Abstract: A torsion axle for a vehicle includes an elongated axle tube enclosing first stage torsion shafts and second stage torsion shafts all having a common axis, and a metal tube and a plurality of resilient rubber rods confine each of the shafts for torsionally resisting rotation of the shaft. Each first stage metal tube is secured to the surrounding axle tube, and each second stage metal tube is connected to the corresponding first stage shaft. A stud projects outwardly from each second stage metal tube through a slot within the surrounding axle tube to limit rotation of the second stage tube with the first stage shaft, and a crank arm and eccentric spindle are secured to the outer end portion of each second stage shaft for receiving a wheel. In modifications, the first stage shafts for both the left and right wheels are connected as one shaft, and a winch cable and spool provide for prerotating the one shaft to lower the vehicle for convenient loading.

Abstract: A tube received about a twisted rope torsion bar prevents buckling of the latter and also acts to increase the spring rate.

Abstract: A mounting bushing block for a stabilizer bar includes a central body having a pair of flexible projecting legs. A semicircular seat is provided in the body for receiving a tubular stabilizer bar. A second bushing block formed identical to the first bushing block includes a semicircular seat for receiving the stabilizer bar and indentations for receiving the legs of the first bushing blocks. The bushing blocks are snapped together with respect to one another and then mounted on the stabilizer bar to provide a mounting assembly for snap-on connection to a chassis.

Abstract: A connector assembly for attaching an end of a rotatable stabilizer bar to a control arm includes a cap member and a nut member. The cap member includes a barrel portion for receiving a stabilizer bar and a central stem. An annular, resilient base surrounds the stem and yieldably supports the cap member on a first surface of a control arm. A threaded bolt extends from the stem. The nut member includes a stem having a complementary sleeve for receiving the bolt and an annular, resilient base for supporting the nut member on a second surface of the control arm. Preferably, both the cap and nut members are molded from a resilient material.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle or fork lift truck may be equipped with either cushion or pneumatic tires. When converting the vehicle from cushion to pneumatic tires, the front axle is moved downward and the mast assembly is moved forward to provide adequate clearance. The rear axle is also moved downward and backward. Changing configurations requires the addition of only one component; all of the other axle mounting hardware can be either repositioned or its orientation reversed in order to accommodate the change.

Abstract: A sliding type bushing including an inner sleeve having an axially intermediate large-diameter portion, a race disposed radially outwardly of the inner sleeve, and radially spaced from the large-diameter portion, and a sliding sleeve formed of a fiber reinforced resin material between the large-diameter portion and the race. The sliding sleeve has an outer surface fixed to the race, and an inner surface which faces an outer surface of the large-diameter portion with a predetermined clearance therebetween, such that the sliding and inner sleeves are freely slidable relative to each other about the axis of the bushing.

Abstract: In a wheel suspension system for automobiles including an upper and a lower control arm which are carried, at one side of their ends closer to a vehicle body, on the body by a support shaft, the support shaft includes an upper tubular shaft portion having the upper support arm provided on one side thereof so as to project therefrom, a lower tubular shaft portion located below the upper tubular shaft portion and having the lower support arm provided on the one side to project therefrom, and a connecting rod which integrally interconnects the upper and lower support arms. An elastic member is interposed between each of the tubular shaft portions and a core shaft centrally disposed in the tubular shaft portion and secured to the vehicle body. This makes it possible to provide a large torsional rigidity to the support shaft and provide a reduction in weight of the support shaft.

Abstract: A torsion bar bearing is disclosed, comprising a relatively rigid frame (1) which can be locked on the bar and having inwardly resilient material ribs (5) parallel to the axis of the bar and adapted to grip it when the frame is locked. A resilient material pad (6) more flexible than the ribs is fixed externally to the frame (1) for absorbing the torsion forces. The frame may be formed of two half-shells (1a, 1b) connected together by a hinge (2) and/or being snap-fitted one on the other by a snap-fit mechanism (3, 4) provided opposite the hinge or on each side of the half-shells.

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes an anchor nut and an internal elastomeric bushing cooperatively mating with the nut. The elastomeric bushing is molded onto the end of the twisted rope torsion bar. The torsion bar is fabricated of a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material. The elastomeric bushing has external splines cooperating and mating with splines on the inner bore of the anchor nut. The end attachment assembly compresses the end of the twisted rope torsion bar to reduce stress concentration and prevent separation, i.e. the application of torque to the anchor nut transmits a like amount of torque to the elastomeric bushing to compress and more firmly grip the twisted rope torsion bar. The elastomeric bushing is compressed radially inwardly by the cam shape of the mating splines. Advantageously, the elastomeric bushing proportionally increases the grip on the end of the torsion bar so that the joint is made tighter and tighter under increased torque.

Abstract: The invention provides a torsion spring bar axle which combines a rubber spring axle with a steel torsion rod for an unexpected result. The axle comprises an axle tube which houses a hollow torsion rod between which are placed rubber bodies creating a rubber spring axle inside the hollow torsion rod there is also a steel torsion which is internally biased. The steel torsion rod is adjustably connected to the axle tube on one end and a wheel swing lever on the other end. The hollow torsion rod is also connected to the wheel swing lever. This allows for less spring action with increasing loads and a soft deflection of the wheel swing lever.

Abstract: An improved bush assembly for insertion into an aperture of a lug of a track part of a tracked vehicle is disclosed. An exposed outermost side wall of the bush has an extended surface length, so that when under design precompression the wall makes angles of approximately 90.degree. with the inner surface of the aperture and 70.degree.-80.degree. with the outer surface of the central pin. The wall may be concave and the bush may comprise a number of annular bush parts. The high tensile strains which develop on that wall of the bush are thereby minimized and bulging out of the bush beyond the end of the pin is discouraged.

Abstract: The suspension device for the support legs of a jack-up oil platform having a hull movable along the legs includes a driving mechanism having a plurality of output gear pinions cooperating with racks mounted along at least a part of the legs. Each of the output gear pinions is drivable by an electric motor associated with a speed reducer which is pivotally mounted on a structure which is connected to the hull and has at least one bearing which allows a given angular movement of the speed reducer and each corresponding output gear pinion. Each speed reducer cooperates with an energy absorbing mechanism including at least one torsionally elastically yieldable support element connected to a corresponding speed reducer and affording a progressive absorption of shock particularly at the moment when the legs contact the sea floor.