Ball Joint Or Bushing Patents (Class 280/86.756)
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Patent number: 11926362Abstract: A method and apparatus for a camber adjustment system for a control arm of the subject matter of the present disclosure which allows the quick change of camber settings of a vehicle by utilizing a pill adjustment component containing several camber settings including a track and street setting.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Inventors: Abraham Fischer, Ben Schaffer
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Patent number: 11904941Abstract: An adjustable front axle includes an axle housing; an axle tube connected to an end of the axle housing; an inner-C-forging disposed on the axle tube at an end away from the axle housing; and a mounting apparatus configured for detachably fixing the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The inner-C-forging is provided with a first angle adjustment structure, the axle tube is provided with a second angle adjustment structure. The mounting apparatus is disposed on the axle tube, and capable of cooperating with the inner-C-forging to fix the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The first angle adjustment structure and the second angle adjustment structure have different cooperation positions such that the inner-C-forging has different installation angles relative to the axle tube. A vehicle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: SHANGHAI LINGHUO TRADING CO., LTD.Inventors: Dehui Du, Jia Fu, Bin Cheng
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Patent number: 11904942Abstract: An adjustable front axle includes an axle housing; an axle tube connected to an end of the axle housing; an inner-C-forging disposed on the axle tube at an end away from the axle housing; and a mounting apparatus configured for detachably fixing the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The inner-C-forging is provided with a first angle adjustment structure, the axle tube is provided with a second angle adjustment structure. The mounting apparatus is disposed on the axle tube, and capable of cooperating with the inner-C-forging to fix the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The first angle adjustment structure and the second angle adjustment structure have different cooperation positions such that the inner-C-forging has different installation angles relative to the axle tube. A vehicle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: SHANGHAI LINGHUO TRADING CO., LTD.Inventors: Dehui Du, Jia Fu, Bin Cheng
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Patent number: 11845316Abstract: A pivot joint for connection between first and second suspension members in a vehicle suspension permits adjustment of wheel alignment characteristics without removal or disassembly of the pivot joint. Wheel alignment adjustment may be accomplished with mutual rotation of engaged components of the pivot joint, wherein engaged guide structures of the pivot joint component convert the mutual rotation to translational movement of one pivot joint component relative to the other pivot joint component. The translational movement may be oriented to selectively adjust wheel alignment characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: NORTHSTAR MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Shawn Miller, Kurt Vinje, James Ryshavy
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Patent number: 11577783Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventors: Tae Heon Lee, Won Hyok Choi
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Patent number: 11059337Abstract: An alignment assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first bushing with a slot, the first bushing being configured to be positioned and secured to an end of a first link of a wishbone suspension assembly, and an insert that fits within the slot, the insert having a locating hole that positions a bolt within the slot for nominal caster and camber angles.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Eric B. Hoyer, Jack Marchel
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Patent number: 10882369Abstract: A longitudinal leaf spring device for the suspension of a body of a motor vehicle has a leaf spring unit in an elongated form, a coupling device for the mechanical coupling of the leaf spring unit to a motor vehicle axle and at least one bump stop unit having two separate elastic stop elements which can be connected, in a manner arranged vertically above one another, to a chassis or to the axle. According to the invention, perpendicular directions to a downwardly directed mean contact area of the upper stop element and to an upwardly directed mean contact area of the lower stop element each form an angle other than zero with the vertical.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
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Patent number: 10843280Abstract: A levelling apparatus for use in gang saws comprises first and second wedge portions. The first wedge portion comprises upper and lower surfaces, wherein the lower surface is nonparallel to the upper surface. The first wedge portion further comprises a plurality of openings for accepting mounting fasteners. The openings are arranged in a spaced, circular pattern about a centre of the first wedge portion. The second wedge portion also comprises upper and lower surfaces, wherein the upper surface is nonparallel to the lower surface. The second wedge portion further also comprises a plurality of openings for accepting the mounting fasteners. The second wedge openings correspond to the first wedge openings Rotation of the first wedge portion with respect to the second wedge portion varies an angle between the first wedge upper surface and the second wedge lower surface, thereby allowing for angular adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Precision Guide Machinery and Repair LimitedInventors: Nalynd Vogt, Carrick Bergen
