Importance

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Abstract

A leveling valve responsive to changes in vertical distance between a vehicle chassis and its axle. A valve body has an internal chamber with which a supply port communicates for delivering air from a pressurized air tank. One or more delivery ports extend through the valve body in communication with the chamber, each for connection to an air spring. An exhaust port also communicates with the chamber. A piston is reciprocable within the chamber between a normal position in which the valve is closed, a second position in which the valve is open communicating the supply port with one or more delivery ports, and a third position in which the supply port is normally closed by the air source pressure but a passage communicates the one or more delivery ports with the exhaust port. The piston has a passage through it that is used in the third position. Reciprocation of the piston is controlled by a guide having a transverse slot in which a camming pin projects. The camming pin is eccentrically mounted on the end of a shaft that is rotatably supported by the valve body and that rotates in response to changes in the vertical relationship between the vehicle chassis and its axle. Initial adjustment of the piston is done by threading the piston relative to the guide. The stroke of the piston can be adjusted by adjustability of the eccentricity of the eccentric pin.

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First Claim