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US 5,018,756 AGranted
Control for self steering suspension assembly
AssigneeRidewell Corporation
InventorJames L. Mitchell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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AssigneeRidewell Corporation
InventorJames L. Mitchell
Estimating the term…
A suspension system incorporating upper and lower torque rods pivotally connected between a hanger and an axle seat. The upper torque rod is preferably a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly, the length of which is adjustable between extended and retracted conditions. In the extended condition, the upper torque rod pivots the axle to a forward pitch at which it is self-steering when the vehicle is driven forward. In the retracted condition, the upper torque rod pivots the axle to a negative pitch condition in which it is self-steering when the vehicle is operated in reverse. The hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly can be operated by the driver such as when the gears are shifted between forward and reverse. A lift spring is mounted between a plate on the hanger and a plate on the lower torque rod. The lift spring is positioned within a pocket defined on the hanger. The hanger is integral with a longitudinal plate and an upper spring mounting plate, and a shock absorber bracket is integral with the longitudinal plate.
In a vehicle having a transmission with forward and reverse drive ratios, a chassis, and at least one axle with a variable pitch, a means to vary the axle pitch between a positive pitch and a negative pitch comprising:
A self-steering suspension system for a vehicle having a transmission with forward and reverse drive ratios, a chassis, and at least one variable pitch axle, the suspension system comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.