Abstract: A hydraulic damper is disclosed for reducing undesirable pressure differentials in a hydraulic system. The damper comprises a body assembly, including first and second inlet ports for connecting the damper to a hydraulic system. A pair of lap assemblies are provided for equalizing pressure differentials between the inlet ports. Each lap assembly is in fluid communication with each of said inlet ports. A metered passageway is provided for fluidly connecting each of said inlet ports. A slide is movably received within the lap assembly to permit reciprocal motion. The slide alternately blocks and unblocks the metered passageway in response to a predetermined pressure across one of the respective inlet ports, in order to equalize the pressure differential between the ports.

Abstract: A spring support assembly for a bicycle seat, having a lower cylindrical post, an upper post concentrically disposed within the lower post and vertically slidable within it, the two posts together providing an enclosed spring chamber, a gas spring disposed in the spring chamber, the gas spring being pre-loaded to prevent reaction to a force of less than a predetermined magnitude, a metallic compression spring surrounding the gas spring in a concentric relation, and both spring devices supporting the upper post at all times so that all phases of the spring reaction occur as a composite function of the two spring devices.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system (110) having a primary suspension system (112) and a secondary suspension system (114). Vertical motion of a vehicle wheel (120) places a force on the vehicle frame (126) which, in turn, places a force on the vehicle body (124). The secondary suspension system (114) translates the relative motion between the wheel (120) and frame (126) into a force on the vehicle body (124) which is equal and opposite to the force transmitted from the frame (126) to the body (124). A frictional shock absorber (300) is utilized in the suspension system (110) as well as a multi-stage coil spring (400).

Abstract: An adjustable strut (1) for motor vehicles. It includes a dashpot that comprises a piston accommodated in a shock-absorbing cylinder (2) accommodated in a helical spring (7). The piston divides the shock-absorbing cylinder into two chambers and is attached to a rod (8). The rod extends out of the shock-absorbing cylinder through an alignment-and-sealing package at one end. The rod is articulated to the wheel mass or carriagework at one end and the shock-absorbing cylinder to the complementary component at the other end. The helical spring is secured and tensioned between two cup springs. The first cup spring (5) is attached to the shock-absorbing cylinder by two height-adjustment cylinders that surround the latter concentrically. One height-adjustment cylinder slides in and out inside the other. The second cup spring (6) is attached to the piston rod in the vicinity of its articulation to the wheel mass or carriagework.

Abstract: In a height-adjustable shock absorber strut for a vehicle wherein a shock absorber damping cylinder is operatively attached to the vehicle wheels and a piston rod interacting with the damping cylinder extends from the damping cylinder and is provided at its free end with a mounting structure for attachment to a vehicle body and a spring is disposed between the damping cylinder and a spring support disposed on the piston rod, the spring support structure comprises a support member which is axially movably mounted on the piston rod for controlling the support location of the spring and, consequently, the height of the strut under vehicle load.

Abstract: A damping mounting structure for use between two members for isolating motion changes which incorporates a plurality of dampers connected between the two members with spring members operating in parallel with the dampers to provide stiffness and where the springs are pneumatic to provide proper stiffness when the load is heavy without damage to the springs and/or to provide variable stiffness when desired.

Abstract: A shock absorber including a fixed shaft, an adjustment shaft sleeved onto one end of the fixed shaft, an adjustment knob threaded onto the adjustment shaft, and a shock absorbing coil spring connected between the fixed shaft and the adjustment knob, wherein steel balls are moved in an annular groove on the adjustment knob around the adjustment shaft, and a cap is covered over the steel balls and having an upper Part retained between the inner diameter of the shock absorbing coil spring and the outer diameter of the adjustment shaft for permitting the shock absorbing coil spring to be compressed without being twisted when the adjustment knob is turned upwards.

