The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 24, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 10, 1999
Jim Eckelberry, Canton, OH (US);
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A multi-mode trailer suspension system for use on a highway and a railroad is provided. The suspension system has a frame and a sub-frame pivotally connected to the frame. At least one lower suspension arm is pivotally connected to one of either the frame or the sub-frame. The lower suspension arm supports an axle assembly. At least one suspension spring is arranged between the sub-frame and the lower suspension arm to provide damping. At least one bi-directional actuator interconnects the frame and the sub-frame for moving the sub-frame relative to the frame to a plurality of positions, namely a highway position, a rail position, and a transition position. Accordingly, the bi-directional actuator is used to raise and lower the trailer without using the suspension springs.