Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pump, a gas spring, and an accumulator. The gas spring assembly includes a cylinder, a rod, and a chamber for supporting gas. The rod is coupled to the cylinder and moveable relative to the cylinder. The chamber is formed between the cylinder and the rod, where movement of the rod relative to the cylinder changes the volume of the chamber. The accumulator is configured for receiving, storing, and releasing potential energy from gas of the chamber. The accumulator is coupled to the chamber, and is in gaseous communication with the chamber such that a continuous body of gas extends between the chamber and the accumulator when the accumulator is receiving or releasing the potential energy.

Abstract: A gas suspension member includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes an end wall and a side wall that at least partially form an inner chamber. An opening is formed through the end wall. A connector fitting is embedded within a cover wall that extends across the opening. The end wall has a first flexural stiffness and the cover wall has a second flexural stiffness that is greater than the first flexural stiffness of the end wall. A gas suspension assembly includes a first spring device used in combination with the gas suspension member. A method of forming a gas suspension member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-stage height control valve for a pneumatic control system of a vehicle includes an air reservoir port, an exhaust port, an air spring port and a pilot port operatively connected to a rotor valve which is in turn operatively connected to the vehicle. The air reservoir port fluidly communicates with an air tank. The air spring port fluidly communicates with the air springs of the vehicle. The exhaust port opens to atmosphere. The pilot port fluidly communicates with a control/warning device such that, when a secondary ride height is reached by the vehicle, the pilot port signals the control/warning device in order to maintain the vehicle at the secondary ride height. The pilot port alternatively provides an air pressure boost in order to quickly re-inflate the air springs of the vehicle to return the vehicle to the primary design ride height.

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: A pneumatic spring device (1) for limiting the impact response of a vehicle wheel is provided, with at least one piston-cylinder arrangement (2) which has a piston (3) mounted in an axially displaceable manner in an internal cavity (5) of the cylinder (4), wherein the cylinder (4) is closed at its end regions which face away from each other by end walls (6) which are arranged at a fixed distance from one another. The piston (3) is connected to a piston rod (7) which passes through the end wall (6) and is guided in a sealing manner in the latter, wherein working spaces (8, 8?) which are delimited from each other on both sides of the piston (3) by the piston (3) and are formed as piston space (8) and piston rod space (8?) , which are filled with a compressible medium. The working spaces (8, 8?) can be connected to each other by a connecting device (10).

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 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: The invention relates to a vibration isolation system, comprising at least one fluid bearing having a first control device in order to control the fluid pressure and having at least one actuator in order to compensate for position changes of the load to be isolated, which actuator is controlled by at least one second control device, wherein the input of one control device is connected to the output of the other control device.

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: The invention relates to a hydro-pneumatic piston accumulator (1), particularly for vehicle suspension systems, consisting of an accumulator housing (2) and a separating piston (6), which is disposed free-floating inside the accumulator housing in a displaceable manner in the direction of the movement axis (4). The separating piston separates an accumulator area (8) for a hydraulic medium from a pressure area (10) that is filled or is to be filled with a compressible medium, and is guided with an interior guide opening (30) on an elongated guide element (32), which is axially fixed within the accumulator housing (2).

Abstract: Various embodiments of an air spring end closure are disclosed. One has an outer part and an inner part joined together to provide a moment of inertia along an axis that is transverse to axial expansion and contraction of the air chamber that is greater than that of the outer part alone. Another has a part that is concave toward the chamber and contains one of a riser and a depression having a generally rectangular shape whose length runs transverse to the direction of expansion and contraction and that is widthwise centered on a diameter of the part. Still another has a part having an elliptical perimeter margin curled onto a similarly shaped axial end of a sleeve that provides the axial expansion and contraction.

Abstract: An air suspension system includes a first transfer pipe having one end communicating with the outside, the first transfer pipe being constructed such that air flows through the first transfer pipe; a filter mounted adjacent to the one end of the first transfer pipe to filter out foreign matter from the air; a compressor mounted on the first transfer pipe, such that the compressor is located adjacent to the filter, to compress the air; a dryer mounted on the first transfer pipe, such that the dryer is located adjacent to the compressor, to dry the air; an exhaust pipe extending from the first transfer pipe between the compressor and the dryer; an exhaust valve mounted on the exhaust pipe to control the flow of the air; a second transfer pipe communicating with the other end of the first transfer pipe; a control unit connected to the second transfer pipe, the control unit being constructed such that the high and low of the control unit are controlled by the pressure of the air; and a storage unit connected to t

Abstract: According to a method for controlling the air volume in a closed pneumatic spring system of a vehicle, an air-powered pump supplies at least two pneumatic springs and/or a compressed air reservoir with a specific air volume as needed such that the air pressure prevailing in the respective pneumatic spring and/or the compressed air reservoir is at a level which causes a vehicle body resting on the pneumatic spring to be positioned at a desired distance from the roadway or the vehicle axle.

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

Abstract: An integrated and self-contained suspension assembly having a gas spring integrated with a shock absorber (damper) is described. The rigid gas cylinder of the air spring is divided into a first gas chamber and a second gas chamber. A flow port connects the first and second gas chambers, and can be manually opened or closed by valve and a simple one-quarter turn rotation of an external knob to instantly switch the gas spring between two different spring rates. The different spring rates are functions of the separate or combined volumes of the two gas chambers. The integrated suspension assembly is compactly packaged and self-contained, i.e., does not require any externalities, such as gas sources or electricity, to operate.

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: An integrated and self-contained suspension assembly having a gas spring integrated with a shock absorber (damper) is described. The rigid gas cylinder of the air spring is divided into a first gas chamber and a second gas chamber. A flow port connects the first and second gas chambers, and can be manually opened or closed by valve and a simple one-quarter turn rotation of an external knob to instantly switch the gas spring between two different spring rates. The different spring rates are functions of the separate or combined volumes of the two gas chambers. The integrated suspension assembly is compactly packaged and self-contained, i.e., does not require any externalities, such as gas sources or electricity, to operate.

Abstract: In order to simplify air flow control in a self-contained air supply system, an average control speed is calculated on the basis of a defined movement of the air springs (3, 4) and compared with an optimum control speed. The result of the comparison of the control speeds is used to determine the need for or the excess of an amount of compressed air. There are at least three possibilities for calculating the average control speed.

Abstract: An air-suspension system for vehicles, in particular for commercial vehicles, including at least one air-bellows valve assigned to an air-spring bellows or a group of air-spring bellows of the front axle for individually aerating and venting this air-spring bellows or this group of air-spring bellows; at least one air-bellows valve assigned to an air-spring bellows or a group of air-spring bellows of the rear axle for individually aerating and venting this air-spring bellows or this group of air-spring bellows; as well as at least one central aeration valve for supplying the air-bellows valves assigned to the air-spring bellows of the front axle and the rear axle with compressed air from a compressed-air supply; and at least one central venting valve for exhausting compressed air from the air-bellows valves assigned to the air-spring bellows of the front axle and the rear axle, to an air vent.

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

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: An air suspension system includes a first transfer pipe having one end communicating with the outside, the first transfer pipe being constructed such that air flows through the first transfer pipe; a filter mounted adjacent to the one end of the first transfer pipe to filter out foreign matter from the air; a compressor mounted on the first transfer pipe, such that the compressor is located adjacent to the filter, to compress the air; a dryer mounted on the first transfer pipe, such that the dryer is located adjacent to the compressor, to dry the air; an exhaust pipe extending from the first transfer pipe between the compressor and the dryer; an exhaust valve mounted on the exhaust pipe to control the flow of the air; a second transfer pipe communicating with the other end of the first transfer pipe; a control unit connected to the second transfer pipe, the control unit being constructed such that the high and low of the control unit are controlled by the pressure of the air; and a storage unit connected to t

Abstract: A spring element with a hydropneumatic strut are positioned between the bogie and the body of a rail car, with the strut having a sliding piston in a cylinder, whereby the piston or the cylinder can be connected with the bogie and the other component can be connected with the body, and the piston area of the cylinder is connected with a hydraulic accumulator. A strut that is easy to service and maintain and does not accumulate any appreciable amount of dirt is created by virtue of the fact that the hydropneumatic strut has a hydraulic height regulator valve or a height sensor connected or connectable with a feedback loop, whereby the position of the piston in the cylinder can be adjusted or determined.

