Auxiliary Axle Assembly (e.g., Lift Or Tag Axle) Patents (Class 280/86.5)
  • Patent number: 11865893
    Abstract: The present document provides a support device for spring and a vehicle having the same. The support device for spring includes a first support unit configured for being fixed to a vehicle body; a second support unit configured for supporting a damper spring; and a connection unit configured for detachably fixing the second support unit to different circumferential positions of the first support unit. If the second support unit is fixed to different circumferential positions of the first support unit, a spring support surface of the second support unit faces different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI LINGHUO TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dehui Du, Jia Fu
  • Patent number: 11833713
    Abstract: A concrete mixing truck includes a chassis, a front axle and a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a lift axle coupled to the chassis and including a tractive element, a lift actuator coupled to the lift axle, a mixing drum rotatably coupled to the chassis, a fill level sensor coupled to the mixing drum and configured to provide a signal indicative of a fill level of a material within the mixing drum, and a controller. The lift axle is selectively repositionable between a lowered position in which the tractive element engages a support surface and a raised position. The controller is operatively coupled to the lift actuator and the fill level sensor and configured to control the lift actuator to reposition the lift axle into the lowered position in response to the fill level exceeding a threshold fill level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan S. Datema
  • Patent number: 10967927
    Abstract: Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Link Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jacobsma, Joel D. Van Den Brink, Michael S. Wetter
  • Patent number: 10960946
    Abstract: A disclosed lift axle is suitable for a vehicle that has a first wheel for supporting the vehicle on a road surface. The lift axle system includes a lift mechanism that is coupled to the vehicle and is configured to reciprocate an axle between a stowed position and deployed position. The lift axle system further includes a second wheel coupled to the axle. The second wheel engages the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the deployed position, and the second wheel is disengaged from the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the stowed position. The second wheel has a lower rolling resistance than the first wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
  • Patent number: 10766549
    Abstract: A disclosed lift axle is suitable for a vehicle that has a first wheel for supporting the vehicle on a road surface. The lift axle system includes a lift mechanism that is coupled to the vehicle and is configured to reciprocate an axle between a stowed position and deployed position. The lift axle system further includes a second wheel coupled to the axle. The second wheel engages the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the deployed position, and the second wheel is disengaged from the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the stowed position. The second wheel has a lower rolling resistance than the first wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
  • Patent number: 10569814
    Abstract: Lift axle systems for use with trucks and other heavy duty vehicles are described herein. In some embodiments, lift axle systems configured in accordance with the present technology include upper and lower control arms on each side of the vehicle that operably couple an axle to a support system attached to the vehicle chassis. The upper control arm has a first end portion pivotally attached to a support system bracket at an upper bracket location, and a second end portion pivotally attached to the axle at an upper axle location. The lower control arm has a first end portion pivotally attached to the support system bracket at a lower bracket location, and a second end portion pivotally attached to the axle at a lower axle location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Link Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Wayne Hulstein, Joel D. Van Den Brink, Michael S. Wetter
  • Patent number: 10245905
    Abstract: A tire abnormality management system assigns work to each of a plurality of vehicles and manages an abnormal state of a tire mounted on each of the vehicles that perform the assigned work. The tire abnormality management system includes: a tire sensor configured to detect a tire pressure and/or a tire temperature of each of the vehicles; a grouping processing unit configured to group vehicles, in which a tire load of the work assigned to each of the vehicles is within a predetermined range, into a vehicle group; and a tire abnormal vehicle identifying unit configured to identify, among the grouped vehicles, a vehicle with an abnormal tire based on the tire pressure or the tire temperature detected by the tire sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsugio Sudou
