Abstract: An improved piston compression valve mechanism for a double acting shock absorber which includes an upwardly facing annular valve seat on the piston. A washer member is fixed to the piston above the valve seat. The exterior periphery of the piston between the valve seat and washer includes six annularly spaced radially outwardly facing arcuate surfaces. Six coil springs are mounted with their upper ends engaging the washer member and their inner exterior peripheries adjacent the arcuate surfaces. A lower spring support including an outer cylindrical peripheral wall is disposed in surrounding relation to the outer exterior peripheries of the coil springs. An inwardly projecting flange and six radially inwardly projecting portions extend toward and adjacent to the arcuate surfaces which are in supported relation to the lower ends of the coil springs.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber has a piston slidable in a pressure tube, and separating the tube into two chambers. The piston has a flow passage therein with an annular groove in the piston about an extremity of the passage. Transverse passages communicate the flow passage with the groove and the groove with one of the chambers. A spring urged valve extends over the groove and transverse passages, constricting fluid flow thereto until excess pressure displaces the valve and permits flow directly from the flow passage to the one chamber.