Abstract: This disclosure is directed towards a chassis system and more particularly to a spindle cross member for the chassis system which is suitable for an articulated vehicle. At least one of the cross members of the chassis system is spindle cross member comprising a main member, having a middle section and tubular end sections. The middle section has an at least partially curved middle section wall which defines a cavity with an opening for receiving a head of a suspension frame of the chassis system. The tubular end sections are located at each end of the middle section located along a longitudinal axis of the spindle cross member. The spindle cross member further comprises means for pivotally attaching the head of the suspension frame to the middle section wall within the cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes at least one anchor bar, at least one axle lift spring, an auxiliary drop-type axle which may be selectively lifted or lowered and a single, integrated support attaching the at least one axle lift spring and the at least one anchor bar to the auxiliary drop-type axle, wherein the single, integrated support provides the only attachment of the at least one axle lift spring and the at least one anchor bar to the auxiliary drop-type axle, and wherein the support includes an open area configured to allow the passage of a cardan.

Abstract: Track system for a vehicle having a chassis and a drive shaft extending laterally outwardly from the chassis includes: An attachment assembly having a leading pivot and a trailing pivot. A multi-member frame assembly including: a leading frame member pivotably connected to the attachment assembly via the leading pivot for pivoting about a leading pivot axis; a trailing frame member pivotably connected to the attachment assembly via the trailing pivot for pivoting about a trailing pivot axis; a leading wheel-bearing frame member at least indirectly pivotably connected to the leading frame member; a trailing wheel-bearing frame member at least indirectly pivotably connected to the trailing frame member. A damper interconnecting the leading frame member and the trailing frame member. A leading idler wheel assembly; a trailing idler wheel assembly; support wheel assemblies; a gearbox; a sprocket wheel; and an endless track.

Abstract: An adjustable limit bar assembly for a suspension system includes an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and an attachment mechanism disposed on an end of the elongated member and configured for attachment to a vehicle frame component. First bumper and second bumpers are co-axially disposed on the elongated member and spaced from a plate connected to an axle by a distance, wherein the distance is adjustable.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an air assist suspension, for use in a wide range of vehicles and implements having multiple axles (such as agricultural equipment). The air assist suspension uses one or more air bags (e.g., fluid-filled bladders, containers, pistons, and the like) to assist in adjusting the loading of the implement with respect to the multiple axles. In one embodiment, the air assist suspension also uses one or more rocker assemblies, coupled to the air bag(s) and coupled to the axles.

