Abstract: A self-regulating suspension includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.

Abstract: A damper for a bicycle having a primary unit and a remote unit that is substantially entirely outside of the primary unit. The primary unit includes a damper tube, a spring chamber, and a piston rod that supports a main piston. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber. The remote unit comprises a remote fluid chamber, and an inertial valve within the remote unit. The inertial valve is preferably responsive to terrain-induced forces and preferably not responsive to rider-induced forces when the shock absorber is assembled to the bicycle. The shock absorber forms a flow path separated from the piston rod that connects the remote fluid chamber and the compression chamber of the damper tube.

Abstract: A damper for a bicycle having a primary unit and a remote unit that, in some arrangements, is substantially entirely outside of the primary unit. The primary unit includes a damper tube, a spring chamber, and a piston rod that supports a main piston. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber. The remote unit comprises a remote fluid chamber and, in some arrangements, an inertial valve within the remote unit. The inertia valve is preferably responsive to terrain-induced forces and preferably not responsive to rider-induced forces when the shock absorber is assembled to the bicycle. The inertia valve, which is configured to slidably move within the remote reservoir unit relative to a reservoir shaft, comprises a main portion and at least one protective coating or layer configured to contact the reservoir shaft.

Abstract: A front bicycle suspension assembly having an inertia valve is described. The front bicycle suspension assembly may include at least upper and lower telescoping tubes and include a damping tube containing an inertia valve. The inertia valve may include an inertia mass movable along the outer surface of a valve shaft as the inertia valve moves between first and second positions.

Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a groove feature at the location of the openings in the valve shaft which operates to accumulate the flow of hydraulic fluid through the openings and to equalize the pressure exerted by the fluid on the other components of the valve.

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly for a vehicular suspension system, the suspension system having a first member and a second member, is provided. The assembly comprises a mount coupled to the first member, wherein the mount has a cylindrical portion comprising a first cylindrical outer surface. The assembly also comprises a jounce bumper coupled to the second member, and a striker cap having a first end comprising a first cylindrical inner surface circumferentially coupled over the first cylindrical outer surface, and having a second end configured for resilient engagement with the jounce bumper.

Abstract: A front bicycle suspension assembly having an inertia valve is described. The front bicycle suspension assembly may include at least upper and lower telescoping tubes and include a damping tube containing an inertia valve. The inertia valve may include an inertia mass movable along the outer surface of a valve shaft as the inertia valve moves between first and second positions.

Abstract: A damping assembly includes a guide unit, a damper unit, and a pair of operating members. The guide unit includes a guide bar and a slide sleeve slidably sleeved onto the guide bar. The damper unit is parallel to the guide unit and includes a cylinder and a piston rod, the cylinder being connected with the slide sleeve, the piston rod passing through the cylinder. The cylinder can be driven by the slide sleeve to move straight relative to the piston rod to prevent wear and tear therebetween and to provide equable damping force for the operating members symmetrically mounted to the damper unit to further enable simultaneous actions of the operating members.

Abstract: A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.

Abstract: A valve main body where an opening of a passage is formed comprises a clamp seat portion adapted to clamp a disk valve, the opening, a non-annular first seat portion where the disk valve can be seated, and an annular second seat portion, which are formed in this order from the inner circumferential side. The first seat portion has an axial height equal to or higher than the axial height of the clamp seat portion and lower than the axial height of the second seat portion.

Abstract: A damping assembly is disposed within a housing of a latch assembly to slow rotation of a forkbolt as the forkbolt rotates between an over-travel position and a latched position within the housing. The damping assembly includes a first passage and a second passage that are each configured to allow a fluid to flow therein. A restriction passage fluidly connects the first passage and the second passage and increases the pressure of the fluid within the passages. A check valve is configured to allow unidirectional flow of the fluid through the passages. An engagement mechanism is operatively connected to the passages and is configured to engage the forkbolt as the forkbolt rotates between the over-travel position and the latched position. The fluid within the passages reacts against the engagement mechanism to slow rotation of the forkbolt as the forkbolt rotates between the over-travel position and the latched position.

Abstract: A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a tube and a piston rod carrying a piston. The piston is configured for reciprocal movement within the tube. A floating piston, or other type of accumulator, is configured to move to accommodate fluid displaced due to successive portions of the piston rod entering the tube during compression of the shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a valve mechanism that utilizes the movement of the floating piston to move the valve between a first and second position, which preferably are open and closed positions.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.

Abstract: A vibration damper piston includes a piston body with a bore from which first and second apertures respectively provide paths to first and second chambers of the vibration damper. A valve spool in the bore defines a pilot chamber and controls fluid flow between the first and second apertures. First and second springs bias the valve spool in opposing directions. A control orifice provides a continuous fluid path between the first chamber and the pilot chamber, and a variable orifice provides another fluid path between the second chamber and the pilot chamber. An actuator is operably connected to adjust the variable orifice in response to a control signal.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.

Abstract: In a lithographic apparatus, dampers are provided that may be used within mounts for optical elements in order to damp the motion of the optical element relative to the component to which it is mounted.

Abstract: A variable valve for impact dispersal of a force, such as a force caused by an impact or explosion. The apparatus includes a valve with a spring biased piston that engages an outlet bore as the piston moves in response to the pressure of a fluid at an inlet port. The valve is in fluid communication with a cylinder that receives an impulse force. The fluid flow from the cylinder is controlled by the variable valve, which disperses the force accordingly at a controlled rate. In one embodiment, a pressurized reservoir is connected to an extension valve and a check valve that allows the cylinder to be filled with fluid from the reservoir when the extension valve is actuated. Applications for such a system include connection to aircraft seats and to aircraft landing gear.

Abstract: A damper including an inertia valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber is disclosed. In these embodiments, the damper has at least one chamber that at least partially surrounds two other chambers.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension assembly having an inertia valve is described. A blow-off valve that permits fluid flow through the suspension assembly when the fluid pressure in the suspension assembly exceeds a predetermined threshold may be included.

Abstract: In a damping force adjusting structure of a hydraulic shock absorber in which a part of an oil liquid is introduced to a back pressure chamber provided in a back surface side of a damping valve from a back pressure introduction path, a pressure within the back pressure chamber is leaked from a leak path, and a damping force can be adjusted by controlling a valve opening pressure of the damping valve by controlling the pressure in the back pressure chamber. A leaf valve with slit is provided in the back pressure introduction path, and a slit provided in the leaf valve with slit is formed as an introduction side orifice.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension assembly including an inertia valve is described. The suspension assembly includes first and second telescopingly engaged tubular portions configured to move closer together during compression of the suspension assembly. The bicycle suspension assembly may include an air spring tending to expand the bicycle suspension assembly.

Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may be responsive to a vertical acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A damper for a bicycle having a primary unit and a remote unit that is substantially entirely outside of the primary unit. The primary unit includes a damper tube, a spring chamber, and a piston rod that supports a main piston. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber. The remote unit comprises a remote fluid chamber, and an inertial valve within the remote unit. The inertial valve is preferably responsive to terrain-induced forces and preferably not responsive to rider-induced forces when the shock absorber is assembled to the bicycle. The shock absorber forms a flow path separated from the piston rod that connects the remote fluid chamber and the compression chamber of the damper tube.

Abstract: A damper for a bicycle, having a primary unit including a damper tube, a piston rod that supports a main piston, a reservoir tube that is outside of the compression chamber of the primary tube, and an inertial valve within the reservoir tube. The damper also includes a flow path connecting the reservoir fluid chamber and the compression chamber of the primary tube. The damper also may have a damping valve in the reservoir tube. When the inertia valve is open, the damping valve opens before flow through the inertia valve is maximized. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The reservoir tube includes a reservoir fluid chamber. The inertial valve is responsive to terrain-induced forces and not responsive to rider-induced forces when the shock absorber is assembled to the bicycle.

Abstract: A damper for a bicycle, having a primary unit including a damper tube, a piston rod that supports a main piston, a reservoir tube that is outside of compression chamber of the primary tube, an inertial valve within the reservoir tube, a flow housing within the reservoir tube, and a flow path connecting the reservoir fluid chamber and the compression chamber of the primary tube. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. The reservoir tube has a reservoir fluid chamber. The flow housing defines a first end and a second end, a first one way valve positioned at the first end, and a second one way valve positioned at the second end. The inertia valve has an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a groove feature at the location of the openings in the valve shaft which operates to accumulate the flow of hydraulic fluid through the openings and to equalize the pressure exerted by the fluid on the other components of the valve.

Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a groove feature at the location of the openings in the valve shaft which operates to accumulate the flow of hydraulic fluid through the openings and to equalize the pressure exerted by the fluid on the other components of the valve.

Abstract: A front bicycle suspension assembly having an inertia valve is described. The front bicycle suspension assembly may include at least upper and lower telescoping tubes defining an interior volume in which a damping tube containing an inertia valve is positioned. During compression, a piston rod of the bicycle suspension assembly occupies a successively greater portion of the damping tube.

