Abstract: An air spring for vehicle undercarriages, including an air spring cover and rolling piston. The air spring cover and rolling piston are connected by an air spring bellows. The air spring cover accommodates a first and second clamping ring for clamping the air spring bellows to fix the air spring bellows to the air spring cover. The rolling piston and air spring bellows have a common first air volume. The end of the rolling piston closest to the undercarriage accommodates a third clamping ring to seal the first air volume from the external environment. The air spring cover has a second air volume. The first air volume and the second air volume are sealed off from the external environment. The first air volume is spatially separated from the second air volume. A switch valve enables a first air path to link the second air volume to the first air volume.

Abstract: A flexible spring member includes a flexible wall that is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material The flexible wall can have a longitudinal axis and extend peripherally about the axis and longitudinally between first and second ends. The flexible wall can also include an outside surface and an inside surface that can at least partially define a spring chamber. A radial-biasing band can be disposed along the outside surface of the flexible wall in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first and second ends. The radial-biasing band can be at least partially formed from an elastomeric material and can be operative to elastically bias at least a portion of the flexible wall in one of a radially-inward direction and a radially-outward direction in an inflated condition of the gas spring assembly. A gas spring assembly and a method of manufacture including such a flexible spring member are also included.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly (200) with a flexible wall (206) being a rolling lobe (240) with an end member (204) including a side wall (238) and a plurality of corrugations disposed along the side wall. A cover (246) can be secured across a cavity (248) formed in the gas spring end member.

Abstract: An end member assembly dimensioned for securement to an associated flexible spring member of an associated gas spring assembly. The end member assembly can include a base wall and a mounting wall disposed in axially-spaced relation to the base wall. A compliant support structure is disposed between the base and mounting walls. The compliant support structure includes at least one compliant element that includes a compliant element body and one or more reinforcing plies at least partially embedded within the compliant element body. Rigid elements can be disposed between adjacent compliant elements if two or more compliant elements are included. A gas spring assembly and a method of manufacture can include one or more of such end member assemblies.

Abstract: The subject invention reveals an air spring arrangement comprising: a first mounting member, a second mounting member, an air spring volume, a height sensor, a controllable valve, a position controllable drive, wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member are arranged so as to mount the air spring volume to corresponding vehicle members, wherein the height sensor is arranged so as to sense a distance between the first mounting member and the second mounting member, wherein the controllable valve is arranged so as to connect the inside of the air spring volume with the outside of the air spring volume, wherein the position controllable drive is arranged so as to drive the controllable valve with respect to an opening grade of the controllable valve, and wherein the position controllable drive is controlled based on the sensed distance between the first mounting member and the second mounting member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.

Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle with a lifting function includes an upper rolling piston and a lower rolling piston disposed opposite to each other. A rolling bellows encloses a compressed air space and has double rolling folds. The pressure effective surfaces of the rolling folds are coordinated with each other in such a manner that, during dynamic spring operation of the air spring over a predetermined spring travel, the pressure effective surface of the rolling fold on the lower rolling piston is larger than the pressure effective surface of the rolling fold on the upper rolling piston.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexible wall, that can at least partially define a spring chamber for containing pressurized gas. The flexible wall can include at least one mounting bead formed along an end thereof. A compression core can be disposed along the exterior of the flexible wall in abutting engagement with the mounting bead. The compression core can be captured between the mounting bead and a portion of the flexible wall such that inflation of the spring chamber biases the flexible wall, mounting bead and compression core outward and into engagement with an end member to form a gas spring assembly. A suspension system and a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: Conversion assemblies and conversion assemblies combined with automotive shock absorbing assemblies for automotive use, such as shocks and struts. There is disclosed herein, in combination, a conversion assembly and an automotive shock absorbing assembly for automotive use, said automotive shock absorbing assembly being selected from the group consisting of shocks and, struts.

