Patents Assigned to Monroe Auto Equipment Company
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Patent number: 5152379Abstract: A shock absorber comprises a piston and piston rod assembly mounted for reciprocation in a cylinder, the piston dividing the cylinder into upper and lower chambers, a floating disk valve slidably disposed in a fluid reserve chamber of the piston for movement between first and second positions to selectively open and close fluid passages associated with the assembly to vary the resistance to damping fluid moving through the assembly and between the chambers, and a solenoid-plunger for regulating the flow of damping fluid between the chambers. The disk valve movement is controlled by the solenoid-plunger and when the disk is in a first position augments flow between the upper and lower chambers to provide "soft" compression and rebound strokes and when the disk is in a second position restricts flow between the upper and lower chambers to provide "firm" compression and rebound strokes.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1990Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: Ray A. Sackett, Charles E. Tyrrell
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Patent number: 5148897Abstract: A pressure-operated valving arrangement for a piston assembly of the type used in a direct-acting shock absorber is disclosed. Bi-directional primary and secondary flow paths are provided for regulating the damping forces generated during both rebound and compression strokes. During rebound, a pressure differential generated across a moveable valve disc operates to regulate fluid flow from an upper to a lower portion of the shock absorber's working chamber. A pilot orifice in the valve disc and a bleed slot associated with a rebound blow-off assembly are sized to generate the desired pressure differential across the valve disc. Manipulation of the size ratio permits universality of design for economical shock absorber manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Bert E. Vanroye
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Patent number: 5135203Abstract: An improved shock absorbing and leveling system for vehicles or the like is disclosed and includes a shock absorber sub-assembly and an airspring sub-assembly that can be used as either an assist device for a primary spring or as a primary spring itself. The preferring airspring sub-assembly includes a relatively rigid chamber member and a rolling flexible diaphragm member sealingly interconnected to one another, with an electrical inductance height sensor surrounding the shock absorber and contained substantially wholly within the chamber member. The airspring sub-assembly also preferably includes a diaphragm support member that laterally supports the diaphragm member on the shock absorber housing in a laterally spaced-apart relationship at least at two longitudinal positions thereon. Advantageously, the shock absorber sub-assembly and the airspring sub-assembly are independently removable from one another and replaceable as separate sub-assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1991Date of Patent: August 4, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: Jan M. A. Wijnhoven, Henri C. J. Vanhove, Marc J. I. I. J. Panis
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Patent number: 5125681Abstract: An apparatus for determining the displacement of a piston within a shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber having first and second portions operable to store damping fluid. A piston is provided for controlling the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber. Finally, a capacitance sensor is used for determining the position of the piston with respect to the pressure cylinder so that the displacement of the piston may be determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1990Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Daniel Brackette, Jr.
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Patent number: 5123671Abstract: An apparatus for damping the movement of the body of an automobile. The apparatus includes a shock absorber having a pressure cylinder which forms a working chamber and a first and second portion. A first sensor is used to generate an electrical signal in response to whether the shock absorber is in compression or rebound. A second sensor is used for determining the movement of the body on the automobile. An electronic control module is used for generating an electrical control signal in response to the outputs of the first and second sensors. A solenoid is used for regulating the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber. A piston assembly disposed within the pressure cylinder defines the first and second portions of the working chamber. The piston assembly includes a valve body and first and second unloaders adapted to control the flow of fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1991Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: Jan Driessen, Bert Vanroye, David Steed
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Patent number: 5113979Abstract: A shock absorber for damping the relative movement of the sprung portion of the automobile with respect to the unsprung portion of the automobile. The shock absorber includes a pressure cylinder and a piston disposed within the pressure cylinder. The piston is able to control the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber so as to generate firm and soft damping characteristics. The shock absorber also includes a reserve cylinder disposed exterior of the pressure cylinder, and a base valve disposed at one end of the pressure cylinder. The base valve is operable to control the flow of damping fluid between the second portion of the working chamber and the reserve chamber in response to the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1991Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Jan Driessen
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Patent number: 5107970Abstract: A sealing system for a hydraulic actuator is disclosed which is operable to selectively change the frictional sealing force exerted on a piston rod in response to the fluid pressure acting on the sealing system. The sealing system includes a leakage chamber formed in a rod guide surrounding a moveable piston rod which is partially disposed within a working chamber. A first seal member is operable for permitting a predetermined amount of hydraulic fluid to leak from the working chamber to the leakage chamber. The leakage chamber is in fluid communication with a low pressure fluid reservoir. A flow control valve selectively controls the flow of hydraulic fluid from the leakage chamber to the fluid reservoir so as to change the fluid pressure within the leakage chamber. A pressure responsive seal assembly concentrically engages the piston rod intermediate the leakage chamber and an upper end of the hydraulic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1991Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: Jan N. Driessen, Bert E. Vanroye
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Patent number: 5104144Abstract: A damping device operable to change a suspension characteristic of a vehicle in response to changes in a relative relationship between the piston and the cylinder of the damping device. The damping device comprising a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber operable to store damping fluid. A piston is disposed within the pressure cylinder defining an upper and lower portion of the working chamber. The damping device further comprises a transducer for emitting and receiving sound waves within the lower portion of the working chamber. The sound waves emitted by said transducer are reflected by the end surface of the cylinder or a base valve mounted at the end of the cylinder and are received by said transducer. A timing circuit determines the difference in time between the emitted and reflected sound waves and generates an output in response thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1990Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Michael R. Bethell
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Patent number: 5097419Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically leveling the attitude of a vehicle using a low power fully active suspension system. The apparatus connects the suspension and body of the vehicle and includes a hydraulic damper having a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber in which a piston and rod assembly is movably disposed. The apparatus further comprises a flow control device fluidly communicating with the working chamber on one side of the piston for adding and exhausting damping fluid therefrom to a central pressure source, and an accumulator fluidly communicating with the working chamber on the opposite side of the piston. The apparatus having flow restriction valving for selectively controlling the flow of fluid with said working chamber. The flow restriction valving located between the flow control device and the accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Magnus B. Lizell
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Patent number: 5092626Abstract: An apparatus for damping the movement of the body of an automobile. The apparatus includes a shock absorber having a pressure cylinder which forms a working chamber having first and second portions operable to store damping fluid. The apparatus further includes a piston assembly disposed in the pressure cylinder and having a valve body forming first and second flow passage for providing fluid communication between the first and second portions of the working chamber. The valve body forming first and second annular recesses adjacent the first and second portions, respectively, of the working chamber. The apparatus further including a first unloader disposed within the first annular recess and which is operable for controlling the flow of damping fluid through the first flow passage from the second portion to the first portion of the working chamber during compression.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1990Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: David S. Athanas, Gary W. Groves, Fahrey M. Hammoud, David L. Perry, Ray A. Sackett, Charles E. Tyrrell
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Patent number: 5090524Abstract: A shock absorber is disclosed which electrically communicates with an external source of electrical potential. The shock absorber comprises a valve for electrically controlling the flow of damping fluid in the working chamber of the shock absorber. The shock absorber further comprises a connector for allowing the valve to be electrically connected to the source of electrical potential. The connector comprises an adapter shaft communicating with the piston rod of the shock absorber, a first connector assembly connected to the adapter shaft, and a second connector assembly connected to the first connector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1989Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: Lonnie G. D. Miller, Gary W. Groves
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Patent number: 5074533Abstract: An endothermic furnace for sintering metal includes a pair of U-shaped retort tubes which are mounted to the underside of a flat, rectangular lid, the lid being removably secured along the respective top vertical edges of the furnace chamber sidewalls and the retorts being removable with the lid. Each tube carries a catalyst and receives a carbonaceous gas mixture that is either combusted externally or internally of the chamber, the gas reacting with the catalyst to produce a desired endothermic gas product which heats each tube whereby to radiantly heat the chamber and which is piped back into the heat chamber, when cooled, to provide an oxygen-free atmosphere for the heat treating chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1990Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Russel L. Frantz
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Patent number: 5020825Abstract: A method and apparatus for absorbing mechanical shock is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber having first and second portions operable to store damping fluid. The apparatus further comprises a first sensor for generating a first electrical signal in response to the difference in pressure between the damping fluid in the first and second portions of the working chamber. A second sensor is also provided which is able to generate a second electrical signal in response to the movement of the body of the automobile. A computer is used for generating an electrical control signal in response to the first and second electrical signals. Finally, the apparatus further comprises a solenoid for regulating the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber in response to the output of the computer.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1988Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Magnus B. Lizell
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Patent number: 5016908Abstract: An apparatus for damping the movement of the body of an automobile. The apparatus includes a shock absorber having a pressure cylinder which forms a working chamber and a first and second portion. A first sensor is used to generate an electrical signal in response to the pressure differential between the damping fluid stored in the first and second portions of the working chamber. A second sensor is used for determining the movement of the body on the automobile. An electrical control module is used for generating an electrical control signal in response to the outputs of the first and second sensors. Finally, the solenoid is used for regulating the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1989Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: David S. Athanas, Gary W. Groves, Fahrey M. Hammoud, David L. Perry
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Patent number: 5007659Abstract: In a remote controlled fluid piston-piston rod type damper, a ported damping piston divides a cylinder into upper and lower chambers, a "spoiler" sleeve reciprocably encircles an electrical coil, a pair of shoulders extend radially from the piston rod, and a pair of precompressed coil springs position the piston between the shoulders for reciprocable axial movement relative to the piston rod. An electrically controlled valve operates to regulate flow between the chambers in response to relative reciprocable motion between the piston rod and the piston, the electrical coil being energized by an alternating voltage input whereby to generate a magnetic field about the sleeve. Movement of the spoiler sleeve through the magnetic field changes the current in the electrical due to self-inductance, and a remote control module generates a control signal, in response to the change in coil current, to actuate the electrically controlled valve whereby to regulate flow between the chambers.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1990Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Yoram Guy
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Patent number: 5000478Abstract: A hydraulic activator operable to change a suspension characteristic in response to changes in the velocity of damping fluid flowing through a flow passage provided in flow control valving within the shock absorber. The hydraulic activator comprising a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber operable to store damping fluid and a reservoir cylinder coaxial therewith. A piston is disposed within the pressure cylinder defining an upper and lower portion of the working chamber. The activator further comprises a first transducer for emitting ultrasonic waves across the flow passage. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the first transducer are received by a second transducer. A frequency detection circuit determines the difference in frequency between the emitted and received ultrasonic waves and generates an output in response thereto. A central processor calculates the fluid velocity and causes a control circuit to change a suspension characteristic of the shock absorber.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1990Date of Patent: March 19, 1991Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Michael W. Kerastas
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Patent number: 4995635Abstract: A direct acting hydraulic damper comprising an internal, non-contact sensing means for the direct measurement of relative velocity between the piston and the cylinder of the damper. The damper comprising a cylinder forming a working chamber operable to store damping fluid. A piston is disposed within the cylinder defining an upper and lower portion of the working chamber. The damper further comprises a first transducer for emitting ultrasonic waves within the lower portion of the working chamber. The ultrasonic waves emitted by said first transducer are reflected by a base valve or end surface of the cylinder facing the transducers and are received by a second transducer. A frequency detection circuit determines the difference in frequency between the emitted and reflected ultrasonic waves and generates an output in response thereto. A computer then calculates the relative velocity of the piston with respect to the base valve or end surface, based on the Doppler principle.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1990Date of Patent: February 26, 1991Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventor: Yoram Guy
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Patent number: 4989844Abstract: An improved shock absorbing and leveling system for vehicles or the like is disclosed and includes a shock absorber sub-assembly and an airspring sub-assembly that can be used as either an assist device for a primary spring or as a primary spring itself. The preferred airspring sub-assembly includes a relatively rigid chamber member and a rolling flexible diaphragm member sealingly interconnected to one another, with an electrical inductance height sensor surrounding the shock absorber and contained substantially wholly within the chamber member. The airspring sub-assembly also preferably includes a diaphragm support member that laterally supports the diaphragm member on the shock absorber housing in a laterally spaced-apart relationship at least at two longitudinal positions thereon. Advantageously, the shock absorber sub-assembly and the airspring sub-assembly are independently removable from one another and replaceable as separate sub-assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1988Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: Jan M. A. Wijnhoven, Henri C. J. Vanhove, Marc J. I. I. J. Panis
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Patent number: 4955460Abstract: A direct acting shock absorber for damping the movement of the body of an automobile is disclosed. The shock absorber comprises a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber having first and second portions operable to store damping fluid. A piston is disposed within the pressure cylinder between the first and second portions of the working chamber. The shock absorber further comprises a fluid reservoir operable to store damping fluid. The shock absorber also includes a valve for permitting damping fluid to flow from the first portion of the working chamber to the fluid reservoir during movement of the piston in a first direction. Finally, a second valve is provided for permitting damping fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir to the second portion of the working chamber during movement of the piston in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1989Date of Patent: September 11, 1990Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: Magnus B. Lizell, Albert E. Vanroye
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Patent number: 4943083Abstract: A signal conditioning circuit assembly for use with a shock absorber. The signal conditioning circuit includes a pressure sensor for sensing differential pressure between the damping fluid stored in the upper and lower portions of the working chamber. The signal conditioning circuit assembly further includes a signal conditioning circuit which is used for conditioning the output of the pressure sensor. In another embodiment, the signal conditioning circuit assembly further includes an accelerometer for sensing the velocity of the body of the vehicle, as well as a signal conditioning circuit which conditions the output from the accelerometer.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1989Date of Patent: July 24, 1990Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment CompanyInventors: Gary W. Groves, David L. Perry