Abstract: An air suspension system, includes an air suspension bellows connected to a vehicle frame, and an air suspension piston connected to a link, wherein the air suspension bellows and the air suspension piston are connected to each other and enclose an inner air volume, the air suspension piston has a rolling surface for rolling of the air suspension bellows, the air suspension bellows has a contact portion for rolling on the rolling surface, the rolling surface or the contact portion has at least one opening, wherein contacting areas of the rolling surface and the contact portion define a contact surface, and wherein a fluidic connection for an air flow through the at least one opening between the inner air volume and an environment is enabled and prevented by a change in the contact surface that includes a relative movement of the air suspension bellows to the air suspension piston.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a gas spring. The gas spring includes a cylinder and a rod movable relative to the cylinder. The rod and the cylinder at least partially define a chamber having a variable volume and containing a first pressurized gas therein. The gas spring further includes an accumulator in communication with the chamber and containing a second pressurized gas therein. The gas spring provides a first spring rate when the first pressurized gas is pressurized below a threshold pressure and a second spring rate when the first pressurized gas is pressurized above the threshold pressure.

Abstract: A single axle suspension system that includes right and left dampers, first and second hydraulic circuits, a first pressurizing mechanism that is connected in fluid communication with the first hydraulic circuit, and a second pressurizing mechanism that is connected in fluid communication with the second hydraulic circuit. The first and second pressurizing mechanisms are configured to provide active roll control by adding and removing hydraulic fluid to and from the first and second hydraulic circuits to increase and decrease pressure inside the first and second hydraulic circuits independent of damper movements. This in turn causes a simultaneous increase in the fluid pressure inside either the first working chamber of the right and the second working chamber of the left damper or the first working chamber of the left damper and the second working chambers of the right damper to provide roll stiffness that counters vehicle roll during cornering.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a system for intelligently leveling with an automatic temperature control function and a method thereof. The system includes a handcart-type leveller, indoor GPS positioning devices, an AGV trolley temperature measuring device and a control system. The control system processes position parameters of the AGV trolley temperature measuring device and the handcart-type leveller; converts the position parameters for the handcart-type leveller into position parameters for a leveling region, controlling the AGV trolley temperature measuring device to arrive at a lower part of the leveling region by a control chip and measuring temperatures in the leveling region; controlling an operation status of the AGV trolley temperature measuring device and transmitting data with the AGV trolley temperature measuring device.

Abstract: In a method for determining an axle load on a mechanically and/or pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle, the axle load is determined with the aid of control and sensor means that are installed in the vehicle and/or functionally enhanced. Functions for axle load determination at mechanically suspended vehicle axles (4) and for axle load determination at pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axles (2) are available. In a mechanically suspended vehicle axle (4) a distance measuring unit (9), and in a pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axle (2) a pressure measuring unit (7) are used to determine the axle load. An initial plausibility check is implemented in an electronic control unit (10) of the level control system (1), on the basis of which the level control system (1) identifies the particular suspension type, mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic, of a vehicle axle (2, 4) and, thereafter, the appropriate function for axle load determination is activated.

Abstract: An air suspension apparatus includes a compressor configured to compress air, a tank configured to store the air, a tank-side suction conduit configured to supply the compressed air in this tank to an intake side of the compressor, a tank conduit connecting a discharge side of the compressor and the tank, an air suspension connected to the discharge side of the compressor via an air drier, an intake electromagnetic valve provided in the tank-side suction conduit, a return electromagnetic valve provided in the tank conduit, and a discharge conduit provided so as to branch off from between the discharge side of the compressor and the air drier and configured to be connected to an atmosphere by opening a discharge electromagnetic valve.

Abstract: A closure device for an air spring system that includes an auxiliary vessel and an air spring device attachable to a link for an air spring system of a utility vehicle, wherein the closure device, in the installed state, seals off a fluid channel for gas exchange between the air spring device and the auxiliary vessel.

Abstract: An electric height control device may include: an oil storage part configured to store oil therein; a motor driving part inserted into the oil storage part and driven when power is applied thereto; a hydraulic block part coupled to the motor driving part, connected to the oil storage part, and configured to amplify oil; and a control part coupled to the hydraulic block part, and configured to control the motor driving part and the hydraulic block part.

