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LST Solves Vehicle Body Roll Problem

20 July 2000

LST Solves Vehicle Body Roll Problem

    SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. - LiquidSpring Technologies, Inc., Santa Fe Springs,
California, is addressing the safety issue of rollovers with a new "SMART" 
Suspension System designed to drastically reduce vehicle body roll which, in 
turn, provides the operator a greater level of safety through advanced vehicle 
handling not experienced in standard suspension systems today.

    This new SMART Suspension System, "CLASS" (Compressible Liquid Adaptive
Suspension System) is a patented hydraulic suspension that replaces vehicle
springs, shock absorbers, and stabilizers with a complete system whereby the
fluid itself is the spring/damping/stabilizer medium.  This unique system,
with the aid of an onboard computer, is able to change the spring stiffness
automatically and instantaneously according to road conditions and driver
technique, over a broad range (up to several thousand percent) while the
vehicle is driven.  CLASS expands the vehicle design envelope allowing vehicle
manufacturers to engineer products with ride (comfort) and handling (safety)
characteristics that consumers have not had available to them.

    According to LST, CLASS is the first new commercial suspension system
designed for the transportation industry since the introduction of air
springs.  CLASS is a unique design that drastically reduces annoying resonant
vibrations and eliminates the undesirable handling characteristics of
conventional suspension systems.  CLASS is the only system that can
instantaneously change the spring rate at each wheel by several thousand
percent, independent of load or deflection.  This results in a suspension that
can handle the required load capacity, while simultaneously providing a soft
ride and superior handling which cannot be found in any other system today.
By way of example, if CLASS were installed on over the highway trailers, the
tires would remain on the ground when traveling with an empty load.  With
current suspension systems, the tires often leave the ground causing
instability and safety problems, not to mention excessive tire wear and frame
stress.

    The use of a compressible fluid as a spring and damping medium is not new,
according to Richard Meyer, President of LST, which began using compressible
fluid on heavy-duty mining trucks in the 1980's.  What makes CLASS new and
unique is its ability to instantaneously change spring stiffness over a very
broad range.  The system includes a micro processor located in the onboard
control module, which processes thousands of signals each second that are
transmitted from sensors.  The system detects variations in steering to
predict vehicle yaw and signals from each wheel to control body roll.  Also, a
brake and speed sensor are utilized to reduce dive and increase control during
emergency situations.  Each of these sensors contribute to the overall system,
creating a higher degree of driver control and providing a safer and more
comfortable ride for passengers.

    LST's goal was not to simply design another conventional suspension
system.  Instead, LST made a commitment to develop a totally new system which
utilized advancements in hydraulics and computer controls in order to provide
safer and more comfortable vehicles.  To accomplish this task and bring this
type of new technology to the industry, LST assembled a team of engineering
professionals with a diverse background in such fields as hydraulics,
mechanical engineering, electrical systems design, simulation development, and
overall suspension design.

    LST's first release of CLASS is for use on the Ford F-250, F-350, and
E-450 chassis and is generally targeted for the specialty market, such as
SUV's, buses, limousines, ambulances, fire trucks, and recreational vehicles.
Other applications for a variety of chassis are under development.

    According to Richard Cook, Director of Sales & Marketing for LST, the
interest generated from the introduction of CLASS is exciting, but expected.
The industry is in dire need of a suspension system which can deliver more
safety and more comfort.  Companies that can expand the chassis design
envelope and supply the industry with state-of-the-art products will always
find industry leaders anxious to listen.  Cook said, "We are committed to
advanced systems development and working with industry leaders to design
future products, which will advance suspensions to the next level of safety
and comfort."