With Leaf-type Suspension Patents (Class 280/680)
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Patent number: 11407270Abstract: An adjustable spring mounting assembly includes an adjustment plate, including a receiver, an elongated axle alignment slot and at least one height adjustment aperture, and an alignment correction insert received and held in said receiver. The alignment correction insert includes a plurality of alignment correction apertures wherein a selected one of the plurality of alignment apertures is aligned with the elongated axle alignment slot to correct axle alignment of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: RV Ride Control LLCInventors: Robert F. Mater, Jr., Auldreg Dismuke
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Patent number: 11273680Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle beam and a suspension system. The suspension system includes a mounting member, at least one positioning member, and at least one coupling member configured to cooperate to maintain a position of a working component. The mounting member having at least one aperture formed therein is freely disposed on the axle beam and the at least one coupling member is disposed through the at least one aperture of the mounting member and entirely outside the axle beam.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventor: Stoyan I. Stoychev
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Patent number: 11110765Abstract: A suspension interconnection assembly comprises first and second saddle brackets and a fastener. Each saddle bracket comprises a base, a pair of arms spaced apart and have the base disposed therebetween, and a pair of shoulders. Each shoulder is disposed between the base and a respective arm. Each shoulder has a first beveled surface. The pair of shoulders cooperates with the base and the pair of arms to at least partially define a U-shaped pocket. The U-shaped pockets of each saddle bracket are sized to partially receive an axle housing. The fastener interconnects the saddle brackets to couple the saddle brackets and a spring to the axle housing. The beveled surfaces of each saddle bracket are adapted to operatively engage the peripheral wall. The pairs of arms of each saddle bracket are adapted to operatively engage one another after the beveled surfaces operatively engage the peripheral wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Mahindra N.A. Tech CenterInventors: David E. Peck, Olivier A-M Thomas
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Patent number: 11104386Abstract: A support rigidity of a torque rod with respect to a vehicle body is adequately increased. In addition to an upper bracket (52) and a lower bracket (54) for retaining the torque rod (66), the torque rod mounting structure includes a stay bracket (56) attached to the lower bracket (54) and the damper housing (24). The damper housing (24), the lower bracket (54) and the stay bracket (56) jointly form a closed cross section structure (58), and a retaining portion of the lower bracket (54) retaining the rear end (66A) of the torque rod (66) includes a part of the lower bracket (54) forming the closed cross section structure (58).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Takehiro Kondo
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Patent number: 11027585Abstract: A link for a link system for the attachment of a wheel carrier to a body of a vehicle, having a main body with a joint portion with a joint bearing receptacle for the articulated fastening to the body of the vehicle, a wheel carrier portion with a wheel carrier joint receptacle for the articulated fastening to a wheel carrier of the vehicle, and a connecting portion between the wheel carrier portion and the joint portion. In the joint portion, centers of area of the main body form a center of gravity line which is oriented centrally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Inventor: Micha Kunert
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Patent number: 10844921Abstract: This invention relates to the constraint of a flexible body with low distortion and low uncertainty in its location. A class of mechanisms involving at least one pivot rocker is disclosed. These mechanisms fully constrain a body in space, but when constrained allow the flexible body to vibrate in the shape of one or more of its free mode shapes. Such a set of constraints yields a constrained system with high natural frequencies without over-constraining the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Inventors: Samir Ali Nayfeh, Justin Matthew Verdirame
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Patent number: 10703156Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a first chassis rail extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system also includes a second chassis rail extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system further includes a transverse beam coupled to the first chassis rail and the second chassis rail. The suspension system yet further includes at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable. The suspension system also includes a fulcrum locator operatively coupled to the at least one leaf spring and to the transverse beam, the fulcrum locator in a sliding relationship with the at least leaf one spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: RASSINI SUSPENSIONES, S.A. DE C.V.Inventors: Anthony Berlingieri, Brian R. Brothers, Jose G. Delgado, Ramon Heberto Diego Guedea, Robert W. Friedrichs, Chris Galea, Jeffrey S. Hopkins, Ananth K. Kota, Jesus Ernesto Meza, Jose Roberto Frausto Rodriguez, Jose G. Ruiz Juarez, Ronald J. Willemsen, James N. Zeimet
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Patent number: 10616168Abstract: Approaches for automatically and dynamically changing message classification and priority based on Internet-Of-Things (IOT) device publication are provided. A system includes: a CPU, a computer readable memory, and a computer readable storage medium; program instructions to receive a device status message from an Internet-of-Things (IOT) device; program instructions to determine a categorization of the device status message; program instructions to determine a classification of an email message; program instructions to compare the categorization of the device status message to the classification of the email message; and program instructions to assign a priority to the email message based on the comparing. The program instructions are stored on the computer readable storage medium for execution by the CPU via the computer readable memory.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Swaminathan Balasubramanian, Ravi P. Bansal, Santosh Borse, Radha Radha Mohan De
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Patent number: 9981689Abstract: A self-steering bogie for an elongate road vehicle having at least a first axle assembly at the front end of the vehicle and at least one trailing axle assembly disposed on the vehicle behind said first axle assembly. The trailing axle assembly is a set of tandem axles with associated wheels disposed below a structural frame of the vehicle, the bogie comprising a rotatable sub-frame borne on the set of tandem axles which supports the vehicle by means of a load bearing turntable. A rotational restraint assembly is mounted on the turntable and which in part interconnects the sub-frame, the structural frame and an upper portion of the turntable, the rotational restraint assembly having a plurality of compression air springs. The elongate road vehicle could be a truck and semitrailer where the trailing axle assembly is on the semitrailer, or a vehicle such as a bus.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Geoffrey Paul Sandford
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Patent number: 9421844Abstract: The present disclosure provides a torsion beam axle for a vehicle. The torsion beam axle comprises two longitudinal swing arms connected by a torsion profile and two bearing arrangements. Each bearing arrangement is configured to attach a respective longitudinal swing arm to a body of the vehicle. Each bearing arrangement has a rotational axis, and the rotational axes of the bearing arrangements run in parallel to or are aligned with one another. Each of the bearing arrangements has a bearing core, which is connected to one of the longitudinal swing arms, and at least one bearing arm which is coupled to the bearing core. The bearing arm comprises a supporting section, which is coupled to the bearing core, and an elastic bending section with a connecting region, via which the bearing arm can be at least indirectly attached to the body of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Andreas Carlitz, Eric Leonard Branger, Gunter Wuersig, Thomas Schmitz
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Patent number: 9211873Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a state quantity detection device and a friction brake orientation control device. The state quantity detection device is configured to detect a state quantity indicating a vehicle body orientation. The friction brake orientation control device is configured to minimize pitching motion in the vehicle body orientation by applying braking torque from a friction brake at least to a front wheel, and minimize bouncing motion in the vehicle body orientation by applying braking torque from the friction brake to four wheels. The friction brake orientation control device is configured to prioritize minimizing the pitching motion over minimizing the bouncing motion.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hironobu Kikuchi, Katsuhiko Hirayama
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Patent number: 9108483Abstract: A vehicle suspension leaf spring assembly is arranged to be mounted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on opposite sides thereof. The leaf spring assembly has a first end, which is arranged for pivotal connection to a first bracket on the vehicle; and a second end, which is arranged for connection to a spring shackle on the vehicle. The leaf spring assembly is arranged to be connected to an axle extending transversely of the leaf spring assembly at a position intermediate the first and second ends of the leaf spring assembly. The leaf spring assembly includes two individual leaf springs arranged side-by-side with a predetermined spacing and extending between the first and second ends.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Stefan Preijert
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Patent number: 8979105Abstract: An adjustable spring mounting assembly includes first and second alignment correction plates. A spacer is sandwiched between the two correction plates. First and second fasteners connect the assembly to a vehicle spring hanger bracket. A third fastener connects the assembly to a vehicle leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: BBS Development, LLCInventors: Robert E. McCarthy, Robert F. Mater, Jr., Auldreg R. Dismuke
