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.

Abstract: A turn-up device (40) for making a molded body of an air spring on a mechanical drum (30) having expandable end portions (32). The device (40) comprises a support member (42), a plurality of turning arms (44) pivotally mounted to the support member (42), and a sleeve (46) having a plurality of fingers (72) each provided with a cam surface (74). The turning arms (44) are movable between radially outer and inner positions and are biased to the radially inner position. The turning arms (44) are positioned and sized for insertion into the spaces between the segments of the expandable end portion of the drum (30). The support member (42) is movable towards the end portion (32) of the drum (30) relative to the sleeve (46). The turning arms (44) each include a roller (62) that engages the respective cam surface (74) of the respective finger (72) when the turning arm (44) is in its radially outer position.

Abstract: An end member assembly includes a first end member and a second end member. An air spring assembly can be formed using an end member assembly on one end thereof. A method is also described.

Abstract: A method of positioning a vehicle chassis of a stationary vehicle in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum is provided. The vehicle has an axle and a fluid suspension system. The fluid suspension system include a control device, a pressurized fluid source and an exhaust passage. The pressurized fluid source and the exhaust passage are in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid suspension members through the control device. The vehicle also includes an electronic control unit operatively associated with the control device. The method including step of providing alignment sensor supported on the chassis for outputting a signal indicative of the orientation of the chassis to the electronic control unit and acquiring a signal output by the alignment sensor. Another step includes comparing the signal from the alignment sensor to alignment data stored in the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A system and method of sensing a load on a vehicle that includes a plurality of wheel-engaging members is disclosed. The vehicle body is supported on the plurality of wheel-engaging members and receives a cargo having a cargo weight. The method includes providing a non-fluid spring having an unloaded length and a spring rate, the non-fluid springs are supported between the vehicle body and one of the wheel-engaging members and being deflected to a loaded length under the cargo weight of the cargo. The method continues with determining the loaded length of the non-fluid springs. The method also includes determining an approximate value of the cargo weight based at least partially upon the spring rate and the loaded length of the non-fluid spring.

Abstract: A method for producing foam insulation board, the method comprising forming a foam product as part of a continuous process, and monitoring on-line the compressive strength of the foam product.

Abstract: A sensing and communication system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave, a transponder supported on an associated structural member at a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave, and a sensor adjacent the transponder and in communication therewith. The sensor being operable to sense an input acting on the associated structural member and communicate a signal corresponding to the input to the transponder. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to at least one of the sensor signal and the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.

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: A sensing and communication system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave, a transponder supported on an associated structural member at a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave, and a sensor adjacent the transponder and in communication therewith. The sensor being operable to sense an input acting on the associated structural member and communicate a signal corresponding to the input to the transponder. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to at least one of the sensor signal and the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ethylenically unsaturated vegetable oil is modified by the addition of an enophile or dienophile having an acid, ester or anhydride functionality. The modified vegetable oil is then reacted with a functional vinyl monomer to form a vegetable oil derivative. The vegetable oil derivative is useful in forming latexes and coatings.

Abstract: A method of positioning a vehicle chassis of a stationary vehicle in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum is provided. The vehicle has an axle and a fluid suspension system. The fluid suspension system includes a control device, a pressurized fluid source and an exhaust passage. The pressurized fluid source and the exhaust passage are in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid suspension members through the control device. The vehicle also includes an electronic control unit operatively associated with the control device. The method including steps of providing an alignment sensor supported on the chassis for outputting a signal indicative of the orientation of the chassis to the electronic control unit and acquiring a signal output by the alignment sensor. Another step includes comparing the signal from the alignment sensor to alignment data stored in the electronic control unit.

Abstract: An air spring spacer for use in mounting an associated air spring in spaced relation to an associated vehicle component. The air spring spacer includes a spacer body, a first indexing feature, and a second indexing feature complementary to the first indexing feature. The indexing features providing for self-alignment of the spacer in a predetermined orientation upon the application of an axial force. A kit is also described.

Abstract: An air spring assembly including a first end member that includes a side wall, and a second end member spaced from the first end member. A flexible sleeve includes a sleeve wall and opposing open ends secured on the first and second end members. First and second retaining member are used to secure one open end of the flexible sleeve on the associated end member. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control system is operatively associated with a suspension system of a vehicle. The associated suspension system includes an associated fluid spring operating at an associated fluid pressure and an associated variable-rate damper having an associated electronically-variable damping rate. The control system includes a pressure sensor operative to generate a pressure sensor signal indicative of the associated fluid pressure of the associated fluid spring, and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor and the associated variable-rate damper. The controller is operative to receive the pressure sensor signal and generate a damper adjustment signal based at least partially on the pressure sensor signal for adjusting the associated electronically-variable damping rate of the associated variable-rate damper. A vehicle suspension system includes such a control system, and a method of controlling a suspension system of a vehicle is also included.

Abstract: An air spring assembly, for use on an associated vehicle suspension system having a mounting member and a damping member, includes spaced apart first and second end members. A flexible wall is secured on the first and second end members and defines a spring chamber therebetween. An isolator is supported on and sealingly engages the first end member. The isolator includes and isolator passage sealingly receiving the damping member. The isolator and the first end member at least partially form a first load transmission path such that a damping member load is distributed to the mounting member through the isolator and the first end member. The first end member at least partially forms a second load transmission path such that an air spring load is distributed to the mounting member through the first end member without substantial transmission through the isolator.

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: 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.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system has a combination air spring/damper mounted between spaced first and second components of a vehicle. The damper has a fluid cylinder attached to the first vehicle component and a piston rod connected to the second vehicle component. The air spring has a piston and an end plate with an intervening flexible bellows forming an air chamber. The air spring piston is mounted on and surrounds the damper cylinder and the end plate is secured to the second vehicle component, but at a separate location from the attachment of the piston rod to distribute the loading forces at the points of attachment. A flexible sealing sleeve extends between the piston rod and an end plate opening of the air spring through which the piston rod extends. A rigid canister is mounted on the end plate of the air spring and extends about the flexible bellows and has a sealing skirt at a lower end which engages the damper cylinder.

Abstract: A method of preparing an adhesive, the method comprising combining an isocyanate, a polyhydroxyl phenol-containing compound, a polyol, and a trimerization catalyst.