Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
280124160 | Fluid handling details | 38 |
20090033055 | PNEUMATIC PROPORTIONING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AIR SPRINGS - A pneumatic proportioning system for heavy-duty vehicle air springs includes an air supply, a height control valve and a solenoid valve in fluid communication with one another and with the air springs of at least one axle/suspension systems of a heavy-duty vehicle. A proportioning means is in fluid communication with the air supply, with the height control valve, with the solenoid valve, with the air springs and with atmosphere and operates to proportion loads between the air springs of the axle/suspension systems when the solenoid valve is activated during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle. | 02-05-2009 |
20090079154 | PILOT OPERATED VALVE WITH INVERSION CONTROL AND PRESSURE HOLD FUNCTIONS - A valve is disclosed for use in a system and process for controlling vehicle loading on a multi-axle vehicle and improving maneuverability. The valve partially exhausts air from an axle air bag when the vehicle is maneuvering at slow speed, reduces the load on the axle, and thus reduces damaging forces that affect tire wear and suspension component wear. The valve is a normally open, pilot operated valve that delivers supply air pressure upon receiving a sustained air pressure input of a pilot signal. Using an inversion function, the valve then dumps the delivery pressure through a high capacity exhaust upon receiving the pressure input of a secondary control signal. The hold function of the valve traps a reduced amount of delivery air pressure by closing the exhaust valve, and the hold function is actuated at a predetermined delivery pressure to trap a volume of air in the associated air suspension system until the valve member is returned to a supply position. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079155 | Pneumatic Shock Absorbing System For a Motor Vehicle - Disclosed is a pneumatic shock absorbing system ( | 03-26-2009 |
20100117318 | TRAILER SINGLE AIR SPRING DAMPER SUSPENSION - An integrated trailer suspension damper assembly for a trailer or towed vehicle that includes an integrated trailer air spring damper assembly. The integrated trailer air spring damper assembly includes a trailer suspension damper, an air spring concentrically attached to an upper portion of the trailer suspension damper with an end rotatably attached to a trailer frame, a yoke having an upper end fixedly attached to a lower portion of the trailer suspension damper and a lower end constructed to be rotatably attached to a lower wishbone control arm. The integrated trailer air spring damper assembly is constructed to travel a maximum linear articulation distance. | 05-13-2010 |
20100117319 | Vehicle and Trailer Set With Interchangeable Suspension Assemblies - An integrated suspension damper assembly for a drive vehicle and a trailer fleet combination includes a suspension damper, an air spring concentrically attached to an upper portion of the suspension damper with an end rotatably attached to a vehicle frame, a yoke having an upper end fixedly attached to a lower portion of the suspension damper and a lower end constructed to be rotatably attached to a lower wishbone control arm. The integrated air spring damper assembly is constructed to maintain a uniform spring rate of said integrated suspension damper assembly to provide a lateral roll stability. Components of said integrated suspension damper assembly are interchangeable for use with the integrated suspension damper assembly as installed in the drive vehicle and its trailer. | 05-13-2010 |
20100117320 | Controller For Trailer Set Suspension - An integrated trailer suspension damper assembly for a trailer or towed vehicle that includes a trailer suspension damper, an air spring concentrically attached to an upper portion of the trailer suspension damper with an end rotatably attached to a trailer frame, a yoke having an upper end fixedly attached to a lower portion of the trailer suspension damper and a lower end constructed to be rotatably attached to a lower wishbone control arm, and a controller for controlling the trailer suspension damper assembly. The integrated trailer air spring damper assembly is constructed to maintain a uniform spring rate of said integrated suspension damper assembly to provide a lateral roll stability. | 05-13-2010 |
20110187070 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM - An air suspension system for a multi-axle vehicle having air bags ( | 08-04-2011 |
