Abstract: A height adjustable top mount for adjusting a ride height of a vehicle comprising includes a top plate, a worm wheel, a core, and worm gear. The top plate is configured to mount to a body of the vehicle and movable between a first position and a second position. The worm wheel is received in the top plate and includes an inner wheel surface and an outer wheel surface. The core is received within the worm wheel and helically meshed to the inner wheel surface of the worm wheel. The worm gear is meshed to the outer wheel surface of the worm wheel. Rotation of the worm gear drives rotation of the worm wheel, rotation of the worm wheel simultaneously moves the top plate vertically relative to the core, and movement of the top plate adjusts the ride height of the vehicle in a corresponding direction.

Abstract: Gas spring end members include an end member wall with a longitudinal axis. The end member wall includes an end wall portion and an outer wall portion. The outer wall portion extends peripherally about an axis and is dimensioned to receivingly engage a flexible spring member. Rib wall portions are spaced around the axis with each of the rib wall portions projecting axially from the end wall portion toward a rib end surface portion. The rib wall portions also include a rib edge surface portion spaced inward from an inner side surface portion of the outer peripheral wall portion such that a gap is formed therebetween. Gas spring assemblies including one or more of such end members, and suspension systems including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also included.

Abstract: A vibration damping component, comprising a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic motor; The hydraulic oil cylinder comprises an oil storage cylinder and a working cylinder, wherein the working cylinder is internally provided with a first piston piece and is divided into an expansion cavity and a contraction cavity by means of the first piston piece; the expansion connects the oil storage cylinder by means of a first one-way oil discharge; the contraction connects the oil storage cylinder by means of a second one-way oil discharge; the oil storage cylinder is provided thereon with an oil outlet hole; an input end of the hydraulic motor is connected to the oil outlet hole; and an output end of the hydraulic motor is in communication respectively with the expansion by means of a first one-way oil return pipe and with the contraction by means of a second one-way oil return pipe.

Abstract: An air suspension strut for a motor vehicle comprises an air spring having an air spring cover and a rolling piston. A shock damper is integrated with the air spring and has a damper tube and a piston rod receivable within the damper tube. A rolling bellows is secured between the spring cover and the rolling piston thereby delimiting a variable volume pressure chamber filled with compressed air. The rolling bellows rolls on the rolling piston with a rolling fold being formed. A damper bearing is accommodated in a bearing socket of the air spring cover and connected to the piston rod. The damper bearing comprises a supporting piece, an elastomer body, and a sleeve. A closure element inserted in the bearing socket above the damper bearing. An elastic element arranged between the sleeve and the closure element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damper for a motor vehicle comprising an inner tube, an outer tube and at least one compensating chamber, which is formed between the inner tube and the outer tube and comprises at least one gas bag, which is arranged in the compensating chamber, wherein the compensating chamber is fluidically connected to at least one working area of the inner tube filled with a hydraulic fluid, wherein at least one guide element is provided, which deflects a flow of the hydraulic fluid during a rebound stage or a compression stage in such a way that the gas bag is indirectly subjected to flow. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to suspension assemblies for vehicles. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to secondary springs for suspension assemblies of vehicles. In some embodiments, a secondary spring can comprise a base, a tip, and one or more extension members positioned between the base and the tip that are configured to be removably coupled to the base and/or the tip to adjust a length of the secondary spring. In some embodiments a user can adjust the length of the secondary spring, so that the secondary spring is compatible with a given coil spring of the suspension assembly, by increasing or decreasing the number of extension members included in the secondary spring and/or by replacing one or more of the extension members with longer or shorter extension members.

Abstract: A system includes a first cylinder. The first cylinder includes a first piston mounted in the first cylinder and a first channel formed in an inner wall of the first cylinder. The first cylinder is configured to hold a pressurized gas. The system further comprises a second cylinder surrounding the first cylinder. The second cylinder comprises a second piston mounted in the second cylinder. The second piston is configured to surround the first cylinder. The second cylinder further comprises a second channel formed in the inner wall of the second cylinder. The second cylinder is configured to hold a pressurized gas. The system further includes one or more seals coupled to the first and second pistons.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle and method for operating the same includes a shock absorber housing having a longitudinal axis, a spring disposed around the shock absorber housing and a retainer collar disposed around the shock absorber housing. An actuator coupled to the retainer housing moves at least a portion of the retainer housing to move the spring in a direction corresponding the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A suspension module for supporting a vehicle chassis includes a module frame pivotably connected to an axle on the chassis and a wheelbox mounted to the wheel and slidingly coupled with the module frame by strut rods. The wheelbox and module frame pivot in unison with respect to the chassis, and the module frame is configured to move between a standard position and a high clearance position relative the wheelbox. The suspension module includes an adjustment actuator coupled with the module frame to shift the frame between the operating positions. The strut rods move from a first position in which bottom ends of the first and second strut rods are below the wheelbox when the module frame is in the standard position to a second position in which the bottom ends are in a higher position relative the first position when the module frame is in the high clearance position.

Abstract: An air spring includes an outer cylindrical member, an inner cylindrical member combined with the outer cylindrical member, a diaphragm coupling the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member to each other, the diaphragm providing an internal space between the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member, a stopper assembly arranged in the internal space as being pivotable over the inner cylindrical member, the stopper assembly allowing suppression of movement of the outer cylindrical member toward the inner cylindrical member more than necessary, a pivoting mechanism pivoting the stopper assembly over the inner cylindrical member, and a space portion provided between the stopper assembly and the inner cylindrical member, the space portion allowing lowering in resistance in pivot of the stopper assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system may include hydraulic actuators, first and second conduits, and first and second switch valves. Each actuator includes a cylinder and a piston that divides an interior of the cylinder into compression and rebound chambers. First and third ports of each cylinder are openings to the rebound chamber. Second and fourth ports of each cylinder are openings to the compression chamber. The first conduit connects the third port of a first actuator with the fourth port of a second actuator. The second conduit fluidly connects the third port of the second actuator with the fourth port of the first actuator. The first switch valve is connected to the first and second ports of the first one of the hydraulic actuators. The second switch valve is connected to the first and second ports of the second one of the hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an air spring height measurement arrangement comprising a magnetic field transmitting arrangement (110) and a magnetic field receiving arrangement (120). The magnetic field transmitting arrangement is adapted to adopt a first state and a second state with regard to the magnetic field receiving arrangement. One of the magnetic field transmitting arrangement (110) and the magnetic field receiving arrangement (120) comprises a first coil (141) and a second coil and the other comprises a third coil (143). A first central axis (161) of the first coil and a second central axis (162) of the second coil enclose a first angle (171) and, in the first state, a third central axis (163) of the third coil (143) and the first central axis enclose a second angle (172), which first and second angle cannot be 0°.

Abstract: An apparatus for actively controlling stability of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a strut tower brace bar that is disposed in a lateral direction of a vehicle body and opposite ends of the strut tower brace bar are individually connected to upper portions of left and right shock absorbers. Additionally, an actuator is disposed at a predetermined position in a longitudinal direction of the strut tower brace bar. When torsional deformation of the strut tower brace bar occurs due to rolling of the vehicle body, the actuator is configured to restore the strut tower brace bar by receiving gas from the left and right shock absorbers.

Abstract: A tire load calculation section of a controller calculates tire load factors of the respective wheels. A target tire load-factor calculation section calculates a tire load factor average value (?ave) obtained by averaging the tire load factors (?i) of the respective wheels as a target tire load factor. A target tire vertical-load calculation section calculates target tire vertical loads (Fzrefi) for the respective wheels so that the tire load factors of the respective wheels become equal to the tire load factor average value. A vertical-load control section and a suspension control section control thrusts of electromagnetic dampers for the respective wheels so as to achieve the target tire vertical loads.

Abstract: An actuator includes a first housing, a second housing fixed to the first housing, and a piston configured to translate relative to each of the first housing and the second housing. The actuator also includes a locking device configured to selectively restrain the piston in a predetermined position relative to each of the first housing and the second housing and release the piston. The actuator additionally includes an actuation mechanism configured to activate the locking device to thereby restrain the piston in the predetermined position. Also disclosed is a suspension system for a vehicle employing such an actuator at a suspension corner, wherein the actuator is used to set a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, self-damping air spring having a first air spring disposed between a cab and a frame of a vehicle and a second air spring in fluid communication with the first air spring. The second air spring positioned relative to the first to provide an opposition force in response to a change in height of the first air spring. This change in height corresponds to a change in displacement between the cab and the frame. The opposition force provided by the second air spring acting to dampen the changes in displacement.

Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic suspension strut includes a high pressure area and a low pressure area, wherein pressurized medium is exchanged between the high pressure area and the low pressure area via a passive pump device. At least two separate channel systems with connection orifices which determine level position and are controlled depending on the position of a piston rod are provided between the high pressure area and the low pressure area. One of the channel systems can be blocked by a valve device, and wherein the suspension strut has a displacing device with a spring seat for a supporting spring. The displacing device is operated via the working movement of the piston rod.

Abstract: Twin tube dampers are provided. In one embodiment, a twin tube damper includes a damping assembly, the damping assembly defining a central longitudinal axis and including an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube defines an inner fluid chamber, the outer tube generally surrounds the inner tube and defines an outer fluid chamber, and the outer fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the inner fluid chamber. The twin tube damper further includes a piston assembly, the piston assembly including a piston disposed within the inner fluid chamber and movable generally along the central longitudinal axis. The twin tube damper further includes a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the damping assembly, the fluid reservoir including a flexible membrane, the flexible membrane generally coaxial with the damping assembly.

Abstract: A wearable device comprises a first member, a second member that is configured to move relative to the first member, a sensor disposed on the first member, one or more components disposed on the second member, and an authentication module. The sensor is configured to output a sense signal that is indicative of a distance between the sensor and at least one of the one or more components. When the wearable device is worn by a user, the wearable device may be authenticated. The sense signal indicates when at least a portion of the wearable device is opened and/or removed. The wearable device may be de-authenticated based at least in part on the sense signal indicating that a portion of the wearable device has been opened or removed.

Abstract: A stroke sensor detects a distance between a first member and a second member provided movably toward and away from the first member. The stroke sensor includes a magnetism generator provided in the first member and configured to generate magnetism, a magnetic body provided in the second member and configured to be biased toward the magnetism generator by a magnetic force generated from the magnetism generator, and a pressure detector provided in the second member, held in contact with the magnetic body biased by the magnetic force from the magnetism generator and configured to detect the distance between the first and second members on the basis of a change of a pressure acting from the magnetic body.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a damping passage that connects an expanding-side chamber with a contracting-side chamber inside a cylinder, a housing that forms a pressurizing chamber, a free piston that partitions the pressurizing chamber into an expanding-side pressurizing chamber and a contracting-side pressurizing chamber, an expanding-side passage that connects the expanding-side chamber with the expanding-side pressurizing chamber, a contracting-side passage that connects the contracting-side chamber with the contracting-side pressurizing chamber, a spring element configured to suppress displacement of the free piston, a cushion configured to collide with the free piston to suppress displacement of the free piston thereover when the free piston is displaced from the neutral position with respect to the housing by a predetermined displacement amount or more; and a cushion fixing member fixed to the housing, the cushion fixing member holding the cushion.

Abstract: The subject invention reveals a distance measuring device comprising: a sensing module, a target module, and an evaluating module, wherein the sensing module and the target module are mountable so as to execute a movement with respect to each other along a movement trajectory, wherein the target module comprises a magnetic field generating element having a magnetic pole axis, wherein the sensing module comprises a first magnetic field sensing array being arranged distant to the movement trajectory. The sensing module and the target module can advantageously be situated within the pressurizable chamber of an air spring which is defined by (contained within) a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a flexible member of the air spring.

