Patents Assigned to Diversified Products, LLC
  • Publication number: 20100000402
    Abstract: A piston for use in forming a gas spring assembly includes a longitudinally extending axis, a first end wall extending approximately transverse to the axis, and an outer side wall extending longitudinally from adjacent the first end wall. The outer side wall includes a first side wall portion that forms a fully circumferential outer surface and a second side wall portion that forms a partially circumferential outer surface that extends longitudinally beyond the fully circumferential outer surface. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: STEPHEN R. EGOLF
  • Publication number: 20090302514
    Abstract: A cooperative mounting arrangement for an end member or spacer of a gas spring assembly includes a recess formed into one of the end member and the spacer. A projection is provided on or along an associated structural component. The recess receives the projection such that lateral forces acting on the end member of the gas spring assembly can be transferred to the associated structural component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Grabarz, Stephen C. Street, Pradipta N. Moulik
  • Publication number: 20090216403
    Abstract: A method and system for adjusting a relative leveled height of a sprung mass of a vehicle to an unsprung mass of the vehicle. The method also includes receiving an input from an operator for incrementally/decrementally changing the height of the sprung mass. A system for performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory A. Holbrook
  • Patent number: 7543804
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7532110
    Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transmitting portion, a transceiver spaced a distance from the transmitting portion, and a receiving portion supported in spaced relation to the transceiver. The transmitting portion broadcasting a first electromagnetic wave. The transceiver receiving the first electromagnetic wave and transmitting a second electromagnetic wave to the receiving portion. The transceiver is operative to modulate the second electromagnetic wave in relation to an input to communicate a signal, data or information, such as the distance between the transmitting portion and the transceiver, an acceleration input, a pressure level or a temperature reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Patent number: 7530554
    Abstract: A fluid spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member spaced from the first end member. A spring sleeve extends between the first and second end members. A third end member is disposed along the second end member and is axially displaceably secured thereto. The third end member engages the spring sleeve and is displaceable between a fully-assembled use condition and a fully-assembled adjustment condition in which the third end member and spring sleeve are disassociated with the second end member permitting approximately free rotation thereof. A method includes adjusting the rotational alignment of the fluid spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel I. Levy
  • Patent number: 7510752
    Abstract: A rolled membrane includes a core member and a membrane having a width defined by a first edge and a second edge. The membrane can be rolled around the core member such that the first edge and the second edge are exposed. A pre-applied seam tape having a substantially uniform thickness is affixed along the first edge. A first and second compression spacer may be located substantially adjacent to the seam tape and the second edge, respectively. The compression spacers have a thickness at least 0.005 inches greater than the thickness of the seam tape. The compression spacers are configured to allow the seam tape to remain in a substantially uncompressed state when the membrane is rolled and, therefore, avoid damage. The compression spacers allow the membrane to be rolled uniformly on the core member without telescoping and with a uniform cross-sectional diameter along the width of the rolled membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Hartford Robertson
  • Patent number: 7506881
    Abstract: A protective curtain assembly for an associated fluid suspension system of an associated vehicle includes a section of curtain material and a first securement device securing the second of material along at least a portion of the associated suspension system. A suspension system including a protective curtain is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7500659
    Abstract: A piston assembly for an air spring includes an outer shell and a structural insert. The outer shell includes a side wall and an end wall at least partially defining a shell cavity having an open end. The structural insert is received in the shell cavity and includes a central portion and a plurality of support walls extending outwardly from the central portion toward the side wall of the outer shell. The central portion includes first and second opposing ends with the first end disposed toward the end wall of the outer shell and the second end disposed toward the open end of the outer shell. An air spring assembly includes such a piston assembly. A method of manufacturing an air spring assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel I. Levy
  • Publication number: 20090057967
    Abstract: A flexible wall and end structure assembly includes a flexible wall and an end structure. The flexible wall is formed from an elastomeric material and a filament structure. A bead wire is formed into an open end of the flexible wall. The end structure is received along the open end of the flexible wall and forms a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith. A portion of the filament structure is compressed between the bead wire and the end structure and extends therefrom in radially-outwardly spaced relation to said end structure. A gas spring assembly including such a flexible wall and end structure assembly is included. A method of manufacture is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul P. Koeske, Jason B. Smith, Keith A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7497423
    Abstract: A piston assembly used in forming a gas spring assembly includes a first piston member and a second piston member telescopically engaging one another and capable of axial displacement relative to one another between collapsed and extended conditions. The first piston member includes a mounting end and the second piston member includes a flexible wall-engaging end. The first and second piston members arranged such that in the collapsed condition the mounting and flexible wall-engaging ends are disposed a first distance from one another and in the extended condition the mounting and flexible wall-engaging ends are disposed at a second distance from one another with the second distance being greater than the first distance. A gas spring assembly and suspension system utilizing such a piston assembly as well as a method are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: James Richard Myers
  • Patent number: 7497422
    Abstract: An air spring assembly including a first end member having a peripheral edge, a second end member in spaced relation to the first end member, and a flexible sleeve secured between the first and second end members at least partially defining a spring chamber. A label is formed from sheet material and includes a first portion coated with adhesive and a second portion spaced from the first portion that includes a plurality of indicia. The label is disposed along the first end member with the first adhesive portion secured thereto and the second portion extending outwardly beyond the peripheral edge. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen R. Egolf, James A. Johnson, Brian E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7490817
    Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave and a transponder spaced a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Publication number: 20090020928
    Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave and a transponder spaced a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Publication number: 20080284072
    Abstract: A gas spring assembly that is suitable for use on a vehicle suspension system includes a first end member and a second end member that is spaced from the first end member. A flexible wall is secured between the first and second end members and at least partially defines a first gas chamber therebetween. A confinement at least partially forms a second gas chamber that is in communication with the first gas chamber. A porous flow restrictor is operatively disposed between the gas chambers. A suspension system including such a gas spring assembly as well as a method is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley W. Hayes, Pradipta N. Moulik, Sydney Kelsey
  • Publication number: 20080246198
    Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a first end member, a piston assembly and a flexible wall extending therebetween. The piston assembly includes a piston body receiving a portion of the flexible wall and a retainment ring for retaining the flexible wall on the piston body. A method of assembly is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel I. Levy, Jonathan Hall
  • Publication number: 20080246596
    Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transmitting portion, a transceiver spaced a distance from the transmitting portion, and a receiving portion supported in spaced relation to the transceiver. The transmitting portion broadcasting a first electromagnetic wave. The transceiver receiving the first electromagnetic wave and transmitting a second electromagnetic wave to the receiving portion. The transceiver is operative to modulate the second electromagnetic wave in relation to an input to communicate a signal, data or information, such as the distance between the transmitting portion and the transceiver, an acceleration input, a pressure level or a temperature reading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Patent number: 7430837
    Abstract: The present invention provides a roofing product comprising a flexible roofing membrane comprising a layer of a thermoplastic, and a batten strip integral with the roofing membrane, so that the roofing product is flexible. There is also provided a method for securing such a roofing product to a roof deck and a method for manufacturing such a roofing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20080228352
    Abstract: A suspension system for use on a vehicle having two or more rear axles. The suspension system includes a plurality of gas springs and plurality of height sensors capable of outputting signals having a relation to distances between the respective ends of the respective first and second rear axles and the sprung mass of the vehicle. A control system adapted to selectively inflate or deflate respective ones of the plurality of gas springs to thereby adjust a leveled orientation of the sprung mass. The control system includes a controller that is adapted to determine a rear axle vertical offset and a rear axle articulation offset. The controller is adapted to determine whether conditions are appropriate for adjusting the suspension system by comparing the rear axle vertical offset and/or the rear axle articulation offset to a corresponding vertical offset threshold and/or an articulation offset threshold. A method is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Graham R Brookes, Joseph A Bounds, Gregory A Holbrook
  • Publication number: 20080211150
    Abstract: A piston adapted for use in offset mounting conditions includes a piston body having a longitudinally-extending axis. First and second securement features are located at radially outer positions relative to the axis. The first and second securement features are also located on one diametrical side of a midplane of the piston body. A plurality of support walls extends from the diametrically opposite side of the piston body toward the securement features. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel I. Levy, Jonathan Hall