Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a belt mover for an endless belt which carries out a line feed of a recording medium, a feed amount calculator that calculates an amount of belt feed of the belt mover, and a movement amount measurer that measures actual amount of movement of the endless belt by image processing. The feed amount calculator calculates the amount of belt feed by which the endless belt is to be fed, on the basis of the amount of belt feed by which the endless belt has been fed and the actual amount of movement of the endless belt measured by the movement amount measurer. The belt mover moves the endless belt by the amount of belt feed calculated.

Abstract: A synchronous single/double-sided digital inkjet printer comprises a rack, feeding rollers (2, 23), take-up rollers (3, 22), two groups of inkjet printing carriages (9, 16) and driving rollers (5, 20). The two groups of inkjet printing carriages (9, 16) respectively make reciprocating motion on the two groups of track beams (10, 15) mounted on the rack, and are provided with print heads (8, 17). The lower parts of the two groups of inkjet printing carriages (9, 16) are provided with inkjet printing platforms (7, 19) mounted on the rack, and the lower parts of the two inkjet printing carriages (9, 16) are provided with the driving rollers (5, 20). The two driving rollers (5, 20) are driven to rotate in the opposite direction respectively by two independent driving devices mounted on the rack. A printing material winding method is applied to the inkjet printer.

Abstract: A printing device is disclosed including a path for supplying thermal paper unwound from a roll to a thermal print head arranged for printing on a first side of paper, wherein a linear image sensor is arranged along the path, on a second side of paper opposite the first, transversely to an advancement direction of the paper, to detect the position of an alignment mark arranged on the paper.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus is provided that comprises a printing section, a belt-type medium conveyance section, a support section, and a gap adjustment section. The printing section has an inkjet head and performs printing on a recording medium. The medium conveyance section conveys the recording medium. The support section supports the medium conveyance section. The gap adjustment section has first and second adjustment sections that are placed across the medium conveyance section, an input section that operates the first adjustment section, and an interlock section that interlocks the first adjustment section and the second adjustment section. The first and second adjustment sections are movable in parallel to an adjustment direction to move the printing section in the adjustment direction and adjust a gap between the inkjet head and the medium conveyance section in the adjustment direction.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to more effectively prevent blocking. An inkjet printing apparatus 100 has a platen 3, an after-heater 4, a take-up gear 5, and a cooler. The platen 3 heats a medium 20 to a temperature lower than or equal to a glass-transition temperature Tg1 of a resin included in the medium 20. The after-heater 4 heats the medium 20 to a temperature higher than or equal to a glass-transition temperature Tg2 of a resin contained in the ink. The take-up gear 5 collects the printed medium 20. The medium 20 or the take-up gear 5 is cooled by the cooler so as to reach a temperature lower than both the temperature Tg1 and the temperature Tg2.

Abstract: A printer includes a discharge unit, a first printing unit disposed along a sheet conveying path extending from the discharge unit and configured to print an image on a first sheet while the first sheet is conveyed from the discharge unit to the first printing unit and then to the discharge unit, a second printing unit disposed farther from the discharge unit than the first printing unit along the sheet conveyance path and configured to print an image on a second sheet while the second sheet is conveyed towards the discharge unit therethrough, using a printing method that is different from a printing method of the first printing unit, and a control unit configured to determine whether or not each of the first and second printing unit is in use and control only one of the first and second printing units to print the image, based on the determination.

Abstract: A method of identifying inoperable ejectors in a printhead includes operating a plurality of ejectors in the printhead to form a printed test pattern on an image receiving surface while the printhead and image receiving surface remain stationary. The method also includes generating image data of the printed test pattern, identifying rows of marks in the printed test pattern, and identifying an inoperable ejector in the printhead that corresponds to a missing mark in one row of marks that corresponds to one ejector in a row of ejectors in the printhead.

Abstract: An ejection device includes a discharger that discharges liquid droplets on an object while moving in at least a first direction, a camera that images the object, and a camera protector that covers a light receiving surface of the camera when the discharger discharges the liquid droplets.

Abstract: There is provided a heat-sensitive transfer recording medium which is able to better suppress the occurrence of abnormal transfer during high-speed printing using a high-speed printer of sublimation transfer type and is able to improve transfer sensitivity in high-speed printing. The heat-sensitive transfer recording medium includes a base (10), a heat-resistant lubricating layer (20) formed on one surface of the base (10), an underlying layer (30) formed on the other surface of the base (10), and a dye layer (40) formed on a surface of the underlying layer (30), which is on the other side of a surface facing the base (10). In the heat-sensitive transfer recording medium, the underlying layer (30) has a major component that is a copolymer of polyester having a sulfonic group on a side chain and acrylic having at least one of a glycidyl group and a carboxyl group.

Abstract: There is provided a printing apparatus, including: an obtaining portion and a printing portion. The obtaining portion obtains information regarding an image in which visibility is made to deteriorate on a sheet on which the image is printed. The printing portion overwrites an image having a printing surface pattern on the sheet by using an ink ribbon based on the obtained information.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image erasing apparatus includes a reading unit, an erasing unit, an image forming unit, and a controller. The reading unit reads identification information formed on a sheet conveyed. The erasing unit erases a part or all of a first image formed on the sheet after the identification information is read. The controller obtains image data corresponding to the identification information that is read by the reading unit. The controller controls the image forming unit so as to form a second image, which is indicated by the obtained image data, onto the sheet from which the first image has been erased.

Abstract: Moiré-type magnification systems are disclosed. The moiré magnification systems can comprise a surface and a periodic array of image relief microstructures having a periodic surface curvature disposed on or within the surface. The image relief microstructures can have a first image repeat period along a first image reference axis within the array, and the periodic surface curvature can have a first curvature repeat period along a first curvature reference axis within the array. Transmission of light through the array, reflection of light from the array, or a combination thereof forms a magnified moiré image.

Abstract: A method of forming a security document, comprises providing a thread comprising at least one region of heat-transformable material, this material having an optical effect which is transformable in response to applied heat. The thread is integrated with a document substrate material during a substrate forming process, so as to produce a security document substrate having at least one windowed region in which the thread is exposed at the substrate surface, and at least one bridge region in which the thread is not exposed. A patterned heat process is then applied, causing a structural modification in the heat-transformable layer of the thread so as to produce an observable optical effect representative of the heat pattern at one or more predetermined positions with respect to one or more of the said windowed region or bridge region. Security documents bearing threads with such optically transformable materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method (100) for personalizing a document, said document comprising a support comprising printed patterns (201, 202), wherein said method (100) comprises generating at least a laser pulse on said support for carbonizing at least a printed pattern.

Abstract: A laminate for application onto a support material having a resin-impregnated decorative layer and at least one resin-impregnated core layer. The decorative layer and the at least one core layer are adapted for being pressed together under high pressure and heat. A technical problem of improving a laminate for application onto the support material is solved in that the decorative layer and the at least one core layer can be compressed by a short-cycle press and have a width of more than 1800 mm. A method for producing the laminate is also provided.

Abstract: A manual paint system comprises a holster with cooperatively formed paint reservoir that fixates to the painter's person. The holster is in fluid communication via a valve with a reservoir that holds fresh clean paint. The holster receives a regulated flow of paint when the valve is open. The holster includes a fixator for securing the applicator so that the handle is available for easy grasp while the brush bristles or roller remain wet in paint within the holster. Scrapers within the holster remove excess paint from the applicator and are configured to return the excess paint to the holster for later use. The fixator may be attached to a gate that slideably opens and closes the valve, thereby allowing the painter to load the holster with paint by simply pulling out the applicator and shut off the flow by pushing the applicator back into the holster.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed regarding the way in which vehicle wheels are designed and assembled, including ultralight, airless vehicle wheels adapted for mounting on a rim to receive a tire. One or more flexible ring-shaped tendons are disposed over the rim. A stuffer component is disposed over the tendons, and the wheel is disposed over the stuffer. A cover is bolted onto the rim holding the stuffer and tendons in position. Importantly, the tendons, stuffer and cover are all installed onto the rim from the outside toward the vehicle, thereby easing installation and maintenance. The invention may be adapted for all-terrain vehicles, and the wheel may have diameter on the order of 7 inches, 14 inches, or any other appropriate dimensions.

Abstract: A sealing system is provided. The sealing system may include a wheel, a tire disposed about the wheel and defining a chamber between the wheel and the tire, and a first passage to the chamber through the wheel. A fuse plug may be disposed within the first passage. The fuse plug may comprise an annular body having a second passage defined by an inner wall. A groove may be formed circumferentially about an outer surface of the annular body. A seal ring may be configured to settle in the groove and sealably engage the first passage. A fusible material may be retained within the second passage defined by the inner wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hub for a bicycle, having a hub axle, a hub sleeve which is mounted rotatably on the hub axle via a bearing arrangement, a driver which is mounted rotatably on the hub axle via a bearing arrangement and is coupleable to the at least one hub sleeve in a torque-transmitting manner, wherein the bearing arrangement has at least one axially inner bearing and at least one axially outer bearing. At least one fastening element is provided, which fixes at least the inner bearing of the bearing arrangement in its predetermined position on the hub axle by a local or sectional enlargement of the cross section of the hub axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a freewheel hub for a bicycle, comprising a freewheel device which optionally allows relative rotation between a hub sleeve and a driver or couples the hub sleeve and the driver in a torque-transmitting manner. The freewheel device has at least one first clutch ring and at least one second clutch ring, wherein the first clutch ring is coupled or coupleable to the hub sleeve in a torque-transmitting manner, and wherein the second clutch ring is coupleable or coupled to the driver in a torque-transmitting manner, and wherein the first and the second clutch ring are displaceable axially relative to the hub axle between an engaged position and a freewheel position. Provision is made here for at least one magnet arrangement accommodated in apertures in the first clutch ring to keep the clutch rings in the engaged position.

Abstract: A lug nut removal tool for applying rotational force on all lug nuts is shown having a circular frame member, a drive lug, a drive gear, and a plurality of transfer assemblies that each include an adjustable sockets. In one embodiment, rotation of the drive lug actuates the drive gear, thereby causing the each discrete transfer assembly to rotate. The transfer assemblies each include an adjustable socket for engaging a corresponding lug nut on a target wheel. In operation, each socket is first aligned with a corresponding lug nuts on a target vehicle wheel, locked in place, and then turned through the rotational force applied to the drive lug that is transferred to the its integrated transfer assembly by way of the drive gear.

Abstract: A wheel assembly having rolling and swiveling capability includes a wheel bracket configured for mounting one or more wheels, a swivel bracket configured for positioning with respect to an object with respect to which the wheel assembly is used, the swivel bracket including a main body and a spindle extending from one side of the main body of the swivel bracket into a receptacle in the wheel bracket, the spindle and receptacle being tapered at different angles to minimize surface to surface engagement during swiveling, a thrust bearing between the swivel bracket and wheel bracket to transfer force between the brackets while assisting to align the brackets, a retention mechanism at the distal end portion of the spindle configured to retain the spindle in the wheel bracket and aligning the spindle with respect to the wheel bracket while permitting the wheel bracket to swivel about the spindle relative to the swivel bracket.

Abstract: A caster unit includes a base member attached to a mobile body; a link mechanism rotatably supported by the base member to be capable of swinging up and down; an axle supported by the link mechanism; and a support mechanism provided between the axle and the base member, the support mechanism being configured to extends/contracts in a direction parallel to a tangent line of a trajectory of the axle that swings by the link mechanism to generate a damping force and a restoring force.

Abstract: Provided is a non-pneumatic tire including an attachment body attached to an axle, an outer tubular body (13) configured to surround the attachment body from the outside in a tire radial direction, and a connecting member (15) configured to connect the attachment body and the outer tubular body while allowing displacement therebetween, wherein the connecting member includes a first elastic connecting plate (21) in which a first end portion (21a) connected to the outer tubular body is disposed closer to a first side in a tire circumferential direction than a second end portion connected to the attachment body and an intermediate portion (21c) is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion, and both of circumferential end surface (26a, 26b) directed in the tire circumferential direction among surfaces of the first end portion of the first elastic connecting plate extend in opposite directions in the tire circumferential direction to be separated from each other from the inside toward the o

Abstract: The tire tread has a ground-contact surface and a main groove, secondary grooves; and blocks. The blocks are each provided with an upper surface, front-surface side walls, side-surface side walls, front-surface edges formed in positions where the upper surface intersects the front-surface side walls and side-surface edges formed in positions where the upper surface intersects the side-surface side walls. The blocks each have a reinforcement section with an average thickness of t and an elastic modulus (Ef) higher than the elastic modulus (Et) of a rubber composition forming the tread. An undulating section with ridge sections and a valley section is formed in the front-surface side wall. The undulating section is provided so as to form at least a portion of the at least one front-surface side wall having the reinforcement section provided thereto, and so as to form at least a portion of the reinforcement section.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with main grooves and land potions. The main grooves include an outboard shoulder main groove, an inboard shoulder main groove and a central main groove disposed therebetween. The land portions include an outboard central land portion and an inboard central land portion. The outboard central land portion is provided with first central sipes with a width of less than 2 mm, and is not provided with any grooves with a width equal to or more than 2 mm. The inboard central land portion is provided with second central sipes with a width of less than 2 mm, and is not provided with any grooves with a width equal to or more than 2 mm. The inboard central land portion is greater than the outboard central land portion in axial width.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with a shoulder main groove and a crown main groove to form a middle land portion therebetween. The middle land portion is provided with a first middle lug groove including a first groove wall and a second groove wall, wherein the first groove wall includes a protrusion protruding toward the second groove wall on the side of the shoulder main groove. The protrusion includes a front wall located so as to form a sipe portion between the front wall and the second groove wall, a top wall, a first lateral wall located axially outward of the front wall and a second lateral wall located axially inward of the front wall. The front wall is configured to a triangular shape.

