Abstract: An axle beam includes a hollow beam body with at least first and second apertures formed in opposing wall portions of the hollow beam body. A stiffener is received within the first and second apertures and is fixed to the hollow beam body at an attachment interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an axle body, particularly for a commercial vehicle, wherein the body is configured substantially as an axle pipe, which comprises a center section and at least one receiving section connected thereto for receiving an axle guide, wherein the axle body in the center section has a substantially constant wall thickness, and wherein the axle body in the receiving section, at least in some regions, has a wall thickness that is greater than the wall thickness of the center section.

Abstract: The drive away axle assembly comprises at least an axle shaft having a proximal end seated within an axle housing and a distal terminal flange and a hub having a distal end land and a sidewall. The distal terminal flange of the axle shaft has bores therein which align with threaded bores in the distal end land of the hub, and axle shaft/hub connectors engage through the bores to removably connect the hub to the axle shaft. Further, an axle shaft retaining bolt extends through the sidewall of the hub for engagement with the axle shaft structures to maintain the axle shaft within the axle housing when the axle shaft/hub connectors are removed. Upon removal of such connectors, the hub rotates freely without imparting rotation to the axle shaft. Still further, an accessory spring may be provided for assisting in disengagement of the axle shaft flange from the hub.

Abstract: A vehicle axle includes an axle housing defining a cavity. The axle includes a pair of outer drive shafts, each being coaxially received in a respective housing cavity and slidable therein, each outer drive shaft defining a splined cavity. The axle includes a pair of inner drive shafts, each having a splined end coaxially coupled to a respective outer drive shaft splined cavity such that a respective outer drive shaft is slidably movable therein. A piston is attached to the inner end of each outer drive shaft and separates an inner fluid chamber from an outer fluid chamber. A fluid channel includes opposed ends in communication with respective fluid chambers. A force absorption container is in fluid communication with each fluid channel and includes a compression spring, wherein the spring is compressed when movement of the piston pushes fluid through the channel into the force absorption container.

Abstract: An axle assembly (10) for a wheeled vehicle includes a cylindrical housing (12a) defining a pair of spindle mounting flanges (30). A pair of spindles (16) is secured to the flanges. A plurality of tension rods (60) extend between the spindles at the bottom side of the cylindrical housing and apply clamping forces to the spindles urging the spindles into mounting contact with the spindle mounting flanges and also concurrently couple the flanges to each other. The coupling of the flanges to each other generates a tension force in each tension rod, whereby bending loads exerted by the spindles are shared between the housing and the tension rods.

Abstract: A modular axle assembly includes a first tube assembly and a second tube assembly interconnected by a center section. A number of different modular axle assemblies are constructed by using different center sections. For example, a non-driving axle includes a sleeve interconnecting first and second tube assemblies. A driving front axle includes a differential housing interconnecting the first and second tube assemblies.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes a differential housing, a first axle tube and a second axle tube. The first axle tube and the second axle tube are releasably secured to the differential housing and to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular an industrial truck (10), having at least one non-driven wheel (16) which, between an outer and an inner frame section (18, 20) of the vehicle, can rotate about an axle (52) supported with respect to these frame sections (18, 20), the axle being arranged to be fixed against rotation and axially non-displaceable with respect to the frame sections (18, 20), and the wheel (16) having a wheel bearing arrangement (40, 42, 54) which is arranged substantially without free play on the axle (52) in such a way that the wheel (16) is arranged with a respective spacing A in the axial direction from the frame sections (18, 20), the wheel bearing arrangement (40, 42, 54) being clamped in between a radial projection (56) formed at one end (26) of the axle (52) and a fixing arrangement fitted to the other end (70) of the axle (52), the fixing arrangement comprising a bush (32) arranged concentrically around the other end of the axle (52), and the axle (52) being held

Abstract: A bracket for securely positioning an anti-lock braking system sensor on a heavy-duty vehicle axle adjacent to wheel hub tone ring teeth is formed from a single piece of robust material such as sheet steel. A steel blank of a certain size and shape preferably is stamped from the sheet steel and is formed by a multi-stage process into the final bracket configuration. The bracket includes a tubular portion formed with a continuous opening for receiving the sensor and a retaining sleeve. A pair of spaced-apart, parallel rearwardly extending bracket feet ensure proper positioning of the sensor relative to the tone ring teeth, and enable use of the bracket in various applications having different wheel hub and/or axle spindle configurations.

Abstract: A modular axle assembly includes a first tube assembly and a second tube assembly interconnected by a center section. A number of different modular axle assemblies are constructed by using different center sections. For example, a non-driving axle includes a sleeve interconnecting first and second tube assemblies. A driving front axle includes a differential housing interconnecting the first and second tube assemblies.

Abstract: A vehicle axle formed having a composite tubular member and a pair of metal sheaths spaced apart from one another at opposite ends of the composite tubular member. The composite tubular member has an outer wall surface and an interior elongated channel, with the interior channel having an inner wall surface. The composite tubular member also has a first end wall and a second end wall at opposite ends of the composite tubular member. Each of the metal sheaths has an outer surface, an inner surface, an inner end portion having an inner end portion edge, and an outer end portion having an outer end portion edge. Each metal sheath inner end portion has a transition area, with the transition area having a first area of changing thickness and a second area of a substantially constant thickness. Each of the metal sheaths has stabilization keyways formed in the outer surface thereof to accommodate a key, with the key when positioned in the stabilization keyways precluding the rotation of a wheel hub about the axle.

Abstract: Axles capable of use in high stress applications, such as downhill, extreme, and free-bicycle riding is described. The axle is made by a method, preferably including two forging steps. In the first forging step, a portion of solid metallic work piece is formed into an enlarged head portion that will be finally machined into an ergonomic grip portion. In the second step, another portion of solid metallic work piece is formed into an elongate tubular portion.

Abstract: Process for fabricating an axle that includes a cross-member and arms which are assembled to extremities of the cross-member, wherein the process includes forming a cross-member, forming at least one arm, arranging the cross-member and the at least one arm in a fastening position, and fastening together in a rigid manner the cross-member and the at least one arm using a magneto-forming process. Wherein the fastening occurs while the cross-member and the at least one arm are in the fastening position and at least one of the cross-member and the at least one arm include at least one metallic material. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An extruded, tubular vehicle axle for front and rear wheel applications, is formed with integral, radially outwardly extending ribs, at the radial top and bottom dead centers of the axle, and continuously extending longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the axle parallel to the axis of the axle. The opposite end portions of the axle are snugly inserted within corresponding sockets formed, for example, in a vehicle axle yoke or carrier or housing, which sockets are provided with internal grooves for snugly receiving the ribs at the respective end portions. The exterior wall surface of the axle is substantially uniform in cross-section. The interior wall surface of the axle tube may vary, at pre-selected locations, to increase or decrease the wall thicknesses at such locations. The axle resists rotation relative to the sockets, under extreme torsional loads, and resists longitudinal bending or flexing, while being of relatively light weight.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle having an oscillating solid axle having a maintenance free composite bearing on the oscillating axis.

Abstract: An axle for a heavy-duty vehicle extends transversely across the vehicle and includes a central portion. Each one of a pail of relatively short and lightweight axle spindles is connected to and extends outboardly from a respective end of the axle central portion. A wheel end assembly is rotatably mounted on each axle spindle. Each wheel end assembly includes spaced-apart inboard and outboard beatings that are immovably mounted on a respective axle spindle, and the bearings preferably ate standard heavy-duty vehicle stock-type bearings that have respective inner diameters that are generally the same size. The assembly optionally includes a bearing spacer having improved length tolerance. A relatively short and lightweight wheel hub is rotatably mounted on the bearings so that the wheel end assembly selectively accommodates a dual-wheel, standard-tire configuration and a single-wheel, wide-tire configuration, including a two-inch offset wheel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle flexibale axle including two longitudinal arms connected by a cross Bracing with an open cross-section whereof flanks have each an edge extending between Docking zones with ends of the cross bracing. The edges have a non-rectilinear shape Enhancing their tensionong when the cross member is subjected to torsion, the tensioning Enabling the docking zones to be relieved of stresses due to the torsion.

