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: A method and system for adjusting a relative leveled height of a sprung mass of a vehicle to an unsprung mass of the vehicle. The method also includes receiving an input from an operator for incrementally/decrementally changing the height of the sprung mass. A system for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic lifting of a trailer frame upon failure of the leaf spring support comprising a housing including a first housing element and a second housing element, wherein the second housing element is positioned within and slidably coupled to the first housing element forming the housing; an air bag lifting device positioned within the housing, wherein upon actuation the lifting device exerts force to maintain a distance between the first housing element and the second housing element; and a trigger device coupled to the lifting device wherein the lifting device is actuated by the trigger device.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle (3) comprises a gas spring accumulator (6) pneumatically connected (7) to a system accumulator (8). The suspension system further comprises a gas throttle valve (9) arranged to restrict the pneumatic connection (7) between the gas spring accumulator (6) and the system accumulator (8), such that only a limited mass flow which is greater than zero is allowed in the pneumatic connection (7).

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: At least three length varying means, mounted between an upper end of a strut and a vehicle body, change the position of the strut in relation to the vehicle body, thereby enabling active adjustment of the camber, caster, and vehicle height.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for easily adjusting a shock and strut assembly to modify the ride height of a vehicle by providing one or more spacers to be placed between the lower spring seat mount and the spring seat plate that rests upon it in order to raise the ride height of a vehicle. Embodiments include a unique location for a lower spring seat mount. The position of the lower spring seat mount may be lowered to reduce the ride height of the vehicle, and one or more spacers may be inserted above the lower spring seat mount to raise the ride height of the vehicle.

Abstract: A height adjustable golf car suspension system includes an axle housing and first and second brackets connected to the axle housing. The first and second brackets each include a first U-shaped member welded to the axle housing, a second U-shaped member welded to the first U-shaped member, and a flange of the second U-shaped member having first and second apertures created through the flange. The first and second apertures receive a mounting fastener of a shock absorber and coil spring assembly. The first aperture is positioned above the second aperture. A height of the suspension system is adjustable by insertion of the mounting fastener into a select one of the first and second apertures of both the first and second brackets.

Abstract: A pressure keeping mechanism is provided downstream of a discharge port of a compressor. The pressure keeping mechanism is set to a small flow path area having only a bypass orifice until a pressure in a downstream pipe reaches a predetermined pressure after the operation is started, the pressure keeping mechanism is set to a large flow path area of a pressure keeping valve which is opened when the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure and the bypass orifice, thereby changing the flow path area at least in two stages. The pressure in the upstream pipe which is almost closed by the pressure keeping valve can be thus increased at a dash and the pressure in a compression chamber can also be increased swiftly immediately after the compressor is started.

Abstract: A suspension assembly (40) in an automobile vehicle includes a support frame (42), a control arm (44) movable relative to the support frame (42), and a torsion bar (46) connected to the control arm (44) for resisting movement of the control arm (44). An adjustment lever (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650) is connected to the torsion bar (46) for placing the torsion bar (46) in torsion. A hub (74, 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674) is positioned in a socket in the adjustment lever (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650) for connecting the adjustment lever (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650) to the torsion bar (46) at a plurality of primary drive positions at first angular increments as defined by a hexagonal connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a height adjustment device for motor vehicles that is arranged between a height-adjustable spring plate (16) of a support spring (18) of a wheel suspension assembly and the vehicle body (54, 56) and in which a drive motor (10) cooperates via a shifted gear (34, 36, 40) with a control sleeve (26) that is mounted in a rotational fashion to adjust the height of the spring plate (16). According to the invention, the shifted gear (34, 36, 40) connected between the drive motor (10) and the control sleeve (26) is arranged inside the control sleeve (26).

Abstract: A device for suspension and level adjustment in motor vehicles has a first connection element for connecting to at least one vehicle wheel, a second connection element for connecting to the body of the motor vehicle, at least one chassis spring, and an adjusting device. The adjusting device has two bearing points which are adjustable in their distance to one another via a gear driven by a motor. A first bearing point is connected to one connection element. A second bearing point is supported against the other connection element via the chassis spring. The gear has a coiled spring and at least one engagement element which engages between at least two coils of the spring adjacent to one another. The gear spring is assigned to the one bearing point and the engagement element is assigned to the other bearing point. The gear spring and the engagement element are pivotably mounted relative to one another and, for adjusting the distance of the bearing points, are able to be rotationally driven using a drive motor.

