Abstract: A pneumatic spring and damper unit (1) has working chambers (2,3) which are filled with compressed air and are partially defined by rolled bellows or corrugated bellows. The working chambers are superimposed and connected through throttle valves, arranged inside a common pot-shaped cylindrical housing (4), and separated by a cylindrical piston (7), in such a way that one working chamber (2) is arranged on the front side of the piston and the other working chamber (3) is arranged on the rear side of the piston. The piston and the piston rod (5) are respectively sealed by roller bellows inside the cylindrical housing and guided therein, and the piston rod and the piston are interconnected by an articulation (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring damper facility for a motor vehicle and a level control system for a motor vehicle. The spring damper facility has a main hydraulic volume and a pneumatic volume separated from the main hydraulic volume interacting with the main hydraulic volume. According to the invention, a decentralised hydraulic compensation volume is present in the spring damper facility, wherein hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic compensation volume can be redirected into the main hydraulic volume and vice versa to change a load carrying capacity of the spring damper facility and thus to provide a change in height or a change in level for the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for a damping system. The system includes a housing having an inner surface defining a passage therethrough, a first bellows disposed within the passage, the first bellows having an outer surface and spaced apart from the housing inner surface to define a first chamber having a volume, a second bellows disposed within the passage, the second bellows having an outer surface and spaced apart from the housing inner surface to define a second chamber having a volume, a restrictive flow passage in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, fluid disposed within the first chamber, the second chamber, and the restrictive flow passage, and a piston coupled to the second bellows and disposed at least partially within the restrictive flow passage, the piston configured to selectively receive a force to thereby move the piston through the housing passage.

Abstract: A piston is guided in an axially displaceable manner sealed off from a closed cylinder via an annular seal radially surrounding it, and divides the cylinder interior into a working space near the piston rod and a working space away from the piston rod. The two working spaces are filled with a hydraulic fluid. The piston has a one-sided piston rod which extends through the working space near the piston rod and is guided in a sealed manner to the outside through an end closing wall of the cylinder. A first valve can be opened under high pressure to connect the working space away from the piston rod to the working space near the piston rod. A second valve can be opened under high pressure to connect the working space near the piston rod to the working space away from the piston rod. A volume-equalizing chamber for receiving the amount displaced from the working space away from the piston rod, which is greater than the amount displaced from the working space near the piston rod.

Abstract: In a combined spring and shock absorber system for a wheel suspension of a vehicle comprising tubular rolling bellows arranged between a wheel-support structure and a vehicle body the bellows includes a space filled with a fluid in communication with a hydraulic accumulator. The bellows space is also in communication with at least one additional hydraulic accumulator via a throttle passage and via at least one pre-set differential pressure-control valve ensuring that threshold values for the internal pressure in the tubular rolling bellows are not exceeded in the event of high spring-extension and/or spring-compression speeds.

Abstract: An reusable impact energy absorbing device utilized a liquid filled piston and cylinder assembly whereby upon application of an impact to the piston the piston will move along the length of the cylinder and discharge the liquid outwardly through a sequence of valves into an elastic balloon structure secured to the piston and cylinder assembly to capture the fluid. The valves may be two-way valves which will allow the return of the fluid from the elastic balloon to the cylinder due to the creation of a partial vacuum in the cylinder upon upward movement of the piston when the impact force is removed. Upon discharge of the fluid from the cylinder through each valve, the fluid is forced to travel through a restricted labyrinth to further dissipate the impact energy.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber comprises a cylinder (11) with an expandable and contractible piston rod (12), an outer casing (13) disposed on the outside of the cylinder (11), and a reservoir (16) defined between the outer casing and the cylinder. Due to an elastically deformable bladder (14) disposed inside the reservoir, a gas chamber (17) in which gas is sealed is formed between the bladder and the outer casing, and a reservoir chamber (18) communicated with the inside of the cylinder and designed for guiding hydraulic fluid is formed between the bladder and the cylinder. Furthermore, a gas sealing valve (23) for opening and closing a flow conduit (24) communicated with the gas chamber provided to part of the outer casing is provided to a bottom portion (19) of the outer casing, and allowing gas to enter and exit the gas chamber via the gas sealing valve makes it possible to freely adjust the gas pressure in the hydraulic shock absorber from the outside.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided. The suspension includes a first assembly that is mounted between the vehicle axle and frame and provides controlling damping of movement of the unsprung mass of the vehicle. The suspension also includes a second assembly that is mounted to the vehicle frame and provides controlled damping of movement of a spring disposed against the vehicle frame. The first and second assemblies are in fluid communication. The suspension allows the spring to be mounted remotely from the vehicle axle and increases roll stiffness of the vehicle by allowing spring reaction points to be moved outboard of the vehicle frame rails.

Abstract: The compensator consists of at least one flexible and preferably elastic braiding (8), fitted up outside onto the cylinder (1) of the shock absorber, seal-fastened with its own ends onto said cylinder by means of suitable fastening means (19, 10) and carried out in such a way as to contain a chamber with variable volume (C) occupied by oil and communicating with at least one of the inside chambers of the shock absorber, for instance with the chamber with the larger volume, by means of holes provided on said cylinder.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention provides a damping device that comprises a bladder that has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with the interior surface defining a chamber which stores a compressible fluid and a valve that is attached to the interior surface of the bladder. In an embodiment, the damping device contains a bladder that can be constructed from one or more of the following materials: urethane, neoprene, Viton, Nitrile, buna rubber, or silicon. The bladder is constructed to minimize the distance between the interior surface and the exterior surface. In an embodiment, the damping device contains a valve that can be constructed from one of the following materials: steel, brass, aluminum, or composite. The valve includes a stem that has threads for attaching a nut and a flange for attaching the valve to the interior surface of the bladder. The flange is contoured to maintain the axial location of the bladder within the damping device.

Abstract: The invention provides a shock-absorbing system, comprising an oil cell having bellows-shaped walls and a bi-fluid cell, the cells being in fluid communication via at least one flow restriction conduit.

Abstract: Filling valve for a gas bag installed in a space bounded by rigid walls, where the forces of a liquid medium, which is under pressure and which flows into and out of this space, act on this space. The gas bag serves as a compensation space, is filled with gas, and can be filled through a filling valve, which has an access channel aligned with an opening in the rigid wall. The access channel is located in a connector part connected to the gas bag, the connector part also being connected to a guide part resting against the inside surface of the rigid wall, the access channel being in effective connection with the opening in the rigid wall via this guide part.

Abstract: A free piston defines a gas chamber in a cylinder, an interior of which is divided into a rod-side chamber and a bottom-side chamber by a piston. An accumulator having a gas chamber is connected to the rod-side chamber by a first oil line, midway of which is provided a damping-force generating unit. Also, the bottom-side chamber and the first oil line are communicated to each other by a communication line, midway of which is provided a spring-constant switchover valve for communication and shut-off of the communication line. Accordingly, when the spring-constant switchover valve puts the communication line in communication, the two gas chambers are compressed to make a spring constant small, thereby making comfort in a vehicle favorable. Meanwhile, the spring-constant switchover valve shuts off the communication line, only one of the gas chambers is compressed to make the spring constant large, thereby limiting a contracting displacement of a piston rod and suppressing rolling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A springing system for a vehicle has a hydraulic actuator and a storage element which holds hydraulic fluid. The system is constructed as a gas accumulator with a holding chamber for the hydraulic fluid and a separate gas chamber, and communicates with the actuator via a connecting line. In order to construct a hydropneumatic springing system for vehicles with a largely linear spring behavior up to complete relief of the load, a further storage element is connected to the actuator via a connecting line and is constructed as an elastomeric accumulator.

Abstract: A damper for a weighing device including a cavity 4 in which a plate 12 can move, which plate is designed for being connected to a weight measuring device 2. The cavity 4 is closed tightly by a flexible membrane 14 and is partly filled with an oil, while leaving a volume of air or of a gas between the top 14a of the oil and the membrane 14, the plate 12 being totally immersed in the oil. The lower surface of the plate 12 and the bottom of the cavity 4 have shapes which are not planar and which are not parallel to each other, thus preventing the formation of a thin film of oil between them. The peripheral surface of the plate 12 and of the peripheral wall of the cavity 4 define therebetween a first constriction 15 of which the transverse section is constant whatever the position of the plate 12 in the cavity 4.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper including an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, a space between the inner and outer cylinders, first and second end walls in the inner cylinder, a piston rod extending only through the first end wall and supported therein by a ball bearing assembly, a first portion of the piston on one side of the first end wall and within the inner cylinder, a second portion of the piston on the opposite side of the first end wall and external to the inner cylinder, a piston head on the first portion of the piston rod within the inner cylinder, a first chamber in the inner cylinder between the piston head and the first end wall, a second chamber in the inner cylinder between the piston head and the second end wall, an accumulator in communication with the second chamber, a fluid-containing seal between the first end wall and the second portion of the piston rod, and a closed fluid circuit between the accumulator and the fluid-containing seal through the space between the inner and outer cylinders.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-controlled damper which attenuates the motion of movable components. Sealing between the movable components is effected by a separation means which is fixed to the cylinder and the piston in the hollow space of the cylinder.

