Valve Structure Or Location Patents (Class 188/322.13)
Piston valve detail (e.g., seat design, structural arrangement, metering element) (Class 188/322.15)
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Publication number: 20090322054Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing cavitation and its effects in a damper. The damper includes a flow dividing structure. In one embodiment, the structure is disposed in a valve including an annular flow path constructed and arranged to separate fluid into substantially separate streams as the fluid passes through the annular path.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: William M. Becker, Sante M. Pelot, Joseph Franklin
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Patent number: 7628259Abstract: Shock absorber components, such as a radial bypass damper, an anti-cavitation valve (ACV) and an incremental flow metering valve IFMV. The damper is of a continuous, unitary construction with a main hole and auxiliary holes interconnected by passageways. The ACV has openings that angle obliquely relative to entry surfaces of valving shims and extend at an incline continuously through the valving shims. The metering valve linearly regulates flow, substantially independent of piston displacement.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc.Inventors: Bret M. Norgaard, Douglas J. Cimins
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Publication number: 20090288924Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: Todd Michael Murray, Curtis L. Van Weelden, Eric Peter Hamkins
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Patent number: 7621382Abstract: A dampening mechanism is described having a pressure tube defining a working chamber between a rod guide proximate a first end and an end cap proximate a second end. A piston is disposed within the pressure tube and divides the working chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. A piston rod is secured to the piston. A reservoir tube surrounds the pressure tube defining a reservoir chamber between the reservoir tube and the pressure tube. At least one passage is disposed through the pressure tube between the reservoir chamber and the working chamber and a bypass valve is disposed between the piston and the at least one passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: David T. Zdeb
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Patent number: 7604101Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping force control valve and a shock absorber using the same. An object of the present invention is to provide a damping force control valve, in which the damping force characteristic at a high speed is maintained in a low level, and a shock absorber using the same. According to the present invention for achieving the object, there is provided a damping force control valve, which includes a high pressure region in communication with a tension chamber of a cylinder and a low pressure region in communication with a reservoir chamber, and controls a damping force by adjusting pressure of a pilot chamber by orifices, each of which has a channel controlled to open or close by a spool.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Mando CorporationInventor: Kyu Shik Park
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Publication number: 20090236193Abstract: The invention relates to a flow-control valve (1) for a hydraulic shock absorber. Components of the basic structure of the flow-control valve (1) are an axially movable slide (5) having a body (6) and a valve sleeve (7), an electromagnetic linear actuator (8) for axial displacement of the slide (5) and a fixed guide body (9) configured as a tube and having an end pin (10). The valve sleeve (7) is guided on the end pin (10) of the guide body (9) and cooperates with at least one valve opening (11) formed in the wall of the guide body (9) such that the flow cross section of the valve opening (11) can be altered by axial movement of the valve body (7). According to the invention the slide (5) is provided in a pole tube (12) fixed on the guide body (9). The body (6) of the slide (5) is guided with a clearance fit in a bearing ring (13) attached to a section of the pole tube (12) surrounding the body (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Klaus SCHMIDT, Wolfgang HAMERS
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Publication number: 20090236807Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for use in vehicle suspension. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatus useful for variable spring rate and/or variable damping rate vehicle suspension. In one embodiment, a shock absorber for a vehicle includes a gas spring having first and second gas chambers. The first chamber is utilized during a first travel portion of the shock absorber and the first and second chambers are both utilized during a second portion of travel. The shock absorber further includes a fluid isolated damper for regulating the speed of travel throughout both portions of travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Dennis K. Wootten, Robert C. Fox, David Haugen
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Patent number: 7591352Abstract: A damping valve (102) comprises: a first valve element (16); a first valve seat (15) in which the first valve element (16) is seated; a second valve element (26) placed in series with the first valve element (16); a second valve seat (25), placed between the first and second valve elements (16) and (26), in which the second valve element (26) is seated; an biasing mechanism (30) for biasing the second valve element (26) toward the second valve seat (25) and biasing the first valve element (16) toward the first valve seat (15) via the second valve element (26); a first liquid chamber (106); a second liquid chamber (104); and a third liquid chamber (107).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobumichi Hanawa
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Publication number: 20090095586Abstract: A fluid damper, in particular for damping the movement of parts of furniture such as a drawer or a door, includes a cylinder (2) and a piston (5) linearly displaceable within the cylinder (2). The piston (5) has a plate stopper (3) at a first end and is engaged with a piston rod (8) at a second end. The plate stopper (3) and the piston (5) are connected with a connecting rod (5.1). The fluid damper further includes a washer (4) between the piston (5) and the plate stopper (4). The washer has at least a pin (4.1) extending towards the plate stopper (3) in the area of said plate stopper (3). The piston (5) has at least a positioning projection (5.2) on the circumference thereof peripherally.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicants: SHUNDE TAIMING METAL PRODUCTS FTY. LTD., SHUNDE TAIMING METAL PLASTIC POWER PRODUCTS FTY. LTD., TAIMING ENTERPRISE HOLDING CO., LTD.Inventor: Tai Wai NG
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Patent number: 7487863Abstract: Vibration damper with a damping medium-filled cylinder, in which a piston rod is installed with freedom of axial movement, and a pressure container, which is connected to the vibration damper by an adapter piece. The adapter piece comprises a connecting part, which is connected to the pressure container, and an upper part, which is connected permanently to the vibration damper. A filling channel inside the adapter piece is open at both ends when the pressure container is full, and a filling channel on the vibration damper side, which is connected to the filling channel of the adapter piece, has a closing element.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Norbert Ackermann
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Patent number: 7484603Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may be responsive to a vertical acceleration sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Fox
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Publication number: 20090026030Abstract: A shock absorber piston assembly includes a shock absorber piston having a first face and an opposed second face. A plurality of fluid passages extend between the first face and the second face. A plurality of valves attach to the piston, including: at least two rebound valves, each connectable to one of the fluid passages, and at least two compression valves, each connectable to one of the fluid passages. Each of the valves actuates at one of a plurality of valve opening pressures individually adjustable for each valve. The shock absorber piston assembly can be used in either a monotube or a dual tube shock absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Simon Anne de Molina, Jean-Marie Tuts
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Publication number: 20090014266Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable fluid friction valve. It is comprised of a left cap, a casing, a right cap, a fluid reservoir, a rotated-member, a stem, and an adjustment grip. The adjustment grip is turned by the user's hand and connects to and turns the central stem that connects to and turns the rotated-member. The rotated-member communicates fluid flow to different cross-sections of an annular passage that is disposed in the left cap where it is used for variable flow restriction. It is a groove having a varying cross-sectional area along its length with a smaller beginning terminal and a larger concluding terminal. The smaller beginning terminal is blind and the larger concluding terminal communicates with the mid passage of the left cap. The mid passage communicates with the fluid reservoir. The annular passage receives fluid flow from the rotated-member at a cross-section of its length. A smaller cross-section is accompanied by a longer length.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventor: Donald Clifton Maser
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Patent number: 7469776Abstract: A rotation damper for a vehicle that runs on rails, having piston and cylinder parts moving with respect to one another. This damper has a friction characteristics, that is to say the fluid connection over the piston is not a permanently open hole but exclusively comprises spring-loaded valves. In order to facilitate the installation of such dampers, it is proposed to make a separate connection between the working cylinder and the reservoir in which a valve that can be manually operated is arranged, which valve, on operation, opens a connection as a result of which the piston and cylinder can be moved relative to one another under manual force.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Koni B.V.Inventors: James Francis Vance, James Brian Pipp
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Publication number: 20080190719Abstract: A variable damping force valve of a shock absorber includes a variable valve for varying damping force by a plurality of flow passages connected to the shock absorber and a solenoid actuator for actuating the variable valve. The variable valve and the solenoid actuator are coupled with each other by a coupling ring in a single body, and the coupling ring has an open portion, thereby being coupled to an inside of the variable valve by elastic deformation or restitution thereof to fix the solenoid actuator and the variable valve. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the variable valve and the solenoid actuator are assembled in one-touch manner by providing the coupling ring, thereby simplifying an assembling process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Young Hwan Jee
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Publication number: 20080179148Abstract: A multistage jounce bumper, including a jounce bumper cushion integrated with a hydraulic jounce bumper, wherein provided are the damping characteristic of the hydraulic jounce bumper and the damping/spring characteristics of a jounce bumper cushion. The hydraulic jounce bumper hydraulic response is tunable via adjustment of hydraulic flow with respect to a communicating hydraulic fluid reservoir. When maximum jounce is approached, jounce force and energy are exchanged, at a first stage, with the jounce bumper cushion, then at a predetermined compression, jounce force and energy are exchanged, at a second stage, with the hydraulic jounce bumper. Thereafter, a mechanical abutment is provided as a third stage of jounce management.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Shawn G. Quinn, Gregory J. Fadler, William C. Gregory
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Patent number: 7387598Abstract: The multifunctional portable pneumatic exercise device is a muscular exercise and training device that may be used for a multiplicity of exercises and with a wide variety of muscle groups. The exercise device includes a telescopic tube that is sealed at a distal end thereof and has a valve mounted on the proximal end thereof. In operation, the user compresses the telescopic tube and the increased air pressure within the telescopic tube causes fluid resistance, providing the user with muscular exercise. The user controls the fluid resistance through selective adjustment of the valve, which controls the volume of air escaping from the telescopic tube. Further, a pair of straps are releasably secured to either end of the telescopic tube, allowing the telescopic tube to be secured to a selected body part. The exercise device is portable, easy to operate and provides a wide range of muscular exercises for the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Inventor: Curtis J. Miller
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Publication number: 20080116024Abstract: A vibration damper with adjustable damping force, including a valve body and an actuator. The actuator causes the valve body to move toward a valve seating surface against a nonlinear elastic force, thereby creating a characteristic curve, which describes the function “open valve cross section-versus-energy input to the actuator” and which has at least two ranges with different slopes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Steffen Heyn, Thomas Manger, Andreas Sieber, Bernd Zeissner
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Patent number: 7374028Abstract: A self-pressurized damper, for example, a pressure-sensitive damper is described. At least one suspension spring is used to pressurize the damping fluid, a task typically carried out by a sealed moveable barrier, such as an internal floating piston (IFP) and a pressurized gas. Thus, stroke length may be maximized. Furthermore, the amount of compression damping force produced by the damper may be a function of the force generated by the at least one suspension spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Fox
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Publication number: 20080087512Abstract: A shock absorber includes an external valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls the movement of a plunger.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Gert Vanhees, Koen Reybrouck
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Patent number: 7357232Abstract: In an inverted type front fork in a two-wheeled motor vehicle or the like, a stopper plate having a through hole formed in a center portion is fitted to an inner periphery of an upper end portion of an inner tube. A rod attached to an outer tube is inserted into the inner tube via the through hole of the stopper plate. A spring seat supporting an upper end portion of a suspension spring is provided in a end portion of the rod. A rebound spring is interposed between the spring seat and the stopper plate. A plurality of connecting holes connecting upper and lower air chambers locating above and below the stopper plate are formed in an outer peripheral portion of the stopper plate, and a flow path connecting the upper and lower air chambers locating above and below the stopper plate is formed within the rod.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Showa CorporationInventor: Nobuaki Fujita
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Patent number: 7347307Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Arvin TechnologiesInventor: Fabrice Joly
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Publication number: 20080023280Abstract: A check valve, a retainer and a washer are secured to a valve body by inserting a pin therethrough and staking a distal end portion of the pin to form a staked portion. A restraining member is interposed between the washer and the staked portion. The fit clearance between the restraining member and the shank of the pin is set smaller than the fit clearance between the check valve, the retainer and the washer on the one hand and the shank of the pin on the other. Thus, when the distal end portion of the pin is staked, the deformation of the shank of the pin is restrained by the restraining member that defines a small clearance between the same and the pin. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the enlargement in diameter of a portion of the pin where the check valve is fitted and hence possible to prevent deformation of the check valve. Thus, stable valve characteristics can be obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventor: Atsushi Maeda
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Patent number: 7308976Abstract: A suspension damper includes a housing bounding a main chamber. A hydraulic fluid is disposed within the main chamber. A piston rod is selectively movable between an advanced position wherein a portion of the piston rod is advanced into the main chamber and a retracted position wherein the portion of the piston rod is retracted from the main chamber, wherein as the piston rod is moved a fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the main chamber progressively increases and a portion of the hydraulic fluid passes through a passage within the housing. A control valve is at least partially disposed within the main chamber, the control valve being moved by the fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid so as to progressively restrict the flow of the hydraulic fluid through the passage as the fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the main chamber progressively increases.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Turner Technology GroupInventor: Roy A. Turner
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Patent number: 7252181Abstract: A suspension system includes an air spring and a shock absorber disposed between the sprung and unsprung portions of a vehicle. A vehicle height sensor sends signals to a control system which adjusts the height of the vehicle by increasing or decreasing the air pressure within the spring. This same air pressure is provided to the shock absorber in order to increase the damping rate for high loads and decrease the damping rate for low loads. The air pressure to the shock absorber is provided to a valve assembly which controls fluid flow between the working chamber of the shock absorber and a reserve chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventor: Luc Lemmens
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Patent number: 7216747Abstract: A dual tube shock absorber includes a spool valve located between the upper working chamber and the reserve chamber. The spool valve moves with the piston rod to open and close a flow path between the upper working chamber and the reserve chamber. This provides a low damping characteristic for small movements of the piston rod which changes to a high damping characteristic for larger movement of the piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventor: Darrell Breese
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Patent number: 7137491Abstract: A check valve assembly for a shock absorber includes a tapered valve seat and a polygonal check valve which includes a plurality of flat surfaces. Each pair of flat surfaces intersects at a linear engagement surface which slidably engages a cylindrical chamber. When the polygonal check valve is in an open position, fluid flows along the flat surfaces even though the linear engagement surfaces are essentially in contact with the cylindrical chamber. Lateral movement of the check valve is effectively eliminated which minimizes noise and vibration of the cheek valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: Frank Verriet
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Patent number: 7134534Abstract: A front fork for a vehicle includes an upper front fork tube, a lower front fork tube movably coupled to the upper front fork tube, a fluid contained in the upper and lower front fork tubes, and a damper fixedly sealedly mounted inside the upper front fork tube. The damper has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a through hole in communication with the fluid inlet, and a blocking member movably mounted in the fluid inlet for regulating upward flowing rate of the fluid from the lower front fork tube into the upper front fork tube through the fluid inlet and the through hole upon movement of the upper front fork tube relative to the lower front fork tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Spinner Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
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Patent number: 7118099Abstract: in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a high pressure chamber containing a gas cushion acting as a spring, and a working cylinder which is filled with damping medium under pressure of the gas cushion. A working piston carried by a hollow piston rod divides the working cylinder into two working spaces, wherein one of the working spaces is connected to the high pressure chamber to drive the piston under the pressure of the gas cushion, the piston having at least one non-return valve which permits flow from the one working space to the other working space.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: ZF Sachs AGInventor: Hubert Beck
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Patent number: 7104369Abstract: A piston rod with a piston is installed with freedom of axial movement in a damping medium-filled cylinder, where, as a function of the stroke position of the piston, a bypass connects the two working spaces separated from each other by the piston. The piston has at least one through-channel for at least one flow direction, which channel is at least partially covered on the outlet side by at least one valve disk, so that a first pressure-actuated surface to which pressure can be applied in the opening direction is present on the valve disk. In addition to the first pressure-actuated surface, the valve disk has a second pressure-actuated surface, which is separated from the first when the valve disk is closed and which can be actuated via the bypass, in which case the effects of the two pressure-actuated surfaces are additive.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Steffen Heyn, Frank Gundermann, Christian Böhm, Bernd Zeissner, Manfred Grundei
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Patent number: 7048099Abstract: In a bottom valve apparatus of a hydraulic shock absorber in which a flow passage is formed in a bottom piece, and a check valve opening and closing the flow passage and a spring urging the check valve are fixed to one face side of the bottom piece by a fixing member, such as a nut, the check valve and the spring are subassembled in the fixing member, such as the nut.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Showa CorporationInventor: Susumu Umezawa
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Patent number: 6997959Abstract: An artificial knee joint connects a prosthetic lower leg to a residual thigh of a prosthesis wearer, and includes a knee-extending oil passage and a knee-flexing oil passage that is provided with a throttle valve. When the lower leg is pressed against the ground by the thigh, a controlling element activates the throttle valve to close the knee flexing oil passage so as to fix the thigh relative to the lower leg. Upon fast walking of the wearer, an air valve unit activates the throttle valve to reduce flow rate of oil flowing through the knee-flexing oil passage so that the lower leg can support the thigh effectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventors: Chien-Liang Chen, Chien-Chuan Chen, I-Chun Chen
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Patent number: 6978871Abstract: A shock absorber according to the present invention includes a pressure tube having a working chamber disposed therewithin. A piston is slidably disposed within the working chamber and divides the working chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. An intermediate tube is disposed around the pressure tube and the working chamber to define an intermediate chamber. A reserve tube is disposed around the intermediate tube. A collar is attached to the intermediate tube. The collar is defined by a shoulder portion extending generally lateral to the intermediate tube and a radial neck portion extending generally perpendicularly to the intermediate tube. An external control valve includes a valve seat received within the collar in an installed position. The external control valve is attached to the reserve tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventor: David Holiviers
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Patent number: 6938887Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring damper system for bicycles having a first load-applying segment, a second load-applying segment, at least one spring mechanism, a damping means, and a regulating mechanism that automatically effects a damping behavior of the damping means based on a tension or load present in the at least one spring mechanism. A method of spring suspension and damping of bicycles is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: DT Swiss Inc.Inventor: Martin Achenbach
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Patent number: 6926128Abstract: A shock absorber damper assembly is provided that includes a working cylinder filled with fluid. A piston and rod are disposed in the working cylinder and move along an axis to provide dampening during a compression stroke. For a twin tube arrangement, a reservoir surrounds the working cylinder and may include a gas cell to accommodate the volume of the rod. A recoil valve controls flow of the fluid from the working cylinder to the reservoir during a recoil stroke. The recoil valve has an opening force controlling damping during the recoil stroke. A fluid passageway, which may be located in the reservoir, connects the working cylinder and the recoil valve. A check valve is disposed in the fluid passageway and opens to receive the fluid during the compression stroke. The check valve closes during the recoil stroke to retain the fluid against the recoil valve at a pressure and adjust the opening force of the recoil valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James M. Barbison, Kevin H. Erickson, Arnett R. Weber, Ronald W. Farewell, Richard Coury, Thomas R. King, Stephen H. Bell, Nelson C. Goncalves
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Patent number: 6915885Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: ZF Sachs AGInventor: Andreas Förster
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Patent number: 6899206Abstract: High frequency shock absorber/accelerator built in at any or both end of conventional air cylinder that includes piston moving axially inside cylinder body and sealed against inner surface of body by sealing structure. Cylinder piston rod protrudes outside thru cylinder front-end block Shock absorber/accelerator comprises piston with sealing structures moving axially in inner chamber, which communicates with outer chamber thru aperture(s). Air cylinder piston meets the protruded rod of the shock absorber/accelerator piston and starts to move it thus pushing volume of compressed air through provided aperture from inner chamber to outer chamber. Piston sealing structures seal air coming through the aperture thereby isolating compressed air in the outer chamber from the inner chamber. Compressed air coming through the open venting valve forces pistons to move in opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Inventor: Yevgeny Antonovsky
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Patent number: 6860370Abstract: A piston having a piston rod connected thereto is slidably fitted in a cylinder in which a hydraulic fluid is sealably contained. Extension-stroke and compression-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanisms are provided in the piston. Check valves are provided at inlet openings of back-pressure chambers (pilot chambers). Relief valves provided in the pilot chambers include orifice passages. When the direction of stroke of the piston rod is reversed, the pressures in the back-pressure chambers are maintained due to the check valves, and the back-pressure chambers are pressurized to a satisfactory level through the orifice passages.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Tokico Ltd.Inventor: Takao Nakadate
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Patent number: 6860369Abstract: A vibration damper with variable damping force, includes a cylinder filled with damping medium and in which a piston fastened to a piston rod axially moveably therein. The piston divides the working cylinder into two working spaces. The damping force for the directions of rebound and compression are influenced by nonreturn valves acting in the respective directions. A damping valve of variable damping action is additionally provided in series with each of the nonreturn valves so that the damping valve is active in both the rebound and compression directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventors: Raimund Weiffen, Wolfgang Hertz
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Patent number: 6840357Abstract: Two oil chambers 28. 29 are formed in a cylinder 21. The piston rod oil chamber 28 is connected with a reservoir 50 formed on an outer section of the cylinder. Two parallel passages 33, 34 are formed in a sealing case 23 provided on an upper section of the cylinder. The sealing case 23 is provided with a needle valve 35 regulating the area of the opening of the passage 33, a poppet valve 37 closing the oil chamber 34 with the biasing force of the spring 40 and an adjuster 39 regulating the biasing force of the spring 40. A part of the oil flowing out of the oil chamber 28 in an expansion stroke is discharged through the needle valve 35 and the puppet valve 37 in order to allow respective regulation of the damping force at that time.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignees: Bombardier Inc., Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiro Toiyama, René Lemieux
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Patent number: 6802407Abstract: A front suspension device includes an inner tube fixedly connected to the crown portion of the front fork and movably inserted in an outer tube. A valve member is received in the inner tube and connected to a sleeve which extends from the inner tube and an adjusting member is connected to the sleeve and the outer tube. An end cap is fixed to the first end of the inner tube and connected to a hollow tube which is mounted by a ring member engaged with an inner periphery of the inner tube. A spring is mounted to the hollow tube. A core is movably received in the hollow tube and has a first end connected to an adjusting switch. A head is connected to the second end of the core and movably seals paths defined through the ring member. The spring is not compressed when the paths are sealed by the head. When a large pressure is applied to the head, the ring member is moved upward to compress the spring to re-activate the suspension device.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
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Publication number: 20040163907Abstract: A cushion assembly for motorcycles includes an outer tube having a recess defined through a first end thereof and a hydraulic cylinder is received in the recess. A valve is connected to the cylinder and communicates with a locking hole defined in a second end of the outer tube. A cap is engaged with an opening in the first end of the outer tube and has a through hole so that an inner tube is movably inserted through the through hole in the cap, received in the recess and engaged with the cylinder. The length of the outer tube and the recess are made longer so as to be installed to a modified version of motorcycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Chi-Tai Su
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Publication number: 20040089507Abstract: A gas valve assembly for a shock absorber includes a first portion of a first material and a second portion of second material which is less rigid than the first material. The first portion defines a rigid valve assembly body having a threaded portion to mount the valve to the shock body. The second portion is resilient and defines an integral plug and annular seal interconnected by a connecting member. The annular seal is molded adjacent a step engagement surface to seal the gas valve assembly to the shock body. A head having a tool engagement surface compresses the annular seal when the gas valve assembly is threaded in place.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Julian Harbu
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Patent number: 6715744Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Stephen H. Bell
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Publication number: 20040020730Abstract: A suspension damper includes a housing bounding a main chamber. A piston rod is slideably disposed within the main chamber of the housing. A main piston is mounted on the first end of the piston rod within the main chamber of the housing so as to slideably engage against the housing in sealed engagement, the main piston having a first side and an opposing second side with a compression port extending therebetween. A control valve assembly is disposed within the main chamber and bounds a sealed valve compartment. The control valve assembly is movable between a first position wherein the valve compartment is compressed to a first volume and a second position wherein the valve compartment is expanded to an enlarged second volume, the control valve assembly being movable under pressure so as to provide variable compression damping properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: Progressive Suspension, Inc.,Inventor: Roy A. Turner
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Publication number: 20040011612Abstract: Two oil chambers 28. 29 are formed in a cylinder 21. The piston rod oil chamber 28 is connected with a reservoir 50 formed on an outer section of the cylinder. Two parallel passages 33, 34 are formed in a sealing case 23 provided on an upper section of the cylinder. The sealing case 23 is provided with a needle valve 35 regulating the area of the opening of the passage 33, a poppet valve 37 closing the oil chamber 34 with the biasing force of the spring 40 and an adjuster 39 regulating the biasing force of the spring 40. A part of the oil flowing out of the oil chamber 28 in an expansion stroke is discharged through the needle valve 35 and the puppet valve 37 in order to allow respective regulation of the damping force at that time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Yoshiro Toiyama, Rene Lemieux
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Patent number: 6668987Abstract: A shock absorber for a motor vehicle includes a compression valve having one or more deflectable discs mounted on the piston on the rebound chamber side. It also includes a rebound stroke valve having one or more deflectable discs mounted on the piston on the compression chamber side. The deflectable discs of the compression stroke valve have fluid flow apertures aligned with the rebound flow passage. The compression stroke valve also has an annular stop member and an annular orientation disc positioned between the stop member and the deflectable discs on the side of the deflectable discs remote from the piston. The stop member and the orientation disc have fluid flow apertures aligned with fluid flow apertures in the deflectable discs. An orientation disc has a pin folded therefrom and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the pin extending through corresponding apertures formed in the deflectable discs into a corresponding slot formed in the piston.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alain Bataille, Louis Sinbandhit
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Publication number: 20030213662Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature that operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The damper may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventor: Robert C. Fox
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Publication number: 20030192755Abstract: A shock absorber is provided that includes a housing having an inner wall defining a working fluid chamber and an outer wall spaced outwardly from the inner wall defining a fluid reservoir. Either a compression head or an inner cylinder head may be arranged at an end of the housing. The head extends radially from a first portion interior of the inner wall to a second portion exterior of the inner wall with the head separating the working fluid chamber and the fluid reservoir. The head includes a passageway extending between the first and second portions fluidly interconnecting the working fluid chamber and the fluid reservoir. A valve is disposed about the inner wall and is arranged in the fluid reservoir. The valve has an annular sealing portion adjacent to the second portion for obstructing fluid flow through the passageway in a closed position and spaced from the second portion in an open position. A toroidal solenoid has a central opening with the inner wall disposed within the central opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: James M. Barbison, Kevin H. Erickson, Arnett R. Weber, Ronald W. Farewell, Richard Coury, Thomas R. King, Stephen H. Bell, Nelson C. Goncalves
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Patent number: 6626274Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChryslerInventors: Wolfgang Pfundstein, Ralph Samietz, Reiner Scheu