LIQUID DISPENSING EQUIPMENT WITH ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
First Claim
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1. A suspension system for self-propelled liquid application equipment having a reservoir for liquid and ground engaging wheels, said suspension system comprising:
- articulated suspension links for each wheel enabling up and down travel;
a spring connected to each of said suspension links to urge the suspension system to an extended travel;
a suspension strut connected to said suspension links and responsive to pressurized fluid inputs to vary the travel of said suspension system;
a controller receiving control inputs and providing said pressurized fluid input to said suspension strut; and
,a liquid pressure transducer fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir and providing a control input to said hydraulic pressurization unit proportional to the amount of liquid in the reservoir, whereby the suspension strut maintains the travel of said suspension system at a given length, irrespective of the amount of liquid in said reservoir.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Self-propelled liquid dispensing equipment having ground engaging wheels and an active trailing link suspension system in which either suspension struts or air struts control suspension travel. A liquid pressure transducer is connected to a liquid reservoir to provide a control input that varies the assist given by the suspension struts or air strut in direct proportion to the quantity of liquid. A given suspension travel is maintained regardless of the quantity of liquid carried by the equipment.
3 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A suspension system for self-propelled liquid application equipment having a reservoir for liquid and ground engaging wheels, said suspension system comprising:
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articulated suspension links for each wheel enabling up and down travel; a spring connected to each of said suspension links to urge the suspension system to an extended travel; a suspension strut connected to said suspension links and responsive to pressurized fluid inputs to vary the travel of said suspension system; a controller receiving control inputs and providing said pressurized fluid input to said suspension strut; and
,a liquid pressure transducer fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir and providing a control input to said hydraulic pressurization unit proportional to the amount of liquid in the reservoir, whereby the suspension strut maintains the travel of said suspension system at a given length, irrespective of the amount of liquid in said reservoir. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A self-propelled liquid dispensing equipment, comprising:
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a frame; a plurality of ground engaging wheels for ground movement; a power unit supported by said frame and driving at least a portion of the ground engaging wheels; articulated suspension links for each ground engaging wheel enabling up and down travel relative to said frame; a spring connected to said frame and to said suspension links to urge the suspension system to an extended travel; a suspension strut connected to at least a portion of said suspension links and responsive to pressurized fluid inputs to vary the travel of said suspension system; a controller on said frame receiving control inputs and providing said pressurized fluid to said suspension strut; a liquid reservoir on said frame for liquid to be dispensed; a pumping mechanism fluidly connected to said liquid reservoir for applying liquid to the ground; and
,a liquid pressure transducer fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir and providing a control input to said controller proportional the amount of liquid in the reservoir, whereby the suspension strut maintains the travel of said suspension system at a given length, irrespective of the amount of liquid in said reservoir. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A suspension system for self-propelled liquid application equipment having a reservoir for liquid and ground engaging wheels, said suspension system comprising:
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articulated suspension links for each wheel enabling up and down travel; an air strut connected to each of said suspension links to urge the suspension system to an extended travel and responsive to pressurized fluid inputs to vary the travel of said suspension system; a controller receiving control inputs and providing said pressurized fluid input to said air strut; and
,a liquid pressure transducer fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir and providing a control input to said controller proportional to the amount of liquid in the reservoir, whereby the air strut maintains the travel of said suspension system at a given length, irrespective of the amount of liquid in said reservoir. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification