Abstract: A composite suspension system for a vehicle includes a mechanical suspension system supporting the body of the vehicle with respect to an axle and a pneumatic suspension system to selectively provide support for the body relative to the axle. Under heavy loads, the pneumatic suspension system may be inflated to support the body relative to the axle. When not under heavy loads the pneumatic suspension system may be deflated so as not to interfere with the support provided by the mechanical suspension system. A control system regulates a compressor connected to the pneumatic suspension system to inflate the same. The control system also regulates access of the pneumatic suspension system to a vacuum source to deflate the same.

Abstract: An arrangement for a suspension for a load carrying vehicle is provided. The suspension is provided with air springs and comprises at least one front axle and at least two rear axles, and each rear axle is provided with at least one pair of corresponding suspension air springs and at least one air spring is provided for lifting one of the rear axles. The suspension air springs for at least the rearmost axle is connected to the air spring for lifting one of the rear axles by a conduit for compressed air, which conduit is provided with a controllable valve, whereby the controllable valve is arranged to open during a vehicle loading process. A vehicle provided with the arrangement, and a method for carrying out a loading operation using the arrangement, are also described.

Abstract: An operating module for localized signal processing at a corner of a vehicle includes a housing, a valve assembly or a sensor, and a signal processing device. The operating module can be used in operative association with an air spring assembly. The operating module can be in communication with other components and/or systems. A vehicle suspension system and method are also discussed.

Abstract: An articulated dozer with a four point independent suspension system between a chassis and two support frames is described. The chassis includes a front chassis portion and a rear chassis portion connected by an articulation joint. The vehicle is compactly arrange so that the chassis and the two support frames fit between the track systems supporting and propelling the vehicle. Additionally, the engine is arranged near the articulation joint and lower than the top of the track systems for improved view and visibility. The cab is arranged over the track systems at the front of the vehicle for an optimal view of the blade.

Abstract: In order to simplify air flow control in a self-contained air supply system, an average control speed is calculated on the basis of a defined movement of the air springs (3, 4) and compared with an optimum control speed. The result of the comparison of the control speeds is used to determine the need for or the excess of an amount of compressed air. There are at least three possibilities for calculating the average control speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for increasing the driving stability of motor vehicles (PB), comprising a hydraulically-operated device support (GT) for mounting a working device (FS). According to the invention, the device support (GT) is controlled at a given set position, whereby an actuating parameter for the positional control (PR) is given in the form of a hydraulic pressure set value and a hydraulic pressure is regulated to the given hydraulic pressure set value, whereby a stabilizing time for the pressure regulation is much smaller than a stabilizing time for the positional regulation. Said device comprises a position regulator (PR) for positional regulation of the device support (GT), whereby an actuating parameter of the position regulator (PR) is given in the form of a hydraulic pressure set value and a pressure regulator (RE) is coupled to the position regulator (PR) to regulate the hydraulic pressure to the given hydraulic pressure set value.

Abstract: A seating system to be easily attached to an existing dynamic balancing personal vehicle is provided. The seating system allows both seated and standing use of the dynamic balancing personal vehicle, and provides for activation of rider present sensors contained in the foot platform of the dynamic balancing personal vehicle by the weight of the rider on the seating system. The seating system also provides for secure transfer of rider forces into the attached dynamic balancing personal vehicle, as well as shock attenuation, rider height adjustment, and rider center of gravity trimming. Alternatively, a dynamic balancing transportation system incorporating a flexible seating system for a rider is provided.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling vehicle loading on a multi-axle vehicle and improving maneuverability is disclosed. The system includes a reservoir of pressurized air and associated leveling valve that uses a relay valve to improve refill times when the vehicle returns from a dump mode operation to normal operation. The process reduces pressure in one or more of the axles when maneuvering the vehicle at predetermined slow speeds and maintaining that first predetermined pressure while the other axle(s) is at a greater pressure than the first axle. By preventing complete exhaustion of pressure from the suspension system, restoring air pressure is attained more quickly. Also, use of a relay valve enables higher flow rates to improve the refill time of the pneumatic suspension system after the dump operation.