  • Patent number: 10112619
    Abstract: A tire management system assigns work to each of a plurality of vehicles and manages a loaded state of a tire mounted on each of the vehicles that perform the assigned work. The tire management system includes: an overload vehicle detection unit configured to detect an overload vehicle in which a tire load of the work assigned to each of the vehicles exceeds a predetermined tire load set in the tire itself of the vehicle; and a work contents changing processing unit configured to perform, when the overload vehicle is detected, processing of changing work contents of the overload vehicle such that the tire load of the overload vehicle becomes equal to or less than the predetermined tire load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsugio Sudou
  • Patent number: 9944146
    Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for controlling a variable axle for preventing a safety accident. An apparatus for controlling a variable axle that controls operation power to one switch which is short-circuited or opened according to a manipulation of a user, and supplies the operation power for a descent of a pusher axle, includes: the other switch having one end connected to power of a vehicle and the other end which is short-circuited or opened in response to a control signal, to thereby supply the power of the vehicle as the operation power at the time of the short-circuit; and a controller confirming whether or not the vehicle is remotely being started when an ignition of the vehicle is turned-on, and opening the other switch by the control signal in the case in which the vehicle is remotely being started as a result of the confirmation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Han Su Cho
  • Patent number: 9533540
    Abstract: An automatic air suspension control system is provided for use in combination with a vehicle having a liftable non-driven rear axle, a driven rear axle, a parking brake, and an air suspension associated with the rear axles to apply a load to the rear axles. The air suspension control system is programmed to determine whether the rear axles are subject to a load condition under which the non-driven rear axle is to be moved between lifted and deployed conditions. If the rear axles are subject to a load condition under which the non-driven rear axle is to be moved, the air suspension control system also determines whether the parking brake is engaged. If the parking brake is disengaged, then the air suspension control system causes the non-driven rear axle to be moved; otherwise, if the parking brake is engaged, then the non-driven rear axle is prevented from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Sean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 9481416
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes providing an axle assembly having a first end including a first mounting structure and a second end, providing a first bearing block and a second bearing block, forming a first aperture in the first bearing block and a second aperture in the second bearing block, attaching the first and second bearing blocks to the first mounting structure subsequent to forming the first and second apertures; and providing a first spindle assembly coupled to the first mounting structure by a first spherical bearing located within the first aperture and a second spherical bearing located within the second aperture, wherein a first kingpin assembly extends through the first and second spherical bearings, thereby coupling the first spindle with the first mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Conaway, Daniel R. Dykstra, Marc Johnson, Doug Thole, Boyd Freeman
  • Patent number: 9428233
    Abstract: An axle lift assembly includes a vehicle configured to support a load. A slide assembly has a member that is movable along a longitudinal extent of the vehicle. The slide assembly is operable to secure the member relative to the vehicle at a select position along the longitudinal extent of the vehicle. A swing arm has a first end pivotally coupled with the member and an opposing second end biased away from the vehicle. The swing arm is configured to support a wheel assembly with a tire for contacting a ground surface. An actuator is operably interconnecting the member and the swing arm for raising the wheel assembly toward the vehicle to lift the tire away from the ground surface. The slide assembly and the actuator are operable to respectively adjust longitudinal and vertical positions of the wheel assembly relative to the vehicle for accommodating a condition of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon Karel, William Hicks, Gary Greer, P .Eng.
