Abstract: In a suspension for a wheel of a motor-vehicle, supporting, through a corresponding articulated spindle, V-shape arms, receiving a spring forming resilient cushioning element thereon the motor vehicle body bears, the resilient cushioning element comprises a base bearing on parallel guides of the V-shape arms, thereby forming a bearing surface, the central guide including a hole for receiving a throughgoing clamping screw for clamping the resilient cushioning element at a target position.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the ride height of a vehicle, the system including a controller that receives and processes multiple variable inputs to provide enhanced ride height control. The inputs include a brake system signal including an Automatic Braking System (ABS) signal and/or an Electronic Braking System (EBS) signal, a remote setpoint signal and/or a fluid dump signal. The system also provides for measuring the actual ride height, filtering the measured ride height, determining if the filter ride height signal exceeds a threshold level, and adjusting the ride height accordingly.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a load bearing vehicle which includes a pair of air springs fluidly connected to a pair of auxiliary air reservoirs and to a main air reservoir. The system includes control valves which permit the air in the air springs to be exhausted therefrom to lower the vehicle frame without exhausting the air from the auxiliary air reservoirs.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a plurality of pneumatic suspension elements with each pneumatic suspension element being associated with one pneumatic control valve. A common manifold is fluidly connected to each of the pneumatic control valves. The manifold includes a supply valve that is connected to an air supply, an exhaust valve, and a single pressure sensor. The single pressure sensor is used to measure a pressure level at each of the pneumatic suspension elements. A controller cooperates with the manifold to individually adjust pressure levels of each of the pneumatic suspension elements based on the individually sensed pressure levels. The controller can use the sensed pressure levels to adjust suspension ride height, identify system leaks and isolate defective suspension elements, identify uneven pressure distribution, and to determine a load supported on the pneumatic suspension elements.

Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. In some embodiments each wheel is suspended from the vehicle by a pair of pivotal support arms. Preferably, one arm is located above the other arm, and both arms pivot along pivot axes that are generally perpendicular to the rotational axis of the supported wheel. A spring urges one of the arms apart from the frame. In other embodiments, the spring is placed beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In some embodiments both of the pivoting support arms are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for controlling power-hop in a heavy vehicle, e.g., an earth-moving apparatus, such as an earth-moving scraper.

Abstract: In a self-contained ride level control system for a motor vehicle, the accumulator pressure is controlled as follows: determination of the current pressure Ps(current) of the compressed air accumulator (4); definition of at least one level whereto the vehicle can be lifted or lowered; determination os the air volume required for lifting or lowering the motor vehicle from the current level and bringing it to a given level; determination of the subsequent accumulator pressure Ps(later) for reducing the current accumulator pressure Ps(current) if the motor vehicle is lifted from its current level up to the given level or determination of the subsequent accumulator pressure Ps(later) for increasing the current accumulator pressure Ps(current) if the motor vehicle has been lowered from the current level to the given level; filling the compressed air accumulator (4) with compressed air if the subsequent pressure Ps(later) is below a lower threshold value Ps (U) and emptying the compressed air accumulator if the sub

Abstract: A gas spring capable of having long and short travel modes is described. The gas spring uses liquid in combination with pressurized air to affect the travel length. Unlike conventional gas springs, the gas spring according to the invention may have its travel reduced more than, for example, by 50%.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for stabilizers controls hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic communication path hydraulically connecting cylinders each operatively connected to each stabilizer of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a spool valve provided in the hydraulic communication path. The spool valve includes a housing, a spool accommodated in the housing, first and second spool chambers defined by the spool and the housing, and a biasing member for biasing the spool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension device for the load-bearing and resilient support of a wheel in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one spring cylinder with a piston, which is guided in a manner moveable relative to it in a pressure cylinder, and comprising a driving device for converting pivoting movements of a wheel oscillating-crank supporting arm, which movements oscillate about an oscillating-crank axis, into the relative movements between the pressure cylinder and piston, the piston acting counter to an elastically compressible spring medium (FM) in order to produce a load-bearing supporting spring force (F), the driving device being designed as a gearwheel mechanism.

Abstract: A roll control system for a vehicle suspension system and a method for controlling said control system, the suspension system including support means, the roll control system including: wheel cylinders each including first and second chambers; and first and second fluid circuits, each said fluid circuit providing fluid communication between the said first chambers on one side of the vehicle and the second chambers on the opposite side of the vehicle by fluid conduits to thereby provide roll support decoupled from a warp mode of the vehicle suspension system by providing a roll stiffness about a level roll attitude whilst simultaneously providing substantially zero warp stiffness; and the method including bypassing fluid flow from at least a substantial portion of the conduits during predetermined wheel inputs to the control system to thereby minimize line damping and/or fluid inertia effects on the damping of the control system.

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

Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting apparatus includes air spring portion, an air supply source, a switching valve causing a total air volume of the air spring portion to be constituted by only a main air chamber and by a sum of the main air chamber and a sub air chamber, an auxiliary valve, operating state determining portion for determining an operating state of the vehicle, and controlling portion for controlling the adjusting valve, the switching valve and the auxiliary valve.

Abstract: In a rigid vehicle axle comprising an axle beam with axle journals forming wheel carriers arranged at the ends thereof, and at least two trailing arms rigidly fixed to the axle beam, each half of the rigid vehicle axle comprises an axle beam section, a trailing arm section and a wheel head section arranged adjacent one after another and the ends of the axle tube sections overlap with the adjoining ends of the trailing arm sections and their end faces are congruent with the respectively adjoining end faces of the wheel head sections, at least in some areas, and the adjoining sections are welded together.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for a vehicle, including: (a) a plurality of suspension cylinders each disposed between a chassis-side member and a corresponding one of a plurality of wheel-side members; (b) a controller cylinder including a housing and at least one piston slidably mounted in the housing, such that the housing and the at least one piston cooperate to define a plurality of chambers each having a volume that is variable upon slide movement of the at least one piston relative to the housing; (c) individual conduits each communicating a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers of the controller cylinder and a chamber of a corresponding one of the plurality of suspension cylinders; and (d) a suspension-cylinder operation facilitator operable to facilitate an operation of each of the plurality of suspension cylinders for permitting displacement of each of the plurality of wheel-side members relative to the chassis-side member after the at least one piston of the controller cylinder has reached it

Abstract: A device for controlling suspension performance in a vehicle having variable loads on an axle, a level control system, and a hydropneumatic suspension apparatus between unsprung and sprung masses. The device includes at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder chamber and a toroid chamber, a pump, a cylinder chamber inlet line connecting the pump to the cylinder chamber, a toroid chamber inlet line connecting the pump to the toroid chamber, and a cylinder chamber outlet line. Two 2/2 port directional control valves configured to regulate the level control system are disposed in the cylinder chamber inlet line and the cylinder chamber outlet line, respectively. A pilot valve is disposed in the toroid chamber inlet line and dependent on a pressure level in the cylinder chamber inlet line.

Abstract: A suspension subassembly for securement to a heavy vehicle trailer includes a hanger bracket for a trailing arm, an air spring mounting bracket, a damper mounting bracket, and a connection member extending longitudinally between the hanger bracket and the damper mounting bracket. The damper mounting bracket is positioned intermediate the hanger bracket and the air spring mounting bracket.

Abstract: A roll control system for a vehicle including: two double-acting rams (1, 2) at the first end of the vehicle and two single acting rams (3, 4) at the second of the vehicle; each double-acting ram (1, 2) including a first and a second fluid chamber (17, 18, 21, 22); each single-acting ram (3, 4) including a first fluid chamber (19, 20); a first lateral conduit (27) providing fluid communication between the first fluid chamber (17, 18) of the double-acting ram (1, 2) on a first side of the vehicle and the second fluid chamber (21, 22) of the double-acting ram (1, 2) on a second side of the vehicle, a first longitudinal conduit (29) providing fluid communication between the first fluid chamber (19, 20) of the single-acting ram (3, 4) on the first side of the vehicle and the first lateral conduit (27), forming a first fluid circuit; a second lateral conduit (28) providing fluid communication between the first fluid chamber (17, 18) of the double-acting ram (1, 2) on the second side of the vehicle and the second f

Abstract: A damper assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle includes a housing adapted to be mounted to one end of a strut in the suspension system. The housing has a chamber with fluid therein. The damper assembly also includes at least one diaphragm extending across the chamber to react with the fluid, to be compliant at relatively small displacements, and to be rigid at relatively large displacements.

Abstract: A compressed air treatment device is designed to be installed in an industrial vehicle consisting of a motor vehicle that can pull a trailer. The device comprises: an inlet for air from a compressed air source; at least one air outlet which is connected to a tank that is intended to supply the service braking system; a set of electropneumatic components for distributing the compressed air which comes from the compressed air source and which is intended for the tank(s); an electronic control unit which can control said set of electropneumatic components, the control unit being connected to a computer communication bus and to various electrical components such as sensors or switches.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension having at least one suspension cylinder (10) and at least one hydraulic accumulator configured as a suspension accumulator (18) has a pilot-actuated valve (20) for opening or blocking a fluid-carrying connection between the suspension cylinder (10) and the suspension accumulator (18). The pilot-actuated valve (20) can be moved into the blocked position by a hydraulic actuating assembly (22). The hydraulic actuating assembly (22) taps the fluid pressure between suspension accumulator (18) and the suspension cylinder (10), and forwards it by a switching valve (24) to an operating side (26) of the pilot-actuated valve (20) through a pilot-actuated line (38). Another proportional valve (50), or such valve connected to the respective associated pilot-actuated line (38), can be between one switching valve (24) and the pilot-actuated valve (20).

Abstract: A protective curtain assembly for an associated fluid suspension system of an associated vehicle includes a section of curtain material and a first securement device securing the second of material along at least a portion of the associated suspension system. A suspension system including a protective curtain is also described.

Abstract: A compressed air processing apparatus includes a pressure controller, an air dryer, a multi-circuit protection valve and an electronic control unit. A switching valve is designed and arranged to supply compressed air to an air suspension system and to deaerate the air suspension system. The electronic control unit is designed and arranged to control the pressure controller, the air dryer and the multi-circuit protection valve. The electronic control unit is designed and arranged to also control the switching valve of the air suspension system.

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 dynamic handling system hose for use in a vehicle anti-rollover system, wherein the dynamic handling system hose comprises: a tubular body comprising a polymeric material exhibiting (1) zero or near zero expansion coefficient, (2) sufficient flexibility to withstand rough terrain, (3) high tensile strength, (4) low elongation, (5) high tolerance to extreme temperature ranges, (6) high resistance to hydrocarbon fluids, and (7) relatively low weight compared to conventionally used hose materials in anti-rollover systems; a reinforcement around the tubular body; and a protective cover surrounding the tubular body and the reinforcement, and a coupler for coupling the dynamic handling system hose to an appropriate actuator in a vehicle anti-rollover system are described.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly capable of operatively engaging an associated jounce tongue of an associated vehicle suspension and supporting a supplemental air spring assembly in spaced relation to an associated sprung or unsprung mass of the associated vehicle. The mounting bracket assembly can include a first bracket supported on the associated jounce tongue and a second bracket supported on the first bracket. A supplemental suspension system can include an air spring assembly and a mounting spring assembly. A supplemental suspension system kit is also included.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a chassis with four drive wheels suspended from the chassis that are damped by four damping cylinders. An electronic controller varies the damping of the cylinders in an automatic mode, based on certain operational parameters of the vehicle, and in a manual mode in response to operator selection of a desired degree of suspension damping.

Abstract: A vehicular suspension system having a fluid circuit including two fluid cylinders provided on respective front-wheel and rear-wheel sides, and two fluid passage systems one of which connects one of two fluid chambers of the fluid cylinder on the front-wheel side to the corresponding one of the two fluid chambers of the fluid cylinder on the rear-wheel side, and the other of which connects the other fluid chamber of the front-wheel side fluid cylinder to the other fluid chamber of the rear-wheel side fluid cylinder, the suspension system including a diagnosing device operable to diagnose the fluid circuit for any abnormality, on the basis of at least one of fluid pressures in the two fluid passage systems.

