Abstract: An independently driving wheel module includes: a base frame including an upper end fixed to a coupling surface of a vehicle body, and a rotation part coupled to the upper end of the base frame such that the rotation part is rotatable with respect to the upper end of the base frame; a connection link including a first end integrally coupled to the rotation part, and a second end having a shape extending downward from the first end of the connection link; a driving wheel disposed at a side of the second end of the connection link and coupled to the second end of the connection link; and a rotation plate including an upper and lower surfaces extending obliquely in misaligned directions, the rotation plate being interposed between the base frame and the vehicle body so as to be rotatable with respect to the base frame or the vehicle body.

Abstract: An alignment assembly that includes a body that defines a bolt aperture and at least one pin aperture. A control arm is proximate the body and includes a bushing with a bushing aperture. A bolt extends through the bushing aperture and the bolt aperture. The bolt has a front portion and an end portion opposing the front portion. A flag nut is coupled to the end portion and includes a plate with at least one aperture. At least one pin extends through the at least one pin aperture and the at least one aperture. A position of the pin at least partially determines a position of the control arm.

Abstract: Tooling for clocking dual eccentric bushings of a clevis so that the clevis and a lug can be pinned together, comprises a pin and a sleeve. The pin comprises a pin cylindrical portion, a plate-engagement portion, and a stop surface. The sleeve comprises a sleeve cylindrical outer surface and a sleeve interior channel that has an interior-channel central axis, which is parallel to and offset from a sleeve-cylindrical-outer-surface central axis. The pin cylindrical portion is configured to be received by the sleeve interior channel with a slip fit. The tooling further comprises a squaring plate that comprises a squaring-plate abutment surface, configured to contact the stop surface, and a squaring-plate opening configured to receive the plate-engagement portion of the pin with a slip fit.

Abstract: A structural load path assembly includes an upper rail configured to be coupled to a suspension system, a lower rail spaced apart from the upper rail along a vertical direction, a first outer bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, a second outer bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, a first inner bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, wherein the first inner bracket is spaced apart from the first outer bracket along a horizontal direction, and the horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction, a second inner bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower, and a box section sized to receive a shock absorber.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for interconnecting a steering knuckle and lower suspension arm. The apparatus includes a ball joint assembly having a lateral adjustment feature that allows for increased range of adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a camber adjustment assembly, comprising: first and second end plates coupled to a substantially planar center portion, wherein the first and second end plates comprise a generally triangular configuration; a chassis element coupled to a trailing arm and the camber adjustment assembly, and wherein a force may be applied to the camber adjustment assembly so as to desirably induce a positive or negative camber condition.

Abstract: The suspension beam or beams of a truck having a shortened bed are modified by bending a distal end of the suspension beam to decrease the distance between a frame mount point and a wheel mount (ball joint) point. The reduction in distance increases the structural support of the suspension sufficiently to eliminate non-uniform tire wear in shortened wheelbase vehicles.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body has an underbody and a link, which at one end is pivotably connected to the underbody and at another end carries a wheel. The connection to the underbody includes an underbody-side bearing support, in which a link-side pin engages.

Abstract: An offset washer for adjusting the camber angle in a vehicle is disclosed. The offset washer includes a body having an upper surface and a lower surface, an aperture extending through the body, and a protrusion having a longitudinal width different than the body thickness. The protrusion is configured to be inserted into a receiving aperture on a flange of a vehicle suspension system. The protrusion is defined by a formed upset defining a step in the material along a portion of the edge of the aperture, which is formed by upsetting the portion of the edge of the aperture when forming the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a camber adjustment assembly, comprising: first and second end plates coupled to a substantially planar center portion, wherein the first and second end plates comprise a generally triangular configuration; a chassis element coupled to a trailing arm and the camber adjustment assembly, and wherein a force may be applied to the camber adjustment assembly so as to desirably induce a positive or negative camber condition.

