Orifice Size Varied Using A Hand Or Hand Tool Patents (Class 188/319.2)
  • Patent number: 11273886
    Abstract: A compression assembly/system for a front suspension fork for a bicycle is disclosed. The compression assembly/system of the front suspension fork may comprise a combination of improved functional assemblies including a hydraulic bottom-out assembly/mechanism and a low-speed compression assembly/mechanism and a high-speed compression assembly/mechanism. The compression assembly/system of the front suspension fork may comprise an externally-adjustable hydraulic bottom-out mechanism; and substantially co-located external adjustment controls for bottom-out mechanism and low-speed compression mechanism and high-speed compression mechanism. The compression assembly/system may also comprise an axially-oriented (compression) mechanism configured to transmit movement/adjustment radially from inner components to outer components of the mechanisms to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: HAYES BICYCLE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas W Pye, Edward C Kwaterski
  • Patent number: 11215258
    Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber includes: a cylinder; a piston rod on which a first piston, a valve, and a second piston are disposed sequentially from one end side; and an oil lock portion that is disposed on the one end side inside the cylinder, and that forms a gap flow path between the oil lock portion and an outer circumferential surface of the first piston. The first piston has a piston internal flow path, and is displaceable in an axial direction of the piston rod. When the piston rod moves toward the one end side, the first piston relatively moves toward the other end side with respect to the piston rod and the other end side of the first piston abuts against the valve, so that due to a flow of working oil passing through the piston internal flow path, the valve bends to generate damping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Miyata, Yosuke Murakami
  • Patent number: 10618593
    Abstract: A system/assembly for a suspension fork for a bicycle is disclosed. The fork may comprise a compression system and an adjustment mechanism configured for adjustment of compression damping and adjustment of travel. Adjustment of travel reduces compression stroke distance within the full length of travel. The adjustment mechanism may be configured for at least two settings for compression damping and at least two settings for adjustment of travel. Settings for compression damping may comprise a setting with adjustment of compression damping but no adjustment of travel and a setting with adjustment of compression damping and adjustment of travel. Settings for adjustment of travel may comprise a travel-adjust setting where the stroke distance is reduced and a setting where the stroke distance may be the full length of travel. The adjustment mechanism may provide for performance adjustment at an adjuster. The fork may comprise a rebound system with an adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: HAYES BICYCLE GROUP INC.
    Inventor: Nicholas William Pye
  • Patent number: 10578179
    Abstract: A multi-mode air shock is disclosed herein. The air shock includes an air spring having a primary air chamber, and a damper having an insertion end to telescope within the primary air chamber and a coupler to couple with a portion of a vehicle. An adjuster housing is fixedly coupled to an end of the air spring opposite of the damper, the adjuster housing having a secondary air chamber in communication with the primary air chamber and a mounting structure to couple with a different portion of the vehicle. There is a bulkhead with a valve to open or close the fluid communication between the primary air chamber and the secondary air chamber. The air shock also includes a tertiary air chamber in fluid communication with the secondary air chamber but not in fluid communication with the primary air chamber except via the secondary air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Laird
  • Patent number: 10435105
    Abstract: A suspension unit for a front fork of a vehicle includes an annular tube. The first tube defines a compression chamber and a damping chamber. A damper includes a first valve allowing gas to variably flow from the compression chamber to the damping chamber and a second valve allowing gas to flow from the damping chamber to the compression chamber. An external adjuster allows a rider to adjust the first valve to improve ride conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventor: Darek C. Barefoot
  • Patent number: 9556926
    Abstract: An original type damping-adjustable shock absorber is revealed. An adjustment rod is mounted into a through hole of a piston body while a knob is disposed on a top end of a main body of the adjustment rod and a tapered-end rod is connected to a bottom end of the main body. A tapered-head of the tapered-end rod is inserted into a channel under the through hole. An insertion hole is located at a wall of the piston body and communicated with the channel. The depth of the tapered-head of the tapered-end rod inserted into the channel can be adjusted so as to change resistance of hydraulic oil flowing through the channel and damping level of the shock absorber. Thus an original car runs smoothly over roads with various surfaces. Therefore features of the original car including a comfort rid and a sense of value are highlighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Max's Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Ping Weng
  • Patent number: 9194456
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laird, William Becker
  • Patent number: 9188188
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper for providing a variable damping rate. The vehicle suspension damper comprises a first damping mechanism having a variable first threshold pressure, a second damping mechanism having a second threshold pressure, and a compressible chamber in communication with a damping fluid chamber, wherein the second damping mechanism is responsive to a compression of said compressible chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Benjamin Yablon, Dennis K. Wootten, Robert C. Fox, David M. Haugen, Sante Pelot
  • Patent number: 9108485
    Abstract: Altering the damping rate of a vehicle suspension damper. A pressure of a damping fluid is exerted against a second valve mechanism connected to the vehicle suspension damper. The pressure of the damping fluid is increased beyond a threshold of the second valve mechanism that is adjustable by an adjustment member. The adjustment member is exposed through a high pressure side of the vehicle suspension damper. The second valve mechanism is then opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laird, Robert C. Fox
  • Patent number: 8936139
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Joseph Franklin
  • Patent number: 8701846
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a hydraulic compression stop. The hydraulic stop includes a pressure tube surrounding the pressure tube of the shock absorber and a piston in hydraulic communication with the interior of the pressure tube. The piston can be disposed within the pressure tube and can be attached to the pressure tube or to the shock absorber. The hydraulic stop can also include a hydraulic fluid chamber and the piston can be disposed within the hydraulic fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc
    Inventors: Koen Reybrouck, M'Hand Nait Oukhedou, Simon Anne de Molina
  • Patent number: 8672106
    Abstract: A self-regulating suspension includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laird, William Becker
  • Patent number: 8651253
    Abstract: Damping device for moveable furniture parts. A longitudinally displaceable piston on opposing sides forms two variable size working chambers filled with a damping medium via at least one overflow connection. A piston rod led out of the housing is connected to one side of the piston. An adjustment shaft is connected to one side of the piston opposite one of the working chambers, its free end is also led out of the housing. A throttle disc radially protrudes from the circumferential surface of the adjustment shaft. The throttle disc being disposed in a region of an end of a piston passage bore connecting the two working chambers and configuring the overflow connection abutting a front surface of the piston. Recesses in the throttle disc offset from each other circumferentially have different cross-sections. The recesses may be selectively aligned by rotating the adjustment shaft relative to the passage bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Grass GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Herper, Gabriele Schneider
  • Patent number: 8640835
    Abstract: A suspension unit, for example for a track-laying vehicle, comprises an oil-filled cylinder within which a piston, connected to a piston rod, is provided. The cylinder 4 is oil-filled, and communicates with an upper region of a spring chamber, the lower region 46 of which contains gas under pressure. The piston rod has a hollow interior filled with gas under pressure. The piston is connected by a connecting rod to a secondary piston which is slidable within the piston rod. On rebound the piston rod and the piston move relatively to each other between a retracted end position and an extended end position. During this movement and the return movement, oil is transferred, by way of apertures between damping chambers which serve to damp the relative movement of the piston and the piston rod so avoiding shock loading at the end positions of the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Horstman Defence Systems Limited
    Inventors: Timothy J. Holman, Brian Stockford
  • Patent number: 8622180
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a damper adjustment assembly that comprises an adjuster having a first detent at a first axial location, and a second detent at a second axial location. The assembly may further comprise a housing having a keeper for engaging the first and second detents. The method may comprise rotating the adjuster within the housing, and engaging the keeper with the first detent at the first axial location. The method may further comprise further rotating the damping adjuster within the housing and engaging the keeper with the second detent at the second axial location on the adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis K. Wootten, Bryan Wesley Anderson, Josh Yablon
  • Patent number: 8511448
    Abstract: A bicycle air shock absorber assembly that includes a hollow piston rod that is telescopically associated with a hollow compression rod. The piston rod and compression rod are positioned within the casing of the shock assembly. A piston is supported by the piston rod and divides the volume of the compression rod to form a negative air spring chamber and a positive air spring chamber that includes the volume of the piston rod. An optional coil spring is positioned within the casing and contributes in parallel with the positive air spring chamber to resist compression of the shock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corp.
    Inventors: Jose L. Gonzalez, Gregory Paul Buhl, James Colegrove
  • Patent number: 8474582
    Abstract: A cushion device includes a shock absorber and an accumulator. As a piston moves in a certain direction in a cylinder so that the shock absorber is compressed, oil in an oil chamber is discharged to the accumulator through an oil hose. The compression operation of the piston allows a slide member to slide and the capacity of an oil chamber is reduced. The oil in the oil chamber is discharged to a regulation unit through an oil hose. The regulation unit controls a valve by the pressure of the oil coming in from the oil chamber and applies resistance to the oil discharged from an oil chamber to an oil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takamasa Kamioka
  • Patent number: 8457841
    Abstract: An analytical methodology for the specification of progressive optimal compression damping of a suspension system to negotiate severe events, yet provides very acceptable ride quality and handling during routine events. In a broad aspect, the method provides a progressive optimal unconstrained damping response of the wheel assembly with respect to the body. In a preferred aspect, the method provides a progressive optimal constrained damping response of the wheel assembly with respect to the body, wherein below a predetermined velocity a conventional damper force is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Knoll, William Golpe, Nikolai K. Moshchuk, Chandra S. Namuduri, Flavio Nardi, Jihan Ryu, Raviraj U. Nayak
  • Patent number: 8393448
    Abstract: A spring fork, in particular for bicycles, with a suspension system and a hydraulic damping system, includes a compression stage damping system (6) for a spring deflection process and a traction stage damping system (5) for a rebound process. At least one piston (3, 16, 27) is provided, which is located in the cylinder (2), and at least one connecting channel (17, 17a) is provided which connects the cylinder chambers located on both sides of the piston and is intended for the overflow of hydraulic oil (21). The compression stage damping system (6), which is activated during the spring deflection process, can be blocked by closing the connecting passage (lockout). At least with the compression stage damping system (6) blocked and, if appropriate, also with the traction stage damping system (5) also blocked, a bypass channel (11, 20, 20a) which has a reduced cross-section in comparison to the connecting channel (17, 17a) is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reiner Kunstle, Dirk Lude
  • Patent number: 8162112
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Competition Tire East
    Inventors: Bill J. Gartner, Andrew Benjamin Lambert
  • Patent number: 8091695
    Abstract: A dampening element for a vibration damper and a vibration damper. The dampening element comprises a body part having flow openings, a dampening part arranged to abut against the body part, the dampening part having openings aligning with the flow openings of the body part. In addition, a cover part is arranged against the dampening part, the cover part being movable in relation to the dampening part for changing the cross-sectional flow area of the openings of the dampening part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Wärtsilä Finland Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Mikonaho
  • Publication number: 20110259687
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Frank B. Stamps
  • Patent number: 7900947
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension system is provided with a first tubular element, a piston, a piston rod, a first sealing member and a switching valve. The piston is coupled to the piston rod, and is slidably disposed in the first tubular element. The first sealing member is disposed in the first tubular element adjacent such that a first air chamber is formed between the piston and the first sealing member. The switching valve is coupled to the first sealing member. The switching valve opens a communication passageway between the first air chamber and a second air chamber to connect the first and second air chambers when in the opened position, and closes the communication passageway between the first air chamber and the second air chamber to separate the first and second air chambers when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Inoue
  • Patent number: 7886883
    Abstract: A telescopic fork (1) for two-wheelers, in particular bicycles, is provided and includes a plunger tube (2) and a fixed tube (3) having a spring element (4), which is impinged by a piston (5) connected to the plunger tube (2), with the piston (5) having a piston rod (6) connected to the plunger tube (2). For adjusting the spring travel, the piston rod (6) is adjustable in height and connected to the plunger tube (2), with an adjustment cylinder (8) being provided for this purpose connected to the plunger tube (2), in which an adjustment piston (9) is guided connected to the piston rod (6) and the cylinder chambers (13, 14) located at both sides of the adjustment piston (9) are filled with fluid and are at least provided with one connecting channel that can be opened and closed for the fluid to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reiner Kunstle
