Abstract: An improved shock absorbing and leveling system for vehicles or the like is disclosed and includes a shock absorber sub-assembly and an airspring sub-assembly that can be used as either an assist device for a primary spring or as a primary spring itself. The preferring airspring sub-assembly includes a relatively rigid chamber member and a rolling flexible diaphragm member sealingly interconnected to one another, with an electrical inductance height sensor surrounding the shock absorber and contained substantially wholly within the chamber member. The airspring sub-assembly also preferably includes a diaphragm support member that laterally supports the diaphragm member on the shock absorber housing in a laterally spaced-apart relationship at least at two longitudinal positions thereon. Advantageously, the shock absorber sub-assembly and the airspring sub-assembly are independently removable from one another and replaceable as separate sub-assemblies.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing and leveling system for vehicles or the like is disclosed and includes a shock absorber sub-assembly and an airspring sub-assembly that can be used as either an assist device for a primary spring or as a primary spring itself. The preferred airspring sub-assembly includes a relatively rigid chamber member and a rolling flexible diaphragm member sealingly interconnected to one another, with an electrical inductance height sensor surrounding the shock absorber and contained substantially wholly within the chamber member. The airspring sub-assembly also preferably includes a diaphragm support member that laterally supports the diaphragm member on the shock absorber housing in a laterally spaced-apart relationship at least at two longitudinal positions thereon. Advantageously, the shock absorber sub-assembly and the airspring sub-assembly are independently removable from one another and replaceable as separate sub-assemblies.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing and leveling system for vehicles or the like is disclosed and includes a shock absorber sub-assembly and an airspring sub-assembly that can be used as either an assist device for a primary spring or as a primary spring itself. The preferred airspring sub-assembly includes a relatively rigid chamber member and a rolling flexible diaphragm member sealingly interconnected to one another, with an electrical inductance height sensor surrounding the shock absorber and contained substantially wholly within the chamber member. The airspring sub-assembly also preferably includes a diaphragm support member that laterally supports the diaphragm member on the shock absorber housing in a laterally spaced-apart relationship at least at two longitudinal positions thereon. Advantageously, the shock absorber sub-assembly and the airspring sub-assembly are independently removable from one another and replaceable as separate sub-assemblies.

Abstract: A base valve assembly for an independent wheel suspension strut. The assembly includes a valve body having a central axially extending opening and first and second pluralities of radially spaced axially extending flow ports, a valve pin extending axially through the central opening of the valve body, and first and second valve discs for blocking fluid flow through the flow ports, a third valve disc engageable with a valve seat to block fluid flow from a valve chamber located on the lower side of the valve body and the fluid reservoir, and a spring for selectively urging the respective valves toward their positions blocking fluid flow through the flow ports.