Abstract: An energy attenuation method and apparatus for a system conveying liquid under pressure. The apparatus is disposed in a liquid conveying structure of the system and includes first and second outer hose conduits, each of which respectively defines an associated first and second tuning chamber each having an inlet end and an outlet end. A tubular conduit interconnects the two hose conduits such that the chambers communicate with one another via the tubular conduit. A first tuning tube of polymeric material is disposed in the first chamber and has a first end connected to the inlet end of the first chamber for receiving liquid therein and has a second open end that is spaced from the outlet end of the first chamber for emptying liquid into the first chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for eliminating turbulence-induced noise in a pulsation-absorbing flexible hose, as in a hydraulic power steering system containing a pressure fluid-feeding pump and a steering gear operated by the pressure fluid discharged from the pump. The hose has a restrictor positioned in the hose bore, and the restrictor has a flow-through bore of smaller diameter than that of the adjacent wall of the hose bore. The flow-through bore has a venturi tube cross section. The restrictor venturi inlet, throat and outlet are designed so as to efficiently conduct fluid therethrough by matching the characteristics of the fluid, the operational pressures, fluid density and other system parameters such that the venturi operates below the lower critical value of the Reynolds number of fluid flow through the restrictor to thereby minimize or eliminate fluid turbulence in the restrictor outlet and/or immediately downstream thereof.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system includes a steering gear having a cylinder, and a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder to divide the cylinder into first and second cavities on opposed sides of the piston. A pair of turn tubes are coupled to the cylinder for connecting the cylinder cavities to a source of hydraulic fluid. An open fluid leakage path extends between the cylinder cavities or between the turn tubes. This open leakage path is sized to damp fluid pressure fluctuations and thereby reduce fluid-induced shudder in the steering system. The open fluid leakage path may comprise a valve or a passage extending between the turn tubes, a passage in the piston or in the seal between the piston and the gear housing cylinder, or a passage in a banjo block connected across the turn tube inputs to the gear housing.