Abstract: A cover assembly for an air spring for vehicles includes a cover (1) and a buffer (2) in the cover (1). The cover (1) is made from plastic and has reinforcing ribs (3) on the inside. The stop buffer (2) has slots on the side thereof facing the cover (1) in a manner corresponding to the reinforcing ribs (3) of the cover (1). The ribs (3) of the cover (1) are inserted into the slots (8). Damage to the buffer (2) by impact of the ribs (3) on the buffer (2) is thus avoided.

Abstract: A gas spring end member is dimensioned for securement along an associated suspension member having an associated planar surface and at least an associated first side surface. The gas spring end member can include a base wall disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis and a bracket wall that extends longitudinally-outwardly from the base wall. The bracket wall can be adapted for operative connection to the associated suspension member such that the gas spring end member can be supported thereon with the base wall disposed in longitudinally spaced-apart relation to the associated planar surface of the associated suspension member. A gas spring assembly including such an end member can be included. A suspension system and a method of installation including such a gas spring assembly can also be included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane for secondary air suspension of a land or rail vehicle, in particular of heavy truck or passenger wagon type, this secondary suspension incorporating it, such a vehicle which is provided therewith, and the method for manufacturing this membrane. This substantially toroidal membrane (103) comprises two attachment areas (110) and at least one corded layer (106) of fabric and/or metallic threads which is situated between two radially internal (104) and external (105) elastomer layers and which extends between these attachment areas. According to the invention, said at least one corded layer has its or each of its thread(s) individually sheathed by an elastomer sheath compatible with the internal and external layers.

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 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: The invention relates to a combined pneumatic bellow (14) for a pneumatic suspension (10), wherein an axle-sided area (18) of pneumatic bellow (14) comprises, in a base state, a preshaped adapted from 928) and said adapted form (28) is embodied in such a manner that the axle-sided area (18) can be arranged on a protruding part (30) of a plunger 914) and the axle-sided area (18) is configured in such a manner that, in the event of the axle-sided area 918) moving towards a frame-sided area (16) of the pneumatic bellow (14), the axle-sided area (18) adapts to the adapted form (28). The invention also relates to a pneumatic suspension, a vehicle axle system wherein the inventive pneumatic bellow is used and to a method for producing said pneumatic bellow.

Abstract: A cooperative mounting arrangement for an end member or spacer of a gas spring assembly includes a recess formed into one of the end member and the spacer. A projection is provided on or along an associated structural component. The recess receives the projection such that lateral forces acting on the end member of the gas spring assembly can be transferred to the associated structural component.

Abstract: A flexible member air spring has an end section of the flexible member attached to a connecting part by a clamp ring. The connecting part has a slot having a truncated cone-shaped cross section. The base of the slot is cylindrical and a flank of the slot has a linear conical form. The inner surface of the clamp ring extends parallel to the base surface. In the clamped state, the inner radius of the clamp ring is less than or equal to at least one of the radii of the slot upper edges. The flexible member is not compressed between the base surface of the slot and the inner side of the clamp ring. The clamp ring, with at least one slot flank, forms a constriction clamping the flexible member wall of the end section.

Abstract: A gas spring piston includes a piston body with an end wall and a side wall that projects longitudinally from the end wall. The side wall includes an outer surface and a retainment ridge spaced longitudinally from the end wall such that the outer surface is disposed between the retainment ridge and the end wall. The retainment ridge projects radially-outwardly beyond the outer surface such that a shoulder surface is formed adjacent the outer surface. The outer surface includes an engagement feature that is dimensioned to compressively engage an associated flexible wall. The engagement feature is positioned along the outer surface in spaced relation to the end wall and the shoulder surface of the retainment ridge. A gas spring assembly and a method of assembling a gas spring that include such a gas spring piston are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air suspension system includes a plastic or metal piston fixed to the vehicle axle and an elastomeric bellows which is air tightly vulcanized from its lower open end to the upper part of the piston and from its upper open end to the metal plate fixed to the vehicle chassis to form a pressured air chamber and a single-piece bottom plate with bumper, which is completely made of reinforced plastic material. The air suspension system includes a compression part vulcanized to the elastomeric bellows and a bumper part absorbing the loads and which is mounted to the upper side of the piston after that it is vulcanized to the lower open end of the elastomeric bellows.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including: (a) a suspension spring interconnecting a vehicle body and a wheel; (b) an actuator having an electric motor, such that the actuator is capable of generating, based on a force of the electric motor, an actuator force forcing the body and the wheel toward and away from each other, and causing the generated actuator force to act as a damping force against displacement of the body and the wheel; and (c) a control device for controlling the actuator force generated by the actuator, by controlling operation of the electric motor. The control device is capable of establishing a constant-force generating state in which the actuator force is constantly generated as a constant actuator force by the actuator with supply of an electric power thereto from a battery as an electric power source of the electric motor such that the generated constant actuator force acts in a rebound direction or a bound direction.

Abstract: A modular piston assembly is associated with an air spring assembly that has a bellows rolling over a surface of the piston assembly. The modular piston assembly includes a first piston portion adapted to fasten to an associated air spring bellows. A second piston portion separate from the first portion, is adapted to fasten to an associated mounting component. Interlocking members are provided to secure the first and second piston portions together, and/or any desired intermediate piston portions. Discrete air reservoirs may also be included in the modular piston assembly to increase the volume of the air spring.

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: 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: 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 first end member, a piston assembly and a flexible wall extending therebetween. The piston assembly includes a piston body receiving a portion of the flexible wall and a retainment ring for retaining the flexible wall on the piston body. A method of assembly is 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: Air suspension systems, devices, apparatus, and methods for allowing motorcycle drivers to increase and decrease compressed air supplies in air suspension devices. Deflating interior air springs/airbags (bladders) inside the devices allows for springs and pistons on shock absorbers in the devices to expand outward separating lower front and rear frame portions which effectively lowers the motorcycle to the ground surface and for the driver to have a firmer ride. Inflating the air springs/airbags (bladders) allows for the springs and the pistons on the shock absorbers in the devices to retract into the devices so that the devices have a more shock absorbing effect giving the rider a smoother ride, which also raises the motorcycles above the ground surface.

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 (1) for commercial vehicles has a first connecting part (2), in particular in the form of a cover, a second connecting part (3) in the form of a roll-off piston, a rolling lobe flexible member (4) made from elastomeric material, wherein a first end (4a) thereof can be fastened seal tight to the first part (2) by a first fastening device (5a) and a second end (4b) of the flexible member (4) can be fastened seal tight to the roll-off piston (3) by a second fastening device (5b). The roll-off piston (3) is made of plastic and the second fastening device (5b) is not made from metal, and/or the first part (2) is made of plastic and the first fastening device (5a) is not made from metal.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device includes a shock-absorbing cylinder, an air cell mounted on the shock-absorbing cylinder, an upper seal cover mounted on an upper end of the air cell and having a side provided with a mounting portion mounted on the shock-absorbing cylinder, and a lower seal cover mounted on a lower end of the air cell and having a side provided with a mounting section mounted on the shock-absorbing cylinder. Thus, the mounting portion of the upper seal cover and the mounting section of the lower seal cover are directly mounted on the shock-absorbing cylinder, so that the upper seal cover and the lower seal cover are directly mounted on the shock-absorbing cylinder easily and quickly to assemble the shock-absorbing device without needing aid of any screw or other hand tool.

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 including a spring seat, and a flexible sleeve connected to the spring seat. The flexible sleeve forms a compression chamber and includes a lobe that rolls along a surface of the spring seat during compression of the flexible sleeve. An annular barrier is disposed on the spring seat between the lobe of the flexible sleeve and the surface of the spring seat to deflect debris and ice from becoming lodged or trapped in the spring seat that may damage the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: A sensing and communication system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave, a transponder supported on an associated structural member at a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave, and a sensor adjacent the transponder and in communication therewith. The sensor being operable to sense an input acting on the associated structural member and communicate a signal corresponding to the input to the transponder. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to at least one of the sensor signal and the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave and a transponder spaced a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.

