Patent ID: 7607667
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
1. A method of aligning a vehicle with respect to a reference plane, the vehicle including an electronic controller operatively connected to a plurality of fluid suspension members, the plurality of fluid suspension members disposed between at least one axle associated with the vehicle and at least one chassis component associated with the vehicle, the method comprising: a) measuring the angular orientation of the vehicle relative to the reference plane; and b) the electronic controller, determining if the angular orientation of the vehicle can be at least approximately aligned with the reference plane by only lowering one or more of the plurality of fluid suspension members; if the angular orientation of the vehicle can be at least approximately aligned with the reference plane by only lowering the one or more of the plurality of fluid suspension members, selectively lowering one or more of the plurality of fluid suspension members to at least approximately align the vehicle with the reference plane; and if the angular orientation of the vehicle cannot be at least approximately aligned with the reference plane by only lowering one or more of the plurality of fluid suspension members, selectively raising one or more of the plurality of fluid suspension members to at least approximately align the vehicle with the reference plane, or selectively raising and lowering one or more of the plurality of fluid suspension members to at least approximately align the vehicle with the reference plane, wherein the reference plane is associated with a targeted angular orientation of the vehicle, and an alignment sensor associated with the vehicle provides at least a one-axis measurement of the vehicle angular orientation.