Abstract: A gas spring piston includes a piston body with an end wall and a side wall that projects longitudinally from the end wall. The side wall includes an outer surface and a retainment ridge spaced longitudinally from the end wall such that the outer surface is disposed between the retainment ridge and the end wall. The retainment ridge projects radially-outwardly beyond the outer surface such that a shoulder surface is formed adjacent the outer surface. The outer surface includes an engagement feature that is dimensioned to compressively engage an associated flexible wall. The engagement feature is positioned along the outer surface in spaced relation to the end wall and the shoulder surface of the retainment ridge. A gas spring assembly and a method of assembling a gas spring that include such a gas spring piston are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air spring height sensor (100) is provided which comprises a receiver (101) for receiving a height signal and an evaluation unit (200). The receiver is adapted for being mounted to an air spring so as to sense a height signal with respect to said air spring. The evaluation unit comprises an input terminal (201), a multiplexer (240), a first signal branch (210) starting from the input terminal and terminating at a first multiplexer input (241), and a second signal branch (220) starting from the input terminal and terminating at a second multiplexer input (242). The first signal branch includes a first amplitude limiter (211) being adapted to cut off the amplitude above a predetermined first threshold value. The multiplexer is adapted to select a measurement signal from one of the inputs of the multiplexer.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an air spring height measurement arrangement comprising a magnetic field transmitting arrangement (110) and a magnetic field receiving arrangement (120). The magnetic field transmitting arrangement is adapted to adopt a first state and a second state with regard to the magnetic field receiving arrangement. One of the magnetic field transmitting arrangement (110) and the magnetic field receiving arrangement (120) comprises a first coil (141) and a second coil and the other comprises a third coil (143). A first central axis (161) of the first coil and a second central axis (162) of the second coil enclose a first angle (171) and, in the first state, a third central axis (163) of the third coil (143) and the first central axis enclose a second angle (172), which first and second angle cannot be 0°.

Abstract: An air spring (100) for a vehicle is provided. The air spring comprises a first mounting element (110) for being fixed to a vehicle's chassis (210), a second mounting element (120) for being fixed to a movable part (220) of a vehicle being movable with respect to the chassis, a bellow (130) extending from the first mounting element to the second mounting element and including an air volume (140), and a sensor arrangement (150) being arranged within the air volume. The sensor arrangement is adapted for sensing at least one of a road condition, a vehicle condition and a pay load condition.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly is used to control movement of a vehicle body panel relative to a vehicle body member. The gas spring assembly includes a rod and piston that are received within a tube or cylinder. A first rod end is coupled to the piston to move the piston back and forth within the cylinder. A second rod end is mounted to one of the vehicle body panel or the vehicle body member. The cylinder is mounted to the other of the vehicle body panel or the vehicle body member. The gas spring assembly includes a resilient cover that covers the rod and cylinder and extends from the second rod end to a distal cylinder end. The resilient cover extends and retracts with rod movement and is sealed at each end of the resilient cover to provide a completely sealed gas spring assembly.

Abstract: An elastomeric article and elastomeric thermal barrier system includes an elastomeric article that is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material susceptible to thermal degradation upon exposure to an external thermal energy source. An elastomeric thermal barrier extends around and along at least a portion of the elastomeric article. The elastomeric thermal barrier is spaced apart from the elastomeric article to form a thermal break. The elastomeric thermal barrier is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material having a thermal property that is different from the thermal property of the elastomeric article and is operative to provide at least one of reduced absorption, reduced conductivity, increased reflectance and reduced emissivity to reduce thermal energy transfer into the elastomeric article from the external thermal energy source. A gas spring and thermal barrier system and/or assembly and a suspension system are also included.

Abstract: A gas spring and damper assembly can include a first gas spring having a first spring rate and a second gas spring connected in series with the first gas spring. The second gas spring can have a second spring rate that is at least two times the first spring rate of the first gas spring. A damper can be operatively connected with at least one of the first and second gas springs. A suspension system including one or more of such gas spring and damper assemblies and a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: End members are dimensioned for securement to a flexible wall of a gas spring assembly. The end members can include an end wall, and inner and outer crimp walls that extend from the end wall and are disposed in spaced relation to one another such that gap is formed therebetween. A plurality of connector walls extend between and operatively interconnect the inner and outer crimp walls. Gas spring assemblies including such an end member and suspension systems including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also included.

Abstract: An end member assembly includes an end member body and an end member insert. The end member body can include an outer side wall, an inner side wall disposed radially inward relative to the outer side wall, and a bottom wall that together with the inner side wall at least partially define a cavity. The end member insert can be supported on the end member body and selectively rotatable relative thereto. A gas spring assembly and a suspension system are also included.

Abstract: A roll-off piston for an air spring rolling-lobe flexible member, the interior of the roll-off piston is connected to the interior of the air spring. The roll-off piston includes two parts, namely, a pot-shaped piston lower part and a piston upper part connected in an air-tight manner to the lower part. A support for a stop buffer is integrated in the roll-off piston. The support includes two interacting parts, of which one part is configured as part of the piston upper part and the other part is configured as part of the pot-shaped lower part and extends from the base thereof. Both support parts interact in order to absorb forces acting substantially axially.

