Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for locking and releasing ends of a support strut coupled between a mounting platform and a load. In a preferred embodiment, the strut comprises a damping section coupled between the ends and having a gap therein when the strut is unlocked, a locking section coupled between the ends for closing the gap by applying stress to a portion of the damper section through a force transmitting member, and a releasing section coupled in parallel with part of the force transmitting member, the releasing section including a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and heater therefore. Heating the SMA relieves the stress and opens the gap. Release from the locked condition occurs gradually and without fracture or sudden shock and the heater can be actuated remotely. In a preferred embodiment, a worm drive turnbuckle arrangement is used to apply force to lock the strut.

Abstract: A telescoping column includes a first tube and a second tube arranged in telescoping fashion. A locking structure is disposed between a surface formed on the first tube and a ramp disposed on the second tube. The locking structure contacts the ramp at a first elongated area of contact, and the locking structure contacts the surface at a second elongated area of contact. Relative movement of the first and second tubes in response to an impact force applied to one of the first and second tubes causes the locking structure to become wedged between the ramp and the surface, and at least a portion of the impact force between the first and second tubes is transmitted through the first and second elongated areas of contact.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit, in particular a gas spring, comprises a substantially cylindrical casing with a central longitudinal axis, the casing having a first end with an edge that is bent inwards, a closed second end, and an interior space that is filled with a working fluid; a guide unit which is disposed in the casing in the vicinity of the first end and supported outwards by the inwardly bent edge; a piston rod which is coaxial to the central longitudinal axis and which is displaceably passed through the guide unit and which has a piston on the end of the piston rod that is on the side of the interior space; the piston-cylinder unit is characterized in that a plastic sleeve is mounted on the edge, enfolding the edge on the outside of the casing.

Abstract: A telescoping column includes a first tube and a second tube arranged in telescoping fashion. A locking structure is disposed between a surface formed on the first tube and a ramp disposed on the second tube. The locking structure contacts the ramp at a first elongated area of contact, and the locking structure contacts the surface at a second elongated area of contact. Relative movement of the first and second tubes in response to an impact force applied to one of the first and second tubes causes the locking structure to become wedged between the ramp and the surface, and at least a portion of the impact force between the first and second tubes is transmitted through the first and second elongated areas of contact.

Abstract: A dampening cylinder is provided. The dampening cylinder includes a cylindrical housing defining a cavity for receiving a fluid therein. A piston slidably extends through the cavity in the housing and includes a flange projecting radially therefrom. The flange is positioned within the cavity so as to divide the cavity in the housing into first and second portions. First and second flow control valves control the rate of flow of fluid between the first and second portions of the cavity in the housing, and hence, the rate at which the piston slides through the housing. An emergency stop valve is positioned in fluid communication with the fluid flowing between the first and second portions of the cavity in the housing. The stop valve is movable between a first open position for allowing the flow of fluid between the first and second portions of the cavity in the housing and a closed position for preventing the flow of fluid between the first and second portions of the cavity in the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling frame rise on a heavy duty truck having a frame, a drive axle connected to the frame, and a selectively lockable suspension component disposed therebetween for maintaining the relative position therebetween. Signals indicative of at least one of the following vehicle operating parameters: engine speed, brake pressure, vehicle speed, air bag pressure, steering wheel angle, vehicle height, or throttle position are monitored and a predicted thrust is calculated that will be applied to the drive axle based on the monitored signals. The selectively lockable suspension component is locked if the predicted thrust exceeds a predetermined threshold and is also controlled with respect to other operating parameters such as whether vehicle brakes are applied, any instantaneous change in torque, vehicle operating speed, and the length of time the selectively lockable suspension component has been locked.

Abstract: Starting devices are provided that are adapted to help hold the front end of a motorcycle down, especially in a “hole shot” or starting applications. The devices allow a rider to compress the suspension fork of the motorcycle down by about 3 to about 4 inches and temporarily lock the fork in a given position. Certain variations provide for selection one of a number of positions. Lock-down and automatic release are accomplished by pushing in a spring loaded lock button while the fork struts are compressed. A pin member interfaces with a stop member located on the fork to prevent decompression of the fork. Upon further compression of the fork (e.g., due to braking) the pin is released and the spring member draws the pin out of the way to allow clearance for free fork travel.

