Abstract: An axle lift mechanism for use in a vehicle having a suspension system which is mounted to the vehicle for movement between a load-bearing and nonload-bearing relationship. The lift mechanism has a toggle linkage pivotably coupled to the frame and to the suspension system for movement of the axle between load-bearing and nonload-bearing positions. The toggle linkage is biased to the nonload-bearing position through a compression coil spring which is mounted in a housing and is received within a spring cup within the housing. A wear plate, preferably made of a lubricating plastic material, is mounted on the spring cup between the wear plate and the housing to avoid wear between the housing wall and spring cup. The coil spring is tapered between one end which bears against an end of the housing and the spring cup end so that the coil spring does not rub against the housing wall during oscillation of the spring.

Abstract: A height control valve with a spring return actuator for use in an air spring suspension has a damping chamber, an air control chamber and an actuator controlled spring return housing with mutually perpendicular lateral and axial bores. An actuator shaft extends into the damping chamber, the air control chamber and the lateral bore of the spring return housing. The spring return housing is rotatably mounted to the actuator shaft. A spring cup is reciprocably guided in the axial bore and is biased in contact with a flattened portion of the actuator shaft. The spring cup has two axially spaced cylindrical exterior surfaces of essentially zero draft angle and of slightly different diameter. The axial bore cylindrical surfaces are in registry with the spring cup cylindrical surface. The registering cylindrical surfaces of the spring cup and axial bore have dimensions of close correspondence to ensure a snug fit of the spring cup within the axial bore.

Abstract: An axle lift mechanism (100) is used on a vehicle having a normally lowered axle/wheel assembly to automatically lift and maintain the assembly in a raised position when the vehicle is not heavily loaded. A trailing arm (62) connected to the vehicle axle (12) is pivotably coupled at one end to the vehicle frame (68) and mounts an air spring (26) at its opposing end to transmit load to the axle (12) when the air spring (26) is inflated. The lift mechanism (100) includes a flexible strap (102) secured at one end to the trailing arm (62) and wound around a pivotable cam (108). The opposing end of the strap (102) is coupled to a rod (128) adjustably engaged with a spring cup (130). A tapered coil spring (152) coaxial with the rod (128) bears against the spring cup (130) and exerts forces on the rod (128) and strap (102) sufficient to rotate the cam (108) and lift the trailing arm (62) and axle (12) to a raised position when the air spring (26) pressure is relieved.