Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle differential linked to and is arranged to move with a control arm and/or an a-arm of a suspension assembly, providing a floating differential suspension system. The differential is adapted to be mounted independent of the vehicle frame. Advantages of a floating differential suspension system include better alignment between the differential and the transfer case, reduced drive shaft movement in the vertical direction, minimal plunge at the drive shaft splines, longer axle length with increased wheel travel, decreased angle at mechanical connections, reduced camber change through the wheel travel, lower frame construction with increased range of suspension travel, and reduced risk of vehicle roll over without compromising the range of suspension travel.

Abstract: A leaf spring system includes a main leaf pack having a main leaf spring including a first end, a second and a first surface and a second opposing surfaces extending therebetween. An auxiliary stage leaf pack is arranged at the first. The auxiliary stage leaf pack includes a first surface portion and a second, opposing surface portion. A spacer is arranged between the first surface of the main leaf spring and the second surface portion of the auxiliary stage leaf pack. The spacer includes first axial end, a second axial end. A reinforcement plate is arranged at the first surface portion of the auxiliary stage leaf pack substantially aligned with the spacer. The reinforcement plate includes a first end section, a second end section. At least one of the first end section and the second end section extends beyond a corresponding one of the first and second axial ends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an undercarriage of a person powered wheeled vehicle and, more particularly, to a cantilevered spring for absorbing shock and vibration.

Abstract: A power add-on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors, wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels. The power add-on device includes a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add-on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair; and a controller, reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair, that controls the latching mechanism, the motors, and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground. The front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles, or can be lifted by the user leaning back. Advantageously, the power add-on device can be detached from the manual wheelchair and loaded into the trunk of a car when travelling or may be checked in as baggage when flying.

Abstract: A composite leaf spring comprising a thermoplastic matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded and aligned in the matrix of the composite leaf spring.

Abstract: A transport means (1) comprising: —at least two wheels (2), —a chassis (3) with a longitudinal axis, which is substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the transport means (1), and —at least one suspension system (4) operationally positioned between the chassis (3) and the wheels (2), wherein each wheel (2) has a wheel rotation axis (5), which is substantially horizontal, wherein the suspension system (4) includes a connection means (22) that interact releasably with a connection means (23) on the chassis (3), and wherein the suspension system (4) has a first orientation, wherein the suspension system (4) has at least one other orientation which is rotated in relation to the first orientation about a suspension rotation axis (6), which is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis (3).

Abstract: A composite includes a first preform and a second preform spaced from and in overlying relationship to the first preform. The second preform defines at least one first opening extending therethrough along an axis transverse to the first preform. A first surface layer is disposed adjacent to the second preform and on an opposite side of the second preform from the first preform. A polymeric composition including the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component is disposed between the first preform and the second preform. The polymeric composition adheres the first surface layer to the second preform through the at least one first opening. The surface layer is adhered to the second preform during molding of the composite article and in the absence of additional adhesive, thereby reducing production time and cost of the composite article.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting fore- and aft extending frame members of a vehicle chassis on a hollow axle, the system on one side of the vehicle being duplicated on the opposite side. Included in the suspension on each side are: (1) a frame bracket for pivotally supporting the fore or leading end of an asymmetric leaf spring; (2) a spring end support mounted on the frame side member for supporting the aft or trailing end of the leaf spring, and (3) a suitable assembly for attaching the leaf spring at a location intermediate its opposite ends to the axle so that the spring is divided into two cantilever limbs extending in opposite directions from the center line of the axle. The spring is formed so that one of the cantilever limbs has a stiffness substantially greater than the stiffness of the other limb. In all forms, at least one leaf of the asymmetric spring extends the full length of the spring.

Abstract: An axle/suspension system for a wheeled vehicle, in which the vehicle has a frame, includes an integral arm structure that includes an attachment member for connecting the integral arm structure to the vehicle frame. A flexible transition member is connected to and extends from the attachment member and a body is connected to and extends from the transition member The flexible transition member may be generally curved or angular and enables pivotal movement of the integral arm structure and cooperates with the body to distribute forces encountered by the axle/suspension system The body may be a truss structure or a solid body, which may include a member that replaces a conventional axle tube. Optionally, two axle/suspension integral arm structures may be used to capture a conventional axle tube.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes at least one leaf spring with first and second spring ends that are adapted for mounting to forward and rearward vehicle frame portions, respectively. A center portion of the leaf spring is clamped to an axle beam with a clamp. The suspension assembly includes a brake torque reactor that has one end mounted to the center portion of the leaf spring at the axle beam and an opposite end that cooperates with only one of the first and second spring ends to provide resistance for the leaf spring from deforming due to wind up generated during braking applications.

Abstract: A dual rate leaf spring suspension supports a frame member over an axle of a small utility vehicle. The dual rate leaf spring suspension includes a full-length leaf spring and a half-length leaf spring. A spacer plate is the only connection point between the full-length leaf spring and the half-length leaf spring, which is positioned intermediate the full-length leaf spring and at one end of the half-length leaf spring.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible, resilient composite spring pivotally connected to the vehicle wheel assembly by standard means such as a ball joint and knuckle. The composite spring is formed having a sinusoidal profile with rectangular cross-section preferably spanning transversely between parallel vehicle wheel assemblies. The composite spring is pivotally connected to the parallel vehicle frames by opposing perpendicular brackets welded to an upper and lower portion of the vehicle frame. A rubber bushing is preferably provided within each bracket and is in contact with opposing sides of the composite spring, allowing the spring to pivot between the vehicle frame. The composite spring is preferably formed with carbon and glass fibers. The sinusoidal composite spring blank is preferably molded with a neutral axis extending along the length of the spring at a midpoint of the sinusoidal profile.

Abstract: A cargo carrier suspension for installation on a cargo carrier having a seat and wheels, skis or rollers on which the seat rides, the cargo carrier suspension comprising: a leaf spring connectable on a cargo carrier between the seat and the wheels, skis or rollers, and a clamping device for engagement on the leaf spring and adjustable to select the degree of flexibility of the leaf spring.

Abstract: An integral transverse spring-axle combines the functions of both an axle and a suspension by locating the wheels laterally and longitudinally, in the manner of an axle, and allowing vertical displacements of the wheels, in the manner of a suspension. This is achieved with a leaf spring with a center portion, a pair of center leaves and at least one pair of side leaves both extending oppositely from the center portion. The outboard ends of the leaves attach to the wheel hub carriers/knuckles. The inboard center portion of the spring attaches to the chassis/body frame. The two opposite outboard ends of the spring-axle leaves can move independently of each other. The spring-axle can be of the steered or nonsteered type, and of the driven or non-driven type.

Abstract: An improved suspension system is disclosed for a personal mobility vehicle comprising an arm assembly pivotably mounted to a fame section. A wheel assembly is connected to the arm assembly. A spring is interposed between the arm assembly and the second frame section for resiliently suspending the wheel assembly relative to the frame section. In one example of the invention, the frame section comprises a rigid frame section of the personal mobility vehicle. In another example of the invention, the frame section comprises a resilient leaf spring resiliently suspending the assembly of the personal mobility vehicle. In another example of the invention, a resilient coil spring interposed between the arm assembly the resilient leaf spring for providing a multiple resilient suspension for the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A leaf bumper assembly for stopping displacement of a garage door guided along a side rail track. The leaf bumper assembly includes a bracket and a strap. The bracket has a first portion rigidly connected to a fixed structure and a second portion positioned to abut with an edge of the garage door for stopping displacement thereof. The strap has a first end affixed to the first portion of the bracket and a second end affixed to the second portion of the bracket. By virtue of its design, the leaf bumper assembly prevents broken pieces from falling to the ground when the bracket of the assembly is broken.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for use as an active component in vehicle suspension systems includes a full-leaf leaf spring component and a half-leaf leaf spring component connected thereto. The full-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of the leaf spring assembly and the half-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of one of the cantilevers. In a preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially unequal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a constant caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound. In another preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially equal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a varying caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound.

Abstract: A central drive personal mobility vehicle is disclosed comprising a frame having a right and a left frame mounting located in a trailing frame portion of the frame with a seat being mounted to an intermediate portion of the frame. A right and a left leaf spring extend between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends of the right and left leaf springs are secured to a right and a left drive wheel assembly supporting a left and a right drive wheel. The distal ends of the right and left leaf springs are secured to the right and left frame mounting for resiliently mounting the right and left drive wheel assemblies to the frame.

Abstract: A metal gasket for preventing leakage of radio frequency signals when mounting shielded radio electronics includes gasket body having a first surface and an opposite second surface and a plurality of spring arms. Each spring arm includes a free proximal portion and a free distal portion and a connection connecting the spring arm to the body portion. Each spring arm is configured so that the distal portion contacts a component proximate the first surface of the body portion and the proximate portion of each spring arm contacts a second component proximate the second surface of the body. Preferably, the distance between adjacent contacts on a component is less than or approximately equal to a predetermined ratio of a shielded radio wavelength.

Abstract: A shift-lever device includes a shift lever rotatably supported to a casing, a restraining lever rotated with the shift lever and formed with a groove, a plate spring having one end pressed on the groove of the restraining lever and a middle portion between one and another ends, a spring support arranged with a side wall of the casing for supporting another end of the plate spring, and a middle support arranged with the side wall of the casing for contacting the upper side of a middle portion of the plate spring.

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 cantilevered leaf spring suspension is disclosed for two separate pairs of wheels (16) which are independently sprung from each other via free ends of respective leaf springs (20) cantilevered from a cross beam (18) of the frame (12) of the top dresser (10). Each of the free ends of the leaf springs (20) includes axle blocks (24) with longitudinally mounted shafts (26) about which the wheels (16) pivot from side to side to match the terrain and more evenly distribute the mass of the hopper (30). Further, a snubber bar (29) includes a free end for abutting the leaf spring (20) intermediate the cross beam (18) and the free end of the leaf spring (20) for limiting the vertical travel of the leaf spring (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration-filtering device and to a system for fixing a load on a support by means of a plurality of such devices.

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 device for slow speed and lightweight vehicles, which includes a body fixed on an underframe of the vehicle, a support articulated on the body, and a spring elastically linking the body and the support, wherein the spring is a composite strip fixed at one of ends thereof, to the body, and directly bearing, at a free end thereof, on the wheel axle.

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 resilient spring defining a platform surface (250) and including a pair of side-by-side spring arms (244) extending in a common axial direction from the platform surface. Each of the spring arms defines an end (252) in an adjacent relationship to the base of the other spring arm, whereby the spring arms (252) extend generally in opposing transverse directions and in the common axial direction to define a pair of bearing surfaces (260) disposed to engage a common support surface (242) of another member (38). Locking lances (258) extend from side walls (254) of the spring in a direction opposed to the axial direction of the spring arms (252) to engage ledges along side walls (262) of a cavity (70) of the other member in a manner permitting only biased movement toward the common support surface (242) when an additional member (52) to be spring biased is placed on and urged against the platform surface (250).

Abstract: A marine seismic system includes a streamer cable which is towed by a vessel in a body of water. The streamer cable includes a plurality of hydrophones located at predetermined positions in the streamer cable which receives vibrations resulting from a seismic event occurring in the water, and provides signals corresponding to the received vibrations. The streamer cable also includes a plurality of receivers located at predetermined position in the streamer cable. Each receiver receives acoustical signals provided by acoustical sources and provide electrical signals corresponding to the received acoustical signals. A seismic event source provides a seismic event in the water. A plurality of acoustical sources cooperating with the seismic event source also provides encoded acoustical signals into the water when the seismic event source provides a seismic event.

Abstract: A suspension system comprising a pair of fiber reinforced plastic spring arms, right and left, and a beam assembly connecting the respective free ends of the arms, said springs arms having a free-end-side portion and being vertically bendable, each spring arm serving as a suspension spring. A fixed end of each spring arm is fixed to a vehicle body. The beam assembly, which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle body, includes an intermediate beam member of fiber reinforced plastic and metallic end beam members fixed individually to two opposite end portions of the intermediate beam member. Each end beam member is provided with an axle. If the right and left spring arms are subjected to loads of opposite phases at the time of turning, the intermediate beam member is twisted to produce a stabilizer effect.

Abstract: A flexible strut device for supporting a pair of lifter wheels for a sugar beet harvester includes a mounting bracket secured to the tool bar of the sugar beet harvester. A fixed fulcrum plate is secured to the mounting bracket and is secured to a movable fulcrum plate by connector assemblies. A flexible strut having a pair of lifter wheels journaled thereon is secured to the movable fulcrum plate. The connector assemblies include horizontally disposed compression sleeves which yieldably urge the fixed and movable plate to a normal operating position and permit the movable fulcrum plate, the flexible strut and lifter wheels to be deflected upwardly or downwardly against the bias of the compression sleeves in response to the lifter wheels striking an object, such as a stone or the like.

Abstract: A mechanism for connecting a trailing wheel to an implement, incorporates a spring arm which will absorb shock. The tension on the spring is adjustable.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension unit has two arms joined together at one end by a cr-member. Each arm is formed from two fiber reinforced plastic springs separated by the cross-member at the end, by a spacing member of resilient material, and secured together at another end. The ends which are secured together are attached to a vehicle structure. Wheel mountings are situated near the ends which are separated by the cross-member. Constraining members keep the arms away from vehicle structure in the region of the spacing member.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes an elongate dual leaf spring assembly mounted at each end thereof to a vehicle frame member and which is adapted to be engaged over an axle of the vehicle at an approximate midpoint along the length thereof. A brake torque reaction beam comprising a thick, planar half leaf spring member has one end thereof engaged between the leaf spring assembly and the axle. The other end of the reaction beam member extends rearwardly away from the midpoint of the leaf spring assembly a predetermined distance which is slightly less than to greater than the distance the leaf spring assembly extends rearwardly. In a preferred embodiment, an air bag is suspended from the vehicle frame member and interposed between the frame member and the leaf spring assembly at the approximate midpoint thereof and is engaged to the leaf spring assembly.

Abstract: Mounting device for a resilient leaf made of a composite material working in flexure having in its vertical plane of symmetry and over at least a part of its length, a thickness increasing towards one of its ends, and in its horizontal plane, a width decreasing towards the same end, the thicker end having an opening capable of cooperating with mounting means, comprising at least one loop (3) formed at the thick end of the leaf and at least one supporting member (12) having an at least partially cylindrical supporting surface (6, 7) cooperating with at least a part of the faces of the loop, the generatrices of the supporting surfaces being parallel to the axis of the loop.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided with dual offset cantilevered leaf springs. A forward and a rearward extending leaf spring are both mounted to a vehicle axle in a longitudinally overlapping transversely offset manner. The forward and rearward springs are also connected at their extended ends to a structural frame member of the vehicle. The longitudinally overlapped mounting of forward and rearward extending springs allows the deflection per given load of the suspension system to be increased while at the same time minimizing the overall length of the spring suspension system. The transverse offset of the spring may provide for a decreased turning radius by allowing greater clearance between the wheel and suspension system.

Abstract: A cart with extensible axles for transporting shock sensitive loads, computers, luggage and the like, which cart is provided with a wheel base that is adjustable to fit the various sizes and weights of the loads supported on the cart. In a first embodiment, the wheel base is adjustable via a hollow tube having a pair of oppositely-disposed slots formed at the ends of the tube. Each axle of the cart has a J-shaped hook at its end remote from the wheel it carries, which hook rides in the slot disposed on the opposite end of the tube. The diameter of the tube is such that the two axles can pass only by the application of force to overcome the friction caused by the oppositely-moving snug-fitting axles. The slots are arranged on the bottom circumferential portion of the tube and are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, but are spaced angularly with respect to each other about the outer circumference of the tube to aid in the frictional holding of the axles upon extension and retraction.

Abstract: A suspension system for rail vehicles which have at least two wheelsets hng axles which are supported in a frame and within which a cross member extends parallel to the axles. The cross member is supported in the vehicle frame in a spring-cushioned manner wherein the frame with the integrated cross member consists essentially of an H-shaped part made of resiliently elastic fiber-reinforced material.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system comprises a combination of cantilevered spring members which extend in opposite directions across the front and rear ends of the vehicle and are supported between upper and lower bearing members which are spaced to regulate the degree of resistance to roll or cornering loads both at the front and rear end suspensions. Novel and improved A-frame assemblies with toe and camber adjustments are provided at the front end of the system, and outboard extensions are provided at the rear end to increase the effective span or extension of the spring members in countering any tendency of the vehicle to roll.

Abstract: A knock-down utility trailer frame and suspension system characterized by an elongated hollow spine adapted to extend lengthwise of a trailer body, and a trailer hitch draw tongue carried within the spine and slideable longitudinally therein between extended and retracted positions. The hitch tongue is wedged in the extended position by cooperating compression pads on the tongue and in the encompassing spine which simultaneously capture a pair of wheel-mounting leaf springs on corresponding studs disposed within the trailer spine. As the tongue is moved to the retracted position, the tongue portion which captures the leaf springs move axially of the studs, whereupon the leaf springs and corresponding wheels may be disengaged from the trailer spine for storage.

Abstract: A folding boat comprising two sections, one of which may be folded back on the other for transportation, said boat being preferably formed by molding resin-impregnated fiberglass and including a frame embedded in the lower of the two folded sections and being provided with suspension means that comprises wheels mounted on leaf-springs and removably secured on opposite sides of the lower section of said boat whereby the folded boat may be towed by an automobile or other vehicle by a tow bar removably attached to the lower boat section.

Abstract: A loader bucket is provided with a plurality of leaf springs appended to the bucket for interaction with the bucket support linkage. The leaf springs impose forces on the bucket link pins preventing undesirable movement between the bucket and the support linkage when the bucket is rolled into a load transporting position.

Abstract: A retractable tag axle assembly, including a hydraulic cylinder for up-and-down reciprocation of the tandem axle, is provided with structure for protecting the cylinder against damage from shock forces imparted to the suspension spring through the ground-engaging wheels. The structure includes a crank secured to one end of the spring and coupled with the hydraulic cylinder at a point intermediate the ends of the spring such that the full length of the latter is available for up-and-down flexure, yet the overall length of the assembly, is not increased over that of conventional tag axle assemblies. Ball-and-socket type mountings between the ends of the cylinder, and the frame and crank respectively, permit canting of the cylinder to avoid the adverse effects of twisting of the crank relative to the frame.

Abstract: A pair of leaf plate members. A seat support structure includes upper and lower housing members with scissors linkage members extending therebetween, one leaf plate member being attached to the scissors linkage members and the other being attached to the lower housing. The leaf plate members abut at a pivot area. Adjacent the pivot area, portions of the leaf plate members form a weight adjustment control.