Abstract: A powered motor vehicle rear axle is provided can be coupled with a motor vehicle drive train. The rear axle is configured as twist-beam rear axle with two wheel carrying resistant trailing arms that are elastically linked to the motor vehicle structure and a bending resistant, but torsion flexible cross member. Here each trailing arm swings around at least one swivel axle. In the area of its both ends the cross member is welded to the trailing arms 12. The cross member is bent upwards to make space for the installation of at least one module allocated for the drive train, for example for the installation of a drive shaft and a rear axle differential. The cross member at least in the middle thereof is provided with an open profile that includes, but is not limited to a first profile leg and a second profile leg.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for mounting a wheel on an axle housing in the form of an axle tube (1) for vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles, whereby the wheel is fixed e.g. with wheel bolts to a wheel hub, rotating on the axle journal (2) of the axle tube (1). The axle journal (2) is clamped on to an end section (3) of the axle tube (1) as a separate component. For simplicity of manufacture and assembly combined with functional durability it is proposed that the end section (3) of the axle tube (1) is cylindrical on the inside and that the axle stub (2) fits into the end section (3) of the axle tube (1) with an externally corresponding cylindrical connecting section (5). Further, the end section (3) of the axle tube (1) is radially clamped on to the connecting section (5) of the axle stub (2) by at least one clamping piece (6) that is adjustable in an axial direction to the end (12) of the axle tube (1) by a threaded bolt (8).

Abstract: An axle and hub structure for attaching a wheel to a bicycle or motorcycle, where the bearings for rotationally supporting the axle and hub are positioned on the frame, and the axle rotates relative to the frame. More particularly, a structure for attaching a wheel to one of a motorcycle or bicycle including an axle having opposing end portions and supporting a wheel, at least one left axle support collar, at least one right axle support collar, a bearing in said left axle support collar and supporting one end portion of said axle, a bearing in said right axle support collar and supporting an opposing end portion of said axle, and wherein the axle rotates relative to the frame.

Abstract: A blank for an axle beam intended to support a wheel axle is formed from a continuous piece and, at its respective ends, has, on the one hand, a bushing constituting a bearing for a kingpin for supporting a wheel spindle and, on the other hand, lug-shaped protrusions on each side of the bushing, and a wheel axle made from such a blank. The invention can provide a blank which is suitable both for steerable and non-steerable wheel axles for vehicles.

Abstract: A self-steering axle suspension system utilizing a rotary damper coaxially aligned with and acting directly about the king pin centerline on one side of the vehicle is disclosed. When used as such, the rotary damper constitutes a rotary stabilizer. The rotary stabilizer is used to control the steerability of the self-steering axle suspension system and has a self-centering axle mechanism incorporated therein.

Abstract: A leading or trailing arm vehicle suspension system comprised of a fabricated vehicle axle and an arm assembly. The arm assembly includes an axle bracket attached to the axle and a leading or trailing arm attached to the axle bracket. The arm provides bending stiffness to control axle windup and longitudinal stiffness to control axle position is disclosed. The axle bracket is attached to the vehicle axle with a through-bolt connection. The axle bracket or the arm includes rack and pinion mounting attachment holes and also includes other built-in features providing efficient transfer of loads into the vehicle axle.

