Abstract: An air spring assembly including a first end member having a peripheral edge, a second end member in spaced relation to the first end member, and a flexible sleeve secured between the first and second end members at least partially defining a spring chamber. A label is formed from sheet material and includes a first portion coated with adhesive and a second portion spaced from the first portion that includes a plurality of indicia. The label is disposed along the first end member with the first adhesive portion secured thereto and the second portion extending outwardly beyond the peripheral edge. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring damper facility for a motor vehicle and a level control system for a motor vehicle. The spring damper facility has a main hydraulic volume and a pneumatic volume separated from the main hydraulic volume interacting with the main hydraulic volume. According to the invention, a decentralised hydraulic compensation volume is present in the spring damper facility, wherein hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic compensation volume can be redirected into the main hydraulic volume and vice versa to change a load carrying capacity of the spring damper facility and thus to provide a change in height or a change in level for the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A directional stabilizer ring includes a first or mounting surface and a second or biasing surface that faces away from the first surface and extends at an included angle relative thereto. The second surface is configured to abuttingly engage the flexible wall of a fluid spring assembly and to bias at least a portion thereof in a preferred direction. A fluid spring assembly and a suspension system that utilize such a directional stabilizer ring as well as a method of biasing a flexible wall using such a directional stabilizer ring are also included.

Abstract: An aerostatic suspension system (1) for rolling equipment and vehicles that takes advantage of atmospheric pressure to create, via cylinder and piston sets, forces that are transmitted by levers having an adjustable point of application of force and that at their distal ends are articulated with wheel support rods. The forces, acting individually on each wheel, aerostatically suspend the weight plus its load of the equipment or vehicle.

Abstract: The self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut with an internal level control includes a cylinder having a high-pressure chamber and a low-pressure chamber, both chambers being at least partially filled with oil, the high-pressure chamber further comprising a gas cushion acting as a spring element. The spring strut also has an axially movable hollow piston rod arranged within the cylinder and carrying a working piston separating two working spaces arranged in the cylinder, one of the working spaces being connected to the high-pressure chamber, and a piston pump, which is driven by movements of the spring element, thus conveying oil from the low-pressure chamber to the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber. The piston pump includes a flow connection, which connects the high-pressure chamber to the low-pressure chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle air suspension system and an air suspension unit (10) therefor. The air suspension system comprises a plurality of suspension elements, wherein each element includes at least one air suspension unit (10). The air suspension unit (10) consists of an integrated assembly mountable between the chassis and the axle of a vehicle, and includes: an air spring (14); a height sensor (33) for providing a tide height signal; a valve (32); and an electronic controller (36). The electronic controller (36) controls the valve (32) to adjust a volume of air in the air spring (14) in response to the ride height signal from the height sensor (33).

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system includes one or more hydraulic suspension cylinders mounted between the vehicle body and the axle. Each cylinder includes a piston chamber and rod chamber, each of which are connected to an accumulator and which can be connected to a pressure source and a tank by valve systems. The valve system for the rod chamber includes a first solenoid valve and a hydraulically and electrically actuated proportional pressure adjusting valve. The proportional valve is exposed to rod chamber pressure and to tank pressure. The rod chamber pressure can be applied on the proportional valve either directly as control pressure or can be detected with a sensor, and can be used to control the proportional valve. Such a system can influence the dependency of the suspension stiffness on the axle load and can be used to adjust the stiffness to ballast conditions and operating or driving states.

Abstract: A control system, primarily for use with a vehicle, which increases ride stability and minimizes cycling of the control system during normal operation of the vehicle by utilization of a restriction valve to restrict the fluid introduced into or exhausted from a fluid bag in response to a received control signal.

Abstract: A vehicle is carried by a number of supporting members, such as wheels. Movement between the supporting members and the vehicle body is controlled by respective dampers. Several interrelationships between and among the dampers are disclosed. A flow regulator is provided to augment damping forces under a variety of operating conditions.

Abstract: A suspension system, typically for use between a cab and an associated truck frame, including a s strut module having a strut, an air spring and a control module. The control module is connected to a source of pressurized air, is integral with the strut and includes a height sensor for sensing a distance between the cab and truck frame. The integral control module selectively pressurizes the air spring in response to changes in that distance. Preferably, the strut is a magnetorheological, McPherson-type strut and the air spring encloses at least a portion of the strut to provide a compact assembly. The strut damping characteristics are varied by the control module to provide optimal ride characteristics. The strut module includes a three-point connection to the cab and frame to resist relative lateral movement between the cab and frame.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension system, typically for use between a cab and a truck frame, includes a strut module having a strut and an air spring, and a control module, connected to a source of pressurized air, for sensing a distance between the cab and truck frame and selectively pressurizing the air spring in response to changes in that distance. Preferably, the strut is a McPherson-type strut and the air spring encloses at least a portion of the strut to provide a compact assembly and includes a three point connection to the cab and frame to resist relative lateral movement between the cab and frame. The strut also preferably is a magnetorheological-type damper so that the control module can adjust the damping characteristics of the strut to optimize rider comfort.

Abstract: A height control valve for controlling the relative height between a vehicle frame and a trailing arm suspension. The height control valve comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and having an inlet port fluidly connecting to a source of pressurized air. An air spring port is provided in the housing for fluidly connecting to an air spring. Additionally, an exhaust port is provided in the housing for fluidly connecting to the atmosphere. A valve is disposed within the interior chamber and is selectively operable between a fill position, an exhaust position, and a neutral position.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber with a self leveling function for a vehicle height is provided to prevent drop of a relief valve even if an excessive impulsive pressure is applied thereto. The relief valve is provided with a tubular valve case which is press-fitted into a press-fit bore of a partition wall member to divide an oil storage and a reservoir, and a valve body opening/closing a valve seat of an end portion of a flow passage formed in the partition wall member is urged toward the direction of the valve seat by a spring and is seated at the valve seat. This prevents an oil pressure in an oil chamber of the reservoir from acting directly on an end face of the valve case.

Abstract: A suspension unit used in a pull type shock application is disclosed, whereby a main shaft passes completely through a damping fluid so that the shock absorber fluid is not compressed when the shock shaft is displaced. The shaft also acts on a compression spring by an additional piston on the shaft. A cylindrical outer housing provides two distinct air chambers. The pressurization of these air chambers alters the spring rate, preload of the suspension, and vehicle ride height.

Abstract: The invention is disclosed to variably control the amount of compressed air flowing per unit hour depending on the change in the level position of the wheel axles in a moving vehicle when the compressed air flows into air springs from the leveling valve or when the compressed air flows out of the air springs through the leveling valve, so as to make it possible to variably control the time to restore the status of the vehicle body depending on the level of rollings caused when the vehicle turns a corner, thereby achieving turning stability, higher response speed and steering.

Abstract: An air suspension control system, primarily for use with a vehicle, which increases ride stability and minimizes air losses to the air suspension control system during normal operation of the vehicle by utilization of an air restriction valve to restrict the air introduced into or exhausted from an air spring in response to a received control signal.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a vehicle involving the following steps is described: recording characteristic actual values that describe the driving condition of a vehicle; determining setpoint values that are at least partially assigned to the actual values; comparing actual values and setpoint values and influencing actual values based on comparison results, one of the recorded actual values being characteristic of the roll state of the vehicle, and one of the setpoint values being assigned to the recorded actual value that is characteristic of the roll state of the vehicle. A device for stabilizing a vehicle is also described.

Abstract: An air spring suspension damper assembly includes a first housing and a second housing which telescope relative to each other. An actuating member such as a cable is connected to a height leveling valve contained in one of the housings and attached to the other housing. The actuating member moves a member such as a rotating cam, a rotating valve plate and/or a rotating valve such that changes in the suspension height rotate the member. Rotation of the member selectively opens inlet and exhaust flow paths to control the air pressure in the damper assembly and maintain air suspension height at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A vehicle is carried by a number of supporting members, such as wheels. Movement between the supporting members and the vehicle body is controlled by respective dampers. Several interrelationships between and among the dampers are disclosed. A flow regulator is provided to augment damping forces under a variety of operating conditions.

