Abstract: A method includes the following steps. An original carbon nanotube film is provided. The original carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially oriented along a first direction. The original carbon nanotube film is suspended. The suspended original carbon nanotube film is soaked with an atomized organic solvent to shrink into a carbon nanotube film. Wherein the atomized organic solvent comprises a plurality of dispersed organic droplets with diameters of larger than or equal to 10 micrometers, and less than or equal to 100 micrometers.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a coated panel. The process can comprise providing a panel of a desired dimension or cutting a panel to a desired dimension. In some embodiments a panel can be provided with joining functionality. A surface of the panel can be coated with a powder and the powder cured to thereby treat a surface of the panel.

Abstract: A filter element for use in a smoking article and providing filtration of particulate material and gaseous components of mainstream smoke is provided. The filter element includes a segment of fibrous tow comprising a plurality of individual filaments, wherein each individual filament includes a plurality of adsorbent material particles at least partially encapsulated with a removable encapsulant imbedded therein. The individual filaments may further include an outer coating that provides a plurality of reactive groups adapted for reaction with one or more components of mainstream smoke. Alternatively, the multifunctional filter element combines different fibrous filter materials, such as cellulose acetate or polyolefin filaments combined with activated carbon filaments and at least one of ion exchange filaments and catalytic filaments.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of polymer interlayers used in multiple layer glass panels, and specifically the present invention is in the field of various performance enhancing agents for polymer interlayers and methods of effectively incorporating such performance enhancing agents into interlayers.

Abstract: A method of extruding a dry mixture includes providing mixing materials to a twin screw extruder. The mixing materials are substantially dry and may include a substantially unfibrillated binder and a carbon material. The method includes extruding the mixing materials via a twin screw extruder to form an extruded mixture that is substantially dry. In one embodiment, the substantially dry mixture exiting the extruder may be further processed to form an electrode material, such as by a calendaring step.

Abstract: A mixture and method for forming molded products includes, in a preferred embodiment, Portland cement, shredded polystyrene, chopped fiberglass fibers, a waterproof coating agent, and water. These components may be mixed together, preferably in a large capacity mixer, to form a slurry, which may then be poured into a mold. The slurry is allowed to dry within the mold, and is then removed from the mold. The final product is a precast, molded item that is formed into a desired shape for use in the construction industry, and may be attached to a structure using screws, nails, adhesive, or any other suitable means of attachment.

Abstract: An electromagnetic noise suppression sheet obtained by using combination of a conductive carbon and spinel ferrite particles having a cumulative 50% volume particle diameter of 1 to 10 ?m, can exhibit an excellent transmission attenuation power ratio and a reduced return loss in a near electromagnetic field, and is suitable for high-density mounting. The electromagnetic noise suppression sheet of the present invention can be produced by the process of the present invention which includes the steps of applying a coating material in which the conductive carbon and the spinel ferrite particles having a cumulative 50% volume particle diameter of 1 to 10 ?m are dispersed, to form a coating film having a thickness of 10 to 100 ?m after dried, and subjecting the resulting coating film to thermoforming under pressure.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a two-part fastener may include a fastener-molding housing and an actuating assembly. The fastener-molding housing may include a fastener mold having a first mold section connected to a second mold section through a flash connection mold section. The fastener mold is configured to receive fastener-forming material to form a pre-engaged fastener having a first fastener portion within the first mold section and a second fastener portion within the second mold section. The first fastener portion is temporarily secured to the second fastener portion through a flash connection portion formed within the flash connection mold section. The an actuating assembly includes a stripper plate, a connecting member, and at least one ejection member. The connecting member is configured to securely retain the first fastener portion.

Abstract: A pattern forming apparatus comprises: a first holder which holds a blanket carrying a pattern forming material on one surface in a horizontal posture with a carrying surface for the pattern forming material faced up; a second holder which holds a plate for patterning the pattern forming material or a substrate, to which a pattern is transferred, as a processing object such that the processing object is proximate to and facing the carrying surface of the blanket held on the first holder; and a push-up unit which partially pushes up an effective area in a central part of the blanket from a lower surface side of the blanket to bring the effective area into contact with the processing object held on the second holder and moves along the lower surface of the blanket to change a push-up position of the blanket.

