Abstract: A fan clutch assembly for a vehicle includes a flexible, ferromagnetic valve plate for controlling fluid flow through a pump plate into a shear zone. When an electromagnetic coil is energized, the resulting flux deflects the valve plate away from the pump plate to open fluid gates in the pump plate. When the coil is de-energized, the valve plate returns to its original engagement position against the pump plate to close the fluid gates.

Abstract: This energy absorber has an inner cylinder telescopically mounted in an outer cylinder and carries a cylinder cap separating cylinder interspace into a pair of contractible and expandable pressure chambers filled with a hydraulic fluid. On impact, the cylinders telescope and a one-piece elastomeric valve controls the flow of fluid between chambers through an orifice in the cylinder cap. The valve is a variable rate spring having a relatively constant force/deflection characteristic to control oil flow while providing high efficiency pressure relief action. Gas spring means provides the motive force to return the unit to an extended position after removal of the impact load.