With Reservoir For Fluid Patents (Class 188/314)
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Patent number: 6006873Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial shock absorber requiring very few component parts, which can be cost-effectively produced while expensive milling operations are avoided, wherein different damping curves can be realized relatively simply. The shock absorber has good temperature stability in the cold and warm states, wherein the largest possible piston diameter can be achieved because of the special construction in accordance with the invention, which further contributes to stability and safety.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: ACE StoBdampfer GmbHInventor: Rudi Kirst
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Patent number: 5988332Abstract: The compensator is made separately from the cylinder of the shock absorber, and the two parts are prearranged for the reciprocal coupling with the possibility of articulation and pivoting around an axis, substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the axis of the shock absorber and eventually also with the possibility of articulation around the cylinder of the shock absorber itself.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Marzocchi S.P.A.Inventors: Paolo Marzocchi, Loris Vignocchi, Sandro Musiani
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Patent number: 5984059Abstract: A pair of combined accumulator and control devices for interconnected suspension units having a simplified construction and wherein unequal displacement of fluid from the associated suspension units will cause an increase in the effective damping of the suspension unit having the greatest fluid displacement.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Kurachi, Mineo Yamamoto, Eiichirou Tsujii
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Patent number: 5971373Abstract: A buffer device has a plurality of positioning seats, a base seat disposed on the positioning seats, and a main cylinder and a plurality of auxiliary cylinders disposed on the base seat. The base seat has a main oil channel, a plurality of oil inlet channels communicating with the main oil channel, and a plurality of oil return channels communicating with the main oil channel. The main oil channel communicates with the auxiliary cylinders. The oil inlet channels communicate with the main cylinder. Each oil inlet channel has a one-way valve. The oil return channels communicate with the main cylinder. A release valve blocks each oil return channel. A compression spring is disposed in the main cylinder. A piston rod extends from the main cylinder. Each auxiliary cylinder has a coiled spring and a piston.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Wen-Yuan Hsieh
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Patent number: 5971115Abstract: A shock-absorbing, tilt-controlling system is disclosed where the shock-absorbing unit is mounted between the vehicle's frame and axle and a tilt-controlling unit is mounted remotely from, but in communication with the shock-absorbing unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Cloud Farm Associates, L.P.Inventor: S. Gregory Smith
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Patent number: 5957252Abstract: An improved hydraulic suspension unit has a springing force and rebound damping which are related to one another so as to allow certain wheel movements to occour without the resistance of rebound damping. A primary springing force provided by a pressurized gas, a coil spring and elastomer or any combination therof acts directly through the shock fluid via a floating piston, bladder or flexible diaphragm. The primary spring force acts directly through the shock fluid, and thus directly on a rebound damping valve so that the rebound damping valve is only able to dampen the stored energy. The spring provides a maximun in tuning and adjustment capability for varying conditions with easily variable reload and rate. The rebound damping valve can also be adjusted, both to determine the maximum rebound resistance when damping springing energy, and thus maximum shock shaft velocity, and to determine the magnitude of th shaft movements that are allowed to occur without rebound damping.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Brian D. Berthold
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Patent number: 5924528Abstract: A shock absorber having variable damping characteristics for damping the movement of the body of an automobile is disclosed. The shock absorber includes a variable flow control valve which modulates the rate of fluid flow between the upper portion of the shock absorber working chamber and the shock absorber reservoir. The valve is variably controlled in accordance with the vehicle load so that the shock absorber damping characteristic is stiffened during high vehicle load and softened during low vehicle load, thereby varying the damping characteristic to improve vehicle ride and handling.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Inc.Inventors: Koen Vermolen, Jan Carleer, Jan Driessan
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Patent number: 5860497Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber is provided with a cylinder formed of a straight pipe, and inside the cylinder, opposite end portions of a base piston are fixed to the inner face by a pair of retainer member C-rings so that a free piston can be received in a lower portion of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: HKS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koukichi Takahashi
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Patent number: 5845796Abstract: A railcar cushioning device includes an elastomeric spring and a hydraulic shock absorber member. The fluid accumulator is located outside of and above the fluid chambers. The accumulator is in communication with the fluid chamber in a non-stroked position, causing entrapped air to be displaced by the fluid, into the accumulator. Free of air, the shock absorber immediately responds to impact forces. The elastomeric spring reduces peak impact forces and returns the piston of the shock absorber to its non-stroked position. The elastomeric spring also absorbs draft forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence E. Miller
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Patent number: 5819802Abstract: An I-type counterflow absorber for directly connecting with a piping system to absorb the impact force and noise resulting from water hammering in the piping system. It includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a valve member and a buffer mechanism. The inner tube forms a water passage with the piping system. The valve member is moveable and covers one end of the inner tube. The buffer mechanism is located between the inner tube and the outer tube, and has a damping chamber and an air chamber for absorbing the impact force and noise resulting from water hammering in the piping system. It can effectively protect the pumping device and piping end from water hammering damage.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventor: Jui Hua Fan
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Patent number: 5678808Abstract: A gas charged monotube strut carries the accumulator outside the damper's cylinder tube and within the strut mount. A substantially direct flow path is provided between the damper and the accumulator through the damper's piston rod. Air to oil separation is maintained by a gas cup and a low profile of packaging is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: George Thomas Claude, James Mitchell Pees
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Patent number: 5676265Abstract: A railcar cushioning device includes an elastomeric spring and a hydraulic shock absorber member. The fluid accumulator is located outside of and above the fluid chambers. The accumulator is in communication with the fluid chamber in a non-stroked position, causing entrapped air to be displaced by the fluid, into the accumulator. Free of air, the shock absorber immediately responds to impact forces. The elastomeric spring reduces peak impact forces and returns the piston of the shock absorber to its non-stroked position. The elastomeric spring also absorbs draft forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence E. Miller
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Patent number: 5664649Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber having a movable sealing piston located within the shock absorber for sealing fluid and a suspension adjuster connected to the shock absorber for moving fluid between the adjuster and the shock absorber so as to change the overall length of the shock absorber without changing the stroke length.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Thompson, Ole E. Tweet
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Patent number: 5653425Abstract: A railway buffer capsule comprising a hollow cylindrical plunger slidably mounted in a cylinder. The cylinder is closed at one end. The plunger is closed at its outer end, and in its inner end is formed a fixed area orifice of flow restricting dimensions. A floating piston slides in the bore of the plunger and separates a liquid reservoir from the remainder of the interior of the plunger which comprises a gas containing space. A stepped piston has its larger diameter exposed to pressure in the reservoir and its smaller diameter end adapted to seat and close the orifice and be exposed to compression chamber pressure. The combination of the stepped piston and the orifice is a multiplier valve which multiplies the resistance of the compressed gas to lengthwise compression of the buffer.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Oleo International LimitedInventors: Ronald C. Page, John J. Bushnell, Carl F. Watts
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Patent number: 5624105Abstract: The invention pertains to a hydropneumatic suspension system, in particular for motor vehicles, with at least one hydraulic strut (2) that acts upon at least one hydropneumatic piston-type accumulator (6) during deflection and rebound movements. The piston-type accumulator (6) has a separating piston (22) that separates the hydraulic accumulator chamber (24) from a spring chamber (26) containing a compressible medium, in particular a gas. A hydraulic pressure (P.sub.h) acts upon the separating piston (22) from the side of the accumulator chamber (24) and a pneumatic pressure (p.sub.p) acts upon the separating piston from the side of the spring chamber (26), with at least one supplementary spring force (F.sub.F ;F.sub.F1 ;F.sub.F2) acting upon the separating piston (22) of the piston-type accumulator (6) in addition to the forces (F.sub.h,F.sub.p) resulting from charging the separating piston (22) with the hydraulic pressure (P.sub.h) and the pneumatic pressure (p.sub.p).Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Hemscheidt Fahrwerktechnik GmbH & Co.Inventor: Walter Runkel
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Patent number: 5593007Abstract: A number of embodiments of tubular type shock absorbers that permit improved damping characteristics in both directions by providing a third fluid chamber that surrounds the central shock absorber portion which defines the normal first and second fluid chambers separated by a piston connected by a piston rod to one of the two suspended elements. An annular piston is connected to the piston rod and displaces fluid from the third fluid chamber through a shock absorbing arrangement for augmenting the shock absorbing action of the centrally positioned shock absorber. Several embodiments of reservoir arrangements are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1993Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Pekka Siltanen
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Patent number: 5588510Abstract: A semi-active vehicle suspension system employing a shock absorber whose damping characteristics are variable under the control of a signal representing one or more conditions of the vehicle. The system employs a coaxially arranged valve pair to provide one or two fluid flow paths between a chamber of the shock absorber and a reservoir. Two of such coaxial valve pairs may be used in tandem to control both chambers of the shock absorber in an inverse relationship. Both of the tandem pairs may be controlled by a single spool which is controlled by a single control signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.Inventor: Raud A. Wilke
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Patent number: 5533586Abstract: An adjustable suspension system which has a shock absorber affixed to the suspension system, a movable sealing piston located within a shock absorber for sealing fluid and a suspension adjuster connected to the shock absorber for moving fluid between the adjuster and the shock absorber. A conduit connects the suspension adjuster and the shock absorber. The conduit also includes a hose connecting the suspension adjuster with the shock absorber. A shock housing is adjacent to and outside the shock body. The shock housing surrounds the periphery of the shock body. The shock housing and the shock body define a passageway for fluid. The shock body has a portion that defines at least one port hole between the shock cap and the sealing piston. The shock absorber includes a fluid chamber defined by a shock cap, a shock body, and the sealing piston.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1995Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Arctco, Inc.Inventor: Kevin D. Thompson
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Patent number: 5509675Abstract: A bicycle front suspension system includes a pair of V-shaped strut supports secured to a bicycle head tube in a spaced apart arrangement. Each strut support receives and secures the upper portion of a collapsible suspension strut to provide increased suspension travel. The lower end of each suspension strut is secured to the axle of a bicycle front wheel in a clamping action which increases the strength of the cycle front suspension. Each strut includes an oil dampened air spring mechanism in which the compression and rebound characteristics of the strut are independently adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
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Patent number: 5477947Abstract: A shock absorber with frequency-selective action, in particular for motor vehicles, can have a working cylinder filled with a damping fluid and divided into two working chambers by a piston which has throttle valves and is fastened to a piston rod. For optimal damping adjustment in vehicle-relevant frequency ranges, the working cylinder can preferably be provided with at least two hydraulic capacitances, one of which can be connected to the lower working chamber by way of a hydraulic inductance.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventors: Walter Schalles, Heinz Knecht, Joachim Lenze
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Patent number: 5458218Abstract: A suspension system with at least one hydraulic spring strut. At least a portion of the hydraulic medium is displaced into a hydropneumatic spring reservoir during the compression movement of the spring strut, and that portion of the hydraulic medium flows back into the spring strut during the expansion movement. At least the expansion flow is conveyed through the flow path of a damping valve and damped due to the fact that the flow path is continuously closed and reopened in an alternating fashion by means of a valve element once a expansion flow is present. The valve element is bypassed via a bypass which is constructed in such a way that a pressure compensation between the sections of the flow path arranged on both sides of the valve element is ensured in the static condition in which essentially no flow is present; and that the bypass essentially loses this pressure compensation function in the dynamic condition in which a flow is present.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1993Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Hemscheidt Fahrwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Walter Runkel
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Patent number: 5443521Abstract: A prosthetic leg has a pivotal knee joint and a hydraulic fluid control unit connected to provide variable forces which dampen flexion and extension of the knee and also bias the leg to its extended position. The unit includes an aluminum housing lined with an axially adjustable sleeve and control bushing defining a cylindrical operating chamber which receives a piston mounted on a tubular piston rod. The housing and operating chamber receive hydraulic fluid or oil which flows during movement of the piston through fluid control ports, channels and adjustable gaps defined by the sleeve and bushing for damping the movement of the rod. The piston rod encloses a preferably sealed gas pressurized flexible bladder which forms an oil accumulator during inward movement of the piston rod into a displacement chamber and also produces variable forces for moving the piston rod outwardly to its extended position.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1993Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Mauch Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Knoth, William L. Phillips
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Patent number: 5409089Abstract: A known shock absorber including a throttle cross section of a throttle passage which is electrically variable via a magnet, to adjust damping of fluid between separate work chambers. If the magnet has no current in the event of an electrical defect, then the throttle cross section of the throttle passage attains its minimum opening, and maximum damping is attained the shock absorber includes a different further throttle passage which is uncovered in the event of an electrical defect. As a result, in the event of an electrical defect an arbitrarily preselectable, preferably approximately average damping is brought about by the further throttle passage.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Rapp, Bernd Dittmer, Kurt Engelsdorf, Bernd Taubitz, Steffen Schneider, Roland Weisser
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Patent number: 5405409Abstract: A prosthetic leg has a pivotal knee joint and a hydraulic fluid control unit connected to provide variable forces which dampen flexion and extension of the knee and also bias the leg to its extended position. The unit includes an aluminum housing lined with an axially adjustable sleeve and control bushing defining a cylindrical operating chamber which receives a piston mounted on a tubular piston rod. The housing and operating chamber receive hydraulic fluid or oil which flows during movement of the piston through fluid control ports, channels and adjustable gaps defined by the sleeve and bushing for damping the movement of the rod. The piston rod encloses a gas filled flexible bladder which forms an oil accumulator during inward movement of the piston rod into a displacement chamber and also produces variable forces for moving the piston rod outwardly to its extended position.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1994Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Inventor: Donald E. Knoth
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Patent number: 5400881Abstract: In a double tube vibration damper a bottom valve body is provided adjacent an end portion of a pressure tube which end portion is remote from the entrance of the piston rod into the pressure tube. The bottom valve body is positioned by a positioning sleeve which is in frictional engagement with an internal circumferential surface of the pressure tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventor: Robert Pradel
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Patent number: 5400880Abstract: A bi-linear platform reactive damper for automotive type vehicles, which includes a damper housing having a chamber with a damper piston in it, which piston has a rod extending from it connected to the suspension of the vehicle, which chamber is filled with hydraulic fluid, the chamber being connected to an external reservoir containing a separator piston, with gas on the side of the piston opposite to the hydraulic fluid, and having an adjustable separator piston stop. The damper housing has a secondary chamber which is in fluid communication with said damper chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Competition Tire EastInventor: Jeffery S. Ryan
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Patent number: 5376135Abstract: An adjustable hydraulic damper involves a piston member operating within a hydraulic cylinder where the hydraulic cylinder wall is adjustably deformed to vary the annular space between a piston head and the inside cylinder wall through which hydraulic fluid must pass. The wall of the cylinder is adjustably deformed through an annular ramp formed circumferentially about the outside of the cylinder and having an angled bearing surface. A compression nut, having an angled inside circumferential surface, threadingly engages the outside of the cylinder, wherein rotation of the compression nut causes its angled inside surface to bear on the ramp of the cylinder wall, thereby producing a local, uniform, annular deformation of the inside surface of the cylinder wall. The amount of deformation, and thus the flow of fluid through the annular space, is adjustable by rotation of the compression nut.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Inventor: Alan L. Aulie
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Patent number: 5360230Abstract: A damping force control device for a suspension system of a vehicle includes a shock absorber having a fluid chamber therein and provided at each wheel side of the vehicle, an orifice device for supplying an amount of fluid into the fluid chamber, and a control device for controlling the opening of the orifice device based on the vertical speed above the shock absorber.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1991Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Yamada, Junji Yamamoto
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Patent number: 5351790Abstract: A hydraulically adjustable suspension apparatus for an automobile has a proportional type of solenoid operated valve assembly for controlling the pressure or flow rate of a pressurized fluid introduced into a cylinder tube through a fluid passage. The fluid passage is formed in a piston rod so as to communicate a cylinder tube with a hydraulic control circuit. The solenoid operated valve assembly is integrally attached to either the piston rod or the cylinder tube outside of the cylinder tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1992Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Tokico Ltd.Inventor: Hiromi Machida
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Patent number: 5293969Abstract: An electromagnetic suspension device for use between a vehicle body and a road wheel is disclosed, which comprises a body-connected structure connected to the vehicle body to move therewith and a wheel-connected structure connected to the road wheel to move therewith. The body-connected and wheel-connected structures are arranged to carry out a relative movement therebetween. An electromagnetic actuator is associated with the body-connected and wheel-connected structures in order to electromagnetically control the relative movement in accordance with electric power applied thereto. A hydraulic damper is arranged in parallel with the electromagnetic actuator between the body-connected structure and the wheel-connected structure to produce a damping force in accordance with the relative movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1992Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Assignee: Atsugi Unisia CorporationInventors: Fumiyuki Yamaoka, Mitsuo Sasaki
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Patent number: 5285877Abstract: Impact damper for motor vehicles, the impact damper having two tubes which can be pushed one inside the other, the inner tube consisting of a first and second fluid chamber and a gas chamber separated from the first fluid chamber by a separating piston. A third fluid chamber, separated from the second fluid chamber by a work piston can extend the tubes relative to one another by changing the pressure within the fluid chambers.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Assignee: Boge AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hartmut Bonenberger, Holger Kirchner, Kurt Wagner
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Patent number: 5251927Abstract: A non-steerable shock absorber includes a steer-sensitive valve assembly placed in the lower working chamber of an inner cylinder in series with a compression valve. A linkage is provided between a turnable steering knuckle and the steer-sensitive valve assembly to vary the damping characteristics of the shock absorber based on a steering motion of a vehicle's wheels.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1992Date of Patent: October 12, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Harlan W. Charles, Larry D. Miller
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Patent number: 5249783Abstract: A vibration absorbing damper of the viscous type having an outer cylinder enclosing a damping member with the damping member positioned for axial movement within the outer cylinder while retaining a hermetic seal without the use of gaskets or seals. The damping member is comprised of a pair of arcuate structures with high volumetric rigidity and joined axially by a nonelastomeric member. A fluid-retaining reservoir is deformed by forces applied to the exterior cylinder, resulting in deformation of the arcuate structure and resulting compression or extension of the fluid reservoir. Excess fluid is forced into a bellows through a restricting orifice for storage during compression stresses, and returned from the bellows to the fluid reservoir during extension of the outer cylinder during cyclical vibration. The damper operates with deflections as small as 1 microinch and provides a large actuating force, even though the motion is very small.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1991Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Lawrence P. Davis
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Patent number: 5219051Abstract: A viscous damper for absorbing vibrations of low amplitude over a wide frequency range. Two working volumes of resiliently deformable material, in the form of a bellows, are provided in a folded structure joined by a base carrying a restrictive annular fluid passage. Compressive forces applied to the primary volume are transmitted by a damping fluid through the restrictive annulus to the secondary volume, the resulting energy dissipation providing a damping effect. A hermetically sealed configuration provides multi-axis damping and isolation without wearing of frictional surfaces. Large damping values are attained with linear performance over a large dynamic range.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1991Date of Patent: June 15, 1993Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Lawrence P. Davis
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Patent number: 5211379Abstract: A hydraulic positioner for seats includes a cylinder and piston structure with a piston rod secured to the piston and extending from the cylinder. A reservoir is provided in the cylinder by a gland jointly biased by a first spring located within the cylinder and a second spring which also urges the piston rod to an extended position. A sleeve is movable by the gland for visual indication of the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1991Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: P. L. Porter CompanyInventor: Clyde R. Porter
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Patent number: 5195619Abstract: A hydraulic damper includes an internal accumulator for storing and dissipating energy resulting from a fluid pressure spike inside the damper. A housing is mounted on a piston rod above a reciprocable piston. A compressible medium is stored in the housing. A valve assembly controls the flow of fluid into and out of the accumulator. When a sudden fluid pressure rise occurs, the medium compresses to store the energy. When the pressure rise dissipates, fluid exits the accumulator as the medium expands.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1991Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Stephen E. Dourson, Wayne V. Fannin
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Patent number: 5152547Abstract: A vehicular suspension system incorporates, at each wheel, a liquid spring which internally utilizes a compressible liquid to generate spring and damping forces that yieldingly resist vertical wheel deflection relative to the vehicle frame. The liquid spring includes a dual piston assembly which divides a main cylinder into bounce and rebound chambers. A rotary metering valve is interposed between the bounce and rebound chambers for controlling the flow of compressible liquid from one chamber to the other during bounce and rebound. The dual piston assembly includes a tubular piston having a modulation chamber coupled in flow communication with the bounce chamber. The spring and damping characteristics of each liquid spring are computer adjusted during vehicle operation by modulating the bounce chamber pressure in response to sensed variations in various liquid spring and vehicle operating parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1990Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Inventor: Leo W. Davis
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Patent number: 5148896Abstract: A high pressure hydropneumatic shock absorber (10) includes a cylinder (12) with a piston (16) slidably positioned within the cylinder (12). The piston (16) and cylinder (12) are configured as a telescopic suspension unit. The piston (16) defines a first variable volume chamber (28) within the cylinder (12) and is filled with a working liquid. A reservoir (44) includes an interior movable barrier wall (62) defining first (60) and second (64) separated variable volume reservoir chambers. The first reservoir chamber (60) is filled with working liquid and the second reservoir chamber (64) is filled with a working gas. A flow-controlling damper valve (58) communicates the first cylinder chamber (28) with the first reservoir chamber (60).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Harry C. Ralph
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Patent number: 5113979Abstract: A shock absorber for damping the relative movement of the sprung portion of the automobile with respect to the unsprung portion of the automobile. The shock absorber includes a pressure cylinder and a piston disposed within the pressure cylinder. The piston is able to control the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber so as to generate firm and soft damping characteristics. The shock absorber also includes a reserve cylinder disposed exterior of the pressure cylinder, and a base valve disposed at one end of the pressure cylinder. The base valve is operable to control the flow of damping fluid between the second portion of the working chamber and the reserve chamber in response to the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1991Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Jan Driessen
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Patent number: 5107970Abstract: A sealing system for a hydraulic actuator is disclosed which is operable to selectively change the frictional sealing force exerted on a piston rod in response to the fluid pressure acting on the sealing system. The sealing system includes a leakage chamber formed in a rod guide surrounding a moveable piston rod which is partially disposed within a working chamber. A first seal member is operable for permitting a predetermined amount of hydraulic fluid to leak from the working chamber to the leakage chamber. The leakage chamber is in fluid communication with a low pressure fluid reservoir. A flow control valve selectively controls the flow of hydraulic fluid from the leakage chamber to the fluid reservoir so as to change the fluid pressure within the leakage chamber. A pressure responsive seal assembly concentrically engages the piston rod intermediate the leakage chamber and an upper end of the hydraulic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1991Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: Jan N. Driessen, Bert E. Vanroye
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Patent number: 5102109Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber with a housing defining a high pressure space and containing a piston adapted to be moved by a mass to be damped. When the piston is moved for damping hydraulic fluid is displaced from the high pressure space so that there is a damping action. There is both a pressure-dependent damping device and also a piston stroke-dependent damping device.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1990Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: Festo KGInventor: Rainer Schnetz
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Patent number: 5096026Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic piston comprises a cylinder which has a first piston disposed therein in such a manner as to divide the cylinder into first and second fluid chambers. The first piston is attached to a shaft which extends through one end of the cylinder and is reciprocable within the cylinder. The first and second fluid chambers are connected to each other by a connecting mechanism so that fluid is able to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber, and visa versa, as the first piston is reciprocated within the cylinder. A second piston is disposed within the connecting mechanism. The second piston has a passage therethrough to allow for transfer of fluid from one fluid chamber to the other as the first piston is reciprocated within the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Inventor: Gilles Vautour
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Patent number: 5094325Abstract: A shock absorber assembly for mounting between a vehicle frame and wheel assembly including a cylinder containing a substantially incompressible fluid and a piston slidably mounted in the cylinder to divide it into two separate chambers on opposite sides of the piston. A hollow piston rod is connected to the piston at one end and extends out of one end of the cylinder, where it is mounted in a base assembly. A fluid flow passageway in the piston rod communicates between the two chambers. An adjustment rod slidably mounted in the piston rod controls the size of the fluid flow passageway. A biasing assembly acts between the piston and adjustment rods to urge them relative to one another so as to increase the size of the fluid flow passageway, allowing a degree of automatic adjustment to the compression and rebound rates of the assembly dependent on the prevailing road conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1990Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Inventor: J. Marlow Smith
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Patent number: 5085298Abstract: There is disclosed a hydraulic fluid regulator for automatically supplying hydraulic fluid to the pressure chamber of a rotary torque resistance actuator to replace fluid which may move out of the pressure chamber of the actuator when the fluid is heated and expands. The regulator includes a pneumatically pressurized fluid supply reservoir connected to the pressure chamber in the actuator by two parallel conduits respectively having spring loaded check valves therein connected in opposite directions to supply fluid to the chamber when the pressure in the chamber falls below a preset value and to transmit fluid from the chamber to the reservoir when the pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds a different preset value. The reservoir also includes a third bypass conduit connected in parallel with the first two conduits for metering fluid from the actuator chamber when the fluid expands, and a filter is connected in line with the three conduits.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1990Date of Patent: February 4, 1992Inventor: Phillip A. Sollami
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Patent number: 5076404Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for a gas spring (1). This comprises a cylinder (2) with a piston (3) capable of being displaced axially therein, which marks the boundary of an inner space (4) of the cylinder (2) filled with a compressible gas-oil mixture. The space (4) varies in volume in accordance with a force (F) acting upon a piston rod connected to the piston. The invention is characterized in that the inner space is so arranged as to communicate via an openable and closable valve (13) with a closed space (10). The arrangement includes a control device (12) for actuating the valve (13), which control device is so arranged as to close the valve (13) once the piston (3) has moved past a predetermined axial position in the cylinder (2), and as to open it at a predetermined time after the moment of closing.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1990Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Assignee: Stromsholmens Mekaniska Verkstad ABInventor: Krister Gustafsson
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Patent number: 5052712Abstract: An active, frequency damping suspension system for vehicles having a chassis and at least one axle comprises a pneumatic spring connected mechanically between the vehicle axle and the vehicle chassis to absorb vertical movements of the vehicle axle and prevent them from being transmitted to the chassis, a hydraulic shock absorber connected between the vehicle axle and the vehicle chassis to dampen the vertical movements of the vehicle axle, and a pressure accumulator in fluid communication with the air spring or in fluid communication with both the air spring and the hydraulic shock absorber for enhancing the cushioning effect of the air spring on vertical movements of the vehicle axle and enhancing the dampening effect of the shock absorber on vertical movements of the axle.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1990Date of Patent: October 1, 1991Inventor: John E. Raidel
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Patent number: 5027927Abstract: A variable rate shock absorber comprising a tubular working cylinder (10) destined to be mounted on a suspended part of a vehicle, a piston rod assembly (24) slidably received in the working cylinder (10) and having an end (34) destined to be mounted on a fixed part of a vehicle, the piston rod assembly (24) having at its free end a piston member (48) cooperating with the working cylinder (10) to divide the interior thereof into an upper (44) and a lower working chamber (56), a valve mechanism in the piston member (48) to permit controlled two-way flow between the upper and lower working chambers an electro-magnetic valve mechanism (62) disposed between the upper working chamber (44) and a reservoir (18) and selectively actuatable to allow fluid flow therebetween, the valve mechanism (62) comprising a first member (80, 114) slidably mounted with respect to a second member (72, 116) between a closed position and an open position, characterized in that the first member (80, 114) is movable into at least one parType: GrantFiled: May 29, 1990Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Assignee: Bendix Espana S.A.Inventor: Juan S. Bacardit
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Patent number: 5016909Abstract: An automobile suspension system includes a suspending hydraulic cylinder interposed between the automobile body and an automobile wheel, a tensing hydraulic cylinder attached to the automobile body, an absorbing hydraulic cylinder attached to the automobile body, a hydraulic piping system intercommunicating these hydraulic cylinders, and a processing system sensing road conditions and driving situations to independently adjust the height of the corners of the automobile body, so as to offer shock-absorbing and anti-sway effects.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1990Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Inventor: Chien-Hung Lin
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Patent number: 5016911Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension system for a vehicle has a hydraulic cylinder-piston device connected between the vehicle body and each of the wheels, and a plurality of gas springs which exert a spring force according to the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber of the cylinder-piston device. Each gas spring has a fluid chamber and a gas chamber which are defined in a casing and are separated from each other by a movable partition wall, and the fluid chamber is communicated with the hydraulic chamber of the hydraulic cylinder-piston device. The upper end portion of the piston rod is supported by the vehicle body by way of a mount. The piston rod is provided with a fluid passage which axially extends through the piston rod and the lower end of which opens to the hydraulic chamber of the cylinder-piston device. A support member is fixed to the piston rod at an upper portion below the mount.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1989Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Shin Takehara, Takeshi Edahiro, Toshiki Morita, Hiroyoshi Kumada
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Patent number: 5011111Abstract: A damping control device which can be used to control the rate of movement or prevent the movement of a handle or other control means, such as a handle which is used to operate valves. This invention relates to control devices such as handles generally, and is more specifically directed to a damping means which can be used in conjunction with control devices, particularly those used to operate valves, to control the rate of actuation of said control device.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1990Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Inventors: Marvin I. Nelson, John S. Reedy