Abstract: A suspension system having a frame, a cab having a front portion pivotally mounted to the frame and at least one actuator mounted between a rear portion of the cab and the frame. A position sensor is mounted adjacent the rear portion of the cab for generating a first signal indicating a position of the cab relative to the frame, an accelerometer is mounted to the frame for generating a second signal indicating an acceleration of the frame relative to gravity and an electronic control receives the first and second signals from the position sensor and the accelerometer and generates a control signal for controlling the actuator in response to the first and second signals.

Abstract: A suspension system, typically for use between a cab and an associated truck frame, including a s strut module having a strut, an air spring and a control module. The control module is connected to a source of pressurized air, is integral with the strut and includes a height sensor for sensing a distance between the cab and truck frame. The integral control module selectively pressurizes the air spring in response to changes in that distance. Preferably, the strut is a magnetorheological, McPherson-type strut and the air spring encloses at least a portion of the strut to provide a compact assembly. The strut damping characteristics are varied by the control module to provide optimal ride characteristics. The strut module includes a three-point connection to the cab and frame to resist relative lateral movement between the cab and frame.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension system, typically for use between a cab and a truck frame, includes a strut module having a strut and an air spring, and a control module, connected to a source of pressurized air, for sensing a distance between the cab and truck frame and selectively pressurizing the air spring in response to changes in that distance. Preferably, the strut is a McPherson-type strut and the air spring encloses at least a portion of the strut to provide a compact assembly and includes a three point connection to the cab and frame to resist relative lateral movement between the cab and frame. The strut also preferably is a magnetorheological-type damper so that the control module can adjust the damping characteristics of the strut to optimize rider comfort.

Abstract: A suspension damper comprises a cylinder tube and a control partition. The cylinder tube is disposed within a reservoir tube to define a fluid reservoir, and has at least one first hole. The control partition is disposed in the fluid reservoir, and communicates with the at least one hole.

Abstract: A suspension system, typically for use between a cab and an associated truck frame, including a s strut module having a strut, an air spring and a control module. The control module is connected to a source of pressurized air, is integral with the strut and includes a height sensor for sensing a distance between the cab and truck frame. The integral control module selectively pressurizes the air spring in response to changes in that distance. Preferably, the strut is a magnetorheological, McPherson-type strut and the air spring encloses at least a portion of the strut to provide a compact assembly. The strut damping characteristics are varied by the control module to provide optimal ride characteristics. The strut module includes a three-point connection to the cab and frame to resist relative lateral movement between the cab and frame.

Abstract: A brake apparatus and method utilize an electric power brake booster for operating a push rod actuated hydraulic master cylinder. The existing vehicle electrical system provides electric power for the power brake booster, thus eliminating the need for engine driven or auxiliary pressure/vacuum sources. The electric power brake booster includes an electrically powered actuator having an output shaft adapted for operative connection to the master cylinder, and an input for receipt of a signal indicative of force applied to the push rod. The electrically powered actuator augments the force applied to the push rod in response to the signal indicative of the force applied to the push rod. The booster may include a sensor for sensing force applied to the push rod and generating the signal indicative of the force applied to the push rod.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension system, typically for use between a cab and a truck frame, includes a strut module having a strut and an air spring, and a control module, connected to a source of pressurized air, for sensing a distance between the cab and truck frame and selectively pressurizing the air spring in response to changes in that distance. Preferably, the strut is a McPherson-type strut and the air spring encloses at least a portion of the strut to provide a compact assembly and includes a three point connection to the cab and frame to resist relative lateral movement between the cab and frame. The strut also preferably is a magnetorheological-type damper so that the control module can adjust the damping characteristics of the strut to optimize rider comfort.

Abstract: A brake apparatus and method utilize an electric power brake booster for operating a push rod actuated hydraulic master cylinder. The existing vehicle electrical system provides electric power for the power brake booster, thus eliminating the need for engine driven or auxiliary pressure/vacuum sources. The electric power brake booster includes an electrically powered actuator having an output shaft adapted for operative connection to the master cylinder, and an input for receipt of a signal indicative of force applied to the push rod. The electrically powered actuator augments the force applied to the push rod in response to the signal indicative of the force applied to the push rod. The booster may include a sensor for sensing force applied to the push rod and generating the signal indicative of the force applied to the push rod.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle. A control arm is attachable to the vehicle frame by a first bushing and by a second bushing and is attachable to the knuckle by a ball joint. A torsion spring assembly has a torsion tube and a torsion bar positioned within the torsion tube. A first end portion of the torsion bar is attached to a first end portion of the torsion tube, and a second end portion of the torsion bar extends beyond a second end of the torsion tube and is attached to the control arm. No portion of the torsion tube is immobilized with respect to the frame. A moment bar has a first end portion attached to the torsion tube and has a second end portion attachable to the frame.

Abstract: A suspension damper comprises a cylinder tube and a control partition. The cylinder tube is disposed within a reservoir tube to define a fluid reservoir, and has at least one first hole. The control partition is disposed in the fluid reservoir, and communicates with the at least one hole.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle suspension strut configured to be arranged between a wheel assembly and a body of a vehicle, the adjustable strut including a tube. A piston is slidably carried in the tube on a piston rod. A coil is carried on the piston adjacent a first flow passageway in the piston to produce a magnetic field thereacross and a control valve is carried on the piston controlling fluid flow through a second flow passageway in the piston. The control valve is positioned at the distal end of the rod upstream of the first flow passageway.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle damper assembly and a method for modulating fluid flow through the same. The assembly includes a housing including a fluid carried therein. A piston is slidably carried in the housing and includes a ring and a core. At least one gap to allow fluid flow is formed between the ring and core. A rod is operably attached to the piston. The ring moves axially with respect to the core to vary the gap size and modulate fluid flow during operation of the assembly. The method includes axially moving a ring with respect to a core during assembly operation. At least one gap size is varied based on the axial movement, wherein the gap is formed between the ring and core.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle damper assembly and a method for modulating fluid flow through the same. The assembly includes a housing including a fluid carried therein. A piston is slidably carried in the housing and includes a ring and a core. At least one gap to allow fluid flow is formed between the ring and core. A rod is operably attached to the piston. The ring moves axially with respect to the core to vary the gap size and modulate fluid flow during operation of the assembly. The method includes axially moving a ring with respect to a core during assembly operation. At least one gap size is varied based on the axial movement, wherein the gap is formed between the ring and core.

Abstract: A mount assembly for a vehicle suspension strut includes a mount plate assembly having upper and lower plate members secured together and supporting a cushion member. The cushion member is secured to a retainer which is secured directly to a damper piston rod or through a bearing assembly. Multiple load paths may be provided by a bumper mounted on a spring seat member secured to the piston rod and engageable with the lower plate of the plate assembly for transferring jounce loads directly to the vehicle body structure. The steering bearing may be mounted to engage the lower plate for transferring loads directly through the bearing and the lower plate to the body structure. The plate assembly may include a composite upper plate member.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle damper assembly including a housing including a fluid carried therein, a piston slidably carried in the housing, and a rod operably attached to the piston. The piston includes a curved portion positioned adjacent a housing inner surface. The invention further provides a vehicle damper assembly including housing means for carrying a fluid, piston means from reducing binding contact with the housing means, and rod means for moving the piston means. The invention further provides a method of reducing binding contact in a vehicle damper assembly. A longitudinal radius is determined for a piston based on a housing inner surface. The piston is formed with a curved portion based on the longitudinal radius. The curved portion is positioned adjacent the housing inner surface.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle suspension strut configured to be arranged between a wheel assembly and a body of a vehicle, the adjustable strut including a tube. A piston is slidably carried in the tube on a piston rod. A coil is carried on the piston adjacent a first flow passageway in the piston to produce a magnetic field thereacross and a control valve is carried on the piston controlling fluid flow through a second flow passageway in the piston. The control valve is positioned at the distal end of the rod upstream of the first flow passageway.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle suspension damper configured to be arranged between a wheel assembly and a body of a vehicle, the adjustable damper including a tube. A piston is slidably carried in the tube. A coil is carried on the piston adjacent a first flow passageway in the piston to produce a magnetic field thereacross and a control valve is carried on the piston controlling fluid flow through a second flow passageway in the piston.

Abstract: A mount assembly for a vehicle suspension strut includes a mount plate assembly having upper and lower plate members secured together and supporting a cushion member. The cushion member is secured to a retainer which is secured directly to a damper piston rod or through a bearing assembly. Multiple load paths may be provided by a bumper mounted on a spring seat member secured to the piston rod and engageable with the lower plate of the plate assembly for transferring jounce loads directly to the vehicle body structure. The steering bearing may be mounted to engage the lower plate for transferring loads directly through the bearing and the lower plate to the body structure. The plate assembly may include a composite upper plate member.

Abstract: A damper mount assembly includes a lower plate that is substantially rigid and has a main body with a first end and a second end. The main body includes a first engagement surface near the first end and includes a support surface between the first and second ends. An upper plate is fixed relative to the lower plate and includes a central opening and a second engagement surface engaging the first engagement surface. A single attachment stud extends through the central opening connecting the mount to a vehicle body tower. A resilient cushion assembly is compressed between the upper plate and the lower plate and engages the support surface. The resilient cushion assembly carries a rigid structural insert that has a mounting opening and the rigid structural insert is movable relative to both the upper plate and the lower plate by deformation of the resilient cushion assembly.