Patent ID: 6698730
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
An adjustable rate air spring including:first and second spaced end members and a flexible sleeve extending therebetween forming an air chamber, said first end member being formed with a hollow interior which communicates with said air chamber; a partition located in the hollow interior of said first end member forming a first auxiliary reservoir therein; and an electrically operated solenoid control valve mounted on said first end member and connected to a supply of pressurized air, said valve containing a plunger mechanism extending into the hollow interior of said first end member for controlling the flow of pressurized air into the air chamber from the supply of pressurized air and for selectively permitting the flow of air between the auxiliary reservoir and the air chamber to change the effective volume of said air chamber thereby changing the spring rate of said air spring.