Abstract: Gas spring sensors including a millimeter wave radar source and a target surface disposed in spaced relation to the radar source. The sensors also include a millimeter wave radar receptor operable to generate a signal upon receiving the radar waves reflected off the target surface. The radar source is operable to direct millimeter-length radar waves of a frequency greater than or equal to 120 gigahertz (GHz) and a wavelength of 2.5 millimeters or less toward the target surface. A processor is communicatively coupled with the radar source and the radar receptor, and is operable to determine a displacement and a relative velocity using pulsed Doppler or continuous wave frequency modulation radar methods that rely on time of flight and frequency phase shifts of pulsed or continuous radar waves. Gas spring assemblies including such sensors, and suspension systems including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also included.

Abstract: A tire assembly includes a tire and a tire height and contact patch sensor at least partially disposed within a tire chamber of the tire. The sensor includes a radar source operable to direct millimeter wave radar waves in the range of 120 to 240 gigahertz (GHz) toward an inner surface of the tire. The sensor also includes a radar receptor operable to generate a signal upon receiving the reflected radar waves. A processor is operable to determine a distance between the radar source and a target based upon at least one of: (i) a time of flight; (ii) a frequency phase shift. The sensor includes an antenna for transmitting data to a system external to the tire chamber. The processor optionally determines dimensions of the tire contact patch and/or can generate an image of the tire contact patch for image pattern matching to determine inflation and/or load state of the tire.

Abstract: A reflector includes a first end surface, an opposing second end surface and a plurality of reflector surfaces. A first reflector surface extends from adjacent the first end surface toward the second end surface. A second reflector surface extends from adjacent the first reflector surface toward the second end surface. One or more of the plurality of reflector surfaces can include a plurality of facets or reflector zones. A gas spring assembly and suspension system using the reflector 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: 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.

Abstract: A distance determining system includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver spaced a distance from the first transceiver and inductively coupled thereto. The first transceiver outputs a first electromagnetic wave. The second transceiver receives the first electromagnetic wave and outputs a second electromagnetic wave, which is received by the first transceiver. One of the first and second transceivers determines a distance therebetween based at least in part upon the elapsed time of travel of the first and second electromagnetic waves. An air spring assembly can include such a distance indicating system. A method of determining a distance is also included.

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: A suspension system adaptable for cross-flow operation includes a plurality of gas springs, a transfer passage in communication between the gas springs, and a transfer valve for selectively permitting gas flow along the transfer passage. A control system selectively actuates the transfer valve. A method of operation is also described.

Abstract: An operating module for localized signal processing at a corner of a vehicle includes a housing, a valve assembly or a sensor, and a signal processing device. The operating module can be used in operative association with an air spring assembly. The operating module can be in communication with other components and/or systems. A vehicle suspension system and method are also discussed.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 reflector includes a first end surface, an opposing second end surface and a plurality of reflector surfaces. A first reflector surface extends from adjacent the first end surface toward the second end surface. A second reflector surface extends from adjacent the first reflector surface toward the second end surface. One or more of the plurality of reflector surfaces can include a plurality of facets or reflector zones. A gas spring assembly and suspension system using the reflector 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: 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.