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Patent number: 10814687Abstract: An assembly includes a leadscrew, a strut, and a motor. The strut is movable along the leadscrew upon rotation of the leadscrew. A camber angle of a wheel is changeable according to movement of the strut along the leadscrew. The motor is drivably connected to a rotating shaft that is mounted to the leadscrew.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Nicholas Anthony Quatrano
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Patent number: 10731699Abstract: The invention relates to a pivot connection type assembly comprising a shaft and first and second connection parts, each receiving the shaft so as to enable them to pivot relative to each other, the first connection part being arranged axially between a first end of the shaft and a radial plane, while the second connection part is arranged axially between said radial plane and the other end of the shaft. The shaft is hollow and includes an inside section that presents a radial dimension at least in a first axial plane and over a first segment of the shaft extending axially between the first end and the radial plane, which radial dimension varies, decreasing on axially approaching the radial plane. The assembly includes a ring interposed radially between the shaft and a bore of the first connection part, and presenting radial thickness that varies.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignees: SAFRAN, SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMSInventors: Mathieu Renaud, Jean-Sébastien Charrier, Rémi Grenêche, Anne Mounier, Aurélie Eléonore Pilato
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Patent number: 10493812Abstract: A motor vehicle wheel suspension, comprising a guide wheel having an outer jacket comprising a wheel attachment for the connection of the guide wheel to a rotation pin of a wheel. The guide wheel extends between opposite axial upper and lower ends in correspondence of which it comprises attachments for its connection to connection elements of an associated frame, wherein said outer jacket internally encloses a damper and a spring. The outer jacket, in correspondence of one of said axial upper and lower ends comprises a slot for realizing a first attachment to connection elements of the frame, said slot housing a pin axially guided by said slot, the slot connecting a cavity inside the outer jacket with said pin. The outer jacket, in correspondence of the other of said axial upper and lower ends comprises a tilting hinge for realizing a second attachment to connection elements of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.p.A.Inventor: Andrea Raffaelli
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Patent number: 10106195Abstract: A system for wheel alignment is provided including adjustments to camber, toe, and thrust. A sleeve is fitted over the spindle of an axle. Rotation of the sleeve relative to the spindle provides for adjustments to wheel alignment while a locking feature such as e.g., a pin, is used to maintain the selected position of the sleeve relative to the spindle. The available positions of the sleeve relative to the spindle are predetermined in order to provide for discrete, known adjustments to the alignment of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements MichelinInventors: Zachary Alexander Merrill, Matthew J. Hanlon
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Patent number: 10023018Abstract: An arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a suspension arm, an engine cradle, a wheel attached to the suspension arm, at least one intermediate linking fork joint disposed between the suspension arm and the engine cradle to ensure attachment of the suspension arm to the engine cradle, removable elements to attach the linking fork joint to the engine cradle, elements to attach the suspension arm to the linking fork joint, and first fusible elements to allow a first relative displacement of the suspension arm with respect to the engine cradle over a first path only in an event of application, to the wheel or to the suspension arm, of an external force having a lateral component that exceeds a first predetermined threshold for which the first fusible elements are sized. The first fusible elements include at least one portion of the linking fork joint.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventor: Yoann Saudemont
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Patent number: 10005494Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the toe and camber of a wheel including a spindle, a spindle sleeve, the spindle disposed inside the spindle sleeve, a spindle sleeve bolt, disposed through the spindle through hole and the spindle sleeve through hole, an alignment cam, including an eccentric cam through hole, a cam bolt head, a spindle cup, the eccentric cam through hole offset from an alignment cam constant center of the alignment cam, and a spindle bolt, securely connecting the alignment cam to the spindle. The alignment cam is connected to a first end of the spindle, with the alignment cam and the spindle disposed inside the spindle sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: KUHN KRAUSE, INC.Inventors: Jerome Fink, Charles Westfahl
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Patent number: 9186945Abstract: A cam adjustable shim assembly includes a bushing defining a bushing opening. The bushing opening extends longitudinally along a bushing axis to define a bushing bore. The cam adjustable shim assembly further includes a cam disposed in the bushing bore. The cam defines a cam bore extending longitudinally along a first cam axis offset relative to the bushing axis such that the cam bore is eccentric relative to the bushing bore. The cam adjustable shim assembly further includes a bolt at least partially disposed within the cam bore along a first cam axis. The bolt is engaged with the cam bore such that rotation of the bolt about the first cam axis causes the cam to rotate within the bushing about the bushing axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James L. Luttinen, Steven A. Lamouria
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Patent number: 9186944Abstract: A cam adjustable shim assembly includes a bushing defining a bushing opening. The bushing opening extends along a first axis. The cam adjustable shim assembly further includes a cam disposed in the bushing opening and a bolt at least partially disposed within the cam. The bolt extends along a second axis. The second axis is offset relative to the first axis such that the bushing opening is eccentric relative to the bolt. The bolt is fixed to the cam such that rotation of the bolt about the second axis causes the cam to rotate within the bushing about the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James L. Luttinen, Steven A. Lamouria
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Patent number: 8419031Abstract: A new and novel suspension link for the suspension system of vehicles, which is easily removed and replaced in a repair mode. More specifically, there is an vehicle sway bar stabilizer link that has angle capability for replacing prior art suspension links having ball-type devices which comprise a polished steel ball surround by a steel liner, or a polished steel ball surrounded by a plastic liner. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: Larry Verbowski
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Patent number: 8109528Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly including a bolt made from a bolt material; a suspension component made from a suspension material, the suspension component having a suspension opening therethrough, the suspension opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a first portion of the bolt; and a bushing assembly including an elastomeric element and a bushing opening therethrough, the bushing opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a second portion of the bolt; wherein the suspension material has a yield strength that is substantially higher than a yield strength of the bolt material.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Automotive Casting Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald Whitacre, Zhiyou Xu
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Patent number: 8079607Abstract: A spherical bearing including a ball having an external surface defined by an outside diameter of said ball and an outer race having an inside surface contoured to a shape defined by said external surface of the ball. The inside surface extends between a stud end and a cover end of the outer race. The ball is moveably positioned within the outer race such that the inside surface and the external surface slidably engage one another. The inside surface includes at least one lubrication groove formed therein. The lubrication groove initiates at a first position adjacent to the cover end and terminates at a second position adjacent to the cover end. Remaining portions of the lubrication groove are spaced apart from the stud end.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.Inventor: Brian Gaumer
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Patent number: 8075005Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting wheel alignment at an upper ball joint assembly of a vehicular suspension includes a bushing having an outer surface defined about a first axis, and a receptacle defined about a second axis eccentric to the first axis. The apparatus further includes a locking key having an arm portion adapted to removably cooperate with selected ones of slots arranged radially in a flange portion of the bushing so as to retain the bushing in a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Stempf Automotive Industries, Inc.Inventors: John W. Ryshavy, James R. Ryshavy
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Publication number: 20110204587Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly including a bolt made from a bolt material; a suspension component made from a suspension material, the suspension component having a suspension opening therethrough, the suspension opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a first portion of the bolt; and a bushing assembly including an elastomeric element and a bushing opening therethrough, the bushing opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a second portion of the bolt; wherein the suspension material has a yield strength that is substantially higher than a yield strength of the bolt material,Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: DONALD WHITACRE, Zhiyou Xu
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Patent number: 7914021Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly including a bolt made from a bolt material; a suspension component made from a suspension material, the suspension component having a suspension opening therethrough, the suspension opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a first portion of the bolt; and a bushing assembly including an elastomeric element and a bushing opening therethrough, the bushing opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a second portion of the bolt; wherein the suspension material has a yield strength that is substantially higher than a yield strength of the bolt material.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Automotive Casting Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald Whitacre, Zhiyou Xu
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Publication number: 20090218776Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly including a bolt made from a bolt material; a suspension component made from a suspension material, the suspension component having a suspension opening therethrough, the suspension opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a first portion of the bolt; and a bushing assembly including an elastomeric element and a bushing opening therethrough, the bushing opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a second portion of the bolt; wherein the suspension material has a yield strength that is substantially higher than a yield strength of the bolt material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2007Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Donald E. Whitacre, Zhiyou Xu