Abstract: A proportional valve includes a valve stem movable toward and away from an orifice for alternatively closing and opening the orifice, and regulating fluid flowing out from the orifice while in the open state. A fluidic damping volume is formed between the valve stem and a surface surrounding the orifice. The damping volume, or the fluid present within the damping volume, serves as a damping mechanism for damping or resisting vibrations of the valve stem, thereby stabilizing the fluid flow.

Abstract: A piston coupled to a piston rod is fitted in a sealed cylinder in which oil is contained. During an extension stroke of the piston rod, a damping force is generated by an extension-side valve body, and at the same time, a valve-opening pressure of an extension-side main valve is adjusted by an inner pressure in an extension-side backpressure chamber. During a compression stroke of the piston rod, a damping force is generated by a compression-side valve body, and at the same time, a valve-opening pressure of a compression-side main valve is adjusted by an inner pressure in a compression-side backpressure chamber. A simple structure is realized by using a common guide bore for guiding the extension-side valve body and the compression-side valve body.

Abstract: A hydraulic regenerative braking system and method for a vehicle include a variable displacement hydraulic machine operable as a pump or a motor (22). The hydraulic machine facilitates connections between some of its piston cylinders (50, 52) and a low pressure source (32), and some other of its piston cylinders (50, 52) and a high pressure source (28). The cylinders are alternately connected to the high and low pressure sources such that a pressure transition occurs during each piston stroke. By controlling where in a piston stroke the transitions occur, the power of the hydraulic machine can be modulated. The hydraulic machine is configured to effect the pressure transitions in only a portion of the cylinders at one time. This can be accomplished by asymmetrically configuring cam lobes (86, 88, 90) and fluid ports (74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84). Staggering the pressure transitions helps to inhibit flow disturbances in the machine when it is operating at less than full displacement.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces and prevents communication of the fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A damper including an inertia valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber is disclosed. In these embodiments, the damper has at least one chamber that at least partially surrounds two other chambers.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces and prevents communication of the fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension assembly including a damper body and having a valve, including a moveable inertia mass, movable between first and second positions to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the bicycle suspension assembly is described. The valve and especially the inertia mass can be substantially isolated from the effects of the rebound and compression fluid flows.

Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature that operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The damper may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces and prevents communication of the fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature that operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The damper may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a pair of valve assemblies which include an acceleration sensitive valve which couples the working chamber of the shock absorber to the shock absorber's reservoir chamber through a fluid path to provide a soft damping characteristic for the shock when the shock absorber experiences acceleration beyond a specific amount. A compression valve assembly and a rebound valve assembly are also provided which controls the fluid flow through the piston and the base assembly, respectively, to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber during low acceleration movement.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces comprising: a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein; a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber; a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose; and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber, the inertial valve opening in response to terrain-induced forces and providing communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber; and the inertial valve not opening in response to rider-induced forces and preventing communication of the fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: An integral self-leveling gas shock strut with dual spring rates as a structural load support between a vehicle chassis and wheel. When the vehicle is driving at an inclined longitudinal pitch a gravity sensitive device within the strut governs a pilot valve which opens to allow a pressure input signal from strut piston compression deflection to close a high flow volume slave valve located between primary and secondary volumetric chambers, trapping gases within the primary chamber to provide a hard spring rate for the strut mounted on the vehicle's downhill side. Contrarily, a similar valve sequence in a companion strut mounted on the vehicle's uphill side opens gas flow communication to combine its primary and secondary chamber volumes, thus providing a soft spring rate and consequent leveling effect of the vehicle using only the pumping action of the strut pistons as a power source, requiring neither external power nor inputs.

Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature that operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The damper may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a pair of valve assemblies which include an acceleration sensitive valve which couples the working chamber of the shock absorber to the shock absorber's reserve chamber through a fluid path to provide a soft damping characteristic for the shock when the shock absorber experiences acceleration beyond a specific amount. A compression valve assembly and a rebound valve assembly are also provided which controls the fluid flow through the piston and the base assembly, respectively, to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber during low acceleration movement.

Abstract: A dampener including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature which operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The dampener may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a pair of valve assemblies which include an acceleration sensitive valve which couples the working chamber of the shock absorber to the shock absorber's reservoir chamber through a fluid path to provide a soft damping characteristic for the shock when the shock absorber experiences acceleration beyond a specific amount. A compression valve assembly and a rebound valve assembly are also provided which controls the fluid flow through the piston and the base assembly, respectively, to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber during low acceleration movement.