Abstract: 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 rocker

Abstract: A vehicle such as a 6.times.2 tractor having at least three axles is provided with a novel leaf spring suspension (1) for its middle axle. When the load, imposed on the chassis by a semi-trailer, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the free, rear, end of the leaf spring (1) engages the under-surface of the upper portion of a slipper bracket (4) attached to the chassis, and the middle axle takes a proportion of the load. With loads below the threshold, the free end drops through a vertical "air gap" and is held by a lower supporting arm on the slipper bracket, the middle axle being unloaded. The rear, driving, axle is thus more heavily loaded whenever the vehicle is part-laden, ensuring greater traction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tandem axle suspension in which the air pressure in an air spring (28) is controlled by a valve (40) which in turn is responsive to the load at the end of a leaf spring (12) to balance the load on a leaf spring axle (14) with the load on a tag axle (30). A crank mounting (36) connects the end of the leaf springs (12) to the valve (40). The valve (40) has a fixed valve seat (132) and a movable valve seat (116) both of which seat against a movable flat valve element (150). The movable valve seat (116) is biased against the movable flat valve element (150) in part by the load on the leaf spring (12) so that the valve seat (132) and the flat valve element (150) will separate when the load on the leaf spring axle (14) increases. The flat valve element (150) is biased against the fixed valve seat (132) in part by the air pressure int he air spring as the flat valve element (150) closes against the fixed valve seat (132) when the load on the tag axle (30) is at least equal to the load on the leaf spring axle (14).

Abstract: A 4-spring, tandem axle suspension system comprising a pair of semi-elliptic compound leaf spring assemblies positioned on each side of the vehicle frame in fore-and-aft alignment. The remote ends of each pair of leaf springs are retained by engagement with front and rear brackets extending from the vehicle frame on each side, while the adjacent or proximate ends of the spring assemblies on each side are connected by means of a pair of shackles to opposing ends of an equalizer bar pivotally mounted on a bracket rigidly attached to the vehicle frame between the adjacent spring ends. Each inner or adjacent end of each spring assembly is pivotally attached to its shackles by means of a pivot bolt passing through a bushing and spring eye formed on the uppermost leaf of the spring assembly.

Abstract: A suspension system for rail vehicles which have at least two wheelsets hng axles which are supported in a frame and within which a cross member extends parallel to the axles. The cross member is supported in the vehicle frame in a spring-cushioned manner wherein the frame with the integrated cross member consists essentially of an H-shaped part made of resiliently elastic fiber-reinforced material.

Abstract: A suspension (10) for multi-wheeled vehicles includes a pair of outer equalizing beams (18) rockably supported by trunnion assemblies (22, 26) for deflection in response to changes in the terrain over which the vehicle travels. The equalizing beams (18) mount a pair of axles (16) supporting ground-engaging wheels. At least one inner equalizing beam (20) is mounted to a trunnion assembly (24) with the inner equalizing beam (20) providing a support for mounting of two leaf spring assemblies (28, 30) between the outer equalizing beams (18). In one embodiment, a four-axle suspension includes two leaf spring assemblies (28, 30) on each side of the vehicle. Each leaf spring assembly (28, 30) is secured between one of the outer equalizing beams (18) and the inner equalizing beam (20). The leaf spring assemblies (28, 30) include an axle connection (34) for supporting an axle (14) and a ground-engaging wheel.

Abstract: The load of a trailer is applied to lower members of shackles that have upper members rigidly attached to axle housings of tandem axle assemblies. Linkages and levers are connected between a lower pivotal member of a swivel assembly supporting the load and the ends of the axle assemblies. Rotation of the main frame of the trailer on the swivel arrangement during turning actuates the linkages and levers for displacing both axle assemblies in the desired directions to facilitate turning. The upper and lower members of each shackle move in a relative arcuate direction for raising the load slightly as the angle of turning is increased. The force of the load tends to return the shackles and the axle assemblies to the normal positions for straight travel and thereby contributes to stability.

Abstract: In a leaf spring suspension assembly for tandem axles of the so-called 4-spring short-rocker tandem suspension system type wherein a front, a center and a rear hanger are secured to the chassis of a vehicle, respectively in pairs, and positioned between an equalizer pivotally mounted to each of the center hangers and each of the front hangers as well as each of the rear hangers are a front and a rear leaf spring arranged so as to be slidable at their respective end portions, a front axle and a rear axle being respectively supported by the front and the rear leaf springs, whereby the front hanger and a portion of the front axle as well as the center hanger and a portion of the rear axle are connected together by torque rods, respectively, the equalizer being pivotably mounted to the center hanger at a position above the line connecting the sliding contact portions of the ends of the front and rear leaf springs with the ends of the equalizer by a predetermined amount, and the pivotally connecting position of th

Abstract: A vehicle transporter is disclosed, for use in filming scenes in which characters are shown as occupying a moving vehicle, and in which the characters, and adjacent parts of the vehicle, appear in the foreground, and which transporter can also be used for straightforward transportation of such a vehicle by road.The vehicle transporter comprises a low flat platform so contrived that the vehicle in question can readily be driven or wheeled onto it from behind, the transporter having at its front end a relatively raised structure, carrying castor wheels, and having a draw bar bearing a towing attachment.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a leaf spring suspension assembly for a tractor trailer or the like having single or multiple axles includes a first and second hanger with a camelback spring slidingly secured to an axle bracket assembly with a single torque rod extending between the forward hanger and the axle bracket assembly to stabilize same and prevent axle wind up or wheel hopping. In a multiple axle vehicle, a pivoting type equalizer is mounted between leaf springs and provides the bearing support for an end of each spring. In a second embodiment, an equalizer is supported from the chassis member by an elastomeric spring member with a shock absorber dampening the oscillation thereof. The equalizer is stabilized in the fore and aft direction by a mounting bracket and web assembly within which the mounting bracket extends, and a telescoping tube assembly vertically aligned and surrounding the shock absorber to permit vertical movement but restrict fore and aft movement of same.

Abstract: An improved I beam construction for longitudinal I beams preferably as used n trailer frames. The I beam is comprised of a top flange, a bottom flange, a vertical web wall interconnecting the top and bottom flanges along their centerlines in a customary manner, for a substantial part of its length, with the novel aspect including a portion of the vertical web wall offset laterally toward the outer side edges of the top and bottom flanges so that said offset wall portion is essentially flush with those said edges. The purpose of this offsetting is to provide more advantageous horizontal and vertical mounting surfaces for saddle mount capability and attachment of a trailer's wheel suspension assembly, which construction is found to be stronger than can otherwise be fabricated.

Abstract: A suspension system for a double-axle vehicle has been developed which allows load-sharing up and down movement of the axles to occur in a rectilinear manner so as to cope with road surface irregularities, such as potholes. The rectilinear manner of the movement ensures that the axles do not twist and, for example set up driveline vibration in a driven axle. The forward end of the leading spring and the trailing end of the other spring are each carried by a cranked rocker. The intermediate ends of the springs are interconnected by a further rocker. A torsion shaft links one axle to a rocker mounting point, and the free arms of the two cranked rockers are connected by a rod which causes the cranked rockers to move synchronously as the springs move up and down, thereby ensuring rectilinear movement of the springs.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly having a spring means resiliently supporting axle loading, and including an axle seat to which a vehicle axle is secured. The axle seat is pivotally mounted to apply a moment to the axle seat upon axle loading, said moment applying a force to the spring proportional and in opposition to the loading force. The suspension further includes a mounting assembly for mounting an oscillating member such as a compensator to a fixed member such as a pedestal. The mounting assembly comprises a bushing assembly having a center shaft, the oscillating member oscillating about the axis of said shaft. A sleeve surrounds the shaft, and one of said oscillating or fixed members is secured to the sleeve. The other of said members has an open slot therein which is sized to allow insertion of the bushing shaft therein by passing the shaft through the open end of the slot. Clamping means secure the shaft to the slotted member.

Abstract: A shoe skate includes a single row of in-line wheels or rollers, mounted on the shoe as front and rear wheel units. The front wheel unit includes a bogie pivoted about a transverse axis and carrying leading and trailing wheels, enabling the skater to maintain these wheels in contact with the skating surface where the heel of the shoe is raised. The rear wheel unit is mounted on the heel of the skating shoe. A leaf spring bears on the opposite ends of the bogie, to maintain the bogie in a normal stable condition relative to the shoe.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A mounting structure for vehicle suspensions for adjustably mounting first and second members of the suspension including a pin extending through aligned openings in the first and second members. The openings in one of these members are greater in at least one dimension than the pin which may be released from a locking condition to allow the pin to slide within the opening in the direction of its larger dimension producing movement of one of the members relative to the other for purposes of providing axle alignment, adjustment of axle load distribution, and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle for travel along rice field levees and the like to spray chemicals upon such levees so as to control the growth of unwanted vegetation thereon. The vehicle includes a frame member having first and second sides. A pair of wheels are pivotally mounted to each side of the frame through elongated arm members in such a manner so as to hold the frame high above the supporting surface of the vehicle. The wheels mounted on each side of the frame are simultaneously driven by a motor separately from the wheels mounted on the other side of the frame in such a manner that the vehicle may be steered by individually controlling the rotation of the wheels on either side of the vehicle to thereby allow "skid steer" type steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: A farm implement carrier is provided including an elongated load bed having front and rear ends. The front end of the load bed includes structure for hitching to a draft vehicle and a rear frame section is provided including a pair of opposite side elongated longitudinal members. Wheeled transverse axle structure is supported beneath the frame and supports the latter intermediate the opposite ends of the longitudinal members. The rear end of the load bed includes follower structure guidingly engaged and supported from the longitudinal members of the frame for shifting therealong from the front ends thereof, when the latter are inclined downwardly for engagement with the ground, to the rear ends thereof behind the axle structure or assembly and the fulcrum defined thereby, whereby to over-balance the rear ends of the longitudinal members and cause the front ends thereof to swing upwardly into engagement with the under-side portions of the opposite sides of the load bed.

Abstract: An axle suspension with a unitary bracket attachable to a vehicle frame, the bracket having three sets of depending rails, between the first two of which a torque beam is pivoted with members at its other end for connection to an axle, and between the second and third rail sets a lift beam is pivoted to lie alongside the torque beam, the lift beam having members for connection to the axle; a hydraulic piston motor connected between the bracket and the lift beam; and a leaf spring bearing at one of its ends on the axle opposite to the piston motor; bearing at its middle on the bracket to receive vehicle load, and shackle members for supporting its other end.

Abstract: An equalized suspension system is provided for the truck of a truck-trailer combination of the tandem axle type. The suspension on each side of the vehicle includes independent semi-elliptic leaf springs mounted in tandem relationship one behind the other, and which are respectively connected at their midpoint to the forward and rearward axles. The remote ends of each spring are supported in rolling contact with respective roller assemblies housed by respective brackets which, in turn, are secured to the frame of the truck. An equalizer support bracket is provided between the adjacent ends of each pair of springs and an equalizer is pivotally supported within each equalizer support bracket. The adjacent ends of the springs are pivotally attached to shackles which, in turn, are pivotally mounted to the respective equalizers.

Abstract: A low floored trailer has a base frame welded to wheel arches and flooring formed over the major part of corrugated sheet welded to the base frame and overlaid with wood, between the wheel arches i.e. above the wheel axles, the floor is formed by a flat plate. Upright corrugated walls are also welded to the base frame. The axles are supported by springs carried by cross beams in the wheel arches to that the load carried by the trailer is transmitted through the springs to the base frame in the vicinity of the wheel arches and into the upright walls. Because of the lowness of the floor a larger than usual internal height is obtained, which is important especially where the overall height of the trailer is restricted by regulations.