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Patent number: 7568711Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the caster of the steering wheels of an all terrain vehicle. An eccentric threaded stud support is adjustively rotatable to position the eccentrically retained stud at a plurality of caster angle defining orientations extending from zero caster negatively or positively. Perceptible indicia identifies each caster incremental location.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventors: John Abbott Houser, Jeffrey David Houser
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Patent number: 7513514Abstract: The present invention includes a ball joint assembly having a first stud extending upward from a ball joint housing and a second stud extending from the ball joint housing opposite the first stud. The ball joint assembly is adapted to adjustably connect with a control arm through a slotted connection. The rotational position of the second stud of the ball joint assembly relative to the control arm as well as the linear position of the first stud of the ball joint assembly within the slot can be adjusted to affect the camber and/or caster angles for wheel alignment on motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Niwot CorporationInventors: Richard D. Schlosser, James A. Bloemen
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Publication number: 20080145141Abstract: A joint and/or bearing arrangement (1) has a pivot (2) with a separate joint head (4) part, which can be held thereon and surrounds the pivot (2) in some areas. At least one equalizing channel (15) connects a space (13) located between the joint head (4) and a surrounding joint shell (5) to a space (14) located on the other side of the joint head (4) in respect to the radial extension of the pivot (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2005Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Klaus Broeker, Jens Bach
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Patent number: 7331589Abstract: A dual axis bushing assembly for engagement between an axle arm and an upper ball joint of a vehicle. The dual axis bushing assembly includes an inner skewed bushing engaged in and rotatable in an outer skewed bushing. The dual axis bushing assembly includes a zero offset setting or a zero skewed setting where a skewed axis of the inner bushing is coaxial with a center axis of an outer cylindrical surface of the outer bushing. At the zero setting, a connector seating annular surface on the inner skewed bushing is disposed at a right angle relative to a cylindrical outer surface of the outer skewed bushing. In one embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is recessed in a head of the inner skewed bushing. In another embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is an outermost end surface of a head of the inner skewed bushing.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Stempf Automotive Industries, Inc.Inventors: William E. Ingalls, John W. Ryshavy, James R. Ryshavy
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Publication number: 20070152417Abstract: A dual axis bushing assembly for engagement between an axle arm and an upper ball joint of a vehicle. The dual axis bushing assembly includes an inner skewed bushing engaged in and rotatable in an outer skewed bushing. The dual axis bushing assembly includes a zero offset setting or a zero skewed setting where a skewed axis of the inner bushing is coaxial with a center axis of an outer cylindrical surface of the outer bushing. At the zero setting, a connector seating annular surface on the inner skewed bushing is disposed at a right angle relative to a cylindrical outer surface of the outer skewed bushing. In one embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is recessed in a head of the inner skewed bushing. In another embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is an outermost end surface of a head of the inner skewed bushing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventors: William Ingalls, John Ryshavy, James Ryshavy
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Patent number: 7210693Abstract: A dual axis bushing assembly for engagement between an axle arm and an upper ball joint of a vehicle. The dual axis bushing assembly includes an inner skewed bushing engaged in and rotatable in an outer skewed bushing. The dual axis bushing assembly includes a zero offset setting or a zero skewed setting where a skewed axis of the inner bushing is coaxial with a center axis of an outer cylindrical surface of the outer bushing. At the zero setting, a connector seating annular surface on the inner skewed bushing is disposed at a right angle relative to a cylindrical outer surface of the outer skewed bushing. In one embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is recessed in a head of the inner skewed bushing. In another embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is an outermost end surface of a head of the inner skewed bushing.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Stempf Automotive Industries, LtdInventors: William E. Ingalls, John W. Ryshavy, James R. Ryshavy
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Publication number: 20060138740Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2005Publication date: June 29, 2006Inventor: Duk-Woo Nam
