With Reservoir For Fluid Patents (Class 188/314)
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Patent number: 12109864Abstract: A damping control system includes: a damping chamber connected to one of (a) a body of a vehicle and (b) a wheel of the vehicle; a piston that is slidably disposed within the damping chamber and that includes: a piston rod that is connected to the other one of (a) the body of the vehicle and (b) the wheel of the vehicle; and a plunger that is connected to the piston rod and that divides the damping chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber; a first valve that regulates hydraulic fluid flow out of the first chamber; and a valve control module configured to selectively close the first valve when a position of the plunger is between (a) a first reference position within the first chamber and (b) a first end stop of the damping chamber that defines a boundary of the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: DRiV Automotive Inc.Inventors: Bert Vandersmissen, Thom Heylands, Nandish Calchand, Tom Borgers
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Patent number: 12110945Abstract: A damper includes a piston arranged in sliding engagement inside a pressure tube. The piston divides the pressure tube into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. A hydraulic compression stop assembly is positioned within the second working chamber and includes a plunger arranged in sliding engagement with a sleeve. The plunger includes a bumper cavity having a side wall. The bumper cavity extends a cavity depth from an end face of the plunger. The bumper cavity is in receipt of a compliant bumper. The bumper includes a bumper height greater than the cavity depth such that a portion of the bumper protrudes from the bumper cavity. The protruding bumper portion limits a maximum amount the bumper may be compressed before the sidewall is loaded by one of the piston and a piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Shivanand Sankaran, Wojciech Weglorz, Damian Slawik, Daniel Buczkowski, Thomas P. Mallin
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Patent number: 12098756Abstract: A damper assembly includes a cylinder defining a chamber. The damper assembly includes a body supported by the cylinder and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The body defines a passage extending from the first surface to the second surface. One of the first surface or the second surface define a slope at the passage. The damper assembly includes a check disc at the slope, the check disc selectively restricting fluid flow through the passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2023Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: DRiV Automotive Inc.Inventors: Franky Montagna, Ronny Vanbrabant, Rahul Popatrao Ekatpure
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Patent number: 12091121Abstract: A suspension device includes an outer tube formed of a cylindrical body an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube and provided to be movable relative to the outer tube, a tip end of the inner tube being disposed inside the outer tube, a cable harness extending from an outer side of the outer tube or the inner tube to an inner side and configured to be energized, a stroke sensor configured to detect a movement amount of the inner tube relative to the outer tube, two connection members disposed between the stroke sensor and the cable harness and connecting the stroke sensor and the cable harness, and a correction unit disposed inside the outer tube or the inner tube and configured to correct the movement amount detected by the stroke sensor based on a temperature inside the outer tube or the inner tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2021Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.Inventor: Yosuke Fujikawa
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Patent number: 11529835Abstract: An electronically controller external damper reservoir assembly (eRESI) can be connected to a passive damper and/or substituted for an existing external reservoir to provide semi-active damping control. The eRESI includes a reservoir and a variable base valve assembly actuated by an actuator. A controller is in communication with the actuator and a sensor providing input signal indicative of vehicle movement and is programmed to generate a damping control signal to the actuator based on the input signal, to dynamically control the damping force outputted by a passive damper hydraulically connected to the eRESI. A P/T sensor can be installed to a gas chamber of a vehicle damper to generate a P/T signal indicative of the pressure and temperature of the gas. The controller is programmed to determine a damper position of the damper based on the P/T signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Off-Road Research LLCInventors: Thomas J. Sawarynski, Jr., Daniel S. Collins
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Patent number: 11511586Abstract: Hydraulic damper with load regulation as a function of frequency by means of hydraulic inertia composed of a cylinder, comprising an inner chamber, a rod, a main piston and an inertia piston, immersed in a hydraulic fluid, so that the inner chamber is divided into 3 sub-chambers, the main piston comprises a flow path controlled by valves to allow bidirectional flow of fluid between the sub-chambers and the inertia piston comprises a flow path called the inertia channel configured to allow fluid flow between sub-cameras at both sides of the inertia piston.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Inventor: Jasiel Najera Garcia
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Patent number: 11511585Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shock absorber with hydraulic load regulation with a rod ending in a pin, which incorporates a longitudinal channel such that the shock absorber includes a frequency amplifier which, in turn, includes a housing, a floating piston which slides along the inside of the housing achieving a seal, and a pressure control valve, wherein the pressure control valve is configured to open when the amplifier chamber reaches a certain pressure level, enabling the outlet of fluid from the amplifier chamber such that the pressure of the amplifier chamber acts on the floating piston, which moves to regulate the flow of fluid through the piston by means of an elastic element acting on valves.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Kyb Europe GmbH, Sucursal En NavarraInventor: Javier Lizarraga Senar
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Patent number: 11478363Abstract: A prosthetic knee includes a hydraulic resistance system with an extension hydraulic circuit and a flexion hydraulic circuit. The flexion hydraulic circuit includes a switchable resistance assembly with a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch has an engaged position and a released position. The switchable resistance assembly provides a first level of hydraulic resistance when the mechanical switch is in the released position and a second level of hydraulic resistance when the mechanical switch is in the engaged position, the second level being less than the first level. The mechanical switch moves to the engaged position when the hydraulic resistance element reaches a predetermined extension position and moves back to the released position when fluid flow falls below a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: College Park Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jacob Drews, Aaron Taszreak
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Patent number: 11192642Abstract: An orifice plate includes a wear-resistant inner diameter surface, an outer diameter surface, a first side surface extending between the wear-resistant inner diameter surface and the outer diameter surface, and a second side surface extending between the wear-resistant inner diameter surface and the outer diameter surface, the second side surface disposed opposite the orifice plate from the first side surface. The orifice plate may comprise a body portion comprising a first material. The wear-resistant inner diameter surface may comprise a second, wear-resistant material.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: Eric Goldring, Rony Giovanni Ganis
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Patent number: 11085503Abstract: A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: William M. Becker, Robert C. Fox, Dennis K. Wootten
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Patent number: 11072219Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting apparatus includes: a cylindrical body internally partitioned into a plurality of oil chambers by a partition wall provided along an axis, the oil chambers filled with oil, and respectively provided with cylindrical body oil holes to be connected to an outside; one operating portion rotatably provided on the cylindrical body, and rotated to be moved along the axis; pistons moved along the axis by the operating portion, and received in the oil chambers respectively; and a plurality of damper devices respectively provided with damper oil holes into which the oil flowing out of the cylindrical body oil holes when the pistons move flows, the damper devices that can adjust a vehicle height by amounts of the oil filled into the damper devices through the damper oil holes, and that can absorb impact energy inputted on a wheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignees: Hitachi Astemo, Ltd., Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLCInventors: Yukihiro Hoshino, Takafumi Ito, Hidenori Shirabe, Toshitaka Aoki
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Patent number: 11054048Abstract: Check valve assembly (1, 1?) for a shock absorber (100) comprising a housing (10). The housing (10) comprises a first volume (11), wherein a pressure P1 prevails; a second volume (12), wherein a pressure P2 prevails; a first housing portion (VE1), and a second housing portion (VE2). The housing (10) further comprises a fluid passage (20) between said first (11) volume and said second (12) volume; and a spool (40), said spool (40) being movably arranged in said housing (10) between at least a first position in which a flow of fluid through said fluid passage (20) between the first (11) and second (12) volume is allowed and at least a second position in which a flow of fluid through said fluid passage (20) between the first (11) and second (12) volume is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: ÖHLINS RACING ABInventor: Erik Hansson
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Patent number: 11015671Abstract: A method for servicing a dual-stage, mixed gas/fluid shock strut may comprise measuring a servicing temperature, charging a secondary gas chamber with compressed gas, wherein a secondary chamber pressure corresponds to the servicing temperature, pumping oil into a primary chamber of the shock strut, and charging the primary chamber with compressed gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: Amir Fazeli, Matthew R Gomez, Adnan Cepic, Susanne M Reber
