Abstract: A shock absorber includes an external control valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external control valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls a fluid valve assembly. A soft fluid valve assembly is disposed in series with the fluid valve assembly to allow for the tuning of the damping forces at low current levels provided to the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes an external control valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external control valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls a fluid valve assembly. A soft fluid valve assembly is disposed in series with the fluid valve assembly to allow for the tuning of the damping forces at low current levels provided to the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes an external control valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external control valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls a fluid valve assembly. A soft fluid valve assembly is disposed in series with the fluid valve assembly to allow for the tuning of the damping forces at low current levels provided to the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes an external control valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external control valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls a fluid valve assembly. A soft fluid valve assembly is disposed in series with the fluid valve assembly to allow for the tuning of the damping forces at low current levels provided to the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes an external control valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external control valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls a fluid valve assembly. A soft fluid valve assembly is disposed in series with the fluid valve assembly to allow for the tuning of the damping forces at low current levels provided to the solenoid valve.

Abstract: An air pressure proportional damper includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is fluidly attached to the second chamber through an air adjustment valve. The air adjustment valve regulates flow from the first chamber to the second chamber in proportion to air pressure received from an accompanying air spring.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes an external control valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external control valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls a fluid valve assembly. A soft fluid valve assembly is disposed in series with the fluid valve assembly to allow for the tuning of the damping forces at low current levels provided to the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A frequency-dependent damper incorporates a compensated piston assembly to reduce the amount of static push-out force. The piston rod is a hollow rod with a compensator being disposed within the hollow portion of the piston rod. The piston rod is a hollow rod with a compensator being disposed within the hollow portion of the piston rod. The compensator is attached to the pressure tube of the damper such that the compensator slides within the piston rod during stroking of the shock absorber. The compensated piston assembly reduces the difference in cross-sectional area between the upper and lower surfaces of the piston.

Abstract: An air pressure proportional damper includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is fluidly attached to the second chamber through an air adjustment valve. The air adjustment valve regulates flow from the first chamber to the second chamber in proportion to air pressure received from an accompanying air spring.

Abstract: A frequency-dependent damper incorporates a compensated piston assembly to reduce the amount of static push-out force. The piston rod is a hollow rod with a compensator being disposed within the hollow portion of the piston rod. The piston rod is a hollow rod with a compensator being disposed within the hollow portion of the piston rod. The compensator is attached to the pressure tube of the damper such that the compensator slides within the piston rod during stroking of the shock absorber. The compensated piston assembly reduces the difference in cross-sectional area between the upper and lower surfaces of the piston.

Abstract: A two-stage piston has a twin piston design where one piston produces a high damping force and the second piston produces a low damping force. At specified positions along the pressure tube, by-pass passages are formed to allow fluid flow around the high damping force piston to provide a low damping force or a soft ride. In the areas of the pressure tube where there are no by-pass passages, the high damping force piston provides a high damping force or a firm ride. In the area of the pressure tube where there are no by-pass passages, the high damping force piston and the low damping force piston both contribute to the high damping force.