Including Fluid Actuator Patents (Class 280/124.112)
  • Patent number: 11820187
    Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension system for vehicles, at least consisting of an axle suspension (10) and a cabin suspension (12), which for supplying them with pressurized fluid, can be connected to a pressure supply source, is characterized in that both the axle suspension (10) and the cabin suspension (12) can be actuated jointly by means of an control device (14), and in that, by means of a priority detection system (16) involving a sensor device (18) for the respective suspension (10, 12), the supply with pressurized fluid of the one suspension (10, 12) takes precedence depending on demand over the other suspension (12, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: HYDAC MOBILHYDRAULIK GMBH
    Inventor: Marc Anton
  • Patent number: 11802031
    Abstract: A fully electric lift device includes a base assembly, a lift assembly, a platform assembly, tractive elements, an energy storage device, and a control system. The lift assembly is coupled with the base assembly and is driven by an electric linear actuator for a lifting function. The platform assembly is positioned at a top of the lift assembly and can be raised or lowered as the lift assembly performs the lifting function. The tractive elements are rotatably coupled with the base assembly and can be driven by an electric wheel motor to perform a driving function. The control system includes a controller that operates the electric wheel motor and the electric linear actuator to perform the driving function and the lifting function using power drawn from the energy storage device. The lift assembly and the tractive elements use only electrical energy to perform the lifting and driving functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Prabhu Shankar, Louis Bafile, Jihong Hao, Eko Prasetiawan, Scott Riley, David Lombardo
  • Patent number: 11772948
    Abstract: A controller for use with a working machine includes a machine body and a load handling apparatus coupled to the machine body and moveable by a lift actuator and a sway actuator. The controller receives a signal representative of the position of the load handling apparatus and a signal representative of a stability of the working machine. The controller determines a movement range of the load handling apparatus about the sway axis and issues a signal for use by an element of the working machine. The controller restricts or prevents movement of the load handling apparatus outside of the permissible movement range relative to the lateral reference orientation, the permissible range being dependent on the signal representative of the position of the load handling apparatus with respect to the machine body or longitudinal reference orientation and the signal representative of the stability of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Jonathan Kenred Bailey
  • Patent number: 11724557
    Abstract: An assembly for a hydraulically suspended vehicle axle may have a central housing, and at least two hydraulic suspension components supported on the central housing and fluidly connected to one another by a fluid line extending at least partially through the central housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Italia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Daniele Tonini, Federico Bavaresco, Stefano Fasano, Alessandro Benevelli
  • Patent number: 11718139
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle, where the system includes independent driving modules each including a connection device having a rotation center spaced apart from a driving shaft in a forward/rearward direction and configured to connect the wheel and a vehicle body to move the wheel in the forward/rearward or an upward/downward direction, a shock absorber extending in a longitudinal direction and configured to contract or stretch, to connect the vehicle body and the connection device, and to restrict an upward/downward movement of the connection device, and a driving device configured to rotate the wheel, a road surface detector configured to detect a height displacement or a state of a road, and a controller configured to control velocities of the front and rear wheels of the independent driving modules, and to change a height of the vehicle based on the height displacement or the state of the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Oh Han, Won Hyok Choi, Tae Heon Lee, Kyongwon Min
  • Patent number: 11498384
    Abstract: A method for operating a pneumatic system having a compressed air supply system and an air spring system includes determining at least one deflection of at least one air spring of the pneumatic system. The air spring is configured to be connected to a gallery in a selectively gas-conveying manner via a valve. The method further includes determining at least one bellows volume of a spring bellows of the at least one air spring based on the at least one determined deflection, indicating a pneumatic surrogate model for the at least one bellows volume and/or for a pressure accumulator volume of a pressure accumulator of the pneumatic system based on a mass flow balance for a balance volume, and calculating, based on the pneumatic surrogate model, at least one pressure value of the at least one bellows volume, the pressure accumulator volume, and/or the balance volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: ZF CV SYSTEMS EUROPE BV
    Inventors: Joerg Scharpenberg, Matthias Hahn, Fatih Oemer Yilmaz
  • Patent number: 11478918
    Abstract: A self-aligning tool guide has a holder for securing a portable power tool for working on a ceiling, a lifting mechanism, and a self-balancing chassis. The holder is mounted on the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism has a propulsion system for raising the holder parallel to a lifting axis. The self-balancing chassis has two wheels on a wheel axis, a drive coupled to the two wheels, and a steering system. A contact sensor serves for detecting an indirect contact of the holder with the ceiling. The chassis has a brake. A controller has a mode in which the brake is activated and the balancing of the self-balancing chassis is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peer Schmidt, Dario Bralla, Serhey Khandozhko
  • Patent number: 11090999
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a door protection system (2) for a vehicle (1). The door protection system (2) includes sensor means (10, 11) for detecting an object (O) proximal to the vehicle (1). Processing means (14) are provided to process a signal (S1, S2) received from said sensor means (10, 11) to determine if the detected object (O) obstructs opening of a vehicle door (5, 6). Output means are provided for outputting a suspension control signal (SSUS) to control operation of a vehicle suspension (7) dependence on determining that the detected object (O) obstructs opening of the vehicle door (5, 6). The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle (1); to a method of controlling operation of a vehicle suspension (7); and to an electronic processor (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Maskell
  • Patent number: 10543730
    Abstract: Air damping systems for lift axles are described herein. In some embodiments, lift axle systems configured in accordance with the present technology can include one or more air springs for carrying vehicle sprung mass (“load springs”) and one or more air springs (or, for example, air cylinders) for raising the lift axle (“lift springs”). One or more air lines can be connected between the load springs and the lift springs so that, in operation, compression and extension of the load springs in response to axle movement causes pressurized air to flow back and forth between the load springs and the lift springs. As a result, the lift springs provide an additional volume to receive the pressurized air and provide an opposing spring force to the suspension. Additionally, in some embodiments the air line or lines extending between the load springs and the lift springs can include an air flow restriction and/or other air damping feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Link Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tye B. Davis, Joel D. Van Den Brink, Gregory W. Hulstein
  • Patent number: 10350953
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a support structure and a suspension for an oscillatingly supported, rigid axle body. The suspension has a suspension device which is located between the axle body and the support structure and acts in a height direction of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a plurality of coupling sites and a transverse link extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The transverse link is coupled to the support structure via a first link area and via a second link area and a pendulum support to the axle body. The transverse link includes a third link area which, with reference to the pendulum support in the transverse direction of the vehicle, is located opposite the first link area and is flexibly connected with a coupling site of the suspension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Guenther Wolf, Christian Von Holst, Michael Kremb, Tobias Hegler, Norman Roessel
  • Publication number: 20150084301
    Abstract: A vehicle includes two wheels on each side, with the pair of wheels on the left side mounted on a single bar that pivots up and down about a pivot point (left side wheel pivot plate) fastened to an axle that runs through the vehicle chassis from side-to-side. A pair wheels on the right side is similarly mounted (right side wheel pivot plate) on the right end of the axle. A stabilizer bar and associated components are attached to the rear portion of both pivot plates limits the independence of the up and down motion of the pivot plates, stabilizing the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: William C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150001825
    Abstract: A suspension system is provided for a movable, supported vehicle axle. The suspension system includes a pair of hydraulic suspension cylinders, which are placed between the vehicle axle and a supporting vehicle structure. Each hydraulic suspension cylinder includes a first work chamber connected to a first pressure accumulator, and a second work chamber connected to a second pressure accumulator. A pressure-limiting valve is exposed to pressure in the first work chamber and has an outlet connected to the second pressure accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Thilo Kazimiers, Christof Boge, Benedikt Müller, Jacek Zatrieb
  • Patent number: 8870203
    Abstract: An air ride suspension assembly or kit useful when converting a leaf spring suspension arrangement on a motor vehicle having a solid rear axle to one supported by the conversion suspension assembly is disclosed. The two sets of leaf springs which are attached to both sides of the vehicle chassis and the axle are removed and replaced by first and second upper support arms which are secured to the pre-existing leaf spring attachment sites on the chassis. The leading end of first and second lower trailing arms are each pivotally connected to a corresponding upper support arm proximate the front end of each support arm, and in the intermediate section of each trailing arm, are attached to the underlying axle by pivot connection means which permits the axle to pivot at right angles to the trailing arms. First and second inflatable air bladders are disposed between each support arm and trailing arm combination at a location rearward of the pivot connection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: LBC Contracting, Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Legros
