Abstract: A hydraulic suspension damper includes a fluid-filled cylinder divided into first and second fluid chambers by a reciprocating piston. A bypass valve assembly includes a first pressure responsive valve assembly in fluid connection with one of the fluid chambers and a second pressure responsive valve assembly in fluid connection with the other fluid chamber. The pressure responsive valve assemblies direct fluid to an unidirectional electromechanical valve assembly. Operation of the bypass valve assembly permits independent control of fluid during compression and rebound strokes of the damper.

Abstract: An air spring module is constructed and arranged to be removably mounted between a damper and a vehicular body. The module includes a bored contact piston which is slip fitted over a reciprocable piston rod of the damper. A retaining ring releasably locks the contact piston to the damper, and O-ring seals provide a seal between the contact piston and the damper. An air sleeve is secured at its lower end to the contact piston and is secured at its upper end to a canister. A bearing assembly and mount rotationally and removably secures the canister to the body.

Abstract: A two-part, spliced air sleeve assembly for use with an air spring damper includes a first corded, resilient sleeve member bonded to a second corded, resilient sleeve member. The bond angles and fabrics of the first sleeve members are selected so that the first sleeve inflates to a smaller diameter than the second sleeve. A first fastener secures the first sleeve member to the second portion of a damper. A second fastener secures the upper sleeve to a piston rod of the damper to form a closed chamber for receiving pressurized fluid. When inflated for operation, the first sleeve has a smaller diameter than the second sleeve. A pair of rolling lobe members are provided in the first and second sleeve members which travel as the air spring damper is actuated.

Abstract: A two-part, spliced air sleeve assembly for use with an air spring damper includes a first corded, resilient sleeve member bonded to a second corded, resilient sleeve member. The bond angles and fabrics of the first sleeve members are selected so that the first sleeve inflates to a smaller diameter than the second sleeve. A first fastener secures the first sleeve member to the second portion of a damper. A second fastener secures the upper sleeve to a piston rod of the damper to form a closed chamber for receiving pressurized fluid. When inflated for operation, the first sleeve has a smaller diameter than the second sleeve.

Abstract: A top end retainer for an air spring sleeve in an automotive strut suspension system includes an elliptic clamping flange having a perimeter equal to the circumference of the top end of the air spring sleeve so that the sleeve fits over the clamping flange without stretching. A bushing aperture in a center web attached to the clamping sleeve is offset to an end of the flange. A piston rod of the strut is received in the bushing aperture through an elastomeric bushing and the center web is connected to the sprung mass for rotation so that the strut and air spring are rotatable about a steering axis. The geometric center of the elliptic flange is further offset from the longitudinal axis of the strut than would be the case with a circular flange having a diameter equal to the diameter of the top end of the air spring sleeve so that the top end retainer according to this invention contributes to optimization of the inclination of the line along which the air spring resultant force is directed.

Abstract: An air spring damper used in a vehicle suspension system with upper, intermediate and lower chambers and incorporating a reservoir tube which has an anti-friction rod guide and bearing assembly therein which lubricates the hollow rod of a piston as it strokes in their reservoir tube in jounce and rebound. An elastomeric air sleeve is featured which is connected to a top mount fastened to the vehicle body. An elastomeric isolator of this mount pivotally connects the piston rod to the body while sealing the upper end of the air sleeve. The air sleeve is supported full time by an outer elastomeric sleeve for improved air sleeve operation. A jounce bumper mounted internal of the reservoir tube is compressible to resist and cushion jounce strokes of the piston. This damper provides optimized vehicle body isolation and damping of both body and wheel axle at their natural frequencies.

Abstract: An air sleeve assembly includes a tubular sleeve constructed from a radially elastomeric material. A liner constructed from a resilient material is positioned adjacent an inner surface of the tubular sleeve. A first fastener secures respective first ends of the sleeve and liner to a rigid tubular member of a damper. A second fastener secures respective second ends of the sleeve and the liner to a piston rod of the damper so that the sleeve and liner form a closed chamber for receiving pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Rolling lobe air suspension strut having a specialized compliant cover plate assembly that forms the upper end of the air spring and which provides for absorption of jounce energy. This cover plate assembly provides optimization of isolation characteristics through split paths carried into the body through the isolation cushion in the mount assembly and the isolator portion of the compliant cover plate provided by the elastomer jounce bumper.

Abstract: A modular piston having a high tensile strength piston and rod connection produced without lubrication, weld splatter or other contaminants. The method produces an optimized joint from strength, concentricity and cleanliness standpoints. The parts are centered and connected in the same operation. With this connection an elastomeric bumper and bumper containment plate are retained in position for a complete assembly.

Abstract: A suspension unit operatively connected between sprung and unsprung portions of a vehicle includes a replacement air sleeve and special air sleeve fitting facilitating installation. The air sleeve fitting is installed over the reservoir tube of the suspension unit and cooperates with a dust tube to locate the air sleeve on the suspension unit.

Abstract: Suspension strut is detached from sprung portion of the vehicle and swung on lower control arm pivot to service position in which onboard repairs can be effected including change or addition of elastomer air sleeve using special inner clamping ring which is manually installed and which provides optimized clearance with respect to the dust tube allowing unrestricted reciprocating strut movements on vehicle operation subsequent to reattachment of the strut to the sprung portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension unit operatively connected between sprung and unsprung portions of a vehicle includes a replacement air sleeve and special air sleeve fitting facilitating installation. The air sleeve fitting is installed over the reservoir tube of the suspension unit and cooperates with a dust tube to locate the air sleeve on the suspension unit.

Abstract: A suspension unit has an elastomer air sleeve associated therewith and a low friction ring-like guide is fitted to the bottom of the dust tube of the unit to guide the air sleeve during operation and to prevent abrasion and wear of the air sleeve by the dust tube.

Abstract: A telescoping energy absorbing unit having inner and outer telescoping cylinders with unitary fluid flow control valve means operatively disposed between contractible and expansible fluid chambers in the unit. The valve progressively opens with increasing loads above a predetermined load to control the flow of fluid from a first of the chambers to a second of the chambers for absorbing impact energy. The valve closes on rebound and has openings therein that meter fluid from the second to the first chamber to reduce the speed of rebound of the cylinders from a telescoped toward an extended position.