Abstract: A vehicle suspension pre-load management system is disclosed. At least one suspension component, such as a motorcycle shock absorber, has an expandable chamber that with increased volume of a nearly incompressible fluid increases the suspensions pre-load. In one embodiment the system utilizes a controller, a pressure sensor, a pump, and a number of solenoids in a manifold block to allow a user to set a desired pre-load level. In another embodiment the controller monitors the pressure of the chamber and maintains a desired pre-load setting. In yet another embodiment, the controller identifies a hard braking event such that would cause a brake dive and increases the pre-load to counter act the dive.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension pre-load management system is disclosed. At least one suspension component, such as a motorcycle shock absorber, has an expandable chamber that with increased volume of a nearly incompressible fluid increases the suspensions pre-load. In one embodiment the system utilizes a controller, a pressure sensor, a pump, and a number of solenoids in a manifold block to allow a user to set a desired pre-load level. In another embodiment the controller monitors the pressure of the chamber and maintains a desired pre-load setting. In yet another embodiment, the controller identifies a hard braking event such that would cause a brake dive and increases the pre-load to counter act the dive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for a vehicle having a wheel. The steering system includes a first reciprocating member coupled to the wheel such that reciprocating movement of the first reciprocating member provides turning movement of the wheel, a steering input engaged with the first reciprocating member such that rotation of the steering input provides reciprocating movement of the first reciprocating member, and a steering assist assembly including a second reciprocating member engaged with the steering input such that reciprocating movement of the second reciprocating member provides an assist force to the steering input. Preferably, the first and second reciprocating members engage the steering input at locations opposed to each other and also move along paths that are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for a vehicle having a wheel. The steering system includes a first reciprocating member coupled to the wheel such that reciprocating movement of the first reciprocating member provides turning movement of the wheel, a steering input engaged with the first reciprocating member such that rotation of the steering input provides reciprocating movement of the first reciprocating member, and a steering assist assembly including a second reciprocating member engaged with the steering input such that reciprocating movement of the second reciprocating member provides an assist force to the steering input. Preferably, the first and second reciprocating members engage the steering input at locations opposed to each other and also move along paths that are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: An emergency rescue vehicle which includes a patient compartment which is accessible for patient loading through doors located along both sides and rear of the vehicle and wherein the primary patient support stretcher is pivotally carried centrally of the compartment and is extendable outwardly through any one of the access doors. The patient compartment is separated between tandem front wheel assemblies and a rear wheel assembly to obtain a continuously level and low loading height and the primary patient support is positioned generally at the center of mass of the vehicle.