Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process suitable for constructing a multiple stage air shock. The multiple stage air shock is unique among shocks in that the multiple stage design possesses qualities not available to other shock absorbers. The process includes a means for determining the compressed and extended lengths of the air shock based on the lengths of the parts for each stage. This means refers to one methodology and offers the air shock an extended length that is greater than twice its compressed length, an optimized extended length, and a construction capability based on adding stages. In particular, the extended length-compressed length relationship is a quality inherently unobtainable by current shock absorbers. The process also includes a means of determining the spring rate. This means refers to a second methodology and offers the capability to both set-up the air shock with a relatively linear spring rate and make the relatively linear spring rate more linear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process suitable for constructing a multiple stage air shock. The multiple stage air shock is unique among shocks in that the multiple stage design possesses qualities not available to other shock absorbers. The process includes a means for determining the compressed and extended lengths of the air shock based on the lengths of the parts for each stage. This means refers to one methodology and offers the air shock an extended length that is greater than twice its compressed length, an optimized extended length, and a construction capability based on adding stages. In particular, the extended length-compressed length relationship is a quality inherently unobtainable by current shock absorbers. The process also includes a means of determining the spring rate. This means refers to a second methodology and offers the capability to both set-up the air shock with a relatively linear spring rate and make the relatively linear spring rate more linear.

Abstract: The present invention is an air shock absorber having a multiple stage design. The design includes a first algorithm for determining the compressed and extended lengths of the air shock based on the lengths of the parts for each stage. The first algorithm offers the air shock an extended length that is greater than twice its compressed length, an optimized extended length, and a construction capability based on adding stages. In particular, the extended length-compressed length relationship is a quality inherently unobtainable by current shock absorbers. The design also includes a second algorithm for determining the spring rate. The second algorithm offers the capability to both set-up the air shock with a relatively linear spring rate and make the relatively linear spring rate more linear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single shock body equipped with the gas permeable internal floating piston. The gas permeable internal floating piston was specifically designed for installation in the multiple stage air shock, the gas permeable internal floating piston being disclosed in the parent application. The gas permeable internal floating piston automatically separates the oil from the gas within the shock body thereby significantly reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing a shock absorber with the gas permeable internal floating piston. Also, separation is maintained during the operation of the shock throughout the shock's lifetime. The gas permeable internal floating piston can operate with oils derived from either petroleum or synthetic base stocks, additives, and various gases including dry air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, and argon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single shock body equipped with the gas permeable internal floating piston. The gas permeable internal floating piston was specifically designed for installation in the multiple stage air shock, the gas permeable internal floating piston being disclosed in the parent application. The gas permeable internal floating piston automatically separates the oil from the gas within the shock body thereby significantly reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing a shock absorber with the gas permeable internal floating piston. Also, separation is maintained during the operation of the shock throughout the shock's lifetime. The gas permeable internal floating piston can operate with oils derived from either petroleum or synthetic base stocks, additives, and various gases including dry air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, and argon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process suitable for constructing a multiple stage air shock. The multiple stage air shock is unique among shocks in that the multiple stage design possesses qualities not available to other shock absorbers. The process includes a means for determining the compressed and extended lengths of the air shock based on the lengths of the parts for each stage. This means refers to one methodology and offers the air shock an extended length that is greater than twice its compressed length, an optimized extended length, and a construction capability based on adding stages. In particular, the extended length-compressed length relationship is a quality inherently unobtainable by current shock absorbers. The process also includes a means of determining the spring rate. This means refers to a second methodology and offers the capability to both set-up the air shock with a relatively linear spring rate and make the relatively linear spring rate more linear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process suitable for constructing the multiple stage air shock. The multiple stage air shock is unique among shocks in that the multiple stage design possesses qualities not available to other shock absorbers. The process includes a means for determining the compressed and extended lengths of the air shock based on the lengths of the parts for each stage. This means refers to one methodology and offers the air shock an extended length that is greater than twice its compressed length, an optimized extended length, and a construction capability based on adding stages. In particular, the extended length-compressed length relationship is a quality inherently unobtainable by current shock absorbers. The process also includes a means of determining the spring rate. This means refers to a second methodology and offers the capability to both set-up the air shock with a relatively linear spring rate and make the relatively linear spring rate more linear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single shock body equipped with the gas permeable internal floating piston. The gas permeable internal floating piston was specifically designed for installation in the multiple stage air shock, the gas permeable internal floating piston being disclosed in the parent application. The gas permeable internal floating piston automatically separates the oil from the gas within the shock body thereby significantly reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing a shock absorber with the gas permeable internal floating piston. Also, separation is maintained during the operation of the shock throughout the shock's lifetime. The gas permeable internal floating piston can operate with oils derived from either petroleum or synthetic base stocks, additives, and various gases including dry air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, and argon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process suitable for constructing the multiple stage air shock. The multiple stage air shock is unique among shocks in that the multiple stage design possesses qualities not available to other shock absorbers. The process includes a means for determining the compressed and extended lengths of the air shock based on the lengths of the parts for each stage. This means refers to one methodology and offers the air shock an extended length that is greater than twice its compressed length, an optimized extended length, and a construction capability based on adding stages. In particular, the extended length-compressed length relationship is a quality inherently unobtainable by current shock absorbers. The process also includes a means of determining the spring rate. This means refers to a second methodology and offers the capability to both set-up the air shock with a relatively linear spring rate and make the relatively linear spring rate more linear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single shock body equipped with the gas permeable internal floating piston. The gas permeable internal floating piston was specifically designed for installation in the multiple stage air shock, the gas permeable internal floating piston being disclosed in the parent application. The gas permeable internal floating piston automatically separates the oil from the gas within the shock body thereby significantly reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing a shock absorber with the gas permeable internal floating piston. Also, separation is maintained during the operation of the shock throughout the shock's lifetime. The gas permeable internal floating piston can operate with oils derived from either petroleum or synthetic base stocks, additives, and various gases including dry air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, and argon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel gas permeable internal floating piston specifically designed for installation in the multiple stage air shock whereby the multiple stage air shock is covered in prior patent applications. The multiple stage air shock includes a mixture of oil and gas whereby the mixture provides the shock with emulsion dampening properties. The gas permeable internal floating piston operates by separating the oil from the gas thereby improving the dampening properties of the shock. The permeability of the internal floating piston is based on a membrane that allows the gas but not the oil to pass through the structure of the internal floating piston. The mechanism of the permeability is governed by the creation of a pressure differential across the structure of the internal floating piston, the creation effected with a spring. The membrane features a slow rate of permeation thereby ensuring that the internal floating piston moves in conjunction with the shaft during the operation of the shock.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel chassis design that is functionally similar to the chassis associated with the suspension system, drivetrain, and steering system disclosed in prior applications. Based on a ladder-type structure, the novel chassis includes a frame that is constructed with a low slung middle section and high arched front and rear sections. This way, the powertrain is located in the middle section at the same level as are the suspension control link frame mounting points. In contrast the chassis associated with the prior applications is planar, the powertrain being located within the frame above the suspension control link frame mounting points.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a report on a drivetrain specifically designed to operate in conjunction with the Extreme-Travel Independent Suspension System. In a prior disclosure, we introduced a drivetrain concept derived from the unique configuration of the suspension system. The concept defines several elements, one element is a gearbox that is fabricated into the frame, the gearbox being called the reverse power coupler. Other elements of the concept include a differential mounted offset power coupler and differential housing assemblies. The drivetrain cooperates with the suspension configuration of upper and lower leading and trailing links thereby retaining the suspension system's fundamental properties—handling quality like a double A-arm independent suspension system and travel and articulation capabilities similar to Ford's Twin I-Beam front suspension system. This report integrates the elements introduced in the prior disclosure with novel mechanistic features of the drivetrain.