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Patent number: 8590912Abstract: An adjustable spring mounting assembly includes first and second alignment correction plates. A spacer is sandwiched between the two correction plates. First and second fasteners connect the assembly to a vehicle spring hanger bracket. A third fastener connects the assembly to a vehicle leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: BBS Development, LLCInventors: Robert E. McCarthy, Robert F. Mater, Jr., Auldreg R. Dismuke
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Patent number: 8540263Abstract: The present patent of invention refers to a rear bogie-type suspension used preferably in trucks, having a pivoting bearing (1) disposed on upper part of the spring pack (2), positioned between the two axles and laterally on each side of the chassis (5), said pivoting bearing (1) comprised of an anchor pin (3) fastened to a hanger (4) and to the chassis (5), in a robust manner to withstand the extreme strains to which this kind of suspension is normally submitted, also favoring assembly conditions, weight reduction, reduced consumption of materials and labor, also having an axle rebound stop (6) in combination with spring pack (2) in order to provide greater safety and durability to its components.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Suspensys Sistemas Automotivos Ltda.Inventor: Remi Pizzeta
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Patent number: 8342565Abstract: In order to drastically reduce the effort and time required for the alignment adjustment over a conventional case to significantly alleviate the work burden, a cross member-integrated trunnion bracket 20 includes a cross member 16 coupling left and right frames and a pair of trunnion brackets 19 integrally formed on lower faces at opposite ends of the cross member 16 to open downward and outward in a vehicle width direction. The trunnion brackets 19 have bosses 18 for pivotally supporting trunnion shafts.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Hata
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Patent number: 8033565Abstract: A trailer tandem wheel suspension system comprising a pair of suspension units (3) for mounting on either side of a chassis (4) of a trailer (1) to support a pair of wheels 2?, 2? and arranged to respond both to small and large deflections of the wheels 2?, 2?. Each suspension unit (3) has a primary spring element (12) and a secondary spring element (13) linked to the primary spring element (12) so that the primary and secondary spring elements (12, 13) are effective over different ranges of movement of the wheels 2?, 2?. The primary spring element (12) is a leaf spring responsive to small movements of the wheels 2?, 2? and the secondary spring element (13) includes a compression spring (18) linked to the leaf spring and responsive to larger movements of the wheels 2?, 2?.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Oldbury UK LimitedInventor: Carl Justin Holroyd
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Patent number: 7918478Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: E. Dale Fenton
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Patent number: 7854445Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.Inventors: E. Dale Fenton, Bruce Alan Bailey
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Patent number: 7753399Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.Inventors: E. Dale Fenton, Bruce Alan Bailey
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Patent number: 7747359Abstract: A vehicle includes a semi-active suspension including suspension dampers controllably adjustable in accordance with electronic stability control commands and ride and handling commands. Vehicle steering response states, turning direction states and vehicle dynamics states are binary coded in respective state variables and suspension control calibrations are binary coded in calibration words. Integrity and security of state variables and calibration words are ensured in efficient binary digit resource allocation schemes.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Steven D. Palazzolo, Mark A. Seifert
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Patent number: 7296821Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes two independent equalizer arm assemblies which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly is operatively associated with one of the front or rear leaf springs such that upon upward movement of either the front or rear leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: E. Dale Fenton
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Patent number: 7195272Abstract: A vehicle suspension has axle end portions each pivotally coupled to an associated leaf spring and thereby to an associated supporting vehicle frame rail. Control rods are pivotally coupled to the axle at locations below the leaf spring pivots. Desirably, one of such control rods is pivoted to the axle at a location above the wheel axis and the other of such control rods is pivotally coupled to the axle at a location below the wheel axis. A steering mechanism for steering the steerable wheels of a tandem axle includes first and second steering gears mounted to a common frame rail and driven by a single mechanical coupling such as a T-miter box. These steering gears may control respective steering gears at the opposite side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Freightliner LLCInventors: James W. Larson, Marlin J. Toews, Bruce W. Mabbett
