Abstract: A damper includes a piston that carries a relatively compact control valve for controlling fluid flow through the piston. The control valve provides a variable amount of damping by regulating damper fluid flow between the extension chamber and the compression chamber of the damper during extension and compression strokes. Pressure regulation across the piston is controlled through a flow path as determined by the control valve. The damping force of the damper varies depending upon the loading conditions of the vehicle. The control valve is air pressure actuated to adjust the damping force and control the flow of fluid in the flow path. The piston and rod assembly include unique features such as a seal plate design, and spring retainer that aid in the efficient and reliable assembly in a commercial production setting.

Abstract: A damper includes a piston that carries a relatively compact control valve for controlling fluid flow through the piston. The control valve provides a variable amount of damping by regulating damper fluid flow between the extension chamber and the compression chamber of the damper during extension and compression strokes. Pressure regulation across the piston is controlled through a flow path as determined by the control valve. The damping force of the damper varies depending upon the loading conditions of the vehicle. The control valve is air pressure actuated to adjust the damping force and control the flow of fluid in the flow path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surveying is described whereby a selected survey point may be quickly and accurately located and marked. The apparatus comprises a prism pole with a mechanism for assuring the vertical orientation of the prism pole to the earth's surface, a satellite positioning system antenna mounted to the prism pole, and a marking device mounted to the prism pole for establishing a survey mark. The surveying apparatus is designed to be mounted to a wheeled vehicle for increased convenience to the user.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological damping device comprises a core element capable of acting as a magnetic circuit which carries a magnetic flux, and a case element surrounding a portion of the core element. A passage exists between the case element and core element, and an amount of magneto-rheological fluid is positioned between the core element and case element to flow within the passage.

Abstract: A suspension damper assembly capable of adjusting the height of an automobile includes a cylinder tube defining a pumping chamber aligned concentrically within a reservoir tube. A fluid reservoir is defined between the reservoir tube and the cylinder tube. A piston is slideably disposed within the cylinder tube. A gas cup is slideably disposed within the assembly and separates a fluid chamber within the cylinder tube from a gas chamber. The gas cup includes a cup conduit connecting the pumping chamber to the reservoir chamber whereby stroking the gas cup pumps fluid into the pumping chamber increasing the outward force of the piston for raising the height of the vehicle. A piston shaft guide includes a shaft valve allowing fluid to pass from the pumping chamber to the reservoir chamber for reducing the outward force of the piston and lowering the height of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary damper for a vehicle trailing arm suspension mechanism includes a housing defined by a body molded of a reinforced plastic and defining a fluid filled cavity in which a multi-bladed rotor is disposed to form plural fluid filled damper chambers. The rotor is connected to a shaft which is part of a linkage of the suspension system and the housing is operably secured to the vehicle frame. The rotor may also be formed of a molded plastic or cast or otherwise fabricated metal which is covered with an overmolded layer of plastic. The rotor tips may include elastomer seal strips or as cast seal strips and providing a slight interference fit with the housing cavity surfaces. Fluid sealing between the rotor and the body and housing cover plates is provided by the separate or integral seal strips or by clearances small enough to restrict fluid flow except through flow restricting passages and damping action control valves.

Abstract: A brake module including an integrally formed manifold and accumulator provides a way of simplifying assembly, increasing packaging flexibility and reducing the total number of individual components.

Abstract: A brake system with a direct connection between the master cylinder and wheel brake through an isolation valve and dual normally closed poppet style control valves provides efficient, proportional and independent wheel control suitable for use in achieving anti-lock braking and traction control braking intervention functions.

Abstract: A braking system is provided with the addition of a normally closed access valve that is held in the open position during assembly of the braking system providing a path for the evacuation and fluid filling process of the braking system. Through the additional access valve, all areas, including otherwise inaccessible areas of the hydraulic circuit of the braking system are filled from one access point such as at the master cylinder assembly. After completion of the evacuation and fill process, the valve is closed and remains closed during all braking operation of the system.

Abstract: The incorporation of a unidirectional flow regulation valve into the piston of a damper provides continuously variable real time damping with passive compression damping. The valve is housed within the piston thus incorporating into a single component the flow passages for both the variable and passive valving. An electrical circuit is provided through componentry of the damper and regulation valve.

Abstract: A piston and rod subassembly is reciprocally mounted in a piston tube subassembly. A transfer tube is concentrically mounted in the rod and is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of fluid. A solenoid valve subassembly provides real time damping of relatively high frequency inputs by opening and closing a bypass channel formed in the actuator. Relatively low frequency inputs are actively controlled as fluid passes to and from the pressurized source of fluid. An outer body tube includes a fluid trapping chamber to prevent leakage from the actuator.

Abstract: This hydraulic shock absorber has a piston rod guide in the upper end of the pressure cylinder with a conical recess in which a toroidal piston rod seal of elastomer material is trapped under axial compression loads by a seal cover secured to the reservoir tube. The tapered wall of the recess acting on spaced and upwardly extending peripheral ribs of the seal causes the seal body to radially constrict inwardly so that inner annular sealing lips thereof sealingly engage the piston rod of the shock absorber. Oil pressure in pockets formed between the peripheral ribs also exerts a force to constrict the seal for improved sealing.