Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut includes an oil-filled working cylinder which is divided into two working spaces by a working piston carried by a hollow piston rod. Two high-pressure chambers connectable to the cylinder in such that the piston rod is selectively supported in both directions of movement either on a gas cushion provided by the first high-pressure chamber, the second high-pressure chamber, or both high-pressure chambers. Further, the spring strut includes a piston pump driven by the movements of the piston rod and for conveying oil from a low-pressure chamber to the working space which is connected to at least one of the high-pressure chambers. Moreover, a control channel connects the working space, which is connected to at least one of the high-pressure chambers, to the low-pressure chamber via a control opening, which can be closed as a function of the position of the working piston in the working cylinder.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle having a lower bracket secured to an axle housing. An air bag spring is cantilevered from the lower bracket. A shock absorber and a lower control arm are connected to the lower bracket. An upper bracket is secured to the axle housing. The upper bracket has two upwardly extending arms. An anti-roll bar and an upper control arm are pivotally connected to the upper bracket between said upwardly extending arms.

Abstract: A hydraulic vibration damper has an inner pipe, a center pipe, and an outer pipe. A piston on a piston rod is guided to be displaceable in a working space that is formed by the inner pipe. Flow spaces that are hydraulically separated from one another and connected with a valve module are formed between inner pipe and center pipe. The center pipe has a radially projecting formed-out part, at which the center pipe is connected with the outer pipe or the inner pipe, via a press fit. The passage openings of the center pipe and of the outer pipe are disposed in the region of the formed-out part. Also, a separation system for hydraulic separation of the flow spaces is situated in the region of the formed-out part. Also provided is a method for the production of a three-pipe system for a vibration damper.

Abstract: A lift truck includes a magneto-rheological damper coupled between the base frame and a frame holding a vertically sprung suspended wheel. The damper is electrically connected to a vehicle control system, which increases and decreases the damping force as a function of at least one of a weight of a load on the forks of the lift truck, a height of the mast of the lift truck, and a speed of the lift truck. As the weight of the load, height of the mast and speed of the vehicle increase, the damping force is increased. As the weight of the load, height of the mast, and speed of the vehicle decrease, the damping force is decreased. When the damper is activated to increase the damping force, the truck can maintain a four point stance, providing a larger footprint for the center of gravity, thereby limiting truck sway or oscillation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shock absorber for motor vehicles having a vibration absorber tube (1), in which a working piston (3) is arranged which is fixed to a piston rod (2), a closure pack (16) which closes the vibration absorber tube (1), and guides the piston rod (2), along with an outer tube (4) which surrounds at least partly the vibration absorber tube (1), wherein the outer tube (4) is connected rigidly to the piston rod (2) outside the vibration absorber tube (1).

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly includes a jounce bumper and a bumper retainer. The jounce bumper includes opposing end walls and a side wall extending therebetween. The bumper retainer includes a side wall for engaging the side wall of the jounce bumper and thereby restricting radially outward deflection of the jounce bumper. A gas spring assembly and a vehicle suspension system including a jounce bumper assembly are included. A method of utilizing a jounce bumper assembly is also included.

Abstract: A telescopic shock absorber for a motorcycle includes a slider tube, a stanchion tube, a damping valve, and a hollow damping rod. The damping rod includes a lower end portion secured within the slider tube with a plurality of longitudinally offset orifices. At least one of the orifices is positioned near the valve such that the orifice moves above the valve under sufficient compressive shock to the slider tube during riding. The damping rod also includes an upper end portion extending within the lower end of the stanchion tube. A mid-portion extends between the upper and lower end portions with an outer diameter smaller than those of the end portions. Steps are provided between the mid-portion and the upper and lower end portions. The mid-portion is positioned adjacent the damping valve when the vehicle is in a static, rider-sag state.

Abstract: A front wheel supporting structure for a motorcycle (1) includes a pair of front forks (10, 20) provided on the right and left sides of a front wheel (2) for supporting the front wheel (2) to a frame (5) of the motorcycle (1). The front forks (10, 20) includes a first front fork (20) which generates a damping force for damping a vibration of the front wheel (2) depending on an amplitude of the vibration, and a second front fork (10) which generates a damping force for damping a vibration of the front wheel not depending on the amplitude of the vibration. By thus combining the front forks (10, 20) having different damping force characteristics, the front wheel supporting structure can absorb vibrations of various velocities and amplitudes.

Abstract: A shock absorber comprises first and second axially aligned cylinders (11, 21) each having a liquid filled piston chamber (12, 22), an axially displaceable piston (13, 23) received in the piston chamber (12,22), and means (14, 24) for dampening axial displacement of the piston (13,23) through the liquid in the piston chamber (12, 22). A piston rod (1) axially extends between and into the first and second cylinder piston chambers (12, 22). The first and second axial ends (1a , 1b) of the piston rod (1) are connected to the first and second cylinder pistons (13, 23) respectively.

Abstract: A traction/compression buffer for coupling devices on rail and wheel-mounted vehicles comprises a housing (1) and a piston element (3), which projects out of said housing on one side and which can be moved out of a zero position in two directions against the resistance of a spring device and a damping device. A hydraulic damping device is provided for damping the return movement of the piston element (3) out of the position in which it is drawn out of the housing (1) in the direction of the zero position. Said hydraulic damping device comprises a ring-shaped hydraulic working chamber (32) that surrounds the piston element (3) and that is connected to an overflow chamber (29) by at least one overflow channel (31).

Abstract: This invention provides a mono-tube type shock absorber comprising: a cylinder having one closed end, a free piston sliding portion, a piston sliding portion, and a bearing portion provided in an end portion of the cylinder and having a pass through portion; a free piston slidably provided within of free piston sliding portion of the cylinder, the free piston dividing an inside of the cylinder into a gas chamber and an oil chamber; a piston slidably provided within of free piston sliding portion of the cylinder, the piston dividing the oil chamber into two oil chambers; a rod having one end fixed to the piston, the rod being provided to pass through the bearing portion so as to be capable of projection and retraction with respect to the cylinder; and a sealing portion provided in a through portion of the bearing portion, wherein an inner diameter of the free piston sliding portion of the cylinder, in which the free piston slides, is set larger than an inner diameter of the piston sliding portion of the cylind

Abstract: A MacPherson strut tube having an upper spring seat, a spring, a strut tube, and a ring bearing disposed for engaging the spring seat, the spring and the strut tube. The ring bearing comprises an upper casing, a lower casing, and a plastic ring engaged between the upper and lower casings, thereby forming said ring bearing.

Abstract: A damper, such as a vehicle shock absorber, and a method for attaching a ring to a base cup of a damper. The method includes the step of autogenously welding the ring to the damper base cup. The damper includes a ring autogenously welded to the damper base cup. In one variation, the ring is continuous and the base cup has a substantially convex surface with an outward projection. In another variation, the ring is split and has an end portion having a tab which projects radially outward. In one implementation, the welding consists essentially of drawn arc welding.

Abstract: A gas spring for moving a load relative to a body includes a cylinder member having an axis, an inner surface forming a chamber, a rod end and a closed end, a piston rod seal/guide received in the rod end of the cylinder member, and a piston rod received in the seal/guide for movement into and out of the cylinder member. A floating piston is received in the cylinder member for movement along the axis and in sealed engagement with the inner wall to define in the chamber a gas section between the floating piston and the rod end and a closed end section between the floating piston and the closed end. A mass of gas under a pressure above atmospheric pressure is contained in the gas section. A powered drive is provided for moving the floating piston axially of the cylinder member to vary the volume of the gas section of the chamber. A sensing device senses a characteristic of the gas spring that is indicative of the force applied to the rod by the gas in the gas section and produces a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A drum washing machine includes an outer cabinet, a water tub disposed in the outer cabinet, a generally drum-shaped rotating tub rotatably mounted in the water tub, and an elastic support mechanism mounted inside the outer cabinet for elastically supporting the rotating tub. The elastic support mechanism includes an oil damper further including a cylinder and a predetermined amount of damping oil contained in the cylinder, and a coil spring having two ends and mounted outside the cylinder so that a central axis of the coil spring substantially corresponds with a central axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: A damping structure for providing damping and vibration attenuation includes an intermediate steel sheet positioned between an upper steel sheet and a lower steel sheet. The structure is incorporated as a part of a suspension component. The intermediate sheet is perforated with a plurality of holes, and a plurality of elastic strips are positioned between each of the sheets when assembled. The edges of the sheets are welded, sealing viscous fluid within the structure. Alternatively, the structure can be secured by rivets. Compression on the damping structure moves the fluid through the holes, providing a damping effect.

Abstract: A seat post for a cycle has inner and outer members that are slidably mounted together forming a variable volume chamber. The variable volume chamber communicates with a fixed volume chamber in the inner member through orifices and a check valve. Slots are formed in the inner member, and a pin extends from the outer member through the slots. A cushion at one end of the slots prevents hard top-out.

Abstract: A damper, such as a vehicle shock absorber, and a method for attaching a ring to a base cup of a damper. The method includes the step of autogenously welding the ring to the damper base cup. The damper includes a ring autogenously welded to the damper base cup. In one variation, the ring is continuous and the base cup has a substantially convex surface with an outward projection. In another variation, the ring is split and has an end portion having a tab which projects radially outward. In one implementation, the welding consists essentially of drawn arc welding.

Abstract: The automatic transmission described has a hydraulic system (1) for control and regulation of a hydrodynamic retarder (6) which has a retarder space (9) formed between a rotor (7) and a stator (8). A degree of admission of the retarder space (9) can be altered according to a position of a hydraulic ratio (10, 11, 12) connected with the retarder space (9).

Abstract: A damper assembly is provided including a telescopic damper having a piston rod extending from a first end. A mount assembly is mounted on the piston rod. A dust tube is provided the damper assembly including a substantially closed end, the closed end positioned between the telescopic damper and the mount assembly. The closed end of the dust tube includes an opening for receiving the piston rod and a rate surface for contacting a bumper portion of the mount assembly when the damper assembly contracts.

Abstract: Mount for a shock absorber includes a cap in working torque-transmitting connection with the entire mount. The twisting surface, which is in working connection with an opposing surface on the vehicle at least during the installation of the shock absorber in a mounting hole in the vehicle. The twisting surface and the opposing surface ensure the rotational alignment of the connecting means on the mount side with the connecting means on the vehicle side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified shock absorber, which comprises a shock damping tube, an upper spring seat, a lower spring seat, a fixing ring, a resilient part, and a bearing seat. The resilient part comprises two springs of different spring constants. The bearing seat is used to connect the two springs up and down in series. Because the spring of larger spring constant restores to its original state more easily, and the spring of smaller spring constant absorbs energy more easily, higher effect of stability can be provided when they are connected in series. In other words, two springs of different spring constants connected in series are exploited to absorb energy in two steps so that a car will not easily skid and will have better stability when making a turn.

Abstract: The support includes a tubular casing (1), whereby the remaining components of the support are accommodated in the interior of this casing. A stop (15,16) exists at the respective end of the casing. An end piece (12,13) is accommodated in the respective end portion of the casing (1) whereby the outer front surface (22,34) of the respective end piece rests on the assigned stop (15,16). A terminating or closing device (25,26) is assigned to that one side of the respective end piece, which faces the interior of the support, whereby a tubular interior part (10) extends between said terminating devices. A sealing ring (35) is arranged between the front surface (22,34) of the respective end piece (12,13) and the assigned stop (15,16). The outer diameter of this sealing ring (35) before the assemblage of the support is equal to the outer diameter of the remaining components lying in the interior of the support or it is smaller than the diameter of the remaining interior parts.

Abstract: A suspension system comprises two sets of interconnected cylinders. Each of the sets comprises a pressure regulating component having a high pressure chamber. In some arrangements, the high pressure chamber is commonly formed between the two sets. In other arrangements, the high pressure chambers are connected by an auxiliary passage.

Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut with internal leveling is provided for use in motor vehicles having an oil filled working cylinder, which is under the pressure of at least one gas cushion arranged in a high pressure chamber and acting as a spring. The high pressure chamber is connected to a working space, wherein a bleed opening forms a flow connection between the working space and the low pressure chamber. The bleed opening can be closed as a function of the position of the working piston in the working cylinder. The spring strut is assigned an actuator which displaces the spring strut in the vertical direction. The actuator can displace the motor vehicle to a plurality of displacement distances without requiring any electrical or electronic control, complex external leveling devices, or displacement detection systems.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus with a pair of hydraulic dampers 1 disposed on left and right sides of a vehicle, an upper end side of which is connected to a vehicle body side and a lower end side is connected to an axle side, and a pressure regulating cylinder 2 communicating with piston side oil chambers a of the pair of hydraulic dampers 1. The pressure regulating cylinder 2 has a free piston 26 slidably disposed within a cylinder body 24 and defining a front side chamber h and a back side chamber i within the cylinder body 24. The free piston 26 is slidably encased in a cylinder member and has a partitioning member 27 for defining a closed chamber j and an open chamber k communicating with a front side chamber h on the inner peripheral side of the free piston 26. The partitioning member 27 has a damping valve 4 which communicates between the closed chamber j and the open chamber k, and has a proximal end connected to an extreme end of a rod body 29 elastically supported on the cylinder body 24.

Abstract: A vibration damping and isolation apparatus including a passive damping mechanism and an active enhancement mechanism. The passive damping mechanism operates to dissipate vibratory and shock forces applied to the vibration damping and isolation apparatus. The passive damping mechanism includes first and second spaced damping elements. A first resilient structure connects the first damping element to the second damping element to define a primary fluid chamber between the first and second damping elements. The passive damping mechanism further includes a second resilient structure that defines a secondary fluid chamber which is in fluid communication with the primary fluid chamber via a fluid flow orifice. A fluid fills the primary fluid chamber, the secondary fluid chamber and the fluid flow orifice.

Abstract: A shock absorbing fork for a bicycle having an air damping feature to rapidly and effectively diminish the cyclical motion of the struts of the fork resulting from the compression and expansion of the resilient shock absorbing pads provided in the struts of the fork when an obstacle is encounter by the front wheel of the bicycle. The struts have an inner cylinder slidably mounted in an outer cylinder with the pads captively mounted between the bottom of the inner cylinder and a member of the outer cylinder. An air chamber within the outer cylinder is contracted by movement of the inner cylinder into the outer cylinder and is expanded by movement of the inner cylinder out of the outer cylinder. The pads, as the inner cylinder is moved into the outer cylinder are compressed to absorb the shock and the air in the chamber is compressed. The compressibility of the air allows the fork to immediately respond to the impact force.

Abstract: A buffer comprising a plunger slidable in a ported tube. A metal tubular member circumferentially surrounds that part of the ported tube in which all the flow resisting ports are formed and is the radially inner wall of an annular space filled with compressed gas. The outer wall of an annular space is formed by a tubular membrane. The annular chamber between the ported tube and the metal tubular member is part of a low pressure reservoir of the buffer and communicates via an annular passage in the closed end of the buffer with the remainder of the reservoir which is an annular chamber formed between the tubular membrane and the outer tubular wall of the buffer. The metal tubular member shields the tubular membrane from the damaging effects of jets of liquid forced through the flow resisting ports during compression of the buffer.

Abstract: A shock absorbing fork for a bicycle having an air damping feature to rapidly and effectively diminish the cyclical motion of the struts of the fork resulting from the compression and expansion of the resilient shock absorbing pads provided in the struts of the fork when an obstacle is encounter by the front wheel of the bicycle. The struts have an inner cylinder slidably mounted in an outer cylinder with the pads captively mounted between the bottom of the inner cylinder and a member of the outer cylinder. An air chamber within the outer cylinder is contracted by movement of the inner cylinder into the outer cylinder and is expanded by movement of the inner cylinder out of the outer cylinder. The pads, as the inner cylinder is moved into the outer cylinder are compressed to absorb the shock and the air in the chamber is compressed. The compressibility of the air allows the fork to immediately respond to the impact force.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention has for its object a suspension with dynamically variable flexibility or stiffness. The suspension process uses one or several elastic elements mounted opposite each other, so as to impress on the vehicle suspension a variation of stiffness or of flexibility having two slopes on the curve (shock-relaxation and compression effort) and the use of different stiffnesses or flexibilities is localized during operation of the suspension in the vicinity of the position of the loaded vehicle on its wheels and that the least stiffness is located on the second portion of the course of collapse of the wheel suspension. The invention is applicable to suspensions particularly for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a front fork wheel suspension of a bicycle has two telescoping suspension assemblies, one on each leg of the front fork. Each of the suspension assemblies includes a pair of telescoping tubes having a hydraulic fluid and an airspace therein, as well as a spring-loaded valve which regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the two tubes of the telescoping assembly. To control the point at which the assemblies change from a rigid, locked condition, in which the valve plate is closed, to a shock absorbing, telescopically displaceable condition, in which the valve plate is open, an adjustor rod is provided by which the degree of precompression of the valve spring can be changed.

Abstract: A shock absorber according to the present invention for use in a vehicle for cushioning a vibration generating between a vehicle body and an axle, in which a suspension spring is disposed between one member which may serve as a mass below the spring and the other member which may serve as a mass above the spring, has an apparatus for adjusting the height of vehicle permits its mounting length to be adjusted without changing an initially set load of the suspension spring while being relatively displaced with respect to the one member so that a stroke of the shock absorber may be changed.

Abstract: A rotary damper is provided in a base end of a swing arm forming a part of a vehicle suspension system. The rotary damper comprises a casing defining a fluid chamber having a shape of a fan extending substantially toward a free end of the swing arm in cross section as seen in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal line of the pivot center line, a central shaft centrally received in the casing, and a single vane extending laterally from the central shaft into the fluid chamber, the fluid chamber being filled with fluid for applying a damping force to the vane as the vane relatively moves in the fluid chamber. By thus eliminating the need for a tubular damper, the space efficiency can be improved, and reduction in the overall size and weight of the system can be improved with the added advantage of allowing avoidance of interference with the drive shaft of the wheel in a simple manner.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In this elastic strut incorporating a hydromechanical resonator having a weight/spring system of the type providing a hydraulic amplification of the displacement of the beating weight (7), the weight mounted between two opposed return springs constitutes a double-sided hollow piston slidably mounted on two coaxial opposed cylinders (6) in a closed chamber filled with a liquid (10) in an inner tubular element (1) disposed in an outer tubular element (2) with which it defines, at each end, a chamber (18, 26) filled with liquid onto which opens one of the cylinders (6), the elements (1, 2) constituting the body of the strut being coaxially movable relative to each other and fixed together at each of their ends in a sealed and elastic manner by bearings composed of an elastomer material.

Abstract: A supporting spring and a hydraulic damper are physically separately positioned apart from each other and from the pivot of a swing-arm type subframe of a two or three wheel motorcycle. The operating ends of each are connected to the subframe by a link mechanism. A rotary type damper and a torsion spring are preferred.

Abstract: A rate controllable damping mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a chamber disposed within a housing; an element mounted for movement within the chamber; a damping material, preferably a low melting temperature metal alloy, in the chamber for preventing the movement of the element at a first temperature and for damping the movement of the element at a second temperature; and a heater for selectively increasing the temperature of the damping material from the first temperature to the second temperature. Controlled damping is effectuated by heating the fluid material until it reaches a molten state at which the resultant fluid damps the movement of the element in a conventional manner. A novel method is also disclosed for structural stress relief.

Abstract: An improved door closer which prevents overly rapid closing due to an external force, such as wind pressure, being exerted on the door. A pair of oil holes are formed communicating with a first pressure chamber and a non-pressure chamber formed in the main cylinder of the closer. A slide valve is disposed in a communicating hole communicating with the oil holes and extending generally perpendicular to the cylinder. A head portion and a braking valve portion are formed on the valve rod of the slide valve at positions corresponding to the oil holes. An elastic member urges the slide valve in the direction opposite to the normal flow direction of the operating oil when the door is closing. An adjusting screw controls the position of the slide valve.

Abstract: A motorcycle front fork assembly is disclosed in which a hollow damper rod is connected at its lower end to lower end of a hollow fork leg which telescopically receives an upper hollow fork tube and with a piston at the upper end of the damper rod engaging the interior surface of the fork tube. A float is positioned within the fork tube to float on the fluid within the fork tube. A float tube in which the float is positioned can be provided above the damper piston rod and including a fluid regulation valve. At least one compression port can be provided for fluid communication between a compression chamber defined between the fork leg and the damper rod below the lower end of the fork tube and a valve provides one way communication from the interior of the damper rod to the compression chamber during extension of the stroke of the fork assembly. The valve can include a slide that can close off or open a replenishment hole and a fluid passageway in the slide which is spring biased closed but can be opened.

Abstract: A shock absorbing spring device (A,C) is illustrated which includes a plurality of elongated, slender spring elements (B). The device may also include a central shock absorbing unit (10). Spring elements (B) comprise fiber reinforcing strands (32) embedded in the matrix material (31). Spring elements (B) have a contoured profile which includes a thickened medial bend (38) and a reverse bend (44) formed at ends (34,36). In this manner, spring elements (B) deflect outwardly from their longitudinal axis in a reliable manner when ends (34) and (36) are loaded with compression. In one embodiment of the device (A) spring elements (B) are arranged to deflect radially with respect to longitudinal axis (37) of the device. In another embodiment (C) medial portion (38) of spring elements (B) deflect circumferentially in a row about longitudinal axis (43) of the device.

Abstract: A vehicle with a suspension system having a compressible liquid confined in a cylinder and compressed to a predetermined static pressure. A damping piston is disposed on a double ended rod where the rod ends have different cross sectional areas to provide a differential area which is acted on by the liquid to spring support the weight of the vehicle. The end of the larger rod is connected to the vehicle chassis and bearings in each end of the cylinder transfer high bending moments due to wheel loads. Friction is reduced by eliminating contact between the large diameter piston and cylinder, and limiting frictional contact to the relatively small diameter of the bearings and seals. Total fluid volume is increased to provide a lower spring rate by a fluid chamber within the rod, and an apparatus is provided to control ride height by changes in liquid pressure and/or volume which also changes spring rate.

Abstract: A hydraulic engine mount is provided, the dynamic characteristics of which may be varied in response to engine performance parameters. In particular, the invention provides for a hydraulic engine mount comprising a core for attachment to an engine and the base for mounting to a frame, the core and the base being connected to each other by an elastic member, at least two fluid filled and elastically deformable chambers divided by a diaphragm, a throttle for permitting a limited exchange of fluid between the chambers, an absorptive mass selectively movable by the core, and a selectively operable connection between the core and the absorptive mass.

Abstract: A two-chamber engine mount with hydraulic damping includes a housing having rubber-elastic peripheral walls and an engine side to be connected to an engine, an intermediate plate dividing the housing into fluid-filled chambers being in communication with each other through a penetration formed in the intermediate plate, and an active vibration generator being integrated into one of the fluid-filled chambers closest to the engine side and being controllable in dependence on predetermined operating parameters.