Abstract: A damping apparatus for use in a bicycle fork includes two telescoping legs, a rebound piston and a compression piston. A damping fluid is provided in the apparatus. The pistons and legs define compression rebound and variable zones into which the fluid may flow to provide desired damping.

Abstract: The damper includes a housing assembly and a piston assembly with reciprocates within the cylindrical walls of the housing assembly. The piston assembly is formed from two disks which are spaced apart by a spacer with includes radially and longitudinally oriented planar projections which extend to a position radially inward of a periphery of the disks. The distal ends of the projections form longitudinally oriented surfaces upon which a toroidal seal slidably rides. At least one of the longitudinally oriented surfaces includes an air communication groove in communication with a groove on the trailing disk which extends to the periphery of the trailing disk. When the piston assembly is retracted from the housing assembly, the seal engages the leading disk thereby inhibiting air from flowing through the air communication groove thereby effectuating damping.

Abstract: Electroplated chromium coatings on automobile suspension damper piston rods are replaced with thermal or kinetic spray coatings of: (a) suitable corrosion-resistant metal alloys such as iron and chromium containing nickel-based alloys or chromium containing steels, or (b) suitable ceramic coatings such as electrically insulative alumina ceramics. The spray coatings are porous, and the metal alloy coatings usually should be sealed for corrosion protection.

Abstract: The air damper includes a housing with cylindrical walls and a piston assembly reciprocating therein. The piston assembly includes an interior surface against which a seal abuts. The interior surface is textured in a grained pattern so that interstices are formed between the seal and the interior surface thereby forming an effective air passageway for damping. A cylindrical spacer spaces the interior surface from a retainer and the seal is engaged around the cylindrical spacer and between the retainer and the interior surface. An alternative embodiment inserts textile material through a damping orifice in order to vary the rate of damping.