Abstract: A shock absorber has a tubular housing, a bearing sealingly mounted to the front end of the tubular housing, a piston mounted within the tubular housing for a reciprocal sliding movement, which defines within the tubular housing a working chamber and an accumulator chamber. A stem is connected to the piston and projects from the tubular housing through the bearing. At least one fluid pathway connects the working chamber to the accumulator chamber. A compensation diaphragm facing on the accumulator chamber includes a sleeve made of a deformable material mounted between the ends of the bearing. The compensation diaphragm has a rear end folded backwards such as to envelope the cup-shaped rear end of the bearing, and is provided with a shaped edge to provide a sealing between the bearing and the piston stem.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an air spring height measurement arrangement comprising a magnetic field transmitting arrangement (110) and a magnetic field receiving arrangement (120). The magnetic field transmitting arrangement is adapted to adopt a first state and a second state with regard to the magnetic field receiving arrangement. One of the magnetic field transmitting arrangement (110) and the magnetic field receiving arrangement (120) comprises a first coil (141) and a second coil and the other comprises a third coil (143). A first central axis (161) of the first coil and a second central axis (162) of the second coil enclose a first angle (171) and, in the first state, a third central axis (163) of the third coil (143) and the first central axis enclose a second angle (172), which first and second angle cannot be 0°.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension apparatus includes various elements, such as a self-pumping air spring and damper unit operating with compressed air for height adjustment of a vehicle body relative to a wheel suspension of a vehicle. The apparatus further includes at least one spring space filled with compressed air, which is at least partially bounded by at least one movable wall and a damper cylinder, which can be connected to the spring space for fluid transmission by at least one connecting valve. The damper cylinder includes a working space divided by a piston, which moves inside the working space, and fluidly connected by a throttle valve. The connecting valve and the throttle valve are each switchable valves, and one of the working spaces of the damper cylinder can be vented to the surrounding atmosphere via at least one switchable vent valve.

Abstract: An end member for a gas spring assembly is dimensioned to receivingly engage an end of a flexible wall. The end member can be formed from polymeric material and can include a side wall receiving the end of the flexible wall. The end member can also include a base wall extending transverse to the side wall and dimensioned to abuttingly engage a jounce bumper of the gas spring assembly. The end member can include a mounting ridge or a mounting channel for engaging an associated structural component. A gas spring assembly including such an end member is also included.

Abstract: An air spring bellow comprising a vulcanized rubber component including the at least partially vulcanized residue of hydrogenated nitrile rubber and a rubber other than hydrogenated nitrile rubber.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an air spring height sensor. The air spring height sensor of this invention comprises a height measuring signal transmitter (102) and a receiver (101). The height measuring signal transmitter is adapted for transmitting a height signal. The receiver is adapted for sensing the height signal transmitted by the height measuring signal transmitter. The height signal indicates a distance between the height measuring signal transmitter and the receiver.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve dimensioned for securement to an associated end member for an associated gas spring assembly includes a flexible wall. An annular reinforcement member is embedded within the flexible wall. A retainment element that includes an element surface is disposed along the flexible wall such that at least the element surface is outwardly exposed. At least one gas spring piston, at least one gas spring assembly and at least one method are also included.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.

Abstract: An end member for a gas spring assembly can include a first end, a second end opposite the first end and a plurality of reflector surfaces formed along the first end. A first reflector surface can extend from the first end toward the second end. A second reflector surface can extend from adjacent the first reflector surface toward the second end. One or more of the plurality of reflector surfaces can include a plurality of facets or reflector zones. A gas spring assembly including at least one of such end members and a suspension system including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member spaced from the first end member. A flexible wall extends between the first end member and the second end member such that a spring chamber is at least partially defined therebetween. A biasing assembly is operative to urge an end of the flexible wall into abutting engagement with the second end member and operative to permit the end of the flexible wall to be separated a distance from the second end member while in the assembled condition. A gas suspension system is also included.