Abstract: Self-pumping hydropneumatic suspension strut with internal ride-height control, particularly for motor vehicles, with an outer tube with an oil-filled high-pressure work space under the pressure of at least one gas cushion acting as spring in a high-pressure chamber, a second work space on the piston rod side, and an axially displaceable piston which is supported by a hollow piston rod and is sealed in the work cylinder. The piston rod which is driven by the springing movement of the vehicle conveys oil from a low-pressure chamber to the second work space connected to the high-pressure chamber and a pump rod is received in a pump cylinder formed by the hollow piston rod.

Abstract: Hydraulic tension stop for vibration dampers, shock absorbers, or similar piston-cylinder assemblies, where each assembly has a fluid-filled working space, the boundaries of which are formed axially by a piston rod guide and the piston and radially by the cylinder and the piston rod which carries the piston, part of this working space also belonging to the tension stop. A stop ring is mounted on the piston rod, which ring cooperates with a slotted, outwardly tensioned damping ring, so that the tension damping can be varied as a function of the stroke. When the stop ring reaches a predetermined position, the damping ring seats in a rest-position channel in a slide face permanently attached to the cylinder, the channel having a conical surface.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring having a piston and rod assembly operatively mounted in a gas-charged cylinder tube which expands when an associated closure such as a lift gate of a vehicle is released from its locked position. The force of the pneumatic spring assists the swinging movement of the lift gate on its hinges relative to the bodywork of the vehicle. As the lift gate opens, the pneumatic spring expands with the piston rod telescoping outwardly of the cylinder tube, which operates to pull a dust tube normally surrounding the cylinder tube. This around the tube until a stop ring secured to the end of the dust engages a stop collar operatively mounted on the cylinder tube. This positively limits the expansion of the gas spring and thereby establishes the open position of the lift gate.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a rebound, in particular a rebound spring. The vibration damper includes a piston which is formed on an axially movable piston rod and which separates two working chambers in a cylinder, the working chamber penetrated by the piston rod being closed off with a lid and containing the rebound. An out-stroke of the piston rod relative to the cylinder includes an idle-stroke which starts at a minimum out-stroke and in which the rebound does not counteract the piston rod movement, a working-stroke which ends at a maximum out-stroke and in which the rebound counteracts the piston rod movement, and a point of application at which the idle-stroke ends and the working-stroke begins. The vibration damper further includes an arrangement configured to adjust the point of application.

Abstract: A gas spring lock for engaging and locking a gas spring in the extended position so that covers of spas, hot tubs and other similar apparatus that employ gas springs can be safely locked into an open position. A gas spring lock includes an elongate locking arm that extends along the piston of a gas spring, toward the cylinder thereof. Typically, the locking arm is longitudinally fixed in relation to the piston of the gas spring. The locking arm includes a notch which is defined by a portion of the locking arm. The notch is provided to engage the step that is formed between the piston and the cylinder of the gas spring.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit, in particular a gas spring, comprises a substantially cylindrical casing with a central longitudinal axis, the casing having a first end with an edge that is bent inwards, a closed second end, and an interior space that is filled with a working fluid; a guide unit which is disposed in the casing in the vicinity of the first end and supported outwards by the inwardly bent edge; a piston rod which is coaxial to the central longitudinal axis and which is displaceably passed through the guide unit and which has a piston on the end of the piston rod that is on the side of the interior space; the piston-cylinder unit is characterized in that a plastic sleeve is mounted on the edge, enfolding the edge on the outside of the casing.

Abstract: A gas spring comprises a housing, in which a piston that is mounted on a piston rod is disposed for displacement, dividing the interior of the housing into two partial volumes filled with fluid. A valve is provided, by means of which to interconnect the partial volumes. The valve is designed such that, when a force that acts in the piston-rod push-in direction exceeds a given threshold, a valve pin, which serves to open and close the valve, is displaceable from a closing position against a spring unit into a position of opening by overload.

Abstract: A lift strut with directional damping comprising a housing comprising a wall that defines a housing chamber, the housing defining an axis; spring means located in the chamber; piston means movable through the chamber along the axis in a first direction and a second direction, the spring means biasing the piston means in the first direction, the piston means comprising a shaft, a seat connected to the shaft along the shaft length, and a resilient member fixed to the seat, the resilient element comprising at least one primary damping ridge and a damping tongue, each of the at least one primary damping ridges being in friction engagement with the housing as the resilient member is moved in the first and second directions, the damping tongue being in engagement with the housing wall when the resilient member is moved in the first direction and being located away from the housing wall when the resilient member is moved in the second direction.

Abstract: A gas spring device includes a pressure adjustor having an actuator mechanism which regulates the rate of discharge through a pressure-release valve in equal bursts small enough to permit precise adjustment of the internal working pressure of the gas spring. Manually turning the actuator mechanism provides a consistent application of intermittent inertial force to the gas spring pressure-release valve so that resultant equal bursts provide a controlled release of pressure, even from imprecise manual operation. The chance of over-bleeding is eliminated since the mechanics of the actuator mechanism provides a single metered burst of released gas regardless of how quickly or slowly it is turned, thus the size of the burst is not dependent on the operator's skill. Because the adjustor mechanism is integrated directly into the device, it is compact and does not interfere with other surrounding mechanical structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a height-controlling device of a swivel chair. An objective of this invention is to prevent the detachment of components which are fitted to the end of a piston rod of a cylinder, resulting in the improvement of work conditions. The height-controlling device of the present invention is comprised of an elastic body 620, bearing supports 42 and 44, and a ball bearing 50 which are fitted to the end of a piston rod 610 of a cylinder 12; and a retaining washer 1 which is fixed to the piston rod and prevents the detachment of the elastic body, the bearing supports and the ball bearing component from the piston rod. Alternatively, the height-controlling device of the present invention is comprised of an elastic body 620 and a bearing support 42 which are fitted to the end of a piston rod 610 of a cylinder 12; and a thrust bearing 500 which is fixed to the piston rod and functions as both the bearing support 44 and the ball bearing component 50.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for supporting a steering wheel of a vehicle includes a first steering column part (60) and a second steering column part (20) adjacent the first steering column part. The first steering column part (60) and the vehicle steering wheel (16) are supported for pivotal movement about an axis (46) between a plurality of different orientations relative to the second steering column part (20). A locking mechanism is interposed between the first steering column part (60) and the second steering column part (20) for locking the first steering column part in a selected one of the plurality of orientations. The locking mechanism comprises a fluid (90) having a shear strength which varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The apparatus further comprises magnets (114, 116) for varying the shear strength of the fluid (90) by varying the energy field to vary the resistance to movement of the first steering column part (60) relative to the second steering column part (20).

Abstract: A vibration damper module is described with a first member adapted for coupling to one of the vehicle and seat, and a shock absorber adapted to be coupled to the other of the vehicle and seat. The first member may take the form of a housing within which the shock absorber is substantially disposed. A latch selectively couples and decouples the housing to the shock absorber to respectively apply and relieve the application of the dampening force from the shock absorber to the seat which dampens vibrations in the seat. The shock absorber may include an external housing carrying a latch gripping surface, such as a plurality of teeth. The latch may comprise at least one latch arm having a latch surface. The latch arm may be shifted to a first position in which the latch surface and latch gripping surface are engaged to couple the first member to the shock absorber and to a second position wherein these components are disengaged.

Abstract: The support includes a tubular casing (1), whereby the remaining components of the support are accommodated in the interior of this casing. A stop (15,16) exists at the respective end of the casing. An end piece (12,13) is accommodated in the respective end portion of the casing (1) whereby the outer front surface (22,34) of the respective end piece rests on the assigned stop (15,16). A terminating or closing device (25,26) is assigned to that one side of the respective end piece, which faces the interior of the support, whereby a tubular interior part (10) extends between said terminating devices. A sealing ring (35) is arranged between the front surface (22,34) of the respective end piece (12,13) and the assigned stop (15,16). The outer diameter of this sealing ring (35) before the assemblage of the support is equal to the outer diameter of the remaining components lying in the interior of the support or it is smaller than the diameter of the remaining interior parts.

Abstract: A vibration isolator on which a stretcher is to be placed is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the vibration isolator. The locking mechanism is mounted on a movable frame of the vibration isolator, and includes a stationary portion and a movable portion mounted on the stationary portion so as to undergo a rocking motion at least in a vertical direction. The locking mechanism also includes first and second lock pins movable between a locking position and a locking release position, a link mechanism connected to the first and second lock pins, and an operation knob for operating the first and second lock pins via the link mechanism. When the operation knob is moved from the locking release position to the locking position, the link mechanism moves the first and second lock pins toward each other to sandwich a portion of the stationary portion therebetween, thereby locking the movable portion with respect to the stationary portion.

Abstract: A locking device includes a cylinder chamber that is filled with a working medium and is divided by a piston into two working sections. A flow connection between the working sections is controlled by a check valve and a gate valve, which are arranged in parallel. When the check valve opens, dynamic pressure of the working fluid flowing through the check valve from one working section acts on a fluid contact surface of the gate valve and opens the gate valve. After it opens, the gate valve is kept in the open position by a pressure in a bypass past the check valve so that working fluid can thereafter flow through the fluid connection, regardless of the state of the check valve.

Abstract: A release device for a tandem axle of a semi-truck is a compressible piston and cylinder, with the piston rod extending out of one end of the cylinder and biased into an extended position by a biasing mechanism such as compressed gas in the cylinder. A latch on the cylinder is releasably engageable with an indent on the piston rod to hold it in a retracted position. A hook on the cylinder engages over the handle of a manual release rod for a truck tandem axle, with an enlarged head on the end of the piston rod bearing against part of the frame adjacent the release rod with the piston rod in the latched, retracted position. Release of the latch puts biasing force on the piston rod, urging the cylinder outwardly away from the frame to pull out the release rod.

Abstract: A stay damper for a door etc., includes a cylinder member filled with filler gas under pressure, a piston rod slidable in the cylinder member and a cover supported by the projecting end of the piston rod so that the lower end of the cover can move radially toward and away from the cylinder. The upper end of the cylinder member is formed with a notch opening upward. When the stay damper is extended, the notch of the cylinder member catches the lower end of the cover and prevents inward movement of the piston rod to hold the stay damper in the extended state.

Abstract: A dashpot with an inner cylinder (3) accommodated in an outer cylinder (1), and a piston (6) traveling back and forth inside on the end of a piston rod (5) and separating the inner cylinder into two chambers (7 & 8). The piston rod enters the cylinders through a hole at one end that seals it off and positions it. The outer cylinder is provided with a base (4) at the end opposite the end with the hole. The inner cylinder is centered along the axis of the outer cylinder at each end. The cylindrical gap (2) between the two cylinders is provided with a fluid-accommodating compartment (11) and, toward the base, a port (13) opening into the adjacent chamber (8). The chamber accommodates, preferably above the port, a vent (12). The mutually contacting ends of the cylinders are hot or cold welded together at the base end or at the end remote from the base.

Abstract: An adjustment device for an item of furniture comprises two relatively mutually movable parts of which the one is elongate, cylindrical and longitudinally displaceable in relation to the other. A helical spring is disposed with pretensioning about a split sleeve which grips the cylindrical portion. At least one end of the spring is disposed for cooperation with an abutment in communication with the second part. An operating device is connected to the spring for realizing, on actuation between the ends of the spring and about the center axis of the spring, a relative rotational movement which is counter-directed to the pretensioning.

Abstract: An automotive suspension-locking device mounted to a shock absorber having a cylinder and a piston rod, the suspension-locking device includes a brake band provided around the piston rod of the shock absorber for locking and unlocking the shock absorber, structure for controlling the brake band, the control structure being connected to both end portions of the brake band, and an actuator connected to the control structure by a piston rod thereof for actuating the control structure.

Abstract: A locking assembly for preventing accidental let out of a slack adjuster is provided wherein the slack adjuster includes an elongated hollow housing member and an elongated rod member mounted for reciprocal movement within the hollow housing member. At least a portion of the rod member extends outwardly from a first end of the slack adjuster and is movable in a lateral direction with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the hollow housing member. A rod weldment washer is secured to the rod member at a predetermined location intermediate each end thereof. This rod weldment washer is positioned within the hollow housing member such that a side edge thereof is a predetermined distance from an inner surface of a sidewall of the hollow housing member during normal operation of the slack adjuster.

Abstract: The damper includes a piston assembly which travels within a cylindrical damper housing between an extended position and a retracted position. A transverse channel is formed proximate to the open end of the damper housing. A latching diamond travels within the transverse channel. The piston assembly includes a piston shaft with a camming wall sub-assembly formed thereon which engages the latching diamond so that the piston assembly is latched in a “push-push” configuration in the extended position. In this latched configuration, the latching diamond is detent engaged by a concave detent apex formed on an island which includes a longitudinally chamfered portion. Additionally, the flexibility of the island in which the concave detent apex is formed may be increased by transverse passageways or “cored-out” areas in the piston shaft immediately adjacent to the island.

Abstract: An adjustable installation includes a body and a member carried by the body for adjustment among a plurality of positions by movements substantially in tandem of two spaced-apart locations on the member. A controllable locking gas spring is coupled between the body and the member at one of the locations, and an emergency locking gas spring is coupled between the body and the member at the other of the locations. The emergency locking gas spring normally acts like a non-locking gas spring and is thus in a follower relationship to the controllable locking gas spring but is locked automatically in either of two ways, depending on its design. In some designs, the emergency locking gas spring locks when a force greater than a predetermined force is imposed on it. In other designs, the emergency locking gas spring is locked in response to a signal generated by an acceleration detector upon detection of an acceleration of the installation greater than a predetermined acceleration.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing the unwanted extension of a hydraulic lock when the lock is subjected to relatively high dynamic loads. The lock includes a hydraulic cylinder having a piston slidably mounted therein. The piston is secured to a piston rod which passes outwardly through one end wall of the cylinder. The lock is placed in tension when the piston rod is being extended and in compression when the rod is being retracted. A flow channel is formed in the piston through which fluid is exchanged from one side of the piston to the other. A manually operated spring biased control valve is mounted in the flow channel which is normally held closed by a set spring. Fluid is allowed to flow when the valve is manually opened or when the lock is placed in tension by some external force that overcomes the biasing force of the set spring. A velocity sensitive restrictor is also mounted in the flow channel that closes the channel when the lock is placed in tension by a dynamic force above a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: A detent device for locking first and second elements that are movable relative to one another includes a first subassembly connected to a first element and a second subassembly connected to the second element. A first locking mechanism of the detent device can be controlled at will by use of an actuating mechanism. The first locking mechanism is subordinated to a second locking mechanism that acts independently of the first locking mechanism as soon as a threshold value of the relative speed of the two subassemblies of the detent device is exceeded. The second locking mechanism includes a first locking element and a second locking element, the first locking element being functionally associated with the first subassembly and the second locking element being functionally associated with the second subassembly. The first and the second locking elements form a clutch. In addition, the locking mechanism can also have two states of locking actuation.

Abstract: A gas spring device is provided with a safe and effective way to reduce to zero the velocity of a piston rod which is traveling at a high velocity in the gas spring device during a failure of the gas spring device. This achieved by stopping the piston rod in a controlled manner through a stepwise reduction in its energy and velocity to keep the force on the piston to a minimum at all times during the failure. The reduction in energy is caused by a plurality of frangible components associated with the gas spring device which are designed to break during a failure, thereby dissipating the kinetic energy of the piston rod.

Abstract: An air damper has a cylinder member provided at its opposite ends with openings. One opening is formed with a seal surface. A piston member is movable in the cylinder member along an axial direction of the cylinder member so as to generate a variation in pressure in the cylinder member. A cap member is provided on the one opening of the cylinder member. At least a portion of the cap member is capable of moving between a state where the cap member is in contact with the seal surface and a state where the cap member is separated from the seal member in correspondence with the variation in pressure caused by the movement of the piston member. Further, in a state where the cap member is separated from the seal surface, air in the cylinder member can flow out from a space between the cap member and the seal surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydropneumatic shock absorber. This new telescopic system comprises an outer sliding tube, an inner sliding tube having an adjustable braking level of the shock absorber in expansion. Fastened on the base of the outer sliding tube is the bottom of a barrel on which rests counter-acting spring, or other elastic device, which pushes on the inner sliding tube in the expansion stroke. The inner sliding tube carries at its internal end a bell which cooperates with a stop spring when in the expansion stroke. The liquid filled barrel contains an axially movable piston connected to the closure plug assembly of the inner sliding tube by a support tube. The piston contains a first valve, which opens only in the compression phase, and a second valve, which acts as variable throttle and is controlled by the padded end of a screw axially placed within the support tube.