  • Patent number: 9039018
    Abstract: A four-wheel independent suspension system for an electric wheelchair includes a chassis, two front wheels each fixed to a front rod respectively, and two rear wheels each fixed to a rear rod respectively. The chassis includes a rail extending in a width direction of the chassis, each of the front and rear rods has one end connected to a square first connecting sleeve, in the first connecting sleeve is disposed a first shock absorber which includes a rectangular outer pipe, and a rectangular inner pipe disposed in and rotated degrees with respect to the outer pipe, the edges of the inner pipe are abutted against the inner surface of the outer pipe, between each of the edges of the inner pipe and the inner space of the outer pipe is disposed an elastic rubber, the inner pipe of each of the first shock absorbers is sleeved on the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Chung-Chuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20150083504
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a forestry machine (100), in which arrangement there is—a chassis (12), —a single-axle set of wheels (13) pivoted to the chassis (12), and —at least one auxiliary wheel (18) fitted the outside the set of wheels (13), in order to increase the load-bearing capacity of the rear part (19) of the chassis (12). —The arrangement further includes —at least one support arm (20) arranged to carry the said auxiliary wheel (18) at its first end (22) and pivoted at its second end (24) to the said chassis (12) with the aid of a transverse shaft (23), —a support surface (36) attached to the chassis (12) and a counter surface (38) attached to the said support arm (20), for limiting the transverse movement of the support arm (20). —The invention also relates to a corresponding forestry machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Ponsse Oyj
    Inventors: Ossi Pohjoisaho, Jan Kauhanen, Risto Vidgren, Jukka Karppinen, Pentti Hukkanen
  • Patent number: 8967640
    Abstract: An apparatus for adding a propulsion wheel to a land based vehicle. When the apparatus is attached to a land based vehicle the apparatus is operationally configured to bias a propulsion wheel attached thereto to a position of engagement with a travel surface supporting the land based vehicle thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Michael John Mabe
  • Patent number: 8967639
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes first and second mounting brackets each adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, first and second trailing arms each having a first end pivotably coupled to the mounting brackets, and a second end located outboard of the first end of the associated trailing arm; an axle member having a first end and a second end; an integrated first mounting arrangement and an integrated second mounting arrangement coupled to the associated ends of the axle member, wherein the mounting arrangements pivotably couple the second end of the associated trailing arm to one of the ends of the axle member, and wherein the mounting arrangements couple one of the ends of the axle member to the spindle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Conaway, Daniel R. Dykstra, Marc Johnson, Doug Thole, Boyd Freeman
  • Patent number: 8967631
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Papé Machinery
    Inventors: Dennis R. Solbrack, Christopher E. Wood
  • Patent number: 8967638
    Abstract: A lift axle suspension system is provided with a frame bracket member connectable to a vehicle frame, an upper control arm, and a lower control arm. Each control arm has a first end and a second end, with the first end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the frame bracket member. The suspension system also includes an axle connecting member connectable to an axle, with the second end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the axle connecting member. A compression coil spring having a first end connected to the lower control arm and a second end connected to the upper control arm serves as a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the axle connected to the axle connecting member. The compression coil spring may encircle at least a portion of and be substantially coaxial with the lower control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 8955858
    Abstract: A traction assist system for a vehicle having a tandem-axle system includes a drive axle and a non-drive axle attached to a suspension beam on opposite sides of a pivot about which the suspension beam is rotatable. A device selectively applies a force to the suspension beam on the side of the pivot at which the drive axle is attached, such that the suspension beam tends to rotate to provide a downward force on the drive axle. The device can also apply the downward force directly to the drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ridewell Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Koontz, William Mattocks, Jason Dillard
  • Publication number: 20150042057
    Abstract: An axle lift assembly includes a vehicle configured to support a load. A slide assembly has a member that is movable along a longitudinal extent of the vehicle. The slide assembly is operable to secure the member relative to the vehicle at a select position along the longitudinal extent of the vehicle. A swing arm has a first end pivotally coupled with the member and an opposing second end biased away from the vehicle. The swing arm is configured to support a wheel assembly with a tire for contacting a ground surface. An actuator is operably interconnecting the member and the swing arm for raising the wheel assembly toward the vehicle to lift the tire away from the ground surface. The slide assembly and the actuator are operable to respectively adjust longitudinal and vertical positions of the wheel assembly relative to the vehicle for accommodating a condition of the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathon Karel, William Hicks, Gary Greer, P.Eng.
  • Publication number: 20150014951
    Abstract: An axle lift system for a trailer may include: a moving block coupled to an axle of the trailer; a fixed block coupled to a frame of the trailer; a winch; and a cable, the cable communicating with the moving block, the fixed block, and the winch, the axle lift system configured to move the axle upon operation of the winch. In the event of a flat (or excessively low-pressure) tire, the operator can quickly and easily activate the axle lift system to raise an axle associated with the flat tire off the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Robert J McGuire
  • Patent number: 8931788
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lift axle valve unit of any type for lifting or lowering a lift axle of a utility vehicle having an air suspension. According to the invention, the lift axle valve unit comprises a heating device. By means of the heating device it Is possible to heat the lift axle valve unit when using the utility vehicle in regions and in wintertime with low temperatures. The heating device comprises a heating element built with a heating rod or a heating mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Becke, Tobias Tschöke, Georg Sulzyc
  • Patent number: 8925946
    Abstract: A vehicle (3) comprising at least two axles (6, 7, 8) fitted with at least two tires the axis of rotation of which are always mutually parallel from one axle to another. Each axle (6, 7, 8) bears at least 10% of the load of the vehicle and at least two axles (6, 7, 8) bear different loads during running. Also disclosed is a method for distributing the load between said at least two axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Techniques S.A., Compagne Generale des Establissements Michelin
    Inventors: Loic Albert, Fabien Marlier, Philippe Mansuy
  • Publication number: 20140375005
    Abstract: A carry-and-transport device includes a caster unit and a straight-wheel unit. A control unit which has a sleeve and the sleeve is located corresponding to the straight-wheel unit of the carry-and-transport device. A movable frame is connected to the sleeve and has an auxiliary caster unit connected to the lower end thereof. The auxiliary caster unit normally located above the ground and does not contact the ground. A switch unit is connected to the top of the movable frame so as to control the movable frame to move upward and downward. When the carry-and-transport device turns or makes a U-turn, the auxiliary caster unit touches the ground by operation of the control unit so as to reduce the turning radius of the carry-and-transport device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: SAMUEL LIN, YAN-SHENG LIN, I-PING HUANG
  • Patent number: 8870198
    Abstract: An axle lift assembly includes a beam slidably coupled with and extending on a longitudinal extent of a vehicle frame. A trailing arm has a first end pivotably coupled with the beam. An axle is rotatably coupled with an intermediate portion of the trailing arm. An air spring is disposed between a second end of the trailing arm and the beam for absorbing an upward force from the axle. A support bracket extends down from the beam proximate the first end of the trailing arm. A pneumatic actuator is disposed between the support bracket and the trailing arm for raising the axle from a deployed position to a retracted position that substantially eliminates the upward force on the air spring from the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon Karel, William Hicks, Gary Greer
  • Patent number: 8851492
    Abstract: An axle/suspension system for heavy-duty vehicles having a frame and at least one suspension assembly operatively connected to the frame, the axle/suspension system including a mechanical stop having a plurality of links and a first end and a second end, the second end rigidly attached to the suspension assembly and the first end rigidly attached to the vehicle frame, wherein the first end and the second end control a distance between the first end and the second end, and control the plurality of links to attain a movement tolerance range of said mechanical stop from about 0.0 inches to about 2.0 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jacob Andreasen, R. Scott Fulton, John E. Ramsey, Ryan J. Lippincott
  • Patent number: 8820758
    Abstract: A tag axle assembly for an agricultural machine, such as a harvester, and method for redistributing weight of the harvester from the rear axle of the harvester when a header is removed, or when replaced by a lighter header, at the front of the harvester. The tag axle assembly includes a tag axle with tires that may be lowered so that the tires contact the ground when no header is attached to the machine to absorb loads transferred from the front of the harvester to the rear axle and rear tires at the rear of the harvester. The tag axle and tires may be raised up from the ground, or the tag axle assembly may be removed from the harvester, when a header is attached to the front of the harvester causing redistribution of load from off the rear axle and rear tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Schwinn, John Donald Watt, Tracy R. Archer
  • Patent number: 8814184
    Abstract: An axle-lifting device for lifting an axle of a vehicle. The axle-lifting device includes a function mechanism for generating a force component in an axle-lifting direction. The function mechanism is configured to generate a first force component for providing a first functionality and a second force component for lifting the axle in the axle-lifting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Naber
  • Publication number: 20140232080
    Abstract: An axle lift assembly includes a beam slidably coupled with and extending on a longitudinal extent of a vehicle frame. A trailing arm has a first end pivotably coupled with the beam. An axle is rotatably coupled with an intermediate portion of the trailing arm. An air spring is disposed between a second end of the trailing arm and the beam for absorbing an upward force from the axle. A support bracket extends down from the beam proximate the first end of the trailing arm. A pneumatic actuator is disposed between the support bracket and the trailing arm for raising the axle from a deployed position to a retracted position that substantially eliminates the upward force on the air spring from the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathon Karel, William Hicks, Gary Greer, P.Eng.
