Abstract: A sensor arrangement for an air suspension system of a vehicle has a change-over valve for each air spring of a vehicle axle or of multiple, adjacent tandem axles, and has a shutoff valve for the air spring of each vehicle wheel of the axle or for each of the air springs on each side of the tandem axles. The respective changeover valve and the shutoff valves are structurally combined in a valve block arranged at a distance from the air springs. For measuring the pressure in each of the bellows of the air springs, pressure sensors are arranged in or on the valve block. Each of the pressure sensors is connected at the output of the shutoff valve associated with the sensor to the connection line of the bellows of the associated air spring or of the bellows of the associated air springs.

Abstract: A suspension system including hydraulic circuits that extend between dampers located at opposite corners of the vehicle and at least one load distribution unit that is connected in fluid communication with at least two hydraulic circuits. The load distribution unit includes a manifold block with a cylinder bore, a pair of pressure tubes, a piston rod assembly, and an integral rod guide and pressure tube coupler. The pressure tubes are partially received in the cylinder bore to define a pair of opposed cylinders and mate with the integral rod guide and pressure tube coupler. The piston rod assembly includes a piston rod and a pair of opposed pistons that are slidingly received within the opposed cylinders. In addition to retaining the pressure tubes, the integral rod guide and pressure tube coupler supports and permits the piston rod to slide longitudinally relative to the manifold block.

Abstract: An air valve assembly housing, in particular an air valve assembly, is for an air valve assembly of a commercial vehicle air suspension system. The air valve assembly housing includes an air exhaust chamber and an actuator chamber configured to accommodate a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator has a valve body that is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The air valve assembly housing includes a fluid passageway that extends from the actuator chamber to the air exhaust chamber such that the actuator chamber and the air exhaust chamber are in fluid communication at least when the valve body is in the open position. A number of radially extending protrusions partially obstruct the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A hydraulic suspension system for a motor vehicle having at least a pair of road engaging wheels. The suspension system includes, a hydraulic cylinder coupled with the each of the pair of road engaging wheels, the hydraulic cylinder defining a cap end volume and a rod end volume separated by a piston. A hydraulic supply circuit for the hydraulic cylinder includes, a high pressure hydraulic source, a low pressure hydraulic drain, a pair of hydraulic sub circuits each coupled to one of the hydraulic cylinder cap and rod end volumes. Each hydraulic sub circuit includes, a proportional supply flow valve coupled with the high pressure hydraulic source and one of the cylinder volumes, a return flow control proportional valve coupled with the low pressure hydraulic drain and the one cylinder volume, and an accumulator coupled to the associated hydraulic cylinder volume through an accumulator fill control proportional valve.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a system for a vehicle comprising: a hydraulic suspension actuator comprising a piston, a first upper fluidic chamber and a second lower fluidic chamber, the first and second fluidic chambers separated by the piston; at least one actuator system module mounted to a subframe and laterally separated from the hydraulic suspension actuator, the at least one actuator system module comprising one or more actuator system components; a longitudinal beam located laterally between the hydraulic suspension actuator and the at least one actuator system module; and at least one conduit fluidly connecting the hydraulic suspension actuator and the at least one actuator system module, wherein the at least one conduit passes over the longitudinal beam.

Abstract: A motion control system includes a spring that supports a body structure with respect to a rotating assembly, the spring including an internal working volume, a structure that is connected between the spring and the rotating assembly, and a reservoir that is located in the structure. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the internal working volume of the spring to allow exchange of air between the internal working volume of the spring and the reservoir.

