Abstract: A motorcycle suspension position monitoring system comprises: a first assembly including one or more Hall Effect sensors configured to be fastened to an outer fork tube; a first housing including a first magnet configured to be fastened to a fork guard so that the first magnet and the Hall Effect sensors move relative to one another in response to displacement of the motorcycle suspension; a second assembly including a Hall Effect sensor configured to be fastened to a frame of the motorcycle; a second housing including a second magnet configured to be fastened to a swingarm so that the second magnet and the Hall Effect sensor move relative to one another in response to displacement of the motorcycle suspension; and a device operatively connected to the Hall effect sensors and capable of receiving and recording respective output signals from the Hall Effect sensors.

Abstract: A suspension includes: a cylinder; a piston rod including a piston provided at one end-side, and inserted in the cylinder together with the piston; an outer tube part opened at the one end-side, a position of which relative to the piston rod is fixed at the other end-side, and configured to receive therein at least a part of the cylinder; and a tubular rolling diaphragm having one end disposed at the cylinder and the other end fixed to the outer tube part, and configured to roll in conjunction with displacement of the piston rod with respect to the cylinder. The rolling diaphragm becomes convex toward the other end-side of the outer tube part and is accommodated in the outer tube part, upon contraction of the suspension.

Abstract: An air spring includes a closing member, a rolling piston, and an air spring bellows connected to the rolling piston and the closing member to form a fluid-filled pressure chamber. A level control system for supplying and/or discharging fluid may be integrated into the pressure chamber to control level position based on air spring stroke. The level control system may have a control valve and an actuator connected to the control valve. The actuator may include a guide tube coupled to the rolling piston or closing member, and movably arranged within the pressure chamber. An actuating member may include a pin member and may operate the control valve. A compression spring may have a central spring and a biasing spring, and the guide tube may include a control flange coupled to the pin member, and the biasing spring may be supported to press the pin member against the control valve.

Abstract: An air spring includes a sleeve, a jounce bumper, and a bump cap. The sleeve defines a chamber. The jounce bumper is fixed relative to the sleeve in the chamber. The bump cap is moveable relative to the jounce bumper from a first position to a second position in contact with the jounce bumper. The jounce bumper includes a valve moveable by the bump cap to a closed position when the bump cap moves to the second position.

Abstract: Support and carrier assemblies are dimensioned for securement along a damper housing and dimensioned to operatively support an end member of a gas spring assembly on the damper housing as well as to form a substantially fluid-tight connected between the end member and the damper housing. The support and seal assembly can include a seal assembly with a seal carrier and at least one sealing element. The seal carrier can be dimensioned for securement along the damper housing. The at least one sealing element can be dimensioned sealingly engage the seal carrier and one of the end member and the damper housing to at least partially form the substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. End member assemblies including such support and carrier assemblies are included. Gas spring and damper assemblies as well as suspension systems are also included.

Abstract: An air spring for damping and controlling a level position of a driver's cab or of a motor vehicle includes a lid, a rolling piston and at least one air spring bellows. At least one damping device is integrated into the air spring. A level control system is integrated into the air spring and is configured to at least one of supply and discharge compressed air, gas or a compressible medium so as to control the level position of the driver's cab or of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A receiving arrangement may be utilized by a lower end of a carrier spring on a damper tube of a shock absorber of a suspension strut, in particular for a vehicle. The receiving arrangement may include a bearing unit by way of which the damper tube can twist relative to the carrier spring about a longitudinal axis of the suspension strut. The bearing unit may include an upper bearing ring and a lower bearing ring, which bearing rings may be configured so they can slide on each other to form an axial bearing and a radial bearing between the carrier spring and the damper tube.

Abstract: An end member assembly can include a first end member section and a second end member section that together form an end member volume. A partition section is provided separately and is disposed within the end member volume to separate the end member volume into at least two volume portions. At least one passage extends through the partition section and at least one control device is disposed in fluid communication along the passage. The control device substantially fluidically isolates the two volume portions under conditions of use below a predetermined differential pressure threshold. The control device permits fluid communication between the two volume portions under conditions of use in which the predetermined pressure threshold is exceeded. Gas spring assemblies including such an end member assembly as well as suspension systems and methods of manufacture are also included.

Abstract: A damper includes a pressure-sensitive damping control circuit that selectively permits fluid flow from a first chamber to a second chamber. A piston varies a volume of the first chamber. A blow-off piston is movable between a closed position, wherein fluid flow through the control circuit is substantially prevented, and an open position, wherein fluid flow through the control circuit is permitted. The damper also includes a first source of pressure. A fluid pressure created by compression of the damper applies an opening force to the blow-off piston moving the blow-off piston in a direction toward the open position against a resistance force provided by the first source of pressure. The resistance force exceeds the opening force until the pressure created by forces tending to insert the piston rod into the first fluid chamber exceeds the pressure in the first source of pressure by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Support and carrier assemblies are dimensioned for securement along a damper housing and dimensioned to operatively support an end member of a gas spring assembly on the damper housing as well as to form a substantially fluid-tight connected between the end member and the damper housing. The support and seal assembly can include a seal assembly with a seal carrier and at least one sealing element. The seal carrier can be dimensioned for securement along the damper housing. The at least one sealing element can be dimensioned sealingly engage the seal carrier and one of the end member and the damper housing to at least partially form the substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. End member assemblies including such support and carrier assemblies are included. Gas spring and damper assemblies as well as suspension systems are also included.

Abstract: Included are: a first supporting member; a second supporting member arranged to be spaced away from the first supporting member in a main load direction; an elastically deformable diaphragm forming a closed space by connecting the first supporting member and the second supporting member; a detection unit detecting a change of a relative distance between the first supporting member and the second supporting member, and producing a mechanical output of the change of the relative distance; and a controlling member capable of discharging air in an inside of the closed space S to an outside of the closed space S in response to the mechanical output from the detection unit. Thereby, an air spring having a mechanism for suppressing an abnormal rise of a vehicle height without deteriorating the diaphragm can be provided.

Abstract: An air spring includes a top plate, a bottom plate disposed with a distance in a main load direction from the top plate, and a diaphragm made of elastically deformable rubber and connected to the top plate and the bottom plate to form a closed space therebetween. A modulus of elasticity of a material constituting a connection section which is disposed in the top plate and the bottom plate and connected to the diaphragm is greater than a modulus of elasticity of the rubber constituting the diaphragm and smaller than a modulus of elasticity of aluminum.

Abstract: A pusher axle suspension system having a single air spring includes a pair of frames having mounting brackets integrally formed at lower front portions of the pair of frames, respectively. A link arm includes a front end connected to each mounting bracket of the pair of frames by a mounting bush. Axle sheets are disposed at lower portions of the pair of frames, respectively, to support a pusher axle. The axle sheets are connected to a rear end of the link arm by a hinge. A composite air spring is provided between a rear end of the axle sheet and a bottom surface of the pair of frames. The composite air spring moves the axle sheet upward or downward to adjust a height of the pusher axle and to absorb vibration due to a road surface during traveling.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for preventing power head rollover of a vehicle during a dump operation. The system includes a dump signal indicating when the vehicle is dumping, a strut sensor reading indicating a condition of the front struts, and a controller receiving the dump signal and strut readings, and activating a warning signal when the dump signal indicates the vehicle is dumping and the strut reading indicates the front wheels may be lifted off the ground. The strut sensors can be height, pressure or other types of sensors. The controller can also disable further lifting of the dump body when the dump signal indicates the vehicle is dumping and the strut sensor indicates the front wheels may be lifted off the ground. The system can include a strut limit, and the controller can act based on comparing the strut reading to the strut limit.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes an end member, a piston assembly and a flexible sleeve secured therebetween. An end closure secures an end of the flexible sleeve to the piston assembly. A connector fitting connects the end closure to a support post of the piston assembly. The connector fitting includes a fitting passage and a first annular groove. A jounce bumper assembly is supported on the connector fitting. The jounce bumper assembly includes a bumper body and a bumper mount. The bumper mount includes securement pin having a second annular groove. A retaining member is received within the first and second annular grooves such that the jounce bumper assembly can freely rotate relative to the connector fitting while substantially restricting axial displacement of the jounce bumper assembly relative to the piston assembly during such rotation.

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 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: A piston for use in forming a gas spring assembly includes a longitudinally extending axis, a first end wall extending approximately transverse to the axis, and an outer side wall extending longitudinally from adjacent the first end wall. The outer side wall includes a first side wall portion that forms a fully circumferential outer surface and a second side wall portion that forms a partially circumferential outer surface that extends longitudinally beyond the fully circumferential outer surface. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system and a method of control. The system may include an air cylinder, an air spring piston, and an air spring. The air spring piston may be positioned with respect to the air spring with the air cylinder.