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Patent number: 6264231Abstract: In a tandem axle suspension a system for connecting the end of a rectangular axle housing to bushing in the eye at the adjacent end of a walking beam. The system comprises an axle bracket mounted on the bushing in the walking beam eye. The axle bracket has a platform on which the end of the axle housing is supported on a pair of lower axle housing corner engaging clamps. The upper corners of the axle housing are engaged by a pair of upper axle housing corner clamps which may be identical with the lower clamps. Bolts are used to clamp the assembly of four axle housing corner clamps to the four corners of the axle housing and to the platform on the axle bracket. The clamping force applied to each corner of the axle housing is equal and opposite to the clamping force applied to the diagonally opposite corner.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: The Boler CompanyInventor: Robert M. Scully
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Patent number: 6224074Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system (10,12) for installation between a chassis (14,16) and dual axles (18,20) of a vehicle. The suspension system (10,12) includes an equalizer beam (22) pivotally linking the axles (18,20) together. A trailing arm support member (64) is pivotally attached to a hanger bracket (68) on chassis (14,16). A suspension saddle (58) is secured to trailing arm support (64) to provide pivotal support for equalizer beam (22) and air spring (72) located between chassis (14,16) and trailing arm support member (64).Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: The Boler Company.Inventor: Robert Leslie Cadden
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Patent number: 5799347Abstract: A rear loaded and unloaded wheelchair and method for transferring a patient between a bed and a wheelchair through the rear of the wheelchair. The wheelchair includes a wheeled main frame, a sub-frame rearwardly extensible relative to the main frame to a position overlying the bed. The sub-frame is vertical moveable on the main frame to raise and lower the sub-frame to a position adjacent the bed and a position removed from the bed. A patient supporting chair is rotatably mounted on the sub-frame for rolling movement between a forward position and a rearward position adjacent the bed cantileverly supported on the main frame via the sub-frame. The chair includes a frame having laterally spaced apart rails and upstanding back rails. The side seat rails detachably mount a seat on which a person will sit while seated on a bed.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Inventor: James Brian McCarthy
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Patent number: 5782490Abstract: A flat bed off-road trailer has a rigid planar frame supporting the bed. frame has transverse members at the forward and rear edges of the bed, and has longitudinal members at lateral edges of the bed. A rigid undercarriage fixed to the trailer's axle is hinged to the frame via journal connections between forward outboard zones of the frame and forward outboard zones of the undercarriage. The trailer has springs for absorbing road shocks, the springs being located between rear outboard zones of the frame and rear outboard zones of the undercarriage. The trailer has a tiltable tractive subassembly which comprises walking beams journalled to the axle, wheels mounted at either end of the walking beams, a band wrapped around the wheels and structure to limit tilting of the subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Donald H. Kendall, Kenneth W. Kendall
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Patent number: 5522469Abstract: A vehicle traction enhancement device is formed of a suspension attached to a frame of a vehicle, a drive axle mounted on the frame through the suspension, a driven axle mounted on frame, a bracket mounted on the drive axle substantially parallel to the frame, and an air spring mounted between the bracket and the frame. The air spring receives compressed air therein for expansion thereof when the vehicle starts to move to thereby increase pressure of drive axle tires attached to the drive axle relative to a ground.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1995Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Haruyuki Hosoya, Minori Higuchi
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Patent number: 5209518Abstract: The present invention discloses a lightweight dual-stage tapered leaf spring assembly for use in heavy-duty trailer suspension applications. The dual-leaf tapered leaf spring assembly has a main or first tapered leaf defining a first stage rate and a second tapered leaf operable to define a second stage rate. The first and second leafs are formed to include a tapered thickness profile which closely approximates a true modified parabolic taper. The "approximated" modified parabolic profiles for each of the main and second leafs are adapted to provide a smooth non-linear transition between the first and second stage rates.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Assignee: Detroit Steel Products Co., Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Heckenliable, Dewayne B. Williams, Robert J. Dooley
