Having Varying Area Of Metering Rod Extending Through Orifice In Thrust Member Patents (Class 188/289)
  • Patent number: 11852433
    Abstract: A temperature compensator for a recoil system and methods of use therein are disclosed. The temperature compensator can be used to regulate compressible fluid flow in a recoil system for an artillery weapon, including limiting a total volume of compressible fluid used to drive recoiling components of the system. This allows the recoil parts be to driven with consistency, notwithstanding the volumetric expansion of the compressible fluid due to temperature changes. In certain embodiments, the temperature compensator can include a tube having opposing first and second ends, and an elongated through portion extending therebetween. A flange can extend radially from the first end of the tube and be configured for sliding engagement within a recuperator cylinder of the soft recoil system. A one-way valve can be coupled to the flange at the first end and configured to restrict fluid entry to the elongated through portion via the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: MANDUS GROUP LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Wynes
  • Patent number: 11780417
    Abstract: An electric brake device is disclosed. The electric brake device includes a reservoir configured to store brake oil; a reaction force cylinder fluidically communicating with the reservoir and configured to change a pedal effort and a pressure of the brake oil in operative connection with a movement of a pedal; a wheel brake mechanism configured to restrain rotation of wheels of a vehicle in connection with the operation of the reaction force cylinder; and a pedal effort adjustment stopper configured to adjust a change in magnitude of the pedal effort according to the movement of the pedal, the pedal effort adjustment stopper comprising a coupling body mounted on at least one side of the reaction force cylinder and one or more pedal effort adjusters connected to the coupling body and movable in a longitudinal direction of the reaction force cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Si Woo Park
  • Patent number: 11708150
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly includes a main fitting comprising having a main barrel and a cross beam fixedly positioned relative to the main barrel and extending radially from the main barrel. The main fitting further includes a drag arm with a first end pivotally coupled to the cross beam by a first pivotal connection and a second end pivotally coupled to the main barrel by a second pivotal connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Safran Landing Systems Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Lee, Zoran Pasic, Charles Borchert, Adam Lucci
  • Patent number: 11686366
    Abstract: A shock absorber for a wheel suspension of a vehicle may include an outer cylinder, an outer piston that is axially displaceably guided in the outer cylinder, an inner piston that is axially displaceably guided in the outer piston, and a piston rod that is connected to the inner piston and that is guided out of the outer piston. A surface, which is located remote from the piston rod, of a piston portion of the outer piston, which is axially displaceably guided on an inner lateral surface of the outer cylinder, is connected so as to communicate partially with surroundings of the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Simon, Felix Fischer, Teiwen Fehse, Olivier Reinertz, Katharina Schmitz, Ralf Hintzen, Achim Lordick
  • Patent number: 11624567
    Abstract: The device aligned with the axis of the barrel of a firearm is configured to equalize, as well as possible, the momentum generated by the projectile and the burnt gases, by projecting a mass of fluid at a given speed in the opposite direction. The device includes a support to be attached to the weapon, a primary valve mechanism, a secondary valve mechanism and a duct for the gases to flow along. The secondary valve mechanism to seal and fill the tank with a pressurized fluid provided by an external system. The primary valve mechanism to seal and expel the fluid in a discharge zone. The device is particularly intended for military applications in order to improve the grouping of shots and to reduce the costs and limitations of using the barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Samuel Desset
  • Patent number: 11535336
    Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle includes a swing arm in which front ends of arm sections and supporting a wheel are supported by a pivot shaft, and an electronic control suspension that is provided between the pivot shaft and the arm sections, that has a portion overlapping with the swing arm in side view of the vehicle and that includes a control valve section at an upper portion thereof. In the saddle riding vehicle, the control valve section is disposed on one lateral side in regard of the vehicle width direction of the upper portion of the suspension, and extends toward a vehicle width-directionally outer side from a side surface of the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Ohlins Racing AB
    Inventors: Naoki Kuwabara, Yuta Ishizaka, Björn Bylund
  • Patent number: 11493106
    Abstract: Embodiments of a hydraulic bump stop assembly may include a telescoping hydraulic cylinder containing hydraulic fluid. The telescoping cylinder may be located on a vehicle shock. Components of the shock may engage and compress the telescoping cylinder during the final stages of compression of the shock to prevent the shock from bottoming out. The telescoping cylinder has damping properties during compression and expansion due to hydraulic fluid being forced through orifices of one or more hydraulic fluid lines to and from a reservoir. Damping ratios may be adjusted by adjusting the size of the orifices. In some embodiments, the damping ratios may be adjusted remotely, such as from the driver compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventors: Jason Krause, Justin Smith