Abstract: A processor-in-memory device includes a memory array, a sense amplifier, and a processing unit that has an accumulator. The processing unit is configured to receive a set of data. The processing unit then uses the sense amplifier and the accumulator to generate a first histogram of the set of data.

Abstract: A suspension device for a wheeled vehicle with a plurality of air springs is described. Two main air chambers of two air springs of a respective vehicle axle are connected together via a transverse air chamber which forms an intermediate volume. A compressor arranged between the two transverse air chambers is connected to the first transverse air chamber via a first connecting line in which a first switchable valve is arranged, and to the second transverse air chamber via a second connecting line in which a second switchable valve is arranged, so that direct filling/direct evacuation of the intermediate volumes of the two transverse air chambers is possible.

Abstract: Provided herein are a suspension apparatus and a specialized vehicle including the same. The suspension apparatus includes a crankshaft fixed to a vehicle body, a housing rotatably connected to the crankshaft, a first damping portion arranged in the housing and having a damping fluid accommodated in the first damping portion, an amount of the damping fluid in the first damping portion being adjusted according to an external force applied to the vehicle body, a second damping portion arranged in the housing, connected to the first damping portion such that the damping fluid moves between the first damping portion and the second damping portion, and including: a first space accommodating a compressed gas; and a second space accommodating the damping fluid, the first space facing the second space; and a rotational force applier arranged in the housing and configured to apply a rotational force to the housing by adjusting an amount of a working fluid in the rotational force applier.

Abstract: A mechanism for electronically adjusting a shock absorber includes a cartridge that is located on the fluid path between the main body of the shock absorber and a damping reservoir. A piston valve is mounted for reciprocal movement inside an elongated chamber of the cartridge, and a solenoid is mounted on the cartridge to interact with the piston valve. In operation, the solenoid is electronically controlled to selectively move the piston valve into various positons in the cartridge chamber to thereby vary the volume of liquid flow along the fluid path which will adjust the response characteristics of the shock absorber.

Abstract: An air control valve (100) adapted to control an air flow (FA) for an air cushioning receptacle (802) in a motor vehicle (1000) includes a valve seat (120), a valve body (110), and a valve passage element (105) with a passage inlet (140) on an inlet side (141) and a passage outlet (150) on an outlet side (151). A coil spring (160) in contact with the valve body (110) and with a valve stop (152) on the outlet side (151) is adapted to exert a closing force (FC) to press the valve body (110) to the valve seat (120). A damping body (200) is arranged in an inner spring space (161) of the coil spring (160) such that the damping body (200) radially extends in a winding space (162) between a first coil winding (163) and a second coil winding (164) of the coil spring (160).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.

Abstract: A multi-link suspension system that can be used to modify a MacPherson strut suspension system is described.

Abstract: A belt conveyor with automatic in-line tensioning. A tensioner bar is slidably received into a tensioning slot and guided by a plurality of rails. At least one air spring is positioned between the tensioner frame and the tensioner bar. The first air spring pushes the tensioner bar such that movement of the tensioner bar moves the end roller to affect a tensioning force upon the endless belt. An air pressure gauge can display an air pressure value corresponding to a tension force of the endless belt. A tracking assembly allows tracking of the endless roller independent of the tensioning. A controller can controls the tensioning and release of tensioning based on operational or environmental factors.

Abstract: This vibration measurement device is configured to measure the balancing vibration of the cartridge, a kind of rotating machines, who has a rotor and a cartridge body to support the rotor rotatably for variable operating speed, and is provided with a rigidly fixed support structure, acceleration sensors which detect the vibration of the cartridge, and a flat spring which elastically supports the cartridge with respect to the support structure and has a variable spring constant of elastic support.

Abstract: A vehicle can have a vibration damping system, which has a characteristic curve that is adjustable. To control the characteristic curve of the vibration damping system, information regarding a profile of a road surface in front of the vehicle is detected. At least a portion of the road surface profile can be classified according to a change in height and a length of the portion. The classification can be based on the detected information. Based on the classification of the road surface profile, the characteristic curve of the vibration damping system of the vehicle can be adjusted.

Abstract: A hydraulic suspension system is provided for a vehicle, the system including at least a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder, each of the hydraulic cylinders including a first chamber and a second chamber, at least four hydraulic accumulators, and at least a first and a second fluid communication path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes a changer and a controller. The changer is configured to change a relative position of a body of a vehicle relative to an axle of a wheel of the vehicle. The controller is configured to control the changer to make the relative position a target value so as to control a vehicle height of the body of the vehicle. The controller is configured to control the changer to maintain the relative position irrespective of the target value when a decreasing malfunction occurs causing the vehicle height to decrease.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a spring support for a vehicle support spring. A spring collar supporting the vehicle support spring is selectively adjustable with respect to position by a pressurized-medium supply with the aim of adjusting the level of a vehicle body. The spring support is constructed as a hydropneumatic spring having a hydraulic volume, which can likewise be adjusted relative to a pneumatic storage element.

Abstract: Strut spacers are described that include at least a male component comprising an externally threaded surface and a female component comprising an internally threaded surface. Rotation of the male component or the female component adjusts the height of the strut spacer prior to installation within the motor vehicle. The strut spacer can optionally include a locking ring to lock the height of the strut spacer before installation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.

Abstract: An engine control device applied to a vehicle equipped with an actuator for changing a suspension property of the vehicle, a suspension control device for driving the actuator, and an engine. The engine control device automatically stops the engine operation when a stop condition is satisfied and automatically starts the engine operation when a start condition is satisfied, continues the engine operation when a signal for inhibiting the automatic stop of the engine operation is sent to the engine control device in order to drive the actuator and the engine control device judges that no malfunction occurs in the suspension control device even if the stop condition is satisfied, and ignores the signal and automatically stops the engine operation when the stop condition is satisfied and judges that the malfunction occurs in the suspension control device even if the signal is sent to the engine control device.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes a changer, a detector, and a controller. The changer is configured to change a relative position of a body of a vehicle to an axle of a wheel of the vehicle. The detector is configured to detect the relative position. The controller is configured to control the changer to change the relative position based on a detection value detected by the detector so as to control a height of the body as a vehicle height. The controller is configured to control the changer to maintain the vehicle height when there is a possibility of a malfunction in the detector.

Abstract: A road surface condition determining method according to the invention includes: detecting a suspension pressure of a dump truck during a travel of the dump truck; calculating a maximum amplitude and a frequency of a detection value of the suspension pressure in a predetermined period of time; and determining a road surface condition based on the maximum amplitude and the frequency.

Abstract: A system for the recovery of parasitic energy loss in a vehicle includes a magnet and coil arrangement operatively and movable coupled with respect to one another, such that motion of the drive train of the vehicle with respect to the frame components causes relative motion therebetween to thereby induce an electrical current in the coil which may be used or stored in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a speed control system of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises detecting an occurrence of a slip event, of a step encounter event, or of both events at a leading wheel of the vehicle. The method also comprises predicting that the occurrence of the detected event(s) will occur at a following wheel of the vehicle. The method yet further comprises automatically controlling vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, or both vehicle speed and acceleration in response to the detection, the prediction, or both the detection and prediction. A speed control system comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to perform the above-described methodology is also provided.

Abstract: Self-propelled liquid dispensing equipment having ground engaging wheels and an active trailing link suspension system in which either suspension struts or air struts control suspension travel. A liquid pressure transducer is connected to a liquid reservoir to provide a control input that varies the assist given by the suspension struts or air strut in direct proportion to the quantity of liquid. A given suspension travel is maintained regardless of the quantity of liquid carried by the equipment.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a motor vehicle including an outer cylinder having upper and lower end walls, an inner cylinder disposed within and coaxially relative to the outer cylinder, connected to the upper end wall of the outer cylinder, providing an annular chamber with the outer cylinder and having a partition wall at a lower end thereof spaced from the lower end wall of the outer cylinder, and a piston having a head portion disposed in the inner cylinder and a rod portion extending through the partition wall of the inner cylinder and the lower end wall of the outer cylinder, wherein the annular chamber is filled with a gas, the inner cylinder is filled with a damping fluid and the piston head and the end wall of the inner cylinder are provided with one-way valves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.