Abstract: A bellows (2) of a dust boot (1, 30) having large diameter parts (3) and small diameter parts (4) disposed alternately covers a piston rod (R) projecting from a cylinder (C). A bump stopper (B) fixed to the cylinder (C) projects into the bellows (2) as a projecting portion. The bellows (2) comprises a first section (M) which passes a projecting end of the projecting portion according to the elongation and contraction of the piston rod (R) and a second section (L) located therebelow. By making the small diameter parts in the second section (L) have a smaller inner diameter than the small diameter part located at a boundary between the first section (M) and the second section (L), the bellows (2) can be made slim without interfering with the bump stopper (B).

Abstract: Flexible spring members can be dimensioned for securement to an associated gas spring end member. The flexible spring member can be at least partially formed from elastomeric material. The flexible spring member can also include a marking disposed along a surface thereof that includes one or more indicia. The marking can be at least partially formed by an indicia layer and an outer layer. The indicia layer can include one or more quantities of material that at least partially form the one or more indicia. The outer layer can be formed from a quantity of material that is disposed overtop of the indicia layer such that the one or more indicia of the indicia layer are substantially encapsulated. Gas spring assemblies, suspension systems, methods of manufacture and manufacturing systems are also included.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system and a method of control. The system may include an air cylinder, an air spring piston, and an air spring. The air spring piston may be positioned with respect to the air spring with the air cylinder.

Abstract: An air spring assembly for a motor vehicle, including an air spring, a rolling piston, a tubular rolling air spring bellows arranged concentrically about a central longitudinal axis of the air spring, and an air spring cover. A first partial air spring bellows has a first embedded textile reinforcement and a second partial air spring bellows has a second embedded textile reinforcement The first textile reinforcement has first reinforcing threads, the preferred axis of which extends parallel or nearly parallel to the axis of the central longitudinal axis of the air spring The second textile reinforcement has second reinforcing threads, the first preferred axis of which extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the air spring and the second preferred axis of which extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the air spring, wherein the first and the second preferred axis are at an angle to each other.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member spaced from the first end member. A flexible wall extends between the first end member and the second end member such that a spring chamber is at least partially defined therebetween. A biasing assembly is operative to urge an end of the flexible wall into abutting engagement with the second end member and operative to permit the end of the flexible wall to be separated a distance from the second end member while in the assembled condition. A gas suspension system is also included.

Abstract: An air spring according to this invention enables easy and reliable adjustment of a space between stoppers. Specifically, an upper member (3) and a lower member (4) are secured to upper and lower ends of a bellows (2). Stopper faces (5) and (6) that come in contact with each other to limit the amount of displacement of the upper member (3) are formed on the upper member (3) and the lower member (4). A movable body (7) that can move vertically to adjust the height of the stopper face (6) is provided in the lower member (4). A holding body (8) is provided that holds the movable body (7) in a manner that enables vertical movement thereof. The movable body (7) is capable of relative rotation around a central axis (18) with respect to the holding body (8). On at least one of the movable body (7) and the holding body (8), tapers (32) and (41) are formed that are capable of sliding with respect to the other of the movable body (7) and the holding body (8).

Abstract: Provided is an air spring for sensing a behavior of a vehicle and varying a spring constant by changing a chamber volume of the air spring, improving the ride comfort and the steering stability according to situations. An air spring installed in a vehicle to absorb shock from exterior includes: a first body fixed to a vehicle body side of the vehicle; a second body fixed to a wheel side of the vehicle; an air sleeve installed between the first body and the second body to serve as a spring while varying an outer shape thereof according to a change of an internal pressure; and a valve structure for dividing an inner space of the air spring to form a plurality of chambers, and operating by inertia caused by a behavior of the vehicle to selectively connect or block the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A gas spring piston (3) includes an external retention feature (254) that is capable of receivably engaging and retention on an associated structural component (1cs). The gas spring piston (204) includes an outer side wall (228), a base wall dimensioned to abuttingly engage the associated structural component (1cs), and at least one external retention feature (254) disposed along the base wall (228). A gas spring assembly (200), a suspension system, a gas spring piston kit, and a method are also included.

Abstract: An air spring for commercial vehicles includes a rolling-lobe flexible member which is made of an elastomeric material and which at one end thereof is fastened to a first attachment part and at the other end thereof is fastened to a second attachment part in the form of a roll-off piston. The ends of the rolling-lobe flexible member each have a fastening bead which is reinforced in each case by a bead core. At least one of the two bead cores consists of plastic material. In order to achieve greater strength of the fastening bead, the bead core or the bead cores include a multiply-wound, flat profile strand made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material.

