Abstract: A self-adjusting end position damping arrangement includes a stroke space 9 which is delimited by a movable stroke element 7, 24 and a part of the pneumatic cylinder 1, with the stroke space 9 being connected via a connecting duct 14 to the working pressure P1 which acts on the cylinder piston 22 or to the ventilation pressure (P3) in the outlet duct 3 and the stroke element 7, 24 being acted on via a damping duct 16 by the damping pressure P2 in the damping volume 19, a non-return valve 12 is arranged in the connecting duct 14 upstream of the stroke space 9, which non-return valve 12 blocks in the direction of the working pressure P1 or the ventilation pressure (P3), respectively, and a ventilation duct 5 is provided, which ventilation duct 5 can be opened by means of the movable stroke element 7, 24 and which is connected to an outlet duct 3.

Abstract: A twin-tube shock absorber comprising an outer tube which houses an inner tube. The inner tube forms an annulus area between the outer tube and the inner tube, and includes a check valve for allowing a fluid to flow unidirectionally from the annulus area to the interior volume of the inner tube. The shock absorber includes a piston which is slidably disposed within the inner tube and divides the interior volume into a rod side chamber and a cap side chamber. The piston includes a check valve allowing the fluid to flow unidirectionally from the cap side chamber to the rod side chamber. A flow regulator is disposed about the inner tube for allowing the unidirectional flow of fluid from the rod side chamber to the annulus area, wherein the flow regulator provides a resistance against the flow of the fluid from the rod side chamber to the annulus area.

Abstract: A telescopic suspension fork leg, such as may be used in a motorcycle. The fork leg has an inner tube and an outer tube and a damping arrangement and a spring arrangement, which is arranged within a first chamber which is formed in the outer tube and is supported against a second chamber formed by the damping arrangement and arranged beneath the first chamber, which is constructed to receive a damping fluid. The damping arrangement has a piston, on a piston rod, with upper and lower piston surfaces. The piston is displaceable within a damping tube arranged largely concentrically to the inner tube, and the damping tube is surrounded by an annulus chamber arranged largely concentrically to the damping tube, and a sealing arrangement, displaceable along the piston rod, is provided between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A damper unit which brakes the speed of movement of a moving body by using a piston damper provided with a cylinder and a piston rod which is connected to a piston inside the cylinder, is provided. The damper unit includes a case wherein the above-mentioned piston damper is disposed; a transmitting member slidably provided inside the case and transmitting an external force accompanied by the movement of the above-mentioned moving body; a link member whose one end side is attached to the above-mentioned case so as to become the rotational center, and also whose the other end side is pivotally supported by the above-mentioned transmitting member; and a connecting member connected between both ends of the link member and being in contact with or connected to either the piston rod or the cylinder.

Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

Abstract: A shock absorber, in which external gas is sucked by movement of a piston rod to obtain compressed gas, which is used for inhibiting the “lag” phenomenon. A piston valve is connected to one end of a piston rod received in an inner shell and moved between rebound and compression strokes, an inner space of the inner shell being divided into a rebound chamber and a compression chamber by the piston valve. A reservoir chamber is provided in an outer shell outside of the inner shell to supply oil to the compression chamber in the rebound stroke and to recover oil in the compression stroke. The shock absorber has a high pressure tank with a high pressure chamber installed outside of the outer shell, and a self pumping unit for sucking gas and pumping it into the high pressure chamber using energy generated by movement of the piston rod.

Abstract: A shock absorber, in which external gas is sucked by movement of a piston rod to obtain compressed gas, which is used for inhibiting the “lag” phenomenon. A piston valve is connected to one end of a piston rod received in an inner shell and moved between rebound and compression strokes, an inner space of the inner shell being divided into a rebound chamber and a compression chamber by the piston valve. A reservoir chamber is provided in an outer shell outside of the inner shell to supply oil to the compression chamber in the rebound stroke and to recover oil in the compression stroke. The shock absorber has a high pressure tank with a high pressure chamber installed outside of the outer shell, and a self pumping unit for sucking gas and pumping it into the high pressure chamber using energy generated by movement of the piston rod.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to improve utility in a suspension apparatus for a vehicle having an electromagnetic actuator and a hydraulic damper. In the suspension apparatus, a hydraulic damper is disposed between an electromagnetic actuator and a wheel-holding portion, and a cover tube is provided for accommodating a seal provided between a piston rod and a housing of the hydraulic damper. In the suspension apparatus according to the present invention wherein the hydraulic damper is disposed between the wheel-holding portion and the electromagnetic actuator, it is possible to effectively mitigate not only transmission of vibrations to the vehicle body from the wheel via the electromagnetic actuator but also transmission of vibrations to the electromagnetic actuator. Further, owing to the presence of the cover tube, entry of dust and the like into the hydraulic damper through the seal can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: A pneumatic vibration isolating suspension is disclosed for supporting a payload on a moving carrier while suppressing the transmission of vibrations in the 1 to 50 Hz band between the carrier and the payload. The disclosed invention can be deployed in the air in a towed carrier or sonde, and operated from aircraft power, making it a suitable platform for airborne geophysical instrumentation. It also has particular application to airborne electromagnetic surveying operating in the same frequency band because the sensor vibrations that result in noise created by the modulation of the sensor coupling with the earth's magnetic field are suppressed. Furthermore, the invention can be constructed from resistive composite materials and non-magnetic metals, so it can be operated without producing significant modification to the ambient electromagnetic field being measured.

