Abstract: A fluid pressure spring (8), such as for opening the hatchback door of a vehicle, comprises a hollow cylinder (10) having a fixture (24) for pivotal connection to the hatchback door. A piston (30) is connected to a hollow piston rod (114) which carries a fixture (46) for pivotal connection to the vehicle body. The interior (40, 42) of the cylinder is filled with gas under pressure, and the gas extends into a chamber (54) within the piston rod via a bore (62). A free piston (50) within the hollow piston rod (14) is subjected to exterally applied hydraulic pressure via a pipe (20) connected to a second chamber (56) within the hollow piston rod (14). Controllable increase of this pressure moves the free piston (50) to augment the gas pressure within the spring and to increase its lifting force. In this way, a remote control can bused to unlatch the hatchback door and temporarily augment the gas pressure within the spring to cause the door automatically to lift from the fully closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes an independent suspension system having a spring and a shock absorber located between the chair and the wheel. The load exerted by the spring and the damping provided by the shock absorber are both variable in order to tune the independent suspension to various conditions.

Abstract: A vibration damper with variable damping force, including a cylinder, a piston and a piston rod arranged in the cylinder so as to be axially movable, an adjustable damping valve connected between the piston rod and the cylinder, and controlled as a function of a spring deflection path, a device for controlling the adjustable damping valve, and additional damping valves arranged to have a damping effect on the piston independent of the controlling device.

Abstract: A self-pumping hydropneumatic strut with an internal level control, especially for automobiles, has a power cylinder. The power cylinder is under the pressure of at least one gas pad acting as a spring. The gas pad is placed in a high-pressure chamber, which high-pressure chamber is filled with damping agents. The power cylinder is divided into two working chambers by a working piston. The working piston is carried by a hollow piston rod and is equipped with valves. A piston pump is driven by the spring motion and transports oil from a low-pressure chamber into the working chamber. The working chamber is connected to the high-pressure chamber. The piston pump includes a pump chamber formed by the hollow piston rod and a pump rod that is connected to the power cylinder. The damping agent in the pump chamber can be pressure-impacted by a driving element.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the height-adjustable support of a vehicle body wherein each wheel suspension includes a control device with a piston and cylinder unit to which fluid under pressure is supplied, each piston and cylinder unit includes a hollow piston rod with a cylindrical wall having a flange rigidly connected to the vehicle body, a cylinder extending over the piston rod and having a spring carrier formed at its end on which a vehicle support spring is seated and which is movable along the piston rod when pressurized fluid is admitted to the interior of the piston rod for height-adjustment of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method is described for identifying the primary load path of a particular engine. An elastomeric mount may then be made laterally soft in a first (in the disclosed case, the tangential) direction and more rigid in the direction of the primary load path. Efforts can then be directed to dynamically softening the mount in the primary load path. Specific apparatus may include passive fluid devices, active fluid devices, passive non-fluid devices and active non-fluid devices. In the case of a fluid mount, another feature of the invention is to have an auxiliary fill port of the volume compensator in alignment with at least one and, preferably both, of the primary fill port for the mount and the inertia track to facilitate filling.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack includes three chambers (3, 4, 5), two of these three chambers being annular and enclosing a sliding cylindrical element (8) including a first piston (9) delimiting the two annular chambers (3, 4), and a second piston (10) delimiting the third, substantially cylindrical chamber (5) which is contiguous with one of the two annular chambers (3, 4). The hydraulic jack is used in hydropneumatic suspensions for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: An actuator having a linear current force characteristic comprises a moving coil transducer and a hydraulic lever. The moving coil is capable of producing only a relatively low force but with a relatively large displacement. The coil is formed on a piston which acts as an input piston to a hydraulic level. An output piston has a much larger area than the input piston. Thus, the long throw, low force input to the hydraulic lever is converted into a short throw, high force output at the second piston.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suspension system which can improve controllability and stability of the vehicle and ride comfort by automatically controlling a height of a roll center in accordance with the vehicle's running conditions. To achieve this, a roll center control part for controlling a height of a roll center is provided between a vehicle body-side connecting portion of the lower arm and a vehicle body.

