Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. (USA)
Link Mfg., Ltd. (USA)
Inventor
Bartlett, Michael D.
Jiles, David C.
Barron, Edward J.
Kiarie, Winnie M.
Ott, William E.
Davis, Tye B.
Abstract
An isolator designed through the inclusion of a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) along and at or near an electromagnetic coil. A variety of factors can be balanced to produce an isolator that takes advantage of the radially axial coil. One non-limiting embodiment of the design uses a two-part coil bobbin geometry; wherein the axial center of the bobbin is a nonmagnetic material which allows passage of the magnetic field, while the end pieces are made of a high permeability material that limits the stray magnetic field and improves the magnetic flux density through the MRE by providing a pathway of least magnetic reluctance. The MRE changes stiffness and damping properties in response to the strength of the magnetic field, which can be controlled by changing the current through the electromagnetic coil. Feedback and feedforward control systems can allow for real time adaptation by the isolator in response to changing external stimuli. The isolator is useful for a variety of uses. Non-limiting examples are for reducing whole body vibrations for operators of trucks and heavy machinery, as well as for creating greater comfort for patients in ambulance gurneys and passengers in airplane seats.
F16F 1/36 - Springs made of plastics, e.g. rubberSprings made of material having high internal friction
F16F 1/373 - Springs made of plastics, e.g. rubberSprings made of material having high internal friction characterised by having a particular shape
F16F 15/00 - Suppression of vibrations in systemsMeans or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion
F16F 15/08 - Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating, systemsSuppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating system using elastic means with rubber springs
H01F 1/44 - Magnets or magnetic bodies characterised by the magnetic materials thereforSelection of materials for their magnetic properties of magnetic liquids, e.g. ferrofluids
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
Tandem axle assemblies and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Tandem axle assemblies may include a drive axle and a non-drive lift axle mounted to a non-torque reactive suspension system having hanger brackets positioned between the tandem axles. Roll stability components of the suspension system can be located on the drive axle side of the suspension, reducing weight, cost, and complexity of the tandem axle assembly. The non-drive lift axle can be operated by a control system during vehicle dynamic operation to improve traction performance of the vehicle.
B60G 5/04 - Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements with two or more pivoted arms, the movements of which are resiliently interrelated
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
B60G 17/033 - Spring characteristics characterised by regulating means acting on more than one spring
B60G 21/073 - Interconnection systems for two or more resiliently-suspended wheels, e.g. for stabilising a vehicle body with respect to acceleration, deceleration or centrifugal forces permanently interconnected fluid between wheels on the same axle but on different sides of the vehicle, i.e. the left and right wheel suspensions being interconnected
3.
Driven lift axles and associated systems and methods
Driven lift axles and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Driven lift axle systems may include one or more motors mounted to the lift axle to provide torque to drive one or more wheels of the lift axle. Various mounting configurations of such motors are possible, such as arranging a motor on the axle to provide torque at a conventional driveshaft input by interfacing with a differential drive gear, positioning a motor at each of the wheel ends of the axle to provide torque directly to the wheels, etc. Each wheel can be driven by a separate motor, allowing for independent control of the torque applied to each wheel. Lift axles described herein can be suitable for use with various motors capable of applying torque to the axle and/or wheels, such as electric motors, hydraulic motors, internal combustion engines, etc.
B60G 9/00 - Resilient suspensions for a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
B60K 1/02 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units comprising more than one electric motor
B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
Online retail store services and retail stores services in the field of truck and vehicle components and parts, namely, air springs, valve kits, suspension controls, valves, cable connectors, solenoids, load cable kits, control harness kits, shocks, tie rod assemblies, tie rods, lift axles, and tire pressure systems
Online retail store services and retail stores services in the field of truck and vehicle components and parts, namely, air springs, valve kits, suspension controls, valves, cable connectors, solenoids, load cable kits, control harness kits, shocks, tie rod assemblies, tie rods, lift axles, and tire pressure systems
Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.
B62D 61/12 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground-engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
B60G 11/27 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
B60G 5/00 - Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements
B60G 11/28 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs characterised by means specially adapted for attaching the spring to axle or sprung part of the vehicle
B62D 21/02 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members
Driven lift axles and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Driven lift axle systems may include one or more motors mounted to the lift axle to provide torque to drive one or more wheels of the lift axle. Various mounting configurations of such motors are possible, such as arranging a motor on the axle to provide torque at a conventional driveshaft input by interfacing with a differential drive gear, positioning a motor at each of the wheel ends of the axle to provide torque directly to the wheels, etc. Each wheel can be driven by a separate motor, allowing for independent control of the torque applied to each wheel. Lift axles described herein can be suitable for use with various motors capable of applying torque to the axle and/or wheels, such as electric motors, hydraulic motors, internal combustion engines, etc.
B60G 9/00 - Resilient suspensions for a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
B62D 61/12 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground-engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
11.
Driven lift axles and associated systems and methods
Driven lift axles and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Driven lift axle systems may include one or more motors mounted to the lift axle to provide torque to drive one or more wheels of the lift axle. Various mounting configurations of such motors are possible, such as arranging a motor on the axle to provide torque at a conventional driveshaft input by interfacing with a differential drive gear, positioning a motor at each of the wheel ends of the axle to provide torque directly to the wheels, etc. Each wheel can be driven by a separate motor, allowing for independent control of the torque applied to each wheel. Lift axles described herein can be suitable for use with various motors capable of applying torque to the axle and/or wheels, such as electric motors, hydraulic motors, internal combustion engines, etc.
B62D 61/12 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground-engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
B60K 1/02 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units comprising more than one electric motor
B60G 9/00 - Resilient suspensions for a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
Driven lift axles and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Driven lift axle systems may include one or more motors mounted to the lift axle to provide torque to drive one or more wheels of the lift axle. Various mounting configurations of such motors are possible, such as arranging a motor on the axle to provide torque at a conventional driveshaft input by interfacing with a differential drive gear, positioning a motor at each of the wheel ends of the axle to provide torque directly to the wheels, etc. Each wheel can be driven by a separate motor, allowing for independent control of the torque applied to each wheel. Lift axles described herein can be suitable for use with various motors capable of applying torque to the axle and/or wheels, such as electric motors, hydraulic motors, internal combustion engines, etc.
B60G 9/00 - Resilient suspensions for a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
B62D 61/12 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground-engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Metal ramps for use with vehicles; metal decks for use with mortuary deck systems vehicle safety equipment, namely, electronic tire pressure monitors Suspension systems for trucks, vehicles, and trailers; land vehicle suspension parts, namely, electric height control leveling valves, electronic control units, compressors, processors, solenoids, air tanks, air suspension valves, shock absorbers, and air springs
Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.
B62D 61/12 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground-engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
B60G 11/28 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs characterised by means specially adapted for attaching the spring to axle or sprung part of the vehicle
B60G 11/27 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
B60G 5/00 - Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements
B62D 21/02 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Suspension systems for trucks and heavy duty vehicles; cab
suspensions for trucks and heavy duty vehicles; axles for
vehicles; auxiliary suspension systems for trucks and heavy
duty vehicles; chassis suspension systems for trucks and
heavy duty vehicles.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Suspension systems for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and
vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined;
cab suspensions for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and vehicles
that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined; axles for
vehicles; auxiliary suspension systems for trucks, heavy
duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and
tractors combined; chassis suspension systems for trucks,
heavy duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks
and tractors combined.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
(1) Suspension systems for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined; cab suspensions for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined; axles for land vehicles; auxiliary suspension systems for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined; chassis suspension systems for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
(1) Suspension systems for trucks and heavy duty vehicles; cab suspensions for trucks and heavy duty vehicles; axles for land vehicles; auxiliary suspension systems for trucks and heavy duty vehicles; chassis suspension systems for trucks and heavy duty vehicles.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Suspension systems for trucks and heavy duty vehicles; cab suspensions for trucks and heavy duty vehicles; axles for vehicles; auxiliary suspension systems for trucks and heavy duty vehicles; chassis suspension systems for trucks and heavy duty vehicles
Vehicle cab suspension control systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cab suspension control systems can include front cab-to-frame mounts that include controllable elastomer-based isolators that can provide real time variable damping to improve ride quality and/or road holding and reduce cab roll in response to, for example, input from one or more cab and/or frame mounted accelerometers, position sensors, etc. Embodiments of the control systems described herein can utilize a single vehicle controller (e.g., an ECU) to control all of the cab suspension components (e.g., semi-active damping technologies, air spring technologies, etc.) employed on a vehicle to provide a single suspension control solution that can provide improved ride performance, road holding, etc.