Abstract: A universal wishbone trailing arm and methods are provided for coupling a wheel to a vehicle chassis. The universal wishbone trailing arm comprises a wheel hub that fastenably receives the wheel. A cylindrical axle support supports one or more roller bearings whereby the wheel hub is rotatable. A first swing arm and a second swing arm extend forwardly from a joined swing arm. The cylindrical axle support is coupled to a rear of the joined swing arm. A first chassis mount hingedly couples the first swing arm to the vehicle chassis. A second chassis mount hingedly couples the second swing arm to an articulated mount which is configured to couple the second swing arm to the vehicle chassis. The articulated mount cooperates with the first second swing arms to change the camber of the wheel, such that a tracking of the wheels remains substantially unchanged during traveling over rough terrain.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle wheel suspension includes a lower oscillating arm, a damper unit, an upper oscillating rod and a vertical articulated rod. The suspension includes a toe control oscillating rod having an inner end pivotally connected to a supporting structure and an outer end pivotally connected to a wheel support. An articulation of the outer end of the toe control rod to the wheel support and the upper end of the vertical rod includes an articulation axle connected to the vertical rod. An eccentric cylindrical member is rotatably mounted on the articulation axle within a cylindrical cavity in the support and has an axis eccentric relative to the articulation axle. The articulation axle is connected to an adjustment ring, whose rotation determines a variation in the position of the wheel support and a resulting variation of the wheel toe angle.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a strut coupled to an agricultural vehicle suspension system, a frame coupled to the suspension system, and a height adjustment mechanism coupled to the strut. The height adjustment mechanism is configured to transition the strut between a raised position, in which a frame height is at a first position, and a lowered position, in which the frame height is at a second position. The first position is higher than the second position relative to a surface of an agricultural field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chassis component having a mount which is produced from a formable basic material and includes at least one slot for receiving a connection bolt for connecting a steering arm and at least one stop for an eccentric disc which is or can be connected in a torsionally stiff sense to the connection bolt. In order for it to be possible to produce the stop for the eccentric disc in a reliable and cost-effective manner without the risk of crack formation, the invention provides for a recess to be molded into the basic material, which recess defines a peripheral edge region and a base enclosed by the edge region, the base including the slot and the edge region including two oblong surfaces extending in parallel with one another which act as the stop for the eccentric disc.

Abstract: An assembly is provided comprising a twin I-beam front suspension system and a parallelogram steering linkage operatively coupled to the suspension system. A vehicle incorporating the assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for limiting swivel of a wheel includes a fixed seat, a positioning groove, a driving member, and a limiting member. The fixed seat permits a fork to be connected pivotally thereto, and permits a frame to be connected fixedly thereto. The driving member is connected rotatably to the fixed seat. The limiting member is mounted extendably and retractably on the fixed seat. The positioning groove is disposed to the fork. The limiting member is extendable from the fixed seat to engage the positioning groove so as to prevent rotation of the fork, and is retractable into the fixed seat to remove from the positioning groove to allow for rotation of the fork. The driving member has a caroming surface rotatable to drive extension and retraction of the limiting member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cam, an arm plate, and a slide plate, wherein the cam defines at least one opening, the arm plate defines at least one channel, and the slide plate defines at least one hole. The control arm length may be adjusted by rotation of the cam and fixedly securing the cam to the arm plate to the slide plate with a bolt and at least one bolt securing device.

Abstract: A toe/camber adjustment mechanism comprising: a first ear section having an aperture; a second ear section having an aperture; at least one cam plate positioned on at least one aperture in the ear sections, the cam plate comprising: a rod aperture offset from a center of the cam plate; a plurality of positioning apertures; and a torque application point; at least one locking insert member aligning and fixing at least one of the positioning apertures in the cam plate with at least one aperture in the ear sections; and a pivot rod extending through the apertures in the ear sections and the rod aperture.

Abstract: An adjustment bolt for adjusting the camber angle in a vehicle. The adjustment bolt includes a head, a neck, a lobe, and a threaded portion. The head is configured to provide a gripping surface for a tightening tool (e.g., pliers, wrench). The neck extends eccentrically from the bottom surface of the head and the neck has a first diameter and a first centerline. The lobe extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the neck and the lobe has a second diameter and a second centerline. The threaded portion extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the lobe and has a third centerline. The first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are different from one another. Additionally, the lobe diameter is substantially the same as an aperture diameter for an adjustment aperture in a knuckle operably connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the camber and/or toe of a motor vehicle wheel includes a wheel carrier, on which the wheel is rotatably mounted. The wheel carrier is divided into a carrier member receiving the wheel via a wheel bearing, an axle-side guide member, and a bearing assembly arranged therebetween. The bearing assembly includes rotary parts which can be rotated relative to each other and relative to both the carrier member and the guide member and which interact with confronting inclined faces. The wheel bearing includes a radially outer bearing housing, which is clamped by the bearing assembly formed from the rotary parts into a plug-and-socket connection with the carrier member.

Abstract: An adjustment bolt for adjusting the camber angle in a vehicle. The adjustment bolt includes a head, a neck, a lobe, and a threaded portion. The head is configured to provide a gripping surface for a tightening tool (e.g., pliers, wrench). The head has a first diameter and a first centerline. The neck extends eccentrically from the bottom surface of the head and the neck has a second diameter and a second centerline. The lobe extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the neck and the lobe has a third diameter and a centerline that is the same as the first centerline. The threaded portion extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the lobe and has a third centerline. The first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are different from one another.

Abstract: Saddle type self-steer axle systems equipped wagons may include two or more axles and may be backed up due to reversing caster. Such systems may provide increased stability by providing four points of contact. Further, such systems may provide improved weight distribution in that weight may be distributed over four points as opposed to three points. In addition, such systems may provide increased safety by raising the rollover threshold to that of the tow vehicle. Such systems may allow a tow vehicle to carry its full allowable gross weight while towing its full allowable tow weight. In addition, a centrally pivoting saddle style hinge system may reduce the actuator force that may be needed to change the caster from forward to reverse and vice versa.

Abstract: A self propelled irrigation system has a drive tower on which a drive wheel is mounted to a rotating member of a drive mechanism with an axis of the wheel obliquely angled relative to a drive axis of the rotating member such that the wheel is tilted out of a plane normal to the drive axis. A hub has its oppositely facing sides arranged to support the wheel in such an orientation, and may therefore be mounted between the drive mechanism and wheel of a conventional irrigation system in which the wheel and drive axes were previously coincident. The tilt of the wheel causes an intentional wobble under rotation of the hub so that the wheel's point of engagement with the ground wanders back and forth during repeated passage of the drive tower over a particular path, thereby reducing a rut forming or deepening tendency of the irrigation system.

Abstract: In an exemplary, non-limiting bushing assembly, a first bushing defines a first opening therethrough. The first opening has a first dimension along a first axis that is sized to receive a fastener therethrough. The first opening has a second dimension along a second axis, and the second dimension is larger than the first dimension. A second bushing defines a second opening therethrough that is sized to receive a fastener therein. Means are provided for engaging the first and second bushings.

Abstract: A wheelchair having wheel track adjustability. The wheelchair including a frame, a seat situated within the frame, two drive wheels mounted to the frame at wheel axles and at least one steerable wheel. Each axle connected to a fitting removably coupled to the frame, with the fitting mounted to at least one support plate whose thickness varies around the circumference to position the fitting and axle at an angle. The support plate rotatable to change the angle of the fitting and axle and thereby correct wheel track error. The support plate mountable to a bracket pivotally mounted to the frame, such that pivoting movement of the bracket results in rotation of the support plates.