Abstract: A shock absorber with a vehicle height adjustment function according to the present invention includes a shock absorber main body that includes a cylinder filled with liquid, a piston that partitions inside of the cylinder into an extension side chamber and a compression side chamber, a piston rod coupled to the piston, a suspension spring that biases the shock absorber main body in an extending direction, a reservoir that accumulates liquid, a damper circuit that is connected to the extension side chamber, the compression side chamber, and the reservoir and generates a damping force in the shock absorber main body at the time when the shock absorber main body expands/contracts, a pump that is able to suck liquid from the reservoir and discharge the liquid, and a switching valve that is installed between the shock absorber main body and the damper circuit and the pump and switches a damper mode in which the shock absorber main body is connected to the damper circuit so as to generate a damping force in the sh

Abstract: A single axle suspension system including right and left dampers, first and second hydraulic circuits, one or more pressurizing mechanisms with a variable volume chamber that is connected in fluid communication with the first or second hydraulic circuits, and a bi-directional pump with a first impeller that is arranged in fluid communication with the first hydraulic circuit, a second impeller that is arranged in fluid communication with the second hydraulic circuit, and a motor that is configured to drive rotation of the first and second impellers to simultaneously pump the hydraulic fluid through the first and second hydraulic circuits in opposite directions. Each pressurizing mechanism includes a driven piston that is moveable in first and second directions to increase and decrease the volume of the variable volume chamber and therefore increase and decrease static pressure within the first and/or second hydraulic circuits independent of damper movements.

Abstract: A levelling valve assembly for an air suspension system of a heavy vehicle is provided, including an air valve configured to allow air to either enter or escape from an air spring based on a position of a control arm of the air valve, and including a linkage rod assembly configured to translate movement between a sprung and unsprung mass of the vehicle into a rotation of the control arm to regulate a ride height of the vehicle. The linkage rod assembly further includes a spring and damper arrangement configured to dampen or block movement of the control arm not caused by a change in a mass loading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A military vehicle includes a chassis, an axle, a suspension system, and a driveline. The chassis includes a passenger capsule, a front module coupled to a front end of the passenger capsule, and a rear module coupled to a rear end of the passenger capsule. The axle is supported by the rear module. The suspension system is positioned between the rear module and the axle. The suspension system includes a first gas spring, a second gas spring, a first damper, and a second damper. The first damper and the second damper are cross-plumbed to provide a fluid body roll control function. The driveline is configured to drive the axle. The driveline includes a component having a housing that functions as a structural component of the rear module. The first gas spring, the second gas spring, the first damper, and the second damper are directly coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A method for analyzing and managing a vehicle load carried by a vehicle, the vehicle having a fluid suspension system, the method including sampling, at a manifold of the fluid suspension system, a set of fluid pressure corresponding to a set of fluid springs of the fluid suspension system, wherein the set of fluid springs supports the vehicle load; determining an existing stiffness distribution, the existing stiffness distribution including a stiffness value associated with each of the set of fluid springs; determining a contextual dataset during vehicle operation; determining a desired stiffness distribution based on the contextual dataset; automatically controlling the set of fluid springs at the plurality of actuation points based on the desired stiffness distribution, wherein controlling the set of fluid springs includes setting the stiffness value of the fluid spring associated with each of the plurality of actuation points.

Abstract: A fluid device for a bicycle may be provided to vent fluid from a hydraulic chamber of a seating component such as an adjustable seating assembly for a bicycle. The fluid device may be operable to vent a compressible fluid or a mixed combination flow of compressible and non-compressible fluids in a metered volume. The fluid device may recycle fluids preferentially.

Abstract: Assembly in a compressed air system of a vehicle provided with an air ride suspension, the assembly being configured to lift the vehicle body by filling at least one air spring, the solenoid valves being switchable in cooperation with an electronic control device, and the assembly including a pressure line for filling the air springs, and the pressure line including a first branch line connectable to the pressure line via a pilot-controlled solenoid valve for filling the air springs and including first supply pipes and pilot-controlled solenoid valves for each air spring as well as a second branch line for providing a control pressure which includes second supply pipes for the pilot-controlled solenoid valves, wherein the second branch line is connected to the pressure line via a check valve, the check valve providing a block position against venting or pressure drop in the second branch line.

Abstract: A method for determining a switching state of a valve that is actuated by a coil, wherein the method includes: respectively ascertaining a current flowing through the coil and a voltage applied to the coil at several times which follow one another with a prespecified time interval, calculating an inductance variable of the coil based on the currents, the voltage and the time interval, and determining the switching state based on the inductance variable. Also disclosed is a solenoid valve assembly.

Abstract: A bypass device for a seating component such as an adjustable seating assembly for a bicycle may be provided to redistribute fluid preferentially by density. The bypass device may be operable to redistribute a low density compressible fluid or a mixed phase of low density compressible and high density non-compressible fluids within the seating component.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle including a vehicle body, front and rear wheels, a leaning mechanism that causes the vehicle body and the front and rear wheels to lean left or right when the leaning vehicle turns left or right, a lean actuator, a support stand, a detection device that detects a getting on intention input and or a getting off intention input, which respectively indicate that a rider of the leaning vehicle intends to get on and off the leaning vehicle, and a control device configured to control the lean actuator to thereby control a lean angle of the vehicle body while the vehicle body is in motion, based on a manipulation that the rider performs for turning in the left or right direction, and control the lean angle of the vehicle body while the leaning vehicle is not in motion, based on a detection result of the detection device.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating thereof includes an air suspension device for adjusting a ride-height position of the motor vehicle by the feeding and removal of compressed air into a plurality of air springs. The system also includes a dryer supplied via a compressed-air supply unit which has a compressor driven by an electric motor. A control unit for performing a ride-height control function has instruction for: raising the ride-height position to a first ride-height position; subsequently lowering the ride-height position to a second ride-height position; checking a first condition whether a determined air quantity ratio is less than a first predetermined air quantity limit value; checking a second condition whether a saturation level of the dryer is greater than a saturation limit value, and activating the ride-height control function when either the first or the second condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A motion control system includes a spring that supports a body structure with respect to a rotating assembly, the spring including an internal working volume, a structure that is connected between the spring and the rotating assembly, and a reservoir that is located in the structure. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the internal working volume of the spring to allow exchange of air between the internal working volume of the spring and the reservoir.

Abstract: An independent suspension system for a vehicle includes: a steering unit configured to be controlled to adjust the steering angle of a wheel, a shock absorber engaged with the wheel and configured to absorb impacts applied to the wheel and including a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber, each of which arranged in a forward-rearward direction on opposite side surfaces of the wheel, and a link unit disposed between the shock absorber and the steering unit in order to vary the distance between the wheel and the steering unit. The link unit includes a first upper arm disposed between the first shock absorber and the steering unit, a second upper arm disposed between the second shock absorber and the steering unit, and at least one ground clearance adjustment unit engaged with the first and second upper arms in order to vary the distance between the first and second upper arms.

Abstract: A hydraulic suspension system for a motor vehicle having at least a pair of road engaging wheels. The suspension system includes, a hydraulic cylinder coupled with the each of the pair of road engaging wheels, the hydraulic cylinder defining a cap end volume and a rod end volume separated by a piston. A hydraulic supply circuit for the hydraulic cylinder includes, a high pressure hydraulic source, a low pressure hydraulic drain, a pair of hydraulic sub circuits each coupled to one of the hydraulic cylinder cap and rod end volumes. Each hydraulic sub circuit includes, a proportional supply flow valve coupled with the high pressure hydraulic source and one of the cylinder volumes, a return flow control proportional valve coupled with the low pressure hydraulic drain and the one cylinder volume, and an accumulator coupled to the associated hydraulic cylinder volume through an accumulator fill control proportional valve.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for configuring suspension ratios in a multi-rear axle vehicle, the vehicle having a drive axle suspension and at least one tag axle suspension, each suspension having one or more air springs. The timing of the performance of an adjustment cycle series of steps for adjusting the suspension height and air spring pressure readings is optimized by monitoring the acceleration of the vehicle and conducting the adjustment cycle steps when the vehicle acceleration is below an acceleration threshold. Additionally, air spring pressure adjustments may be scaled based on a confidence factor of the air spring pressure readings. Finally, a method is provided for configuring suspension ratios in a multi-rear axle vehicle, the vehicle having a drive axle suspension and at least one tag axle suspension, and for adjusting the air suspension pressures.

Abstract: An electric vehicle comprises: a main battery which is disposed under the floor of a vehicle interior; a front seat which is provided for a front part of the vehicle interior; a front housing chamber which is formed under a seating surface of the front seat; and an air-suspension device including an air spring which is made to expand and contract by air pressure, an air compressor which compresses air, and one or more first surge tanks which store high-pressure air or low-pressure air, in which the first surge tanks and the air compressor are disposed in a front housing chamber.

Abstract: A movement stage for a hydraulic shock absorber has a damping volume and a stage throttle with a valve disk, an analogue piston, and an elastic biasing means supported on the analogue piston and on the valve disk. The valve disk has a pressure surface defining a portion of the surface of a disk valve arranged upstream of an entry edge of a disk valve seat. The analogue piston has a pressure surface facing away from the biasing means. The valve disk pressure surface and the analogue piston pressure surface are impinged by damping fluid flowing out of the damping volume as the shock absorber moves in a movement direction. The analogue piston pressure surface is larger than the valve disk pressure surface when projected in the closing direction of the disk valve so that the analogue piston is displaced and the bias of the valve disk increases.

Abstract: A cleaning system connected to an air suspension system. The disclosed subject matter generally relates to a cleaning system for cleaning a surface of a device of a vehicle by means of applying an air jet to the surface. The proposed cleaning system is adapted to be combined with an air suspension system in such a way that the cleaning system receives exhaust air from the air suspension system which air may be used for cleaning of device surfaces. Thus, the proposed cleaning system can receive exhaust air from the air suspension system and apply the air to the device surface via nozzles without the need for a source of air dedicated to the cleaning system.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a damper top mount including a top mount body defining an interior cavity, a damper coupled to the top mount and including a damping member and a damper rod coupled to the damping member, and a jounce shock assembly including a jounce shock body coupled with the damper top mount and encircling the top mount body. The jounce shock body includes an exterior wall and a dividing wall generally parallel to and interior of the exterior wall, a first chamber defined by the top mount body and the dividing wall, a second chamber fluidly coupled with and parallel to the first chamber and defined by the dividing wall and the exterior wall, a floating piston movably disposed within the second chamber, and a piston configured to translate within the first chamber between an extended position and a compressed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compressed air processing system of which the operation of supplying compressed air and the regeneration operation can be efficiently controlled by an electronic control unit. In particular, the present disclosure is characterized in that the pressure of a regeneration sequence valve installed in a regeneration line is increased over a set pressure by controlling a valve, which is electronically controlled, to switch, so the opening time of the regeneration line is delayed in comparison to the opening time of an unloader valve, whereby regeneration efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A suspension system may include a pneumatic spring at each wheel of a vehicle. The suspension system may be configured to determine and achieve a pressure set point in each of the pneumatic springs and a target ride height at each wheel of the vehicle. The pressure set point may be determined based on a load at each of the wheels and the center of gravity of the vehicle, such that upon reaching the pressure set point at each in each of the pneumatic springs, a target load and target ride height may be achieved at each of the wheels of the vehicle. The system may also be used to level the ride height of the vehicle and/or achieve a desired orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a railway vehicle with a car and a bogie. The bogie includes a chassis and a secondary suspension system. The secondary suspension system includes a jack and a power supply device of the jack fluidly connected to the jack by at least one flow limiter. The jack is configured to go from a first so-called passive configuration, in which the supply device is inactive, the jack then being able to passively damp the oscillations between the car and the chassis using the flow limiter, to a second so-called active configuration in which the supply device is configured to supply the jack in order to modify the distance between the car and the chassis or in order to keep the distance constant between the car and the chassis.

Abstract: An air management system including at least one air spring and a compressor. The compressor defines a compartment having an inlet and an outlet. A reservoir is fluidly connected to the air spring and the compressor. A piston is moveable in the compartment and is reciprocally moveable in a compression stroke and an extension stroke in response to actuation of the motor in order to build-up air pressure at the outlet. The piston defines at least one passage extending between the extension chamber and the compression chamber, and at least one check valve positioned in the at least one passage such that air pressure in the compression chamber biases the piston toward the extension chamber to reduce a torque load on the motor during movement of the piston.

