Abstract: End members are supportable along a damper housing and dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member. The end members include a wall with a first wall portion having an outer surface portion dimensioned to receivingly engage the flexible spring member. A second wall portion includes an inner surface portion dimensioned to receivingly engage a torsional isolator supported on the damper housing. A third wall portion extends radially outward beyond the second wall portion and includes a passage surface at least partially defining a passage extending axially through the third wall portion. The passage is dimensioned to receive a projection of the torsional isolator. End member assemblies including such an end member as well as gas spring and damper assemblies and suspension systems are also included.

Abstract: A variable output cylinder system includes a housing forming an inner cavity, the housing having a centerline co-axially extending through center of the inner cavity, and a first section secured to a second section, the first section having a sidewall the tapers outwardly relative to the centerline and relative to an opening passing through a thickness of the first section; a piston rod extending through and slidingly engaged with the opening; a piston head rigidly attached to an end of the piston rod; a pliable membrane fixedly secured to an outer surface of the piston head, the pliable membrane forming a sealed chamber within the second section, the pliably membrane forming an area disposed between the of the first section and an outer surface of the piston head; and a second opening extending through a thickness of the second section and configured to provide passage to the sealed chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing slack in a linkage chain of a vehicle truck assembly is provided. In one example, a method includes compressing a vehicle suspension by actuating an actuator with a cylinder abutted to a piston rod, the piston rod coupled to the vehicle suspension and, when deactivating the actuator, maintaining at least nominal compression on the vehicle suspension with the piston rod spaced away from a piston of the cylinder via a biasing member, the piston configured to slide within the cylinder along a central axis of the cylinder.

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 is dimensioned to engage an end of a flexible spring member to at least partially form a gas spring assembly. The end member includes an end member wall that has a longitudinal axis. The end member includes a securement wall portion having an outer surface with a surface profile dimensioned to abuttingly engage the end of the flexible spring member. The surface profile includes a plurality of concave profile sections and a plurality of convex profile sections that are dimensioned to generate a progressively increasing compression force along at least a section of the securement wall portion. A gas spring assembly including such an end member is included. A suspension system including one or more gas spring assemblies and a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: An air spring unit for a chassis of a motor vehicle, includes an air spring cover and an air spring piston, wherein an airtightly secured rolling bellows made of elastomer material partially delimits a working chamber between the air spring cover and the air spring piston, which working chamber can be filled with compressed air, wherein the rolling bellows is surrounded by a divided, sleeve-shaped outer guide having a first outer guide part and a second outer guide part.

Abstract: An end member assembly includes first and second end member sections. The first end member section includes a first securement feature integrally formed thereon. The second end member section includes a second securement feature integrally formed therein that is dimensioned to cooperatively engage the first securement feature. In an assembled condition, the first and second end member sections are operatively engaged to substantially inhibit axial displacement therebetween. A substantially fluid-tight joint can be formed between the first and second end member sections such that an end member chamber can be formed within the end member assembly. A third end member section can be included, and can be operatively connected to the second end member section. A gas spring assembly and a suspension system are also included.

Abstract: A coil air spring combination (13) in this case includes a coil (11) and airbag (12) and an airbag protective sleeve (13) fitted over the airbag. The sleeve may be made from an inextensible fabric with tapered elastic ends so that the sleeve can fit over the airbag for installation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air spring comprising a piston, a top plate, a clamp ring, a snap ring, and a flexible member which is affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein the piston, the top plate and the flexible member define a pressurizable chamber, wherein the snap ring is affixed to the clamp ring, wherein the clamp ring affixes an upper portion of the flexible member to the top plate, wherein the clamp ring affixes the snap ring to the top plate, and wherein the top plate is affixed between the snap ring and the flexible member.

Abstract: An air spring comprises a hollow elastic sleeve, an end component for securing the air spring to a first frame, a hollow piston for securing the air spring to a second frame that is movable relative to the first frame, and a cylinder surrounding the hollow elastic sleeve to constrain the diameter of the hollow sleeve. A meniscus loop is formed adjacent the piston to define a major diameter of the air spring and thereby reduce the natural frequency of the air spring.

Abstract: Support unit for use on an air spring, having a main body and a reinforcement element, wherein the main body has a first contact side for fixing to the chassis of a utility vehicle, wherein the reinforcement element is fixable to a second contact side of the main body and is designed for supporting a plunger of an air spring, wherein the reinforcement element is formed from a material of higher strength and/or hardness than the main body.

Abstract: A support ring used as part of an air spring assembly, where the support ring provides support for a top cap against radial forces applied by a clamping ring. The support ring is made of a plastic material which is less costly than a metal support ring. The plastic material is a high creep resistance plastic material, which provides increased strength and improved creep resistance, to withstand the compressive radial forces of the clamping ring. Once the support ring is formed, the top cap, which is also made of plastic, is overmolded such that a portion of the top cap is overmolded around the support ring. The high creep resistance plastic material is oriented during the injection molding process around the entire circumference of the support ring, to provide sufficient strength to withstand the radial forces from the clamping ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for transferring a load, comprising at least one unitary element of adsorptive material that increases an effective working volume of an enclosure for containing a pressurized gas that transfers a load between a first load transfer element and a further load transfer element. Use of at least one unitary element of adsorptive material is also provided to increase an effective working volume of an enclosure for containing a pressurized gas that transfers a load between a first load transfer element and a further load transfer element. A method of transferring a load is also provided.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support configured to move in a plurality of directions during manufacturing of the composite structure, and a head coupled to the support. The head may have a housing that is configured to receive a liquid matrix and at least one continuous fiber and configured to discharge a tubular structure. The head may also have a nozzle operatively connected to the housing and configured to deposit a material layer onto a surface of the tubular structure as the tubular structure is discharging from the housing, and a squeegee associated with the nozzle and configured to wipe over the material layer. The head may further have a first cure enhancer operatively connected to the housing and configured to cure the liquid matrix in the tubular structure during discharge, and a second cure enhancer configured to cure the material layer deposited by the nozzle.

Abstract: An air spring component includes at least two parts, which have corresponding joining areas. The joining areas are connected to one another in an adhesive-bonded manner in an inert atmosphere. The air spring component can be a rolling piston, a supplementary volume container for the rolling piston or an air spring pot.

Abstract: Gas spring end members dimensioned for securement between an associated flexible spring member and an associated damper housing has a longitudinal axis. The end member includes an end member wall extending between first and second ends. An end wall portion is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis and a side wall portion extends axially from along the end wall portion to a distal edge. An end member recess is dimensioned to receive the associated damper housing. A securement device removably retains the end member in operative engagement with the associated damper housing. Gas spring and damper assemblies and suspension systems are also included.

Abstract: An air spring includes a rolling piston having a fastening section. An air spring bellows has at least a first one-sided bead portion and a buffer element. The first bead portion bears against an outer side of the fastening section. The buffer element is fixed onto the outer side of the fastening section via a snap-lock connection.

Abstract: An air spring, in particular for vehicles, which is clamped with an air spring piston and an air spring cover between the chassis and the vehicle body of a motor vehicle, including an air spring bellows, which is sealingly fixed on the air spring cover and air spring piston, is made of an elastomeric material, at least partially delimits a working chamber filled with compressed air, and which unrolls to form at least one rolling fold on the air spring piston, wherein an end region of the air spring bellows is secured on a clamping section of the air spring cover by a clamping ring. An additional ring is provided, which is arranged in the end region of the air spring bellows and outside the clamping section in order to relieve the clamping ring, wherein the inner diameter thereof substantially corresponds to an inner diameter of the clamping ring.

Abstract: An air spring assembly or air spring damper with an integrated valve control for controlling a level position of a vehicle or of a driver's cab includes a rolling tube, a lid and an air spring bellows which together delimit a pressure chamber with compressed air. A control valve includes an actuation device for feeding compressed air into the pressure chamber or for discharging compressed air from the pressure chamber. A compression spring device has a first end operatively connected to the rolling piston or the lid and a second end operatively connected to the actuation device. The compression spring device is configured with at least two parts including a central spring facing towards the rolling piston or the lid and a control valve biasing spring facing towards the control valve. The central spring is biased to a greater extent than the control valve biasing spring.

Abstract: An end member assembly dimensioned for securement to an associated flexible spring member of an associated gas spring assembly. The end member assembly can include a base wall and a mounting wall disposed in axially-spaced relation to the base wall. A compliant support structure is disposed between the base and mounting walls. The compliant support structure includes at least one compliant element that includes a compliant element body and one or more reinforcing plies at least partially embedded within the compliant element body. Rigid elements can be disposed between adjacent compliant elements if two or more compliant elements are included. A gas spring assembly and a method of manufacture can include one or more of such end member assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air spring comprising a piston, a top plate, a clamp ring, a snap ring, and a flexible member which is affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein the piston, the top plate and the flexible member define a pressurizable chamber, wherein the snap ring is affixed to the clamp ring, wherein the clamp ring affixes an upper portion of the flexible member to the top plate, wherein the clamp ring affixes the snap ring to the top plate, and wherein the top plate is affixed between the snap ring and the flexible member.

