Abstract: A passive damping system for a shock absorber is disclosed. The shock absorber includes a working chamber, and a piston disposed in the working chamber. The piston includes a primary bypass valve for defining an upper fluid portion and a lower fluid portion. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends through the top portion of the working chamber. A variable bypass assembly is disposed between a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The variable bypass assembly includes at least one bypass aperture for providing communication of damping fluid between the first and second fluid chambers. The variable bypass assembly also includes a passive control member for varying the size of the bypass aperture, and biasing structure for normally retaining the passive control member in a position which maximizes the size of the bypass aperture.

Abstract: A shock absorber utilizes a single flexing disc assembly includes a flexing disc which is capable of performing the flexing disc function normally required for allowing the passage of fluid between the two sides of a shock absorber while also providing the blow off function. The flexing disc is backed by a ridge formed on a spring seat. The ridge defines a ring that is concentric with the central long axis of the piston rod. Under normal rebounding conditions, the pressure of rebounding damping fluid builds to the point that the flexing disc is opened somewhat by flexing to allow normal bleedthrough. However, in the event that the rebound pressure builds to a higher, predetermined value, the valve flexes to an extreme degree against the ridge formed on the spring seat. In this manner, the ring acts as a fulcrum, and a quantity of damping fluid is allowed to pass thereby until normal rebound pressure values are reached.

Abstract: A modular Active Noise Control exhaust silencing system is provided including a housing defining an acoustic enclosure having an acoustic outlet port. A speaker is disposed within the acoustic enclosure and an amplifier is disposed within the housing and connected to the speaker. A microphone is associated with the housing for detecting the exhaust noise. A control unit is disposed within the housing in communication with the microphone for receiving signals therefrom. The control unit determines an anti-noise signal for the amplifier for creating an anti-noise responsive to a detected noise source. A port dish is disposed adjacent to the acoustic outlet port which serves as a noise cancellation aid.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a loudspeaker within an enclosure is disclosed. The apparatus includes a loudspeaker mounting plate formed within the enclosure, and a mounting boss formed within the enclosure which is separated from the loudspeaker mounting plate by a fixed distance. The loudspeaker includes a first surface for engaging the loudspeaker mounting plate and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface. A pressure plate is disposed between the second surface of the loudspeaker and the mounting boss. An axial force member is associated with the pressure plate, and the axial force member is operable for applying a force between the pressure plate and the mounting boss for securing the loudspeaker between the loudspeaker mounting plate and the mounting boss.

Abstract: A shock absorber has a base valve assembly which includes a compression valve assembly and an acceleration valve assembly. The compression valve assembly controls a fluid path through the base assembly to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber during low acceleration movement. The acceleration valve assembly controls a second fluid path through the base assembly to provide a soft damping characteristic for the shock when the shock absorber experiences acceleration beyond a specified amount.

Abstract: A shock absorber demonstrating temperature conscious damping includes an auxiliary valve for passing damping fluid between the compression side and the rebound side. The auxiliary valve opens at lower temperatures and closes at higher temperatures. The valve includes an axial channel formed partially through a piston rod that terminates in a side hole on the rebound side of the piston. Movably fitted within the channel is a sliding rod valve that is movable between an open position which allows passage of the damping fluid and a closed position which prohibits passage. The valve is tubular and includes a hole formed in its side at one end. A steel spring is positioned between the blind end of the channel and the sliding rod valve. A tubular sleeve is fitted in the channel on the compression side of the piston. Between the tubular sleeve and the rod valve is positioned a spring formed from a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A modular telescopic front fork assembly which is adaptable to a wide range of applications is disclosed. The modular telescopic front fork assembly is utilized for a front of a vehicle having at least one front wheel. The modular telescopic front fork assembly includes a removable self-contained damper cartridge. This removable self-contained damper cartridge includes a housing and a reciprocating piston rod axially extending from the housing. A first securing mechanism steerably secures the housing of the self-contained damper cartridge to the front of the vehicle. A second securing mechanism secures the piston rod of the self-contained damper cartridge adjacent to the front wheel of the vehicle. This provides a removable self-contained damper cartridge which damps the movement of the front wheel relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes the typical fluid valving in the piston and in the base valve assembly which is designed to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber. A stepper valve assembly includes a bypass fluid passage between the upper working chamber and the reserve chamber which when opened provides a soft damping characteristic during an extension movement of the shock absorber. The stepper valve assembly also includes a bypass fluid passage between the lower working chamber and the reserve chamber which when opened provides a soft damping characteristic during a compression movement of the shock absorber. The stepper valve assembly selectively opens and closes the bypass fluid passages to adapt the shock absorber to changing vehicle conditions.

Abstract: A shock absorber having variable damping characteristics for damping the movement of the body of an automobile is disclosed. The shock absorber includes a variable flow control valve which modulates the rate of fluid flow between the upper portion of the shock absorber working chamber and the shock absorber reservoir. The valve is variably controlled in accordance with the vehicle load so that the shock absorber damping characteristic is stiffened during high vehicle load and softened during low vehicle load, thereby varying the damping characteristic to improve vehicle ride and handling.

Abstract: An adjustable damping shock absorber includes a pressure tube with a piston valve assembly slidably disposed within it. The piston valve assembly includes a compression valve assembly which is biased to a closed position and an extension valve assembly which is also biased to a closed position. The damping rate for the shock absorber is adjusted by selectively changing the biasing load of one or both of the valve assemblies. When the biasing load is increased, a firm damping for the shock absorber is produced. When the biasing load is decreased, a soft damping for the shock absorber is produced.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes an integral pressure tube and rod guide. The integration of these two components manufactured from aluminum allows the use of an aluminum pressure tube to eliminate axial differential thermal expansion between the pressure tube and an aluminum reserve tube. The use of aluminum for these two components reduces weight and improves the heat dissipation for the shock absorber. On addition, by producing the rod guide integral with the pressure tube and also of aluminum, additional weight savings are realized. Further advantages for the integration of these components include the elimination of leak paths, the limitation of assembly operations and the opportunity to utilize a "near net-shape" manufacturing process such as impact extrusion or semi-solid forming for the manufacture of the integral pressure tube and rod guide.

