Abstract: An independent suspension assembly for a vehicle, said assembly including: a suspension arm pivotally attachable at a first end to a point fast with the vehicle; a support member for rigid attachment of a lower end of a resilient member at a remote end of the suspension arm the resilient member having a remote side and a near side, the remote side being further from said point than the near side; and a pivoting mounting assembly attachable to the vehicle for attachment of an upper end of the resilient member; wherein pivoting of the suspension arm causes the resilient member to elicit pivoting of the pivoting assembly for minimizing a difference in lengthening between the remote and near sides of the resilient member.

Abstract: The present document provides a spring support device and a vehicle having the same. The spring support device includes a first support unit for supporting a damper spring. The first support unit includes a first support body configured for being connected to a vehicle body, and a spring support which is detachably fixed to the first support body. Due to the separation arrangement between the spring support and the first support body, suitable first support body and spring support can be selected as required, which can satisfy requirements of different vehicles in the vehicle modification process. Since the spring support is separated from the first support body, an area between the spring support and the first support body can be sprayed before assembly when spraying protective paint. Therefore, it is convenient to spray protective paint efficiently.

Abstract: A chassis for use in a motor vehicle with variably adjustable drive height includes a subframe assembly for fastening wheel suspensions of the motor vehicle, and a plurality of control arms for guiding a wheel carrier. The control arms are fastened to the subframe assembly via control arm attachment points. A plurality of eccentric adjustment devices are provided for adjusting the toe-in and the basic camber of the motor vehicle. An insert element is provided for receiving an eccentric adjustment device. The insert element is arranged within the chassis in such a way that the position of at least one eccentric adjustment device can be varied by varying the arrangement of the insert element within the chassis.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to the replacement of specific parts in farm equipment to thereby adjust the farm equipment's capabilities. To modify the ground clearance of farm equipment, especially sprayers with a strut type suspension, the spindles of the suspension system along with the air spring absorber are replaced. The original spindles are replaced with longer spindles while the air spring absorber is replaced with one that allows for an increased range of travel. As well, the fixed length linkage arms that connect the air height control valves to the suspension system may be replaced with longer arms. These longer linkage arms may be of a fixed length or they may be of an adjustable length. Alternatively, a replacement bracket may be used to allow for the reuse of the original linkage arm.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly including a suspension control arm pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame member by a bushing assembly. The bushing assembly includes a bushing bracket, a bushing, and a cam adjustment mechanism that couples the bushing bracket to a connection interface of the vehicle frame member. The cam adjustment mechanism includes a cam plate rotatably retained on a first fastener such that the cam plate is rotatable relative to the bushing bracket independent of rotation of the first fastener. The cam plate is rotatable relative to the first fastener and the bushing bracket about an axis of rotation that is spaced from a centerline of the bushing at a nonparallel orientation. Rotation of the cam plate relative to the first fastener adjusts the position of the bushing bracket and therefore the bushing relative to the vehicle frame member to provide alignment adjustment.

Abstract: Head assembly for keeping and positioning an optical or electronic device, that has a housing (1) in which a shell (3) is arranged by spherical connection that allows guided movement in any direction, wherein the shell (3) has a cylindrical symmetric cavity, and the housing and the shell can be fixed to each other in any adjusted position, and a body (4) holding the device is arranged in the cavity of the shell (3) so that the body (4) can be turned around two mutually normal axes with respect to the cavity and the position thereof can be fixed and released by a single adjustment means, wherein the connection between the shell (3) and the body (4) is independent from the connection between the shell (3) and the housing (1).

Abstract: A rear suspension for a vehicle includes a knuckle for supporting a rear wheel of the vehicle, and the knuckle defines an opening. The rear suspension system further includes two suspension devices configured to be connected to the vehicle and an upper portion of the knuckle, such that each suspension device is oriented along an upright axis when the rear suspension system is mounted on the vehicle. In addition, the rear suspension system includes a control arm having a first portion configured to be connected to the vehicle and a second portion configured to extend between the axes of the suspension devices and into the opening of the knuckle when the rear suspension system is mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: Example portable trailer stands for supporting parked trailers are disclosed herein. Some example portable trailer stands disclosed herein comprise two telescopic posts supporting a generally horizontal beam. Some examples include spring-loaded retractable wheels for selectively installing and removing the trailer stand from underneath a trailer left parked on a driveway. After being positioned under the trailer, the posts extend to lift the beam solidly up against the underside of the trailer. To accommodate conditions where the driveway is not parallel to the trailer's underside, some example posts can be lengthened independently and have angular play that allows the beam to tilt. In some examples, the horizontal axle of the trailer stand wheels is perpendicular to the beam so that the trailer stand can be readily installed from either the front or side of the trailer. Some examples have a kingpin-receiving groove in the beam or have some other kingpin-receiving feature.

Abstract: A suspension system allows travel of a sprung mass relative to an unsprung mass. A primary stage has a primary leaf attached between the sprung mass and the unsprung mass. An auxiliary stage has an auxiliary leaf operatively attached to either the primary stage or unsprung mass. A variable engagement bracket includes a mount point, attached to the sprung mass and defining an axis, and an offset arm extending from the mount point and rotatable about the axis. The offset arm contacts the auxiliary stage at a first point at a first travel of the suspension system and at a second point at a second travel. The first point provides or defines a maximum contact span and the second provides a minimum contact span, smaller than the maximum contact span, for the auxiliary stage.

Abstract: Discussed herein is an adjustable control arm that includes a first arm and a second arm that may be independently adjustable relative to one another. The first arm and the second arm may have intersecting axes that pass though the kinematic center of joints located at both ends of each arm. The control arms are adjustable allowing for variable positioning of the joint located at the intersection of the axes. The control arms may pivot relative to one another at the intersection of their axes. The connection of the control arms may also house a ball joint minimizing the height of the connection with the ball joint.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of a hanger bracket to which a lift arm of a lift axle suspension system is secured. The adjustment mechanism may also be used for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of an auxiliary axle which is of the non-lift type. The adjustment mechanism may also be used for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of a primary axle. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable alignment mechanism of the type described which includes an improved pointer device which visually indicates the alignment position of the bushing pin. Even more particularly, this invention relates to an improved means for securing the bushing pin in its aligned position.

Abstract: A piston assembly includes an outer shell, an end plate and an attachment column. A first flowed-material joint is disposed between and fixedly attaches the end plate and the outer shell to one another such that a fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. A second flowed-material joint is disposed between and fixedly attaches the attachment column and the end plate to one another such that a fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. A gas spring assembly and method that include the piston assembly are also included.

Abstract: A bumper includes a supporting member, a base, a flange, a connecting arm, and a resetting assembly. The base is fixedly connected to the supporting member. The connecting arm has a rotating portion rotatably positioned between the flange and the supporting member. The resetting assembly includes a resisting member and an elastic member. The resisting member is slidably connected to the supporting member. The elastic member is configured for producing an elastic force to drive the resisting member to resist the rotating portion of the connecting arm. One of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a receiving groove, and the other one of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a restricting protrusion rotatably engaging in the receiving groove.

Abstract: An air spring according to this invention enables easy and reliable adjustment of a space between stoppers. Specifically, an upper member (3) and a lower member (4) are secured to upper and lower ends of a bellows (2). Stopper faces (5) and (6) that come in contact with each other to limit the amount of displacement of the upper member (3) are formed on the upper member (3) and the lower member (4). A movable body (7) that can move vertically to adjust the height of the stopper face (6) is provided in the lower member (4). A holding body (8) is provided that holds the movable body (7) in a manner that enables vertical movement thereof. The movable body (7) is capable of relative rotation around a central axis (18) with respect to the holding body (8). On at least one of the movable body (7) and the holding body (8), tapers (32) and (41) are formed that are capable of sliding with respect to the other of the movable body (7) and the holding body (8).

Abstract: A safety device withholds an elastic support associated to the top end of the stem of a motor vehicle shock absorber. The device includes a safety member configured for engaging a metal reinforcement of the elastic support. The safety member includes a metal structure provided with a coating of elastomeric material, so as to close completely and in a fluid-tight way the cavity in which the stem of the shock absorber is received, thus also reducing noise.

Abstract: A V-configuration torque rod includes an apex joint assembly which includes a cast apex joint housing. A pair of solid rods are threadingly received by the cast apex joint housing and an end joint assembly is attached to the end of each solid rod. A retention system in the form of a clamp or jamb nut secure the solid rods to the cast apex joint housing. A length adjustment mechanism can be incorporated between the solid rods and the end joint assemblies if necessary.

Abstract: A cooperative mounting arrangement for an end member or spacer of a gas spring assembly includes a recess formed into one of the end member and the spacer. A projection is provided on or along an associated structural component. The recess receives the projection such that lateral forces acting on the end member of the gas spring assembly can be transferred to the associated structural component.

Abstract: A limiter bracket, for restricting the stroke of a hydraulic cylinder, is formed from a U-shaped member having a central base portion and two opposing sidewall. The base has a semi-circular retention slot extending from an off center position centrally located detent within the base. The opening of the slot is asymmetrically located at an off center position along an edge of the base so that the rod of a cylinder is both horizontally and vertically displaced during positioning within the limiter. Once the rod is located in the detent of the limiter, a pivot pin is inserted through a connector at the end of the rod and the aligned attachment holes in the sidewalls securing the limiter to the rod. The end of the cylinder body will contact the base of the limiter during retraction of the rod thus limiting the overall stroke of the cylinder.

Abstract: A motorcycle brake and suspension system comprising: an outer tube, having an upper end and a lower end, a mainspring mounted inside the outer tube, a brake line traveling through the central axis of the outer tube and looped to allow slack, and a braking system actuated by the brake line. The brake line actuates an integrated padlock caliper disk brake, and is protected by a flexible plastic cover. A fender bracket is mounted on the brake caliper. The integrated padlock caliper disk brake system has integrally formed brake fluid passages in the fork leg, which are hydraulically operative inside the load bearing portion of the fork leg. An adjustable push rod supports the mainspring by adjusting its neutral position length.

Abstract: Suspension protection devices and methods involve a suspension mount engagement member configured to contact a suspension mount of a vehicle, a tire engagement member configured to contact a tire of the vehicle, and a rebounding assembly coupled between the suspension mount engagement member and the tire engagement member. The rebounding assembly can include a support, a first rebounding member, and a second rebounding member, wherein the first rebounding member is more compressible than the second rebounding member.

Abstract: A motorcycle brake and suspension system has an outer tube, a mainspring mounted at least partially inside the outer tube. The mainspring has a smaller diameter than the outer tube, a pushrod mounted at least partially inside the mainspring. The pushrod has a smaller diameter than the mainspring. A brake line is mounted at least partially inside the pushrod. The brake line has a smaller diameter than the pushrod.

Abstract: A non-torque reactive air suspension exhibiting excellent roll stability characteristics is shown to include frame hangers mounted to frame rails extending longitudinally on opposite sides of a vehicle. Longitudinally extending beams are connected to the frame hangers at one end and extend parallel to the frame rails. At their other ends, the beams are joined by a crossbrace extending laterally across the vehicle centerline. In a central portion thereof, the beams have an axle pivot bore to which an axle clamp assembly is connected, the axle clamp assembly clamping a drive axle housing for the vehicle. The axle pivot bore is generally aligned with the drive axle. A control rod assembly is connected to suspension or frame components. Together with the beams, the control rod assembly forms a parallelogram configuration wherein the beams form the lower linkages of that configuration and the control rods included within the control rod assembly form the upper linkages of that configuration.

Abstract: An assembly that includes a mounted component that is suspended from a mounting component by a novel suspension-system in such a manner that relative movement between the mounted component and the mounting component is allowed only in certain directions and only within certain ranges. The novel suspension system comprises a travel-limiting link that is engaged to the mounted component at one connection point and also engaged to the mounting component at another connection point. The travel-limiting link is pivotally engaged to the mounted component at its connection point thereto and/or is pivotally engaged to the mounting component at its connection point thereto. The travel-limiting link comprises a first snubber that cooperates with a first bump-stop structure of the assembly to limit the rotation of the travel-limiting link relative to the mounted component and/or the mounting component.

Abstract: A shock-absorber mounting structure includes a base frame holding two parallel rails vertically, a top carrier and a bottom carrier moved along the parallel rails in the base frame, a screw rod rotated by a hand wheel to move the top carrier along the rails relative to the bottom carrier, a hydraulic system controlled to move the bottom carrier along the rails relative to the top carrier, and two shock-absorber holders respectively installed in the top carrier and the bottom carrier and adapted to hold a shock absorber therebetween.

Abstract: A spacer for an air spring assembly includes a substantially cylindrical body having a substantially planar mounting surface. The body includes a central hub, an outer rim, and a plurality of structural arms connecting the outer rim to the central hub. The central hub includes a pair of concentric hub walls with a plurality of spoke ribs disposed between the hub walls. The outer rim includes an annular groove in its upper surface as well as a plurality of support ribs. Each of the structural arms has a T-shaped cross section. The spacer has five bolt holes that are configured to work with a single center mount, two point, three point, or a four point mounting pattern. The spacer is fabricated from a non-metallic material such as a high strength, lightweight plastic or fiber reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A device used to increase the spring rate of a torsion bar spring commonly used in front suspensions of automobiles and light trucks. Consisting of at least two main parts this device is clamped around the torsion bar with screws and held firmly in place at determined intervals. The intervals being such that the friction generated at the clamped sections is sufficient to transmit the torsional loading of the torsion bar through the device effectively increasing the torsional resistance of the overall torsion bar. Since friction is used to transmit the torsional loading no modifications to the torsion bar are required.

Abstract: A process for producing an aluminum nitride ceramic body having a composition defined and encompassed by polygon ABCDEFGH excluding line DE of FIG. 2, a porosity of less than about 10% by volume, and a thermal conductivity greater than 0.70 W/cm.multidot.K at 25.degree. C. which comprises forming a mixture comprised of aluminum nitride powder containing oxygen, an Ln oxide selected from the group consisting essentially of erbium oxide, holmium oxide, a mixture and solid solution thereof, and free carbon, shaping said mixture into a compact, said mixture and compact having a composition wherein the equivalent % of Ln and aluminum ranges from point A up to point E of FIG. 2, said mixture and said compact having an equivalent % composition of Ln, Al, O and N outside the composition defined and encompassed by polygon ABCDEFGH of FIG.

Abstract: In a vibration damper arrangement for vehicles, an axially extending vibration damper of the piston rod-cylinder type is mounted in a receptacle in a vibration damper support. The damper includes an axially extending jacket tube which is removably secured in the receptacle by a fastening device attached to one end of the tube. The fastening device exerts a tension force on the damper causing a stop surface on the jacket tube to be biased against another stop surface on the receptacle. At least one of the stop surfaces extends obliquely of the jacket tube axis.

Abstract: A combination traction bar chassis lift and suspension modifying device for four-wheel drive off road vehicles having leaf spring suspensions is provided comprising a longitudinally extending beam adapted to be clamped between the vehicle leaf spring and the axle of the vehicle for lifting the chassis of the vehicle. The beam comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending flexible leaf spring members. One end of the beam engages the vehicle leaf spring preventing wrap-up of the vehicle axle about the vehicle leaf spring during rapid acceleration or deceleration and stiffening the spring rate of the vehicle leaf spring during large suspension deflections. The beam is provided with means for engaging the vehicle leaf spring comprising a bifurcated member secured to the beam, the bifurcated member having first and second upstanding ends encompassing the sides of the vehicle leaf spring and first and second vertically spaced elastomer rollers for encompassing the top and bottom of the vehicle leaf spring.

Abstract: A method of aligning the rear suspension of an automobile is practiced in connection with an apparatus for adding linear adjustability to the pivotal connection between the lower control arms and the rear axle housing of an automobile. The linearly adjustable connection comprises a pair of cam plates adapted to be affixed to opposite sides of a rear axle housing bracket. The first end of the lower control arm is installed in the rear axle housing bracket intermediate the cam plates and a threaded pin is inserted through aligned elongate slots formed in the cam plates and housing bracket to hold the lower control arm in position with respect to the rear axle housing. The elongate dimension of the slots is oriented parallel to the fore/aft axis of the automobile. A pair of circular cams are eccentrically mounted on the threaded pin in such a manner that they move in unison with the pin.

Abstract: An articulated ladder-like type traction device for selectively stabilizing the load and torque characteristics for use in the rear suspension system of a vehicle. The traction device includes a lower frame member adapted to be pivotally connected at one end to a vehicle chassis and pivotally connected at the other end to the rear axle of the vehicle. A second frame member is fixedly attached to the first member adjacent the first pivotal connection and extends at an angle in a generally vertical plane to the first mentioned frame member, and terminates in a pivotal connection to one end of a turn buckle type link arrangement. The turn buckle type link is pivotally connected at its other end to the rear wheel axle. An upstanding member fixedly connects the frame members adjacent the second pivotal connection.