Abstract: A lift device includes a chassis having a first end and an opposing second end, a first actuator coupled to the first end of the chassis, a second actuator coupled to the first end of the chassis, a third actuator coupled to the opposing second end of the chassis, a fourth actuator coupled to the opposing second end of the chassis, and a control system. The control system is configured to fluidly couple at least two of the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator, and fluidly decouple and actively control the at least two of the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle axle including at least one hydraulic suspension cylinder, which has at least one chamber, with the chamber being connected to a hydraulic accumulator and allowing a connection via switching arrangement as well as to a pressure source and a pressure release. A shut-off valve is arranged between the chamber and the accumulator, by which the suspension can be blocked. In order to avoid during the unblocking process that any sudden compensating motion of the axle suspension develops, here the suspension system includes at least one detection device connected to the chamber of the suspension cylinder and the accumulator, which is embodied to detect the pressure difference between the chamber and the accumulator.

Abstract: End member assemblies that are dimensioned for use in forming a gas spring assembly can include an end member core that is dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member to at least partially form the gas spring assembly. The end member assemblies can also include a plurality of rib members that are supported on the core body. The plurality of rib members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another and include an end disposed radially outward beyond the core body. A skirt body can be supported on the core body in operative engagement with the plurality of rib members. The skirt body can include at least one surface operative to engage the flexible spring member. Gas spring assemblies, suspension systems and methods are also included.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator circuit is disclosed for use with first and second shock absorbers, which each may include a piston disposed within a housing. The piston helps define upper and lower working chambers. The circuit may have a motor, a first pump, driven by the motor, and is associated with the first shock absorber and the motor. A second pump, driven by the motor, may be associated with the second shock absorber. A first accumulator communicates with both of the first and second pumps. A first switch valve may assist in controlling fluid flow into the chambers of the first shock absorber. A second switch valve may assist in controlling fluid flow into the chambers of the second shock absorber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated air-supply unit, in particular for air-suspension systems for motor vehicles, said unit comprising an air compressor having an electric motor and an air dryer. The air compressor together with the electric motor, air dryer and a number of pneumatic connections form a functional unit.

Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric energy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.

Abstract: A vehicle-height adjustment system includes: a vehicle-height adjustment actuator provided so as to correspond to a wheel; and a pressure-medium supply and discharge device configured to supply and discharge a pressure medium to and from the vehicle-height adjustment actuator. The pressure-medium supply and discharge device includes a tank configured to store the pressure medium. The vehicle-height adjustment system includes a tank-pressure controller configured to control a tank pressure based on at least one of a vehicle height for the wheel and an inside temperature. The tank pressure is a pressure of the pressure medium stored in the tank, and the inside temperature is a temperature in the vehicle-height adjustment system.

Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric energy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.

Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric enemy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.

Abstract: A compressed air supply device for operating a pneumatic system, such as a vehicle pneumatic suspension system, comprises a compressed air supply, a first pneumatic connection between the compressed air supply and the pneumatic system, the first pneumatic connection having an air desiccator, a throttle device, and at least one controllable isolating valve, and a second pneumatic connection pneumatically connected to the first pneumatic connection and to a vent connection leading to the surroundings, the second pneumatic connection having at least one controllable vent valve. According to one embodiment, the controllable isolating valve and the throttle device are arranged in series in the first pneumatic connection such that the controllable isolating valve can be switched into an open state when in a through-flow mode, and into a closed state when in an isolating mode.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a hydropneumatic suspension system and a hydropneumatic suspension system are provided. The control arrangement has a pressure supply connection, a return connection, a piston chamber connection adapted to be connected to the piston chamber of a suspension cylinder of the hydropneumatic suspension system, an annular chamber connection adapted to be connected to the annular chamber of the suspension cylinder, and at least one controllable valve arrangement comprising a plurality of switch positions via which the pressure supply connection and the return connection are connectable to the piston chamber connection and the annular chamber connection. The annular chamber connection is in flow connection with the return connection via a pressure-limiting line having a hydraulically controllable pressure-limiting element. The pressure-limiting element has a control input adapted to be acted upon via a control line by a control pressure which is limitable to a predefinable pressure limit.

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

Abstract: A suspension system includes spring bellows that are associated with pneumatic springs of vehicle axles, are connectable by lines having level control valves to a main pressure line, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The main line is connectable by valves alternately to a compressed air source and a sink, and can be shut of with respect thereto. To set different air mass flow rates when air is supplied to/removed from the bellows, the bellows of the springs at least on a vehicle axle or side can be connected to the main line in parallel with the connecting lines, at least by further connecting lines having further level control valves, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The further valves have nozzle cross-sectional surfaces the same size as the other level control valves. Chokes are downstream of the further valves in the ventilation direction, the cross-sectional surfaces thereof being smaller than the nozzle cross-sectional surfaces of the further valves.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension system of the invention generally includes at least two bicycle suspensions and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a pair of fluid pumps, and a fluid responder and a fluid path for each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid pumps are mountable to a bicycle handlebar and form part of the hydraulic control assembly. A fluid responder is mountable each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid paths link the fluid pump to a respective fluid responder. Each fluid responder is operatively connected to one of the bicycle suspensions to operate the bicycle suspension system between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between each fluid pump and each of the fluid responders.

Abstract: An air spring that can be used in an air suspension system includes a hollow piston, a hollow shaft and a body. The hollow piston has a hole through it. The hollow shaft has a shaft interior volume in communication with the hole in the piston. The body has a body interior volume in communication with the hole in the hollow piston. The hole in the hollow piston in communication with the shaft interior volume and the body interior volume provides a total interior volume. Wherein, the total interior volume is greater than the body interior volume thereby providing a linearized spring rate.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a damper and a valve block coupled to the damper. The damper includes a tubular sidewall having an inner surface that defines an inner damper volume and a plunger separating the inner damper volume into a compression chamber and an extension chamber. The valve block includes a housing having a spring pilot and defining a flow path between an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with at least one of the compression chamber and the extension chamber. The damper assembly further includes a flow controller coupled to the housing and positioned along the flow path and a piston having a pilot end coupled to the spring pilot and an interface end that engages the flow controller with a pilot force that varies based on a pressure at the spring pilot.

Abstract: A gas spring for a vehicle suspension system includes a cylinder, a rod disposed within the cylinder, a relative movement between the rod and the cylinder changing the volume of a chamber formed between the rod and the cylinder, and an accumulator in communication with the chamber. Compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a first spring rate for deflections of the gas spring below a threshold, compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a second spring rate for deflections of the gas spring above the threshold, and the first spring rate is greater than the second spring rate.

Abstract: A height control valve assembly having a housing with an air supply port, first and second ports, and an exhaust port. A valve positioned in the housing has a first surface in fluid communication with the air supply port and a second surface. The valve moves between first and second positions, in which the second surface sealingly engages a portion of the housing surrounding the first and second ports, respectively, to prevent fluid from flowing between the air supply port and the first and second ports, respectively. The valve is moveable from either of the first and second positions to a fill position, in which the air supply port is in fluid communication with one of the first and second ports, and an exhaust position, in which one of the first and second ports is in fluid communication with the exhaust port.

Abstract: A first communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at an upper vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at a lower vehicle side to be communicated with each other, and a second communication passage is coupled to a left wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the lower vehicle side and a right wheel cylinder pressure chamber at the upper vehicle side to be communicated with each other. Between the first and second communication passages is a valve mechanism so that the first and second communication passages are normally communicated with each other, and fluid flow from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other is blocked, when a pressure difference, caused when fluid moves from one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage to the other, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension device includes a first fluid path through which a first upper port opening into a first hydraulic cylinder and a second lower port opening into a second hydraulic cylinder communicate with each other, a second fluid path through which a second upper port opening into the second hydraulic cylinder and a first lower port opening into the first hydraulic cylinder communicate with each other, a first hydraulic damping mechanism in the first fluid path, a second hydraulic damping mechanism in the second fluid path, a first accumulator connected to the first fluid path via a first branch fluid path having a first auxiliary hydraulic damping mechanism, a second accumulator connected to the second fluid path via a second branch fluid path having a second auxiliary hydraulic damping mechanism, and a bridge fluid path through which the first and second branch fluid paths are connected together.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.