Abstract: A non-rotary case to which the motor stator of an inwheel motor is fixed is connected to a knuckle which is a part around the wheel of a vehicle by a first elastic member, a rotary case to which the rotor of the motor is fixed and rotatably connected to the non-rotary case through a bearing is connected to the wheel by a second elastic member so as to float-mount the inwheel motor to parts around the wheel.

Abstract: A suspension system dampens motion between two components of a vehicle, such as the wheels and the chassis. An assembly of a cylinder and a piston is connected to both components. The piston defines first and second chambers in the cylinder and has a shaft with an end surface exposed to pressure within a third chamber of the cylinder. A first accumulator is connected to the first chamber by a first accumulator valve and a second accumulator valve connects a second accumulator to the second chamber. A damping valve alternately connects the third chamber to either the second chamber or a fluid tank wherein that connection defines the stiffness of the suspension system and is made in response to force acting on the suspension system. A load leveling circuit also is described.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a load bearing vehicle which includes a pair of air springs fluidly connected to a pair of auxiliary air reservoirs and to a main air reservoir. The system includes control valves which permit the air in the air springs to be exhausted therefrom to lower the vehicle frame without exhausting the air from the auxiliary air reservoirs.

Abstract: A hydraulic system incorporated into a vehicle is provided. The system includes a plurality of actuators for providing a desired configuration of a vehicle. A valve system is operatively coupled to the plurality of actuators for controlling a flow of pressurized fluid to the plurality of actuators to energize the actuators to produce, responsive to the desired configuration of the vehicle, a first configuration of a plurality of first configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle, or a second configuration of a plurality of second configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-axle transport vehicle for hauling heavy loads including a plurality of modules in mechanical communication mounted on axles and wheels and being driven by a first prime mover and a draw bar, the modules including forward, center and rear modules, an automatic steering unit cooperating with the draw bar and having a hydraulic control unit and a plurality of push-pull pistons and steering rods for controlling axle and wheel position, a central spine formed on the forward module and carrying a forward bearing for providing structural support for a transported load mounted on the center module, a suspension system including first and second arms attached to an axle linkage member and cooperating with first and second fluid activated cylinders attached to the modules for dynamically suspending the transported load, and a bearing positioned on the rear module for providing structural support to the transported load.

Abstract: The controllable suspension system includes a strut with a magnetorheological fluid damper. The magnetorheological fluid damper includes a longitudinal damper tubular housing having a longitudinally extending axis and an inner wall for containing magnetorheological fluid.

Abstract: A chassis suspension for agricultural equipment, the chassis suspension comprising: an axle having a substantially upright journal adapted for upright axial constraint of an inner journal therein; an inner journal extending into the upright journal, the inner journal having a lower end, wherein the inner journal is adapted to constrain axial movement of a strut rod therein; a strut rod extending into the inner journal and having a lower strut rod portion adapted for mounting a ground-engaging drive mechanism and wheel, wherein the lower strut rod portion has an upper end; and, a spring constrained between the lower end of the inner journal and the upper end of the lower strut rod portion.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system utilizes a resilient rod and bracket configuration to replace standard torque rods. Resilient rods are used to couple an axle member to a vehicle member. The axle member includes an axle bracket and the vehicle member includes a vehicle bracket. Upper and lower resilient rods are coupled to the axle and vehicle brackets at each axle end. The resilient rods are pogo rods that utilize a pair of resilient grommets at each rod end that are compressed against a bracket flange by a pair of rigid cups to provide a resilient mount interface. This resilient mount interface at each rod end allows relative movement between the axle and vehicle brackets and each rod in up to ten degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A chassis suspension for agricultural equipment, the chassis suspension comprising: an axle having a substantially upright journal adapted for upright axial constraint of an inner journal therein; an inner journal extending into the upright journal, the inner journal having a lower end, wherein the inner journal is adapted to constrain axial movement of a strut rod therein; a strut rod extending into the inner journal and having a lower strut rod portion adapted for mounting a ground-engaging drive mechanism and wheel, wherein the lower strut rod portion has an upper end; and, a spring constrained between the lower end of the inner journal and the upper end of the lower strut rod portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air spring lift kit that has a trailing arm with a first end portion that is pivotally connected to a hanger bracket. A horizontally oriented air bag is connected at one end to the hanger bracket and connected at another end to a pivoting lever arm. A link has one end pivotally connected to the lever arm and another end pivotally connected to a flange member that is secured to the trailing arm. A vertically oriented air bag is located between a second end portion of the trailing arm and a frame member of a vehicle, for example, a dump truck or a trailer in a tractor-trailer combination.

