Abstract: A retrofitable or OEM installed vehicle suspension system at least one sensor (18) capable resolving pitch and/or roll of a vehicle. The sensor (18) output is used to control wheel position with respect to the vehicle by means of at least one wheel actuator (14). Thus, the suspension and wheel position is dynamically, significantly adjusted based on the irregularities of the terrain being traversed or the pitch and roll of the vehicle.

Abstract: The suspension and level control system for vehicles includes, so as to independently control inflation and deflation of left and right front and rear air-springs, corresponding left and right front and rear pneumatic circuits in fluid communication with a pressurized air source. Each air-spring may have at least one air ride cushion reservoir mounted in a parallel pneumatic circuit in parallel fluid communication with the air-spring. Each pneumatic circuit includes a selectively actuable valve for selectively passing pressurized air from the air source into the corresponding parallel pneumatic circuit to selectively inflate the corresponding air-spring thereby raising a corresponding corner of the vehicle; and for selectively venting pressurized air from the corresponding parallel pneumatic circuit to selectively deflate the corresponding air-spring, thereby lowering a corresponding corner of the vehicle.

Abstract: At least three length varying means, mounted between an upper end of a strut and a vehicle body, change the position of the strut in relation to the vehicle body, thereby enabling active adjustment of the camber, caster, and vehicle height.

Abstract: A motorized assembly 10 having a handlebar control switch assembly 56 which allows the height and load carrying capacity of the motorized assembly 10 to be quickly and easily modified without requiring a user 11 to remove their hands from the handlebar portion 20 of the motorized assembly 10.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling frame rise on a heavy duty truck having a frame, a drive axle connected to the frame, and a selectively lockable suspension component disposed therebetween for maintaining the relative position therebetween. Signals indicative of at least one of the following vehicle operating parameters: engine speed, brake pressure, vehicle speed, air bag pressure, steering wheel angle, vehicle height, or throttle position are monitored and a predicted thrust is calculated that will be applied to the drive axle based on the monitored signals. The selectively lockable suspension component is locked if the predicted thrust exceeds a predetermined threshold and is also controlled with respect to other operating parameters such as whether vehicle brakes are applied, any instantaneous change in torque, vehicle operating speed, and the length of time the selectively lockable suspension component has been locked.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic axle suspension for vehicles having greatly varying axle loads, in particular for front axles on tractors having hydraulic suspension cylinders, which are connected to hydropneumatic accumulators having a suspension circuit Z of the cylinder chambers that is pressure-regulated via a level-control device, and a pressure-regulated suspension circuit of the annular spaces for varying the spring rate CA. The axle-spring rate CA automatically changing via an electromagnetic actuator to increase the ride comfort in accordance with a predefined control mode. Additional, individual variations also being controllable.

Abstract: The many embodiments of the present invention disclose and teach methods and systems for lowering automobiles. Some embodiments of the present invention may be installed on and used with vans so that van consumer may have high-top vans that are garageable, parkable, and washable. An embodiment of the present invention may generally comprise a van roof with a specific predetermined height adapted to increase the interior volume of a van, a suspension system adapted to lower a van and enhance the performance capabilities of a van's suspension system, and a tire/wheel combination adapted to lower a van without affecting a van's operating instruments. The embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide a van with a high-top roof with a predetermined exterior height yielding a high-top van that is garageable, parkable, and washable. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a suspension that includes a control arm pivotally coupled to the vehicle chassis that is supported by a hydraulic cylinder connected to an accumulator to provide springing. A hydraulic circuit coupled to the cylinder and accumulator permit the operator to raise and lower the chassis, to lock the suspension while the vehicle is loaded, and to automatically charge or discharge the accumulator to match the cylinder pressure during loading and unloading. In this manner, when the suspension is unlocked after loading, the vehicle chassis neither rises nor falls.

Abstract: A vehicle air suspension system includes a control unit 32 which is arranged to produce a running measure of the level of cross articulation of the two axles 18, 20 and, if it exceeds a certain level indicating that the vehicle is on rough terrain, to open respective interconnections 34, 36 between the suspension units 24 on opposite ends of each axle so as to reduce the resistance to that articulation. The interconnections are arranged to close when the vehicle speed increases so as to provide roll control.

Abstract: A sensor for a height control system in a trailing arm suspension uses a transducer to detect changes in position of a trailing arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the trailing arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.

