Abstract: A mono-air-cell body made of a flexible elastic material and having a hollow interior and no less than one connecting tube for connecting different mono-air-cell bodies together one after another, for making up a shock-absorbing cushion. Each mono-air-cell body can have any shape in its top plan view. Each connecting tube can be a male one having at least one round circumferential groove or a female one having at least one round circumferential ridge so that the male and the female connecting tubes can be joined together, thereby connecting two mono-air-cell bodies together. The shock-absorbing cushion can be composed to have a shape of a band, a plane, a sphere or any three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A fluid-filled elastic mount including mutually spaced-apart first and second support members, and an elastic body for elastically connecting the first and second support members. The elastic mount has a plurality of fluid chambers filled with a non-compressible fluid and communicating with each other through an orifice passage or passages, and an air-tight operating chamber which is formed on one side of a flexible membrane remote from the corresponding fluid chamber. This flexible membrane consists of a fluid-impermeable first flexible layer which is corrosion-resistant to the non-compressible fluid, and a fluid-impermeable second flexible layer which is corrosion-resistant to gasoline. These flexible layers are superposed on each other such that the first flexible layer is exposed to the fluid chamber while the second flexible layer is exposed to the operating chamber.

Abstract: An spring has a pair of axially spaced end members and an intervening bellows. The bellows includes inner and outer elastomeric body plies, each containing cords biased at generally opposite angles with respect to each other, such as 341/2.degree.. A pair of reinforcing strips of elastomeric coated cords are located between the inner and outer body plys. The cords of the reinforcing strips are biased in opposite directions with respect to each other and in opposite directions with respect to the cords of the body plies adjacent thereto. Furthermore, the cords of the reinforcing strips are between 2.degree. and 6.degree. less than the bias angles of the body ply cords. The reinforcing strips extend from adjacent the peripheral sealing edge of one of the end members a distance of between 2 inches and 6 inches, or generally less than one-fourth the axial separation of the end members, and stiffens the one end of the bellows to prevent the bellows from rolling over the peripheral edge of the one end member.

Abstract: A strut assembly for use in an automotive suspension of a vehicle including a wheel carrier and a chassis includes an outer housing attached to the wheel carrier, a pressure tube disposed within the outer housing, a piston slidably carried within the pressure tube and disposed at the lower end of a piston rod. The outer housing of the strut assembly moves axially relative to the pressure tube under imposition of an axial load upon the strut. The strut assembly can further overcome the static friction forces contained within the strut assembly at a much lower axial input force than in conventional strut designs.

Abstract: In order to prevent relative displacement between two elements which form part of a separation assembly used to define first and second auxiliary chambers within a fluid filled vibration insulator, the two members are fixedly connected together prior assembly.

Abstract: A resilient pressurized fluid articulation is disclosed which has variable stiffness, i.e. whose stiffness may be modified at will under the influence of an external agent. The articulation includes a resilient material block (5, 5a; 15, 15a) mounted between rigid bearing surfaces of a structure (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) which contains it. At least two of these surfaces of the block are movable with respect to each other in at least one direction, under the action of external forces acting in this direction. The resilient material block (5, 5a; 15, 15a) defines in the structure at least one chamber (3) adapted to be fed with pressurized fluid through a duct (2) opening to the outside. The block (3) also comprises at least one part (18, 18a) which is deformable under the effect of the pressure, deformation of the part then modifying the stiffness of the block in the direction.

Abstract: A fluid-filled elastic mount including a first support structure and a second support structure which are spaced from each other in a load-receiving direction, an elastic body for elastically connecting these structures, and a partition structure supported by the second support structure. The elastic mount has a pressure-receiving chamber partially defined by the elastic body, first and second variable-volume equilibrium chambers partially defined by respective flexible diaphragms, and first and second air chambers for permitting the respective diaphragms to elastically deform. The pressure-receiving chamber communicates with the first and second equilibrium chambers, through respective orifice passages which are tuned to different frequency ranges of vibrations. The present elastic mount includes a pressure control device connected to the second air chamber for changing a pressure in the second air chamber.

Abstract: Pulse echo apparatus and methods are disclosed for measuring characteristics of a borehole while it is being drilled. A component of a bottomhole assembly, preferably a drilling collar, is provided with one or more ultra-sonic transceivers. A pulse echo sensor of the transceiver is preferably placed in a stabilizer fin of the collar, but may also be placed in the wall of the collar, preferably close to a stabilizing fin. Electronic processing and control circuitry for the pulse-echo sensor is provided in an electronic module placed within such collar. Such pulse echo apparatus, which preferably includes two diametrically opposed transceivers, generates signals from which standoff from a borehole wall may be determined. A method and apparatus are provided for measuring standoff and borehole diameter in the presence of drilling cuttings entrained in the drilling fluid. In a preferred embodiment, such signals are assessed by the electronic processing and control circuity to determine if gas has entered borehole.

