Abstract: An air bleed system for a suspension fork or shock absorber includes: a fluid passage between an interior of the suspension and an exterior of the suspension; and a manually operable valve having a first position substantially closing the fluid passage and a second position allowing fluid flow between the interior and the exterior.

Abstract: An automatic stability control system is provided which determines the lateral acceleration and lateral velocity of a towed trailer and forward velocity of the tow vehicle. When the lateral acceleration and/or velocity of the towed trailer exceeds predetermined values established for the current forward velocity of the tow vehicle, the stability system meters a gas, such as compressed air, from a gas reservoir into at least one cylinder of a pair of buffer arms each comprising a piston that is pivotably attached to the towed trailer and a cylinder which is pivotably attached to the tow vehicle. Gas is metered into one or both buffer arm cylinders until the lateral acceleration and lateral velocity of the towed vehicle meets or is below predetermined values established for the forward velocity of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a hydraulic strut and control system suitable for energy attenuation applications such as vehicle seating system. In one exemplary embodiment the hydraulic strut includes a main cylinder having a first closed end, a second end with an opening. A main piston slidably disposed in the main cylinder divides it into a first fluid chamber between the main piston and the first end of the main cylinder, and a second fluid chamber between the main piston and the second end of the main cylinder. At least one fixed orifice through the piston provides fluid communication between the first and second fluid chambers. An integral flow control valve is adapted to vary the flow area of the at least one orifice through the piston. The flow control valve is operatively connected to a high speed actuator responsive to an electrical control signal.

Abstract: An adjustable damping valve arrangement for a vibration damper comprises an actuator which exerts an actuating force on an auxiliary valve body of an auxiliary valve. The auxiliary valve influences a closing force on a main stage valve. A pressure depending on the pressure level in a working space of the vibration damper acts on at least one pressure-impinged closing surface of the main stage valve via a flow connection. The flow connection is carried out so as to be functionally parallel to an incident flow of the main stage valve, and a flow-in opening of the flow connection is oriented at an angle of at least 60° to the flow direction into the main stage valve so that only a static pressure acts on the closing surface of the main stage valve.

Abstract: A vehicle damper comprises a damping medium-filled damper body in which an element divides the damper body into two chambers. A microprocessor control unit is coupled to one or more valve and connecting arrangements that comprise at least one valve and a number of flow ducts. Respective valves and flow ducts of the valve and connecting arrangement are coupled both to respective damper chambers and a pressurizing element common to both of the chambers so that even in the chamber in which a low pressure prevails there is a positive pressure acting at all times. The valve and connecting arrangements comprise a continuously electrically controlled main valve, a non-return valve and one or more bleed valves.

Abstract: A system for reducing the transmission of vibration from a first vibrating body to a second body, the system having a first part connected to the first vibrating body, a second part connected to the second body and an electro-hydrostatic actuator connected to the first and second parts, the electro-hydrostatic actuator being operable to continuously oscillate the first and second parts 10 relative to each other at a frequency substantially corresponding to the frequency of vibration of the first vibrating body.

Abstract: A damping valve comprises a through-hole forming a passage for a working fluid. A poppet having a center axis is seated on a valve seat around the through-hole. The poppet is housed in a housing so as to be free to slide along the center axis. The poppet is pressed against one wall surface of the housing by a biasing mechanism, that biases the poppet in a direction perpendicular to the center axis, vibration of the poppet is thereby suppressed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a controlled valve. The valve includes a valve body, a sleeve, a spool, and a valve actuator assembly. The valve body includes a cavity and a first chamber. The sleeve is between the cavity and the first chamber. The sleeve includes an inner bore and at least one opening. The inner bore extends from a first end to a second end of the sleeve. The at least one opening extends through the second end of the sleeve. A portion of the inner bore forms a second chamber. The spool is movably disposed within the inner bore. The valve actuator assembly is connected to the spool. The first chamber is in fluid communication with the second chamber through the at least one opening. The spool is configured to be movable over at least a portion of the at least one opening to regulate fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A suspension device (S) comprises: an actuator (A) including a motion conversion mechanism (T) for converting rotational motion of a screw nut (1) to linear motion of a threaded shaft (2), and a motor (M) connected to the screw nut (1); and a fluid pressure damper (D) connected to the threaded shaft (2), wherein the threaded shaft (2) is formed in a cylindrical shape, a connecting shaft (30) for connecting a rod (31) or a cylinder (32) of the fluid pressure damper (D) to the threaded shaft (2) is inserted into the threaded shaft (2), and the connecting shaft (30) is connected to an end, opposite to the fluid pressure damper, of the threaded shaft (2). Accordingly, the connection between the actuator and the hydraulic damper is facilitated.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a cylindrically shaped housing including a piston dividing the housing into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. The piston presents a plurality of apertures for allowing oil to flow between the compression and rebound chambers. A rebound resilient disc is disposed in the compression chamber for obstructing the flow of oil from the rebound chamber to the compression chamber. A two-spring adjustable valving system is disposed in the compression chamber for extorting a biasing force against the rebound resilient disc. A sleeve extends between the first and second springs to interconnect the first and second springs. An actuator is connected to the second spring through a spindle for selectively compressing or expanding the second spring to adjust the biasing force on the rebound resilient disc.

Abstract: A bushing having a variable and controllable hardness, and a method of restricting movement comprising using such bushing.

Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly that provides a high damping load during a compression stroke and an extension valve assembly that provides a high damping load during an extension stroke. One or more digital valve assemblies is positioned to work in parallel with the compression valve assembly and the extension valve assembly to provide a lower damping load. The lowering of the damping load is based upon the cross sectional area of flow passages provided by the one or more digital valve assemblies.

Abstract: A suspension device (S) comprises: an actuator (A) including a motion conversion mechanism (T) for converting a linear motion to a rotational motion and a motor (M) connected to a rotary member (1) which performs the rotational motion in the motion conversion mechanism (T); a fluid pressure damper (D) connected to a linear motion member (2) which performs the linear motion in the motion conversion mechanism (T); an outer cylinder (27) connected to the actuator (A); and a bearing (34) attached to a rod (31) or a cylinder (32) connected to the linear motion member (2) of the fluid pressure damper (D) and slidably contacting with the inner circumference of the outer cylinder (27). This suspension device can improve reliability and vehicle ride quality.

Abstract: An adjustable damping valve device, for a vibration damper, includes a first valve and emergency operation valve, both of which are actuated by a shared solenoid. The emergency operation valve carries out a relative movement relative to the first valve when passing from the emergency operation position into normal operation. A magnetic flux guiding element is arranged in the magnetic flux between the first valve and the emergency operation valve and determines the magnetic flux for the emergency operation valve and for the first valve.

Abstract: A piston with a piston rod coupled thereto is inserted in a cylinder, which sealingly contains oil. An oil flow generated by movement of the piston is controlled by a damping force generation mechanism, thereby generating a damping force. A separator tube is disposed around the cylinder, and the oil is transmitted to the damping force generation mechanism through a branch tube integrally formed on a cylindrical sidewall of the separator tube. The branch tube is tapered at the outer circumferential portion thereof with the outer diameter thereof reducing toward the distal end of the branch tube.

Abstract: A suspension device (S) of the present invention comprises: an actuator (A) including a motion conversion mechanism (T) for converting a linear motion to a rotational motion, and a motor (M) connected to a rotational member (1) which performs the rotational motion in the motion conversion mechanism (T); a fluid pressure damper (D) connected to a linear motion member (2) which performs the linear motion in the motion conversion mechanism (T); a mount (22) connected to a sprung member of a vehicle; and suspension springs (38) and (38) interposed between the mount (22) and an unsprung member, the actuator (A) being elastically supported by the mount (22) through a rubber vibration isolator (21).