  • Publication number: 20140210173
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes an axle member movable between a first position and a second position, mounting brackets adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, trailing arms pivotably coupled to mounting brackets and pivotably coupled to the axle member, a lift arrangement including a pair of diaphragm chambers each having a push plate and a flexible bladder, the push plate of the diaphragm chamber dividing the associated diaphragm chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment of each diaphragm chamber being adjustably pressurized to move the push plate of the associated diaphragm chamber, and at least one push rod defining a single longitudinal axis and connected to each push plate such that pressurization of the diaphragm chambers cause a translational movement of the at least one push rod, thereby causing the axle member to move between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Conaway, Daniel R. Dykstra, Marc Johnson, Doug Thole, Boyd Freeman
  • Publication number: 20140210174
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes first and second mounting brackets each adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, first and second trailing arms each having a first end pivotably coupled to the mounting brackets, and a second end located outboard of the first end of the associated trailing arm; an axle member having a first end and a second end; an integrated first mounting arrangement and an integrated second mounting arrangement coupled to the associated ends of the axle member, wherein the mounting arrangements pivotably couple the second end of the associated trailing arm to one of the ends of the axle member, and wherein the mounting arrangements couple one of the ends of the axle member to the spindle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Conaway, Daniel R. Dykstra, Marc Johnson, Doug Thole, Boyd Freeman
  • Publication number: 20140191484
    Abstract: An apparatus for adding a propulsion wheel to a land based vehicle. When the apparatus is attached to a land based vehicle the apparatus is operationally configured to bias a propulsion wheel attached thereto to a position of engagement with a travel surface supporting the land based vehicle thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: MICHAEL JOHN MABE
  • Patent number: 8695998
    Abstract: An axle lift assembly includes a beam slidably coupled with and extending on a longitudinal extent of a vehicle frame. A trailing arm has a first end pivotably coupled with the beam. An axle is rotatably coupled with an intermediate portion of the trailing arm. An air spring is disposed between a second end of the trailing arm and the beam for absorbing an upward force from the axle. A support bracket extends down from the beam proximate the first end of the trailing arm. A pneumatic actuator is disposed between the support bracket and the trailing arm for raising the axle from a deployed position to a retracted position that substantially eliminates the upward force on the air spring from the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon Karel, William Hicks, Gary Greer
  • Publication number: 20140070507
    Abstract: A lift axle suspension system is provided with a frame bracket member connectable to a vehicle frame, an upper control arm, and a lower control arm. Each control arm has a first end and a second end, with the first end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the frame bracket member. The suspension system also includes an axle connecting member connectable to an axle, with the second end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the axle connecting member. A compression coil spring having a first end connected to the lower control arm and a second end connected to the upper control arm serves as a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the axle connected to the axle connecting member. The compression coil spring may encircle at least a portion of and be substantially coaxial with the lower control arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 8641062
    Abstract: A lift axle suspension system is provided with a frame bracket member connectable to a vehicle frame, an upper control arm, and a lower control arm. Each control arm has a first end and a second end, with the first end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the frame bracket member. The suspension system also includes an axle connecting member connectable to an axle, with the second end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the axle connecting member. A compression coil spring having a first end connected to the lower control arm and a second end connected to the upper control arm serves as a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the axle connected to the axle connecting member. The compression coil spring may encircle at least a portion of and be substantially coaxial with the lower control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 8616565
