Abstract: Superabrasive elements, methods of fabricating such elements, and applications utilizing such elements. In one embodiment, a superabrasive element includes a mass of polycrystalline diamond including ultra-dispersed diamond grain structures present in an amount greater than zero weight percent and less than about 75 weight percent of the mass of polycrystalline diamond. Various structures and apparatuses that utilize the superabrasive elements, such as polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) and drill bits are disclosed. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digitizer for user interaction via an object with an electronically refreshable display screen, the digitizer comprising: a transparent sensing arrangement of detectors located at said electronically refreshable display screen for detecting an electric field of said object, said detectors having outputs, and an arrangement of differential amplifiers associated with said outputs, thereby to apply differential detection between said outputs.

Abstract: According to the invention, a drive unit for trailers or caravans is provided that has a chassis (2) with crawler sections (3), a coupling device (4) and steering and maneuvering devices. The drive unit is coupled to the trailer or caravan and is used to position the trailer or caravan in a controlled and simple manner, without having to worry about the risk of colliding with a neighbor or damaging one's own vehicle.

Abstract: A two wheeled trailer is attached to a human powered vehicle such as a bicycle or a scooter for carrying load such as children. The trailer is powered by two electric motors and at least one battery. The control of the motor is through a force/pressure meter inserted to the attachment arm between the two wheel vehicle and the trailer. The attachment arm, on the vehicle side is mounted near the rear axle of the vehicle. A coupler that allows free rotation attaches the trailer to the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable auger having a two-stage hydraulic pump is described. The two-stage pump drives an auger via an auger power drive by providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the drive. The invention also describes a portable auger having a dedicated transport powered drive unit driven by the two-stage hydraulic pump. The transport powered drive provides powered-assisted, wheel movement of the auger by an individual. Means are also provided for allowing the wheel, or wheels, driven by the dedicated power drive unit to freewheel when the dedicated power drive unit is not in use.

Abstract: A combined golf caddie and golf cart apparatus comprises a frame configured to support a golf bag, and a steering assembly which pivots with respect to the frame to adjust between a walk position and a ride position. A seat is removably mounted on the frame by support legs, wherein the support legs and the seat straddle a golf bag supported by the frame to maintain a very compact apparatus in the ride position and in the walk position.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid drive train is provided with an internal combustion engine (ICE) that supplies mechanical power to two driving wheels of a vehicle. Each driving wheel is provided with a respective hub motor having a stator mounted to the vehicle and a rotor directly connected to the driving wheel. The interconnection between the ICE and the driving wheel is done via a cardan joint provided between the output shaft of the ICE and each driving wheel. Accordingly, when the hub motors are energized, the drive train is in a parallel hybrid mode where both the ICE and the hub motors contribute to the rotation of the wheel. The drive train may also be placed in a conventional mode when the hub motors are not energized and in a purely electric mode when the ICE is not running.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor that are connected to a driveshaft linked to an axle via a gear mechanism, on condition that a torque demand Tr* required for the driveshaft is lower than a preset reference torque level Tref (step S220) and that a vehicle speed V is lower than a preset reference speed level Vref (step S230), the drive control of the invention idles the engine (step S240) regardless of a stop request of the engine (steps S120 and S210). This arrangement effectively reduces the potential for backlash or gear rattle in the gear mechanism. On condition that the vehicle speed V is not lower than the preset reference speed level Vref (step S220), on the other hand, the drive control of the invention stops the operation of the engine (step S250) in response to the stop request of the engine (steps S120 and S210) even under the torque demand Tr* of lower than the preset reference torque level Tref (step S230).

Abstract: An automatic centrifugal clutch is interposed in a power transmission system between an engine and a driving wheel. A motor, which is capable of generating electricity, is supplied with electricity from a battery to generate auxiliary power. The motor is connected to a crankshaft of the engine. An acceleration data acquisition component acquires the accelerator operation amount and the accelerator operation speed. A delay time setting component sets a delay time according to the acceleration data. A motor controller supplies the motor 13 with a magnitude of electricity in accordance with the acceleration operation amount after the delay time has elapsed from the moment when an accelerator grip was moved from an idle position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.

