Abstract: A method of positioning a vehicle chassis of a stationary vehicle in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum is provided. The vehicle has an axle and a fluid suspension system. The fluid suspension system includes a control device, a pressurized fluid source and an exhaust passage. The pressurized fluid source and the exhaust passage are in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid suspension members through the control device. The vehicle also includes an electronic control unit operatively associated with the control device. The method including steps of providing an alignment sensor supported on the chassis for outputting a signal indicative of the orientation of the chassis to the electronic control unit and acquiring a signal output by the alignment sensor. Another step includes comparing the signal from the alignment sensor to alignment data stored in the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A system and method of sensing a load on a vehicle that includes a plurality of wheel-engaging members is disclosed. The vehicle body is supported on the plurality of wheel-engaging members and receives a cargo having a cargo weight. The method includes providing a non-fluid spring having an unloaded length and a spring rate, the non-fluid springs are supported between the vehicle body and one of the wheel-engaging members and being deflected to a loaded length under the cargo weight of the cargo. The method continues with determining the loaded length of said non-fluid springs. The method also includes determining an approximate value of the cargo weight based at least partially upon said spring rate and said loaded length of said non-fluid spring.

Abstract: A control system is operatively associated with a suspension system of a vehicle. The associated suspension system includes an associated fluid spring operating at an associated fluid pressure and an associated variable-rate damper having an associated electronically-variable damping rate. The control system includes a pressure sensor operative to generate a pressure sensor signal indicative of the associated fluid pressure of the associated fluid spring, and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor and the associated variable-rate damper. The controller is operative to receive the pressure sensor signal and generate a damper adjustment signal based at least partially on the pressure sensor signal for adjusting the associated electronically-variable damping rate of the associated variable-rate damper. A vehicle suspension system includes such a control system, and a method of controlling a suspension system of a vehicle is also included.

Abstract: A method of determining appropriate conditions for leveling a vehicle having a height adjustable air suspension system. The method includes the steps of providing an acceleration-determining device adapted to output a signal associated with an acceleration of the vehicle. Another step includes measuring an acceleration value of the vehicle and comparing the acceleration value to a pre-determined signal. Yet another step includes determining whether appropriate conditions exist for leveling the vehicle based on the comparison. A system for performing the steps of the method is also included.

Abstract: A method of positioning a vehicle chassis of a stationary vehicle in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum is provided. The vehicle has an axle and a fluid suspension system. The fluid suspension system includes a control device, a pressurized fluid source and an exhaust passage. The pressurized fluid source and the exhaust passage are in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid suspension members through the control device. The vehicle also includes an electronic control unit operatively associated with the control device. The method including steps of providing an alignment sensor supported on the chassis for outputting a signal indicative of the orientation of the chassis to the electronic control unit and acquiring a signal output by the alignment sensor. Another step includes comparing the signal from the alignment sensor to alignment data stored in the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A method of determining appropriate conditions for leveling a vehicle having a height adjustable air suspension system. The method includes the steps of providing an acceleration-determining device adapted to output a signal associated with an acceleration of the vehicle. Another step includes measuring an acceleration value of the vehicle and comparing the acceleration value to a pre-determined signal. Yet another step includes determining whether appropriate conditions exist for leveling the vehicle based on the comparison. A system for performing the steps of the method is also included.