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Patent number: 10953716Abstract: A method and apparatus for a shock absorber having a damping fluid compensation chamber with a gas charge. In one aspect, a partition separates a first chamber portion from a second chamber portion, wherein the first portion of the chamber is at a first initial gas pressure and the second portion of the chamber is at a second initial pressure. A valve separates the first and second chamber portions and opening the valve comingles the first and second chamber portions so that the combined chamber portions are at a third pressure. In another aspect, a piston disposed through a wall is in pressure communication with the gas charge and is biased inwardly toward a pressure of the charge, whereby an indicator is movable by the piston in response to the pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: John Marking
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Patent number: 10865848Abstract: A method for servicing a dual-stage, separated gas/fluid shock strut may comprise measuring a servicing temperature, charging a secondary gas chamber with compressed gas, wherein a secondary chamber pressure corresponds to the servicing temperature, pumping oil into the shock strut, and charging a primary gas chamber with compressed gas.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: Amir Fazeli, Adnan Cepic, Susanne M. Reber
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Patent number: 10730358Abstract: A shock absorber including: a first cylinder having an interior, first and second ends and defining an axis, wherein the interior includes a damping fluid chamber and a damping piston movably mounted therein for movement between the first and second ends, wherein the damping piston is mounted on a first end of a shaft, wherein the first end of the shaft is movably retained within the interior of the first cylinder; first and second bypass openings configured for opening into the damping fluid chamber at first and second axially spaced-apart positions; a bypass channel fluidly coupling the first and second bypass openings; a fluid metering valve; and a floating piston dividing a portion of the shock absorber into a gas chamber and the reservoir chamber, wherein the fluid metering valve and the floating piston define the reservoir chamber there between.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: John Marking, Vegard Hamso
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Patent number: 10633044Abstract: A track system comprising a dynamic tensioning device located between an idler wheel and the support frame as to apply proper tension in the track. The dynamic tensioning device is adapted to block at its current length upon the occurrence of a determined condition. The dynamic tensioner is adapted to substantially maintain its length when an acceleration and or deceleration of the track system reaches a predetermined value. For instance, such characteristic is relevant in an event of emergency braking. A dynamic tensioner would become contracted and the tension in the endless track would become too low. A low tension could cause the endless track to ratchet.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Yves Sauvageau, Andre Leger
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Patent number: 10576803Abstract: A shock absorber including: a first cylinder having an interior, first and second ends and defining an axis, wherein the interior includes a damping fluid chamber and a damping piston movably mounted therein for movement between the first and second ends, wherein the damping piston is mounted on a first end of a shaft, wherein the first end of the shaft is movably retained within the interior of the first cylinder; first and second bypass openings configured for opening into the damping fluid chamber at first and second axially spaced-apart positions; a bypass channel fluidly coupling the first and second bypass openings; a fluid metering valve; and a floating piston dividing a portion of the shock absorber into a gas chamber and the reservoir chamber, wherein the fluid metering valve and the floating piston define the reservoir chamber there between.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: John Marking, Vegard Hamso
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Patent number: 10203013Abstract: One embodiment provides a damping force generator. The damping force generator includes: a valve body having a compression-side inlet port into which the oil pushed by the piston flows; and a compression-side damping valve provided so as to block a port outlet and elastically deformed according to pressure of the oil flowing into the compression-side inlet port to thereby exhibit damping force. An opening cross-sectional area of a port inlet opening is larger than a passage cross-sectional area of the compression-side inlet port.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Tokunaga, Tadashi Uotani
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Patent number: 10005509Abstract: A bicycle seat cushion lifting and adjusting device is disposed on an outer side of a piston rod inside a hydraulic cylinder and sheathed with an elastic member. The elastic member is compressed by an oil inside the cylinder into a compress status in a room temperature environment. In a low temperature environment, the volume of the oil is decreased, and the elastic member resumes its original status to fill up the space of the cylinder caused by the decreased volume of the oil, to maintain a stable oil pressure inside the cylinder. When the seat cushion lifting and adjusting device is used in a low temperature or room temperature environment, the height of the seat cushion can be adjusted successfully to maintain a stable use of the bicycle seat cushion lifting and adjusting device.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Hodaka Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Black Tsai
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Patent number: 9885398Abstract: A shock absorber includes a vessel externally mounted to the outer tube, a reservoir provided inside the vessel to communicate with the bottom chamber, a discharge passage that allows the rod-side chamber to communicate with the reservoir, and a damping valve provided in the middle of the discharge passage, wherein the discharge passage has a connecting member that connects the vessel and the outer tube, a cylindrical gap provided between the outer tube and the cylinder, an installation hole provided in the outer tube and opened to the cylindrical gap, a first bottom passage that has one end communicating with the bottom chamber and the other end connected to one end of the connecting member, and a second bottom passage that has one end communicating with the installation hole and the other end communicating with the middle of the first bottom passage, and the damping valve is installed in the installation hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: KYB CorporationInventors: Takahisa Mochizuki, Naoki Ito
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Patent number: 9810281Abstract: PROBLEM Provided is a damping force control type shock absorber capable of obtaining an appropriate damping force even in the event of a failure independently of the stoke of a valving element of a solenoid valve. MEANS FOR SOLVING A piston 5 having a piston rod 6 connected thereto is fitted in a cylinder 2 having hydraulic oil sealed therein, and a flow of hydraulic oil induced by movement of the piston 5 is controlled by a damping force generating mechanism 26 to generate a damping force. In the damping force generating mechanism 26, damping force is generated by a pilot-type main valve 27 and a normally-open pilot valve 28 which is a solenoid valve, and the damping force is adjusted by energization of a coil 37. A fail-safe valve 100 is provided downstream of the pilot valve 28. During normal operations, the fail-safe valve 100 opens the flow path through excitation of the coil 37 of the pilot valve 28.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Shunsuke Mori, Fumiyuki Yamaoka, Mikio Yamashita
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Patent number: 9802456Abstract: A bumper cap assembly for an electrically adjustable hydraulic shock absorber. The bumper cap assembly includes a printed circuit board assembly and a bumper cap. The printed circuit board assembly includes power drive electronics and is electrically coupled to the shock absorber. The bumper cap defined a gap, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is housed within the gap.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Douglas Hall, Matthew L. Roessle, Rick J. Simpson, Scott S. Dunaway, Zachary Lopez
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Patent number: 9775993Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcurrent generator capable of generating microcurrents by utilizing a gap between different metals and obtaining a healing effect by using the generated microcurrents. The present invention relates to a configuration of generating microcurrents by forming a gap (G) between a first metal (10) and a second metal (20) made from different materials.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Chun Gi Kim
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Patent number: 9765842Abstract: A suspension device includes a shock absorber, an air spring that consists of a compressed gas that is sealed within an air chamber that expands/contracts in volume as the shock absorber extends/compresses so as to constantly bias the shock absorber in an extension direction, and a volume expanding mechanism that expands a volume of the air chamber according to an increase in a compression amount of the shock absorber when the compression amount of the shock absorber has reached or exceeded a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: KYB CorporationInventor: Nobuhiro Noguchi
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Patent number: 9702352Abstract: A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor includes a spring assembly. An inner back iron assembly is fixed to the spring assembly at a middle portion of the spring assembly. A driving coil is operable to move the inner back iron assembly in order to reciprocate a piston within a chamber of a cylinder assembly. A related spring assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Thomas R. Barito, Gregory William Hahn
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Patent number: 9651109Abstract: A shock absorber includes a telescopic tube member configured to include a vehicle body side tube and a vehicle wheel side tube, a cap member that closes an upper side opening of the vehicle body side tube, a cylinder erected in an axial center portion of the vehicle wheel side tube, a piston rod held by the cap member and configured to enter and exit the cylinder, a reservoir formed between the tube member and the cylinder, a cap interior passage formed in the cap member and configured to connect the rod interior passage to the reservoir, a plurality of valve bodies provided in series or in parallel midway in the cap interior passage, and a plurality of adjusters attached to the cap member and configured to be capable of adjusting a valve opening pressure or an opening amount of the plurality of valve bodies.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: KYB CorporationInventor: Nobuhiro Noguchi
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Patent number: 9488244Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylinder, a piston, and a piston rod. The piston includes a first valve and a second valve. The first valve includes a first leaf valve, a first valve seat portion, a second valve seat portion, and a first oil passage. The second valve includes a second leaf valve and a second oil passage. The first valve and the second valve are arranged in series.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazuyuki Mizuno