Abstract: A nanoimprinting apparatus is equipped with: a distortion imparting device that applies external force onto an imprinting member, which is one of a mold and a substrate, to maintain the imprinting member in a predetermined flexed state, thereby imparting permanent distortion to the imprinting member; and an imprinting unit that utilizes the imprinting member having the permanent distortion imparted thereto by the distortion imparting device to execute imprinting. A pattern of protrusions and recesses of the mold can be caused to contact resist from the central portion thereof utilizing any imprinting member, regardless of the rigidity of the imprinting member.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides a method of fabricating a perfluorosulfonated ionomer membrane with a surface having an array of a plurality of fine pillars. The pillars are fabricated by a rapid deformation of the membrane via thermal imprint lithography under appropriate temperatures and pressures. This fabrication process induces the molecular alignment of a polymer in the pillars. As a result, the main chain via C—F and C—C bonds in the pillar is controlled to reduce the proton transport resistance in the pillars. Therefore, the fuel cells utilizing the invented membrane show improved performance under low humidity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for removing residual BPA from a residual BPA-containing substance and a method for making a container with residual BPA removed. The method may consist of preparing a stabilization reagent, wherein water is removed from the stabilization reagent. The method may also include preparing the residual BPA-containing substance. The method may also include reacting the residual BPA-containing substance in a melt condensation process with the stabilization reagent, wherein the stabilization reagent is non-toxic.

Abstract: A fused filament fabrication printer uses a plurality of fixed printing heads mounted to a structure over a build platform on which the model is built by constructing each layer of the model as the build platform is indexed through a multiplicity of successive print planes. The build platform may be in the form of a circular disk mounted for rotation about a z-axis and for linear motion along the z-axis between successive print planes, and for linear motion along a y-axis which is a selected radial direction perpendicular to the z-axis. Because the printheads are fixed, multiple printheads are easily affixed with respect to the build platform along the same radial line defining the y-axis transverse to the selected radial direction along which the build platform moves.

Abstract: Techniques comprising systems and methods for forming or pattering microstructures using microfluidics are described. A target structure can include a microchannel passage with a chamber into which a light hardenable material can be injected and selectively exposed to light to adhere to a desired location of a substrate. Unhardened material can be washed out of the chamber. One or more subsequent cycles can repeat the process using the same or a different material. A variety of composite microstructures can be created, including structures encapsulating viable living cells, such as for cell study or tissue engineering.

Abstract: The method of increasing the hardness of wurtzite crystalline materials is directed to the production of tool bits and inserts having a hardness approaching that of diamond, while simultaneously providing greater toughness and fracture resistance than diamond. The method includes forming a workpiece of boron nitride having a wurtzite crystal structure (wBN), and optionally combining boron nitride having a cubical crystal structure (cBN) with the wBN material. The workpiece is heat-treated by a defocused laser beam moved across the surface at a rate sufficient to preclude melting or deformation of the workpiece. The heated area is quickly quenched by a water jet, and a gas jet immediately follows the laser path to assure separation of the water from the laser contact area. The result is an increase in hardness of about 88%, from an initial hardness of about 40 GPa to a treated hardness of about 75 GPa.

Abstract: A nanoimprinting method employs a resist composition including polymerizable compounds and a polymerization initiating agent, each having absorption spectrum properties with absorption regions within a range from 250 nm to 500 nm. The polymerization initiating agent has an absorption region with a longer wavelength end wavelength longer than the longer wavelength end wavelength of the absorption region of the polymerizable compounds. Further, exposure of the resist composition is executed by light having spectral intensity properties that satisfy a predetermined relational formula. The present invention enables contamination of molds by adhered matter to be suppressed, and enables formation of resist patterns having sufficient etching resistance by nanoimprinting.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a multiplicity of continuous fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 10% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. A spunbond process may be used to produce substantially continuous fibers that exhibit molecular orientation. A meltblown process may be used to produce discontinuous fibers that do not exhibit molecular orientation. In some embodiments, the fibers comprise a viscosity modifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The webs may be used as articles for filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, surface cleaning, cellular growth support, drug delivery, personal hygiene, medical apparel, or wound dressing.

Abstract: A multi-piece golf ball is manufactured by molding a cover layer and a core layer to form a golf ball preform in a mold. The cover layer has a thermoplastic polyurethane composition which may be crosslinked by ultraviolet radiation. After molding, the golf ball preform is removed from the mold. A UV curable topcoat composition is applied to the golf ball preform. The golf ball preform is then irradiated with ultraviolet radiation under conditions sufficient to both crosslink the crosslinkable thermoplastic polyurethane and cure the UV curable topcoat composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition and method of modifying the surface of a polymeric to produce a film or article with a reduced coefficient of friction (COF) and improved release properties. The reduced coefficient of friction improves both the slip and anti-blocking properties of the material as well aiding in processing of the polymeric material. Additionally, the invention improves demolding and release of the polymeric c material from other polymeric surfaces or adhesives as well as metal molding surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a degassing tube formed, at least partially, of a composite material and configured to degas molten metal. The degassing tube may include a supply tube configured to deliver gas received from a supply source to an outlet of the degassing tube, and a diffuser body coupled to the supply tube and formed, at least partially, of a composite material. In some embodiments, a combination of the composite material and a phosphate bonded refractory material may be used to form respective sections of the diffuser body. The composite material may include layers of a woven fiber reinforcing fabric embedded within a ceramic matrix. In some embodiments, the phosphate bonded refractory material is a castable monolithic refractory which chemically bonds to the composite material.

Abstract: A metal melting furnace includes: a furnace body which includes a storage space storing molten metal; a vortex chamber body which includes a vortex chamber capable of communicating with the storage space of the furnace body; and a drop weir part which changes a communication state and an interruption state between the storage space and the vortex chamber, wherein the drop weir part includes a blind drop weir and an opening type drop weir which are formed as separate members, wherein at least the blind drop weir is movable up and down with respect to the vortex chamber body and is selectively positioned at an upward movement position and a downward movement position so as to switch the communication state and the interruption state, and wherein the opening type drop weir includes notches which communicate the vortex chamber and the storage space with each other in the communication state.

Abstract: In a spring leg of a front fork, the capacity of a rebound air spring chamber is expanded and a stable rebound reaction force is ensured, and the spring leg of the front fork is provided with a sub-tank including an air chamber communicating with a rebound air spring chamber.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a shock absorbing member being to be rotated around an axis and having an outer circumferential surface being in contact with an end portion of a member that moves back and forth with respect to the shock absorbing member, the shock absorbing member having at least one of elasticity and viscosity against an movement of the member, each of the elasticity and viscosity changing in accordance with a rotation angle of the shock absorbing member around the axis, and a device that changes the rotation angle of the shock absorbing member to adjust at least one of the elasticity and the viscosity against the member.

Abstract: A cylindrical vibration-damping device wherein an outer cylindrical member is made in a configuration of two sections divided along an circumference, the outer cylindrical member being externally fitted onto intermediate rings in a non-adhesive manner by means of having the intermediate rings sandwiched by the outer cylindrical member in a radial direction, and a plurality of regulating protrusions protruding inward in the radial direction are formed on the outer cylindrical member at a given distance and arranged on both sides of the intermediate rings in an axial direction so as to provide a positioning member that positions the intermediate rings with respect to the outer cylindrical member in the axial direction by means of abutting the intermediate rings against the regulating protrusions in the axial direction.

Abstract: A fixture for selectably supporting a number of dissimilar workpieces. The fixture includes a frame with one or more rotatable workpiece tooling assemblies. Each workpiece tooling assembly has multiple faces to which is mounted workpiece support tooling. The workpiece support tooling may be designed to support dissimilar workpieces, such that a single fixture may support any of a given number of workpieces by simply rotating the workpiece tooling assembly or assemblies until the corresponding support tooling is properly positioned. A locking assembly may be provided to releasably secure each workpiece tooling assembly in the various support orientations that coincide with each of its faces.

Abstract: An adjustable work holding system can quickly adjust for different sized work pieces and can grip components with a small, about 0.100 inch, grip on the material, eliminating wasted material. Adjustable jaws can be mounted on a base plate and tightened into a desired position. Grippers are attached to the jaws and extend only about 0.100 inch over the jaws to provide a gripping surface. The grippers can be resiliently held open by a resilient member, such as an O-ring. A drive bolt for each gripper can be tightened to move the grippers closer together and grip material. The grippers provide strong holding forces and pulls the work piece down, which allows for more aggressive machining operations as compared to conventional work holding systems.

Abstract: A die pressing plate including a main body, an adjusting groove, and a main through hole, each of the left or right surface of the main through hole has at least one guiding groove; a lower cushion block having a top curve surface; and an upper cushion block having a lower curve surface for engaging the top curve surface of the lower cushion block, at least one extension portion protruding away from the lower curve surface, the at least one extension portion having two blocking portions, the blocking portions of the at least one extension portion engage the at least one guiding groove, the at least one extension portion extends elastically when the blocking portion slide downwardly, and the blocking portion is blocked by the bottom surface of the main body. The die pressing plate is simple in structure, fast and convenient to assemble and use, and low in cost.

Abstract: In a sheet conveyance device, if a sheet has not been detected at a second position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sheet has been detected at a first position, a separating portion switches operation thereof from a separating operation to a non-separating operation of conveying the sheet from upstream to downstream in a sheet conveyance path, and a sheet feed portion continues a feeding operation. If the sheet has not been detected at the second position by the time a predetermined time has elapsed since the separating portion has started the non-separating operation, the separating portion and the sheet feed portion stop driving, and if the sheet has been detected at the second position by the time, the separating portion switches operation thereof from the non-separating operation to the separating operation, and the sheet feed portion continues the feeding operation.

Abstract: A printing machine includes: a paper feed unit configured to feed a sheet of paper; a suction transfer unit configured to transfer the sheet of paper fed by the paper feed unit in a transfer direction, with the sheet of paper being attached by suction onto a transfer surface; a transfer and paper discharge unit configured to receive the sheet of paper from the suction transfer unit to transfer and discharge the sheet of paper; and a controller configured to control a suction force of the suction transfer unit in accordance with a paper type. When the controller changes the suction force of the suction transfer unit between successive sheets of paper, the controller is configured prior to a discharge of a precedent sheet of paper to change the suction force of the suction transfer unit and drive the paper feed unit to feed a subsequent sheet of paper.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus including a first tray having a first holding portion for holding sheets, a second tray disposed above the first tray and including a second holding portion for holding sheets, a sheet feeder that selectively feeds a sheet from one of the first tray and the second tray in a sheet feed direction, a recording unit that records an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeder, and a discharge roller that discharges the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording unit. The second holding portion of the second tray moves above the first holding portion of the first tray. The second tray further includes a discharged sheet receiving portion for receiving the sheet discharged by the discharge roller. The second tray including the discharged sheet receiving portion pivots relative to the first tray.

Abstract: A conveyor device includes a support portion in which a through hole is formed and which is configured to support a to-be-conveyed medium;a negative pressure chamber configured to cause negative pressure to act on the to-be-conveyed medium through the through hole to suck the to-be-conveyed medium to the support portion; and a conveyance section configured to convey the to-be-conveyed medium sucked to the support portion. The negative pressure chamber includes a wall in which a communication hole to communicate the negative pressure chamber with the air is formed. The conveyor device further includes a shutter configured to slide on the wall of the negative pressure chamber to open/close the communication hole.

Abstract: A sheet ejector is provided that includes an ejection roller unit including a first roller and a second roller, a pushing member that rotates concentrically with the first roller and includes a projection formed on a circumferential surface thereof, the projection contacting a trailing end of a sheet to be ejected and pushing out the sheet in an ejecting direction, and a contact member including a contact portion disposed, in a view along a rotational-axis direction of the first roller, in such a position as to overlap or be downstream relative to a most downstream position of a rotational trajectory of the pushing member in the ejecting direction, the contact portion configured to extend up to a position closer to the second roller than the rotational axis of the first roller and contact the trailing end of the sheet ejected from the ejection roller unit.

Abstract: A sheet feeder, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a sheet tray on which a recording medium is loaded, a regulating member, a link mechanism, and a guide storage. The regulating member is movably disposed to regulate a position of the recording medium loaded on the sheet tray and has guide portions having a height higher than a maximum possible thickness of a sheet stack loadable on the sheet tray and the height thereof is changeable. The link mechanism rotatably supports the sheet tray with respect to a tray storing position and a sheet feeding position. The guide storage stores the guide portions of the regulating member as the link mechanism moves the sheet tray from the sheet feeding position to the tray storing position and has a depth set to be greater than a length in a height direction of the guide portions.

