Abstract: A damper assembly includes a rod elongated along an axis. The damper assembly includes a body supported by the rod, the body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The body and the rod define a passage between the body and the rod, the passage extending from the first surface of the body to the second surface of the body.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a hydraulic compression stop. The hydraulic stop includes a pressure tube surrounding the pressure tube of the shock absorber and a piston in hydraulic communication with the interior of the pressure tube. The piston can be disposed within the pressure tube and can be attached to the pressure tube or to the shock absorber. The hydraulic stop can also include a hydraulic fluid chamber and the piston can be disposed within the hydraulic fluid chamber.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a hydraulic compression stop. The hydraulic stop includes a pressure tube surrounding the pressure tube of the shock absorber and a piston in hydraulic communication with the interior of the pressure tube. The piston can be disposed within the pressure tube and can be attached to the pressure tube or to the shock absorber. The hydraulic stop can also include a hydraulic fluid chamber and the piston can be disposed within the hydraulic fluid chamber.

Abstract: A shock absorber piston assembly includes a shock absorber piston having a first face and an opposed second face. A plurality of fluid passages extend between the first face and the second face. A plurality of valves attach to the piston, including: at least two rebound valves, each connectable to one of the fluid passages, and at least two compression valves, each connectable to one of the fluid passages. Each of the valves actuates at one of a plurality of valve opening pressures individually adjustable for each valve. The shock absorber piston assembly can be used in either a monotube or a dual tube shock absorber.

Abstract: A passive damping for a shock absorber is disclosed. The shock absorber includes a working chamber, and a piston disposed in the working chamber. The piston includes a primary bypass valve for defining an upper fluid portion and a lower fluid portion. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends through the top portion of the working chamber. A variable bypass assembly is disposed between a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The variable bypass assembly includes at least one bypass aperture for providing communication of damping fluid between the first and second fluid chambers. The variable bypass assembly also includes a passive control member for varying the size of the bypass aperture, and biasing structure for normally retaining the passive control member in a position which maximizes the size of the bypass aperture.

Abstract: A passive damping system for a shock absorber is disclosed. The shock absorber includes a working chamber, and a piston disposed in the working chamber. The piston includes a primary bypass valve for defining an upper fluid portion and a lower fluid portion. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends through the top portion of the working chamber. A variable bypass assembly is disposed between a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The variable bypass assembly includes at least one bypass aperture for providing communication of damping fluid between the first and second fluid chambers. The variable bypass assembly also includes a passive control member for varying the size of the bypass aperture, and biasing structure for normally retaining the passive control member in a position which maximizes the size of the bypass aperture.

Abstract: A shock absorber demonstrating temperature conscious damping includes an auxiliary valve for passing damping fluid between the compression side and the rebound side. The auxiliary valve opens at lower temperatures and closes at higher temperatures. The valve includes an axial channel formed partially through a piston rod that terminates in a side hole on the rebound side of the piston. Movably fitted within the channel is a sliding rod valve that is movable between an open position which allows passage of the damping fluid and a closed position which prohibits passage. The valve is tubular and includes a hole formed in its side at one end. A steel spring is positioned between the blind end of the channel and the sliding rod valve. A tubular sleeve is fitted in the channel on the compression side of the piston. Between the tubular sleeve and the rod valve is positioned a spring formed from a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A two-stage shock absorber having a pressure tube within which a valve assembly is slidably disposed. A piston rod is attached to the valve assembly and extends out of the pressure tube. In a first embodiment, a ring which is slidably disposed within the pressure tube engages the valve assembly after a specified amount of movement of the valve assembly with respect to the pressure tube In both an extension and compression movement of the shock absorber. The engagement of the ring with the valve assembly reduces the fluid flow through the valve assembly to switch the shock absorber from soft damping to firm damping. In a second embodiment, the ring switches the shock absorber from soft damping to firm damping only during an extension movement.

Abstract: A suspension system for use in a motor vehicle that is self-adjusting in response to vehicle load and roadway conditions. The system incorporates a pneumatic arrangement for such an adaptive load dependent system which connects air springs with fluid-cushion shock absorbers. The pneumatic arrangement may directly connect the air springs and the shock absorbers to a high pressure circuit that provides a firm ride to the vehicle. Alternatively, the system may be switched to indirectly connect the air springs and the shock absorbers to a low pressure circuit that provides a soft ride. A sensor is provided to sense conditions that operate a control valve to switch between the firm ride and the soft ride choices.