Abstract: A latch mechanism is disclosed for use with an air damper assembly. The air damper assembly is used for controlling the dampening rate of an openable object and includes a piston head having a molded channel therein and a lip seal member disposed around the connecting member of the piston head to form a continuous seal therebetween. The piston head is formed of a pair of axially spaced-apart first and second circular plate members which are connected by the connecting member. The second circular plate member is formed of a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular plate member so as to allow the outer peripheral portion of the lip seal member to collapse and become disengaged from the inner peripheral sidewall of the housing member. The latch mechanism latches the piston at its retracted position within its cylinder or housing.

Abstract: A locking and positioning device (20) for allowing unlocking and adjustment and then relocking of multiple degrees of freedom with a singular actuation mechanism (26). The device (20) includes a first locking mechanism (22) and a second separate, independent, and spaced apart locking mechanism (24) both of which are actuated by a singular actuation device (26). The first locking mechanism and second locking mechanism may be locked simultaneously or independently with the same actuation device (26).

Abstract: A locking device for selectively securing two movable objects in desired positions relative to each other includes a cylinder and a piston movable within the cylinder and defining first and second working chambers of variable volumes. A fluid exchange connection provided on the piston includes a flow chamber having openings that communicate with the working chambers. A valve body slidably received on the piston in sealed relation is biased by a spring into a position closing the opening from the flow chamber to first working chamber. When the fluid pressure in the second working chamber exceeds a predetermined amount and acts on the valve body, the valve body is moved against the spring bias and opens to allow fluid to flow through the fluid exchange connection. In the open position, a larger area of the valve body is exposed to the pressure in the second chamber.

Abstract: A plurality of embodiments of dual-rate linear dampers which can be utilized as hold open rods. These dampers provide significantly greater resistance to movement in one direction than in the other and, in the claimed embodiment, effectively lock in the hold open position unless and until the design breakover force is incurred. A second spring causes axial compression and, hence, radial bulging, of a first spring causing a inner cylindrical member to be locked in position relative to an outer cylindrical housing. An actuator includes a first rod that extends through the inner cylindrical member, and a second rod portion that is biased by a third spring to a non-engaging position relative to the first rod. A laterally extending lever can be manually engaged to overcome the bias of the second and third springs to unload the first spring significantly reducing the resistance force enabling the relative positions of the inner and outer cylindrical members to be adjusted.

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: A collapsible strut for connection between a first member and a second member mounted on the first member.

Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable gas spring has a housing of which the edge on the side where the piston rod exits, projects freely. With the housing being moved as far as possible into an upright tube of a longitudinally adjustable column, the edge can at least in part overlap a damping member located on the piston rod, and with the housing being extracted as far as possible from the upright tube, it can serve additionally as a guidance in a guide bush of the upright tube.

Abstract: A hydraulic strut for a motor vehicle for providing a movement guiding and dampening function can generally have a cylinder, with a piston disposed in the cylinder to divide the cylinder into at least first and second chamber portions, with a piston rod extending from the piston out of the cylinder. The cylinder can be sealed at both ends, and can preferably be filled with hydraulic fluid. The piston can preferably define a flow connection between the two fluid chambers, and this flow connection can typically have some sort of valve arrangement therein for controlling flow of fluid between the first and second chamber portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for a system transported on board a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, said system being connected to the structure of the vehicle via at least one element having a cylindrical body and a telescopic rod. According to the invention, the body and the rod of each element together define two internal fluid chambers which are normally isolated from each other, a communication passage being provided between the two chambers and normally being closed by an associated throttling valve, the throttling valve being controlled by acceleration-sensing means using a mass that is movable in the axial direction of the telescopic element and that is associated with a rated spring. The means is organized to cause the throttling valve to open as soon as the sensed acceleration exceeds a threshold which is predetermined as a function of the system to be protected, the acceleration of the system thus being kept below the threshold by the telescopic element changing in length.

Abstract: A plurality of embodiments of dual-rate linear dampers which can be utilized as hold open rods. These dampers provide significantly greater resistance to movement in one direction than in the other and, in one embodiment, effectively lock in the hold open position unless and until the design breakover force is incurred. The comparative resistance to movement in the two linear directions can be altered within the range of between five and ten times the force in the resistive embodiment by varying a number of parameters including, but not limited to, the number of disks in the string, the thickness of the disk flange, the number and depth of grooves in one or both surfaces of the flange, the tapering of the flange, and the properties of the elastomer.