Abstract: A cam bolt assembly for use in a vehicle's suspension system. The cam bolt assembly is used to adjust the vehicle's wheel alignment. The assembly has a threaded fastener defining a pair of longitudinal channels, a first cam plate is coupled to the threaded bolt, a second cam plate defining an aperture is mated to the pair of longitudinal channels. At least one of the cam plates has an arcuate slot configured to mate with a component of the suspension system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wheel angle adjustment apparatus for automobile suspension systems. The wheel angle adjustment apparatus of the present invention has a structure such that upper, lower, left and right gaps between a spindle bracket and a wheel bracket are changed by tightening or loosening a plurality of locking bolts that couples the spindle bracket and the wheel bracket together. Therefore, toe and camber angles of each wheel are easily adjusted by tightening or loosening the locking bolts. In particular, when the present invention is used in a suspension system such as a torsion beam suspension system which has a structure such that a wheel alignment using a connection part provided between the automobile body and wheels is impossible, the wheels are easily aligned merely by adjusting the gap between the spindle bracket and the wheel bracket.

Abstract: A system used for alignment of a vehicle suspension and axle includes a pear-shaped cam that is rotatable relative to one of two spaced plates of a hanger bracket. An aperture and nose in the cam plate is aligned with an elongated opening in the bracket plate. The cam further includes a pin that is configured for insertion and movement within an arcuate aperture in the bracket plate. A fastener extends through the aperture and the nose of the cam, through the elongated openings in the bracket plates, and through the suspension control arm. Rotation of the cam causes a corresponding movement of the pin along the arcuate-shaped aperture of the bracket and of the fastener along the elongated openings of the bracket.

Abstract: A slidably movable member such as an adjusting shim used in a valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The slidably movable member is used in contact with lubricating oil and comprises a substrate. A hard carbon-based film is coated on a surface of the substrate. The hard carbon-based film has a surface section which contains at least one of nitrogen and oxygen in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 30 at % and/or hydrogen in an amount of not more than 10 at %.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension tuning device for vehicles with struts. More specifically, the suspension tuning device generally comprises a pair of plates constructed to mount juxtaposed to the strut/spindle mounting flange of a standard MacPherson strut, each plate includes an inset sub-plate having an offset aperture which cooperates with one of the spindle attachment bolts to control wheel camber.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a height of suspension of a vehicle frame includes a first end of a shock absorber mounted to a suspension arm and a top end of a shock absorber slidably attached to a frame of the vehicle and is movable in a first plane of travel. An adjusting member is slidably attached to the frame and movable within a second plane of travel non-parallel to the first plane of travel of the second end of the shock absorber. The adjusting member includes a camming surface which provides a force to the second end of the shock absorber such that as the adjusting member moves in the second plane of travel, the camming surface positions the second end of the shock absorber in the first plane of travel thereby adjusting a height of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension tuning device for vehicles with struts. More specifically the suspension tuning device generally comprises an upper plate, two lower plates and a strut mounting plate. The plates are constructed to mount juxtaposed to a standard strut tower mounting member to permit quick front suspension alterations throughout an increased range when compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A cam bolt assembly for using in a vehicle's suspension system to adjust the vehicle's wheel alignment having a threaded fastener defining a pair of longitudinal channels, a first cam plate is coupled to the threaded bolt, a second cam plate defining an aperture is mated to the pair of longitudinal channels. At least one of the cam plates has an arcuate slot configured to mate with a component of the suspension system.

Abstract: A slidably movable member such as an adjusting shim used in a valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The slidably movable member is used in contact with lubricating oil and comprises a substrate. A hard carbon-based film is coated on a surface of the substrate. The hard carbon-based film has a surface section which contains at least one of nitrogen and oxygen in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 30 at % and/or hydrogen in an amount of not more than 10 at %.

Abstract: A cam bolt assembly for using in a vehicle's suspension system to adjust the vehicle's wheel alignment is disclosed having a threaded fastener defining a pair of longitudinal channels, a first cam plate is coupled to the threaded bolt, a second cam plate defining an aperture is mated to the pair of longitudinal channels. At least one of the cam plates has an arcuate slot configured to mate with a component of the suspension system.

