Abstract: Piezoelectric vibration absorption system and method. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rider interface that includes a surface. A vibration dampening assembly is affixed to the surface. The vibration dampening assembly includes a piezoelectric element. A load element is electrically connected to the vibration dampening assembly such that the vibration dampening assembly dampens vibrations of the rider interface.

Abstract: Vehicles, notably heavy duty trucks, equipped with torque reactive suspensions, such as trailing arm air suspensions, are susceptible to driveline vibration and wheel hop due to engine produced torque. According to this invention such driveline vibration and wheel hop can be suppressed by preventing frame rise from occurring. Suppression can be accomplished by providing one of several forms of frame rise control means operative between the vehicle drive axle and the vehicle frame. One form of frame rise control means utilizes rebound control leaf springs on opposite sides of a vehicle. Another form utilizes shock absorbers each of which incorporates a spring mounted on the piston rod. Another form utilizes hydraulic cylinders, each having a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid connected to the chamber of the cylinder on the rebound side of the piston and the chamber on the opposite side of the piston vented to atmosphere.