Abstract: A reflector includes a first end surface, an opposing second end surface and a plurality of reflector surfaces. A first reflector surface extends from adjacent the first end surface toward the second end surface. A second reflector surface extends from adjacent the first reflector surface toward the second end surface. One or more of the plurality of reflector surfaces can include a plurality of facets or reflector zones. A gas spring assembly and suspension system using the reflector is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an air spring for sensing a behavior of a vehicle and varying a spring constant by changing a chamber volume of the air spring, improving the ride comfort and the steering stability according to situations. An air spring installed in a vehicle to absorb shock from exterior includes: a first body fixed to a vehicle body side of the vehicle; a second body fixed to a wheel side of the vehicle; an air sleeve installed between the first body and the second body to serve as a spring while varying an outer shape thereof according to a change of an internal pressure; and a valve structure for dividing an inner space of the air spring to form a plurality of chambers, and operating by inertia caused by a behavior of the vehicle to selectively connect or block the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a gas spring and a height control module. The gas spring includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall secured therebetween. The height control module includes a height control system that is operatively associated with the gas spring. The height control system includes a sensor, a valve arrangement and a fixed-logic control circuit. A suspension system and a method are also included.

Abstract: In an air spring for a railway vehicle or the like, an upper end 3a of the flexible member 3 is attached to the upper face plate 1 at a position that is further on an outer side in a radial direction than the concave section 7. A lower end 3b of the flexible member 3 is attached to the lower face plate 2 at a position that is further on an outer side in a radial direction than the deflation stopper section 5. The deflation stopper section 5 is formed so as to have a height such that the upper end 3a and the lower end 3b of the flexible member do not contact as a result of a relative displacement in the horizontal direction between the upper face plate 1 and the lower face plate 2 at a time of deflation.

Abstract: An air spring has at least one working space which is filled with compressed air and which is delimited at least partially by a rolling bellows which is fastened at its ends to connecting parts. At least one of its ends, the air spring has a wall which is thicker in relation to the rest of the rolling bellows body, wherein the rolling bellows has, at least one of its thickened ends, a continuously vulcanized layer cover which is folded back to such a length that, after the assembly of the air spring, at least one region of the rolling bellows which is highly loaded by chassis forces falls into the region of the layer cover.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension assemblies including air spring assemblies and components of the vehicle suspension assemblies are described. A vehicle suspension assembly that is attachable to a pair of vehicle frame rails includes a pair of support beams and a cross member, such as a cross tube, extending between and connected to the pair of support beams. Each support beam includes a locator-tab and each air spring assembly includes a locator-tab-slot for receiving a locator-tab of a support beam. The cross tube is fastened to the air spring assembly via a retention strap that wraps around portions of the cross tube. The locator-tabs and locator-tab-slots may be operable, alone or in combination with the retention strap, as a lateral restraint. In this regard, the lateral restraint may restrain the air spring from moving in a lateral direction between two frame rails to which the vehicle suspension assembly attaches.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air spring device having a free-standing air spring bellows and an outer guide which is fastened to the air spring bellows by means of an inner clamping ring, wherein the outer diameter of the inner clamping ring is greater than the outer diameter of the air spring bellows in the unpressurized state, and the inner clamping ring generates a radially outwardly pointing encircling bulge in the unpressurized air spring bellows.

Abstract: Before inner components of a hydraulic shock absorber, such as a cylinder, a piston and a piston rod, are placed, an outer shell is joined with a joint portion of an assembling apparatus so that a gas pressure chamber and the outer shell are in communication with each other. A low-pressure gas is supplied in the gas pressure chamber and the outer shell. Under a pressure of the low-pressure chamber, an oil tank subassembly is inserted in the outer shell and is fitted therein to form an oil tank. The oil tank is divided into an oil chamber and a gas chamber by a diaphragm. By this assembling method, it is possible to supply the low-pressure gas into the gas chamber without a need for a gas-supplying hole for supplying the gas into the gas chamber.