20120153590 | SELF REGULATING FULLY PNEUMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM - A suspension unit for a vehicle, the unit being configured to be linked to the body of the vehicle at one end and linked to the wheels of the vehicle at the opposing end, the unit including a cylinder, wherein the cylinder is configured with a closed end, and a piston, wherein the piston is slideably moveable within the cylinder, and wherein the piston has a head, the head defining a first compartment within the closed end of the cylinder, and a second compartment, wherein the second compartment is communicative to the first compartment via a one way valve, and a third compartment, wherein the third compartment is defined by the underside of the piston head and the cylinder, characterised in that the suspension unit includes a sleeve valve between the first and second compartment, wherein the sleeve valve is configured with an inlet and an outlet for a gas, the distance between the respective positions of the inlet and outlet defining a preferred ride height for the vehicle, and wherein the second compartment is linked to the first compartment via a plurality of passages to allow movement of the gas between the two compartments, wherein the sleeve valve is in the form of a spindle within the cylinder, and the piston head includes an aperture complementary to the spindle, and wherein the spindle includes the plurality of passages to allow movement of the gas between the two compartments. The present invention provides a self-regulating fully pneumatic suspension system, with ride height control and damping features. | 06-21-2012 |
20120181767 | SUSPENSION DEVICE - A suspension device (S) of the present invention includes: a member ( | 07-19-2012 |
20130099459 | Air Suspension System Having A Variable Spring Rate - An air suspension system for a vehicle having a variable spring rate is provided. The air suspension system includes a first rigid vehicle member, a second rigid vehicle member having a cavity formed therein, a resilient reservoir, and a valve. The resilient reservoir is coupled at opposing ends to the first rigid vehicle member and the second rigid vehicle member. The valve is in fluid communication with an interior of the resilient reservoir and the cavity of the second rigid vehicle member to form an air spring having a first spring volume and a second spring volume. | 04-25-2013 |
20130228991 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRESSURE EQUALIZATION IN VEHICLE RUNNING GEAR - A method for controlling pressure equalization in running gear for a utility vehicle and having a drive axle and at least one trailing axle without drive function. The includes assigning each axle are each assigned to a pressure chamber on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the vehicle. The pressure ratio of the pressure chambers between the drive axle and the trailing axle is set independently for the two sides of the vehicle as a function of detected signals. | 09-05-2013 |
20130234411 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING WHETHER THE WEIGHT OF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR-RIDE SUSPENSION EXCEEDS PREDETERMINED ROADWAY WEIGHT LIMITATIONS - A system and method for determining whether a vehicle and its axles exceed predetermined roadway weight limitations. Air fittings are installed in the air-ride systems of the vehicle. Air pressure readings taken using a hand held gauge are compared to maximum pressure values marked on the vehicle. If the air pressure exceeds the values, weight may be redistributed, if possible, until measured pressure is equal to or less than the maximum pressure values. The method allows an operator to quickly confirm that the total weight and axle weight does not exceed legal limits without the use of truck scales. | 09-12-2013 |
20130320645 | LEVEL CONTROL FOR VEHICLES HAVING AT LEAST ONE AIR SPRING - The invention relates to a level control arrangement for vehicles with at least one air spring by which a vehicle body is cushioned with regard to at least one vehicle axle, having the following characteristics: a compressed air generator, which can be connected to the air spring by means of an air dryer, the compressed air generator can be connected to the atmosphere by a check valve, which opens in the intake direction of the compressed air generator, the air spring, which can be connected to the atmosphere for discharge purposes via the air dryer or a pneumatically controllable directional valve, wherein the pressure of the air spring is applied to a pneumatic control input of the first directional valve via a second controllable directional valve against the force of a reset force that acts on the pneumatic control input, the pneumatic control input of the first directional valve can be connected to the atmosphere, for the purpose of ending a discharge process of the spring, a line with a compressed air accumulator branches off from the supply line of the air spring via a first changeover valve, wherein the compressed air accumulator is connected to the intake side of the compressed air generator via a second changeover valve and a line that is connected to the compressed air path between the check valve and the compressed air generator, and wherein preferably a pneumatically operating pressure controller is contained in this line. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320646 | AIR SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR VEHICLES, HAVING INDIVIDUAL CONTROL AND ONLY ONE PRESSURE SENSOR - An air suspension device for vehicles, in particular for commercial vehicles, including a valve block for aerating a plurality of air-spring bellows with compressed air from a compressed-air supply or for venting the air-spring bellows through an air vent, the valve block including at least one air-bellows valve assigned to an air-spring bellows or a group of air-spring bellows of the plurality of air-spring bellows, for individually aerating and venting this air-spring bellows or group of air-spring bellows. The present system provides for the valve block to additionally include a valve device, by which the at least one air-bellows valve may be simultaneously decoupled from the compressed-air supply and the air vent, and for a pressure sensor for measuring the air pressure in the flow path between the valve device and the at least one air-bellows valve to be provided on the other side of the corresponding air-spring bellows. | 12-05-2013 |
20140203530 | SUSPENSION STRUT FOR A VEHICLE - A hydraulic strut system that damps vehicle vibration and includes a compressible fluid, a strut, and a valve plate. The strut includes three concentric tubes defining an inner cavity, an intermediary cavity, and an outer reservoir cavity, the inner cavity and intermediary cavity being fluidly coupled, wherein the inner cavity receives a piston that divides the inner cavity into a first volume and a second volume, the piston having an aperture that allows one way flow from the first volume to the second volume. The valve plate is removably coupled to the strut, and includes a first fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the intermediary cavity to the reservoir cavity, the first fluid path including a damping valve that damps fluid flowing therethrough; and a second fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the reservoir cavity to the inner cavity, the second fluid path further including a replenishment valve. | 07-24-2014 |
20140217692 | SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - 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. | 08-07-2014 |
20140239606 | GAS SPRING END MEMBER AS WELL AS GAS SPRING ASSEMBLY INCLUDING SAME - A gas spring assembly ( | 08-28-2014 |
20140265203 | LOAD DEPENDENT DAMPER FOR A VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
20140300073 | BICYCLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM - 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. | 10-09-2014 |
20140312590 | AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME - A vehicle air suspension system of includes at least one or more bellows assigned to an air spring of one or more vehicle axles. The bellows can be connected to a main pressure line and can be blocked off therefrom the latter via a connecting line having a level control valve. The main line can be supplied with air via a supply line having a compressor and an air dryer, and can be vented via a vent line, which branches off between the compressor and the air dryer and has a discharge valve. A pressure reservoir can be connected to the main line and can be blocked off therefrom via a connecting line having a storage valve. To set different flow velocities when supplying and venting the bellows the bellows of the air spring arranged on a vehicle axle or on a vehicle side is/are connected to the main line and blocked off therefrom via at least two parallel connecting lines, each having a level control valve. | 10-23-2014 |
20140346748 | Leveling Valve for Discharging and Supplying Fluid - A leveling valve for discharging and supplying air from and to a plurality of utilization elements comprises a valve disc arrangement configured to direct air between a source of pressurized air, an exhaust port, and the utilization elements. The valve disc arrangement comprises a first and a second valve disc, which are rotatable with respect to each other such that the valve is switchable between multiple switching positions, and, in some switching positions, either the source of pressurized air or the exhaust port are in fluid communication with the utilization elements. The valve discs provide a stepped increase in flow cross-section in a respective flow path to or from the utilization elements. The stepped increase is dependent on the angle of rotation between the valve discs. | 11-27-2014 |
20140346749 | GAS SPRING AND GAS DAMPER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included. | 11-27-2014 |
20150367700 | GAS SPRING AND GAS DAMPER ASSEMBLY WITH A RELEASABLE AXIAL - LOCKING ASSEMBLY - Gas spring and gas damper assemblies can include a gas spring that includes a flexible spring member, a first end member and a second end member that together at least partially define a spring chamber. A gas damper can include a first damper element and a second damper element that are telescopically engaged with one another for reciprocal motion. A releasable axial-locking assembly can be operatively connected between the first and second damper elements that is capable of operating in both locked and released conditions. Gas damper assemblies, suspension systems and methods of manufacture are also included. | 12-24-2015 |
