Fluid Handling Details Patents (Class 280/124.16)
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Patent number: 11958330Abstract: Assembly in a compressed air system of a vehicle provided with an air ride suspension, the assembly being configured to lift the vehicle body by filling at least one air spring, the solenoid valves being switchable in cooperation with an electronic control device, and the assembly including a pressure line for filling the air springs, and the pressure line including a first branch line connectable to the pressure line via a pilot-controlled solenoid valve for filling the air springs and including first supply pipes and pilot-controlled solenoid valves for each air spring as well as a second branch line for providing a control pressure which includes second supply pipes for the pilot-controlled solenoid valves, wherein the second branch line is connected to the pressure line via a check valve, the check valve providing a block position against venting or pressure drop in the second branch line.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ZF CV Systems Global GmbHInventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Przemyslaw Zak
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Patent number: 11913568Abstract: A method for determining a switching state of a valve that is actuated by a coil, wherein the method includes: respectively ascertaining a current flowing through the coil and a voltage applied to the coil at several times which follow one another with a prespecified time interval, calculating an inductance variable of the coil based on the currents, the voltage and the time interval, and determining the switching state based on the inductance variable. Also disclosed is a solenoid valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Bartosz Maj, Holger Kollmann, Tomislav Milic, Alexander Schönbohm, Ralf Schröder, Marc Lenz, Marcus Bletz, Jurij Schmidt, Dieter Dinkel
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Patent number: 11845505Abstract: A bypass device for a seating component such as an adjustable seating assembly for a bicycle may be provided to redistribute fluid preferentially by density. The bypass device may be operable to redistribute a low density compressible fluid or a mixed phase of low density compressible and high density non-compressible fluids within the seating component.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
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Patent number: 11794846Abstract: A leaning vehicle including a vehicle body, front and rear wheels, a leaning mechanism that causes the vehicle body and the front and rear wheels to lean left or right when the leaning vehicle turns left or right, a lean actuator, a support stand, a detection device that detects a getting on intention input and or a getting off intention input, which respectively indicate that a rider of the leaning vehicle intends to get on and off the leaning vehicle, and a control device configured to control the lean actuator to thereby control a lean angle of the vehicle body while the vehicle body is in motion, based on a manipulation that the rider performs for turning in the left or right direction, and control the lean angle of the vehicle body while the leaning vehicle is not in motion, based on a detection result of the detection device.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Nagata, Toshifumi Uchiyama
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Patent number: 11752825Abstract: An air suspension system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating thereof includes an air suspension device for adjusting a ride-height position of the motor vehicle by the feeding and removal of compressed air into a plurality of air springs. The system also includes a dryer supplied via a compressed-air supply unit which has a compressor driven by an electric motor. A control unit for performing a ride-height control function has instruction for: raising the ride-height position to a first ride-height position; subsequently lowering the ride-height position to a second ride-height position; checking a first condition whether a determined air quantity ratio is less than a first predetermined air quantity limit value; checking a second condition whether a saturation level of the dryer is greater than a saturation limit value, and activating the ride-height control function when either the first or the second condition is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHGInventors: Dierk Hein, Christian Witala, Volkan Sirke, Holger Oldenettel
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Patent number: 11731476Abstract: A motion control system includes a spring that supports a body structure with respect to a rotating assembly, the spring including an internal working volume, a structure that is connected between the spring and the rotating assembly, and a reservoir that is located in the structure. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the internal working volume of the spring to allow exchange of air between the internal working volume of the spring and the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventor: Troy A. Carter
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Patent number: 11661102Abstract: An independent suspension system for a vehicle includes: a steering unit configured to be controlled to adjust the steering angle of a wheel, a shock absorber engaged with the wheel and configured to absorb impacts applied to the wheel and including a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber, each of which arranged in a forward-rearward direction on opposite side surfaces of the wheel, and a link unit disposed between the shock absorber and the steering unit in order to vary the distance between the wheel and the steering unit. The link unit includes a first upper arm disposed between the first shock absorber and the steering unit, a second upper arm disposed between the second shock absorber and the steering unit, and at least one ground clearance adjustment unit engaged with the first and second upper arms in order to vary the distance between the first and second upper arms.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia CorporationInventor: Jeong Hwan Park
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Patent number: 11633999Abstract: A hydraulic suspension system for a motor vehicle having at least a pair of road engaging wheels. The suspension system includes, a hydraulic cylinder coupled with the each of the pair of road engaging wheels, the hydraulic cylinder defining a cap end volume and a rod end volume separated by a piston. A hydraulic supply circuit for the hydraulic cylinder includes, a high pressure hydraulic source, a low pressure hydraulic drain, a pair of hydraulic sub circuits each coupled to one of the hydraulic cylinder cap and rod end volumes. Each hydraulic sub circuit includes, a proportional supply flow valve coupled with the high pressure hydraulic source and one of the cylinder volumes, a return flow control proportional valve coupled with the low pressure hydraulic drain and the one cylinder volume, and an accumulator coupled to the associated hydraulic cylinder volume through an accumulator fill control proportional valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: PRATT & MILLER ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, LLCInventors: Kenneth J. Flory, Jesper Slattengren, Guido Francesco Ritelli
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Patent number: 11618295Abstract: A system and method are provided for configuring suspension ratios in a multi-rear axle vehicle, the vehicle having a drive axle suspension and at least one tag axle suspension, each suspension having one or more air springs. The timing of the performance of an adjustment cycle series of steps for adjusting the suspension height and air spring pressure readings is optimized by monitoring the acceleration of the vehicle and conducting the adjustment cycle steps when the vehicle acceleration is below an acceleration threshold. Additionally, air spring pressure adjustments may be scaled based on a confidence factor of the air spring pressure readings. Finally, a method is provided for configuring suspension ratios in a multi-rear axle vehicle, the vehicle having a drive axle suspension and at least one tag axle suspension, and for adjusting the air suspension pressures.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Valid Manufacturing Ltd.Inventors: Justin Paul Scherba, Jack William Fenkhuber, Luke Wilfred Heckrodt
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Patent number: 11584211Abstract: An electric vehicle comprises: a main battery which is disposed under the floor of a vehicle interior; a front seat which is provided for a front part of the vehicle interior; a front housing chamber which is formed under a seating surface of the front seat; and an air-suspension device including an air spring which is made to expand and contract by air pressure, an air compressor which compresses air, and one or more first surge tanks which store high-pressure air or low-pressure air, in which the first surge tanks and the air compressor are disposed in a front housing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryo Hattori, Yuchi Yamanouchi, Masaki Shitara
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Patent number: 11578776Abstract: A movement stage for a hydraulic shock absorber has a damping volume and a stage throttle with a valve disk, an analogue piston, and an elastic biasing means supported on the analogue piston and on the valve disk. The valve disk has a pressure surface defining a portion of the surface of a disk valve arranged upstream of an entry edge of a disk valve seat. The analogue piston has a pressure surface facing away from the biasing means. The valve disk pressure surface and the analogue piston pressure surface are impinged by damping fluid flowing out of the damping volume as the shock absorber moves in a movement direction. The analogue piston pressure surface is larger than the valve disk pressure surface when projected in the closing direction of the disk valve so that the analogue piston is displaced and the bias of the valve disk increases.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Inventor: Thomas Ripa
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Patent number: 11535202Abstract: A cleaning system connected to an air suspension system. The disclosed subject matter generally relates to a cleaning system for cleaning a surface of a device of a vehicle by means of applying an air jet to the surface. The proposed cleaning system is adapted to be combined with an air suspension system in such a way that the cleaning system receives exhaust air from the air suspension system which air may be used for cleaning of device surfaces. Thus, the proposed cleaning system can receive exhaust air from the air suspension system and apply the air to the device surface via nozzles without the need for a source of air dedicated to the cleaning system.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Kristoffer Åhlund Kahlund, Goran Vasilevski
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Patent number: 11479227Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compressed air processing system of which the operation of supplying compressed air and the regeneration operation can be efficiently controlled by an electronic control unit. In particular, the present disclosure is characterized in that the pressure of a regeneration sequence valve installed in a regeneration line is increased over a set pressure by controlling a valve, which is electronically controlled, to switch, so the opening time of the regeneration line is delayed in comparison to the opening time of an unloader valve, whereby regeneration efficiency is improved.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: SEMYUNGTECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Seong-won Moon, Sang-sun Park