  • Patent number: 11391340
    Abstract: An orifice plate may include a body portion comprised of a non-metallic material, and a metallic wear insert, wherein the metallic wear insert defines an inner diameter surface of the orifice plate and the body portion defines an outer diameter surface of the orifice plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Goldring, Rony Giovanni Ganis
  • Patent number: 11299232
    Abstract: This invention relates to vehicle suspension systems and devices, and particularly to vehicle suspension systems and devices having an air spring with adjustable and/or tunable characteristics. The vehicle suspension may generally include features for modifying the spring rate of an air spring, such as, for example, to increase initial suppleness and to decrease spiking during later portions of travel. In an exemplary aspect, the fork may include features for decreasing the initial volume of the air chamber of the positive air spring during the initial part of travel and may further include features for expanding the air chamber of positive air spring during a later part of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Anthony Diaz
  • Patent number: 11293515
    Abstract: A damper includes a piston rod, a damping piston, at least one cylinder containing a damping liquid, a fixed partition member for partitioning the interior of the damper into two liquid chambers, a pressure source, and a valve in communication with the pressure source which reacts as a function of the pressure. The valve can also be in communication with additional forces, such as mechanical spring forces, which can be adjustable. The valve can include a pressure intensifier. The valve generates fluid flow resistance during flow of liquid in a first direction through the partition member. The fluid flow resistance in the first direction varies according to the amount of force communicated to the valve by the pressure source and any additional forces. The partition member can include means for providing low-resistance return flow of liquid in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Fox
  • Patent number: 11078981
    Abstract: A hydraulic mem-inerter container device and applications thereof. The hydraulic mem-inerter container device comprises a first cylinder barrel, a first piston, and a spiral passage. The first cylinder barrel is divided by the first piston into a left cavity and a right cavity; and the spiral passage enables the left cavity and the right cavity of the first cylinder barrel to communicate, and the length of the spiral passage changes along with the change of the relative displacement of the first cylinder barrel and the first piston. The cylinder barrel and the piston serve as a first end point and a second end point that are independent and movable correspondingly. When used, the hydraulic mem-inerter container device can be connected to a system to control mechanical force. The hydraulic mem-inerter container device can serve as a regulation and control valve for an inerter and a damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xiaoliang Zhang, Jiamei Nie, Zhenxing Huang, Hai He, Long Chen
  • Patent number: 10677309
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed that provide position sensitive suspension damping. A damping unit includes a piston mounted in a fluid-filled cylinder. A vented path in the piston may be fluidly coupled to a bore formed in one end of the piston rod, creating a flow path for fluid to flow from a first side of the piston to a second side of the piston during a compression stroke. The flow path may be blocked by a needle configured to engage the bore as the damping unit is substantially fully compressed, thereby causing the damping rate of the damping unit to increase. In one embodiment, the piston includes multiple bypass flow paths operable during the compression stroke or the rebound stroke of the damping unit. One or more of the bypass flow paths may be restricted by one or more shims mounted on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Sante M. Pelot
  • Patent number: 10612617
    Abstract: A shock strut may comprise an orifice plate comprising a metering pin aperture and a percolation aperture. The percolation aperture may be configured to allow a gas to move from a first chamber to a second chamber in response to the shock strut moving from a retracted position to a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: William E. Luce, Alvin Fong
  • Patent number: 9878800
    Abstract: A ram air turbine (RAT) mounting system includes a frame with a forward end having a first side, a second side disposed opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side disposed opposite the third side. The frame also includes an aft end. A first mounting element is connected to the forward end of the frame proximate the first side and the third side. A second mounting element is connected to the forward end of the frame proximate the first side and the fourth side. A first rod is connected to the forward end of the frame proximate the second side and the third side. A second rod is connected to the aft end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David Everett Russ, Kanthi Gnanam Kannan
  • Patent number: 9821904
    Abstract: A landing gear support arrangement may comprise a cylinder, a pin pivotally coupled to the cylinder, a head attached to the pin having a portion extending radially from the pin, and a bracket coupled to the portion of the head configured to axially support the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles J. Spink, Dennis W. Martin
  • Patent number: 9815548
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a coaxial hydraulic actuator assembly for an aircraft hydraulic system for providing the dual redundancy operations in normal and emergency operations. The embodiments herein adopt a coaxial hydraulic cylinder based actuator system comprising a conventional fixed cylinder with a moving piston actuator. The fixed cylinder with a moving piston actuator is located in a first region. The fixed cylinder with the moving piston actuator is manufactured in tandem with a moving cylinder with fixed piston actuator. The moving cylinder with a fixed piston actuator is located in a second region. The fixed piston actuator in the second region is also referred to as actuation rod. Further, the coaxial hydraulic cylinder based actuator system comprises a first adapter and a first cap for the first region. Similarly, a second adapter and a second cap are provided for the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KRISHNA KUMAR BINDINGNAVALE RANGA
    Inventor: Krishna Kumar Bindingnavale Ranga
  • Patent number: 9815517
    Abstract: A shock absorber, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a secondary chamber whose volume selectively contributes to a volume associated with a primary chamber of the shock. A piston is supported by a compression rod and cooperates with a shock tube to define the primary chamber. The secondary chamber is fluidly isolated from the primary chamber by a valve arrangement positioned proximate the piston. A plunger extends along a longitudinal length of the shock and forms or interacts with the valve arrangement such that the secondary chamber is selectively fluidly connected to the primary chamber so the primary and secondary chambers of the shock assembly contribute to the performance of the shock for a selected portion of shock travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Gonzalez, Gregory Buhl
  • Patent number: 9056650
    Abstract: A shock absorber, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a secondary chamber whose volume selectively contributes to a volume associated with a primary chamber of the shock. A piston is supported by a compression rod and cooperates with a shock tube to define the primary chamber. The secondary chamber is fluidly isolated from the primary chamber by a valve arrangement positioned proximate the piston. A plunger extends along a longitudinal length of the shock and forms or interacts with the valve arrangement such that the secondary chamber is selectively fluidly connected to the primary chamber so the primary and secondary chambers of the shock assembly contribute to the performance of the shock for a selected portion of shock travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Jose L. Gonzalez, Gregory Paul Buhl
  • Patent number: 8991571
    Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber, a damping force generating device provided between a piston side oil chamber of a cylinder and a rod side oil chamber is provided with a through-hole which communicates the piston side oil chamber of the cylinder with the rod side oil chamber of the cylinder via an outer flow path of the cylinder. A leading end portion of a piston rod is provided with a needle which can come in and out of the through-hole of the damping force generating device, and an opening degree of the through-hole can be varied by the needle according to a forward and backward position of the piston rod with respect to the oil chamber of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventor: Yosuke Murakami
  • Publication number: 20150083535
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed that provide position sensitive suspension damping. A damping unit includes a piston mounted in a fluid-filled cylinder. A vented path in the piston may be fluidly coupled to a bore formed in one end of the piston rod, creating a flow path for fluid to flow from a first side of the piston to a second side of the piston during a compression stroke. The flow path may be blocked by a needle configured to engage the bore as the damping unit is substantially fully compressed, thereby causing the damping rate of the damping unit to increase. In one embodiment, the piston includes multiple bypass flow paths operable during the compression stroke or the rebound stroke of the damping unit. One or more of the bypass flow paths may be restricted by one or more shims mounted on the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Everet Owen ERICKSEN, Christopher Paul COX, Sante M. PELOT
  • Patent number: 8886402
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an actively variable shock absorbing system for actively controlling the load response characteristics of a shock absorbing strut. In one embodiment the shock absorbing system comprises a controllable valve adapted for actively varying a load response characteristic of the shock absorbing strut. The shock absorbing system further comprises an electronic control system comprising an input for receiving a signal from a sensor, an algorithm adapted to determine an optimal position for the controllable valve in view of the sensor signal, and an output for sending a control signal to the controllable valve to place the valve in the optimal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Armorworks Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Ken-An Lou
  • Patent number: 8827056
    Abstract: A cylinder body is partitioned by a partition into a first chamber that is divided from an outside by a cap body and a second chamber accommodating a piston body. A flow channel communicating the first chamber and the second chamber with each other is formed in the partition, and a shaft is projected from the partition onto the first chamber side. The cap body includes a through-hole, the shaft is inserted movably in the through-hole from a reference position along an axis line direction of the cylinder body. There is provided a throttle structure that changes a gap between the through-hole and the shaft when the cap body moves from the reference position by a pressure change generated by a movement or a relative movement of the piston body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Koizumi, Akinori Harada
  • Patent number: 8820495
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an internal bypass shock absorber is disclosed whose compression and rebound resistance can be independently adjusted and is position dependent. The shock absorber features a fluid flow regulator coupled to a hollow chamber opening of a partially hollow piston rod. The fluid flow regulator may also feature a plurality of compression orifices and rebound orifices, and a compression valve stack and rebound valve stack each having one or more deflection discs. The number, diameter, and thickness of the deflection discs of the stacks can be adjusted to independently control compression and rebound resistance by controlling the flow of fluid between the first and second chambers of the cylinder housing of the shock absorber. The shock absorber may also have a tapered needle that controls the position at which the shock exhibits its maximum resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: King Shock Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Lance King
  • Patent number: 8800973
    Abstract: A spring for a suspension is described. The spring includes: a spring chamber divided into at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, and a fluid flow path coupled with and between the primary portion and the secondary portion. The fluid flow path includes a bypass mechanism, wherein the bypass mechanism is configured for automatically providing resistance within the fluid flow path in response to a compressed condition of the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Incorporated
    Inventor: Sante Pelot
  • Patent number: 8776965
    Abstract: A shock absorber that absorbs a vibration using a working fluid charged into a first chamber and a second chamber comprises a tube body, an inserted body, a tip end of which is inserted into the tube body from an end portion of the tube body, and a partition wall portion that is provided on the tip end of the inserted body to be capable of sliding within the tube body and partitions an interior of the tube body into the first chamber and the second chamber. The shock absorber comprises a connecting portion that is provided within a partition wall portion sliding region of the tube body and connects the first chamber and the second chamber when the partition wall portion passes thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Noguchi
  • Patent number: 8565965
    Abstract: A system for use in monitoring, measuring, recording, computing and transmitting the oxygen levels and identification of oxygen contamination within an aircraft telescopic landing gear strut. An oxygen sensor is mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts as to monitor, recognize, measure and record the identification of oxygen within the telescopic landing gear struts. The amount of oxygen within each landing gear strut is measured and recorded and downloaded to the responsible aircraft maintenance department. By detecting the amount of oxygen in a strut, steps can be taken to purge the gas from the strut to minimize corrosion of strut components and to prevent internal combustion of the gas and oil in the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: C. Kirk Nance
  • Patent number: 8561766
    Abstract: A piston-cylinder with a work cylinder filled with a fluid, a hollow piston rod displaceably arranged in the work cylinder along a longitudinal axis, a connection element at an end located outside the work cylinder and in the work cylinder, a piston that divides the work cylinder into first and second work spaces. A valve needle in the piston rod has a channel extending in axial direction arranged in the piston rod. The valve needle has a recess at one end. The valve needle is rotatable such that a flow of fluid is controllable. A lever extends in radial direction and is swivelably acted upon by an adjusting unit at the end of the valve needle outside the work cylinder. The adjusting unit is arranged at the connection element entirely outside the flow of force of the piston-cylinder unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Born
  • Patent number: 8398105
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing cavitation and its effects in a damper. The damper includes a flow dividing structure. In one embodiment, the structure is disposed in a valve including an annular flow path constructed and arranged to separate fluid into substantially separate streams as the fluid passes through the annular path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Becker, Sante M. Pelot, Joseph Franklin
  • Patent number: 8360210
    Abstract: In an oil buffer for an elevator, at least one cylindrical intermediate plunger is inserted into a base cylinder. An upper-stage plunger is inserted into the intermediate plunger. An orifice is provided in a bottom surface portion of the upper-stage plunger. A pin rod is provided upright in the base cylinder. The pin rod is inserted into the orifice in a middle of a stroke of the upper-stage plunger. A return spring causes the intermediate plunger and the upper-stage plunger to return to positions in an unloaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kigawa
  • Patent number: 8235187
    Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber structured such that a vehicle body side tube and an axle side tube are slidably fitted, and a plurality of adjusting portions are provided in a cap sealed to an upper end opening portion of the vehicle body side tube, a plurality of adjusting portions are arranged side by side in a plan view of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventor: Yosuke Murakami
  • Patent number: 8162112
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accommodating vehicle suspensions that may bottom out. Some embodiments of the present invention include the secondary shock absorber placed within a primary shock absorber. Yet clear embodiments describe a shock absorber having multiple fluid flowpaths during compression, with one of the flowpaths being active near the bottoming-out condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Competition Tire East
    Inventors: Bill J. Gartner, Andrew Benjamin Lambert
  • Patent number: 8146897
    Abstract: Self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut includes a working cylinder divided into first and second working spaces by a working piston carried on a hollow piston rod; a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber partially filled with hydraulic damping medium, the high pressure chamber having a gas cushion and being connected to the second working space; and a piston pump including a pump rod extending into the hollow piston rod, the pump rod having a bore connected to the low pressure chamber, an end provided with a suction valve inside the hollow piston rod, and a deregulating opening, which is closable as a function of position of the working piston in the working cylinder. An adjustable damping valve located outside the external tube has a first flow connection connected to the first working space, and a second flow connection connected to the second working space and the high pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Hubert Beck
  • Patent number: 8028813
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shock absorber for damping vibration transmitted to a vehicle according to a road state. The shock absorber includes a cylinder and a piston valve disposed within the cylinder and connected to a piston rod to divide the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber. The shock absorber further includes a hollow chamber formed within the piston rod, a floating piston disposed within the hollow chamber to move up and down and to divide the hollow chamber into upper and lower chambers, first and second orifices formed in upper and lower ends of the hollow chamber and connected to the first and second chambers, respectively, and a resistance changing mechanism configured to cooperate with the floating piston and change a fluid resistance with respect to the floating piston where the resistance changing mechanism cooperates therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Nam Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7681699
    Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic vibration damper with internal level control, especially for motor vehicles, has an oil-filled working cylinder under the pressure of at least one gas cushion. The working cylinder is divided into two working spaces by a working piston mounted on a piston rod. A piston pump, which is driven by the sprung movements of the vehicle and thus conveys damping oil from a low-pressure chamber into the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber. The pump cylinder of this piston pump is formed by the hollow piston rod, which connects the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber to the low-pressure chamber. An axially movable stepped pump piston is provided in the pump cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Norbert Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20090301830
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed. The utility vehicle may include storage areas under the dash. The utility vehicle may include suspension systems for utility vehicles having shocks with both a fluidic stiffness adjustment and a mechanical stiffness adjustment. The utility vehicle may include an electrical power steering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony J. Kinsman, Kelly J. Knutson, Louis J. Brady, D. Brett Gass
  • Patent number: 7441640
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first cylinder having a first fluid port and a second cylinder having a second fluid port. A response adjustment mechanism is connected in fluid transmission relation between the first and second fluid ports. The response adjustment mechanism includes three adjustable valves for controlling the operation of the shock absorber. One of the adjustable valves has a stem that is rotatable by a tool during operation. The remaining adjustable valves each have a shaft that is rotatable by a tool during operation. The adjustable valves of the response adjustment mechanism are coaxially positioned so that a first valve is coaxially positioned within a second valve, and the first and second valves are coaxially positioned within a third valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Russell
  • Patent number: 7337885
    Abstract: A telescoping fluid cylinder having an inner rod and outer rod moving between extended and retracted positions. A first piston and second piston move the outer rod and inner rod through the cylinder in which a valve of the first piston provides for independent movement of the inner rod and outer rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation of America
    Inventor: Mark Stow
  • Patent number: 7331434