Abstract: A suspension system dampens motion between two components of a vehicle, such as the wheels and the chassis. An assembly of a cylinder and a piston is connected to both components. The piston defines first and second chambers in the cylinder and has a shaft with an end surface exposed to pressure within a third chamber of the cylinder. A first accumulator is connected to the first chamber by a first accumulator valve and a second accumulator valve connects a second accumulator to the second chamber. A damping valve alternately connects the third chamber to either the second chamber or a fluid tank wherein that connection defines the stiffness of the suspension system and is made in response to force acting on the suspension system. A load leveling circuit also is described.

Abstract: A four wheel chassis for a floor conveyor, a counterweight stacker in particular, in which the ends of the front and rear axle or the wheels, respectively, are supported with respect to the vehicle frame via double-acting hydraulic cylinders, which on their turn co-operate with hydraulic accumulators and constitute a hydraulic chassis system, wherein first controllable on-off valves separate the hydraulic accumulators from the hydraulic cylinders at option, and wherein a hydraulic lifting equipment for a load supporting means is provided, wherein a hydraulic system for the lifting equipment co-operates with the hydraulic chassis system via a pressure intensifier, and the pressure in the chassis system and with this a compression movement is changed as a function of the taken-up load.

Abstract: Method and device for calculating chassis height of a vehicle that has at least three air-suspended wheel axles (2, 3, 4). The device includes a control unit and two level sensors (9, 10). The control unit detects the chassis height at the front axle (2) via a first level sensor (9) and at the forward rear axle (3) via a second level sensor (10), and the control unit calculates the chassis height at the rearmost wheel axle (4). An object of the disclosure is to protect the rear axle installation with as few level sensors as possible.

Abstract: In a ground contact load control apparatus for a vehicle having front and rear, left and right load bearing means (11, 12, 13, 14) which support the ground contact load of each of the front and rear, left and right wheels, respectively, a load changing means which can operate to change the ground contact load supported by these load bearing means, vehicle state sensing means (sensors) which sense the state of the vehicle, and a control means (electric control unit ECU) which controls the operation of the load changing means in accordance with signals from the vehicle state sensing means, load changing means (50, 60) which can increase and decrease the ground contact load of any pair of diagonally opposed wheels and the ground contact load of the other pair of diagonally opposed wheels in opposite directions and which can operate to increase or decrease the ground contact load of diagonally opposed wheels in the same direction are used as the load changing means.

Abstract: A device for controlling suspension performance in a vehicle having variable loads on an axle, a level control system, and a hydropneumatic suspension apparatus between unsprung and sprung masses. The device includes at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder chamber and a toroid chamber, a pump, a cylinder chamber inlet line connecting the pump to the cylinder chamber, a toroid chamber inlet line connecting the pump to the toroid chamber, and a cylinder chamber outlet line. Two 2/2 port directional control valves configured to regulate the level control system are disposed in the cylinder chamber inlet line and the cylinder chamber outlet line, respectively. A pilot valve is disposed in the toroid chamber inlet line and dependent on a pressure level in the cylinder chamber inlet line.

Abstract: A vibration control system for a structure having a first structural member and a second structural member. The vibration control system having a liquid spring operably interposed between the first structural member and the second structural member. The liquid spring uses a compressible liquid to seamlessly generate spring and/or damping forces in the suspension system in response to relative displacement between the first structural member and the second structural member. A second volume of compressible liquid is located in a second chamber. The second volume is removably connected to the liquid spring by a fluid passage. A valve is coupled to the fluid passage, the valve selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring. A controller is electrically coupled to the valve. The controller emitting a control signal to control the valve.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus for use in a vehicle including a body, a body-side member, a wheel, and a wheel-side member, the apparatus including a hydraulic suspension device which is adapted to be provided between the body-side member and the wheel-side member; a first accumulator which is connected to the hydraulic suspension device via a liquid passage and which allows a hydraulic liquid to flow from the liquid passage into the first accumulator when a pressure of the hydraulic liquid in the liquid passage exceeds a first pre-set liquid pressure, the liquid passage including a first portion which is located between an intermediate point thereof and the hydraulic suspension device, and a second portion which is located between the intermediate point thereof and the first accumulator; and a second accumulator which is connected, via a connection passage shorter than the second portion of the liquid passage, to the intermediate point of the liquid passage and which allows the hydraulic liquid to flow from the liqu

