Abstract: A shock absorber comprising a housing assembly including an elongated cavity for containing hydraulic fluid, an annular cavity surrounding the elongated cavity, a piston assembly including a head slidably received by the elongated cavity and a rod joined to the head for movement therewith, a compressible bladder containing gas under pressure positioned within the annular cavity, and a plurality of orifices defined within the housing assembly through which the elongated and annular cavities communicate with one another. The rod extends through the housing assembly and is movable with the piston head between extended and retracted conditions. The bladder is positioned within the annular cavity so as to extend along at least a portion of the annular cavity and leave uncovered a portion of the inner wall. The plurality of orifices are arranged in a pattern along the uncovered portion of the inner wall.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a piston movable against a head of fluid under externally applied loads transmitted through a hollow piston rod. The piston has a valve surrounding a hollow metering pin defining a primary orifice and an auxiliary orifice, adjustable in size, is formed in the housing for augmenting the primary orifice area. The hollow metering pin provides a passage establishing communication between the auxiliary orifice and an accumulating reservoir located within the hollow piston rod. A fluid circulating system is provided for returning displaced fluid and for dissipating the heat generated in such fluid.