Monroe Auto Equipment Company

Burke A West

Michael R Bethell

Robert W Hegel

Robert H Verb

A snow vehicle suspension system including a pair of suspension struts associated one with each of the two steerable skis of the vehicle; each of the struts including a first generally tubular shaped housing fixably secured to the underside of the vehicle above the associated of the skis, a second generally tubular housing telescopically disposed within the first housing and connected at the lower end thereof to the associated ski, shock absorbing means within the second housing and including a reciprocable piston mounted on one end of a piston rod extending axially outwardly from the upper end of the first housing, the upper end of the piston rod being secured to a portion of the vehicle above the strut and having a helical coil spring extending coaxially thereof between the upper end of the strut and the aforesaid vehicle portion, a steering arm having a first portion operatively connected to the vehicle steering mechanism and a second portion rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the strut, with a second portion of the steering arm being slidably and non-rotatably connected to the second housing whereby the second housing is movable longitudinally thereof relative to the arm and is rotatable in response to actuation of the steering mechanism concomitantly with the arm.

Snow vehicle suspension system

A vehicle leveling system comprising at least one leveling strut having a pressurizable chamber and a height sensing and controlling mechanism located directly on the strut, the height sensing and controlling mechanism being operable to control the internal pressure within the chamber without requiring any mechanical connection or engagement of the component parts thereof which are associated with the sprung and unsprung portions of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, the height sensing and controlling mechanism includes a light source and a light responsive device for controlling operation of an electrically energized compressor, while in another embodiment of the present invention, the height sensing and controlling mechanism includes a proximity switch arrangement.

Vehicle leveling system

A vehicle leveling system adapted for varying the attitude between the sprung and unsprung portions of an automotive vehicle, the system including a pair of leveling struts interposed between the vehicle portions and operable in response to an increase in fluid pressure supplied thereto to elevate the sprung portion of the vehicle relative to the unsprung portion thereof, an operable in response to a decrease in fluid pressure supplied thereto to lower the sprung portion of the vehicle relative to the unsprung portion thereof, an electrically energized means for supplying pressurized fluid to the struts and fluid circuit means communicating a pressurized fluid to the struts, and a control device located within the interior of the associated vehicle and operable by the vehicle driver, with the control means including first and second control elements, the first control element including electric switch for opening and closing an electrical circuit communicating a source of electrical energy with the fluid pressure supply means and the second control element comprising valve means commmunicable with the fluid circuit for selectively communicating the fluid circuit with the atmosphere.

A suspension system for snow vehicles of the type comprising a pair of steerable skis which are attached to the forward end of the vehicle by means of leaf springs, the suspension system including a pair of direct acting, telescopic shock absorbers cooperable with the leaf spring assemblies and operatively connected thereto by pairs of adaptor or attachment bracket assemblies that permit the shock absorbers to be conveniently surmounted directly above the respective leaf spring assemblies without interfering with either the mounting means therefor or the steering shafts of the vehicle, whereby the shock absorbers may cooperate with the leaf spring assemblies in damping impact forces and providing for better steering and a more safe, stable and controlled ride as the vehicle traverses relatively irregular or rough terrain.

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Monroe, MI, United States of America

Burke A West