pivotally attached plate such that expansion or retraction of the bellows lifts the axle and the opposite operation allows the axle to be lowered.

Abstract: A mechanism for aligning an axle using a beam suspension connected at its ends to the vehicle and intermediate its ends to the axle, the mechanism including a saddle connector for the axle and beam which allows the axle to be rigidly connected before alignment and the beam to be slidably retained therein and a plate rigidly connected to the saddle connector and extending to a location proximal the beam. The method including the step of being able to first rigidly connect the axle to the suspension at a location capable of doing so, and thereafter aligning the suspension after installation on the vehicle by merely sliding the beam in the saddle connector and ridigly attaching the portion of the plate proximal the beam to the beam, thereby to secure the alignment.

Abstract: The wheel hub cavity is used to accommodate a portion of the air bellows in an axle suspension of either the single or tandem drive axle type enabling the air bellows to be located directly over the axle and under the frame. The resulting lightweight, high load carrying capacity structure includes control arms for aligning and stabilizing the suspension and air bellows at both ends of the axle, adjacent the axle housing and extending outboard into the wheel hub cavity.

Abstract: A novel fastener is provided for securing a valve actuator housing to a valve mounting flange. The fastener, according to the present invention, comprises an elongated and generally cylindrical pin member which threadably engages the valve mounting flange so that a portion of the pin member extends outwardly from the valve mounting flange. The protruding portion of the pin member is received within an appropriate bore formed in the bottom of the valve actuator housing as the valve actuator housing is positioned on the valve mounting flange. A threaded transverse bore radially intersects the housing bore and threadably receives a locking screw. Upon tightening, the locking screw abuts against a reduced diameter circumferential portion of the pin member and, thus, locks the valve actuator housing to the valve mounting flange.

Abstract: A pneumatic landing gear actuator is provided for use with an extendible and retractable landing gear assembly having an input member the rotation of which extends or retracts the landing gear foot in dependence upon the direction of rotation. The landing gear actuator includes a shaft which is drivingly connected to at least one, and preferably two, rotatable input members on two spaced landing gear assemblies. A pair of one-way clutches, each having a drive and driven member, are disposed coaxially around the shaft while a shifting gear selectively drivingly connects the driven member of one clutch or the other to the shaft. A pneumatic air cylinder can be connected to the air system of the tractor to simultaneously reciprocally rotatably drive both clutch drive members via a radial arm. Such compressed air systems are utilized for the air brakes in tractor-trailer combinations so it is readily available on most tractors for use with the present invention.