Abstract: An apparatus for damping the movement of the body of an automobile. The apparatus includes a shock absorber having a pressure cylinder which forms a working chamber having first and second portions operable to store damping fluid. The apparatus further includes a piston assembly disposed in the pressure cylinder and having a valve body forming first and second flow passage for providing fluid communication between the first and second portions of the working chamber. The valve body forming first and second annular recesses adjacent the first and second portions, respectively, of the working chamber. The apparatus further including a first unloader disposed within the first annular recess and which is operable for controlling the flow of damping fluid through the first flow passage from the second portion to the first portion of the working chamber during compression.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping the movement of the body of an automobile. The apparatus includes a shock absorber having a pressure cylinder which forms a working chamber and a first and second portion. A first sensor is used to generate an electrical signal in response to the pressure differential between the damping fluid stored in the first and second portions of the working chamber. A second sensor is used for determining the movement of the body on the automobile. An electrical control module is used for generating an electrical control signal in response to the outputs of the first and second sensors. Finally, the solenoid is used for regulating the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber.