Abstract: A suspension system for liftable steerable axles has at least one steering knuckle; at least one pistonless bellows air spring actuator (ie., damper air spring); and a steering axle structure that has, at each end, a kingpin housing boss, a kingpin fixed into the kingpin boss, and a pair of steering knuckles that rotate around the kingpin and are supported by the kingpin housing; wherein the steering knuckles are connected at the bottom of each other side to side by a tie rod assembly that respond to each others rotational inputs. The lift axle suspension system further has x-rod control arms (or that is, the respective upper and lower control arms of each side are relatively X-configured or X-disposed relative each other) for improved lateral stability.

Abstract: A suspension system for liftable steerable axles has at least one steering knuckle; at least one pistonless bellows air spring actuator (ie., damper air spring); and a steering axle structure that has, at each end, a kingpin housing boss, a kingpin fixed into the kingpin boss, and a pair of steering knuckles that rotate around the kingpin and are supported by the kingpin housing; wherein the steering knuckles are connected at the bottom of each other side to side by a tie rod assembly that respond to each others rotational inputs; and further having the damper air spring being connected to the steering knuckle so that, given a supplied pneumatic air force, the damper air spring stabilizes and dampens the steering road inputs when in motion.

Abstract: A subframe arranged below a power plant room located in a forward part of a vehicle includes: a left-right pair of extension members extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a rear member connected to rear end portions of the extension members and extending in a vehicle width direction; and U-shaped brackets respectively attached to front portions of the extension members and each extending downward and inclined forward in side view. The extension members each have left and right side faces spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. Each of the U-shaped brackets is made from a flat plate and includes a left-right pair of connection portions respectively connected to the left and right side faces of the corresponding one of the extension members. Each of the U-shaped brackets has a bottom face portion having a sloped surface that rises upward as the sloped surface extends forward.

Abstract: A brazing connection includes a first component comprising a first material and including a first connection portion, a second component comprising a second material and including a second connection portion, a heating element that is electrically conductive and electrically resistant positioned between the first connection portion of the first component and the second connection portion of the second component, where the heating element is configured to transmit heat when conducting an electrical current, and a brazing material configured to melt when receiving heat from the heating element, thereby connecting the first component to the second component.

Abstract: An axle system and a method of assembly. The axle system may include an axle lift kit. The axle lift kit may have a first bracket subassembly that may be fastened to the hanger bracket and a second bracket subassembly that may be fastened to first and second lateral sides of the trailing arm.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle includes a pair of opposing upper and lower control arms that longitudinally locate an axle along the frame. The upper and lower control arms include first ends pivotably mounted to the ends of the axle at upper pivotable axle joints and a second lower pivotable axle joints, respectively. The upper and lower control arms include second ends that are pivotably mounted to frame hanger brackets at upper and lower pivotable hanger joints, respectively. The frame hanger bracket are laterally interposed between an upper and lower hanger joint so that an upper pivotable hanger joint is on one side of each frame hanger and a lower pivotable hanger joint is on an opposite side of the each frame hanger.

Abstract: An example apparatus is configured to couple to a trailer and a tow vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame; one or more clamps mounted to the frame and configured to couple the frame to an underplate of the trailer; and a shaft having a first end rotatably coupled to the frame and a second end configured to couple to at least one replicated element of a towed vehicle. The at least one replicated element is configured to engage the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer having a liftable first axle and an air suspended second axle includes a controller, a first valve coupled to the first axle and a second valve coupled to the second axle. The controller receives an air suspension exhaust request signal and a pressure signal from an air suspension bellows coupled to the second axle. The controller transmits an air suspension control signal to the second valve in response to the air suspension exhaust request signal and transmits a lift axle control signal to the first valve to lower the first axle in response to the pressure signal being less than a predetermined pressure value.

Abstract: A four-point link for the suspension of a rigid axle which has four bearing seats. Two bearing seats can be articulated on the axle and two can be articulated on the vehicle frame. The link has a single-piece link body which is inscribed by the trapezoid formed by the bearing seats. The link body is formed of a fiber-composite arrangement that comprises at least one longitudinal fiber arrangement. The longitudinal fiber arrangement encases the bearing seat, at least along half circumference thereof and extends along at least a portion of the link body in order to optimize loading, reduce mass and increase its application. Torsional compliance makes it possible to use relatively small and/or hard rubber bearings for articulating the four-point link or the vehicle axle.

Abstract: A frame hanger having a frame attachment portion having a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface, a first control arm mounting portion positioned beneath the frame attachment portion, wherein a first plurality of elongated longitudinally extending slots extend through the first mounting surface of the frame attachment portion, and wherein a second plurality of elongated longitudinally extending slots extend through the second mounting surface of the frame attachment portion.

Abstract: A V-rod assembly having a V-shaped member with a vertex for attachment to an axle and with first and second extending arms that attach to first and second arm brackets respectively, first and second gussets each with a first plurality of holes for attachment to the first and second arm brackets respectively, and corresponding to a first plurality of holes on a first plate and a second plate respectively, and each arm bracket with a plurality of holes for attachment to a cross member, the first and second plates having a second plurality of holes for attachment to the cross member, wherein the first plurality of holes on the first and second gussets comprise longitudinally extending slots that accommodate relative longitudinal movement of the first plurality of holes on the first and second plates with respect to the second plurality of holes on first and second plates respectively.

Abstract: A unitized hydraulic suspension system for a tandem front and back two-axle group comprises two pivoting arms, each for supporting one of the two axles, arranged on opposite sides of a common rigid hanger. Each arm is attached to one end of a respective cylinder the other end of which cylinder is attached to the common hanger. The unitized hydraulic suspension simplifies the use of hydraulic suspension in dual laning heavy haul applications by the provision of a slide assembly in which unitized hydraulic suspensions are slidably mounted so as to be extendible or retractable in relation to one another.

Abstract: A monitoring system to control lift axles on a vehicle having a means for sensing vehicle speed and direction, a means for measuring the weight on the lift axles and fixed axles on the vehicle, and a control module for controlling one or more lift axles on the vehicle is provided. The control module comprises a receiver for receiving information from the sensing means and the measuring means, a processor, and output means for causing the lift axles to be lifted when the vehicle is moving in reverse. The processor causes or permits the lift axle to 1) lower when the vehicle moves forward for a programmable distance, 2) assume or maintain a lifted position when the vehicle is below a predetermined weight, 3) assume or maintain a lowered position when the vehicle carries over a predetermined weight, and 4) equalize weight between the lift axles and the fixed axles.

Abstract: A double-decker coach is described which includes a frame, an engine, a front axle and a tandem rear axle. The front axle lies transversely to the principal axis of the frame and offers support to the frame. The front axle includes a pair of steerable wheels, which lie mounted on bearings. The pair of wheels can be steered by a driver. The tandem rear axle lies transversely to the longitudinal direction of the frame and is mounted parallel to the front axle and offers support to the aforesaid frame. The tandem rear axle includes a drive axle and a trailing axle. The drive axle includes two pairs of drive wheels. The drive axle is coupled to the engine. The trailing axle is mounted parallel to the drive axle and includes two pairs of trailing wheels. The ratio of the distance (C) between the third axle and the rear end of the double-decker coach relative to the mutual distance (B) between the front axle and the trailing axle is between 0.20 and 0.50, preferably 0.25 and 0.45, more preferably 0.35 to 0.

Abstract: A double-decker coach is described which includes a frame, an engine, a front axle and a tandem rear axle. The front axle lies transversely to the principal axis of the frame and offers support to the frame. The front axle includes a pair of steerable wheels, which lie mounted on bearings. The pair of wheels can be steered by a driver. The tandem rear axle lies transversely to the longitudinal direction of the frame and is mounted parallel to the front axle and offers support to the aforesaid frame. The tandem rear axle includes a drive axle and a trailing axle. The drive axle includes two pairs of drive wheels. The drive axle is coupled to the engine. The trailing axle is mounted parallel to the drive axle and includes two pairs of trailing wheels. The ratio of the distance (C) between the third axle and the rear end of the double-decker coach relative to the mutual distance (B) between the front axle and the trailing axle is between 0.20 and 0.50, preferably 0.25 and 0.45, more preferably 0.35 to 0.

Abstract: A suspension system for a steerable trailer includes a strut which is mounted to the frame of the trailer, an axle which is connected to the strut, and far and near suspension cylinders which connect the axle to the frame. The far and near suspension cylinders connect to opposite side of the axle. Steering rods connect adjacent axles together, the steering rod connection alternating between the left and right side of the frame.