Abstract: A front fork for easily optimizing an oil quantity in a damper cylinder with a relatively simple structure without affecting operability of a free piston even in an assembled state. An escape portion is formed on an outer periphery of a piston rod at a position where a seal member mounted on a sealing cap faces in an opposed manner when a front fork extends to the maximum.

Abstract: A displacement sensor module 1 for mounting on a telescopic-type damper 30, a damper/detector assembly including such a displacement sensor module and a telescopic-type damper, and a household appliance including such a damper/detector assembly is provided. The displacement sensor module 1 includes at least one coil element 4, an electronic detection unit 8 connected to the at least one coil element 4 and adapted to detect an impedance change of the at least one coil element, and a coil housing 2 for receiving and additionally or alternatively a coil support 6 for supporting the at least one coil element 4 and for supporting the electronic detection unit 8. The displacement sensor module 1 is adapted to be mounted on a telescopic-type damper 30, wherein in particular the housing 2 or support 6 is adapted to fit over a portion of a pre-assembled damper 30.

Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

Abstract: A joined body includes a first member having a female portion, and a second member having a male portion inserted in the female portion at one end, and an annular groove along an outer circumference of the male portion. The first member and the second member are fitted to each other. A plurality of joint portions is formed on a side wall of the female portion. The joint portions are joined to the male portion by being pushed in the annular groove. A pressing member is formed at the female portion so as to face a position of the male portion axially different from the annular groove of the male portion. The pressing member is pressed against the male portion.

Abstract: A shock absorber is provided. The shock absorber includes: a piston rod; an inner passage having an inlet port at an outer periphery of the piston rod; and a stopper installed at the outer periphery of the piston rod. The stopper is disposed to surround the inlet port of the inner passage, and an outer passage extending from an upper portion of the stopper to the inlet port is formed between the stopper and the piston rod.

Abstract: A twin-tube shock absorber comprising an outer tube which houses an inner tube. The inner tube forms an annulus area between the outer tube and the inner tube, and includes a check valve for allowing a fluid to flow unidirectionally from the annulus area to the interior volume of the inner tube. The shock absorber includes a piston which is slidably disposed within the inner tube and divides the interior volume into a rod side chamber and a cap side chamber. The piston includes a check valve allowing the fluid to flow unidirectionally from the cap side chamber to the rod side chamber. A flow regulator is disposed about the inner tube for allowing the unidirectional flow of fluid from the rod side chamber to the annulus area, wherein the flow regulator provides a resistance against the flow of the fluid from the rod side chamber to the annulus area.

Abstract: A suspension system for use with a motorcycle includes a single body having two pneumatic cylinders in axial alignment therein. The suspension system may be sold in a kit, and may be installed in an existing front wheel fork.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of optionally changing damping characteristics of a twin-tube shock absorber. In the method of changing the damping characteristics of the twin-tube shock absorber (10), a threaded hole (11a) is formed in an outer tube (11), oil is drained from the inside of the twin-tube shock absorber (10) through the threaded hole (11a), replacement oil (35) is charged into the twin-tube shock absorber (10), and a check valve (20) is mounted in the threaded hole (11a). Thereafter, in a state that the check valve (20) is positioned on the upper side in the twin-tube shock absorber (10), a gas is sucked out from the inside of the twin-tube shock absorber (10) through a flow channel of the temporarily opened check valve (20), and a replacement nitrogen gas (36) is injected into the twin-tube shock absorber (10).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a biasing force to a vehicle suspension. The apparatus includes a hydraulic shock absorber that coacts with a gas spring. In some embodiments, the gas spring is externally adjustable with regards to gas pressure, and also with regards to the amount of internal travel possible by a floating gas piston.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension-setting adjustor assembly is provided with a suspension tube attachment structure, a first actuator, a second actuator and a suspension-setting adjustment unit. The first actuator is rotatably mounted to the suspension tube attachment structure. The second actuator is rotatably mounted to the suspension tube attachment structure to rotate independent of rotation of the first actuator. The suspension-setting adjustment unit is operatively coupled to the first and second actuators. The suspension-setting adjustment unit adjusts a first suspension setting in response to rotation of the first actuator by using rotational movement of the suspension-setting adjustment unit. The suspension-setting adjustment unit adjusts a second suspension setting in response to rotation of the second actuator by using axial movement of the suspension-setting adjustment unit.

