Abstract: A system and method for controlling a damping system. The system has at least two dampers for damping between sprung and unsprung masses in the compression and rebound directions. Sensors generate signals based on position and other parameters of motion representative of the displacement between the sprung and unsprung masses. The process determines the appropriate compression and rebound forces to be applied at the wheels. A regulator responds to at least one of the independent compression and rebound control signals for adjusting, respectively, at least one of compression and rebound resisting forces of the dampers between the masses. Compliance for the dampers is emulated with software to produce the desired compliance forces.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a damping system. The system has at least two dampers for damping between sprung and unsprung masses in the compression and rebound directions. Sensors generate signals based on position and other parameters of motion representative of the displacement between the sprung and unsprung masses. The process determines the appropriate compression and rebound forces to be applied at the wheels. A regulator responds to at least one of the independent compression and rebound control signals for adjusting, respectively, at least one of compression and rebound resisting forces of the dampers between the masses. Compliance for the dampers is emulated with software to produce the desired compliance forces.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a damping system. The system has at least two dampers for damping between sprung and unsprung masses in the compression and rebound directions. Sensors generate signals based on position and other parameters of motion representative of the displacement between the sprung and unsprung masses. The process determines the appropriate compression and rebound forces to be applied at the wheels. A regulator responds to at least one of the independent compression and rebound control signals for adjusting, respectively, at least one of compression and rebound resisting forces of the dampers between the masses. Compliance for the dampers is emulated with software to produce the desired compliance forces.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a valve for selectively establishing communication of a fluid between first and second fluid bodies having first and second pressures, respectively. A valve element is carried within a valve body for liner reciprocal movement along a valve axis between a first position wherein an operative portion at the front of the valve element blocks communication between the first and the second fluid bodies and a second position wherein the first and second fluid bodies are in communication. The movement is responsive to a rearward force exerted by the fluid on the valve element due to the first pressure. The rearward force is less than the product of the first pressure and a cross-sectional area of the first fluid swept by the valve element.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a valve for selectively establishing communication of a fluid between first and second fluid bodies having first and second pressures, respectively. A valve element is carried within a valve body for linear reciprocal movement along a valve axis between a first position wherein an operative portion at the front of the valve element blocks communication between the first and the second fluid bodies and a second position wherein the first and second fluid bodies are in communication. The movement is responsive to a rearward force exerted by the fluid on the valve element due to the first pressure. The rearward force is less than the product of the first pressure and a cross-sectional area of the first fluid swept by the valve element.

Abstract: A method and system are set forth for leveling a vehicle chassis supported on air springs. The system and method include a position switch at each air spring which is adapted to generate a signal when the spring is compressed to or beyond a desired length representing the desired level for the vehicle chassis. Based upon the duration of the signal over a time interval a duty cycle for the spring is established. If the duty cycle is below a desired valve or range of valves this indicates the chassis is too high and the system incrementally deflates the spring. If the duty cycle is above the desired valve or range of valves this indicates the chassis is too low and the spring is incremetally deflated. Accordingly, leveling can take place when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system in which a computer controls damping and spring forces to optimize ride and handling characteristics under a wide range of driving conditions. A combined shock absorber/air spring unit is connected between the wheel and frame of a vehicle. The shock absorber includes a hydraulic sensor which provides signals to the computer which are representative of the position of the piston within the shock absorber. The computer utilizes these signals to control compression and rebound hydraulic pressure regulators to produce preprogrammed compression and rebound damping forces that will yield the desired ride and handling. The air spring may be connected in series with the shock absorber for compression and rebound along the same axis. Pressure sensors and air pressure inlet and outlet valves are connected to the computer for adjusting the pressure within the air spring to provide the desired spring rate.

Abstract: A method and system are set forth for determining the force necessary to separate a first and a second mass by using an inflatable member such as an air spring. More specifically, the invention includes a system and method for load leveling of a vehicle. The system and method includes means for determining the weight on each spring by inflating the spring at a substantially constant rate. The pressure of the gas within the air spring is sensed at time intervals and, through a microprocessor or the like, the sensed pressure at the time intervals is assembled into a pressure-time history. From the pressure time history, the pressure is determined at which the chassis begins to lift. The determined pressure is processed to give an indication of the weight of the chassis borne by the air spring. The foregoing procedure is repeated for each air spring so that a gross vehicle weight can be determined as well as the distribution of weight upon each air spring.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system in which a computer controls damping and spring forces to optimize ride and handling characteristics under a wide range of driving conditions. A controllable shock absorber connected between the wheel and frame of the vehicle includes a hydraulic sensor which provides signals to the computer which are representative of the position of the piston within the shock absorber. The computer utilizes these position signals to control compression and rebound hydraulic pressure regulators by continuously computing, utilizing programmed algorithms, compression and rebound damping forces that will yield the desired ride and handling characteristics. An air spring may be connected with the shock absorber for compression and rebound along the same axis. Pressure sensors and air pressure inlet and outlet valves are connected to the computer for adjusting the pressure within the air spring to provide the desired spring rate.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system in which a computer controls damping and spring forces to optimize ride and handling characteristics under a wide range of driving conditions. A controllable shock absorber connected between the wheel and frame of the vehicle includes a hydraulic sensor which provides signals to the computer which are representative of the position of the piston within the shock absorber. The computer utilizes these position signals to control compression and rebound hydraulic pressure regulators by continuously computing, utilizing programmed algorithms, compression and rebound damping forces that will yield the desired ride and handling characteristics. An air spring may be connected with the shock absorber for compression and rebound along the same axis. Pressure sensors and air pressure inlet and outlet valves are connected to the computer for adjusting the pressure within the air spring to provide the desired spring rate.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system in which a computer controls damping and spring forces to optimize ride and handling characteristics under a wide range of driving conditions. A combined shock absorber/air spring unit is connected between the wheel and frame of a vehicle. The shock absorber includes a hydraulic sensor which provides signals to the computer which are representative of the position of the piston within the shock absorber. The computer utilizes these signals to control compression and rebound hydraulic pressure regulators to produce preprogrammed compression and rebound damping forces that will yield the desired ride and handling. The air spring may be connected in series with the shock absorber for compression and rebound along the same axis. Pressure sensors and air pressure inlet and outlet valves are connected to the computer for adjusting the pressure within the air spring to provide the desired spring rate.