Abstract: A torsion beam suspension member using two u-shaped, stamped members that are superimposed and welded to form a torsion arm. No additional torsion tube or bar is needed. Tuning holes (rectangular, oblong, round or any other suitable shape) are used to change or tune the torsional resilience of the suspension. In the preferred embodiment, the tuning holes are oblong and located near the center of the cross member. The tuning holes are selected based on having target value for torsional compliance or resilience. The size, quantity and location of the tuning hole are chosen based on computer analysis. An optimization or iterative process is used to arrive at the final hole size, quantity and location.

Abstract: A side rail for a vehicle frame having a generally open C-shaped cross section defined by a vertically extending web, upper and lower flanges extending from the edges of the web, and upper and lower lips extending from the edge of the upper and lower flanges, respectively. The upper lip extends from the edge of the upper flange and is folded such that a portion of the upper lip is parallel to and abuts an inwardly facing surface of the upper flange. Similarly, the lower lip extends from the edge of the lower flange and is folded such that a portion of the lower lip is parallel to and abuts an inwardly facing surface of the lower flange. The horizontal positioning of the upper and lower lips provide for an increase in the structural strength of the side rail, while permitting a cross member to be positioned between and adjacent to both the upper and lower lips. The cross member can then be attached to the side rail by riveting the cross member to the upper and lower flanges.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a side rail formed from a first side rail member including an end portion having a closed cross sectional shape and a second side rail member including an end portion having an open cross sectional shape. The cross sectional shapes of the end portions of the first and second side rail members may be formed having either a rectilinear, circular, or other cross sectional shape. Preferably, the end portions of the first and second side rail members are formed having complementary cross sectional shapes. To form a joint between the first and second side rail members, the end portions thereof are arranged in a telescoping relationship. Then, the end portions are secured together, such as by welding. If desired, one or more notches may be formed in one of the side rail members to facilitate the welding process and to provide additional welding junctions between the first and second side rail sections.

Abstract: A device for attaching a tool to the end of a robot arm includes a collet having a truncated conical body with a radially outwardly extending flange formed at a larger end and a cylindrical holder having a tapered aperture for receiving the conical body of the collet. The collet has radially outwardly extending threads formed on the periphery of the flange to engage the threaded interior of a tubular collar. A radially inwardly extending flange on the collar engages a radially outwardly extending flange on the holder to retain the collet conical body in the tapered aperture thereby providing precise X-Y location. The flange on the collet is attached to a face place which is in turn attached to a tool, and an end of the holder is attached to a mounting flange which in turn is attached to an end of a robot arm. Means for preventing relative rotation between the collet and the holder includes a pair of longitudinally extending slots and cooperating key, or a pair of circular apertures and a cooperating pin.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for manufacturing suspension members for use in a vehicle suspension system. The suspension member is formed and subjected to prestressing forces at least as great as the expected maximum forces to which the suspension members will be subjected during operation of the vehicle in which they are mounted.

Abstract: An improved ladder supported rescue platform for use as an evacuation tool is disclosed. The platform includes a peripheral rail system wherein a gate can be raised vertically by a worker to enter the platform from the ladder or to enter the ladder from the platform. The geometry of the gate construction is designed to assure automatic closure without any action on the part of the user. The gate is designed of parallelogram configuration and may include a snaplock to secure the gate in its closed position.