Leveling Device Patents (Class 267/64.16)
  • Patent number: 11921221
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a system for intelligently leveling with an automatic temperature control function and a method thereof. The system includes a handcart-type leveller, indoor GPS positioning devices, an AGV trolley temperature measuring device and a control system. The control system processes position parameters of the AGV trolley temperature measuring device and the handcart-type leveller; converts the position parameters for the handcart-type leveller into position parameters for a leveling region, controlling the AGV trolley temperature measuring device to arrive at a lower part of the leveling region by a control chip and measuring temperatures in the leveling region; controlling an operation status of the AGV trolley temperature measuring device and transmitting data with the AGV trolley temperature measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jing Xu, Xiaonan Chang, Changwen Yang, Yefan Wang, Jiayang Gu, Yuankai Zhou, Xue Zuo
  • Patent number: 11701939
    Abstract: In a method for determining an axle load on a mechanically and/or pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle, the axle load is determined with the aid of control and sensor means that are installed in the vehicle and/or functionally enhanced. Functions for axle load determination at mechanically suspended vehicle axles (4) and for axle load determination at pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axles (2) are available. In a mechanically suspended vehicle axle (4) a distance measuring unit (9), and in a pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axle (2) a pressure measuring unit (7) are used to determine the axle load. An initial plausibility check is implemented in an electronic control unit (10) of the level control system (1), on the basis of which the level control system (1) identifies the particular suspension type, mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic, of a vehicle axle (2, 4) and, thereafter, the appropriate function for axle load determination is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BV
    Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
  • Patent number: 11433730
    Abstract: An air suspension apparatus includes a compressor configured to compress air, a tank configured to store the air, a tank-side suction conduit configured to supply the compressed air in this tank to an intake side of the compressor, a tank conduit connecting a discharge side of the compressor and the tank, an air suspension connected to the discharge side of the compressor via an air drier, an intake electromagnetic valve provided in the tank-side suction conduit, a return electromagnetic valve provided in the tank conduit, and a discharge conduit provided so as to branch off from between the discharge side of the compressor and the air drier and configured to be connected to an atmosphere by opening a discharge electromagnetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kawai, Hiroshi Sakai, Kan Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11353082
    Abstract: A closure device for an air spring system that includes an auxiliary vessel and an air spring device attachable to a link for an air spring system of a utility vehicle, wherein the closure device, in the installed state, seals off a fluid channel for gas exchange between the air spring device and the auxiliary vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: SAF-Holland GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Fäth, Stefan Wallmeier, Kerstin Bonness
  • Patent number: 11260716
    Abstract: An electric height control device may include: an oil storage part configured to store oil therein; a motor driving part inserted into the oil storage part and driven when power is applied thereto; a hydraulic block part coupled to the motor driving part, connected to the oil storage part, and configured to amplify oil; and a control part coupled to the hydraulic block part, and configured to control the motor driving part and the hydraulic block part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Moon Lee
  • Patent number: 11164033
    Abstract: A processor-in-memory device includes a memory array, a sense amplifier, and a processing unit that has an accumulator. The processing unit is configured to receive a set of data. The processing unit then uses the sense amplifier and the accumulator to generate a first histogram of the set of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremiah James Willcock
  • Patent number: 11117437
    Abstract: A suspension device for a wheeled vehicle with a plurality of air springs is described. Two main air chambers of two air springs of a respective vehicle axle are connected together via a transverse air chamber which forms an intermediate volume. A compressor arranged between the two transverse air chambers is connected to the first transverse air chamber via a first connecting line in which a first switchable valve is arranged, and to the second transverse air chamber via a second connecting line in which a second switchable valve is arranged, so that direct filling/direct evacuation of the intermediate volumes of the two transverse air chambers is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Harting, Jens-Uwe Gleu
  • Patent number: 11110978
    Abstract: Provided herein are a suspension apparatus and a specialized vehicle including the same. The suspension apparatus includes a crankshaft fixed to a vehicle body, a housing rotatably connected to the crankshaft, a first damping portion arranged in the housing and having a damping fluid accommodated in the first damping portion, an amount of the damping fluid in the first damping portion being adjusted according to an external force applied to the vehicle body, a second damping portion arranged in the housing, connected to the first damping portion such that the damping fluid moves between the first damping portion and the second damping portion, and including: a first space accommodating a compressed gas; and a second space accommodating the damping fluid, the first space facing the second space; and a rotational force applier arranged in the housing and configured to apply a rotational force to the housing by adjusting an amount of a working fluid in the rotational force applier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: HANWHA DEFENSE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ho Nam Song
  • Patent number: 11009093
    Abstract: A mechanism for electronically adjusting a shock absorber includes a cartridge that is located on the fluid path between the main body of the shock absorber and a damping reservoir. A piston valve is mounted for reciprocal movement inside an elongated chamber of the cartridge, and a solenoid is mounted on the cartridge to interact with the piston valve. In operation, the solenoid is electronically controlled to selectively move the piston valve into various positons in the cartridge chamber to thereby vary the volume of liquid flow along the fluid path which will adjust the response characteristics of the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SUSPENSION DIRECT, INC.
