Abstract: A fluid suspension unit for motorcycles, particularly off-road motorcycles for cross-country sporting competitions and the like, usable both for the front wheel and the rear wheel of the motorcycle and comprising a pair of hydraulic shock absorbers, a pair of valves connected to each of said hydraulic shock absorbers for adjusting the working strokes thereof, and a compensation tank divided by an elastically deformable membrane into an uncompressed air chamber and a fluid chamber communicating with the closed hydraulic fluid circuit including said shock absorbers and said valves. This fluid suspension unit affords the advantage over conventional fluid suspension units having independent shock absorbers that the load is equally distributed on both sides of the supported motorcycle wheel and that the rate of elasticity of the shock absorbers can be adjusted at any time by the motorcyclist without having to dismount from the motorcycle.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic assembly particularly for use as a pressure reservoir in a shock absorber includes a housing with a diaphragm operatively mounted within the housing to define therein a liquid chamber on one side of the diaphragm and a gas chamber on the opposite side thereof. The liquid chamber is defined between an inner wall of the housing and the diaphragm and the diaphragm is arranged to be pressed against the inner wall under the influence of gas pressure within the gas chamber. Damping liquid for a shock absorber flows into and out of the liquid chamber to an opening provided in the inner wall of the housing and, by a special feature of the assembly, ducts are defined between the inner wall of the housing and the diaphragm, with the ducts being directed to extend toward the opening through which liquid flows into and out of the liquid chamber.

Abstract: Hydraulic shock absorbing arrangement for pipe conduit systems including a piston slidably mounted in a liquid-filled cylinder to define spaced chambers. The piston has a rod connected thereto which is slidable in a guide positioned at one end of the cylinder. The piston rod is surrounded by a sealing bellows which is secured in a liquid-tight manner at one end to the piston and at its other end to the guide. The cylinder is mounted on a stationary bearing, while the piston rod is connected to a pipe in which shocks are to be damped. A throttling valve communicates with each cylinder chamber, the latter chambers communicating with each other through an overflow path. An expandable compensation bellows communicates with the atmosphere through an air outlet opening, but is otherwise closed.

Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic cylinder has a piston disposed therein for dividing the cylinder into first and second portions with a single piston rod extending from one end of the cylinder. Each end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a hydraulic reservoir that is hermetically sealed and pressurized through the unique use of a metal bellows which pressurizes the hydraulic fluid. A pressure-compensated, variable orifice control valve is disposed between each end of the hydraulic cylinder and the reservoir for limiting the rate of fluid flow from the cylinder to the reservoir to a substantially constant value independent of external loads applied to the piston rod. The variable orifice increases in size with cylinder depressurization and thereby provides for a rapid release of internal residual hydraulic pressures after high dynamic loads are experienced.

Abstract: A dash pot which functions to control a throttle throughout its movement and also functions as a throttle return spring comprising a cylindrical body in which a guide member and associated shaft are positioned with the shaft extending externally of the body and a chamber associated with the cylinder having a diaphragm defining one wall thereof. The chamber and cylinder are filled with an incompressible fluid and an orifice is provided between the chamber and the cylinder. A spring yieldingly urges the shaft inwardly. A check valve and orifice are provided in the body to restrict the flow of fluid as the guide member is moved inwardly and permit the relatively free flow of liquid from one side of the guide member to the other as the guide member and associated shaft are moved outwardly. The end of the shaft is connected to the throttle so that when the throttle is released by the operator of the vehicle, the return velocity of the throttle to idle position is controlled throughout its movement.

Abstract: An automatic-locking damping unit designed to prevent damage to pipelines exposed to violent shaking. The unit is characterized by the presence of a compensating chamber provided in the inner cavity of the cross-head; this chamber communicating with the inner space of the unit via two valves and nozzles. The invention is of interest to designers of hydraulic equipment.

Abstract: An elongated coupling member is connectable to the upper link of a three point tractor lift and to an implement carried by the lift, such as a spreader. The member includes a piston slideably mounted in a cylinder and a hydraulic circuit between a space at each side of the piston. The piston can be adjusted to a set position in which the relative positions of the piston and cylinder are maintained by hydraulic fluid within the circuit and spaces. An overload device, such as a spring biased, one-way valve, is included in the circuit so that upon overload, the piston moves, usually to lengthen the coupling member and allow fluid to flow from one space to the other. In one version, an overflow space or reservoir is in the circuit to accomodate excess fluid when the piston is shifted and one space is larger than the other.

Abstract: A pipe hanger/snubber for supporting and/or protecting high-pressure piping and the like against damage by seismic, vibrational, and thermal shocks to the mechanical integrity of the piping system. The apparatus includes a sealed snubber cylinder containing a non-Newtonian fluid as the hydraulic fluid medium. A working shaft extends completely through the snubber cylinder. A shaft-mounted, perforate load nozzle is moved longitudinally through the non-Newtonian fluid in the snubber cylinder to thereby dissipate the shock forces. Shaft-engaging seals at each end of the snubber cylinder inhibit leakage of the non-Newtonian fluid from the snubber cylinder. Selectively, reservoir apparatus containing non-Newtonian fluid are provided adjacent at least one seal to compensate for leakage, if any, of the non-Newtonian fluid through the seal.

Abstract: A hydrapneumatic suspension unit for a vehicle has a first and and a second chamber separated by valve assembly in communication with both chambers for controlling the flow of liquid therebetween. The first said chamber is liquid filled and includes a slidably mounted piston connected by a linkage to the road wheel. The second chamber includes a first compartment containing the liquid and a second compartment containing a compressible medium, wherein the first and second compartments are separated by a floating piston or a diaphragm member to permit compression and restoration of the compressible medium. The valve assembly includes a damping valve, a low-restriction check valve for permitting one-way flow of liquid from the first to the second chamber, and a damping bypass valve for enabling quick return of liquid from the second chamber to the first chamber. Interconnection may be provided to establish equalization between two or more suspension units.

Abstract: This invention is an air shock apparatus readily sold as original equipment or attached to existing motorcycles and operable to achieve an air cushioned ride. More particularly, the air shock apparatus includes a control and fluid supply structure mounted through a connector member to supply shock absorbing fluid to a front fork support member that is connected to a front wheel assembly of the motorcycle. The control and fluid supply structure includes (1) a reservoir tank to supply the shock absorbing fluid to the front fork support member; (2) a pump assembly to supply fluid to the reservoir tank; (3) a valve member to control fluid pressure in the reservoir tank; and (4) a fluid equalizer assembly to adjust pressure of the fluid to left and right sides of the front fork support member. The air shock apparatus is self contained and easily regulated for the best ride in regard to existing road conditions.

Abstract: A shock absorber, particularly adapted for use in the rear suspension of a motorcycle, comprises a tubular housing having a piston reciprocally mounted therein. A first chamber is defined between the housing and the head end of the piston whereas a second chamber is defined between the rod end of the piston and the housing. An inflatable bladder is disposed in a hollow rod of the piston and defines the third chamber with the rod which is in open communication with the first chamber. The chambers are at least partially filled with oil and the first chamber and bladder are air-pressurized to selectively set the spring rates of the shock absorber. A plurality of circumferentially disposed ports are formed through a head of the piston and are normally closed by a spring washer to prevent communication of oil from the first chamber to the second chamber upon extension of the shock absorber and for permitting such communication upon compression thereof.

Abstract: A stress damper comprising a hydraulic accumulator having an expansible cavity filled with hydraulic fluid, a body of elastomer provided with at least one internal cavity filled with hydraulic fluid, and an intermediate element of elastomer provided between the accumulator and the elastomer body, having at least one duct providing communication between the cavities in the accumulator and the elastomer body and arranged so that a compressive stress applied to the accumulator will cause a reduction in the cross-section of the duct.

Abstract: A damper cylinder is partially filled with highly compressed gas and with operating fluid. A damping piston and connected rod portion are reciprocally movable in the cylinder operating fluid. A partition wall is fixedly mounted in the inner periphery of the cylinder and is interposed between the piston and a highly compressed gas chamber in the cylinder. The partition wall has valves opening in turn during the in and out movements of the damping piston and rod; the valve which opens during the outward movement of the working piston and rod having a closing force approximately equal to the product of such compressed gas and the effective cross-section of such outward movement valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic positioner for maintaining a given separation between its attachment points and having a bidirectional detenting action whereby the given separation can be altered only by application of a sufficiently large overriding force. A closed cylinder is divided into two closed fluid-filled chambers by a slidable piston. Motion of the piston requires transfer of fluid between the chambers. The transfer flow is determined by preloaded check valves in the transfer flow path. The check valves are preloaded in opposite directions to achieve the bidirectional detenting action. A reservoir supplies fluid under a small positive pressure to one of the closed fluid-filled chambers to replace fluid lost through leakage.

Abstract: A hydraulic counterweight and shock-absorbing system for unbalanced loads comprises a hydraulic cylinder having a reciprocable piston attached to a rod which controls the position of the load. The hydraulic cylinder is filled with a hydraulic liquid and is provided with a valved by-pass conduit which is selectively operable to permit free movement of the piston in a "free-wheeling" mode. An accumulator partially filled with hydraulic liquid under a high-pressure gas phase is operatively connected to the rod end of the cylinder to provide a shock-absorbing function during a "hook-up" mode. In a "disconnect" mode, by-pass conduits provided with a check-valve and with a relief or pressure-controlled valve permit unimpeded upward movement of the load in response to an external applied force, but prevent downward movement of the load except on application of a force exceeding the weight of the load.

Abstract: A cylinder-and-piston type hydraulic damper has spaced dual seals on its piston rods to provide annular cavities between seals. A fluid leakage line connects said cavities to the closed reservoir of a fluid leakage indicator which consists of a cylinder closed by a spring biased diaphragm which carries the indicating member of the indicator. The damper chambers on opposite sides of the piston are alternately supplied with fluid from the reservoir during operation of the damper by means of a shuttle valve, thus providing a closed and sealed fluid system including redundant seals with means for indicating that the damper needs servicing upon a predetermined loss of fluid from the reservoir.

Abstract: An oil pressure shock absorber which can be disassembled wherein an inner cylinder having a free piston fitted in it and a high pressure gas enclosed on the base end side is slidably fitted at the tip inside an outer cylinder, an oil seal is provided on their sliding contact surfaces, a plurality of orifices arranged in the axial direction are formed on the side wall of the inner cylinder inserted in the outer cylinder, an annular concave groove is formed on the inside surface of the outer cylinder so as to be opposed to the above mentioned orifices, axial concave grooves are made on the outside surface of the inner cylinder from its tip and the tip part of the inner cylinder and the interior of the outer cylinder are filled with oil, thereby a collision energy may be uniformly absorbed over the entire range of the stroke.

Abstract: A shock absorber system where an outer cylinder having a top closure is connected to a vehicle frame and having a ported bottom closure. An inner cylinder is mounted coaxially in the outer cylinder and has a main piston including a piston rod extending down through the ported bottom closure. The piston is in slidable fluid tight relation to be connected to an axle of the vehicle. The system further includes a cooling cylinder and structure forming a flow channel leading into the cooling cylinder from beneath the main piston. Structure forms a return flow channel from the cooling cylinder into the top of the inner cylinder and includes a check valve. The cooling cylinder includes a gas pressure positioned free piston. Structure further includes a check valve in the main piston for passing liquid from above the main piston to below the main piston upon compression of the main piston and for circulating fluid through the cooling cylinder upon expansion.

Abstract: A front fork for suspending a front wheel of a motorcycle has an outer tube and an inner tube slidably accomodated therein. A pressure chamber is defined between the inner tube and a hollow rod and communicates with a lower chamber formed in the outer tube through a port formed in the inner tube, an anular recess formed in the inner tube, another port formed in the inner tube at the lower portion thereof and a selected one of a plurality of orifices of different diameters formed in a lock piston located in the inner tube. The lock piston is provided with an engaging member engageable with a bottom wall of the outer tube when the inner tube is caused to intrude into the outer tube by a maximum amount.

Abstract: A shock strut employing fluid as a damping medium and gas trapped in a primary chamber above the fluid as a spring is modified by adding a secondary chamber with an orificed inlet to the primary chamber above the normal fluid level. For low velocity deflections of the strut, the gas can pass freely through the orifice so that the effective volume into which the gas is compressed is enlarged thereby reducing the spring rate. For high velocity deflections, the orifice meters the passage of the gas to the secondary chamber so that a higher spring rate is momentarily present. On extreme deflections, the fluid level within the strut reaches the orifice which severely restricts flow therethrough to cause a second greatly increased spring rate for the gaseous spring which also is velocity sensitive.

Abstract: A telescoping energy absorbing unit having inner and outer telescoping cylinders with unitary fluid flow control valve means operatively disposed between contractible and expansible fluid chambers in the unit. The valve progressively opens with increasing loads above a predetermined load to control the flow of fluid from a first of the chambers to a second of the chambers for absorbing impact energy. The valve closes on rebound and has openings therein that meter fluid from the second to the first chamber to reduce the speed of rebound of the cylinders from a telescoped toward an extended position.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension device comprising a telescopic shock absorber including an elongated tubular housing, a piston reciprocable within the housing and connected to one end of a piston rod extending axially outwardly from one end of the housing, a tubular dirt shield supported on one end of the piston rod and extending coaxially of the rod and the housing, a helical coil spring extending coaxially of the housing and the dirt shield with the dirt shield being disposed entirely within the confines of the coil spring, and first and second spring supports located on the dirt shield and the exterior of the housing for operatively supporting the coil spring in its proper position around the shock absorber.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber which comprises a piston rod inserted into a cylinder assembly; a piston fixed to the inner end of the piston rod to divide the internal space of the cylinder assembly into first and second oil chambers; and passage means designed to attain communication between both chambers and provided with an opening-variable orifice whose opening area automatically varies with the temperature of damping oil, wherein the damping property of said shock absorber is always kept constant independently of changes in the temperature of damping oil.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic shock absorber for use between a bumper and the chassis of a motor vehicle has a cylinder and a plunger guided in the cylinder by the radially enlarged inner end portion of the plunger and by an annular sealing assembly which axially bound a gap radially defined by respective walls of the cylinder and plunger. The sealing assembly includes a rigid guide ring axially secured on the plunger, a resilient sealing ring, and a backing ring of intermediate hardness axially interposed between the guide ring and the sealing ring. The hollow interior of the plunger is partly filled with a compressed gas and partly by liquid which also occupies the cylinder chamber outwardly closed by the plunger, a throttling passage in a closing disc which is an end wall of the plunger, and the remainder of the hollow plunger interior, the liquid being separated from the compressed gas by a floating partition in the plunger.

Abstract: A suction dredger, comprising a vessel and a suspension conveying conduit provided with a pump and having a nozzle suspended by means of at least one cable of a lifting device on the vessel is improved for preventing breaking of the cable or damage of other dredger parts. To this aim the lifting device comprises a cable length variator delivering cable and each time hauling essentially all delivered cable in work condition with a high cable tension being lower than the inadmissible cable tension, but being higher than a predetermined low cable tension, in order to prevent an inadmissible cable tension during a downward ground reaction upon the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydropneumatic suspension device, comprising in the conventional manner a cylinder filled with a liquid in which a piston provided with spring-loaded valve is slidably mounted. This device comprises compensating apparatus for compensating the expansion of the liquid and gaseous media acting as a pneumatic spring, the compensating apparatus comprises an auxiliary space containing a gaseous fluid under pressure and a movable wall responsive on one side to the gas pressure and on the other hand to the pressure of the liquid contained in the device and also of the liquid contained in the device and also of the liquid filling the hollow rod of this device.