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LST Responds to NHTSA's Rollover Resistance Ratings

15 January 2001

LST Responds to NHTSA's Rollover Resistance Ratings

    SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif., Jan. 15 In response to an
announcement by NHTSA which rated vehicles according to their resistance to
rolling over, LiquidSpring Technologies, Inc. (LST), Santa Fe Springs, CA,
says its "smart" suspension system can rapidly lower the center of gravity of
the vehicle.  NHTSA has concluded that the center of gravity is a key factor
in the Rollover Resistance Rating, along with the vehicle's track width.  A
vehicle with a lower center of gravity will be less likely to roll over in the
event of a single vehicle crash, according to NHTSA.
    While NHTSA's Rollover Resistance Ratings are based on static analysis,
LST's CLASS (Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension System) can quickly lower
the center of gravity while the vehicle is in motion.  The speed and the
amount of the lowering are controlled by an onboard computer which can be
programmed for the individual type vehicle according to Richard Meyer,
President of LST.
    LST noted that CLASS is a hydraulic system.  Compared to the typical air
spring systems CLASS is much quicker, more precise, and more controllable, and
these qualities are critically important when lowering the center of gravity
to enhance passenger safety.  The CLASS computer can respond to an event in as
little as 10 milliseconds.
    Not only can CLASS lower the center of gravity, it is able to change
spring stiffness automatically and instantaneously in accordance with road
conditions and driver technique while the vehicle is being driven.  Body roll
can be drastically reduced which, in turn, provides the operator a greater
level of safety through more stable vehicle handling.  Because CLASS can
change stiffness up to several thousand percent, it can provide a level of
comfort and handling not experienced in standard suspension systems today.
    LST pointed out that current suspension systems decrease body roll by way
of heavier springs and more robust stabilizer bars, both of which produce
harshness and high pitch in the vehicle and thereby create an uncomfortable
ride.  Because CLASS can instantaneously change spring stiffness, a heavy
spring or a light spring can be chosen by the onboard computer in response to
road conditions and driver preference.  The uncomfortable ride caused by the
traditional stabilizer bars is eliminated -- CLASS does not need nor use the
bars due to its ability to provide the necessary spring stiffness when needed.
    According to Richard Cook, Director of Sales and Marketing for LST, CLASS
is currently available in the aftermarket for Ford F-250, F-350 and E-450
chassis.
    LST is currently increasing the number of applications and intends on
making CLASS available for OEM production vehicles.
    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."