Abstract: A damping device is disclosed, intended to be inserted between two rigid assemblies, comprising two rigid elements (1, 2) which can be fixed respectively to the two assemblies and, mounted in parallel between these two rigid elements, on the one hand a main spring (3) and, on the other hand, a damping system comprising in series a rigid case (7) filled with a viscous liquid (L), a piston (5) ending in a rigid foot (4) and immersed in the liquid and an auxiliary spring (9.sub.1, 9.sub.2). The case (7) is independent of the main spring (3), the auxiliary spring (9) is inserted between the case and the rigid element (2) to which this case is connected and the foot (4) is connected to the edge of an orifice of the case, which it passes through, by a sealed and deformable bellows (8). The case is partially defined by a sealed and flexible membrane (10) with limited movements.

Abstract: A compression spring useful in vehicle suspension applications has an extended plateau region in its force/deflection characteristics, such extended plateau being obtained by virtue of the formation of the spring as a tubular elastomer body of progressively increasing cross-section from one end to the other provided with longitudinally spaced-apart reinforcements defining bulging instability sites therebetween. The spring when under compression undergoes bulging sequentially at these sites.

Abstract: In the embodiment described in the specification, a cushion bearing for motor vehicles has two rigid bearing seats with a resilient rubber bearing block and an air spring acting between the seats. The air spring has a bellows forming a chamber divided into two compartments by a throttling plate which is connected to one of the bearing seats by way of a central rod and a rigid housing connected to the other bearing seat encloses the bellows. The bellows has at least one intake valve so that the air spring is automatically pumped up during relative motion between the bearing seats.

Abstract: A shock absorber for automobile vehicle suspension comprises a cylinder containing a hydraulic fluid, a piston defining a first chamber and a second chamber in the cylinder, and a rod which extends through the second chamber and is connected to the piston. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is able to communicate with the first chamber via a restriction during a rapid compression movement. A control valve is capable of opening a fluid passage between the first and second chambers. The control valve is subject on one hand to the pressure of hydraulic fluid in the first chamber tending to open the valve and, on the other hand, to the actions tending to close the valve, of a return spring and of substantially constant pressure of a fluid contained in a reference chamber, one wall of which is movable with the control valve. An external compensation casing, integral with the rod, grips the shock absorber in sealed manner, and the compensation casing is connected by a pipe to an external source of variable pressure.

Abstract: An upper support for a suspension system, having an inner and an outer rigid member, at least one generally annular elastic body interposed between the inner and outer rigid members for elastic connection therebetween, and which defines a generally annular fluid chamber that is filled with a non-compressible fluid. The upper support also includes an annular resonance member which is accommodated in the fluid chamber, and which is supported by one of the inner and outer rigid members so as to radially extend toward the other rigid member, so that the fluid chamber is substantially divided into two sections located on axially opposite sides of the resonance member. The upper support further includes a support device for elastically supporting the resonance member with respect to the above-indicated one of the inner and outer rigid members, such that the resonance member can be axially displaced relative to the one rigid member due to elastic deformation of the support device.

Abstract: A fluid-filled mount for damping vibrations imparted along X, Y and Z axes is disclosed. The mount has a rigid shell containing an elastomeric block into which is molded a connecting member and pairs of fluid chambers interconnected by conduits. When the connecting member is displaced relative to the shell, fluid is pumped through the conduits between the chambers.

Abstract: A fluid filled resilient bushing assembly for vibration control, particularly adapted for use in a suspension system, which includes an elongate inner rigid member and an elongate outer rigid sleeve member, a resilient device interposed between the inner and outer members. The resilient device together with the outer member defines two circumferentially and axially-spaced chambers and a restricted passageway connecting the chambers. The chambers and passageway contain an incompressible fluid. Disposed in one chamber is a elastomeric channel device that preloads the bushing as to radially offset the inner member relative to the outer sleeve member.

Abstract: A vibration bushing damping device includes an inner member and an outer member which is axially paralleled to the inner member and which encloses a substantial section of the inner member. A vibration absorbing resilient body is interposed between the inner and outer members. The body includes a first fluid holding chamber. A second fluid holding chamber is defined between the resilient body and the outer member. The second fluid chamber communicates with the first fluid chamber through a first fluid passageway. A rigid body is movably mounted in the first fluid passageway for controlling fluid flow through the first passageway to a varying extent depending on the position of the rigid body. A second fluid flow path is also provided for the fluid in the first fluid chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulically damping rubber bearing engine mount for motor vehicles, having two end walls lying opposite one another in the axial direction and two chambers which are designed as a pressure and an auxiliary chamber and which contain a damping fluid and are connected to one another by a restricted orifice. An annular, rubber-elastic spring element adjoins the pressure chamber and is secured on an end wall. A compensating chamber adjoins the auxiliary chamber and is separated from the latter by a bellows. The damping characteristics of the rubber bearing are alterable by intervention from outside. In order to be able to alter the damping effect of the rubber bearing continuously right up to complete cancellation, a diaphragm is clamped fluid-tightly in the pressure chamber and is loaded on the one side by the damping fluid and on the other side by compressed air which can be fed in from outside.

Abstract: A fluid-filled elastic mount for flexible coupling of two members includes a first support member and a second support member, an elastic body interposed between the first and second support members, a closure member for partially defining a fluid chamber filled with a non-compressible fluid, a first partition device for dividing the fluid chamber into a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber, and a device for defining a first restricted passage for restricted fluid communication between the pressure-receiving chamber and the equilibrium chamber. The fluid-filled elastic mount further includes a second partition member having a peripheral portion secured to an intermediate portion of the elastic body.

Abstract: A vibration isolator mounted on a support for a vehicle engine or the like which is a vibration source, in which a central limitational passage is formed in a partition wall which divides a fluid chamber filled with a fluid into a pair of small fluid chambers, the central limitational passage providing communication between the pair of small fluid chambers. The central limitational passage can be opened or closed by a valve capable of linearly moving so that the resistance to the fluid flowing through the central limitational passage is changed when vibrations occur. Additional connectable small limitational passages are provided in the valve and partition wall to provide communication between the small fluid chambers when the central limitational passage is closed by the valve. With this structure, vibrations can be absorbed over a wide frequency range.

Abstract: A fluid-damped elastomeric bushing of the invention comprises an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve in a concentric or eccentric relation, an elastric member provided between the inner and outer sleeve, a plurality of liquid chambers or compartments provided in the central portion of the elastic member with respect to the axial direction of the sleeve, the liquid compartments being arranged along the circumference at specified intervals, and orifices to communicate at least the adjacent liquid compartments with each other. The elastic compartment wall of the elastic member has a portion bent toward the interior of the liquid compartment. A central part of the elastic compartment wall may have its thickness reduced relative to the other part.

Abstract: The bearing includes of a beaker-type housing part in which a soft rubber support spring is arranged bearing a load supporting plate which is enclosed by a disc-type control spring arranged transversely to the support spring. The combination of the control spring and the load support plate is clamped radially pre-stressed in the upper portion of the beaker-type housing part such that the beaker-type housing part is hermetically closed in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner. A clapper-type damping piston is suspended in a recess at the lower side of the load support plate and is free to move in an axial direction; The piston head is slidably fitted in a substantially exactly fitting manner into a cylindrical tube attached to the bottom of the beaker-type housing part. The hermetically closed bearing is filled with a damping liquid.

Abstract: A bellows type shock absorber comprises a sealed bellows, a shock absorbing column which is provided with a chamber around it inside the bellows and which is along the axial line of the bellows and combined with the bellows so that it physically varies in conjunction with expansion and contraction of the bellows. Also, the bellows type shock absorber may have a through hole which communicates the internal chamber and the outside, and preferably the shock absorbing column is made of a kind of gelled material with a penetration value of approximately 50 to 200. In addition, another shock absorber is provided with the main bellows and a sub-bellows having a spring constant differing from that of the main bellows and a through hole which communicates the internal chamber of the main bellows and the internal chamber of the sub-bellows.

Abstract: An air spring comprises a substantially tapered flexible air sleeve, a piston connected to the small-diameter portion of the air sleeve, and an end cap connected to the large-diameter portion of the air sleeve. In this air spring after the inflation, the length of freely deformable portion of the air sleeve is longest at a position in its peripheral direction and shortest at a position opposite to the longest position in radial direction and is gradually changed between the longest position and the shortest position.

Abstract: A composite engine mount includes first and second members and an elastic member. The second member defines a space into which one portion of the first member extends. A first stopper rubber for providing a front and rear, left and right and rebound stopper is fixed to the one portion of the first member. Due to the structure, an assembly of the mount and brackets to be fixed to the first and second members can be made small. Such a mount is suitable for use in a left-hand and a right-hand engine mount for a transversely mounted engine.

Abstract: Rolling lobe air suspension strut having a specialized compliant cover plate assembly that forms the upper end of the air spring and which provides for absorption of jounce energy. This cover plate assembly provides optimization of isolation characteristics through split paths carried into the body through the isolation cushion in the mount assembly and the isolator portion of the compliant cover plate provided by the elastomer jounce bumper.

Abstract: The system includes a hydraulically damped strut and a tubular elastomeric spring. The ends of the spring may be sealed so that the spring can be pressurized internally. An improved bearing, which permits rotative shifting of the spring and strut in response to turning effort, also is disclosed. The suspension is particularly useful in applications which heretofore involved MacPherson struts.

Abstract: An engine mount with hydraulic damping includes a wall of elastomeric material and a bearing plate for supporting an engine together defining a working chamber. The bearing plate is disposed at an end of the working chamber defining an inner surface of the bearing plate facing the working chamber. The inner surface has a recess formed therein in the form of an air storage chamber. A throttle element closes off the air storage chamber from the working chamber. The throttle element has a central throttle opening formed therein.

Abstract: A fluid-filled bushing comprises an outer tube, an inner tube disposed coaxially in the outer tube, a plurality of resilient members disposed between the outer and inner tubes and defining a fluid chamber therebetween, and a closure member disposed in the fluid chamber and having a base fitted in the outer tube and a support disposed around the inner tube and supporting the inner tube swingably and axially slidably, the closure member dividing the fluid chamber into a plurality of fluid chambers. The closure member has a valve mechanism for varying the rate of fluid communication between the divided fluid chambers. The resilient members include two substantially annular resilient partitions positioned coaxially and axially symmetrically with respect to the closure member positioned between the resilient partitions.

Abstract: In a hydraulic antivibratory support intended to be interposed between two rigid elements (1 and 3) and including a work chamber (A) and a compensation chamber (B) separated by a dividing wall (10) and connected permanently together through a restricted passage (11), the whole of these chambers and this passage being filled with liquid, the work chamber is defined outwardly by an annular support wall (7) having the general shape of two hollow and thick truncated cones of opposite directions (7.sub.1, and 7.sub.2) juxtaposed axially by their large bases, their two small bases being connected respectively to the two rigid elements.

Abstract: An air spring comprises an air sleeve airtightly connected at both end portions to a piston and an end cap. The air sleeve has a substantially tapered form as a whole, wherein a portion forming a turned-up portion under a service stroke is a circumferentially continuous thin-gauge portion and a portion adjacent to at least one end of the thin-gauge portion is a circumferentially continuous thick-gauge portion.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having a shock absorber strut with a reciprocal rod located within a cylinder and an air spring having a fluid pressure chamber wherein the piston rod and cylinder extend through the chamber. The air spring includes a rigid annular canister and a flexible sleeve, one end of which is sealingly connected to the cylinder and the other end connected to the open bottom of the canister. An elastomeric isolator is bonded to a lower side of an end cap which is adapted to be secured to the vehicle. The isolator also is bound to and encloses the open upper end of the canister to close the pressure chamber of the air spring and to resiliently mount the air spring to the vehicle. An opening is formed in the isolator for sealingly receiving the upper end of the piston rod therethrough. The bonding of the end cap to the air spring canister by the isolator provides the fluid seal for the piston rod and dual path isolation for the suspension unit with a reduced number of parts.

Abstract: A vibration isolating apparatus is provided with a liquid chamber which is capable of being expanded and contracted for the purpose of absorbing vibrations. The liquid chamber is partitioned into small liquid chambers by a resilient membrane, the chambers being communicated with each other through an orifice. Vibrations are transmitted to the small liquid chambers through a transmission shaft which extends through the resilient membrane and which is slidable relative to the membrane. Accordingly, even when the direction in which vibrations act changes, vibrations applied to one small liquid chamber are reliably transmitted to the other small liquid chamber. Thus, contraction of one small liquid chamber causes the other small liquid chamber to expand, and a liquid is forced to pass through the orifice while generating fluid resistance whereby the vibrations are absorbed.

Abstract: A vibration insulating device to be installed between two members of a vibration system of an automotive vehicle. The device consists of an annular elastic member disposed between coaxial inner and outer cylindrical members and located coaxial with the outer cylindrical member. The elastic member is formed at its outer peripheral surface with a deep annular groove coaxial with the outer cylindrical member which groove is covered with the outer cylindrical member to define an annular hollow chamber. A generally cylindrical flexible diaphragm member is secured between the outer cylindrical member and the elastic member in such a manner that its central annular section divides the hollow chamber into a radially outward gas chamber and a radially inward liquid chamber, thereby effectively absorbing even high frequency small amplitude vibration transmitted to the device under deformation of the flexible diaphragm member.

Abstract: Hydraulically damping motor bearing, elastic bearing, etc., with at least two chambers containing damping fluid and located axially one behind the other, at least one of which exhibits a wall designed as an elastic spring element, whereby the chambers are separated from one another by a partition and are connected with one another by means of a passage. To achieve a passage which is of simple design and easy to construct, the wall of the passage is formed partly by an elastic portion and partly by a rigid portion of the partition, and both the rigid portion and the elastic portion have a discharge opening emptying into a chamber.

Abstract: This invention is a liquid filled type vibration insulating device, wherein a partition member dividing a closed chamber into two liquid chambers is provided with a gas chamber isolated from both liquid chambers and a portion of the gas chamber adjacent to at least one of the liquid chambers is partly or wholly defined by a flexible diaphragm, and is to prevent the increase of dynamic spring rate in the vibration insulating device due to high frequency vibrations by absorption of vibration through deformation of a flexible diaphragm when high frequency, small amplitude vibrations are particularly transmitted to the device.

Abstract: A vibration isolating apparatus having a support shaft connected to either one of a vibration generating portion and a vibration receiving portion, a base member connected to the other of the two, and a resilient member interposed between the base member and the support shaft and deformable in response to the movement of the support shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis thereof. A stopper is provided on the side of the support shaft which is remote from a vibration absorbing liquid chamber for limiting the movement of the support shaft. Accordingly, even when a load acts on the support shaft and the base member in a direction in which they are pulled away from each other, the support shaft can reliably be supported by way of the stopper.

Abstract: The spring includes a tubular elastomeric body and an embedded coil spring composed entirely of active coils. The ends of the body are contoured with respect to the ends of the coil spring, and provide for control of the orientation of the composite spring with respect to spring seats. An end seal for composite or other tubular elastomeric springs also is disclosed.

Abstract: A suspension includes a shock absorber and a bushing. A piston rod of the shock absorber has a bypass path for affording communicating between two liquid chambers partitioned by a piston inside a tube and two paths formed above the bypass path. A bushing inner tube connected to the piston rod has two paths communicating respectively to two paths in the piston rod. A bushing is disposed diametrally outside the bushing inner tube, interposed between the bushing inner tube and a car body and has two fluid chambers communicating respectively to two paths in the bushing inner tube. A valve body for adjusting the damping force of the shock absorber and the spring constant and damping force of the bushing is disposed in the piston rod.

Abstract: An air suspension surrounding a shock absorber with a housing fixed to a car body and an elastic body to form an air chamber includes a first support member connected with a piston rod of the shock absorber, a second support member disposed at the outside of the first support member and connected with the housing, an O-ring interposed between the first and second support members to maintain the air chamber under the airtight condition and a stopper provided in relation with one of the support members and spaced from the other in an axial direction of the piston rod. The O-ring is disposed in a position to maintain the air chamber with airtightness when the stopper abuts against the first or second support member.

Abstract: A hydroelastic mount for interposition between two units to be insulated from each other, for example a motor-drive unit and the structure of a motor vehicle, the mount comprising an elastic mass (1) disposed between two carrying armatures (17, 18), two chambers (6, 12) which are filled with liquid, interconnected by a communication passageway (8) and at least partly defined by elastic walls (1, 13). The two chambers (6, 12) have an annular shape and the mount defines a central empty space (21) for the passage of a connecting rod (20) between one of the carrying armatures (18) and the unit to which it is connected. This arrangement simplifies the assembly when the unit to be insulated is placed thereunder.

Abstract: A hydraulic-elastomeric vehicle engine mount basically comprising a pair of rigid mounting members, a hollow elastomeric body connecting the members, an elastomeric diaphragm cooperating with the body to form a closed cavity that is filled with a liquid, a partition dividing the cavity into a chamber enclosed by the body and a chamber enclosed by the diaphragm, a damping orifice connecting the chambers so as to provide hydraulic damping as one mounting member is forced to vibrate relative to the other in opposite directions, and a damping decoupler mounted for limited movement on the partition so as to effect cyclic volume change in the chambers and thereby permit vibratory amplitudes without hydraulic damping.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring element includes a rubber-elastic peripheral wall and two rigid end walls defining a chamber therebetween, a bellows-like spring body disposed inside the chamber defining an outer sub-chamber between spring body and the peripheral wall, the spring body being subjected to compressed air in the interior thereof, and an electroviscous fluid filling outer sub-chamber and being controlled by an electrical field.

Abstract: An engine mount with hydraulic damping, includes at least one fluid-filled working chamber having a substantially conical shell-shaped rubber-elastic peripheral wall serving as a support spring, a support ring being connected to the peripheral wall and having an upper surface, a thrust element with adjustable radial stiffness in the form of a holding plate vulcanized to the upper surface of the support ring and closing the working chamber along with the support ring, the holding plate having a central cylindrical portion projecting freely into the working chamber and having an inner surface, a bell-shaped expanded ring projecting from the inner surface on the cylindrical portion toward the peripheral wall and having a free end, and a rubber-elastic membrane closing the free end of the expanded ring enclosing a volume of air.

Abstract: An active two-chamber engine mount with hydraulic damping includes rubber-elastic peripheral walls, a rigid intermediate plate disposed between the walls defining chambers, an electro-viscous fluid filling the chambers and flowing in a given fluid flow direction through at least one overflow opening formed in the rigid intermediate plate. At least two mutually parallel metallic mesh plates are successively disposed across the given fluid flow direction in the vicinity of the at least one overflow opening, and a control device for alternatingly applying an electric field to the mesh plates as electrodes for controlling the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: A strut suspension for an automotive vehicle has its upper end connected to a suspension support which allows the upper end of the suspension strut to shift in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis of the strut in response to vertical movement of a vehicle wheel. Shifting of the upper end of the strut is controlled by means of a link member rotatably connected to the upper end of the strut. The link member is rotatably connected to the suspension support. This structure ensures negative camber during roll-steer, anti-dive characteristics, and weak under-steer, and suppresses harshness by providing a suspension geometry which optimizes suspension characteristics depending upon the vehicle driving conditions.

Abstract: A spring element comprising a resilient block interspersed with mutually parallel channels has an especially soft spring characteristic, since the block is interspersed with at least two series of channels mutually crossing in space without intersecting each other.

Abstract: An improved automotive suspension strut isolator and jounce bumper upper mount providing a compact resilient assembly adaptable for a vehicle having a reduced hood line. The assembly comprises a collar member formed with an upstanding collar portion having a radially outwardly extending contact flange. An inverted cylindrical cup member is positioned in spaced relation with the collar separated by an elastomeric isolator. The cup member includes a return bend flange underlying the contact flange in an axially spaced manner. The cup member is sized to telescopically accommodate the upper end of the strut outer support casing at full jounce travel thereby lowering the overall strut height for a given vehicle attachment span. In one form of the invention the strut utilizes a convoluted dust shield as a jounce bumper.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring and dampening strut for automotive vehicles comprising a housing having a closed end and an open end to form an elongated cylindrical chamber within which a piston is mounted for reciprocal and pivotal movement and dividing the chamber into a section acting as a spring and another chamber acting as a dampener. The dampening chamber is enclosed by a rolling bellows affixed to the piston rod and to the housing near its open end.

Abstract: An active vibration isolation system employing an electro-rheological fluid comprises a damper having a servovalve fluidically coupling a load supporting actuator to an accumulator. The servovalve includes an orificed plate arrangement, across which a voltage potential is impressed in accordance with a command signal derived from response sensors. The viscosity of an electro-rheological fluid contained within the servovalve reacts to the voltage potential so as to regulate the fluid flow. In this manner the damping coefficient is modulated to as to approximate a "sky-hook" damper.

Abstract: The mount preferably includes a decoupler assembly that causes different degrees of damping of relatively large magnitude excitation forces that result in mount compression versus mount extension, and that causes no or only minimal damping of excitation forces of relatively small amplitude. In a preferred embodiment the mount includes a generally cylindrical double-walled housing having a central portion containing at least part of a first variable volume chamber containing hydraulic fluid, and having an outer portion containing a second variable volume chamber containing gaseous fluid. The second chamber is of annular shape and encircles at least part of the first chamber. A rolling diaphragm defining a boundary of at least one of the chambers is formed of elastomeric material having a layer of reinforcing material preferably disposed at an offset location therein.