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Patent number: 11479072Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a damper top mount including a top mount body defining an interior cavity, a damper coupled to the top mount and including a damping member and a damper rod coupled to the damping member, and a jounce shock assembly including a jounce shock body coupled with the damper top mount and encircling the top mount body. The jounce shock body includes an exterior wall and a dividing wall generally parallel to and interior of the exterior wall, a first chamber defined by the top mount body and the dividing wall, a second chamber fluidly coupled with and parallel to the first chamber and defined by the dividing wall and the exterior wall, a floating piston movably disposed within the second chamber, and a piston configured to translate within the first chamber between an extended position and a compressed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Daniel J. Parrino, Andrew S. Rogers, Scott B. Janson
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Patent number: 11458796Abstract: A suspension system may include a pneumatic spring at each wheel of a vehicle. The suspension system may be configured to determine and achieve a pressure set point in each of the pneumatic springs and a target ride height at each wheel of the vehicle. The pressure set point may be determined based on a load at each of the wheels and the center of gravity of the vehicle, such that upon reaching the pressure set point at each in each of the pneumatic springs, a target load and target ride height may be achieved at each of the wheels of the vehicle. The system may also be used to level the ride height of the vehicle and/or achieve a desired orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Johannes Edren, Ahditya Melkote
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Patent number: 11161529Abstract: Disclosed is a railway vehicle with a car and a bogie. The bogie includes a chassis and a secondary suspension system. The secondary suspension system includes a jack and a power supply device of the jack fluidly connected to the jack by at least one flow limiter. The jack is configured to go from a first so-called passive configuration, in which the supply device is inactive, the jack then being able to passively damp the oscillations between the car and the chassis using the flow limiter, to a second so-called active configuration in which the supply device is configured to supply the jack in order to modify the distance between the car and the chassis or in order to keep the distance constant between the car and the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: ALSTROM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIESInventor: Jérémy Clavier
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Patent number: 11135888Abstract: An air management system including at least one air spring and a compressor. The compressor defines a compartment having an inlet and an outlet. A reservoir is fluidly connected to the air spring and the compressor. A piston is moveable in the compartment and is reciprocally moveable in a compression stroke and an extension stroke in response to actuation of the motor in order to build-up air pressure at the outlet. The piston defines at least one passage extending between the extension chamber and the compression chamber, and at least one check valve positioned in the at least one passage such that air pressure in the compression chamber biases the piston toward the extension chamber to reduce a torque load on the motor during movement of the piston.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: BEIJINGWEST INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventors: David Fredrick Reuter, II, Daniel Norbert Borgemenke, Bryan P. Riddiford
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Patent number: 10934145Abstract: A lift device includes a chassis having a first end and an opposing second end, a first actuator coupled to the first end of the chassis, a second actuator coupled to the first end of the chassis, a third actuator coupled to the opposing second end of the chassis, a fourth actuator coupled to the opposing second end of the chassis, and a control system. The control system is configured to fluidly couple at least two of the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator, and fluidly decouple and actively control the at least two of the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Oshkosh CorporationInventors: JiHong Hao, Ignacy Puszkiewicz
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Patent number: 10639955Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle axle including at least one hydraulic suspension cylinder, which has at least one chamber, with the chamber being connected to a hydraulic accumulator and allowing a connection via switching arrangement as well as to a pressure source and a pressure release. A shut-off valve is arranged between the chamber and the accumulator, by which the suspension can be blocked. In order to avoid during the unblocking process that any sudden compensating motion of the axle suspension develops, here the suspension system includes at least one detection device connected to the chamber of the suspension cylinder and the accumulator, which is embodied to detect the pressure difference between the chamber and the accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignees: Weber-Hydraulik GmbH, Deere & CompanyInventors: Christian A. von Holst, Michael Kremb, Tobias Hegler, Jacek Zatrieb