Abstract: A media stacking system suitable for processing flexible substrate sheets includes an elevating stacker support and a controller configured to control the elevating stacker support according to a weight of a cut sheet stack supported by the elevating stacker support in loading positions.

Abstract: A medium carrying device includes an apparatus body, medium guide unit that is detachable with respect to the apparatus body, a carrying roller that is disposed in the apparatus body, and is configured to rotate to carry a print medium passing through the medium guide unit, and a driven roller that is disposed in the medium guide unit at a position corresponding to the carrying roller in a contacting manner so that the driven roller rotates in accordance with a rotation of the carrying roller.

Abstract: A sheet feeder is provided that includes a driving roller, a driven roller configured to rotate in accordance with rotation of the driving roller and feed a sheet while pinching the sheet with the driving roller, an elastic shaft inserted through the driven roller and configured to rotatably support the driven roller, the elastic shaft including a protrusion formed on at least one end of the elastic shaft in an axial direction of the elastic shaft, the protrusion protruding outward in a radial direction of the driven roller, and two recess-shaped bearings configured to support two end portions of the elastic shaft in the axial direction, respectively, at least one of the bearings including a contact surface configured to contact the protrusion when the elastic shaft is supported by the bearings.

Abstract: A valuable file identification device, comprising a housing; a hollow transparent drum; an annular clamping belt supported by at least two tension rollers and pressing against the transparent drum, the outer surface of the annular clamping belt and the outer surface of the transparent drum forming a clamping and conveying channel for the valuable file, and the length of the clamping and conveying channel being greater than that of the valuable file in the conveying direction; at least one information acquisition device, the information acquisition element of the information acquisition device being adjacent to the inner surface of the transparent drum, facing at least a part of the outer surface of the annular clamping belt, and being fixed relative to the side wall of the housing; and a power-driven device respectively driving the transparent drum and the annular clamping belt to move synchronously in opposite directions.

Abstract: A medium conveyance device includes a pressed member, a first retention member retaining the pressed member and including a first bias-member retention portion, a press member provided facing the pressed member, a second retention member being provided movable relative to the first retention member and retaining the press member wherein the second retention member includes a second bias-member retention portion, and a bias member provided between the first bias-member retention portion and the second bias-member retention portion and supported at one end thereof by the first bias-member retention portion and at another end thereof by the second bias-member retention portion, thereby pressing the press member against the pressed member.

Abstract: A sheet storage apparatus for storing sheets including a sheet storage unit including a lower guide configured to guide a lower surface of the conveyed sheet, an upper guide configured to guide an upper surface of the conveyed sheet, and a shutting-off unit provided in one of the lower guide and the upper guide, configured to be movable around a rotational axis and between a shutting-off position at which a downstream end of the conveying direction of the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit is shut off and a retracting position for retracting from the shutting-off position, and a plurality of stages of sheet storage units is vertically stacked and at least a part of the shutting-off unit overlaps the rotational axis of the adjacent sheet storage unit in a vertical direction at the shutting-off position.

Abstract: Two modified roulette wheels are used to generate a pair of cards for a card game. Players may wager on one or more outcomes selected from a group of predetermined outcomes including one of the wheels producing a winning card value, the wheels producing equal card values, one or more of the wheels producing a card value below a first predetermined value, and one or more of the wheels producing a card value above a second predetermined value. The wheels are spun to produce one or more game outcomes from the group of predetermined outcomes, and the wagers are settled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a sealing member, an integral structure associated with the sealing member, and an engagement section extending from the sealing member. The sealing member is configured to be attached to a surface of an object. The sealing member is consolidated with the integral structure. The engagement section is deformable and configured to engage a receiving structure in the object.

Abstract: The present cartridge seal assemblies pertain to rotary lip-type seals. In certain embodiments, a sealing member is constructed of a relatively hard material that increases the lifespan of the sealing member. The sealing member is energized with a canted-coil spring, which in some embodiments includes an adjustable spring force. The present embodiments enable control of sealing force to achieve an appropriate sealing force between the sealing member and the shaft based on factors such as temperature, pressure, rotary speed, properties of fluid media, etc. to achieve longer seal life.

