Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided that includes a frame supporting a pair of laterally spaced apart suspension members pivotally supported on the frame and movable in a vertical direction. A pair of wheel ends is each supported respectively on one of the suspension members. A stabilizer bar is supported on the frame laterally between the suspension members. The stabilizer bar includes opposing ends each respectively proximate to one of the suspension members. A pair of resilient stabilizer bar links each respectively interconnect one of the ends and one of the suspension members and transmit torsional force to the stabilizer bar in response to movement of the suspension members in the vertical direction during roll conditions. The links have first and second deflection rates during the roll condition with the first rate being less than the second deflection rate.

Abstract: A variable rate bushing passively controls the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. During normal vehicle operation, the stabilizer bar is compliant. As twist increase, the resistance increases. In one embodiment, the variable rate bushing includes at least one void which compresses as the vehicle turns. As the stabilizer bar axially twists, the void compresses and the rate of the bushing increases, reducing axial twist and increasing stiffness of the stabilizer bar. In one embodiment, the voids are teardrop shaped, arc shaped, or bone shaped. Alternatively, the bushing includes an inner layer of softer material and an outer layer of harder material to control stabilizer bar stiffness. Also, the bushing may include a molded insert made of a hard material inserted into a softer material to control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: An adaptive suspension system for a motor vehicle varies suspension parameters in response to steering input. The system includes a sensor to measure changes in the power assist steering mechanism that indicate a change in vehicle direction and a shock variable suspension member changed in response to a change in vehicle direction. The sensor measures pressure changes in the power assist steering system such that the suspension system is optimized to accommodate specific vehicle maneuvering. In another embodiment, the variable suspension member is in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic circuit of the power assist steering mechanism such that pressure changes caused by steering input triggers changes in the suspension system to accommodate vehicle maneuvering.

Abstract: A clutch device for use with a vehicle suspension system to vary the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. A plurality of dampers connected to the clutch body alternate with a plurality of dampers connected to the stabilizer bar. The dampers are coated with a friction material and surrounded by a fluid. When a load is applied on the walls of clutch body, the friction material comes into contact, dampening the rotation action of the stabilizer bar. A sensor senses the parameters of the ride and generates a signal based on these parameters. The signal activates a power source controller which applies the load to the walls.

Abstract: A steering system comprises a steering wheel and a feedback mechanism in communication with the steering wheel. A control unit communicates with a sensor and controls the feedback mechanism based on the signal from the sensor. The feedback mechanism may cause tactile feedback in the steering wheel. The feedback mechanism is most preferably incorporated by controlling a solenoid valve in a power steering circuit for the vehicle. By repeatedly actuating the solenoid valve, vibration can be caused in the steering wheel.

Abstract: A pair of tension cables are positioned around cams attached to the lower control arms of a vehicle suspension. Each tension cable includes a tension damper responsive to tension in the tension cables. Each tension damper includes a cylinder containing a fluid and a piston including at least one orifice attached to a rod. The piston divides the cylinder into a first and second compartment. The rod in connected to the tension cable. When the tension cable pulls on one end of the rod, the piston is pulled towards the tension cable. The fluid creates resistance in the tension damper as the fluid moves through the orifice from one compartment to the other compartment, damping vehicle roll. Control of the tension dampers can be passive, semi-active, or active.

Abstract: A housing attaches a stabilizer bar to the body of a vehicle and includes pin stops which actively control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar. A spring positioned about each of the pins provide a retaining spring force on the head of the pin, preventing the pins from moving into an aperture in the housing. When a sensor detects that lateral acceleration or yaw rate exceeds a threshold value, an actuator drives pins to overcome the spring force, pushing the pins into the aperture. When the pins are actuated, a protrusion on the stabilizer bar is trapped between the pins. When the vehicle turns and the stabilizer bar axially twists, the protrusion eventually contacts one the pins, preventing further rotation and stiffening the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided that includes a frame supporting a pair of laterally spaced apart suspension members pivotally supported on the frame and movable in a vertical direction. A pair of wheel ends is each supported respectively on one of the suspension members. A stabilizer bar is supported on the frame laterally between the suspension members. The stabilizer bar includes opposing ends each respectively proximate to one of the suspension members. A pair of resilient stabilizer bar links each respectively interconnect one of the ends and one of the suspension members and transmit torsional force to the stabilizer bar in response to movement of the suspension members in the vertical direction during roll conditions. The links have first and second deflection rates during the roll condition with the first rate being less than the second deflection rate.

Abstract: An adaptive suspension system for a motor vehicle varies suspension parameters in response to steering input. The system includes a sensor to measure changes in the power assist steering mechanism that indicate a change in vehicle direction and a shock variable suspension member changed in response to a change in vehicle direction. The sensor measures pressure changes in the power assist steering system such that the suspension system is optimized to accommodate specific vehicle maneuvering. In another embodiment, the variable suspension member is in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic circuit of the power assist steering mechanism such that pressure changes caused by steering input triggers changes in the suspension system to accommodate vehicle maneuvering.

Abstract: An assembly for use as part of a vehicle suspension system includes an adjustable roll rate that is automatically adjusted responsive to maneuvers of the vehicle. A stiffener element is coupled with a stabilizer bar. The stiffener element increases the roll rate responsive to the vehicle wheels being turned. In one example, the stiffener element is a metallic plate that rotates into various positions responsive to the vehicle wheel being turned. The further the wheel turns, the further the plate rotates and the greater the increase in the roll rate.

Abstract: An assembly for use as part of a vehicle suspension system includes an adjustable roll rate that is automatically adjusted responsive to maneuvers of the vehicle. A stiffener element is coupled with a stabilizer bar. The stiffener element increases the roll rate responsive to the vehicle wheels being turned. In one example, the stiffener element is a metallic plate that rotates into various positions responsive to the vehicle wheel being turned. The further the wheel turns, the further the plate rotates and the greater the increase in the roll rate.

Abstract: A clutch device for use with a vehicle suspension system to vary the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. A plurality of dampers connected to the clutch body alternate with a plurality of dampers connected to the stabilizer bar. The dampers are coated with a friction material and surrounded by a fluid. When a load is applied on the walls of clutch body, the friction material comes into contact, dampening the rotation action of the stabilizer bar. A sensor senses the parameters of the ride and generates a signal based on these parameters. The signal activates a power source controller which applies the load to the walls.

Abstract: A housing attaches a stabilizer bar to the body of a vehicle and includes pin stops which actively control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar. A spring positioned about each of the pins provide a retaining spring force on the head of the pin, preventing the pins from moving into an aperture in the housing. When a sensor detects that lateral acceleration or yaw rate exceeds a threshold value, an actuator drives pins to overcome the spring force, pushing the pins into the aperture. When the pins are actuated, a protrusion on the stabilizer bar is trapped between the pins. When the vehicle turns and the stabilizer bar axially twists, the protrusion eventually contacts one the pins, preventing further rotation and stiffening the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A variable rate bushing passively controls the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. During normal vehicle operation, the stabilizer bar is compliant. As twist increase, the resistance increases. In one embodiment, the variable rate bushing includes at least one void which compresses as the vehicle turns. As the stabilizer bar axially twists, the void compresses and the rate of the bushing increases, reducing axial twist and increasing stiffness of the stabilizer bar. In one embodiment, the voids are teardrop shaped, arc shaped, or bone shaped. Alternatively, the bushing includes an inner layer of softer material and an outer layer of harder material to control stabilizer bar stiffness. Also, the bushing may include a molded insert made of a hard material inserted into a softer material to control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a frame supporting upper and lower control arms in spaced relation to one another that are pivotally connected to the frame. A steering knuckle is supported between the control arms and supports a wheel. The orientation of the knuckle defines the wheel attitude, which includes caster, camber, toe, and track. The knuckle is rotated about its axis in response to mechanical inputs from a steering wheel. First and second actuators may be supported on one of the control arms and connected to a portion of the knuckle. A third actuator may be supported on the other control arm and connected to another portion of the knuckle. At least one sensor detects vehicle ride conditions such as braking, vehicle yaw, and steering position. A controller is connected to the sensors and the actuators to command the actuators to adjust at least one of the caster, camber, toe, and track in response to the vehicle ride conditions.

Abstract: A pair of tension cables are positioned around cams attached to the lower control arms of a vehicle suspension. Each tension cable includes a tension damper responsive to tension in the tension cables. Each tension damper includes a cylinder containing a fluid and a piston including at least one orifice attached to a rod. The piston divides the cylinder into a first and second compartment. The rod in connected to the tension cable. When the tension cable pulls on one end of the rod, the piston is pulled towards the tension cable. The fluid creates resistance in the tension damper as the fluid moves through the orifice from one compartment to the other compartment, damping vehicle roll. Control of the tension dampers can be passive, semi-active, or active.

Abstract: A steering system comprises a steering wheel and a feedback mechanism in communication with the steering wheel. A control unit communicates with a sensor and controls the feedback mechanism based on the signal from the sensor. The feedback mechanism may cause tactile feedback in the steering wheel. The feedback mechanism is most preferably incorporated by controlling a solenoid valve in a power steering circuit for the vehicle. By repeatedly actuating the solenoid valve, vibration can be caused in the steering wheel.

Abstract: A seal that is particularly suitable for use in a gas spring (and other high pressure hydraulic and pneumatic sealing applications) and that minimizes leakage of relatively high pressure gas and lubricating oil from the rod end of the gas spring. The generally annular seal body includes a radially inwardly facing surface, force directing lobes and either a plastic wiper insert or a wiper lobe that are designed for minimizing the leakage of oil between the radially inwardly facing surface of the seal body and the adjacent, radially outwardly facing surface of the gas spring's piston rod, and that include a corner edge that projects radially inwardly beyond the plane of the seal body's radially inwardly facing surface. When the seal body is compressed for use in a gas spring and is thus subjected to the high-pressure gas, the induced stresses in the seal body result in the corner edge being forced against the adjacent surface of the piston rod to effectively prevent the leaking of oil therebetween.

Abstract: A seal that is particularly suitable for use in a gas spring and other high pressure hydraulic and pneumatic sealing applications and that minimizes the leakage of relatively high pressure gas and lubricating oil from the rod end of the gas spring or the other applications. The generally annular seal body includes radially inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces and non-concave axial facing surfaces. Lobes for sealing, wiping and directing enhanced forces project radially beyond the planes of the radially inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces. The seal also includes a wiper insert that has a parabolic shaped radially outwardly facing surface and a radially inwardly facing surface, and that is secured in a recess adjacent to the front corner of the seal body's radially inwardly facing surface.

Abstract: A seal that is particularly suitable for use in a gas spring and other high pressure hydraulic and pneumatic sealing applications and that minimizes the leakage of relatively high pressure gas and lubricating oil from the rod end of the gas spring or other application. The generally annular seal body includes a number of convex sealing lobes on its radially inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces. All of the sealing lobes have a predetermined radius and project radially beyond the plane of their respective surfaces. The axial facing surfaces of the seal body are generally flat or non-concave. The seal also includes a wiper insert secured in a recess in one corner of the radially inwardly facing surface of the seal body. When the seal body is compressed between the relatively movable, annularly spaced piston rod and cylinder of a gas spring or application, the compression induced stress in the seal causes the seal body and insert to form an effective gas and oil seal.