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Patent number: 9446859Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods for servicing shock struts. Such shock struts may be “air over oil” type, having a gas portion and a liquid portion of a sealed fluid chamber. Methods in accordance with the disclosure include pressurizing the gas portion to a first pressure, then pressurizing the liquid portion until a final pressure is achieved in the gas portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: Amir Fazeli, Adnan Cepic, Susanne Reber
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Patent number: 9394738Abstract: A system for opening and closing a motor vehicle, the flap is swivalably mounted along one of its edge areas at a stationary structural component part about a horizontal swiveling axis. A first drive device and a second drive device act in parallel to more like flap from a closed position into an open position. The first drive device is a non-self-locking drive device, and the second drive device comprises a cylinder filled with a fluid under pressure. An interior of the second drive device is divided by a piston into a first work chamber and a second work chamber, wherein a piston rod of the piston is guided outward through the first work chamber. A valve arrangement in the piston closes a flow connection between the first work chamber and the second work chamber in a stationary operating state of the flap.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Marian Bochen, Frank Doffing, Rolf Mintgen, Thomas Reif
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Patent number: 9375991Abstract: A pressure shock absorber includes: a spring portion used for a vehicle suspension; a hydraulic jack portion which can adjust a preload of the spring portion; and a connecting portion through which a hydraulic pressure source supplying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic jack portion is connected to the hydraulic jack portion, in which the connecting portion can be connected to and separated from the hydraulic pressure source.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventor: Shigeki Awasa
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Patent number: 9327576Abstract: A valve assembly for a suspension system includes a housing including a first port, a second port, and a third port, the housing defining a first flow path extending between the third port and the first port and a second flow path extending between the third port and the second port. The valve assembly further includes a first check valve having a first crack pressure positioned within the housing along the first flow path and a second check valve having a second crack pressure positioned within the housing along the second flow path. A difference between the first crack pressure and the second crack pressure provides a corresponding difference in pressures at the first port and the second port.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLCInventor: Erik S. Ellifson
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Patent number: 9038792Abstract: A shock absorber includes a shock absorber main body composed of a vehicle-body side tube and a wheel side tube and formed with a lubrication clearance, a damper including a cylinder, a piston which partitions the interior of the cylinder into two working chambers, and a rod, a reservoir chamber composed of an air chamber and a working fluid chamber, a partition wall member for partitioning the working fluid chamber into an upper working fluid chamber and a lower working fluid chamber, a flow path having a check valve for permitting only a movement of the working fluid from the upper working fluid chamber to the lower working fluid chamber, and a communication path for allowing communication between the lower working fluid chamber and the lubrication clearance. A cross-sectional area of the lubrication clearance and that of the rod are different.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: Masashi Sumida
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Patent number: 9038791Abstract: A method and apparatus for a damper. The damper comprises a fluid chamber having a piston dividing the chamber into a compression and rebound sides, a reservoir in fluid communication with the compression side of the chamber, and an isolator disposed between the compression side and the reservoir, whereby the isolator obstructs fluid flow between the compression side and the reservoir. In one embodiment, a bypass provides a fluid path between the compression side and the isolator.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: John Marking
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Patent number: 9027719Abstract: A rotary member that displaces a valve member in an axial direction in accordance with a rotation operation is supported on an adjuster case coaxially with the valve member. A detent mechanism is constituted by a fluid chamber that applies a fluid pressure to the rotary member in a direction for separating from the valve member, a pressure-applying member fixed to the rotary member, and a pressure-receiving member that is fixed to the adjuster to support the pressure-applying member against a pressure of the fluid chamber. By forming an engagement portion that engages with the pressure-applying member in the pressure-receiving member, a dimension of the rotary member of the adjuster and an operation input can be suppressed to be small.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mikio Ito