Abstract: A seal shaft for use in an air cycle machine has two axial edges. An axial distance is measured between contact faces at the axial edges, with a tolerance to the dimension. A greatest variation between the axial distance at a plurality of spaced locations on the edge face is maintained with a ratio of the greatest variation to the tolerance being less than 0.2. A rotor assembly, an air cycle machine and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chuck device includes front and rear collets, a driving ring, and a driving sleeve. The driving ring and the driving sleeve can be driven hydraulically to move toward or away from each other. When the driving ring and the driving sleeve are moved hydraulically away from each other, each of the front and rear collets is moved to a release position, when the driving ring and the driving sleeve are moved hydraulically toward each other, each of the front and rear collets is moved to a clamping position.

Abstract: A tool holder has a chuck portion with a retaining bore in which a cutting tool can be inserted. The tool has flat surfaces extending from its end, and circumferential groove at rear ends of the flat surfaces. When the tool is inserted into the retaining bore, first protrusions of the tool holder pass through spaces between the flat surfaces and the inner wall of the retaining bore and fitted in the groove. When the tool is turned, the protrusions move in and engage the side edges of the groove, thus preventing the tool from pulling out of the chuck portion. When the first protrusions are fitted in the groove, second protrusions of the tool holder are located on the flat surfaces. When the tool is turned, the second protrusions are received in ends of the respective spaces, thereby preventing rotation of the tool relative to the chuck portion.

Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle with a lifting function includes an upper rolling piston and a lower rolling piston disposed opposite to each other. A rolling bellows encloses a compressed air space and has double rolling folds. The pressure effective surfaces of the rolling folds are coordinated with each other in such a manner that, during dynamic spring operation of the air spring over a predetermined spring travel, the pressure effective surface of the rolling fold on the lower rolling piston is larger than the pressure effective surface of the rolling fold on the upper rolling piston.

Abstract: A basket for public use includes a substantially upright tapered body for repeatedly moving purchasable items within a store; the body includes an interior space and an open top; the open top permits access to the interior for placing the plurality of purchasable items in the interior. Wheels allow rolling the basket within the store and a telescoping handle provided on a face of the body rollingly pulls the basket. A like-basket is nestable in the basket in a first and a second position; eg the telescoping handles are proximate to each other or the telescoping handles are distal from each other.

Abstract: A wheeled hand-cart configured to carry and secure ski equipment and accessories is described. The hand-cart is of the type where a user adjusts an attitude of the hand-cart for rolling travel so as to balance the load about a wheel axis of the hand-cart. The hand-cart includes a load platform extensive enough to carry ski boots as well as a large securable container. Ski mounts joined to the hand-cart carry skis outboard of the load platform at an attitude that provides for ample clearance between the tips of the skis and the user's upper body. The ski-carrying cart may include a voluminous securable container to serve as a mobile ski locker, and locking devices may be provided to secure the skis and the cart. The hand-cart is further configured to partially collapse to a narrow-stance mode adapted for rolling travel in narrow spaces.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes an axle member movable between a first position and a second position, mounting brackets adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, trailing arms pivotably coupled to mounting brackets and pivotably coupled to the axle member, a lift arrangement including a pair of diaphragm chambers each having a push plate and a flexible bladder, the push plate of the diaphragm chamber dividing the associated diaphragm chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment of each diaphragm chamber being adjustably pressurized to move the push plate of the associated diaphragm chamber, and at least one push rod defining a single longitudinal axis and connected to each push plate such that pressurization of the diaphragm chambers cause a translational movement of the at least one push rod, thereby causing the axle member to move between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes first and second mounting brackets each adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, first and second trailing arms each having a first end pivotably coupled to the mounting brackets, and a second end located outboard of the first end of the associated trailing arm; an axle member having a first end and a second end; an integrated first mounting arrangement and an integrated second mounting arrangement coupled to the associated ends of the axle member, wherein the mounting arrangements pivotably couple the second end of the associated trailing arm to one of the ends of the axle member, and wherein the mounting arrangements couple one of the ends of the axle member to the spindle assembly.