Abstract: A vertical acceleration compensator is employed in the braking system of a vehicle wheel that undergoes vertical motion relative to the vehicle frame. The vertical acceleration compensator senses the vertical movement of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle frame and includes first and second component elements that form a variable volume compensation chamber. The vertical acceleration compensator is coupled in fluid communication with a brake fluid reservoir and a fluid actuated brake mechanism. The first and second compensator elements may be coupled to the vehicle wheel and to the vehicle frame. As a result, upward movement of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle frame reduces the volume of the compensation chamber, while downward movement of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle frame increases volume of the compensation chamber. A reduction in volume of the compensation chamber increases brake line pressure, thereby increasing the braking force on the wheel.

Abstract: The air suspension system includes an air cylinder and piston coupled respectively to the frame of a vehicle and a wheel axle of the vehicle. A high pressure air source is provided together with a control valve. The control valve is responsive to movements of the wheel relative to the frame as occurs when the vehicle is travelling over bumps and the like for supplying high pressure air to the cylinder from the high pressure air source to exert air pressure on the piston in a direction opposing the direction of motion of the piston as a result of the wheel movements.

Abstract: Controlled braking of a vehicle wheel is provided by inserting between the normal hydraulic pressure applied by the brake pedal and the brake drum or brake disc an hydraulic control system comprising a rotatable clutch and hydraulic pump together with a bypass valve. The arrangement is such that application of braking action on the foot pedal urges the clutch into engagement with the wheel disc or drum so that the clutch will rotate with the disc or drum. The hydraulic pump in turn is coupled to the clutch to rotate with the clutch and provide output hydraulic pressure proportional to the speed of rotation of the clutch. The outlet and inlet of the pump are connected to a bypass valve so that recirculation can take place. A further hydraulic line from the pump outlet connects to the normal friction means hydraulically controlled for engaging the disc or drum to brake the wheel.

Abstract: The shock absorber is designed to be horizontally mounted on a vehicle and incorporates a weight responsive to acceleration and deceleration forces developed by the vehicle itself. The arrangement is such that the weight will decrease the damping hydraulic fluid resistance under accelerating conditions and increase the hydraulic damping fluid resistance under decelerating conditions.

Abstract: The shock absorber is of the type comprising a cylinder and piston containing hydraulic fluid and wherein the piston has fluid bypass holes so that fluid can pass from one side of the piston to the other within the cylinder. Tapered pins at one end of the cylinder are receivable in the fluid bypass holes when the piston approaches the one end. A cage assembly in the form of guide rods supports the pins and passes through guide bores in the piston so that the pins and piston rotate as a unit and the pins are always held in alignment with the fluid bypass holes.