Abstract: A suspension system control method comprising the steps of: measuring an ambient temperature outside a vehicle; measuring a relative velocity of a suspension system damper; responsive to the relative velocity and the ambient temperature, estimating a damping fluid temperature of damping fluid within the actuator; comparing the estimated damping fluid temperature to a predetermined threshold; if the damping fluid temperature is not above the predetermined threshold, constraining an actuator command to a cold temperature maximum value, wherein the cold temperature maximum value is less than a corresponding normal non-cold temperature maximum value for the actuator command; and outputting the actuator command to the damper, wherein the occurrence of suspension noise and harshness during cold temperature operation of the vehicle is minimized.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve assembly includes a valve body mounting an electric solenoid assembly. The solenoid assembly controls the fluid pressure in a chamber defined in the valve body. Fluid in the chamber is biased against a deflectable disc which controls fluid flow through the valve assembly. Control of electric current to the solenoid assembly controls fluid pressure in the chamber and, thus, fluid flow through the valve assembly. When utilized with a damper and a controller, the present valve assembly provides continuously variable damping in real time.

Abstract: An electrically controlled shock absorber includes a pumping unit which provides unidirectional fluid flow through an electrically controlled valve apparatus. The electrically controlled valve apparatus is contained in a housing external to the pumping unit in a housing defining an inlet chamber and a control chamber. A horizontally reciprocable inlet valve member controls fluid flow from the pumping unit into the inlet chamber, from which it can flow unimpeded to a reservoir chamber. The inlet valve member has an inlet orifice therethrough to allow fluid flow into the control chamber, create a pressure drop across the inlet valve member effective to cancel a constant closing bias thereon, and damp inlet valve member movement. An electromagnetically controlled pilot valve in an outlet from the control chamber to the reservoir chamber produces a control pressure in the control chamber as a function of an input electric current.

Abstract: An electromagnetically-actuated fuel injector of the type having a spring-biased flat armature and a ball valve element is provided with an improved arrangement for preventing wobble or flutter of the armature, particularly during operation. The substantially-circular armature includes a portion contoured to define a pivot axis for the armature as it engages a stationary part of the injector. This pivot axis is conveniently provided by a chordal edge on the armature. This arrangement aids in reducing wobble by the armature and is further enhanced by concentrating the spring force on the armature remote from the pivot axis. This concentrated spring force is obtained by providing a spring seat on the armature which is inclined such that the spring experiences greater compression where the spring force is required.