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Patent number: 5078420Abstract: In a tandem wheel and axle suspension for suspending a vehicle chassis, a flexible joint assembly for connecting the underside of each distal end of a fore-and-aft leaf spring equalizer beam to the subadjacent end of a transverse axle comprising a downwardly projecting spring anchor mounted on the underside of the distal end of the bottom leaf of the leaf spring, a load cushion formed of elastomeric material having an upwardly open socket in which the projecting portion of the spring anchor is embedded, and an axle bracket mounted on the subadjacent end of the axle having an upwardly open socket formation into which the load cushion is seated. An elastomeric rebound cushion is mounted over each distal end to prevent the spring anchor from disengaging the load cushion axle and is without upper torque rods.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1990Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: The Boler CompanyInventors: Roger D. Jable, Tjong T. Lie, Gilbert Olvera
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Patent number: 5016906Abstract: A tandem axle suspension wherein alignment of one axle relative to the other may be adjusted. The suspension includes a pair of spring hangers attached to each side of the chassis frame and a leaf spring assembly interconnecting each pair of spring hangers. Each leaf spring assembly includes a leaf with a spring eye at one end and a spring pin extending through the spring eye and through a transverse aperture in an aperture-providing insert rotatably mounted in the spring hanger to which the end of the leaf spring with the spring eye is interconnected. The spring hanger in which the insert is mounted has an upper portion by which it is attached to the vehicle chassis frame and depending portion having a transverse opening in which the insert is rotatably mounted. The depending portion is transversely bifurcated by a slot extending upwrdly into the transverse opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1990Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: The Boler CompanyInventor: Robert L. Cadden
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Patent number: 4984817Abstract: A fully articulated suspension of tandem wheels of a transport vehicle having a frame (1) with axles (2) has torque reaction rods (17, 18, 19, 20) linked with the axles, at least one pair of double-arm levers (3), each linked mechanically with the frame (1) and, by one of its arms (4), with the corresponding axle (2) by an assembly (8) for the transmission of static and dynamic loads. Articulated to the other arm (5) of the corresponding double-arm lever (3) are stirrup-shaped plate springs (22, 23) of the corresponding spring assembly (21) for the absorption of dynamic loads.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1989Date of Patent: January 15, 1991Assignee: Kievsky Injenerno-Stroitelny InstitutInventors: Ramil A. Azamatov, Mikhail N. Zamitter, Evgeny M. Zema, Vladimir A. Nedorezov, Anatoly K. Oblovatsky, Igor G. Smirnov
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Patent number: 4889361Abstract: A suspension system for supporting the body of a heavy-duty vehicle on an axle and wheel assembly comprises a first suspension hanger for attachment to a longitudinally extending vehicle frame, a second suspension hanger for attachment to the vehicle frame at a position spaced longitudinally from the first hanger, an elongated composite beam spring member secured to the first or second hanger and extending toward the other of the hangers, and an axle attachment bracket operatively connected to the composite beam spring between the first and second hangers for supporting an axle.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1988Date of Patent: December 26, 1989Assignee: Suspension Group, Ltd.Inventor: Benjamin V. Booher
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Patent number: 4886292Abstract: An elastic suspension of a vehicle having a frame with at least one axle includes a lamination (3) of leaf springs interposed between the frame (1) and axle (2) and mechanically connected thereto. A plate bracelike spring (4) extends lengthwise of the lamination (3) of leaf springs. The adjacent mid portions (5,6) of the lamination (3) of leaf springs and plate bracelike spring (4) are mechanically interconnected by means of a fastening assembly (7).Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1988Date of Patent: December 12, 1989Assignee: Kievsky Inzhenerno-Stroitelny InstitutInventors: Ramil A. Azamatov, Mikhail N. Zamitter, Evgeny M. Zema, Vladimir A. Nedorezov, Anatoly K. Oblovatsky
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Patent number: 4871188Abstract: A suspension for tandem axles of a vehicle comprising a pair of walking beams, one for the right side and the other for the left side of the vehicle, each comprising a composite leaf spring comprising fibers embedded in a resin matrix, the fibers extending lengthwise of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1988Date of Patent: October 3, 1989Inventor: Bobby G. Baxter