    Inventor: Dan J. Worley
  • Patent number: 10995878
    Abstract: An air control valve (100) adapted to control an air flow (FA) for an air cushioning receptacle (802) in a motor vehicle (1000) includes a valve seat (120), a valve body (110), and a valve passage element (105) with a passage inlet (140) on an inlet side (141) and a passage outlet (150) on an outlet side (151). A coil spring (160) in contact with the valve body (110) and with a valve stop (152) on the outlet side (151) is adapted to exert a closing force (FC) to press the valve body (110) to the valve seat (120). A damping body (200) is arranged in an inner spring space (161) of the coil spring (160) such that the damping body (200) radially extends in a winding space (162) between a first coil winding (163) and a second coil winding (164) of the coil spring (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: WABCO Europe BVBA
    Inventors: Marek Repela, Przemyslaw Zak
  • Patent number: 10704640
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Bryan Wesley Anderson
  • Patent number: 10639954
    Abstract: A multi-link suspension system that can be used to modify a MacPherson strut suspension system is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Jay O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10543989
    Abstract: A belt conveyor with automatic in-line tensioning. A tensioner bar is slidably received into a tensioning slot and guided by a plurality of rails. At least one air spring is positioned between the tensioner frame and the tensioner bar. The first air spring pushes the tensioner bar such that movement of the tensioner bar moves the end roller to affect a tensioning force upon the endless belt. An air pressure gauge can display an air pressure value corresponding to a tension force of the endless belt. A tracking assembly allows tracking of the endless roller independent of the tensioning. A controller can controls the tensioning and release of tensioning based on operational or environmental factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventor: Cesar F. Francisco
  • Patent number: 10520386
    Abstract: This vibration measurement device is configured to measure the balancing vibration of the cartridge, a kind of rotating machines, who has a rotor and a cartridge body to support the rotor rotatably for variable operating speed, and is provided with a rigidly fixed support structure, acceleration sensors which detect the vibration of the cartridge, and a flat spring which elastically supports the cartridge with respect to the support structure and has a variable spring constant of elastic support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Inoue, Katsuya Yamashita, Rimpei Kawashita, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Nariaki Seike, Noriyuki Hayashi, Hideo Mori
  • Patent number: 10363790
    Abstract: A vehicle can have a vibration damping system, which has a characteristic curve that is adjustable. To control the characteristic curve of the vibration damping system, information regarding a profile of a road surface in front of the vehicle is detected. At least a portion of the road surface profile can be classified according to a change in height and a length of the portion. The classification can be based on the detected information. Based on the classification of the road surface profile, the characteristic curve of the vibration damping system of the vehicle can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Uwe Hoffmann, Martin Saeger, Toni Kymaelaeinen, Michael Seemann
  • Patent number: 10343481
    Abstract: A hydraulic suspension system is provided for a vehicle, the system including at least a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder, each of the hydraulic cylinders including a first chamber and a second chamber, at least four hydraulic accumulators, and at least a first and a second fluid communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Vilhelm Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 10240655
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Bryan Wesley Anderson
  • Patent number: 10150531
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes a changer and a controller. The changer is configured to change a relative position of a body of a vehicle relative to an axle of a wheel of the vehicle. The controller is configured to control the changer to make the relative position a target value so as to control a vehicle height of the body of the vehicle. The controller is configured to control the changer to maintain the relative position irrespective of the target value when a decreasing malfunction occurs causing the vehicle height to decrease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Kasuga, Takahiro Koresawa
  • Patent number: 9975598
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a spring support for a vehicle support spring. A spring collar supporting the vehicle support spring is selectively adjustable with respect to position by a pressurized-medium supply with the aim of adjusting the level of a vehicle body. The spring support is constructed as a hydropneumatic spring having a hydraulic volume, which can likewise be adjusted relative to a pneumatic storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Burkhard Bender, Holger Kirchner, Nobert Ackermann
  • Patent number: 9844993
    Abstract: Strut spacers are described that include at least a male component comprising an externally threaded surface and a female component comprising an internally threaded surface. Rotation of the male component or the female component adjusts the height of the strut spacer prior to installation within the motor vehicle. The strut spacer can optionally include a locking ring to lock the height of the strut spacer before installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: TAP Worldwide, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Botello, Jason M. Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9816578
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Bryan Wesley Anderson
  • Patent number: 9790911
    Abstract: An engine control device applied to a vehicle equipped with an actuator for changing a suspension property of the vehicle, a suspension control device for driving the actuator, and an engine. The engine control device automatically stops the engine operation when a stop condition is satisfied and automatically starts the engine operation when a start condition is satisfied, continues the engine operation when a signal for inhibiting the automatic stop of the engine operation is sent to the engine control device in order to drive the actuator and the engine control device judges that no malfunction occurs in the suspension control device even if the stop condition is satisfied, and ignores the signal and automatically stops the engine operation when the stop condition is satisfied and judges that the malfunction occurs in the suspension control device even if the signal is sent to the engine control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Ishii, Hiroto Miura, Hideki Ohashi, Yosuke Yamashita, Masataka Okuda
  • Patent number: 9776683
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes a changer, a detector, and a controller. The changer is configured to change a relative position of a body of a vehicle to an axle of a wheel of the vehicle. The detector is configured to detect the relative position. The controller is configured to control the changer to change the relative position based on a detection value detected by the detector so as to control a height of the body as a vehicle height. The controller is configured to control the changer to maintain the vehicle height when there is a possibility of a malfunction in the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Kasuga, Shunya Senda, Takahiro Koresawa
  • Patent number: 9752289
    Abstract: A road surface condition determining method according to the invention includes: detecting a suspension pressure of a dump truck during a travel of the dump truck; calculating a maximum amplitude and a frequency of a detection value of the suspension pressure in a predetermined period of time; and determining a road surface condition based on the maximum amplitude and the frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoko Jinno, Ryota Ono, Yasuko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9689381
    Abstract: A system for the recovery of parasitic energy loss in a vehicle includes a magnet and coil arrangement operatively and movable coupled with respect to one another, such that motion of the drive train of the vehicle with respect to the frame components causes relative motion therebetween to thereby induce an electrical current in the coil which may be used or stored in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Yanir Nulman
  • Patent number: 9573595
    Abstract: A method for operating a speed control system of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises detecting an occurrence of a slip event, of a step encounter event, or of both events at a leading wheel of the vehicle. The method also comprises predicting that the occurrence of the detected event(s) will occur at a following wheel of the vehicle. The method yet further comprises automatically controlling vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, or both vehicle speed and acceleration in response to the detection, the prediction, or both the detection and prediction. A speed control system comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to perform the above-described methodology is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Fairgrieve, Daniel Woolliscroft, James Kelly
  • Patent number: 9511644
    Abstract: Self-propelled liquid dispensing equipment having ground engaging wheels and an active trailing link suspension system in which either suspension struts or air struts control suspension travel. A liquid pressure transducer is connected to a liquid reservoir to provide a control input that varies the assist given by the suspension struts or air strut in direct proportion to the quantity of liquid. A given suspension travel is maintained regardless of the quantity of liquid carried by the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Aaron R. Tollefsrud, Bruce G. Bastin
  • Patent number: 9371880