Abstract: A tuned mass damper using a single predetermined mass connected to springs of predetermined stiffness along each of at least two directions to absorb energy from a vibrating structure to which it is attached and damp the vibrations in a rapid and efficient manner with a minimum of weight and volume used.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat for a vehicle having a base frame rigidly attached to the vehicle. The front of a seat support frame is pivotally moveable with respect to the base frame. Springs mounted between the seat support frame and the base frame cushion the seat from forces imparted while driving the vehicle on irregular surfaces. The springs further limit the pivotal movement of the seat support frame with respect to the base frame. There are shock absorbers for dissipating energy absorbed by the springs. The pivotal movement of the seat is around two different axes of rotation, one of the axes being a horizontal axis extending across the width of the vehicle and the other axis being a longitudinal axis extending from the front to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device, suitable for use with an idler for a crawler belt, contains a spring box (10) having a flange (12) secured at one end and a bracket (13) secured at the other end, with an annular partition wall (11) extending radially inwardly from a central portion of the wall of the bore of the spring box (10) to form a first spring chamber (16) and a second spring chamber (17) spaced apart along the length of the spring box (10). A first spring (23) and a first spring pushing member (20) are installed in the first spring chamber (16), and a second spring (33) and a second spring pushing member (30) are installed in the second spring chamber (17).

Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle includes telescoping cylinder and piston assemblies, with the piston assembly including two pistons connected by a piston shaft which passes through a transverse headwall in the cylinder. Fluid flow from one side of the headwall to the other is restricted by ports in the headwall and, in an alternative embodiment, by external flutes in the piston shaft. The piston and cylinder may be spring loaded with an external coil suspension spring, or may be biased toward an extended position by a pressurized internal gas reservoir. The dual piston design of the shock absorber eliminates the need for a separate gas reservoir, either within the shock absorber or external to the shock absorber, while also obtaining an efficiency of design by stabilizing the piston against rocking loads without the need for a separate piston rod seal.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber includes a cylinder body which confines a sealed space therein and a valve member which is disposed movably in the cylinder body and which divides the sealed space of the cylinder body into an air chamber that contains high pressure gas, and a fluid chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid. The cylinder body is formed with a vent hole to access the air chamber and has a plug for sealing the vent hole after the high pressure gas has been introduced into the air chamber. A piston shaft has a connecting section which extends into the fluid chamber, and a piston is retained on the connecting section of the piston shaft and is formed with a plurality of axially extending fluid holes therethrough. A restoring member is disposed outside the cylinder body and is associated operably with the piston shaft and the cylinder body so as to bias the piston shaft outwardly of the cylinder body.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a shock absorber, a coil spring, a tubular dust cover, and an insulator. The shock absorber is provided with a first seat and a second seat at the opposite ends. The insulator is disposed between the first seat and the coil spring, and includes a body for holding the coil spring, and a contact projecting from the body in a centripetal direction and having a portion being brought into contact with one of the opposite ends of the dust cover. The insulator forms a space between the first seat and an outer portion with respect to the portion of the contact. Thus, the insulator reduces the wear of the first seat resulting from the contact with the dust cover, inhibits the first seat from corroding, and keeps the strength of the first seat from decreasing.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is disclosed for use with an air damper assembly. The air damper assembly is used for controlling the dampening rate of an openable object and includes a piston head having a molded channel therein and a lip seal member disposed around the connecting member of the piston head to form a continuous seal therebetween. The piston head is formed of a pair of axially spaced-apart first and second circular plate members which are connected by the connecting member. The second circular plate member is formed of a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular plate member so as to allow the outer peripheral portion of the lip seal member to collapse and become disengaged from the inner peripheral sidewall of the housing member. The latch mechanism latches the piston at its retracted position within its cylinder or housing.

Abstract: It is an object to effectively and rapidly damp vibration of a vibrating object. A vibration isolating supporter includes a coil spring (3) interposed between an upper frame (1) and a lower frame (2) which are opposed to one another in a vertical direction, and is characterized in that a partition panel (4) is provided for the lower frame (2) to surround a periphery of the coil spring (3), a damping material (5) is accommodated in a portion surrounded by the partition panel (4), and a resisting member is disposed to be suspended in a hollow hole of the coil spring (3) of the upper frame (1) so as to be immersed in the damping material (5).

Abstract: A hydraulic damper for a motor vehicle comprising a longitudinally extending tube and a separately formed spring seat positioned on the tube, wherein the tube is formed from extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy, and the spring seat is formed from aluminium or aluminium alloy.

Abstract: A spring sheet structure is disclosed which enables the prevention of generation of abnormal sound between a coil spring and a spring sheet. A positioning portion is formed at two regions at predetermined positions of a lower spring sheet. The positioning portion is formed by a first curved surface portion whose radius of curvature is slightly less than a radius of a minimum wire diameter coil spring, and a second curved surface portion whose radius of curvature is slightly greater than a radius of a maximum wire diameter coil spring. Further, an outer diameter dimension E of a base portion is set to be less than inner diameter dimensions F, F' of the coil spring. A wound seat portion of the coil spring can be reliably positioned in a point-contacting state, and generation of abnormal sound can be prevented.

Abstract: An adjustable energy absorption device includes an outer cylinder and a shock tube that is rotatably secured within the outer cylinder. The shock tube includes a series of groups of holes passing from the interior to the exterior surface of the tube. The device is also provided with a piston slidably retained within the shock tube for engaging contact with a body in motion. An accumulator for collecting fluid from the interior of the shock tube is provided within the sealed outer cylinder. A spiral groove is formed on the interior wall of the outer cylinder and extends from adjacent the distal end of the cylinder to the accumulator. The spiral groove forms a corresponding land segment between consecutive turns of the groove so that rotation between the shock tube and the outer cylinder moves each group of holes relative to the groove and land to adjustably vary the orifice area between the shock tube and the outer cylinder.

Abstract: It is an object to effectively and rapidly damp vibration of a vibrating object. A vibration isolating supporter includes a coil spring (3) interposed between an upper frame (1) and a lower frame (2) which are opposed to one another in a vertical direction, and is characterized in that a partition panel (4) is provided for the lower frame (2) to surround a periphery of the coil spring (3), a damping material (5) is accommodated in a portion surrounded by the partition panel (4), and a resisting member is disposed to be suspended in a hollow hole of the coil spring (3) of the upper frame (1) so as to be immersed in the damping material (5).

Abstract: A shock absorbing oil cylinder has a main body, a seal ring, a shaft cover, and a shaft. The main body has a circular recess thereon and a cover seat on its top. An adjustable seat ring is passed through the main body beneath the cover seat. A seal ring is in the cover seat. The outer rim of the seal ring is covered by a glued rubber. An oil inlet is in the center of the seal ring. A soft pad is in the seal ring. A leak prevention ring is on the oil inlet. A bolt is inserted into the soft pad. A shaft cover covers the cover seat. A shaft is in the main body and is inserted in a piston. The damper rings are disposed on the piston and beneath the piston. A shaft ring is inserted in the valve seat. A retaining ring is inserted in the circular recess. The cushion ring is beneath the main body. A spring is located between the adjustable seat ring and the shaft seat ring.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system including a substantially cylindrical post having an externally threaded surface. The threads cooperate with a thread pattern associated with an adjustment collar. A spring is interpositioned between the adjustment collar and the axle of the vehicle such that when the adjustment collar or post is turned about the cooperating thread pattern therebetween the spring has a tendency to compress or decompress depending upon the direction of rotation of the collar, and therefore raise or lower the body of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vibration damper assembly having a spring support. The spring support comprises a first support with a spring plate and a second support with a spring plate, whereby at least one spring plate is axially adjustable, so that the spring tension of a spring between the spring plates can be changed, the spring support also a comprising locking device which is active between the adjustable spring plate and the corresponding support, characterized by the fact that the locking device is loosened for the axial adjustment of the spring plate so that during the axial adjustment, the spring plate can be moved independently of the locking means from any desired position into another position without twisting, and the locking device is held in this position.

Abstract: Vibration damper which has a container tube which is closed on the end by a container base, whereby a suspension spring which encloses the vibration damper is supported on a spring plate, with connection mechanisms on the container tube and on a piston rod which can move axially inside the container tube, characterized by the fact that the spring plate, the container base and the container tube are connected to one another by a common connection configuration.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a transverse axle and a body, and a shock absorber mounted between the axle and the body to absorb shock from vertical movement of the axle and prevent shock from being transmitted completely to the body of the vehicle, the improvement disclosed involves an apparatus for sensing tilt of the vehicle in combination with apparatus in the hydraulic system of the shock absorber which will prevent further tilt of the vehicle beyond a predetermined point sensed by the sensing unit.

Abstract: An air damper assembly for controlling the dampening rate of an openable object includes a piston head having a molded channel therein and a lip seal member disposed around the connecting member of the piston head to form a continuous seal therebetween. The piston head is formed of a pair of axially spaced-apart first and second circular plate members which are connected by the connecting member. The second circular plate member is formed of a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular plate member so as to allow the outer peripheral portion of the lip seal member to collapse and become disengaged from the inner peripheral sidewall of the housing member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle vibration damper having a piston disposed on a piston rod within a cylinder of the damper unit, is provided with a mechanical limit-stop for resisting and limiting movement of the piston rod out of the cylinder. The limit stop can preferably comprise a spring disposed about the piston rod, which spring can have a stop member connected to each end thereof in a reclosable manner. The stop members can comprise a guide surface for guiding movement of the piston rod within the limit stop, and the limit stop, comprising the spring and stop members, can be disposed within the cylinder, about the piston rod, in a free-floating manner.

Abstract: A shock absorber adapter kit includes an elongated barrel having a cavity formed therein open at an upper end of the barrel. A conventional shock absorber is modified by removing the lower shock mount and then inserted in the barrel cavity with the shock absorber plunger projecting upwardly out of the barrel. A securement ring with an exterior thread is threaded onto the interior threads formed in the upper end of the barrel cavity to secure the shock absorber receiver tube within the barrel. The shock absorber plunger extends through a central opening in the ring so that the shock absorber upper shock mount may be connected to the vehicle frame. A coil spring is journaled on the barrel and upward against the upper spring seat on the vehicle frame, with a lower spring seat threaded onto exterior threads along the exterior surface of the barrel. A lower shock mount on the lower end of the barrel is connected to the vehicle axle assembly to form a shock absorbing suspension unit on the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber is provided having means for adjusting the damping curves and breakover characteristics of the shock absorber while the shock absorber is installed in a vehicle. The shock absorber has a generally elongated cylindrical body defined by concentrically mounted inner and outer cylinders. A pair of end caps mounted on the ends of the inner and outer cylinders retain a working medium therein. Disposed within the elongated inner cylinder is a movable piston defining upper and lower chambers. Working medium is transportable between the upper and lower chambers via an annular passage formed between the inner and outer cylinders. A plurality of adjustable valves are disposed in the path of transportation of the working medium for providing an adjustable damping function.

Abstract: A dampening shock absorber for retrofit or original construction with a conventional gas charged or hydraulic shock absorber having a tubular housing. There is provided a compression coil spring and spring retainer members disposed coaxially relative to the tubular housing. The tubular housing, the compression spring and the spring retainer members are longitudinally moveable relative to one another, and at least partially enclosed by a longitudinally movable outer protective sleeve. The sleeve is closed at one end and secured to the distal end of a piston rod extending outwardly of the shock absorber housing. Longitudinally spaced stops are provided on the tubular housing, and on the outer sleeve to limit the longitudinal movement of the operating and interacting components. Another embodiment of the invention provides an adjustment mechanism on the outer sleeve for adjusting the distance between the longitudinally spaced stops.

Abstract: A suspension system for motor vehicles has each wheel assigned a spring and a hydraulic unit and arranged in series with the latter. The ground clearance of the vehicle body can thus be altered wheel-by-wheel. A hydraulic feed system enables hydraulic fluid to be displaced between hydraulic units and allows pitching and rolling movements of the vehicle body to be counteracted.

Abstract: A vibration damper for motor vehicles typically has an external tube, a piston rod and fastening parts for fastening the vibration damper to the wheel suspension and the vehicle body. To prevent friction and or contact corrosion on the surfaces between the external tube and the fastening parts, at least the contact surfaces are provided with a protective metallic aluminum layer.

Abstract: A suspension system for motor vehicles is disposed between body (1) and wheel (2) and is provided with a damper (4) with integrated resonance dampers (40, 48) for improved insulation of transmission of road unevenness to the body. The resonance damper is formed in that the casing (40) of the damper (4) forms a moving mass m.sub.40 between the body (1) and the wheel (2), the casing being connected to the wheel via a spring (48) harmonized with the mass m.sub.40. The pistons (41, 42) of the damper are connected via piston rods (43, 44, respectively) to the body (1) and the wheel (2), respectively.

Abstract: A vibration damper for a wheel of a motor vehicle has a bearing unit for a suspension part of a stabilizer which is held on the spring strut. The bearing unit includes a holding element which extends around the cylinder of the spring strut and is connected with it. The holding element has a bearing for the suspension part in a projecting console and has a face that forms a spring plate. The face supports a coil spring which is arranged coaxially with respect to the spring strut. This coil spring is supported on the vehicle by an end which faces away from the bearing.

Abstract: A Macpherson strut type suspension including a vehicular disc brake, wherein a strut and a coil spring are disposed at offset positions from the axis of a spindle as viewed in the direction of movement of an automotive vehicle so that a space required for installing a disc brake actuator is provided in a region in the proximity of the uppermost end of the a disc rotor in which a disc brake actuator is installed. This allows the disc actuator to be installed at the highest position above the ground without any interference with the strut and the coil spring. Further, the coil spring can be disposed in the proximity of a wheel.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for a bicycle or similar vehicle to allow shock isolation at the location of the seat or handle bar mounting or other locations. The suspension system includes a hydraulically actuated system as well as a variable rate progressive dampening assembly. The hydraulic fluid is also utilized to lubricate the moving portions of the system to promote proper function and extend the useful life thereof. The system also has a variable spring preload to accommodate different sized riders. The system is cost effective and yet extremely durable and may be retrofit for use with existing bicycles.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping courses of motion between two bodies in which a dynamic wheel load (C.sub.r) can be reduced by intervention in a damping element of a frequency-dependent increase in the passive spring rigidity of a spring element, in order to vary the dynamic wheel loads in the direction of a reduction. The apparatus is intended for use in on-road vehicles.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A motor vehicle spring strut has a separate support on the vehicle body for a coil spring and a shock absorber. The coil spring is supported on a spring pocket held on the body side, and the shock absorber is supported in a vehicle-body-side elastic bearing element. The spring pocket is connected with a stop element by an elastic decoupling member forming a constructional unit and, with the bearing element, is exchangeably fastened to a dome of the vehicle body by screws. This configuration makes the constructional unit and the bearing element exchangeable with respect to the spring strut.

Abstract: A damper for a flapdoor that does not show any damping effect when its movable shaft of the damper is rotated with the door in one sense whereas it effectively damps the rotary movement of the flapdoor when the movable shaft is rotated with the door in the other sense, wherein a one-way clutch for engaging or disengaging the movable shaft with a movable member depending on the sense of rotation of the movable shaft to cause a viscous shearing drag in the viscous fluid contained in the damper and a power source constitute so many integral parts of a coil spring. A damper for a flapdoor having such an arrangement can have a simplified configuration as compared with a damper provided with a separate coil spring as power source and a separate one-way clutch and therefore can be realized with reduced dimensions.

Abstract: An impact absorber for an automobile bumper comprises a housing and a pair of cylinders arranged in the housing. A third cylinder having two openings at its ends is parallelly disposed between the pair of cylinders such that two gaps are defined by the walls of the pair of cylinders, the third cylinder and the housing. Apertures are formed through the walls of the pair of cylinders facing each other adjacent one end of each of the pair of cylinders for expelling damping liquid from the pair of cylinders into the gaps upon movement of the pistons in the pair of cylinders for damping the impact force. The pressure of damping liquid in the gaps forces two pistons within the third cylinder to move toward each other thereby compressing a coil spring mounted between the two pistons for further damping the impact force. The compressed air between the two pistons within the third cylinder escapes from an aperture formed through the walls of the third cylinder and the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting device for attachment to a vehicle hydraulic shock absorber having a pump chamber used for delivering the fluid under pressure by the compression and extension strokes of the shock absorber. The device includes a hydraulic jack unit arranged in series with a suspension spring and a change-over valve for selectively adjusting vehicle height to a up position or a down position. The pump chamber, jack unit and reservoir are connected through the change-over valve by the delivery line for delivering hydraulic fluid from the pump chamber to the jack unit in the up position set by the change-over valve, a line for returning hydraulic fluid from the jack unit to the reservoir in the down position of vehicle height, and a line for by-passing hydraulic fluid from the pump chamber.

Abstract: A bracket for fixing to a prescribed member a flexible tube, such as the protective boot installed in an automobile suspension device, includes a stationary ring fixed on the prescribed member. A spacer ring is fitted to the stationary ring and provided with resilient supporting arms, and a fastening ring is fitted to the spacer ring for fastening a terminal part of the flexible tube. Alternatively, the stationary ring fixed on the prescribed member is provided with the resilient supporting arms, and the fastening ring is fitted to the stationary ring for fastening the terminal part of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A shock absorber capable of effectively functioning even in case of emergency or abnormality, significantly reducing the manufacturing cost and highly simplifying the structure. A piston is arranged so as to divide a liquid chamber defined in a casing into two liquid chamber sections and a liquid passage is arranged so as to cause the chamber sections to communicate with each other. Also, a movable guide member is provided in the casing and a spring is interposed between the guide member and a flange of an actuation rod, so that the return spring permits both actuation rod and movable guide member to carry out the return operation. Thus, the shock absorber eliminates arrangement of an accumulator in the shock absorber.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a damper for a flapdoor that does not show any damping effect when its movable shaft of the damper is rotated with the door in one sense whereas it effectively damps the rotary movement of the flapdoor when the movable shaft is rotated with the door in the other sense, wherein a one-way clutch for engaging or disengaging the movable shaft with a movable member depending on the sense of rotation of the movable shaft to cause a viscous shearing drag in the viscous fluid contained in the damper and a power source constitute so many integral parts of a coil spring. A damper for a flapdoor having such an arrangement can have a simplified configuration as compared with a damper provided with a separate coil spring as power source and a separate one-way clutch and therefore can be realized with reduced dimensions.

Abstract: A suspension system for a wheelchair comprises a frame, a pivot bar mounted to the frame through a hinge point, and a seat mounted on the pivot bar. The pivot bar is supported from the frame by a shock absorber and a helical spring so that impacts transferred to the frame through the wheelchair wheels are partially decoupled from the movement of the seat. The movement of the seat is constrained in a single plane along the longitudinal axis of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A light weight knuckle bracket for supporting a wheel hub and longitudinal and lateral control arms on a shock absorber strut of a vehicle rear suspension system. The bracket is formed from a pair of forward and aft mirror image body units stamped from sheet metal integrated with each other by mutually facing outboard and inboard planar portions welded together. Each body unit is formed with a semi-cylindrical socket portion intermediate the outboard and inboard planar portions. The mutually facing socket portions define a cylindrical pathway snugly enveloping and connecting a tubular member of the strut to the bracket providing a combined rigid structure.

Abstract: An end damper is used with a motor vehicle frame, a wheel vertically displaceable adjacent the frame, and a vertically compressible shock absorber having an upper part secured to the frame and a lower part secured to the wheel. The absorber is vertically compressible with upward travel of the lower part. The end damper is carried on the frame above the lower part and comprises a housing defining a chamber, a body of liquid in the chamber, an upper sleeve in the chamber and connected to the frame, and a lower sleeve vertically telescopable with the upper sleeve between an upper position and a lower position, subdividing the chamber with the upper sleeve into a pair of compartments communicating through the gap, and defining with the upper sleeve an annular passage communicating between the compartments and of substantially greater length in the upper position than in the lower position. A spring braced between the sleeves urges the lower sleeve into the lower position.

Abstract: An elastic coupling system to increase the permissible axle loading of a commercial vehicle without increasing the space needed for the main spring and without changing the road holding properties when the vehicle is traveling empty. A spring and a shock absorber are arranged in a common housing coaxially. This spring and shock absorber unit may be in combination with further springs or shock absorbers for connecting the axle with the chassis of the vehicle.