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 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: An air suspension system is configured to adjust and maintain a desired vehicle ride height and spring rate. The air suspension system includes a plurality of air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted around the piston airbag. A controller receives ride height input data and adjusts pressures within the primary and piston airbags until the desired ride height and spring rate is achieved. The controller accommodates for system hardware differences by varying flow rates into and out of the primary and piston airbags relative to each other.

Abstract: An air suspension includes first and second air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag. A first fluid connection connects one of a first piston airbag and a first primary airbag of the first air spring assembly to one of a second piston airbag and a second primary airbag of the second air spring assembly. A second fluid connection connects the other of the first piston airbag and the first primary airbag to the other of the second piston airbag and the second primary airbag. Air flow through the first and second fluid connections is passively controlled solely in response to road load inputs to reduce roll stiffness and improve articulation.

Abstract: An air suspension includes a plurality of air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted over the piston airbag. The primary and piston airbags each have a variable volume that is controlled independently of the other for active suspension control. Each piston airbag includes a piston intake valve and a piston exhaust valve. Each primary airbag includes a control valve that is operable to supply and exhaust air from the corresponding primary airbag. The control valves and piston intake valves operate independently of each other. A compressor supplies air to a supply reservoir which is used to supply air to the primary and piston airbags. The compressor includes a bypass loop that directs exhausted air to a compressor inlet when the compressor is running.

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: A shock absorber for a vehicle, having a bellows piston, bellows, and a fluid as the damping medium. The shock absorber has a first partition wall, which is situated on the bellows piston, and is implemented to separate a volume area of the bellows piston from a volume area of the bellows. The first partition wall has a first opening, which is implemented to limit a fluid flow between the volume area of the bellows piston and the volume area of the bellows. The shock absorber further has a sprung mass, which is situated inside the shock absorber to influence the fluid flow inside the shock absorber.

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly includes a jounce bumper and a bumper retainer. The jounce bumper includes opposing end walls and a side wall extending therebetween. The bumper retainer includes a side wall for engaging the side wall of the jounce bumper and thereby restricting radially outward deflection of the jounce bumper. A gas spring assembly and a vehicle suspension system including a jounce bumper assembly are included. A method of utilizing a jounce bumper assembly is also included.

Abstract: A air spring 10 is provided, where flex deformation of a shoulder portion in a dustcover due to the restorative force of a bellows portion during compression thereof is prevented, whereby deterioration of the life of the dustcover due to such deformation is prevented. With the air spring 10, a stopper 82 of a deformation-preventing cap 70 is arranged at the outer peripheral side of a shoulder portion 54 in a dustcover 50. At the time of compression deformation of a bellows portion 56, the stopper 82 comes into contact with the shoulder portion 54, and flex deformation of the shoulder portion 54 towards a linking tube 52 side is restricted. Due to this, the restorative force from the compression deformed bellows portion 56 via the shoulder portion 54 can be supported by the stopper 82 of the deformation-preventing cap 70.

Abstract: An air spring (2) essentially includes two end elements (4, 6) and an electrically conductive rolling-lobe flexible member which is pressure-tightly arranged therebetween and is made of a flexible elastomeric electroconductive material (14). A reinforcement (16) formed by two cord fiber plies (16a, 16b), which are made of fibers (18), are vulcanized into the flexible member. In order to determine the height (h) of the spring, preferably, the two cord fabric plies (16a, 16b) are provided with a number of highly conductive fibers (18a) which are arranged at the beginning and the end of each ply in a parallel direction to each other, thereby forming two conductive strips (24a, 24b). The conductive strips (24a, 24b) are disposed oppositely to each other and are electrically connected at the end of the rolling-lobe flexible member (8) in such a way that a conductive loop (24) is formed and each strip is used as an element in a branch for an alternating-current measuring bridge (28).