    Abstract: A shock absorber for a motor vehicle including an outer cylinder having upper and lower end walls, an inner cylinder disposed within and coaxially relative to the outer cylinder, connected to the upper end wall of the outer cylinder, providing an annular chamber with the outer cylinder and having a partition wall at a lower end thereof spaced from the lower end wall of the outer cylinder, and a piston having a head portion disposed in the inner cylinder and a rod portion extending through the partition wall of the inner cylinder and the lower end wall of the outer cylinder, wherein the annular chamber is filled with a gas, the inner cylinder is filled with a damping fluid and the piston head and the end wall of the inner cylinder are provided with one-way valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Wilfried Michel
  • Patent number: 9255620
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Bryan Wesley Anderson
  • Patent number: 9168807
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 8973922
    Abstract: A height control valve assembly having a housing with an air supply port, first and second ports, and an exhaust port. A valve positioned in the housing has a first surface in fluid communication with the air supply port and a second surface. The valve moves between first and second positions, in which the second surface sealingly engages a portion of the housing surrounding the first and second ports, respectively, to prevent fluid from flowing between the air supply port and the first and second ports, respectively. The valve is moveable from either of the first and second positions to a fill position, in which the air supply port is in fluid communication with one of the first and second ports, and an exhaust position, in which one of the first and second ports is in fluid communication with the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Koelzer
  • Patent number: 8967648
    Abstract: An active air suspension system includes an air spring assembly that has a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted around the piston airbag to provide a variable force and rate dual air spring configuration. The air suspension system is configured to accurately control pressure within the system in a closed-loop manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: John Ashley Peterson
  • Patent number: 8807542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Bryan Wesley Anderson
  • Patent number: 8701846
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a hydraulic compression stop. The hydraulic stop includes a pressure tube surrounding the pressure tube of the shock absorber and a piston in hydraulic communication with the interior of the pressure tube. The piston can be disposed within the pressure tube and can be attached to the pressure tube or to the shock absorber. The hydraulic stop can also include a hydraulic fluid chamber and the piston can be disposed within the hydraulic fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc
    Inventors: Koen Reybrouck, M'Hand Nait Oukhedou, Simon Anne de Molina
  • Patent number: 8596431
    Abstract: A self-adjusting end position damping arrangement includes a stroke space 9 which is delimited by a movable stroke element 7, 24 and a part of the pneumatic cylinder 1, with the stroke space 9 being connected via a connecting duct 14 to the working pressure P1 which acts on the cylinder piston 22 or to the ventilation pressure (P3) in the outlet duct 3 and the stroke element 7, 24 being acted on via a damping duct 16 by the damping pressure P2 in the damping volume 19, a non-return valve 12 is arranged in the connecting duct 14 upstream of the stroke space 9, which non-return valve 12 blocks in the direction of the working pressure P1 or the ventilation pressure (P3), respectively, and a ventilation duct 5 is provided, which ventilation duct 5 can be opened by means of the movable stroke element 7, 24 and which is connected to an outlet duct 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Parker Origa Holding AG
    Inventor: Christian Bruder
  • Patent number: 8474582
    Abstract: A cushion device includes a shock absorber and an accumulator. As a piston moves in a certain direction in a cylinder so that the shock absorber is compressed, oil in an oil chamber is discharged to the accumulator through an oil hose. The compression operation of the piston allows a slide member to slide and the capacity of an oil chamber is reduced. The oil in the oil chamber is discharged to a regulation unit through an oil hose. The regulation unit controls a valve by the pressure of the oil coming in from the oil chamber and applies resistance to the oil discharged from an oil chamber to an oil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takamasa Kamioka
  • Patent number: 8448761
    Abstract: A valve mechanism for a gas spring suspension system that equalizes the gas between positive and negative gas chambers when the pressure in the negative gas chamber exceeds the pressure in the positive gas chamber. The suspension system includes a tube, a piston assembly slidably displaceable along the tube and a valve mechanism. The piston assembly separates the tube into the positive gas chamber and the negative gas chamber. The valve mechanism is configured to permit gas flow between the positive and negative gas chambers when the gas pressure in the negative gas chamber exceeds the gas pressure in the positive gas chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, John Cheever, Michael Nono