Abstract: In a cruise control system installed in a vehicle and electrically connected to a plurality of switches installed therein, a detecting unit detects that one of the plurality of switches is operated. A cruise control unit executes cruise control of the vehicle based on an instruction corresponding to the one of the plurality of switches upon detection of the one of the plurality of switches being operated. When the detecting unit detects that, during the first switch being operated, the second switch is operated, and when a combination of first and second instructions sent from the detected first and second switches is matched with at least one predetermined combination of instructions to be sent from the plurality of switches, a cruise control disabling unit disables the cruise control unit to execute cruise control of the vehicle based on the second instruction.

Abstract: A vehicle has a straddle seat, a left front wheel and a right front wheel. Each of the front wheels is mounted to the vehicle via a front suspension. Each front wheel has a fender associated therewith. At least one rear wheel is mounted to the vehicle via a rear suspension. A left footrest is disposed on a left side of the vehicle at a location below the straddle seat. A right footrest is disposed on a right side of the vehicle at a location below the straddle seat. A left water deflector is disposed at a location between the left front wheel and the left footrest. A right water deflector is disposed at a location between the right front wheel and the right footrest.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to juvenile ride-on vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a motorcycle including a frame, a front wheel, and two rear wheels mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A motorcycle that reduces air resistance without a cowling includes a steering handle, a headlight unit disposed in front of a handle base disposed at a substantial center of the steering handle, a meter unit disposed above the handle base, and a fuel tank disposed behind the handle base. In a side view of the motorcycle, the headlight top surface, the meter top surface and the fuel tank top surface are smoothly connected.

Abstract: A method of controlling the position of a front seat having an unbelted rearmost position forward of a belted rearmost position within a vehicle is provided. The method includes determining if a seatbelt associated with the front seat is fastened and allowing movement of the front seat rearward of the unbelted rearmost position if the seatbelt is fastened. Alternately, movement of the front seat rearward of the unbelted rearmost position is prevented if the seatbelt is not fastened. The front seat may be either a driver seat or a passenger seat. A vehicle apparatus operable to carry out the disclosed method is also provided.

Abstract: A seat-belt pretensioner arrangement comprises a pretensioner (7) and a control system (3-6) to control the tension applied to a seat-belt by the pretensioner (7). The control system (3-6) controls the pretensioner (7) in response to at least the rate of change of steering angle (??). A first processor (4) provides an output indicating a desired level of force to be applied to the seat-belt determined from the steering angle and the velocity of the vehicle. A second processor (5) provides a corresponding output indicative of a desired force level, determined from the rate of change of steering angle (??) and the velocity of the vehicle (vx). A selector (6) selects the highest of the two force levels, and provides an appropriate signal to the pretensioner (7).

Abstract: This patent discloses a vehicle having mounted therein a safety system. The safety system may indicate contact between an external object and the vehicle as the vehicle moves in reverse gear. The indication of contact may include automatically shutting down the vehicle engine, engaging the hand braking system of the vehicle, and honking the vehicle horn. The reverse drive safety system for a vehicle may include arms, a sensor cable that may extend between the arms and connect to a sensor spool. The reverse drive safety system additionally may include a sensing device to sense whether an external object has contacted the sensor cable or the arms and may include an electric motor that winds and unwinds the sensor cable based on a signal from the sensing device or a signal from a reverse indicator. The electric motor also may engage and disengage the vehicles hand brake system based on a signal from the sensing device and the reverse indicator.

Abstract: A system (30) and method for removing heat from a confined space such as from engine compartment or service brake of a motor vehicle where heat is generated by operation of a heat engine (12) that propels the vehicle or application of a friction brake. The system and method do not use engine or electrical power because natural aspiration is used to remove heated air and Curie Temperature of a ferromagnetic material is used to selectively allow and disallow natural aspiration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.

Abstract: A steering control console for a mobile machine is disclosed. The control console has an armrest extending adjacent a seat in a forward direction generally parallel with a seat plane of symmetry. The control console also includes an operator interface device operatively connected to the armrest. The operator interface device is tiltable about a pivot axis through a range of approximately 70-90 degrees. The pivot axis is substantially aligned with the forward direction.