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Patent number: 7052024Abstract: A vehicular suspension assembly is applicable to both manual and power steering systems. In the suspension assembly, when the manual steering system and the power steering system are exchanged with each other, a strut, a lower arm and a frame are commonly used. Three mounting bolts of an insulator are eccentrically disposed relative to the center of the strut. A connector has an insertion hole which is eccentrically drilled on a connector. A bracket of the frame is shared by two applications. Thus, it is possible to perform all functions of both manual and power steering systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dall-Hee Jung
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Publication number: 20050280229Abstract: A dual axis bushing assembly for engagement between an axle arm and an upper ball joint of a vehicle. The dual axis bushing assembly includes an inner skewed bushing engaged in and rotatable in an outer skewed bushing. The dual axis bushing assembly includes a zero offset setting or a zero skewed setting where a skewed axis of the inner bushing is coaxial with a center axis of an outer cylindrical surface of the outer bushing. At the zero setting, a connector seating annular surface on the inner skewed bushing is disposed at a right angle relative to a cylindrical outer surface of the outer skewed bushing. In one embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is recessed in a head of the inner skewed bushing. In another embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is an outermost end surface of a head of the inner skewed bushing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2004Publication date: December 22, 2005Inventors: William Ingalls, John Ryshavy, James Ryshavy
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Patent number: 6672605Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having first and second trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being mounted to the vehicle adjacent its forward end (14) for pivotal movement about a transverse axis of the vehicle, one trailing arm (10) being located adjacent one side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a first wheel of a vehicle and the other trailing arm (10) being located adjacent the other side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a second wheel of the vehicle, the first and second wheels being located on a transverse axis of the vehicle, a torsion beam (24) being provided to control lateral separation of the trailing arms (10), and a pair of dynamic beams (30) being secured at their forward and rearward ends longitudinally of the vehicle, one dynamic beam (30) being located in juxtaposed relationship with each of the trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being connected adjacent its trailing end (22) to the adjacent dynamic beam (10),Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: MG Rover Group LimitedInventor: Michael Neil Basnett
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Patent number: 6588776Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for a steerable wheel assembly. A pin member is horizontally movably disposed within a slot formed in the lower arm of a yoke assembly. A ball joint forging is adjustably secured to the lower arm. The pin member extends between the lower arm and a ball joint forging to facilitate selective adjustment therebetween. A pair of set screws are secured to the lower arm to engage opposite sides of the pin member to selectively move the pin member within the slot. By simply rotating the set screws, the pin member is horizontally adjusted to selectively move the ball joint forging in a horizontal direction to adjust the caster of the wheel assembly. Horizontal slots are formed in the lower arm to align with boltholes formed in the ball joint forging to allow the forging to be bolted to the lower arm over a range of horizontal positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Earl James Irwin
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Publication number: 20030052467Abstract: A replacement ball joint apparatus and method for conveniently modifying motor vehicle suspension camber, caster or camber/caster combination angle by means of repositioning a wheel spindle top or bottom relative to a control arm. The apparatus includes a mount assembly secured at one end of a ball joint which is connectable at its other end to the spindle, the mount assembly having a slide with a stud extending therefrom. A guide assembly is securable at the control arm and receives and guides the slide.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Robert M. Allman, James H. Garrard
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Patent number: 6514002Abstract: A grease hold extends in an axial direction from one end of a rotary pin to an eccentric portion, and a pair of grease injection holes communicating to the grease hole is open on the outer circumferential surface of the eccentric portion. These grease injection holes are arranged so as to be axially separated on both sides from a central portion C of the eccentric portion by L/4 when L is an length of the eccentric portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kenichi Katae, Kenji Chino, Yoshihisa Iwanaga
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Patent number: 6431565Abstract: Castor of a motor vehicle suspension, typically having a wishbone (1), is adjusted by mounting the suspension upright ball joint (4) in a housing (6) having an offset spigot (10) rotatable by an Allen key engaged in the spigot to move the ball joint backward and forward while the spigot is restrained by a slot (16) in a location bracket (14) engaged with the wishbone. Camber is adjusted by a threaded adjuster (24) operable between the location bracket (14) and the housing (6) while allowing rotation of the housing relative to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Inventor: Kevin Joseph McIntyre