Abstract: A cushion unit includes a shock absorber and a suspension spring. The shock absorber includes an open/close valve and a check valve which are arranged in parallel with each other. To increase the height of a vehicle body, the open/close valve is closed so that a piston pressure chamber is allowed to communicate with a spring bracket pressure chamber via the check valve. This causes a hydraulic fluid in the piston pressure chamber to be supplied into the spring bracket pressure chamber under pressure. Accordingly, a cylinder spring bracket slidably arranged around a cylinder of the shock absorber moves upward due to the pressure increase in the spring bracket pressure chamber. Since a lower end of the suspension spring is held against the cylinder spring bracket, the upward movement of the cylinder spring bracket compresses the suspension spring to increase a reactive force thereof so that the height of the vehicle body is increased due to the increased reactive force of the suspension spring.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled engine mounting device for mounting an engine to a body of a vehicle, includes a plurality of hydraulic pressure chambers controlled by a single solenoid valve for effectively reducing vibrations at most frequency vibrations. More particularly, the invention includes first and second hydraulic pressure rooms divided by a partition and communicating with each other by a passageway to dampen vibration of an engine with a fluid friction. A third hydraulic pressure room is formed near the first hydraulic pressure room, the third hydraulic pressure room communicating with the first hydraulic pressure room by a passage-aperture having a solenoid valve.

Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber is provided having means for adjusting the damping curves and breakover characteristics of the shock absorber while the shock absorber is installed in a vehicle. The shock absorber has a generally elongated cylindrical body defined by concentrically mounted inner and outer cylinders. A pair of end caps mounted on the ends of the inner and outer cylinders retain a working medium therein. Disposed within the elongated inner cylinder is a movable piston defining upper and lower chambers. Working medium is transportable between the upper and lower chambers via an annular passage formed between the inner and outer cylinders. A plurality of adjustable valves are disposed in the path of transportation of the working medium for providing an adjustable damping function.

Abstract: A front fork assembly having an axially movable partitioning wall member disposed in its lower portion such as to define the lower end of an oil chamber in it. In the front fork assembly, a gas chamber is formed over the oil chamber. An operating pin extends from the partitioning wall member and penetrates a slot in the front fork assembly. An adjusting ring is fitted for axial movement on the front fork assembly and coupled to the operating pin.

Abstract: An actively controlled mount system to control vibration which permits static forces from a machine while decoupling the transmission of dynamic vibrational forces. The mount system provides a reduction of force losses from a first generating area to a second force applying area to actively control vibrations of a vibrating element. These force losses are minimized due to minimization of the mass and velocity of fluid pumped by pumping the fluid through short large cross-sectional area passageways. The device provides for channeling of the forces to the vibrating element in a uniaxial direction and constrains the application of forces in non-working directions.

Abstract: A bi-linear platform reactive damper for automotive type vehicles, which includes a damper housing having a chamber with a damper piston in it, which piston has a rod extending from it connected to the suspension of the vehicle, which chamber is filled with hydraulic fluid, the chamber being connected to an external reservoir containing a separator piston, with gas on the side of the piston opposite to the hydraulic fluid, and having an adjustable separator piston stop. The damper housing has a secondary chamber which is in fluid communication with said damper chamber.

Abstract: A suspension system for motor vehicles has each wheel assigned a spring and a hydraulic unit and arranged in series with the latter. The ground clearance of the vehicle body can thus be altered wheel-by-wheel. A hydraulic feed system enables hydraulic fluid to be displaced between hydraulic units and allows pitching and rolling movements of the vehicle body to be counteracted.

Abstract: A hydraulic mounting system for mounting a first body relative to a second body, such as a vehicle cab to a chassis, including at least two hydraulic mounts, which are useful for controlling torque between the two bodies. The relative torque-induced displacements of the two bodies are controlled within specific limits in reaction to a pressure applied by a pressure source in response to the actuation of a valve. The valve acts in response to a sensor and the system can include a leveling valve arrangement, or a more sophisticated external electronic control, or respond to a programmed routine. The improved torque-control system behaves as though it is statically stiff for restraining torque and dynamically soft for both translational and rotational isolation purposes. In addition, the system can control torque and damping independent of the direction of application of the torque.

