Patent US1560203A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3917309A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3917309A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Vehicle leveling system
Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Inc
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Filing: 1974-07-18
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Granted: 1975-11-04
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Expires: 1994-07-18
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle leveling system adapted for varying the attitude between the sprung and unsprung portions of an automotive vehicle, the system including a pair of leveling struts interposed between the vehicle portions and operable in response to an increase in fluid pressure supplied thereto to elevate the sprung portion of the vehicle relative to the unsprung portion thereof, and operable in response to a decrease in fluid pressure supplied thereto to lower the sprung portion of the vehicle relative to the unsprung portion thereof, an electrically energized means for supplying pressurized fluid to the struts and fluid circuit means communicating a pressurized fluid to the struts, and a control device located within the interior of the associated vehicle and operable by the vehicle driver, with the control means including first and second control elements, the first control element including electric switch for opening and closing an electrical circuit communicating a source of electrical energy with the fluid pressure supply means and the second control element comprising valve means communicable with the fluid circuit for selectively communicating the fluid circuit with the atmosphere.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W Hegel
- 👤 Burke A West
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:38
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60G; B60G17/00; B60G17/015; B60G17/0152; B60G17/0155; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S60/00; Y10S60/911
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
234 words
A vehicle leveling system adapted for varying the attitude between the sprung and unsprung portions of an automotive vehicle, said system including a pair of leveling struts interposed between said vehicle portions and operable in response to an increase in fluid pressure supplied thereto to elevate the sprung portion of the vehicle relative to the unsprung portion thereof, and operable in response to a decrease in fluid pressure supplied thereto to lower said sprung vehicle portion relative to said unsprung portion thereof, an electrically energized means for supplying pressurized fluid to said struts and fluid circuit means communicating said electrically energized means with said struts, control means comprising first and second control elements for operating said leveling system and located interiorly of said vehicle at a position accessible to the vehicle operator, said first control element comprising electrical switching means for opening and closing an electrical circuit between said electrically energized fluid pressure supply means and a source of electrical energy, said second control element comprising valve means communicable with said fluid circuit means for selectively connecting said fluid circuit with a location having a pressure that is normally less than the fluid pressure in said fluid circuit, means for providing a visual indication of the fluid pressure in said circuit, and means defining a fluid pressure communicating passage connecting said fluid circuit with both said second control element and said visual indicating means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
234 words
A vehicle leveling system adapted for varying the attitude between the sprung and unsprung portions of an automotive vehicle, said system including a pair of leveling struts interposed between said vehicle portions and operable in response to an increase in fluid pressure supplied thereto to elevate the sprung portion of the vehicle relative to the unsprung portion thereof, and operable in response to a decrease in fluid pressure supplied thereto to lower said sprung vehicle portion relative to said unsprung portion thereof, an electrically energized means for supplying pressurized fluid to said struts and fluid circuit means communicating said electrically energized means with said struts, control means comprising first and second control elements for operating said leveling system and located interiorly of said vehicle at a position accessible to the vehicle operator, said first control element comprising electrical switching means for opening and closing an electrical circuit between said electrically energized fluid pressure supply means and a source of electrical energy, said second control element comprising valve means communicable with said fluid circuit means for selectively connecting said fluid circuit with a location having a pressure that is normally less than the fluid pressure in said fluid circuit, means for providing a visual indication of the fluid pressure in said circuit, and means defining a fluid pressure communicating passage connecting said fluid circuit with both said second control element and said visual indicating means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second control elements are independently actuatable by a person within the vehicle passenger compartment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second control elements comprises first and second push buttons.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrically energized means comprises an air compressor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said valve means is operable to communicate said fluid circuit with the atmosphere.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 which includes means for mounting said control means adjacent the dashboard of the associated vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention as set forth in claim 6 wherein said control means includes a control console having said first and second control elements mounted thereon for access by the vehicle operator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as set forth in claim 7 wherein said control elements comprise first and second push buttons located adjacent to one another on said control console.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention as set forth in claim 7 wherein said control elements comprise a rotatable manually engageable knob-like member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 which includes a control console, wherein said visual indicating means comprises a pressure gauge mounted within and visible on said console, and which further includes first and second push buttons located adjacent said gauge for operating said first and second control elements.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as set forth in claim 7 wherein said one element comprises electrical switching means and said other element comprises fluid valve means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first and second control elements comprise push buttons on said console.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as set forth in claim 7 which includes a pressure gauge displayed on said console.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as set forth in claim 13 which includes a generally T-shaped fitting means operatively connecting said second element, said gauge and said fluid circuit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
48 words
The invention as set forth in claim 14 wherein said T-shaped fitting means comprises a first leg portion communicable with said fluid circuit, a second leg portion communicable with said gauge and a third leg portion having fluid valve means therein and cooperable wiTh said second control element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention as set forth in claim 15 wherein said first and third leg portions are generally longitudinally aligned, and wherein said second leg portion extends at generally right angles to said first and third leg portions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention as set forth in claim 16 wherein said fitting means is disposed below said gauge, and wherein said second leg portion extends upwardly from said first and third leg portions and is operatively connected to said gauge.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention as set forth in claim 16 wherein said valve means comprises a schrader valve having an actuating portion adapted to be selectively actuated by said second control element.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention as set forth in claim 13 wherein said control console comprises a face, wherein said gauge is displayed on said face, and which includes first and second push buttons disposed below said gauge for selectively operating said one and said other control elements.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as set forth in claim 4 wherein said compressor includes means defining a manifold chamber.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention as set forth in claim 20 which includes first conductor means connecting the interior of said chamber with said leveling struts and second conduit means connecting said chamber with said control means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as set forth in claim 20 which includes check valve means interposed between said compressor and said chamber.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention as set forth in claim 21 which includes auxiliary fitting means by which an auxiliary conduit may be connected to said manifold chamber for communicating pressurized air to a location remote therefrom.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as set forth in claim 23 which includes schrader valve means interposed between the interior of said manifold chamber and said auxiliary fitting.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
143 words
A leveling system control console for use in a leveling system of the type including a pair of fluid pressure operated leveling struts, an electrically energized source pressurized fluid and a fluid circuit communicating the source with the struts, said console including first and second control elements, one of said elements being operable to open and close an electrical circuit between the electrically energized source of pressurized fluid and a source of electrical energy, the other of said control elements being operable to communicate said fluid circuit with a location having a pressure that is lower than the fluid pressure in said fluid circuit, means on said console for providing a visual indication of the pressure in said fluid circuit, and means defining a fluid pressure communicating path connecting said fluid circuit with both said visual indicating means and said other control element.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
143 words
A leveling system control console for use in a leveling system of the type including a pair of fluid pressure operated leveling struts, an electrically energized source pressurized fluid and a fluid circuit communicating the source with the struts, said console including first and second control elements, one of said elements being operable to open and close an electrical circuit between the electrically energized source of pressurized fluid and a source of electrical energy, the other of said control elements being operable to communicate said fluid circuit with a location having a pressure that is lower than the fluid pressure in said fluid circuit, means on said console for providing a visual indication of the pressure in said fluid circuit, and means defining a fluid pressure communicating path connecting said fluid circuit with both said visual indicating means and said other control element.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as set forth in claim 25 wherein said one element comprises electrical switching means and said other element comprises fluid valve means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as set forth in claim 26 wherein said first and second control elements comprise push buttons on said console.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as set forth in claim 25 wherein said visual indicating means comprises a pressure gauge.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention as set forth in claim 28 wherein said passage defining means comprises a generally T-shaped fitting means operatively connecting said other element, said gauge and said fluid circuit.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
48 words
