Abstract: A combined magnetic and bioabsorbable device for ventral hernia closure and/or tension distribution for maintenance of tissue apposition for healing, while avoiding a long-term footprint of foreign material and precluding materials spanning the interior layer of the abdominal closure where risk to visceral structures exists.

Abstract: An air spring piston for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion includes a bumper and a connecting means for an air spring bellows. The bottom portion is mounted on a structure of the vehicle. The top portion and bottom portion are connected to each other to form a piston chamber and include a bearing means for reacting bumper forces from the bumper to the bottom portion and to the structure of the vehicle on which the bottom portion is mounted. The piston chamber is in fluid communication with a bellows chamber of the air spring via an opening, wherein the geometry of the opening is such that during dynamic spring movements, the pressure in the piston chamber and the pressure in the bellows chamber are not equalized.

Abstract: An independent suspension and steering system that can be used with a large truck. The suspension system includes a transversely extending leaf spring assembly. The midpoint of the leaf spring assembly is secured at the centerline of the vehicle while the two opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly are shackled to vertically moveable carriers on which the steering knuckles are pivotally mounted. The steering unit includes a transversely extending relay rod which is attached to tie rods at its opposite ends. The tie rods are, in turn, attached to the steering knuckles. In some embodiments, at least one steering gear is coupled with the relay rod via a connecting rod that is secured at one end to the rotating output shaft of the steering gear and secured at its other end to the relay rod.

Abstract: An independent suspension assembly having a wheel support member and upper and lower control arms that is well adapted for use with the front steerable wheels of a large truck. The upper and lower control arms are each pivotally secured to the wheel support member at a first location on the control arm and pivotally supported relative to the frame at a second location on the control arm. The wheel support member is vertically displaceable relative to the frame by pivotal movement of the upper and lower control arms relative to both the frame and wheel support member. A leaf spring and an air spring may be positioned between the lower control arm and frame to communicate loads therebetween. A vertically extending linkage member may be disposed between the lower control arm and frame. The lower control arm may extend across the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle below the engine.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension system and method of manufacture wherein a tubular axle is formed with a central area and trailing arm attachment areas outboard of the central area. The axle central area and attachment areas have a substantially uniform outer surface diameter, and the wall thickness of the attachment areas is thicker/greater than the wall thickness of the central area. Inboard and outboard arm brackets are secured by welding to the axle arm attachment areas and trailing arms are secured, at one end thereof, between an inboard and an outboard arm bracket. At their other ends, the trailing arms are adapted to be pivotally secured to the vehicle. The arm brackets are secured to the axle by inserting the axle through an axle receiving hole in the brackets and providing a 360° weld bead at the interface between the axle and arm brackets.

Abstract: An independent suspension and steering system that can be used with a large truck. The suspension system includes a transversely extending leaf spring assembly. The midpoint of the leaf spring assembly is secured at the centerline of the vehicle while the two opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly are shackled to vertically moveable carriers on which the steering knuckles are pivotally mounted. The steering unit includes a transversely extending relay rod which is attached to tie rods at its opposite ends. The tie rods are, in turn, attached to the steering knuckles. In some embodiments, at least one steering gear is coupled with the relay rod via a connecting rod that is secured at one end to the rotating output shaft of the steering gear and secured at its other end to the relay rod.

Abstract: A suspension system including a vehicle chassis and an axle assembly. The axle assembly includes at least one axle positionable substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Two trailing arms are each supported relative to the vehicle chassis and pivotally coupled with the axle assembly. The suspension system also includes at least one pivotal link. A first pivotal connection pivotally secures the pivotal link relative to the chassis and defines a first pivot axis and a second pivotal connection couples the pivotal link to a trailing arm and defines a second pivot axis. An adjustment mechanism is engaged with the pivotal link wherein movement of the adjustment mechanism repositions the pivotal link about the first pivot axis. Pivotal movement of the pivotal link about the first pivot axis longitudinally repositions the second pivot axis and thereby adjusts an angular position of the axle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A sliding suspension system for a trailer chassis. The suspension includes two longitudinally extending slide rails and an axle assembly having two axles. At least one suspension spring member dampens relative movement between the axle assembly and the trailer chassis. At least one laterally extending cross beam is secured to the longitudinally extending rails. The suspension system also includes four bracing members and at least one central connecting member. Two of the bracing members are secured to and extend between one of the rails and the central connecting member while the other two bracing members are secured to and extend between the other rail and the central connecting member. The bracing members are arranged in an X-shaped configuration between the two rails. In some embodiments, the bracing members have an S-shaped cross section. A method of assembling a sliding suspension system for a trailer chassis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suspension system including a vehicle chassis, first and second axles and first and second longitudinal assemblies. The longitudinal assemblies include leaf springs secured relative to both of the axles. Air springs are positioned between the longitudinal assemblies and the vehicle chassis. First and second lift limiting members limit the vertical separation between the first and second longitudinal assemblies and the vehicle chassis within a respective limited range having a predetermined maximum limit. The suspension system also includes first and second spring members coupled with the first and second longitudinal assemblies. The spring members exert a biasing force respectively urging the longitudinal assemblies away from the vehicle chassis for only a part of the limited ranges of vertical separation between the longitudinal members and the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension system and method of manufacture wherein a tubular axle is formed with a central area and trailing arm attachment areas outboard of the central area. The axle central area and attachment areas have a substantially uniform outer surface diameter, and the wall thickness of the attachment areas is thicker/greater than the wall thickness of the central area. Inboard and outboard arm brackets are secured by welding to the axle arm attachment areas and trailing arms are secured, at one end thereof, between an inboard and an outboard arm bracket. At their other ends, the trailing arms are adapted to be pivotally secured to the vehicle. The arm brackets are secured to the axle by inserting the axle through an axle receiving hole in the brackets and providing a 360° weld bead at the interface between the axle and arm brackets.

Abstract: A suspension (14) for coupling a steer axle assembly (12) to a vehicle frame (10) is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly, increased roll stability for the vehicle and a reduction in axle wind-up during brakingcall without interfering with vertical displacement of the axle assembly. The suspension includes leaf springs (44) disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle, each of which is coupled to the vehicle frame at first and second ends (64, 66) and to an axle beam (28) intermediate the first and second ends. The suspension also includes first and second arms (50, 150), each of which is pivotally coupled to the axle beam at a first end (70, 170) and to the vehicle frame at a second end (68, 168) proximate one of the ends of a corresponding leaf spring. The suspension may further include a torsion bar (52) extending between and coupled to the first and second arms.

Abstract: An independent suspension assembly having a wheel support member and upper and lower control arms that is well adapted for use with the front steerable wheels of a large truck. The upper and lower control arms are each pivotally secured to the wheel support member at a first location on the control arm and pivotally supported relative to the frame at a second location on the control arm. The wheel support member is vertically displaceable relative to the frame by pivotal movement of the upper and lower control arms relative to both the frame and wheel support member. A leaf spring and an air spring may be positioned between the lower control arm and frame to communicate loads therebetween. A vertically extending linkage member may be disposed between the lower control arm and frame. The lower control arm may extend across the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle below the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for angularly positioning a shaker bed, including a discharge end, includes an air source providing pressurized air, an hydraulic tank in selective communication with the air source and containing a quantity of fluid, at least one bellow in selective fluid communication with the hydraulic tank, and a lift control assembly controlling communication of pressurized air between the air source and the hydraulic tank and controlling communication of fluid between the hydraulic tank and the at least one bellow.

Abstract: A steer axle for a vehicle and a method of making the same involves forming portions of a steer axle to have a three sided design. Spring seats that wrap around two of the three sides are secured to the steer axle. Plates are secured to the spring seats. The plates extend over the third surface of the steer axle. Angled spring pads are located over the plates.

Abstract: A steer axle for a vehicle and a method of making the same involves forming portions of a steer axle to have a three sided design. Spring seats that wrap around two of the three sides are secured to the steer axle. Plates are secured to the spring seats. The plates extend over the third surface of the steer axle. Angled spring pads are located over the plates.

Abstract: A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly without the use of a track rod or stabilizer bar. The suspension includes a body that is coupled to the axle beam of the steer axle assembly. An arm extends from the body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is coupled to the frame at one end. The arm is pivotable about an axis extending generally transversely to the frame rails of the vehicle frame. A male guide member is connected to the body and is received within a female guide member that is in turn disposed in an aperture defined by a bracket of the frame. The guide members are free to move within the bracket vertically or in the fore-aft direction, but are restricted from lateral movement.

Abstract: A suspension (14) for coupling a steer axle assembly (12) to a vehicle frame (10) is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly, increased roll stability for the vehicle and a reduction in axle wind-up during brakingcall without interfering with vertical displacement of the axle assembly. The suspension includes leaf springs (44) disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle, each of which is coupled to the vehicle frame at first and second ends (64, 66) and to an axle beam (28) intermediate the first and second ends. The suspension also includes first and second arms (50, 150), each of which is pivotally coupled to the axle beam at a first end (70, 170) and to the vehicle frame at a second end (68, 168) proximate one of the ends of a corresponding leaf spring. The suspension may further include a torsion bar (52) extending between and coupled to the first and second arms.

Abstract: An accessory carrier assembly includes a reversible shank manufactured of a substantially square first portion and a substantially square second portion. The first portion is sized to engage a first hitch receiver and the second portion is sized to engage a second hitch receiver. To attach the accessory carrier to the reversible shank, the first segment is located in amounting assembly either with or without the bushings depending on which type of hitch receiver is available. The accessory carrier is pivotable by removal of a single pin to provide access to a rear of a vehicle. The single pin can be further located in a stop aperture to prevent overrotation of the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for angularly positioning a shaker bed, including a discharge end, includes an air source providing pressurized air, an hydraulic tank in selective communication with the air source and containing a quantity of fluid, at least one bellow in selective fluid communication with the hydraulic tank, and a lift control assembly controlling communication of pressurized air between the air source and the hydraulic tank and controlling communication of fluid between the hydraulic tank and the at least one bellow.

Abstract: A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly without the use of a track rod or stabilizer bar. The suspension includes a body that is coupled to the axle beam of the steer axle assembly. An arm extends from the body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is coupled to the frame at one end. The arm is pivotable about an axis extending generally transversely to the frame rails of the vehicle frame. A male guide member is connected to the body and is received within a female guide member that is in turn disposed in an aperture defined by a bracket of the frame. The guide members are free to move within the bracket vertically or in the fore-aft direction, but are restricted from lateral movement.