Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method and control apparatus for controlling actuator apparatus implemented in active suspension apparatus for vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, said control method and said control apparatus being characterized in that they use the articulated architecture of the train to derive the local curvature of the track in real time, in which control method and control apparatus the control signal transmitted by said control apparatus to the actuator apparatus of the bogie of order n in the articulated train is a function of measurements of at least one deflection angle &agr;i at an articulation center situated between adjacent carriages and of the position offset hj of said articulation center relative to the track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-active damper controlled by a control circuit including a direct control loop made up of an inverse model of the damper. The inverse model of the damper determines an ideal value for an electrical current i.sub.th for controlling a compression controlled-restriction valve and an expansion controlled-restriction valve on the basis of a measured value for a relative speed y between the two ends of the damper and on the basis of a force reference value Fc. The semi-active damper of the invention is applicable as a transverse secondary suspension for a passenger rail vehicle.

Abstract: A semi-active damper is controlled by a control circuit which includes a direct main feedback loop, as well as a secondary force feedback loop. The direct main feedback loop includes an inverse model of the damper to be controlled. In the inverse model, an equivalent speed y.sub.e is determined, for use in controlling the damper, based on the measured relative speed y of the ends of the damper. The equivalent speed y.sub.e is used for the purpose of compensating for the fact that a hydraulic fluid used in the damper is not an absolutely incompressible fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-active damper controlled by a control circuit including a direct control loop made up of an inverse model of the damper. The inverse model of the damper determines an ideal value for an electrical current i.sub.th for controlling a compression controlled-restriction valve and an expansion controlled-restriction valve on the basis of a measured value for a relative speed y between the two ends of the damper and on the basis of a force reference value Fc. The semi-active damper of the invention is applicable as a transverse secondary suspension for a passenger rail vehicle.