Abstract: A vehicle body lowering system for installation in a motor vehicle having a wheeled carriage, a cargo/passenger compartment body, a door in the passenger compartment body for cargo loading and unloading or passenger embarking and debarking, and a spring suspension for the buoyant support of the body above the carriage between a lower position and an upper position. The components of the vehicle body lowering system include a hydraulic cylinder mounted within the body, a power source, a manually actuated control for energizing and deenergizing the power source, and an interconnection extending through the body between the cylinder and the carriage. The interconnection is characterized by an operative condition at which the body is in the lower position under the control of the power source, and an inoperative condition at which the body is freely subject to the buoyant support of the spring suspension.

Abstract: A fork lift truck having a "lazy tong" or "scissor-like" horizontal motion control system attached to the mast carriage which allows the load carried by the mast to be retracted from forward of the front wheels to between the front and rear wheels and to be extended in a reverse fashion. Also, two horizontally and vertically forward-extending outriggers are deployed independently of each other with consideration to the terrain, obstacles, the load and other factors to prevent the truck from tilting forward in response to a load on the tines while the tines are extended forwardly and the truck is not traveling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle including a frame, and a stabilizer apparatus including a pressure source, first and second fluid-actuated stabilizer assemblies connected respectively to the front and rear axles shiftably moveable on the frame, one of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being locked against extension and contraction in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, and the other of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being free to extend and contract in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, a hydraulic circuit connected between the pressure source and the first and second fluid activated stabilizer assemblies and including a flow controller operable between a first mode wherein the pressure source is disconnected from the first and second stabilizer assemblies, whereby the one of the stabilizer assemblies is locked against extension and retraction, thereby locking the axle connected thereto against shifting movement relative

Abstract: A manually operated leveling system for a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle or the like includes three jacks in the form of hydraulic cylinders mounted to the vehicle frame. A shoe is mounted to the piston rod of each jack. Two jacks are located adjacent the rear of the vehicle and one jack is located adjacent the front of the vehicle. A series of manually actuated switches, oriented in a diamond pattern, are located within the interior of the vehicle, and are interconnected with the jacks to provide selective extension of the jacks in order to adjust the attitude of the vehicle relative to level. A cross-check level or bullseye level is mounted within the interior of the vehicle for viewing by the operator to determine the attitude of the vehicle relative to level. A series of control valves are interposed between the jacks and the switches for controlling extension and retraction of the jacks in response to manual operation of the switches.

Abstract: A farm implement includes a plurality of equipment heads (such as planter heads) for engaging the earth and a carriage for mounting the heads for movement in a first direction. The equipment heads are kept level when moving in a first direction over terrain that is sloped and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction so that the equipment heads remain in proper operative engagement with the earth. The leveling mechanism includes a channel shaped structure so that it is substantially stationary with respect to the carriage and extends substantially in a second direction, a movable ballast element mounted in the channel shaped structure, and a powered ballast moving device.

Abstract: A vehicle body levelling device for a working vehicle having outriggers 5 provided at the front and rear of a self-propelled lower running body 1 for stabilizing the vehicle body while in service wherein the inclinations of the vehicle body in the front to rear and left to right directions thereof are detected by means of a front to rear inclination detector 13 and a left to right inclination detector 14, respectively, and the lengths of the front, rear, left and right outrigger arms 6 are detected by outrigger length detectors 18 so as to calculate by a controller 10 required amount of extension of piston rods of the left and right jack cylinders 7 provided on the front and rear outriggers 5, and wherein a control valve 15 provided on each of the jack cylinders is controlled in accordance with results of the calculation, whereby the vehicle body can be levelled in a short period of time even on an inclined place.

Abstract: The vehicle body lowering system of the present invention is installed in a motor vehicle having a wheeled carriage, a cargo/passenger compartment body, a door in the passenger compartment body for cargo loading and unloading or passenger embarking and debarking, and a spring suspension for the buoyant support of the body above the carriage between a lower position and an upper position. The components of the vehicle body lowering system include a drive for forcing the body into the lower position, where the drive comprises a power source and an interconnection between the body and the carriage, and a manually actuated control for energizing and deenergizing the power source. The interconnection is characterized by an operative condition at which the body is in the lower position under the control of the power source, and an inoperative condition at which the body is freely subject to the buoyant support of the spring suspension.

Abstract: In a scraper, or the like, having as its purpose the cutting of a level swath in an earthen terrain, and receiving the earth cut from the terrain, in which the cutting blade is mounted, in a level attitude, to a scraper frame, which frame is itself mounted on wheels for movement along the terrain, means for adjusting the wheels relative to the frame so as to maintain the level attitude of the blade over uneven terrain, or under conditions of uneven loading of the earth removed from the swath.

Abstract: The invention is related to a binding element for skis, especially a front element. The element includes a base connected to the ski, a body mounted on the base, a jaw, an energy spring housed in the body to elastically oppose the opening movements of the jaw in response to lateral and vertical biases of the boot, a support plate on which the sole of the boot rests. The support plate is mobile in a rocking motion, and a second circuit for tilting the jaw, generating release of the boot and independent of the energy spring of the jaw, is controlled by the rocking motion of the boot support plate.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a vehicle body, a plurality of wheels arranged in lateral and longitudinal spaced relation to support the vehicle body. Two hydraulic rams are between each wheel and the vehicle body, with one ram of each wheel connected by a fluid circuit with a ram of the laterally adjacent wheel and the other ram of each wheel connected by a fluid circuit to the ram of the longitudinally adjacent wheel. A respective sensor for each wheel is adapted to generate a signal indicative of the positional relation of that wheel relative to the vehicle body. A programmed controller is arranged to receive the signals from each sensor and compare the positional relation of the body with respect to a preset datum position, and a fluid adjustment device is operable in respect to a detected variation of the positional relation from the datum position to adjust the volume of fluid in the relevant fluid circuit to correct the positional relation if required.

Abstract: A cushion unit includes a shock absorber and a suspension spring. The shock absorber includes an open/close valve and a check valve which are arranged in parallel with each other. To increase the height of a vehicle body, the open/close valve is closed so that a piston pressure chamber is allowed to communicate with a spring bracket pressure chamber via the check valve. This causes a hydraulic fluid in the piston pressure chamber to be supplied into the spring bracket pressure chamber under pressure. Accordingly, a cylinder spring bracket slidably arranged around a cylinder of the shock absorber moves upward due to the pressure increase in the spring bracket pressure chamber. Since a lower end of the suspension spring is held against the cylinder spring bracket, the upward movement of the cylinder spring bracket compresses the suspension spring to increase a reactive force thereof so that the height of the vehicle body is increased due to the increased reactive force of the suspension spring.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle, such as the type commonly known as a tractor, includes a chassis (11), a front axle (18) and a rear axle (40) suspended from the chassis (11) by a rear axle suspension (42-45). The rear axle suspension is preferably non-reactive, and preferably self-leveling. Further, a towing assembly (60) is secured to the rear axle by which a plow may be towed.

Abstract: A utility vehicle, such as a grape harvester (1) comprising a straddling frame (2), supported at its front and rear ends by double-acting hydraulic cylinders (17, 18 and 23, 24), which can be extended or retracted in order to level the frame (2). The rear cylinders (23, 24) are normally blocked for providing the vehicle (1) with a fixed rear axle (55), while the front cylinders (16, 17) are hydraulically interconnected in order to let them extend or retract in opposition to each other for providing the vehicle (1) with an articulated axle (56). The hydraulic cylinders (17, 18, 23, 24) are governed by two control valves (38, 39) which enable lifting, lowering and sideways levelling of the frame (2). During levelling operations, the hydraulic connection between the front cylinders (16, 17) is automatically broken by a control valve (65) in order to enhance the stability of the vehicle (1). This is particularly advantageous when the vehicle (1) is levelled during downhill travel.

Abstract: A monitoring and/or controlling device (31) for a coupling device (6) between a boot (3) and a piece of sports apparatus (1), in particular a ski binding for a ski. The monitoring and/or controlling device (31) is provided with a visible and/or acoustic display device (28), a measuring device (26) and an energy source. The measuring device (26) cooperates with a coupling device, the release mechanism of which being adjustable to different release forces for the release of the boot or the piece of sports apparatus and/or the boot. The measuring device (26) is built to record the position of the coupling device (6) and/or the coupling elements (7', 8') of the coupling device (6) relative to one another and/or relative to the ski (2) or to the boot (3).

Abstract: A leveling apparatus comprising a frame assembly including a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure, the top and bottom frame structures interconnected by an extensible wall structure; an inflatable bladder assembly, the bladder assembly being substantially enclosed by the top and bottom frame structures and the extensible wall structure, whereby the top frame structure is raised and lowered upon inflation and deflation, respectively, of the bladder assembly; locking means for retaining the frame assembly in a raised, extended position upon deflation of the bladder assembly; and fluid inlet and outlet means in fluid communication with the bladder assembly for inflating and deflating the bladder assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic shoe with a detachable sole having an electronic sensing and breakaway system. An upper sole member is detachably connected to a lower sole member which may have a plurality of cleats attached to the bottom of the lower sole member. There are a series of latch mechanisms which detachably hold the upper and lower sole members together, which protrude from the upper sole member and terminate in recesses in the lower sole member. The latch mechanisms are spring-biased toward a retracted position and are held in the extended latching position against the spring force by a system of pressurized fluid. Additionally, there are a number of strain gauges or sensors in the upper sole member and extend into recesses of the lower sole member. These strain gauges continuously sense the shear force applied to the cleats or sole when in use and emit a signal to a trigger mechanism located in the upper sole member when the shear force exceeds a pre-set level.

Abstract: A suspension system for utility vehicles of the type in which the chassis is supported at one end on an oscillating axle with a central pivot, has the oscillation of this axle controlled by one or two extensible links each in the form of a hydraulic cylinder unit. The second vehicle axle has limited oscillation used to shuttle the spool of a directional control valve which determines the flow of pressurized fluid for operation of the hydraulic cylinder units(s). The control valve can also be electrically operated responsive to the closing of switches responsive to the oscillations of the second axle.

Abstract: A header adjusting system for a hillside combine harvester includes a master hydraulic cylinder assembly and a slave hydraulic cylinder assembly. The master hydraulic cylinder assembly is slaved to movement of the wheels relative to the combine frame. The slave hydraulic cylinder assembly is slaved to extension and retraction of the master hydraulic cylinder assembly. The slave hydraulic cylinder assembly causes the header to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the harvester in order to follow the contour of the ground. A header trimming mechanism is also provided to enable direct operator control of some of the pivoting action of the header about the longitudinal axis. A leveling system for a hillside combine harvester includes a cable and a biased, moveable reference pulley associated therewith.

Abstract: A safety ski binding comprising an electronic evaluating circuit which is connected to force-receiving means giving off electrical signals, an electrical current supply, for example a battery, and an electromechanical release member, which drives a control element which controls a locking mechanism engaging a movably supported sole-down-holding means, with the electromechanical release member being arranged at least with a part of the control element in a tightly closed housing of a control block, with the control element being designed as a shaft snugly guided through the wall of the housing. In order to assure in such a binding a high degree of insensitivity of the release characteristic with respect to accelerating forces acting onto the release mechanism, it is provided that the electromechanical release member is formed by an electric motor (105') which controls preferably through a gearing a locking system blocking or releasing the shaft (7) serving as the control element.

Abstract: A drive train suspension system for a manure and compost treating vehicle wherein a linkage assembly is connected between the vehicle drive train assembly and the vehicle frame, on each side of the vehicle frame, so that the vehicle frame is articulately connected to a vehicle drive train assembly on each side. Fluid motors are connected between the vehicle frame and each drive train assembly so that the position of the vehicle frame relative to the drive train assembly can be selectively varied to thereby minimize potential damaging stress imparted to the drive train assembly by the lateral movement of the drive train relative to the vehicle frame, and to raise the vehicle frame to a selected elevation above the ground and/or maintain the vehicle frame substantially level.

Abstract: An anti-roll system for wheeled vehicles has one selective, unidirectionally lockable device per each independent suspension assembly having telescoping members connected between the sprung and unsprung masses that are free to extend or contract during vehicle operation which results in minimal lateral acceleration of the vehicle's sprung mass as when traveling down a straight roadway. The telescoping members include a piston that partially defines first and second chambers interconnected through valves to one another and to a common reservoir. The valves are activated, by a control system signal, when the sprung mass is subjected to a lateral acceleration which exceeds a preset threshold as when rounding a curve, blocking flow from one or the other of the first or second chambers so as to lock the outboard device, with respect to the curve, only against contraction and to lock the inboard device only against extension.

Abstract: A self-propelled straddle carrier for straddling, lifting, supporting and carrying heavy loads directly under the structure of the vehicle. A main frame including a pair of spaced-apart, longitudinally extending side beams and arch-shaped cross beams is supported on wheels and strut assemblies. The interior sides of the wheels, strut assemblies, side beams and the cross beams form a tunnel-shaped load carrying space defining the inner envelope of the carrier, while their exterior sides define the outer envelope of the carrier. A tong assembly, including a tong actuator and a pair of depending tongs is suspended from the main frame for vertical movement up and down in the tunnel-shaped load carrying space. All components are removable from the tunnel for straddling loads, yet remain within the outer envelope during normal transport.

Abstract: A torque box chassis frame for firefighting vehicles or the like constituting a platform for extendible aerial ladders. The vehicle torque box chassis frame includes elongated lower and upper members significantly spaced from each other having rigid bracing structure interposed therebetween resulting in a rigid elongated box of significant rectangular cross section dimension. The torque box chassis frame rear end is defined by a rigid ladder turntable support including its own vertical rigid columns, and spaced outrigger support tubes for receiving hydraulic outrigger jacks are integrally defined on the torque box chassis frame to provide firm support of the torque box upon the ground eliminating the influence of the vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in combination with a snowboard to allow release of the snowboard binding straps from a location spaced from the snowboard. The release mechanism employed to delatch latch members connected to the binding straps may be either electrically or manually operated.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated motorcycle height adjuster which may be used with "Softail" rear suspensions, includes a remote height adjustment knob that can be manipulated from the rider's position. The height adjuster comprises a height control unit including the height adjusting knob and a height adjustment unit connected between the motorcycle frame and the swing arm of the "Softail" suspension. The height control and adjustment units are hydraulically coupled so that rotation of the knob in one direction causes extension of a strut from the height adjustment unit thereby rotating the swing arm to lower the vehicle. A compression spring inside the height adjustment unit provides spring suspension which becomes stiffer as the motorcycle is lowered. The spring raises the motorcycle from its lowered position when the height adjustment knob is turned in the other direction permitting hydraulic fluid to flow from the adjustment unit back into the height control unit.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting device capable of kneeling without exhausting air in air springs into the atmosphere. It is possible to perform the kneeling in addition to a forward inclination without using supporting legs, a specific pump, and a moving device, as well as a disengaging device therefor. Furthermore, in order to avoid using the aforesaid moving device, kneeling circuits including an air reservoir device are provided, and when kneeling, the air inside the respective air springs is moved to and stored in the air reservoir device. As a result, the front part or the whole of the vehicle body is caused to kneel, while when returning from the kneeling state, the air stored in the air reservoir device is returned to the respective air springs by virtue of hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic source via the kneeling circuits. The entire vehicle body is returned to its original state with a normal air suspension state that is controlled by leveling valves.

Abstract: A vehicle height control system has oil under pressure generated by a pump, the oil being charged into and discharged from a cylinder that is provided for each wheel through a charge-discharge valve. This action effects vehicle height control. The control system includes a gas spring that has two gas chambers and is connected to the cylinder. A pilot-controlled directional control valve has a pilot chamber and is provided on the gas spring so as to selectively communicate and cut off from each other the gas chambers. The directional control valve is drivable in response to charging and discharging of oil under pressure through a pilot line which is connected at one end thereof to the pilot chamber of the directional control valve and at the other end thereof to a passage connecting the charge-discharge valve and the pump.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydropneumatic vehicle suspension, especially for vehicles in which high axle-load differences occur. To adapt the hydropneumatic suspension to high axle-load differences, the hydropneumatic actuators (7, 8) are designed as double-acting hydraulic cylinders of which the head spaces (5, 6) are connected with a first reservoir (12) and the cylinder spaces (22, 23), on the piston-rod side, are connected with a reservoir (24). The pressure in the second reservoir (24) is controlled by a control valve (18) as a function of the pressure in the first reservoir (12). The solution according to the invention is specially suited for use in agricultural vehicles.