Abstract: The flow of hydraulic fluid induced by sliding movement of a piston in a cylinder is controlled by a pilot-type main valve and a pilot valve, which is a pressure control valve, thereby generating damping force. By thrust from a solenoid actuator, the valve-opening pressure of the pilot valve is controlled, and the pressure in a pilot chamber is also controlled to control the valve-opening pressure of the main valve. When there is a failure, a valve body of the pilot valve is retracted to abut against a fail-safe disk by spring force of a valve spring. Thus, damping force is generated by the fail-safe disk at the downstream side of the pilot valve, and the valve-opening pressure of the main valve is also controlled by the fail-safe disk to obtain an appropriate damping force.

Abstract: The control valve is applied to a shock absorber, which comprises: a pressure tube (10); a piston (14) dividing the pressure tube (10) in compression and traction chambers (CC, CT) communicating with each other through the piston (14); a hydraulic fluid reservoir (20) provided with a selective bidirectional fluid communication with the compressor chamber (CC). The control valve (VC) communicates the traction chamber (CT) with the reservoir (20) and comprises a tubular body (40) provided with at least one radial passage (41) opened to the interior of the tubular body (40) and to the reservoir (20); a shutter pin (60) to be axially displaced within the tubular body (40), between a closing position and different open positions of the control valve (VC) for communicating the traction chamber (CT) with the reservoir (20); and an actuator means (A) for axially displace the shutter pin within the tubular body (40).

Abstract: Oil grooves of a shutter and oil holes of a stepped rod constitute first orifices as variable orifices whose opening areas are variable according to the rotational position of the shutter. The oil grooves of the shutter and oil holes of the stepped rod constitute third orifices as variable orifices. Cut portions of inner disk valves constitute second orifices. The opening areas of the variable orifices are changed by rotating the shutter, thereby controlling damping force characteristics in a low piston speed region and the relief pressures of pressure control valves independently of each other, and thus increasing the degree of freedom for adjusting the damping force characteristics.

Abstract: An adjustable damping valve including an actuator, which exerts an actuating force on a valve body against the force of a spring to influence the throttle cross section which determines the damping force, where an emergency valve is connected in parallel with the throttle cross section with respect to the flow direction of the damping medium, where the two control surfaces of the valve body move in the axial direction and can thus can come to rest alternately on the two valve seating surfaces, and where the valve body is divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction, and each valve body assembly has its own control surface.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes damper body, a piston assembly and a pulser. The damper body is operable to maintain a fluid. The piston assembly may include a piston rod and a piston plunger. The piston plunger and at least a portion of piston rod is slidably positioned within the damper body. The pulser is operable to generate hydraulic waves within the fluid toward the piston assembly to alter the damping force of the damper assembly.

Abstract: A steering damper can generate a smaller damping force according to a first damping force characteristic or a larger damping force according to a second damping force characteristic by controlling a flow of hydraulic oil during a steering operation of a steering member. When the associated vehicle is running at a relatively low or medium speed and is not accelerating, and if an operational speed of the steering damper is lower than a predetermined value, damping force according to the first damping force characteristic can be generated in the steering damper. On the other hand, when the operational speed of the steering damper is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, damping force according to the second damping force characteristic can be generated in the steering damper.

Abstract: Self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut includes a working cylinder divided into first and second working spaces by a working piston carried on a hollow piston rod; a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber partially filled with hydraulic damping medium, the high pressure chamber having a gas cushion and being connected to the second working space; and a piston pump including a pump rod extending into the hollow piston rod, the pump rod having a bore connected to the low pressure chamber, an end provided with a suction valve inside the hollow piston rod, and a deregulating opening, which is closable as a function of position of the working piston in the working cylinder. An adjustable damping valve located outside the external tube has a first flow connection connected to the first working space, and a second flow connection connected to the second working space and the high pressure chamber.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled damper arrangement includes a valve assembly. The valve assembly features a valve slide that carries at least two pistons. The first piston controls flow through two separate flow paths while the second piston controls damping provided by the valve slide. The first piston being both axially moveable and radially moveable within a valve housing.

Abstract: Helicopter reduced vibration axial support struts and aircraft suspension system are disclosed with at least one vibration controlling fluid containing strut. The powered struts include an outer rigid housing containing an inner rigid member and first and second variable volume fluid chambers. Fluid pressure differentials are created between the first and second variable volume fluid chambers to control motion between the strut ends. The powered fluid containing struts, support isolators, suspension systems, and methods of operation provide reduced helicopter aircraft vibrations.

Abstract: A damper is comprised of an actuator (A) connected to a sprung member (B) side of a vehicle, the actuator (A) including a motion converting mechanism (T) for transforming a linear motion into a rotational motion and a motor (M) to which the rotational motion resulting from the transformation by the motion converting mechanism (T) is transmitted; a hydraulic damper (E) including a cylinder (C), a piston (P) inserted slidably into the cylinder (C) and defining two pressure chambers within the cylinder (C), and a rod (R) connected at one end thereof to the piston (P), wherein a linear motion of the actuator (A) being transmitted to one of the rod (R) and the cylinder (C) while the other of the rod (R) and the cylinder (C) being connected to an unsprung member (W) side of the vehicle; and biasing means (1, 2, X, Y, Z) for biasing the hydraulic damper (E) in both compressing and extending directions.

Abstract: A vibrational energy absorbing apparatus 1 includes: a reciprocating member 2 which is reciprocatable in H directions between positive and negative maximum displacement positions D±max with respect to an origin position O; a damping-force generating means 3 for generating a damping force R with respect to the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member 2 in the H directions; and a controlling means 4 for controlling the damping-force generating means 3 so as to cause the damping-force generating means 3 to generate a fixed damping force R in the respective movement of the reciprocating member 2 in the H direction from the positive and negative maximum displacement position D±max to the origin position O in the reciprocating motion thereof in the H directions, while causing the damping-force generating means 3 to substantially not generate the damping force R in the respective movement of the reciprocating member 2 in the H direction from the origin position O to the positive and negative maximum displace

Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly that provides a high damping load during a compression stroke and an extension valve assembly that provides a high damping load during an extension stroke. One or more digital valve assemblies is positioned to work in parallel with the compression valve assembly and the extension valve assembly to provide a lower damping load. The lowering of the damping load is based upon the cross sectional area of flow passages provided by the one or more digital valve assemblies.

Abstract: A controllable damping force hydraulic shock absorber including a pilot type damping valve having a back-pressure chamber for each of an extension stroke and a compression stroke. A piston connected to a piston rod is fitted into a sealed cylinder in which a hydraulic fluid is contained. During an extension stroke of the piston rod, the hydraulic fluid in an upper cylinder chamber flows to a lower cylinder chamber through an extension-side hydraulic fluid passage, an extension-side orifice hydraulic fluid passage, an extension-side back-pressure chamber, an axial hydraulic fluid passage, a radial hydraulic fluid passage, a compression-side back-pressure chamber, an extension-side check valve and a compression-side hydraulic fluid passage.

Abstract: A damping force variable valve includes a retainer including a main body connected at a central region thereof to a high pressure region of a shock absorber cylinder, the main body having an outer diameter increased outwards, and a spool rod formed integrally with the main body to extend from the central region, the spool rod having a hollow portion formed at a central portion thereof to allow a spool to be inserted in the hollow portion, a solenoid coupled to a lower side of the retainer, and a spool pressurizing installed in the solenoid and configured to move in response to electrical power applied to the solenoid to pressurize the spool.

Abstract: A vibration damper piston includes a piston body with a bore from which first and second apertures respectively provide paths to first and second chambers of the vibration damper. A valve spool in the bore defines a pilot chamber and controls fluid flow between the first and second apertures. First and second springs bias the valve spool in opposing directions. A control orifice provides a continuous fluid path between the first chamber and the pilot chamber, and a variable orifice provides another fluid path between the second chamber and the pilot chamber. An actuator is operably connected to adjust the variable orifice in response to a control signal.

Abstract: A damper for a bicycle having, in one arrangement, a primary unit and a remote unit. The primary unit includes a damper tube, a spring chamber, and a piston rod that supports a main piston. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber. The remote unit comprises a remote fluid chamber and an inertial valve within the remote unit. The inertial valve is preferably responsive to terrain-induced forces and preferably not responsive to rider-induced forces when the shock absorber is assembled to the bicycle. A fluid flow control arrangement within the remote unit utilizes compression fluid flow to delay closing of the inertia valve after acceleration forces acting on the inertia valve diminish. In some arrangements, the inertia valve and fluid flow control arrangement may reside in the primary unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a damping force adjustable hydraulic shock absorber, in which response delay of a pressure control valve and self-excited vibration of a valve body can be prevented. A damping force is generated by controlling an oil flow between an annular oil passage 21 and a reservoir 4 generated by a sliding movement of a piston in a cylinder with use of a back-pressure type main valve 27 and a pressure control valve 28. The damping force is directly generated by the pressure control valve 28, and a valve-opening pressure of the main valve 27 is adjusted by adjusting an inner pressure of a back-pressure chamber 53. In the pressure control valve 28, a valve spring 57 is disposed between a valve body 56 and a plunger 34. A mass of the valve body 56 is sufficiently less than that of a plunger 34, and a spring stiffness of the valve spring 57 is higher than that of a plunger spring 36.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration damper comprising a cylinder in which a piston rod is guided in an axially movable manner. A first piston (7) is mounted stationarily on the piston rod while a second piston (23) that is equipped with at least one valve disk biased by a spring assembly is mounted on the piston rod so as to be axially movable counter to the force of at least one support spring. The spring assembly is provided with at least one spring plate (39, 41) on which the spring assembly (33, 35) rests. The second piston (23) forms a structural unit along with a fixing sleeve (37) and the at least one spring plate for the spring assembly. The at least one spring plate is mounted in an axially movable manner relative to the fixing sleeve (37) and can be fixed in the desired axial position in order to adjust the bias of the spring assembly.

Abstract: A structural member and method are provided for attaching a vehicle motion damping mechanism to a chassis/suspension component of a vehicle. The vehicle motion damping mechanism can include a piston operatively mounted within a cylinder, and a coil spring disposed around at least a portion adjacent the cylinder. The structural member can include a bracket member that, if desired, can be manufactured as a single unit (or a multi-part unit), and can be configured to interconnect the chassis/suspension component of the vehicle and the vehicle motion damping mechanism. The bracket can include a first portion adapted to be connected to the chassis component of the vehicle, a second portion adapted to be connected to the cylinder of the vehicle motion damping mechanism, and a third portion protruding radially outward from the cylinder of the vehicle motion damping mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damping system, in particular in the form of a hydraulic cabin spring system, having at least one hydraulically triggerable actuating part (20) and having at least one hydraulic accumulator (26) which is connected to the assignable actuating part (20). In that, by means of a proportional throttle valve (10), proportional damping for the respective actuating part (20) is achieved, variable proportional damping which can react to events in a manner specific to the user can be implemented.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a piston coupled to a hollow piston rod fitted in a cylinder and a reservoir disposed at an outer periphery portion of the cylinder. A rod chamber in the piston rod communicates with a piston chamber in the piston via a radial passage. A hollow rod fixed to a partition wall member is inserted into the piston rod and the rod chamber is connected to the reservoir by the hollow rod. An extension-side disk valve generates damping force during an extension stroke of the piston rod and a compression-side disk valve generates damping force during a compression stroke. Because the hollow rod connects the rod chamber to the reservoir at the outer periphery of the cylinder, it is possible to secure sufficient reservoir capacity.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber comprises a piston 8 fixed to a tip end of a piston rod 1 within a cylinder 15. A port 7 that causes working oil to flow from an oil chamber R into an oil chamber P in accordance with an expansion operation of the piston rod 1 is formed through the piston 8. An expansion damping force generating valve 9 is provided on the oil chamber P side of the piston 8 to apply resistance to the outflow of working oil through the port 7. A defining member 14 keeps the distance between the piston 8 and a nut 13 that is screwed to the piston rod 1 penetrating the piston 8 constant. By disposing the defining member 14 on the outer side of the expansion damping force generating valve 9, ease of assembly and design freedom are ensured in the damping force generating mechanism.

Abstract: A gas damper includes a gas pressurized working chamber and valving within the piston to control flow of the gas through the piston. A system is in communication with the working chamber to control the gas pressure within the working chamber in order to control the damping characteristics of the damper. An electronic control unit is utilized to control the opening and closing of the valving within the piston to also control the damping characteristics of the damper.

Abstract: An adjustable damping valve including an actuator, which exerts an actuating force on a valve body against the force of a spring to influence the throttle cross section which determines the damping force, where an emergency valve is connected in parallel with the throttle cross section with respect to the flow direction of the damping medium, where the two control surfaces of the valve body move in the axial direction and can thus can come to rest alternately on the two valve seating surfaces, and where the valve body is divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction, and each valve body assembly has its own control surface.

Abstract: A variable damper assembly (10) includes a cylinder head (42) with multiple valves (50) selectively blocking corresponding flow paths (54) to provide multiple dampening rates. Hydraulic fluid passing through flow paths (54) within the cylinder head (42) are selectively opened and closed to provide a desired dampening rate. The cylinder head (42) includes an upper part (44) and a lower part (46). The valves (50) are mounted within the upper part (44) of the cylinder head (42). Each of the valves (50) includes a plunger (56) extending into flow passages (54) defined within the lower part (46) of the cylinder head (42). Actuation of the valves (50) within the cylinder head (42) selectively opens and closes specific flow paths (54) within the lower part (46) of the cylinder head (42) to control the flow of fluid between upper and lower portions (14,16) of a dampening chamber (12).

Abstract: There is disclosed a damping coefficient switching-type hydraulic damper that may automatically switch a damping coefficient without needing supply of energy from the outside at all, and also may always surely exert an energy absorption capacity greater than that of a typical hydraulic damper. While a piston is moving in a direction A, a mechanical drive means composed of a straight gear and a crank mechanism allows an on-off control operation valve, that is, a flow regulating valve to be placed in a closed state, and a damping coefficient is switched to a maximum value Cmax. When a movement of the piston is turned in a direction B at a left-side maximum point of amplitude, the mechanical drive means works to once open the flow regulating valve to perform elimination of a load, so that the damping coefficient is switched to a minimum value (Cmin).

Abstract: A hydraulic damper used for reducing shaking of a structure, for example in an earthquake. The hydraulic damper has a cylinder, a piston movable in a reciprocating manner within the cylinder, hydraulic chambers at opposite sides of the piston, and a single on-off control valve. There is a passage for connecting both of the hydraulic chambers and is on-off controlled to change a damping coefficient. A damping coefficient switching-type hydraulic damper is provided between a piston rod and the on-off control valve. A first damping coefficient is attained when the on-off control valve is maintained in a closed state for movement of said piston in one direction, and a second damping coefficient is attained when the on-off control valve is opened. A mechanical drive for the control valve may be a straight gear operatively attached to the piston rod of the cylinder, and a crank mechanism that works with the straight gear to on-off control the control valve.

Abstract: Oscillation damper with variable damping force, comprising a valve device, in which an actuator for adjusting the valve device performs a rotary motion against the spring force of a torsion spring, the position of the valve device being determined from the manipulated variable of the actuator and the reaction force of the torsion spring.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a frequency dependent damper (FDD) shock absorber defining a first pressurized working chamber. An air spring assembly defines a second pressurized working chamber. A booster enables pressure communication between the first pressurized working chamber and the second pressurized working chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic dashpot comprises, first, a cylinder and a piston. The cylinder (1) is charged with shock-absorbing fluid. The piston (3) is provided with ports and valves, is mounted on one end of a piston rod (2) and divides the cylinder into two chambers. The piston rod travels into and out of the cylinder and is provided with a central bore (20). The dashpot also comprises an adjustable bypass accommodated inside the piston rod or inside an extension (7) thereof. The bypass is provided with radial outlets (19, 23, 37) through the piston rod or extension. The cross-section of the bypass during the compression phase can be established independent of its cross-section during the suction phase and vice versa. There are two valves in the end of the piston rod near the piston or in the piston-rod extension. Each valve is provided with a rotating plunger (18, 21, 32, 33) with a rotary connection. Each plunger operates in conjunction with a radial inlet or outlet (19, 23, 27).

Abstract: A suspension assembly is provided that includes a shock absorber having a housing filled with hydraulic fluid. An air spring is supported on the shock absorber, and the air spring includes a bladder filled with air. A valve assembly is surrounded by the fluid housing and the bladder. The valve assembly is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid and air. The air manipulates the valve and adjusts flow of hydraulic fluid through the shock absorber to adjust damping based upon vehicle load experienced at the air spring. Preferably the valve assembly is located within the inner cylinder head arranged between the piston rod and the outer cylindrical wall of the shock absorber. The valve assembly may include a teeter-totter valve that cooperates with other valves plungers and springs to provide variable damping throughout the vehicle load experienced by the inner spring.

Abstract: An inner tube (2) connected to a vehicle body is inserted such that it is free to extend and contract in an outer tube (1) joined to a vehicle shaft. A partitioning member (3) divides an internal oil chamber at the end of the inner tube. A damping valve (4) and a bypass passage (3d) parallel to this damping valve (4) are disposed in this partitioning member (3). A control rod (5) opens and closes the bypass passage (3d). An actuator (20) in the inner tube (2) controls the control rod (5). By operating the control rod (5) via the actuator (20) to open/close the bypass passage (3d), the damping force generated is varied.

Abstract: The invention provides a damper assembly (10) comprising a housing (12) defining an inner chamber (22, 24) having a damping fluid disposed therein. A piston rod (14) is slidably retained by the housing (12), and at least partially extends into, the chamber (22, 24). A piston (18) is disposed at a first distal end (21) of the piston rod (14) and strokes inside the housing (12). The piston (18) defines a first chamber (22) and a second chamber (24) within the housing (12) and includes at least one aperture (26) for allowing damping fluid to flow between the first (22) and second (24) chambers. An actuator (30) is disposed within the piston (18) for varying the flow of damping fluid through the aperture (26) between the first (22) and second (24) chambers within the housing (12). The piston rod (14) includes an inner bore (16) that receives pressurized air from an external source for communicating pneumatic control signals to the actuator (30).

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a rebound, in particular a rebound spring. The vibration damper includes a piston which is formed on an axially movable piston rod and which separates two working chambers in a cylinder, the working chamber penetrated by the piston rod being closed off with a lid and containing the rebound. An out-stroke of the piston rod relative to the cylinder includes an idle-stroke which starts at a minimum out-stroke and in which the rebound does not counteract the piston rod movement, a working-stroke which ends at a maximum out-stroke and in which the rebound counteracts the piston rod movement, and a point of application at which the idle-stroke ends and the working-stroke begins. The vibration damper further includes an arrangement configured to adjust the point of application.