Abstract: An air suspension system of a tandem axle assembly for a trailer includes a front axle air spring configured to be coupled to a front axle assembly of the tandem axle assembly and a rear axle air spring configured to be coupled to a rear axle assembly of the tandem axle assembly. The air suspension system further includes an air reservoir in fluid communication with the front axle air spring and the rear axle air spring and a ratio valve in fluid communication with the air reservoir, the front axle air spring, and the rear axle air spring. The ratio valve is positioned between the air reservoir and the front axle air spring. Further, the ratio valve is selectively operable to send a lesser amount of air from the air reservoir to the front axle air spring than to the rear axle air spring.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an air assist suspension, for use in a wide range of vehicles and implements having multiple axles (such as agricultural equipment). The air assist suspension uses one or more air bags (e.g., fluid-filled bladders, containers, pistons, and the like) to assist in adjusting the loading of the implement with respect to the multiple axles. In one embodiment, the air assist suspension also uses one or more rocker assemblies, coupled to the air bag(s) and coupled to the axles.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle chassis includes a pair of trailing arms, a pair of air springs and a guiding assembly for preventing lateral loads from being transferred to the air springs. Each trailing arm is pivotally mounted to the vehicle chassis so as to permit an arcuate movement of the vehicle axle. A first lateral surface faces in a first lateral direction and a second lateral surface faces in an opposite second lateral direction. The guiding assembly includes a first guide element mounted beneath the vehicle chassis which extends proximate the first lateral surface so as to block lateral movement thereof in the first lateral direction. The guiding assembly further includes a second guide element mounted beneath the vehicle chassis and which extends proximate the second lateral surface so as to block lateral movement thereof in the second lateral direction. The suspension system can be adapted to a tandem suspension.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is provided including a stabilization system configured to resist roll-over of a trailer portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tandem suspension for connecting a vehicle chassis to front and rear steerable axles is provided. The tandem suspension includes, on each side of the vehicle, a front leaf spring linking the chassis and the front axle, a rear leaf spring linking the chassis and the rear axle, an equalizer assembly mounted to the chassis for equalizing the front and rear axles, a front air spring disposed between the chassis and the front axle, a rear air spring disposed between the chassis and the rear axle, and a pneumatic control system pneumatically linked to the front and rear air springs for supplying pressurised gas thereto and operable to unload one of the front and rear air springs. A method of installing a tandem suspension in a vehicle having a first steerable axle and a front leaf spring is also provided.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is provided including a stabilization system configured to resist roll-over of a trailer portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a multi-axle vehicle has an air bag system including at least one air bag operatively associated with the vehicle wheels on selected wheel and axle sets to control relative movement between each of the selected wheels and a supporting frame structure of the vehicle. The system has an air-flow control arrangement to control the flow of air into each air bag to thereby control the relative movement of the wheels and vehicle frame structure. A pressurizing arrangement is provided to maintain a selected, predetermined pressure in the air bag system when the vehicle is at rest to thereby maintain a desired vehicle height. The pressurizing arrangement includes a valve to admit pressurized air to or exhaust air from the air bag system to maintain the predetermined vehicle height. The valve is actuated by a link associated with a rocker member connected to spaced axles of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tandem drive arrangement includes one or more independently driven wheels (118) that are arranged in a tandem configuration along a beam (120). The beam (120) is rotatably connected to a frame (102) of a machine (100). The tandem drive arrangement further includes an actuator (206) operating to selectively impart a rotating moment to the beam (102). The rotating moment tends to rotate the beam (120) in one direction and counteracts a torque imbalance resulting from operation of motors (128) rotating one or more independently driven wheels (118) connected to the beam (120).

Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. A trailing arm-type wheel support supports a stub axle in a cantilevered fashion. A spring urges the wheel support apart from the frame. A planar portion of the wheel support, the wheel support pivot joints, and the spring are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In another embodiment, the frame includes a recessed pocket which facilitates use of ramp for wheel chair access.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer slider includes spaced apart longitudinal side rails having control arm supports extending downwardly from the side rails for supporting the slider. Portions of the longitudinal side rails and the control arms supports are integrated using one or more common plates. Lightening holes and edge of the slider are flanged to reinforce the walls. Coining and ribbing are also used for additional reinforcement. Lateral cross-members extend between the longitudinal side rails. The lateral cross-members have tabs on opposing ends that are received in an interlocking relationship with complementary elongated slots in the longitudinal side rails. Air spring supports arranged at forward and rearward portions of the slider are secured to the longitudinal side rails, the control arm supports, and the lateral cross-members to provide a structurally rigid frame. The air spring supports provide spaced apart air spring mounting pads.

Abstract: A half-track vehicle includes a frame, first and second beams having forward and rearward wheels attached thereto, and first and second suspension systems. The frame includes a first side and a second side, and the first suspension system suspends the first beam from the frame adjacent the first side of the frame and the second suspension system suspends the second beam from the frame adjacent the second side of the frame. Each suspension system includes at least one element, such as a trailing arm, and A-arm, and a transverse suspension member, that is attached to one of frame and an associated one of the first and second beams in a manner that permits three degrees of rotational movement and that transmits motive force from the first and second beams to the frame.

Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. A trailing arm-type wheel support supports a stub axle in a cantilevered fashion. A spring urges the wheel support apart from the frame. A planar portion of the wheel support, the wheel support pivot joints, and the spring are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In another embodiment, the frame includes a recessed pocket which facilitates use of ramp for wheel chair access.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of equalizing beams, two pairs of axle housings each having a lower portion connected to opposite ends of the equalizing beams, two pairs of linkage arms operably connected to an upper portion of each of the axle housings and with a vehicle frame, and a pair of air cylinders operably connected to the equalizing beams at a point located between the ends of the beams and with the vehicle frame. The system further includes a torsional beam extending between the first and second air cylinders, wherein the torsional beam provides the operable connection between the first cylinder and the point of the first equalizing beam located between the ends of the first equalizing beam, and the operable connection between the second cylinder and the point of the second equalizing beam located between the ends of the second equalizing beam.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system comprising a frame and a pair of levers carried by the frame. Each lever is pivotally mounted for swinging movement on an axis extending transverse to the frame. A pair of forward-extending beams and rearward-extending beams have pivot connections with a respective lever and support a forward and rearward axle. Two forward springs and two rearward springs are each interposed between the beams and the frame. A pair of torque arms is carried by the frame forward of the forward-extending beams. Each torque arm has a first pivot connection with a respective beam and a second pivot connection with the frame forward of the first pivot connection with the beam. The torque arms function to restrict pivotal movement of the beams about their respective pivot connections with the levers thereby to reduce torsional forces applied to the forward axle.

Abstract: An elevating trailer for moving between a low, cargo-loading position and an elevated, cargo-transporting position. The frame of the trailer has opposing sides, each side carrying a pair of tandem wheels. An inflatable air bag is mounted on a supporting and pivotal frame above the trailer side. When the bags are inflated the arms of the supporting frames are spread apart, lifting the frame. When the bags are deflated, the arms pivot toward each other, lowering the frame and facilitating loading of cargo into a container mounted on the trailer frame.

Abstract: Tandem rear axle air suspensions for trucks and truck-tractors wherein a non-reactive, roll compliant drive axle suspension equipped with wheel slip sensing and control apparatus is combined with a roll stable, non-drive tag or pusher axle suspension equipped with apparatus for transferring weight to the drive axle suspension. The preferred technology for the non-drive tag or pusher axle suspension is a rigid beam suspension. The wheel slip sensing and control apparatus and the weight transfer apparatus may be either automatically or manually operated.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting a trailer frame on a trailer axle is provided. The suspension system includes a connector disposed about the trailer axle and upper and lower arms. The upper and lower arms are each coupled to the frame and to the connector. The upper arm is coupled to the connector at a point between the axle and the longitudinal rails of the frame. The lower arm is coupled to the connector at a point between the axle and ground. The upper and lower arms together form a Watt's linkage that minimizes and/or eliminates movement of the axle in the direction of vehicle travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system for installation between a chassis and dual axles of a vehicle. The suspension system includes an equalizer beam pivotally linking the axles together. A trailing arm support member is pivotally attached to a hanger bracket on the chassis. A suspension saddle is secured to the trailing arm support member to provide pivotal support for an equalizer beam. Air springs are located between the chassis and the trailing arm support member.

Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. A trailing arm-type wheel support supports a stub axle in a cantilevered fashion. A spring urges the wheel support apart from the frame. A planar portion of the wheel support, the wheel support pivot joints, and the spring are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In another embodiment, the frame includes a recessed pocket which facilitates use of ramp for wheel chair access.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system including a wheel support pivotally attached to a vehicle frame at two, laterally-spaced locations, the wheel support being pivotal between an uppermost and a lowermost position. The wheel support is biased to a position intermediate of the uppermost and lowermost positions by a spring. The spring urges apart a spring support of the wheel support from the vehicle frame, the spring support being below the rotational axis of the wheel. The pivotal axes of the pivotal attachments are located below the rotational axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A load distributing tandem suspension assembly for supporting a chassis of a vehicle. Front and rear elongated spring arrangements are connected to each other through an intermediate equalizer arrangement. The front spring arrangement has a leaf spring pivotally attached between the chassis and the equalizer arm of the equalizer arrangement. The rear spring arrangement has a shorter leaf spring pivotally attached to the equalizer arm and assisted by a shock absorber attached between the rear end of the leaf spring and the chassis. A guiding device guides the rear end of the second spring element up and down with respect to the chassis in a vertical course.

Abstract: A truck trailer having a pair of tandem spaced apart rear axles and a suspension system for supporting the axles from the chassis of the trailer having a pivot member intermediate the axles about which the axles may pivot relatively to one another, the axles being connected to respective ends of leaf springs. The trailer has apparatus for lifting one of the axles relative to the other axle selectively so that the wheels carried by the lifted axle may be lifted off the roadway. The apparatus for lifting includes air bags which may be inflated by pressurized air or deflated to control the position of the axle to be raised. The air bags are positioned between one of the axles and the chassis and when pressurized air inflates the bags the other axle is lifted about the pivot member.

Abstract: Two-axle vehicle suspension arrangement with a support member (6), which supports the wheel axle (16) and is resiliently joined to a vehicle frame by an air spring (8, 9) at each end of the support member. The air springs are at different distances (a1, a2) to the axle. The spring force (F1) of the air spring (8) closest (a1) to the axle (16) has a greater spring force (F2) than the other air spring.

Abstract: A trunnion suspension arrangement for a vehicle featuring a pair of generally parallel frame rails, such as a transport trailer, includes, for each frame rail, a trailing beam with a leading portion and a trailing portion. A hanger is attached to the frame rail and the leading portion of the trailing beam is pivotally connected to the hanger by a spherical bearing. An air spring and a shock absorber are connected between the trailing portion of the trailing beam and the frame rail. An axle is connected to the trailing beam between the hanger and the air spring. A bumper featuring arcuate side members is attached to the trailing portion of the trailing beam so that it partially surrounds the air spring. A cage, which is connected to the frame rail, surrounds the bumper and features slide pads that are engaged by the arcuate side members of the bumper to limit transverse horizontal travel of the trailing portion of the trailing beam.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle tandem axle has air springs positioned adjacent the ends of the trailing and lead axles of the tandem axle. Pairs of air springs on each side of the vehicle are pneumatically connected to form a common reservoir. Displacement of the ends of the lead and trailing axles of the tandem axle are averaged to provide a controlling input to air spring pressurization controllers provided for each pair of air springs.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer frame includes one or more cross member/suspension system mounting assemblies which mount axle/suspension systems and provide support against the twisting, parallelogram and S-shaped deflections typically caused by vertical, lateral, longitudinal and roll loads commonly encountered by a vehicle trailer during operation, and which can cause premature wear of trailer frame components. Each cross member/suspension system mounting assembly employs a minimal number of parts to support a single axle/suspension system, and includes a cross member and a suspension assembly mounting member disposed at each end of the cross member. Each suspension assembly mounting member is generally triangular-shaped and includes a horizontally-disposed base and a pair of vertically extending, diagonally opposed gussets.

Abstract: A suspension system is shown and described for use with first and second frame members positioned on first and second sides of a vehicle chassis. Both frame members have a hanger mounted thereto. The suspension system includes two upper and two lower control arms. One upper and one lower control arm are positioned on each side of the vehicle. Both arms are pivotally mounted to the hanger positioned on that side of the vehicle and are further pivotally mounted to an axle seat also positioned on that side of the vehicle. A transverse stabilizer is mounted to the underside of both lower control arms and extends across the vehicle, from one side to the other, in a direction generally transverse to that of the arms. One air spring is mounted on each side of the vehicle to the frame member and the axle seat on that side. Likewise, one shock absorber is mounted on each side of the vehicle to the frame member and to the axle seat on that side.

Abstract: A substantially weld free frame bracket for connecting a suspension to the frame rail of a heavy duty vehicle which includes a plate member and an attached cradle having pivotally bolted to it one or more beams, the pivotal connecting bolts serving as the connection to the plate member. A cross-member connects opposing brackets on either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having a box shaped beam having a top plate, a bottom plate, a front plate and a pair of end plates. The top plates and bottom plates are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the axle height and are securely welded thereto along both the top and bottom of the axle. A pair of axially aligned and spaced apart pivots are secured intermediate the top plates and bottom plate, and receive a pivot pin for mounting the box beam to a vehicle. Each pivot includes a bushing, which, in an alternative embodiment, includes a horizontal spring rate, a vertical spring rate and an axial spring rate. Additionally, the top plate and bottom plate are welded to the axle along a substantial portion of the length thereof for substantially reducing torque in the axle, and for significantly reducing bending stresses felt by the axle. In an alternative embodiment, the sidewalls are integrally formed with the top and bottom walls for ease of manufacture.