Abstract: An elastomeric article and elastomeric thermal barrier system includes an elastomeric article that is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material susceptible to thermal degradation upon exposure to an external thermal energy source. An elastomeric thermal barrier extends around and along at least a portion of the elastomeric article. The elastomeric thermal barrier is spaced apart from the elastomeric article to form a thermal break. The elastomeric thermal barrier is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material having a thermal property that is different from the thermal property of the elastomeric article and is operative to provide at least one of reduced absorption, reduced conductivity, increased reflectance and reduced emissivity to reduce thermal energy transfer into the elastomeric article from the external thermal energy source. A gas spring and thermal barrier system and/or assembly and a suspension system are also included.

Abstract: A vehicle air spring with an elastomer material air-tight tensioned air spring bellows arranged between an air spring cover and rolling piston. The air spring bellows delimiting, with the air spring cover and the air spring rolling piston, a working chamber filled with compressed air. The air spring bellows rolling away under formation of a rolling fold on the air spring rolling piston and fastening to the air spring cover under formation of a second fold, and having an elastomer element provided as an anti-roughness bearing. The elastomer element is arranged between a first and second piston part of the air spring rolling piston, the second part arranged coaxially to the first. The rolling surface for the air spring bellows is provided on the first piston part and on which the air spring bellows is fastened by a clamping element. The second piston part is mountable on a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (1000) includes a gas spring assembly (1002) and a gas damper assembly (1004). The gas spring assembly (1002) includes a first wall portion (1006), a second wall portion (1008) disposed in spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a flexible wall section (1010) connected therebetween. The gas damper assembly (1004) includes a third wall portion (1094) disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a second flexible wall section (1104) connected between the second wall portion (1008) and the third wall portion (1094). A fourth wall portion (1070) is disposed between the first (1006) and second (1008) wall sections to define two pressurized gas chambers (1012, 1004). A damper rod (1130) connects at least the first (1006) and third (1094) wall portions. Methods are also included.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is 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: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (1 10; 200; 400) can include a gas spring assembly (128; 202; 402) and a gas damper assembly (130; 204; 404). The gas spring assembly can include opposing end members (206, 208; 406, 408) and a flexible spring member (210; 410) secured there between that at least partially forms a spring chamber (212; 412). One of the end members (208; 408) can include an end member chamber (268; 468) that is separated into a plurality of damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494). Damper pistons (300, 302; 500, 502) are disposed within the damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494) and are connected to the other end member (206; 406) by way of a damping rod (276; 476).

Abstract: A pneumatic spring strut for a vehicle, having a working chamber which is at least partially enclosed by a pneumatic spring bellows and having a centrally arranged telescopic damper, wherein the pneumatic spring bellows is fastened to the pneumatic spring cover and to a pneumatic spring piston connected to the damper cylinder and can roll on the outer side of the pneumatic spring piston, wherein the pneumatic spring piston is connected, at its top end and above the roll fold, to the damper cylinder by an elastic bearing, and the elastic bearing is composed of an elastomer body which is provided between a collar, which is situated on the damper cylinder, and a flange, which is arranged on the pneumatic spring piston, wherein the collar situated on the damper cylinder is arranged below the piston-rod-side end of the damper cylinder.

Abstract: For the mounting of an abutment cap on a shock absorber tube, use is made of the pneumatic spring in which the abutment cap is held. During the joining process of the pneumatic spring onto the shock absorber, the abutment cap is pushed onto the shock absorber and, in a further process, is pressed on, wherein here, the clamp of the abutment cap or the holding webs of the abutment cap slips or break, respectively, and the pneumatic spring can assume a final position in the apparatus.

Abstract: An air spring device having a folding bellows which protects the rolling fold against contaminants, the folding bellows being fastened to that end of the rolling piston which lies opposite the rolling fold, and surrounding the outer guide at least over the length of the latter.

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: An air spring has a rolling-lobe flexible member terminating in a conically-shaped bead defining a conically-shaped opening of the flexible member. A-roll-off piston has an end facing toward the flexible member and has a conical seat formed thereon for receiving the bead of the flexible member to conjointly define therewith an airtight force fit connection. The roll-off piston further has a support shoulder beneath the conical seat whereon the flexible member is supported when deflected and the roll-off piston has an annular groove formed therein between the end thereof and the conical seat. An annular locking member is seatable in the annular groove after assembly of the flexible member on the conical seat so as to hinder the bead from slipping off of the conical seat.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially form a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first, second and third damper elements that are telescopically interconnected with one another. The first and third damper elements can be operatively connected to respective ones of the first and second end members. The third damper element includes damper piston having an axial clutch. The second damper element is suspended between the first and third damper elements by biasing elements that engaging the damper piston.