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 hydro-pneumatic suspension system includes one or more hydraulic suspension cylinders mounted between the vehicle body and the axle. Each cylinder includes a piston chamber and rod chamber, each of which are connected to an accumulator and which can be connected to a pressure source and a tank by valve systems. The valve system for the rod chamber includes a first solenoid valve and a hydraulically and electrically actuated proportional pressure adjusting valve. The proportional valve is exposed to rod chamber pressure and to tank pressure. The rod chamber pressure can be applied on the proportional valve either directly as control pressure or can be detected with a sensor, and can be used to control the proportional valve. Such a system can influence the dependency of the suspension stiffness on the axle load and can be used to adjust the stiffness to ballast conditions and operating or driving states.

Abstract: A height control valve for use in a vehicle suspension system for controlling the ride height of the trailer, the height control valve provided with a universal mounting for allowing greater flexibility in the mounting of the height control valve to a vehicle frame, the height control valve also having a position indicator to aide an installer in aligning a valve element contained within the valve according to a selected mounting position.

Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis and two A-frames. The points of the A-frames face each other. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The vehicle is propelled along the ground by independently driven tracks. The invention includes a feature to limit the motion of the suspension system based on the load applied to the suspension cylinders, i.e., the pressure experienced by the head end of the suspension cylinders. This is accomplished via pilot operated check valves.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension for a vehicle. The trailing arm suspension having a height control system for controlling the ride height of the suspension relative to the vehicle. The height control system preferably comprises a motor driven height control valve.

Abstract: A four wheel chassis for a floor conveyor, a counterweight stacker in particular, in which the ends of the front and rear axle or the wheels, respectively, are supported with respect to the vehicle frame via double-acting hydraulic cylinders, which on their turn co-operate with hydraulic accumulators and constitute a hydraulic chassis system, wherein first controllable on-off valves separate the hydraulic accumulators from the hydraulic cylinders at option, and wherein a hydraulic lifting equipment for a load supporting means is provided, wherein a hydraulic system for the lifting equipment co-operates with the hydraulic chassis system via a pressure intensifier, and the pressure in the chassis system and with this a compression movement is changed as a function of the taken-up load.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension system for a vehicle with a level control, in particular for the front axle of a tractor, includes a first 2/2 directional control valve having a regulating-up function communicating with the pressurized oil pump and a second 2/2 directional control valve having a regulating-down function communicating with a reservoir.

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: A height control valve for controlling the relative height between a vehicle frame and a trailing arm suspension. The height control valve comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and having an inlet port fluidly connecting to a source of pressurized air. An air spring port is provided in the housing for fluidly connecting to an air spring. Additionally, an exhaust port is provided in the housing for fluidly connecting to the atmosphere. A valve is disposed within the interior chamber and is selectively operable between a fill position, an exhaust position, and a neutral position.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension includes an axle and a first suspension air bag acting one of directly or indirectly in a downward direction upon the axle. A lever is provided having a first end, a second end, and a fulcrum selectively positioned between the first end and the second end. The first end is linked to the axle. A second lift air bag acts in a downward direction upon the second end of the lever. This causes the lever to pivot about the fulcrum such that the first end of the lever, which is linked to the axle, is raised. An air diverter selectively supplies air to either the first suspension air bag to lower the axle or the second lift air bag to raise the axle.

Abstract: A loading machine is disclosed with at least one drive train, with at least one overload protection device for the drive train and with sensors for determining an overload state in the drive train. Critical operating conditions of the loading machine can be determined based on signals from the sensors, such that the load application on the drive train can be influenced in terms of power. The determination of critical operating conditions is implemented by means of a control unit which evaluates the signals from the sensors. When preset threshold values have been attained, the control unit generates control signals for a fuel injection pump, upon which a preventive limitation of the power is initiated.

Abstract: A method for controlling the ride height in a suspension of an over the highway truck or tractor based on rear axle load. A load on the rear axle is measured. An optimum ride height is calculated at core response to correct drive lighted angles based on the rear axle load. The actual ride height is measured. The difference between the optimum ride height and the actual ride height is calculated. A component of the suspension, such as an air spring, is adjusted to adjust the actual ride height to a height closer to the optimum ride height.

