Condition Actuates Valve Or Regulator Patents (Class 188/266.2)
  • Patent number: 11904978
    Abstract: A system provides suspension for a mountain bike. The system includes at least a shock and a data collection system. A set of wave characteristics are determined based on data collected by the data collection system. A first change in the wave characteristics is detected, the first change being greater than a threshold indicating an obstacle. Responsive to determining the first change is greater than the threshold, the system enables the shock to compress. A second change in the wave characteristics is detected, the second change being less than the threshold indicating an obstacle. Responsive to determining the second change is less than the threshold, the system causes destructive interference in the shock to inhibit compression of the shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: MANOJ APTE
    Inventor: Rajas Apte
  • Patent number: 11745558
    Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a plurality of sensors, an energy storage facility, and a controller. The method includes disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jonathan R. Leehey, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Johannes Schneider, Vladimir Gorelik, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Patrick W. Neil, Tyson David Sawyer, Ross J. Wendell
  • Patent number: 11731728
    Abstract: A compression damper of a shock absorber includes: a single adjustable fluid circuit configured for controlling a damping rate associated with multiple compression speeds of the shock absorber, wherein the single adjustable fluid circuit includes a fluid passageway through a base valve; and a positionally adjustable floating shim stack positioned at one end of the fluid passageway, the positionally adjustable floating shim stack configured for selectively blocking a flow of fluid through the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Gilbert, Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 11701716
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding and releasing a pin in a controlled manner comprises a base, a pin holding element supported at the base, a plurality of rod-shaped release elements made of a shape memory alloy and supported at the base, a holding force application device supported at the base for applying an elastic holding force, and a force transfer element. The force transfer element is subjected to the elastic holding force and, against the elastic holding force, supported at the base via a parallel arrangement of the pin holding element and the release elements. The release elements are arranged with radial play in blind holes in the base, which are arranged around the pin holding element. The pin holding element is deactivatable by heating up the release elements beyond a transition temperature of their shape memory alloy and by a resulting recovery of the release elements to straight memory shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT-UND RAUMFAHRT E.V.
    Inventor: Siebo Reershemius
  • Patent number: 11648995
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Robert R. Ambrogi
  • Patent number: 11629771
    Abstract: A damper valve with an adjustable effective stiffness of a shim. The damper valve includes a piston. The piston has a fluid path formed therethrough. A shim is disposed proximate the fluid path formed through the piston. A stiffness adjustment feature is coupled to the shim, and the shim is disposed between the piston and the stiffness adjustment feature. The stiffness adjustment feature is configured to adjust the effective stiffness of the shim without affecting a preload applied to the shim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Gilbert, William O. Brown, IV
  • Patent number: 11618296
    Abstract: Provided is an on-demand shock stiffening system. The on-demand shock stiffening system operates to immediately stiffen the shocks in response to a user activating the system. The system may include a main body with an oil flow aperture and a flow control system that operates to restrict the flow of oil between the reservoir and the shock. The on-demand shock stiffening system may be coupled between the reservoir and the bridge of the shock and operates to restrict flow of the oil in order to stiffen the shock immediately in an on-demand manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Shock Therapy Suspension, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Smith
  • Patent number: 11390332
    Abstract: A suspension system for a cab of an agricultural vehicle having a frame. The suspension system includes a pair of first mounts configured for connecting the cab to the frame at a first region, a pair of second mounts configured for connecting the cab to the frame at a second region, and a pair of actuators configured for connecting the cab to the frame at a third region. The actuators are configured for variably damping a movement of the cab. The suspension system also includes a first suspension linkage laterally connected in between the second mounts. The suspension system also includes a second suspension linkage configured for connecting the cab to the frame at a fourth region. The second suspension linkage is configured for limiting a rotation of the cab about the longitudinal axis of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Charles, Shane M. Scott, Lucas Koch, Rajeshwar Adupala
  • Patent number: 11072220
    Abstract: A suspension including a spring interposed between the body (B) of the vehicle and the wheel (W); a regenerative hydraulic shock-absorbing unit comprising a hydraulic shock-absorber arranged parallel to the spring, a motor and pump unit with a volumetric hydraulic machine and an electric machine coupled to the hydraulic machine), and an electronic control unit arranged to control the torque of the electric machine. A hydraulic actuator is arranged in series with the spring. A reservoir and a hydraulic circuit are connected to each other, the hydraulic shock-absorber, the hydraulic machine the hydraulic actuator and the reservoir. The hydraulic circuit includes a valve assembly for controlling the flow of a working fluid between the hydraulic shock-absorber, the hydraulic machine, the hydraulic actuator and the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignees: SISTEMI SOSPENSIONI S.p.A., MAGNETI MARELLI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Piero Antonio Conti, Giordano Greco, Andrea Nepote, Nicola Amati, Renato Galluzzi, Andrea Tonoli
  • Patent number: 11041537
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper for providing a variable damping rate. The vehicle suspension damper comprises a first damping mechanism having a variable first threshold pressure, a second damping mechanism having a second threshold pressure, and a compressible chamber in communication with a damping fluid chamber, wherein the second damping mechanism is responsive to a compression of said compressible chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Benjamin Yablon, Dennis K. Wootten, Robert C. Fox, David M. Haugen, Sante Pelot
  • Patent number: 11021030
    Abstract: An air suspension arrangement arranged to be connected between a vehicle axle and a vehicle chassis of a vehicle includes a flexible bellows having an upper portion connectable to the vehicle chassis of the vehicle, and a bumper stop, wherein the air suspension arrangement further includes a polymer member arranged between the bumper stop and the flexible bellows for connecting the bumper stop to the flexible bellows. A method for manufacturing the air suspension arrangement and a vehicle including such an air suspension arrangement are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Per Johansson, Thomas Andersson
  • Patent number: 10967697
    Abstract: An air suspension system capable of raising both the vehicle front wheel side and the vehicle rear wheel side by using a single tank. The air suspension system (1) includes a front wheel-side air suspension (2) and a rear wheel-side air suspension (7) which are interposed between a vehicle body and associated axles to perform vehicle height adjustment in response to supply and discharge of air, a compressor (17) for compressing air, and a tank (27) for storing air compressed by the compressor. When the vehicle height is to be raised by the air suspensions, the front wheel-side air suspension is supplied with compressed air from the tank, and the rear wheel-side air suspension is supplied with compressed air from the tank after the compressed air has been pressurized by the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Yoshida, Kan Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10837513
    Abstract: A telescopic arrangement (10) having a hollow cylinder (12) and a part (14) which is telescopically engaged with the cylinder. The arrangement is provided with at least one coil (22) constituting a first form of pulse-induction device, and at least one target (28) constituting a second form of pulse-induction device, to monitor the position of the said part (14) relative to the cylinder (12). A plurality of devices (22) each of one of the said first and second forms of device are positioned on the outside of the cylinder (12), at different respective positions therealong. At least one (28) of the other of the said first and second forms of device is fixed relative to the said part (14) of the arrangement (10) in a position such that it is moved over the said plurality of devices (22) in succession as the said part (14) is telescopically moved relative to the cylinder (12) of the arrangement (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: GILL CORPORATE LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael John Gill
  • Patent number: 10632624
    Abstract: An example robotic tool holder includes an actuator that is disposed within a housing and configured to hold a tool. The housing and the actuator are in contact via dowels to limit movement of the actuator toward a distal end of the housing. Ones of the dowels that are in contact are in line contact and the ones of the dowels that are in contact are in a triangular geometry. The pressure plate is in line contact with the actuator within the housing around a circumference of the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the pressure plate to bias the actuator toward a proximal end of the housing via the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the mounting plate opposite the pressure plate. The sensor switch detects a shock force on the actuator and outputs a signal in response to the shock force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nauman Basit
  • Patent number: 10588233
