Abstract: In the interior of the housing of an accumulator, a metallic bellows and a self-seal mechanism are arranged. The metallic bellows partitions the interior of the housing into a gas chamber and a liquid chamber. The self-seal mechanism includes an elastic seal member and a face which the elastic seal member opposes. When the bellows is compressed to the predetermined extent due to introduction of a compressed gas into the gas chamber, the elastic seal member is brought into contact with the face, thus closing a flow port. The elastic seal member has a slanted face, so that a wedge-shaped liquid guide gap is produced when the elastic seal member is in contact with the face. When, in this condition, the compressed liquid is introduced into the flow port, part of the liquid enters the liquid guide gap, thus permitting the seal member to easily separate from the face.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock-absorber and vibration damper comprising a cylinder (1), a damping piston (2) disposed so as to be axially movable inside the cylinder (1) and dividing off two working chambers (9, 10) filled with a hydraulic damping medium and connected by at least one throttle means (62), a piston rod (3) connected to the damping piston (2) and guided in sealing-tight manner out of the cylinder (1), and a compensating chamber (11) connected to one (9) of the working chambers (9, 10) for receiving a volume of damping medium displaced by the piston rod (3). A damping valve (26) driven by an electromagnet (24) and acted upon by a closing force is disposed at the transition between the working chamber (9) and the compensating chamber (11). The damping valve (26) is disposed in series with the throttle means (62), so that all the damping medium flowing between the working chamber (9) and the compensating chamber (11) flows through the damping valve (26).

Abstract: A hydraulic controller for the motion of a prosthetic joint has a piston--cylinder unit whose working chambers on opposite sides of the piston are connected to each other by a connecting passage and to a compensating chamber which stores a volume of hydraulic fluid to compensate for the difference in the volumes of the cylinder chambers resulting from the fact that the piston rod passes through one of them. Regardless of the direction of movement of the piston in the cylinder, utilizing checkvalves and adjustable throttle elements, the flow is controlled between the chambers so that separate throttle elements can effectively control the opposite movements while check valves permit filling of chambers.

Abstract: The invention consists of a novel tilt damper equipped with two oil chambers; one in the piston-rod extended position and the other in the piston-rod retracted position, which are respectively connected to a gas chamber through an oil passage where a relief valve and a check valve are provided. These valves are alternatively disengaged from the closed condition by an external operator. When these valves are open, oil flows freely into and out of them to allow gas pressure to drive the piston rod in the direction of extension. When only the check valve on the piston-rod oil chamber in the extended position is open, the tilt damper does not move in the direction of retraction. When overload is applied in the direction of extension of the piston rod, the tilt damper extends by applying a negative pressure to the oil chamber on the retraction part. When the overload is removed, the tilt damper automatically returns to the original position.

Abstract: A torque resistance device includes a rotor, a vane, and a valve device for regulating the resistance at which the rotor operates. The valve device is mounted to the housing for the rotor and vane assembly. The valve device includes a valve member which is adjustable via a threaded shaft.

Abstract: A suspension control system introduces capability of automatically adjusting sensibility of attitude change depending upon a vehicular speed with maintaining capability of manual adjustment of the sensibility for the vehicular attitude change. The actively controlled suspension system employs a pressure control valve which is operable in response to a control signal and controls fluid pressure in the fluid chamber of a hydraulic cylinder as a replacement of the conventional hydraulic shock absorber. The pressure control valve is associated with a controller which detects bounding and rebounding acceleration and stroke speed in bounding and rebounding motion for detecting vehicular attitude change and deriving a control signal to operate the pressure control valve to suppress attitude change. The controller is response to a vehicle speed indicative parameter for adjusting sensitivity of attitude change and whereby adjusting suspension control characteristics.

Abstract: A hydraulic dashpot comprising a cylinder, a piston separating the cylinder into a pair of chambers, a rod connected to the piston and projecting outwardly of the cylinder, a storage chamber for compensating hydraulic fluid, and a passage for conducting compensating fluid between the storage chamber and the pair of chambers. A first valve is provided in the passage for controlling fluid flow between the passage in at least one of the pair of chambers with the first valve being accommodated in a first valve body. A second valve is immediately upstream of the first valve body and closes fluid communication through the passage in a direction away from the storage chamber in automatic response to the removal of the first valve body from the passage.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system used in a vehicle, includes a cylindrical, hollow main housing having opposite open and closed ends, with an oil chamber in the interior thereof; a rod axially slidable in the main housing through the open end and having an outer end portion located outside of the main housing, an oil passage extending axially therethrough; a damping device mounted on the rod and including an orifice which connects the oil chamber with the oil passage; a cylindrical, hollow sub housing having opposite open and closed ends; a connecting passage connecting the oil passage with the open end of the sub housing, and being connected between the outer end portion of the rod and the open end of the sub housing; a metal bellows arranged coaxially within the sub housing so as to expand and contract axially therein, and having a closed free end and an open end sealed to the open end of the sub housing; a second oil chamber defined by an inner wall of the metal bellows, and communicating with the main

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber for a vehicle comprising a hydraulic cylinder with a piston which divides the cylinder into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, a damping chamber, and a return chamber. A control valve is provided in the path from the damping chamber to the upper compartment. A shock sensor is provided to detect the shock to which the vehicle is subject. When the shock exceeds a predetermined level, the shock sensor will give a signal to the control valve to close it, thus ensuring the shock to be absorbed by a spring in the damping chamber.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system used in a vehicle, includes a cylindrical, hollow main housing having opposite first and second ends, with an oil chamber in the interior thereof; a rod axially slidable in the main housing through the first end and having an outer end portion located outside of the main housing; a cylindrical, hollow sub housing having opposite open and closed ends; a connecting passage connecting the main housing oil chamber with the open end of the sub housing, and being connected between the second end of the main housing and the open end of the sub housing; a metal bellows arranged coaxially within the sub housing so as to expand and contract axially therein, and having a closed free end and an open end sealed to the open end of the sub housing; a second oil chamber defined by an inner wall of the metal bellows, and communicating with the main housing oil chamber through the connecting passage; a damping device disposed within the sub housing and including an orifice which connects the

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system used in a vehicle, includes a cylindrical, hollow main housing having opposite open and closed ends, with an oil chamber in the interior thereof; a rod axially slidable in the main housing through the open end and having an outer end portion located outside of the main housing, an oil passage extending axially therethrough; a damping device mounted on the rod and including an orifice which connects the oil chamber with the oil passage; a cylindrical, hollow sub housing having opposite open and closed ends; a connecting passage directly connecting the oil passage with the open end of the sub housing, and being connected between the outer end portion of the rod and the open end of the sub housing; a metal bellows arranged coaxially within the sub housing so as to expand and contract axially therein, and having a closed free end and a open end sealed to the closed end of the sub housing; a second oil chamber defined by an outer wall of the metal bellows, and an inner well of t

Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber system includes a plurality of shock absorbers, the damping characteristics of which are controlled by a hydraulic control circuit. Each of the shock absorbers includes an adjustable flow restrictor that is controlled by a hydraulic actuator responsive to pressure in the control circuit. By adjusting pressure in the control circuit the damping characteristics of each of the shock absorbers can be adjusted in parallel.

Abstract: A shock absorber for vehicles with pneumatic suspension, particularly for use with heavy vehicles, of the type comprising a cylinder, a rod movable axially in the cylinder, a piston carried by the rod and dividing the cylinder into a cylindrical chamber and an annular chamber, a pressurized fluid filling the cylindrical and annular chambers, a first circuit for allowing the fluid to flow from the annular chamber to the cylindrical chamber when the shock absorber is working under extension, a second circuit for allowing the fluid to flow from the cylindrical chamber to the annular chamber when the shock absorber is working under compression, a pressurized fluid reservoir connectable to the cylindrical and annular chambers and flow regulators mounted in the first and second circuits, the flow regulators being controlled by the fluid pressure against the action of the pressure of the compressed air of the pneumatic suspension of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a car suspension system according to the present invention, a cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder housing and a rod fitted therein for axial reciprocation. An oil chamber and a gas chamber are defined inside the cylinder assembly, and the capacity of the gas chamber changes as the cylinder housing and rod reciprocate relative to each other. A damping force-generating mechanism is provided in the oil chamber. A metal bellows is contained in the cylinder assembly so as to be coaxial with the cylinder housing. The bellows can extend and contract in the axial direction of the cylinder housing. Having a sealed internal space, the bellows divides the oil and gas chambers completely. Thus, when the rod reciprocates in the axial direction, relative to the cylinder housing, the bellows extends and contracts axially.

Abstract: A breech/receiver assembly for automatic cannon incorporates a rotating chamber and a recoil and counterrecoil buffer integrated within the breech. The breech, including the buffer means, recoils with the barrel and because the mass of the buffer is added to the breech and barrel, recoil forces transferred to trunions mounting the breech/receiver assembly are significantly reduced. The configuration of the breech/receiver assembly, including the rotating chamber and integrated recoil/counterrecoil buffer, enables a shorter receiver, thereby enabling a vehicle-mounted cannon utilizing the breech/receiver assembly of the present invention to elevate to high angles while still maintaining a relatively low gun silhouette.

Abstract: A weld gun assembly including a support structure; a pair of arm members pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on the support structure on a common pivot axis; a weld tip at one end of each arm member; an air cylinder interconnected between the other ends of the arm members and operative when actuated to move the weld tips together in a closing direction; and a pair of hydraulic cushioning devices extending respectively between the support structure and one arm member and between the support structure and the other arm member. The cushioning devices are selectively adjustable to vary the resistance provided to the movement of each arm member toward its closed position so that the resistance to the closing movement of each arm member may be selectively adjusted in compensation for the unbalanced forces that are acting on the individual arm members and thereby ensure that the weld tips arrive at their welding position adjacent the panels to be welded at the same time.

Abstract: A weld gun assembly including a support structure; a pair of arm members pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on the support structure on a common pivot axis; a weld tip at one end of each arm members; an air cylinder interconnected between the other ends of the arm members and operative when actuated to move the weld tips together in a closing direction; and a pair of hydraulic control devices extending respectively between the support structure and one arm member and between the support structure and the other arm member. The control devices function to ensure that the weld tips arrive at their closed welding position adjacent the panels to be welded at the same time irrespective of unbalancing forces acting on the weld gun and further function to ensure that there are no unbalancing forces tending to move the closed tips away from their closed positions.

Abstract: A motorcycle front fork assembly is disclosed in which a hollow damper rod is connected at its lower end to lower end of a hollow fork leg which telescopically receives an upper hollow fork tube and with a piston at the upper end of the damper rod engaging the interior surface of the fork tube. A float is positioned within the fork tube to float on the fluid within the fork tube. A float tube in which the float is positioned can be provided above the damper piston rod and including a fluid regulation valve. At least one compression port can be provided for fluid communication between a compression chamber defined between the fork leg and the damper rod below the lower end of the fork tube and a valve provides one way communication from the interior of the damper rod to the compression chamber during extension of the stroke of the fork assembly. The valve can include a slide that can close off or open a replenishment hole and a fluid passageway in the slide which is spring biased closed but can be opened.

Abstract: A tire shock absorber for attachment to a pneumatic tube tire or pneumatic tubeless tire for improving the smoothness of ride and decreasing road vibrations, the tire shock absorber comprising a chamber having at least one valve means which permits the unrestricted flow of air from the tubeless tire or tube tire into the chamber when the tire is subjected to intermittent road pressure, the valve means permitting the return of the displaced air to the tubeless tire or tube tire subsequent to the tire being subjected to the intermittent pressure. The tire shock absorber is designed for positioning either exterior to the tire or interior to the tire depending upon whether or not it is a tube tire or a tubeless tire.

Abstract: In an apparatus for damping courses of movement of two bodies or masses moving at variable velocities relative to one another and in their absolute positions, in particular for damping resilient wheel suspension systems in vehicles, in which a piston dividing a cylinder into two work chambers is dampingly affected in its particular movement direction (tension stage, compression stage) by controlled hydraulic throttle valves connected in series or in parallel with one another, parallel to the throttle valves, respective check valves opening in the opposite direction are provided, wherein the connections of all the valves remote from the work chamber connections are joined together and that a separate passive and (semi-) active damping effect be initiated. The necessary bandwidth of the frequency response of the electrohydraulic valves of apparatuses of this kind can be reduced drastically as a result.

Abstract: A missile (10) and concepts for deploying the fins (14) thereof from a stored to a deployed position are disclosed. One device described has three main portions including: A first end portion (32) housing an initiator (22) that powers the device and a locking mechanism (26) that holds the fin at its stored and its locked position; a central portion (34) housing a driven piston (24) that rotates a positively connected fin (14) from the stored to the deployed position; and, a second end portion (36) housing a damping system that controls the rate of deployment of the fins.

Abstract: A buffer device for the spiral housings of water turbines wherein the housing includes an extension located along the axis of the inlet conduit into the housing and wherein a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly is disposed between the extension and a fixed support with a fluid conduit extending between the housing and the cavity of the hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly.

Abstract: An improved snubber apparatus for an air cushion within a forming press is provided. A floating piston is mounted within the air cushion and defines a snubbing chamber. As the air cushion returns to its top stroke position after yieldably deforming to cushion a member within the forming press, a movable piston within the air cushion contacts the floating piston, forcing it to move in the direction reducing the volume of the snubbing chamber. A check valve is provided between a cushion chamber and the snubbing chamber which maintains the pressure in the snubbing chamber at a minimum equivalent to the pressure in the cushion chamber. As the volume of the snubbing chamber is reduced, the air trapped within is rapidly compressed to a value snubbing the motion of the air cushion. The snubber valve is provided communicating with the snubbing chamber and maintained in a closed position by the air pressure within the cushion chamber.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the spring stiffness in two bodies or masses that are movable relative to one another and in their absolute positions with variable speeds, in particular in resilient wheel suspension systems for vehicles and the like, wherein the volume positively displaced by a piston in a cylinder pressure chamber can be abruptly switched over into two partial volumes in accordance with load, movement and operating parameters of the vehicle, suspension and wheel as well as vehicle body, with it being possible, with partial volumes communicating with one another, to perform an additional total-volume fine adjustment continuously via a cylinder/piston unit and also in accordance with the parameters mentioned. A suspension concept of this kind, with slow, continuous adaptive adaptation and rapid switchover to greater stiffnesses is augmented by an asymmetrically variable damping and a preferably fast-operating level control means.

Abstract: A fluid energy absorber device, such as a fluid spring or shock absorber, or a combination of both, having a composite casing of an outer cylinder of molded plastic around an inner high strength plastic cylinder having high strength fibers therein, the high strength fibers extending both longitudinally and circumferentially, with the circumferential fibers preferably being a high strength plastic which will permit the casing to expand radially. The inner cylinder may be a separate plastic cylinder containing the high strength fibers and to which the outer cylinder is bonded, or the inner cylinder may be formed by a matrix of plastic which is a continuation of the outer cylinder. The high strength cylinder may be located between inner and outer plastic cylinders which are fused to each other to encapsulate the high strength cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock damper comprises a hydraulic cylinder and a piston having apertures and dividing the cylinder in upper and lower chambers. Through a flow channel the upper chamber of the cylinder is connected to a dashpot accomodating a partition element. The space being enclosed between the partition element and the closed end of the dashpot is filled with a pressurized fluid. Spaced around the said cylinder a second cylinder is provided, an open connection between the lower chamber of the first mentioned cylinder and the space between both cylinders being provided. Two branch lines are connected to the flow channel and emerge into a single line which in turn emerges into said space. In each branch line an externally controllable closure means and a non-return valve are arranged. Both non-return valves open in opposing fluid flow directions.

Abstract: The element comprises a tubular body connected to the hub of a wheel and pivotally connected to the base of the chassis (5) by an arm. This body is slidably mounted on a rod (4) pivotally connected to the chassis (5) of the vehicle, the tubular body containing a gas chamber (11) and a hydraulic liquid chamber (13) divided into two compartments by a central ring (25) fixed to the rod (4). According to the invention, there is provided a device (15) for drawing the hydraulic liquid and disposed outside the tubular body (2) which is slidably mounted on the rod (4) by two fluidtight bearings (42, 55) forming the ends of the hydraulic chamber (13) and spaced apart by a constant distance. The drawing device (15) permits the dissipation to the exterior of the hydraulic chamber (13) of the heat stored by the oil during the reciprocating motions of the suspension element and thus avoids the disadjustment of the ground clearance of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a system having many unequal-area dampers (16) and a common main accumulator (34) for providing positive hydraulic pressure thereto, a shutoff valve (64) and a backup accumulator (62) are provided for each damper (16). In the event of a loss of pressure in the system, the shutoff valve (64) isolates each damper (16) and associated backup accumulator (62) from the rest of the system so that positive hydraulic pressure is provided to each associated damper (16).

Abstract: An impact force shaping head includes an elongated casing having an interior wall, an open end and a closed end and contains a liquid. A piston is slidingly mounted within the casing and extends longitudinally beyond the open end of the casing. The piston sealingly engages the interior wall of the casing to define a liquid-filled first chamber between the piston and the closed end of the casing. A reservoir contains liquid and a conduit connects the first chamber with the reservoir. A control valve controls the flow of liquid through the conduit. The control valve is operative in response to changes in the pressure of the liquid contained in the first chamber.

Abstract: An oleopneumatic suspension for motorcycles and other vehicles includes, on opposite sides of a piston, a first reservoir for a gaseous fluid and a second reservoir for a liquid. An oil tight elastic separation member separates the second reservoir from a third reservoir which contains a gaseous fluid. A partition in the second reservoir has a unidirectional valve which permits liquid to flow away from the piston, and the partition has a return duct of adjustable cross-section for liquid flow toward the piston.

Abstract: A minimum pressure retention valve which is adapted to be connected in the air circuit of a vehicle load leveler system, and wherein the minimum set pressure is easily and reliably adjusted and the valve permits rapid pressurization of the load leveler system while retaining the set pressure when the air supply is off.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the spring firmness of a road vehicle is proposed, which is combined with a control of the shock absorber firmness. Both controls are preformed using a single control valve. Trigger signals for the control valve are ascertained by an electronic device, which receives its signals from sensors, disposed on the vehicle, for spring travel, acceleration, vehicle speed and steering angle or the like, and in particular for a travel sensor which picks up the shock absorber compression and emits it as a signal to the electronic device, whereby changes in spring stiffness are achieved.

Abstract: Tubular members (22, 24) define a pressure chamber (26) and a reserve chamber (28) between them. A first variable metered hydraulic orifice area is provided between chambers (26, 28) by openings (32) in a metering tube (30). A second metered hydraulic orifice area is provided by fixed orifice (94). In a first mode of operation, both such areas are open during an initial retraction of members (22, 24). Control tube (34) is coaxial with metering tube (30) and has openings (36). In the first mode, latch (62) locks tubes (30, 34) together with openings (32, 36) aligned. Relative extension of members (22, 24) following the initial retraction causes pressure in chamber (28) to rise above pressure in chamber (26) and latch (62) to release control tube (34). Spring (40) moves tube (34) into a closed position in which it blocks openings (32). Shock absorber (20) then operates in its second mode in which fixed orifice (94) remains open and openings (32) remain closed.

Abstract: The first of four adjustments for the shock absorber located between the rear wheel and main frame of a motorcycle is an externally accessible filler-valve enabling the rider to adjust gas pressure in one chamber to vary spring rate and respectively a second adjustment for varying the rate of hydraulic fluid from a main chamber through a main piston to a third chamber by means of a second valve to obtain the desired rate of upper wheel travel, a third adjustment which is an adjustable pressure relief third valve to limit differential pressure between fluid in the main chamber and in the third chamber under conditions of severe impact for the rider to select damping characteristics and a fourth adjustment valve varying fluid flow from a fourth chamber to the third chamber for the rider to adjust damping during extension. Optionally, there is an air cooler chamber around the main chamber and in communication with the carburetor.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber for vehicles including inner and outer cylinders, and a casing defining an oil chamber therein. The oil chamber is arranged to be in communication with the interior of the inner cylinder. A gas chamber hermetically defined by an elastic metal membrane and having a predetermined volume of gases confined therein is disposed in the oil chamber. The arrangement provides desirable damping characteristics in a substantially low damping force range as well as in an inherent or preset damping force range.

Abstract: A breechblock buffer serves for catching the recoiling breechblock following the firing of a cartridge. This breechblock buffer comprises a buffer piston and a compressible liquid. With the heretofore known breechblock buffers there is provided a container housing a compressed gas. The invention contemplates eliminating the need for such container. Instead of a gas container there is provided a packet or set of plate springs serving as an elastic structure. Furthermore, the breechblock buffer possesses a recoil buffer device. For guiding and sealing the buffer piston, a guide ring is arranged between two sealing rings.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber comprising a cylinder containing a working oil; a piston received in a slidable manner in the cylinder and formed with a communication passage for generating a damping force, a piston rod protruding from one end of the cylinder; a valve chamber formed at the other end of the cylinder in fluid communication with the inside of the cylinder; an oil tank having an oil port for communication with the valve chamber; a disc-shaped valve arranged in the valve chamber and formed with a plurality of oil holes which have different effective areas and which can selectively be brought to face the oil port which communicates with the valve chamber and oil tank when the disc-shaped valve is turned. The disc-shaped valve is preferably mounted slidably but non-rotatably upon a valve stem. A coil spring is preferably provided to urge the disc-shaped valve against the valve chamber.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension unit includes a large diameter flanged road arm spindle which is bolted to the vehicle hull; a road arm has one end rotatably mounted on the road arm spindle and another end mounting a road wheel; a gravity oriented oil barrier is defined with a free volume enclosed within the road arm to submerge a sealing system for an in-arm mechanically operated pneumatic spring which has a gas volume trapped behind the oil barrier to support the sprung mass of the vehicle; the seal system is defined by a pair of spaced O-rings and a packing ring which seals the outer surface of a reciprocating rod that displaces the seal oil barrier to vary gas compression and produce a resultant force equivalent to pressure times the area of the rod to counteract vertical forces on the road wheel.

Abstract: A front wheel drive vehicle having a frame and an engine set transversely across the width of the frame, and an engine torque strut between the engine and the frame for resisting the torque reactions during engine acceleration and during vehicle forward and reverse operation, and for retaining the engine in a known position. The torque strut comprises a housing having one end pivotally attached to the engine, a piston rod at the opposite end pivotally attached to the vehicle frame, resilient means in the housing on opposite sides of a piston under a pre-load, hydraulic fluid in the housing on opposite sides of the piston, and flow control means in the strut for regulating the transfer of hydraulic fluid to opposite sides of the piston upon piston displacement in the housing, the flow control means and the resilient means damping the engine torque reactions.

Abstract: A damping force generating device for an oil damper including a hydraulic cylinder, a sub-tank having in the interior thereof an oil chamber and a gas chamber, and a first oil passage which hydraulically connects the hydraulic cylinder to the oil chamber. The damping force generating device comprises a valve seat having second and third oil passages for passing therethrough an operating oil when it is flowing in first and second directions of the first oil passage, respectively; a first valve for opening and closing the second oil passage; and a second valve for opening and closing the third oil passage. The first or second valve comprises a valve body, a mechanism for normally urging the valve body in a closing direction, and an urging force adjusting arrangement for adjusting the urging force of the urging mechanism from the exterior. The damping force generating device is simplified in structure and provides for a reduction in size of the oil damper as well as facilitated adjustment of the damping force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt cab suspension system comprising integral shock absorber and air spring assemblies located between the truck frame and the cab. The shock absorber assembly comprises a hydraulic circuit which provides for circulation of hydraulic fluid during an upstroke and/or downstroke of a piston within a cylinder. A selectively adjustable control valve is located in the hydraulic circuit and may be regulated by the vehicle operator to control the stiffness of the shock absorber sub-assembly and, consequently, the hardness of the ride.

Abstract: A system for resiliently supporting a load at a reference height includes a hydraulic cylinder for resiliently supporting a load about a reference height and an accumulator which cooperates with the cylinder for flowing hydraulic fluid therebetween in response to varying loads imposed on the cylinder. A valve is provided for dampening the rate of fluid flowing between the cylinder and the accumulator and a metering valve coacts with the cylinder for adjusting the reference height about which the load is supported.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber comprising a piston and hollow piston rod slidable within a cylinder, and a plug assembly including a spool valve for metering fluid into the piston rod when an impact force forces the piston into the cylinder. A coil spring normally biases the valve spool to block fluid passage. An adjustment rod is threaded into the plug assembly to form a seat for the valve spring, and extends through the hollow piston rod. The adjustment rod may be rotated from externally of the piston rod for varying spring bias on the valve spool. A closed cell sponge is disposed within the plug-remote end of the piston rod.

Abstract: A shock absorber is disclosed having an outer cylinder closed at one end thereof, a hollow inner cylinder closed at one end and opened at an another end thereof, the open end being inserted in the outer cylinder, a guide member for guiding the inner cylinder slidably in the outer cylinder, a member for generating a damping force, the damping force generating member being connected to the open end of the inner cylinder, and having an orifice for throttling flow of hydraulic fluid from a chamber in the outer cylinder to a chamber in the inner cylinder, the orifice being in a central portion of the inner cylinder, and a plate-like stop provided between the inner cylinder and the damping force generating member for retaining the damping force generating member against the damping force within a predetermined range, the stop having an aperture greater than the orifice.

Abstract: A combined shock absorber and suspension device, particularly for a vehicle, comprises a suspension whose function is to elastically support the weight of a vehicle and a double-effect shock absorber which comprises an energy dissipation brake. The combined shock absorber and suspension device is either oleopneumatic or hydropneumatic. The device includes two telescopically slidable tubes which are each blocked at one end and open at the other end, the respective open ends of the tubes adapted to be inserted into one another to achieve a telescopically slidable motion. Each of the tubes can comprise an oil reservoir, the two reservoirs being separated by a piston attached to a free end of the interior one of the tubes. The piston includes at least one permanently open bleed bore. This bore is adapted to work during both compression and expansion of the device.

Abstract: A machine tool having a spindle assembly associated with an indexing tool storage rack on which a number of distinct tools are stored, and a transport or tool carriage for conveying a selected tool between the storage rack and the spindle assembly; and including a control circuit for sequencing the operation of the various component parts of the machine tool for either manual or automatic operation. The spindle assembly includes a variable speed motor drive for rotating a spindle having a drawbar for releasably securing a tool adaptor with the tool to the end of the spindle and which is associated with a push rod operable to control the release of the tool adaptor during a tool changing operation. A spindle gear shifting assembly is operatively connected to the spindle for shifting of the spindle between direct high speed drive and back gear low speed drive or to a neutral position in which the spindle is disengaged from the variable speed motor drive.

Abstract: An oleo-pneumatic shock absorber for use as a load-bearing element in a vehicle wheel-suspension arrangement. The shock absorber comprises a cylinder attachable at its lower end to the wheel hub, a drowned piston housed in the cylinder and connected by a piston rod to the vehicle body, and flow-determining means determining fluid flow past the piston during operation of the shock absorber. The drowned piston and piston rod are jointly constituted by a hollow rod closed at its end projecting from the cylinder. This hollow rod contains oil and gas. Means can be provided to adjust the quantity of gas and oil in the shock absorber.

Abstract: In a shock absorber device, a piston rod unit is axially displaceable through a cylindrical member from one end toward the other end thereof. The cylindrical member forms a variable volume working chamber containing a first fluid. A spring chamber is in communication with the working chamber so that the first fluid can flow between the two chambers. A pressurized second fluid is contained within the spring chamber separate from the first fluid and it acts on the first fluid for biasing the piston rod unit out of the working chamber. When the piston rod unit is moved into the working chamber and approaches an inner end position, it forms at least in part a damping chamber which decelerates the movement of the piston rod unit.

Abstract: An exercising device comprising a frame, actuating means, and a double acting hydraulic cylinder used therewith. The hydraulic cylinder includes a container having first and second chambers and passageways for placing the chambers in fluid communication with one another. A piston is slideably mounted within the first chamber and valve means are mounted with the container for preventing fluid communication into the first chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction and for preventing fluid communication around the piston when the piston is moved in a second direction. A piston rod extends into the container for moving the piston in response to movement of the actuating means. A control means governs the fluid flow through a selected passageway from the first to the second chamber to regulate the amount of force necessary to move the actuating means during exercise of a portion of the body.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber which includes a first cylinder closed at the top thereof and having a piston rod which axially extends from the top of the first cylinder and through the interior thereof and provided at the lower end with a piston; and a second cylinder closed at the bottom and telescopically received within the first cylinder. The second cylinder is provided with two radial partition walls having respective hole portions defining oil paths between them and the piston rod. A ring-like elastic member is fitted on the piston rod within a chamber defined between the two partition walls so as to function as a check valve for the oil paths defined between the hole portions in the partition walls and the piston rod. The piston rod is provided with an inner oil path extending therethrough and with a check valve arranged in the inner oil path, thereby compensating for a loss of damping function when the oil path around the piston rod is closed.