Abstract: A torsion beam axle suspension is provided, in which a shock absorber is directly mounted on right and left trailing arms and is further mounted to the mount by a ball joint. Thus, it is possible to reduce the weight and production expenses, thus to enhance productivity. Further, it is possible to considerably decrease a friction caused by movement of the shock absorber even though the transverse force is applied, thus to enhance the riding comfort.

Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly is fitted to a vehicle axle via a wheel bearing mounted on the axle. The assembly includes a hub mountable on the wheel bearing and rotatable relative to the vehicle axle and fastening members to releasably secure the hub relative to the wheel bearing. The hub can be removed without removing the wheel bearing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one-piece axle tube housing with localized sections of increased wall thickness includes providing a tube blank, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing the tube through an extrusion die to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further reducing step may be used to form the final desired profile, including reduced inner and outer diameters along sections of the axle tube housing.

Abstract: Axles capable of use in high stress applications, such as downhill, extreme, and free-bicycle riding is described. The axle is made by a method, preferably including two forging steps. In the first forging step, a portion of solid metallic work piece is formed into an enlarged head portion that will be finally machined into an ergonomic grip portion. In the second step, another portion of solid metallic work piece is formed into an elongate tubular portion.

Abstract: An axle bearing apparatus includes a hub shaft including a wheel-mounting flange formed at its outer end portion, and a cylindrical portion formed on an inner side surface of the flange, a bearing portion press-fitted on the cylindrical portion of the hub shaft and including an inner ring, an outer ring and rolling elements disposed between the inner and outer rings, and a slinger having a through hole formed through its central portion. The through hole is fitted on the cylindrical portion such that an outer diameter of the slinger is generally equal to an outer diameter of the flange, and the slinger is press-clamped to the inner side surface of the flange by bolts press-fitted respectively in a plurality of bolt holes formed in the flange. O-rings are interposed between the flange and the slinger.

Abstract: A self-contained axle module for a vehicle having a support structure is provided. The self-contained axle includes a housing removably coupled to the support structure and an output shaft extending from the housing. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and drives the output shaft. Two wheel end assemblies coupled to the output shaft, and an independent suspension assembly is coupled between each wheel end assembly and the housing, so that the independent suspension assemblies and the wheel end assemblies and the electric motor and the housing are removable from the vehicle as a unit by detaching the housing from the support structure.

Abstract: A flexible axle for motor vehicle has a cross-member (1) connecting two longitudinal arms (2), wherein said cross-member (1) has a closed cross-section, and said cross-member has, at least in a central zone, a substantially trapezoid cross-section (11).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preloading a bearing are provided. These methods and apparatus include preload monitoring devices whereby the mechanic can accurately monitor and regulate the preload on a bearing or bearing assembly. Aspects of the invention may also be used to adjust the endplay on a bearing or a bearing assembly. In one aspect, the preload on the bearing is transmitted through a housing having a fluid pressure that can be detected and monitored. An apparatus for precisely rotating a nut and a tool for precisely rotating a nut are also provided. A bearing retaining nut arrangement that permits the loading or evaluating of a bearing inner race is also provided. The bearing retaining nut arrangement includes a first load-setting nut, a lock washer, and a second jam nut that secures the arrangement to a shaft.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle, the axle assembly comprising a differential gear having an input for connection to a drive shaft, and a first wheel hub to support a first wheel and a second wheel hub to support a second wheel, the first wheel hub and the second wheel hub being drivingly connected to the differential gear, wherein the first wheel hub is drivingly connected to the differential gear via a reverser mechanism, the reverser mechanism having a first operating mode where the first wheel hub is driven in the same direction as the second wheel hub and a second operating mode where the first wheel hub is driven in the opposite direction to the second wheel hub.

Abstract: A toy vehicle including: a housing defining an interior section of the vehicle; a motor mounted in the housing; a drive shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending through an opening in the housing; and a propeller or wheel mounted on an end portion of the drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a polygon shaped driving element that is countersunk into a rear portion of the propeller/wheel for providing reliable transfer of power from the motor to the propeller/wheel.