Abstract: A telescoping door closer or strut is disclosed wherein a sliding rod is automatically held at any desired position of extension or retraction with respect to an associated housing. An automatic brake and hold mechanism for retaining the rod in the desired position includes an annular disk-like brake mounted on the rod and pivotable from a transverse position where the rod slides freely therethrough and an oblique position where the rod is cramped and retained by the brake. One edge or side of the brake is restrained to cause it to pivot into the oblique position upon movement of the rod in a first direction. A stop attached to the housing engages the opposite side of brake to keep it in the transverse position upon movement of the rod in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An air damper assembly for controlling the dampening rate of an openable object includes a piston head having a molded channel therein and a lip seal member disposed around the connecting member of the piston head to form a continuous seal therebetween. The piston head is formed of a pair of axially spaced-apart first and second circular plate members which are connected by the connecting member. The second circular plate member is formed of a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular plate member so as to allow the outer peripheral portion of the lip seal member to collapse and become disengaged from the inner peripheral sidewall of the housing member.

Abstract: A locking device for selectively securing two movable objects in desired positions relative to each other includes a cylinder and a piston movable within the cylinder and defining first and second working chambers of variable volumes. A fluid exchange connection provided on the piston includes a flow chamber having openings that communicate with the working chambers. A valve body slidably received on the piston in sealed relation is biased by a spring into a position closing the opening from the flow chamber to first working chamber. When the fluid pressure in the second working chamber exceeds a predetermined amount and acts on the valve body, the valve body is moved against the spring bias and opens to allow fluid to flow through the fluid exchange connection. In the open position, a larger area of the valve body is exposed to the pressure in the second chamber.

Abstract: An operator for a locking gas spring has a rotating cam which causes an actuating pin to move longitudinally within the actuator to operate the gas spring. The rotating cam is rotated by using a flexible cable to allow the positioning of an actuating mechanism in a user friendly location.

Abstract: A hydraulic positioner of the type having a piston movable in a hydraulic cylinder and a valve actuatable for releasing the piston for movement in the chamber is provided with a continuously adjustable mechanism for limiting the stroke of the piston. The cylinder and the stroke limiter share a common tubular housing which is partitioned to define the hydraulic chamber, thereby simplifying the device.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system for controlling the force where a moving object engages a stationary stop and where the system utilized telescopic tubular members, energy absorbing diaphragm elements, force regulating disc springs, and a return spring to return the telescoping member to its start position after stroking. The energy absorbing system has frusto-conical diaphragm elements frictionally engaging the shaft and are opposed by a force regulating set of disc springs. In principle, this force feedback mechanism serves to keep the stroking load at a reasonable level even if the friction coefficient increases greatly. This force feedback device also services desensitize the singular and combined effects of manufacturing tolerances, sliding surface wear, temperature changes, dynamic effects, and lubricity.

Abstract: According to an illustrative example of the invention, a chair column comprises a lockable gas spring for height adjustment of the chair column. The gas spring is inserted into a stand tube of the chair column. The piston rod extends downwards and is rotatably fastened to a bottom part of the stand tube. The cylinder of the gas spring extends upwards out of the upper end of the stand tube. At the upper end of the cylinder there is provided in axial alignment with the axis of the cylinder a valve pin. A pushing member acts onto the valve pin. The pushing member is connected with a Bowden cable. One end of the Bowden cable core is fastened to a guide sleeve of the pushing member. The tube member of the Bowden cable acts onto the pushing member. The other end of the Bowden cable is connected to a releasing lever by which the valve can be opened. When the valve is opened, the working chambers located on both sides of a piston are interconnected so that height adjustment of the gas spring is possible.

Abstract: A tilt cylinder unit for use with an outboard engine on a boat hull has a cylinder, a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder, and a rod having an end coupled to the piston. The cylinder may be coupled to the outboard engine or the boat hull, and the rod may be coupled to the boat hull or the outboard engine. The cylinder has a first chamber which is expanded when the tilt cylinder unit is extended and a second chamber which is compressed when the tilt cylinder unit is contracted, the first and second chambers being defined in the cylinder by the piston. A third chamber, which may be defined in the cylinder or an auxiliary tank separate from the cylinder has a portion filled with a gas. The second and third chambers are interconnected by an orifice, and the first, second, and third chambers are interconnected by a plurality of communication passages. A manually operable valve is coupled between the communication passages for selectively opening and closing the communication passages simultaneously.

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 hydraulic height adjusting device includes a sealed upright cylinder body in which a piston is provided. A piston rod is connected to the piston at one end and extends through a lower end of the cylinder body. A first positioning member is fitted in the cylinder body adjacent to an upper end of the latter. A second positioning member has an axial hole formed therein and is fitted in the cylinder body between the first positioning member and the piston. A hollow tube has a radial hole formed through a wall portion thereof and extends axially in the cylinder body between the first and second positioning members.

Abstract: A telescopic spring unit with two telescopic parts capable of being shifted, one in relation to the other, along a telescopic axis, which telescopic spring unit, when in its lengthened state, is lockable by means of a locking unit that is arranged on one of the telescopic parts and is pivotable around a tilting joint into a stop position. First and second pivoting elements are provided on the two telescopic parts, respectively, for pivotally connecting the spring unit to an articulated structural assembly. The pivoting elements of the telescopic part connected to the locking unit is attached to the locking unit, and the tilting joint and the pivoting elements are coordinated with one another in a manner such that, in the lengthened state of the telescopic spring unit, a force that acts on the telescopic spring unit through the two pivoting points in the compressive direction exerts a tilting moment on the locking unit which biases the locking unit around the tilting joint towards the stop position.

Abstract: A cylinder repair bracket which is designed to apply a selected degree of telescoping tension on the pistons of fluid-operated cylinders which connect closures such as hoods, deck lids, tailgates and like vehicle body members for movement between the open and closed positions. In a preferred embodiment the cylinder repair bracket includes a pair of hose clamps, one of which is tightly secured to the cylinder housing and the other to the piston of the cylinder. The hose clamps are connected by a band connector to facilitate adjusting the degree of telescoping tension in the piston by tightening or loosening the hose clamp attached to the piston. In this manner, compensation for wear in the telescoping piston-cylinder housing connection can be effected.

Abstract: A steering column of a motor vehicle is composed of two telescopically and torque transmittingly interengaging steering column tubes. These tubes are mounted in bearings. A steering wheel is allocated to a first steering column tube. The other steering column tube is connected with a steering gear box. A cylinder piston device is provided within at least one of the two steering column tubes. This cylinder piston device can be locked in a plurality of positions, such as to define a plurality of variable lengths of the steering column.

Abstract: A gas spring with a piston reciprocable in a chamber of a casing, a sealing assembly at the rear end of the casing through which the piston rod extends, and an end cap closing the rear end of the casing. The sealing assembly has a reinforcing ring having a sealing ring on one side and a wiper on the other side. The sealing ring and wiper are portions of a single body of elastomeric material molded to the reinforcing ring and integrally connected through one or more openings in the reinforcing ring. The casing wall is rolled radially inwardly over the sealing assembly into pressure contact with the reinforcing ring so that the sealing assembly becomes in effect an end cap for the front end of the casing. The rear end of the casing is rolled over the rear end cap by swaging into pressure contact with the end cap. A filler valve is disposed in the end cap.

Abstract: According to an illustrative example of the invention, a gas spring is combined with a telescopic tube which is axially slidable on the cylinder of the gas spring. The piston rod and the telescopic tube are provided at the respective most remote ends thereof with fastening eyes. The telescopic tube can be fixed in a plurality of positions with respect to the cylinder. For such fixation, the cylinder is connected with a carrier within the telescopic tube between opposite end walls of the cylinder and the telescopic tube. A locking bolt is guided within the carrier in a direction transverse to the axis of the telescopic tube. The locking bolt is engageable with a corresponding plurality of openings in the telescopic tube. The locking bolt is biased by a spring into an engagement position with respect to a respective opening and can be released from such engagement by being inwardly pressed by an operator.

