Abstract: A mount assembly has a plurality of elastomeric members having a separator plate disposed between adjacent elastomeric members. The separator plate defines a flange which extends toward an adjacent separator plate to confine the elastomeric layer. A mounting plate is located at both ends of the mount assembly and can be used to attach the mount assembly to two components.

Abstract: A light weight torque rod includes a first end joint assembly, a second end joint assembly and a connecting rod. The connecting rod is a non-ferrous material connecting rod that is produced by an extrusion process. The connecting rod is welded to the first and second end joint assemblies using a welding process which produces a full face weld. The first and second end joint assemblies can include an eye which is manufactured from an extrusion process and the eye can also be manufactured from a non-ferrous material.

Abstract: An elastomeric bushing includes an inner component, a pair of outer components and an elastomeric bushing disposed between the inner component and the pair of outer components. An annular gap is defined between the pair of outer components. When the elastomeric bushing is assembled into a housing, the width of the gap is reduced or eliminated increasing the compression of the elastomeric bushing.

Abstract: A pivot bushing for a suspension system has an inner metal and a split outer metal with an elastomeric bushing disposed between the metals. The split outer metal has one end which is partially closed by an inwardly curved portion and one end which is open. The assembly of the bushing is through the open end. Once assembled the open end is closed by placing a cover over the open end and crimping the cover to a flange formed at the open end. In another embodiment, the cover is inserted into the outer metal and the split outer metal is crimped to secure the cover in place.

Abstract: An elastomer bushing having an increased axial rate, improved durability, and high fatigue life due to the compression and confinement of the rubber element is provided. The manufacture of the elastomer journal is conventional for commercial vehicle applications. In a primary embodiment, the rubber is bonded to a bar pin by an adhesive, wherein the rubber journal is then subsequently assembled into an outer tube. After assembly, the outer tube is curled to retain the rubber journal, and the center of the outer tube diameter is swaged or compressed so as to deform the outer tube into the rubber. The compressed groove in the outer tube comprises the unique feature of this bushing design. This groove provides a mechanical “footing” that resists movement when an axial load is applied.

Abstract: A length adjustment system for a torque rod assembly includes a tubular rod attached to one joint assembly and a solid rod attached to another joint assembly. The solid rod extends into the tubular rod. An adjustment nut attached to the tubular rod threadingly receives the solid rod and rotation of the adjustment nut adjusts the length of the torque rod assembly. The length adjustment system can be incorporated into a straight torque rod assembly or into a V-configuration torque rod assembly.

Abstract: A length adjustment system for a torque rod assembly includes a tubular rod attached to one joint assembly and a solid rod attached to another joint assembly. The solid rod extends into the tubular rod. An adjustment nut attached to the tubular rod threadingly receives the solid rod and rotation of the adjustment nut adjusts the length of the torque rod assembly. The length adjustment system can be incorporated into a straight torque rod assembly or into a V-configuration torque rod assembly.

Abstract: A length adjustment system for a torque rod assembly includes a tubular rod attached to one joint assembly and a solid rod attached to another joint assembly. The solid rod extends into the tubular rod. An adjustment nut attached to the tubular rod threadingly receives the solid rod and rotation of the adjustment nut adjusts the length of the torque rod assembly. The length adjustment system can be incorporated into a straight torque rod assembly or into a V-configuration torque rod assembly.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle or a trailer includes an outer housing, an axle shaft and a plurality of bushings. The axle shaft is a single piece unitary construction which includes an activator shaft portion, a trailing arm portion and a spindle portion. The outer housing is adapted to be secured to the frame of the vehicle or trailer while the spindle portion is adapted to support a wheel assembly of the vehicle or trailer. Another embodiment has a single piece unitary axle which includes an activator shaft portion and a trailing arm portion. A spindle is secured to the trailing arm portion to complete the axle assembly.

Abstract: A pivot bushing for a suspension system has an inner metal and an outer metal with an elastomeric bushing disposed between the metals. The outer metal has one end which is partially closed by an inwardly curved portion and one end which is open. The assembly of the bushing is through the open end. Once assembled the open end is closed by placing a cover over the open end and crimping the cover to a flange formed at the open end. In another embodiment, the cover is inserted into the outer metal and the outer metal is crimped to secure the cover in place.

Abstract: A V-configuration torque rod has an apex pivotal joint system which includes a pair of pivotal end joint assemblies connected by a bar-pin journal. The bar-pin journal is bent as an angle to define the V-configuration of the torque rod. By using the bent bar-pin journal, straight links for the arms of the V-configuration can be utilized using similar components at each end joint assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a V-configuration torque rod has an apex joint assembly and a pair of end pivotal joint assemblies. The apex joint assembly is attached to each end pivotal joint assembly using a rod. The rod includes a headed end which increases the radial distance at which the rod is welded to the joint assembly. The attachment of the rod to the apex joint assembly can be by welding or by using a clamp. The rod can either be a solid rod or it can be a tubular rod. In another embodiment, the torque rod is a straight torque rod which includes a rod connecting two end pivotal joint assemblies. Both ends of the rod include a headed end which increases the radial distance at which the rod is welded to the joint assembly. The rod can either be a solid rod or it can be a tubular rod.

Abstract: A V-configuration torque rod has an apex pivotal joint assembly which includes either a single forging or a pair of eyelets each of which form one arm of the V. An intermediate sleeve is located within the forging or each eyelet and an elastomeric bearing socket is located within the sleeve. The bearing socket defines a pocket within which a bar-pin journal is located. Each eyelet of the apex pivotal joint assembly is connected to a tube which is connected to an end pivotal joint assembly. Each end pivotal joint assembly has an internal joint configuration the same as the apex pivotal joint assembly.

Abstract: A steel reinforced filled polymer torque rod and method of making the same, is disclosed. The torque rod includes a stamped metal reinforcement plate having first and second bores therethrough which are surrounded by first and second annular flanges, respectively. The stamped metal reinforcement plate also includes a depression extending axially between the first connector bore and the second connector bore, and an end flange surrounding an end surface of the reinforcement plate. The torque rod also includes a polymer shell which encases and conforms to the stamped metal reinforcement plate. The polymer shell includes a first connector portion which encases the first connector bore and first annular flange, a second connector portion which encases the second connector bore and the second connector flange, an end wall which encases the end flange, and a number of side walls which encase the depression.

Abstract: A steel reinforced filled polymer torque rod and method of making the same, is disclosed. The torque rod includes a stamped metal reinforcement plate having first and second bores therethrough which are surrounded by first and second annular flanges, respectively. The stamped metal reinforcement plate also includes a depression extending axially between the first connector bore and the second connector bore, and an end flange surrounding an end surface of the reinforcement plate. The torque rod also includes a polymer shell which encases and conforms to the stamped metal reinforcement plate. The polymer shell includes a first connector portion which encases the first connector bore and first annular flange, a second connector portion which encases the second connector bore and the second connector flange, an end wall which encases the end flange, and a number of side walls which encase the depression.

Abstract: An improved device for isolating a vehicle frame from an axle assembly is provided. This device is characterized such that deflection caused by road shock is severely limited when the vehicle is in a loaded condition and substantially higher when the vehicle is in an unloaded condition. The device comprises an elastomer shear spring; a circular outer ring surrounding the shear spring and mounted to the axle assembly; and an inner plunger having a top surface to which a load is applied and a lower portion comprising an elastomer compression spring.