Abstract: An air suspension includes a crossover valve in fluid communication with a manifold, a first set of springs in fluid communication with the manifold through a first set of valves, and a second set of springs in fluid communication with the manifold through a second set of valves. The crossover valve is movable between an open position to allow fluid communication to each of the first and the second sets of springs and a closed position that separates the first set of springs from the second set of springs.

Abstract: A height control valve assembly having a housing with an air supply port, first and second ports, and an exhaust port. A valve positioned in the housing has a first surface in fluid communication with the air supply port and a second surface. The valve moves between first and second positions, in which the second surface sealingly engages a portion of the housing surrounding the first and second ports, respectively, to prevent fluid from flowing between the air supply port and the first and second ports, respectively. The valve is moveable from either of the first and second positions to a fill position, in which the air supply port is in fluid communication with one of the first and second ports, and an exhaust position, in which one of the first and second ports is in fluid communication with the exhaust port.

Abstract: An active air suspension system includes an air spring assembly that has a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted around the piston airbag to provide a variable force and rate dual air spring configuration. The air suspension system is configured to accurately control pressure within the system in a closed-loop manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a hydraulic compression stop. The hydraulic stop includes a pressure tube surrounding the pressure tube of the shock absorber and a piston in hydraulic communication with the interior of the pressure tube. The piston can be disposed within the pressure tube and can be attached to the pressure tube or to the shock absorber. The hydraulic stop can also include a hydraulic fluid chamber and the piston can be disposed within the hydraulic fluid chamber.

Abstract: A self-adjusting end position damping arrangement includes a stroke space 9 which is delimited by a movable stroke element 7, 24 and a part of the pneumatic cylinder 1, with the stroke space 9 being connected via a connecting duct 14 to the working pressure P1 which acts on the cylinder piston 22 or to the ventilation pressure (P3) in the outlet duct 3 and the stroke element 7, 24 being acted on via a damping duct 16 by the damping pressure P2 in the damping volume 19, a non-return valve 12 is arranged in the connecting duct 14 upstream of the stroke space 9, which non-return valve 12 blocks in the direction of the working pressure P1 or the ventilation pressure (P3), respectively, and a ventilation duct 5 is provided, which ventilation duct 5 can be opened by means of the movable stroke element 7, 24 and which is connected to an outlet duct 3.

Abstract: A cushion device includes a shock absorber and an accumulator. As a piston moves in a certain direction in a cylinder so that the shock absorber is compressed, oil in an oil chamber is discharged to the accumulator through an oil hose. The compression operation of the piston allows a slide member to slide and the capacity of an oil chamber is reduced. The oil in the oil chamber is discharged to a regulation unit through an oil hose. The regulation unit controls a valve by the pressure of the oil coming in from the oil chamber and applies resistance to the oil discharged from an oil chamber to an oil chamber.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for a gas spring suspension system that equalizes the gas between positive and negative gas chambers when the pressure in the negative gas chamber exceeds the pressure in the positive gas chamber. The suspension system includes a tube, a piston assembly slidably displaceable along the tube and a valve mechanism. The piston assembly separates the tube into the positive gas chamber and the negative gas chamber. The valve mechanism is configured to permit gas flow between the positive and negative gas chambers when the gas pressure in the negative gas chamber exceeds the gas pressure in the positive gas chamber.