Abstract: An elevating mechanism for chairs, tables or the like has a guide tube for a gas spring. The guide tube has a bottom plate with an opening. In its section penetrating through the bottom plate the piston rod is provided with a necking on which a retaining ring is arranged.

Abstract: A valve device for permitting a fluid to flow in two opposite directions at different rates includes an orifice body confining a flow passage. The orifice body has one end defining a valve seat. A valve member is swingingly mounted to the housing to move toward and away from the valve seat. The valve member has a hole with a cross-section smaller than that of the flow passage whereby the flow of the fluid is large when the valve member moves away from the valve seat and is small when the valve member moves toward and seats against the valve seat.

Abstract: A hydraulic positioner for seats includes a cylinder and piston structure with a piston rod secured to the piston and extending from the cylinder. A reservoir is provided in the cylinder by a gland jointly biased by a first spring located within the cylinder and a second spring which also urges the piston rod to an extended position. A sleeve is movable by the gland for visual indication of the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder.

Abstract: In a lockable elevating mechanism for the continuous adjustment of chair seats a guide tube is provided, to the bottom plate of which is secured a piston rod of a longitudinally adjustable gas spring. The guide tube is provided with an additional tube, which can be exited telescopically and and which is guided in a guide bush arrested in the guide tube. The housing of the gas spring is in turn guided in a guide bush arrested in the additional tube. A mechanical spring is provided between the guide tube and the additional tube and acts upon the additional tube in a direction out of the guide tube.

Abstract: An electro-rheological controlled shock absorber for use on motor vehicles is disclosed. The shock absorber employs a fluid filled cylinder, a piston member traveling in the cylinder, and an electro-rheological valve controlling the passage of fluid through the cylinder. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electro-rheological valve is placed in a by-pass passage to control the flow of fluid therethrough. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electro-rheological valve is placed in the piston to control the flow of fluid. The present invention is well adapted for use with all forms of shock absorbers.

Abstract: According to an illustrative example of the invention, a gas spring is combined with a telescopic tube which is axially slidable on the cylinder of the gas spring. The piston rod and the telescopic tube are provided at the respective most remote ends thereof with fastening eyes. The telescopic tube can be fixed in a plurality of positions with respect to the cylinder. For such fixation, the cylinder is connected with a carrier within the telescopic tube between opposite end walls of the cylinder and the telescopic tube. A locking bolt is guided within the carrier in a direction transverse to the axis of the telescopic tube. This locking bolt is engageable with a corresponding plurality of openings of the telescopic tube. The locking bolt is biased by a spring into an engagement position with respect to a respective opening and can be released from such engagement by being inwardly pressed by an operator.

Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable gas spring has a valve having a valve pin arranged to be moved within a valve body. On both sides of the inner chamber of the valve body annular seals are arranged and bear against the cylindrical sections of different diameters. To bridge at least one annular seal grooves are formed in an associated cylindrical section. When the corresponding annular seal is bridged by a displacement of the valve pin, the respective annular seal remains in its position bearing against the cylindrical external surface of the corresponding cylindrical section, so that the wear of the seals implying the gas spring to become unserviceable is eliminated.

Abstract: A strut has a cylinder body having one end closed and a piston rod which reciprocates into and out of the cylinder body through the other end thereof defining retracted and extended positions of the strut. A magnet mounted on the piston rod operates with the other end of the cylinder body in the extended position of the strut to create a magnetic force biasing the strut to the extended position. The magnet allows the strut to move from the extended position if a force sufficient to overcome the magnetic force is applied to the strut. A second embodiment has a spring mounted to the interior of the closed end of the cylinder. A first magnet is mounted on the piston rod creating a magnetic repulsive force between the two magnets urging the magnets away from each other. The spring force urging the first magnet towards the second magnet so that the strut is urged toward the extended position.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber controller for a wheel crane having a suspension provided with hydraulic shock absorbers. The hydraulic shock absorber controller connects a line connected to the active chambers of the hydraulic shock absorbers and a line connected to the inert chambers of the same before the wheel crane starts running to enable the working fluid to flow rapidly from the compressed chamber to the expanding chamber of each hydraulic shock absorber so that the hydraulic shock absorbers are able to function properly for shock absorbing operation while the wheel crane is running.

