Abstract: The invention relates to a damper (1, 1?) for furniture, especially hinges, comprising a housing (2, 2?) in which a piston (8, 8?) is connected to a piston rod (3, 3?) and can be displaced. A fluid flows through at least one flow channel (11, 11?) on or in the piston (8, 8?) during a movement of the piston (8, 8?) inside the housing (2, 2?), the movement of the piston (8, 8?) resulting in a different damping power in different directions. The cross-section of the flow channel can be modified in some sections on at least one groove (20, 20?) by moving a plate (12, 12?) relative to the piston (8, 8?). On the at least one groove (20, 20?), a substantially funnel-shaped outlet (22, 22?) and/or the groove (20?) have a section which is arranged at an angle to the radial direction to avoid cavitation.

Abstract: A piston (8) of a fluid pressure shock absorber (D, D1) partitions a first fluid chamber (R1) and a second fluid chamber (R2) in a cylinder (5) filled with a fluid. A pipe member (3) inserted into a housing (2, 30) has a connection to one of the first fluid chamber (R1) and the second fluid chamber (R2). The housing (2, 30) and the pipe member (3) form a space (4) there-between that connects the other of the first fluid chamber (R1) and the second fluid chamber (R2) to the pipe member (3). The pipe member (3) and the space (4) form a long fluid path between the first fluid chamber (R1) and the second fluid chamber (R2). The shock absorber (D, D1) thereby generates a damping force proportional to the stroke speed of the piston (8).

Abstract: A fluid pressure shock absorber in which valve opening of the main valve is controlled by an inner pressure of a backpressure chamber. A first piston (3) and a second piston (4) coupled to a piston rod (10) are fitted in a cylinder (2) such that a piston chamber (2C) is defined between the first and second pistons. An extension-side main valve (18) and a compression-side main valve (23) are provided in the piston chamber (2C). Valve opening of the main valves is controlled by an extension-side backpressure chamber (19) and a compression-side backpressure chamber (24). A compression-side check valve (13) and an extension-side check valve (16) are provided at the first piston (3) and the second piston (4). During an extension stroke of the piston rod (10), the compression-side check valve (13) is closed, whereby action of a pressure of a cylinder upper chamber (2A) on the compression-side main valve (23) is prevented.

Abstract: A vehicle damper comprises a fluid filled cylinder, a piston for movement within the cylinder, at least two fluid ports formed in the piston and at least one shim at least partially blocking the ports. In one embodiment, a fluid collection area is formed between the ports and the shim, the collection area permitting communication between fluid in the ports. In another embodiment, the piston includes at least one aperture constructed and arranged to receive a threaded bleed valve.

Abstract: A damper for damping a movement along a middle-longitudinal-axis, in particular for damping a seat in a vehicle, includes an outer housing extending along the middle-longitudinal-axis, a guiding and sealing unit closing a first housing end, a piston rod sealed by the guiding and sealing unit guided, an inner housing, which surrounds a working chamber, a damping fluid, a second housing end opposite the first housing end and a piston guided in the inner housing along the middle-longitudinal-axis and secured to the piston rod. The piston divides the working chamber into a first part-working chamber and a second part-working chamber. The piston includes at least one throughflow channel for connecting the chambers, an equalizing chamber arranged between the inner housing and the outer housing and a throttling channel integrated into the guiding and sealing unit. The throttling channel has a cross-sectional area comprising a length and an internal width.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damper having a damper cylinder, in which a piston plunger is guided via a piston rod. For the adjustment of characteristic damper values, the flow of a damper fluid can be controlled via control mechanism disposed inside the damper cylinder, which controls the flow of the damper fluid in a first flow direction using a first adjusting element and in a second flow direction using a second adjusting element. According to the invention, the first and second adjusting elements are provided with at least one spring element. The spring rate of at least one of the spring elements can be adjusted for defining a damping behavior using corresponding defining or predetermining elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for absorbing the displacement, under the influence of an external force, of at least one plunger (10,20) in a linear electrodynamic motor comprising a least an induction coil (11, 21) magnetically coupled with the plunger. Said method comprises the steps of: detecting in said induction coil a current induced (I?ind) amplified relative to the induced current. The invention can be applied to cryogenic machines on board space ships.

Abstract: In a shock absorber of a vehicle, when a moving speed of a piston rod in relation to a cylinder tube is slow and first and second input forces are externally applied to the shock absorber, damping forces of pressure side and extension side first damping force generating devices are larger than that of pressure side and extension side second damping force generating devices. On the other hand, when the moving speed is fast, the damping forces of the pressure side and the extension side second damping force generating devices are larger than that of the pressure side and the extension side first damping force generating devices. A gas enclosure chamber filled with gas is connected to a first chamber through a free piston.

Abstract: A two-stage slave cylinder including a housing and a bore extending within the housing. An outer piston is slidably positioned within the bore in the housing, and an outer piston chamber is defined by the bore and the outer piston. The outer piston chamber is connected to a hydraulic fluid source by a fluid passageway. A biasing mechanism acts to bias the outer piston in an unactuated position unless a force is exerted on the outer piston that is greater than the biasing force. A bore is provided in the outer piston, and an inner piston is slidably positioned therein. An inner piston chamber is defined by the bore and the inner piston, and an opening is provided in the outer piston to connect the outer piston chamber to the inner piston chamber. A valve assembly is provided within the opening in the outer piston to control the flow of fluid between the outer piston chamber and the inner piston chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed that provide position sensitive suspension damping. A damping unit includes a piston mounted in a fluid-filled cylinder. A vented path in the piston may be fluidly coupled to a bore formed in one end of the piston rod, creating a flow path for fluid to flow from a first side of the piston to a second side of the piston during a compression stroke. The flow path may be blocked by a needle configured to engage the bore as the damping unit is substantially fully compressed, thereby causing the damping rate of the damping unit to increase. In one embodiment, the piston includes multiple bypass flow paths operable during the compression stroke or the rebound stroke of the damping unit. One or more of the bypass flow paths may be restricted by one or more shims mounted on the piston.

Abstract: Shock absorber provided with a piston having a number of constantly open connecting channels which connect the two sides of the piston, and having a number of connecting channels to be opened and closed by element of a valve. The valve includes a plate valve which under the influence of flow therethrough, i.e. the pressure difference over the piston, on the outward movement of the shock absorber can be closed to a greater or lesser extent. On the inward movement, unimpeded flow of fluid through the piston can occur. A flow-through path is bounded by the corresponding connecting channels and the valve together with the upper side of the piston. In the rest position there is a flow-through possibility for fluid when the shock absorber fixings move away from each other, and when the shock absorber fixings move away from each other more quickly the flow-through cross section gradually decreases until the valve closes completely.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic shock absorber including a spring receiver that is supported so as to be not rotatable with respect to the axle bracket. The spring receiver is divided into a spring receiver base portion that has an outer diameter smaller than an inner periphery of an axle-side tube, and a spring receiver cylindrical portion that is inserted into an inner periphery of the axle-side tube and a suspension spring is seated thereon. A lower end engagement portion provided at a lower end of the spring receiver cylindrical portion is seated on an upper end engagement portion provided at an upper end of the spring receiver base portion, so that the spring receiver cylindrical portion is concentrically set to the axle-side tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a hatch which can pivot around a pivot axis, especially a hatch of a motor vehicle, by means of a piston-cylinder unit. The piston-cylinder unit has a closed cylinder filled with a pressurized fluid, the interior of the cylinder 6 being divided by a piston into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. A piston rod passes through the second working chamber and is guided to the outside through a seal at the end of the cylinder and then hinged to the hatch, whereas the other end of the cylinder is hinged to a stationary component. A through-opening leading from the first working chamber to the second working chamber, is provided in the piston. The through-opening can be opened by an electrically actuated valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve includes a main body, a valve body, a piston, a valve sleeve, a spool and a resilient energy storage member. The valve body and the piston are disposed within the main body. The valve body defines a first chamber, a second chamber, and a cylindrical passage connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. The valve sleeve is moveably disposed in the cylindrical passage. The spool is moveably disposed within the bore of the valve sleeve. The resilient energy storage member may be disposed between the valve sleeve and valve spool. The resilient energy storage member is compressed as pressure is induced in one of the first chamber or the second chamber such that the valve sleeve and the spool move relative to one another so that at least a portion of the shaped aperture is exposed to the first chamber or second chamber to allow a proportional amount of hydraulic fluid to flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damping element for a vibration damper that works with hydraulic damping fluid. The fundamental structure of the damping element includes a one-piece base body configured as a circular disk, which has a plurality of first flow-through openings, each having an entry cross-section in a first face side of the base body, as well as a plurality of second flow-through openings, each having an entry cross-section in an opposite, second face side of the base body, as well as circular valve disks on both face sides of the base body, which rest against a support surface of the base body, disposed in the center, and at least partially close off exit cross-sections of the flow-through openings. The exit cross-sections are surrounded by control edges, which form contact surfaces for the valve disks and project beyond the support surface as well as the entry cross-sections.

Abstract: A damper has a piston having an axis, an outer surface, and opposing ends. Elastomeric seals are in sealing contact with the outer surface of the piston, the seals being coaxial with the piston and limiting movement of the piston to a path along the axis of the piston. The seals also define fluid chambers adjacent the ends of the piston. A primary passage communicates the fluid chambers, and a selectively switchable valve for controls a flow of fluid from one of the chambers to another of the chambers through the primary passage. When the flow of fluid through the primary passage is permitted, movement of the piston is resisted by a first spring rate due to a shear force required to cause shear deflection of the seals. When the flow of fluid through the primary passage is restricted, movement of the piston is resisted by a second spring rate due to a fluid force required to cause bulging deflection of the seals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accommodating vehicle suspensions that may bottom out. Some embodiments of the present invention include the secondary shock absorber placed within a primary shock absorber. Yet clear embodiments describe a shock absorber having multiple fluid flowpaths during compression, with one of the flowpaths being active near the bottoming-out condition.

Abstract: A rotary wing system with a troublesome motion when rotating about a rotation axis, including a fluid tubular damper with a damper fluid for controlling the troublesome motion. The damper has an inboard and an outboard end, the inboard end attached to a rotary wing system inboard member proximate the rotation axis and the outboard end attached to a rotary wing system outboard member. The damper is terminated with a nonelastomeric end cap and contains damper fluid in at least an inboard and an outboard variable volume nonelastomeric working chamber which is worked by a nonelastomeric damper piston and a relative motion between the rotary wing system members. The damper includes a dynamically variable elastomeric volume compensator chamber in fluid communication with the working chambers, with the communication a controlled communication with the fluid flowed through control valves towards the working chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strut assembly that comprises a piston that is in slideable communication with a housing. The piston comprises a piston head having a channel in operative communication with a fluid that is disposed in the housing. An elastic member and an active element are disposed in the channel. The active element is in operative communication with the elastic member and is operative to change the shape of the elastic member.

Abstract: A tunable vibration isolator having a housing, fluid chamber, and at least one tuning passage. A piston assembly is resiliently disposed within the housing. A vibration isolation fluid is allowed to flow from the fluid chambers through the tuning passage. A metering valve is actuated up and down in order to change the effective diameter of the tuning passage, resulting in a change to the isolation frequency.

Abstract: A steering damper system and method of regulating the fluid pressure of such a system are provided. The system can comprise a piston rod, a cylinder, a passage, and a damper portion. The damper portion can comprise a damper cavity, an outer piston, an inner piston, and a biasing component. The damper cavity can be in fluid communication with the passage. The outer piston can be slidably disposed in the damper cavity and define a chamber and a duct that is in fluid communication with the chamber and the passage. The inner piston can be slidably disposed in the chamber of the outer piston. The biasing component can exert an axial biasing force against the inner piston for regulating the pressure of fluid disposed in the system passing intermediate the passage, the damper cavity, and the chamber of the outer piston.

Abstract: A damping valve (10) resists a flow of fluid from a first fluid chamber (41) to a second fluid chamber (42) which are separated by a piston (1). A partitioning member (24, 27-29, 52) partitions an inflow space (A, B) of a passage (2) in the first fluid chamber (41). A spool (17, 31, 51) decreases a flow cross-sectional area of a flow path from the first fluid chamber (41) into the inflow space (A, B) according to a differential pressure between the fluid chambers. By ensuring a gap between the outer circumference of the valve disk (1) and the partitioning member (24, 27-29, 52) which permanently allows fluid to flow from the first chamber (41) into the inflow space (A, B), the damping force characteristic in a high speed region of piston displacement can be set independently of the damping force characteristic in other regions.

Abstract: A piston (8) of a fluid pressure shock absorber (D, D1) partitions a first fluid chamber (R1) and a second fluid chamber (R2) in a cylinder (5) filled with a fluid. A pipe member (3) inserted into a housing (2, 30) has a connection to one of the first fluid chamber (R1) and the second fluid chamber (R2). The housing (2, 30) and the pipe member (3) form a space (4) there-between that connects the other of the first fluid chamber (R1) and the second fluid chamber (R2) to the pipe member (3). The pipe member (3) and the space (4) form a long fluid path between the first fluid chamber (R1) and the second fluid chamber (R2). The shock absorber (D, D1) thereby generates a damping force proportional to the stroke speed of the piston (8).

Abstract: Disclosed is a piston valve assembly of a shock absorber. The shock absorber includes an inner cylinder completely filled with an operating fluid, an outer cylinder disposed outside the inner cylinder and partially filled with the fluid, and a piston rod. The piston valve assembly is provided to a lower end of the piston rod to divide the inner cylinder into rebound and compression chambers. The piston valve assembly includes a compression valve body having a compression fluid passage, a rebound valve body having a rebound fluid passage, an upper disc valve on the compression valve body, a lower disc valve below the rebound valve body, and a sliding piston sealingly adjoining the inner cylinder and having a penetration fluid passage. The sliding piston is slidably disposed between the compression and rebound valve bodies to slide while opening or closing a space between outer surfaces of the compression and rebound valves.

Abstract: A damping mechanism (1) that generates a damping force in response to a liquid flow between a first liquid chamber (R1) and a second liquid chamber (R2) comprises a partitioning member (2) separating the first liquid chamber (R1) and the second liquid chamber (R2) and a flow passage (P) formed in the partitioning member (2) to connect the first liquid chamber (R1) and the second liquid chamber (R2). The flow passage (P) comprises an odd number of through-holes (10-14) greater than three which penetrate the partitioning member (2) and are connected in series. A large amount of frictional energy loss due to a long path length occurs in the flow passage (P) and causes the damping mechanism (1) to generate a sufficient damping force.

Abstract: A regulable dashpot with shock-absorption force controls, especially intended for motor vehicles, with at least one flow-regulating system including one or more shock-absorption components for the compression phase and/or for the decompression phase. The object is to allow the dashpot to shift continuously between the hard and soft phases, whereby the valve-adjustment intervals can be varied at intervals that are not unnecessarily short or even unattainable. At least one valve assembly is accordingly supplied with variable flow impedance by regulating valve.

Abstract: An active, independent suspension system has dual piston, compressible fluid struts (22). Each of the dual piston struts (22) has an outer cylinder (24) and an outer piston rod (30), which each respectively define exterior peripheries for an outer pressure chamber (32) and an inner pressure chamber (54). Pressures applied to a compressible fluid (56) in respective ones of the outer and inner pressure chambers (32, 54) urge the outer piston to extend from within the outer cylinder (24). A control system (240) is provided for actively controlling an amount of compressible fluid (56) disposed within each of the outer and inner chambers (32, 54).

Abstract: A vibration damper comprising a body part via which the damper can be fastened to the object to be dampened, an oscillating piece movably arranged in the space of the body part and fastened by at least one spring to the body part, the oscillating piece consisting of more than one part, removably fastened to each other. The invention also relates to a method of producing a vibration damper and an arrangement of reducing the vibration in a piston engine.