Abstract: A control (60) that mounts in a space (52) between main vehicle parts (66, 68) that are supported one on the other by air bags (16). The control includes first and second vertical tubes (82, 106) that telescope in one another. The tubes enclose at least parts of valves (98, 111) and passages (84, 104, 101, 103) that connect the valves to inlet, exhaust and air bag ports (74, 76, 80).

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 active suspension system for a vehicle including elements for developing and executing a trajectory plan responsive to the path on which the vehicle is traveling. The system may include a location system for locating the vehicle, and a system for retrieving a road profile corresponding to the vehicle locations.

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: An air-suspension device for vehicles, e.g., commercial vehicles, includes a valve block that is assigned to a rear axle and contains a central valve for aerating and venting air-spring bellows of the rear axle, and a valve block assigned to a front axle for aerating and venting air-spring bellows of the front axle. The central valve of the valve block assigned to the rear axle selectively connects: a) a compressed-air supply to the air-spring bellows of the rear axle and to a supply-pressure connection of the valve block assigned to the front axle; or b) the supply-pressure connection of the valve block assigned to the front axle and the air-spring bellows of the rear axle to an air vent. The valve block assigned to the front axle has a pneumatic pilot-operation connection for pneumatic-electric pilot operation.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.

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: To enable a rider to control in real time the type of ride he desires, a snowmobile is equipped with a suspension system that includes at least one fluid actuated device which can be adjusted in real time to control the relative distance between the body of the snowmobile onto which the rider sits and the frame, or the slide tracks about which the drive belt is mounted. By setting a constant predetermined desirable distance between the body and the slide tracks, or the frame, of the snowmobile, an optimal cushioned ride for the rider is obtained. The control of the fluid actuated device(s) may be effected at any time manually by the rider, or be effected by a feedback system. The snowmobile is also equipped with an ABS system for enhancing the traction of the drive belt on snow and therefore the control of the snowmobile by the rider.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device has an adjustment bolt (30) rotatably supported by or fixed to a wheel-side member or a vehicle-body member, and a spring seat member (10) threadedly engaging with the adjustment bolt. Rotation of the spring seat member is limited by a bump rubber pedestal (41) (or a coil spring bracket (9)). Displacement of the spring seat member occurs in an axial direction of rotation of the bolt, in accordance with rotation of the bolt. According to the present invention, rotation of the spring seat involved in rotation of the bolt for adjusting the vehicle height can be restricted, and a construction of a vehicle height adjustment mechanism can be simplified so that the number of parts or members of the device is reduced.

Abstract: A wireless remote control radio-transmits a vehicle height adjusting signal tagged with a remote control identification code in order to improve vehicle height adjustment operability in a vehicle such as a truck. The remote control identification code is pre-registered in a receiver, which, upon receipt of the vehicle height adjusting signal tagged with the remote control identification code, takes in the vehicle height adjusting signal. According to information contained in the received vehicle height adjusting signal, an air suspension ECU controls the supply and discharge of compressed air for air springs to adjust the vehicle height. When an emergency operation switch is operated, the vehicle height adjusting signal from the wireless remote control is disabled, and vehicle height adjustment is preferentially made based on a switching signal from the emergency operation switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lessening wear on a dolly on a trailer. The apparatus and method also saves the dolly on the trailer.

Abstract: An adjuster device includes (a) a shaft held by a vehicle body; (b) an arm extending from the shaft in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the shaft; (c) an actuator causing one of rotation of the shaft and axial movement of the shaft in the axial direction; and (d) a motion converter converting the one of the rotation of the shaft and the axial movement of the shaft, into the other of the rotation of the shaft and the axial movement of the shaft. The arm is connected at a distal end portion thereof to one of at least one suspension arm, so as to enable the rotation of the shaft to cause change in a vertical distance between a wheel and the vehicle body. The shaft is connected to one of the at least one suspension arm and/or to an axle carrier, so as to enable the axial movement of the shaft to cause change in an alignment of the wheel. Also disclosed is an adjusting system including the adjuster device.

Abstract: A sensor for a height control system uses a transducer to detect changes in position of an arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.

Abstract: A height adjustable golf car suspension system includes an axle housing and first and second brackets connected to the axle housing. The first and second brackets each include a first U-shaped member welded to the axle housing, a second U-shaped member welded to the first U-shaped member, and a flange of the second U-shaped member having first and second apertures created through the flange. The first and second apertures receive a mounting fastener of a shock absorber and coil spring assembly. The first aperture is positioned above the second aperture. A height of the suspension system is adjustable by insertion of the mounting fastener into a select one of the first and second apertures of both the first and second brackets.