  • Patent number: 7828525
    Abstract: A rotor hub assembly for a rotary-wing aircraft has a central member and a plurality of blade grips adapted for attaching rotor blades to the central member. The blade grips are pivotally attached to the central member and are capable of pivoting about a pivot axis generally normal to a plane of rotation of the blades. The pivoting allows for in-plane motion of the blades relative to the central member. A damper is operably connected to each blade grip for damping the in-plane motion of the associated blade, each damper being selectively switchable between at least two spring rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Frank B. Stamps, Michael R. Smith, Christopher M. Bothwell, Lawrence M. Corso, James L. Braswell, Jr., David A. Popelka, Ernst C. Schellhase, Charles L. Hollimon, Thomas J. Newman, Bryan Baskin, Thomas C. Campbell, Daniel B. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20100187059
    Abstract: A linear impelled module damper includes a hollow cylinder having an inner body, an outer body, and a channel between the inner and outer body. The hollow cylinder has a sealed first end and a sealed second end. A piston movable within the hollow cylinder divides the hollow cylinder into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. The channel communicates with the rebound chamber through at least one hole in the rebound chamber. A compression extension cylinder is rigidly fixed to the hollow cylinder approximate to the sealed second end on one end, and having a compression mount attached to the other end. The compression extension cylinder including an air valve being adapted to allow a piston rod to move in and out of the compression extension cylinder. The piston rod including a rebound mount on one end and extending into the compression extension cylinder on the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Ryan
  • Publication number: 20100163357
    Abstract: A shock absorber assembly comprises a piston and cylinder arrangement, a damping-fluid chamber and a damping valve arrangement which is located in the damping fluid chamber and serves to divide the chamber into sub-chambers. The assembly is such that in use the valve arrangement regulates the flow of fluid between the sub-chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Richard Andrew Hunter
  • Patent number: 7540362
    Abstract: An adjustable length gas spring comprises a casing and a piston which is disposed for displacement in the casing and joined to a piston rod. An externally operable adjusting valve is formed in the piston. Further, the piston is provided with a traction valve, which, upon application of tractive force from outside, cancels any blockage of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: SUSPA Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Knaust, Michael Schmidbauer
  • Patent number: 7441640
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first cylinder having a first fluid port and a second cylinder having a second fluid port. A response adjustment mechanism is connected in fluid transmission relation between the first and second fluid ports. The response adjustment mechanism includes three adjustable valves for controlling the operation of the shock absorber. One of the adjustable valves has a stem that is rotatable by a tool during operation. The remaining adjustable valves each have a shaft that is rotatable by a tool during operation. The adjustable valves of the response adjustment mechanism are coaxially positioned so that a first valve is coaxially positioned within a second valve, and the first and second valves are coaxially positioned within a third valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Russell
  • Patent number: 7401800
    Abstract: A gas spring suspension system that maximizes the travel of the suspension system. The suspension system includes a first tube and a second tube slidable within the first tube. A piston assembly is slidably mounted in the second tube for changing the pressure in the second tube. A floating piston is slidably mounted in the second tube. A first gas chamber biases the first and second tubes apart from each other while a second gas chamber biases the first and second tubes toward each other. A third gas chamber exists between the floating piston and an end of the first tube. The floating piston has a configuration such that when a pressure in the third gas chamber is greater than a pressure in the second gas chamber, the floating piston displaces within the second tube to decrease the pressure in the third gas chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: SLAM Corporation
    Inventor: Brian T. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7364143
    Abstract: A suspension front fork includes a lower tube with a closed bottom and an upper tube is movably inserted in the lower tube. Hydraulic oil is filled in the lower tube and has an oil level in the upper tube. A damper assembly is fixedly received in the upper tube and includes a spring and a piston which is biased by the spring and seals a side hole. A control assembly is movably received in the upper tube and includes a damper member which is connected to the adjustment assembly. An adjustment rod extends from the damper member and a lower end of the adjustment rod is movably inserted through the outlet of the damper assembly. A gap is defined between an inner periphery of the outlet and the lower end of the adjustment rod so that a size of the gap can be adjustable by moving the adjustment rod relative to the inner periphery of the outlet to adjust volume of hydraulic oil entering the damper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
  • Publication number: 20080041681
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension system including a travel adjustment apparatus. The bicycle suspension system includes a piston tube and a piston assembly slidably disposed in the piston tube forming a shock-absorbing mechanism. The piston assembly is in contact with the piston tube. The travel adjustment apparatus includes first and second fluid chambers, a fluid valve mechanism for controlling fluid flow between the first and second fluid chambers, and an actuating assembly operatively connected to the fluid valve mechanism operable between at least two rider-selectable travel settings to operate the fluid valve mechanism between at least two valve settings corresponding to the rider-selectable travel settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: SRAM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher Shipman
  • Patent number: 7325660
    Abstract: Shock absorber components, such as a radial bypass damper, an anti-cavitation valve (ACV) and an incremental flow metering valve IFMV. The damper is of a continuous, unitary construction with a main hole and auxiliary holes interconnected by passageways. The ACV has openings that angle obliquely relative to entry surfaces of valving shims and extend at an incline continuously through the valving shims. The metering valve linearly regulates flow, substantially independent of piston displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret M. Norgaard, Douglas J. Cimins
  • Patent number: 7316409
    Abstract: A front fork of a bicycle, which has damping function, has a lower fork having a closed bottom. An upper fork tube is inserted into the lower fork for reciprocation relative to the lower fork, which has a nozzle at a top thereof. Oil is received in a space between the lower fork and the upper fork tube. An air chamber is formed in a space between a surface of the oil and the nozzle, which a gas is issued therein and a pressure of the gas is greater than an atmospheric pressure, and a damping device, which is mounted at a bottom of the upper fork tube and under the surface of the oil, has multiple, variable oil flow paths through which oil passes as the upper and lower fork member reciprocate to provide various damping characteristics dependent on the relative speed or impact the fork members experience with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Spinner Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Leo Chen
  • Patent number: 7163223
    Abstract: A suspension system that includes a simplified lockout mechanism and an adjustable blow-off mechanism. The system includes a valve mechanism and a valve actuating assembly, a valve mechanism housing and a resilient member disposed between the valve mechanism and the valve mechanism housing. The valve mechanism is slidably mounted along the valve mechanism housing and it separates a first chamber from a second chamber. The valve actuating assembly operates the valve mechanism between open and closed positions. The resilient member is configured to be deformable by the valve mechanism as the valve mechanism is slidably displaced by an increasing pressure in the first fluid chamber. The sliding valve mechanism is configured to collide against the valve actuating assembly when a blow-off pressure is reached in the first fluid chamber switching the valve mechanism from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sram Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin F. Wesling, Brian T. Jordan, Christopher A. Shipman, John D. Cheever, Edward Herrington, James Osborne
  • Patent number: 7044274
    Abstract: A suspension device includes a cap connected to a seal member on the inner tube of the front fork. A cable has one end fixed to a rod and the other end extends through the cap and is connected to a switching device on the handlebar. The rod has an end section which is connected to a frame and the frame is fixed to the suspension device. The rod is lifted by operating the switching device to pull the cable so as to set the suspension device at a locked status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 6986414
    Abstract: A hydraulic dashpot with a cylinder (1), a piston (4), and a bypass. The cylinder is charged with fluid. The piston partitions the cylinder into two compartments (7 & 8), travels back and forth therein on the end of a piston rod (2), and is provided with breaches and valves. The open cross-section of the bypass can be expanded and contracted and fixed in accordance with the direction the piston is traveling in, depending on whether the dashpot is in the compression or in the suction phase. The bypass is provided with an axially displaceable control component. One end of the control component comes to rest against a valve, its displacement being limited by stops. The bypass is accommodated in an axial bore through the piston rod. The bypass operates in conjunction with various outlets that open into the compartments. The control component is provided with at least one lateral flange and travels back and forth in at least one tube. The object is a smooth performance curve and low wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hönig, Günter Poetsch, Hendrik Kloss, Stefan Mages
  • Patent number: 6880684
    Abstract: A flow regulator for a gas shock absorber is connected between the primary cylinder and the secondary cylinder. The flow regulator allows a user to adjust the rate of flow of fluid from the primary cylinder to the secondary cylinder thereby varying the damping properties of the shock absorber. The adjustment is effected by rotating one of a plurality of orifices of different sizes into the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventors: Walker Evans, Randy Anderson
  • Patent number: 6840357
    Abstract: Two oil chambers 28. 29 are formed in a cylinder 21. The piston rod oil chamber 28 is connected with a reservoir 50 formed on an outer section of the cylinder. Two parallel passages 33, 34 are formed in a sealing case 23 provided on an upper section of the cylinder. The sealing case 23 is provided with a needle valve 35 regulating the area of the opening of the passage 33, a poppet valve 37 closing the oil chamber 34 with the biasing force of the spring 40 and an adjuster 39 regulating the biasing force of the spring 40. A part of the oil flowing out of the oil chamber 28 in an expansion stroke is discharged through the needle valve 35 and the puppet valve 37 in order to allow respective regulation of the damping force at that time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignees: Bombardier Inc., Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiro Toiyama, René Lemieux
  • Patent number: 6802407
    Abstract: A front suspension device includes an inner tube fixedly connected to the crown portion of the front fork and movably inserted in an outer tube. A valve member is received in the inner tube and connected to a sleeve which extends from the inner tube and an adjusting member is connected to the sleeve and the outer tube. An end cap is fixed to the first end of the inner tube and connected to a hollow tube which is mounted by a ring member engaged with an inner periphery of the inner tube. A spring is mounted to the hollow tube. A core is movably received in the hollow tube and has a first end connected to an adjusting switch. A head is connected to the second end of the core and movably seals paths defined through the ring member. The spring is not compressed when the paths are sealed by the head. When a large pressure is applied to the head, the ring member is moved upward to compress the spring to re-activate the suspension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
  • Publication number: 20040011613
    Abstract: Rotation damper (1), for a vehicle that runs on rails, having piston (9) and cylinder parts (2) moving with respect to one another. This damper has a friction characteristics, that is to say the fluid connection over the piston is not a permanently open hole but exclusively comprises spring-loaded valves (11). In order to facilitate the installation of such dampers, it is proposed to make a separate connection between the working cylinder and the reservoir in which a valve that can be manually operated is arranged, which valve, on operation, opens a connection as a result of which the piston and cylinder can be moved relative to one another under manual force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: James Francis Vance, James Brian Pipp
  • Patent number: 6659239
    Abstract: A shock absorber is provided that includes a shock absorber body defining a cavity that is at least partially filled with hydraulic fluid. A piston is slidably arranged within the body and separates the cavity into rebound and compression fluid chambers. A rod is secured to the piston and includes first and second portions that are respectively adjacent to the rebound and compression chambers. A fluid passageway extends between the first and second portions to fluidly connect the rebound and compression chambers. In this manner, fluid is permitted to flow through the rod to provide damping characteristics in addition to those damping characteristics typically provided by the piston. A valve assembly, which may include a one-way check valve, is arranged within the passageway for controlling the flow of fluid between the rebound and compression chambers through the passageway. Preferably, the rod includes a longitudinal bore having an adjustable plunger arranged therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Van Wonderen, Neil Farr, Julian Harbu
  • Patent number: 6505719
    Abstract: A damping apparatus having a cylinder, a fluid, and a floating piston. The cylinder includes a fluid chamber with the fluid located within the fluid chamber. The floating piston is coupled to the cylinder to carry the fluid in the fluid chamber. The floating piston is movable in response to movement of the fluid when a force is applied to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Answer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose L. Gonzalez, Thomas Jesse Rogers, III