Abstract: In a suspension device 20 for a bicycle, a partitioning member 91 is disposed in a fluid chamber in a fork leg 23 beneath a damping force generating device 24 in the slidable fashion for axial sliding movement of said fork leg 23.

Abstract: An actively controlled mount system to control vibration which permits static forces from a machine while decoupling transmission of dynamic vibration forces. The mount system includes opposed force chamber (156, 160) with pistons which control movement of an engine connected bushing (3) to allow compensatory force generated by the opposed chambers to transfer thereto to attenuate vibration from the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping courses of motion between two bodies in which a dynamic wheel load (C.sub.r) can be reduced by intervention in a damping element of a frequency-dependent increase in the passive spring rigidity of a spring element, in order to vary the dynamic wheel loads in the direction of a reduction. The apparatus is intended for use in on-road vehicles.

Abstract: An active suspension system for use with a mass suspended relative to a movable structure and subject to external forces such as the chassis of off-road vehicles, and in particular the hull of heavy combat vehicles, has a passive hydropneumatic suspension system (PHSS) connected to a servopump and an accumulator, and wherein the servopump transfers fluid energy between the accumulator and the suspension system, in accordance with sensed operating conditions which are inputted to a processor whose output commands the velocity of the servopump to control the pressure and volume relationships of the PHSS and accumulator to improve the ride of said vehicle and to substantially reduce energy requirements when operating off-road.

Abstract: An ERF filled engine mount features an annular member which is disposed within inner and outer coaxial tubular members. This member is formed with two short channels and one long one along its outer periphery. The short channels are formed so as to be essentially diametrically opposed sides of the annular member and to extend about 1/4 of the external perimeter thereof. The longer channel is axially offset from the two shorter ones and arranged to extend about 3/4 of the perimeter. The outer tubular member closes the channels and defines a pair of primary orifice passages and a single secondary one. An elastomeric member which operatively interconnects the inner and outer tubular members is formed to define a main chamber and an auxiliary one. Apertures formed in the ends of the passages permit the main and auxiliary chambers to communicate via the orifice passages.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a shock absorbing device for a vehicular seat. The device comprises a link mechanism having lower and upper base members which are movable toward and away from each other; and a shock damper interposed between the lower and upper base members to damp shocks or vibrations applied to the same. The shock damper includes an axially expandable housing having lower and upper parts which are respectively secured to the lower and upper base members of the link mechanism; a diaphragm disposed in the housing to partition an interior of the housing into an air-filled part and a liquid-filled part; a partition wall disposed in the liquid-filled part to partition the same into first and second chambers, the partition wall having an aperture formed therethrough; and an orifice member axially movably disposed in the aperture of the partition wall, the orifice member having an orifice formed therethrough.

Abstract: In order to attenuate low and intermediate frequency vibration ranges a mounting device is provided with two electronically controlled variable orifices. During low frequency vibrational ranges one is left either de-energized or partially energized to permit either free or limited communication between a main working chamber and a first auxiliary or expansion chamber, while the other is fully energized to close communication between the main chamber and a second auxiliary chamber. When the higher vibrational range is entered the first orifice is conditioned to cut off communication with the first auxiliary chamber and while the second is de-energized. The passage structure in the second orifice unit is designed to induce the fluid therein to undergo resonance when the higher vibration frequency is applied thereto.

Abstract: An active suspension system for use with a mass suspended relative to a movable structure and subject to external forces such as the chassis of off-road vehicles, and in particular the hull of heavy combat vehicles, has a passive hydropneumatic suspension system (PHSS) connected to a servopump and an accumulator, and wherein the servopump transfers fluid energy between the accumulator and the suspension system, in accordance with sensed operating conditions which are inputted to a processor whose output commands the velocity of the servopump to control the pressure and volume relationships of the PHSS and accumulator to improve the ride of said vehicle and to substantially reduce energy requirements when operating off-road.

Abstract: For use, for example, in mounting a personnel accommodation module on an offshore drilling rig to attenuate the transmission of vibration use is made of an anti-vibration mounting comprising a rigid fluid container having an opening, a rigid support member for closing at least a part of that opening, a flexible seal comprising at least one element of elastomeric material arranged to extend between confronting surfaces of the fluid container and rigid support member thereby to form a fluid chamber within the anti-vibration mounting, liquid supply passage for the flow of liquid to and from that chamber, and gas supply passage for the flow of gas to and from that chamber, the liquid and gas supply passage being independent of one another whereby the quantities of liquid and gas within the chamber may be varied independently by flow through the passage.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly is disclosed having a partition forming two hydraulic chambers and including a damping decoupler. A primary chamber is formed by an elastomeric member and a secondary chamber by a resilient diaphragm. During dynamic loading of the mount, fluid passes through an orifice between the two chambers of the mount causing expansion and contraction of the diaphragm. An expandable, pneumatic bellows is mounted within the primary chamber. A vent tube provides controlled fluid communication between the bellows and the atmosphere to provide a relatively soft mount for engine isolation. Air entry into the bellows is induced by the built-in spring memory of the bellows causing expansion. Air may be removed or partially removed from the bellows by an external vacuum source, causing a negative pressure and contraction.

Abstract: A rod is inserted in a first cylinder. A first oil chamber is defined by the inner surface of the first cylinder. The rod can be reciprocated with a first stroke. A second cylinder is coupled to the first cylinder by a connecting member. A metal bellows is housed in the second cylinder. A gas chamber is defined by the inner surface of the bellows. A second oil chamber is defined by the outer surface of the bellows and the inner surface of the second cylinder. The bellows contracts with a second stroke corresponding to the first stroke of the rod. The first and second oil chambers communicate with each other via an oil path formed in the connecting member. A valve seat is arranged on an end wall of the second cylinder. A valve body is fixed to the bellows so as to oppose the valve seat. If the bellows expands farther than the second stroke when a gas is supplied into the gas chamber, the valve body is brought into contact with the valve seat.

Abstract: A pneumatic suspension intended for motor vehicles that is equipped with an additional volume. An adjusting piston defining the additional volume separates two work chambers from one another, which can be disconnected from one another or made to communicate with one another via a connecting line and a valve assembly in the connecting line. When the work chambers are in communication, the spring rate of the suspension is variable without force.

Abstract: An air spring assembly which includes a main air chamber and an interconnected auxiliary air chamber in which there is disposed a piston movable endwise thereof upon actuation of a reversible electric motor to increase or to decrease the volume of the auxiliary air chamber that is open to the main air chamber, thereby adjusting the effective volume of the main air chamber and thus its spring constant.

Abstract: A hydraulic mounting has a nozzle plate with a membrane separating a working chamber from an equalizing chamber and a ring channel connecting these chambers. A filler channel leads radially from the outside into this ring channel and makes it possible to fill the hydraulic mounting, without air bubbles, with hydraulic fluid. A closure member closes off the filler channel on the outside.

Abstract: A suspension system according to the present invention comprises a cylinder piston mechanism and a sub-tank. A main gas chamber is defined inside the cylinder piston mechanism, while a sub-gas chamber is defined inside the sub-tank. An oil chamber, filled with oil, and an oil passage are arranged between the main and sub-gas chambers. The oil passage is opened and closed by means of a control valve, which has a rotating valve plug for controlling the oil flow. When the control valve is open, the main and sub-gas chambers change their respective capacities simultaneously as a rod reciprocates. When the valve is closed, only the main gas chamber changes its capacity as the rod reciprocates. The control valve is provided with a spring-constant changing orifice and a damping-force changing orifice, whereby the spring constant and damping force of the system are changed simultaneously, in accordance with the rotational position of the valve plug.

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