  • Patent number: 8573616
    Abstract: A suspension system with inclination stabilization, in particular for use on heavy work vehicles, such as a dumper, where the front pair of wheels is mounted on a transverse rigid axle, has an axle (5) firmly connected with a Y-shaped frame (1) extending in the longitudinal direction along the central line (M) of the vehicle. The frame is suspended from the chassis of the vehicle, partly from a spherical bearing (4) disposed in the central line of the vehicle, partly via two spring units (2, 3) arranged symmetrically around the central line and a rod connection (7). The frame is additionally equipped with one or more laterally directed stabilization arms (6) which are confined by the chassis. This provides a suspension system which contains a very small number of components, which is stable, sturdy and resistant to wear, and which contains both springing, level adjustment and inclination stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hydema Produktion A/S
    Inventor: Thorkil K Iversen
  • Publication number: 20120298431
    Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis (11) with front and rear axles (12, 13) suspended from the chassis for vertical and roll movement relative to the chassis. The axles are each mounted on the chassis via an upper pivotal mounting means in the form of an upper pair of arms (12a, 13a) which is pivoted on the chassis for vertical pivoting movement relative thereto and which carry an axle support (15, 16) on which the axle (12, 13) is free to pivot in the roll mode. A second lower pair of pivoting arms (12b, 13b) also connect each axle (12, 13) to the chassis to control fore and aft movement of the axle relative to the chassis. The line of action of the forces (F1-F4) applied to the chassis (11) by the upper arms (12a, 13a) at one end of the chassis are be substantially aligned with the line of action of the forces applied to the chassis by the lower arms (12b, 13b) at the other end of the chassis to reduce and tendency for the chassis to be twisted by these forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: AGCO SA
    Inventors: Geoffroy Husson, Frederic Ducroquet
  • Patent number: 8286978
    Abstract: System to control the trim of motorcycles with three or four wheels, the motorcycle having two couples of front and rear wheels, or one front wheel and a couple of rear wheels, or a couple of front wheels and one rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Quadro Tecnologie S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luciano Marabese
  • Publication number: 20120091679
    Abstract: The invention relates to an active chassis stabilization system including a hydraulic actuator, a pump for acting upon the actuator with a hydraulic pressure, a reservoir for receiving hydraulic fluid, and a return line for a fluid flow from the actuator to the reservoir. Provided in the return line is a check valve which blocks the fluid flow from the reservoir to the actuator and allows the fluid flow from the actuator to the reservoir as of a predeterminable return pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Keiwan Kashi, Stephan Walentowski, Dirk Nissing
  • Publication number: 20110018219
    Abstract: A hydraulic suspension system for a tractor includes a first rock shaft generally parallel to a second rock shaft, a frame rail attached to the first rock shaft and the second rock shaft, a first trailing arm attached to the first rock shaft and having fixed rotation with the first rock shaft, and a second trailing arm attached to the second rock shaft and having fixed rotation with the second rock shaft. The suspension system also includes a first rear axle attached to the first trailing arm, and a second rear axle attached to the second trailing arm. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the first rock shaft and to the second rock shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Leo P. Oriet, Jules Cazabon
  • Publication number: 20110001299
    Abstract: A vehicle, has a chassis, at least one front axle assigned to the chassis and carrying land wheels, a rear axle located downstream of the front axle, relative to a direction of forward travel and carrying at least two steerable wheels, wherein the rear axle is hingedly connected to the chassis such that it is movable to and fro transversely to the direction of travel, and includes at least one axle body, wherein regions of the chassis are assigned to the wheels of the rear axle in an at partially adjacent manner, a pendulum device coupling the rear axle of the chassis and enabling a displacement of the rear axle that is oriented transversely to the direction of travel, and a swivel device coupling each wheel of the rear axle to the axle body of the rear axle and enabling a displacement of each wheel that is oriented transversely to the direction of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Sebastian Wagemann, Manfred Gersmann
  • Patent number: 7669865
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an axle suspension for heavy vehicles, in particular trucks, comprising an axle beam which bears axle parts projecting over at oppositely disposed sides, each axle part preferably bearing a wheel drive; an axle beam bearing which permits upward and downward movements of the axle beam as well as pendular movements of the axle beam around a substantially lying pendular axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the axle parts; a spring device for the resilient support of the upward and downward movements of the axle beam at a vehicle frame; and also a pendular damping device for the damping of the pendular movements of the axle beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus-Peter Mollhagen