Abstract: A transport drive, in particular for stage elements, fork-lift vehicles and moving platforms (R), comprising at least one element which is driven or may be driven, integrated in a base region of the stage element (R), whereby the at least one element for raising and lowering the stage element (R) may be driven on a foundation into the stage element (R).

Abstract: A motorized assembly 10 having a handlebar control switch assembly 56 which allows the height and load carrying capacity of the motorized assembly 10 to be quickly and easily modified without requiring a user 11 to remove their hands from the handlebar portion 20 of the motorized assembly 10.

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 first rotor (24; 124) and a second rotor (25; 125) are arranged in a coaxial and mutually rotatable relationship and are provided with a first driven gear (41; 141) and a second driven gear (42; 142), respectively. A drive shaft (31; 131) is also provided with a first drive gear (43; 143) and a second drive gear (44; 144) which are commonly connected to an output shaft of an electric motor (32; 132), and mesh with the first and second driven gears, respectively, at slightly different gear ratios. The first and second rotors are connected via a thread feed mechanism (36; 136) that converts a relative rotation between the first and second rotors into an axial linear movement between the first and second rotors that is used for changing a distance between a vehicle body part and a corresponding end of a suspension spring in a vehicle height adjusting system (9; 109).

Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A height adjustable suspension system for a golf car includes a leaf spring and an axle housing rotatably supporting first and second driven wheels. The axle housing is supported by the leaf spring. A support element is connected to the axle housing. A height adjustment block is connected to the support element. The height adjustment block includes a hook-shaped engagement member at least partially engaging the height adjustment block to the support element. The height adjustment block is positioned between the leaf spring and the support element, and together with the support element defines a spacing between the leaf spring and the axle housing.

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: An active suspension system for a vehicle including elements for developing and executing a trajectory plan responsive to the path on which the vehicle is traveling. The system may include a location system for locating the vehicle, and a system for retrieving a road profile corresponding to the vehicle location.

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: An apparatus for adjusting vehicle height, the apparatus being disposed between a vehicle body and a wheel assembly, the apparatus including a first suspension coil spring adapted to be connected to the vehicle body, a second suspension coil spring adapted to be connected to the wheel assembly, the second suspension coil spring being different in diameter from the first suspension coil spring and arranged in serial relation to the first suspension coil spring in an axial direction thereof, and an actuator substantially disposed within an inside space defined by the first and second suspension coil springs. The actuator is operative to axially move one of the first and second suspension coil springs relative to the other thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting apparatus includes a suspension spring supporting a sprung weight of a vehicle, a pivotal unsprung member carrying a road wheel and connected to a lower end of the suspension spring so as to pivot in response to deformation of the suspension spring, and a drive mechanism adapted so as to be free from the sprung weight and capable of moving the unsprung member so as to cause the suspension spring to increase or decrease in length and thereby adjusting a vehicle height at the road wheel.

Abstract: A trailer of a tractor-trailer vehicle combination includes a device for leveling the trailer floor. A selected one of a pair of fame brackets or hangers for pivotally mounting suspension assemblies of an axle/suspension system, includes vertically-oriented oval sidewall openings and vertically-spaced horizontally extending eccentric collar guide tabs.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a leveled height of the sprung mass of a vehicle that is in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum includes approximately aligning the sprung mass with the predetermined datum. The method also includes receiving an input from an operator for changing the leveled height of the sprung mass. The method further includes adjusting the leveled height of the sprung mass while maintaining approximate alignment with the predetermined datum. A system for performing the method is also discussed.

Abstract: Method and device for calculating chassis height of a vehicle that has at least three air-suspended wheel axles (2, 3, 4). The device includes a control unit and two level sensors (9, 10). The control unit detects the chassis height at the front axle (2) via a first level sensor (9) and at the forward rear axle (3) via a second level sensor (10), and the control unit calculates the chassis height at the rearmost wheel axle (4). An object of the disclosure is to protect the rear axle installation with as few level sensors as possible.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating a level control system of a motor vehicle which includes: a control apparatus, sensors for the direct or indirect determination of the distance of the vehicle chassis to the axles of the vehicle wheels; and, actuators for adjusting the distance of the vehicle chassis to these wheel axles. In the method, the control apparatus checks in a desired-actual comparison based on determined measured values whether the inclination of the vehicle chassis exceeds predetermined limit values. When these limit values are exceeded, one or several of the actuators are actuated in order to obtain a level compensation in the sense of a horizontal alignment of the vehicle chassis. To avoid a turnover of the vehicle (1) in an operating situation on a slope (2), the level compensating control activity is prevented by the control apparatus when the vehicle (1) is disposed in a slope and slant position (angles ?, ?) which is impermissible for vehicle safety.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel spring support system for light trucks, which is adjustable to elevate the rear of the light truck to what's needed, depending on the demand of the consumer, a body member with a central portion with two adjustable bars, a top portion with a round steel cylinder in between both bars, bolts to the body frame for strong support, two adjustable bars comes down with the adjusting mechanism and bolts to the leaf springs of the vehicle, made out of steel material or sheet metal.

