Abstract: A ball stud system that provides a ball stud that will not loosen easily under the application of repetitive side loading on the ball portion of the stud. The ball stud is secured to the vehicle steering knuckle arm using the combination of a tapered nut and tapered washer. The tapered nut includes slots and the pin of the ball stud an aperture. A cotter pin may be placed through the slots and aperture in order to further prevent rotation of the nut.

Abstract: A damper for use in vehicle and automotive applications can include a structure for sealing a top portion of the damper such that standing water is prevented from residing adjacent the cylinder/tube, piston rod, gaskets, o-rings, grommets, or other structures located at a top portion of the damper. The structure for sealing the top portion of the damper can include a seal that is located between a rod guide and the damper tube such that water and debris are kept from entering an inner portion of the damper mechanism.

Abstract: A ball stud system that provides a ball stud that will not loosen easily under the application of repetitive side loading on the ball portion of the stud. The ball stud is secured to the vehicle steering knuckle arm using the combination of a tapered nut and tapered washer. The tapered nut includes slots and the pin of the ball stud an aperture. A cotter pin may be placed through the slots and aperture in order to further prevent rotation of the nut.

Abstract: A damper for use in vehicle and automotive applications can include a structure for sealing a top portion of the damper such that standing water is prevented from residing adjacent the cylinder/tube, piston rod, gaskets, o-rings, grommets, or other structures located at a top portion of the damper. The structure for sealing the top portion of the damper can include a seal that is located between a rod guide and the damper tube such that water and debris are kept from entering an inner portion of the damper mechanism.

Abstract: A structural member and method are provided for attaching a vehicle motion damping mechanism to a chassis/suspension component of a vehicle. The vehicle motion damping mechanism can include a piston operatively mounted within a cylinder, and a coil spring disposed around at least a portion adjacent the cylinder. The structural member can include a bracket member that, if desired, can be manufactured as a single unit (or a multi-part unit), and can be configured to interconnect the chassis/suspension component of the vehicle and the vehicle motion damping mechanism. The bracket can include a first portion adapted to be connected to the chassis component of the vehicle, a second portion adapted to be connected to the cylinder of the vehicle motion damping mechanism, and a third portion protruding radially outward from the cylinder of the vehicle motion damping mechanism.

Abstract: A magneto rheological (MR) fluid damper system for use in a vehicle suspension system can include a twisted pair of conductors integrated into a hollow piston rod of the MR damper. The twisted pair of conductors provide a supply path for current to reach the actuating coil of the MR damper while also providing the current return path to an electric source. The twisted pair of conductors facilitates a reduction in capacitance in the operating circuit, and thus minimizes electromagnetic interference affecting other electrical systems in the vehicle.

Abstract: A wire strain relief cover and method can include a high flex wire connected to a vehicle component, such as a wheel mount structure or other vehicle suspension component, and can include a connector or connector cover that reduces the amount of vibration and stress transferred between the wire and vehicle component. The wire can be a polyurethane wire of the type typically used in high vibration vehicle environments, and can include at least one lead covered in a polyurethane sheath. The connector or connector cover can include a body portion that connects the wire and a strain relief portion that connects the cover to a sheathed portion of the wire to prevent vibration and stress transmission between the vehicle component and the wire.