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Publication number: 20150101900Abstract: A suspension device includes a partition wall body which partitions the outside of a hollow pipe into a working chamber and a reservoir first chamber, a first piston which partitions the working chamber into an extension-side first chamber and a contraction-side first chamber, a first flow passage which allows communication between the extension-side first chamber and the reservoir first chamber, an extension-side second chamber which communicates with the extension-side first chamber, a second piston which partitions the interior of the hollow pipe into a contraction-side second chamber and a reservoir second chamber, a first damping flow passage which allows communication between an extension-side chamber and a contraction-side chamber, and a second damping flow passage which allows communication between the contraction-side chamber and a reservoir. A cross-sectional area of the extension-side second chamber is larger than that of the hollow pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasuhiro Kitamura
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Patent number: 8978846Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventor: Michael McAndrews
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Patent number: 8978847Abstract: A vehicle damper comprises a damping medium-filled damper body in which an element divides the damper body into two chambers. A microprocessor control unit is coupled to one or more valve and connecting arrangements that comprise at least one valve and a number of flow ducts. Respective valves and flow ducts of the valve and connecting arrangement are coupled both to respective damper chambers and a pressurizing element common to both of the chambers so that even in the chamber in which a low pressure prevails there is a positive pressure acting at all times. The valve and connecting arrangements comprise a continuously electrically controlled main valve, a non-return valve and one or more bleed valves.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Ohlinis Racing ABInventor: Ishii Atsushi
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Publication number: 20150047933Abstract: A monotube shock absorber which is capable of high compression damping forces while operating at low pressure for reduced friction is disclosed. The monotube shock absorber includes a pressure tube, a piston assembly, a piston rod, a fixed valve assembly and a floating piston. A variety of methods for securing the fixed valve assembly to the pressure tube are disclosed including use of single piece pressure tubes and pressure tube assemblies. In addition, a method for assembling the monotube shock absorber including an oil filling technique is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Daniel KEIL, Thomas MALLIN, Zachary LOPEZ
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Patent number: 8950558Abstract: A damper includes a housing bounding a primary chamber and a compensation chamber, the primary chamber including a first gas compartment and a control compartment that are separated by an expansion piston, the compensation chamber including a second gas compartment and an overflow compartment that are separated by a compensation piston. A piston rod has a first end slidably disposed within the control compartment. A first fluid path is in fluid communication with the overflow compartment so that when the expansion piston is in the first position, the expansion piston blocks fluid communication between the control compartment and the overflow compartment by way of the first fluid path and when the expansion piston is in the second position, the hydraulic fluid can freely flow from the control compartment to the overflow compartment by way of the first fluid path.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Roy A. Turner, Barna B. Madau
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Publication number: 20150027830Abstract: A suspension device includes a main body, and a stroke locking mechanism that locks expansion/contraction of the main body. The stroke locking mechanism includes: a tube member coupled to one of a vehicle body and a vehicle wheel; a partition wall body fixed inside the tube member so as to divide an interior of the tube member into a first chamber and a second chamber; a flow passage that connects the first chamber to the second chamber; a valve that cuts off the flow passage during stroke locking; and a shaft member coupled to the other of the vehicle body and the vehicle wheel and inserted into the first chamber to be capable of advancing and retreating. The first chamber is filled with a working fluid, and the working fluid is stored in the second chamber so as to form a reservoir portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicants: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD., YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsutomu Yoshimoto, Yu Shibuya
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Publication number: 20150014106Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Bryan Wesley Anderson
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Patent number: 8931602Abstract: A shock absorber assembly comprises a piston and cylinder arrangement, a damping-fluid chamber and a damping valve arrangement which is located in the damping fluid chamber and serves to divide the chamber into sub-chambers. The assembly is such that in use the valve arrangement regulates the flow of fluid between the sub-chambers.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Inventor: Joseph Richard Andrew Hunter
