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 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: 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 vehicle suspension assembly includes a height holding device that is at least partially supported within an air spring of the suspension assembly. The height holding device includes a hydraulic ram. A moveable portion of the hydraulic ram moves between a first position where a minimum clearance is maintained between suspension components and a second position where a larger clearance is maintained between the suspension components. The height holding device moves into the second position to maintain a desired height of the truck or trailer bed during loading and unloading operations at a loading dock, for example. The height holding device allows for the suspension air springs to be evacuated of air pressure during loading or unloading conditions without a change in deck height.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a dock height holding device. First and second jounce bumper portions preferably each include a surface configuration that faces generally toward the oppositely facing jounce bumper portion. By moving at least one of the jounce bumper portions between first and second alignment positions, the clearance between suspension components is controlled in a manner that controls the height of a truck bed or trailer deck. In one example, each jounce bumper portion includes four projections and four spaced recesses. In the first alignment position the projections on one jounce bumper portion are received within the recesses on the oppositely facing portion during normal driving conditions. In the second alignment position, the projections of the jounce bumper portions engage each other and maintain a larger clearance between the suspension components to ensure an appropriate deck height when the vehicle is parked for loading or unloading.

Abstract: A number of improved ways of connecting a slider to a trailer frame are disclosed. In one general type of solution, a wedge-shaped locking surface is formed on both the slider and the trailer. The wedged surfaces provide a very secure connection. In another general way of describing the embodiments, several of the embodiments have a plurality of locking surfaces which again provide a more secure connection.

Abstract: A number of improved ways of connecting a slider to a trailer frame are disclosed. In one general type of solution, a wedge-shaped locking surface is formed on both the slider and the trailer. The wedged surfaces provide a very secure connection. In another general way of describing the embodiments, several of the embodiments have a plurality of locking surfaces which again provide a more secure connection.

Abstract: A number of improved ways of connecting a slider to a trailer frame are disclosed. In one general type of solution, a wedge-shaped locking surface is formed on both the slider and the trailer. The wedged surfaces provide a very secure connection. In another general way of describing the embodiments, several of the embodiments have a plurality of locking surfaces which again provide a more secure connection.

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: 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 method and system for providing variable load control and isolation in a vehicle suspension includes a variably flexible suspension element coupled between the frame of the vehicle and the wheel. The variably flexible suspension element comprises an electrically responsive material disposed therein that varies stiffness in response to electrical control signals applied thereto. The electrical control signals are generated by an electronic control unit and are representative of road conditions traveled by the vehicle as sensed by at least one sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting the condition of a road to be travelled by a vehicle includes a measurement device, such as a laser or machine vision system, disposed at a front of the vehicle for measuring a vertical elevation of a portion of the road at a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle. A control unit, in communication with the measurement device, has control logic for predicting the condition of the road to be travelled by the vehicle based on the measured vertical elevation and controlling an aspect of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's suspension system, based on the predicted road condition.

Abstract: A method and system for floating an upper vehicle part from a lower vehicle frame includes a primary floating device, coupled to either the upper vehicle part or the lower vehicle frame, floats the upper vehicle part freely separate from the lower vehicle frame. A plurality of sensors sense appropriate road inputs. An electronic control unit, coupled to the primary floating device and the plurality of sensors, receives the road inputs and generates control signals for controlling the primary floating device in order to minimize movement of the upper vehicle part with respect to the lower vehicle frame.

Abstract: A tag axle assembly has a frame having a pair of hanger brackets, an upper cross tube and a lower cross tube. A pair of rocker beams having a primary pivot for pivotally mounting the rocker beam to the support frame is mounted to the frame. A suspension air spring extends between the upper cross tube and each rocker beam, and a lift air spring extends between each hanger bracket and the front end of the rocker beam. An axle seat is hingedly mounted to the rear end of each rocker beam. An upper beam having an actuator beam and a lift bar are pivotally mounted to the axle seat and to the support frame. A linear actuator extends between the support frame and the actuator beam. Inflation of the lift air spring causes the rocker beams to rotate about the primary pivots, and expansion of the linear actuator causes the actuator beam and the interconnected lift bar to raise.

Abstract: The present invention is novel compounds which are 2-carbonyl substituted-5-hydroxy-1,3-pyrimidines and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition or base salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use therefor. The invention compounds are now found to have activity as inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase and/or cyclooxygenase providing treatment of conditions advantageously affected by such inhibition including inflammation, arthritis, pain, fever and the like. Thus, the present invention is also a pharmaceutical composition or method of manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the use of treating the noted conditions.

Abstract: A self-energizing brake of the disc/rotor or rim type is disclosed which includes opposed rocker arms attached to a frame by a bolt or the like. The rocker arms support brake pads adjacent the disc/rotor or rim. Cantilever arms on each of said rocker arms extend opposite the brake pads and are connected to a pressure actuated cable. The rocker arms also terminate in a housing which is rotatable about the bolt. The housing encloses unitary helical ridges which mate with helical ridges on a cylinder fixedly secured to the frame by the bolt. The housing is axially movable relative to the bolt. The housing is sealed about the bolt by O-rings and contains a lubricant such as grease. When force is applied to the cable, the pads contact the rotating rim. Such rotation results in movement of the housing in an axial and rotational direction which, due to the interaction of the helical ridges, multiplies the force exerted on the rim by the brake pads.

Abstract: A self-energizing brake which includes opposed rocker arms attached to a frame by a bolt or the like. The rocker arms also include a housing extending transversely therefrom which is rotatable about the bolt. The housing encloses a tubular member having a plurality of helical ridges which mate with a plurality of bearings disposed about the inner surface of the housing. The housing is axially movable relative to the bolt. The housing is sealed about the bolt by O-rings and contains a lubricant such as grease. Friction pads extend from each rocker arm adjacent the rim of a tire to contact the rotating rim as the rocker arms are related. Such rotation results in movement of the housing in an axial direction as the rim drags the friction pads forward.

Abstract: A statistical teaching apparatus includes a plurality of parallel circuits selectively coupled to an operational amplifier. Each circuit is adapted to receive a component from a population being statistically evaluated. The circuits include amplifier feedback elements arranged to selectively cause the amplifier to produce an output voltage representing the value of a parameter of any selected component or the average parameter value of any selected group of components so as to permit plotting of actual parameter values of a selected subgroup and measuring the average parameter value of that subgroup.