  • Patent number: 7644942
    Abstract: An active suspension system for a rigid beam tractor axle in which the axle is connected to the chassis by two orthogonally oriented pivot points and axle movement is controlled by double-acting suspension actuators managed by a control system to improve the ride and handling characteristics of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Giorgio Bordini, David T. Rach, Loreto Panettone, Brian E. Felsing
  • Patent number: 7562887
    Abstract: A caster suspension system for a multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes two fluid activated cylinders and two spaced apart arms for each wheel and axle set which allow the transport vehicle to be raised and lowered with respect to the roadway. The suspension system mechanically stabilizes the axles with respect to the transport vehicle thereby reducing axle yaw and allowing higher transport speeds. As the transport vehicle moves, the suspension system casters into alignment with the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving and Rigging, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Publication number: 20090121448
    Abstract: It is described a system to control the trim of motorcycles with three or four wheels, including for each couple of wheels a system of levers (1) linking the hubs of the wheels v(7, 8) belonging to the couple, a shock absorber and one or more dampers (5) directly installed between said wheels v(7,8), or between said system of levers v(1) and a fixed point v(51) on the vehicle frame or chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Luciano Marabese
  • Patent number: 7510198
    Abstract: A suspension system for a rigid beam tractor axle in which the axle is connected to the chassis by two orthogonally oriented pivot points and axle movement is controlled by hydraulic cylinders to improve the ride and handling characteristics of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: David T. Rach, Loreto Panettone, Robert C. Prasse, Tong Y. Yi
  • Publication number: 20090020965
    Abstract: A working machine includes a body and an axle which is mounted so as to be moveable relative to the body, the axle carrying at or towards each end, a ground engaging wheel by means of which the machine can travel over the ground, the machine including a speed sensor sensitive to the machine ground speed, and there being a hydraulic control system including at least one control actuator connected between the body and the axle for controlling movement of the axle relative to the body, and the hydraulic system further including at least one control valve which is operable to restrict fluid flow occurring as a result of the control actuator extending or retracting in response to axle movements relative to the body, depending upon the signal provided by the speed sensor, wherein the control valve is an electrically operated control valve, operated proportionally by a valve controller which responds to changes in machine speed, by adjusting the restriction to fluid flow so as to permit more fluid flow as the machin
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: J.C. BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Alexander North, Kevin W. Ford
  • Patent number: 7464955
    Abstract: Method and arrangement including a vehicle having a first and a second vehicle section connected to an articulation that allows rotation about a vehicle longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A positioning arrangement is included that has at least one adjusting device in which the positioning arrangement includes operation by at least one adjusting device in order to rotate the first and second vehicle sections into a predefined basic position in relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Jörgen Ahlberg, Ivar Aaboen, Rickard Nilsson, Lena Larsson
  • Publication number: 20080231012
    Abstract: A suspension system for a rigid beam tractor axle in which the axle is connected to the chassis by two orthogonally oriented pivot points and axle movement is controlled by hydraulic cylinders to improve the ride and handling characteristics of the tractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: David T. Rach, Loreto Panettone, Robert C. Prasse, Tong Y. Yi
  • Publication number: 20080231011
    Abstract: An active suspension system for a rigid beam tractor axle in which the axle is connected to the chassis by two orthogonally oriented pivot points and axle movement is controlled by double-acting suspension actuators managed by a control system to improve the ride and handling characterstics of the tractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Giorgio Bordini, David T. Rach, Loreto Panettone, Brian E. Felsing
  • Patent number: 7416188
    Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis (1) and at least two mutually separated wheels arranged on a first side of the chassis and two mutually separated wheels on the opposite, second side of the chassis where the wheels on the first side are rotatable about axes that are substantially fixed in position in a vertical plane relative to the chassis and the wheels (5) on the second side are arranged on a frame part (6) that is pivotably arranged relative to the chassis about a central longitudinal axis (8) running between the first and second sides of the vehicle to create a stability area for the vehicle in the shape of a triangle in the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Stock of Sweden AB
