Abstract: A semi-trailer landing gear assembly can include a set of legs actuable to raise and lower a semi-trailer. Each leg can include a foot abutting the ground and a support abutting the semi-trailer. A rotatable shaft couples to the set of legs where rotation of the rotatable shaft raises and lowers the legs. A crank can operably couple to the rotatable shaft to rotate the rotatable shaft. At least two air drivers operably couple to the crank to rotate the crank in an opposing manner such that at least one air driver is always offset from the direction of rotation to provide continuous torque.

Abstract: A semi-trailer landing gear assembly can include a set of legs actuable to raise and lower a semi-trailer. Each leg can include a foot abutting the ground and a support abutting the semi-trailer. A rotatable shaft couples to the set of legs where rotation of the rotatable shaft raises and lowers the legs. A crank can operably couple to the rotatable shaft to rotate the rotatable shaft. At least two air drivers operably couple to the crank to rotate the crank in an opposing manner such that at least one air driver is always offset from the direction of rotation to provide continuous torque.

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 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.