Abstract: A pressure controller device having a body with an interior and a plug penetrated by, preferably, a plurality of micro-apertures, disposed in the interior of the body is connected between an air bellows of a vehicle air spring or suspension stabilization system and an air supply line supplying compressed air to the air bellows from an air supply, to temporarily isolate the air bellows from the air supply during the critical milliseconds available for effectively counteracting vehicle and suspension movements, without isolating the air bellows for purposes of adjusting initial pressures and/or load balancing. The pressure controller device of the invention delays air exchange between the air bellows and the air supply system so as to force the air bellows to control itself and provide the immediate response necessary for most effective vehicle stabilization.

Abstract: A method of positioning a vehicle chassis of a stationary vehicle in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum is provided. The vehicle has an axle and a fluid suspension system. The fluid suspension system includes a control device, a pressurized fluid source and an exhaust passage. The pressurized fluid source and the exhaust passage are in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid suspension members through the control device. The vehicle also includes an electronic control unit operatively associated with the control device. The method including steps of providing an alignment sensor supported on the chassis for outputting a signal indicative of the orientation of the chassis to the electronic control unit and acquiring a signal output by the alignment sensor. Another step includes comparing the signal from the alignment sensor to alignment data stored in the electronic control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptation of a level of an air suspension element of a vehicle from a starting level to a desired level. Usually, such adaptation is done by opening a control valve connecting an air container with the air suspension element for an opening interval. According to the invention, a control unit determines an estimate for a future point in time for a suitable closing time of the valve. The estimate is determined considering a desired future level, actual loading conditions of the vehicle and an actual pressure level of the air container.

Abstract: A vehicle capable of traveling over uneven ground is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a body, a frame, a pair of front wheels, an adjustable axle assembly, two pairs of rear wheels, and an actuation system. The body is mounted to the frame, and the frame has front and rear ends with a fore-aft axis extending therebetween. The front wheels are rotatably mounted opposite each other at the front end of the frame, and the adjustable axle assembly is mounted at the rear end of the frame substantially orthogonal to the fore-aft axis. The wheels in each of the two pairs of rear wheels are rotatably mounted opposite each other at the ends of the adjustable axle assembly. The actuation system is capable of mechanically moving the adjustable axle assembly to thereby adjust the fore-aft positions of the rear wheels relative to the frame.

Abstract: The wheeled work vehicle according to the present invention has a link that links at least either one of the axles and provided at the front and the rear of the vehicle to a body, suspension hydraulic cylinders provided at the left side and the right side of the chassis to link the axle to the body in conjunction with the link and an accumulator that is made to communicate with oil chambers and of the hydraulic cylinders via restrictors.

Abstract: A device for suspension and level adjustment in motor vehicles has a first connection element for connecting to at least one vehicle wheel, a second connection element for connecting to the body of the motor vehicle, at least one chassis spring, and an adjusting device. The adjusting device has two bearing points which are adjustable in their distance to one another via a gear driven by a motor. A first bearing point is connected to one connection element. A second bearing point is supported against the other connection element via the chassis spring. The gear has a coiled spring and at least one engagement element which engages between at least two coils of the spring adjacent to one another. The gear spring is assigned to the one bearing point and the engagement element is assigned to the other bearing point. The gear spring and the engagement element are pivotably mounted relative to one another and, for adjusting the distance of the bearing points, are able to be rotationally driven using a drive motor.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension for a vehicle. The trailing arm suspension having a height control system for controlling the ride height of the suspension relative to the vehicle. The height control system preferably comprises a motor driven height control valve.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis with a spring bracket supporting a helical spring braced between two spring plates. a region of a piston and a shock absorber tube is disposed within the helical spring. At least one of the spring plates is axially adjustable by a drive unit having a circular electric motor with a stator and a rotor, and a transmission having a threaded spindle and a threaded screw.