Abstract: A monotube suspension damper including a cylinder tube having a fluid chamber and a gas chamber, a piston dividing the fluid chamber into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber, a primary fluid flow path across the piston including flow control valves which throttle fluid flow, a secondary fluid flow path across the piston parallel to the primary flow path including flow control valves which throttle fluid flow, and a tubular connecting rod on the cylinder tube connected to the piston. A valve spool is supported on the piston for linear translation between closed and open positions blocking and unblocking the secondary flow path. A control rod inside of the connecting rod is disposed between the valve spool and a flexible diaphragm exposed to pneumatic pressure in an expansible load leveling chamber between sprung and unsprung masses of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The compensator is made separately from the cylinder of the shock absorber, and the two parts are prearranged for the reciprocal coupling with the possibility of articulation around said cylinder and/or around an axis, substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the axis of the shock absorber itself.

Abstract: A vibration isolator which uses a compressible fluid such as air within a pair of flexible chambers interconnected by a restrictive passage, with one of the chambers connected between a first member which may vibrate and a second member which is to be isolated from vibration so that with vibration of the first member, the compressible fluid is compressed and expanded to force compressible fluid to flow through the restrictive passage between the first and second flexible chambers, and provide desired damping of vibration to the second member.

Abstract: A vibration-isolatator utilizes a relatively small-diameter tuning port or passage and associated reduction in component size. In the illustrative embodiment described herein, a passive isolator is provided which includes a tuning passage or port which has a diameter which is approximately one-half the diameter of the prior-art isolators. The reduced radial dimension of the tuning passage of the isolator results in a remarkable decrease in its size and weight, thus increasing the efficiency of operation of the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial shock absorber requiring very few component parts, which can be cost-effectively produced while expensive milling operations are avoided, wherein different damping curves can be realized relatively simply. The shock absorber has good temperature stability in the cold and warm states, wherein the largest possible piston diameter can be achieved because of the special construction in accordance with the invention, which further contributes to stability and safety.

Abstract: A vibration damping and isolation apparatus including a passive damping mechanism and an active enhancement mechanism. The passive damping mechanism operates to dissipate vibratory and shock forces applied to the vibration damping and isolation apparatus. The passive damping mechanism includes first and second spaced damping elements. A first resilient structure connects the first damping element to the second damping element to define a primary fluid chamber between the first and second damping elements. The passive damping mechanism further includes a second resilient structure that defines a secondary fluid chamber which is in fluid communication with the primary fluid chamber via a fluid flow orifice. A fluid fills the primary fluid chamber, the secondary fluid chamber and the fluid flow orifice.

Abstract: The compensator is made separately from the cylinder of the shock absorber, and the two parts are prearranged for the reciprocal coupling with the possibility of articulation and pivoting around an axis, substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the axis of the shock absorber and eventually also with the possibility of articulation around the cylinder of the shock absorber itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration damping and isolation apparatus having a passive damping mechanism. The passive damping mechanism includes an outer tubular member and an inner member. The inner and outer members are linearly movable relative to one another upon application of forces to the damping apparatus. The inner member is spaced from the outer member by a fluid shear gap that is filled with a viscous fluid. Fluid pressure of the viscous fluid remains constant while the viscous fluid dissipates the forces by direct fluid shear upon relative linear movement of the outer and inner members.

Abstract: A damping mounting structure for use between two members for isolating motion changes which incorporates a plurality of dampers connected between the two members in a closed geometric shape and which uses cross connections between the dampers located on opposite sides of the geometric shape so that translation motion between the two members is damped less than rotational motion between the two members and an accumulator to provide pressurization of the system but to prevent loss of pressure due to slow rotational vibrations, one-way valves are connected between the system and the accumulator to allow fluid flow only from the accumulator to the system and not from the system to the accumulator and pressure relief or burp valves are used to allow short duration fluid flow from system back to the accumulator when a predetermined system over-pressure is exceeded.

Abstract: A damping mounting structure for use between two members for isolating motion changes which incorporates a plurality of dampers connected between the two members in a closed geometric shape and which uses cross connections between the dampers located on opposite sides of the geometric shape so that translation motion between the two members is less stiff than rotational motion between the two members.

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.

Abstract: Briefly, according to this invention there is provided a viscous fluid mount for interconnection between a vibrating body and a base. The viscous fluid mount includes a chamber, a high viscosity damping fluid contained within the chamber and a flow resistance device. Input energy from the vibrating body is dissipated by shear friction of the damping fluid moving parallel to the shear surface area of the flow resistance device.

Abstract: A damping mounting structure for use between two members for isolating motion changes which incorporates a plurality of dampers connected between the two members with spring members operating in parallel with the dampers to provide stiffness and where the springs are pneumatic to provide proper stiffness when the load is heavy without damage to the springs and/or to provide variable stiffness when desired.

Abstract: A compensating device, especially for railway car transformers, has a compensation receptacle including a fluid-carrying connection with the interior of the housing of the transformer. In the compensation receptacle, a compensating plate is movable along an adjusting axis under the influence of an accumulator, and is in engagement with the transformer oil carried in the compensation receptacle. A guide arrangement for controlling the movement of the compensating plate includes two sheathings slidable counter to one another. One sheathing is connected with the compensating plate. The other sheathing is connected with the stationary parts of the compensation receptacle. At least one of the sheathings cooperates with a detent surface on the compensating plate or on the compensation receptacle. The compensating device can be arranged in a railway car in the underfloor compartment.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism which can change a hinge angle freely, even if a considerable large load is attached to the tip end of a movable arm, and which can hold the hinge angle rigidly, when it is once stopped, is provided. The articulation mechanism (1) has a fluid hermetically sealing space (25) in which a non-compressive fluid or a compressive fluid compressed to a predetermined pressure is hermetically sealed, so that even if there may be energizing force, relative rotation between rotary members is prevented by a predetermined force. When the fluid hermetically sealing space is released by opening and closing valve (21), as a result of the energizing force such as may be generated, for example from load or spring, the fluid can transfer, resulting in relative rotations of the rotary members.

Abstract: Pneumatic spring comprising an elastic rolling bellows connected to a tubular body. The elastic rolling bellows, together with an essentially rigid external tube, forms a spring chamber. A bellows fastening is disposed between the rolling bellows and the external tube, whereby the rolling bellows are inserted into the external tube in a fastening segment, and are held in place by means of a retaining ring. The retaining ring, by means of its inner surface can act as a guide with respect to the rolling bellows connected to the tubular body, so that the external tube is kept at a distance with respect to the part of the rolling bellows connected to the tubular body.

Abstract: A vibration damping device comprises two cylindrical and flexible membrane members liquid-tightly connected at its end portion to respective end portion of a piston member and at its other end portions to respective face plates, a connecting member connecting the face plates to each other to form a closed chamber, a liquid filled in the closed chamber, and fastening members arranged onto the piston member and face plate, respectively. Moreover, at least one restricted passage is formed in the piston member or the connecting member. When an electrorheological fluid is used as a liquid, electrodes are arranged on opposed walls of the restricted passage.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper including a cylinder and a piston rod and a seal for the piston rod and a metal bellows fixedly mounted between the cylinder and the piston rod for accepting leakage of hydraulic fluid from the cylinder, and a spring arrangement encircling the cylinder and piston rod, the spring arrangement consisting of two equal length, equal size springs wound in opposite directions with their outer ends fixed to the cylinder and piston rod and having their inner ends bearing against each other to eliminate the application of torque from the springs to the bellows.

Abstract: A vibration damping device comprises two cylindrical and flexible membrane members liquid-tightly connected at its end portion to respective end portion of a piston member and at its other end portions to respective face plates, a connecting member connecting the face plates to each other to form a closed chamber, a liquid filled in the closed chamber, and fastening members arranged onto the piston member and face plate, respectively. Moreover, at least one restricted passage is formed in the piston member or the connecting member. When an electrorheological fluid is used as a liquid, electrodes are arranged on opposed walls of the restricted passage.

Abstract: A shock absorber with frequency-selective action, in particular for motor vehicles, can have a working cylinder filled with a damping fluid and divided into two working chambers by a piston which has throttle valves and is fastened to a piston rod. For optimal damping adjustment in vehicle-relevant frequency ranges, the working cylinder can preferably be provided with at least two hydraulic capacitances, one of which can be connected to the lower working chamber by way of a hydraulic inductance.

Abstract: A self-energizing self-levelling controllable damper unit is provided for use in a vehicle suspension system connected between two relatively movable portions of the system. The unit includes a piston and cylinder arrangement containing a damping fluid and defining three chambers of variable volume dependent upon the relative positions of the components of the arrangement. A valve is provided to regulate the flow of the damping fluid between the first and the second chambers, and between the second and third chambers respectively. The valve is controlled by a controller which, as the vehicle drives over a road surface, controls relative movement of the components of the piston and cylinder arrangement by permitting the damping fluid to flow from the third chamber to the second chamber and thence to the first chamber, and vice versa, until a desired ride height of the vehicle is achieved.

Abstract: A liquid dashpot has a casing comprising a main body and bottom cover. The main body contains a liquid chamber which is divided into two discrete spaces by a vane member. One end wall of the chamber has porting passage means formed between the outer face of said wall and the bottom cover to provide restricted communication between the chamber spaces. A flexible diaphragm forms a compensation chamber on the bottom cover subject to atmospheric pressure. The chamber can communicate with the spaces within the liquid chamber through non-return means that block super-atmospheric flow to the compensating chamber. The porting and the communicating passage means between the spaces and the compensating chamber are formed integrally in the die-cast main body and/or the bottom cover, requiring no machining. Assembly is facilitated by bringing together the bottom cover, flexible diaphragm and non-return means as a sub-assembly.

Abstract: A vibration damping device includes axially spaced first and second end members adapted to be mounted on spaced apart structures. An intermediate member is mounted within an open end of the second end member. A center member consisting of a rigid tube having a hollow bore and a lower piston is connected to the first end member and extends through the interior of the intermediate member. The tube forms an annular orifice which extends about a rigid electrode rod which extends through the rigid tube and which is also connected to the first end member and piston but electrically isolated therefrom. A pair of elastomeric sleeves extend between the intermediate member and first end member and between the intermediate member and the piston to form a pair of fluid chambers communicating with the orifice and adapted to contain an electrorheological fluid. Each of the sleeves has a rolling lobe with circular centers and different radii of curvature.

Abstract: A compound diaphragm bellows is provided that substantially increases the stroke of conventional viscous fluid dampers without significantly compromising radial stiffness. A method of restraining movement in a first plane while enhancing elastic movement in a plan perpendicular to the first plane is also provided. The disclosed compound diaphragm bellows are constructed by connecting alternating edges of flexible member pairs to rigid sleeves. Stiffening members may be added to enhance the compound diaphragm bellows' radial stiffness.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing bicycle seat is provided for a pedal/motor power driven vehicle, such as typically but not limited to, a bicycle frame having a seat tube and wheels which consists of a seat assembly. A mechanism is located between the seat assembly and the seat tube on the bicycle frame, for absorbing impulsive forces generated by the wheels making contact with an irregular road surface. The impulsive forces will be assimilated by the absorbing mechanism before reaching the seat assembly to give a rider a smoother and softer ride.

Abstract: A damper device has a fixed member and a movable member, one being inside of the other. An electroviscous fluid is sealed between these two members, and opposed electrodes are arranged at respective positions of the two members to allow relative flow of the electroviscous fluid. The portions of the movable and fixed members that are in sliding contact are shielded against the electroviscous fluid by a flexible member between these two members. In an apparatus for manufacturing semiconductors according to the invention, an arm is provided on the movable member to move along the axial direction of the guide bar when the movable member moves. A flexible member is provided between respective ends of the fixed guide bar and respective ends of the arm to maintain the internal space liquid-tight, and an electroviscous fluid is sealed inside the flexible member and between the arm and the guide bar.

Abstract: A vibration damping device comprises two cylindrical and flexible membrane members, a restricted passage constituting member connected at both end portions to these membrane members, two face plates connected at their end portion to the membrane members, a closed chamber defined by these members and face plates, a rigid member connecting both the face plates to each other at inside or outside of the closed chamber, a fluid filled in the closed chamber, and a fastening member disposed at each side of the restricted passage constituting member and the face plate.

Abstract: A pneumatic timer applicable to electric contactors and has bellows whose air intake is controlled by a limited duct with a variable section and length. The limited duct is established by a radial hole made in flange immobilized with regard to the adjustment knob, that communicates hole of the base or core of the bellows, with the air intake hole made in the core of the adjustment knob, the flange preferably having a transversal or peripheral groove as of the radial hole. When the adjustment knob is placed in a certain position, the timing is governed in terms of the limited duct implied by the length of the transversal groove, which may have a section gradually increasing towards the radial hole. The air duct can also be gauged with the thread of a screw whose head forms a variable annular duct with the wall of an axial truncated-cone hole provided in the core.

Abstract: A vibration isolation apparatus having a shaft with an axis therethrough. The shaft has a first and second end. A piston having an axial bore is coaxially positioned with the shaft to provide a damper by forming a damping path between the piston and the shaft. A flange extends radially from the piston for coupling the apparatus to a load. A first extension is coupled to and extends radially from the first end of the shaft and a second extension is coupled to and extends radially from the second end of the shaft. Secondary bellows extending from and secondary fluid paths extending through the first and second extensions provide a first volumetric stiffness in series with the damper. Primary bellows connect the flange to the first and second extensions and are coaxial with the shaft to provide a second volumetric stiffness parallel with the damper and the first volumetric stiffness.

Abstract: A damping apparatus including a piston having an axis therethrough. The piston includes a coaxial body portion and a first and second end extending oppositely therefrom along the axis. A rigid housing is coaxial with and surrounds the body of the piston for forming a rigid fluid volume between the piston and the rigid housing. The rigid fluid volume includes a first fluid chamber at a first end of the piston and a second fluid chamber at the second end of the piston. The first and second fluid chambers are connected by a damping path. The damping apparatus further includes a flexible housing coupled to the first and second ends of the piston and surrounding the rigid housing to form a fluid return of lower resistance to flow than the damping path between the rigid housing and the flexible housing and to allow movement of the rigid housing with respect to the piston.

Abstract: A suitable design is given of a closure damper for a sanitary water fitting, especially in the form of a single-handle mixing unit, with a casing, an activation handle, and with a control unit presenting a disk, piston, balls, or the like, as well as a closure damper to extend the closure time and reduce the closure rate arranged between the handle and the fitting casing, whereby the closure damper is designed as a piston and cylinder unit. It is provided for watertight membrane (20) to surround piston and cylidner unit (16, 17) outside, connected with cylinder (16) on the one hand and piston (17) on the other, watertight in both cases, which forms membrane chamber (24) when piston (17) is pushed in, and a flow connection exists between inside space (25) of cylinder (16) sealed against piston (17) and the outside of cylinder (16) encircled by membrane (20).

Abstract: Magnetorheological (MR) fluid dampers are optimized. Dimensional relationships involved in the flow of magnetic flux are related to an operational parametric ratio of magnetic flux density in the fluid to the flux density in the steel. A magnetic valve is utilized to change the flow parameters of the MR fluid and, hence, the operational characteristics of the damper. Several embodiments depicting improved piston designs, including spool as well as toroidal configurations, are disclosed. In addition, both single and twin-tube housing designs are presented.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing damper of the viscous type having an outer cylinder enclosing a damping member with the damping member positioned for axial movement within the outer cylinder while retaining a hermetic seal without the use of gaskets or seals. The damping member is comprised of a pair of arcuate structures with high volumetric rigidity and joined axially by a nonelastomeric member. A fluid-retaining reservoir is deformed by forces applied to the exterior cylinder, resulting in deformation of the arcuate structure and resulting compression or extension of the fluid reservoir. Excess fluid is forced into a bellows through a restricting orifice for storage during compression stresses, and returned from the bellows to the fluid reservoir during extension of the outer cylinder during cyclical vibration. The damper operates with deflections as small as 1 microinch and provides a large actuating force, even though the motion is very small.