Other

US Government As Represented by the Secretary of the Army

James P Carr

William E Lawson

John F Kopera

The invention can take the form of different suspension systems which provide essentially constant force (zero spring rate) individual wheel support of a vehicle during normal individual wheel travel. Zero spring rate is achieved by supplying essentially constant air pressure to air bag suspension elements. In one system regulation of suspension height and air pressure is achieved by open bottom air bags utilizing the ground effects principle. A second system utilizes closed air bags operating against opposing governing springs. Constant air pressure is supplied from a controlled reservoir. Auxiliary force mechanisms are provided for total system support during high vertical, longitudinal and angular vehicle accelerations.

Vehicle suspension

A known vehicle normally operating on independently suspended trailing arms nd pneumatic tires can be converted to a tracked vehicle by wrapping endless tracks around the tire tread areas in multiples of two. An expansible wheel-connector device is provided for causing the trailing arms and wheels to deflect in unison, thereby maintaining track tension and tire-track interengagement, minimizing uneven final drive torque loadings, and relieving the wheel bearing loads brought on by the addition of the track.

Growing community of inventors

Silver Spring, MD, United States of America

James P Carr