Abstract: An air spring includes essentially an air spring cover (2), a rolling-lobe flexible member (9) and a roll-off piston which conjointly define a variable air spring space. Air springs are increasingly provided with an additional volume (4) in order to configure the spring performance more comfortably. For this purpose, the air spring cover (2) includes two shells (2a, 2b) which function as a housing for the wanted additional volume (4). The half-shells (2a, 2b) are especially deep drawn or injected air spring covers. To produce a cost effective, air-tight and high-strength connection of the two shells (2a, 2b), the shells (2a, 2b), which are to be connected, are connected by a flanging operation to each other or, the connection of the two shells (2a, 2b) is established by flange connecting a flanging clamp (10) over the common edge of the two shells. The flanging clamp (10) is made of a plastic deformable material.

Abstract: An improved airspring assembly includes a collapsible support member disposed within the pressurizable chamber of an airspring having a flexible sidewall. The support member is configured such that it extends and collapses along a longitudinal axis of the chamber responsive to pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, respectively. The support member also is configured such that it retains a substantially rigid outer perimeter, thereby restricting movement of the chamber's flexible sidewall toward the longitudinal axis when the chamber is depressurized. The support member also is configured such that it does not interfere with the full stroke of the airspring.

Abstract: A compression strut comprises a pre-loaded extension spring with a damper disposed therein. An operating element is disposed inside the extension spring, having an actuating tappet that is joined to an end of the extension spring. The actuating tappet is displaceable over a total range of travel that includes a damping range of the piston rod of the damper and a no-load range of the actuating tappet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas spring including the steps of fitting and inserting a first seal member, an annular space member, a second seal member, and a rod guide, to an outer periphery of a piston rod in accordance with this order from a side of a piston, a step of providing a piston rod assembly in which a lubricant is previously injected, in an annular chamber defined among the first seal member, the space member and the second seal member, and a step of charging a pressurized gas into an inner portion of a cylinder from an opening portion of the cylinder under a sealed state, and thereafter pressing the rod guide fitted and inserted to the piston rod, thereby inserting the piston rod assembly into the inner portion of the cylinder from the opening portion of the cylinder and fixing the rod guide to the cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag spring suspension system utilizing a swing arm as a member of a four-bar linkage subsystem wherein the suspension system with the airbag spring is compressed by the linkage opposite the swing arm's fulcral point relative the supported wheel. The air bag further serves as an inherently, partially dampened spring having a non-linear spring compression rate, so as to firmly keep the vehicle tires firmly planted to a rough surface. A second embodiment employs two actuator arms per wheel, wherein one inside actuator arm contacts a fixed air bag spring and cooperates with the other outside actuator arm and a rotating actuator shaft inside a frame tube to dampen wheel movement. A third embodiment employs the air spring supports directly connected to the bird cages or the housings for the bearings for both the front and rear axles.

Abstract: A rolling-lobe air spring (2) includes a cover (cover plate, 6-I or 6-II), a roll-off piston (8) and a rolling-lobe flexible member (4). A support bell (16-I or 16-II) is provided in order to solve stability problems. The support bell (16-I or 16-II) is rigidly connected to the cover (6-I or 6-II) in order to provide a guide of high stiffness to the rolling-lobe flexible member. The support bell (16-I or 16-II) is rigidly connected to the cover (6-I or 6-II) and can be arranged within or outside of the cover (6-I or 6-II). For an inner-lying support bell (16-I) the upper end of the rolling-lobe flexible member is attached to the throat region (18-I) of the support bell (16-I) with the aid of a clamp ring (12-I) applied from the outside. For an outside-lying support bell (16-II), the throat region (18-II) of the support bell (16-II) is deformed against the upper end of the rolling-lobe flexible member and against a support ring (12-II) disposed therebelow.

Abstract: A machine tool main spindle balancer wherein the annular sealing members of a gas spring that supports the main spindle unit to reduce the load of an elevating mechanism are easily replaceable.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension system that includes an indicator for displaying the travel of a bicycle suspension system in response to an applied load. The system includes an inner tube telescopically engaging with the outer tube along an axis. A biasing mechanism biases the inner and outer tube apart from each other along the axis. The indicator is disposed along a length of the inner and outer tubes. The indicator may include a plurality of markings on the inner tube and a pointer on the outer tube. Each marking corresponds to a distance that the inner and outer tubes may be displaced relative to each other. The suspension system may include an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the distance the inner and outer tubes may be displaced relative to each other in response to an applied load. The rider may select the desired travel by actuating the adjustment mechanism to align the marking corresponding to the desired travel with the pointer.

Abstract: An air spring sleeve. The sleeve comprises an elastomer body having two plies. Each ply comprises a cord embedded in the elastomer body. Each cord is wound about the sleeve in an opposing direction from the other and each having a helix angle. The first cord helix angle and the second cord helix angle comprise a cord differential helix angle. The first or inner cord helix angle is greater than a second or outer cord helix angle. The cord differential helix angle is in the range of approximately 0° to 2.5°.

Abstract: A pneumatic equipment mount comprises a base plate and an annular outer case extending upwardly from the base plate. The annular outer case has opposing upper and lower case ends, the lower case end being closed by the base plate. The outer case comprises a case wall defining a cylindrical case inner surface. The pneumatic equipment mount also comprises a load platform comprising a substantially circular upper plate and a cylindrical mounting wall. The cylindrical mounting wall has a cylindrical mounting wall outer surface and is coaxially mounted to the upper plate. The cylindrical mounting wall is mounted adjacent the outer circumference of the upper plate so that the cylindrical mounting wall extends downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An air spring has first and second axially spaced end members with a flexible bellows sealingly clamped to the end members and extending therebetween and forming an intervening air chamber. A flexible elastomeric sleeve having at least one convolution resiliently mounts a rigid restraining cylinder to one of the end members. The cylinder extends co-axially along and outside of the bellows. The flexible sleeve is bonded or snap-fitted to the cylinder.

Abstract: In a tube structure of a hydraulic damper, an outer tube and an inner tube are separately formed by extrusion, and using this outer tube or inner tube, as it has ribs integrally formed on an inside wall of the outer tube or outside wall of the inner tube, the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube, and the outer tube is forced to be reduced in diameter so that the outer tube is compression-joined onto the inner tube, whereby the outer and inner tubes and are integrally joined

Abstract: A passive gas spring disposed within a fuel cell assembly adjacent a fuel cell stack for maintaining the stack under compression at elevated temperatures. The spring includes at least one membrane formed of a metal alloy stable at the operating temperatures required of the fuel cell assembly. The membrane closes a chamber for retaining an amount of gas. As temperature of the assembly changes, differential thermal expansion of fuel cell components and supporting structural elements can cause height mismatches between the stack and the supporting structure, otherwise resulting in a loss of compression in the assembly. Because the temperature of the gas also increases, however, the spring force of the gas spring increases, thereby maintaining compressive load on the various assembly seals. A mechanical spring may also be provided.

Abstract: A gas spring and a method for filling a gas chamber of a gas spring does not require the use of a gas filling valve. Gas spring (5) includes a rod member (20), a cylinder main body (21), a gas filling chamber (22), first and second sealing members (23, 24), a plurality of pin members (25), and a plurality of slots (26). A gas filling implement (30) makes it possible to fill the gas filling chamber (22) with compressed gas in a simple and reliable manner without providing the gas spring (5) with a gas filling valve having a nonreturn valve. Consequently, the entire gas spring (5) is configured symmetrically about the axial center of the rod member (20), and its center of gravity is aligned with the axial center of the rod member (20), making it possible to prevent the gas spring (5) from inducing vibrations in the main shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to the automotive and light truck industries where air springs are used in aftermarket suspension. Specifically to that of manufacturing end attachment components from stamped steel with the threaded fasteners that are used for mounting the finished product, melted in to place instead of brazed. It also incorporates a port used to pressurize and depressurize the air bellow that has been stamped into the end attachment component. The invention of this new end attachment component requires no leak test, takes less effort to manufacturer, and is more cost effective.