Abstract: A mount for supporting a vibration damper in a vehicle has a cap provided with an anti-twist surface and configured to extend through a recessed support surface of the vehicle. The mount is provided with a retainer operable to couple the anti-twist surface to the support surface so as to suspend the vibration damper on the vehicle before and independently from fastening the vibration damper to the vehicle.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a fluid based shock absorber. The fluid based shock absorber includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compression chamber. The first assembly also includes a first sliding member. At least a portion of the first sliding member is configured to remain within the first compression chamber and the first sliding member is configured to move in a first direction relative to the first compression chamber.

Abstract: A damper mass damper assembly includes a rod, and a casing disposed annularly about the rod and defining a primary fluid chamber therebetween. The rod includes an annular wall that defines a first and a second expansion chamber disposed at a first and a second end of the rod respectively. The rod further defines a first and a second expansion port connecting the first and the second expansion chambers respectively with the primary fluid chamber in fluid communication. As fluid within the primary fluid chamber expands from heating, the fluid may weep into the first and/or second expansion chambers through the first and/or second expansion ports respectively to maintain the integrity of a first and second cap bearing seal, which seal the fluid within the primary fluid chamber.

Abstract: An air dampening assembly for an electronic device comprises a base member. A first piston housing is disposed on the base member. A second piston housing is disposed on the based member opposite the first piston housing. A sliding member is disposed between the first and second piston housing. A first piston is disposed on a first elongated member of the sliding member. The first piston housing is configured to receive the first piston. A second piston is disposed on a second elongated member of the sliding member. The second piston housing is configured to receive the second piston.

Abstract: A shock absorber, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a mount body, a first cap portion, a second cap portion, and a fluid cylinder. The fluid cylinder cooperates with a valve assembly that is offset from the mount body. The first and second cap portions enclose a gas cavity or gas chamber. One of the first and second cap portions is interchangeable with other caps so as to alter the performance of the shock absorber by altering the size of the gas chamber. The replaceable cap cooperates with the mount body such that it can be replaced without removing the shock absorber from a bicycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing a length of a landing gear system. A first cylinder and a second cylinder are moved relative to each other along an axis extending centrally through the first cylinder and the second cylinder such that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are in an extended position. In response to the first cylinder and the second cylinder being in the extended position, a flow of a fluid is substantially prevented between a first chamber formed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder and a second chamber within the first cylinder and the second cylinder. In response to a pressure applied to the first chamber, the first cylinder and the second cylinder are moved relative to each other along the axis such that a length of the first cylinder and the second cylinder is reduced.

Abstract: A damper unit and its employment as part of the suspension system for a vehicle are disclosed. A vehicle of the kind having wheels arranged in left-right pairs has a sprung mass and left and right unsprung masses associated with left and right wheels of a said left-right pair. Respective left and right damper units are mounted between the respective left and right unsprung masses and the sprung mass. Each damper unit has a damper housing defining first and second generally cylindrical chambers therewithin having a common axis. The first and second chambers are separated from each other in the axial direction by an intermediate wall. The first chamber has a first axial end wall at its end remote from the intermediate wall, and the second chamber has a second axial end wall at its end remote from the intermediate wall. A first piston is slidable in sealing engagement with the interior of the first chamber. A second piston is slidable in sealing engagement with the interior of the second chamber.

Abstract: A strut assembly includes an upper mount assembly, a shock absorber and a knuckle. The upper mount assembly is attached to a piston rod which is a part of the shock absorber. The knuckle is attached to an outer tube of the shock absorber which can be a reserve tube of a dual-tube shock absorber or a pressure tube of a single tube shock absorber. A reinforcement member increases the strength of the outer tube in the area that interfaces with the knuckle and the area that is directly above the knuckle.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly includes a piston rod connected to a piston which is movably received in a cylinder and the interior of the cylinder is defined into a first room and a second room by the piston. A first groove and a second groove are respectively defined in the inside and the outside of the piston, and the two grooves are longitudinally aligned with each other. Two seal rings are respectively engaged with the first and second grooves. The first groove includes a first inner surface and the second groove includes a second inner surface. A distance is defined between two respective extension lines of the first and second grooves. Each of the two respective extension lines is defined by extending a line from the first/second inner surface of the first/second groove. The outer diameter of the piston is reduced for being used with a smaller cylinder.

Abstract: A piston chamber combination comprising a container type piston, communicating with an enclosed space, said enclosed space having an at least substantially constant volume.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a sleeve, a piston accomplishing forward and reverse travels therein, a rod, a piston cap, a rod cap including an orifice and a rod seal mounted therein. The rod seal defines a front face facing the piston and a rear face being opposite to the front face. The rod includes at least two rod sections in the form of annular humps. The front and rear faces operatively interact with the annular humps during the forward and reverse travels, such that the interaction causes deformations of the rod seal thereby cushioning impacts and reducing overloads of the shock absorber. An embodiment of the shock absorber further includes two annular humps represented by a first annular hump, having a first maximal diameter, and a second annular hump, having a second maximal diameter, while the first maximal diameter is greater than the second maximal diameter, preferably by 3-10 micrometers.

Abstract: A pneumatic variable damping device for attenuating the motion of a wash tub in a washing machine is disclosed. The pneumatic variable damping device includes a pneumatic cylinder defining a first chamber and a second chamber. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston slidably mounted to the cylinder. The piston separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The pneumatic variable damping device includes a first valve coupled to the first chamber and a second valve coupled to the second chamber. The first valve and the second valve are configured to restrict the flow of pneumatic fluid from the respective chambers of the pneumatic cylinder. The first valve and the second valve can also be configured to allow the free flow of pneumatic fluid from the respective chambers of the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A suspension fork for a bicycle includes at least one stanchion tube and at least one slider tube interacting therewith and a wheel receiving space adjacent thereto. The suspension fork includes a damper system with a damper chamber divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a movable piston. The suspension fork further includes a damping device for the rebound stage and a damping device for the compression stage are provided. A shut-off valve is provided for selectively locking the rebound stage. The damper chamber comprises a connecting duct with a flow damper that connects the second chamber with the first chamber when the stanchion tube and the slider tube interacting therewith are compressed more than a predefined distance such that in the case of a forceful compression and with the shut-off valve of the rebound stage activated, slow decompression is allowed up to a damper position as defined by the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A steering damper can generate a smaller damping force according to a first damping force characteristic or a larger damping force according to a second damping force characteristic by controlling a flow of hydraulic oil during a steering operation of a steering member. When the associated vehicle is running at a relatively low or medium speed and is not accelerating, and if an operational speed of the steering damper is lower than a predetermined value, damping force according to the first damping force characteristic can be generated in the steering damper. On the other hand, when the operational speed of the steering damper is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, damping force according to the second damping force characteristic can be generated in the steering damper.

Abstract: A damper (1) is provided with a body (2) which surrounds an annular compression chamber (3), the damper (1) being furnished with at least one pneumatic compensation chamber (30, 40) and a control piston (4) that can move relative to the body (2), the control piston (4) having a rod (5) which protrudes from the body (2) and a head (6) which slides in the compression chamber (3). The damper is notable in that, the compression chamber (3) comprising a variable-section radial opening (8), the damper (1) is provided with a hydraulic compensation chamber (10) which receives a first fluid expelled from the annular compression chamber (3) via the variable-section radial opening (8) when the control piston (4) moves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the sag setting of a vehicle suspension are disclosed. An integrated damper/gas spring shock absorber includes a bleed port located at a position on a gas spring cylinder corresponding to a desired sag setting. The gas spring may be over pressurized to a pressure above the expected operating pressure of the gas spring. The vehicle may then be loaded with the normal operating load, partially compressing the shock absorber. Opening the bleed port allows gas to vent from the gas spring, further compressing the shock absorber until a piston in the gas spring closes the bleed port from the inner surface of the gas spring cylinder. A sleeve may be inserted over the gas spring cylinder, the sleeve including one or more sealing elements that seal the bleed port from the outer surface of the gas spring cylinder during normal operation.