Abstract: An axle structure for a motor vehicle includes a body of U-shaped configuration with two longitudinal beams and a cross member interconnecting the longitudinal beams at one end thereof. Each longitudinal beam has ends formed as a neck. The longitudinal beams and the cross member are made of two identical metallic shells which extend in congruent relationship and are cemented to one another at least in sections thereof in sandwich-like manner.

Abstract: An automotive axle housing having a center housing with two aligned side openings. A pair of axle tubes is secured to the center housing so that the axle tubes are aligned with the center housing side openings on opposite sides of the center housing. A pair of wheel bearing assemblies is then secured to the outer or free end of each axle tube.

Abstract: An adjustable axle assembly for the front fork of a motorcycle. In the preferred embodiment, the axle is received within an eccentric axle carrier which in turn is received within mounting holes in the front fork. The mounting holes utilize a pinch bolts as a clamping method to secure the eccentric axle carrier within the fork. In the preferred embodiment, loosening the pinch bolts allows the eccentric axle carrier to be rotated effectively moving the position of the wheel relative to the fork. Moving the wheel forward and backwards changes the trail characteristic of the motorcycle's geometry.

Abstract: A reinforced structural assembly is provided including a hollow structure having a cavity with a hole. A bag is inserted into the cavity using a tube. The bag has an end with an opening extending out of the cavity through the hole. A device injects a structural foam such as a two-part epoxy into the bag. The bag is closed and the end of the bag is inserted into the cavity. A cap is installed over the hole. The foam expands to fill the cavity but is contained within the bag thereby providing localized reinforcement in the desired area.

Abstract: A suspension mounting system and a method of assembly of the same are disclosed. The system has an axle housing having two hollow arms and an upper portion and a lower portion. At least one suspension bracket is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and through one of the hollow arms.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for mounting a wheel on an axle housing in the form of an axle tube for vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles. The wheel is fixed with, for example, wheel bolts to a wheel hub, pivoting on the axle stub of the axle tube, and the axle stub is clamped on to an end section of the axle tube as a separate component. For simplicity of manufacture and assembly combined with functional durability, it is proposed that the end section of the axle tube is cylindrical on the inside and has at least one longitudinal slit, that the axle stub fits into the end section of the axle tube with an externally corresponding cylindrical connecting section, and that the end section of the axle tube is radially clamped on to the connecting section of the axle stub by means of at least one longitudinally continuously split clamping ring positioned on the end section of the axle tube.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes a spindle (12) that extends through a mounting collar (28) into the open end of the axle. A cam key (70) moves through a key hole (22) in the axle and registers with the cam slot (54) of the spindle. The cam surface (76) of the cam key (70) is reversible with the cam surface (76) engaging either the bearing surface (58) or the bearing surface (60) of the spindle, to urge the spindle into or out of the axle.

Abstract: A trailer axle assembly includes a non-rotating axle tube that extends laterally between a pair of wheel ends. Each wheel end supports a disc brake assembly that selectively generates a braking force to slow or stop rotation of the wheel ends. The disc brake assemblies include a torque plate that is mounted to the axle tube. The axle tube includes a radial location feature that holds the torque plate fixed relative to the axle tube so that rotational brake torque is transmitted directly through a solid interface. The axle tube also includes an axial location feature that positions the torque plate at a predetermined location along the axle beam and prevents relative axial movement between the axle beam and the torque plate.