    Abstract: An impact absorber is provided for absorbing impact forces especially in case of a collision of a motor vehicle. The impact absorber includes an inner tube (1), which can be pushed into an outer tube (2) in a telescopic manner and which is closed with a bottom plate (3) at its free end projecting from the outer tube (2). Starting from the bottom plate (3) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (4) of the impact absorber, a gas space (5) filled with pressurized gas and a first, a fluid-filled liquid space (7), which is separated from the gas space (5) by a wall (6) displaceable in the inner tube (1), are arranged in the interior of the inner tube (1). The liquid space (7) is in connection through a throttle element with a second, fluid-filled liquid space (13), which adjoins the first liquid space (7) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (4) and is closed by a piston (9) fixed in the outer tube (2) towards the free end of the outer tube (2) in a liquid-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Guido Steinbach
  • Patent number: 7299908
    Abstract: A device for absorbing shocks, in particular for two-wheeled vehicles, having at least a chamber filled with a fluid medium; at least a piston means (20) movable in the longitudinal direction of the chamber which divides the chamber at least into a first subchamber (21) and at least a second subchamber (22); at least a valve positioned between the first subchamber (21) and the second subchamber (22) which can be brought into at least two different positions, wherein at least in a, first valve position with the piston means applying a force relative to the chamber substantially no medium flow occurs at least in a first direction from the second subchamber (22) into the first subchamber (21); wherein at least in a second position of the valve (28), with the piston, means applying a force relative to the chamber, medium flow occurs at least in the first direction from the second subchamber (22) into the first subchamber (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: DT Swiss Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Achenbach
  • Patent number: 6763920
    Abstract: A bidirectional self-contained end-of stroke snubbing device (20) includes a housing (21), a rod (22) movable relative to the housing, a single fluid-filled variable-volume chamber (23) communicating with a fluid sump (24) through an orifice (65), and a lost-motion mechanism for selectively reducing the volume of the chamber proximate either end of the stroke of the rod-like member. The mechanism will force fluid from the chamber through the orifice to decelerate and cushion movement of the rod-like member relative to the housing proximate either end of its stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventor: Luke G. Finley
  • Patent number: 6672435
    Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber includes a shock rod having a longitudinal axis. A shock body is disposed around a portion of the shock rod, the shock body defining a first fluid chamber therein and being slidable along the longitudinal axis. A piston is disposed on the shock rod in sealing engagement with the shock body. The piston has at least one channel therethrough in communication with the first fluid chamber. At least one valve is in fluid communication with the channel to control fluid movement through the channel. A support is movable longitudinally along the shock rod and is disposed adjacent to the valve. An adjustment mechanism is provided for altering a longitudinal position of the movable support to adjust the valve's operation by altering the fluid movement through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventor: René Lemieux
  • Publication number: 20030213664
    Abstract: A self-pumping, hydropneumatic suspension strut unit with an internal level control for a vehicle includes a low pressure chamber and a high pressure chamber for storing a damping medium under pressure. The high pressure chamber includes a gas cushion for displacing the damping medium therefrom when the damping medium is under less than a predetermined pressure. A working cylinder has a piston that defines a first volume of the working cylinder in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. A piston rod is axially displaceable in inward and outward relative to the working cylinder. A pumping rod is axially mounted at one end in the working cylinder and a regulating bore is disposed at a first location of the pumping rod. The bore is closed when the first location is received in the piston rod and places the low pressure chamber in two-way fluid communication with the first volume when the regulating bore is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventor: Hubert Beck
  • Publication number: 20030173168
    Abstract: A hydraulic dashpot with a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, and a bypass. The cylinder is charged with hydraulic fluid. The piston divides the cylinder into two chambers, travels up and down inside the cylinder on the inner end of the piston rod as the latter moves in and out of the cylinder, and is provided with ports and valves. The bypass parallels the piston and can be more or less opened and closed. The object is a hydraulic dashpot for vans and station wagons that will be simpler in design and easier to operate with the vehicle either loaded or unloaded and with no detriment to safe driving. The bypass accordingly extends through the piston rod (2), is provided with one exit above the piston (3) and with another exit below it, and the bypass can be more or less opened or closed by a flow-control component fastened to the cylinder (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Ole Gotz, Joerg Starr
  • Patent number: 6467593
    Abstract: An hydraulic shock absorber with progressive braking effect comprising a cylinder (1,2) full of fluid and a piston (3) sliding axially into said cylinder. The piston (3) divides into two sequential chambers (8) and (9) the cylinder compartment (1). In the extension and/or compression operation, the piston (3) slides in the cylinder causing the fluid to move from the lower chamber (9) to the upper chamber (8) and viceversa, through ports (10) and compression (16) and extension (12) valves, with regulated and progressive opening/closing, with passages with calibrated and/or variable geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Mauro Corradini, Eric Frantz Regnier
  • Publication number: 20020121731
    Abstract: The invention provides a damper assembly (10) comprising a housing (12) defining an inner chamber (22, 24) having a damping fluid disposed therein. A piston rod (14) is slidably retained by the housing (12), and at least partially extends into, the chamber (22, 24). A piston (18) is disposed at a first distal end (21) of the piston rod (14) and strokes inside the housing (12). The piston (18) defines a first chamber (22) and a second chamber (24) within the housing (12) and includes at least one aperture (26) for allowing damping fluid to flow between the first (22) and second (24) chambers. An actuator (30) is disposed within the piston (18) for varying the flow of damping fluid through the aperture (26) between the first (22) and second (24) chambers within the housing (12). The piston rod (14) includes an inner bore (16) that receives pressurized air from an external source for communicating pneumatic control signals to the actuator (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy A. Miller, Michael L. Oliver, William C. Kruckemeyer
  • Patent number: 6032933
    Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut that continuously regulates the pressure in the low- and high-pressure work cavities of the work cylinder to control the height of the vehicle body during all vehicle operation situations. According to the present invention, a valve is provided between the high-pressure work cavity and the pump cylinder. The valve is movable axially within the pump cylinder and advantageously blocks a first nonreturn valve between the pump cylinder and the low-pressure work cavity when spring strut is caused to elongate, and unblocks this first nonreturn valve when the spring strut is caused to compress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Hubert Beck
  • Patent number: 5944283
    Abstract: A shock absorber, optionally operable as a retractable landing gear actuator, includes a sealed cylinder divided by a cylinder head to define an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the lower chamber further divided by a piston having a piston rod passing in sealed manner through the lower cylinder end. The cylinder head includes one or more orifices, the effective opening of each orifice controlled by a valve, the valve having a stem attached to and passing through the upper cylinder end to the atmosphere, such that the pressure between the piston and the cylinder head is limited to a certain value above atmospheric pressure, regardless of the velocity or position of the piston. The valve is forced toward the closed position by a spring against a stop such that it is always at least partially open. During hard or crash landings, high fluid pressure on the piston or in the upper chamber forces the valve further open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Cartercopters, LLC
    Inventor: Jay W. Carter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5878852
    Abstract: A sudden change in the repulsive force of a piston rod and the resulting excessive increase of the vehicular height are to be suppressed.A small-diameter portion 10A and a large-diameter portion 10B are formed in the inner periphery of a pump cylinder 10, and a valve cover 21 is provided at the lower end of a pump rod 9 so as to accommodate an inlet valve 6 therein. The valve cover 21 has a discharge port 6a which when positioned within the small-diameter portion 10A is closed and which when positioned within the large-diameter portion 10B is opened to a pump chamber 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Kayaba Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatuya Masamura, Masaru Mishima
  • Patent number: 5862895
    Abstract: An oleopneumatic shock absorbing device including a hydraulic fluid-filled cylinder (1) combined with a movable assembly moved by outside forces for circulating the hydraulic fluid. The movable assembly consists of a hollow mobile piston (3) on the end of a push rod (2) with an internal longitudinal space (13) forming a reservoir for the hydraulic fluid. When the piston (3) and the push rod (2) are moved, the fluid flows through a variable flow-rate transfer channel (11) providing variable, e.g. gradual shock absorption throughout both the outward stroke and the return stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Andre Ricard
  • Patent number: 5826863
    Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic shock absorbing strut with internal level regulation contains a work cylinder which is filled with damping medium and is under the pressure of gas cushions, and a piston which can be displaced in the work cylinder on the end of a piston rod having a cavity disposed therein. The cavity in the piston rod acts as a pump cylinder of a pump rod which is fastened to the work cylinder, and, as a result of the spring movements, damping medium can be transported from a low pressure chamber into a high pressure chamber. The pump rod is realized in two parts, including an inner part which is connected to the work cylinder and an outer part which coaxially surrounds the inner part at least partly with radial clearance, which outer part is non-detachably connected to the inner part on the end of the outer part farther from the work cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Hubert Beck