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Patent number: 4846495Abstract: A suspension component assembly including a top plate assembly for mounting relative to a spring assembly of a vehicle and a saddle. The top plate assembly having a top plate and an alignment member having locating means for accurately receiving a nib of the spring assembly. The top plate having a slot or a recess on its underside for receiving the alignment member. The recess allowing movement of the member for adjustment of squareness of an axle of the vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Adjustment means associated with the top plate allows the location and holding of the alignment member at a desired location relative to the recess.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1988Date of Patent: July 11, 1989Inventor: Peter Laidely
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Patent number: 4813695Abstract: A multi-axle road vehicle has an equalizing resilient suspension for equalizing the load over the axles of a multi-axle set. The suspension is itself carried on a suspension subframe that is in turn mounted on the vehicle to pivot about a transverse, horizontal axis. The use of a pivoting subframe provides for equal axle loading over a much wider range of road conditions. The suspension system is especially suited for application to the "B" train multiple vehicle configuration, where the common suspension will be mounted on a subframe pivoted to the lead vehicle and carrying a fifth wheel for the following vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Assignee: Altank Industries Ltd.Inventor: Roy C. Reid
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Patent number: 4743044Abstract: A vehicle suspension system of the type having a load-bearing axial support. The suspension system is provided with leaf-springs coupling the support to wheel axles of the vehicle such that in normal operation the suspension means are pivotable about the support. Radius rods are pivotally coupled between the wheel axles and a leaf-spring member located above the load-bearing axial support which, in combination, resists the pivoting of the wheel axles about the load-bearing axial support.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1987Date of Patent: May 10, 1988Assignee: Bellotti Patent Registration CompanyInventor: Orfeo J. Bellotti
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Patent number: 4699399Abstract: A tandem-axle walking beam suspension is disclosed which uses bushings of novel design in the bores at opposite ends of the walking beams. The cores of the bushings have projecting ends each of which fits between the bifurcated end of one of the pair of axle bracket arms which straddle one end of each walking beam. A removable fastener, such as a nut and bolt is used to connect each projecting bushing core end and its associated bifurcated axle bracket arm. The resulting new system of connecting the equalizer or walking beams to the axle brackets provides easier serviceability of the beam end connections during repair or replacement and by using shims in the connections provides a convenient means of suspension alignment.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1986Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignee: The Boler CompanyInventors: Roger D. Jable, James B. Taylor
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Patent number: 4679819Abstract: A suspension system for a trailer in which the trailer has a structural member running along each opposed side thereof, the suspension system having a shaft rotatably supported to each of the structural members, the shafts extending in a common axis opposite to each other, a rocker plate affixed to each of the shafts in a plane parallel to and spaced from the trailer structural member, each rocker plate having a recess in each end, a pair of rocker arms for each rocker plate, the inner ends of each rocker arm being pivotally received in a recess in the rocker plate whereby the rocker arms extend away from each other and in a common plane with the rocker plate to which they are attached, an elongated leaf spring supported above each of the rocker plates, the longitudinal center of each spring being supported to the rocker plate below it, a shackle pivotally connected to each end of the spring above each rocker plate and to a point spaced from the outer end of each rocker arm, and an axle affixed to each rockerType: GrantFiled: January 31, 1986Date of Patent: July 14, 1987Inventor: Clyde O. Box
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Patent number: 4619467Abstract: An air spring apparatus for a vehicle suspension. An active air cylinder and piston of the apparatus are connected in series with the vehicle suspension. An inactive air cylinder constituting an air column extension of the active air cylinder is connected in series with the active air cylinder by an air conduit. The spring rate of the system is automatically adjustable to produce optimum isolation of impulsive forces and to maintain the forces on the road under dynamic conditions essentially equal to those forces under static conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1984Date of Patent: October 28, 1986Inventor: James W. Lafferty
