Abstract: A height control valve for a suspension leveling system includes a control unit and a valve assembly. The control unit can include a servo powered by a servo current, the servo being coupled to the valve assembly with a linkage. The control unit also can include a controller in communication with the servo and adapted to sense a change in the servo current when the linkage fully engages the valve assembly to reconfigure the valve assembly to a desired supply, exhaust and/or closed position. Based on the change in servo current, the controller can determine a selected distance to move or reconfigure the valve assembly, with distance being independent of any wear or tolerance in the linkage or elsewhere. The control unit can also include an actuator, the movement of which is sensed by a non-contact sensor that is in communication with the controller.

Abstract: A height control valve for a suspension leveling system includes a control unit and a valve assembly. The control unit can include a servo powered by a servo current, the servo being coupled to the valve assembly with a linkage. The control unit also can include a controller in communication with the servo and adapted to sense a change in the servo current when the linkage fully engages the valve assembly to reconfigure the valve assembly to a desired supply, exhaust and/or closed position. Based on the change in servo current, the controller can determine a selected distance to move or reconfigure the valve assembly, with distance being independent of any wear or tolerance in the linkage or elsewhere. The control unit can also include an actuator, the movement of which is sensed by a non-contact sensor that is in communication with the controller.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: An alarm system that indicates to an operator the status of locking pins of a vehicle sliding axle assembly. The alarm system includes an alarm valve coupled to the locking pins and in fluid communication with an alarm. When the pins are unlocked from a vehicle component, the alarm valve is configured in an alarm mode to indicate the unsecured condition of the assembly. In this mode, air is diverted from the vehicle brakes to sound the alarm, thereby informing an operator that the pins are improperly engaged. In one embodiment, the alarm valve is in communication with or includes a pressure relief valve, which diverts a sufficient amount of air from the vehicle brakes so that the brakes cannot be released. When the pins are properly locked to secure the slider axle assembly, the alarm valve does not divert air from the brakes to sound the alarm.

Abstract: An alarm system that indicates to an operator the status of locking pins of a vehicle sliding axle assembly. The alarm system includes an alarm valve coupled to the locking pins and in fluid communication with an alarm. When the pins are unlocked from a vehicle component, the alarm valve is configured in an alarm mode to indicate the unsecured condition of the assembly. In this mode, air is diverted from the vehicle brakes to sound the alarm, thereby informing an operator that the pins are improperly engaged. In one embodiment, the alarm valve is in communication with or includes a pressure relief valve, which diverts a sufficient amount of air from the vehicle brakes so that the brakes cannot be released. When the pins are properly locked to secure the slider axle assembly, the alarm valve does not divert air from the brakes to sound the alarm.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.

Abstract: A control system that senses misalignment of components in a vehicle drive train system and adjusts the vehicle ride height to realign the components. A control unit monitors vibration, torque or other operating parameters of a vehicle's drive train or other vehicle components and determines whether the parameters are abnormal. If the monitored parameters are abnormal, then the control unit controls suspension elements on the vehicle to adjust the ride height of the vehicle and subsequently the alignment of the drive train, for example, the operating angle of the driveshaft. A ride height sensor feeds back ride height measurements as the suspension elements are adjusted to assist in finding an optimal ride height that eliminates or reduces excess vibration and/or torque. In another embodiment, the control unit adjusts the ride height based on vehicle speed or fuel economy to reduce the profile of the vehicle and improve fuel economy.

Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.

Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.

Abstract: A leak-proof assembly for mounting an air horn on a truck cab roof. The mounting includes a threaded portion extending through the roof, a flange extending circumferentially around the fitting, and a horn stud portion. Concentric seals, adjacent the threaded portion provide a redundant water-tight compression seal against the roof. A nut is mounted on the threaded portion and also includes an o-ring. Upon tightening, the two concentric seals provide leak proof seals around the hole defined by the body panel. The mounting defines an internal air passage so that the horn can be operated by a source of compressed air attached to the threaded portion from the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A control system that senses misalignment of components in a vehicle drive train system and adjusts the vehicle ride height to realign the components. A control unit monitors vibration, torque or other operating parameters of a vehicle's drive train or other vehicle components and determines whether the parameters are abnormal. If the monitored parameters are abnormal, then the control unit controls suspension elements on the vehicle to adjust the ride height of the vehicle and subsequently the alignment of the drive train, for example, the operating angle of the driveshaft. A ride height sensor feeds back ride height measurements as the suspension elements are adjusted to assist in finding an optimal ride height that eliminates or reduces excess vibration and/or torque. In another embodiment, the control unit adjusts the ride height based on vehicle speed or fuel economy to reduce the profile of the vehicle and improve fuel economy.

Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.

Abstract: A height control valve for a suspension leveling system having a valve assembly cartridge that is assembled prior to insertion into the valve body. The cartridge is threadedly received within the valve body to permit accurate setting of the valve center. In a second aspect, the height control valve includes a locking key which interlocks the drive bearing and valve body to discourage unauthorized tampering with the internal components of the valve. The locking key is resiliently secured beneath a seal that is inaccessible once the valve is assembled. In a third aspect, the height control valve includes a cap diaphragm extending between the cartridge plunger and the valve body to seal the cartridge bore and ensure that exhaust air is vented out of the valve.

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 hydraulically controlled seismic energy source for impressing individual seismic energy pulses into the ground, wherein the hydraulic pressure forcing the ram downwardly is substantially reduced slightly before the ram contacts the ground, and a continual upward hydraulic force is applied to a downwardly facing surface of the ram, whereby the ram is quickly removed from the ground after a seismic impulse is generated to prevent secondary contact between the ram and the ground.

Abstract: An improved axle load-distributing device detachably mounted on the rear of a vehicle for transferring a portion of a load from the rear axles of the vehicle to the wheel supported axle of the load-distributing device. The device, which includes a wheel mounted frame assembly and pneumatic units operably connected thereto, is further provided with a tracking unit operably connected to the pneumatic units of the device which partially deactivates the pneumatic units when a predetermined angular relationship between the vehicle and the load-distributing device is detected by the tracking unit.