  • Patent number: 6491146
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes opposing first and second cylinders and first and second pistons disposed in and cooperating with the first and second cylinders to confine first, second and third chambers thereamong. The second and third chambers are filled with a damper-fluid. The second piston is formed with first and second down-flow channels and an up-flow channel for permitting up and down-flows of the damper-fluid between the second and third chambers. A hollow shaft extends in the first and second cylinders and is formed with an opening for permitting the down-flow of the damper-fluid via the second down-flow channel. A damping adjusting rod is mounted in the shaft and is movable in an axial direction to a first axial position, in which, the opening is blocked by the damping adjusting rod, and to a second axial position, in which, the damping adjusting rod moves away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Chen-Shing Yi, Star Jwo
  • Patent number: 6446771
    Abstract: A shock absorber is made with a bleed function and preferably a non-return valve function associated with the bleed function. The shock absorber has a cylinder (3) and, working in the latter in working medium and arranged on a piston rod (4), a piston arrangement. The latter comprises at least two first and second pistons (5, 6) arranged at a distance from one another on the piston rod. At least one piston (5) can, in connection with an end position, be introduced into a first space so as, depending on its position in or at the space, to bring about a modified or varied damping force relative to when the piston is located outside the space. The piston rod (4) is provided with an inner second space (15) which is arranged so as to contain said bleed and/or non-return valve function. Additionally or alternatively, the piston (6) working outside the first space is provided with a member performing a bleed function and with any associated non-return valve function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Öhlins Racing AB
    Inventors: Torkel Sintorn, Oskar Löfgren
  • Patent number: 6443272
    Abstract: A vibration damper with adjustable damping force, having a cylinder in which a piston is guided with a piston rod so as to be axially movable. The piston divides the cylinder into a first and a second work space. At least one damping valve is arranged in a flow connection of one of the two work spaces and is adjustable via an external adjusting device. The damping valve has a sleeve-shaped housing in which a valve body is arranged so as to be movable. The housing of the damping valve is closed at the end by a cover which has, on the outer side, an engagement for the adjusting device which can be mounted separate from the damping valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Sachs Race Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Theo Rottenberger, Rolf Münz
  • Patent number: 6382370
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: K2 Bike, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Girvin
  • Patent number: 6360858
    Abstract: A bicycle fork having a damping apparatus that includes a cylinder, a damping fluid and a piston. The cylinder defines a chamber. The damping fluid is located in the chamber. The piston is disposed in the chamber and is positioned adjacent the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Answer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Gonzalez, Thomas Jesse Rogers, III
  • Patent number: 6318525
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorber having improved damping. On the base of the shock absorber there is fastened the bottom of a barrel on which rests the counter-acting spring which urges in expansion the piston of the shock absorber. The barrel contains damping fluid and has a piston which is axially movable with lateral seal. The shock absorber also has an external secondary flow dampening device which is connected to the base of the shock absorber via a tube. In the strut base, and the connecting appendage there is a plug adjustment which moves laterally and limits an alternative path of flow for the liquid through the base flow damper and the piston flow damper respectively. By acting on the plug adjustments it is possible to adjust the braking level in expansion of the strut. Each flow damper also is affixed with a shim. The shim on the piston flow damper will flex at an appropriate pressure in the expansion phase, thereby damping the reaction of the strut to expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Marzocchi, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Loris Vignocchi, Sandro Musiani
  • Publication number: 20010040078
    Abstract: A damping apparatus having a cylinder, a fluid, and a floating piston. The cylinder includes a fluid chamber with the fluid located within the fluid chamber. The floating piston is coupled to the cylinder to carry the fluid in the fluid chamber. The floating piston is movable in response to movement of the fluid when a force is applied to the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Jose L. Gonzalez, Thomas Jesse Rogers