Abstract: An upper mount (2) with which a vehicle height can be increased and reduced at any time using a vehicle-mounted existing fluid device (hydraulic device, for example) without using a dedicated fluid pressure mechanism such as a pneumatic device and without affecting suspension performance at all. The upper mount (2) is composed of a body-side member (4) fixed to a body (8) and a suspension-side member (6) fixed to (an upper end portion (38) of) a suspension. The suspension-side member (6) is slidably installed to the body-side member (4) with a sealed space (28) formed between both members. Fluid passage holes (oil passage holes) (18, 18) are made in the body-side member (4) from the outside. When fluid is supplied to the sealed space (28), the spacing between the suspension-side member (6) and the body-side member (4) is widened and a vehicle height can be increased.

Abstract: In order to reduce a vehicle height adjustment time period without unnecessarily narrowing a vehicle height adjustment range, a control unit adjusts the vehicle height of a vehicle by controlling supply and discharge of air to/from air springs each disposed between a side member and an under member. When the side member is at a vehicle height lowest position, a stopper of the side member comes into contact with a stopper receiving portion of the under member. When the side member is at the vehicle height lowest position while the control unit is set to a memory mode, an adjustment range setting section of the control unit sets a vehicle height lower limit by adding a lower limit setting predetermined value to a vehicle height measured value outputted from height sensors. The control unit does not lower the side member below the vehicle height lower limit during vehicle height adjustment.

Abstract: An air-bag suspension system for a motorcycle having a motorcycle main frame, fender struts extending outwardly from the main frame, and a swing arm pivotally mounted to the main frame about a pivot axis. The air-bag suspension system includes shock absorber assemblies each having an air-bag. The air in the air-bags is generated by an on-board compressor and released through a solenoid valve. The air-bag suspension system replaces the standard coil spring hydraulic suspension commonly found on motorcycles and provides a greater range of adjustment, remotely controlled, while the motorcycle is in use. The air-bag suspension system accommodates heavier loads than the stock suspension systems when the air-bags are fully inflated; and when deflated completely, provide an aesthetically pleasing stance. The range of wheel travel provided allows the rider to adjust the suspension to provide the smoothest ride coupled with an increased load capacity or adverse road conditions.

Abstract: To improve operability for vehicle height adjustment, while ensuring safety, in a vehicle such as a truck, a wireless remote control radio-transmits a vehicle height adjusting signal tagged with a remote control identification code. The remote control identification code is preregistered in a receiver, which, upon receipt of the vehicle height adjusting signal tagged with the remote control identification code, takes in the vehicle height adjusting signal. According to information contained in the received vehicle height adjusting signal, an air suspension ECU controls supply and discharge of compressed air for air springs to adjust the vehicle height. When an emergency operation switch is operated, the vehicle height adjusting signal from the wireless remote control is disabled, and vehicle height adjustment is preferentially made based on a switching signal from the emergency operation switch.

Abstract: A valve for supplying pressured air to vehicle air bags, includes a shuttle (20) with a valving member (80) having a precision polished seal surface (86) that presses against a precision polished sealed-against housing lower surface (50) of a housing (14) that confines the shuttle to sliding left and right. A recess (90) in the valving member can connect first and second holes (52 and 56, 58) in the housing lower surface, or isolate the holes from each other. The shuttle includes a shuttle frame (70) with a vertical bore (74) that receives a guiding part (82) of the valving member. A conduit extends from the valving member recess to a sealed region (102) at the top of the vertical passage to pressurize the sealed region with pressured air, to push down the valving member against the housing lower surface.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle suspension system includes a plurality of damping members and an air spring operatively associated with each of the damping members. The suspension system also includes a compressed air source, a valve assembly, and a controller. The compressed air source is in fluid communication with each of the air springs. The valve assembly is operatively disposed between the compressed air source and each of the air springs. The controller is operatively associated with the valve assembly for selective activation thereof. A user can selectively adjust one of a damping rate of the damping members, a spring rate of the air springs, and a ride height of the air springs, such as by using a control panel. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An independent suspension system for a wheeled vehicle includes a modified shock absorber, a leaf spring, and a wheel carrier. The shock absorber includes a cylinder, and a rod passing through the cylinder. The shock absorber is vertically mounted in a condition where the ends of the rod are coupled to the vehicle body. The cylinder of the shock absorber is coupled to the wheel carrier. The leaf spring supports the wheel carrier against rotation on a vertical axis of the vehicle. The leaf spring is elastically twisted to cancel a moment that causes a friction within the shock absorber.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a suspension that includes a control arm pivotally coupled to the vehicle chassis that is supported by a hydraulic cylinder connected to an accumulator to provide springing. A hydraulic circuit coupled to the cylinder and accumulator permit the operator to raise and lower the chassis, to lock the suspension while the vehicle is loaded, and to automatically charge or discharge the accumulator to match the cylinder pressure during loading and unloading. In this manner, when the suspension is unlocked after loading, the vehicle chassis neither rises nor falls.

Abstract: A lift-type axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle includes ride air springs for providing vehicle load support when the system is lowered, and one or more lift air springs for selectively raising the system when such additional load support is unnecessary or when greater vehicle maneuverability is desired. An apparatus integrates and simultaneously controls the operating systems for the lift and ride air springs. The control apparatus includes a plurality of conduits and valves which enable pressurized air from the lift air springs to be rapidly provided to the ride air springs when the system is being lowered. The additional air supplements the normal source of air from the vehicle compressed air source to ensure sufficient and timely air for smooth and efficient operation of the ride air springs without excessive buckling or folding, thus maintaining adequate overall vehicle air pressure needed for operating other vehicle components.

Abstract: In a process for controlling the quantity of air in a closed, chargeable and estimable pneumatic level control system of a vehicle, which level control system comprises at least one pressure sensor, one pump, an actuator, a storage reservoir and pressure lines interconnecting these components, at least one vehicle body level sensor, and a temperature sensor, which measures the ambient temperature, from the values measured an air mass of the level control system is calculated on the basis of the air pressures in the components, the level of the vehicle and the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the level of the vehicle, the ambient temperature and a maximum possible change in level from a particular vehicle level are used to calculate a vehicle-specific desired air mass and a desired air pressure in the system. The air mass is increased if the actual air pressure drops below the desired air pressure, and the air mass is reduced if the actual air pressure exceeds the desired air pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic switching valve (1) for systems for lifting and lowering the body of a vehicle including air suspension includes a mechanical actuation element (33) for adjusting a lifting position, a lowering position, a driving position and a stop position associated with respective positions of the vehicle. An inlet valve (11), an outlet valve (12) and a locking valve (13) each include a valve body (24), a tappet (26) and a closing spring (27). The inlet valve (11) and the outlet valve (12) are arranged in one common plane to face in opposite directions. The closing springs (27) of the inlet valve (11) and of the outlet valve (12) also serve to move the actuation element (33) from the lifting position or from the lowering position to the stop position when the operator releases the actuation element (33).

Abstract: A control system that senses misalignment of components in a vehicle drive train system and adjusts the vehicle ride height to realign the components. A control unit monitors vibration, torque or other operating parameters of a vehicle's drive train or other vehicle components and determines whether the parameters are abnormal. If the monitored parameters are abnormal, then the control unit controls suspension elements on the vehicle to adjust the ride height of the vehicle and subsequently the alignment of the drive train, for example, the operating angle of the driveshaft. A ride height sensor feeds back ride height measurements as the suspension elements are adjusted to assist in finding an optimal ride height that eliminates or reduces excess vibration and/or torque. In another embodiment, the control unit adjusts the ride height based on vehicle speed or fuel economy to reduce the profile of the vehicle and improve fuel economy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a level adjusting system for motor vehicles, with a compressed air reservoir (26) and a tire inflation connector (28), in which a spare wheel can be connected. The spare wheel can be inflated from the compressed air reservoir (26) with the aid of the controllable distribution valve (36), the pneumatically controllable distribution valve (18), which bridges the non-return valve (10), the air dryer (6) and the pneumatically controllable valve (20) which also connects the compressed air line (22). The spare wheel may also be inflated with the aid of the compressor (2) and the pneumatically controllable distribution valve (20). During the inflation process the compressed air line (22) is closed with the aid of the controllable distribution valve (24) so that no compressed air escapes into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The wheeled work vehicle according to the present invention comprises a link 4 that links at least either one of axles 1 and 1′ provided at the front and the rear of the vehicle to a body 70, suspension hydraulic cylinders 2 provided at the left side and the right side of the chassis 70 to link the axle 1 to the body 70 in conjunction with the link 4 and an accumulator 7 that is made to communicate with oil chambers 2b and 2c of the hydraulic cylinders 2 via restrictors 5a, 5b and 6a.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting apparatus includes a suspension spring supporting a sprung weight of a vehicle, a pivotal unsprung member carrying a road wheel and connected to a lower end of the suspension spring so as to pivot in response to deformation of the suspension spring, and a drive mechanism adapted so as to be free from the sprung weight and capable of moving the unsprung member so as to cause the suspension spring to increase or decrease in length and thereby adjusting a vehicle height at the road wheel.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle body having a level regulating device for setting a predetermined height of the motor vehicle body includes an outer tube and at least one piston-cylinder assembly arranged in the outer tube and having a working cylinder, a piston rod and a damping piston having damping valves. The suspension system further includes an oil reservoir with inflow and outflow lines for conducting a flow of oil between the oil reservoir and the at least one piston-cylinder assembly. A pump including a pump piston and a drive is arranged for pumping oil through the inflow and outflow lines for setting the predetermined height of the motor vehicle body. To connect the pump, a base is sealingly arranged on the outer tube, wherein the pump is connectable to the base in at least two operative positions.

Abstract: A method of controlling suspension performance in vehicles having hydropneumatic suspension devices between suspended masses and unsuspended masses and extremely variable axle load ratios, in particular on vehicles in which the front axle is subjected to a low, medium or high static load range, depending on the application of the vehicle, and the suspension device has double-action hydraulic cylinders between the suspended masses and unsuspended masses, their pressure spaces being connectable to a pump over pressure lines, a pressure-regulating valve being installed in the pressure line to the annular spaces, the pressure-regulating valve constantly correcting the pressure in the annular spaces to the pressure in the piston spaces in a predefined ratio, with the pressure (PR) in the annular spaces (7, 8) of the spring cylinders (1, 2) being increased in the low load range (n) on the front axle.

Abstract: A working apparatus includes a body, an engine, axles each carrying ground engaging wheels or tracks for moving the apparatus over the ground, an operator's cab mounted on the body, and at least one working arm supported at or adjacent one end on the body at a position for movement relative to the body, the arm being adapted to carry a working implement at or adjacent a second end thereof, and wherein one of the front and rear axles is suspended from the body by a suspension system which is adjustable independently of the other axle to raise the body to a fully raised position in which an uppermost part of the body is at a maximum height above the ground and a fully lowered position in which an uppermost part of the body is at a minimum height above the ground.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring system is provided for a motor vehicle with a compressor unit, a storage unit, as well as on-off valves, via which the individual pneumatic springs of the individual wheels are supplied with compressed air. In the area between the compressor unit and the on-off valves, there is provided a vent line that empties out into the atmosphere and that can be locked or cleared by a locking valve. Provision is also made for measures with whose help the air mass flow, emerging via the cleared vent line during a certain time interval, can be limited with respect to an unlimited state in order to prevent any undesirable noise generation during the venting of the system. One measure connects in parallel to a separately lockable main vent line, a separately lockable high-pressure vent line whose clear through flow cross section is smaller than that of the main vent line. Alternatively, a choke element can be provided in the vent line.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system includes a torsion spring, four Scott-Russell linkages for each wheel of the vehicle, and a worm gear for rotating the torsion spring. At least one of the Scott-Russell linkages for each wheel is responsive to the torsion spring to adjust the ride height of the vehicle while maintaining a substantially constant camber angle for the wheel. In one exemplary method for adjusting the ride height of a vehicle, a dynamic parameter of the vehicle is sensed and, based on the sensed dynamic parameter, the torsion spring is automatically rotated to change the orientation of the Scott-Russell linkages and thereby adjust the ride height of the vehicle. The dynamic parameter may be the speed of the vehicle, the pitch and body roll of the vehicle, or the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The operation of automatically rotating the torsion spring may be controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: An individual hanger as well as a hanger system is provided for changing the height on a trailer. Each individual hanger includes a hanger spacer which is easily removable and interchangeable with hanger spacers of a different size. The system includes hanger spacers of the same and differing heights so that different combinations of hanger spacers can be used to achieve different trailer heights.

Abstract: A vehicle ride-height and automatic suspension control system for a vehicle having an air suspension system. The automatic suspension control system provides the vehicle operator with selectable ride-heights and controls vehicle level as it rounds curves or corners. The system utilizes a series of photoelectric sensors that are linked between the vehicle chassis and axles and are combined with the vehicle steering system. Continuously sampling of the photoelectric sensors by a controller increments or decrements a digital register. When the counter reaches either the upper or lower selected threshold values the appropriate air bag is inflated or deflated for a duration of time. System sensitivity is adjustable by selecting different counter thresholds and by selecting the duration of air bag inflation or deflation.

Abstract: An individual hanger as well as a hanger system is provided for changing the height on a trailer. Each individual hanger includes a hanger spacer which is easily removable and interchangeable with hanger spacers of a different size. The system includes hanger spacers of the same and differing heights so that different combinations of hanger spacers can be used to achieve different trailer heights.

Abstract: A control system is designed to lift and lower the body of an air-suspended vehicle including an axle and level control.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a fluid pump, a pair of suspension cylinders and a hydraulic control circuit for controlling pressurization of the suspension cylinders. Each suspension cylinder has a head end and a rod end. The control circuit includes a proportional rod pressure control valve with a first pilot which is exposed to a pressure which is communicated to the head end of the suspension cylinder, and a second pilot which is exposed to pressure which is communicated to the rod end of the suspension cylinder. The rod pressure control valve controls pressure in the rod end of the suspension cylinder as a function of and proportional to the pressure in the head end of the suspension cylinder. A suspension damping valve controls communication between a chamber of the cylinder and an accumulator.

Abstract: In a process for controlling the quantity of air in a closed, chargeable and emptiable pneumatic level control system of a vehicle, which level control system comprises at least one pressure sensor, one pump, an actuator, a storage reservoir and pressure lines interconnecting these components, at least one vehicle body level sensor, and a temperature sensor, which measures the ambient temperature, from the values measured an air mass of the level control system is calculated on the basis of the air pressures in the components, the level of the vehicle and the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the level of the vehicle, the ambient temperature and a maximum possible change in level from a particular vehicle level are used to calculate a vehicle-specific desired air mass and a desired air pressure in the system. The air mass is increased if the actual air pressure drops below the desired air pressure, and the air mass is reduced if the actual air pressure exceeds the desired air pressure.

Abstract: A pair of tension cables are positioned around cams attached to the lower control arms of a vehicle suspension. Each tension cable includes a tension damper responsive to tension in the tension cables. Each tension damper includes a cylinder containing a fluid and a piston including at least one orifice attached to a rod. The piston divides the cylinder into a first and second compartment. The rod in connected to the tension cable. When the tension cable pulls on one end of the rod, the piston is pulled towards the tension cable. The fluid creates resistance in the tension damper as the fluid moves through the orifice from one compartment to the other compartment, damping vehicle roll. Control of the tension dampers can be passive, semi-active, or active.

Abstract: A suspension system for motor vehicles includes level regulation for adjusting a predetermined height of the vehicle body. At least one piston-cylinder unit of the suspension system includes a work cylinder, a piston rod and a damping piston having damping valves. A pump is arranged between an oil reservoir and the piston-cylinder unit via corresponding inlet and outlet lines. The pump comprises a pump piston and a drive unit arranged so that a pressure of the piston-cylinder unit acts on a delivery side and on a driving side of the pump piston.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving an air valve between a position in which air is admitted to an air bag mounted in a vehicle and another position in which air is released from the air bag. The actuator assembly has a U-shaped rail that is attached to a cross member of the vehicle. The rail has a channel. A linear actuator is attached to the rail. The actuator has a moveable shaft. An actuator arm is attached to the rail and has a first end attached to the actuator. The actuator operates to linearly move the arm. A ball bearing is movably retained within the channel. The ball bearing has a stud extending from the ball bearing through the actuator arm and is attached to the actuator shaft. A mounting plate has an end attached to the air valve and another end attached to a second end of the actuator arm. The actuator operates to move the air valve so as to adjust the ride firmness of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the traction of a vehicle uses weight distribution control to improve wheel to driving surface friction. A driven axle and a non-driven axle support a vehicle load through adjustable suspension members. The suspension members are, for example, air bags. Actuators and controllers adjust the suspension members in a selectable predetermined manner. The selection can be based on operator preference, vehicle operating mode, or a sensed loss of traction. The driven axle carries a drive axle maximum rated load in order to maximize drive wheel traction at all times.

Abstract: A suspension for a motor vehicle comprises a control arm connected to each of a pair of wheels, a torsion bar, and a height actuator. The torsion bar is connected to each control arm, and is rotatable in first and second directions. The height actuator is connected between the torsion bars, and is operable to lower a sprung mass of the vehicle by rotating the torsion bars in the first directions, and to raise the sprung mass by rotating the torsion bars in the second directions. A roll actuator is also connected between the height actuator and the sprung mass.

Abstract: A suspension for a motor vehicle comprises a control arm connected to each of a pair of wheels, a torsion bar, and a height actuator. The torsion bar is connected to each control arm, and is rotatable in first and second directions. The height actuator is connected between the torsion bars, and is operable to lower a sprung mass of the vehicle by rotating the torsion bars in the first directions, and to raise the sprung mass by rotating the torsion bars in the second directions. A roll actuator is also connected between the height actuator and the sprung mass.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling the level of a vehicle body of a motor vehicle with a level control system having a plurality of actuator elements with which the level of the vehicle body can be lowered by discharging an actuating fluid from the actuator elements. The level control system includes a control unit. A first level of the vehicle body is determined relative to a reference point directly before a discharge operation. A discharge operation of the vehicle body is initiated when the first level lies above a pregiven level. After initiating a discharge operation, a check is made in the control unit as to whether the vehicle body has lowered from the first level in accordance with an input. The discharge operation is interrupted when the vehicle body has not lowered from the first level in accordance with the input.

Abstract: The present invention is intended for use with a motor vehicle having at least one fluid-pressurized height adjusting member having first and second separable components. Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention includes an integrated vehicle ride height system control system. The control system includes an electronic output drive signal circuit and input signal interpretation circuit to electronically interface with at least one position sensor. The position sensor provides output signals related to extent of separation of said first and second separable components of the fluid pressurized height adjusting member.

Abstract: A torsion bar suspension for an automotive vehicle includes powered means for remotely adjusting the trim height of the vehicle by varying the torque applied to the torsion bars. Height adjustment may be up or down or both from a normal running height. The suspension may be made capable of lowering vehicle height to allow entry into or passage through a low clearance location, such as a parking garage or overpass. Alternatively, the suspension could be capable of raising the vehicle height for passage over rough terrain. Various embodiments of adjusting mechanisms are disclosed including, for example, lever and wheel type torsion adjusting means with linear or rotary actuators.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the height of a vehicle frame on a vehicle is disclosed including a pneumatic suspension system for adjusting the elevation of the vehicle frame, and a controller for controlling the pneumatic suspension system, the controller being adapted to be set in a first mode corresponding to normal driving of the vehicle and a second mode corresponding to parking or marshalling of the vehicle, whereby when the controller is in the first mode, the pneumatic suspension system permits adjustment of the vehicle frame within a first range and when the controller is in the second mode the pneumatic suspension system permits adjustment of the vehicle frame within the second range, the first range being greater than the second range, and the second range being within the first range.

Abstract: A control system is designed to lift and lower the body of an air-suspended vehicle including an axle and level control.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting to a truck suspension system which provides reinforcement to standard leaf spring suspensions in a manner that is adjustable and flexible. It provides improved weight distribution while allowing for additional vertical travel of the suspension system during periods of extreme shock loading. The apparatus mounts to the vehicle frame at a location behind the rear axle between the rear axle and rear attachment point of the leaf spring. The apparatus is both vertically and horizontally adjustable and provides an adjustable amount of reinforcement, thus allowing the operator the match the amount of reinforcement to the load. The apparatus can be fully disengaged after installation and selectively used thereafter without requiring removal and subsequent reinstallation. In the disengaged position, the apparatus has no effect on the suspension system of the host vehicle.

Abstract: The adjustable suspension includes a first and second pair of transversely disposed leaf springs supporting the vehicle. Each leaf spring includes a threaded aperture formed therein. A first and second threaded, rotatable, spindle respectively engages the apertures of the first and second pair of leaf springs. The adjustable suspension further includes actuating means for rotatably driving at least one of the spindles and mode selection means for selectively engaging the actuation means with at least one of the spindle in response to a preferred operating mode. Such arrangement facilitates manual height adjustment of the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A position sensing device including two spaced conductive coils constituting a primary and secondary winding of a transformer. A coupling member is mounted to a moveable object. This movement adjusts or alters the transformer coupling between the primary and the secondary and produces a variable output signal which can be correlated to the position of the moveable member. An electronic module is coupled to a programmable controller and adjusts an output from the linear position sensor to linearize the output with relative movement of first and second members such as components of a vehicle shock absorber.