Fifth Wheel Articulated Axle Patents (Class 280/124.115)
  • Heavy vehicle
    Patent number: 7413039
    Abstract: Presented is a heavy vehicle, such as a transport vehicle or a civil engineering vehicle, of a mass greater than 500 metric tons. The vehicle is fitted with tires of radial structure having a diameter greater than 3.5 meters and an axial width greater than 37 inches. The vehicle has a front steering axle provided with at least two tires and at least one rear axle provided with at least four tires for transmitting at least part of motive power. The rear axle has at least two trailing arms each associated with two tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche at Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Durif
  • Drive axle control system
    Patent number: 6578648
    Abstract: Tandem drive axles include a pair of drive axles interconnected by a thru-shaft. An inter-axle differential allows speed differentiation between the pair of axles. Differences in tire rolling radii and variations in axle load distribution between the pair of drive axles are examples of why axle differentiation is needed. By measuring and monitoring wheel speed and/or tire pressure, tire rolling radii differences can be determined and appropriate adjustments can be made to tire pressures to provide a common tire rolling radii range for all tires. In addition to tire pressure adjustment, by adjusting other axle parameters that affect axle performance, such as suspension height and weight distribution, the need for axle differentiation is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Dale K. Bell
  • Drive axle control system
    Patent number: 6499552
    Abstract: Tandem drive axles include a pair of drive axles interconnected by a thru-shaft. An inter-axle differential allows speed differentiation between the pair of axles. Differences in tire rolling radii and variations in axle load distribution between the pair of drive axles are examples of why axle differentiation is needed. By measuring and monitoring wheel speed and/or tire pressure, tire rolling radii differences can be determined and appropriate adjustments can be made to tire pressures to provide a common tire rolling radii range for all tires. In addition to tire pressure adjustment, by adjusting other axle parameters that affect axle performance, such as suspension height and weight distribution, the need for axle differentiation is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Dale K. Bell