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Patent number: 4570970Abstract: A stabilizing system is described for vehicles having multiple axles. The system involves the use of flexible yet nonextensible connecting members that may be mounted to extend between ends of axles (adjacent the wheels) and the vehicle frame. The connector will therefore preferably extend from the axle mount to an anchor point on the vehicle frame opposite the axle mount. The connectors will preferably be parallel to the axles and in a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the frame and ground surface. The connectors will allow relatively free vertical motion of the wheels and associated suspension but will transmit turning forces directly to the frame that would otherwise tend to bind the axles at their mounting bushings during turning movements of the associated vehicle. Transmission of these horizontal forces to the frame eliminates significant wear between the mounting points for the vehicle suspension, wheels, and frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1984Date of Patent: February 18, 1986Inventor: George Burfiend
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Patent number: 4570971Abstract: A suspension, particularly for coupled axles of industrial vehicles, comprising a first resilient center body acted upon by a pair of control arms carried by a pair of elements rotatably coupled to a center pin on the chassis of the vehicle, and second resilient lateral bodies formed of quarter elliptic springs supported by the rotatably coupled elements and having a degree of resiliency lower than that of the resilient center body so that in any loading condition the suspension will provide a certain degree of residual resiliency predetermined by design.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1984Date of Patent: February 18, 1986Inventor: Roberto Perlini
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Patent number: 4500110Abstract: The background disclosure is of a somewhat typical tandem-axle vehicle suspension, especially for motor trucks, made up of a pair of spring-supported, fore-and-aft walking beams and a pair of transverse rear axles. The improvement resides in structure interconnecting the axle housing and walking beams to provide for fore-and-aft adjustment of the axle housing relative to each other and to the walking beams so as to assure or at least approach parallelism of the axle housing with respect to each other and perpendicularity thereof to the vehicle fore-and-aft centerline. Each end of each walking beam is connected to its associated axle housing portion by a pair of relatively angularly cooperative members of circular configuration but having eccentric axes so that when one member is turned relative to the other, the fore-and-aft relationship of the adjusted axle housing changes.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1983Date of Patent: February 19, 1985Inventors: Fred A. McWhorter, William L. Bates
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Patent number: 4280710Abstract: A third axle is provided with auxiliary wheel mounts at opposite ends. Auxiliary cantilever leaf springs are fixed at their rear ends to the third axle and are pivotally connected at their forward ends to anchor plates which are mountable on the main rear axle, using the existing or similar U-shaped bolts normally used to attach the rear chassis frame support springs to the rear axle. Load transferring brackets secured to the chassis frame rest against the auxiliary springs intermediate their ends to transfer a predetermined portion of the load to the auxiliary wheels under all load conditions. The brackets are clamped to the chassis frame by bolts which bear against the top and bottom surfaces of portions of the frame to eliminate drilling, welding or otherwise modifying the frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1979Date of Patent: July 28, 1981Inventor: Gail E. Rogge
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Patent number: 4245852Abstract: A tandem axle suspension has frame supporting bracket assemblies on opposite sides. Each bracket assembly is connected through springs and torque rods to tandem axle assemblies. Lower torque rods are connected to outer ends of lower brackets. Inner ends of the lower brackets have upward box-like extensions which fit into complementary recesses in lower ends of the main frame supporting bracket. Shear forces which tend to separate the lower brackets from the main brackets, such as during heavy braking, are withstood by the projections and recesses. Crossover tubes fit within lower semicylindrical cavities in the lower brackets and cap plates with complementary upward facing semicylindrical cavities are fastened to the lower brackets to hold the crossover tubes.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1979Date of Patent: January 20, 1981Assignee: Rockwell International CorporationInventors: Tjong T. Lie, Charles G. Wright
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Patent number: 4192528Abstract: The invention relates to a bogie for vehicles of the type which has at least two movable axles against which the chassis of the vehicle rests over an equalizing beam arranged on either side of the chassis, the vertical forces being transmitted between the wheel axles and the equalizing beams by transmitting devices which are rigid when biased by tension and pressure stresses but yieldable to bending and shearing stresses. The connection points for these transmitting devices, at least at one axle, are located at a distance from the axle on a member which is rigidly connected to the axle, and a spring is arranged at such member to compensate for the moment conditioned by the distance between the axle and the connection points and resulting from movement of the axle.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1978Date of Patent: March 11, 1980Assignee: Volvo BM ABInventor: Lennart Bergquist