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 piston airbags in a closed-loop manner. Continuous control of the piston pressure provides an accurate increase or decrease of spring rate or force depending on the controller inputs.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is 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: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (1000) includes a gas spring assembly (1002) and a gas damper assembly (1004). The gas spring assembly (1002) includes a first wall portion (1006), a second wall portion (1008) disposed in spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a flexible wall section (1010) connected therebetween. The gas damper assembly (1004) includes a third wall portion (1094) disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a second flexible wall section (1104) connected between the second wall portion (1008) and the third wall portion (1094). A fourth wall portion (1070) is disposed between the first (1006) and second (1008) wall sections to define two pressurized gas chambers (1012, 1004). A damper rod (1130) connects at least the first (1006) and third (1094) wall portions. Methods are also included.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is 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: A damper with an air spring includes: a damper main body having a cylinder and a piston rod inserted into the cylinder; and a cylindrical diaphragm attached to a side of the cylinder at a first end thereof and to a side of the piston rod at a second end thereof and forming an air chamber around the damper main body, in which a first attachment case to which the first end of the diaphragm is attached is fitted on an outer periphery of the cylinder, and an inner-diameter step portion of the first attachment case is brought into abutting contact with an upper end portion of the cylinder in an axial direction thereof, while a second attachment case to which the second end of the diaphragm is attached is fixed to the piston rod.

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 suspension device (S) comprises: an actuator (A) including a motion conversion mechanism (T) for converting rotational motion of a screw nut (1) to linear motion of a threaded shaft (2), and a motor (M) connected to the screw nut (1); and a fluid pressure damper (D) connected to the threaded shaft (2), wherein the threaded shaft (2) is formed in a cylindrical shape, a connecting shaft (30) for connecting a rod (31) or a cylinder (32) of the fluid pressure damper (D) to the threaded shaft (2) is inserted into the threaded shaft (2), and the connecting shaft (30) is connected to an end, opposite to the fluid pressure damper, of the threaded shaft (2). Accordingly, the connection between the actuator and the hydraulic damper is facilitated.

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: The opposite side of a connecting intermediate section 32A of a diaphragm 32 to that of a first end section 32B extends from the connecting intermediate section 32A as a second end section 32C side that folds back towards the tube outside in an inside out reversed state. The diameter of the second end portion 32C is set larger than the diameter of the connecting intermediate section 32A. The second end portion 32C is fitted over an end on a chamber member 22 side of an outer tube member 60 and fixed with press contact against the outer tube member 60 by a band 72.

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: A gas spring and gas damper assembly can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially form a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first, second and third damper elements that are telescopically interconnected with one another. At least one of the first and third damper elements can be operatively connected to the first and second end members by way of a low-profile misalignment mount capable of undergoing resilient angular deflection. The second damper element can be operatively supported between the first and third damper elements. A method of assembling a gas spring and gas damper assembly is also included.

Abstract: In a suspension device (S) comprising a motion transforming mechanism (T) for transforming a linear motion of a linear motion member (1) into a rotational motion of a rotating member (2) and a motor (M) connected to the rotating member (2) in the motion transforming mechanism (T), an air spring (AS) is provided, the air spring (AS) including a tubular air chamber (22) connected to the motor (M), an air piston (37) connected to the linear motion member (1) and being tubular and smaller in diameter than the air chamber (22), and a diaphragm (27) interposed between the air chamber (22) and the air piston (37), a stopper (38a) is provided on an outer periphery of the air piston (37), and a stopper seat (46) is provided on an inner periphery of the air chamber (22) so as to be put in abutment against the stopper (38a) upon maximum extension of the suspension device involving relative separation of the air chamber (22) and the air piston (37) with respect to each other.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly that is displaceable between an extended condition and a compressed condition can include a first end member, a second end member, a flexible wall secured between the first and second end members, a spring chamber and a volume-displacing body disposed within the spring chamber. The body can be supported along one of the flexible wall and the first end member such that the body remains in spaced relation to at least the second end member in a compressed condition of the gas spring assembly. A method of adjusting a gas spring assembly is 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 flexible wall and end structure assembly includes a flexible wall and an end structure. The flexible wall is formed from an elastomeric material and a filament structure. A bead wire is formed into an open end of the flexible wall. The end structure is received along the open end of the flexible wall and forms a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith. A portion of the filament structure is compressed between the bead wire and the end structure and extends therefrom in radially-outwardly spaced relation to said end structure. A gas spring assembly including such a flexible wall and end structure assembly is included. A method of manufacture is also included.