Abstract: A vibration damper providing amplitude-dependent damping for motor vehicles includes a first damping device including a piston rod which is disposed in a damping tube so as to be moveable in an oscillating manner and which supports a damping piston which divides the interior of the damping tube into a piston rod-side working chamber and a working chamber remote from the piston rod. The vibration damper further includes a second damping device which is disposed hydraulically parallel to the damping piston and includes an equalizing chamber which is divided into a first and a second partial chamber by a separating piston disposed so as to be axially displaceable in the equalizing chamber, wherein the first partial chamber is hydraulically connected to the piston rod-side working chamber and the second partial chamber is hydraulically connected to the working chamber remote from the piston rod.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber in which the flow of hydraulic fluid induced in each of extension and compression hydraulic fluid passages, by sliding movement of a piston, is controlled by a main disk valve to generate damping force. The valve opening pressure of the main disk valve is adjusted by the pressure in a back-pressure chamber. In a low piston speed region, the main disk valve closes a back-pressure chamber inlet passage. Therefore, the pressure in the backpressure chamber will not rise, and sufficiently small damping force is obtained. When the main disk valve opens, the backpressure chamber inlet passage opens simultaneously. Consequently, the pressure in the backpressure chamber rises, and the damping force increases.

Abstract: A steering damper system and method of regulating the fluid pressure of such a system are provided. The system can comprise a piston rod, a cylinder, a passage, and a damper portion. The damper portion can comprise a damper cavity, an outer piston, an inner piston, and a biasing component. The damper cavity can be in fluid communication with the passage. The outer piston can be slidably disposed in the damper cavity and define a chamber and a duct that is in fluid communication with the chamber and the passage. The inner piston can be slidably disposed in the chamber of the outer piston. The biasing component can exert an axial biasing force against the inner piston for regulating the pressure of fluid disposed in the system passes intermediate the passage, the damper cavity, and the chamber of the outer piston.

Abstract: A damper of variable damping force adapted to be built into a vehicular suspension is disclosed. The damper has frictional force generating means for applying a frictional force to a rod. The frictional force generating means is disposed at one end of a cylinder and positioned externally of the latter.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylinder tube, a piston fitted slidably in an axial direction in the cylinder tube and arranged to divide an inside of the cylinder tube into first and second fluid chambers, a piston rod extending from the piston to an outside of the cylinder tube, and damping force generation sections arranged to generate a damping force by making hydraulic fluid flow between the first and the second fluid chambers. Cavities are formed in at least one of the cylinder tube and the piston rod. Flowable matter having a rheological characteristic is sealed in the cavities.

Abstract: A piston connected to a piston rod is fitted into a cylinder in which a hydraulic fluid is sealably contained. A flow of the hydraulic fluid is generated in an extension-side fluid passage and a compression-side fluid passage according to a sliding motion of the piston, and this flow of the hydraulic fluid is controlled by a main disk valve, to thereby generate a damping force. A valve-opening pressure of the main disk valve is controlled by an internal pressure of a back-pressure chamber generated due to a difference in flow path area between a back-pressure chamber inlet fluid passage and a downstream-side orifice. During a reverse stroke, a check valve is opened, to thereby introduce a pressure in a downstream-side cylinder chamber into the back-pressure chamber, so that the main disk valve can be maintained in a closed position and a stable damping force can be generated.

Abstract: An integrated suspension system includes a cylinder that hermetically contains gas therein; a piston that has a motor at an upper portion thereof; a disk unit including a second disk that has a plurality of passage holes formed there through and a bottom surface coupled to a driving shaft of the motor to rotate while moving vertically integrally along with the piston, and a first disk that has a plurality of passage holes and is stacked on and connected via a hinge to the center of a top surface of the second disk to move vertically within the cylinder integrally along with the second disk without any rotation; and a control unit that controls an opening degree established through overlap of the passage holes formed in the first and second disks by changing power supplied to the motor to control a rotational angle of the second disk.

Abstract: A frequency-dependent damper incorporates a compensated piston assembly to reduce the amount of static push-out force. The piston rod is a hollow rod with a compensator being disposed within the hollow portion of the piston rod. The piston rod is a hollow rod with a compensator being disposed within the hollow portion of the piston rod. The compensator is attached to the pressure tube of the damper such that the compensator slides within the piston rod during stroking of the shock absorber. The compensated piston assembly reduces the difference in cross-sectional area between the upper and lower surfaces of the piston.

Abstract: A gas shock absorber has a pressure tube which defines a working chamber. A piston divides the working chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. A flow path extends through the piston to provide fluid communication between the upper and lower working chambers. A valve body is attached to the pressure tube. The valve body defines a flow path between the working chamber and a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber is in communication with either the upper working chamber or the lower working chamber. The fluid chamber can be defined within the pressure tube, between the pressure tube and a chamber tube or it can be defined by an air spring assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring system for bicycles having a first load-applying segment and a second load-applying segment as well as at least one positive spring and at least one negative spring arranged to be effectively operable between the first and the second load applying segments.

Abstract: A suspension damper includes a housing bounding a main chamber. A piston rod is slideably disposed within the main chamber of the housing. A main piston is mounted on the first end of the piston rod within the main chamber of the housing so as to slideably engage against the housing in sealed engagement, the main piston having a first side and an opposing second side with a compression port extending therebetween. A control valve assembly is disposed within the main chamber and bounds a sealed valve compartment. The control valve assembly is movable between a first position wherein the valve compartment is compressed to a first volume and a second position wherein the valve compartment is expanded to an enlarged second volume, the control valve assembly being movable under pressure so as to provide variable compression damping properties.

Abstract: A vibration damper with variable damping force, includes a cylinder filled with damping medium and in which a piston fastened to a piston rod axially moveably therein. The piston divides the working cylinder into two working spaces. The damping force for the directions of rebound and compression are influenced by nonreturn valves acting in the respective directions. A damping valve of variable damping action is additionally provided in series with each of the nonreturn valves so that the damping valve is active in both the rebound and compression directions.

Abstract: A piston having a piston rod connected thereto is slidably fitted in a cylinder in which a hydraulic fluid is sealably contained. Extension-stroke and compression-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanisms are provided in the piston. A pilot control valve of the extension-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanism is formed by a pressure control valve having a valve seat, a valve body and a pressure-receiving portion. A pilot control valve of the compression-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanism is formed by a flow rate control valve having a spool. A slider having the valve body of the pressure control valve and the spool of the flow rate control valve is operated by a proportional solenoid, to thereby control a damping force for an extension stroke and a damping force for a compression stroke.

Abstract: Known shock-absorbing elements are provided with overflow throttles equipped with sealing disks. These overflow throttles have different opening characteristics for the two directions which cannot be changed. The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a novel overflow throttle that can be freely selected and changed. To this end, the overflow throttle consists of a first (13) and a second overflow throttle (13) that are spatially separate and that are allocated to respective pressure chambers (10, 11). Both overflow throttles are provided with sealing disks (23) and are oriented opposite to the sense of the direction of flow. Every overflow throttle (13) is linked with the other pressure chamber (10, 11) via at least one through bore (35) that evades the opposite overflow throttle (13).

Abstract: A cushion assembly for motorcycles includes an outer tube having a recess defined through a first end thereof and a hydraulic cylinder is received in the recess. A valve is connected to the cylinder and communicates with a locking hole defined in a second end of the outer tube. A cap is engaged with an opening in the first end of the outer tube and has a through hole so that an inner tube is movably inserted through the through hole in the cap, received in the recess and engaged with the cylinder. The length of the outer tube and the recess are made longer so as to be installed to a modified version of motorcycles.