    Inventor: Max Segerljung
  • Patent number: 7213824
    Abstract: A suspension system for a multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes two fluid activated cylinders and two spaced apart arms for each wheel and axle set which allow the transport vehicle to be raised and lowered with respect to the roadway. The suspension system mechanically stabilizes the axles with respect to the transport vehicle thereby reducing axle yaw and allowing higher transport speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving & Rigging, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 7131651
    Abstract: A chassis is described which is constructed of two lower side frames which at each end are provided with a wheel or caterpillar track. On each of the two lower side members, there is a horizontal bearing. Each of these bearings are connected to an upper vertical side member which at their upper end is connected to two parallel cross members through horizontal bearings for the development of a parallelogram connection. Between the lower and upper side members, there are two double-acting hydraulic cylinders. These can be connected in parallel in order to make a weight distribution possible. By means of a regulation valve between pressure side and suction side, respectively, on the double-acting hydraulic cylinders the upper part of the chassis can swing back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Niels Kjaer Laursen
  • Patent number: 7125027
    Abstract: An axle mounting assembly includes a steerable axle mounted on an axle support and having a pair of opposing steerable wheels pivotally connected to the respective transverse ends of said steerable axle for pivotal movement relative thereto about respective wheel pivot axes. A substantially rigid connecting member extends between and is attached to the axle support and a steerable element of the steerable axle. The steerable axle is attached to the axle support by first, second and third flexible couplings. Each coupling provides for three planes of movement, the first flexible coupling attaching the axle to the axle support rearward of said axle, the second flexible coupling attaching the axle to a first end of a link forward of said axle and the third flexible coupling attaching a second end of said link to said axle support upwardly of said axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: AGCO SA
    Inventors: Bruno Sap, Matthieu Delamare, Andre Rateau, Francois Pottier
  • Publication number: 20060232025
    Abstract: A control device, for a truck having an oscillating axle, includes means to determine at least one physical parameter (G) of the truck, and at least one dynamic parameter (F) of the truck, and a device (101) actively to improve the lateral stability of the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventor: Marcel-Claude Braud
  • Patent number: 7097186
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a vehicle body, a pair of rear wheels, a rear axle for supporting the rear wheels, a lock cylinder, a counterweight and a coupling portion. The rear axle is supported to be pivotable relative to the vehicle body. The lock cylinder is located between the vehicle body and the rear axle. The lock cylinder limits pivoting of the rear axle. The counterweight forms a rear portion of the vehicle body. The counter weight supports the rear axle. The coupling portion is integrally formed with the counterweight to couple the fluid pressure cylinder with the vehicle body. This reduces the number of components and the manufacturing steps of the industrial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Shuo Uematsu, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Takahito Miyake
  • Patent number: 7090234
    Abstract: In a three-wheel vehicle, right and left suspension arms are independently attached to a front swinging shaft and a rear swinging shaft so that the suspension arms can swing vertically, and the front swinging shaft and the rear swinging shaft function as a swinging shaft for swinging the body frame. A swinging mechanism is provided to restrict lateral rotation of the body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Takayanagi, Yohei Makuta, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6991244
    Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes an axle. The axle assembly may be of an inverted portal axle configuration. The axle includes a boss having a threaded aperture. A suspension component, such as a suspension arm, may be secured to the axle by a fastener received by the threaded aperture. A bracket may be arranged in engagement with the boss between the suspension arm and the axle. The bracket may be used to connect a torsion bar to the axle. The bracket includes an aperture with the fastener disposed within the bracket aperture. The fastener, which is common for the suspension arm and bracket, creates a clamping load on the bracket. Moreover, the suspension arm and the torsion bar bracket share a common boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Hayes, Lawrence D. Brill
  • Patent number: 6942232
    Abstract: A suspension system for a multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes two fluid activated cylinders and two spaced apart arms for each wheel and axle set which allow the transport vehicle to be raised and lowered with respect to the roadway. The suspension system mechanically stabilizes the axles with respect to the transport vehicle thereby reducing axle yaw and allowing higher transport speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving & Rigging Inc.
