Abstract: A tandem axle suspension assembly includes a pair of walking beams disposed substantially parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis supporting first and second axles. A link plate is pivotally attached to each of the walking beams and is pivotal about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. A first and a second link include pivotal connections between the link plate and a vehicle frame member. Vertical movement of the walking beams causes a corresponding rotation of the link plate to compensate for longitudinal displacement of the pivotal links with the first and second links and minimize longitudinal displacement of the walking beams.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer slider includes spaced apart longitudinal side rails having control arm supports extending downwardly from the side rails for supporting the slider. Portions of the longitudinal side rails and the control arms supports are integrated using one or more common plates. Lightening holes and edge of the slider are flanged to reinforce the walls. Coining and ribbing are also used for additional reinforcement. Lateral cross-members extend between the longitudinal side rails. The lateral cross-members have tabs on opposing ends that are received in an interlocking relationship with complementary elongated slots in the longitudinal side rails. Air spring supports arranged at forward and rearward portions of the slider are secured to the longitudinal side rails, the control arm supports, and the lateral cross-members to provide a structurally rigid frame. The air spring supports provide spaced apart air spring mounting pads.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided that includes a frame supporting a pair of laterally spaced apart suspension members pivotally supported on the frame and movable in a vertical direction. A pair of wheel ends is each supported respectively on one of the suspension members. A stabilizer bar is supported on the frame laterally between the suspension members. The stabilizer bar includes opposing ends each respectively proximate to one of the suspension members. A pair of resilient stabilizer bar links each respectively interconnect one of the ends and one of the suspension members and transmit torsional force to the stabilizer bar in response to movement of the suspension members in the vertical direction during roll conditions. The links have first and second deflection rates during the roll condition with the first rate being less than the second deflection rate.

Abstract: A variable rate bushing passively controls the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. During normal vehicle operation, the stabilizer bar is compliant. As twist increase, the resistance increases. In one embodiment, the variable rate bushing includes at least one void which compresses as the vehicle turns. As the stabilizer bar axially twists, the void compresses and the rate of the bushing increases, reducing axial twist and increasing stiffness of the stabilizer bar. In one embodiment, the voids are teardrop shaped, arc shaped, or bone shaped. Alternatively, the bushing includes an inner layer of softer material and an outer layer of harder material to control stabilizer bar stiffness. Also, the bushing may include a molded insert made of a hard material inserted into a softer material to control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: An adaptive suspension system for a motor vehicle varies suspension parameters in response to steering input. The system includes a sensor to measure changes in the power assist steering mechanism that indicate a change in vehicle direction and a shock variable suspension member changed in response to a change in vehicle direction. The sensor measures pressure changes in the power assist steering system such that the suspension system is optimized to accommodate specific vehicle maneuvering. In another embodiment, the variable suspension member is in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic circuit of the power assist steering mechanism such that pressure changes caused by steering input triggers changes in the suspension system to accommodate vehicle maneuvering.

Abstract: A clutch device for use with a vehicle suspension system to vary the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. A plurality of dampers connected to the clutch body alternate with a plurality of dampers connected to the stabilizer bar. The dampers are coated with a friction material and surrounded by a fluid. When a load is applied on the walls of clutch body, the friction material comes into contact, dampening the rotation action of the stabilizer bar. A sensor senses the parameters of the ride and generates a signal based on these parameters. The signal activates a power source controller which applies the load to the walls.

Abstract: A trailer slider pin control system is provided including a vehicle body and a rail supported along the body. The rails are moveable between a plurality of positions defined by a plurality of holes in the rail. A pin assembly is supported on the vehicle body and includes a pin moveable between unlocked and locked positions. The pin is disposed in the hole locking the rail to the vehicle body in the locked position. Conversely, the rail is free to move along the vehicle body in the unlock position. A sensor senses a location of a portion of the pin assembly, which corresponds to the unlock position. A vehicle speed control device, such as an engine, transmission, or braking system, is actuatable to limit the speed of the vehicle. A controller is connected to the sensor and the vehicle speed control device to actuate the vehicle speed control device to limit the speed of the vehicle in response to the sensors sensing the unlocked position.

Abstract: A steering system comprises a steering wheel and a feedback mechanism in communication with the steering wheel. A control unit communicates with a sensor and controls the feedback mechanism based on the signal from the sensor. The feedback mechanism may cause tactile feedback in the steering wheel. The feedback mechanism is most preferably incorporated by controlling a solenoid valve in a power steering circuit for the vehicle. By repeatedly actuating the solenoid valve, vibration can be caused in the steering wheel.