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: 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 and damper assembly includes a damper and a gas spring. The damper includes a damper housing and a damper rod. The gas spring includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall operatively connected therebetween. A friction-reducing element is operatively connected between the damper housing and the second end member. A sealing element is operatively disposed between the damper housing and the second end member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas clamper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member, a first flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber, and a second flexible wall that at least partially defines a second spring chamber. A damper piston and damper rod are operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included.

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: A suspension device (S) of the present invention includes: a member (11) coupled to one of a vehicle body and a vehicle axle; an outer cylinder (3) coupled to the other one of the vehicle body and the vehicle axle and disposed at the outer circumference of the member (11); and a bearing (4) that is interposed between the member (11) and the outer cylinder (3), the bearing (4) having balls (4a) that rollably contact at least one of the member (11) and the outer cylinder (3), and a ball case (4b) that retains the balls (4a) rollably.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member. A flexible wall is secured between the first and second end members and at least partially defines a spring chamber therebetween. A fitting is supported on the first end member and is rotatable between a first position in which the fitting can be axially displaced and a second position in which the fitting is axially restrained. A method is also included.

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: A piston for use in forming a gas spring assembly includes a longitudinally extending axis, a first end wall extending approximately transverse to the axis, and an outer side wall extending longitudinally from adjacent the first end wall. The outer side wall includes a first side wall portion that forms a fully circumferential outer surface and a second side wall portion that forms a partially circumferential outer surface that extends longitudinally beyond the fully circumferential outer surface. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension utilizes an active air suspension system in combination with an adaptive damping system to provide a desired ride and handling output. The active air suspension and adaptive damping system can operate independently of each other, or can work in conjunction with each other to provide the desired output.

Abstract: A plunger piston for an air spring. The air spring being active between a component which is to be cushioned by springs, in particular the vehicle frame, and a sprung component, in particular the axle carrier of a motor vehicle. The plunger piston is configured as a hollow piston which is connected to the sprung component at the lower plunger-piston end and to a pneumatic-spring bellows which can be loaded with compressed air at an upper plunger-piston head. The pneumatic-spring bellows is connected on the other side to the component which is cushioned by springs, and rolls on the outside of the plunger-piston skirt during suspension movements. The lower plunger-piston end has an open configuration and has a reinforcing element which encircles the edge region of the opening.

Abstract: A piston adapted for use in offset mounting conditions includes a piston body having a longitudinally-extending axis. First and second securement features are located at radially outer positions relative to the axis. The first and second securement features are also located on one diametrical side of a midplane of the piston body. A plurality of support walls extends from the diametrically opposite side of the piston body toward the securement features. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included.

Abstract: An air spring and damper unit for vehicles has, as operating spaces, at least two pressure spaces filled with compressed air and connected to one another via flow channels. The pressure spaces have movable walls in the form of rolling bellows or folding bellows, wherein a pilot-controlled main valve which can be loaded with a control pressure on the low-pressure side is configured at least in one flow direction in a first flow channel.

Abstract: An air spring and shock absorber unit for bicycles or motorbikes includes operator control elements which are accessible from the outside and are disposed on an outer surface of the air spring and shock absorber unit. The operator control elements are disposed so as to be rotatable about a common axis and relative to a position of articulation points.

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 pneumatic spring has a pneumatic spring bellows (1) made as a hollow cylinder and a damper (19) can be arranged in the pneumatic spring in such manner that a gap (24) is created through which ambient air can reach the damper (19) and cool it.

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: 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: 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: 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: An air spring for a vehicle comprises an air bellows that includes an axle-side region and a superstructure-side region movable with respect to one other between a first, adjacent position and a second, spaced-apart position, and a plunger which is arranged on the axle-side region of the air bellows. The air spring further comprising a fastening section adapted to fasten the superstructure-side region of the air bellows to a support element of the vehicle, and a displacement element which is arranged on the fastening section of the air bellows, wherein the displacement element fills at least a substantial portion of the space between the plunger and the fastening section in the first position of the air bellows.

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 strut assembly includes a damper having a housing and a rod moveable relative to the housing along a longitudinal axis. The strut assembly includes a flexible membrane configured to receive a pressurized gas to form an air spring. A coil spring defines an inner diameter with the housing disposed within the inner diameter to permit relative movement between the coil spring and the housing. The coil spring is at least partially disposed outside the flexible membrane relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A connector fitting and air spring assembly includes a connector fitting supported on an end member of an air spring. The connector fitting is secured on the air spring by a retaining member engaging the end member of the air spring.

Abstract: A plunger piston for an air spring. The air spring being active between a component which is to be cushioned by springs, in particular the vehicle frame, and a sprung component, in particular the axle carrier of a motor vehicle. The plunger piston is configured as a hollow piston which is connected to the sprung component at the lower plunger-piston end and to a pneumatic-spring bellows which can be loaded with compressed air at an upper plunger-piston head. The pneumatic-spring bellows is connected on the other side to the component which is cushioned by springs, and rolls on the outside of the plunger-piston skirt during suspension movements. The lower plunger-piston end has an open configuration and has a reinforcing element which encircles the edge region of the opening.

Abstract: A piston assembly for an air spring includes an outer shell and a structural insert. The outer shell includes a side wall and an end wall at least partially defining a shell cavity having an open end. The structural insert is received in the shell cavity and includes a central portion and a plurality of support walls extending outwardly from the central portion toward the side wall of the outer shell. The central portion includes first and second opposing ends with the first end disposed toward the end wall of the outer shell and the second end disposed toward the open end of the outer shell. An air spring assembly includes such a piston assembly. A method of manufacturing an air spring assembly is also included.

Abstract: A piston assembly used in forming a gas spring assembly includes a first piston member and a second piston member telescopically engaging one another and capable of axial displacement relative to one another between collapsed and extended conditions. The first piston member includes a mounting end and the second piston member includes a flexible wall-engaging end. The first and second piston members arranged such that in the collapsed condition the mounting and flexible wall-engaging ends are disposed a first distance from one another and in the extended condition the mounting and flexible wall-engaging ends are disposed at a second distance from one another with the second distance being greater than the first distance. A gas spring assembly and suspension system utilizing such a piston assembly as well as a method are also included.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring-vibration damper unit is provided for absorbing shocks on wheels and chassis parts of motor vehicles. A variable air chamber is delimited by a rolling bellows which is disposed between a first subassembly that is fixed to the vehicle body and is provided with a vibration damper system and a second subassembly that is fixed to the vehicle chassis and is movable therewith. A piston rod connects the first subassembly located at the vehicle body end and the second subassembly located at the chassis end and whose free end located at the vehicle body end is accommodated inside a cylinder tube of the vibration damper system so as to be longitudinally movable by means of a piston. The piston rod (8) is guided within the cylinder tube (6) of the vibration damper system (2) so as to be longitudinally movable with the aid of a drag bearing arrangement (13).

Abstract: A spring element (2) consists essentially of an elastic spring body (4) which is fixed between two rigid end parts (6, 8) arranged at a variable spacing from each other. The spring body (4) consisting of rubber or a rubber-type plastic has a rotationally symmetrical cross section, the longitudinal section shows a biconvex surface line. A U-shaped cross section is formed as a result of a cavity (10). The abrasion caused by the introduction of vertical and horizontal forces is to be reduced and an easy, horizontal slide is to be made possible. The surface (12) of the spring body (4) is provided with ribs (14; 14a, . . . ) that are arranged at spacings (A) from each other and are intersected by ribs (16; 16a, . . . ) or groups of ribs (16, . . . ) also arranged at spacings (A) from each other. Polygonal fields (18a, . . . ) are formed on the surface (12) of the spring body (4) in the gaps between the ribs (14, . . . ; 16, . . . ) according to the angle of intersection.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle suspension system includes a plurality of damping members and an air spring operatively associated with each of the damping members. The suspension system also includes a compressed air source, a valve assembly, and a controller. The compressed air source is in fluid communication with each of the air springs. The valve assembly is operatively disposed between the compressed air source and each of the air springs. The controller is operatively associated with the valve assembly for selective activation thereof. A user can selectively adjust one of a damping rate of the damping members, a spring rate of the air springs, and a ride height of the air springs, such as by using a control panel. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air spring of the type with a sleeve having a first rolling lobe connected at an end to a first piston, a second rolling lobe connected to an end to a second piston, and where the first piston is substantially frustoconical cylindrical and the second piston is substantially cylindrical frustoconical and where the minimum effective area of the first second piston is less than the minimum effective area of the second first piston and where the maximum effective area of the first second piston is greater than the maximum effective area of the second first piston. The frustoconical first second piston allows the air spring to accommodate large angular suspension motion without degrading durability.