    Inventor: James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 6857691
    Abstract: A front structure of a vehicle includes torque box members connecting front side frames and side sills, and front suspension member supports integrally provided on the torque box members. According to the structure of the present invention, the number of members is decreased, and the supporting rigidity of the front suspension member supports is increased. Furthermore, the geometry of the front suspension members supports is maintained by being prevented from local deformation by load application from the suspension member to the front suspension member supports. Thus, the excellent driving stability and maneuverability of the vehicle are assured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kuroda, Masanori Igarashi
  • Patent number: 6843489
    Abstract: A damping system for an axle configured to pivot about a pivot point is provided. The damping system includes a first hydraulic cylinder having a first chamber and a second chamber and a second hydraulic cylinder having a third chamber and a fourth chamber. The first hydraulic cylinder is connected to the axle on one side of the pivot point and the second hydraulic cylinder is connected to the axle on the other side of the pivot point. A first fluid line connects the first chamber with the fourth chamber. A second fluid line connects the second chamber with the third chamber. A restricted fluid passageway connects the first fluid line and the second fluid line. A valve mechanism is disposed between the first fluid line and the second fluid line and is operable to release fluid from one of the first and second fluid lines when the pressure of the fluid in the one of the first and second fluid lines reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Albert L. Woody, Britt W. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 6733022
    Abstract: A vehicle air bag spring suspension system utilizing a swing arm as a member of a four-bar linkage subsystem wherein the suspension system with the airbag spring is compressed by the linkage opposite the swing arm's fulcral point relative the supported wheel. The air bag further serves as an inherently, partially dampened spring having a non-linear spring compression rate, so as to firmly keep the vehicle tires firmly planted to a rough surface. A second embodiment employs two actuator arms per wheel, wherein one inside actuator arm contacts a fixed air bag spring and cooperates with the other outside actuator arm and a rotating actuator shaft inside a frame tube to dampen wheel movement. A third embodiment employs the air spring supports directly connected to the bird cages or the housings for the bearings for both the front and rear axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Curtis S. Bradshaw, Curtis M. Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 6641152
    Abstract: A swing suppressing device includes a damper that may switch over between an expansion/retraction enable condition and an expansion/retraction disable condition; and a link mechanism for coupling the damper and the axle with each other. The damper is disposed with its expansion/retraction direction substantially in a horizontal direction between the vehicle body and the axle, and with its one end being connected to the vehicle body and the other end being connected to the axle through the link mechanism. The link mechanism converts the swing motion in the up-and-down direction of the axle and transmits it to the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Yasutaka Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030151224
    Abstract: A damping system for an axle configured to pivot about a pivot point is provided. The damping system includes a first hydraulic cylinder having a first chamber and a second chamber and a second hydraulic cylinder having a third chamber and a fourth chamber. The first hydraulic cylinder is connected to the axle on one side of the pivot point and the second hydraulic cylinder is connected to the axle on the other side of the pivot point. A first fluid line connects the first chamber with the fourth chamber. A second fluid line connects the second chamber with the third chamber. A restricted fluid passageway connects the first fluid line and the second fluid line. A valve mechanism is disposed between the first fluid line and the second fluid line and is operable to release fluid from one of the first and second fluid lines when the pressure of the fluid in the one of the first and second fluid lines reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Albert L. Woody, Britt W. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 6588777