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 self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut with internal leveling control, particularly for motor vehicles, has an outer tube having an oil-filled high-pressure work space in the work cylinder, which high-pressure work space is under pressure by at least one gas cushion which is arranged in a high-pressure chamber and acts as a spring, a second work space on the piston rod side, and a piston which is supported by a hollow piston rod and which is axially displaceable in the work cylinder in a sealed manner, a piston pump which is driven by the spring movement of the vehicle and pumps oil out of a low-pressure chamber into the work space connected to the high-pressure chamber and which comprises a pump rod and a pump cylinder which is formed by the hollow piston rod, and the high-pressure chamber can be connected to the atmosphere by a flow connection which is arranged in the piston rod guide and has a closing element.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring and damper unit (1) has working chambers (2,3) which are filled with compressed air and are partially defined by rolled bellows or corrugated bellows. The working chambers are superimposed and connected through throttle valves, arranged inside a common pot-shaped cylindrical housing (4), and separated by a cylindrical piston (7), in such a way that one working chamber (2) is arranged on the front side of the piston and the other working chamber (3) is arranged on the rear side of the piston. The piston and the piston rod (5) are respectively sealed by roller bellows inside the cylindrical housing and guided therein, and the piston rod and the piston are interconnected by an articulation (6).

Abstract: An air spring rolling-lobe flexible member, which is made of elastomeric material, has a reinforcement arrangement which is embedded in the flexible member wall (1). The reinforcement arrangement extends along the entire length of the flexible member and is of rubber-coated cord fabric layers (3, 4). The flexible member has a non-symmetric reinforcement arrangement wherein the one outer fabric layer (3) or the several outer fabric layers has/have a stress-elongation characteristic which is different from that of the one inner fabric layer (4) or the several inner fabric layers.

Abstract: Pressure vessel filled with at least one medium, where a gas mass enclosed by an envelope is pre-pressurized by a fluid, especially for volume compensation in piston-cylinder assemblies. The separating means is provided in an annular space, which is bounded by an interior wall and an exterior wall, and where at least one port for the annular space and at least one port for the enclosed gas mass are provided. The ports are aligned when the piston-cylinder assembly is inserted in the pressure vessel, which moves seals into their sealing positions.

Abstract: An air spring assembly includes a pedestal that has one end fixed to a suspension arm and includes a second end with a platform that supports an air spring assembly. An air spring piston is fixed to the platform. A lower portion of a flexible bellows is fixed to the air spring piston and an upper portion of the flexible bellows is mounted to a vehicle frame structure. A linear moveable member has one end fixed to the upper portion of said flexible bellows and an opposite end slidingly received within an internal cavity of the pedestal such that the upper and lower portions of the flexible bellows articulate linearly with respect to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic spring shock absorber unit having working chambers (2, 3), which are filled with compressed air and which are partially delimited by rolling or folding bellows (7, 8, 9). These working chambers are situated one above the other and are interconnected via throttle valves that can be flowed through. Both working chambers are located inside a common pot-shaped housing (4) and are separated by a piston (6) so that one working chamber (2) is located on the front side of the piston and the other working chamber (3) is located on the rear side of the piston and at least partially surrounds the piston rod (5) so that the piston and the piston rod are sealed and guided inside the housing by rolling bellows (7, 8, 9).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.

Abstract: A directional stabilizer ring includes a first or mounting surface and a second or biasing surface that faces away from the first surface and extends at an included angle relative thereto. The second surface is configured to abuttingly engage the flexible wall of a fluid spring assembly and to bias at least a portion thereof in a preferred direction. A fluid spring assembly and a suspension system that utilize such a directional stabilizer ring as well as a method of biasing a flexible wall using such a directional stabilizer ring are also included.

Abstract: A gas spring for providing a smooth and generally gradual load distribution between interrelated parts of a press has a casing defining at least in part a gas chamber. A housing is received at least in part in the casing. The housing has a through bore sized for receipt of the piston rod therein for reciprocation between extended and retracted positions. A piston retainer is attached for conjoint movement with the piston rod. An end of the housing flexes between a compressed position when the piston retainer abuts the housing as the piston rod moves toward its extended position and an uncompressed position when the piston retainer moves toward its retracted position and out of engagement with the housing.