Abstract: The device comprises a cylinder (1) which is divided in two variable volume chambers (3,4) by a piston (2,2'), which has conduits (5,5') for the passage of a fluid from one chamber to the other, and spring means (15) for pushing the piston in a predetermined direction, tending to cause a pressure increase in one of the chambers; the piston is mounted on a rod formed of two aligned rod elements (7,8), with means (9) for bringing closer and separating their adjacent extremities; it comprises means for providing a controlled fluid leak through the conduits (5,5') of the piston, said means consisting of a groove (25) provided in the piston (2') or washers (12,13) which can be deformed due to the existence of an undercut (33) in one of the rod elements. It provides for the automatic return of the seat and/or the back of the seat to a predetermined position when the passenger leaves the seat.

Abstract: The valve of an adjustable length gas spring comprises a valve body which has two outside seals and two inside seals. The seals are applied integrally to the valve body by injection-molding.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit includes a piston which divides the cylinder into two working chambers, a sealing valve seals a flow path between the two working chambers in the stationary operating condition of the unit. The sealing valve has a valve element consisting of an axially movable radially sealing sealing ring in conjunction with a valve ring, which at its back is supported by a spring-biased member. The slide member and the valve ring form therebetween a flow-off chamber having a flow-off opening that is sized so that unrestricted fluid flow is permitted so as to prevent the formation of a ram pressure in the flow-off chamber. The sealing ring is movable between three axial positions relative to the valve ring. At a center position, the sealing ring seals the flow path against fluid flow. At the two other positions, the sealing ring permits fluid flow in opposite directions.

Abstract: A gas spring 20 having a piston 23 slidably disposed within a cylinder 21 sealed with air 25, with one end of the cylinder closed, having a rod 22 fixed to the piston 23, having cylinder grooves 29 extending in an axial direction of the cylinder formed on the inner periphery of the cylinder so that an extension side damping force is generated in an extension process in the cylinder grooves, and having one end of the cylinder and the rod fitted to a vehicle body with the other end fitted to a rear door pivoted on the body, wherein the cylinder grooves are formed in both-side movable areas X and Z excluding a locking area Y in a stroke area of the piston.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an arresting device for fixing the selected relative position of an adjustable first element with respect to a second element, for example a seat of a piece of seating furniture, with respect to a base of a piece of seating furniture, with a cylinder fastened on a second element, in which a distancing element, which is connected with the first element, can be displaced in the displacement direction against the resistance of at least one restoring spring or vice versa, wherein the displacement movement can be blocked in each position and can be released by means of an actuating device, and with a mechanical brake having at least one adjustable brake element, by means of which the actuation element can be brought into a release position or can be released against the resistance of at least one brake spring.

Abstract: An adjustable-length gas spring comprises a housing and a piston rod led out of the latter, on which a piston is disposed, dividing the housing into two partial housing chambers. Provision is made for a valve for the partial housing chambers to be connected with each other, the valve comprising a valve-operating lever, which is arranged pivotably at right angles to its longitudinal direction and a valve seat of which, when the lever is pivoted out of a position of rest into a position of opening of the valve, can be lifted off a seal, while forming a gap that connects the partial housing chambers with each other.

Abstract: In a bicycle having a main frame, a wheel support frame pivotally attached to the main frame by a swing arm, and a suspension system coupled to the swing arm and the wheel support frame, a device for inhibiting the operation of the suspension system consisting of a body having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally attached to the swing arm and the second end being configured to detachably engage the main frame, such that when the second end of the body is engaged with the main frame, movement of the swing arm is substantially restricted.In the bicycle, a method of inhibiting the operation of the suspension system consisting the steps of providing the body having the first end and the second end; mounting the first end such that the first end is pivotally attached to the swing arm; and, pivoting the body from a disengaged position to an engaged position such that when the second end of the body is engaged with the main frame, movement of the swing arm is substantially restricted.