Abstract: A safety ski binding release and reset mechanism having a housing, a releasable jaw mechanism mounted on the housing and having at least one sole holding member movable between a ski boot holding position and a ski boot releasing position and for releasably engaging a ski boot when in the ski boot holding position. A first spring is provided on the housing, the sole holding member being retained in the ski boot holding position by a two-part holding device. A first part of the two-part holding device is movable against an urging of a first spring supported on the housing and determining a holding force for holding the ski boot in the ski boot holding position. A second part of the two-part holding device engages the sole holding member. The first and second parts are releasably connected with one another by a rotatable coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A four way tilt mechanism maintaining the superstructure of an off-road vehicle generally horizontal while the vehicle is working on uneven terrain is disclosed. The tilt mechanism is very robust and provides independent adjustment of the angle of tilt relative to each of two pivot axes. The tilt mechanism incorporates a spherical bearing mounted on a shaft perpendicular to the longitudinal pivot axis of the tilt mechanism to eliminate end-play in the joint which forms the longitudinal pivot axis. The longitudinal and transverse pivot axes lie in the same plane so that many of the the forces which are transferred from the superstructure of the vehicle through the tilt mechanism to the chassis of the vehicle cannot cause a torque on the components of the tilt mechanism.

Abstract: An active suspension system (10) includes an electrically powered actuator (16) utilized with a height sensor (18) and a gas spring (24) controlled by a gas supply (26) that pressurizes and vents the gas spring to quickly add or remove a predetermined force as needed in assisting the electrically powered actuator.

Abstract: A self-releveling, height adjustable, hydraulically operated desk and a hydraulic circuit therefor are disclosed in which the desk top is supported for vertical movement upon master and slave rephasing cylinders connected in series. The desk top may be releveled by extending the cylinders to their limits of extension. The desk and circuit may include a height adjustable monitor support. The monitor support may also be supported for vertical movement upon master and slave rephasing cylinders for self-releveling. The hydraulic circuit includes check valves to prevent the desk top and the monitor support from being raised with respect to the supporting structure except upon activation of the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A system for leveling a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, includes three extendable and retractable fluid-operated jacks. The leveling system further includes an arrangement for sensing when the vehicle's parking brake is released, or when the vehicle's transmission is moved out of neutral while the vehicle's engine is operating, to automatically retract the jacks in response to either condition.

Abstract: A retainer member (26) is guided for displacement at a housing (24) which is adapted to be fastened to a ski (10), the retainer member being biased by a spring assembly (70) in the direction toward a ski boot (12). The housing (24) contains a support member (40) kept in an inoperative position, in which it forms a thrust bearing for the spring assembly (70), by a locking member (50) as long as the latter is in locking position. Normally, a shoulder (48) formed at a pawl (46) which is pivotable about a transverse pivot axis (44) presses against the locking member (50). An electromagnet (60) is associated with the pawl (46) and becomes energized when the retainer member (26) or a hold-down member (30) supported on the same runs the risk of becoming overloaded. Upon excitation of the electromagnet (60), its armature (62) hits against the pawl (46) which then releases the locking member (50).

Abstract: A hydraulic ski binding comprises a hydraulic fluid-containing cylinder divided into two spaced-apart chambers by a piston attached to a piston rod, the piston and cylinder being slidable relative to each other, and either the cylinder or piston rod being associated with ski boot attachment structure to connect a ski boot to a ski. The attachment structure is biased by a spring into its ski boot attachment mode. Shock-absorbing structure is provided comprising ducts connecting the chambers, one including a check valve, another a choke, and a further a shut-off valve. Battery-powered electronic circuitry is provided which includes transducers, the circuitry opening the shut-off valve by activating an electromagnet associated therewith when a predetermined force acting on the binding is detected by the transducers. When the shut-off valve is thus opened, the shock-absorbing structure provided by the choke is, in effect, deactivated, allowing the spring to control release of the ski boot directly.

Abstract: A working fluid circuit for an active suspension control system for an automotive vehicle comprises a pressure source unit which provides pressurized working fluid to actuators, associated with wheels respectively, which are operable to suppress attitude change of a vehicle body, pressure control valves associated with the actuators respectively, and check valves located in a by-pass from an output port to a supply port of the pressure control valve, the supply port communicating with the pressure source through a supply line to which the working fluid is supplied from the pressure source, the output port communicating with the actuator through an output line for outputting the working fluid adjusted at a preselected controlled level to the actuator.

Abstract: A compact vehicle height control system is capable of changing the spring constant of gas springs to thereby control the vehicle attitude stabilizing characteristics so as to provide a comfortable vehicle ride. Pilot-controlled directional control valves are interposed in passages that connect first and second gas springs in parallel. When the pilot-controlled directional control valves are opened, the first and second gas springs are communicated with respective cylinders in parallel, whereas, when the directional control valves are closed, only the first gas springs are communicated with the cylinders, thereby changing the spring constant. The pilot-controlled directional control valves are hydraulically operable, thereby eliminating solenoid operated valves.

Abstract: A leveling system for vehicles has one pressure regulating valve for controlling each work cylinder disposed between the vehicle body and a wheel support, the work cylinder having a hydraulically controlled main valve and an electromagnetically controlled pilot valve. To avoid uncontrolled motion of the vehicle body upon start-up, the pilot valve has a valve piston controlled by an electromagnet and acted upon in the valve closing direction by pressure in the control chamber of the main valve, which chamber communicates with a fluid source via a throttle, and in the valve opening direction by the pressure in the work cylinder. The valve piston has a valve seat, cooperating with a fixed valve member. The valve inlet of the pilot valve communicates with the control chamber, and its valve outlet communicates with a fluid tank. The main valve has three valve positions.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a vehicle, in particular for utility and agricultural vehicles, has a hydro-pneumatic spring system arranged between a vehicle body and a wheel support that includes at least one hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic accumulator arrangement and an intervening valve arrangement. The hydro-pneumatic spring system contains at least two hydraulic accumulators. The hydraulic accumulators can be connected individually or in groups of more than one with the one or more hydraulic cylinders selectively by means of the valve arrangement. Preferably at least two of the hydraulic accumulators are provided with differing pre-loads. In addition load-sensitive damping, a blocking valve and a level control valve that can be controlled by a level control linkage with switches are provided.

Abstract: A vehicle having a body 25 supported respective pairs of front and rear wheels, 30, 31, 32, 33, two piston and cylinder units, 23-24, 35-36, 37-38, 34-39, being associated with each wheel and connected between the wheel 30 and body 25 so the piston moves in the cylinders in response to relative movement between the wheel and the body. An individual fluid circuit 40, 41, 42, 43, connecting one piston and cylinder unit 23 of each wheel 30 to a corresponding unit 34 longitudinally spaced therefrom on the same side of the vehicle, and the other piston and cylinder unit 24 of each wheel to a corresponding unit 35 on the transversely opposite side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A leveling system for motor vehicles, having two work actuators each assigned to one vehicle axle, between a respective wheel suspension in the vehicle body and having a proportional pressure control valve associated with each actuator. The pressure control valves have three switching positions for alternatingly connecting the pressure chambers of the associated actuators to a pressure fluid source and a pressure fluid tank, and for blocking off the pressure chambers. To prevent unstable driving conditions if the leveling system should fail, it is assured by structural provisions that in the pressure chamber blocking phase of the two actuators their two pressure chambers communicate with one another via a throttle. As a result, greatly different pressures in the two actuators at the moment they are blocked can be equalized, so that the unstable behavior of the vehicle is avoided.

Abstract: A height control system in an automotive suspension system has a pressure supply network for adjusting pressure in a plurality of height adjusting actuator in respective suspension systems for adjusting relative distance between the vehicle body and suspension members at portions where the suspension systems are provided. The height control system includes a communication control valve provided in the pressure supply network so as to selectively establish and block fluid communication between the pressure supply network and one of the height control actuator. The communication control valve is to be operated to open for establishing fluid communication between one of the at least two actuators and the communication passage means when at least one of the height levels at the at least two portions is out of a predetermined target height range, and to close the communication control valve while all of the height levels monitored are within the predetermined target height range.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, the device comprises a body, a sliding rod mounted to slide inside the body, and a control rod including both compression and expansion end-of-stroke abutments associated with a control piston for displacing the control rod to a position which is retracted or extended relative to the body. The stroke c of the sliding rod is greater than the distance d between the compression end-of-stroke abutment and an immediately adjacent end of the corresponding chamber when the control rod is in an extended position.

Abstract: An automatically detachable ski binding includes spaced apart and interconnected toe and heel portions mounted on a ski for holding a ski boot in place thereon. The ski binding includes a mechanical shoe clamping and release system and an electronic controller, the heel portion of the binding including a pivotable clamp with which a spring and a probe engage. The binding is designed in such a manner that the point of application of the probe on the clamp lies between the point of application of the spring on the clamp and the transverse axis about which the clamp pivots, and that the distance between the point of application of the probe and that of the spring and/or the prestress of the spring are selected in such a manner that in the point of application of the probe would specify the relationship, are the same between the desired release values of the vertical and the horizontal torque such that the two different torque values effect the same linear shifting movement of the probe.

Abstract: A drive control system for an automobile which has a heel support pivot on the floor of the automobile at a position opposite to the brake pedal in front of driver's seat. The brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are placed on the circle drawn by the ball of the foot when the foot is rotated about the heel on the heel support pivot, thereby permitting the driver to selectively operate the brake pedal or the accelerator pedal by rotating the foot about the heel.

Abstract: A ski binding release mechanism that includes both an electronic and a mechanical release mechanism. The mechanical release mechanism incorporates a delay feature that allows it to function only if the electronic mechanism experiences a failure. The delay feature is provided by a cylinder movable with respect to a stationary piston positioned therein, the piston dividing the cylinder into two chambers. Movement of the cylinder, required to release the soleholder of a ski boot, is retarded by the time required to pass liquid in the cylinder from a first of the chambers to a second of the chambers through a choke passage in the piston as the cylinder moves. Movement of the cylinder is caused by a plunger connected to the soleholder of the ski binding that urges against the cylinder under the influence of a sustained, predetermined, potentially hazardous force acting on the binding.

Abstract: A plurality of hydraulic jack assemblies are located adjacent the wheels of a recreational vehicle. The jacks are initially extended until each jack contacts the ground with a relatively low initial pressure. Thereafter, the jacks are individually actuated as necessary to bring the vehicle to a level position. After leveling, the jacks are once again actuated to ensure that each of the jacks contacts the ground with at least the predetermined pressure. A relatively large, circular foot pad is fitted to the bottom of each jack to distribute the contact force over a relatively large area of the ground. Each of the hydraulic jacks includes a bracket, having a three sided channel member, for receiving the lifting force developed by a hydraulic lift cylinder and for transferring the lifting force to the frame of the vehicle. A hand held controller having a relatively long extension cable, permits operation of the automatic leveling system from outside, as well as inside, the vehicle.

Abstract: In a height regulation system for a vehicle having an air spring suspension, the actual value (h) of the height of the vehicle body (10) is filtered with a short time constant (t.sub.1) to produce a first signal (NIV.sub.1) which is compared with a desired height (h.sub.o). The actual value (h) is also filtered with a longer time constant (t.sub.2) to produce a second (delayed) signal (NIV.sub.2) which can be compared with the desired value (h.sub.o). The selection of the first signal (NIV.sub.1) or the second signal (NIV.sub.2) is effected by an electronic switch (46) under the control of a velocity comparator (50). When the vehicle is at rest or moving at a relatively slow speed (below v.sub.o) at which large oscillations are not expected, the filter (40) with the shorter time constant (t.sub.1) is connected to the comparator (48) for comparison with the desired height (h.sub.o) whereas, at higher velocities (v>v.sub.o) the second filter (42) with the longer time constant (t.sub. 2) is brought into use.

Abstract: This self-propelled articulation-steered tractor has a positive adjustment system for controlling the orientation (both elevation and lateral tilt) of a transverse implement mounted on either the front or rear assembly of the tractor, and a reactive adjustment system for allowing terrain-responsive orientation of the axle of the other assembly (front or rear) not carrying the transverse implement. The positive adjustment system is operator controlled. The reactive system may comprise a mounting of the axle for the non-implement-carrying assembly so it freely pivots with respect to the frame of that assembly. An articulation joint transverse swivel pivot system is provided for lateral tilt movement between the front and rear assemblies of the articulation-steered tractor.

Abstract: A vehicle height control apparatus for a vehicle is comprised of a fluid chamber installed for each wheel. The fluid chamber changes the vehicle height by receiving or discharging the fluid supplied from a fluid supply source. The vehicle height control apparatus operates to decrease the difference between right and left vehicle heights when the difference between the right and left vehicle heights is greater than a predetermined value, the vehicle is in a parked condition, and the fluid supply source cannot supply the fluid to the fluid chamber. The operation by the apparatus is carried out such that the right and left fluid chambers are communicated with each other.