Abstract: A closed level control system includes an air dryer (10) which is mounted in a pressurized air line (4). The compressor output (16) can be connected to the pressurized air supply vessel (12) via the pressurized air line (4). Air from the atmosphere can be transferred via an intake valve (30) into the pressurized air supply vessel (12) via the compressor and the air dryer (10). Furthermore, pressurized air can be discharged into the atmosphere from the pressurized air supply vessel (12) via the air dryer (10) and the intake valve (30). There is a flow in the opposite direction through the air dryer than when filling the pressurized air supply vessel (12) from the atmosphere. In this way, an excellent regeneration of the air dryer (10) is ensured.

Abstract: A controlled equilibrium device comprising a housing; at least one spring, each at least one spring having a spring stiffness; and a load leveling device movable through the housing between a first maximum displacement position and a second maximum displacement position, the load leveling device comprising a deadband displacement zone defined between a first deadband displacement threshold and a second deadband displacement threshold, the displacement required to reach the first and second deadband displacement thresholds being less than the displacement distances required to reach the first and second maximum displacement positions, the at least one spring stiffness being substantially constant when the displacement of the load leveling device is within the deadband zone, the stiffness of the at least one spring being modified to a second stiffness when the load leveling device is equal to or beyond either the first deadband displacement threshold or the second deadband displacement threshold.

Abstract: In a closed level control system for vehicles, a vehicle body is suspended relative to at least one vehicle axle. The level control system includes pressurized medium chambers, a compressor, an air dryer and a pressurized medium supply vessel which is partitioned into first and second pressurized medium spaces. The two pressurized medium spaces have no direct connection. Either the first pressurized medium space or the second pressurized medium space can be connected to the compressor input or the compressor output via at least one common controllable directional valve so that the pressurized medium from the pressurized medium chambers can be transferred into the first or into the second pressurized medium space or pressurized medium can be transferred from the first or the second pressurized medium space into the pressurized medium chambers.

Abstract: Spring characteristics are switched in response to running conditions or use requirements of a bicycle in order to improve riding comfort and vehicle performance. A rod 2 is connected to a piston 3 which slides in a cylinder 1, a piston-side chamber (A) and a rod-side chamber (B) are partitioned in the cylinder 1 by the piston 3 and compressed air fills the two chambers, a passage 4 which connects the two chambers is opened and closed by a switch valve 5, the cylinder 1 is connected to the vehicle wheels and the piston rod 2 is connected to the vehicle body, the piston 3 displaces in response to vibration applied to the vehicle body in order to absorb vibrations.

Abstract: A height control valve for controlling the relative height between a vehicle frame and a trailing arm suspension. The height control valve comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and having an inlet port fluidly connecting to a source of pressurized air. An air spring port is provided in the housing for fluidly connecting to an air spring. Additionally, an exhaust port is provided in the housing for fluidly connecting to the atmosphere. A valve is disposed within the interior chamber and is selectively operable between a fill position, an exhaust position, and a neutral position.

Abstract: A damper comprises a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a piston. At least one of the chambers includes an axially moveable member and an axially fixed member. A resilient or compressible member is positioned between the axially moveable member and the axially fixed member. The axially moveable member is displaced toward the fixed member during slight pressure increases to absorb small pressure fluctuations that may be insufficient to cause flow through the piston.

Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut with internal leveling is provided for use in motor vehicles having an oil filled working cylinder, which is under the pressure of at least one gas cushion arranged in a high pressure chamber and acting as a spring. The high pressure chamber is connected to a working space, wherein a bleed opening forms a flow connection between the working space and the low pressure chamber. The bleed opening can be closed as a function of the position of the working piston in the working cylinder. The spring strut is assigned an actuator which displaces the spring strut in the vertical direction. The actuator can displace the motor vehicle to a plurality of displacement distances without requiring any electrical or electronic control, complex external leveling devices, or displacement detection systems.

Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut with internal leveling for motor vehicles includes a working cylinder filled with damping medium. The working cylinder is under the pressure of at least one gas cushion arranged in a high-pressure chamber and acting as a spring. A piston divides the working cylinder into two working spaces and is connected to a hollow piston rod. Valves are arranged on the piston so that the two working spaces are in communiction through the valves. A piston pump is driven by the spring movements and pumps oil out of a low-pressure chamber into the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber and comprises a pump space formed by the hollow piston rod, a pump rod connected to the working cylinder. A further pressure generator acts upon the damping medium in the high-pressure chamber and/or the working space connected to the high-pressure space.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a SMA suspension component, an actuator and a controller. Altering the mechanical characteristic of the SMA suspension component alters the kinematic properties of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle body and the suspension characteristics of the vehicle. In one disclosed embodiment a SMA suspension spring is height adjustable to alter the vehicle handling characteristics. In another disclosed embodiment a SMA suspension component stabilizer bar is shape adjustable. The SMA stabilizer bar is maintained in a first shape to provide a first handling characteristic. To provide a second handling characteristic the SMA stabilizer bar is moved into contact with a fixed vehicle component such as a vehicle frame component. The flexibility of the stabilizer bar is thereby reduced and the vehicle handling characteristics are optimized for a second condition.

Abstract: A suspension system for motor vehicles with level regulation for adjusting a predetermined height of the vehicle body includes at least one piston-cylinder unit with a work cylinder, a piston rod and a damping piston having damping valves. A pump is connected between an oil reservoir and the piston cylinder unit via corresponding inlet and outlet lines. The pump is driven by a drive unit and the level height is detected by a sensor which acts on the drive unit or on a regulating valve via evaluating electronics.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling the level of a vehicle body of a motor vehicle with a level control system having a plurality of actuator elements with which the level of the vehicle body can be lowered by discharging an actuating fluid from the actuator elements. The level control system includes a control unit. A first level of the vehicle body is determined relative to a reference point directly before a discharge operation. A discharge operation of the vehicle body is initiated when the first level lies above a pregiven level. After initiating a discharge operation, a check is made in the control unit as to whether the vehicle body has lowered from the first level in accordance with an input. The discharge operation is interrupted when the vehicle body has not lowered from the first level in accordance with the input.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydraulic suspension systems and in particular to vehicle oleopneumatic suspension systems employing sliding pillar struts. There is provided a suspension system for a vehicle comprising a plurality of suspension struts, each mounted between a vehicle body and a wheel assembly, each including a cylinder having a closed end and an inner bore; a piston rod slideable within the inner bore having a proximal end which terminates within the inner bore and a distal end which extends from the inner bore. Between the inner bore and the piston rod there is mounted an oil seal which seals a strut volume. A hydrostatic bearing is mounted within and vents into the strut volume. A hydraulic circuit and associated control system is adapted to control flow of hydraulic fluid between the strut volume and a reservoir, thereby providing control of at least the time-averaged axial position of the piston rod relative to its corresponding inner bore.

Abstract: An automatic pneumatic control system for the air springs of a semi-trailer air-ride trailing beam-type axle/suspension system. A plurality of conduits and valves of the control system pneumatically interconnect one or more sources of compressed air, the vehicle parking brakes and the suspension air springs. The control system incorporates a vented two-position two-way pilot valve for controlling inflation and deflation of each air spring. The valve closes when air pressures in a pair of control system sensor lines differ, thereby enabling complete or nearly complete deflation of the air spring it controls before the parking brake is set, thereby minimizing or eliminating the problems of trailer drop and walk during loading of an empty trailer, heretofore caused by complete or nearly complete deflation of the air springs only after the parking brakes are already set.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit controls a doubling acting cylinder of a vehicle suspension to provide load leveling and shock absorption functions. A set of solenoid valves control the application of pressurized hydraulic fluid from a supply line to the cylinder and from the cylinder to a tank return line to raise and lower the vehicle for load leveling. The chambers of the cylinder are interconnected by a parallel arrangement of a check valve, orifice and a relief valve. Another parallel arrangement of a check valve, orifice and a relief valve couples the cylinder to an accumulator. These parallel arranged components enable the doubling acting cylinder to function as a passive shock absorber. A lock-out valve is provided in the preferred embodiment a to defeat the shock absorber operation and provide a very stiff suspension.

Abstract: Spring characteristics are switched in response to running conditions or use requirements of a bicycle in order to improve riding comfort and vehicle performance. A rod 2 is connected to a piston 3 which slides in a cylinder 1, a piston-side chamber (A) and a rod-side chamber (B) are partitioned in the cylinder 1 by the piston 3 and compressed air fills the two chambers, a passage 4 which connects the two chambers is opened and closed by a switch valve 5, the cylinder 1 is connected to the vehicle wheels and the piston rod 2 is connected to the vehicle body, the piston 3 displaces in response to vibration applied to the vehicle body in order to absorb vibrations.