Abstract: A hydraulic damping device has a cylinder, a rod, a piston, a first biasing member, a seal and a second biasing member. The rod moveably extends into the cylinder. The piston is securely attached to the rod to divide the cylinder into two chambers. The piston has multiple first channels and multiple second channels communicating with the chambers, wherein each first channel has a diameter larger than that of each second channel. The first biasing member is connected to the rod to provide a recoil force to the rod. The seal is moveably mounted on the rod and abuts against the piston to close the first channels in the piston. The second biasing member is mounted on the rod to provide a force to push the seal. Accordingly, the hydraulic damping device has a capability of adjusting the damping effect and has a simplified structure.

Abstract: An impact damper as a connecting member between a bumper and a chassis of a motor vehicle for the purpose of damping the shock loading during a collision between this motor vehicle and an obstacle through hydraulic damping forces and gas-spring forces. This impact damper includes an inner tube which can be displaced telescopically inside an outer tube, thereby changing the volume of a pressurized gas space, which interact by means of a separating piston with a first liquid space, which communicates hydraulically via a restriction orifice with a second liquid space, which is bounded by a deformation element. The separating piston is arranged in a floating manner in the inner tube and thereby brings about a static equilibrium by pressure compensation in the liquid spaces and in the gas space.

Abstract: The invention provides a damper assembly (10) comprising a housing (12) defining an inner chamber (22, 24) having a damping fluid disposed therein. A piston rod (14) is slidably retained by the housing (12), and at least partially extends into, the chamber (22, 24). A piston (18) is disposed at a first distal end (21) of the piston rod (14) and strokes inside the housing (12). The piston (18) defines a first chamber (22) and a second chamber (24) within the housing (12) and includes at least one aperture (26) for allowing damping fluid to flow between the first (22) and second (24) chambers. An actuator (30) is disposed within the piston (18) for varying the flow of damping fluid through the aperture (26) between the first (22) and second (24) chambers within the housing (12). The piston rod (14) includes an inner bore (16) that receives pressurized air from an external source for communicating pneumatic control signals to the actuator (30).

Abstract: Spring characteristics are switched in response to running conditions or use requirements of a bicycle in order to improve riding comfort and vehicle performance. A rod 2 is connected to a piston 3 which slides in a cylinder 1, a piston-side chamber (A) and a rod-side chamber (B) are partitioned in the cylinder 1 by the piston 3 and compressed air fills the two chambers, a passage 4 which connects the two chambers is opened and closed by a switch valve 5, the cylinder 1 is connected to the vehicle wheels and the piston rod 2 is connected to the vehicle body, the piston 3 displaces in response to vibration applied to the vehicle body in order to absorb vibrations.

Abstract: Controllable shock absorber with a damping valve controllable within a passage or bypass located between the lower working space and the upper working space, such that in the push and pull stage control of the damping force is possible, in which the controllable damping valve is designed so that during one piston stroke in the push or pull stage, a flow through the passage that is variable over the duration of the piston stroke can be controlled by means of a variation in the flow cross section at a minimum of one point of the passage.

Abstract: Oscillating damper comprising: a housing (12) defining a chamber (14) filled with damping fluid, an oscillating plate (22), movable within the chamber (14) and placed so as to divide the chamber (14) into two sections of variable volume (24, 26), and at least one passage (28) created in the oscillating plate (22) to enable the fluid to pass from one section to the other during the motion of the plate (22). The damping fluid is a magneto-rheological or electro-rheological fluid and an electrically-controlled excitation device (30) is placed in correspondence with the passage (28) to control the outflow resistance of fluid passing through the passage (28).

Abstract: A suspension system with a shock absorber having a manually adjustable lock-out valve and a blow-off valve for controlling damping characteristics suitable for a wide variety of large, medium, and small bumps, and rider induced suspension action, while selectively providing a stiff suspension for increased drive line efficiency. The shock absorber includes a damper containing a non-compressible fluid. A piston dividing the chamber into two portions has a primary channel and a secondary channel. A lock-out valve is coupled to the primary channel and is manually movable from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the hydraulic fluid is blocked from flowing through the primary channel to provide stiffened damping characteristics of the damper. In the open position, the hydraulic fluid can flow through the primary channel to provide softened damping characteristics.