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system can include a steering knuckle assembly with a steer return device, and a biasing device comprising an elastomeric toroid which is deformed by the steer return device. Another suspension system can include a king pin having opposite ends, and a steering knuckle assembly including a steer return device, a steer lock, and a biasing device which is deformed by the steer return device. The steer return device, steer lock and biasing device can be positioned at a same opposite end of the king pin. Another suspension system can include a king pin, and a steering knuckle assembly including a steer return device which encircles the king pin. The steering knuckle assembly can be rotated relative to the king pin, without axial displacement relative to the king pin, by a biasing force which results from deformation of a biasing device by the steer return device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Damon Delorenzis
  • Patent number: 8573611
    Abstract: An emergency axle lift control for a vehicle having at least one supplemental load axle configured to provide supplemental support to the vehicle by moving from a stored position in which wheels of the supplemental load axle do not contact the ground surface to a deployed position in which the wheels of the supplemental load axle contact the ground surface. The emergency axle lift control may comprise a control bypass switch operable by an operator of the vehicle while driving the vehicle, with the control bypass switch being configured to cause all of the supplemental load axles of the vehicle to move from the deployed position toward the stored position when the operator actuates the control bypass switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20130282234
    Abstract: High centering bases for hospital gurneys are disclosed. An example hospital gurney includes a sensor to detect a position of a foot pedal of the hospital gurney. The example high centering base includes a processor responsive to the sensor to create a movement instruction based on the position of the foot pedal. The example high centering base includes an actuator to move a first wheel based on the movement instruction, the first wheel located between a first end of the hospital gurney and a second end of the hospital gurney.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roberts, Daniel Stout
  • Patent number: 8522933
    Abstract: An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Chalin, Cully B. Dodd, Herbert D. Hudson
  • Patent number: 8523207
    Abstract: A method for securing a suspension may include attaching a frame interface device to a vehicle frame and aligning a first connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector, or a first connector may be straddled by two second connectors, when the connector set is aligned. These aligned connectors may be secured by a fastener, thereby securing the suspension to the frame. A suspension attachment system may include a hanger bracket of a suspension, a frame interface device, and a connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector when the connector set is aligned. The suspension may be secured to the frame as a result of the aligned and secured connector set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Cully B. Dodd
  • Patent number: 8523202
    Abstract: A suspension system is disclosed that suspends a trailing axle with steerable wheels from the tailgate of a motor vehicle with the use of a carriage, a pair of actuators and gas springs. The carriage is pivotally connected to the tailgate, the axle is directly suspended from the carriage and the actuators are pivotally connected to the carriage and tailgate and adapted to establish the carriage and thereby the axle in a stowed condition on the tailgate and in an active condition where the axle trails the vehicle at a substantial distance and the actuators are connected to the tailgate so as to contribute in an enhanced manner to the roll stability of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Brooks Strong, Joshua Cayne Fisher
  • Patent number: 8523203
    Abstract: A suspension system is disclosed that suspends a trailing axle with steerable wheels from the body of a motor vehicle with a carriage and a pair of actuators. The axle is directly suspended from the carriage and the actuators operate to establish the carriage and thereby the axle in a stowed condition on the vehicle body and in an active condition where the axle trails the vehicle at a substantial distance and is forced by the actuators to help support the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Brooks Strong, Joshua Cayne Fisher
  • Patent number: 8485538
    Abstract: An auxiliary axle suspension system for a motor vehicle is disclosed wherein a pair of hydraulically operated actuators position and force the auxiliary axle to help support the vehicle. And gas springs are provided that allow the actuators to extend and retract over a wide range of hydraulic operating pressure and thereby allow the auxiliary axle to adjust to a wide range of road grade differences between the auxiliary axle wheels and the wheels of the axles that normally support the vehicle without incurring significant gas and hydraulic pressure fluctuation and while isolating shock forces on the auxiliary axle wheels from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Brooks Strong, Joshua Cayne Fisher
  • Patent number: 8459666