Abstract: A transmission ratio variable mechanism in prior art provided on a steering column needs a spiral cable and hence, not only needs an extra space but is also accompanied by a risk of having a drawback such as the breakage of the cable or the like. A steering wheel shaft 11 and an output shaft 22 are supported in a housing 21 attached to a steering column 13, to be rotatable on the same axis; first and second sun gears 45, 46 different slightly in the number of gear teeth are formed on facing end portions of the steering wheel shaft and the output shaft; first and second planetary gears 53, 54 meshing with the first and second sun gears are supported on a carrier 47; and a worm shaft 58 meshing with a worm wheel 57 connected rotationally to the carrier is constructed to be rotatable by a motor 43 which is provided on the housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the steering wheel shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A power steering gear for a heavy vehicle includes a housing and a flow path for a power steering fluid. A heat exchanger is mounted to the housing or is a part thereof. The heat exchanger includes a first flow path for the power steering fluid and a second flow path for a coolant adapted to exchange heat with the power steering fluid. A cooling system for a power steering gear, a heavy vehicle comprising a power steering gear having such a cooling system, and a method of cooling the power steering fluid of a power steering gear on a heavy vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a steering wheel and a display device mounted on the steering wheel. The display device is functionally linked with a sensor device to be mounted on the motor vehicle for detecting a parameter of the motor vehicle and adapted to display the parameter detected by the sensor device. The sensor device is coupled to a functional unit of the motor vehicle for passing on or converting energy and/or information. The functional unit being adapted and configured to display to a driver a suggestion for adjusting the parameter via the display device. The functional unit is associated with an actuator unit of the motor vehicle, which is used to adjust the parameter in accordance with the suggestion displayed by the functional unit.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering wheel rim of the steering wheel at least partially rotating about a steering axis about which the steering wheel is mounted to be rotatable at an angle to the steering axis, at least one display device, arranged on the steering wheel, for displaying travel-related information of a motor vehicle, and at least one detection device, disposed on the steering wheel, for detecting an attentiveness level of the driver of the motor vehicle. The detection device is adapted to control the display device depending on the detected attentiveness level of the driver. The application is characterized that the at least one display device is mounted on the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a steering wheel, an electric assist motor operatively coupled to the steering wheel, and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the assist motor. A steering wheel position sensor provides an output indicative of an angular position of the steering wheel. A motor position sensor provides an output indicative of a relative angular position for the motor. Steering wheel position sensor output is acquired at each of a plurality of angular positions of the motor, thereby establishing a set of points defining a curvilinear relationship between steering wheel sensor output and motor position sensor output. The set of points is sampled to calculate a straight line which approximates the curvilinear relationship, thereby reducing periodic errors in the steering wheel sensor output. The straight line is employed to determine a position offset for the motor position sensor output corresponding to a system zero position.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a steering wheel, an electric assist motor operatively coupled to the steering wheel, and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the motor for receiving a first signal representative of torque applied to the steering wheel, and a second signal representative of angular velocity of the motor. The electronic controller produces an active damping motor command signal according to a function of the first and second signals. The active damping motor command signal is scaled by a first factor if the first and second signals are both positive, or if the first and second signals are both negative, to provide a scaled motor command signal. The active damping motor command signal is scaled by a second factor if the first signal is positive and the second signal is negative, or if the first signal is negative and the second signal is positive, to provide the scaled motor command signal. The scaled motor command signal is applied to the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor (10) for boosting the steering effort and a steering column (11). In the steering effort boosting system known from the state of the art the electric motor together with a transmission transmits a torque to the steering column, the electric motor being arranged perpendicularly to the steering column. This arrangement has a relatively large space requirement. It is the object of the invention to save installation space in future. For this reason, according to the invention, the steering column (11) and the electric motor (10) are arranged parallel to or coaxial with one another.

Abstract: A gear mechanism is arranged between input and output shafts and powered by an electric motor. The gear mechanism includes an assist shaft by which a rotation ratio between the input and output shafts is varied with the aid of an electric motor. A connecting unit has a first condition wherein the output shaft and the assist shaft are permitted to make a relative rotation therebetween thereby to cause the gear mechanism to operate normally and a second condition wherein the output shaft and the assist shaft are united together thereby to induce an integral rotation therebetween. The second condition induces a condition wherein the output shaft is rotated in the same direction as the input shaft and the rotation ratio between the input and output shafts is 1:1.

Abstract: A complex speaker edge and asymmetric resonator panel in which the acoustic vibration damping capacity of the speaker edge varies longitudinally around the speaker edge. The resonator panel has an aspect ratio of approximately 1.3:1 or more, and is composed of top and bottom panels held in spaced apart relationship by a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs extending therebetween. The ribs extend at an angle of from approximately 5 to 35 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the panel. The angle is acoustically matched to the complex speaker edge to improve the accuracy with which said acoustic vibration is reproduced. The effectiveness of the differential damping capacity of the edge in improving the quality of sound output from a speaker assembly is determined by observing the average magnitude of the excursions of the sound level pressure versus frequency curves for comparable complex and single speaker edges, particularly in the 200 to 10,000 Hertz range.

Abstract: A device and a method for reducing or muffling sound from kitchen appliances such as coffee grinders. The sound reducing or muffling device can be left on the appliance even when not in use, providing a decoration to the kitchen in a style appropriate to it's surroundings. Using the muffling device, a person can enjoy fresh-ground coffee at any time with the assurance that the sound from the coffee grinder is well insulated. The device is particularly easy to deploy and use, requires no moving parts, and is flexible enough to work with the majority of coffee grinder products currently on the market. Other embodiments can be used with other forms of kitchen appliances.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to change hollow resonance frequency in a cabin without changing the dimensions of the cabin and not providing any partition in the cabin. The present invention provides noise proof structure of a cabin reducing furry noise so as to improve livability and comfortability for an operator. A resonator resonating at frequency of hollow resonance is provided at a position at which sound pressure is high when the hollow resonance occurs. A rotary sensor measuring rotary speed of an engine of the working machine or the like having the cabin, an actuator opening and closing a partition at the opening, and a controller controlling the partition through the actuator corresponding to the rotary speed measured by the rotary sensor are provided.

Abstract: An air-intake apparatus includes an inner pipe member and an outer pipe member. The inner pipe member defines an intake passage that connects an inlet and a surge tank. Air is drawn into the inlet. A diameter of the inner pipe member gradually increases when the inner pipe member extends toward a surge tank-side end portion of the inner pipe member. The outer pipe member covers an outer circumferential side of the inner pipe member and defines a resonator between the outer pipe member and the inner pipe member. The resonator communicates with the intake passage.

Abstract: An intake and exhaust guide device for pneumatic tool comprises mainly a handle furnished with an intake passage and an exhaust passage, of which each outer end is furnished with a screw hole for directly or indirectly connected with an connector of an intake tube or an exhaust tube; the two connectors of the pneumatic tool are connected respectively with two pressure tubes fastened together in parallel; one of the two pressure tubes is connected with an output end of the compressed air, while the other pressure tube is connected with a muffler; during the pneumatic tool being operated, the compressed air can be exhausted simultaneously without having any exhaust noise as a result of the two pressure tubes being fastened together in parallel.

Abstract: A muffler to be coupled to the engine of a motor vehicle (e.g., a car, truck, motor cycle, boat, and the like) so that exhaust gases emitted by the engine can be exhausted to the atmosphere. The muffler includes an outer cylindrical body and an inner cylindrical liner having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. Sound absorbing packing material is located in an annular space between the outer body and the inner liner. An adjustable butterfly valve is located within the inner liner and rotatable between open and closed positions to control the gas flow through the liner, the sound generated by the muffler as a result thereof, and the performance of the engine to which the muffler is coupled. The rotation of the butterfly valve is controlled by an external DC motor or a continuous cable. The shaft of the motor or the cable is connected through the outer body and inner liner of the muffler to the butterfly valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silencer being designed with sound absorptive material (13, 23) and a conduit section (1, 2) with one or more conduits (1) for leading gas flow into the silencer and with one or more outlets (2) for leading gas form the silencer. The sound absorptive material (13, 23) and the conduit section (1, 2) constitutes a protrusion extending from part of an outer shell (4) such as from an end cap (5, 6) constituting part of the shell for the silencer, or from an internal member, such as a baffle (9, 10) possibly separating at least two through-flowed chamber (12) of the silencer. Not-through-flowed cavities (17, 27) are arranged essentially adjacent to or at least partly surrounding said sound absorptive material (13, 23), thereby constituting one or more resonators acoustically communicating with said at least one through-flowed chamber. The silencer may also be designed so as to act as a spark-arrestor. Also, the invention relates to a combustion engine provided with such silencer.

Abstract: The present invention is an acoustic cabinet for the storage of musical instruments. Acoustic cabinet can have a storage portion having a plurality of individual storage units contained therein. One or more grill doors can cover the open end of acoustic cabinet. The size, shape, and arrangement of grill bars of door can be configured to reduce the effect of resonance. Rear panel of acoustic cabinet can include one or more sound-absorbing panels that absorb sound as it passes through acoustic cabinet. A protective backing can also be disposed between sound-absorbing panels and individual storage spaces to protect the panels from damage when instruments and other objects are inserted into the storage spaces. A combination of a grill door and sound-absorbing panels can allow acoustic cabinet to have a net-absorptive effect on a rehearsal room. One or more acoustic cabinets can be strategically positioned throughout a rehearsal room for optimal acoustic performance.

Abstract: A fall protection apparatus includes a single longitudinally extending rigid rail onto which two laterally spaced apart moveable lanyard anchorages are mounted. The rail has a generally H-shaped cross-section with opposing vertically oriented first and second tracks laterally spaced apart by a connecting member extending between the tracks and substantially continuously along the length of the tracks The apparatus is attached to a structure by a support member, such as an overhead or lower support member, with the support member being attached to an upper or lower surface of the connecting member respectively. Each anchorage is adapted to be independently moveable along the length of one of the tracks, with the tracks being sufficiently spaced apart to permit the anchorages to freely pass by each other and the attachment point.

Abstract: Climbing products containing rails decorated using veil products colored, patterned, painted or in combination with marking methods such as company names and logos and resin formulation designed to withstand exposure to UV radiation with minimal change in appearance which create specific appearances for applications, enhance weathering performance, and facilitate processing efficiency. A combination of a filler free resin or resin with filler and coated veil systems to create a synergistic weather resistance surface with self contained color, pattern, picture, logo or combination of said same for climbing products. A system for producing components at a rate of greater than 5 ft/min. Various methods, system, a ladder rail.

Abstract: An access ladder includes a plurality of sections connected together to telescope between an extended position and a retracted position that has an increasing reactive force to counterbalance the weight of the sections as they extend. A method for accessing a room with a ladder connected to a ceiling including the steps of moving the ladder to a fully extended position subject to an increasingly active force to counterbalance the weight of the ladder as it extends. There is the step of retracting the ladder into a retracted position in the ceiling.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pair of bearings mounted on an axle spindle, and a wheel hub rotatably mounted on the bearings so that the bearings, the axle spindle, and the wheel hub generally define a cavity in the wheel end assembly. The wheel hub is formed with a port that communicates with the cavity and atmosphere. A lubricant cartridge includes a generally rigid body defining a chamber for containing a predetermined amount of semi-fluid grease. The cartridge also includes a generally rigid nozzle that is connected to the body and is in fluid communication with the chamber. The nozzle defines an opening and is formed with features for removably connecting the cartridge to the wheel hub port. Semi-fluid grease is urged from the cartridge chamber through the nozzle, through the port, and into the cavity to lubricate the wheel end assembly.

Abstract: A method of modernizing an elevator installation that comprises a first elevator car movable in a shaft by a first drive includes installing at least one second drive without changing the first drive. In addition, at least one second elevator car is installed in the shaft and connected with the second drive. Moreover, a control unit is installed or configured in such a manner that it controls the first drive and the second drive.

Abstract: An elevator includes an elevator car guided to move up and down relative to a supporting member, a screw shaft having an upper end attached to the supporting member, a driving nut rotatably supported in a coupling device and threaded with the screw shaft, one driving device coupled to rotate the screw shaft and to move the driving nut up and down along the screw shaft, and a coupling device rotatably attached onto the driving nut and coupled to the elevator car. Another spare driving device may further be coupled to drive the screw shaft for moving the elevator car to a lower level or a safe location when the driving device has become failure or has damaged.

Abstract: A device for controlling the brake lights in a motor vehicle having a brake system, designed to be operated by outside forces, is described. The device includes a control device for actuating the brakes of the vehicle in such a manner that an automatic braking operation can be carried out as a function of the vehicle operating conditions, and at least one brake lamp which can be actuated by the control device or by a separate control unit. The control device or the control unit may be designed in such a manner that during an automatic braking operation, the brake lamp is switched on below a predefined boundary speed, as a function of a braking pressure determined in the activated brake of the vehicle, or as a function of a parameter correlating to the braking pressure.

Abstract: A brake operation system having left and right independent brake pedals, preventing the pulling of one of the brakes. The brake operation system comprises: left and right independent brake pedals, and a master brake pedal for simultaneously operating left and right independent brake pedals. Master brake pedal is disposed at the middle between left and right brake pedals so that left and right brake pedals are depressed for applying respective brakes by treading master brake pedal.

Abstract: A brake system (100) utilizes a ring gear assembly (13). The ring gear assembly (13) includes a ring gear (13G) that rotates in the oil in the oil sump formed by the housing (101). The ring gear picks up oil as it rotates and as the oil is carried with to the top of the ring gear it falls by gravity into an accumulation cavity (3C). The oil then travels through an aperture (13A) and is then available for use by the reaction and friction plates (8 and 9) for cooling.

Abstract: A caliper (1) for a disc-brake comprises two side walls (2) at a distance from each other which delimit a space (3) to accommodate a portion of a brake disc in which one of said two side walls (2) comprises means (4) for attaching the caliper (1) to a vehicle so that it is integral in rotation and in translation. The side walls (2) are connected to each other by means of a connecting structure (5) which straddles the disc space (3). Each of the side walls (2) delimits at least one seating (6) capable of accommodating a pad (7) and the caliper (1) comprises thrust means (8) to clamp the pads (7) against the brake disc, in which the thrust means (8) are secured to the side walls (2) in such a way that the latter absorb the entire clamping force and the seatings (6) are capable of securing the pads (7) in such a way that the side walls (2) also absorb the entire braking moment applicable by the pads (7) to the brake disc by friction.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel hub and brake rotor that rotate about an axis. The brake rotor includes a first mount interface for attachment to the wheel hub and a second mount interface for attachment to a tone ring. The first and second mount interfaces are independent of each other. The first mount interface comprises a first plurality of apertures that receive a first set of fasteners to secure the brake rotor to the wheel hub. The second mount interface comprises a second plurality of apertures that receive a second set of fasteners to secure the tone ring to the brake rotor.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid damping system includes a hydraulic cylinder, a piston head, a piston rod, and a porous valve. The hydraulic cylinder configured for disposing magnetorheological fluid therein. The piston head is disposed within the hydraulic cylinder and has first and second sides defining first and second chambers within the hydraulic cylinder. The piston head is configured to be in sliding engagement with the hydraulic cylinder. The piston rod is connected to the piston head. The porous valve includes a magnetorheological fluid pathway, has first and second fluid connections, and is configured to dampen the flow of the magnetorheological fluid between the first and second fluid connections in accordance with a magnetic field. The first fluid connection is fluidly connected to the first chamber and the second fluid connection is fluidly connected to the second chamber. The magnetorheological fluid pathway partially directs magnetorheological fluid flow through a porous media.

Abstract: A shock absorber has an outer tube, an inner tub, a piston rod, a piston and a damping device. The inner tube is slidably inserted into the outer tube and has an inner space with an inner diameter. The piston is securely mounted on the piston rod, is slidably held inside the inner tube to divide the inner space of the inner tube into two segments and has at least one channel. The damping device has a plug and a sleeve. The plug is securely attached to the piston and has a diameter. The sleeve is securely mounted in the inner tube and has an inner diameter. The diameter of the plug is smaller than the inner diameters of the inner tube and the sleeve. The inner diameter of the sleeve is smaller than that of the inner tube.

Abstract: A check valve, a retainer and a washer are secured to a valve body by inserting a pin therethrough and staking a distal end portion of the pin to form a staked portion. A restraining member is interposed between the washer and the staked portion. The fit clearance between the restraining member and the shank of the pin is set smaller than the fit clearance between the check valve, the retainer and the washer on the one hand and the shank of the pin on the other. Thus, when the distal end portion of the pin is staked, the deformation of the shank of the pin is restrained by the restraining member that defines a small clearance between the same and the pin. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the enlargement in diameter of a portion of the pin where the check valve is fitted and hence possible to prevent deformation of the check valve. Thus, stable valve characteristics can be obtained.