Abstract: Provided is an actuator for scanning detecting light, comprising an optical element for emitting detecting light, a moveable part supporting the optical element, a sheet spring having a fixed end and a moveable end supporting the moveable part; and drive means for driving the moveable part so as to scan the detecting light. Thus, a spring-mass system is formed in which the moveable part retaining the optical device acts as the mass, and the first order resonant frequency of the system may be selected so as to be higher than the operating frequency (scanning frequency). A bearing for a sliding part is not required, and the resistance loss can be thereby eliminated. These factors contribute to a favorable responsiveness. Also, by properly designing the sheet spring, a lighter and more compact design is enabled than would be possible with the conventional arrangement.

Abstract: Provided is an actuator for scanning detecting light, comprising an optical element for emitting detecting light, a moveable part supporting the optical element, a sheet spring having a fixed end and a moveable end supporting the moveable part; and drive means for driving the moveable part so as to scan the detecting light. Thus, a spring-mass system is formed in which the moveable part retaining the optical device acts as the mass, and the first order resonant frequency of the system may be selected so as to be higher than the operating frequency (scanning frequency). A bearing for a sliding part is not required, and the resistance loss can be thereby eliminated. These factors contribute to a favorable responsiveness. Also, by properly designing the sheet spring, a lighter and more compact design is enabled than would be possible with the conventional arrangement.

Abstract: An acculumator having a housing and bellows located within the housing and partitioning the housing into an oil chamber and a gas chamber. A stopper is provided in the housing. The stopper has an oil passage port opposing the free end of the bellows. The free end of the bellows has a self-sealing member which opposes the oil passage port of the stopper. The self-sealing member is made of elastomer. When gas is charged into the gas chamber, the bellows expand, causing the self-sealing member to fit into the oil passage port. As a result of this, back-up oil is confined in the back-up oil chamber defined between the outer periphery of the bellows and the inner periphery of the housing. Hence, the back-up oil supports the bellows as long as the gas is being charged into the gas chamber.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system used in a vehicle, includes a cylindrical, hollow main housing having opposite first and second ends, with an oil chamber in the interior thereof; a rod axially slidable in the main housing through the first end and having an outer end portion located outside of the main housing; a cylindrical, hollow sub housing having opposite open and closed ends; a connecting passage connecting the main housing oil chamber with the open end of the sub housing, and being connected between the second end of the main housing and the open end of the sub housing; a metal bellows arranged coaxially within the sub housing so as to expand and contract axially therein, and having a closed free end and an open end sealed to the open end of the sub housing; a second oil chamber defined by an inner wall of the metal bellows, and communicating with the main housing oil chamber through the connecting passage; a damping device disposed within the sub housing and including an orifice which connects the

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system used in a vehicle, includes a cylindrical, hollow main housing having opposite open and closed ends, with an oil chamber in the interior thereof; a rod axially slidable in the main housing through the open end and having an outer end portion located outside of the main housing, an oil passage extending axially therethrough; a damping device mounted on the rod and including an orifice which connects the oil chamber with the oil passage; a cylindrical, hollow sub housing having opposite open and closed ends; a connecting passage connecting the oil passage with the open end of the sub housing, and being connected between the outer end portion of the rod and the open end of the sub housing; a metal bellows arranged coaxially within the sub housing so as to expand and contract axially therein, and having a closed free end and an open end sealed to the open end of the sub housing; a second oil chamber defined by an inner wall of the metal bellows, and communicating with the main

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system used in a vehicle, includes a cylindrical, hollow main housing having opposite open and closed ends, with an oil chamber in the interior thereof; a rod axially slidable in the main housing through the open end and having an outer end portion located outside of the main housing, an oil passage extending axially therethrough; a damping device mounted on the rod and including an orifice which connects the oil chamber with the oil passage; a cylindrical, hollow sub housing having opposite open and closed ends; a connecting passage directly connecting the oil passage with the open end of the sub housing, and being connected between the outer end portion of the rod and the open end of the sub housing; a metal bellows arranged coaxially within the sub housing so as to expand and contract axially therein, and having a closed free end and a open end sealed to the closed end of the sub housing; a second oil chamber defined by an outer wall of the metal bellows, and an inner well of t

Abstract: A suspension system according to the present invention comprises a cylinder assembly, which includes a cylinder and a rod fitted therein for axial reciprocation. An oil chamber containing oil and a gas chamber containing gas are defined inside the cylinder assembly. A damping-force generating mechanism is provided in the oil chamber, whereby a damping force is applied to the reciprocation of the rod. A bellows is contained in the cylinder assembly. The bellows includes an oil-resistant body made of an elastomer, and a gas-barrier film made of a material impermeable to gas and formed on the surface of the body. The oil and gas chambers are isolated completely from each other by the bellows.

Abstract: In a car suspension system according to the present invention, a cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder housing and a rod fitted therein for axial reciprocation. An oil chamber and a gas chamber are defined inside the cylinder assembly, and the capacity of the gas chamber changes as the cylinder housing and rod reciprocate relative to each other. A damping force-generating mechanism is provided in the oil chamber. A metal bellows is contained in the cylinder assembly so as to be coaxial with the cylinder housing. The bellows can extend and contract in the axial direction of the cylinder housing. Having a sealed internal space, the bellows divides the oil and gas chambers completely. Thus, when the rod reciprocates in the axial direction, relative to the cylinder housing, the bellows extends and contracts axially.