Abstract: In a ground contact load control apparatus for a vehicle having front and rear, left and right load bearing means (11, 12, 13, 14) which support the ground contact load of each of the front and rear, left and right wheels, respectively, a load changing means which can operate to change the ground contact load supported by these load bearing means, vehicle state sensing means (sensors) which sense the state of the vehicle, and a control means (electric control unit ECU) which controls the operation of the load changing means in accordance with signals from the vehicle state sensing means, load changing means (50, 60) which can increase and decrease the ground contact load of any pair of diagonally opposed wheels and the ground contact load of the other pair of diagonally opposed wheels in opposite directions and which can operate to increase or decrease the ground contact load of diagonally opposed wheels in the same direction are used as the load changing means.

Abstract: The invention is disclosed to variably control the amount of compressed air flowing per unit hour depending on the change in the level position of the wheel axles in a moving vehicle when the compressed air flows into air springs from the leveling valve or when the compressed air flows out of the air springs through the leveling valve, so as to make it possible to variably control the time to restore the status of the vehicle body depending on the level of rollings caused when the vehicle turns a corner, thereby achieving turning stability, higher response speed and steering.

Abstract: A payload monitoring system for a vehicle includes a first spring device and a first pressure transducer. The first pressure transducer generates a first pressure signal based on a pressure of the first spring device. A controller determines a payload of the vehicle based on the first pressure signal. The controller indicates the payload to an operator. The controller signals a warning if the payload is greater than a payload threshold.

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: An air suspension system for a vehicle wherein a valve means for varying the resilience of an air spring in response to changes of vehicle height is integrally formed with an air spring to be mounted on the vehicle frame such that the installation space of the air suspension system can be minimized. As a result, cumbersome processes involved with the manufacture of the vehicle can be eliminated to provide an improved convenience for workers. A conventional lever used for connecting a leveling valve and an air spring is dispensed with to reduce the number of parts constituting the air suspension system and lower the manufacturing cost.

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: 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 method for controlling the ride height in a suspension of an over the highway truck or tractor based on rear axle load. A load on the rear axle is measured. An optimum ride height is calculated at core response to correct drive lighted angles based on the rear axle load. The actual ride height is measured. The difference between the optimum ride height and the actual ride height is calculated. A component of the suspension, such as an air spring, is adjusted to adjust the actual ride height to a height closer to the optimum ride height.

Abstract: A hitch control system for a work vehicle combines a front suspension position signal, a hitch load signal and a hitch position signal to generate a valve command signal that controls hitch position so as to alleviate pitching and maximize front wheel ground contact time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle spring apparatus comprising housing having fluid sealed therein. The housing comprises a cylinder with a slidably fitted piston and a piston rod connected at one end to said piston. The piston rod extends at the other end outside said cylinder and said cylinder is connected via a passage and a first valve to a first accumulator chamber comprising a springing medium. The cylinder is connected via a passage and a second valve to a second accumulator chamber comprising a springing medium, and said accumulator chambers is also connected with each other via at least one controllable pump. The invention also relates to a vehicle height adjusting system and a vehicle comprising the vehicle spring apparatus.

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 air spring system for a two axle motor vehicle has a compressed air source and control valves. The control valves are assigned to the individual motor vehicle wheels and by means of which the respective vehicle wheel air springs can be connected by choice to a compressed air supply line which is connected to the compressed air source. The air springs of the vehicle front axle and the air springs of the vehicle rear axle have their own compressed air line branches, whose cross sections differ at least by segments; and the line branch of one of the two axles is designed in such a manner that its flow cross section during compressed air infeed into the assigned air springs differs at least by segments from the flow cross section during compressed air bleeding from the assigned air springs.

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: An air suspension system for light to medium duty vehicles. The system includes pneumatically controlled and hydraulic operated shock absorbers. The shock absorbers for the vehicle are adjusted and tuned to be operated in conjunction with the air springs for the vehicle; and, the shock absorbers and the air springs are supplied from the same air supply source.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydraulic suspension systems and in particular to vehicle oleopneumatic suspension systems employing sliding pillar struts. There is provided a suspension system for a vehicle comprising a plurality of suspension struts, each mounted between a vehicle body and a wheel assembly, each including a cylinder having a closed end and an inner bore; a piston rod slideable within the inner bore having a proximal end which terminates within the inner bore and a distal end which extends from the inner bore. Between the inner bore and the piston rod there is mounted an oil seal which seals a strut volume. A hydrostatic bearing is mounted within and vents into the strut volume. A hydraulic circuit and associated control system is adapted to control flow of hydraulic fluid between the strut volume and a reservoir, thereby providing control of at least the time-averaged axial position of the piston rod relative to its corresponding inner bore.

Abstract: A height control valve is preferably adapted to be mounted in a trailing arm suspension and fluidly interconnected to a source of pressurized air and to an air spring. The height control valve comprises a housing having a cylindrical bore, a supply port, an exhaust port and an air spring port each of which extends through the housing and fluidly communicates with the bore. A rotor is preferably rotatably mounted in the bore and interconnected to the arm wherein pivotal movement of the arm rotates the rotor with respect to the housing between first, second and third rotational positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the ride of a load carrying vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor, a controller, and an adjustable accumulator assembly. The sensor measures a load on a load holding hydraulic circuit. The controller is operatively connected to the adjustable accumulator assembly. The controller is capable of adjusting the precharge pressure in the accumulator in response to the load measured by the sensor.

Abstract: A single air spring positioned under one side of a vehicle provides side to side leveling of the vehicle. Main springs support the vehicle above a pair of coaxial wheels or coaxial wheel sets. An auxiliary, inflatable air spring is positioned to provide additional support to the vehicle above one of the wheels. Deflection of the main springs from a norm or index is indicated by movement of tie rods mounted from the wheels, axle, or base of the main springs relative to the suspended portion of the vehicle. One tie rod is directly linked to a free end of an equalizer lever whereby the equalizer lever moves in the same direction as the tie rod. The second tie rod is coupled to the remaining free end of the equalizer lever by a rotatable rod, whereby the appropriate end of the equalizer lever moves in the direction opposite to the tie rod. The equalizer lever is suspended at its center from an actuation lever for a valve used to control inflation and deflation of the auxiliary air spring.

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: A method for stabilizing a vehicle to avoid at least one of a vehicle rolling over about a vehicle axis oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the vehicle sliding in the transverse direction. The method determines at least one of a torsion variable that corresponds to how the vehicle behaves in reaction to a force acting on the vehicle about the vehicle axis oriented in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and a load-shift variable that corresponds to how the vehicle load behaves in reaction to a force acting upon the vehicle. The method determines a vehicle speed and also determines at least one threshold value for the vehicle speed based on the torsion variable and the load-shift variable. The vehicle speed and the at least one threshold value are then compared, and interventions (or measures) are taken to stabilize the vehicle based on the comparison.

Abstract: A levelling valve actuating apparatus is provided for converting a linear displacement resulting from a vehicular height change into a rotational displacement and controlling operation of a levelling valve, the apparatus positioned between a wheel-side suspension and the levelling valve, the valve being supplied with operating air from an air source and the air supply to an air spring adjusted by means of actuation of a rotary plate for intermittently interrupting a hydraulic fluid passage within the valve body, comprising a lever for adjusting vehicle height one end of which is connected to the rotating plate of the levelling valve outside of the valve body, a connecting slot being formed at an opposite end of the lever in a longitudinal direction, a rack being formed on the inside of the connecting slot along the longitudinal direction; a rod for adjusting vehicular height having an arcuate external shape, an end of the rod being mounted on a side of the suspension through a ball joint, an arcuate slot bein

Abstract: A vehicle is carried by a number of supporting members, such as wheels. Movement between the supporting members and the vehicle body is controlled by respective dampers. Several interrelationships between and among the dampers are disclosed. A flow regulator is provided to augment damping forces under a variety of operating conditions.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the ride height of a wheeled vehicle, the distance between a vehicle body and a wheel suspension unit for at least one wheel provided with a gas-filled tire is adjusted to a distance setpoint value which can be predefined in a variable fashion at least as a function of the vehicle payload. The tire pressure is sensed and the distance setpoint value is additionally predefined in a variable fashion as a function of the sensed tire pressure. For this purpose, in the wheeled vehicle, the tire is assigned a tire-pressure sensor, and the distance setpoint value can additionally be predefined in a variable fashion as a function of the sensed tire pressure.