Abstract: A telescopic hydraulic shock absorber including a base valve assembly having a valve body with three arcuate slots which lie between two concentric valve seats which are overlain by a flat annulus constituting a recuperation valve. This valve is normally held in contact with the valve seats by a recuperation valve spring. A passage of complex shape extends through the center of the valve body and the mouth of the passage at the lower end is surrounded by an annular valve seat. A compression valve pin with a shank cooperates with the valve seat to form a compression valve and the shank is guided in a valve guide located in a counterbore in the aperture. The valve guide comprises a solid ring portion having six integral projections. There is an annular clearance between the valve pin and the part of the passage which is in communication with an annular space between the ring portion and the part of the passage through the passageways between the projections of the valve guide.

Abstract: A telescopic hydraulic shock absorber in which a valve for controlling downward flow through the piston is formed by a spring disc valve sealing against a seat on the underside of the piston, and a valve for controlling upward flow through the piston is formed by a spring disc valve located between the piston and the first-mentioned disc valve. Apertures are formed in the first-mentioned disc valve to permit the upward flow, and the second disc valve seals these apertures when closed. A single set of passages through the piston is provided to accommodate both upward and downward flows.

Abstract: An impact absorber, particularly for automobile fenders, comprising a cylinder, a piston on one end of a piston rod and slidable in the cylinder, an annular partition slidable on the piston rod, and a valve carried by the piston and allowing, on compression of the impact absorber, flow from the chamber beyond the piston to the annular chamber between the piston and the partition. The valve is biased in the closing direction by a spring and has a valve member with opposed differential areas which are exposed to the pressure in the said chamber and are selected to bias the valve in the opening direction.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension strut for use in a self-levelling vehicle suspension system. The strut is similar in construction to a pressurized two-tube shock absorber, having a working cylinder in which a piston having damping valves is slidable, and an annular oil reservoir communicating with one end of and surrounding the working cylinder. The reservoir contains two flexible sacs, one of which contains gas for pressurizing the strut and providing suspension resilience, while the other is provided with an inlet for connection to the vehicle suspension system, so that it can be inflated to cope with increased loads.