Abstract: A shock absorber of the hydraulic-pneumatic type includes a cylindrical casing closed at both ends and partially filled with a liquid damping medium. A piston is reciprocable in the casing, has valve controlled passages and a piston rod thereon extending outwardly through a packed opening in one of the ends. A quantity of gaseous fluid under super-atmospheric pressure occupies the space above the level of the liquid, and a perforated partition forming an anti-splash device is disposed slightly below the liquid level. The partition is stationary in the casing and is frictionally held in place against the inner surface of the casing but is displaceable under the effect of a force greater than that applied to it by the movement of the shock absorber as a whole or of the liquid damping medium upon reciprocation of the piston.

Abstract: A gas-operated absorber includes a piston and cylinder unit wherein axially extending grooves of a predetermined length are provided on the inner surface of the cylinder to vary the dampening effect during the expansion stroke of the piston. The piston expansion movement is braked as the piston moves away from the grooves during its expansion stroke, and through holes in the piston head permit passage of gas therethrough during the expansion stroke although, when the piston moves away from the grooves, a flexible lip on the piston completely closes the holes to effect further braking. Additional holes are also provided in the piston head through which the gas may pass throughout the expansion stroke.