Abstract: An arrangement for electrical contacting of a current connector (3) with a circuit arrangement (1) is provided. The current connector (3) includes at least one contact spring wire (5, 6) with an end contact (5a, 6a), which is configured for spring-loading, and the circuit arrangement (1) includes at least one contact point. The end contact (5a, 6a) and the contact point each form a spring pressure contact, and the end contact (5a, 6a) of the contact spring wire (5, 6) is configured as a bracket with an outer contact surface and at least one cutting edge arranged proximate the contact surface, which is engaged with the contact point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorber capable of improving responsiveness during an extension stroke without leading to an increase in an axial length. A shock absorber includes a chamber provided on a one-side end of a pilot valve and disposed in communication with a cylinder upper chamber, a communication passage configured to establish communication between the chamber and a cylinder lower chamber via a compression-side passage, and a check valve configured to permit hydraulic fluid in the communication passage to flow into the cylinder lower chamber during an extension stroke.

Abstract: There is provided a compact damping force variable shock absorber capable of implementing different adjustments for a compression-side stroke and an extension-side stroke as initial settings. A damping force variable device in one embodiment includes: a main valve that opens and closes to control flow of oil caused by sliding of a piston in a cylinder, thereby generating damping force; a pilot chamber into which a portion of the flow of the oil is introduced so that internal pressure is applied to the main valve in a valve-closing direction; a pilot valve that opens and closes to adjust the internal pressure of the pilot chamber; and a communication passage that communicates the pilot chamber with a rod-side oil chamber or a piston-side fluid chamber.

Abstract: A connector includes an electric wire and a housing having an electric wire accommodating portion which is opened upward and which is configured to hold the electric wire. A folded portion folded back to one side toward a cover of the electric wire is provided at a tip end part of a contact portion of a conductor core wire of the electric wire. A groove that is opened forward and extends in a front-rear direction of the housing is formed on a front end surface located at a front end of the wire accommodating portion of the housing. The folded portion is engaged to the groove so that the electric wire is held by the housing.

Abstract: The application provides a damping adjusting system having a guide tube which is arranged in an outer housing and which comprises a lateral outer wall. The interior of the guide tube being delimited at the end face by a base part. The guide tube can also have a magnet coil; an electromagnetically movable armature which is guided in the guide tube along a movement axis; an exterior which surrounds the outer housing; and a ventilation bore which connects the interior to the exterior and which is guided through the base part and the outer housing. The ventilation bore has two interconnected sections. A first section is guided through the base part and the first section has a first opening arranged on the base part on the interior side and a second opening arranged on the lateral outer wall, and a second section is guided through the outer housing.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylinder; a piston dividing the cylinder into first and second chambers, the piston being movable within the cylinder in inward and outward directions; a first main channel and a first main non-return valve allowing a first main fluid flow from the second to the first cylinder chamber; a second main channel and a second main non-return valve allowing a second main fluid flow from the first to the second cylinder chamber; a comfort channel allowing an auxiliary fluid flow between the first and second cylinder chambers; and a comfort valve providing an open connection for the auxiliary fluid flow through the comfort channel in a rest position of the comfort valve and closing off the auxiliary fluid flow at increasing pressure difference across the comfort valve at either inward or outward movement to influence an auxiliary fluid flow between first and second piston sides.

Abstract: A damping force adjustment mechanism includes a casing that accommodates a working fluid, a seal member that divides an interior of the casing into a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, a housing that holds the seal member and is accommodated in the casing, and adjusting a damping force of the working fluid in the housing, a damping valve accommodated in the housing, a first pilot chamber and a second pilot chamber formed in the housing, a control chamber formed in the housing, a control valve dividing an interior of the control chamber into first and second control chambers, an actuator configured to electrically drive and control the control valve, first and second communication passages, first and second stationary orifices respectively provided in the first and second communication passage, and a third stationary orifice provided in a third communication passage provided in the control valve.

Abstract: A damping valve device includes an actuator which carries out an axial displacing movement on a sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve, along with a fixed valve carrier, forms a slide valve which has two flow directions. The slide sleeve is impinged with damping medium on a front side and on a rear side in an incident flow direction, and the front side of the slide sleeve and rear side of the slide sleeve are impinged hydraulically in parallel by damping medium during the incident flow.

Abstract: An attachment device includes a robot-engaging portion having a recess formed in an outer surface thereof for receiving a finger of a robot. The attachment device also includes a tool-engaging portion coupled to the robot-engaging portion. The tool-engaging portion is configured to be coupled to a tool that is to be used by the robot to perform a task. A damping member is positioned at least partially between the robot-engaging portion and the tool-engaging portion. The damping member is configured to be adjusted to vary a magnitude of oscillations that are transferred from the tool-engaging portion to the robot-engaging portion.

Abstract: A variable spring rate absorber is adjusted to provide the vibration attenuation characteristics needed to match current operating conditions. Control of a variable spring rate absorber determines the desired absorber spring rate for existing conditions based on a number of inputs and predetermined characterization tables. Once the spring rate is calculated, a predetermined map may be used to determine the absorber setting needed to achieve the desired spring rate. A sensor may be used to measure the actual state of the absorber to determine the extent to which the setting must be adjusted to achieve the desired spring rate.

Abstract: Systems and method for assigning vehicle suspension dynamics are disclosed. Control signals that correspond to a current driving dynamic of a suspension system of a vehicle are generated. A vehicle state associated with the generated control signals is computed and a non-traditional suspension mode is selected. Based on the computed vehicle state and the selected suspension mode, a suspension height of the vehicle is adjusted.

Abstract: A switchgear driving device has a rod coupled to a movable electrode; an operation piston connected to the rod; and an operation cylinder in which an operation piston slides. A main control valve controls the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the operation cylinder. A turning-on pressure accumulation piston slides inside a turning-on pressure accumulation chamber; and a turning-on pressure accumulation spring imparts a driving force to the turning-on pressure accumulation piston to pressurize the hydraulic oil within the turning-on pressure accumulation chamber. A turning-off pressure accumulation piston slides inside a turning-off pressure accumulation chamber. A turning-off pressure accumulation spring imparts a driving force to the turning-off pressure accumulation piston to pressurize the hydraulic oil in the turning-off pressure accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A damping force adjusting mechanism includes: a case housing an operating fluid; a sealing member separating an inside of the case into first and second fluid chambers; a housing holding the sealing member and housing the sealing member in the case; a damping valve housed inside the housing and controlling the first and second fluid chambers; first and second pilot chambers formed inside the housing; first and second communication passages communicating the first and second fluid chambers with the first and second pilot chambers; first and second fixed orifices interposed in the first and second communication passages; a control chamber formed inside the housing and communicating with the first and second pilot chambers; a control valve housed inside the control chamber, separating the control chamber into first and second control chambers, and selecting a flow of the fluid; and an actuator controlling the control valve and a fluid pressure.

Abstract: A shock absorber is disclosed having a pressure tube forming a working chamber, and a piston assembly slidably disposed within the pressure tube. The piston assembly may divide the working chamber into upper and lower working chambers. The piston assembly may have a piston body defining a first fluid passage extending therethrough and a first valve assembly controlling fluid flow through the first fluid passage. A second fluid passage, separate from the first fluid passage, extends from one of the upper and lower working chambers to a fluid chamber defined at least in part by the pressure tube. A plurality of digital valve assemblies are included and configured to exclusively control all fluid flow through the second fluid passage, and thus all fluid flow between the one of the upper and lower working chambers to the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A valve arrangement comprising a valve housing, a pilot chamber, a main valve member and a control valve member. The main valve member is axially movably arranged in the valve housing and is arranged to restrict a main fluid flow. The control valve member is movable in an axial direction relative the main valve member in response to an actuating force acting on the control valve member. The control valve member is arranged to interact with the main valve member to define axially separated pilot and bypass fluid restrictions. The pilot restriction restricts a pilot fluid flow out from the pilot chamber. The bypass restriction restricts a bypass flow bypassing the main fluid flow. The bypass flow is separate from the pilot fluid flow. The pilot and bypass restrictions are adjustable in response to the actuating force, thereby allowing simultaneous adjustment of the pilot pressure and the bypass fluid flow.

Abstract: In a method for operating a wheel suspension system of a motor vehicle, a sensor checks the ground for the presence of an obstacle, as identified by a control device, and predicts for the obstacle a first value for an amount of electrical energy, which is to be converted from mechanical energy by an electrical machine, when a damping ratio is set with a defined recuperation value for a damper connecting a wheel to a chassis. The control device predicts a second value for a ride comfort and determines a third value for a decision criterion, which is a function of the first and second values. The identified obstacle is to be driven over with the recuperation value set for the damping ratio of the damper, when the value for the decision criterion corresponds to a target value.

Abstract: Provided is a frequency-sensitive shock absorber, which includes a cylinder filled with a working fluid and a piston rod having one end disposed inside the cylinder and the other end extending to the outside of the cylinder. The frequency-sensitive shock absorber includes a main piston valve assembly and an auxiliary piston valve assembly. The auxiliary piston valve assembly includes: a spool unit configured to open or close a communication passage for communicating a rebound chamber with a compression chamber while moving within a housing; and upper and lower support members configured to support the spool unit. The upper and lower support members have protrusions protruding toward the spool unit, respectively, and as the spool unit moves, the communication passage is closed when the protrusions of the upper and lower support members contact the spool unit.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly including a fluid for absorbing forces between the body and the wheel of a motor vehicle. The shock absorber includes a valve having a resilient disc engaging a piston for impeding the passage of fluid through the aperture of the piston. A bi-stable solenoid is disposed in the housing and is interconnected with the resilient disc of the valve. The bi-stable solenoid's armature is moveable between a first stable position for applying a first biasing force against the resilient disc of the valve and a second stable position for applying a second biasing force being less than the first biasing force against the resilient disc of the valve. The adjustment of the biasing force on the valve also adjusts the damping force of the shock absorber.

Abstract: The disclosed dynamic suspension systems include (i) a fluid-filled suspension tube, (ii) a piston rod partially enclosed within the suspension tube, (iii) a first impedance plate coupled to the piston rod and comprising bypass apertures, (iv) a second impedance plate comprising bypass apertures and arranged relative to the first impedance plate to form overlap regions at each point where a portion of a bypass aperture of the first impedance plate overlaps a portion of a bypass aperture of the second impedance plate. In operation, the first or second impedance plates is movable to change a size or number of the overlap regions to adjust a fluid flow rate through the overlap regions to control the speed and/or acceleration of the piston rod as the piston rod moves through the fluid-filled suspension tube.

Abstract: A shock absorber may include a piston rod, a first rod guide member, a second rod guide member, and an electronically controlled valve assembly. The first rod guide member is concentrically disposed about the piston rod, and the second rod guide member is concentrically disposed about the piston rod and is adjacent the first rod guide member. The electronically controlled valve assembly may include a coil assembly and a valve guide assembly. The valve guide assembly may be disposed adjacent to the coil assembly and may be concentrically disposed about the second rod guide member. The valve guide assembly includes a spool and defines a valve inlet, a valve outlet, and a chamber. The spool is disposed within the chamber and controls the flow of fluid between the valve inlet and the valve outlet.

Abstract: An adjustable damping valve device for a vibration damper includes a housing with an axially movable valve body. The valve body has in the direction of a valve seat surface a pressure-loaded surface AOED which is operative in the lift direction of the valve body and a surface ACloseD which is loaded by pressure in the closing direction, wherein a resultant force comprising a force of at least one valve spring and an actuating force of an actuator acts on the valve body, and wherein an additional surface ACloseD2 of the valve body is pressure loaded by damping medium in closing direction of the valve body. The damping valve device has an emergency operation valve by means of which a pressure level can be at least indirectly adjusted in a control space for an emergency operation. The emergency operation valve is operative only in one flow direction.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a cylindrically shaped housing including a piston dividing the housing into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. The piston presents a plurality of apertures for allowing oil to flow between the compression and rebound chambers. A rebound resilient disc is disposed in the compression chamber for obstructing the flow of oil from the rebound chamber to the compression chamber. A two-spring adjustable valving system is disposed in the compression chamber for extorting a biasing force against the rebound resilient disc. A sleeve extends between the first and second springs to interconnect the first and second springs. An actuator is connected to the second spring through a spindle for selectively compressing or expanding the second spring to adjust the biasing force on the rebound resilient disc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic braking system (50) for motor vehicles (60), having at least one wheel brake (7, 8, 9, 10) actuated by an electromechanical actuator (11, 12), wherein the electromechanical actuator (11, 12) is associated with an electronic control and/or regulating unit (WCU) (18, 19, 20) in which a data processing program for controlling and/or regulating the electromechanical actuator (11, 12) is executed. The system further having a data bus, in particular a CAN data bus, associated with the electronic control and/or regulating unit (ECU) (18, 19, 20). In the braking system a temporal coordination is achieved between an electronic control and regulating unit (18, 19, 20) associated with an electromechanical actuator (11, 12) and an additional control and regulating unit of the braking system. This end, the loop time of the data processing program for controlling and/or regulating the electromechanical actuator (11, 12) may be altered via the data bus.

Abstract: A fluid pressure shock absorber in which valve opening of the main valve is controlled by an inner pressure of a backpressure chamber. A first piston (3) and a second piston (4) coupled to a piston rod (10) are fitted in a cylinder (2) such that a piston chamber (2C) is defined between the first and second pistons. An extension-side main valve (18) and a compression-side main valve (23) are provided in the piston chamber (2C). Valve opening of the main valves is controlled by an extension-side backpressure chamber (19) and a compression-side backpressure chamber (24). A compression-side check valve (13) and an extension-side check valve (16) are provided at the first piston (3) and the second piston (4). During an extension stroke of the piston rod (10), the compression-side check valve (13) is closed, whereby action of a pressure of a cylinder upper chamber (2A) on the compression-side main valve (23) is prevented.

Abstract: The flow of hydraulic fluid induced by sliding movement of a piston in a cylinder is controlled by a pilot-type main valve and a pilot valve to generate damping force. The valve opening of the main valve is controlled by adjusting the pressure in a pilot chamber through the pilot valve. A volume compensating chamber is defined by a flexible disk member so as to face the pilot chamber. The volume compensating chamber is communicated with a reservoir through communicating passages. When the disk valve opens, the volumetric capacity of the pilot chamber reduces. At this time, the flexible disk member deflects toward the volume compensating chamber, thereby suppressing an excessive rise in pressure in the pilot chamber and preventing an unstable operation of the pilot valve and the main valve to obtain a stable damping force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for a bicycle of the type that comprises: a frame (1); a front fork (6) comprising a front damper (8); a swing arm (16) hinged to the frame (1) and a rear damper (25); and at least one shock sensor (30), said sensor (30) being connected to a monitoring unit (28) controlling the front damper (8) and/or rear damper (25) on the basis of the signal sent by said sensor (30); said system is noteworthy in that the front damper (8) and/or rear damper (25) is a variable-compression damper that has at least three positions, an open position in which compression is greatest, a closed position in which compression is zero, and a so-called medium position; and in that it has, as a minimum, means for detecting pedaling called pedaling sensors (29) connected to the monitoring unit (28) which, when pedaling is not detected by the pedaling sensor (29), sets the damper (8, 25) compression command to the open position and, when pedaling is detected by the pedaling sensor (29)

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 vibration damper includes a cylinder within which a piston is slidably received thereby defining compression and rebound chambers. The piston has a bore with a valve seat through which fluid flows between those chambers. A poppet selectively engages the valve seat and forms a pilot chamber an opposite side of the poppet from the valve seat. The greater pressure within the compression or rebound chambers is applied by a first logic arrangement to the pilot chamber and a pilot spool control a fluid flow between the pilot chamber and a pressure cavity in the piston body. A second logic arrangement connects the pressure cavity to either the compression and rebound chamber which has the lesser pressure. A solenoid that moves the pilot valve element to control pressure in the pilot chamber and thus the amount that the poppet moves to allow fluid flow through the piston.

Abstract: A first piston and a second piston coupled to a piston rod are fitted in a cylinder, and an intermediate chamber is formed between the first and second pistons. A compression-side check valve and an extension-side check valve are provided at the first piston and the second piston. An extension-side main valve and a compression-side main valve are disposed in the intermediate chamber. A downstream side of a damping force adjusting valve is connected to the intermediate chamber. Inner pressures of an extension-side backpressure chamber and a compression-side backpressure chamber are adjusted by the damping force adjusting valve, whereby valve opening of the extension-side and compression-side main valves is controlled. Hydraulic fluid of the downstream side of the damping force adjusting valve is first sent into the intermediate chamber, and then is sent to a cylinder upper chamber or a cylinder lower chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension system is provided with a damping unit and a damping control unit to control movement of upper and lower telescopically connected tubes. A damping force adjustment valve selectively adjusts a fluid flow rate of fluid passed a damping piston. The damping piston has a fluid flow port that is axially spaced with respect to a fluid flow passage of a damping lockout mechanism such that a flow path is formed in an axial direction by the fluid flow port of the damping piston and the fluid flow passage of the damping lockout mechanism when the damping lockout mechanism is in a non-lockout mode. A first actuating member operates the damping force adjustment valve and a second actuating member operates the damping lockout mechanism such that the damping force adjustment valve remains in a set position when the second actuating member is being operated.

Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) piston assembly (10) includes an MR piston (12) and a rod (14). The MR piston (12) includes a central longitudinal axis (16), first and second longitudinal ends (18 and 20), an MR passageway (22), a main electric coil (24), and a valve (26). The MR passageway (22) extends from the first longitudinal end (18) to the second longitudinal end (20). The main electric coil (24) is disposed to magnetically energize the MR passageway (22). The valve (26) is operatively connected to the MR passageway (22). The valve (26) has a first state when electrically activated which is less restrictive of the MR passageway (22) and has a second state when not electrically activated which is more restrictive of the MR passageway (22). The rod (14) is attached to the MR piston (12). A more detailed MR piston (12) and an MR damper system (60) are also described.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper including a housing, a piston assembly slideably received within the housing to define a piston chamber and a rod chamber, the piston assembly including a valve and a solenoid, the solenoid including an integral piston, wherein the valve is actuateable by the solenoid, and a cup disposed in the rod chamber, the cup being generally sealingly engageable by the integral piston.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a cylinder within which a piston is slidably received thereby defining compression and rebound chambers. The piston has a bore with a valve seat through which fluid flows between those chambers. A poppet selectively engages the valve seat and forms a pilot chamber an opposite side of the poppet from the valve seat. The greater pressure within the compression or rebound chambers is applied by a first logic arrangement to the pilot chamber and a pilot spool control a fluid flow between the pilot chamber and a pressure cavity in the piston body. A second logic arrangement connects the pressure cavity to either the compression and rebound chamber which has the lesser pressure. A solenoid that moves the pilot valve element to control pressure in the pilot chamber and thus the amount that the poppet moves to allow fluid flow through the piston.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting internal pressure of a gas lifter includes measuring a variable opened angle of an openable object, such as a hood, a trunk lid or a tailgate, using an angle sensor, and adjusting the internal pressure of the gas lifter according to the measured opened angle of the openable object. The present invention helps a user easily open or close the openable object.

Abstract: A hydraulic dashpot for motor vehicles, with a cylinder and a primary piston. The cylinder (1) is charged with shock-absorption fluid. The primary piston (2) is mounted on the lower end of a piston rod (8) and partitions the cylinder into two chambers (3 & 4). The piston rod travels axially into and out of the cylinder. The primary piston is provided with breaches, with shock absorption valves (5) that can vary the cross-section of the breaches, and with a bypass system comprising at least two mutually dependently controlled bypasses between the two compartments. The object of the present invention is to improve a hydraulic dashpot of the aforesaid genus to the extent that the at least two bypass channels, although they can be opened and closed mutually dependently, need not be opened and closed sequentially.

Abstract: Oscillation damper with variable damping force, comprising a valve device, in which an actuator for adjusting the valve device performs a rotary motion against the spring force of a torsion spring, the position of the valve device being determined from the manipulated variable of the actuator and the reaction force of the torsion spring.

Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber (8) includes a damping force changing device (16) which continuously adjusts the damping force characteristic of the shock absorber in response to input control signals. A first signal is generated by a first sensor which represents the damping force movement. At least a second signal is generated by at least a second device (10a . . . ) which represents the vertical bodywork speed (VA, 12) and/or the vehicle longitudinal speed (20). Based on this, a control signal (18) for adjusting the damping force characteristic is computed in accordance with a control law in the manner that the change of the desired current can be limited over time.

Abstract: A vibration damper with variable damping force, includes a cylinder filled with damping medium and in which a piston fastened to a piston rod axially moveably therein. The piston divides the working cylinder into two working spaces. The damping force for the directions of rebound and compression are influenced by nonreturn valves acting in the respective directions. A damping valve of variable damping action is additionally provided in series with each of the nonreturn valves so that the damping valve is active in both the rebound and compression directions.

Abstract: A piston connected to a piston rod is slidably fitted in a cylinder having a hydraulic fluid sealed therein. First and second poppet valves having different valve opening characteristics are provided in first and second extension main passages, respectively. A pilot control valve is provided in a sub-passage. The control pressure of the pilot control valve is adjusted by a proportional solenoid, thereby controlling damping force. At the same time, the pressure at the upstream side of the pilot control valve is introduced into back-pressure chambers to adjust the valve opening pressures of the first and second poppet valves. Because the first and second poppet valves are sequentially opened or closed, damping force can be controlled stepwisely, and ideal damping force characteristics can be obtained.

Abstract: A locking strut including a housing with a piston rod extending therethrough. A baffle mounts on the piston rod to divide the housing into two chambers. An orifice through the baffle allows fluid to pass between the chambers to damp reciprocating movement. An electromagnetic driver within the housing is selectively energized to move a ferromagnetic plate between an open position, wherein fluid flows freely between the chambers, and a closed position, wherein the ferromagnetic plate blocks the orifice to prevent fluid flow between the chambers and lock the locking strut in position. A plurality of orifices may be spaced about the baffle, with the number and size of the orifices determining the damping capability of the locking strut. A plurality of drivers may be disposed within the housing to overcome fluid forces during movement of the locking strut between an extended and a retracted position.

Abstract: A passive force element on the basis of electrorheological liquids includes a piston with a piston rod guided in a cylindrical housing, and a force introduction element connected with the piston rod. The piston forms, in the cylindrical housing, two variable-volume working chambers, which are filled with electrorheological liquids, and which are connected by a fluid connection including a valve arrangement with an electrorheological liquid valve for controlling the throughflow characteristic. A regulated damping characteristic can be adjustedly set and force peaks are avoided, because the force introduction is achieved via the force introduction element, and the piston is coupled onto the force introduction element via an elastic element.

Abstract: A damping force control type hydraulic shock absorber includes a plunger having a small-diameter main body portion slidably guided by a first fixed core made of a magnetic material. The plunger has a large-diameter attracted portion at an end thereof closer to a second fixed core. The diameter (D2) of the attracted portion is set larger than the diameter (D1) of the main body portion (D2>D1), thereby increasing the area of the mutually opposing surfaces of the attracted portion and the second fixed core. Accordingly, attraction force acting on the attracted portion can be increased without reducing the magnetic flux density at the main body portion.

Abstract: Controllable shock absorber with a damping valve controllable within a passage or bypass located between the lower working space and the upper working space, such that in the push and pull stage control of the damping force is possible, in which the controllable damping valve is designed so that the piston stroke in the push or pull stage, a flow through the passage that is varible over the duration of the piston stroke can be controlled by variation in the flow cross section at a minimum of one point of the passage.

Abstract: A vehicular damper includes a cylinder, a piston rod in the cylinder having a hollow end defining an axial rod passage and a cylindrical piston affixed to the end of the rod dividing the cylinder into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. A valve plate on the rod adjacent the piston has a plurality of soft channels extending from an outer end at the rebound chamber to an inner end at the axial rod passage and a solenoid actuated cylinder in the rod passage is movable to open and close the inner ends of the soft channels. A bi-directional working disc contacts with the soft channels' outer ends to provide damping in rebound and compression when the solenoid valve is open.

Abstract: A piston having a piston rod connected thereto is slidably fitted in a cylinder in which a hydraulic fluid is sealably contained. Extension-stroke and compression-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanisms are provided in the piston. A pilot control valve of the extension-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanism is formed by a pressure control valve having a valve seat, a valve body and a pressure-receiving portion. A pilot control valve of the compression-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanism is formed by a flow rate control valve having a spool. A slider having the valve body of the pressure control valve and the spool of the flow rate control valve is operated by a proportional solenoid, to thereby control a damping force for an extension stroke and a damping force for a compression stroke.

Abstract: A regulable hydraulic dashpot for motor vehicles and including a cylinder (1) filled with hydraulic fluid and a piston (2) that is attached to the end of a piston rod (7), travels back and forth inside the cylinder, and divides it into two chambers (3 & 4) that communicate through at least one bypass. The bypass's cross-section can be varied in size by a component that is, preferably continuously, controlled by a motor or magnet. To facilitate adjusting the dashpot, the cross-section varying component is a plate-shaped slide (23) provided with one or more breaches (25) and traveling from side to side, preferably in a slot (24), with its flat surface (27) subjected to fluid from each cylinder chamber alternately by way of channels (14, 15, & 16).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper assembly is provided which includes a cup member with a threaded opening formed therein. A piston rod includes a threaded portion, which is engaged in the threaded opening. An electrical connector including a terminal portion is received in an opening formed in the piston rod. The threaded engagement between the piston rod and the cup member is a predetermined length that reduces deflection of the cup member to reduce transfer of load to the terminal portion of the electrical connector.

Abstract: Controllable shock absorber with a damping valve controllable within a passage or bypass located between the lower working space and the upper working space, such that in the push and pull stage control of the damping force is possible, in which the controllable damping valve is designed so that during one piston stroke in the push or pull stage, a flow through the passage that is variable over the duration of the piston stroke can be controlled by means of a variation in the flow cross section at a minimum of one point of the passage.

Abstract: Parallel paths for damping fluid are provided through the piston of a suspension damper, each of which are provided with separate damping valving sets to control damping. Communication through one of the paths is controlled by a movable control valve member, which is controlled by a magnetostrictive element which deforms in response to application of a magnetic field. The control valve member is moved between active and inactive positions in response to changes in a magnetic field applied by a coil mounted within the damper piston. In one position, all communication of damping fluid is through one of the damping valve sets, while in the other positon damping fluid communicates through both valve sets. Accordingly, damping levels may be varied by controlling the magnetic field.

Abstract: A suspension damper system is provided. The damper system includes a damper with a damper rod, a portion of which extends from the proximal end of the damper. The damper rod includes a bore and an electrode disposed within the bore. A fastener for securing the damper rod to a vehicle is also provided. The fastener is disposed over the damper rod and includes a circumferential groove. An electrical connector which includes an electrically conducting terminal is connected to the electrode. The connector includes a lock which mates with the groove in the fastener and includes a ground terminal which is connected to the damper rod.