Abstract: An improved suspension system includes a central bracket that pivotally receives box beams fixed to each lateral side of the axles of each wheel. The combined spaced box beams and axle move as a unit, to provide roll stability to the suspension. The invention eliminates the need for any separate stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a longitudinally extending frame, an axle connected to the frame for relative movement with respect thereto, an air spring mounted between the frame and the axle to yieldably support the axle with respect to the frame, and upper and lower trailing arms attached to each side of the frame. A first torsion bar extends between and is rigidly attached to the upper trailing arms and a second torsion bar extends between and is rigidly attached to the lower trailing arms. The torsion bar cooperates with the springs during deflection of the suspension system with respect to the frame to thereby yieldably resist relative movement between the trailing arms and the frame. In one embodiment, the upper and lower trailing arms are parallel to each other. This arrangement results in load equalization between the suspension assemblies. Any relative torque caused by deflection of the trailing arms is equally distributed between both torque bars.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets. A first intermediate bracket dependent from a vehicle, a second intermediate bracket a pair of control arms, and a torque rod. One end of each control arm is pivotally mounted on a corresponding hanger bracket. Another end of each control arm, is pivotally attached to an axle seat. The torque arm is pivotally mounted between the first and second intermediate brackets. One end of a stabilizer bar is mounted to each control arm to increase the suspensions roll stability, and resistance to lateral deflection. In one embodiment, the stabilizer bar extends through a hole formed in each control arm, and in other embodiments, flanges extend outwardly from the stabilizer bar adjacent respective control arms for mounting the stabilizer bar to the control arms.

Abstract: A start-assist system for a vehicle using air actuators attached to one of rear axles, behaving as a drive axle, is provided to increase the load to the drive axle and the traction when the vehicle starts to run. A control device supplies air to the air actuators when the unladen vehicle is stopped, but discharges air from the air actuators, while keeping residual air in them, when the laden vehicle is stopped or when the vehicle runs at a speed over a predetermined speed. Thus the air actuators are protected from collapsing.

Abstract: A wheel suspension including a wheel support pivotally attached to a vehicle frame at two, laterally-spaced locations, the wheel support being pivotable between uppermost and lowermost positions, a wheel rotatably mounted to the wheel support, a leaf spring mounted between the vehicle frame and the wheel support to bias the wheel support to a position intermediate the uppermost, and lowermost positions, and a second biasing device, such as an air bag or coil spring, mounted outside of the vehicle frame and biasing the wheel support to an intermediate position.

Abstract: A spring support for a motor vehicle has a center tube frame with a backbone tube supported through a pair of spaced apart transverse beams, and a pair of final drive casings spaced apart and mounted to the center tube frame on the backbone tube. Pairs of half-axles are mounted for swinging motion on each final drive casing. Pairs of fluid springs are mounted between a bracket connected to the backbone tube and each half-axle by seats provided on each bracket engaged with the fluid spring. Each seat is oriented to form an acute angle with a vertical axis symmetry plane of the center tube frame. Inclined rigid struts having an upper portion and a foot portion connect each fluid spring, to the corresponding half-axle. An embodiment in which two pairs of half-axles are supported on the center tube frame by fluid springs and a mechanical spring connected at a spring center to each side of the central tube frame further supports one half-axle of each pair of half-axles is also provided.

Abstract: A suspension assembly comprising a combination torque rod and sway bar is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises two arms that are pivotally coupled at a first end to a first and second end of a crossmember, the second ends of the arms being coupled to a vehicle axle. By providing a suspension assembly in this manner, the arms function as torque rods to absorb the longitudinal stresses generated by the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. The arms also work in combination with the crossmember to function as a sway bar, the pivotal coupling between the arms and crossmember allowing the assembly to transfer vertical forces from one side to the other, while still allowing the axle to cross-articulate. In this manner, the number of components, weight, and cost of manufacture is minimized, traction is improved, and component fatigue and failure is minimized.

Abstract: A V-bar suspension linkage is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, two arms are mounted between the axle and the vehicle frame rails, the arms extending outwardly at an angle to each other to form a "V" shaped linkage, having its vertex at the axle. The first end of each arm is coupled to the axle via a vertically oriented bushing pin that is secured to an axle bracket which in turn is mounted on the axle. By vertically mounting the bushing pins, the ends of the arms may be closer together, thereby increasing the angle between the arms and reducing the stresses in the arms and bushings. The distal end of each arm is coupled to a frame rail via a vertically oriented bushing pin that is secured in place by anchor lugs that are provided on upper and lower gussets that form part of the vehicle frame assembly. The pitch and lateral placement of the axle is easily adjusted at the axle via use of spacers between the axle bracket and bushing pins.

Abstract: The inventive device controls the trailing axle of a vehicle having at least two rear axles, wherein at least one rear axle is a driving axle. Pressure fluid chambers, mounted on both the driving and trailing axles, support the vehicle structure. Their pressure is varied to raise or lower the vehicle structure depending on the vehicle load and road conditions. The inventive device further comprises a first valve arrangement and a second valve arrangement. The first valve arrangement selectively connects the pressure fluid chambers of the driving axle to a compressed-air supply, to a pressure fluid sink, or isolates them. The first valve arrangement has a first and a second valve. The first valve is a 3/2-position valve actuated by a first solenoid. The second valve of the first valve arrangement is a 2/2-position valve actuated by a second solenoid. The second valve arrangement is a 3-position valve actuated by a third solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tandem axle suspension of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,553, for use with trailer tag axles with structural modifications being made thereto adapting the tandem axle suspension of the present invention for use with a vehicle having a tandem pair of drive axles. The suspension includes a torque spring bracket that enables torque springs to be easily assembled to or disassembled from the suspension assembly, the spring bracket being equally well suited for tandem axle suspensions as well as single axle suspensions.

Abstract: Air-ride suspensions for vehicles include composite leaf springs having fibers embedded in a resin matrix. Air springs are interposed between the leaf springs and the vehicle adjacent free ends of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A dual axle assembly for large vehicles having an elongated vehicle frame, a forward axle housing, a first torque arm rearwardly extending from the forward axle housing, a rearward axle housing having a second torque arm forwardly extending from the rearward axle housing, the first and second torque arms being generally parallel to and spaced apart from each other, the first torque arm having an outer end pivotally affixed to the rearward axle housing and the second torque arm having an outer end pivotally affixed to the forward axle housing, spring supports extending between the forward and rearward axle housings to the vehicle, and a wheel structure supported at each opposed ends of each axle housing being pivotal in vertical planes about an axis drawn through the points of pivotal attachments of the torque arms.

Abstract: A torque beam assembly is provided with a bushing clamp assembly at one end and an axle seat assembly at a second end that reduce the torsional stress exerted on the torque beam during normal suspension operation of a vehicle employing the torque beam assembly. The bushing clamp is formed as a cylinder having a slot through one side of the cylinder wall that is resiliently biased open to facilitate the insertion of a pivot bushing into the cylinder and the removal of the bushing from the cylinder. The pivot bushing is provided with troughs in its end walls and cavities that extend into the bushing from the troughs that together reduce torsional twisting stress exerted on the torque beam. The axle seat assembly is provided with inboard and outboard side plates that each have first ends connected to the torque beam and second ends that are flared outward and spaced further apart from each other than are the first ends.

Abstract: A heavy duty suspension system for multiple axle over-the-road semi trailers. A rigid frame for the suspension includes beams on opposite sides which are connected with the trailer body. Hangers receive the front ends of spring beams to which the axles are connected. Torque arms connect the hangers with the axles. Behind the axles, air cushions are interposed between the spring beams and frame to provide an air ride. A transverse track rod is provided behind each axle to accept laterally applied loads. Each track rod is pivoted at one end to the back of one spring beam and at the other end to a track rod hanger suspended from the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for shifting vehicle loads between the axles of multi-axle vehicles. The apparatus includes means for automatically restoring pneumatic pressure to the suspension system of an axle when the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed. The apparatus also includes means for automatically exhausting the pneumatic pressure if the speed of the vehicle falls below the predetermined speed within a predetermined time from actuating the device. The process includes the steps of automatically restoring pressure to the pneumatic suspension system of a dead axle when a predetermined speed has been exceeded, and again exhausting the pressure if a fall in vehicle speed below the predetermined speed occurs within a specified time. An override in both the apparatus and method prevents exhaustion of the pneumatic pressure after a predetermined time from first exhausting the pressure.