Abstract: The process of the invention consists in assembling a correction stub axle 2 comprising a correction angle &ggr;c on the receiving surface 3 of a suspension system 1. The stub axle is positioned along a correction azimuth &dgr;c as a function of an error azimuth &dgr;d of the orientation of the receiving surface 3 relative to the nominal orientation intended.

Abstract: A suspension adjustment device for adjusting both camber and caster of a wheel is provided. A suspension control arm is mounted between a pair of vehicle frame support members using a single fastener. Cams are disposed on either end of the fastener. The cams rotate in grooves defined in the vehicle frame support members and cause the fastener to move inboard or outboard in slots defined in the frame support members in order to adjust wheel camber. Shims are disposed about the fastener on either side of the control arm between the control arm and the frame support members. Shims are removed from one side and added to the other side to move the control arm in the fore-aft direction and adjust wheel caster Alternatively, the fore-aft position of the control arm may be adjusted by rotating a threaded bushing disposed about the fastener and extending through the control arm.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of suspension control arm and, consequently, wheel caster is provided. The device includes a fastener that couples a suspension control arm between a pair of support members in a vehicle frame. Shim packs are supported on the fastener on either side of the control arm between the control arm and the frame support members. The shim packs include shims having open-ended slots for easy addition or removal. Each shim pack may further include a pair of ring shaped members disposed about the fastener, and coupled to the shims of its respective shim pack. The shims are held together using a coupling element such as a cotter pin, however, to prevent the shims from becoming dislodged. The position of the control arm may be adjusted by swapping shims between the first and second shim packs.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of suspension control arm and, consequently, wheel caster is provided. The device includes a fastener that couples a suspension control arm between a pair of support members in a vehicle frame. Shim packs are supported on the fastener on either side of the control arm between the control arm and the frame support members. The shim packs include shims having open-ended slots for easy addition or removal. Each shim pack may further include a pair of ring shaped members disposed about the fastener, and coupled to the shims of its respective shim pack. The shims are held together using a coupling element such as a cotter pin, however, to prevent the shims from becoming dislodged. The position of the control arm may be adjusted by swapping shims between the first and second shim packs.

Abstract: An off-set adjusting nut for use with a bolt permits adjusting at least one characteristic of mechanically connected members. The bolt has a head and a shank extending therefrom, at least a portion of the shank being threaded for engagement with the adjusting nut. The adjusting nut includes a body defining a nut axis therethrough. The body further defines an upper surface and a lower portion. A round flange is formed integral with the body at the lower portion. The flange is formed on the body collinear with the nut axis. An eccentric bore is formed in the body extending from the upper surface to the lower portion and through the flange. The bore has a thread formed therein for engaging the bolt shank thread. The bore is formed off-set in the nut body and defines a bore axis that is parallel to and spaced from the nut axis.

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

Abstract: A balancing vehicle having enhanced stability for transporting a payload. The vehicle has two substantially coaxial wheels coupled to a platform. Each wheel rotates about an axis, with the axis of each wheel disposed at a non-zero angle with respect to an axis that is defined by the centers of the respective wheels and that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of forward motion of the vehicle. The vehicle has a motorized drive that provides locomotion of the vehicle in an operating position that is unstable with respect to tipping if the motorized drive is not powered.

Abstract: A wheel alignment adjuster for a motor vehicle suspension of a twin-flange strut-type comprises an elongate plate having a transverse slot. A bolt passes through aligned upper holes in the flanges of the suspension strut and the bolt engages through the transverse slot in the plate. The bolt has a non-circular cross-section with a cam washer having an aperture corresponding in shape and size to the cross section of the bolt but having a circular periphery, the aperture in the cam washer being offset from its center; the periphery of the cam washer is restrained between side flanges extending from the front face of the plate.