Abstract: A suspension strut includes an outer tube having a first filling opening and a second filling opening, an intermediate wall received in the outer tube and separating a high pressure chamber from a low pressure chamber, a working cylinder located concentrically inside the outer tube in the high pressure chamber, and a gas filled separating envelope located between the working cylinder and the outer tube for pressurizing damping medium in the high pressure chamber. An axially displaceable piston divides the working cylinder into a first working space and a second working space, the first working space being connected to the high pressure chamber. A hollow piston rod passing through the second working space transports damping medium from the low pressure chamber to the first working space.

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: A gas spring has a cylinder body, a rod member internally slidably fitted in the cylinder body, and a gas chamber which is formed inside the cylinder body and filled with compressed gas. The seal members for sealing between the cylinder body and the rod member are disposed at both sides of the gas chamber, while ring members for partitioning the gas chamber are disposed at the end portions of the gas chamber close to the seal members, and accordingly, annular grease chambers for grease between the seal member and the ring member are formed, and it is possible to prevent grease shortage by the grease in the grease chambers.

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: High frequency shock absorber/accelerator built in at any or both end of conventional air cylinder that includes piston moving axially inside cylinder body and sealed against inner surface of body by sealing structure. Cylinder piston rod protrudes outside thru cylinder front-end block Shock absorber/accelerator comprises piston with sealing structures moving axially in inner chamber, which communicates with outer chamber thru aperture(s). Air cylinder piston meets the protruded rod of the shock absorber/accelerator piston and starts to move it thus pushing volume of compressed air through provided aperture from inner chamber to outer chamber. Piston sealing structures seal air coming through the aperture thereby isolating compressed air in the outer chamber from the inner chamber. Compressed air coming through the open venting valve forces pistons to move in opposite direction.

Abstract: In a front fork of a motor cycle or the like, an outer peripheral portion of a seat member is clamped and fixed between a bottom portion of an axle bracket and a lower end portion of an axle side tube. A flange portion is provided in an outer periphery of a lower end portion of a holder provided with a compression side partition wall member and valve assembly. An outer periphery of a lower end portion of a damper cylinder is screwed with the seat member. The outer peripheral flange portion of the holder is clamped and fixed between the lower end portion of the damper cylinder and the bottom portion of the axle bracket or the seat member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for estimating the mean pressure in a compressible fluid strut. A database is employed containing values for mean pressure variation corresponding to a specific combination of motor speed and flow demand, and may also account for strut temperature. The flow demand and the speed of the motor are determined, and the mean variation corresponding to the determined combination of motor speed and flow demand is selected. The estimation of strut mean pressure is updated with the selected mean pressure variation. In this way, costly pressure sensors are eliminated as well as the complicated control algorithms which are used therewith.

Abstract: An impact damper for deceleration of a vehicle impacting on all obstacle by hydraulic damping forces and gas spring forces includes at least inner and outer pipes telescopically displaceable one inside the other and defining an annular space therebetween with a base closing one end of the inner pipe. A dividing piston is sealingly guided in the inner pipe. The inner pipe, the base, and the dividing piston define a gas space which holds gas under pressure. The inner pipe further defines a first liquid space separated from the gas space by the dividing piston. An intermediate wall is fastened to the inner pipe and includes a throttle opening therethrough connecting a second liquid space to the first liquid space. The annular space between the first and second pipes has one end sealed to the atmosphere and another end sealed by the intermediate wall. The annular space is connected to the second liquid space by a flow connection having a valve.

Abstract: High frequency shock absorber/accelerator built in at any or both end of conventional air cylinder that includes piston moving axially inside cylinder body and sealed against inner surface of body by sealing structure. Cylinder piston rod protrudes outside thru cylinder front-end block Shock absorber/accelerator comprises piston with sealing structures moving axially in inner chamber, which communicates with outer chamber thru aperture(s). Air cylinder piston meets the protruded rod of the shock absorber/accelerator piston and starts to move it thus pushing volume of compressed air through provided aperture from inner chamber to outer chamber. Piston sealing structures seal air coming through the aperture thereby isolating compressed air in the outer chamber from the inner chamber. Compressed air coming through the open venting valve forces pistons to move in opposite direction.

Abstract: An adjusting device includes a piston cylinder unit with a cylinder having a piston and a piston rod movably arranged therein, the piston rod extending out of the cylinder. A piston rod guide includes a support element having a first part arranged in the cylinder and bearing axially against one part of the cylinder and a second part connected to the first part. An annular seal arranged between the second part of the support element and the interior of the cylinder such that pressure in the cylinder acts on the seal which bears on the second part of the support element. The connection between the first and second parts of the support element is releasable when the force of the annular seal bearing on the support element exceeds a bearing force limit. The first and second parts of the support elements move telescopically from a normal position to an overload position when the connection is released and reduce the axial length of the support element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptively damping relative motion between the wheels and the frame of a heavy duty truck having a frame suspended on wheels by a suspension system. An air spring is disposed between the frame and at least one of the wheels having a primary reservoir for holding air and a piston adapted to act upon the air in the reservoir to compress the air and thereby provide support for the frame. An auxiliary reservoir holds air and can be placed in fluid communication with the primary reservoir to increase an effective volume of air upon which the piston acts. A control valve selectively places the auxiliary reservoir in communication with the primary reservoir based on vehicle operating parameters. The control valve can be actuated mechanically by forces acting on the wheels or by a controller that controls the valve based on wheel torque and road roughness.

Abstract: A method for controlling the storage pressure of a pressurized air store (4) of a closed level control system for a motor vehicle includes a compressor (6), a pressurized air store (4) (which can be filled with air from the atmosphere and which can be discharged into the atmosphere) and at least one air spring (2a to 2d). The air springs (2a to 2d) are connected via the compressor (6) to the pressurized air store (4) so that pressurized air from the air springs (2a to 2d) can be transferred into the pressurized air store (4) and can be transferred in the opposite direction. The storage pressure of the pressurized air store (4) is controlled indirectly via the air quantity in the level control system in that this air quantity is determined. The pressurized air store (4) is filled with air from the atmosphere when the air quantity lies below a lower limit and the pressurized air store (4) is discharged into the atmosphere when the air quantity lies above an upper limit.

Abstract: A suspension system includes at least one shock absorber and corresponding preload cylinder. An adjuster mechanism is within reach of a vehicle operator for easily changing the suspension stiffness. Changes to the position of the adjuster mechanism will correspondingly adjust the position of the preload cylinder. A display is connected to the adjuster mechanism so that a vehicle operator may adjust the system to the desired setting. The display corresponds to the payload weight on the vehicle. The vehicle operator may change the position of the adjuster mechanism until the desired setting is shown on the display. The system may be used on either front or rear shock absorbers.

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: Disclosed is a fluid-filled active vibration damping device including: an elastic body; a primary fluid chamber partially defined by the elastic body; a movable member partially defining the primary fluid chamber on one side and a working air chamber on the other side; and a vacuum pump including an air intake port and an exhaust port, which are connectable to the working chamber via a valve mechanism. A fluid pressure variation in the primary fluid chamber can be actively controlled by transmitting an air pressure variation in the working air chamber to the primary fluid chamber via the movable member. A switching operation of the valve mechanism selectively applies a negative pressure generated in the air intake port and a positive pressure generated in the exhaust port to the working air chamber in order to generate the air pressure variation in the working air chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for vibration isolation and cancellation, especially but not exclusively suited for a damper in wafer-chip production equipment. Active vibration isolation and cancellation technology (or air mount technology) for chip production equipment needs to become more effective with the advancement of the production of chips that require ever-smaller features. Typically, actuators and sensors in an active isolation/cancellation system are frequently used but not optimized in their technology. By integrating the actuators and the sensors together certain performance limitations become negligible and can be discarded. The resulting damper can be of an absolute or of a relative damper type. The performance of a vibration isolation and cancellation system and its limitations can be described using gain and phase relations from the control theory. A damper that uses the proposed system is of a so-called absolute damper type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration control or vehicular suspension system. In one embodiment, the system uses a liquid spring filled with a compressible liquid. In such an embodiment, a suspension system, in addition to being able to change stiffness and damping properties, has the ability to level a vehicle or other structure or device to a desired height and compensate the level height for the addition or subtraction of load.

Abstract: The present invention includes a suspension apparatus with telescoping tubular elements, and a mechanical spring in parallel with an air spring chamber, positioned in one of the tubular elements, providing a mechanism for adjustment of the air spring pressure, the weight of the apparatus, and resistance of the apparatus to compressive shocks.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolation system for mounting equipment to a base wall uses a semi-active damper in parallel with a spring arrangement to provide optimum isolation with respect to both shock and vibration. The system comprises a load plate configured for attachment of the equipment thereto and a base plate configured for attachment to the base wall. The base plate is substantially parallel to the load plate with a spring arrangement disposed intermediate the load plate and the base plate. The spring arrangement engages the load plate and the base plate to bias the load plate and the base plate in a separated relationship. The system also comprises a damping arrangement disposed intermediate the load plate and the base plate. The damping arrangement is adapted for providing a selectively variable reaction force to the load plate and the base plate responsive to a relative displacement of the load plate with respect to the base plate.

Abstract: An air spring arrangement of the motor vehicle is equipped with a tire-fill device which includes the fill unit (20) and a tire-fill connection unit (4). A filling of a reserve tire is ensured even when there is an electric fault in the level control system. The tire-fill connection unit (4) includes an air supply connection (6), a proximity switch (8), an electric sensor connection (10) and a pneumatic connection (12) for rapid coupling and valve connection. The proximity switch (8) includes a reed contact (28) which includes three terminals (32a, 32b, 32c) which are connected to a control apparatus (34). A component (14) has a pneumatic valve connection (16) and a permanent magnet (18) and is connected to the pneumatic connection (12). The permanent magnet (18) excites the reed contact (28) to switch when the component (14) is connected to the tire-fill connection unit (4).

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 vehicle suspension assembly includes a shock absorber that provides variable damping dependent on the load conditions of the vehicle. A central rod of the shock absorber includes a central bore that is fluidly coupled with air pressure within air springs of the suspension assembly. As the vehicle load increases and the pressure within the air springs increases, a damping adjustment assembly within the shock absorber increases the stiffness or damping of the shock absorber. In one example, a plunger moves within the central bore in the rod between a first position where less damping is provided and a second position where increased damping is achieved. A unique adapter member facilitates using a rod of appropriate size to achieve the desired air pressure conditions within the rod, while at the same time supporting conventional piston and disc valve components and providing enough material strength to withstand the tensile loads experienced under full extension.

Abstract: A gas spring for moving a load relative to a body includes a cylinder member having an axis, an inner surface forming a chamber, a rod end and a closed end, a piston rod seal/guide received in the rod end of the cylinder member, and a piston rod received in the seal/guide for movement into and out of the cylinder member. A floating piston is received in the cylinder member for movement along the axis and in sealed engagement with the inner wall to define in the chamber a gas section between the floating piston and the rod end and a closed end section between the floating piston and the closed end. A mass of gas under a pressure above atmospheric pressure is contained in the gas section. A powered drive is provided for moving the floating piston axially of the cylinder member to vary the volume of the gas section of the chamber. A sensing device senses a characteristic of the gas spring that is indicative of the force applied to the rod by the gas in the gas section and produces a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: An air spring has a pair of spaced end members with a flexible sleeve ending therebetween forming an intervening air chamber. A partition is mounted in a hollow interior of one of the end members and forms an auxiliary air reservoir in the end member. A control valve having a moveable plunger is mounted on the one end member and is connected to a source of pressurized air. The plunger extends between the main air chamber and auxiliary reservoir and is controlled by a solenoid for selectively providing air passages between the pressurized air and the main air chamber and between the main air chamber and auxiliary reservoir to change the volume of the main air chamber to change the spring rate of the air spring.

Abstract: An air spring assembly has a pair of spaced end plates and a flexible sleeve extending therebetween forming an internal fluid chamber. One of the end plates is a bead plate which is crimped to an open end of the sleeve. An insert having an internally threaded hole is mounted in a central hole formed in the bead plate. An externally threaded coupler having a hollow bore is mounted in a central opening formed in an end member of an auxiliary reservoir and is threadably engaged with the internally threaded hole to mount the auxiliary reservoir in an abutting relationship on the air spring bead plate to provide a variable rate air spring. A fluid path is provided through the threaded connection for the flow of fluid between the air spring and auxiliary reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closed level control system for a vehicle. The closed level control system includes a pump which transfers a pressurized medium between a pressurized medium supply vessel (4) and pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d). The input (8) of the pump (6) is connected to the supply vessel (4) and the output (10) of the pump (6) is connected to the pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d) when the pressurized medium is to be pumped from the supply vessel (4) into the pressurized medium chambers (2a to 2d). If, in contrast, pressurized air is to be pumped from a pressurized medium chamber (2a to 2d) into the supply vessel (4), then the input (8) of the pump (6) is connected to the pressurized medium chamber and the output (10) of the pump (6) is connected to the supply vessel (4). The above-mentioned connections preferably take place via controllable directional valves (14, 18). The level control system makes it possible that the pump (6) has to always run only in one direction.

Abstract: An air spring (10) for use in a motor vehicle suspension system is provided. The air spring includes a generally cylindrical flexible bladder (12) having a circular upper opening (18), a support unit (14) sealingly connected to the flexible bladder (12), and a unitary integrated top assembly (16) connected to the upper opening (18) in an air-tight manner. The support unit (14) further includes an installation fastener (52) for connection to vehicle support brackets (78). The top assembly (16) includes a sealed body (34) having an interior open volume (23) and optional attachment components positioned on the body to connect the top assembly to a vehicle main frame. The top assembly further includes an optional connection port (28) adapted for pneumatic intercommunication with other air springs and an optional fill port (48) for connection to a pressurized air system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spring system for a vehicle including a two-wheel vehicle. The spring system includes first and second spring units mounted coaxially to each other. The first spring unit includes a first roll-off piston and a first rolling-lobe resilient member coacting with the first roll-off piston during operation of the spring system. The second spring unit includes a second roll-off piston and a second rolling-lobe resilient member coacting with the second roll-off piston during operation of the spring system.

Abstract: A gas spring and a method for filling a gas chamber of a gas spring does not require the use of a gas filling valve. Gas spring (5) includes a rod member (20), a cylinder main body (21), a gas filling chamber (22), first and second sealing members (23, 24), a plurality of pin members (25), and a plurality of slots (26). A gas filling implement (30) makes it possible to fill the gas filling chamber (22) with compressed gas in a simple and reliable manner without providing the gas spring (5) with a gas filling valve having a nonreturn valve. Consequently, the entire gas spring (5) is configured symmetrically about the axial center of the rod member (20), and its center of gravity is aligned with the axial center of the rod member (20), making it possible to prevent the gas spring (5) from inducing vibrations in the main shaft.

Abstract: A fluid pressure cylinder with pressure intensifying function, has an oil-filled hydraulic pressure cylinder which is filled with oil and tightly sealed. A gas-filled gas spring is charged with gas and tightly sealed. By means of gas spring, oil in oil chamber of hydraulic pressure cylinder is pressurized to a pressure level higher than the gas pressure in gas actuating chamber of gas spring. This results in a strong pushing force being generated via output piston of hydraulic pressure cylinder.

Abstract: An impact damper as a connecting member between a bumper and a chassis of a motor vehicle for the purpose of damping the shock loading during a collision between this motor vehicle and an obstacle through hydraulic damping forces and gas-spring forces. This impact damper includes an inner tube which can be displaced telescopically inside an outer tube, thereby changing the volume of a pressurized gas space, which interact by means of a separating piston with a first liquid space, which communicates hydraulically via a restriction orifice with a second liquid space, which is bounded by a deformation element. The separating piston is arranged in a floating manner in the inner tube and thereby brings about a static equilibrium by pressure compensation in the liquid spaces and in the gas space.

Abstract: In an air spring system of a motor vehicle having a pressure line extending between a compressor and a pressure storage or air springs of the motor vehicle, the pressure line includes a section between a dryer and the air springs with a variable flow cross-section and with one electromagnetically actuable switching valve arranged in parallel with the variable flow cross-section and providing unrestricted flow when opened.

Abstract: A strut exercise assembly for an aircraft comprises a fluid strut telescopic along a path. A couple selectively connects the fluid strut to a driver. The driver telescopes the fluid strut along a path through the couple.

Abstract: Methods for adjusting the elevation of a vehicle chassis mounted on an air spring are disclosed including supplying pressurized air to the air spring, pressurizing the bellows portion of the air spring in order to adjust the elevation of the vehicle chassis, and pneumatically isolating the bellows from the piston portion of the air spring, whereby the time for adjusting the elevation of the vehicle chassis is minimized by effecting the adjusting and pressurizing only the bellows. Apparatus for adjusting the elevation of a vehicle chassis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas spring and a method for filling a gas chamber of a gas spring does not require the use of a gas filling valve. Gas spring (5) includes a rod member (20), a cylinder main body (21), a gas filling chamber (22), first and second sealing members (23, 24), a plurality of pin members (25), and a plurality of slots (26). A gas filling implement (30) makes it possible to fill the gas filling chamber (22) with compressed gas in a simple and reliable manner without providing the gas spring (5) with a gas filling valve having a nonreturn valve. Consequently, the entire gas spring (5) is configured symmetrically about the axial center of the rod member (20), and its center of gravity is aligned with the axial center of the rod member (20), making it possible to prevent the gas spring (5) from inducing vibrations in the main shaft.

Abstract: A method of retaining a suspension system includes creating a negative pressure within an air spring such that a longitudinal member is retained in a substantially fixed position relative to a chassis component when the longitudinal member is placed in an unloaded condition. When there is no pressure in the air spring, the air cell is deflated and the suspension is mechanically bottomed out. By further introducing a negative pressure into the air cell with the gas feed, a partial vacuum is formed and the air cell collapses in upon itself. The collapsed air cell grips the piston thereby immobilizing the air spring. Accordingly, when the vehicle is lifted and the air suspension becomes unloaded, the longitudinal member is maintained relative to the chassis component by the immobilized air spring to thereby prevent the air cell from being inverted and damaged.

Abstract: In order to control an internal pressure of an air spring appropriately without being influenced by a change in supply pressure, an anti-vibration system includes an air spring as an actuator for an anti-vibration table, a pressure control valve for controlling the internal pressure of the air spring, a pressure sensor for detecting the air supply pressure to the pressure control valve, a driving system for actuating the pressure control valve in accordance with a detection signal of the pressure sensor, and a variable gain compensation system for performing variable gain compensation to an input signal to the driving system for the pressure control valve, on the basis of the detection signal of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A suspension device (1) that has at least one reciprocating cylinder device (2) including a piston (4) located in the inner cavity of the cylinder (3) and which can move along the axis. The cylinder (3) is closed on its opposing ends facing by end walls (5a, 5b). The piston (4) is connected to a piston rod (6) which penetrates one of the end walls (5a). On both sides of the piston (4), there are working spaces (8a, 8b) formed by the surrounding piston (4) and the end walls (5a, 5b) which are filled with a working gas and are sealed airtight when in use. A filling device is provided for filling the working spaces (8a, 8b) with the working gas and includes a common feed line (9) for filling both of the working spaces (8a, 8b).

Abstract: A gas filling apparatus for gas shock absorber comprises the assembly location correction unit, a gas filling unit, wherein the gas filling unit includes a rod chucking unit, a calking jig, an oil seal pushing unit, and a jig housing. A gas filling method for gas shock absorber comprises the steps of correcting the assembly location of the tube assembly and the rod guide, clamping the base shell assembly; lowering the gas filling unit primarily, lowering the rod chucking unit, lowering the collet housing device; letting the oil seal break away, filling the gas, lowering the gas filling unit secondarily and simultaneously calking primarily, and calking secondarily the base shell assembly. The apparatus and the method need not punch a hole for filling the gas at a circumference of the base shell assembly when filling the gas into a base shell assembly of the gas shock absorber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an air supply apparatus for a vehicle having pneumatic equipment such as air springs. The air supply apparatus includes a compressor and a muffler. The muffler (3) includes one or several hoses (11, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24) of rubber or a rubber-like material and is subdivided in its interior into several chambers (15) by throttle positions (14).

Abstract: A pneumatic isolator for isolating payloads from vibrations consisting of a vertical isolator suspended from pendulum wires. A second downward-facing piston prevents changes in barometric pressure from generating disturbing forces on the isolated payload.

Abstract: An air spring has a pair of spaced end members with a flexible sleeve ending therebetween forming an intervening air chamber. A partition is mounted in a hollow interior of one of the end members and forms an auxiliary air reservoir in the end member. A control valve having a moveable plunger is mounted on the one end member and is connected to a source of pressurized air. The plunger extends between the main air chamber and auxiliary reservoir and is controlled by a solenoid for selectively providing air passages between the pressurized air and the main air chamber and between the main air chamber and auxiliary reservoir to change the volume of the main air chamber to change the spring rate of the air spring.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the end attachment components used on all air springs in the automotive and light truck suspension market. Previously these end attachment components have been composed of one or two threaded bungs used for mounting the finished product to its application and a single ¼″ or ⅜″ NPT port used to pressurize and depressurize the air bellow. This invention incorporates the use of a single larger port in sizes including but not limited to ½″, ¾″, 1″ and 1½″ NPT. This invention also incorporates the use of multiple ports in sizes including but not limited to ⅜″, ½″, ¾″, and 1″ NPT. The use of larger or multiple ports allow the user to pressurize or depressurize the air spring more rapidly.

Abstract: A pneumatic suspension, has at least the following components, an air-spring cover, air-spring piston, air-spring bellows in the form of axial bellows or transverse bellows which form a first air-spring loop, a vibration damper and a connection to the chassis. The pneumatic suspension has an articulated component located on the air-spring cover in the vicinity of the air-spring bellows. The component allows pivotal displacements when under pressure and forms a second air-spring loop which extends substantially in a radial direction. It also relates to advantageous variants of the articulated component, both for the axial bellows with an external guide and for the transverse bellows without an external guide. It relates to the use of a supporting bearing with a connection to the axial bellows. The pneumatic suspension is used in particular for the front axle of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a level adjusting system for motor vehicles, with a compressed air reservoir (26) and a tire inflation connector (28), in which a spare wheel can be connected. The spare wheel can be inflated from the compressed air reservoir (26) with the aid of the controllable distribution valve (36), the pneumatically controllable distribution valve (20), which bridges the non-return valve (10), the air dryer (6) and the pneumatically controllable valve (20) which also connects the compressed air line (22). The spare wheel may also be inflated with the aid of the compressor (22) and the pneumatically controllable distribution valve (20). During the inflation process the compressed air line (22) is closed with the aid of the controllable distribution valve (24) so that no compressed air escapes into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A gas spring for moving a load relative to a body includes a cylinder member having an axis, an inner surface forming a chamber, a rod end and a closed end, a piston rod seal/guide received in the rod end of the cylinder member, and a piston rod received in the seal/guide for movement into and out of the cylinder member. A floating piston is received in the cylinder member for movement along the axis and in sealed engagement with the inner wall to define in the chamber a gas section between the floating piston and the rod end and a closed end section between the floating piston and the closed end. A mass of gas under a pressure above atmospheric pressure is contained in the gas section. A powered drive is provided for moving the floating piston axially of the cylinder member to vary the volume of the gas section of the chamber. A sensing device senses a characteristic of the gas spring that is indicative of the force applied to the rod by the gas in the gas section and produces a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of filling a pressurized medium chamber of a level control system which includes a pressurized medium store and a compressor. The pressurized medium chamber is filled from the pressurized medium store over a time span during which the pressurized medium difference between the pressurized medium store and the pressurized medium chamber exceeds a threshold value. When the pressurized medium difference between the pressurized medium store and the pressurized medium chamber reaches the threshold value, a further filling of the pressurized medium chamber is necessary and takes place by means of the compressor of the level control system.

Abstract: A sleeve-type gas spring for a turret indexing press has an annular piston operably associated with a punch tool to reciprocate therewith and defining in part an annular gas chamber constructed to receive a gas under pressure. As the punch tool and piston are driven to their extended position by a press ram or some such other power device, the volume of the gas chamber decreases thereby increasing the pressure within the gas chamber such that when the ram is retracted, the pressure of the gas acting on the piston displaces the piston and the punch tool to their retracted positions. The force acting to retract the piston and the punch is dependent on the initial pressure of the gas within the gas chamber and the change in volume of the gas chamber as the punch tool and piston are extended.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device includes a housing having a port formed in an end wall, one or more air envelopes disposed in the housing for cushioning purposes, a tube slidably received in the housing and a piston secured to the tube and slidably engaged in the housing and engageable with the envelope, and a valve engaged in the port of the housing for selectively blocking the port of the housing. A pumping device may be used for selectively pumping air into or out of the housing, such as for pumping air into the housing when either of the air envelopes is broken.