Abstract: A system for monitoring the health of a damping device is provided, the damping device having a tube assembly containing at least one fluid, the system including: a sensor assembly mounted on an outer surface of the tube assembly, the sensor assembly having a thermometer; a transmitter configured for transmitting data, including temperature values gathered by the thermometer; a receiver configured for receiving the data; and a processor, configured for performing an analysis of the data. The processor sends an alarm signal, when values from the data are outside pre-programmed values of an alarm threshold.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the physical characteristics of a localized area of a suspension component by adding material to the points of high stress without a significant increase in weight or diameter of the suspension component. The material is in the form of a sleeve added to the exterior surface of the suspension component, a core added to the interior surface of a tubular suspension component, winding filaments, or powered material.

Abstract: A self-servoing disc brake assembly is provided that includes a driven rotor member having a first inner surface with a plurality of first pockets. The driven rotor member also includes a first friction surface spaced from the first inner surface. A movable rotor member is supported on the driven rotor member and is movable relative to the driven rotor member between non-servoed and servoed positions. The rotor members are spaced a first distance in the non-servo position, and the rotor members are spaced a second distance which is greater than a first distance in the servo position. The movable rotor member includes a second inner surface with a plurality of second pockets adjacent to the first inner surface and a friction surface spaced from the second inner surface. A plurality of balls are arranged between the first and second pockets with at least one of the first and second pockets being ramped.

Abstract: The braking mechanism comprises a toggle lever, a brake pad, and an incline. An incline actuates the braking mechanism by forcing an extension of the toggle lever. As the toggle lever extends, it pushes the brake pad closer to the surface to be slowed. Multiple toggle levers may be used to distribute the force across the brake pad. This configuration allows a single input from the incline to actuate both toggle levers. By adjusting the width of the incline actuating the toggle lever, the force on the brake pad may be adjusted.

Abstract: A brake adjuster is provided for a vehicle brake such as for heavy duty vehicle. The brake adjuster includes a brake module that produces an electrical signal for adjusting the vehicle brake. The heavy duty vehicle brake typically includes a pair of pistons each having first and second portions that are movable relative to one another. A friction element or brake pad is arranged proximate to the second portion and is movable from a desired position to a worn position as the brake pads wear during operation of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second portions are slip fit within a sleeve assembly. At least one adjustment member is arranged between the first and second portions. The adjustment member is constructed from a material which expands in response to an electrical signal, such as a magnetostrictive or a piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A method of varying the bend radius while forming a stabilizer bar is achieved by varying the radius of the forming tool over which the stabilizer bar is bent. The bend radius of the stabilizer bar is varied by changing the position and/or shape of the forming tool in relation to the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is formed by bending the bar over the forming tool to create a bend of desired radius. In the disclosed embodiments, the forming tool is bent chain, a conical tool, and an eccentric shape with several distinct radii.

Abstract: A multi disc brake assembly employing a combination fixed rotor and a plurality of axially moving floating rotors. The fixed rotor is attached to and rotates in combination with a wheel hub. The plurality of floating rotors are slidingly attached to the fixed rotor and a plurality of stationary friction surfaces are interleaved therebetween. The stationary friction surfaces are keyed to the caliper housing allowing for axial movement. The floating rotors are connected to the fixed rotor by pins, or are axially slidingly keyed at the inner radial periphery to splines on the fixed rotor.

Abstract: A brake adjuster is provided for a vehicle brake such as for heavy duty vehicle. The brake adjuster includes a brake module that produces an electrical signal for adjusting the vehicle brake. The heavy duty vehicle brake typically includes a pair of pistons each having first and second portions that are movable relative to one another. A friction element or brake pad is arranged proximate to the second portion and is movable from a desired position to a worn position as the brake pads wear during operation of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second portions are slip fit within a sleeve assembly. At least one adjustment member is arranged between the first and second portions. The adjustment member is constructed from a material which expands in response to an electrical signal, such as a magnetostrictive or a piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A self-servoing disc brake assembly is provided that includes a driven rotor member having a first inner surface with a plurality of first pockets. The driven rotor member also includes a first friction surface spaced from the first inner surface. A movable rotor member is supported on the driven rotor member and is movable relative to the driven rotor member between non-servoed and servoed positions. The friction surfaces are spaced a first distance in the non-servo position, and the friction surfaces are spaced a second distance which is greater than a first distance in the servo position. The movable rotor member includes a second inner surface with a plurality of second pockets adjacent to the first inner surface and a friction surface spaced from the second inner surface. A plurality of balls are arranged between the first and second pockets with at least one of the first and second pockets being ramped.

Abstract: The braking mechanism comprises a toggle lever, a brake pad, and an incline. An incline actuates the braking mechanism by forcing an extension of the toggle lever. As the toggle lever extends, it pushes the brake pad closer to the surface to be slowed. Multiple toggle levers may be used to distribute the force across the brake pad. This configuration allows a single input from the incline to actuate both toggle levers. By adjusting the width of the incline actuating the toggle lever, the force on the brake pad may be adjusted.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the bending process of a stabilizer bar by locally pre-heating the stabilizer bar immediately prior to formation. By pre-heating the stabilizer bar, the stress in the stabilizer bar is relieved at the bending areas. This allows larger bars to be formed which would otherwise be outside of machine parameters. In the disclosed embodiments, the stabilizer bar is locally heated by induction coils or resistance heating at the bend areas.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system includes a device for cooling the components of the brake assembly. The air source that is normally used to activate the brake assembly components is coupled with a plurality of flexible conduits that direct air toward one or more of the brake assembly components. A high velocity air nozzle preferably is provided at the end of each conduit. The air from the compressed air source is maintained in a compressed state through the conduits and decompresses as it exits the discharge nozzles. The decompression of the air through the nozzles results in cooling the air and the nearby brake components at which the air is directed.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar is provided having a varying cross-section along the length of the bar. In particular, the stabilizer bar includes a first cross-sectional area and a second cross-sectional area that is different than the first cross-sectional area. A first surface at least partially defines the second cross-sectional area. The first surface has a non-circular shape with primary and secondary load bearing directions bearing different maximum loads in each of the directions. The shape of the second cross-sectional area may be arranged so that the primary load bearing direction is generally aligned with the highest load. Similarly, the shape of the second cross-sectional area may be arranged in a manner to bear the highest torsional load. The stabilizer bar may be solid or hollow. Preferred shapes may include egg-shaped or elliptical shaped surfaces. Alternatively, the stabilizer bar may have a generally uniform cross-sectional area along its length with the non-circular shape described above.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing device includes a compression head assembly of simpler, less expensive, and more efficient design than prior art compression head assemblies. The compression head assembly of this invention includes an improved valve, a base plate, an annular disk valve, first and second bias members, and a valve stop. The valve is made of a generally elongated, preferably cylindrical, body with an outwardly extending flange having one or more passages therethrough. The base member has a disk shape with an opening centrally therethrough. The valve stem is assembled in relation to the base member such that the generally cylindrical body is inserted through the opening. The outwardly extending flange of the valve abuts against and forms a seal with the base member. An annular disk valve is assembled over the generally cylindrical body of the valve stem so as to abut the flange portion of the valve and close the passages through the flange.