Abstract: A piston assembly (204) including an integral piston chamber (218) with an increased volume that is maximized by providing a mounting arrangement whereby the piston can be mounted to a structural member (stz) such that the piston chamber (218) surrounds at least two sides of the structural member (stz). The piston chamber (218) can therefore utilize space adjacent the structural member (stz) to which it is mounted thereby resulting in a piston chamber of a greater volume than prior art designs. A gas spring assembly (200) utilizing such a piston is also included.

Abstract: An air spring for a heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension system includes a bellows chamber operatively connected to a piston chamber. An opening is disposed between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber in order to allow fluid to communicate between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber. The cross-sectional area of the opening and the volumes of the bellows chamber and the piston chamber are tuned in order to optimize the damping characteristics of the air spring.

Abstract: The invention offers an air spring for obtaining a vehicle that renders good comfortableness even at the time of the curved-track running. The air spring for a vehicle has an upper board, a lower board, a diaphragm, and a stopper rubber placed between the lower board and a lower plate. The air spring is provided with a mechanism for restraining the displacement of the stopper rubber, the mechanism having a first restraining member placed on either one of the lower plate and the lower board and a second restraining member placed on the other.

Abstract: The opposite side of a connecting intermediate section 32A of a diaphragm 32 to that of a first end section 32B extends from the connecting intermediate section 32A as a second end section 32C side that folds back towards the tube outside in an inside out reversed state. The diameter of the second end portion 32C is set larger than the diameter of the connecting intermediate section 32A. The second end portion 32C is fitted over an end on a chamber member 22 side of an outer tube member 60 and fixed with press contact against the outer tube member 60 by a band 72.

Abstract: Process for producing a pressure vessel having an enveloping body which occupies an arch shape in its predetermined installation position. The enveloping body has pillow-shaped portions which are connected to one another by stamped transitions at the inner diameter area of the enveloping body. The enveloping body for the intended installation position is placed with its inner diameter area one-sidedly on a die having a raised wedge-shaped profile. A designated outer diameter area of the enveloping body contacts a supporting surface, and the enveloping body is filled with a pressure medium so that the enveloping body is tensioned on the die and, in so doing, is plastically deformed in the area of the wedge-shaped profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat suspension device for a vehicle seat, in particular a commercial vehicle seat, comprising at least one air spring, said air spring being disposed between an upper seat portion of the vehicle seat and a lower seat portion of the vehicle seat, and at least one hose-like member connected to the air spring via a first connection line for an extension volume of the air spring is provided, said hose-like member being arranged along at least one fold of a bellows-like facing extending between an upper seat portion and a lower seat portion of a vehicle seat.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a gas spring and a height control module. The gas spring includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall secured therebetween. The height control module includes a height control system that is operatively associated with the gas spring. The height control system includes a sensor, a valve arrangement and a fixed-logic control circuit. A suspension system and a method are also included.

Abstract: A gas spring and damper assembly includes a damper and a gas spring. The damper includes a damper housing and a damper rod. The gas spring includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall operatively connected therebetween. A friction-reducing element is operatively connected between the damper housing and the second end member. A sealing element is operatively disposed between the damper housing and the second end member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween.

Abstract: In an air spring for a railway vehicle or the like, an upper end 3a of the flexible member 3 is attached to the upper face plate 1 at a position that is further on an outer side in a radial direction than the concave section 7. A lower end 3b of the flexible member 3 is attached to the lower face plate 2 at a position that is further on an outer side in a radial direction than the deflation stopper section 5. The deflation stopper section 5 is formed so as to have a height such that the upper end 3a and the lower end 3b of the flexible member do not contact as a result of a relative displacement in the horizontal direction between the upper face plate 1 and the lower face plate 2 at a time of deflation.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas clamper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member, a first flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber, and a second flexible wall that at least partially defines a second spring chamber. A damper piston and damper rod are operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing the transmission of vibrations from an un-sprung mass object to a sprung mass object through continuous control of system natural frequency and damping ratio including an air spring, a source of high pressure compressible gas, a vacuum source, a variable volume accumulator and a gas flow rate control valve to allow specified gas flow between the air spring and the accumulator thus generating variable system natural frequency and damping ratio.

