Abstract: A self-steering axle suspension system utilizing a rotary damper coaxially aligned with and acting directly about the king pin centerline on one side of the vehicle is disclosed. When used as such, the rotary damper constitutes a rotary stabilizer. The rotary stabilizer is used to control the steerability of the self-steering axle suspension system and has a self-centering axle mechanism incorporated therein.

Abstract: A self-steering axle suspension system utilizing a rotary damper coaxially aligned with and acting directly about the king pin centerline on one side of the vehicle is disclosed. When used as such, the rotary damper constitutes a rotary stabilizer. The rotary stabilizer is used to control the steerability of the self-steering axle suspension system and has a self-centering axle mechanism incorporated therein.

Abstract: A multi-piece steering knuckle having at least one boss which is adjustable in position along an axis of a king pin. More particularly, a steering knuckle including at least one boss having a threaded surface for threading to a mating surface of a yoke arm, the threaded surface allowing the boss to be selectively positioned along an axis of a king pin in a non-finite number of incremental positions. In another embodiment, a steering knuckle boss having an outwardly threaded surface for threading to a mating surface of a yoke arm and having, optionally, an inner wall composed of, at least in part, a nickel-aluminum bronze alloy.

Abstract: An auxiliary lift axle suspension of the parallelogram type is constructed for heavy duty operation by providing longitudinal control arms at the corners of a parallelogram configuration extending between the axle connecting member and the frame hanger bracket. A lift bellows is then located between two opposing rigidity providing, U-shaped members (called paddles or stabilizer members) located within the three dimensional parallelogram space, wherein the legs of one U-shaped member are connected to the axle connecting member and the legs of the opposing U-shaped member are connected to the hanger bracket, such that the lift bellows is located between the bases of the opposing paddles and expands bi-directionally to lift the wheels of the suspension from the road surface.

Abstract: A parallelogram lift axle suspension system includes an in-line lift bellows located between and vertically aligned with a pair of upper and lower control arms so as to provide bi-directional expansion and contraction of the lift bellows for raising and lowering the suspension while increasing the space available between the longitudinal frame rails enabling use of the suspension in certain vehicles by avoiding interference with other vehicle components of the vehicle located in this space.

Abstract: A parallelogram lift axle suspension system includes an in-line lift bellows located between and vertically aligned with a pair of upper and lower control arms so as to provide bi-directional expansion and contraction of the lift bellows for raising and lowering the suspension while increasing the space available between the longitudinal frame rails enabling use of the suspension in certain vehicles by avoiding interference with other vehicle components of the vehicle located in this space.

Abstract: An auxiliary lift axle suspension of the parallelogram type is constructed for heavy duty operation by providing longitudinal control arms at the corners of a parallelogram configuration extending between the axle connecting member and the frame hanger bracket. A lift bellows is then located between two opposing rigidity providing, U-shaped members (called paddles or stabilizer members) located within the three dimensional parallelogram space, wherein the legs of one U-shaped member are connected to the axle connecting member and the legs of the opposing U-shaped member are connected to the hanger bracket, such that the lift bellows is located between the bases of the opposing paddles and expands bi-directionally to lift the wheels of the suspension from the road surface.

Abstract: A multi-piece steering knuckle having at least one boss which is adjustable in position along an axis of a king pin. More particularly, a steering knuckle including at least one boss having a threaded surface for threading to a mating surface of a yoke arm, the threaded surface allowing the boss to be selectively positioned along an axis of a king pin in a non-finite number of incremental positions. In another embodiment, a steering knuckle boss having an outwardly threaded surface for threading to a mating surface of a yoke arm and having, optionally, an inner wall composed of, at least in part, a nickel-aluminum bronze alloy.

Abstract: A control system for a heavy-duty vehicle such as a dump-type straight truck includes a portable radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver. The radio frequency receiver is operatively connected to a vehicle device or assembly which performs a function such as operation of the vehicle dump bed or raising and lowering of the vehicle axle/suspension system, so that the function can be controlled from the cab of the vehicle by the radio frequency transmitter, and whereby the function occurs substantially instantaneously due to the use of radio frequency and eliminates the need for a custom hard-wired control system.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension for connecting a vehicle frame rail to a first vehicle axle and for connecting the vehicle frame rail to a second vehicle axle includes a fabricated equalizing beam connected to the first and second vehicle axles, a split bolster spring assembly connected to the equalizing beam, a fabricated saddle connected to the split bolster spring assembly, and a modular shear plate connected to the saddle and to the vehicle frame rail. The modular shear plate permits use of a universal saddle for mounting to a variety of vehicle frame configurations.

