Patent ID: 6089551
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: B60G,Y10S

Abstract:
A height control valve for controlling a fluid spring, said height control valve comprising:a valve body defining first and second internal chambers;an intake port adapted to provide fluid communication between a fluid source and said first internal chamber;an exhaust port adapted to provide fluid communication between the atmosphere and said first internal chamber;a supply channel providing fluid communication between said first and second internal chambers;a dump port adapted to provide fluid communication between the atmosphere and said second internal chamber;a fluid spring port adapted to provide fluid communication between a fluid spring and said second internal chamber;an operating member supported on said valve body and movable relative to said valve body to provide an input;a leveling seal assembly for controlling fluid flow through said first internal chamber, said leveling seal assembly received within said first internal chamber and responsive to said input of said operating member for movement between a neutral position, an intake position and an exhaust position;wherein said neutral position is defined when said leveling seal assembly prevents fluid flow between said supply channel and both said intake and exhaust ports, said intake position is defined when said leveling seal assembly places said supply channel in fluid communication with said intake port in response to said operating member providing an input greater than a predetermined value, and said exhaust position is defined when said leveling seal assembly places said supply channel into fluid communication with said exhaust port in response to said operating member providing an input less than a predetermined value;a dump seal assembly for controlling fluid flow through said second internal chamber, said dump seal assembly received within said second internal chamber and selectively movable between a normal operating position and a dump position; andwherein said normal operating position is defined when said dump seal assembly places said fluid spring port in fluid communication with said first internal chamber and said dump position is defined when said dump seal assembly places said fluid spring port in fluid communication with said dump port.