Abstract: A pneumatic suspension system comprising: a pneumatic suspension bellows made of an elastomeric material which encloses an air chamber whose volume varies, with an embedded strengthening support; a pressure reservoir having an outer diameter on which one end of the pneumatic suspension bellows is fastened by a clamping ring; and a pneumatic suspension piston having an outer diameter on which the other end of the pneumatic suspension bellows is also fastened by a clamping ring, and having a roll-off piston on whose outer wall the pneumatic suspension bellows can roll off while forming a first rolling fold. The pressure reservoir has a contoured roll-off surface outside of the first fastening area. The roll-off surface is provided for a second rolling fold which rests against the roll-off surface and can roll off in a limited manner compared to the first rolling fold.

Abstract: A strut exercise assembly for an aircraft comprises a fluid strut telescopic along a path. A couple selectively connects the fluid strut to a driver. The driver telescopes the fluid strut along a path through the couple.

Abstract: A powerful high frequency shock absorber/accelerator uses compressed air but maintains a substantially uniform level of force throughout retraction and extension strokes. A piston moving in an inner chamber compresses gas in the chamber. Initially, an aperture allows compressed gas to be pushed to an outer storage chamber surrounding the inner chamber. As the piston moves further, sealing structure seals gas coming through the aperture thereby isolating the compressed air in the outer chamber from the inner chamber. At the end of the retraction stroke the small amount of remaining air is vented to outside and the piston faces a small counterforce-generating member. When the extension stroke is initiated the counterforce-generating member moves the piston a small distance until the seal is broken. The force of the compressed air rushing back into the inner chamber drives the extension stroke. Additional embodiments include replacing outer chamber with external source of gas.

Abstract: Pneumatic spring with at least one control valve inside the pneumatic spring with control positions for feeding, blocking, and discharging compressed air, which valve is actuated by a control element also installed inside the pneumatic valve. The control element acts on one of the two pneumatic spring assemblies which can move relative to each other, namely, either on the outer tube or on the roll tube, where the control element has a working length which is shorter than the stroke length of the pneumatic spring and is pretensioned by a first spring against one of the pneumatic spring assemblies which can move relative to each other. The control element is supported in a floating manner relative to the pneumatic spring assemblies, and a second spring, the force of which is directed against the first spring, co-determines the position of the control element.

Abstract: A gas spring comprises a housing, in which a piston that is mounted on a piston rod is disposed for displacement, dividing the interior of the housing into two partial volumes filled with fluid. A valve is provided, by means of which to interconnect the partial volumes. The valve is designed such that, when a force that acts in the piston-rod push-in direction exceeds a given threshold, a valve pin, which serves to open and close the valve, is displaceable from a closing position against a spring unit into a position of opening by overload.

Abstract: In a combined spring and shock absorber system for a wheel suspension of a vehicle comprising tubular rolling bellows arranged between a wheel-support structure and a vehicle body the bellows includes a space filled with a fluid in communication with a hydraulic accumulator. The bellows space is also in communication with at least one additional hydraulic accumulator via a throttle passage and via at least one pre-set differential pressure-control valve ensuring that threshold values for the internal pressure in the tubular rolling bellows are not exceeded in the event of high spring-extension and/or spring-compression speeds.

Abstract: An air damper comprises a cylinder having first and second openings at both ends, a piston that moves in the cylinder, a piston rod coupled to the piston and moving in and out at the first opening of the cylinder; and a cap positioned at the second opening of the cylinder. The piston rod has a continuous outer wall and an opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the rod. The cross-sectional view of the piston rod taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is an inverse U-shape, an inverse V-shape, a C-shape, or the like. The piston rod has a fixing ring at the leading end. A plane containing the opening is perpendicular to a plane defined by the fixing ring. The piston rod is fixed to a glove box so that the opening faces down.