Abstract: A suspension system for motor vehicles with level regulation for adjusting a predetermined height of the vehicle body includes at least one piston-cylinder unit with a work cylinder, a piston rod and a damping piston having damping valves. A pump is connected between an oil reservoir and the piston cylinder unit via corresponding inlet and outlet lines. The pump is driven by a drive unit and the level height is detected by a sensor which acts on the drive unit or on a regulating valve via evaluating electronics.

Abstract: An automobile stabilizing assembly consisting of a hydraulic fluid filled right cylinder, the interior space of the right cylinder having first, second, and third walls, such walls dividing the right cylinder into first and second chambers, the first and second walls having a piston shaft apertures therethrough, the right cylinder having first and second hydraulic fluid exchange ports extending into its first chamber; a right piston assembly having first and second pistons slidably mounted within the chambers of the right cylinder, and a right piston shaft extending through the piston shaft apertures, the right piston shaft interconnecting the first and second pistons, the second piston having motion damping apertures extending therethrough, the first piston being positioned for sliding motion between the first and second hydraulic fluid exchange ports; a left cylinder similarly configured with the right cylinder; a left piston assembly within the left cylinder, the left piston assembly being similarly config

Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut with internal leveling is provided for use in motor vehicles having an oil filled working cylinder, which is under the pressure of at least one gas cushion arranged in a high pressure chamber and acting as a spring. The high pressure chamber is connected to a working space, wherein a bleed opening forms a flow connection between the working space and the low pressure chamber. The bleed opening can be closed as a function of the position of the working piston in the working cylinder. The spring strut is assigned an actuator which displaces the spring strut in the vertical direction. The actuator can displace the motor vehicle to a plurality of displacement distances without requiring any electrical or electronic control, complex external leveling devices, or displacement detection systems.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling the level of a vehicle body of a motor vehicle with a level control system having a plurality of actuator elements with which the level of the vehicle body can be lowered by discharging an actuating means from the actuator elements. The level control system includes a control unit. A first level of the vehicle body is determined relative to a reference point directly before a discharge operation. A discharge operation of the vehicle body is initiated when the first level lies above a pregiven level. After initiating a discharge operation, a check is made in the control unit as to whether the vehicle body has lowered from the first level in accordance with an input. The discharge operation is interrupted when the vehicle body has not lowered from the first level in accordance with the input.

Abstract: Shock absorber device comprising a shock absorber combined with an air spring, which shock absorber device is arranged for active suspension/shock absorbing in a wheel suspension of a vehicle. The shock absorber is surrounded by the air spring, and in the annular interspace between the shock absorber and the air spring there is arranged a piston and cylinder device likewise surrounding the shock absorber and which on the inside is connected to the shock absorber and on its outside is connected to the air spring. The piston of the piston and cylinder device is an annular piston which via an axial extension part is connected to a stabilizer joined to the wheel suspension.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a level control system for a motor vehicle wherein the controllable valves (8a to 8d and 10) are controlled by a first control unit (24). The first control unit (24) transmits a signal to a second control unit (36) at time intervals. If the second control unit (36) does not receive the signal expected from the first control unit, then the second control unit (36) assumes the control of the valves (8a to 8d and 10) in such a manner that the motor vehicle is transferred into a dynamically safe driving condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a dynamic load relative to a foundation, such as a vehicle relative to the road, by a hydraulic system that monitors the movement of the load and adds or removes hydraulic fluid from the system to compensate for the load change. The hydraulic system is preferably one or more hydraulic cylinders that have a first chamber operably connected to the load and a second chamber operably connected to the foundation. The first and second chamber are connected by a valve. The valve is connected to the second chamber and a source of pressurized fluid with a reservoir. The first chamber senses the load change and the valve adds fluid from the pressurized fluid source to the second chamber or removes fluid from the second chamber to the reservoir to compensate for the change in the load and maintain the load in substantially the same position relative to the foundation.