Abstract: A rotary wing system with a troublesome motion when rotating about a rotation axis, including a fluid tubular damper with a damper fluid for controlling the troublesome motion. The damper has an inboard and an outboard end, the inboard end attached to a rotary wing system inboard member proximate the rotation axis and the outboard end attached to a rotary wing system outboard member. The damper is terminated with a nonelastomeric end cap and contains damper fluid in at least an inboard and an outboard variable volume nonelastomeric working chamber which is worked by a nonelastomeric damper piston and a relative motion between the rotary wing system members. The damper includes a dynamically variable elastomeric volume compensator chamber in fluid communication with the working chambers, with the communication a controlled communication with the fluid flowed through control valves towards the working chambers.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pump, a gas spring, and an accumulator. The gas spring assembly includes a cylinder, a rod, and a chamber for supporting gas. The rod is coupled to the cylinder and moveable relative to the cylinder. The chamber is formed between the cylinder and the rod, where movement of the rod relative to the cylinder changes the volume of the chamber. The accumulator is configured for receiving, storing, and releasing potential energy from gas of the chamber. The accumulator is coupled to the chamber, and is in gaseous communication with the chamber such that a continuous body of gas extends between the chamber and the accumulator when the accumulator is receiving or releasing the potential energy.

Abstract: A shock absorber comprises a sleeve, a cylindrical piston with a seal attached to the cylindrical surface of piston with two side surfaces, a rod coupled with the piston, a piston cap enclosing the sleeve on the piston's side, and a rod cap enclosing the sleeve on the rod's side. The piston and rod move within the sleeve overcoming resistance of oil/gas cross-flows from one sleeve's chamber to the other, friction between the seal and the sleeve's walls, and friction between the rod and a seal mounted in the rod cap. The proposed absorber allows increasing the resistance offered to the movement of piston thereby improving the efficiency of damping, and suppressing/avoiding auto-oscillation and resonance regimes. This is achieved by providing a number of narrowing/widening necks arranged on the sleeve's walls within regions adjoined to the caps. Different embodiments combine features conditioned by various diameter differences for the necks, etc.

Abstract: A momentum free bearing assembly for use in orthotic and prosthetic devices and a prosthetic knee incorporating the same are disclosed. The bearing assembly includes an engaging ring having a swivel portion received within the engaging ring. The engaging ring is received within a bore in a mount. Retainer rings may be placed on either side of the engaging ring within the bore to retain the engaging ring within the mount. Seals having sealing members may be provided on either side of the engaging ring to seal the engaging ring within the mount. A cylindrical rod engages the swivel portion and the seal through bores provided in each of the seal and the swivel portion. The ends of the cylindrical rod can be press-fit within bores on a mount and a frame of a prosthetic knee.

Abstract: A decelerating device intended to intercept an end-of-stroke part of a closing path of a mobile member, such as a furniture drawer or door, including: a body fastenable in use to an abutting surface for the mobile member and internally defining a sealed chamber filled in use with a viscous fluid; a pushrod at least in part overhanging from the body and being adapted to cooperate in use with the mobile member, the pushrod being integral with a stem slidingly accommodated in the body against the bias of elastic means between an extracted position of the pushrod and a retracted position; and a piston accommodated in the sealed chamber so as to divide it into two portions hydraulically connected to each other and mechanically connected to the stem; wherein the stem presents a first end integrally connected to the pushrod and a second end opposite to the first, both slidingly accommodated in the body outside the sealed chamber and fluid-tightly towards the sealed chamber itself; the piston is provided with a mobil

Abstract: A shock absorber, in which external gas is sucked by movement of a piston rod to obtain compressed gas, which is used for inhibiting the “lag” phenomenon. A piston valve is connected to one end of a piston rod received in an inner shell and moved between rebound and compression strokes, an inner space of the inner shell being divided into a rebound chamber and a compression chamber by the piston valve. A reservoir chamber is provided in an outer shell outside of the inner shell to supply oil to the compression chamber in the rebound stroke and to recover oil in the compression stroke. The shock absorber has a high pressure tank with a high pressure chamber installed outside of the outer shell, and a self pumping unit for sucking gas and pumping it into the high pressure chamber using energy generated by movement of the piston rod.

Abstract: An extension valve for an impact dispersal system that includes an extendable member. The extension valve includes an actuating port that operates a first piston connected to a second piston. The second piston has a seat that isolates an inlet and an outlet. When a fluid with a specified pressure is applied to said actuating port, the first piston overcomes a preset bias and causes said second piston to move to an unseated position, which allows fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ports. With a pressurized tank connected to the inlet port, actuation of the extension valve causes a pressurized fluid to flow through the extension valve, through a check valve, and into a fluid chamber in a cylinder, thereby causing a cylinder piston to extend into an impact ready position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator (1), comprising an output member (6); a resilient element (8) connected to said output member (6) so as to urge it in a first direction; and an hydraulic rotation damper (5) with a closed cylinder cavity, a rotational damper shaft which extends into the cylinder cavity, and a piston dividing the cylinder cavity into a first side and a second side. Within the rotation damper (5), the rotational movement of the damper shaft is converted into a translational movement of the piston along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. A restricted fluid passage communicates said first and second sides. The damper shaft is connected over a gearing (10, 15, 17) to the output member (6) and resilient element (8) of the actuator for damping movement of said output member (6) in said first direction. The present invention relates to both rotational and linear actuators as well as to a closing mechanisms for hinged members, such as doors, gates, or windows, comprising such actuators.

Abstract: A damper includes a hollow outer elongated body; a hollow inner elongated body; a liquid viscous body or liquid viscoelastic body disposed in a gap between an inner surface of the elongated body and an outer surface of the elongated body in such a manner as to be in contact with the inner surface and the outer surface of these elongated bodies, respectively; and first and second attaching structures. Further, a controller may be provided to control an increase or decrease in the internal pressure of the liquid viscous body or the liquid viscoelastic body.

Abstract: A retard device (100, 100?) for a hybrid system (2) is provided. The retard device (100, 100?) includes a housing (102, 102?) having a first end (104, 104?) and a second end (106, 106?). The first end (104, 104) has a system inlet (108, 108) and the second end (106, 106) has an aperture (110, 110?). A piston assembly (112, 112?) is slidably disposed in the aperture (110, 110?) of the housing (102, 102?). The piston assembly (112, 112?) includes a piston head (114, 114?) coupled to an actuating linkage (116, 116). The piston head (114, 114?) is disposed adjacent the system inlet (108, 108) and the actuating linkage (116, 116?) is disposed through the aperture (110, 110) of the housing (102, 102?). A spring (126, 126) is disposed within the housing (102, 102?) between the second end (106, 106?) and the piston head (114, 114?).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a shock absorber having a damping fluid compensation chamber with a gas charge. In one aspect, a partition separates a first chamber portion from a second chamber portion, wherein the first portion of the chamber is at a first initial gas pressure and the second portion of the chamber is at a second initial pressure. A valve separates the first and second chamber portions and opening the valve commingles the first and second chamber portions so that the combined chamber portions are at a third pressure. In another aspect, a piston disposed through a wall is in pressure communication with the gas charge and is biased inwardly toward a pressure of the charge, whereby an indicator is movable by the piston in response to the pressure.

Abstract: In a front fork in which a partition wall member is provided in an inner periphery of an inner tube, a working fluid chamber is comparted under the partition wall member and an oil reservoir chamber is comparted over the partition wall member, a main suspension spring is interposed between an upper spring bearing in a piston rod side attached to an outer tube side and a lower spring bearing in a bottom portion side of the inner tube, within the working fluid chamber of the inner tube, and a sub suspension spring is interposed between an upper spring bearing in an upper end portion side of the outer tube side and a lower spring bearing in the partition wall member provided in an inner periphery of the inner tube, within the oil reservoir chamber of the inner tube.

Abstract: A shock assembly includes a first tube having a cylindrical wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. A second tube is received within the first tube and includes a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A piston assembly is received within the second tube and includes a piston rod and a piston that is selectively movable relative to the first tube and the second tube. A height-sensing device is disposed within the first tube between the inner surface of the first tube and the outer surface of the second tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damping mechanism for folding seats in chairs, having an application in seats (1) incorporated in an articulated assembly by means of shafts (2), with springs (4) which act in the sense that they tilt the seat towards a vertical folded position, incorporating in each shaft (2) an eccentric cam (5) on which there is supported a damping piston which exerts retention action for smoothing the upward rotation of the seat by the action of the springs (4).

Abstract: An improvement to damping cylinders in which the damping fluid needs to be separated from a gas is disclosed. In particular, an annular bladder is used. An annular bladder allows for a control shaft to extend at least a portion of the length of the damping cylinder. This configuration effectively and simply reduces most issues that result from when an IFP is used for the same purpose.