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 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 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.

Abstract: 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.