  • Patent number: 8191904
    Abstract: A large vehicle with air bags and a leveling system that controls air flow into and out of an air spring (also known as an “air bag”) to maintain the air spring height close to the optimum level. The system is altered at minimum cost to further minimize the repeated flow of air into and out of the air spring, to thereby save fuel. A mechanical-to-electrical converter (50) is mounted on the air spring height sensor to generate an electrical signal indicating vehicle ride height, and the electrical output is connected to a computer (62) on the vehicle. The computer is programmed to control the flow of pressured air through a blocking valve (60) to a leveling valve (22) that flows air into and out of the air spring, according to the outputs of a plurality of sensors on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Barksdale, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Amlie, Angel Ching
  • Patent number: 8146897
    Abstract: Self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut includes a working cylinder divided into first and second working spaces by a working piston carried on a hollow piston rod; a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber partially filled with hydraulic damping medium, the high pressure chamber having a gas cushion and being connected to the second working space; and a piston pump including a pump rod extending into the hollow piston rod, the pump rod having a bore connected to the low pressure chamber, an end provided with a suction valve inside the hollow piston rod, and a deregulating opening, which is closable as a function of position of the working piston in the working cylinder. An adjustable damping valve located outside the external tube has a first flow connection connected to the first working space, and a second flow connection connected to the second working space and the high pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Hubert Beck
  • Patent number: 8087646
    Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit for installing between a vehicle body and an axle includes a cylinder filled with damping medium, a piston dividing the cylinder into working spaces, and a piston rod. A first damping valve assembly in the piston damps movement of the piston in tension and in compression. A load dependent valve includes a valve body which can be moved axially by pressure in the damping medium, the valve body having axially opposed first and second actuation surfaces. The first actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a first accumulator, which is connected to one of the working spaces, and the second actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a second accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Holger Kirchner, Norbert Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7959165
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a suspension run height includes: pivotably mounting a leveling valve to a hanger bracket; attaching an indicator arm to a suspension component which displaces relative to the hanger bracket; and pivoting the leveling valve relative to the hanger bracket to thereby adjust the run height of the frame relative to the suspension component. A run height adjustment system includes: a leveling valve having a leveling arm pivotably mounted thereto at a first pivot, and an indicator arm being pivotably mounted to the leveling arm at a second pivot; an adjustment lever for pivoting the leveling valve about a third pivot; and the third pivot being positioned longitudinally between the first and second pivots. Another run height adjustment system includes: a leveling arm pivotably mounted to a leveling valve; an adjustment lever for pivoting the leveling valve; and the adjustment lever pivotably mounted to a hanger bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Greaves
  • Patent number: 7751959
    Abstract: A suspension system includes four electronically controlled actuators, one at each of the four wheels. The actuators are each controlled by an electronic control unit. The left front and right front actuators are mechanically connected with each other. The left rear and the right rear actuators are also mechanically connected with each other. The only connection between the front two actuators and the rear two actuators is an electronic communication through the electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Boon, Koen Reybrouck
  • Patent number: 7722017
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Driveright Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Holbrook, Graham R. Brookes, Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Publication number: 20100065993
    Abstract: A suspension device (A) comprising a damper (S) and a gas spring (C), the damper (S) comprising a motion transforming mechanism (H) for transforming a relative motion between a vehicle body-side member and an axle-side member into a rotational motion and a motor (M) having a rotor (8) to which the rotational motion is transmitted, the gas spring (C) being interposed between the vehicle body-side member and the axle-side member, in which the motor (M) comprises a hollow casing (9), a partition wall member (16) which forms a rotor chamber (r) within the casing (9), with the rotor (8) being received within the rotor chamber (r), a cylindrical stator (17) disposed between an outer periphery of the partition wall member (16) and an inner periphery of the casing (9), and the rotor (8) held rotatably by the casing (9) within the rotor chamber (r), and the interior of the rotor chamber (6) is brought into communication with the interior of a gas chamber (R) of the gas spring (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Takuhiro KONDO
  • Patent number: 7644943
    Abstract: A gas spring assembly that is suitable for use on a vehicle suspension system includes a first end member and a second end member that is spaced from the first end member. A flexible wall is secured between the first and second end members and at least partially defines a first gas chamber therebetween. A confinement at least partially forms a second gas chamber that is in communication with the first gas chamber. A porous flow restrictor is operatively disposed between the gas chambers. A suspension system including such a gas spring assembly as well as a method is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Bradley W. Hayes, Pradipta N. Moulik, Sydney Kelsey
  • Patent number: 7635051
    Abstract: A suspension system for motor vehicles with a level control for adjusting a predetermined height of the vehicle body is configured with at least one piston-cylinder unit which is provided with a work cylinder, a piston rod and a damping piston having damping valves, a pump of an oil reservoir, corresponding inlet lines and outlet lines from the oil reservoir, and corresponding inlet lines and outlet lines from the oil reservoir to the piston-cylinder unit, and vice versa, and the pump is configured with a pump piston and a drive unit. The piston-cylinder unit and the pump are constructed as separate subassemblies which are manufactured independently beforehand, and at least the piston-cylinder unit is filled with damping medium before the two subassemblies are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Hubert Beck
  • Patent number: 7621538
    Abstract: An operating module for localized signal processing at a corner of a vehicle includes a housing, a valve assembly or a sensor, and a signal processing device. The operating module can be used in operative association with an air spring assembly. The operating module can be in communication with other components and/or systems. A vehicle suspension system and method are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel L. Nordmeyer, Graham R. Brookes
  • Patent number: 7568713
    Abstract: An air-suspension system for vehicles, in particular for commercial vehicles, including at least one air-bellows valve assigned to an air-spring bellows or a group of air-spring bellows of the front axle for individually aerating and venting this air-spring bellows or this group of air-spring bellows; at least one air-bellows valve assigned to an air-spring bellows or a group of air-spring bellows of the rear axle for individually aerating and venting this air-spring bellows or this group of air-spring bellows; as well as at least one central aeration valve for supplying the air-bellows valves assigned to the air-spring bellows of the front axle and the rear axle with compressed air from a compressed-air supply; and at least one central venting valve for exhausting compressed air from the air-bellows valves assigned to the air-spring bellows of the front axle and the rear axle, to an air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Falk Hecker, Guenther Fecht, Winfried Geiger, Friedbert Roether
  • Publication number: 20090116973
    Abstract: A pump for use in combination with shock absorbers comprises a joint having a first portion, a second portion and a channel extending therethrough. A tube receives the second portion of the joint. A collar includes a first end and a second end, with the first end pivotally receiving the first portion of the joint. An adapter is positioned above the first portion of the joint and includes a passage therein and an air anti-leak member for preventing air leak between the channel and the passage when pumping. A cap is engaged with the second end of the collar and including an opening into which a valve is adapted to insert and thereafter engages with the nozzle head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 7520494
    Abstract: A spring element with a hydropneumatic strut are positioned between the bogie and the body of a rail car, with the strut having a sliding piston in a cylinder, whereby the piston or the cylinder can be connected with the bogie and the other component can be connected with the body, and the piston area of the cylinder is connected with a hydraulic accumulator. A strut that is easy to service and maintain and does not accumulate any appreciable amount of dirt is created by virtue of the fact that the hydropneumatic strut has a hydraulic height regulator valve or a height sensor connected or connectable with a feedback loop, whereby the position of the piston in the cylinder can be adjusted or determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Gaile