Abstract: A connector for a tire inflation system includes a body with an air inlet receiving pressurized air from an air supply and an air outlet to communicate the pressurized air to at least one tire. The body is to be connected to a rotating wheel component and includes an internal cavity connecting the air inlet to the air outlet. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity. A tube has a first end supported by the seal assembly and a second end that is to be coupled to a non-rotating axle component. The seal assembly and tube are rotatable relative to each other and seal assembly is rotatable relative to the body. The tube communicates pressurized air from the non-rotating axle component to the air inlet to inflate the tire as needed.

Abstract: An air braking system for a vehicle blends regenerative and foundation braking during low deceleration conditions in an effective and controlled manner. The braking system also includes a mechanical override that bypasses system electronics in response to an aggressive brake request such that treadle circuit pressure is sent directly to a brake relay circuit to actuate vehicle brakes.

Abstract: An air braking system for a vehicle blends regenerative and foundation braking during low deceleration conditions in an effective and controlled manner. The braking system also includes a mechanical override that bypasses system electronics in response to an aggressive brake request such that treadle circuit pressure is sent directly to a brake relay circuit to actuate vehicle brakes.

Abstract: An air braking system for a vehicle blends regenerative and foundation braking during low deceleration conditions in an effective and controlled manner. The braking system also includes a mechanical override that bypasses system electronics in response to an aggressive brake request such that treadle circuit pressure is sent directly to a brake relay circuit to actuate vehicle brakes.

Abstract: A lighter than air (LTA) balloon and payload for the LTA balloon are stored on or in an underwater launcher. The launcher provides a source for a supply of a lighter than air gas, which is operatively connected to the LTA balloon until release. On deployment, the lighter than air gas is generated. The LTA balloon is deployed by activating the launcher to fill the LTA balloon and then releases the LTA balloon.

Abstract: An air suspension includes first and second air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag. A first fluid connection connects one of a first piston airbag and a first primary airbag of the first air spring assembly to one of a second piston airbag and a second primary airbag of the second air spring assembly. A second fluid connection connects the other of the first piston airbag and the first primary airbag to the other of the second piston airbag and the second primary airbag. Air flow through the first and second fluid connections is passively controlled solely in response to road load inputs to reduce roll stiffness and improve articulation.

Abstract: An air suspension includes a plurality of air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted over the piston airbag. The primary and piston airbags each have a variable volume that is controlled independently of the other for active suspension control. Each piston airbag includes a piston intake valve and a piston exhaust valve. Each primary airbag includes a control valve that is operable to supply and exhaust air from the corresponding primary airbag. The control valves and piston intake valves operate independently of each other. A compressor supplies air to a supply reservoir which is used to supply air to the primary and piston airbags. The compressor includes a bypass loop that directs exhausted air to a compressor inlet when the compressor is running.

Abstract: An air suspension includes a plurality of air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted over the piston airbag. The primary and piston airbags each have a variable volume that is controlled independently of the other for active suspension control. Each piston airbag includes a piston intake valve and a piston exhaust valve. Each primary airbag includes a control valve that is operable to supply and exhaust air from the corresponding primary airbag. The control valves and piston intake valves operate independently of each other. A compressor supplies air to a supply reservoir which is used to supply air to the primary and piston airbags. The compressor includes a bypass loop that directs exhausted air to a compressor inlet when the compressor is running.

Abstract: An air suspension includes first and second air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag. A first fluid connection connects one of a first piston airbag and a first primary airbag of the first air spring assembly to one of a second piston airbag and a second primary airbag of the second air spring assembly. A second fluid connection connects the other of the first piston airbag and the first primary airbag to the other of the second piston airbag and the second primary airbag. Air flow through the first and second fluid connections is passively controlled solely in response to road load inputs to reduce roll stiffness and improve articulation.

Abstract: A fitting for an active air suspension includes a housing with a central bore and a rigid tube having a first tube end inserted into the central bore with a second tube end extending outwardly of the housing. The first tube end includes a plastically deformed portion that prevents the rigid tube from being removed from the housing. A retention collar is used to secure a hose end to the second tube end.

Abstract: A gerotor pump includes an outer rotor having a first toothed surface and lobes that extend inwards. An inner rotor is eccentrically aligned relative to the outer rotor and includes a second toothed surface and lobes that extend outwards. Planetary gears are located between the outer rotor and the inner rotor. Each planetary gear has a third toothed surface that intermeshes with the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface.

Abstract: An air suspension includes a crossover valve in fluid communication with a manifold, a first set of springs in fluid communication with the manifold through a first set of valves, and a second set of springs in fluid communication with the manifold through a second set of valves. The crossover valve is movable between an open position to allow fluid communication to each of the first and the second sets of springs and a closed position that separates the first set of springs from the second set of springs.

Abstract: A gerotor pump includes an outer rotor having a first toothed surface and lobes that extend inwards. An inner rotor is eccentrically aligned relative to the outer rotor and includes a second toothed surface and lobes that extend outwards. Planetary gears are located between the outer rotor and the inner rotor. Each planetary gear has a third toothed surface that intermeshes with the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is provided for connection to a vehicle, and especially a bus for the transport of a bicycle. The bicycle rack has a frame pivotally connected to a bracket which is connectable to a front of a bus. A pair of elongate cradles traverse the frame of the rack. Each elongate cradle is capable of receiving a bicycle. Each elongate cradle includes a rear wheel cradle and a front wheel cradle. The front wheel cradle has a spring operated wheel lock. The wheel lock includes a rotatable armature which overlays and holds the front tire of the bicycle in a locked position. The armature is actuated by the weight of the front wheel or by the manual activation of an adjacent handle.

Abstract: An air spring assembly is mounted to a shock absorber to form a strut assembly. The shock absorber includes an outer cylinder with a shock piston and piston rod mounted within the outer cylinder. The outer cylinder includes a shock mount that is attached to a vehicle wheel. The air spring assembly includes an upper mount, which is attached to a vehicle body member, and a lower mount that is attached to the outer cylinder. An air spring piston is mounted to the upper mount via a bearing assembly to permit relative rotation between the air spring piston and the vehicle body member. A flexible member extends from the lower mount to a lower end of the air spring piston. The piston rod is mounted at one end to the shock piston and at an opposite end to the air spring piston. An isolator is mounted between the piston rod and the air spring piston to minimize shock loads.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is provided for connection to a vehicle, and especially a bus for the transport of a bicycle. The bicycle rack has a frame pivotally connected to a bracket which is connectable to a front of a bus. A pair of elongate cradles traverse the frame of the rack. Each elongate cradle is capable of receiving a bicycle. Each elongate cradle includes a rear wheel cradle and a front wheel cradle. The front wheel cradle has a spring operated wheel lock. The wheel lock includes a rotatable armature which overlays and holds the front tire of the bicycle in a locked position. The armature is actuated by the weight of the front wheel or by the manual activation of an adjacent handle.