Abstract: An anti-swish mechanism for a damper is disclosed to reduce the swish noise heard during movement of a piston assembly within the damper. The damper includes a pressure cylinder which forms a working chamber having a first portion and a second portion operable to store damping fluid. A piston rod is partially disposed within a pressure cylinder and a piston body is secured within the piston rod. Extending from the piston body are first and second annular axially extending lands which are concentric with the piston body. A set of axially extending, circumferentially spaced flow ports are formed in the piston body between the first and second annular axially extending lands. Adjacent to the flow ports is an anti-swish mechanism which reduces "swish" noise as the piston body moves within the pressure cylinder.

Abstract: An active noise conditioning system for use with a combustion engine exhaust system is provided. A controller receives an exhaust noise signal, along with various other feedback signals for producing an anti-noise signal in response to the input signals. An amplifier is provided for receiving and amplifying the anti-noise signal. A wave generator receives the amplified anti-noise signal and generates an audio anti-noise signal. The output of the wave generator is collocated with the exhaust pipe of the exhaust system, where the audio anti-noise signal and the exhaust noise are acoustically coupled, which effects cancelling of the exhaust noise.

Abstract: A telescopic cylinder (10) is disposed between the sprung (22) and unsprung (14, 18) portions of an automotive vehicle and is in fluid communication with a source of fluid external to the telescopic cylinder (10). The telescopic cylinder (10) includes the housing (46) which is operable to receive the fluid. The telescopic cylinder (1) also includes a mount (48) which is operable to secure the housing (46) of the telescopic cylinder (10) to the automotive vehicle (12). The mount (48) includes a fluid passage (66) for allowing fluid to flow from the source of fluid through the mount (48) to the housing (46).

Abstract: A modular telescopic front fork assembly which is adaptable to a wide range of applications is disclosed. The modular telescopic front fork assembly is utilized for a front of a vehicle having at least one front wheel. The modular telescopic front fork assembly includes a removable self-contained damper cartridge. This removable self-contained damper cartridge includes a housing and a reciprocating piston rod axially extending from the housing. A first securing mechanism steerably secures the housing of the self-contained damper cartridge to the front of the vehicle. A second securing mechanism secures the piston rod of the self-contained damper cartridge adjacent to the front wheel of the vehicle. This provides a removable self-contained damper cartridge which damps the movement of the front wheel relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A two-stage shock absorber having a pressure tube within which a valve assembly is slidably disposed. A piston rod is attached to the valve assembly and extends out of the pressure tube. In a first embodiment, a ring which is slidably disposed within the pressure tube engages the valve assembly after a specified amount of movement of the valve assembly with respect to the pressure tube In both an extension and compression movement of the shock absorber. The engagement of the ring with the valve assembly reduces the fluid flow through the valve assembly to switch the shock absorber from soft damping to firm damping. In a second embodiment, the ring switches the shock absorber from soft damping to firm damping only during an extension movement.

Abstract: An anti-swish mechanism for a damper is disclosed to reduce the swish noise heard during movement of a piston assembly within the damper. The damper includes a pressure cylinder which forms a working chamber having a first portion and a second portion operable to store damping fluid. A piston rod is partially disposed within a pressure cylinder and a piston body is secured within the piston rod. Extending from the piston body are first and second annular axially extending lands which are concentric with the piston body. A set of axially extending, circumferentially spaced flow ports are formed in the piston body between the first and second annular axially extending lands. Adjacent to the flow ports is an anti-swish mechanism which reduces "swish" noise as the piston body moves within the pressure cylinder.

Abstract: An active roll control and leveling system operating between the sprung and unsprung masses of a vehicle or the like includes a plurality of shock absorbers attached between the sprung mass and the unsprung mass, a hydraulic source for supplying fluid at two hydraulic pressures, a sensor for detecting the vehicle's inertial change induced when the vehicle is turning, and a control unit for actively introducing fluid at hydraulic pressure to each shock absorber. The active roll control and leveling system includes a pump with a reservoir and a high pressure accumulator for delivering two separate hydraulic pressures. The active roll control and leveling system also includes an accumulator for each shock absorber and a controlling plunger for directing the pressures simultaneously to the shock absorbers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic muffler for attenuating sound waves of the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine including a shell, a plurality of walls closing both ends of the shell and dividing an interior of the shell into a plurality of chambers. The plurality of chambers include a first chamber having a sound absorbing material disposed therein. An imperforate pipe extends between the walls of the first chamber. Preferably, the plurality of chambers also include a second and a third chamber communicating with the imperforate pipe. Furthermore, a fourth chamber communicates with the second chamber.

Abstract: A shock absorber utilizes an array of restrictive rebound fluid flow passages radially formed in a piston assembly. The flow passages are defined by a relatively narrow entrance and a relatively wide exit. A contoured wall form one wall of the passage. The restrictive rebound fluid flow passages restrict the flow-through of rebound fluid. The damping characteristics of the shock absorber are determined by the restriction caused by the general shape of the passages. Because restriction produced by the passages is a function of the contour of the passages and the entrance and exit widths, virtually any damping curve may be achieved by forming a passage having a selected contour.