B60G 17/019 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the type of sensor or the arrangement thereof
B60G 17/016 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Suspension systems for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined; cab suspensions for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined; axles for vehicles; auxiliary suspension systems for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined; chassis suspension systems for trucks, heavy duty trucks, and vehicles that are heavy duty trucks and tractors combined
Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.
B62D 61/12 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground-engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
B60G 11/28 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs characterised by means specially adapted for attaching the spring to axle or sprung part of the vehicle
B60G 11/27 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
B60G 5/00 - Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements
B62D 21/02 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members
Lift axle systems for use with trucks and other heavy duty vehicles are described herein. In some embodiments, lift axle systems configured in accordance with the present technology include upper and lower control arms on each side of the vehicle that operably couple an axle to a support system attached to the vehicle chassis. The upper control arm has a first end portion pivotally attached to a support system bracket at an upper bracket location, and a second end portion pivotally attached to the axle at an upper axle location. The lower control arm has a first end portion pivotally attached to the support system bracket at a lower bracket location, and a second end portion pivotally attached to the axle at a lower axle location. In some embodiments, the upper and lower bracket locations lie in a vertical plane that extends parallel to the vertical and longitudinal axes of the vehicle, and the upper axle location is spaced apart from the lower axle location in a lateral direction that extends parallel to the lateral axis of the vehicle.
B62D 61/12 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground-engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels
B60G 9/00 - Resilient suspensions for a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
B62D 33/077 - Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles characterised by the connection of the superstructure to the vehicle frame
B62D 21/20 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted characterised by the vehicle type and not provided for in groups trailer type, i.e. a frame specifically constructed for use in a non-powered vehicle
B62D 21/02 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members
B62D 33/063 - Drivers' cabs movable from one position into at least one other position, e.g. tiltable, pivotable about a vertical axis, displaceable from one side of the vehicle to the other
Air damping systems for lift axles are described herein. In some embodiments, lift axle systems configured in accordance with the present technology can include one or more air springs for carrying vehicle sprung mass (“load springs”) and one or more air springs (or, for example, air cylinders) for raising the lift axle (“lift springs”). One or more air lines can be connected between the load springs and the lift springs so that, in operation, compression and extension of the load springs in response to axle movement causes pressurized air to flow back and forth between the load springs and the lift springs. As a result, the lift springs provide an additional volume to receive the pressurized air and provide an opposing spring force to the suspension. Additionally, in some embodiments the air line or lines extending between the load springs and the lift springs can include an air flow restriction and/or other air damping feature. In operation, the air damping feature dampens the flow of air between the load springs and the lift springs to provide damping of the vehicle suspension without the additional costs or disadvantages often associated with conventional hydraulic shock absorbers.
B60G 13/14 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of vibration-dampers having dampers accumulating utilisable energy, e.g. compressing air
B60G 11/27 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
B60G 9/00 - Resilient suspensions for a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
B60G 13/10 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of vibration-dampers having dampers dissipating energy, e.g. frictionally of fluid type pneumatic
F16F 9/512 - Means responsive to load action on the damper or fluid pressure in the damper
Vehicle cab suspension control systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cab suspension control systems can include front cab-to-frame mounts that include controllable elastomer-based isolators that can provide real time variable damping to improve ride quality and/or road holding and reduce cab roll in response to, for example, input from one or more cab and/or frame mounted accelerometers, position sensors, etc. Embodiments of the control systems described herein can utilize a single vehicle controller (e.g., an ECU) to control all of the cab suspension components (e.g., semi-active damping technologies, air spring technologies, etc.) employed on a vehicle to provide a single suspension control solution that can provide improved ride performance, road holding, etc.
B60G 17/016 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input
B60G 17/019 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the type of sensor or the arrangement thereof
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
31.
Height control linkage for a vehicle cab suspension system
A height control linkage for a vehicle cab suspension comprising upper and lower linkage members which are adjustably joined by a barrel assembly including first and second barrel members which are selectively joined together. The upper linkage member includes a laterally facing socket and a shaft portion which extends therefrom with the shaft portion having a plurality of alternating and spaced-apart annular grooves and ridges which are rotatably secured to the upper ends of the barrel members. The lower linkage member includes a laterally facing socket and a threaded shaft extending upwardly therefrom which is adjustably threadably secured to the lower ends of the barrel members. The length of the height control linkage may be changed by threadably rotating the barrel assembly with respect to the lower linkage member.
An auxiliary axle or lift axle is pivotally mounted to the frame of a vehicle for selectively providing additional flotation for the vehicle. A pair of frame brackets are secured to the frame members of the vehicle and have horizontally disposed mounting plates adjacent to the lower ends thereof. A bracket member extends downwardly from one end of the mounting plate and has a pair of spaced-apart slots formed therein. A bracket member also extends downwardly from the other end of the frame bracket and has a pair of spaced-apart first and second slots formed therein. The hanger brackets are adjustably secured to the bracket members to permit the axle assembly to be mounted on frame members having varying distances therebetween and having varying frame thicknesses. The novel method of securing the hanger brackets to the frame brackets is also disclosed.
B62D 33/10 - Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles characterised by the connection of the superstructure to the vehicle frame comprising means for the suspension of the superstructure on the frame
B62D 27/02 - Connections between superstructure sub-units rigid
B62D 21/09 - Means for mounting load bearing surfaces
An adjustable king pin assembly for a fifth wheel trailer which includes an adjustable slider bar having a king pin secured thereto. The slider bar and king pin are easily removed from the assembly for repair, maintenance or replacement.
An air suspension control system for a vehicle such as an ambulance, a bus or a semi-truck. The control system includes an air supply, such as a compressor, which is configured to pneumatically communicate with a lift mechanism for moving the lift mechanism between a ride height position and a kneeling position and vice versa. The controller is configured to return or recover the lift mechanism to its ride height position during the time the lift mechanism is moving from its ride height position to its kneeling position by only deactivating the kneel input. The controller is configured to return or recover the lift mechanism to its ride height position after the lift mechanism has reached kneeling position by both deactivating the kneel input and activating the recover trigger input by pressing the brake pedal. The control system also has a transmission park feature and an ignition timer feature.
B60G 17/017 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their use when the vehicle is stationary, e.g. during loading, engine start-up or switch-off
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
B60G 17/019 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the type of sensor or the arrangement thereof
An adjustable king pin assembly for a fifth wheel trailer which includes an adjustable slider bar having a king pin secured thereto. The slider bar and king pin are easily removed from the assembly for repair, maintenance or replacement.
An adjustment mechanism for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of a hanger bracket to which a lift arm of a lift axle suspension system is secured. The adjustment mechanism may also be used for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of an auxiliary axle which is of the non-lift type. The adjustment mechanism may also be used for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of a primary axle. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable alignment mechanism of the type described which includes an improved pointer device which visually indicates the alignment position of the bushing pin. Even more particularly, this invention relates to an improved means for securing the bushing pin in its aligned position.
B62D 33/10 - Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles characterised by the connection of the superstructure to the vehicle frame comprising means for the suspension of the superstructure on the frame
A height control valve for a suspension leveling system includes a control unit and a valve assembly. The control unit can include a servo powered by a servo current, the servo being coupled to the valve assembly with a linkage. The control unit also can include a controller in communication with the servo and adapted to sense a change in the servo current when the linkage fully engages the valve assembly to reconfigure the valve assembly to a desired supply, exhaust and/or closed position. Based on the change in servo current, the controller can determine a selected distance to move or reconfigure the valve assembly, with distance being independent of any wear or tolerance in the linkage or elsewhere. The control unit can also include an actuator, the movement of which is sensed by a non-contact sensor that is in communication with the controller.
A height control valve for a suspension leveling system includes a control unit and a valve assembly. The control unit can include a servo powered by a servo current, the servo being coupled to the valve assembly with a linkage. The control unit also can include a controller in communication with the servo and adapted to sense a change in the servo current when the linkage fully engages the valve assembly to reconfigure the valve assembly to a desired supply, exhaust and/or closed position. Based on the change in servo current, the controller can determine a selected distance to move or reconfigure the valve assembly, with distance being independent of any wear or tolerance in the linkage or elsewhere. The control unit can also include an actuator, the movement of which is sensed by a non-contact sensor that is in communication with the controller.
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
F16K 11/16 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with two or more closure members not moving as a unit operated by one actuating member, e.g. a handle which only slides, or only turns, or only swings in one plane
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
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.