Abstract: According to an illustrative example of the present invention, a gas spring comprises a pressure tube, a piston rod and a piston connected with the piston rod within the pressure tube. The piston divides the pressure tube into two working spaces, the two working spaces are connected by a control flow passage. A control valve body is allocated to the control valve passage and is controlled through a bore of the piston rod. The control valve body contains an excess pressure flow passage. An excess pressure valve member is provided within the excess pressure flow passage and biased toward an excess pressure valve seat of said control valve body.

Abstract: A height adjusting device includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder disposed inside the outer cylinder, a fluid reservoir confined by the inner cylinder, and a fluid receiving space formed between the inner and outer cylinders. Fluid flows from the fluid reservoir to the fluid receiving space to retract the height adjusting device. A piston is provided between the inner and outer cylinders and is biased by a spring member to force fluid in the fluid receiving space to flow back into the fluid reservoir, causing expansion of the height adjusting device. The height adjusting device further includes a flexible fluid resisting ring that prevents untimely expansion of the height adjusting device by hindering fluid flow from the fluid receiving space into the fluid reservoir, which fluid flow is caused by the expanding force of the spring member.

Abstract: A variable damping shock absorber is disclosed. The variable damping mechanism is activated by depression of a pin on the upper end of a shock absorber piston. Depression of the pin causes a spring loaded ratchet drive to engage a ratchet on a slide valve to alternatively ratchet the valve and slide the valve between an open and blocking position between two or more transverse flowways in the lower end of the shock.

Abstract: According to an illustrative example of the present invention a hydropneumatic positioning device comprises a tubular container. A hollow piston rod is guided through one end of the tubular container. A piston is connected with the piston rod within a cavity of the tubular container. The piston divides the cavity into two working chambers. The working chambers contain a liquid. Adjacent one of the working chambers, namely the working chamber remote from the piston rod, a compensating chamber is provided. This compensating chamber contains a pressurized gas and is separated from the adjacent working chamber by a floating separating wall. A flow passage extends through the piston between the two working chambers. A valve is allocated to the flow passage. The valve can be opened by an actuating rod extending through an axial bore of the hollow piston rod. The actuating rod extends beyond an outer end of the piston rod. An actuating signal transformer is fastened to the outer end of the piston rod.

Abstract: A longitudinally controllable adjustment device, in particular a gas spring partially filled with a fluid, has a piston disposed on a piston rod and a valve, inside of which a valve body is slidable in its longitudinal direction. It has a tapered section by which a seal, abutting on a sealing face, can be bridged. In order to make possible a long-stroke embodiment and a short-stroke embodiment, the seal has two sealing beads, of which the one sealing bead sealingly abuts in all embodiments against a truncated cone-like sealing face of the valve body, while the other sealing bead, if required, abuts on an optionally provided additional cylindrical sealing face between the truncated cone-like sealing face and the tapered section.

Abstract: In the case of an item of seating furniture, particularly an office chair, comprising at least one seat adjusting device, for example for adjusting the height of the seat, with a spring element engaging the two parts of the seat which are to be adjusted in respect of each other, particularly a pressurized fluid filled spring, and with a locking device for the separable fixing of the two seat parts in whatever is the desired and selected adjusted position, the use of an electrical actuating element for the locking device is proposed, which is connected to a manually operable control means for the at least one seat adjustment, this allowing simplified operation with minimal structural expenditure.

Abstract: A cylinder of adjustable length comprises a cylinder body, two pistons slidable in the cylinder body, and a rod which is connected to both pistons and projects from one end of the cylinder body. A dividing wall forming part of the cylinder body defines a first chamber which faces one of the pistons and a second chamber which is separate from the first chamber and in which the other piston is slidable. The two chambers are filled with a fluid, preferably grease, and communicate with each other through a duct controlled by a remotely-controllable valve. The rod and the cylinder body can be locked in any relative position by the closure of the valve to prevent the passage of the fluid from one chamber to the other.

Abstract: A steering column of a motor vehicle is composed of two telescopically and torque transmittingly interengaging steering column tubes. These tubes are mounted in bearings. A steering wheel is allocated to a first steering column tube. The other steering column tube is connected with a steering gear box. A cylinder piston device is provided within at least one of the two steering column tubes. This cylinder piston device can be locked in a plurality of positions, such as to define a plurality of variable lengths of the steering column.

Abstract: The shutter opening device, particularly for pleasure craft hatchways, has a gas spring type pneumatic cylinder which actuates the closing and opening movements of the shutter of hatch. A control rod protrudes from the stem of the cylinder, and a pivoting lever acts upon the rod. A button is used to keep the lever in one of the two positions which either locks the stem in a secured position or permits the stem to freely slide.

Abstract: A backhoe pivotally supported from a prime mover is disclosed wherein the hydraulic cylinders operably connected to the outrigger stabilizers are provided with a detent to maintain the outrigger stabilizers in an elevated transport position until being pressurized to extend the cylinders and, thereby, rotate the stabilizers into a ground engaging position. The detent is in the form of a projection extending inwardly from the barrel of the outrigger stabilizer cylinder and positioned for engagement with a deformable detent ring when the piston is moved to the fully retracted position. The detent includes a relief to permit the flow of hydraulic fluid past the engagement between the detent ring and the projection so that hydraulic cylinder will not become hydraulically locked.

Abstract: The locking device may either be used with a conventional liftgate support or incorporated into the design of the liftgate support, to retain a hatchback-type door of a vehicle in an open position. The locking device of the present invention is for use with a liftgate support to retain a hatchback-type door in an open position even in cold weather or after the liftgate support has worn out. The liftgate support includes a housing cylinder and an elongated piston rod. The elongated piston rod is slidably positionable relative to the housing cylinder, one end of the elongated piston rod being received within the housing cylinder. The locking device is secured to the housing cylinder by two-sided tape proximate to where the elongated piston rod is received by the housing cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic type vehicle height adjusting device for a vehicle shock absorber. The device has a mechanical locking means for holding relative positions before and after adjustment in vehicle height between the piston rod of the shock absorber and one of the mounting members for attaching the above absorber to the axle or the vehicle body.

Abstract: An adjustable pedestal comprises a tubular base, a tubular collar telescopically, slidably engaging the exterior of the base, a guide tube interior to the base, an extension spring mechanism positioned within the guide tube for biasing the pedestal in an extended position, and a locking mechanism for locking the pedestal in the desired position. The base, collar, and guide tube are coaxial. The collar is movable between an extended and a retracted position with respect to the base, and the guide tube is movable with the collar between an extended and a retracted position with respect to the base. The extension spring mechanism comprises a pair of parallel, spaced-apart extension springs, the axes of which are parallel to the axes of the base, collar, and guide tube and normally biases the collar and the guide tube in their extended positions. The extension springs are in a retracted condition. Thus, when force is exerted on the top of the guide tube, the extension springs assume an extended condition.

Abstract: An electrophoretic fluid damper in which cooperable electrodes are slidably disposed one within the other and are connected respectively to relatively movable members. An electrophoretic fluid capable of separating into particle-rich and particle-deficient phases by electrophoresis operates in surface contact with the electrodes. An electrically nonconductive material having raised surface areas and spaces between the surface areas is associated with one of the electrodes. When a voltage is applied between the electrodes in a first direction, the particle-rich phase of the fluid collects on one of the electrodes and also makes contact with the spaces and the raised surface areas of the material associated with the other electrode thereby engaging or locking the electrodes together and transmitting force between the members.

Abstract: A stroke-limiting stop for a fluid locking device wherein movement between a piston and cylinder is influenced by fluid in the device, the stop comprising a housing having internal shape and dimension enabling one end of the cylinder to move longitudinally within at least one formation on the inner surface of the housing, and a stop element within the housing and having a portion adapted to engage the formation establishing a fixed position on the stop element along the housing longitudinal axis, the stop element being supported within the housing for movement between positions wherein the portion of the element either engages the formation or is out of engagement therewith with so that the stop element in the first position acts as an abutment to contact the cylinder upon movement into the housing thereby limiting the extent of relative movement between the piston and cylinder.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the inclination of the backrest and/or seat of chairs, particularly office chairs, has a gas spring, a head member connectable to the gas spring, an L-shaped lever member pivotally connected to the head member and including a first arm, a second arm, and a rod acting on the first arm so as to cause rotation of the L-shaped member and consequent pushing action of the second arm on the driving shaft of the valve of the gas spring.