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle includes an elongate axle member adapted to rotatably receive wheels of a vehicle, a first arm member operatively associated with the axle member and flexibly connected, in use, to a chassis of the vehicle, a second arm member operatively associated with the axle member and flexibly connected, in use, to the chassis, and a first ram operatively associated with the first arm member and the axle member. The axle assembly is incorporated, in use, into a suspension system as a roll control component of the suspension system. The arrangement is such that when expansion or contraction of the ram is restricted, rotation of the axle member relative to the first arm member is restricted and roll of the vehicle is resisted, and when expansion or contraction of the ram is permitted, rotation of the axle member relative to the first arm member is permitted and articulation of the axle member is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Kinetic Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Brian Heyring
  • Publication number: 20020093153
    Abstract: A stabilization and leveling system for an industrial vehicle of a type comprising a frame and at least one axle which is pivotally connected to the frame. The system comprises a linear actuator pivotally connected between the frame and the axle. The linear actuator includes a lock mechanism and a lock override system. The linear actuator is freely extendable and retractable when the lock mechanism is in a non-actuated condition, such that the axle is freely tiltable relative to the frame, and locked against free extension and retraction upon actuation of the lock mechanism, thereby preventing free movement of the linear actuator and resultant free tilting of the axle relative to the frame. The lock override system is actuable to override the lock mechanism to extend or retract the linear actuator to permit controlled tilt of the axle when it is locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Scotese, Steve K. Yates, Stanley J. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20020070521
    Abstract: A control device of the spatial position in a suspended axle for industrial vehicles essentially comprising two angular sensors (32) fitted on opposite pins (26), each of which is provided with a relative spherical coupling (27) for a panhard bar (16) interposed between an axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle, each of the sensors (32) interposed between the axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle being operated by elastic laminas (35, 36) and each sensor receiving motion from the corresponding rotating hub (34), the angular sensors (32) detecting the spatial oscillations of the panhard bar (16) in relation to the axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle. There are two elastic laminas (35, 36) for each angular sensor (32) and these are fitted parallel to each lateral surface of the panhard bar (16), partially overlapping one another and fixed on one side to one of the angular sensors (32) and on the other to the surface of the panhard bar (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Fabrizio Panizzolo, Tiziano Gamba
  • Publication number: 20010052684
    Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine, especially a pick-up chopper, for picking up and chopping harvested material, such as corn, green crops, etc., with a rear axle (6), which is constructed as a steerable, rigid axle, which is supported at the machine frame (10), so that it can be swiveled about a horizontal full floating axle (9), which is parallel to the direction of travel, wherein the axle body (7) of the rear axle (6) is supported with shock absorption at the machine frame (10) so that it can move up and down relative to the machine frame (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Bernard Krone, Karl-Heinz Radke
  • Patent number: 6331010
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle has a frame and an axle swingalbly connected with the frame, wherein a cylinder interposed between the frame and the axle selectively extends and retracts so as to absorb a swinging motion of the axle. The cylinder is coupled to the frame and the axle in a rotatable manner within a plane intersecting an axis of a center about which the axle swings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenji Chino, Yoshihisa Iwanaga
  • Patent number: RE39477
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle including a frame, and a stabilizer apparatus including a pressure source, first and second fluid-actuated stabilizer assemblies connected respectively to the front and rear axles shiftably moveable on the frame, one of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being locked against extension and contraction in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, and the other of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being free to extend and contract in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, a hydraulic circuit connected between the pressure source and the first and second fluid activated stabilizer assemblies and including a flow controller operable between a first mode wherein the pressure source is disconnected from the first and second stabilizer assemblies, whereby the one of the stabilizer assemblies is locked against extension and retraction, thereby locking the axle connected thereto against shifting movement relative
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: JLG OmniQuip, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra J. Nellers, J. Scott Bargenquast, Terry A. Weber, John R. Plate