Abstract: Vibration damper with a damping medium-filled cylinder, in which a piston rod is installed with freedom of axial movement, and a pressure container, which is connected to the vibration damper by an adapter piece. The adapter piece comprises a connecting part, which is connected to the pressure container, and an upper part, which is connected permanently to the vibration damper. A filling channel inside the adapter piece is open at both ends when the pressure container is full, and a filling channel on the vibration damper side, which is connected to the filling channel of the adapter piece, has a closing element.

Abstract: A pneumatic proportioning system for heavy-duty vehicle air springs includes an air supply, a height control valve and a solenoid valve in fluid communication with one another and with the air springs of at least one axle/suspension systems of a heavy-duty vehicle. A proportioning means is in fluid communication with the air supply, with the height control valve, with the solenoid valve, with the air springs and with atmosphere and operates to proportion loads between the air springs of the axle/suspension systems when the solenoid valve is activated during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas spring which uses a compensating medium acting on a compensating piston in order to compensate the dependence on temperature of its characteristic. According to a first aspect of the invention, a compensating medium (16M) is selected whereof the critical temperature (TK) is between the lower limit temperature (Tlower) and a temperature exceeding the upper limit temperature (Tupper) Of the range of operating temperatures of the gas spring (50) by up to 100° C., and the gas spring (50) is designed such that, at an operating temperature (TB) of the gas spring (50) not exceeding the critical temperature (TK) of the compensating medium (16M), the point indicating the state of the compensating medium (16M) lies on or above the vapor pressure curve.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention a connector unit for a pressure medium connection between an outer connection part and a spring head of a vehicle gas spring is provided. The connector unit comprises a line configured to be connected to an inner connection part and the outer connection part and is elastically deformable in at least regions during relative rotation movement of the spring head. The line has a deformation section between an end-side line section and an outer line section. The deformable section is disposed in a region of the spring head which is offset to the spring axis and is of helical configuration.

Abstract: A fixture is isolated from the transmission of vibration emanating from a vibration source by a damper containing magneto-rheological (“MR”) fluid and a plunger mechanically coupling the damper and the fixture. The isolation apparatus is mechanically coupled to the vibration source. The viscosity of the MR fluid contained in the damper is controlled by a magnetic field produced by the vibration of an isolation system responsive to the vibration of the vibration source. The resonant frequency of the isolation system is adjusted to approximate that of the fixture.

Abstract: A damper for an airplane landing gear leg comprises a main strut (11) and a rod piston (13) co-operating with the strut (11) to define a main chamber (15) and annular chamber (16) for hydraulic fluid, and presenting internally two adjacent chambers (19, 20) that are isolated from each other by a separator piston (21). The damper (10) further comprises a first secondary strut (26) telescopically Slidable on the above-mentioned rod piston (13), and a second secondary strut (37) telescopically slidable on the other end of the first secondary strut (26). The two second annular chambers (31, 40) as defined in this way are respectively connected to associated control circuits thus enabling the total length of the damper to be shortened or lengthened respectively for the purpose of causing the landing gear to contract or to be extended.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas spring including the steps of fitting and inserting a first seal member, an annular space member, a second seal member, and a rod guide, to an outer periphery of a piston rod in accordance with this order from a side of a piston, a step of providing a piston rod assembly in which a lubricant is previously injected, in an annular chamber defined among the first seal member, the space member and the second seal member, and a step of charging a pressurized gas into an inner portion of a cylinder from an opening portion of the cylinder under a sealed state, and thereafter pressing the rod guide fitted and inserted to the piston rod, thereby inserting the piston rod assembly into the inner portion of the cylinder from the opening portion of the cylinder and fixing the rod guide to the cylinder.

Abstract: A gas spring curve control valve for a adjustable-volume gas-pressurized device is described. The valve allows for selection from among at least four spring curves and can be packaged in small spaces/devices. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a rotary cam having grooves and lobes that interact with spring loaded ball bearings and an external adjuster knob are used to easily change the gas spring curve “on-the-fly” and with minimal user effort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling air flow in a level control system for a motor vehicle. Two air flow intervals are indicated for controlling air flow. The first air flow interval I1 is located entirely within air flow interval I2. If the air flow in the level control system is located outside air flow interval I2, an automatic adjustment is made in air flow interval I2. If the air flow is still located outside air flow interval I1 and within second air flow interval I2, the air flow is adjusted to the first air flow interval I1 exclusively when the motor vehicle is in operation.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting internal pressure of a gas lifter includes measuring a variable opened angle of an openable object, such as a hood, a trunk lid or a tailgate, using an angle sensor, and adjusting the internal pressure of the gas lifter according to the measured opened angle of the openable object. The present invention helps a user easily open or close the openable object.

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

Abstract: There is disclosed a damping coefficient switching-type hydraulic damper that may automatically switch a damping coefficient without needing supply of energy from the outside at all, and also may always surely exert an energy absorption capacity greater than that of a typical hydraulic damper. While a piston is moving in a direction A, a mechanical drive means composed of a straight gear and a crank mechanism allows an on-off control operation valve, that is, a flow regulating valve to be placed in a closed state, and a damping coefficient is switched to a maximum value Cmax. When a movement of the piston is turned in a direction B at a left-side maximum point of amplitude, the mechanical drive means works to once open the flow regulating valve to perform elimination of a load, so that the damping coefficient is switched to a minimum value (Cmin).

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolation system for mounting equipment to a base wall uses a semi-active damper in parallel with a spring arrangement to provide optimum isolation with respect to both shock and vibration. The system comprises a load plate configured for attachment of the equipment thereto and a base plate configured for attachment to the base wall. The base plate is substantially parallel to the load plate. The system further comprises a spring arrangement disposed intermediate the load plate and the base plate. The spring arrangement engages the load plate and the base plate to bias the load plate and the base plate in a separated relationship. A semi-active damper is also disposed intermediate the load plate and the base plate. The a semi-active damper is adapted for providing a selectively variable reaction force to the load plate and the base plate responsive to a relative displacement of the load plate with respect to the base plate.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system of a motor vehicle includes a plurality of suspension devices mounted on the vehicle with respect to right and left wheels of the vehicle, respectively, a first behavior controller that controls the motion of each of the suspension devices when a vehicle body undergoes a first behavior, and a second behavior controller that controls the motion of each of the suspension devices when the vehicle body undergoes a second behavior, independently of the first behavior controller.

Abstract: A height control valve for use in a vehicle suspension system for controlling the ride height of the trailer, the height control valve provided with a universal mounting for allowing greater flexibility in the mounting of the height control valve to a vehicle frame, the height control valve also having a position indicator to aide an installer in aligning a valve element contained within the valve according to a selected mounting position.

Abstract: The motion damper includes a damper wall, damper stages, and a damper head. The damper wall and damper stages are successively smaller in size and have a nested relationship. The damper wall and damper stages are each flexibly attached to an adjacent damper stage or the damper wall such that the damper stages may deploy in a telescopic fashion away from the damper wall. The damper head is attached to a smallest damper stage. As a result, the damper stages change in position relative to the damper wall and relative to each other to absorb the kinetic energy of objects attached to the damper head and damper wall.

Abstract: An isolator apparatus is described to attenuate or isolate vibration. The isolator apparatus includes a fluid isolator assembly including a flexible diaphragm and a pressure chamber having a flow passage opened to the pressure chamber to provide a fluid spring. A floating isolator body including an elastomeric damping element is floatably interfaced with the flexible diaphragm of the fluid isolator assembly to isolate vibration.

Abstract: A gas valve assembly for a shock absorber includes a first portion of a first material and a second portion of second material which is less rigid than the first material. The first portion defines a rigid valve assembly body having a threaded portion to mount the valve to the shock body. The second portion is resilient and defines an integral plug and annular seal interconnected by a connecting member. The annular seal is molded adjacent a step engagement surface to seal the gas valve assembly to the shock body. A head having a tool engagement surface compresses the annular seal when the gas valve assembly is threaded in place.

Abstract: An air spring assembly includes a primary airbag mounted to a piston air bag such that the piston airbag provides a rolling surface for the primary airbag. A change in the piston airbag pressure changes the effective rate of the primary air spring. A relatively small change in the piston airbag volume provides a change in the spring rate of air spring assembly as the diameter of the rolloff surface is selectively modified.

Abstract: An air spring suspension damper assembly includes a first housing and a second housing which telescope relative to each other. An actuating member such as a cable is connected to a height leveling valve contained in one of the housings and attached to the other housing. The actuating member moves a member such as a rotating cam, a rotating valve plate and/or a rotating valve such that changes in the suspension height rotate the member. Rotation of the member selectively opens inlet and exhaust flow paths to control the air pressure in the damper assembly and maintain air suspension height at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper used for reducing shaking of a structure, for example in an earthquake. The hydraulic damper has a cylinder, a piston movable in a reciprocating manner within the cylinder, hydraulic chambers at opposite sides of the piston, and a single on-off control valve. There is a passage for connecting both of the hydraulic chambers and is on-off controlled to change a damping coefficient. A damping coefficient switching-type hydraulic damper is provided between a piston rod and the on-off control valve. A first damping coefficient is attained when the on-off control valve is maintained in a closed state for movement of said piston in one direction, and a second damping coefficient is attained when the on-off control valve is opened. A mechanical drive for the control valve may be a straight gear operatively attached to the piston rod of the cylinder, and a crank mechanism that works with the straight gear to on-off control the control valve.

Abstract: A compact air-bump stop (jounceshock) provides improved motor vehicle suspension system accommodation of jounce and rebound than is provided than by a conventional shock absorber, bump cushion and/or air-bump stop. In an independent jounceshock, a primary shell and a secondary shell are reversibly collapsible into each other, and a valved piston demarcates a primary chamber within the primary shell and a secondary chamber within the secondary shell, both of which being filled with a mixture of pressurized gas, preferably nitrogen, and oil. The valving of the valved piston allows for selectively unidirectional, metered movement of the oil therethrough in concert with the direction of movement of the secondary shell with respect to the primary shell. In an integrated jounceshock, a compact air-bump stop is integrated with a shock absorber.

Abstract: A damper includes housing bounding a chamber. A barrier is movably disposed within the chamber so as to divide at least a portion of the chamber into a pressure compartment and a control compartment each having a volume, the volume of the pressure compartment and the control compartment each being adjustable based on movement of the barrier. A first compressible gas is disposed within the pressure compartment while a first hydraulic fluid is disposed within the control compartment A piston shaft has a first end slidably disposed within the control compartment. A temperature compensator disposed within the chamber automatically adjusts the combined volume of the pressure compartment and the control compartment based on the temperature of the first hydraulic fluid within the control compartment so as to regulate the pressure within the control compartment.

Abstract: A compact temperature compensating gas spring including a gas filled hollow cylinder and a piston assembly slidably received in the gas filled hollow cylinder. The piston assembly includes a piston head and a piston rod. The piston rod includes a temperature compensation chamber. The piston head includes an aperture formed therein in communication with the temperature compensation chamber. A temperature activated valve is operably connected to the aperture to control gas flow between the cylinder and the temperature compensation chamber.

Abstract: In addition to the consumers of a closed loop, known air supply systems also can supply an external consumer with fresh pressurized air. These systems are very complex with respect to apparatus and furthermore have the disadvantage that already improved pressurized air can escape from the pressurized air store during the supply of the external consumer. A switchable 3/2-directional valve (31) is arranged in the first consumer pressure line (19) of the drive unit (1) and a switchable 3/2-directional valve (32) is mounted in the store pressure line (11) of the drive unit (1) and a switchable check valve is mounted in the bypass line (16) of the store pressure line (11). This check valve disables the throttle function of the bypass throttle (17).

Abstract: A suspension system, in particular for a working machine, such as a tractor or similar device, with a suspension cylinder (10) is subjected to various load pressures (m). The piston slide (12) and rod side (14) of the system may each be connected to a suspension reservoir (16, 18). A locking device (20) locks the suspension and, with an equalization device (28) having a switching valve (48) within the supply device, controls the piston side (12) of the suspension cylinder (10). A pressure supply (P) supplies the system pressure necessary for the suspension system. A pressure equalization of the system to the relevant load pressure can be performed before renewed operation by the equalization device. The equalization device (28) includes a further switching valve (50) within the supply device (30) for control of the rod side (14) of the suspension cylinder (10). A load monitoring device (LS) is connected to parts of the stop device (20).