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel gas permeable internal floating piston specifically designed for installation in the multiple stage air shock whereby the multiple stage air shock is covered in patent application Nos. 13/854,055 and 14/935,423. The multiple stage air shock includes a mixture of oil and gas whereby the mixture provides the shock with emulsion dampening properties. The gas permeable internal floating piston operates by separating the oil from the gas thereby improving the dampening properties of the shock. The permeability of the internal floating piston is based on a membrane that allows the gas but not the oil to pass through the structure of the internal floating piston. The mechanism of the permeability is governed by the creation of a pressure differential across the structure of the internal floating piston, the creation effected with a spring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process suitable for constructing the multiple stage air shock. The multiple stage air shock is unique among shocks in that the multiple stage design possesses qualities not available to other shock absorbers. The process includes a means for determining the compressed and extended lengths of the air shock based on the lengths of the parts for each stage. This means refers to one methodology and offers the air shock an extended length that is greater than twice its compressed length, an optimized extended length, and a construction capability based on adding stages. In particular, the extended length-compressed length relationship is a quality inherently unobtainable by current shock absorbers. The process also includes a means of determining the spring rate. This means refers to a second methodology and offers the capability to both set-up the air shock with a relatively linear spring rate and make the relatively linear spring rate more linear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a report on a drivetrain specifically designed to operate in conjunction with the Extreme-Travel Independent Suspension System. In a prior disclosure, we introduced a drivetrain concept derived from the unique configuration of the suspension system. The concept defines several elements, one element is a gearbox that is fabricated into the frame, the gearbox being called the reverse power coupler. Other elements of the concept include a differential mounted offset power coupler and differential housing assemblies. The drivetrain cooperates with the suspension configuration of upper and lower leading and trailing links thereby retaining the suspension system's fundamental properties--handling quality like a double A-arm independent suspension system and travel and articulation capabilities similar to Ford's Twin I-Beam front suspension system. This report integrates the elements introduced in the prior disclosure with novel mechanistic features of the drivetrain.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel chassis design that is functionally identical to the chassis represented in the U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/059,062, 14/087,552, and 14/246,108. Based on a ladder-type structure representative of one ordinarily designed for a utility vehicle or truck, the novel chassis includes a frame that is constructed with a low slung middle section and high arched front and rear sections. This way, the powertrain is located in the middle section at the same level as are the suspension control link frame mounting points. In contrast, the powertrain in the chassis represented by the cited applications is located above the suspension control link frame mounting points.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel steering system specifically designed to operate in conjunction with the powered version of the extreme-travel independent suspension system that is disclosed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/087,552. Based on a steering mechanism commonly found in off-road racing trucks built around Ford's twin I-beam front suspension system, this novel steering system comprises a type of swingset steering linkage structure. Unique features of this novel steering system include a right-angle bellcrank and swingset arm whereby the vertical bellcrank arm functions like the swingset arm. This novel steering system utilizes front or rear driver and passenger tie rods operating in coincidence with their counterpart suspension links to control the directional orientation of the steering or non-steering knuckles with minimal bump steer or change in toe throughout suspension travel, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system of steering and suspension linkages for a beam-type solid axle arrangement, the steering system designed to operate in conjunction with the suspension system without bumpsteer throughout suspension travel. Accurate steering throughout suspension travel is satisfied with mechanical linkages that include a unique flexible joint-mounted bellcrank. The suspension system comprises two pairs of links, each pair occupying opposite sides of a solid axle, this opposed configuration offering the axle centering capability of without the packaging constraints of a triangulated 4-link suspension system, thereby facilitating its installation on production-based front solid axle vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel drivetrain concept developed for the four wheel drive vehicle. This drivetrain is specifically designed to operate in conjunction with the extreme-travel independent suspension system, an independent suspension system that is disclosed in the U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 14/059,062; whereby, the criterion of this drivetrain design is dictated by the unique suspension configuration of the leading links. Inspired by Ford's twin-traction beam front suspension system, a key component of the drivetrain concept is a unique frame-mounted reverse power coupler, other components including a differential-mounted offset power coupler and differential housing assemblies.