Abstract: The present invention is directed to shock absorbers, including position-sensitive shock absorbers (2) in which the position-sensitive damping can be different during compression and rebound strokes, and shock absorbers (60) with damping adjusters (80, 118) which vary the damping provided during compression and rebound strokes. The position-sensitive shock absorber includes a cylinder (4) within which a piston (122) is movably mounted for movement between the first and second ends of the cylinder. Bypass openings (24-32) open into the cylinder interior (6) at axially spaced-apart positions. The bypass openings are coupled by a bypass channel (38). A flow valve (40, 42) may be positioned along the bypass channel permitting fluid flow from the first opening to the second opening and restricting fluid flow from the second opening to the first opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to shock absorbers, including position-sensitive shock absorbers (2) in which the position-sensitive damping can be different during compression and rebound strokes, and shock absorbers (60) with damping adjusters (80, 118) which vary the damping provided during compression and rebound strokes. The position-sensitive shock absorber includes a cylinder (4) within which a piston (122) is movably mounted for movement between the first and second ends of the cylinder. Bypass openings (24-32) open into the cylinder interior (6) at axially spaced-apart positions. The bypass openings are coupled by a bypass channel (38). A flow valve (40, 42) may be positioned along the bypass channel permitting fluid flow from the first opening to the second opening and restricting fluid flow from the second opening to the first opening.

Abstract: A one-story building having a polygonal floor with a centrally located mast, has exterior walls tilted up from horizontal by means of tackle mounted to the mast. The walls are of a cast cementitious material with embedded rectangular grid of bamboo tubes. Continuous strings of barbed wire extend lengthwise inside the horizontal tubes of the grid around the entire perimeter of the building from one jamb to the other of a doorway in one of the exterior walls to bind walls together. Selected ones of the horizontal and vertical tubes used for electrical and plumbing conduits. Tubes are filled with concrete after erection of the walls. The mast and tackle thereon are used to erect a multipanel roof to position where it is supported on the mast and walls.

Abstract: A shock absorber, particularly adapted for use in the rear suspension of a motorcycle, comprises a tubular housing having a piston reciprocally mounted therein. A first chamber is defined between the housing and the head end of the piston whereas a second chamber is defined between the rod end of the piston and the housing. An inflatable bladder is disposed in a hollow rod of the piston and defines the third chamber with the rod which is in open communication with the first chamber. The chambers are at least partially filled with oil and the first chamber and bladder are air-pressurized to selectively set the spring rates of the shock absorber. A plurality of circumferentially disposed ports are formed through a head of the piston and are normally closed by a spring washer to prevent communication of oil from the first chamber to the second chamber upon extension of the shock absorber and for permitting such communication upon compression thereof.