Abstract: A gas spring system of a vehicle includes a multi-chamber gas spring associated with each vehicle wheel. Each multi-chamber gas spring comprises a main chamber and at least one auxiliary chamber connectable to the main chamber, such that the spring rigidity of the multi-chamber gas springs can be changed. A control device determines a target axle rigidity as a function of a guide lateral acceleration and adjusts the target rigidity. The spring rigidity of the multi-chamber gas spring located on an inner side of the vehicle (relative to a curve traversed by the vehicle) is first changed. The spring rigidities of the multi-chamber gas springs of a vehicle axle are changed in stages in an alternating fashion.

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: An air spring spacer for use in mounting an associated air spring in spaced relation to an associated vehicle component. The air spring spacer includes a spacer body, a first indexing feature, and a second indexing feature complementary to the first indexing feature. The indexing features providing for self-alignment of the spacer in a predetermined orientation upon the application of an axial force. A kit is also described.

Abstract: A spring body includes a filament structure formed from at least one length of filament material. An elastomeric wall at least partially defines a spring chamber and includes a first portion of the filament structure. A comparatively-rigid wall includes a second portion of the filament structure. A gas spring assembly that includes such a spring body, as well as a method making a spring body and a method of making a gas spring assembly are also included.

Abstract: An air spring having an airsleeve, wherein at least one layer of said airsleeve includes the vulcanization product of a vulcanizable composition including an elastomer and a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle suspension, in which air spring the bellows is fastened by way of deformable annular components to the periphery of connection parts. The annular component is fastened at one end of the bellows, to the outer periphery of the connection part in axially spaced-apart clamping regions so as to form an encircling cavity, The annular component, on its outer side, is formed with a rolling contour for the bellows.

Abstract: An air spring has a roll-off piston (1) and a rolling-lobe flexible member (2) of rubber or rubber-like material. At least the opening of the rolling-lobe flexible member, which lies opposite the opening assigned to the roll-off piston (1), is closed air tight with an attachment part (3) and the attachment part has a planar connecting region (4) having at least one air connection (7) and an outer rim (11) and a conical region (10) facing toward the rolling-lobe flexible member (2). The rolling-lobe flexible member (2) is tightly vulcanized to the attachment part (3) in a vulcanization region (12) which extends from the side (9) of the outer rim (11) into the conical region (10). The side (9) of the outer rim (11) faces toward the rolling-lobe flexible member (2). The at least one attachment part (3), which is vulcanized to the rolling-lobe flexible member (2), is configured as a head plate (3) complete with all connections (7) and is made of thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material.

Abstract: A rigid jounce bumper includes a body and at least one support segment projecting axially from an end of the body. The rigid jounce bumper is formed from a substantially non-elastic material such that the rigid jounce bumper can support axially-applied loads without undergoing substantial axial deflection. The at least one support segment is capable of displacement relative to the body when under laterally-applied loads. A gas spring assembly having such a rigid jounce bumper is also included.

Abstract: A cooperative mounting arrangement for an end member or spacer of a gas spring assembly includes a recess formed into one of the end member and the spacer. A projection is provided on or along an associated structural component. The recess receives the projection such that lateral forces acting on the end member of the gas spring assembly can be transferred to the associated structural component.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an air spring for vehicles includes a cover (1) and a buffer (2) in the cover (1). The cover (1) is made from plastic and has reinforcing ribs (3) on the inside. The stop buffer (2) has slots on the side thereof facing the cover (1) in a manner corresponding to the reinforcing ribs (3) of the cover (1). The ribs (3) of the cover (1) are inserted into the slots (8). Damage to the buffer (2) by impact of the ribs (3) on the buffer (2) is thus avoided.

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: 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 fluid suspension member having a flexible wall at least partially defining a fluid chamber and having a passage formed therethrough. A connector fitting is received within the passage, and a groove extends into the flexible wall adjacent the passage. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member spaced from the first end member. A spring sleeve extends between the first and second end members. A third end member is disposed along the second end member and is axially displaceably secured thereto. The third end member engages the spring sleeve and is displaceable between a fully-assembled use condition and a fully-assembled adjustment condition in which the third end member and spring sleeve are disassociated with the second end member permitting approximately free rotation thereof. A method includes adjusting the rotational alignment of the fluid spring assembly.