The invention relates to an axle unit comprising an axle tube and a link element, wherein the axle tube substantially extends along a tube axis, wherein the link element has a joining portion with a first welding portion and a second welding portion, wherein the link element is arranged with its joining portion adjacent to the axle tube and substantially transversely with respect to the tube axis, wherein, in the first welding portion and in the second welding portion, a welded joint can be produced between the link element and the axle tube.

The present invention concerns an axle unit comprising a stub axle and an axle tube, wherein the stub axle has a longitudinal channel which extends inside the stub axle substantially along a stub axis, wherein the stub axle has a transverse channel which extends inside the stub axle substantially transversely to the stub axis and opens to the environment at the outer face of the stub axle, wherein the longitudinal channel and the transverse channel are connected together, wherein the stub axle has a stub joining region to which the hollow-bodied axle tube can be secured.

An axle unit includes an axle tube and a suspension arm element, wherein the axle tube extends substantially along a tube axis, wherein the suspension arm element has a first joining region comprising a recess, wherein the first joining region of the suspension arm element is adjacent to the axle tube, wherein the suspension arm element is substantially transverse to the tube axis, and wherein a weld portion between the suspension arm element and the axle tube is located in the first joining region.

An air disc brake system for a heavy-duty vehicle comprising an axle. A spindle is attached to an end portion of the axle. At least a portion of an air disc brake assembly is supported by the spindle. A suspension beam has an axle support portion connectable with the axle. An end portion of the suspension beam is spaced from the axle support portion for attachment with the heavy-duty vehicle. The suspension beam may pivot about the end portion of the suspension beam. An actuator actuates the air disc brake assembly. The actuator has a movable member to actuate the air disc brake assembly. Structure is associated with the suspension beam for supporting at least a portion of the actuator. A surface defines an opening in the suspension beam through which the movable member may extend or that may receive and support a portion of the actuator.

An axle unit comprising a first suspension arm element and a second suspension arm element, wherein the first suspension arm element and the second suspension arm element can be mounted on a vehicle frame so as to be pivotable about a common pivot axis, wherein the first suspension arm element has a first joining region configured as a recess, and the second suspension arm element has a second joining region configured as a recess, wherein the first joining region and the second joining region are arranged on two opposing sides of an axle tube extending substantially along a tube axis, and wherein the axle tube can be secured by substance bonding in the first and second joining regions to the first and second suspension arm elements.

A quint configuration fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis and having a storage area configured to receive a ground ladder and a fire hose, a pump coupled to the chassis, a water tank coupled to the chassis, a ladder assembly having a proximal end that is coupled to the chassis, a single front axle coupled to a front end of the chassis, and a single rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis. The center of gravity of at least one of the chassis, the body assembly, the pump, and the water tank are positioned to counterbalance a moment generated by a tip load with the ladder assembly extended to the horizontal reach of at least 90 feet.

A quint configuration fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis and having a storage area configured to receive a ground ladder and a fire hose, a pump coupled to the chassis, a water tank coupled to the chassis, a ladder assembly having a proximal end that is coupled to the chassis, a single front axle coupled to a front end of the chassis, and a single rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis. The center of gravity of at least one of the chassis, the body assembly, the pump, and the water tank are positioned to counterbalance a moment generated by a tip load with the ladder assembly extended to the horizontal reach of at least 90 feet.

Axle system for use in utility vehicles includes a suspension arm and a clamping unit, wherein the clamping unit has a base element and a clamping element, wherein the base element is substantially arranged on a first side and the clamping element on the second side of the suspension arm lying opposite the first side, wherein the base element is configured to be secured to an axle element, and wherein a tensile element is configured to apply a tensile force between the clamping element and the base element, such that the suspension arm is held by force fit between the clamping element and the base element.

A replaceable replacement spindle assembly for both drive (tractor) axles and trailer axles comprises a spindle and seal ring. The spindle is an elongate cylinder having inner and outer bearing surfaces and a threaded portion at one end. The seal ring is a short annular or tubular component having a circular opening sized to achieve an interference fit on a portion of the spindle adjacent the inner bearing surface. The interfering surfaces of the spindle and the seal ring are complementarily dimensioned and tapered so that the surfaces contact when the spindle is properly positioned in the seal ring. Adjacent the end of the spindle opposite the bearing surfaces and threads is an end region with features such as openings or a channel which receive complementary fasteners such as plugs, short bolts or a through bolt.

A hub lock nut assembly for retaining a vehicle wheel hub in position. The hub lock nut assembly comprises a hub lock nut and a mating component. The hub lock nut comprises a circumferential inner wall defining a central hole, the inner wall having a threaded portion separated into a first section and a second section by an annular groove, thereby configuring the second section as a resilient portion arranged to flex with respect to the first section in an axial direction. The mating component comprises an inner wall defining a central hole extending in the axial direction, an annular end surface, and a protrusion on the annular end surface. The protrusion is configured to exert a force on the second section of the hub lock nut threaded portion, in the axial direction, when in the mated position, thereby retaining the vehicle wheel hub in position.