Abstract: There is provided a device for mitigating physical shock to an object to which it is attached. The device includes a body having a through-bore extending from one end to another. A sliding mass is positioned within the bore hole such that it can slide within the through-bore. A first end cap is slidingly disposed in said body hollow volume at one end of the body, and a second end cap is slidingly disposed at the other. End cap and body combination is filled with a liquid. Responsive to an impact along the body axis, one of the end caps is partially displaced into the body and at least a portion of the liquid changes phase from a liquid phase to a vapor phase.

Abstract: An electric adjustable magnetic control damper comprises a force applied unit, a magnetic control unit, a driving unit, and a control unit; a driving rod drives the force applied unit displaced linearly, and a screw sleeve for the screw sleeve to displace linearly and for the screw rod and the magnetic ring to be rotatable, the magnetic control unit has a fixing seat able to displace linearly, and the fixing seat has a the permanent magnet, the driving unit has a motor and a gear train, the control unit can input the required damper value to drives the motor to rotate; whereby the motor and the gear train drives the fixing seat displaced, and create a required gap between the permanent magnet of the fixing seat and the rotor of the magnetic ring to create eddy load for being dampers of axial displacement of the driving rod and rotation of the rotor, and the damper achieves the effect of fitness exercise.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a first valve plate defining at least one first opening and at least one second opening. A valve element located above the first valve plate has a central portion, and at least one tab extending outwards from the central portion. The at least one tab includes a narrow portion axially aligned with the at least one first opening such that the narrow portion at least partially covers the at least one first opening. The at least one tab is selectively provided with electrical energy to melt the narrow portion to form an orifice. The orifice is fluidly coupled with the at least one first opening.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a particle damper for damping a component when the particle damper is attached to the component. The particle damper comprises a plurality of pockets configured to hold a plurality of particles, and the particle damper also comprises an attachment fitting for coupling the particle damper to the component.

Abstract: Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to through-shaft dampers. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the through-shaft dampers generally include a shaft having a piston traveling within a body, a first chamber for a damping fluid, and a second chamber for a gas. The chambers are separated by a movable wall associated with an insert and configured to provide a volumetric change of the second chamber that is inverse to a volumetric change of the damping fluid. The insert is configured such that the sealing surfaces of the movable wall do not interface the shaft during use of the damper. In this regard, a significant reduction in the total displacement traveled by the seals is realized.

Abstract: An air spring system comprising at least one air spring with at least one compressed air chamber with a variable volume. The at least one air spring is connected to a compressor unit as a compressed air supply device with a compressed air storage device. A compressed air space of at least one of the air spring or the compressed air storage device is provided with an adsorptive material.

Abstract: A novel actuator contains a housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner wall. A piston rod assembly is contained within the housing, wherein the assembly contains a piston rod, a first end cap fixed at one end of the piston rod, and a second end cap fixed at an opposing end of the piston rod. An energy management device is constrained about an outer diameter of the first end cap, wherein upon actuation of the actuator, the energy management device may under predetermined conditions be deformed upon movement of said piston rod.

Abstract: Embodiments of an isolator are provided, as are embodiments of a spacecraft isolation system employing a number of three parameter isolators. In one embodiment, the isolator includes an externally-pressurized damper assembly and a thermal compensator, which is located external to the externally-pressurized damper assembly. The damper assembly includes, in turn, a damper assembly housing and a first hydraulic chamber configured to be filled with a damping fluid. The first hydraulic chamber is located within the damper assembly housing and is fluidly coupled to the thermal compensator. A first bellows is disposed within the damper assembly housing and bounds an inner circumference of the first hydraulic chamber such that the first bellows is externally pressurized when the first hydraulic chamber is filled with the damping fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is a networkable, peripherally valved hydraulic shock absorber and damper apparatus which is a substantial improvement and major advance over the shock absorber and damping systems conventionally known to date. The apparatus employs an elevated viscosity hydraulic fluid as a damping medium; and presents a unique structural arrangement that utilizes peripheral valving to shunt a high viscosity hydraulic fluid between the peripheral edges of the piston mechanism and the cylinder wall.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit includes a cylinder having a closure body at the end. The closure body has a sleeve body which is fixedly connected on one side to the closure body and which is fastened to the cylinder. The sleeve body has a base which supports an operating pressure in the cylinder in direction of the closure body.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid damper are provided, as are embodiments of an Auxiliary Power Unit inlet system including a fluid damper. In one embodiment, the fluid damper includes a housing assembly containing first and second hydraulic chambers, which are fluidly coupled by way of a flow passage. A plunger is slidably disposed within the housing assembly and is moves through a range of translational positions in response to variations in damping fluid pressure when the fluid damper is filled with damping fluid. An annulus or other restricted flow path is fluidly coupled between the first and second hydraulic chambers and is at least partially defined by the flow passage and the plunger. The restricted flow path has at least one dimension, such as a length, that varies in conjunction with the translational position of the plunger.

Abstract: A damper includes a housing bounding a primary chamber and a compensation chamber, the primary chamber including a first gas compartment and a control compartment that are separated by an expansion piston, the compensation chamber including a second gas compartment and an overflow compartment that are separated by a compensation piston. A piston rod has a first end slidably disposed within the control compartment. A first fluid path is in fluid communication with the overflow compartment so that when the expansion piston is in the first position, the expansion piston blocks fluid communication between the control compartment and the overflow compartment by way of the first fluid path and when the expansion piston is in the second position, the hydraulic fluid can freely flow from the control compartment to the overflow compartment by way of the first fluid path.

Abstract: Embodiments of a thermally-conductive vibration isolator are provided, as are embodiments of a spacecraft isolation employing a plurality of thermally-conductive vibration isolators. In one embodiment, the thermally-conductive vibration isolator includes a first end portion, a second end portion substantially opposite the first end portion, and first and second load transfer paths from the first end portion to the second end portion. The first and second load transfer paths comprise a main spring and a damper in parallel with the main spring, respectively. An elongated thermal conduit, which has a thermal conductivity exceeding that of first load transfer path and the second load transfer path, extends from the first end portion to the second end portion.

Abstract: A front fork in which a stroke amount of a spring leg that relies on an air spring can be detected precisely, wherein pressure leaks in the spring leg are detectable. The front fork has: a guide cylinder that extends from one of a vehicle body-side tube or an axle-side tube that make up a spring leg; a piston mounted to the leading end of a guide rod extending from the other one of the tubes; an inner airspring chamber in the interior of the guide cylinder; an outer airspring chamber, outward of the inner airspring chamber, in the interior of the vehicle body-side tube and the axle-side tube; first and second detectors for detecting pressure and temperature in the outer airspring chamber the inner airspring chamber, respectively; and stroke detection compensator for detecting a stroke amount on the basis of outputs of the first and second detectors.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a hydraulic compression stop. The hydraulic stop includes a pressure tube surrounding the pressure tube of the shock absorber and a piston in hydraulic communication with the interior of the pressure tube. The piston can be disposed within the pressure tube and can be attached to the pressure tube or to the shock absorber. The hydraulic stop can also include a hydraulic fluid chamber and the piston can be disposed within the hydraulic fluid chamber.

Abstract: A gas spring is described, which comprises a first part which defines a cylinder, which comprises a longitudinal axis and which is closed at a first end along the longitudinal axis. The gas spring further comprises a piston, which is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal axis in the cylinder, a piston rod which is connected to the piston and which projects out through a second end of the cylinder, a separating piston which is arranged to be movable in the cylinder along the longitudinal axis between the piston and the first end, gas which is contained in the cylinder between the separating piston and the first end, and liquid which is contained between the separating piston and the piston.

Abstract: A self-regulating suspension includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.

Abstract: A rotary damper 1 includes a synthetic resin-made accommodating case 4 for accommodating in its interior 2 a viscous fluid 3 which is constituted by silicone oil or the like and whose viscosity declines with a temperature rise, and a synthetic resin-made rotor 9 which is disposed in the interior 2 of the accommodating case 4 rotatably, i.e., so as to be rotatable in R1 and R2 directions about an axis O, and which partitions the interior 2 of the accommodating case 4 into at least two chambers, i.e., in this embodiment, two chambers consisting of chambers 5 and 6 and two chambers consisting of chambers 7 and 8, in cooperation with the accommodating case 4.

Abstract: A piston (8) of a fluid pressure shock absorber (D, D1) partitions a first fluid chamber (R1) and a second fluid chamber (R2) in a cylinder (5) filled with a fluid. A pipe member (3) inserted into a housing (2, 30) has a connection to one of the first fluid chamber (R1) and the second fluid chamber (R2). The housing (2, 30) and the pipe member (3) form a space (4) there-between that connects the other of the first fluid chamber (R1) and the second fluid chamber (R2) to the pipe member (3). The pipe member (3) and the space (4) form a long fluid path between the first fluid chamber (R1) and the second fluid chamber (R2). The shock absorber (D, D1) thereby generates a damping force proportional to the stroke speed of the piston (8).

Abstract: A front fork for easily optimizing an oil quantity in a damper cylinder with a relatively simple structure without affecting operability of a free piston even in an assembled state. An escape portion is formed on an outer periphery of a piston rod at a position where a seal member mounted on a sealing cap faces in an opposed manner when a front fork extends to the maximum.

Abstract: Systems and methods to prevent dragging of a fluid pressure type disk brake system are described herein. Brake fluid pressure generated by a master cylinder during a braking operation is transmitted to a wheel cylinder via a VSA system. The VSA system includes a low pressure accumulator and an out-valve disposed between the wheel cylinder and the low pressure accumulator. Temporarily opening the out-valve during a braking operation allows part of the brake fluid that would otherwise be supplied to the wheel cylinder to be supplied to the low pressure accumulator. After the braking operation by the driver is completed, brake fluid supplied to the wheel cylinder is returned to the master cylinder. Thus, a piston of the wheel cylinder is withdrawn by an extra amount corresponding to the amount of brake fluid supplied to the low pressure accumulator, thus reliably prevents disk pad dragging in the disk brake system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining shock-absorber wear are presented. The device includes a shock absorber, a temperature sensor, and an electronics assembly. The temperature sensor may generate temperature data for the shock absorber. The electronics assembly may determine a condition of the shock absorber based on the temperature data. The temperature sensor may be inside, on the surface, or nearby the shock absorber. A condition of the shock absorber, such as a shock-wear value or a remaining useful life (RUL) is determined, based on the temperature data. A shock-wear state may be determined by comparing the shock-wear value to one or more thresholds. A shock-wear indicator and/or a combined indicator may indicate the shock-wear value, RUL, and/or the shock-wear state.

Abstract: A leaf valve structure according to this invention comprises an annular valve seat, and a leaf that is seated on the valve seat under a predetermined elastic supporting force against a pressure of a working fluid on an inner side of the valve seat. A recessed depression portion having an opening portion on both an inner periphery of the valve seat and a seating surface of the leaf is formed in the valve seat, thereby creating a site where the pressure of the working fluid on the inner side of the valve seat can act more easily on a seating surface between the valve seat and the leaf valve. Accordingly, an effect of a surface adsorption force applied to the leaf valve by the valve seat on a cracking pressure can be suppressed, and as a result, the leaf valve can be lifted under a stable cracking pressure.

Abstract: A damper is disclosed for damping the rotational speed of an article that is coupled to, and rotates about the longitudinal axis of, the damper. The illustrative damper comprises: a thermal compensator that, in response to the ambient temperature, linearly expands and contracts; a blade that defines a first chamber and a second chamber within the damper; an orifice between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the orifice is operatively coupled to the thermal compensator such that the orifice (i) decreases when the thermal compensator expands and (ii) increases when the thermal compensator contracts; and a fluid that fills the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the fluid flows through the orifice when the blade rotates about a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, and wherein the rate of flow of the fluid depends on the size of the orifice. The rotational speed available from the damper depends at least in part on the rate of flow of the fluid through the orifice.

Abstract: Damper device for damping relative movements of two elements of a mechanical system. The damper device comprises a damping chamber filled with a hydraulic fluid, a rod (4) having a piston (3) movable in the damping chamber so as to define two hydraulic compartments (1, 2), at least one calibrated orifice (10) provided in the piston (3) for throttling the hydraulic fluid flowing from one hydraulic compartment (1, 2) to another hydraulic compartment, at least one compression peak-limiting valve (11) and a traction peak-limiting valve (12), throttling the hydraulic fluid flowing from one hydraulic compartment (1, 2) to another hydraulic compartment. The damper has additional hydraulic means that are active in compression and in traction when the piston (3) reaches the end of its stroke, so as to constitute a progressive hydraulic abutment damping the end-of-stroke jolts.

Abstract: The hydro-pneumatic spring damping device in particular for wheeled vehicles or tracked vehicles includes at least one hydro-pneumatic element (1) having a gas chamber (1h) wherein the hydro-pneumatic element (1) includes a heat exchanger (1i) which is arranged such that it influences the temperature of the gas in the gas chamber (1h) and wherein a heat exchanger (1i) can be connected to a cooling device (21) via a coolant circuit (21).

Abstract: A dampening element for a vibration damper and a vibration damper. The dampening element comprises a body part having flow openings, a dampening part arranged to abut against the body part, the dampening part having openings aligning with the flow openings of the body part. In addition, a cover part is arranged against the dampening part, the cover part being movable in relation to the dampening part for changing the cross-sectional flow area of the openings of the dampening part.

Abstract: A gas chamber (G) and a liquid chamber (R) are separated by a free piston (2) in a cylinder (1) of a hydraulic damper. The free piston (2) comprises a hollow main body (3), a metal bellows (4) which elongates and contracts according to a pressure balance between the gas chamber (G) and liquid chamber (R), and a stopper (8) fixed to the main body (3) for preventing the metal bellows (4) from elongating beyond a predetermined length. By compensating for variation in the capacity of the liquid chamber (R) caused by a displacement of the piston (10) in the cylinder (1) by elongation or contraction of the metal bellows (4), the damping characteristic of the damper is prevented from becoming unstable due to a frictional force acting on the free piston (2). The stopper (8) prevents excessive stress from being exerted on the metal bellows (4).

Abstract: An improved damping apparatus that utilizes a fluid having a viscosity that may be varied by the application of an electromagnetic field, such as a magnetorheological fluid or an electrorheological fluid, to provide the damping response. The damping apparatus includes a linear to rotary conversion mechanism which comprises a translatable member that is adapted for linear translation in a forward and a reverse direction and a rotatable member comprising a rotatable shaft that is rotatably coupled to the translatable member; wherein translation of the translatable member in one of the forward or the reverse directions produces a forward or a reverse rotation of the rotatable member and shaft, respectively.

Abstract: A cylinder has an interior space which contains a medium under pressure. A piston is displaceably arranged in the cylinder and has a piston rod which projects from the cylinder at one end of the cylinder. The piston rod is enclosed by an annular seal having an inner radially encircling circumference which bears against the piston rod and an outer radially encircling circumference which bears against the inner wall of the cylinder, a side facing the interior space to which the pressure of the medium is applied, and a side remote from the interior space supported on a supporting element. The supporting element, in turn, is supported on part of the cylinder. The supporting element includes a safety element which is designed to shorten its axial length during thermal overloading, as a result of which a passage opens from the interior space of the cylinder to the environment. The safety element is made of a melting or subliming material.

Abstract: A magnetorheological damper system comprising a reservoir in communication with a damper. The damper comprises a damper cylinder defining a damper chamber, wherein the damper chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid and a movable damper piston. The damper piston comprises at least two coil windings on the outer surface of the damper piston, wherein the damper piston is capable of generating a magnetic field between the damper piston and a wall of the damper cylinder. The reservoir comprises a reservoir cylinder defining a passageway, wherein the reservoir includes a magnetorheological electromagnet capable of generating a magnetic field between the magnetorheological piston and a wall of the passageway. The combination of the an MR reservoir and MR damper leads to a damping system capable of damping a wide range of extreme forces.

Abstract: A temperature compensation method for controlling a damping force of a magnetorheological (MR) damper is disclosed. First, a base operating current as a function of a desired force level of a damping force of the MR damper is determined, and a temperature compensation as a function of an operating temperature of the MR damper is determined. Finally, the temperature compensation is applied to the base operating current to generate a compensated operating current as a function of the desired force level of the damping force and the operating temperature of the MR damper. To refine the compensated operating current, the temperature compensation can be determined as both a function of the operating temperature of the MR damper and a relative velocity of the MR damper.

Abstract: A magnetorheological damper system comprising a reservoir in communication with a damper. The damper comprises a damper cylinder defining a damper chamber, wherein the damper chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid and a movable damper piston. The damper piston comprises at least two coil windings on the outer surface of the damper piston, wherein the damper piston is capable of generating a magnetic field between the damper piston and a wall of the damper cylinder. The reservoir comprises a reservoir cylinder defining a passageway, wherein the reservoir includes a magnetorheological electromagnet capable of generating a magnetic field between the magnetorheological piston and a wall of the passageway. The combination of the an MR reservoir and MR damper leads to a damping system capable of damping a wide range of extreme forces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a spring barrel module having two chambers. A spring is located in the first chamber and a damper in the second chamber. The unidirectional damper is implemented by a clutch means that connects the damper plate to the spring shaft when the tightened spring is released, whereby the rotation of the damper slows down. Correspondingly, the clutch loosens the connection between the damper plate and the spring shaft when the spring is tightened. In low temperatures (e.g. below 0° C. degrees) the damper fails to dampen the rotation. The unidirectional feature of the damper improves both usability and durability. Breakage of the mechanical components of the spring barrel is prevented by an overload clutch, which means that the spring barrel module will tolerate even relatively rough handling of the equipment.

Abstract: Heat of an electrothermal part of a heater can be transmitted indirectly and efficiently to a pressure medium. A tubular case 6 having one end portion connected to a piston rod 2 airtightly and the other end portion slidably placed in contact with the outer circumference of a cylinder 1 is provided, a mounting hole 15 is formed within a holder 4 for closing an open end on the piston rod 2 connecting side of the case 6, and an electrothermal part 13a of a heater plug 13 is fitted into the mounting hole 15 directly or through a heat conductivity collar 16.

Abstract: A dampening apparatus for dampening an actuating member over a wide array of temperatures. The present invention provides a fluid filled housing having a first chamber, a second chamber, and a passageway therebetween. A first piston is slidably received within the first chamber for movement from a pre-actuated position to an actuated position. A second piston is slidably received within said second chamber for movement from said pre-actuated position to said actuated position. A spring disposed within the second chamber biases the second piston toward said passageway and maintains a constant level of fluid pressure within the housing regardless of the temperatures of the fluid. An exhaust port is in communication with the second chamber wherein the second piston is disposed between the passageway and the exhaust port in the pre-actuated position, and wherein the exhaust port is located between the passageway and the second piston in the actuated position to allow the fluid to escape through the exhaust port.

Abstract: The hydraulic cylinder or shock absorber arrangement has a cylinder unit limiting an inner space in which a medium in the form of a gas or a liquid is intended to be placed. A forwardly and backwardly movable piston unit is placed such that it can slide within the space that is defined by the piston into a first chamber and a second chamber. An inlet/outlet is defined in the respective chambers of the cylinder unit for the addition to and removal of medium from the chambers together with devices that co-acts in order to determine the relative position of the piston within the cylinder unit.

Abstract: A temperature compensation method for controlling a damping force of a magnetorheological (MR) damper is disclosed. First, a base operating current as a function of a desired force level of a damping force of the MR damper is determined, and a temperature compensation as a function of an operating temperature of the MR damper is determined. Finally, the temperature compensation is applied to the base operating current to generate a compensated operating current as a function of the desired force level of the damping force and the operating temperature of the MR damper. To refine the compensated operating current, the temperature compensation can be determined as both a function of the operating temperature of the MR damper and a relative velocity of the MR damper.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a SMA suspension component, an actuator and a controller. Altering the mechanical characteristic of the SMA suspension component alters the kinematic properties of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle body and the suspension characteristics of the vehicle. In one disclosed embodiment a SMA suspension spring is height adjustable to alter the vehicle handling characteristics. In another disclosed embodiment a SMA suspension component stabilizer bar is shape adjustable. The SMA stabilizer bar is maintained in a first shape to provide a first handling characteristic. To provide a second handling characteristic the SMA stabilizer bar is moved into contact with a fixed vehicle component such as a vehicle frame component. The flexibility of the stabilizer bar is thereby reduced and the vehicle handling characteristics are optimized for a second condition.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the distribution of braking force over a plurality of wheels during a braking event is disclosed. The method employs a multi-function sensor (62) which includes both wheel speed sensing capability in association with a tone ring (64), and temperature sensing capability in the form of a temperature sensor (180). The temperature sensor is preferably a thermocouple sensor such as an iron-constantan thermocouple sensor. The temperature of the brake environment during a braking event is roughly proportional to the work expended by the brake in decelerating the wheel, and so the braking force distribution over the plurality of wheels may be characterized by the variation in the reported temperatures during the braking event.

Abstract: A control assembly for use in regulating movement of a vehicle seat back is provided. The control assembly uses damping fluid to regulate the degree of damping applied to the seat back. The control assembly includes one or more initiator assemblies. A selected one or more of them can be activated when a front and/or rear end collision occurs. When an initiator assembly is activated, a transfer member changes between closed and open states to regulate a path for damping fluid. The control assembly also includes a piston head having first and second sides. Movement of the damping fluid occurs relative to these two sides. The piston head can include at least one bore, which functions as an additional path for damping fluid. The control assembly preferably also includes a temperature compensation assembly to accommodate temperature changes in the damping fluid.

Abstract: On an outside of a damper main body of an inverted type of vehicular damper, a pressure casing of a cylindrical shape which is connected to a damper rod is provided in a manner movable up and down. A pressure chamber for containing therein a pressure medium which varies between a liquid phase and a gaseous phase is formed between the damper main body and the pressure casing. An electric heater to heat and evaporate the pressure medium inside the pressure chamber is provided. Electric charging to the electric heater is controlled by a vehicle height detection switch which is attached to the damper rod or the like.

Abstract: A damper for damping movement of a shaft, the damper including a housing having an inner surface defining a chamber and a rotor rotatably mounted in the chamber. The chamber is filled with magnetorheological fluid such that when the rotor is moved in the chamber the magnetorheological fluid damps the movement of the rotor. The rotor has an outer surface adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner surface. The damper further comprises shaft coupled to the rotor and an outer magnet adjacent the space between the outer surface and the inner surface for restricting the flow of the magnetorheological fluid in the space between the outer surface and the inner surface.

Abstract: On an outside of a damper main body (1) of an inverted type of damper, a cylindrical case (12) which is coupled to a damper rod (2) is provided so as to be movable up and down. Between the damper main body (1) and the case (12), there is formed a pressure chamber (13) filled with a pressure medium of low boiling point which varies between a gaseous state and a liquid state. By use of a heater (16) which is disposed inside the pressure chamber (13) the pressure medium is heated and evaporated, whereby the vehicle height is increased by the vapor pressure of the pressure medium. In the above-described damper with a vehicle height adjusting function, the heater (16) is arranged to be easily mounted and dismounted to thereby improve the ease with which the maintenance is performed. The influence on the suspension stoke which is caused by the presence of the heater (16) is also minimized. The heater is formed into a bar heater (16).

Abstract: A gas spring includes a cylinder containing a fluid at least part of which is a compressed gas. The cylinder receives a piston that is affixed to a piston rod and divides the cylinder into two working chambers. The piston has a one-way valve that is cycled in response to the direction of motion of the piston and pressure-control valve consisting of a spring and a valve body. In a partial stroke region of the piston a bypass allows fluid flow past the one-way valve and the pressure-control valve. The partial stroke region is adjoined by a bypass-free stroke region, the gas spring being arrested in the bypass-free stroke region. The spring of the pressure-control valve has a temperature-dependent elastic force, the elastic force of the spring increasing with increasing operating temperature, owing to which the compressive force necessary for opening the pressure-control valve increases to an equal extent.

Abstract: A fluid pressure spring (8), such as for opening the hatchback door of a vehicle, comprises a hollow cylinder (10) having a fixture (24) for pivotal connection to the hatchback door. A piston (30) is connected to a hollow piston rod (114) which carries a fixture (46) for pivotal connection to the vehicle body. The interior (40, 42) of the cylinder is filled with gas under pressure, and the gas extends into a chamber (54) within the piston rod via a bore (62). A free piston (50) within the hollow piston rod (14) is subjected to exterally applied hydraulic pressure via a pipe (20) connected to a second chamber (56) within the hollow piston rod (14). Controllable increase of this pressure moves the free piston (50) to augment the gas pressure within the spring and to increase its lifting force. In this way, a remote control can bused to unlatch the hatchback door and temporarily augment the gas pressure within the spring to cause the door automatically to lift from the fully closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An impact absorber for decelerating a vehicle impacting on an obstacle, which impact absorber includes two tubes which can be displaced one inside the other in the manner of a telescope. The inner tube is closed off from the outside by a base and has a highly pressurized gas space and a first fluid space. A second fluid space is arranged in the outer tube and is hydraulically connected to the first fluid space via a restriction formed by a restricting aperture in an intermediate wall fixed in the inner tube. The outer tube has, in the end region, a plastic disk which melts at a predetermined temperature and as a result counteracts an explosion of the impact absorber in the event of a fire by reducing the pressure.

Abstract: A strut assembly for retaining a section of a vehicle in open position, and may be of an insulated type, heated type, or insulated and heated type, for use in a variety of varying temperature applications. The strut assembly may be connected to a power source of a vehicle and include a thermostatic control for maintaining a coil or one or more heating strips mounted in the strut assembly at a desired temperature. A protective sleeve or boot is provided about the plunger of the strut assembly. The strut assembly may be mounted to retain hinged side panels of a vehicle bed in an open position, with the bed being provided with collapsible support members therebeneath to provide added safety from side impacts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration damping and isolation apparatus having a passive damping mechanism. The passive damping mechanism includes an outer tubular member and an inner member. The inner and outer members are linearly movable relative to one another upon application of forces to the damping apparatus. The inner member is spaced from the outer member by a fluid shear gap that is filled with a viscous fluid. Fluid pressure of the viscous fluid remains constant while the viscous fluid dissipates the forces by direct fluid shear upon relative linear movement of the outer and inner members.

Abstract: A brake system including a master cylinder connected to wheel brakes is supplemented by a fluid return system made up of return pumps so that the braking pressure can be adjusted in the wheel brakes. In order to extend this system to a brake system which permits the generation of wheel brake pressure without the application of the brake pedal, the suction side of at least one return pump is connected to the pressure side of a charging pump which aspirates fluid directly from the supply reservoir. To prevent the pressure in the low-pressure range of the system from rising excessively high, the charging pressure of the pump is adjusted so that it only slightly exceeds the precharging pressure of the suction side of the low-pressure accumulator.