Abstract: A fluid suspension member having a flexible wall at least partially defining a fluid chamber and having a passage formed therethrough. A connector fitting is received within the passage, and a groove extends into the flexible wall adjacent the passage. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining appropriate conditions for leveling a vehicle having a height adjustable air suspension system. The method includes the steps of providing an acceleration-determining device adapted to output a signal associated with an acceleration of the vehicle. Another step includes measuring an acceleration value of the vehicle and comparing the acceleration value to a pre-determined signal. Yet another step includes determining whether appropriate conditions exist for leveling the vehicle based on the comparison. A system for performing the steps of the method is also included.

Abstract: A method of determining performance characteristics and/or internal structural features of hyperelastic polymer materials includes performing at least one macro-level loading experiment on a sample comprised of a given composition. From the macro-level loading experiment, a set of internal structural features are determined. More particularly, tensile and compressive uniaxial loading data is collected and fit with a stress-strain function being a ratio of two polynomials. A curve fit analysis yields a set of coefficients relating the uniaxial loading data to the stress-strain function. From these coefficients, a set of statistical parameters are calculated, yielding information about internal microstructural features of the polymer composition, and therefore, performance characteristics of a part comprised of the given polymer composition.

Abstract: A penetration pocket assembly and method of forming same for sealing the joint between a membrane covering a roof structure and an element projecting therethrough. A rigid ring is placed inside a polymeric boot which is equipped with an upper and lower flange. The ring is positioned so that an upper edge fits into the boot upper flange. The ring/boot assembly is then located on the membrane surrounding the projecting element. The ring is sealed to the membrane with an adhesive and a pourable waterproof sealant fills the area within the ring, bonding to the inside surface of the ring, the boot upper flange, the exterior surface of the projecting element, and the membrane.