Abstract: An improved magnetorheological fluid damper is provided which effectively provides a smooth transition, without a sharp break in the damper force/velocity curve, between very low damping forces near zero damper velocity to higher damping forces at higher piston velocities while maintaining desirable maximum force levels. The damper includes a piston assembly, including a magnet assembly and a flow gap extending through the piston assembly to permit fluid flow between the chambers. The force/velocity optimization feature includes a groove or passage open to the flow gap, positioned in series with a part of the flow gap in a magnetic circuit generated by the magnet assembly and dimnensioned/sized to permit fluid flowing through the passage to experience a magnetorheological effect less than a magnetorheological effect experienced by fluid flowing through the flow gap but not through the groove. Preferably, the passage is formed in an inner annular surface of a flux ring positioned around a piston core.

Abstract: A novel and improved magnetorheological fluid damper is provided which effectively secures a flux ring to a piston core in a manner which prevents relative axial and radial movement between the flux ring and the core throughout operation while minimizing the size of the piston assembly yet providing effective damping. Several connector devices are disclosed for both axially and radially securing the flux ring relative to the piston core at one end of the piston assembly in a simple manner without increasing the length of the piston assembly. The connector device may include an outer portion brazed to the flux ring, an inner portion connected to the piston core, bridge portions extending between the outer and inner portions, flow passages formed between the bridge portions and an inlet cavity formed adjacent an annular flow gap to permit unimpeded, enhanced laminar flow through the flow gap by improving the damping effect.

Abstract: A suspension damper includes a tube and a damping piston assembly disposed within the tube and slidably mounted therein for reciprocal movement in the tube. The suspension damper also includes a piston rod extending through the tube and connected to the damping piston assembly, a rod guide assembly closing one end of the tube and a self-aligning rebound cut-off disc carried in the tube between the rod guide assembly and the damping piston assembly and cooperating with the rod guide assembly to provide a rebound cut-off effect and to compensate for misalignment between the piston rod and the damping piston assembly.

Abstract: A dynamically variable roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle including a split U-shaped torsion bar on a body of the motor vehicle, a pair of rigid links between opposite ends the torsion bar and respective ones of a pair of suspension control arms of the motor vehicle, a mechanical coupling between the two separate elements of the torsion bar, and an electromagnetic actuator. The coupling includes a pair of oppositely acting roller clutches between the two separate elements of the split torsion bar. The electromagnetic actuator includes a pair of control rings which engage and disengage the roller clutches, a pair of control levers on the control rings, and an electric solenoid suspended between the control levers. When the solenoid is on, the control levers are thrust together and the control rings disengage the roller clutches. When the solenoid is off, the control levers are thrust apart by a spring and the control rings engage the roller clutches.

Abstract: A damper and electrical connector system wherein the damper includes a ring mounting element having a base portion attached to a housing of the damper and a hole extending through the base portion and communicating with an interior chamber of the housing. A slot is formed through a side of the ring mounting element and communicates with the hole in the base. The electrical connector includes an end inserted through the slot and a power terminal extends through the hole formed in the base and makes electrical connection with an element requiring electrical power that is carried in the housing. Preferably the electrical connector also includes a ground terminal which makes electrical contact with the ring mounting element. A vehicle mounting rod is inserted through the ring mount to hold the connector in place.

Abstract: A roll control system with a latchable stabilizer bar actuator includes an anti-roll bar that is mounted to a vehicle's body and includes a pair of ends with one end rigidly connected to the vehicle's chassis and the second end connected to the vehicle's chassis through a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a single cylindrical tube slidably carrying a piston. The piston separates the tube into first and second chambers. The piston carries a solenoid operated valve that effects latching and de-latching of the actuator for selectively effecting operation of the anti-roll bar.