20160159192 | INFLATION VALVE BRACKET FOR AN AIR SPRING ASSEMBLY ON A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a chassis having a frame member, and a suspension system carried by the chassis. One or more air spring assemblies are associated with the suspension system, with each air spring assembly having an air bag, an air line and an air valve. An inflation valve bracket includes a channel and a flange depending from the channel. The channel is at least partially wrapped around the frame member. The flange has one or more openings with a corresponding air valve in each opening. | 06-09-2016 |
20160185179 | AIR SPRING WITH STEPPER MOTOR DRIVEN PNEUMATIC VALVE - The subject invention reveals an air spring arrangement comprising: a first mounting member, a second mounting member, an air spring volume, a height sensor, a controllable valve, a position controllable drive, wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member are arranged so as to mount the air spring volume to corresponding vehicle members, wherein the height sensor is arranged so as to sense a distance between the first mounting member and the second mounting member, wherein the controllable valve is arranged so as to connect the inside of the air spring volume with the outside of the air spring volume, wherein the position controllable drive is arranged so as to drive the controllable valve with respect to an opening grade of the controllable valve, and wherein the position controllable drive is controlled based on the sensed distance between the first mounting member and the second mounting member. | 06-30-2016 |
20160252154 | END CLOSURES AS WELL AS GAS SPRING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLY INCLUDING SAME | 09-01-2016 |
280124161 | Closed system | 12 |
20080224437 | Shock absorber dirt shield - A shock absorber includes a dynamic vibration absorber which is designed to suppress the vibrations of the piston rod of the shock absorber. The dynamic vibration absorber includes a damping mass which is formed as a dirt shield to protect the shock absorber from contaminants. | 09-18-2008 |
20080309045 | Energy recovery system - A significant advantage of this system is that it captures and utilizes a distinctive amount of energy that normally is lost. Also, it is a system that the vehicle manufacturers can easily build into their ‘ready for market’ models or it may be offered to vehicle owners as a DIY attachment to their vehicles. While it should be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art of hydraulics, this system may be adaptable to other applications, hydraulic or not, where energy is being lost or wasted to conserve that energy. Most of the vehicle references in this specification have been made to automobiles, but it should be pointed out that the applicability of the proposed system to trucks is very sound and worthwhile. With worldwide emphasis now on energy conservation, this system provides a realistic cost-saving means. | 12-18-2008 |
20100044990 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A PNEUMATICALLY SPRUNG CASTER MECHANISM - A method and apparatus for a pneumatically sprung caster mechanism to provide a pneumatically controlled ride height for a platform attached to the caster. The caster is mounted to a first end of a pivoting axle, while a piston is mounted to the opposite end of the pivoting axle. The length of the piston is pneumatically controlled to rotate the pivoting axle to either increase, or decrease, the distance between the caster and the platform. Suspension is provided through interaction of the piston with an air reservoir, whereby minute variations in the length of the piston are absorbed by the elasticity of the walls of the air reservoir. A free-flow of air is facilitated such that air forced out of the piston during contraction may be collected by the air reservoir and air required by the piston during expansion may be provided by the air reservoir. | 02-25-2010 |
20100109277 | Adjustable Monotube Shock Absorber - A monotube shock absorber that can be adjusted remotely or otherwise, and a corresponding system are provided. The monotube shock absorber includes a body tube that houses a working piston therein and a bypass tube that is attached to but external with respect to the body tube. A control valve influences flow volume and rate of oil that passes through the bypass tube in a manner that correspondingly influences damping and/or other characteristics of the monotube shock absorber. The monotube shock absorber can include a floating piston separating a volume of gas from a volume of oil. The volumes of gas and oil may be entirely housed in the body tube or may be at least partially housed in an external reservoir that can include an anti-cavitation valve. | 05-06-2010 |
