Abstract: A leveling valve for controlling the amount of air within an air spring for maintaining a constant level of a vehicle chassis or frame relative to its axles. The valve includes several features including a novel actuating mechanism for actuating the valve. The mechanism includes a sleeve assembly slideable on an actuating plunger and constructed of three parts so designed as to compensate for any wear between the sleeve assembly and the actuator for the sleeve. Another feature is the construction of the elongated actuator extending between one end of the valve body wherein the actuating mechanism is located and the other end wherein a valve is located. Still another feature is the construction of the valve for metering the exhaust of air through the exhaust outlet, such metering being determined by the position of the actuator arm as the air spring adjusts to find the proper height. The fourth feature resides in a one-piece, molded dampening cylinder, dump cylinder, and guide for the valve actuator.

Abstract: A dampener for devices such as a leveling valve in which the dampener is a separate self-contained member formed of a piston cylinder part and a cap connected to each other and having a piston mounted in the chamber between the parts. The cylinder chamber occupied by the piston contains a viscous fluid that passes over the edge of the periphery of the inner wall of the chamber as the piston is moved from one end to the other. The two parts of the dampener are preferably constructed of transparent material so that it can be determined whether the space between the piston and the walls of the chamber is completely filled with a viscous fluid or whether there are any air bubbles or the like in the chamber. A temporary opening is provided in the cylinder cap for escape of air when the two parts are connected together. Extending from both sides of the piston are hubs exposed to the exterior of the dampener.

Abstract: A leveling valve for controlling the amount of air within an air spring for maintaining a constant level of a vehicle chassis or frame relative to its axles. The valve includes an elongated body in which a uniquely constructed actuating mechanism is located at one end and a valve means at the other end with a dampener and a pilot-operated means located therebetween. An elongated plunger extends from the actuating means to the valve means through the dampener and the pilot-operated dump means. The actuating mechanism at one end of the plunger includes a sleeve slidable on the plunger and biased at each end by coil springs for maintaining the neutral position of the plunger and valve means. The springs permit over-travel of the actuating mechanism when the plunger reaches its limit of travel and also assists a dump piston in overriding the actuating mechanism.