The invention as set forth in claim 29 wherein said T-shaped fitting means comprises a first leg portion communicable with said fluid circuit, a second leg portion communicable with said gauge and a third leg portion having fluid valve means therein and cooperable with said other control element.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention as set forth in claim 30 wherein said first and third leg portions are generally longitudinally aligned, and wherein said second leg portion extends at generally right angles to said first and third leg portions.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention as set forth in claim 31 wherein said fitting means is disposed below said gauge, and wheRein said second leg portion extends upwardly from said first and third leg portions and is operatively connected to said gauge.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention as set forth in claim 30 wherein said valve means comprises a schrader valve having an actuating portion adapted to be selectively actuated by said other control element.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention as set forth in claim 28 wherein said control console comprises a face, wherein said gauge is displayed on said face, and which includes first and second push buttons disposed below said gauge for selectively operating said one and said other control elements.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
226 words
A vehicle leveling system adapted for varying the attitude between the sprung and unsprung portions of an automotive vehicle, said system including a pair of leveling struts interposed between said vehicle portions and operable in response to an increase in fluid pressure supplied thereto to elevate the sprung portion of the vehicle relative to the unsprung portion thereof, and operable in response to a decrease in fluid pressure supplied thereto to lower said sprung vehicle portion relative to said unsprung portion thereof, an electrically energized air compressor for supplying pressurized fluid to said struts, said compressor including means defining a manifold chamber and valve means interposed between said compressor and said chamber, control means comprising first and second control elements for operating said leveling system and located interiorly of said vehicle at a position accessible to the vehicle operator, first conductor means connecting said chamber with said struts and second conductor means connecting said chamber with said control means, said first control element comprising electrical switching means for opening and closing an electrical circuit between said electrically energized fluid pressure supply means and a source of electrical energy, and said second control element comprising valve means communicable with said fluid circuit means for selectively connecting said fluid circuit with a location having a pressure that is normally less than the fluid pressure in said fluid circuit.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
226 words
A vehicle leveling system adapted for varying the attitude between the sprung and unsprung portions of an automotive vehicle, said system including a pair of leveling struts interposed between said vehicle portions and operable in response to an increase in fluid pressure supplied thereto to elevate the sprung portion of the vehicle relative to the unsprung portion thereof, and operable in response to a decrease in fluid pressure supplied thereto to lower said sprung vehicle portion relative to said unsprung portion thereof, an electrically energized air compressor for supplying pressurized fluid to said struts, said compressor including means defining a manifold chamber and valve means interposed between said compressor and said chamber, control means comprising first and second control elements for operating said leveling system and located interiorly of said vehicle at a position accessible to the vehicle operator, first conductor means connecting said chamber with said struts and second conductor means connecting said chamber with said control means, said first control element comprising electrical switching means for opening and closing an electrical circuit between said electrically energized fluid pressure supply means and a source of electrical energy, and said second control element comprising valve means communicable with said fluid circuit means for selectively connecting said fluid circuit with a location having a pressure that is normally less than the fluid pressure in said fluid circuit.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as set forth in claim 35 wherein said first and second control elements are independently actuatable by a person within the vehicle passenger compartment.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as set forth in claim 35 wherein said first and second control elements comprises first and second push buttons.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as set forth in claim 35 wherein said electrically energized means comprises an air compressor.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as set forth in claim 35 wherein said valve means is operable to communicate said fluid circuit with the atmosphere.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as set forth in claim 35 which includes means for mounting said control means adjacent the dashboard of the associated vehicle.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention as set forth in claim 40 wherein said control means includes a control console having said first and second control elements mounted thereon for access by the vehicle operator.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as set forth in claim 41 wherein said control elements comprise first and second push buttons located adjacent to one another on said control console.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as set forth in claim 35 which includes visual indicating means for providing a visual indication of the fluid pressure in said fluid circuit.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention as set forth in claim 35 which includes a control console, a pressure gauge mounted within and visible on said console, and which further includes first and second push buttons located adjacent said gauge for operating said first and second control elements.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as set forth in claim 35 wherein said valve means comprises check valve means interposed between said compressor and said chamber.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention as set forth in claim 35 which includes auxiliary fitting means by which an auxiliary conduit may be connected to said manifold chamber for communicating Pressurized air to a location remote therefrom.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as set forth in claim 46 which includes schrader valve means interposed between the interior of said manifold chamber and said auxiliary fitting.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-03 | 1979-05-05 | 1979-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-03 | 1983-05-05 | 1983-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-03 | 1987-05-05 | 1987-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |