Multi-stage height control valve including position sensitive pilot signal and pressure boost for vehicle air springs

A multi-stage height control valve for a pneumatic control system of a vehicle, said height control valve being mounted on said vehicle and comprising:

• a) an air reservoir port being in fluid communication with a compressed air source;
• b) an air spring port being in fluid communication with at least one air spring of said vehicle;
• c) an exhaust port being in fluid communication with atmosphere;
• d) a pilot port being in fluid communication with control/warning device;
• e) a pilot boost valve, said pilot boost valve being in fluid communication with said pilot port and said compressed air source;
• and
• f) a flow control means being in fluid communication with said air reservoir port, said air spring port, said exhaust port and said pilot port, said flow control means being operatively attached to said vehicle for regulating fluid flow through said air reservoir port, said air spring port, said exhaust port, and said pilot port during operation of said vehicle, whereby said height control valve alternatively prevents or signals excessive dumping or overinflation of said at least one air spring when a secondary ride height has been reached.

A multi-stage height control valve for a pneumatic control system of a vehicle, said height control valve being mounted on said vehicle and comprising:

• a) an air reservoir port being in fluid communication with a compressed air source;
• b) an air spring port being in fluid communication with at least one air spring of said vehicle;
• c) an exhaust port being in fluid communication with atmosphere;
• d) a pilot port being in fluid communication with a control/warning device;
• e) a pilot boost valve, said pilot boost valve comprising a two position, 3-way pilot valve being in fluid communication with said pilot port, said compressed air source, and said control/warning device;
• and
• f) a flow control means being in fluid communication with said air reservoir port, said air spring port, said exhaust port and said pilot port, said flow control means being operatively attached to said vehicle for regulating fluid flow through said air reservoir port, said air spring port, said exhaust port, and said pilot port during operation of said vehicle, whereby said height control valve alternatively prevents or signals excessive dumping or overinflation of said at least one air spring when a secondary ride height has been reached.

A multi-stage height control valve for a pneumatic control system of a vehicle, said height control valve being mounted on said vehicle and comprising:

• a) an air reservoir port being in fluid communication with a compressed air source;
• b) an air spring port being in fluid communication with at least one air spring of said vehicle;
• c) an exhaust port being in fluid communication with atmosphere;
• d) a pilot port being in fluid communication with a control/warning device;
• e) a pilot boost valve, said pilot boost valve comprising a bleed conduit and a two position, 3-way pilot valve, said two-position, 3-way pilot valve being in fluid communication with said pilot port, said compressed air source, and said control/warning device;
• and
• f) a flow control means being in fluid communication with said air reservoir port, said air spring port, said exhaust port and said pilot port, said flow control means being operatively attached to said vehicle for regulating fluid flow through said air reservoir port, said air spring port, said exhaust port, and said pilot port during operation of said vehicle, whereby said height control valve alternatively prevents or signals excessive dumping or overinflation of said at least one air spring when a secondary ride height has been reached.

A multi-stage height control valve for a pneumatic control system of a vehicle, said height control valve being mounted on said vehicle and comprising:

• a) an air reservoir port being in fluid communication with a compressed air source;
• b) an air spring port being in fluid communication with at least one air spring of said vehicle;
• c) an exhaust port being in fluid communication with atmosphere;
• d) a pilot port being in fluid communication with a control/warning device, said control/warning device being selected from the group consisting of a warning light and a warning buzzer;
• and
• e) a flow control means being in fluid communication with said air reservoir port, said air spring port, said exhaust port and said pilot port, said flow control means being operatively attached to said vehicle for regulating fluid flow through said air reservoir port, said air spring port, said exhaust port, and said pilot port during operation of said vehicle, whereby said height control valve alternatively prevents or signals excessive dumping or overinflation of said at least one air spring when a secondary ride height has been reached.