    Abstract: An electrically adjustable hydraulic shock absorber includes a piston positioned within a tube that divides a fluid chamber into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. A piston rod is attached to the piston and projects. An electronically-controlled valve is positioned within a rod guide. A circuit board is in communication with the electronically-controlled valve. A carrier includes an inner wall and an outer wall interconnected by a bottom wall thereby defining a pocket. A circuit board is positioned within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Scott S. Dunaway, Matthew L. Roessle, Robert C. Harris, Michael J. Lepkowski, Corey L. Stewart, Michael S. Weaver, Gary Butzke
  • Patent number: 10501071
    Abstract: In a control device of a hybrid vehicle including an engine and an electric motor serving as drive power sources and a damper device disposed between the engine and the electric motor and having rotational characteristics related to an input torque, the control device comprises: a damper rotational characteristic detecting portion configured to measure a rotational characteristic value of the damper device by allowing the electric motor to input a torque to the damper device while rotation of a crankshaft of the engine is stopped; and an output torque correction control portion configured to control an output torque of the engine or the electric motor to suppress occurrence of vibration based on a difference between the rotational characteristic value of the damper device detected by the damper rotational characteristic detecting portion and a preset initial setting value of the rotational characteristic value of the damper device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Takasu, Kenji Gotoda, Hiroki Kuwamoto, Taku Harada, Akira Nakata, Tomoya Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 10457106
    Abstract: A level adjustment device for a vehicle, comprising a damping device having a piston-cylinder unit and a screw drive, and an adapter sleeve that axially supports a spindle of the screw drive and includes a flange directed radially inwards, wherein the adapter sleeve is configured to utilize the screw drive and is decoupled in relation to a cylinder of the piston-cylinder unit via one or more elastic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Benjamin Wuebbolt-Gorbatenko, Daniel Faber
  • Patent number: 10443673
    Abstract: A damping valve arrangement for a vibration damper is disclosed. This damping valve arrangement includes a damping piston with a check valve and a control arrangement with a control pot and a control piston that is axially movable therein. The control pot is shaped from a sheet metal has at least one stop that projects into the control space, axially supports the control piston at least indirectly, and defines a soft damping force characteristic. The stop is produced by a plastic deformation of the control pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Andreas Förster
  • Patent number: 10363987
    Abstract: A compression damper of a shock absorber includes: a single adjustable fluid circuit configured for controlling a damping rate associated with multiple compression speeds of the shock absorber, wherein the single adjustable fluid circuit includes a fluid passageway through a base valve; and a positionally adjustable floating shim stack positioned at one end of the fluid passageway, the positionally adjustable floating shim stack configured for selectively blocking a flow of fluid through the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Gilbert, Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 10315479
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a dynamically adjustable suspension device including one or more springs having similar or different spring rates, where said one or more springs are arranged in a pre-defined configuration, and a dynamically adjustable damper. The dynamically adjustable damper, includes a rotatable knob coupled to the dynamically adjustable damper to change the damping coefficient dynamically in real-time, means to rotate the knob so as to adjust damping coefficient in real-time while the dynamically adjustable suspension device being used, means to identify compression of the one or more springs by sensing one or more positions of the springs, between a fully elongated state and a fully compressed state in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: KPIT TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ravi Ranjan, Pranjali Modak
  • Patent number: 10138977
    Abstract: A controller of a shock absorber has a differential path configured to perform derivative compensation on the basis of a difference between a target pressure and a detected pressure or on the basis of the detected pressure, multiply the compensated value by a negative gain, and output a resulting value of the multiplication, and obtains an electric current instruction applied to a pressure control solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Norihiko Kurita
  • Patent number: 10132438
    Abstract: Shock absorber used for damping a control flow which is to be directed to the control valve belonging to a hydraulic system or is to be directed to the adjustable valve of the flow through which absorber the flow of the hydraulic fluid can be directed at least in one direction. The absorber is a stopper which restricts the run of the flow to be damped which stopper is equipped with one or several ducts which let the flow go through the mentioned stopper when the other orifice of the mentioned duct is blocked with a plate in such a way that bending of the mentioned plate opens access for the flow through the mentioned stopper due to the pressure of the flow coming along the mentioned duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DYNASET OY