Abstract: A spring suspension device is provided for rail vehicles which is arranged in the region of the wheels in the form of a primary spring suspension between the wheel axle and a frame and/or in the form of a secondary spring suspension between the frame and the vehicle box body, wherein the spring suspension device includes at least one main spring and at least one auxiliary spring device assigned to the main spring, and wherein the at least one main spring comprises a hydropneumatic spring arranged in series with the auxiliary spring device. The auxiliary spring device is, for example, realized in the form of a coil spring. In a spring suspension system for a rail vehicle in which several such spring suspension devices are used, two or more hydraulic units of the hydropneumatic springs may be connected to a common gas reservoir by means of a synchronization unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-spring system at least comprised of: air-spring bellows (3), which are made of an elastomeric material with two bellows ends and which enclose a volume-elastic air chamber while forming a loop, and which are particularly provided with an outer guide (5); a cover (2) and plunger with a connection area (10) for each bellows end, whereby the plunger has a roll-off surface for the loop, and; a sleeve (6), which is provided with a first retaining collar (8) that, together with the corresponding bellows end (11), is fastened to the cover (2) by means of a clamping ring (7), and which has a second retaining sleeve (12) that is anchored at least inside the static area of the air-spring bellows (3) and/or on the outer guide (5). The inventive air-spring system is characterized in that at least one recess (9) is provided inside the first retaining collar (8) of the sleeve (6).

Abstract: A fluid damper for movable pieces of furniture comprises a cylinder (1) and a piston (3) than can be linearly displaced therein. The piston (3) is provided with interspaced ring disks (8, 9, 10, 11), which comprise, in part, through-openings (15) for the damping fluid and can, in part, be elastically bent or can be displaced.

Abstract: In an air-type shock absorber, a piston is sealing situated in a cylinder chamber. A vacuum state occurs in a piston bearing side of the cylinder chamber when a piston is pushed. Also, an air reservoir is provided at a side opposite to the piston bearing to have a sealed structure, so that a force of absorbing a shock can be increased to have the same effect as in an oil-type shock absorber. The shock absorber can be used not only at a place requiring cleanness but also in adverse environment in which the shock absorber is exposed to water or coolant, and durability of the shock absorber is also improved.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided. The suspension includes a first assembly that is mounted between the vehicle axle and frame and provides controlling damping of movement of the unsprung mass of the vehicle. The suspension also includes a second assembly that is mounted to the vehicle frame and provides controlled damping of movement of a spring disposed against the vehicle frame. The first and second assemblies are in fluid communication. The suspension allows the spring to be mounted remotely from the vehicle axle and increases roll stiffness of the vehicle by allowing spring reaction points to be moved outboard of the vehicle frame rails.

Abstract: An air spring has a pair of spaced end members with a flexible sleeve ending therebetween forming an intervening air chamber. A partition is mounted in a hollow interior of one of the end members and forms an auxiliary air reservoir in the end member. A control valve having a moveable plunger is mounted on the one end member and is connected to a source of pressurized air. The plunger extends between the main air chamber and auxiliary reservoir and is controlled by a solenoid for selectively providing air passages between the pressurized air and the main air chamber and between the main air chamber and auxiliary reservoir to change the volume of the main air chamber to change the spring rate of the air spring.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of filling a pressurized medium chamber of a level control system which includes a pressurized medium store and a compressor. The pressurized medium chamber is filled from the pressurized medium store over a time span during which the pressurized medium difference between the pressurized medium store and the pressurized medium chamber exceeds a threshold value. When the pressurized medium difference between the pressurized medium store and the pressurized medium chamber reaches the threshold value, a further filling of the pressurized medium chamber is necessary and takes place by means of the compressor of the level control system.

Abstract: An air bearing regulated load-dependent for use in automotive engineering is formed by a central plate through which a freely movable, rigid coupling pin passes axially and is rigidly connected to both a support connector member on the support side and a counterplate on the opposite side. An air spring hose ring that can be variably charged with compressed air or gas is arranged between the support connector member and the central plate and an absorber hose ring is inserted on the opposite side of the central plate between the central plate and a counterplate. The two hose ring systems are directly connected to one another via one or more throttle nozzles. The absorber hose ring has a nozzle or a regulating valve that variably opens the absorber hose ring to the ambient air.

Abstract: Gas shock-absorber including two concentric tubes with an intermediary chamber and valve plug, and with a shaft of which the head separates two internal chambers, at which extremity is connected the body to the shock-absorber. The valve plug has to parts in direct contact between each other; the sliding of part in the external tube takes place by a seal situated between an upper metal washer and a slot of the part. The washer has a central neck which is introduced into the cavity of part. The other part of the valve plug has cavities which are intended to reduce its weight. The head of the shaft which separates the internal chambers is made of plastic and presents an upper countersunk part wherein is housed an annular seal; a washer is provided on top of the head and the assembly is riveted.

Abstract: A spring having a main gas chamber, a secondary gas chamber and sealing surfaces which, during a portion of the stroke of the piston rod, define a gas tight seal between them to provide two separate gas chambers each providing a force acting on the piston rod in opposed directions to each other to reduce the net force on the piston rod. When the piston rod is near its fully extended position the sealing surfaces provide the gas tight seal and the net force on the piston rod is minimal and in the direction to move the piston rod to its fully extended position. Thus, until the cooperating surfaces are displaced to terminate the gas tight seal, only a slight force is required to initially move the piston rod from its fully extended position. This greatly reduces the impulse or impact force imparted to a press ram upon initial actuation of the fully extended piston rod. A second seal assembly may also be provided which controls the rate at which the piston rod assembly returns to its fully extended position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing device comprising: a hollow spring including a chamber having a proximal end, a distal end, and a bellows comprised of a springy material connecting the proximal end to the distal end and enclosing the chamber; a shock absorber extending through the hollow spring, the shock absorber including a cylinder and a piston which slidably engages the cylinder, the cylinder extending through and being attached to the hollow spring proximal end, the piston extending through and slidably engaging the hollow spring distal and the piston including contacting device located distally of the hollow spring distal end for urging the hollow spring distal end proximally when the contacting device is forced against the hollow spring distal end and for urging the piston distally when the hollow spring distal end is forced against the contacting device.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces comprising: a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein; a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber; a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose; and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber, the inertial valve opening in response to terrain-induced forces and providing communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber; and the inertial valve not opening in response to rider-induced forces and preventing communication of the fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

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 powerful high frequency shock absorber/accelerator uses compressed air but maintains a substantially uniform level of force throughout retraction and extension strokes. A piston moving in an inner chamber compresses gas in the chamber. Initially, an aperture allows compressed gas to be pushed to an outer storage chamber surrounding the inner chamber. As the piston moves further, sealing structure seals gas coming through the aperture thereby isolating the compressed air in the outer chamber from the inner chamber. At the end of the retraction stroke the small amount of remaining air is vented to outside and the piston faces a small counterforce-generating member. When the extension stroke is initiated the counterforce-generating member moves the piston a small distance until the seal is broken. The force of the compressed air rushing back into the inner chamber drives the extension stroke. Additional embodiments include replacing outer chamber with external source of gas.

Abstract: Spring strut with a pneumatic spring and an oscillation damper which can be adjusted as a function of the support pressure. The pneumatic spring has a spring space bounded by a U-type bellows, which spring space is pneumatically connected to a damping device which can be adjusted as a function of a support pressure. A component which having a duct connects the spring space and the damping device is embodied without a hose and is integrated in the spring strut in such a way that it does not form any essential surface change in an unrolling piston associated with the U-type bellows and the unrolling piston forms at least a part of this duct.

Abstract: A head plate opening/closing force-reducing mechanism includes a head plate (13) one end of which is rotatably attached (13B) to a main body so as to open/close an opening (31) formed in the main body (10), and at least one push-up mechanism (16, 17, 18) attached to at least one edge (36) of the head plate, the push-up mechanism being located in a position close to an opposite end of the head plate.

Abstract: A damper includes a piston that carries a relatively compact control valve for controlling fluid flow through the piston. The control valve provides a variable amount of damping by regulating damper fluid flow between the extension chamber and the compression chamber of the damper during extension and compression strokes. Pressure regulation across the piston is controlled through a flow path as determined by the control valve. The damping force of the damper varies depending upon the loading conditions of the vehicle. The control valve is air pressure actuated to adjust the damping force and control the flow of fluid in the flow path.

Abstract: A bicycle cushion device includes a bracket connected to a bicycle frame which is a movable frame. A bladder is connected to the bracket and a casing is mounted to the bladder and movable connected to the bicycle frame. An opening is defined in a top of the casing and a valve of the bladder extends through the opening. The movable frame moves into the casing and compresses the bladder to absorb the shocks transmitted to the bicycle frame.

Abstract: The air spring is comprised of a flexible airsleeve, a retainer, and a main piston. The airsleeve is secured at one end by the retainer and at the opposing end by the main piston. A hollow restraining piston extends from the retainer and into the main piston. The restraining piston acts as a lateral stabilizer, over extension restraint and height control. The hollow region in the restraining piston communicates through at least one passage with an air chamber formed between the airsleeve and the outer surfaces of the restraining piston and the main piston. Fluid is admitted to or exhausted from the air spring through a valve which functions relative to the displacement of the restraining piston and the main piston.

Abstract: An air spring strut (4) is arranged between a vehicle axle (8) and a vehicle body (6) of a motor vehicle. The air spring strut (4) includes a shock absorber (10) and an air spring (16). The shock absorber (10) includes a cylinder (12) and a piston displaceable into the cylinder (12). The foot point (14) of the cylinder (12) can be articulately connected to a wheel-guiding component (8) and the upper end of the piston can be pivotally connected to the vehicle body (6) of a motor vehicle. The air spring (16) includes a resilient member (18) which is clamped between a cover (20) and a roll-off piston (22) while forming a rolling lobe. The cover (20) can be attached to the vehicle body (6) of a motor vehicle and the roll-off piston (22) is supported on the cylinder (12) of the shock absorber (10). The resilient member (18) of the air spring (16) is enclosed by a bell (28).

Abstract: A gas spring includes an outer tube; a base plate; a head plate; an inner tube mounted to extend between the head plate and the base plate; a piston/rod assembly mounted to reciprocate vertically in the inner tube between a retracted, compressed position and an extended, rest position; a valve ring coaxially mounted around the rod to reciprocate between the main piston and head plate; a primary gas chamber; a relief chamber; seals for preventing fluid flow from the primary and relief chambers; a passageway providing communication between the primary gas chamber and relief chamber; and, valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow between the primary and relief chambers. The valve apparatus operates to open and close the fluid flow as a function of the position and direction of travel of the piston/rod assembly.

Abstract: An integral one-piece end plate and bracket combination is formed of a high strength plastic and is mounted in an airtight sealing engagement with an open end of a flexible elastomeric sleeve which forms the fluid pressure chamber of an air spring. The end plate includes a semi-circular wall which extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the air spring and a semi-circular opening. The bracket includes an upstanding wall perpendicular to the semi-circular wall of the end plate and a half dome-shaped wall, which together with the upstanding wall, forms an auxiliary fluid chamber which is in fluid communication through the semi-circular opening with the main fluid chamber of the flexible sleeve. The upstanding wall includes attachments for securing the bracket and end plate to a support structure which aligns with a longitudinal axis of the air spring.

Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut with internal leveling for motor vehicles includes a working cylinder filled with damping medium. The working cylinder is under the pressure of at least one gas cushion arranged in a high-pressure chamber and acting as a spring. A piston divides the working cylinder into two working spaces and is connected to a hollow piston rod. Valves are arranged on the piston so that the two working spaces are in communiction through the valves. A piston pump is driven by the spring movements and pumps oil out of a low-pressure chamber into the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber and comprises a pump space formed by the hollow piston rod, a pump rod connected to the working cylinder. A further pressure generator acts upon the damping medium in the high-pressure chamber and/or the working space connected to the high-pressure space.

Abstract: A longitudinal adjusting element has a housing (1) which is filled with a pressurizing medium and in which a piston (12) including a piston rod (16) is guided displaceably. The housing chambers (13,14) which are separated from each other by the piston (12) can be connected with each other or separated from each other with the assistance of a valve device (17). The valve device (17) has at least two overflow ducts (16,40) [sic. (26,40)] which have different throttling effects and which take effect jointly or successively while valve pin (29) is slid in to varying extents.

Abstract: A gas spring for a steerable vehicle wheel includes bellows that are supported at one end on a roll-off surface on a wheel carrier, a suspension element, or a part connected therewith, and are fastened at another end on a spring can. The spring can has an inlet opening to which a pressure hose or a pipe is connected. The pressure hose or pipe is arranged in a loop at least in an area above the bottom of the spring can and, during rotating movements of the spring can, is elastically deformed at least in that area.

Abstract: A shock and acoustic mount for reducing transmission of forces between two relatively moveable members such as a mounted component and a supporting structure, providing a compressible fluid spring with large allowable relative movement of the mounted component and support structure. The mount comprises a casing, a piston shell with one end disposed in the casing and another end extending outside of the casing, and a piston housed in the piston shell, all relatively moveable in response to external axial forces. In one embodiment, the mount is filled with a compressible fluid, such as air, providing an air spring. The piston is sealingly bonded to the inner surface of the piston shell, the bond accommodating acoustic and vibration forces by deformation of the bond material. An annular seal between the piston shell and the casing accommodates large and shock forces.

Abstract: Level adjustment device for vehicles with air springs 8a through 8d, by which a vehicle body is furnished with suspension on at least one vehicle axle, which includes the following: a source of compressed air 2, which, for the purpose of filling air springs 8a through 8d, can be connected to air springs 8a through 8d via an air dryer 4, the air dryer 4, for the purpose of filling the air springs, is connected on one side to air springs 8a through 8d through a check valve 6 that is open to air springs 8a through 8d, each air spring 8a through 8d, for the purpose of emptying them, can be connected through the air dryer 4 and through a pneumatically controlled first distribution valve 10 to the atmosphere, wherein the pneumatic control input 38 of this distribution valve 10 is then impinged through a second controllable distribution valve 12 with the pressure in air springs 8a through 8d against a restoring force 50 acting on the pneumatic control input 38, the pneumatic control input 38 of the pneumatically co

Abstract: A motor vehicle air spring has an air volume subdivided into an air spring volume and an ancillary volume. The two volumes (4, 6) are connected to each other by a line (8) having a cross section which can be switched or continuously adjusted by a valve (12). The valve (12) has two roll membranes (56, 58) which are arranged in mutual opposition. The intermediate space (60) between the roll membranes (56, 58) preferably communicates with the atmosphere. The two mutually opposingly mounted roll membranes (56, 58) can be joined to form a single double roll membrane (76). Preferably, the valve body (34) as well as the bore (62) of the valve housing (36) is configured so as to be cylindrical so that the constant effective diameter (Dw) of the roll membranes (56, 58) results which is independent of the deflection of the valve body (34).