Abstract: A frangible telescopic propeller shaft includes an elongated hollow cylindrical body, a reduced diameter intermediate portion along a length of the body, and at least one spin-formed transition area between the intermediate portion and the body. The transition area includes a frangible feature wherein at least a part of the cylindrical body lies over the intermediate portion such that, in response to a sufficient axial force, the frangible feature fractures to telescope the body over the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A drive-wheel axle unit which prevents the mutual contact portion between a caulk portion (29a) of a hub (6a) and an outer-end face (39) of a housing portion (11) of a drive shaft member (31) from being exhausted, thereby preventing the occurrence of shaky motion, strange sounds and vibrations for a long period of time. A flat surface (38) is formed in the end face of the caulk portion (29a), and is contacted over a large area with the outer end face (39), which makes it possible to reduce the contact surface pressure in the mutual contact portion between the flat surface (38) and outer end face (39).

Abstract: An assembly to be mounted in an axle spindle for communicating pressurized air to a rotary union in a tire inflation system. The assembly includes an arbor having an air flow channel extending therethrough, a flange intermediary of the arbor ends and an axially inclined portion proximate the flange. A sealing member is carried by the flange for forming a seal with the axle spindle. A split ring locking assembly is disposed about the inclined portion of the arbor that is comprised of a plurality of segments held by an expansible retention spring. The segments move radially outwardly upon the locking assembly being moved along the inclined arbor portion and engage the axle spindle, securing the plug assembly within the spindle. A fastening member threadably engages the arbor for urging the locking assembly along the inclined arbor portion to effect securement of the plug assembly within the axle spindle.

Abstract: An emergency axle is provided for small trailers normally pulled by automobiles or small trucks. The emergency axle may be carried on the trailer on in the pulling vehicle. In the event an axle is damaged or breaks, the emergency axle is placed over the end of that axle so that the wheel is remounted and the trip continues. The emergency axle has an extension tube for sliding over the end of the damaged axle. One end of the tube is closed with an attachment plate which connects to the brake mounting plate on the trailer axle. The other end of the tube is closed by an axle plate with a stub axle to which the wheel can be mounted.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided having a varying wall thickness resulting in an axle assembly that is lightweight yet has sufficient strength and stiffness. The axle assembly includes a tube disposed about a longitudinal axis and having first and second end portions and a center portion. The first and second end portions have a uniform wall thickness and the center portion has a wall thickness that is uniform at first and second axially spaced segments and a non-uniform wall thickness both between the axially spaced segments and between each of the axially spaced segments and the end portions.

Abstract: A suspension mount includes a flange formed directly into an axle housing. The axle housing includes a pair of housing halves that are attached to each other along a seam weld. Each housing half includes at least one transversely extending flange. Prior to welding, the flanges from the upper and lower housing halves are aligned with each other to define the suspension mount. The suspension is then attached to the axle housing at the flanges with fasteners or by welding.

Abstract: A disk brake caliper mounting bracket is attachable to an axle tube to mount a brake caliper to the axle tube with a desired positioning and alignment. The bracket includes an axle tube mounting portion and a brake caliper mounting portion. The axle tube mounting portion includes a circular flange for mounting between the axle tube and a wheel mount to accurately position the bracket with respect to the axle tube. The brake caliper mounting portion is positioned at an angle to correspond with a camber of the wheel mount such that when the brake caliper is mounted to the brake caliper mounting portion, the brake caliper is accurately positioned and aligned with a disk brake rotor. The axle tube mounting portion and the brake caliper mounting portion can be integral with one another or separate components attached together.

Abstract: A fabricated vehicle axle is shown to include a main body having an inverted U-shaped configuration. The fabricated vehicle axle further includes a continuous bottom plate welded to the main body. The fabricated axle also includes a first king pin top plate having a reversed curved fork portion welded to the main body at one end thereof. Similarly, the fabricated vehicle axle includes a second king pin top plate having a reversed curved fork portion welded to the main body at an opposite end thereof. Still further, the fabricated vehicle axle includes a first gooseneck part welded to the first king pin top plate and the first end of the bottom plate. Similarly, the fabricated vehicle axle includes a second gooseneck part welded to the second king pin top plate and the second end of the bottom plate. REEXAMINATION RESULTS The questions raised in reexamination request 90/007,703, filed Sep.