Abstract: A heavy-duty pneumatic tire includes a carcass ply including a main portion extending between bead cores and a pair of turn-up portions, a first reinforcing layer of a steel cord disposed in each bead portion in a U-shaped manner, and a second reinforcing layer of an organic fiber cord disposed in each bead portion and at least a part of the second reinforcing layer extending in a radial direction of the tire at an axially outward location of the first reinforcing layer. The second reinforcing layer includes an axially inner second ply and an outer second ply. The outer second ply has an inner end positioned below the bead core. The inner second ply has an inner end located axially inward of the inner end of the outer second ply, and has a substantially same length as the outer second ply in a tire cross-section.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle tire is provided. The tire includes a thread, an inner surface lying opposite the thread, a self-sealing sealant and a sound-absorbing open-cell foam ring arranged inside the pneumatic vehicle tire. The foam ring is adhesively attached to the inner surface and adheres to the self-sealing sealant which is applied before the sound-absorbing open-cell foam ring is attached to the inner surface. The self-sealing sealant has, at least immediately after being applied, a tackiness required for an adhesive attachment of the sound-absorbing open-cell foam ring. A closed-cell material ring is arranged between the sound-absorbing foam ring and the self-sealing sealant to prevent a diffusion of the sealant into the open-cell foam ring. The closed-cell material ring effects an airtight condition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for gravity-driven pumps, gravity-driven power generators that power electric pumps, as well as various supporting concepts, mechanisms, and approaches. As a tire rotates around an axle, the pull of gravity varies for a given point on the tire. While gravity is always pulling ‘down’, the force relative to a fixed point on the tire changes. Gravity-driven pumps exploit these changes in gravitational force to do work. Automatic, gravity-driven pumps can be used to inflate tires to offset the natural gas leakage of modern tires, and can maintain tire pressure and inflation within a desired or optimal range. As different conditions are met, pump parameters are determined which can adjust the pumps. Such conditions include driving patterns, load, and temperature, and resulting adjustments include turning on and off pumps, varying stroke length, and varying the number of strokes required.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly of a bicycle wheel is disclosed that include a wheel axle, a rotary pump that may be composed of a pump housing, a pump rotor, a first fluid port configured for fluidly coupling to a pneumatic tire and a second fluid port configured for fluidly coupling to a fluid reservoir. The assembly allows for conveniently and efficiently modifying the tire pressure in bicycles at will while riding, in as many cycles as desired and without contaminating the air inside the tires.

Abstract: A tire-state detection device according to the present invention includes: an electronic component including a detection unit that detects a pressure of a tire; and a case that houses the electronic component. The case includes: a case main body that houses the electronic component and that has an open surface formed thereon; and a lid member that covers the open surface. The detection unit includes: a pressure sensor section having a diaphragm-type element; a sensor control section that controls the pressure sensor section; and a dome-shaped shield cover that covers the pressure sensor section and the sensor control section. An inside of the case main body having the open surface covered with the lid member is filled with a sealant, and the diaphragm-type element is made of a ceramic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for monitoring a tire pressure using a speed section. The tire pressure monitoring apparatus using a speed section of the present invention includes a frequency measuring unit which measures frequency data for every wheel mounted on a vehicle; a frequency calculating unit which calculates a mean frequency for every speed section by accumulating the measured frequency data for every predetermined speed section to obtain a mean; a frequency calibration unit which performs the frequency calibration by calculating a deviation of the mean frequency for every adjacent speed section and comparing the calculated deviation of the mean frequency with the predetermined frequency range; and a low pressure determining unit which determines a low pressure by performing the frequency analysis in accordance with the speed section in which the frequency calibration is completed.