    Abstract: A lift assembly for a suspension assembly of an axle/suspension system is located generally adjacent to and beside the suspension assembly. The lift assembly includes an air chamber, a support member assembly, a pivot arm assembly and a beam support assembly. The support member assembly attaches to the hanger of the suspension assembly, to the air chamber, and pivotally attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The air chamber also attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The pivot arm assembly pivotally attaches to the beam support assembly which in turn attaches to the beam of the suspension assembly, for raising and/or lowering the suspension assembly during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hendrikson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Piehl, Kevin J. Erdmann
  • Patent number: 8434773
    Abstract: A lift axle control valve (200) for controlling a vehicle lift axle is provided. The valve (200) includes a vehicle port (103) configured to receive a vehicle pressure and a suspension port (106) configured to receive a suspension pressure. The valve (200) is configured to receive a lift axle control signal, actuate the lift axle control valve (200) to connect one or more lift bag output ports (121) to the vehicle port (103) and to connect one or more load bag output ports (131) to the vent port (118) if the lift axle control signal comprises a lift command, and actuate the lift axle control valve (200) to connect the one or more load bag output ports (131) to the suspension port (106) and connect the one or more lift bag output ports (121) to the vent port (118) if the lift axle control signal comprises a load command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Norgren GT Development Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Morris, Kevin Vincent Curtin
  • Patent number: 8424888
    Abstract: Systems and methods for weight transfer in a vehicle are provided. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of movable spring seats configured to adjust a length of the plurality of springs. Additionally, an electromechanical actuator is provide that is connected to the plurality of movable springs and configured to move the movable spring seats to adjust the length of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to the electromechanical actuator to control the electromechanical actuator to adjust the length of the plurality of springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Munishwar Ahuja, Nikhil Subhashchandra Tambe, Amit Kalyani, Ravi Kumar
  • Patent number: 8403346
    Abstract: An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturring, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Chalin, Cully B. Dodd, Herbert D. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20130049316
    Abstract: A tag axle assembly for an agricultural machine, such as a harvester, and method for redistributing weight of the harvester from the rear axle of the harvester when a header is removed, or when replaced by a lighter header, at the front of the harvester. The tag axle assembly includes a tag axle with tires that may be lowered so that the tires contact the ground when no header is attached to the machine to absorb loads transferred from the front of the harvester to the rear axle and rear tires at the rear of the harvester. The tag axle and tires may be raised up from the ground, or the tag axle assembly may be removed from the harvester, when a header is attached to the front of the harvester causing redistribution of load from off the rear axle and rear tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Schwinn, John Donald Watt, Tracy R. Archer
  • Publication number: 20130009372
    Abstract: An attachment for a wheelchair includes a secondary front-wheel pair that is movable from a disengaged up position, to a deployed down position, and back again. In the disengaged up position, the secondary front wheels are up off the ground, so the primary front wheels of the wheelchair are in contact with the ground and thereby being used. In the deployed down position, the secondary front wheels are down in contact with the ground and are thereby being used, so the primary front wheels are now removed from contact with the ground and are no longer in use. In typical embodiments, the secondary front wheels are relatively larger wheels for traversing rough terrain, the primary front wheels are relatively smaller wheels for traversing smooth terrain, and the secondary front wheels move between the disengaged up position and the deployed down position in a pivoting motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Georgia Health Sciences University Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Paten WILLIS
  • Patent number: 8322734
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel axle lifter used for being adapted to be disposed with auto-mobiles. The wheel axle lifter comprises a fixing portion, a first airbag and a suspending arm. The fixing portion is used for being disposed with a body of the auto-mobile. The first airbag disposed with the fixing portion comprises at least two rollers. The two rollers are positioned integrally. One end of the suspending arm is pivotally disposed with the fixing portion. The suspending arm is disposed with a wheel axle and is able to move between a first position and a second position. Each one of the two rollers rotationally contacts with the suspending arm when the first airbag drives the two rollers upward to abut against the suspending arm so that the suspending arm moves to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Chuan Ta King Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Hsia Yao