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Patent number: 10550908Abstract: End member assemblies that are dimensioned for use in forming a gas spring assembly can include an end member core that is dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member to at least partially form the gas spring assembly. The end member assemblies can also include a plurality of rib members that are supported on the core body. The plurality of rib members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another and include an end disposed radially outward beyond the core body. A skirt body can be supported on the core body in operative engagement with the plurality of rib members. The skirt body can include at least one surface operative to engage the flexible spring member. Gas spring assemblies, suspension systems and methods are also included.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventor: Matthew F. Byron
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Patent number: 10434835Abstract: A hydraulic actuator circuit is disclosed for use with first and second shock absorbers, which each may include a piston disposed within a housing. The piston helps define upper and lower working chambers. The circuit may have a motor, a first pump, driven by the motor, and is associated with the first shock absorber and the motor. A second pump, driven by the motor, may be associated with the second shock absorber. A first accumulator communicates with both of the first and second pumps. A first switch valve may assist in controlling fluid flow into the chambers of the first shock absorber. A second switch valve may assist in controlling fluid flow into the chambers of the second shock absorber.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Inventors: Kristoff Six, Stefan Deferme, Peter Boon
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Patent number: 10391830Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated air-supply unit, in particular for air-suspension systems for motor vehicles, said unit comprising an air compressor having an electric motor and an air dryer. The air compressor together with the electric motor, air dryer and a number of pneumatic connections form a functional unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Joachim Bohn, Christian Courth, Uwe Folchert, Christoph Voss, Michael Zydek, Dierk Hein, Hinz Axel, Christian Witala
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Patent number: 10279641Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric energy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Zachary J. Jackowski, Ryan Bavetta
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Patent number: 10207558Abstract: A vehicle-height adjustment system includes: a vehicle-height adjustment actuator provided so as to correspond to a wheel; and a pressure-medium supply and discharge device configured to supply and discharge a pressure medium to and from the vehicle-height adjustment actuator. The pressure-medium supply and discharge device includes a tank configured to store the pressure medium. The vehicle-height adjustment system includes a tank-pressure controller configured to control a tank pressure based on at least one of a vehicle height for the wheel and an inside temperature. The tank pressure is a pressure of the pressure medium stored in the tank, and the inside temperature is a temperature in the vehicle-height adjustment system.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hideki Ohashi, Katsuyuki Sano, Jun Tokumitsu, Ryo Kanda, Shogo Tanaka, Masaaki Oishi, Ken Ogue
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Patent number: 10035397Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric energy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Zachary J. Jackowski, Ryan Bavetta
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Patent number: 9597939Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric enemy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Zachary J. Jackowski, Ryan Bavetta
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Patent number: 9062571Abstract: A compressed air supply device for operating a pneumatic system, such as a vehicle pneumatic suspension system, comprises a compressed air supply, a first pneumatic connection between the compressed air supply and the pneumatic system, the first pneumatic connection having an air desiccator, a throttle device, and at least one controllable isolating valve, and a second pneumatic connection pneumatically connected to the first pneumatic connection and to a vent connection leading to the surroundings, the second pneumatic connection having at least one controllable vent valve. According to one embodiment, the controllable isolating valve and the throttle device are arranged in series in the first pneumatic connection such that the controllable isolating valve can be switched into an open state when in a through-flow mode, and into a closed state when in an isolating mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Dieter Frank, Jorg Meier, Frank Meissner
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Patent number: 9039021Abstract: A control arrangement for a hydropneumatic suspension system and a hydropneumatic suspension system are provided. The control arrangement has a pressure supply connection, a return connection, a piston chamber connection adapted to be connected to the piston chamber of a suspension cylinder of the hydropneumatic suspension system, an annular chamber connection adapted to be connected to the annular chamber of the suspension cylinder, and at least one controllable valve arrangement comprising a plurality of switch positions via which the pressure supply connection and the return connection are connectable to the piston chamber connection and the annular chamber connection. The annular chamber connection is in flow connection with the return connection via a pressure-limiting line having a hydraulically controllable pressure-limiting element. The pressure-limiting element has a control input adapted to be acted upon via a control line by a control pressure which is limitable to a predefinable pressure limit.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: FSP Fluid Systems Partners Holding AGInventor: Wolfgang Bauer
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Publication number: 20150130146Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (1 10; 200; 400) can include a gas spring assembly (128; 202; 402) and a gas damper assembly (130; 204; 404). The gas spring assembly can include opposing end members (206, 208; 406, 408) and a flexible spring member (210; 410) secured there between that at least partially forms a spring chamber (212; 412). One of the end members (208; 408) can include an end member chamber (268; 468) that is separated into a plurality of damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494). Damper pistons (300, 302; 500, 502) are disposed within the damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494) and are connected to the other end member (206; 406) by way of a damping rod (276; 476).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Graham R. Brookes, Joseph A. Bounds
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Patent number: 9010785Abstract: A suspension system includes spring bellows that are associated with pneumatic springs of vehicle axles, are connectable by lines having level control valves to a main pressure line, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The main line is connectable by valves alternately to a compressed air source and a sink, and can be shut of with respect thereto. To set different air mass flow rates when air is supplied to/removed from the bellows, the bellows of the springs at least on a vehicle axle or side can be connected to the main line in parallel with the connecting lines, at least by further connecting lines having further level control valves, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The further valves have nozzle cross-sectional surfaces the same size as the other level control valves. Chokes are downstream of the further valves in the ventilation direction, the cross-sectional surfaces thereof being smaller than the nozzle cross-sectional surfaces of the further valves.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Reinhard Gocz, Michael Haverkamp, Johann Lucas, Andreas Rutsch, Thomas Stellmacher
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Patent number: 8998231Abstract: A bicycle suspension system of the invention generally includes at least two bicycle suspensions and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a pair of fluid pumps, and a fluid responder and a fluid path for each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid pumps are mountable to a bicycle handlebar and form part of the hydraulic control assembly. A fluid responder is mountable each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid paths link the fluid pump to a respective fluid responder. Each fluid responder is operatively connected to one of the bicycle suspensions to operate the bicycle suspension system between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between each fluid pump and each of the fluid responders.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Eric Neeley
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Patent number: 8991834Abstract: A gas spring for a vehicle suspension system includes a cylinder, a rod disposed within the cylinder, a relative movement between the rod and the cylinder changing the volume of a chamber formed between the rod and the cylinder, and an accumulator in communication with the chamber. Compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a first spring rate for deflections of the gas spring below a threshold, compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a second spring rate for deflections of the gas spring above the threshold, and the first spring rate is greater than the second spring rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLCInventors: Roy Venton-Walters, Aaron J. Rositch, Jesse L. Knoble, Erik S. Ellifson, Mark L. Steckling
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Patent number: 8991840Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a damper and a valve block coupled to the damper. The damper includes a tubular sidewall having an inner surface that defines an inner damper volume and a plunger separating the inner damper volume into a compression chamber and an extension chamber. The valve block includes a housing having a spring pilot and defining a flow path between an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with at least one of the compression chamber and the extension chamber. The damper assembly further includes a flow controller coupled to the housing and positioned along the flow path and a piston having a pilot end coupled to the spring pilot and an interface end that engages the flow controller with a pilot force that varies based on a pressure at the spring pilot.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLCInventors: Jason J. Zuleger, Robert K. Sollenskog
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Patent number: 8991841Abstract: An air spring that can be used in an air suspension system includes a hollow piston, a hollow shaft and a body. The hollow piston has a hole through it. The hollow shaft has a shaft interior volume in communication with the hole in the piston. The body has a body interior volume in communication with the hole in the hollow piston. The hole in the hollow piston in communication with the shaft interior volume and the body interior volume provides a total interior volume. Wherein, the total interior volume is greater than the body interior volume thereby providing a linearized spring rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: MSI Defense Solutions, LLCInventors: David J. Holden, Andrew M. Wizorek, Todd J. Holbert
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Patent number: 8973922Abstract: A height control valve assembly having a housing with an air supply port, first and second ports, and an exhaust port. A valve positioned in the housing has a first surface in fluid communication with the air supply port and a second surface. The valve moves between first and second positions, in which the second surface sealingly engages a portion of the housing surrounding the first and second ports, respectively, to prevent fluid from flowing between the air supply port and the first and second ports, respectively. The valve is moveable from either of the first and second positions to a fill position, in which the air supply port is in fluid communication with one of the first and second ports, and an exhaust position, in which one of the first and second ports is in fluid communication with the exhaust port.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Haldex Brake Products CorporationInventor: Robert L. Koelzer
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Patent number: 8967629Abstract: A first communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at an upper vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at a lower vehicle side to be communicated with each other, and a second communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the lower vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the upper vehicle side to be communicated with each other. Between the first and second communication passages is a valve mechanism so that the first and second communication passages are normally communicated with each other, and fluid flow from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other is blocked, when a pressure difference, caused when fluid moves from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Morito Oshita, Fumio Kojima, Katsuhiko Takasu
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Patent number: 8960697Abstract: A vehicle suspension device includes a first fluid path through which a first upper port opening into a first hydraulic cylinder and a second lower port opening into a second hydraulic cylinder communicate with each other, a second fluid path through which a second upper port opening into the second hydraulic cylinder and a first lower port opening into the first hydraulic cylinder communicate with each other, a first hydraulic damping mechanism in the first fluid path, a second hydraulic damping mechanism in the second fluid path, a first accumulator connected to the first fluid path via a first branch fluid path having a first auxiliary hydraulic damping mechanism, a second accumulator connected to the second fluid path via a second branch fluid path having a second auxiliary hydraulic damping mechanism, and a bridge fluid path through which the first and second branch fluid paths are connected together.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Kato, Takamasa Kato, Yoshifumi Ohtani, Katsuhiko Takasu, Masaaki Oishi
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Patent number: 8925933Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: David Haugen
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Publication number: 20140346749Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Joseph A. Bounds, Graham R. Brookes
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Publication number: 20140346748Abstract: A leveling valve for discharging and supplying air from and to a plurality of utilization elements comprises a valve disc arrangement configured to direct air between a source of pressurized air, an exhaust port, and the utilization elements. The valve disc arrangement comprises a first and a second valve disc, which are rotatable with respect to each other such that the valve is switchable between multiple switching positions, and, in some switching positions, either the source of pressurized air or the exhaust port are in fluid communication with the utilization elements. The valve discs provide a stepped increase in flow cross-section in a respective flow path to or from the utilization elements. The stepped increase is dependent on the angle of rotation between the valve discs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Krzysztof Harla, Michael Haverkamp, Agnieszka Leszczuk, Marek Repela
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Publication number: 20140333038Abstract: A suspension system includes spring bellows that are associated with pneumatic springs of vehicle axles, connectable by lines having level control valves to a main pressure line, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The main line is connectable by valves alternately to a compressed air source and a sink, and can be shut of with respect thereto. To set different air mass flow rates when air is supplied to/removed from the bellows, the bellows of the springs at least on a vehicle axle or side can be connected to the main line in parallel with the connecting lines, at least by further connecting lines having further level control valves, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The further valves have nozzle cross-sectional surfaces the same size as the other level control valves. Chokes are connected-downstream of the further valves in the ventilation direction, the cross-sectional surfaces thereof being smaller than the nozzle cross-sectional surfaces of the further valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Reinhard Gocz, Michael Haverkamp, Johann Lucas, Andreas Rutsch, Thomas Stellmacher
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Patent number: 8876122Abstract: A level control for vehicles has at least one air spring cushioning a vehicle body relative to a vehicle axle. A compressed air generator is connected to the air spring by an air dryer and to the atmosphere by a check valve opening in the intake direction of the generator. The air spring can be connected to the atmosphere for discharge via a pneumatically controllable first directional valve. The air spring pressure is applied to a pneumatic control input of the first directional valve via a second controllable directional valve. The input of the first directional valve can be connected to the atmosphere for ending discharge of the spring. A line with a compressed air accumulator branches off from the air spring supply line via a first changeover valve. The accumulator is connected to the intake side of the generator via a second changeover valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: AMK Arnold Müller GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Thomas Gall
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Publication number: 20140312590Abstract: A vehicle air suspension system of includes at least one or more bellows assigned to an air spring of one or more vehicle axles. The bellows can be connected to a main pressure line and can be blocked off therefrom the latter via a connecting line having a level control valve. The main line can be supplied with air via a supply line having a compressor and an air dryer, and can be vented via a vent line, which branches off between the compressor and the air dryer and has a discharge valve. A pressure reservoir can be connected to the main line and can be blocked off therefrom via a connecting line having a storage valve. To set different flow velocities when supplying and venting the bellows the bellows of the air spring arranged on a vehicle axle or on a vehicle side is/are connected to the main line and blocked off therefrom via at least two parallel connecting lines, each having a level control valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventor: Uwe Stabenow
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Publication number: 20140300073Abstract: A bicycle suspension system of the invention generally includes at least two bicycle suspensions and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a pair of fluid pumps, and a fluid responder and a fluid path for each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid pumps are mountable to a bicycle handlebar and form part of the hydraulic control assembly. A fluid responder is mountable each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid paths link the fluid pump to a respective fluid responder. Each fluid responder is operatively connected to one of the bicycle suspensions to operate the bicycle suspension system between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between each fluid pump and each of the fluid responders.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2013Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventor: Eric Neeley
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Publication number: 20140265203Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a damper and a valve block coupled to the damper. The damper includes a tubular sidewall having an inner surface that defines an inner damper volume and a plunger separating the inner damper volume into a compression chamber and an extension chamber. The valve block includes a housing having a spring pilot and defining a flow path between an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with at least one of the compression chamber and the extension chamber. The damper assembly further includes a flow controller coupled to the housing and positioned along the flow path and a piston having a pilot end coupled to the spring pilot and an interface end that engages the flow controller with a pilot force that varies based on a pressure at the spring pilot.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: OSHKOSH CORPORATIONInventors: Jason J. Zuleger, Robert K. Sollenskog
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Patent number: 8827291Abstract: Disclosed is an improved snowmobile ski suspension including a pair of airspring biasing mechanisms whose air volumes are interconnected by a cross linking conduit that incorporates an open and closed switch. In an alternative embodiment a simpler configuration is provided for which does not include the use of an open or closed switch manifold.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventors: Harold J. Cronquist, Troy L. Leiphart, Gerard John Karpik
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Publication number: 20140239606Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventors: Paul P. Koeske, Stephen C. Street
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Patent number: 8814190Abstract: A compressed air supply assembly for operating a pneumatic assembly includes a compressed air supply; a compressed air connection to the pneumatic assembly; a purge connection to the environment; a pneumatic main line between the compressed air supply and the compressed air connection comprising an air dryer; a purge line between the compressed air connection and the purge connection; and a solenoid valve arrangement with a control valve to control a purge valve. The control valve is connected to a control valve connection in a pneumatic control line connected to a pressure control connection of the purge valve, and the purge valve is connected to a purge valve connection in the purge line. A pressure-maintaining device is connected to the pneumatic control line and maintains control pressure at the pressure control connection when the purge valve connection is open, independently of pressure in the purge line and/or the main line.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Hans-Otto Becher, Jorg Meier, Uwe Stabenow
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Publication number: 20140230687Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: David D. Jackson, JR., Jakob B. Cagle, Charlie B. Groover
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Patent number: 8807583Abstract: A method for controlling pressure equalization in running gear for a utility vehicle and having a drive axle and at least one trailing axle without drive function. The includes assigning each axle to a pressure chamber on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the vehicle. The pressure ratio of the pressure chambers between the drive axle and the trailing axle is set independently for the two sides of the vehicle as a function of detected signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Bijan Gerami-Manesch, Johann Lucas