Abstract: A tire pressure sensor device (122) for a wheel (112) of an aircraft (102) including a pressure sensor (124) for measuring the internal pressure of a tire, a temperature sensor (126) for measuring a temperature local to the tire (116), a memory unit (131) local to the tire for storing data, and a control unit (128) local to the tire arranged to record in the memory unit (131) data of the readings taken at intervals of time. The data recorded for each reading includes an indication of the time of the reading, the tire pressure and the temperature local to the tire. Measurements may be taken and recorded over time, both when the aircraft is on the ground and when the aircraft is in flight. Data may be uploaded to a portable handheld device (140) for analysis when maintaining the tires in their correctly inflated state.

Abstract: A sensor housing for mounting in a vehicle wheel, preferably a motor vehicle wheel and preferably on an inside of a tire of the wheel, is provided. The sensor housing includes a base surface for securing the sensor housing in the inner chamber of a wheel, a receiving area having a recess for receiving a sensor, and a predetermined breaking point for breaking open the receiving area and thus for releasing the sensor from the receiving area, preferably in a manner that prevents reuse of the sensor housing. A sensor arrangement including the sensor housing and a sensor received therein is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring a tire pressure. Provided is a tire pressure monitoring apparatus including: a radius analyzing unit which calculates a radius analysis value using a relative speed difference and an average speed calculated from wheel speeds of the wheels mounted on the vehicle; a regression equation calculating unit which calculates a first regression equation for the calculated radius analysis value and first driving information and a second regression equation for the calculated radius analysis value and second driving information; a mass calculating unit which calculates an additional mass of the vehicle; a calibration unit which corrects the calculated radius analysis value using a combination of the calculated first and second regression equations and the calculated additional mass; and a low pressure determining unit which determines a low voltage of a tire mounted on the vehicle using the corrected radius analysis value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring a tire pressure using a mass of a vehicle. Provided is a tire pressure monitoring apparatus using a mass of a vehicle including: a radius analyzing unit; a frequency analyzing unit; a mass estimating unit; a calibration unit; and a low pressure determining unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for monitoring a tire pressure considering a low pressure situation. Provided is a tire pressure monitoring apparatus considering a low pressure situation including: a radius analyzing unit which calculates a radius analysis value using a relative velocity difference and an average velocity calculated from wheel velocities of the wheels mounted on the vehicle; a critical value setting unit which compares the calculated radius analysis value with a predetermined determination reference value and sets different critical values in accordance with the comparison result; and a low pressure determining unit which determines a low pressure of a tire mounted on a vehicle using the set critical value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for gravity-driven pumps, as well as various supporting concepts, mechanisms, and approaches. As a tire rotates around an axle, the pull of gravity varies for a given point on the tire. While gravity is always pulling ‘down’, the force relative to a fixed point on the tire changes. Gravity-driven pumps exploit these changes in gravitational force to do work. The work can be driving a pump, or generating electrical power to drive a traditional electric pump or other electrical components. A gravity-driven pump is different from an automatic pump that operates using centrifugal force due to rotation of a tire. Automatic, gravity-driven pumps can be used to inflate tires to offset the natural gas leakage of modern tires, and can maintain tire pressure and inflation within a desired or optimal range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accommodating gravity based devices within wheel rims. An exemplary method includes identifying a number of the gravity based devices to be contained within the wheel, identifying a type of each of the gravity based devices to be contained within the wheel, identifying, based on the type and the number of the gravity based devices, a location where each of the gravity based devices are to be installed within the wheel (i.e.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for gravity-driven pumps and generators, as well as various supporting concepts, mechanisms, and approaches. As a tire rotates around an axle, the pull of gravity varies for a given point on the tire. While gravity is always pulling ‘down’, the force relative to a fixed point on the tire changes. Gravity-driven generators exploit these changes in gravitational force to do work. A gravity-driven generator is different from an automatic pump that operates using centrifugal force due to rotation of a tire. Automatic, gravity-driven generators can be used to generate and store energy to perform such tasks as inflating tires to offset the natural gas leakage of modern tires, and can maintain tire pressure and inflation within a desired or optimal range. Tire rims can be modified to accommodate these pumps.

Abstract: A tire inflation system and method for a tire supported by a wheel, the tire inflation system including a pump system including a pump cavity configured to fluidly connect to the tire, an actuating element configured to actuate relative the pump cavity, a drive mechanism rotatably coupled to the wheel, the drive mechanism including a motion transformer and an eccentric mass, a valve fluidly connecting the pump cavity to a fluid reservoir; and a control system configured to operate the valve.

Abstract: A tire traction device can include a strap configured to extend around at least a portion of a vehicle tire; and a traction plate. The traction plate can have a lower surface adapted to sit on a circumferential portion of the vehicle tire, an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, a channel configured to receive the strap, and one or more paddles extending upward from the upper surface. Other features, embodiments, and kits, and related methods are also described.

Abstract: An adapter to be used with a vehicle having a movable two point connection means, whereby the adapter serves to secure various implements to the movable connection means such that movement of the two point connection means results in movement of the implement relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch drawbar is provided that supports a hitch ball and a winch accessory mount for supporting a winch or similar accessory above the draw bar. The draw bar includes a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be received and secured by a vehicle hitch receiver. The second end supports a hitch ball therefrom. Along the draw bar length, the winch accessory mount extends upwards. The winch accessory mount supports a winch surface above the draw bar and substantially parallel thereto. Along the surface, a winch may be supported. In addition, the winch surface may support alternative accessories thereon. Several embodiments are disclosed, including slidable configurations of the hitch ball surface and slidable configurations of the winch accessory mount and winch surface. Overall, the present invention provides a new and novel draw bar and hitch accessory mount.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for a towing vehicle, having a coupling carrier, which includes, in particular, a coupling arm and at whose free end a coupling body, in particular, a coupling ball is arranged for connecting a trailer, and which coupling carrier is fixedly or movably arranged on a mount which is or can be attached to the towing vehicle, and having a sensor arrangement which has at least one sensor and has the purpose of sensing a traction force and/or thrust force which can be caused by a traction load acting on the coupling element during a traction operation of the trailer and of outputting a force signal representing the traction force and/or thrust force, and having an evaluation device for determining a trailer mass value of the trailer on the basis of the force signal.

Abstract: A trailer hitch coupler is provided that facilitates alignment of a ball mount with the ball socket distal end of the coupler when connecting a towing vehicle to a trailer. The ball socket distal end of the coupler includes an open interior with a rounded interior surface that is adapted to receive a ball mount therein, which can be optionally locked in place. Extending outwardly from the ball socket distal end is a guide flange that is used to guide a ball mount towards the ball socket of the coupler. The guide flange comprises a lower surface that extends radially outward and upwardly from the lower edge ball socket distal end, and bears against a ball mount that is being positioned in the ball socket. In one embodiment, the guide flange has a semi-circular outer edge and includes downward lateral edges that extend laterally outward from the ball socket.

Abstract: A dual trailing axle suspension system is disclosed wherein a pair of trailing axles are suspended from an auxiliary chassis with axle suspensions that provide spring action for isolating road-induced axle movement from the auxiliary chassis. And the auxiliary chassis is suspended from a chassis of a motor vehicle by an auxiliary chassis suspension adapted to deploy the auxiliary chassis from a stowed location on the motor vehicle to a deployed location at a substantial distance behind the motor vehicle chassis. And the auxiliary chassis suspension is adapted to cause the auxiliary chassis to help support the motor vehicle chassis to a variable degree by acting on the auxiliary chassis at a location between the two axles and in a manner determined by whether the spring action provided by the axle suspensions is set or variable.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension structure includes a suspension arm and a ball joint. The suspension arm is connected between a suspension member and a vehicle-widthwise outer side end connected to a vehicle wheel. The ball joint connects the suspension arm and the vehicle wheel. When the vehicle receives an impact in the longitudinal direction, a socket of the ball joint pivots relative to a ball as the suspension arm deforms, and a flange portion on an open side of the socket interferes with a stud shaft of the ball joint. The interference causes the flange portion to deform and the ball to come out of the socket to undo the link with the vehicle wheel by the ball joint. Upon becoming unlinked, the vehicle wheel moves toward the vehicle-widthwise outer side and interference with the rear vehicle body is suppressed to limit deformation of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A suspension of a dump truck includes: an upper arm and a lower arm each having a proximal end supported on a vehicle body frame and configured to be up-and-down pivotally movable; a tire support in a form of a casing having an upper portion rotatably connected to a distal end of the upper arm and a lower portion rotatably connected to a distal end of the lower arm; and a suspension cylinder having an upper end rotatably connected to the vehicle body frame and a lower end rotatably connected to the upper arm, in which a king pin shaft connecting a rotation center of the upper arm and the casing with a rotation center of the lower arm and the casing intersects with an axial line of the suspension cylinder in the vicinity of a connecting portion of the upper arm and the casing.