Abstract: End member assemblies having a longitudinal axis are dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member. The end member assemblies include a first end member with a first surface portion and a plurality of projections disposed in peripherally-spaced relation to one another about the longitudinal axis. A second end member includes a plurality of grooves dimensioned to receive one of projections. Gas spring and damper assemblies include a damper assembly and a gas spring assembly that includes an end member assembly as well as an end member assembly with a flexible spring member secured between the end member assemblies. A suspension system including one or more gas spring and damper assemblies is also included.

Abstract: A suspension system including four dampers where each damper includes compression and rebound chambers. The suspension system has four hydraulic circuits, each including a cross-over hydraulic line that extends between dampers located at opposite corners of the vehicle (i.e., between the front left and back right dampers or between the front right and back left dampers). The suspension system further includes four electromechanical comfort valves that open and close four bridge hydraulic lines that extend between the cross-over hydraulic lines at each corner of the vehicle. Each cross-over hydraulic line is connected to a manifold assembly by a corresponding manifold hydraulic line. The manifold assembly includes four manifold valves that are connected to a pump assembly and two manifold comfort valves. All six comfort valves are electromechanical valves that can be actuated to control the roll and pitch of the vehicle during cornering, braking, and acceleration.

Abstract: A system for filling a tank of a suspension system with hydraulic fluid includes: a module configured to turn on an external pump and pump hydraulic fluid into the suspension system, where the external pump is separate from the suspension system and is configured to pump hydraulic fluid into the suspension system via a port fluidly connected to a hydraulic line of the suspension system; and a fill module configured to, after operating the external pump, operate a pump of the suspension system and pump hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic line into the tank of the suspension system thereby filling the tank.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a first damper and a second damper. The second damper includes a housing including a wall that defines an aperture, the wall and the first damper at least partially defining a chamber. The second damper also includes a piston positioned within the chamber, a conduit defining a flow path that includes the aperture, and a flow control device disposed along the flow path. The second damper is configured to provide a damping force that varies based on the position of the piston within the chamber.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a first damper and a second damper. The second damper includes a housing having a wall that at least partially surrounds at least a portion of the first damper, the volume between the wall and the first damper defining a chamber, and the wall defines an aperture. The second damper also includes a piston positioned within the chamber, a conduit defining a flow path that includes the aperture, and a flow control device disposed along the flow path. The second damper is configured to provide a damping force that varies based on the position of the piston within the chamber.

Abstract: A vibration damper may be used in connection with a motor vehicle. The vibration damper may include a hydraulic device for damping vibrations. The vibration damper may also include at least one shut-off valve connected fluidically to the hydraulic device at the vibration damper. The shut-off valve may be capable of being connected fluidically to at least one of a pump or a filling apparatus for filling the vibration damper with hydraulic fluid. The shut-off valve may comprise a valve housing with a first connector for the pump, a second connector for the filling apparatus, and a third connector for the hydraulic device.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a primary damper and a secondary damper. The secondary damper includes a housing having a wall that at least partially surrounds at least a portion of the primary damper, the volume between the wall and the primary damper defining a chamber, and the wall defines an aperture. The secondary damper also includes a piston positioned within the chamber, a conduit defining a flow path that includes the aperture, and a valve disposed along the flow path. The secondary damper is configured to provide a damping force that varies based on the position of the piston within the chamber.

Abstract: An air source device includes: a tank; a compressor; an intake valve; and an ECU configured to acquire an intake amount, which is an amount of air sucked from an outside and supplied to the tank by the compressor, based on an increasing amount of a tank pressure, which is a pressure of the air accommodated in the tank, the increasing amount being an increasing amount from a time point when the intake valve is estimated to be changed from a closed state to an opened state.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a primary damper and a secondary damper. The secondary damper includes a housing having a wall that at least partially surrounds at least a portion of the primary damper, the volume between the wall and the primary damper defining a chamber, and the wall defines an aperture. The secondary damper also includes a piston positioned within the chamber, a conduit defining a flow path that includes the aperture, and a valve disposed along the flow path. The primary damper is configured to provide a base damping force and the secondary damper is configured to provide a supplemental damping force that varies based on the position of the piston within the chamber.

Abstract: A multi-path fluid flow control valve for a shock absorber that restricts fluid into a first path while opening fluid flow to a second path when a given fluid flow velocity is reached. Exemplary configurations of this diverter valve are disclosed such as a spring loaded disc valve with face sealing lands, and a spool valve with diametric sealing lands. Applications include active suspension dampers in order to limit maximum RPM into a hydraulic motor. For such a system, in one mode the diverter valve allows fluid to move unrestricted into the hydraulic motor. When fluid velocity reaches a tunable set point, in a second mode the diverter valve restricts flow into the hydraulic motor and bypasses it shuttling fluid into the opposite side of the damper. In some cases progressive damping valves are utilized in series or parallel to smooth damping characteristics during, before, and after transitions.

Abstract: Provided is a continuous hydraulic suspension system which has, in each front and rear valve block (25, 26), an Energy Management Valve (EMV) (27, 28) and Check Valves (CV) (29, 30, 31, 32) to provide re-circulation of oil in the resistive mode. The system allows reduced energy consumption during non-motoring modes, and enables a smaller capacity pump and/or an electric motor pump to be used.

Abstract: Agricultural vehicle comprising a body to which a front axle is pivotally connected. The agricultural vehicle includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted as a suspension system between the body and the axle. The hydraulic cylinder is fluid-connected, via a steerable valve, to one of an open oil reservoir and an accumulator.

Abstract: A machine includes a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging elements supporting the chassis above a ground surface, a motor for driving at least one of the ground engaging elements and a plurality of assemblies supporting the chassis on the ground engaging elements. Each of the assemblies is configured to selectively raise and lower the chassis relative to the ground surface and includes a first attachment component for attaching the assembly to one of the ground engaging elements, a second attachment component for attaching the assembly to the chassis, an adjustment component for shifting the first attachment component between a plurality of operating positions relative to the second attachment component. A control system allows an operator to remotely control the adjustment components of each of the assemblies.

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.

Abstract: An active air suspension system includes an air spring assembly that has a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted around the piston airbag to provide a variable force and rate dual air spring configuration. The air suspension system is configured to accurately control pressure within the piston airbags in a closed-loop manner. Continuous control of the piston pressure provides an accurate increase or decrease of spring rate or force depending on the controller inputs.

Abstract: A suspension system can include an air spring, an air reservoir external to the air spring, and a flow control device which variably restricts flow of air between the air spring and the air reservoir. Flow between the air spring and the air reservoir may be permitted in response to compliance of the suspension system, and the air spring can have an internal air volume at least 2½ times as great may permit flow between the air spring and the air reservoir in response to a predetermined pressure differential level across the flow control device. Multiple air reservoirs can be internal to an axle, or other suspension system or vehicle component, and can be isolated from each other.

Abstract: A cylinder shock assembly comprising a damper with a first end, and a second end that extends into an air cylinder float. The damper has a rod positioned in the air cylinder float with one end positioned within a cavity of the damper and another end affixed to an end cap attached to the air cylinder float. A primary coil spring is positioned within the air cylinder float, wherein when a load applied to the cylinder shock assembly is increased, an end of the damper move towards the end cap compressing air within the air cylinder float, wherein as the load is increased the primary coil spring is compressed and the volume of air within the air cylinder decreases resulting in an increased air pressure, and wherein the air cylinder float is a solid member that does not expand as the air pressure within increases during compression.

Abstract: A suspension system includes an upper cylinder chamber, a lower cylinder chamber, and a variable valve that adjusts the opening area of an opening of the lower cylinder chamber. The suspension system includes a first communication path through which the upper cylinder chamber of one of damping force control cylinders incorporated in a pair of wheels of a vehicle is in communication with the lower cylinder chamber of the other damping force control cylinder, a second communication path through which the lower cylinder chamber of the one damping force control cylinder is in communication with the upper cylinder chamber of the other damping force control cylinder, and a pair of oil receptacles that are provided in the first and second communication paths, respectively, and hold and discharge oil, depending on operations of the damping force control cylinders.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a primary damper and a secondary damper. The secondary damper is coupled to the primary damper and includes a housing and an annular piston. The housing includes a sidewall that partially surrounds the primary damper, and the volume between the sidewall and the primary damper defines a damping chamber. The sidewall defines a plurality of apertures. The annular piston is positioned within the damping chamber and slidably coupled to the sidewall. The primary damper provides a base damping force and the secondary damper provides a supplemental damping force that varies based on the position of the annular piston along the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes: a plurality of wheels; a first primary airbag having a compartment with a volume; a second primary airbag having a compartment with a volume; a first secondary airbag having a compartment with a volume; a second secondary airbag having a compartment with a volume; a first gas line extending in fluid communication between the compartment of the first primary airbag and the compartment of the second secondary airbag; a second gas line extending in fluid communication between the compartment of the second primary airbag and the compartment of the first secondary airbag; and an axle assembly supported by the plurality of wheels for compressing or expanding the airbags as different loads are applied to the wheels to facilitate the transfer of gas between the airbags through the first and second gas lines.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes: at least one cylinder apparatus including a cylinder sealingly containing operating fluid, a piston slidably fittedly inserted in the cylinder to divide an interior of the cylinder into two chambers, and a piston rod coupled to the piston and extending to an outside of the cylinder; and at least one damping force generation mechanism connected to the cylinder apparatus, and capable of generating a damping force to be applied to a flow of the operating fluid caused by a movement of the piston and adjusting the damping force from the outside. The damping force generation mechanism includes a damping valve for generating the damping force, a pilot chamber for applying a pilot pressure by the operating fluid to the damping valve, and a pump for at least supplying or discharging the operating fluid to or from the pilot chamber.

Abstract: A cylinder shock assembly comprising a damper with a first end, and a second end that extends into an air cylinder float. The damper has a rod positioned in the air cylinder float with one end positioned within a cavity of the damper and another end affixed to an end cap attached to the air cylinder float. A primary coil spring is positioned within the air cylinder float, wherein when a load applied to the cylinder shock assembly is increased, an end of the damper move towards the end cap compressing air within the air cylinder float, wherein as the load is increased the primary coil spring is compressed and the volume of air within the air cylinder decreases resulting in an increased air pressure, and wherein the air cylinder float is a solid member that does not expand as the air pressure within increases during compression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic installation (901, 902, 903, 904, 905), especially in the form of an air suspension installation for a vehicle, which is adapted for operation in conjunction with a compressed air supply installation (11, 21, 31, 41) and comprises the following: a collecting line in the form of a gallery line (95), at least one air spring having a pressure chamber which can be pneumatically connected to the gallery line (95), an accumulator (92) for compressed air, which is pneumatically connectable to the gallery line (95), and a compressed air port (2) for a pneumatic connection of the pneumatic installation (901, 902, 903, 904, 905) and the compressed air supply installation (11, 21, 31, 41).

Abstract: An air spring system is disclosed. The air spring system has a compressor, which has a suction side and a delivery side, a pressure reservoir, a first valve device and a second valve device. Each valve device is connected between the compressor and the pressure reservoir. In order to provide the air spring system, which is of simple construction and can be produced economically, the first valve device and the second valve device are each embodied as 3/2-way valves.

Abstract: A closed ride control system for vehicles by which a vehicle body is suspended with respect to at least one vehicle axle and which includes the following components: pressure medium chambers which are connected via branches to a pressure medium line, a compressor, an air dryer which is arranged in a pressure medium line, a pressure medium reservoir which is connected via the compressor to the pressure medium chambers, and a non-return valve arranged in the pressure medium line between an outlet of the air dryer and the directional valve in order to connect the outlet of the air dryer to the pressure medium reservoir.

Abstract: A vehicular fluid damper system comprises a piston-type actuator, a static fluid damper, first and second flow passages, a first flow control valve, and a controller. The piston-type actuator comprises a cylinder and a piston that cooperate with one another to define first and second chambers. The static fluid damper defines first, second, and third dampening chambers. The first and second dampening chambers are in fluid communication with one another. The second and third dampening chambers are in fluid communication with each other. The first flow passage is in fluid communication with the first dampening chamber and the first chamber. The second flow passage is in fluid communication with the second dampening chamber and the second chamber. The controller is configured to facilitate operation of the first flow control valve to change a flow rate of fluid through the first flow passage.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a plurality of suspension members, each suspension member including a housing having an interior surface that bounds a chamber and a piston slidably disposed within the chamber. The piston seals against the interior surface of the housing so as to separate the chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment and second compartment being filled with a gas. A first gas lines extends in fluid communication between the first compartment of a first suspension member and the second compartment of a second suspension member. A second gas lines extends in fluid communication between the second compartment of a first suspension member and the first compartment of a second suspension member.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle having a hydraulic system, a cab for the vehicle operator includes a self-levelling cab suspension system having a plurality of suspension units each having a spring, a damper and an accumulator. The accumulator comprises a hydraulic working chamber which is separated by a movable wall from a gas filled chamber serving as a spring. The working chamber is also connected to a working chamber of the damper in a closed hydraulic circuit. In the invention, there is no need for a dedicated oil pump since a hydraulic actuator powered by the vehicle hydraulic system is provided for causing hydraulic fluid to flow in the closed hydraulic circuit between the working chamber of the accumulator and the damper, to vary the height of the cab without fluid from the vehicle hydraulic system entering or leaving the closed hydraulic circuit of the damper and accumulator.

Abstract: System to control the trim of motorcycles with three or four wheels, the motorcycle having two couples of front and rear wheels, or one front wheel and a couple of rear wheels, or a couple of front wheels and one rear wheel.

Abstract: A console is provided for attachment to a vehicle chassis. The console includes a bracket body for a truck. The bracket body is formed by a casting which at least partly encloses a cavity for storing a fluid.

Abstract: A damper unit and its employment as part of the suspension system for a vehicle are disclosed. A vehicle of the kind having wheels arranged in left-right pairs has a sprung mass and left and right unsprung masses associated with left and right wheels of a said left-right pair. Respective left and right damper units are mounted between the respective left and right unsprung masses and the sprung mass. Each damper unit has a damper housing defining first and second generally cylindrical chambers therewithin having a common axis. The first and second chambers are separated from each other in the axial direction by an intermediate wall. The first chamber has a first axial end wall at its end remote from the intermediate wall, and the second chamber has a second axial end wall at its end remote from the intermediate wall. A first piston is slidable in sealing engagement with the interior of the first chamber. A second piston is slidable in sealing engagement with the interior of the second chamber.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle having a hydraulic system, a cab for the vehicle operator includes a self-levelling cab suspension system having a plurality of suspension units each having a spring, a damper and an accumulator. The accumulator comprises a hydraulic working chamber which is separated by a movable wall from a gas filled chamber serving as a spring. The working chamber is also connected to a working chamber of the damper in a closed hydraulic circuit. In the invention, there is no need for a dedicated oil pump since a hydraulic actuator powered by the vehicle hydraulic system is provided for causing hydraulic fluid to flow in the closed hydraulic circuit between the working chamber of the accumulator and the damper, to vary the height of the cab without fluid from the vehicle hydraulic system entering or leaving the closed hydraulic circuit of the damper and accumulator.

Abstract: A console is provided for attachment to a vehicle chassis. The console includes a bracket body for a truck. The bracket body is formed by a casting which at least partly encloses a cavity for storing a fluid.

Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic suspension system has front left (15), front right (16), rear left (18) and rear right (17) wheel ram. There is a mode decoupling device (100) with first (129), second (130), third (132) and fourth (131) balance chambers formed by a cylinder/piston rod assembly (124,125,126). The compression chamber (45) of the front left wheel ram (15) is in fluid communication with the first balance chamber (129), the compression chamber (46) of the front right wheel ram (16) is in fluid communication with the second balance chamber (130), the compression chamber (48) of the rear left wheel ram (18) is in fluid communication with the third balance chamber (132), and the compression chamber (47) of the rear right wheel ram (17) is in fluid communication with the fourth balance chamber (131). There are also front and rear resilient vehicle support means between vehicle body and the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: The hydropneumatic axle suspension for vehicles, especially the front axle thereof, cooperates with at least one suspension cylinder (10) connected to a hydraulic accumulator (26; 24) on both its ring side (14) and the piston side (12). The hydraulic accumulator (26; 24) is triggerable by control electronics (18) with the aid of a valve unit (30; 28) that can be allocated to the hydraulic accumulator (26; 24). The ring side (14) of the suspension cylinder (10) is connected to a pressure value sensor (DA-R) which transmits its measured pressure values to the control electronics (18). The pressure value sensor (DA-R) located on the ring side is connected to the discharge end (38) of the valve unit (30), which can be associated with the ring side (14) of the suspension cylinder (10).

Abstract: A hydraulic strut system that damps vehicle vibration and includes a compressible fluid, a strut, and a valve plate. The strut includes three concentric tubes defining an inner cavity, an intermediary cavity, and an outer reservoir cavity, the inner cavity and intermediary cavity being fluidly coupled, wherein the inner cavity receives a piston that divides the inner cavity into a first volume and a second volume, the piston having an aperture that allows one way flow from the first volume to the second volume. The valve plate is removably coupled to the strut, and includes a first fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the intermediary cavity to the reservoir cavity, the first fluid path including a damping valve that damps fluid flowing therethorugh; and a second fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the reservoir cavity to the inner cavity, the second fluid path further including a replenishment valve.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a plurality of suspension members, each suspension member including a housing having an interior surface that bounds a chamber and a piston slidably disposed within the chamber. The piston seals against the interior surface of the housing so as to separate the chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment and second compartment being filled with a gas. A first gas lines extends in fluid communication between the first compartment of a first suspension member and the second compartment of a second suspension member. A second gas lines extends in fluid communication between the second compartment of a first suspension member and the first compartment of a second suspension member.

Abstract: An example roll control device uses differential pressure values, for example, that are conveyed by a motor driven pump to a first actuator associated with a first stabilizer. The differential pressure values are also conveyed from the motor driven pump to a second stabilizer through a proportional valve in one example. In another example, multiple actuators are utilized with each actuator being associated with a separate motor driven pump in communication with a common controller.

Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air suspension includes a plurality of air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted over the piston airbag. The primary and piston airbags each have a variable volume that is controlled independently of the other for active suspension control. Each piston airbag includes a piston intake valve and a piston exhaust valve. Each primary airbag includes a control valve that is operable to supply and exhaust air from the corresponding primary airbag. The control valves and piston intake valves operate independently of each other. A compressor supplies air to a supply reservoir which is used to supply air to the primary and piston airbags. The compressor includes a bypass loop that directs exhausted air to a compressor inlet when the compressor is running.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for use in a system and process for controlling vehicle loading on a multi-axle vehicle and improving maneuverability. The valve partially exhausts air from an axle air bag when the vehicle is maneuvering at slow speed, reduces the load on the axle, and thus reduces damaging forces that affect tire wear and suspension component wear. The valve is a normally open, pilot operated valve that delivers supply air pressure upon receiving a sustained air pressure input of a pilot signal. Using an inversion function, the valve then dumps the delivery pressure through a high capacity exhaust upon receiving the pressure input of a secondary control signal. The hold function of the valve traps a reduced amount of delivery air pressure by closing the exhaust valve, and the hold function is actuated at a predetermined delivery pressure to trap a volume of air in the associated air suspension system until the valve member is returned to a supply position.

Abstract: An in-arm suspension (12) is provided for actively controlling a suspension arm (20) mounted to a vehicle frame (14). The suspension arm (20) has a housing (60) in which the a compressible fluid strut (32) and a fluid control section (90) are enclosed. The compressible fluid strut (32) includes a cylinder (134) and a piston rod (136) which is urged to extend from within the cylinder (134) in response to fluid pressure applied to compressible fluid disposed within the cylinder (134). A damper piston (174) is mounted to an interior portion of the piston rod (136), and moves with the piston rod (136) to pass the compressible fluid through the damper piston 174 and attenuate bounce and rebound of the piston rod (136) within the cylinder (134). A damper lock (210) is mounted to the piston rod (136) for selectively preventing the flow of compressible fluid through the damper piston (174).

Abstract: A suspension system for an agricultural or construction industry vehicle is described. The suspension system comprises two hydraulic cylinders which support a frame in relation to an axle of the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinders being hydraulically connected to one another in a cross connection, so that a piston-side chamber of the one hydraulic cylinder is connected to the piston rod-side chamber of the other hydraulic cylinder and vice versa, in each case one hydraulic accumulator assigned to a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic source, a hydraulic tank, a control valve device, an electronic control unit, electrically switchable switch valves which are arranged in the cross connection between the hydraulic accumulators and the hydraulic cylinders, and a first and second supply line, which supply lines connect the control vale device to the cross connection.

Abstract: A suspension system includes four electronically controlled actuators, one at each of the four wheels. The actuators are each controlled by an electronic control unit. The left front and right front actuators are mechanically connected with each other. The left rear and the right rear actuators are also mechanically connected with each other. The only connection between the front two actuators and the rear two actuators is an electronic communication through the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit (100) comprises a source (180) of fluid pressure having a fluid inlet (201) and a fluid outlet (202); a fluid reservoir (181) fluidly connected to the fluid inlet of the pressure source; an attenuation means (111) having a fluid inlet (203) fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the pressure source, and a fluid outlet (204); a pressure control valve (199) fluidly connected to the fluid inlet of the attenuation means and to the fluid reservoir or the fluid inlet of the pressure source; and one or more valves (82-84) fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the attenuation means.

Abstract: A suspension system for an agricultural or construction industry vehicle is described. The suspension system comprises two hydraulic cylinders, which support a frame in relation to an axle of the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinders each having a piston-side chamber and a piston rod-side chamber and each of the chambers of the hydraulic cylinders being connectable to one another via connecting lines provided with a switch valve, a first supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the first hydraulic cylinder, a second supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the second hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic accumulator, in each case connectable to the supply lines via proportionally adjustable orifices, a hydraulic source, a hydraulic tank, a control valve device, and an electronic control unit.

Abstract: A monotube shock absorber that can be adjusted remotely or otherwise, and a corresponding system are provided. The monotube shock absorber includes a body tube that houses a working piston therein and a bypass tube that is attached to but external with respect to the body tube. A control valve influences flow volume and rate of oil that passes through the bypass tube in a manner that correspondingly influences damping and/or other characteristics of the monotube shock absorber. The monotube shock absorber can include a floating piston separating a volume of gas from a volume of oil. The volumes of gas and oil may be entirely housed in the body tube or may be at least partially housed in an external reservoir that can include an anti-cavitation valve.

Abstract: A vehicle roll control system for a vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels each rotatable on an axle, comprising a front hydraulic actuator attached to the front torsion bar; a rear hydraulic actuator attached to the rear torsion bar; and control means connected to the front and rear hydraulic actuators and controlling the operation thereof on detection of a predetermined vehicle condition; wherein each front and rear hydraulic actuator comprises a housing, a piston making a sealing sliding fit inside the housing to define a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, and a piston rod connected to the piston and extending through the second fluid chamber and out of the housing; wherein the control means acts on detection of the predetermined vehicle condition to apply a fluid pressure to the first fluid chambers of the front and rear hydraulic actuators and to apply a fluid pressure to the second fluid chambers of the front and rear hydraulic actuators; and wherein the control mea

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pneumatically sprung caster mechanism to provide a pneumatically controlled ride height for a platform attached to the caster. The caster is mounted to a first end of a pivoting axle, while a piston is mounted to the opposite end of the pivoting axle. The length of the piston is pneumatically controlled to rotate the pivoting axle to either increase, or decrease, the distance between the caster and the platform. Suspension is provided through interaction of the piston with an air reservoir, whereby minute variations in the length of the piston are absorbed by the elasticity of the walls of the air reservoir. A free-flow of air is facilitated such that air forced out of the piston during contraction may be collected by the air reservoir and air required by the piston during expansion may be provided by the air reservoir.