Abstract: A large vehicle with air bags and a leveling system that controls air flow into and out of an air spring (also known as an “air bag”) to maintain the air spring height close to the optimum level. The system is altered at minimum cost to further minimize the repeated flow of air into and out of the air spring, to thereby save fuel. A mechanical-to-electrical converter (50) is mounted on the air spring height sensor to generate an electrical signal indicating vehicle ride height, and the electrical output is connected to a computer (62) on the vehicle. The computer is programmed to control the flow of pressured air through a blocking valve (60) to a leveling valve (22) that flows air into and out of the air spring, according to the outputs of a plurality of sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: Self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut includes a working cylinder divided into first and second working spaces by a working piston carried on a hollow piston rod; a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber partially filled with hydraulic damping medium, the high pressure chamber having a gas cushion and being connected to the second working space; and a piston pump including a pump rod extending into the hollow piston rod, the pump rod having a bore connected to the low pressure chamber, an end provided with a suction valve inside the hollow piston rod, and a deregulating opening, which is closable as a function of position of the working piston in the working cylinder. An adjustable damping valve located outside the external tube has a first flow connection connected to the first working space, and a second flow connection connected to the second working space and the high pressure chamber.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit for installing between a vehicle body and an axle includes a cylinder filled with damping medium, a piston dividing the cylinder into working spaces, and a piston rod. A first damping valve assembly in the piston damps movement of the piston in tension and in compression. A load dependent valve includes a valve body which can be moved axially by pressure in the damping medium, the valve body having axially opposed first and second actuation surfaces. The first actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a first accumulator, which is connected to one of the working spaces, and the second actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a second accumulator.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a suspension run height includes: pivotably mounting a leveling valve to a hanger bracket; attaching an indicator arm to a suspension component which displaces relative to the hanger bracket; and pivoting the leveling valve relative to the hanger bracket to thereby adjust the run height of the frame relative to the suspension component. A run height adjustment system includes: a leveling valve having a leveling arm pivotably mounted thereto at a first pivot, and an indicator arm being pivotably mounted to the leveling arm at a second pivot; an adjustment lever for pivoting the leveling valve about a third pivot; and the third pivot being positioned longitudinally between the first and second pivots. Another run height adjustment system includes: a leveling arm pivotably mounted to a leveling valve; an adjustment lever for pivoting the leveling valve; and the adjustment lever pivotably mounted to a hanger bracket.

Abstract: A suspension system includes four electronically controlled actuators, one at each of the four wheels. The actuators are each controlled by an electronic control unit. The left front and right front actuators are mechanically connected with each other. The left rear and the right rear actuators are also mechanically connected with each other. The only connection between the front two actuators and the rear two actuators is an electronic communication through the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A method of determining appropriate conditions for leveling a vehicle having a height adjustable air suspension system. The method includes the steps of providing an acceleration-determining device adapted to output a signal associated with an acceleration of the vehicle. Another step includes measuring an acceleration value of the vehicle and comparing the acceleration value to a pre-determined signal. Yet another step includes determining whether appropriate conditions exist for leveling the vehicle based on the comparison. A system for performing the steps of the method is also included.

Abstract: A suspension device (A) comprising a damper (S) and a gas spring (C), the damper (S) comprising a motion transforming mechanism (H) for transforming a relative motion between a vehicle body-side member and an axle-side member into a rotational motion and a motor (M) having a rotor (8) to which the rotational motion is transmitted, the gas spring (C) being interposed between the vehicle body-side member and the axle-side member, in which the motor (M) comprises a hollow casing (9), a partition wall member (16) which forms a rotor chamber (r) within the casing (9), with the rotor (8) being received within the rotor chamber (r), a cylindrical stator (17) disposed between an outer periphery of the partition wall member (16) and an inner periphery of the casing (9), and the rotor (8) held rotatably by the casing (9) within the rotor chamber (r), and the interior of the rotor chamber (6) is brought into communication with the interior of a gas chamber (R) of the gas spring (C).

Abstract: A gas spring assembly that is suitable for use on a vehicle suspension system includes a first end member and a second end member that is spaced from the first end member. A flexible wall is secured between the first and second end members and at least partially defines a first gas chamber therebetween. A confinement at least partially forms a second gas chamber that is in communication with the first gas chamber. A porous flow restrictor is operatively disposed between the gas chambers. A suspension system including such a gas spring assembly as well as a method is also included.

Abstract: A suspension system for motor vehicles with a level control for adjusting a predetermined height of the vehicle body is configured with at least one piston-cylinder unit which is provided with a work cylinder, a piston rod and a damping piston having damping valves, a pump of an oil reservoir, corresponding inlet lines and outlet lines from the oil reservoir, and corresponding inlet lines and outlet lines from the oil reservoir to the piston-cylinder unit, and vice versa, and the pump is configured with a pump piston and a drive unit. The piston-cylinder unit and the pump are constructed as separate subassemblies which are manufactured independently beforehand, and at least the piston-cylinder unit is filled with damping medium before the two subassemblies are mounted.

Abstract: An operating module for localized signal processing at a corner of a vehicle includes a housing, a valve assembly or a sensor, and a signal processing device. The operating module can be used in operative association with an air spring assembly. The operating module can be in communication with other components and/or systems. A vehicle suspension system and method are also discussed.