Abstract: A suspension system includes first and second wheel carriers, a stabilizer having a first end and a second end, the stabilizer being coupled to the wheel carriers, a first cylinder/piston unit being arranged between the first end of the stabilizer and the first wheel carrier and a second cylinder/piston unit being arranged between the second end of the stabilizer and the second wheel carrier. Each cylinder/piston unit is a double-acting cylinder/piston unit and the two cylinder/piston units are cross-connected.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus or device for jacking an individual axle of a truck or a truck trailer having an air line. The device includes a valve in fluid communication with the air line, a first air bag in fluid communication with the valve, and a second air bag in fluid communication with the first air bag.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension having a trailing arm, an air spring assembly and a spacer. The spacer is removably located between the trailing arm and the air spring assembly. Either or both of the top surface or the bottom surface of the spacer are tapered.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a vehicle rollover is disclosed. The system includes a vehicle suspension unit and a programmable control unit. The vehicle suspension unit is located proximate to each of the vehicle road wheels for maintaining a predefined vehicle body height with respect to a road surface. The control unit is in communication with the vehicle suspension unit for actuating the vehicle suspension device after control unit has received a vehicle rollover notification signal to prevent vehicle rollover.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system which includes a least one suspension airbag interposed between a vehicle axle and a vehicle body and a supplementary airbag positioned on a fixed support in the suspension system and extending to a structural member of the suspension system, the arrangement being such that with the suspension airbag inflated and the supplementary airbag deflated, the suspension system operates normally, and with the suspension airbag deflated and the supplementary airbag inflated, the suspension system is lifted with a consequent lifting of the axle, to bring its road wheels clear of the road surface.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of suspension cylinders such as shock absorbers (10, 12, 14, 16) which correspond to respective wheels of the vehicle and which have respective hydraulic chambers (28), and a control cylinder (48; 100) having a cylinder housing (52; 104), and a piston assembly (50; 102) which is fluid-tightly and slidably fitted in the cylinder housing and which includes a plurality of pistons (70, 72, 74, 76; 110, 112, 114) and at least one connecting rod (66, 68; 116, 118) connecting the plurality of pistons. The control cylinder has a plurality of hydraulic chambers (70, 72, 74, 76; 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140) to which are respectively connected the hydraulic chambers of the plurality of suspension cylinders. The plurality of pistons of the piston assembly include at least two pistons which have respective different diameters.

Abstract: An air suspension system includes an air tank, an air drier, a compressor, and an air spring, which are sequentially provided in a first line. The air suspension system further includes a second line, a third line, an intake line, and a discharge line, which are connected to the first line. The first line, the second line and the third lines can be switched by a 4-port/2-position solenoid valve, and the first line is selectively connected to the intake line by a 3-port/2-position solenoid valve.

Abstract: An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights.

Abstract: A suspension trailing arm suspends a vehicle chassis from a beam type axle. The trailing arm includes a chassis mounting feature, an axle mounting feature, and an arm portion intermediate the chassis mounting feature and the axle mounting feature. The arm portion has a generally X-section profile with four limbs.

Abstract: An electronic height control system for a vehicle chassis air suspension is modified to provide bimodal operation. In the second mode of operation the chassis air suspension system is maintain a stationary in a stable, level position to serve as a base for a mobile aerial lift unit installed on the vehicle. Operation of the suspension system in its stabilization and leveling mode is triggered by activation of a vehicle power take-off unit (“PTO”) used to position the aerial lift unit.

Abstract: A valve system controls which air bags on a tractor trailer are in fluid communication with a pressurized air supply source. If one of the air bags develops a leak, an air bag may be taken out of fluid communication with the remaining air bags and pressurized air source. A pressure gauge monitors the air pressure within the valve system and air bags. A dump valve allows the air pressure within the system to be decreased.