Abstract: A pair of tension cables are positioned around cams attached to the lower control arms of a vehicle suspension. Each tension cable includes a tension damper responsive to tension in the tension cables. Each tension damper includes a cylinder containing a fluid and a piston including at least one orifice attached to a rod. The piston divides the cylinder into a first and second compartment. The rod in connected to the tension cable. When the tension cable pulls on one end of the rod, the piston is pulled towards the tension cable. The fluid creates resistance in the tension damper as the fluid moves through the orifice from one compartment to the other compartment, damping vehicle roll. Control of the tension dampers can be passive, semi-active, or active.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A trailer suspension slider is provided that includes a suspension bogey. A trailer is supported on the suspension bogey and is longitudinally movable between a plurality of position relative to the suspension bogey. The trailer includes a stop bar to prevent the bogey from sliding out from underneath the trailer during braking if the pins are disengaged. A locking pin mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the locking mechanism couples the suspension bogey and the trailer in one of the plurality of positions and an unlocked position in which the trailer can move relative to the suspension bogey. The suspension bogey may collide violently with the stop bar when braking from a relatively low speed when the pins are unlocked. To this end, an energy absorption device is supported on either the trailer or the suspension bogey. The energy absorption device collapses in response to the stop bar engaging either the energy absorption device or the suspension bogey.

Abstract: A housing attaches a stabilizer bar to the body of a vehicle and includes pin stops which actively control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar. A spring positioned about each of the pins provide a retaining spring force on the head of the pin, preventing the pins from moving into an aperture in the housing. When a sensor detects that lateral acceleration or yaw rate exceeds a threshold value, an actuator drives pins to overcome the spring force, pushing the pins into the aperture. When the pins are actuated, a protrusion on the stabilizer bar is trapped between the pins. When the vehicle turns and the stabilizer bar axially twists, the protrusion eventually contacts one the pins, preventing further rotation and stiffening the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided that includes a frame supporting a pair of laterally spaced apart suspension members pivotally supported on the frame and movable in a vertical direction. A pair of wheel ends is each supported respectively on one of the suspension members. A stabilizer bar is supported on the frame laterally between the suspension members. The stabilizer bar includes opposing ends each respectively proximate to one of the suspension members. A pair of resilient stabilizer bar links each respectively interconnect one of the ends and one of the suspension members and transmit torsional force to the stabilizer bar in response to movement of the suspension members in the vertical direction during roll conditions. The links have first and second deflection rates during the roll condition with the first rate being less than the second deflection rate.

Abstract: An adaptive suspension system for a motor vehicle varies suspension parameters in response to steering input. The system includes a sensor to measure changes in the power assist steering mechanism that indicate a change in vehicle direction and a shock variable suspension member changed in response to a change in vehicle direction. The sensor measures pressure changes in the power assist steering system such that the suspension system is optimized to accommodate specific vehicle maneuvering. In another embodiment, the variable suspension member is in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic circuit of the power assist steering mechanism such that pressure changes caused by steering input triggers changes in the suspension system to accommodate vehicle maneuvering.

Abstract: A system for connecting a slider to a trailer frame includes a rotatable locking member having a plurality of teeth that engage with a plurality of openings in the trailer from. The locking member is biased by a rotary biasing in a locked position.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the vertical position of the transport trailer floor of a heavy trailer bearing vehicle having a pivoting air spring suspension system such that the transport trailer floor maintains a fixed position level to an adjacent dock platform when parked for loading or unloading. The mechanism comprises various embodiments of a locking system that disables the pivotal movement of selected pivoting suspension elements in any one of a plurality of possible fixed positions such that the transport trailer floor, when parked, resists downwardly imposed forces and maintains a fixed elevation equal to the elevation of an adjacent loading dock platform.

Abstract: An assembly for use as part of a vehicle suspension system includes an adjustable roll rate that is automatically adjusted responsive to maneuvers of the vehicle. A stiffener element is coupled with a stabilizer bar. The stiffener element increases the roll rate responsive to the vehicle wheels being turned. In one example, the stiffener element is a metallic plate that rotates into various positions responsive to the vehicle wheel being turned. The further the wheel turns, the further the plate rotates and the greater the increase in the roll rate.

Abstract: A trailer suspension slider is provided that includes a suspension bogey. A trailer is supported on the suspension bogey and is longitudinally movable between a plurality of position relative to the suspension bogey. The trailer includes a stop bar to prevent the bogey from sliding out from underneath the trailer during braking if the pins are disengaged. A locking pin mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the locking mechanism couples the suspension bogey and the trailer in one of the plurality of positions and an unlocked position in which the trailer can move relative to the suspension bogey. The suspension bogey may collide violently with the stop bar when braking from a relatively low speed when the pins are unlocked. To this end, an energy absorption device is supported on either the trailer or the suspension bogey. The energy absorption device collapses in response to the stop bar engaging either the energy absorption device or the suspension bogey.

Abstract: A variable rate bushing passively controls the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. During normal vehicle operation, the stabilizer bar is compliant. As twist increase, the resistance increases. In one embodiment, the variable rate bushing includes at least one void which compresses as the vehicle turns. As the stabilizer bar axially twists, the void compresses and the rate of the bushing increases, reducing axial twist and increasing stiffness of the stabilizer bar. In one embodiment, the voids are teardrop shaped, arc shaped, or bone shaped. Alternatively, the bushing includes an inner layer of softer material and an outer layer of harder material to control stabilizer bar stiffness. Also, the bushing may include a molded insert made of a hard material inserted into a softer material to control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar.