Abstract: A bearing component has a first structural component and a second structural component and supports a transverse leaf spring. The first structural component and the second structural component are connected with each other in a hinge-like fashion for rotation and surrounded by a sleeve. The first structural component has a hinge head which is positively held in a hinge head receptacle of the second structural component. The sleeve has a bellow section and protects the structural components of the bearing component from contamination.

Abstract: A leaf spring made of a fiber composite material having integrated bearing holes and a method for producing is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of cutting prepreg strips of a predetermined length from a prepreg strand, removing cut-outs from the particular prepreg strip in the axial ends where a bearing hole should be formed, laying a plurality of prepreg strips one over the other in a prepreg stack in alternation so that the surfaces of the prepreg strips are flush to form a raw leaf spring forming a bearing hole by deforming an axial end of the prepreg stack in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (L) and perpendicular to the transverse extension (B) of the prepreg stack, setting the raw sheet spring to form the finished leaf spring in a mold with a suitable setting pressure and a suitable setting temperature.

Abstract: An improved suspension that may be used in any dynamically loaded beam structure, such as a trailer chassis. Specifically, an improved spring hanger and method for attachment are discussed, in which the improved spring hanger is welded to the web of a support beam, where stresses are lower, as opposed to the bottom flange thereof. Methods are provided for welding the spring hanger to said beam alongside as well as in contact with existing, transverse support members.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for a vehicle having a frame and an axle. The leaf spring assembly includes a first leaf spring and a trailing arm having first and second ends. The first end of the trailing arm adapted to be coupled to the frame to form a trailing arm attachment point. The first leaf spring is disposed beneath the trailing arm and includes a width defining a lateral direction and first and second ends defining a longitudinal direction. The first end of the first leaf spring being concentrically wound with the first end of the trailing arm and adapted to be attached to the frame.

Abstract: An air spring and a linear guide are used to boost the effectiveness of a leaf spring suspension system for a motor vehicle. The air spring mounts between the axle and the vehicle frame. The aft end of the leaf spring mounts to the linear guide to allow the leaf spring to move vertically as well as front and back while restricting side-to-side movement. The air spring and linear guide can be added during vehicle assembly or afterward from an aftermarket kit of parts.

Abstract: A suspension spring arrangement for a vehicle having an upper elongated spring leaf (12) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) with an upper elongated spring leaf (12) is provided with a slot (22) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) is provided with a protuberance (24). When the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) are joined to one another, the protuberance (24) is accommodated within the slot (22) so as to prevent lateral displacement of the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) with respect to each other. Pounding and squeaking noises are prevented by the installation of a polymeric insert between the slot and the protuberance. The slot (22) and the protuberance (24) are configured in accordance with square, rectangular, and/or circular shapes, depending upon the particular application. A protuberance (24) and a slot (22) can be provided at each end of the suspension spring arrangement.

Abstract: A wheelchair (20) including a wheelchair frame (22) and a seat assembly (24) carried by the wheelchair frame (22). A detachable power drive assembly (32) having power driven wheels (40, 40') is releasably coupled to the wheelchair frame (22) and is mounted for selective removal of the drive assembly (32) as a unit from the wheelchair frame (22). Wheel mounting ports (76, 76') are also provided in the wheelchair frame (22) for releasably receiving a pair of manually-operable drive wheels (34, 34'). An anti-tip suspension (80) is also provided and includes a suspension arm (84) which is mounted to resist rearward tipping of the wheelchair by a non-linear restoring force. A wheel lock (108) is mounted for movement between a deployed operable position and a stored inoperable position. In the deployed position, the wheel lock (108) extends laterally outwardly of the wheelchair frame (22) for engagement with and braking of manually operable drive wheels (34, 34').

Abstract: A semi-elliptical spring suspension system is provided in conjunction with a trailing arm and the suspension system may be readily mounted from the longitudinal side members of a vehicle frame. The suspension system semi-elliptical spring comprises a composite spring whose spring rate increases dramatically as the load on the spring is increased and the suspension system is constructed in a manner which isolates the semi-elliptical spring from twisting forces and wind up torque.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly comprised of at least three leaf springs, at least one of the leaf springs having a rolled over portion for the spring eyes and wherein the leaf springs are prevented from lateral shifting or splaying by rib guides and grooves formed in intermediate and supporting springs and lying in the end area of a main spring.

Abstract: A separator pad is loosely positioned between a leaf spring end and a top wall of a mounting slot in a vehicle spring hanger. The separator pad is preferably slid between the spring end and the slot top wall when the load on the leaf spring is relaxed or removed. The separator pad is positioned relative to the spring hanger while the load is relaxed to allow for limited subsequent longitudinal movement of the pad when the load is reapplied and the vehicle is in use. The separator pad includes stop members thereon at opposite ends thereof respectively to engage the spring hanger or the spring end and limit further longitudinal pad movement in that direction before the pad falls out.

Abstract: An engine mounting apparatus for a vehicle comprises an arm member projecting from an engine, a shell member mounted to the arm member, an insulator made of a relatively soft elastic material and received in the shell member, and a pin inserted into the insulator and mounted to a vehicle body frame. A resilient member is arranged to extend between the engine and the shell member in an elastically deformed state. One end of the resilient member is made to slidably bear against a suitable portion of the engine, whereas the other end of the resilient member is fixed to the shell member.

Abstract: Running gear (1) of a railway vehicle, which is suspended on the undercarriage (2) of the railway vehicel by blade support springs (3) and suspension attachment (8), with the additional arrangement of an additional blade spring as absorption spring (12); the absorption spring (12) is essentially more flexible than the rigid blade support spring (3), and the absorption spring (12), is tensed into the spring band (7) of the blade support spring (3). Blade support spring (3) and absorption spring (12) are kinematically connected in parallel.

Abstract: When attaching components to composite members, for example leaf springs of composite fibre reinforced resin material, it is necessary to avoid stress concentrations and also the access of foreign matter between the spring and the component since this can cause abrasion and break down of the spring. A composite leaf spring having upper and lower planar surfaces has a two element component clamped to it as indicated by the arrows. Liners of elastomeric material are interposed between one element and the upper planar surface and between the other element and the lower planar surface. Towards their ends the surfaces of the elements adjacent the spring diverge from the spring and the liners are shaped to fill the divergencies. The liners extend beyond the ends of the elements to form sealing lips at the spring surfaces. In an eye end attachment at an end of a composite spring in a one piece component may be used.

Abstract: A leaf spring of composite material has a slipper end assembly comprising two members engaging opposite surfaces of the spring leaf and extending beyond the free end of the spring leaf where they are secured together. Away from the free end of the leaf they are held together by a fastening extending transversely around them and the spring. The spring has a curved portion at its free end, with which the members interfit to prevent their moving relative to the spring. In an assembly of such a leaf with a spring leaf of steel, one of the members held to the spring may engage the steel leaf to hold the leaves in alignment with one another.

Abstract: A fluid level control valve has a base with an aperture formed therein. A cover is slidingly disposed over the aperture and is biased by a thermostatic element in a direction tending to close the aperture. The thermostatic element is an elongated strip having one end captured by tabs projecting from the base, and an opposite end is captured by a bracket formed on the base. The thermostatic element is formed with a V-shaped force imparting portion which is aligned with the cover and the position of the bracket is adjustable to place a selected force on the cover through the thermostatic element. The calibrated valve is then fixedly attached to a housing with the aperture aligned with an aperture in the housing.

Abstract: A compound axle assembly having two or more wheel axles for trailers, the wheel axles of which are supported by longitudinal guides and are spring-suspended by pairs of leaf type springs, the central portions of which are connected to the axle bodies. The outer ends of the leaf type springs are slidingly supported in brackets that are secured to the chassis of a vehicle. The inner facing ends of the leaf type springs are slidingly supported on a compensating arm that is pivotably mounted in a bracket secured to the vehicle chassis. In order to effect the sliding support of the leaf type springs, and to improve the damping of noise, the ends of the leaf type springs, at least on the compensating or pendulum arm, rest under initial tension against their sliding elements via pivotably mounted holders and a roller secured between the latter.