Patent · US Expired

Load leveling air pump with pressure clutch

US4345773A · kind A · utility

4Cited by
6References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 5, 1979
Grant dateAug 24, 1982
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 5, 1999

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60G17/044
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An automatic load leveling air pump is adapted for use with an air adjustable shock absorber to maintain a substantially constant vehicle height despite changes in vehicle loading. The pump includes a housing connected to the vehicle axle and a pump piston connected to the vehicle frame. A feedback device slides within the housing in response to a spring and to air pressure and includes a pair of relatively movable portions which cooperate to act as a clutch against the housing during compression strokes of the pump piston. The pump piston, the housing and the feedback device enclose a compression chamber. The feedback device moves in response to air pressure to control the compression ratio of the compression chamber as the vehicle height changes.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.