20120001399 | SUSPENSION STRUT FOR A VEHICLE - A hydraulic strut system that damps vehicle vibration and includes a compressible fluid, a strut, and a valve plate. The strut includes three concentric tubes defining an inner cavity, an intermediary cavity, and an outer reservoir cavity, the inner cavity and intermediary cavity being fluidly coupled, wherein the inner cavity receives a piston that divides the inner cavity into a first volume and a second volume, the piston having an aperture that allows one way flow from the first volume to the second volume. The valve plate is removably coupled to the strut, and includes a first fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the intermediary cavity to the reservoir cavity, the first fluid path including a damping valve that damps fluid flowing therethorugh; and a second fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the reservoir cavity to the inner cavity, the second fluid path further including a replenishment valve. | 01-05-2012 |
20120175858 | CONSOLE FOR ATTACHMENT TO A VEHICLE CHASSIS AND VEHICLE COMPRISING A SUSPENSION CARRYING CONSOLE - A console is provided for attachment to a vehicle chassis. The console includes a bracket body for a truck. The bracket body is formed by a casting which at least partly encloses a cavity for storing a fluid. | 07-12-2012 |
20130257007 | Air Suspension Installation, Compressed Air Supply Installation and Pneumatic System - The invention relates to a pneumatic installation ( | 10-03-2013 |
20140042724 | Cylinder Shock Assembly - A cylinder shock assembly comprising a damper with a first end, and a second end that extends into an air cylinder float. The damper has a rod positioned in the air cylinder float with one end positioned within a cavity of the damper and another end affixed to an end cap attached to the air cylinder float. A primary coil spring is positioned within the air cylinder float, wherein when a load applied to the cylinder shock assembly is increased, an end of the damper move towards the end cap compressing air within the air cylinder float, wherein as the load is increased the primary coil spring is compressed and the volume of air within the air cylinder decreases resulting in an increased air pressure, and wherein the air cylinder float is a solid member that does not expand as the air pressure within increases during compression. | 02-13-2014 |
20140232082 | SUSPENSION SYSTEM - A suspension system includes an upper cylinder chamber, a lower cylinder chamber, and a variable valve that adjusts the opening area of an opening of the lower cylinder chamber. The suspension system includes a first communication path through which the upper cylinder chamber of one of damping force control cylinders incorporated in a pair of wheels of a vehicle is in communication with the lower cylinder chamber of the other damping force control cylinder, a second communication path through which the lower cylinder chamber of the one damping force control cylinder is in communication with the upper cylinder chamber of the other damping force control cylinder, and a pair of oil receptacles that are provided in the first and second communication paths, respectively, and hold and discharge oil, depending on operations of the damping force control cylinders. | 08-21-2014 |
20140300076 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH RESERVOIR FOR AIR SPRING DAMPING - A suspension system can include an air spring, an air reservoir external to the air spring, and a flow control device which variably restricts flow of air between the air spring and the air reservoir. Flow between the air spring and the air reservoir may be permitted in response to compliance of the suspension system, and the air spring can have an internal air volume at least 2½ times as great may permit flow between the air spring and the air reservoir in response to a predetermined pressure differential level across the flow control device. Multiple air reservoirs can be internal to an axle, or other suspension system or vehicle component, and can be isolated from each other. | 10-09-2014 |
20150344101 | SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY - A suspension assembly is disclosed. The suspension assembly is configured for movement under compression when installed for use in a vehicle providing at least one wheel. The assembly comprises a leg; a compression rod assembly comprising a compression rod movable within the leg; a piston assembly comprising a seal and a piston; and an isolator configured to deform under compression to provide isolation between the compression rod assembly and the piston assembly. The compression rod can translate under compression with deformation of the isolator before movement of the piston. The suspension assembly may be configured to provide a response to a force such as compression. An isolation member between the compression rod assembly and the piston assembly may be configured so that a force imparted on the compression rod assembly compresses the isolation member without translation of the piston. A spring system comprises a leg, a piston assembly comprising a piston, a compression rod assembly comprising a compression rod, a gas chamber adjacent to the piston assembly, and an isolator configured to deform under compression of the compression rod without translation of the piston. | 12-03-2015 |
20160121682 | END MEMBER ASSEMBLIES AND TRAVEL-RESTRAINT ASSEMBLIES AS WELL AS GAS SPRING ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING SAME - An end member assembly (EMI) includes an end member body ( | 05-05-2016 |