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Publication number: 20140353099Abstract: For the extension and compression strokes of a piston rod, a damping force generating mechanism generates a damping force by controlling the flow of hydraulic oil caused by the sliding movement of a piston in a cylinder. The damping force generating mechanism has a pilot-type main valve, a pilot-type control valve, and a pilot valve. The main valve has a pilot chamber into which the oil is introduced to adjust the valve-opening pressure of the main valve by the pressure in the pilot chamber. The control valve has a pilot chamber into which the oil is introduced to adjust the valve-opening pressure of the control valve by the pressure in the pilot chamber. The pilot valve controls the pressure in the pilot chamber of the control valve. The control valve controls the pressure in the pilot chamber of the main valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Mikio YAMASHITA, Shunsuke MORI
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Patent number: 8888079Abstract: A vibration isolator having an upper housing defining an upper fluid chamber, a lower housing defining a lower fluid chamber, a piston resiliently disposed within the upper housing and the lower housing, a tuning passage defined by the piston, for providing fluid communication between the upper fluid chamber and the lower fluid chamber, a tuning fluid disposed within the tuning passage, the upper fluid chamber, and the lower fluid chamber. A reservoir in fluid communication with the upper fluid chamber for providing pressurization control of the vibration isolator. An expanded accumulator region for providing Increased pressure retention during maintenance and operation of the vibration isolator.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Frank B. Stamps
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Patent number: 8857582Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber, a damping force generating device is provided between a piston side oil chamber and a rod side oil chamber of a cylinder, and in a compression stroke, a compression side flow path for circulating oil in the piston side oil chamber of the cylinder through an outside flow path of the cylinder toward the rod side oil chamber is provided in the damping force generating device, while in an extension stroke, an extension side flow path for circulating the oil in the rod side oil chamber of the cylinder through the outside flow path of the cylinder toward the piston side oil chamber is provided in the damping force generating device.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Showa CorporationInventor: Yosuke Murakami
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Publication number: 20140291089Abstract: A pressure shock absorbing apparatus includes: a first cylinder; a second cylinder that is placed outside the first cylinder to form a liquid storage unit; a partitioning member that is disposed in such a manner as to be movable in an axial direction inside the first cylinder to partition a space inside the first cylinder; a throttle mechanism that is disposed in a side portion of the second cylinder, and includes a throttle unit that throttles a flow path cross section of a liquid to discharge the liquid taken in from the first cylinder toward the liquid storage unit while passing the liquid through the throttle unit; and a suppression unit that is held by the throttle mechanism at a liquid discharge point between the throttle mechanism and the liquid storage unit to suppress air bubbles in the liquid in the liquid storage unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2013Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventors: Seiryo Konakai, Kunio Shibasaki, Takahiro Miura, Tetsuya Shirotsuka
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Publication number: 20140284156Abstract: Provided are a damping force variable valve assembly with a low-speed control valve capable of controlling an ultra-low flow rate and a low flow rate when a damping force variable valve operates in a soft mode, and a damping force variable shock absorber including the damping force variable valve assembly. The damping force variable valve assembly, which is installed in a damping force variable shock absorber for adjustment of a damping force of the shock absorber, includes: a solenoid; a spool which is movable by the magnetic force of the solenoid; a spool guide which surrounds the spool; a main valve which is installed in a main passage formed in a valve body installed in the spool guide; a back pressure chamber which is provided in the rear of the main valve; a chamber forming body which forms the back pressure chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Eun Joong KIM
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Publication number: 20140238797Abstract: A damper system for a vehicle comprises an electrically adjustable hydraulic shock absorber and a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly includes power drive electronics, and is electrically coupled to the shock absorber. The printed circuit board assembly is disposed with the shock absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: David R. BLANKENSHIP, Karl C. KAZMIRSKI, Scott S. DUNAWAY, Jeroen K. PAENHUYSEN, Matthew L. ROESSLE, Matthew R. SCHELOSKY
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Publication number: 20140231200Abstract: A shock absorber including a piston inserted into a cylinder (2) having a hydraulic oil sealed therein. An outer tube (3) is provided around the outer periphery of the cylinder to form a reservoir (4) therebetween. A bottomed circular cylindrical casing (25) is joined to a side surface portion of the outer tube, and a damping force control valve (27) is housed in the casing. The bottomed circular cylindrical casing has a bottom (25A) formed with a joint surface (25B) curved along the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube and a flat inner surface (25C). The casing is integrally formed by forging.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventor: Shigeo Katayama