Abstract: Air spring, in particular for a commercial vehicle, comprising a plunger piston, an air bellows, and a cover, said air bellows being movable between a first compressed position and a second extended position by a compressing or extending movement, wherein the air bellows has an axle-side region with a fixing portion for fixing on the plunger piston, and a body-side region, wherein the fixing portion is fixed between the cover and the plunger piston, and wherein the cover has at least one guiding portion on the cover circumferential edge, said guiding portion extending away from the body-side region and outwards over or beyond the fixing portion and being used as a support for the axle-side region.

Abstract: An air spring has at least one working space which is filled with compressed air and which is delimited at least partially by a rolling bellows which is fastened at its ends to connecting parts. At least one of its ends, the air spring has a wall which is thicker in relation to the rest of the rolling bellows body, wherein the rolling bellows has, at least one of its thickened ends, a continuously vulcanized layer cover which is folded back to such a length that, after the assembly of the air spring, at least one region of the rolling bellows which is highly loaded by chassis forces falls into the region of the layer cover.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring strut for a vehicle, having a working chamber which is at least partially enclosed by a pneumatic spring bellows and having a centrally arranged telescopic damper, wherein the pneumatic spring bellows is fastened to the pneumatic spring cover and to a pneumatic spring piston connected to the damper cylinder and can roll on the outer side of the pneumatic spring piston, wherein the pneumatic spring piston is connected, at its top end and above the roll fold, to the damper cylinder by an elastic bearing, and the elastic bearing is composed of an elastomer body which is provided between a collar, which is situated on the damper cylinder, and a flange, which is arranged on the pneumatic spring piston, wherein the collar situated on the damper cylinder is arranged below the piston-rod-side end of the damper cylinder.

Abstract: An air spring having an airsleeve, wherein at least one layer of said airsleeve includes the vulcanization product of a vulcanizable composition including an elastomer and a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: A flexible wall and end structure assembly includes a flexible wall and an end structure. The flexible wall is formed from an elastomeric material and a filament structure. A bead wire is formed into an open end of the flexible wall. The end structure is received along the open end of the flexible wall and forms a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith. A portion of the filament structure is compressed between the bead wire and the end structure and extends therefrom in radially-outwardly spaced relation to said end structure. A gas spring assembly including such a flexible wall and end structure assembly is included. A method of manufacture is also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air bellows for a pneumatic spring, in particular of a commercial vehicle, the air bellows including an axle-side region and a body-side region, wherein the axle-side region is arranged on a plunger and movable by a compression or extension movement between a first, compressed position and a second, extended position, and further including an interior space adapted to be filled with compressed air via a compressed air opening that is connectable to a compressed air line. The air bellows further comprises a valve connected to the atmosphere for ventilating the interior space, wherein by applying compressed air present in the interior space to the valve the valve is moved to a closed position.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member. A flexible wall is secured between the first and second end members and at least partially defines a spring chamber therebetween. A fitting is supported on the first end member and is rotatable between a first position in which the fitting can be axially displaced and a second position in which the fitting is axially restrained. A method is also included.

Abstract: A strut assembly forming an upper part of a cylinder joined to a wheel is joined to a vehicle body via an insulator and joining member, an airtight chamber space is formed by a strut cover joined to a spring body joined to a damper rod drawn from the cylinder, whereby a CDC type damper with the chamber space of which air pressure is controlled in order to vary the movement characteristic depending on movement of a tire and a damper joined to an inner space of the spring body has an urethane made damper guider having dug air channels where air moves even in a state where the damper is in close contact with the damper rod.

Abstract: A cab mounting assembly attaches a cab to a chassis of a vehicle at the point of rotation of the cab when the cab is tilted. The cab mounting assembly provides two paths for the forces acting between the cab and the chassis. The static forces are supported by a bearing assembly which includes a relatively hard elastomeric member. The dynamic forces are supported by an elastomeric mount which includes a relatively soft elastomeric member. The elastomeric mount is attached to the bearing assembly and to a shock absorber. The bearing assembly is attached to the elastomeric mount and to an air spring assembly.

Abstract: An air spring bellow comprising a vulcanized rubber component including the at least partially vulcanized residue of hydrogenated nitrile rubber and a rubber other than hydrogenated nitrile rubber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pneumatic spring device (3) of a rail vehicle (1). The device includes a pneumatic spring bellows (5), which is provided on both ends with a bead ring (6, 7), wherein the bead ring (6, 7) has a core made of two core rings (10, 11, 13, 14) positioned separately in the bead ring and the reinforcement elements (12) are guided in an S shape between the core rings and loop around the latter.