Abstract: A control system for a heavy-duty vehicle such as a dump-type straight truck includes a portable radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver. The radio frequency receiver is operatively connected to a vehicle device or assembly which performs a function such as operation of the vehicle dump bed or raising and lowering of the vehicle axle/suspension system, so that the function can be controlled from the cab of the vehicle by the radio frequency transmitter, and whereby the function occurs substantially instantaneously due to the use of radio frequency and eliminates the need for a custom hard-wired control system.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension for connecting a vehicle frame rail to a first vehicle axle and for connecting the vehicle frame rail to a second vehicle axle includes a fabricated equalizing beam connected to the first and second vehicle axles, a split bolster spring assembly connected to the equalizing beam, a fabricated saddle connected to the split bolster spring assembly, and a modular shear plate connected to the saddle and to the vehicle frame rail. The modular shear plate permits use of a universal saddle for mounting to a variety of vehicle frame configurations.

Abstract: An improved steerable axle suspension system for vehicles, providing improved mechanisms whereby the caster angle of a wheeled axle may be adjusted to allow for steerability in either the forward or reverse direction of travel.

Abstract: A substantially weld free frame bracket for connecting a suspension to the frame rail of a heavy duty vehicle which includes a plate member and an attached cradle having pivotally bolted to it one or more beams, the pivotal connecting bolts serving as the connection to the plate member. A cross-member connects opposing brackets on either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-steering axle suspension system of the parallelogram type is provided with a tri-pivot cradle mechanism for changing the caster of the axle to provide for either a reverse or forward steerable axle mode while equalizing the forces on the pivots in the parallelogram to reduce pivot wear out.

Abstract: A fabricated high strength non-driven steer axle is provided so as to be cost effective to manufacture, the axle having a limited number of parts and steps of manufacture, as well as being of a reduced weight. The axle includes an integral one piece metallic form having a substantially U-shaped central portion in cross-section, and a pair of spaced arms extending from each end thereof toward a respective king pin mounting area. In order to simplify king pin mounting (e.g. eliminate the need for a bearing sleeve or tube), a separate king pin reinforcing plate is inserted between the spaced arms so that each king pin is received through an orifice in the reinforcing plate and a corresponding orifice defined in another plate, both in a bearing manner so as to efficiently support the king pin.

Abstract: A lockout mechanism for a self-steering axle suspension system is provided by using the internal fluid reservoir and piston of a shock absorber normally used to dampen oscillations of the wheels in such a suspension, by employing a selectively actuatable valve in the fluid flow path provided by an orifice in the piston of the shock absorber to prevent or modulate the flow of fluid across the piston thereby to lock out the steerability of the system to the extent desired.

Abstract: A twin beam parallelogram-type lift axle suspension system includes a bi-directional airlift spring having opposite end plates at either end thereof located between two parallel control arms wherein expansion of the air spring pivots the upper and lower control arms with respect to a frame bracket thereby lifting an axle and wheels attached thereto from engagement with the road surface. The end plates of the bi-directional air spring move about equally in opposite directions and remain substantially parallel to one another throughout expansion and contraction of the air spring so as to about equally distribute forces of expansion of the air spring between the upper and lower control arms. The system of the instant invention also includes a shock absorber having one end attached to the upper control arm and another end attached to the lower control arm so as to locate the shock absorber forward of the axle thereby minimizing shock travel and maximizing shock life.

Abstract: An axle suspension system for a wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a frame, a frame connection member, a beam assembly, a torque box and an air bag connection. The beam assembly is lightweight, cost effective, and efficient because the beam assembly utilizes a box beam structure in conjunction with the torque box structure which provides for substantially even distribution of axle deflections throughout the entire beam assembly.