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Patent number: 6371500Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for a steerable wheel assembly. A cam member is rotatably disposed within a recess formed in the lower arm of a yoke assembly. An eccentric cylinder of the cam member extends within a vertically oriented slot formed in a ball joint forging which is in turn adjustable secured to the lower arm of the yoke. By simply rotating the cam member, the eccentric cylinder engages the slot and moves the ball joint forging in a horizontal direction to adjust the caster of the wheel assembly. The vertical slot in the ball joint forging prevents vertical movement to facilitate adjustment of the caster without affecting a camber setting, the distance between the upper and lower ball joints, or ball joint pre-loading. Horizontal slots are formed in the lower arm to align with boltholes formed in the ball joint forging to allow the forging to be bolted to the lower arm over a range of horizontal positions. A method of adjusting the camber of the wheel assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Spicer Technology, Inc.Inventor: Steven Gray Goddard
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Patent number: 6328321Abstract: An adjustable mount for the upper end of a vehicle suspension strut allowing the strut to be relocated relative to a vehicle chassis member. The mount comprises a bush adapted to receive and secure the upper end of the strut, a flange extending radially outwardly from the bush, and a clamping plate adapted to abut the lower face of the flange. The flange has upper and lower faces, and the clamping plate has an opening therethrough larger than the perimeter of the bush such that the clamping plate can relatively slide over the lower face of the flange over a limited area. A plurality of studs extend upwardly from the clamping plate. The studs are located outside the periphery of the flange and restrict the sliding movement of the flange relative to the clamping plate by engagement with the periphery of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Noltec DistributionInventor: Gregory James Nolan
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Patent number: 6308970Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a ball to a frame of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a main body portion and a ball joint housing. The main body portion is adapted to be pivotally mounted to the frame and has at least one support surface. The ball joint housing is coupled to the ball joint and has at least one contact surface. At least one fastener couples the main body portion and the ball joint housing in a coupled relationship such that the at least one support surface of the main body portion is in contact with the at least one contact surface of the ball joint housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: Luke J Stuart
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Patent number: 6293724Abstract: An adjustable ball joint assembly to be secured between the wheel and the apex of an upper control arm member of a motor vehicle suspension system to provide for camber/caster adjustment of motor vehicles with altered suspensions, typically lowered suspensions. The adjustable ball joint includes a ball joint retainer body including a locking plate and with an eccentrically positioned ball socket (opening) formed in the bottom surface of the plate. A stub shaft, fast on the top surface of the locking plate, extends upwardly, with an arcuately configured annular groove formed around its periphery. A tapered boss is positioned adjacent the top surface of the locking plate and configured to be received within the ball joint port of the control arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Spears, James R. Ryshavy
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Publication number: 20010015536Abstract: Castor of a motor vehicle suspension, typically having a wishbone (1), is adjusted by mounting the suspension upright ball joint (4) in a housing (6) having an offset spigot (10) rotatable by an Allen key engaged in the spigot to move the ball joint backward and forward while the spigot is restrained by a slot (16) in a location bracket (14) engaged with the wishbone. Camber is adjusted by a threaded adjuster (24) operable between the location bracket (14) and the housing (6) while allowing rotation of the housing relative to the bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventor: Kevin Joseph McIntyre
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Patent number: 6224075Abstract: Castor of a motor vehicle suspension, typically having a wishbone (1), is adjusted by mounting the suspension upright ball joint (4) in a housing (6) having an offset spigot (10) rotatable by an Allen key engaged in the spigot to move the ball joint backward and forward while the spigot is restrained by a slot (16) in a location bracket (14) engaged with the wishbone. Camber is adjusted by a threaded adjuster (24) operable between the location bracket (14) and the housing (6) while allowing rotation of the housing relative to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Kevin Joseph McIntyre
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Patent number: 6176501Abstract: An alignment device for adjusting the camber and caster angles of a wheel in an independent front suspension. The wheel is supported on a knuckle assembly which is pivotally connected to upper and lower control arms which are pivotally connected to the vehicle frame. The control arms include bushings received in control arm mounting cylinders which are located between mounting brackets extending from the vehicle frame. Mounting bracket holes at each end of the bushing bore are aligned and, after locating an alignment device eccentric boss at the bracket holes, a mounting bolt is placed through holes in the eccentric boss and through the bushing bore thereby pivotally securing the control arm mounting cylinder. The eccentric boss hole extends through and is axially offset from a circular portion which is received within the mounting bracket hole.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Fluidrive, Inc.Inventor: Dean F. Bartolone