Abstract: Fluid strut which consists of a cylinder, the interior of which contains a charge under pressure, and a piston rod connected to a piston located in this interior.

Abstract: A pneumatic strut for use as an opening power assist mechanism for a motor vehicle tailgate has a piston rod extending from a piston contained within a cylinder. The piston separates the cylinder into two work chambers, each containing a gas charge under pressure. A bypass opening is active to connect the work chambers during the initial opening displacement of the tailgate to automatically open the tailgate through a first opening angle range. A second valve can be externally actuated to connect the two work chambers to further selectively open the tailgate into a second opening angle range. To close the tailgate, a third, directionally dependent valve can automatically connect the two work chambers during the closing displacement of the tailgate.

Abstract: A positioning element to position two objects which are movable in relation to one another includes a cylinder in which there is an axially movable piston rod with a piston. The piston sealingly divides the cylinder into two working chambers by a piston ring, each of the working chambers containing blocking medium. The sealing by the piston ring can be bypassed during an insertion stroke of the piston rod. The piston includes a piston base body and a valve element, the valve element being movable along the base body to open and close a flow connection between the working chambers. An external opening force can displace the valve element to open the flow connection and permit an automatic extension stroke of the piston rod. The valve element remains open during the extension stroke on account of the flow of blocking medium through the flow connection. The valve element can be displaced to close the flow connection in response to stopping the extension stroke of the piston rod to position the two objects.

Abstract: A roll control system with a latchable stabilizer bar actuator includes an anti-roll bar that is mounted to a vehicle's body and includes a pair of ends with one end rigidly connected to the vehicle's chassis and the second end connected to the vehicle's chassis through a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a single cylindrical tube slidably carrying a piston. The piston separates the tube into first and second chambers. The piston carries a solenoid operated valve that effects latching and de-latching of the actuator for selectively effecting operation of the anti-roll bar.

Abstract: A rotational latching device for use with a damper device comprising a cylinder and a piston so as to hold the piston in the closed position includes a rotating latching member and a heart-shaped cam part. The cam part includes a V-shaped portion. The latch member includes a latch guide pin which is retained in a V-shaped portion of the cam part in the closed position and is unlatched therefrom when the front end of the piston is moved slightly into the cylinder. The rotating latch member comprises a one-piece construction, can be easily formed by injection molding, and is readily assembled.

Abstract: A fork capable of absorbing the vibrations produced by the irregularities of the ground where a bicycle travels. In this way, vibrations do not end up being transmitted to the bicyclist's hands and arms, which is an advantage over conventional bicycles having rigid forks. The fork includes in each one of its two vertical arms or branches a shock absorber that comprises a group of elements that operates by means of oil and a gaseous fluid. Located between these elements is a floating piston that separates an oil chamber from the other gaseous fluid chamber. The fork includes a mechanical blocking system whose structure and functioning are very simple.

Abstract: An adjustable length strut having a unique locking device. An annular spring within a housing surrounds an actuator rod. An actuator member engages one end of the annular spring axially compressing it and causing radial bulging resulting in locking the rod in position relative to the housing. Numerous embodiments are disclosed which may replace gas springs in such applications as seat height adjusters, chair arm adjusters and seatback adjusters. An embodiment is disclosed employing a switch to activate and deactivate the actuator member.

Abstract: A gas spring for the hatchback or other closure member of a motor vehicle body automatically stops at an intermediate position between the fully closed and fully opened positions. A piston carrying a piston rod separates the interior of a cylindrical body into first and second chambers. Gas under pressure forces the piston and piston rod towards the extended position to open the closure member, a restricted gas path through a groove in the cylinder wall allowing gas to flow from the second chamber to the first chamber. A third chamber is also defined within the cylinder and has an uninterrupted wall portion and a wall portion incorporating a groove. The third chamber is on the opposite side of the second chamber to the first chamber and has a smaller diameter than the first and second chambers.