Abstract: A trailerable load-transferring assembly is removably attachable to the rear portion of a load-bearing vehicle. The load-transferring assembly includes a pivot connection, an auxiliary axle, an elongate abutment member that extends between a free end and an abutment end, and an actuator assembly disposed between the free end of the abutment member and the auxiliary axle. When the load-transferring assembly is connected to the vehicle by the pivot connection, the actuator assembly is actuated such that it applies a lifting force on the free end relative to the auxiliary axle. The lifting force causes the abutment member to pivot about the pivot connection, bringing the abutment end of the abutment member into an abutting engagement with an abutment surface attached to the frame of the load-bearing vehicle.

Abstract: A force steer axle assembly is disclosed for providing redundant fail-safe steering control to an axle. The assembly includes a centering cylinder for maintaining the axle in a centered position and for steering the axle as directed. The assembly further includes a hydraulic control system for providing centering and steering actuation to the cylinder, and an electrical control system for receiving user input and controlling the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A suspension system for use with a trailer or truck having a frame and front and rear axles. In one embodiment, the suspension system includes a front hanger having a lower portion, a bearing portion, and an upper portion engaged with the frame. The suspension system further includes a hanger assembly having a lower portion, a bearing portion, and an upper portion engaged with the frame and a rocker arm having first and second bearing portions. The suspension system further comprises a rear hanger engaged with the frame and having a bearing portion. The suspension system further comprises a first saddle engaged with the front axle and a second saddle engaged with the rear axle. The suspension system further comprises a leaf spring having a first end portion engaged with the bearing portion of the front hangar and a second end portion engaged with the first bearing portion of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A shock-proof drag wheel is disclosed. Wherein, on its base is provided with a fixed axis and an indentation portion, a connection rod is disposed on said fixed axis and is connected to an elastic body, and it is swayed and vibrated around said fixed axis. A central axis passes through said connection rod and is located in said indentation portion, and said drag wheel is provided in said indentation portion. When said drag wheel is made to move, the spring force of said elastic body will brake said connection rod in reverse, which in turn bring said central axis into motion in reverse, thus stabilizing said drag wheel and buffering the force generated by the vibrations as caused by said drag wheel passing through uneven ground or indentations on the ground, hereby effectively achieving shock-proof.

Abstract: A land vehicle includes a wheeled axle that is operable to be selectively self-steering. The axle includes a ground wheel that is operable to be selectively locked into a straight-ahead position so that self-steering is restricted. The land vehicle also includes a wheel lockout indicator system that is operable to sense when the ground wheel is locked in the straight-ahead position and can alert an operator by confirming that the ground wheel has been locked in the straight-ahead position.

Abstract: An oscillating in-line steering system for a pulled agricultural implement includes first and second in-line axles pivotably coupled with a frame. The system also includes at least first and second in-line wheel arrangements pivotably coupled with the first and second axles respectively. Each wheel arrangement has a plurality of pivotable wheel assemblies arranged in-line and wheel linkages coupling the in-line wheel assemblies such that in-line wheel assemblies oscillate together. A right-to-left linkage couples the wheel linkage of the first in-line wheel arrangement to the wheel linkage of the second in-line wheel arrangement so that the first in-line wheel arrangement oscillates at a steering angle proportional to that of the second in-line wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A trailer having a frame assembly with front and rear axle beams rotationally coupled to the frame assembly. At least one member interconnects the front and rear axle beams to synchronize movement of the axle beams allowing the front and rear wheels to track one another. In one embodiment a first member connects the right front axle beam with the left rear axle beam and a second member connects the left front axle beam with the right rear axle beam causing the rear axle beam to rotate in the opposite direction of the front axle beam when the front axle beam turns. The push-pull operation of the members cause the rear wheels to track the front wheels.

Abstract: A trailer wheel assembly for mounting on the rear of a trailer has a structure that reduces or prevents oscillations about a vertical axis arising during high speed towing. The structure includes dual wheels mounted on an axle, a resilient support, and a suspension arm extending rearwardly and downwardly from the resilient support to the axle for the wheels.

Abstract: A concrete pumping truck having a forward end and a rear end with a hopper attached at the rear end of the concrete pumping truck comprises an auxiliary axle system pivotally attached to the rear end of the truck adjacent the hopper, the auxiliary axle system comprising a pair of pivotable wheels movable between a first position in contact with a ground surface and a second position elevated above the ground surface.

Abstract: A suspension system for a dump truck which is to be connected to a paver using a truck hitch. In one example, a system for connecting a dump truck to a paver includes a liftable and steerable suspension of the truck, the suspension having an adapter with a laterally outwardly facing concave side. A truck hitch of the paver engages the concave side of the adapter to attach the truck hitch to the suspension. In another example, a method of connecting a dump truck to a paver includes the steps of: interconnecting a hydraulic actuator between a frame of the truck and an axle of a suspension of the truck to thereby transmit a load from the frame to the axle; then raising a bed of the truck, the load increasing as the bed is raised; and increasing pressure in the hydraulic actuator in response to the increasing load.

Abstract: An improved steered vehicle, which may be a road vehicle or a vehicle devised to be usable upon road surfaces and also upon a rail line, has road wheels or a combination of road and rail wheels as required. The wheels are mounted upon a bogie pivoted about a generally vertical pivot and the vehicle has a main steering control to align some at least of the wheels with the intended direction of travel of the bogie, and a supplementary steering control whereby to modify the steered path produced by that main steering control.

Abstract: A steering device for steering the wheels of a steering axle of a motor vehicle having at least three axles. The steering axle is designed as a trailing or leading axle, with a hydraulic arrangement which has an actuating assembly for the steering actuation of the wheels, and a regulating/control valve for pressure to act upon hydraulic connections of the actuating assembly and a clearing valve, by means of which the steering device can be changed over between normal operation and emergency operation. In the emergency operation, the hydraulic connections of the actuating assembly are connected to one another. Four throttle elements are provided. The first is arranged upstream and the second downstream of a connection point of the clearing valve to a first hydraulic line connecting the regulating/ control valve and actuating assembly.

Abstract: A self-steering auxiliary axle assembly having an elastic member for use as a steering damper is provided. The axle assembly has a frame with an axle supported by the frame in spaced relation therefrom with retracted and highway positions. At least one air spring is arranged between the axle and the frame. The air spring is actuateable between an operative mode for damping the axle in the highway position and a non-operative mode when in the retracted position. The axle has opposing ends with spindle assemblies pivotally supported thereon for permitting rotation of said spindle assemblies relative to said axle. Steering arms extend from the spindle assemblies. A control rod interconnects the steering arms for linking the spindle assemblies together. The elastic member interconnects one of the steering arms and the axle for damping the rotation of the spindle assemblies relative to the axle.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle frame from a steering axle has first and second controllable rate springs mounted above the steering axle and below the frame to support a portion of vehicle weight. A trailing V-link member is mounted to pivot on its vertex on a cross-member of the frame forward of the steering axle. The opposite ends of the V-link member are pivotally connected to opposing ends of the steering axle allowing the V-link member to constrain fore to aft movement of the steering axle, lateral displacement of the steering axle and frame roll. A pitman and trailing draglink from a steering gear on the frame to the steering axle controls steering. First and second shackle assemblies depend from the frame aft of the steering axle. First and second leading arms are suspended from the shackle assemblies to permit longitudinal translation of the first and second leading arms relative to the frame.

Abstract: A bogie construction includes at least two stiff axles interconnected by a rocking lever. The rocking lever is pivoted in its middle so that it can move in its longitudinal direction as a result of steering movements. The rocking lever is preferably connected to the bogie axle that turns the least, by a joint of an ear, and thus this axle determines the longitudinal displacement of the rocking lever. The rocking lever is connected to the other axles which turn more by suspension rods. A suspension rod pivoted below the axle is used, and thus the suspension rod can be made as long as possible. Consequently, the suspension rod tilts less as a result of the longitudinal movement of the rocking lever.

Abstract: A trailer support wheel assembly having a wishbone frame pivotally connected to the trailer frame at two rear mounting points and adjustably connected to the trailer frame at a single forward point. A resilient suspension assembly and spindle is contained by the wishbone frame assembly, and the spindle is further connected to one or more wheels which may be lowered into contact with the ground. The wishbone frame assembly may be adjustably positioned to permit the wheels to carry a greater or lesser load portion of the trailer as it is connected to a vehicle.