Fluid Handling Details Patents (Class 280/124.16)
  • Patent number: 11958330
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Global GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Przemyslaw Zak
  • Patent number: 11913568
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Bartosz Maj, Holger Kollmann, Tomislav Milic, Alexander Schönbohm, Ralf Schröder, Marc Lenz, Marcus Bletz, Jurij Schmidt, Dieter Dinkel
  • Patent number: 11845505
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 11794846
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Nagata, Toshifumi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 11752825
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Dierk Hein, Christian Witala, Volkan Sirke, Holger Oldenettel
  • Patent number: 11731476
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Troy A. Carter
  • Patent number: 11661102
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Jeong Hwan Park
  • Patent number: 11633999
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: PRATT & MILLER ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Flory, Jesper Slattengren, Guido Francesco Ritelli
  • Patent number: 11618295
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Valid Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Justin Paul Scherba, Jack William Fenkhuber, Luke Wilfred Heckrodt
  • Patent number: 11584211
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryo Hattori, Yuchi Yamanouchi, Masaki Shitara
  • Patent number: 11578776
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas Ripa
  • Patent number: 11535202
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Kristoffer Åhlund Kahlund, Goran Vasilevski
  • Patent number: 11479227
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SEMYUNGTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seong-won Moon, Sang-sun Park
  • Patent number: 11479072
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Parrino, Andrew S. Rogers, Scott B. Janson
  • Patent number: 11458796
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Edren, Ahditya Melkote
  • Patent number: 11161529
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: ALSTROM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Jérémy Clavier
  • Patent number: 11135888
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJINGWEST INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: David Fredrick Reuter, II, Daniel Norbert Borgemenke, Bryan P. Riddiford
  • Patent number: 10934145
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: JiHong Hao, Ignacy Puszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 10639955
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignees: Weber-Hydraulik GmbH, Deere & Company
    Inventors: Christian A. von Holst, Michael Kremb, Tobias Hegler, Jacek Zatrieb
  • Patent number: 10550908
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew F. Byron
  • Patent number: 10434835
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventors: Kristoff Six, Stefan Deferme, Peter Boon
  • Patent number: 10391830
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Joachim Bohn, Christian Courth, Uwe Folchert, Christoph Voss, Michael Zydek, Dierk Hein, Hinz Axel, Christian Witala
  • Patent number: 10279641
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Zachary J. Jackowski, Ryan Bavetta
  • Patent number: 10207558
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Ohashi, Katsuyuki Sano, Jun Tokumitsu, Ryo Kanda, Shogo Tanaka, Masaaki Oishi, Ken Ogue
  • Patent number: 10035397
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Zachary J. Jackowski, Ryan Bavetta
  • Patent number: 9597939
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Zachary J. Jackowski, Ryan Bavetta
  • Patent number: 9062571
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Frank, Jorg Meier, Frank Meissner
  • Patent number: 9039021
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FSP Fluid Systems Partners Holding AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Bauer
  • Publication number: 20150130146
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Graham R. Brookes, Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 9010785
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Gocz, Michael Haverkamp, Johann Lucas, Andreas Rutsch, Thomas Stellmacher
  • Patent number: 8998231
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Neeley
  • Patent number: 8991834
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Venton-Walters, Aaron J. Rositch, Jesse L. Knoble, Erik S. Ellifson, Mark L. Steckling
  • Patent number: 8991840
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Jason J. Zuleger, Robert K. Sollenskog
  • Patent number: 8991841
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MSI Defense Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Holden, Andrew M. Wizorek, Todd J. Holbert
  • Patent number: 8973922
    Abstract: A height control valve assembly having a housing with an air supply port, first and second ports, and an exhaust port. A valve positioned in the housing has a first surface in fluid communication with the air supply port and a second surface. The valve moves between first and second positions, in which the second surface sealingly engages a portion of the housing surrounding the first and second ports, respectively, to prevent fluid from flowing between the air supply port and the first and second ports, respectively. The valve is moveable from either of the first and second positions to a fill position, in which the air supply port is in fluid communication with one of the first and second ports, and an exhaust position, in which one of the first and second ports is in fluid communication with the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Koelzer
  • Patent number: 8967629
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morito Oshita, Fumio Kojima, Katsuhiko Takasu
  • Patent number: 8960697
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Kato, Takamasa Kato, Yoshifumi Ohtani, Katsuhiko Takasu, Masaaki Oishi
  • Patent number: 8925933
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: David Haugen
  • Publication number: 20140346749
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Joseph A. Bounds, Graham R. Brookes
  • Publication number: 20140346748
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Krzysztof Harla, Michael Haverkamp, Agnieszka Leszczuk, Marek Repela
  • Publication number: 20140333038
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Reinhard Gocz, Michael Haverkamp, Johann Lucas, Andreas Rutsch, Thomas Stellmacher
  • Patent number: 8876122
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: AMK Arnold Müller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Gall
  • Publication number: 20140312590
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Uwe Stabenow
  • Publication number: 20140300073
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Neeley
  • Publication number: 20140265203
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: OSHKOSH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason J. Zuleger, Robert K. Sollenskog
  • Patent number: 8827291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Harold J. Cronquist, Troy L. Leiphart, Gerard John Karpik
  • Publication number: 20140239606
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Paul P. Koeske, Stephen C. Street
  • Patent number: 8814190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Otto Becher, Jorg Meier, Uwe Stabenow
  • Publication number: 20140230687
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: David D. Jackson, JR., Jakob B. Cagle, Charlie B. Groover
  • Patent number: 8807583
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Bijan Gerami-Manesch, Johann Lucas