    Inventor: Reijo Karppinen
  • Patent number: 10076943
    Abstract: A suspension device includes: a damper that has an extension-side chamber and a contraction-side chamber; an extension-side passage connected to the extension-side chamber; a contraction-side passage connected to the contraction-side chamber; a switching device that connects one of the extension-side passage and the contraction-side passage to the supply passage and connecting the other of the extension-side passage and the contraction-side passage to the discharge passage selectively; an extension-side damping element provided in the extension-side passage; a contraction-side damping element provided in the contraction-side passage; a control valve capable of adjusting a pressure in the supply passage; an intake check valve provided midway in the intake passage; and a supply-side check valve provided in the supply passage between the control valve and the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Masamura
  • Patent number: 10035398
    Abstract: A damper control device feeds back a pressure within an extension-side chamber to control an extension-side solenoid valve that adjusts the pressure within the extension-side chamber, and feeds back a pressure within a compression-side chamber to control a compression-side solenoid valve that adjusts the pressure within the compression-side chamber. The damper control device performs a compression-side reduction correction which reduces a compression-side current supplied to the compression-side solenoid valve during extension of a damper, and performs an extension-side reduction correction which reduces an extension-side current supplied to the extension-side solenoid valve during contraction of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Norihiko Kurita
  • Patent number: 10017166
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electronic parking brake system and a method of controlling the same. The electronic parking brake system includes a wheel speed sensor which senses a movement of a vehicle; a vertical acceleration sensor which measures a vertical acceleration value; an electronic control unit (ECU) which determines whether the vehicle is rolling based on the movement of the vehicle and the vertical acceleration value; and a parking brake which brakes the vehicle based on the determination of whether the vehicle is rolling by the ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ho-Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 9809076
    Abstract: A suspension control apparatus includes a damping force adjustable shock absorber disposed between a vehicle body and a wheel of a vehicle and capable of adjusting a damping force to be generated, a vertical movement detection device configured to detect a state regarding a vertical movement of a vehicle, and a controller including: a target damping force calculation section configured to calculate a target damping force based on a detection result of the vertical movement detection device, a correction section configured to calculate a corrected damping force, which is acquired by reducing the target damping force when a relative speed is a low speed between a sprung side and an unsprung side of the damping force adjustable shock absorber, and a control signal output section configured to output the control signal corresponding to the corrected damping force to the damping force adjustable shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Ryusuke Hirao
  • Patent number: 9800141
    Abstract: Systems and methods implementing dithered hysteretic current control are discussed. One system can include a switched-mode power supply, a control component, and a dither component. The control component can detect a crossing of a first threshold associated with a first mode of the switched-mode power supply, and generate first and second control signals, wherein the first control signal is based on the crossing of the first threshold. The dither component can receive the first control signal, delay the first control signal for a first random time period, and output the first control signal to the switched-mode power supply. The switched-mode power supply can receive the first control signal and the second control signal, switch from the first mode to a second mode based on the first control signal, and switch from the second mode to the first mode based on the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Intel IP Corporation
    Inventors: Stephan Henzler, Christian Kranz, Markus Hammes
  • Patent number: 9791017
    Abstract: A device for connecting the elastic elements and dissipaters of variable type of a mechanical suspension interposed between two vibrating or tilting mechanical systems, the source body and the receiving body, respectively, in order to reduce the forces acting on the receiving body, and/or the displacement thereof, and/or the speed thereof, or combinations of the previous physical magnitudes and/or of any other ones, which are produced on the receiving body due to the motion or forces to which the source is subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Universita' Degli Studi Di Roma “La Sapienza”
    Inventors: Antonio Carcaterra, Gianluca Pepe
  • Patent number: 9777792
    Abstract: A damper assembly includes a housing and rod supported by the housing. A piston assembly is attached to the rod, and is positioned to separate an interior chamber of the housing into a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The piston assembly includes an annular plate that defines at least one orifice. The orifice interconnects the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber in fluid communication. The damper assembly includes a piezoelectric device that is moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in response to a control signal. When disposed in the disengaged position, the piezoelectric device does not affect fluid flow through the at least one orifice. When disposed in the engaged position, the piezoelectric device does affect fluid flow through the at least one orifice, to adjust a damping rate of the piston assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. McGuire, Gary Klein, Charles C. Weddle, Robert P. Marble
  • Patent number: 9745055
    Abstract: A method of isolating vibrations between vibrating bodies includes determining a pressure differential between a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber of a liquid inertia vibration eliminator (LIVE) unit, and selectively injecting fluid into or withdrawing fluid from the LIVE unit based on the pressure differential. A system for isolating vibrations between bodies includes a vibration isolator including fluid, a fluid regulator valve in fluid communication with the vibration isolator to selectively flow fluid through the vibration isolator, a pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the fluid regulator to supply fluid to the fluid regulator, a controller in signal communication with the fluid regulator to control fluid flow between the fluid regulation valve and the vibration isolator, and at least one sensor in signal communication with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: David E. Heverly, II, Taeoh Lee, Michael R. Smith, James E. Wright
  • Patent number: 9676441
    Abstract: An automatic control shock absorber system for a bicycle is provided. The system includes one or more sensors. A controller outputs a control signal to a damping adjuster according to the one or more sensors, such that the damping adjuster controls level of damping force based on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Chen, Min-Chang Chen, Chung-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 9657749
    Abstract: A hydraulic suspension system includes a suspension cylinder, a pump, and a control valve therebetween. The control valve includes a spool reciprocally movable between a pump flow position and a tank flow position in which a control port of the control valve is in communication with a pump and a tank, respectively. A piloted logic element in fluid communication with and interposed between the control valve and the suspension cylinder is selectively movable between a through-flow position in which fluid can flow in either direction between a chamber of the suspension cylinder and the control port of the control valve and a blocked position in which fluid is prevented from flowing in or out of the chamber of the suspension cylinder. The logic element is biased to the blocking position, moving to the through-flow position when subjected to a crack pressure delivered from the control port of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HydraForce, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Bissbort, Joel Mekkes, Damiano Roberti, Tomasz Slawinski
  • Patent number: 9657806
    Abstract: An electromagnetic damper includes a torque detection unit that detects a torsional torque of an output shaft of an electric motor or a torsional torque of a transmission shaft, which transmits an external vibration to the electric motor, and a control device that controls the electric motor. The control device controls the electric motor so as to cancel the torsional torque detected by the torque detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takafumi Kato
  • Patent number: 9599131
    Abstract: A vibration damping system by means of a hydraulic actuation system, in particular for rolling mills, comprising at least one hydraulic actuator (1) having a movable part (11) and a corresponding hydraulic feeding circuit (2), and hydraulic damping means (3) for a vibrating force acting on the movable part (11) of the hydraulic actuator (1); the damping means (3) being connected to the hydraulic circuit (2) to actuate a damping of the vibrating force, wherein that the damping means (3) comprise a double chamber cylinder (31) having a first chamber (34) hydraulically connected to the hydraulic circuit (2), and a movable part (35) connected to an electric damping part (32), with the first chamber (34) hydraulically connected to and communicating with the second chamber (33) of the double chamber cylinder (31) by means of a calibrated pipe (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea De Luca, Carlo Vergano, Stefano Del Tedesco, Andrea Tonoli, Carmine Pristera', Nicola Amati
  • Patent number: 9594164
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for rotational alignment and attachment of ultrasonic transducers to a barrier with one submerged surface uses a temporary transducer assembly to position mounting rings on opposite surfaces of the barrier. Plural permanent transducers are then mounted to each mounting ring and are aligned with each other across the barrier by virtue of the alignment of their mounting rings. The submerged mounting ring is used like a cylinder in combination with a mounting plate for the transducers on the submerged side of the barrier or each submerged side transducer has a suction cup fitting for use to exclude water from between each transducer and the submerged barrier surface to facilitate bonding of the submerged side transducers to the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilt, Henry A. Scarton, Tristan J. Lawry, Gary J. Saulnier, Jonathan D. Ashdown
  • Patent number: 9580134
    Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael McAndrews
  • Patent number: 9452658
    Abstract: A convertible link for use with an anti-sway bar is provided. The convertible link includes a hydraulic cylinder having a link tube and a fluid shaft. The fluid shaft includes a piston coupled to a first end of the fluid shaft, wherein the fluid shaft and the piston are slidably coupled within the link tube. Fluid flows in and out of the hydraulic cylinder to move the hydraulic cylinder between a fixed and a moveable condition. In the fixed position the fluid shaft does not move with respect to the link tube and the anti-sway bar is operational to control roll. In the moveable condition the fluid shaft is moveable with respect to the link tube and the anti-sway bar is not operational to control roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Justin Smith
  • Patent number: 9316520
    Abstract: A method of monitoring hydraulic fluid levels in an aircraft includes identifying segments of operation where the aircraft meets a predetermined stability criteria, receiving output from the fluid sensor, calculating hydraulic fluid levels within the at least one hydraulic storage tank, determining a hydraulic fluid value indicative of the amount of hydraulic fluid in the aircraft based on at least the calculated hydraulic fluid level, and providing an indication of the hydraulic fluid value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert William Horabin, Julia Ann Howard, Daniel James Heath
  • Patent number: 9279470
    Abstract: A front fork includes an inner cylinder disposed inside an inner tube, a piston rod moving with an outer tube, a piston attached to a lower end portion of the piston rod and sectioning an oil chamber in the inner cylinder into a lower oil chamber and an upper oil chamber and a damping force generating portion at an outside of the inner tube having a first damping force generating portion generating resistance in working oil flowing in one direction in an external flow path, a second damping force generating portion disposed in series with the first damping force generating portion in the external flow path to generate resistance in working oil flowing in the other direction, and a pressurization portion having an oil reservoir chamber communicated to an intermediate oil chamber and pressurizing working oil in the intermediate oil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9278599
    Abstract: A suspension control apparatus includes a damping force adjustable shock absorber disposed between a vehicle body and a wheel of a vehicle and capable of adjusting a damping force to be generated, a vertical movement detection device configured to detect a state regarding a vertical movement of a vehicle, and a controller including: a target damping force calculation section configured to calculate a target damping force based on a detection result of the vertical movement detection device, a correction section configured to calculate a corrected damping force, which is acquired by reducing the target damping force when a relative speed is a low speed between a sprung side and an unsprung side of the damping force adjustable shock absorber, and a control signal output section configured to output the control signal corresponding to the corrected damping force to the damping force adjustable shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMATIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Ryusuke Hirao
  • Patent number: 9234560
    Abstract: A damping valve includes an annular valve seat, a valve body, an actuator for driving the valve body and a valve case including a valve hole into which the valve body is slidably inserted. The valve body includes a valve main body and a shaft for transmitting a thrust force of the actuator to the valve main body. The valve main body includes a flange partitioning the interior of the valve hole into a valve seat side chamber and an opposite valve seat side chamber, a shaft portion extending from the flange and a valve head to be seated on and lifted from the valve seat. The valve seat side chamber and the opposite valve seat side chamber communicate via a communication passage and the valve seat side chamber and the flow path communicate via a throttle passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takahisa Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 9205718
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles. The vehicle is supported by a hollow cylinder and a piston having an undersized piston skirt is mounted on the suspension system's coil spring, and sealingly slidable within the cylinder bore. When a fluid is introduced into the expandable pressure space between the piston and the cylinder top, the piston and cylinder are forced apart, raising the vehicle. The undersized piston skirt can extend beyond the end of the cylinder, allowing the piston a greater travel length within the cylinder bore. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which can be the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated using a control unit to automatically adjust ground clearance to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: STEALTH INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Steven David Lee
  • Patent number: 9174508
    Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a plurality of sensors, an energy storage facility, and a controller. The method includes disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Levant Power Corporation
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jonathan R. Leehey, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Johannes Schneider, Vladimir Gorelik, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Patrick W. Neil, Tyson David Sawyer, Ross J. Wendell
  • Patent number: 9163691
    Abstract: A shock absorber has a housing with a piston rod assembly disposed therein. A first rod guide member is secured within a first portion of the housing so as to be concentrically disposed about at least a portion of the piston rod assembly. A second rod guide member is secured within the housing adjacent the first rod guide member so as to be concentrically disposed about at least another portion of the piston rod assembly. An electronically controlled valve assembly is disposed within the second rod guide member and is in communication with the first rod guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Roessle, Karl C. Kazmirski, Thomas P. Mallin, John McGahey, Timothy Bombrys, David R. Blankenship, Jeroen K. Paenhuysen
  • Patent number: 8997950
    Abstract: A vibration control device for railroad vehicle includes an actuator with a cylinder coupled to a truck of a railroad vehicle, a piston, a rod coupled to the piston and a vehicle body, a rod-side chamber and a piston-side chamber in the cylinder, a tank, a first on-off valve disposed at an intermediate position of a first passage communicating between the rod-side chamber and the piston-side chamber, a second on-off valve disposed at an intermediate position of a second passage communicating between the piston-side chamber and the tank, and a pump for supplying fluid to the rod-side chamber. A warm-up operation of the actuator is performed by opening the first and second on-off valves and driving the pump after the vibration control device is started and before a transition is made to a normal control mode for suppressing the vibration of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Ogawa, Jun Aoki, Masaru Uchida, Chie Yabuki
  • Patent number: 8967343
    Abstract: A shock absorber for a bicycle has a damper device with first and second damper chambers. The damper chambers are connected by way of a controllable throttle valve. A changeable electronic unit has a control device for controlling the electrically controllable throttle valve. The control device thereby influences the damper characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: DT Swiss Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Battlogg, Martin Walthert, Gernot Elsensohn, Jürgen PöSel
  • Publication number: 20140367211
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method for automatically adjusting the resonance frequency of an energy absorbing device in response to a disruptive force. By configuring an energy absorbing device for automatic response tuning, utilizing a controller coupled to one or more sensors for processing a determination primarily based on sensing data, the natural period of an overall structure may be adjusted (i.e. increased or decreased) so that the acceleration response of the structure is decreased upon being subjected to a disruptive force, for example, high winds, a blast from an explosion, or a seismic force caused by an earthquake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Martin A. Muska
  • Patent number: 8894083
    Abstract: A bicycle air shock absorber assembly that includes a hollow piston rod that is telescopically associated with a hollow compression rod. The piston rod and compression rod are positioned within the casing of the shock assembly. A piston is supported by the piston rod and divides the volume of the compression rod to form a negative air spring chamber and a positive air spring chamber that includes the volume of the piston rod. An optional coil spring is positioned within the casing and contributes in parallel with the positive air spring chamber to resist compression of the shock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Jose L. Gonzales, Gregory Paul Buhl, James Colegrove
  • Patent number: 8857580
    Abstract: A damper assembly with a bypass for a vehicle comprises a pressure cylinder with a piston and piston rod for limiting the flow rate of damping fluid as it passes from a first to a second side of said piston. A bypass provides fluid pathway between the first and second sides of the piston separately from the flow rate limitation. In one aspect, the bypass is remotely controllable from a passenger compartment of the vehicle. In another aspect, the bypass is remotely controllable based upon one or more variable parameters associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: John Marking
  • Publication number: 20140263825
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed includes an active vibration isolation system that includes a vibration isolator, a dual fluid pump in fluid communication with the vibration isolator and a hydraulic system, wherein the dual fluid pump is configured to segregate a tuning fluid from a hydraulic fluid and an electric-hydraulic servo valve in fluid communication with the dual fluid pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.