Abstract: A suspension travel control system (1046) for a vehicle suspension is disclosed. The suspension travel control system includes a stop post (834) secured to the vehicle frame and a suspension travel control formation that includes a base (1042) and a body (1048). The stop post (834) is positioned in a space defined by the body (1048). The suspension travel control formation may be secured to the axle, the main support member or incorporated into the axle coupling assembly to provide a rebound and jounce stop as well as longitudinal redundancy in the event of the failure or loss of a longitudinal linkage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for controlling an actuating device (8) in a handling machine (1) comprising a main movable body (2) and a handling arm (6) intended to receive a load that is to be moved, the actuating device being configured to perform a movement of the handling arm in relation to the main body, the method comprising: measuring a parameter indicative of a tilting force applied to the main body in relation to a tilting axis, and stopping or hindering a movement of the handling arm performed or requested when a stopping condition is met, the stopping condition being dependent on the parameter indicative of the measured tilting force, and, in which, when a reinforced operating mode is selected, the stopping condition is also dependent on a parameter representative of the speed of the movement of the handling arm.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle includes a body frame, a right wheel and a left wheel, a linkage mechanism including arms rotatably supported on the body frame, buffer devices, a left-right tilt angle control mechanism configured to control a tilt angle of the body frame by adjusting a rotation of the arms with respect to the body frame, a buffer control mechanism configured to suppress motion of the buffer devices, and a control section. The control section determines whether to cause the left-right tilt angle control mechanism to perform roll angle control during traveling toward stop, and performs control of causing the buffer control mechanism to suppress motion of the buffer devices in a period in which the vehicle speed is in at least a part of a low-speed traveling range and in at least a part of a period in which the left-right tilt angle control mechanism.

Abstract: A stability enhancing system for a vehicle having a suspension system including a spring is disclosed herein. The stability enhancing system includes, but is not limited to, a processor that is mounted on the vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The sensor is configured to detect a dynamic condition of the vehicle. A locking mechanism is connected to the spring and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the spring from releasing a stored energy when the locking mechanism is locked. The processor is configured to obtain the dynamic condition from the sensor, to utilize the dynamic condition to determine whether a wheel lift event will occur, and to provide commands to the locking mechanism to lock if the processor determines that a wheel lift event will occur.

Abstract: A suspension restraint system for an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) includes a clamp fixed to at least one control arm of a suspension system, the clamp including a post, a rod mount fixed to a frame member, a rod configured to be secured to the rod mount, the rod including a hook, the hook being configured to engage the post of the clamp. The rod is configured to engage said clamp and restrain a movement of the suspension system when the suspension system is in a lowered position relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle including a chassis; an axle coupled to the chassis to oscillate about a longitudinal axis parallel to a direction of advance of the vehicle; a pair of cylinders disposed between the axle and the chassis for blocking oscillation of the axle; and a fixing assembly for fixing the cylinders to the chassis, the fixing assembly comprising a plate, a plurality of connection screws extending through the plate, at least one annular rest portion affixed in cantilever fashion to one of the chassis and the plate, the annular rest portion surrounding a corresponding one of the plurality of connection screws and defining a shoulder that supports the plate in a radial direction with respect to the axis of the connection screw.

Abstract: A suspension system, in particular for a working machine, such as a tractor or similar device, with a suspension cylinder (10) is subjected to various load pressures (m). The piston slide (12) and rod side (14) of the system may each be connected to a suspension reservoir (16, 18). A locking device (20) locks the suspension and, with an equalization device (28) having a switching valve (48) within the supply device, controls the piston side (12) of the suspension cylinder (10). A pressure supply (P) supplies the system pressure necessary for the suspension system. A pressure equalization of the system to the relevant load pressure can be performed before renewed operation by the equalization device. The equalization device (28) includes a further switching valve (50) within the supply device (30) for control of the rod side (14) of the suspension cylinder (10). A load monitoring device (LS) is connected to parts of the stop device (20).

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a releasable locking assembly. The releasable locking assembly has, for example, a first assembly movably coupled to the frame, a second assembly movably coupled to the frame, and wherein movement of the frame relative to the first and second assemblies causes the first and second assemblies to engage each other to limit further movement of the frame in at least a first direction.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes a height holding device that is at least partially supported within an air spring of the suspension assembly. The height holding device includes a hydraulic ram. A moveable portion of the hydraulic ram moves between a first position where a minimum clearance is maintained between suspension components and a second position where a larger clearance is maintained between the suspension components. The height holding device moves into the second position to maintain a desired height of the truck or trailer bed during loading and unloading operations at a loading dock, for example. The height holding device allows for the suspension air springs to be evacuated of air pressure during loading or unloading conditions without a change in deck height.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting pivoting of a pivotal axle in a forklift. The forklift has an axle that is supported pivotally relative to a body frame. A damper is arranged between the body frame and the axle to permit and restrict pivoting of the axle. An electromagnetic valve locks the damper to restrict pivoting of the axle. The axle is free to pivot when the pivot angle of the axle relative to the body frame exceeds a predetermined reference angle. A controller refers to the pivot angle and other factors relating to vehicle stability when deciding whether to restrict pivoting of the axle.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle includes a chassis mounted on four sprung suspensions that are controlled by an electronic controller. The controller monitors the speed of the vehicle and locks the suspensions when the vehicle falls below a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the vertical position of the transport trailer floor of a heavy trailer bearing vehicle having a pivoting air spring suspension system such that the transport trailer floor maintains a fixed position level to an adjacent dock platform when parked for loading or unloading. The mechanism comprises various embodiments of a locking system that disables the pivotal movement of selected pivoting suspension elements in any one of a plurality of possible fixed positions such that the transport trailer floor, when parked, resists downwardly imposed forces and maintains a fixed elevation equal to the elevation of an adjacent loading dock platform.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved temporary support device for multiple axle trailers with leaf spring suspension regardless of frame design. The device provides emergency towing capabilities to a trailer that would otherwise be immobile due to the failure of a spindle, bearings, spring, tire, suspension, wheel or other suspension or wheel component attached to an axle. The detachable device comprises a steel tube which extends between two leaf spring shackles and is held in place by two locking pins, a length of chain to secure the disabled axle to the steel tube, and a protective shield and locking pin to secure the chain to the steel tube. The steel tube has multiple holes to adjust the device to fit any multiple axle trailer.

Abstract: An anti-creep device for a trailer includes a support arm adapted to be mounted to a trailer frame proximate a trailer axle for rotational movement between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator is associated with the support arm for rotating the arm at least to the extended position to thereby lock the frame at a selected height when the frame is raised with respect to the axle. A sensor switch is mounted to the frame in the vicinity of the support arm for sensing the position of the support arm and an indicator is operably connected to the sensor for indicating when the support arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus is used in an industrial vehicle. The apparatus has a hydraulic cylinder interposed between a vehicle frame and an axle swingably coupled to the frame. A passage connects a first chamber with a second chamber defined by a piston in a cylinder case. The piston is movable based on differential pressure in the chambers. A cylinder rod selectively extends and retracts in respect with the cylinder case to absorb a swinging motion of the axle. The passage is selectively open and closed based on at least one of a traveling state and a loading state of the vehicle. The piston has a first surface defining the first chamber and a second surface defining the second chamber. The first surface has an area equal to that of the second surface.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for blocking a spring in a spring strut of a motor vehicle. A spacer element for transporting a vehicle consists of at least one segment which can be snapped into the spring and is supported by a lower free end on a stationary spring plate of the spring strut.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling pivoting the rear axle of a forklift. The forklift includes forks, which are lifted and lowered relative to a body frame. A locking mechanism, which includes a hydraulic damper and an electromagnetic valve, locks the rear axle to stabilize the body frame. A controller controls the locking mechanism to lock the rear axle when the fork height is at least as great as a predetermined height threshold value and the weight of a load on the fork is at least as great as a predetermined weight threshold value. The controller also controls the locking mechanism to lock the rear axle when the lateral acceleration is at least as great as a predetermined threshold value. Further, the controller changes the threshold value of the lateral acceleration in accordance with the fork height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restricting pivoting of an industrial vehicle axle and maintaining the vehicle stability without sacrificing the vehicle's driving performance. Pivoting of the axle with respect to the vehicle's body is temporarily restricted in accordance with the yaw acceleration when the vehicle is turned. The acceleration value for limiting restriction is varied in accordance with the stability of the vehicle, which is determined by the state of the carried load. The limit value is relatively high when the load state causes the vehicle to be relatively stable and is relatively low when the load state causes the vehicle to be relatively unstable.

Abstract: An improved axle control apparatus for industrial vehicles. A multi-movement hydraulic cylinder is provided at each end of a rear axle to couple the rear axle with a body frame. Each cylinder has a pair of oil chambers, which are defined by a piston. The oil chambers of the same cylinder are connected with each other by an oil line. An electromagnetic valve is located in each oil line. When the electromagnetic valves open the lines, oil flow between the chambers of the same cylinders is permitted. This permits the pistons to move. When the electromagnetic valve closes the lines, oil flow between the chambers of the same cylinders is prohibited. This locks the pistons. When the pistons in both cylinders are movable, the rear axle is permitted to tilt relative to the body frame. The rear axle is locked by locking the piston of at least one of the cylinders. Thus, if one of the cylinders is malfunctioning, the rear axle is locked by the other cylinder. The reliability of the apparatus is improved accordingly.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle has a frame and an axle pivotally coupled with the frame by way of a pair of hydraulic cylinders. The cylinders each have a hollow body that defines a hydraulic chamber therein, a piston fitted in the chamber and a piston rod that has a distal end located outside the body to engage an upper surface of the axle. The chamber communicates with a hydraulic circuit to regulate the cylinders. The piston rod has at its end a follower contacting the upper surface of the axle.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a hydraulic damper to a vehicle body is provided. The damper has a first end and a second end. The vehicle includes a vehicle frame that has a first bracket connected to the first end and an axle that has a second bracket connected to the second end. The axle is arranged to be pivotal with respect to the frame. The damper changes its length based on a swinging action of the axle. The first bracket has a first support hole. The second bracket has a second support hole. The first end has a first through hole and the second end has a second through hole. The first end and the second end of the damper are rotatably connected with the first bracket and the second bracket, respectively, by a shaft extending through at least one of the support holes and the associated through hole in a rotatable manner about its axis.

Abstract: A tractor balancing device capable of providing vertical support to the frame of a side-mounted bush hog. The balancing device consists of an inflatable and deflatable air bag secured between a platform placed above the right, front axle of a bush hog tractor, and a bracket affixed to the frame of the side-mounted bush hog. The air bag is connected to an air compressor and receives air by means of an air hose. A system of pressure regulation is provided so as to control the level of air pressure within the air bag. If, during operation of the bush hog, either the moment of the bush hog arm or the incline of the surface causes the tractor to tilt in the direction of the bush hog arm, the air bag can be inflated. This stiffens the frame of the bush, preventing it from pivoting and tilting the tractor. The moment applied to the tractor is reduced by virtue of the upward force applied by the air bag onto the frame of the bush hog.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle including a frame, and a stabilizer apparatus including a pressure source, first and second fluid-actuated stabilizer assemblies connected respectively to the front and rear axles shiftably moveable on the frame, one of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being locked against extension and contraction in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, and the other of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being free to extend and contract in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, hydraulic circuit connected between the pressure source and the first and second fluid activated stabilizer assemblies and including flow controller operable between a first mode wherein the pressure source is disconnected from the first and second stabilizer assemblies, whereby the one of the stabilizer assemblies is locked against extension and retraction, thereby locking the axle connected thereto against shifting movement relative to

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle including a frame, and a stabilizer apparatus including a pressure source, first and second fluid-actuated stabilizer assemblies connected respectively to the front and rear axles shiftably moveable on the frame, one of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being locked against extension and contraction in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, and the other of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being free to extend and contract in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, a hydraulic circuit connected between the pressure source and the first and second fluid activated stabilizer assemblies and including a flow controller operable between a first mode wherein the pressure source is disconnected from the first and second stabilizer assemblies, whereby the one of the stabilizer assemblies is locked against extension and retraction, thereby locking the axle connected thereto against shifting movement relative

Abstract: The suspension system according to the present invention is provided with a shock absorbing spring interposed between an axle and a chassis frame and a pair of double acting cylinders provided at a fixed distance apart in the lateral direction of the vehicle having tube sides and rod sides pivotally supported by the chassis frame and the axle. A link restrains horizontal displacement in the longitudinal and lateral directions while permitting displacement in the vertical direction between the chassis frame and the axle. The link has one end linked to the chassis frame and the other end linked to the axle. During vehicle propulsion, the double acting cylinders are freed, and during excavation, the double acting cylinders are locked.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a material handling vehicle which enables or disables a vehicle's suspension system. Pilot-to-open check valves are mounted on hydraulic cylinders secured between the axle and frame of the vehicle. In a first embodiment, a pneumatically actuated check valve is opened or closed to permit or prevent fluid communication between the hydraulic cylinders. The absence of pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic circuit causes the check valves to close, thereby locking the axle to the frame for stability. The presence of pneumatic pressure in the circuit opens the check valves to permit fluid communication between the cylinders. In an alternative embodiment, a second electro-hydraulic circuit is provided in place of the pneumatic circuit for opening and closing pilot-to-close check valves mounted on the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a material handling vehicle which enables or disables a vehicle's suspension system. Pilot-to-open check valves are mounted on hydraulic cylinders secured between the axle and frame of the vehicle. In a first embodiment, a pneumatically actuated check valve is opened or closed to permit or prevent fluid communication between the hydraulic cylinders. The absence of pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic circuit causes the check valves to close, thereby locking the axle to the frame for stability. The presence of pneumatic pressure in the circuit opens the check valves to permit fluid communication between the cylinders. In an alternative embodiment, a second electro-hydraulic circuit is provided in place of the pneumatic circuit for opening and closing pilot-to-close check valves mounted on the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: This device prevents individual components of a load from being thrown off during halting of a conveying vehicle at a high rate of deceleration. A blocking device for the suspension of the caster which instantly assumes a front position as viewed in the direction of travel, prevents the vehicle from forwardly and downwardly dipping about the axle of the center-mounted drive wheels. The blocking device automatically adjusts itself corresponding to the direction of motion. A sliding stop vertically displaceably mounted on a pivotable part of a caster arrangement and a stop component fixedly mounted on the vehicle body cooperate to block the suspension of this front caster when the front caster experiences a predetermined degree of suspension displacement. At the caster instantly assuming the rear position, the stop component and the sliding stop are positioned at 180.degree. to one another, thus precluding inadvertent engagement and permitting full suspension displacement.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing a material handling vehicle during implement manipulation is provided. Dual hydraulic cylinders are provided on each side of the vehicle intermediate the vehicle's frame and a spring-biased solid axle. A lockout valve having a pneumatically actuated check valve in fluid communication with one-way check valves and flow restriction valves corresponding to each of the upper and lower ports of the respective hydraulic cylinders is mounted on the vehicle's frame and is in fluid communication with a reservoir of hydraulic fluid. When the vehicle is not caused to travel, the pneumatically actuated check valve is closed allowing no hydraulic fluid flow between the ports of the hydraulic cylinders and thereby locking the then-present fluid in each of the chambers of the hydraulic cylinders which prevents the movement of the pistons thereof and, hence, any displacement of the front axle relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A tractor scraper hitch steering and suspension system wherein a tractor drive wheel axle frame is pivotally connected to a tractor main frame to permit vertical movement of the tractor drive wheels relative to the tractor. Two hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected between the tractor drive wheel axle frame and a cross arm forming a part of a hitch assembly that secures the tractor to the scraper. The hydraulic cylinders dampen vertical bounce movement that occurs during operation and control tilting or rolling motion between the tractor portion and the scraper portion that occur about their common longitudinally extending axis. A locking brake is provided to resist vertical motion of the tractor drive wheel axle frame to stabilize the depth of a cutting edge of the scraper during operation and obtain a steady depth of cut.

Abstract: A machine for lifting, rotating and transporting crops in the form of bales. The machine includes a motorized chassis with a cab for an operator. A tilt table is located on the back of the chassis for holding and unloading the bales. A boom is positioned adjacent the table on the chassis for loading bales onto the system or for transferring bales between locations. A fork is connected to the distal end of the boom for grabbing the bales and includes mechanism for rotating the bales about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis so that the bales can be aligned in any orientation for stacking.

Abstract: A tool particularly useful for facilitating the removal of a torsion bar employed as a spring element, particularly in automobiles such as the familiar Volkswagon rear-engine models. The torsion bar exerts a normal torque holding a spline-connected cantilever bar against a stop integral with a fixed structural member. The tool engages the arm adjacent its cantilevered end and applies a force increasing the torsion bar reaction force sufficient to dislodge it from the stop so that the cantilever bar can be forced outwardly by separate means to disengage the torsion bar-to-cantilever arm spline connection by a sufficient amount to allow controlled de-torquing rotation of the arm without encountering the stop. The spline connection may be subsequently fully disengaged and the torsion bar removed from its internal structural anchor.

Abstract: A railway track working machine is equipped with a device for blocking the suspension of its axles, which device comprises, for each axle box a movable support sliding in a vertical guide fixed to the machine chassis and vertically displaced by a rod of a jack. Restoring springs ensure that the movable support bears against the rod of said jack. The movable support comprises a vertical stop, a transverse stop and two longitudinal stops intercepting during and at the end of the travel of the jack bearing members integral with the axle box in order to immobilize the latter in the vertical, transverse and longitudinal directions with respect to the chassis. This device is suitable for machines whose tools are generators of reaction forces which are capable to displace the machine chassis with respect to the railway track in the three aforementioned directions.

Abstract: A pair of relatively adjustable elongate struts adapted to be inserted between a part of a motorcycle chassis and a supporting wheel to block flexing of the motorcycle suspension system when the motorcycle is being hauled on a carrier over rough terrain or the like. A device is provided at the remote end of one of the struts to interlock with the tread of the wheel tire and another element is provided at the remote end of the other strut to interlock with the chassis part to prevent dislodging of the struts due to bouncing of the motorcycle while in transit. A locking ring is slidable into position to embrace both struts to lock the same in extended colinear relationship.

Abstract: A crane comprises a lower frame having an upper frame rotatably mounted thereon. A pair of rear roadwheels are rotatably mounted on either end of an axle housing pivotally mounted on the lower frame and suspended thereunder by a pair of laterally spaced suspension cylinders. A boom, pivotally mounted on the upper frame, is adapted to be lowered and positioned forwardly of the crane when it is driven to a remote job site. During such forward positioning of the boom, either when loaded or unloaded, a cam secured to the upper frame trips an air valve for opening a pair of slave valves to communicate hydraulic fluid between the head ends of the suspension cylinders to permit the axle to oscillate. When the crane is placed in operation and the upper frame is rotated on the lower frame, the cam will release the air valve which closes the slave valves to block communication of hydraulic fluid between the suspension cylinders whereby the axle is placed in a lock-out condition of operation.

Abstract: The running gear of a construction vehicle or the like is provided with a resilient suspension adapted to be effective in transport operations and ineffective in working operations.

Abstract: Automobile shock absorber is locked by this structure which includes a yoke clamped on the larger upper shell of the shock absorber and a collar pivoted thereon and embracing the lower piston shell. When solenoid tilts the collar, it locks the shock absorber piston shell against extension.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle including a frame, and a stabilizer apparatus including a pressure source, first and second fluid-actuated stabilizer assemblies connected respectively to the front and rear axles shiftably moveable on the frame, one of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being locked against extension and contraction in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, and the other of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being free to extend and contract in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, a hydraulic circuit connected between the pressure source and the first and second fluid activated stabilizer assemblies and including a flow controller operable between a first mode wherein the pressure source is disconnected from the first and second stabilizer assemblies, whereby the one of the stabilizer assemblies is locked against extension and retraction, thereby locking the axle connected thereto against shifting movement relative