Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system (100) for determining a suspension calibration of a vehicle (800). The control system (100) has one or more controllers (120) that receive route data indicative of a route ahead of the vehicle (800). One or more processors (130) determine, from the route data, a prediction of a first acceleration at a first location (320) ahead of the vehicle (800) and a second acceleration at a second location (330) ahead of the first location(320). The one or more processors (130) determine a suspension calibration of the vehicle (800) in dependence on the second acceleration. The actual acceleration of the vehicle (800) is measured at the first location (320) and compared with the first acceleration. If the measured and first acceleration are within a predetermined tolerance, the processor (120) produces a suspension control signal at output (121) which is received by a suspension controller (140) to apply the suspension calibration prior to the vehicle (800) arriving at the second location (330).

An electrically controlled suspension includes a first spring with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the first spring is connectable to a forward frame bracket of a frame of a vehicle and where the second end of the first spring is connectable to a rear frame bracket of the frame of the vehicle via a rear spring support. The suspension includes a second spring with a first end and a second end, where the second end of the second spring is connected to the second end of the first spring. An electrically operated suspension control actuator is provided where the first end of the second spring is connected to the electrically operated suspension control actuator.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a method and to a control system for controlling an active suspension of a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more controllers, the control system configured to: determine whether a transient suspension disturbance to the vehicle is from within a cabin of the vehicle; and control a variable force parameter of the active suspension in dependence on whether the transient suspension disturbance is from within the cabin of the vehicle.

A wrench and nut combination, including: a wrench lug including: a wrench lug feature that substantially mates with a nut feature of a nut of a shock absorber during a first rotation of said nut, relative to external body threads on a body of the shock absorber, in a first direction, wherein the wrench lug feature and the nut feature release during a second rotation of said nut, relative to the external body threads, in a second direction, wherein at least one of the first rotation and the second rotation causes an adjustment to a compressive coil spring pre-load of a set of coil springs disposed in the shock absorber.

The invention relates to a suspension for motor vehicles having controllable chassis clearance and stiffness, and includes a helical spring (1), having a controlling device (2) which is secured to the body of the vehicle and is located rotatably, preferably by means of a transmission stage driven by an electric motor. The controlling device (2) is embodied as a shaped nut, which is screwed directly onto the coils of the preferably cylindrical helical spring (1) and has roller bodies which are located along the helical line and are connected to coils of the helical spring; the controlling device (2) is fully movable and fixable onto and relative to the helical spring. The suspension for motor vehicles ensures enhanced stiffness of the suspension in the event of a decrease in the chassis clearance, reduced stiffness of the suspension when the chassis clearance is increased, and the possibility of building in a telescoping damper inside the helical spring without blocking access to its upper fastening point.

A system includes an inspection robot comprising a plurality of sensor sleds; a plurality of ultra-sonic (UT) sensors; a couplant chamber mounted to each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber comprising: a cone, the cone comprising a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone; a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion; a couplant entry fluidly coupled to the cone at a position between the cone tip portion and the sensor mounting end; and wherein each of the UT sensors is mounted to the sensor mounting end of one of the couplant chambers.

A system includes an inspection robot comprising a plurality of sensor sleds; a plurality of ultra-sonic (UT) sensors; a couplant chamber mounted to each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber comprising: a cone, the cone comprising a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone; a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion; a couplant entry fluidly coupled to the cone at a position between the cone tip portion and the sensor mounting end; and wherein each of the UT sensors is mounted to the sensor mounting end of one of the couplant chambers.

A vehicle includes a frame, a body supported by the frame, a prime mover mounted to the frame, at least one axle connected to the frame, a suspension system connecting the at least one axle to the frame, and a load sensing and control system including at least one load sensor connected to the suspension system and a controller operatively connected to the at least one load sensor and the prime mover. The controller being operable to calculate a vehicle loading factor before the vehicle moves and to prevent operation of the prime mover if the vehicle loading factor that exceeds a selected load threshold.

A vehicle suspension system includes a suspension arm connected to a vehicle frame or body. A wheel is supported by the suspension arm and a shock absorber is connected between the vehicle frame or body and the suspension arm. The shock absorber includes a first mounting fitting having a first connecting structure, a second mounting fitting having a second connecting structure and a monolithic elastomeric body molded around the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure.

A vehicle suspension system includes a suspension arm connected to a vehicle frame or body. A wheel is supported by the suspension arm and a shock absorber is connected between the vehicle frame or body and the suspension arm. The shock absorber includes a first mounting fitting having a first connecting structure, a second mounting fitting having a second connecting structure and a monolithic elastomeric body molded around the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure.