Abstract: A shock strut is provided that includes a first energy absorption stage or load limiter and a second energy absorption stage or load limiter. The second energy absorption stage or load limiter can include one or more disc springs. The shock strut can be employed on both fixed and retractable landing gear alike, while providing design adjustability for obtaining load-deflection curves that accommodate a range of descent or impact velocities.

Abstract: A system for landing gear prognostic and health management may comprise a stroke measurement component and a pin configured to translate relative to the stroke measurement component. The pin may include a plurality of graduations. The pin may be configured such that a graduation corresponding to a stroke length of the landing gear may be visible through a viewing window of the stroke measurement component.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear having a shock absorbing strut and a shortening mechanism coupled between an elongate beam and a shortening portion of a shock absorber. The shortening mechanism is arranged such that when the elongate beam is at a first position due to a first extension state of the retraction actuator the shortening mechanism is in a locked condition in which it inhibits axial movement of the shortening portion within the strut element in the first direction axial direction, and as the retraction actuator changes in extension state from the first extension state towards a second extension state, the retraction actuator moves the elongate beam which in turn causes the shortening mechanism to move the shortening portion within the strut element in the first axial direction to shorten the shock absorbing strut.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system (3) includes an electromagnetic damper (7) provided with a sprung member (8) and an unsprung member (9) to apply a drive force and a damping force between the sprung member and the unsprung member, and a control unit (10) for controlling the electromagnetic damper. A target load for the electromagnetic damper is determined based on the unsprung member demand load that attenuates a vertical vibration of the unsprung member, and the sprung member demand load that restrains a vertical displacement of the sprung member. An absolute value of the sprung member demand load is reduced when a sprung member frequency is in an unsprung member resonance frequency range.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (HEX) for cooling air in a gas turbine engine is provided. An adjustable damper is provided. The adjustable damper may be for damping a movement of the HEX relative to the gas turbing engine. An adjustable damper may comprise: a first tube; a second tube located at least partially within the first tube; a housing coupled to the second tube; a moveable member, the moveable member comprising a contacting surface in contact with the second tube; an adjusting member adjustably coupled to the housing; and a spring member located between the moveable member and the adjusting member, the spring member configured to at least one of compress or decompress in response to adjusting member moving relative to the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process suitable for constructing the multiple stage air shock. The multiple stage air shock is unique among shocks in that the multiple stage design possesses qualities not available to other shock absorbers. The process includes a means for determining the compressed and extended lengths of the air shock based on the lengths of the parts for each stage. This means refers to one methodology and offers the air shock an extended length that is greater than twice its compressed length, an optimized extended length, and a construction capability based on adding stages. In particular, the extended length-compressed length relationship is a quality inherently unobtainable by current shock absorbers. The process also includes a means of determining the spring rate. This means refers to a second methodology and offers the capability to both set-up the air shock with a relatively linear spring rate and make the relatively linear spring rate more linear.

Abstract: A shock strut includes a first cylinder defining a first volume. The shock strut includes a first piston head moveably positioned within the first volume and defining a first fluid chamber and a third fluid chamber within the first volume. The shock strut includes a second cylinder defining a second volume. The shock strut includes a second piston head moveably positioned within the second volume and defining a second fluid chamber and a fourth fluid chamber within the second volume. The fourth fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the third fluid chamber. The shock strut also includes a bleed port. The shock strut also includes a tube extending from the fourth fluid chamber through the second piston head and the second fluid chamber to the bleed port.

Abstract: A system for varying an eyelet-to-eyelet distance of a vehicle. The system includes top and bottom mounting components defining the eyelet-to-eyelet distance, the top mounting component being operatively connected to a frame of the vehicle, and the bottom mounting component being operatively connected to a supporting component of the vehicle. The system also includes a telescopic component disposed about a housing of at least one of the top and bottom components, the telescopic component being displaceable with respect to said housing in response to a given input of a driver of the vehicle, for varying a distance between the top and mounting components, and thus varying the eyelet-to-eyelet distance of the vehicle. Also described is a vehicle including such a system, and a method of operating associated thereto.

Abstract: A force limiting device comprises a housing defining an axially extending chamber containing a working fluid. A force transmitting member may be mounted for linear reciprocable movement inside the chamber under the action of external loads. An axial array of plates is floatingly disposed in the chamber between the force transmitting member and an end wall of the chamber. At rest, each plate is spaced from an adjacent plate by a gap occupied by the working fluid. When the force transmitting member is displaced towards the array of plates, the fluid in the chamber causes the plates to be successively pushed against each other, thereby causing some of the fluid to be squeezed out from between the plates.

Abstract: A shock strut is disclosed. The shock strut may have multiple pistons and multiple chambers. In this manner, the shock strut may compress different lengths for different applied forces at different points during its stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first tube portion forming a portion of an air vehicle deployable pod and a second tube portion. The first and second tube portions are slidably coupled. The apparatus also includes a cavity formed between the tube portions. The second tube portion slides relative to the first tube portion to reduce the size of the cavity and dissipate energy upon impact of the first tube portion.

Abstract: A grease shut-off gas cylinder comprises an outer cylinder having a guide hole; a spindle inserted in the guide hole and having an inner pipe and an outer pipe; a piston rod having a piston wherein the bottom of a rod is fixed on a bottom surface of the outer cylinder and the top of the rod is slide-inserted in the inner pipe; a valve body secured to top of the spindle and controlling the spindle to move up or down about the piston on the basis of the operations of a valve pin which controls the moving direction of gas; a bushing member protruding from an outer side of the bottom of the spindle and coming into slide contact with an inner wall of the outer cylinder; and a bushing cap secured to top of the outer cylinder and having a guide hole configured to guide the spindle.

Abstract: A system for use in monitoring, measuring, computing and displaying the volumes of internal gas within a telescopic aircraft landing gear strut. Pressure sensors and temperature sensors and motion sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record the impact movement and rates of internal landing gear strut fluids; experienced by landing gear struts, as the aircraft landing gear initially come into contact with the ground. The computer of this system measures the compression experienced by each landing gear strut and determines if the landing gear strut is improperly serviced with either excess or deficient volumes of nitrogen gas. Additional features include automating the inspections required to aircraft landing gear, prior to flight, during flight and during landing events.

Abstract: A multi-stage shock absorber with closed ends has a plurality of tubular shock bodies telescopically interconnected together, and includes a piston arrangement slidably mounted within certain of the shock bodies to define a number of chambers variously containing damping and/or spring elements for enabling damping of shock forces applied to the shock absorber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing a length of a landing gear system. A first cylinder and a second cylinder are moved relative to each other along an axis extending centrally through the first cylinder and the second cylinder such that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are in an extended position. In response to the first cylinder and the second cylinder being in the extended position, a flow of a fluid is substantially prevented between a first chamber formed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder and a second chamber within the first cylinder and the second cylinder. In response to a pressure applied to the first chamber, the first cylinder and the second cylinder are moved relative to each other along the axis such that a length of the first cylinder and the second cylinder is reduced.

Abstract: An air spring that can be used in an air suspension system includes a hollow piston, a hollow shaft and a body. The hollow piston has a hole through it. The hollow shaft has a shaft interior volume in communication with the hole in the piston. The body has a body interior volume in communication with the hole in the hollow piston. The hole in the hollow piston in communication with the shaft interior volume and the body interior volume provides a total interior volume. Wherein, the total interior volume is greater than the body interior volume thereby providing a linearized spring rate.

Abstract: A shock strut includes a relief device that reduces the internal pressure within a sealed chamber of the shock strut when a load condition that exceeds a maximum operating load condition is encountered. The reduced pressure permits a telescopically moving piston of the shock strut to be received into a corresponding cylinder to an amount that increases the structural capability of the shock strut, especially with respect to applied side loads that generate bending and shearing stresses in the shock strut. In one embodiment, the reduced pressure permits the piston to “bottom out” relative to the cylinder, which is a condition not otherwise achievable without the relief device. This additional stroke achievable by the piston reduces or eliminates the need to reinforce and thus add weight to the shock strut because of higher load condition design requirements.

Abstract: A multi-stage shock absorber with closed ends has a plurality of tubular shock bodies telescopically interconnected together, and includes a piston arrangement slidably mounted within certain of the shock bodies to define a number of chambers variously containing damping and/or spring elements for enabling damping of shock forces applied to the shock absorber.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first portion and a second portion that reciprocate relative to one another. The shock absorber includes a gas spring chamber defined between an interior wall and a plunger. A seal including a lip portion minimizes gas pressure loss and friction between the two portions.

Abstract: A pull shock damper for a bicycle comprising a spring device and a damper device, the spring device comprising a positive spring and a gas-operated negative chamber. The damper device comprises a first oil chamber and a second oil chamber connected therewith. The negative chamber abuts the first oil chamber via a piston. A tubular structure extends from the piston through the negative chamber interior up to the end of the negative chamber. The piston rod of the piston extends through the first oil chamber to the exterior.

Abstract: A springless combination shock absorber and suspension apparatus comprising three tubes: An outer tube, a piston tube (inner tube) and a stationary (damping) tube, with a floating piston disposed in the inner piston tube, wherein the floating piston forms two chambers therein, a lower liquid chamber and an upper gas chamber. Fluid dampens shocks by passing through a two-way valve in the outer tube and may be controlled internally by a shim plate positioned over apertures or valve passageways, or, in a separate embodiment, by external adjustment of flow by rotating adjusting plates to open and close the valve passageways. The amount by which the gas chamber is reduced in compression is large enough to generate the high pressures required to produce spring-like forces. This design allows the gas pressure chamber to operate effectively as a spring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for use in vehicle suspension. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatus useful for variable spring rate and/or variable damping rate vehicle suspension. In one embodiment, a shock absorber for a vehicle includes a gas spring having first and second gas chambers. The first chamber is utilized during a first travel portion of the shock absorber and the first and second chambers are both utilized during a second portion of travel. The shock absorber further includes a fluid isolated damper for regulating the speed of travel throughout both portions of travel.

Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber, upper and lower pistons forming upper and lower two stages are fixed to a leading end portion of a piston rod. An intermediate oil chamber is provided between the upper and lower pistons. An intermediate air chamber is provided in such a manner as to compensate an oil amount change in an oil chamber by coming into contact with the intermediate oil chamber and expanding and compressing on the basis of the oil amount change of the oil chamber caused by an extension and compression stroke of the piston rod, and an air compression rate of an upper portion air chamber of the oil reservoir chamber is set to be equal to or more than an air compression rate of the intermediate air chamber, with respect to the extension and compression stroke of the piston rod.

Abstract: A gas spring for a vehicle suspension system includes a cylinder, a rod disposed within the cylinder, a relative movement between the rod and the cylinder changing the volume of a chamber formed between the rod and the cylinder, and an accumulator in communication with the chamber. Compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a first spring rate for deflections of the gas spring below a threshold, compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a second spring rate for deflections of the gas spring above the threshold, and the first spring rate is greater than the second spring rate.

Abstract: A spring for a suspension is described. The spring includes: a spring chamber divided into at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, and a fluid flow path coupled with and between the primary portion and the secondary portion. The fluid flow path includes a bypass mechanism, wherein the bypass mechanism is configured for automatically providing resistance within the fluid flow path in response to a compressed condition of the suspension.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension unit for a vehicle that includes an outer sleeve which defines a first chamber, and a damping piston which is arranged for sliding displacement in the first chamber. The first chamber contains gas mainly for providing spring action and liquid mainly for providing damping action. The gas is in direct contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A spring for a suspension is described. The spring includes: a spring chamber divided into at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, and a fluid flow path coupled with and between the primary portion and the secondary portion. The fluid flow path includes a bypass mechanism, wherein the bypass mechanism is configured for automatically providing resistance within the fluid flow path in response to a compressed condition of the suspension.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: A shock absorber that absorbs a vibration using a working fluid charged into a first chamber and a second chamber comprises a tube body, an inserted body, a tip end of which is inserted into the tube body from an end portion of the tube body, and a partition wall portion that is provided on the tip end of the inserted body to be capable of sliding within the tube body and partitions an interior of the tube body into the first chamber and the second chamber. The shock absorber comprises a connecting portion that is provided within a partition wall portion sliding region of the tube body and connects the first chamber and the second chamber when the partition wall portion passes thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for damping the movement of a body Co between two positions at the end of travel. The device according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it comprises two abutments B1, B2, a cylinder 10, a wall 11 closing off the end 12 of the cylinder 10, a piston 14 delimiting a chamber 16 with variable volume, a cylinder 20 with an external section at most equal to the internal section of the cylinder 10, a mounting unit for mounting the cylinder 20 in cooperation with the piston 14 so that the latter closes off the end 21 of this cylinder 20, a piston 24 delimiting a chamber 26 with variable volume, a first fluid Li filling the two chambers 16, 26, a communicating unit 30 for communication under pressure loss between the chambers 16, 26, an abutment 40 mounted in cooperation with the piston 24 so that this abutment 40 has a movement correlative with that of the piston 24, and a connecting unit 50 for connecting the cylinder 20 to the body Co.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydro-pneumatic piston accumulator (1), particularly for vehicle suspension systems, consisting of an accumulator housing (2) and a separating piston (6), which is disposed free-floating inside the accumulator housing in a displaceable manner in the direction of the movement axis (4). The separating piston separates an accumulator area (8) for a hydraulic medium from a pressure area (10) that is filled or is to be filled with a compressible medium, and is guided with an interior guide opening (30) on an elongated guide element (32), which is axially fixed within the accumulator housing (2).

Abstract: A valve assembly for a shock absorber includes a valve body defining a fluid passage. A valve disc engages the valve body to close the fluid passage. A fulcrum disc engages the valve disc at a first position and a second position radially outward from the first position. The fulcrum disc is designed such that the second position is closer to the valve body. In one embodiment, the fulcrum disc is concave with respect to the valve body.

Abstract: A multipiece cushioning assembly adapted to be arranged in combination with a shock absorbing apparatus. The multipiece cushioning assembly is disposed between a pair of radial shoulders on first and second members telescoping members of the shock absorbing apparatus arranged in operable combination relative to each other. The radial shoulders on the first and second members limit travel of the shock absorbing apparatus, and with the multipiece cushioning assembly including a plurality of elastomeric bumpers arranged in a generally circular array for absorbing over-travel of the first and second members relative to each other and for readily permitting replacement of the multipiece cushioning assembly while maintaining the first and second members in operable combination relative to each other.

Abstract: An overhead wire tension balancer can prevent an oil component in the tension balancer from scattering to the outside due to entry of rainwater. In an overhead wire tension balancer for supporting a spanned overhead wire while applying tension thereto, a gap that easily allows entry of rainwater is covered by a waterproof cover. As a result, the rainwater can be prevented from entering the inside of the overhead wire tension balancer, and the oil component separated from grease by entering rainwater can be prevented from scattering to the outside.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system that inhibits a pressure within a gas chamber from reducing below a threshold value. In one arrangement, the suspension system includes a shock absorber associated with a motorcycle. The shock absorber includes an upper gas chamber that is filled with air. An air pressure adjustment valve operates to supply air into the upper gas chamber from a supply of air outside of the shock absorber when the air pressure in the upper gas chamber becomes smaller than a lower threshold value.

Abstract: An overhead wire tension balancer has a water draining structure and can prevent lubricating oil in the tension balancer from scattering to the outside. The overhead wire tension balancer is for supporting a spanned overhead wire while applying tension thereto, and rainwater collecting inside the overhead wire tension balancer is collected from a collecting pipe connecting part into a collecting tank through a collecting pipe. The oil content of grease applied to the inside of the overhead wire tension balancer is prevented from scattering to the outside even if the oil content is carried together with the rainwater.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock-absorber for aircraft landing gear, the shock-absorber having two elements mounted to slide telescopically one in the other and defining an internal volume that is filled with hydraulic fluid and with gas, the internal volume being separated into at least two chambers by a separation including at least one throttling orifice through which the hydraulic fluid passes from one chamber to the other while the shock-absorber is being compressed. According to the invention, the separation includes at least one degassing orifice to enable gas to be transferred from one chamber to the other when the landing gear is in the deployed position, the degassing orifice being offset vertically relative to the throttling orifice so as to be located above it when the landing gear is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A damping device for a two-wheeled vehicle having a first and a second damper chamber which are coupled to one another through a flow connection. The flow connection includes at least one flow valve provided with a damping channel. A magneto-rheological fluid is provided in the damping channel of the flow valve wherein the flow valve includes at least one magnetic device such that the damping channel of the flow valve can be exposed to a magnetic field of the magnetic device. The flow valve further includes at least one spring device. The magnetic device of the flow valve is provided on a valve piston and the valve piston is received in a deflection chamber to resiliently deflect counter to a spring force of the spring device such that the magnetic field of the magnetic device effective in the damping channel depends on the resilient deflection of the valve piston.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, an axle, a suspension strut and a sensor assembly. The suspension strut includes a barrel having a lower end and an upper end, and a rod having a lower end and an upper end. The rod lower end is slidably received within the barrel upper end. The barrel lower end is coupled with the axle and the rod upper end is coupled with the chassis. A sensor assembly is coupled between the chassis and the barrel for sensing relative movement between the chassis and the barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a biasing force to a vehicle suspension. The apparatus includes a hydraulic shock absorber that coacts with a gas spring. In some embodiments, the gas spring is externally adjustable with regards to gas pressure, and also with regards to the amount of internal travel possible by a floating gas piston.

Abstract: A bicycle seat adjustable device includes an outer tube with an inner tube movably inserted therein and a piston is connected to the inner tube. A valve control device includes an outer path tube in the inner tube, and a lower end of the outer path tube is connected to the piston and a top end of the outer path tube extends toward the inner tube. A movable piston is movably mounted to the outer path tube. An outer oil room and an inner air room are defined between the inner tube and the outer path tube. A valve unit is connected to the inner path tube to form an inner oil room and a path which communicates with the outer oil room and the inner oil room, and controlled by the valve unit. The inner tube and the inner path tube increases the travel distance of the hydraulic oil.

Abstract: A support column with a vertical tube has a coaxially installed gas spring including a cylinder divided by a piston into first and second working chambers. A piston rod passes through the second working chamber in a sealed manner to the outside, where it is attached to a bottom support piece of the vertical tube. The cylinder projects out of the vertical tube and is guided with freedom to slide back and forth in a guide sleeve installed in the end of the vertical tube opposite the bottom support piece. A connection between the first and second working chambers can be blocked by a manually actuatable valve. A second valve between the chambers, which is closed when the gas spring is under load, can be switched to the open position after the load on the gas spring has been absent for a certain period of time.

Abstract: A damping strut for a bicycle has a hydraulic shock absorber having a damper volume filled with incompressible damping fluid, a pressure application device that detects the current displacement state of the damping strut, and at least one disk valve. When the damping strut is displaced, the damper volume changes so that the damping fluid flows, creating a damping force which counteracts the displacement, through the disk valve. A control piston is coupled to the disk valve in order to vary the degree of opening of the disk valve. Control piston pressure can be applied by the pressure application device with a compressible control fluid, dependent on the displacement state detected by the pressure application device, such that on detection of a pre-determined displacement state of the damping strut, the disk valve is pre-tensioned in the closing direction thereof, so that the damping force is increased.

Abstract: A dual rate shock absorbing apparatus for a suspension system of a heavy off-road vehicle including a housing having two axially elongated members. A dual rate spring package is disposed in the housing. Such spring package includes a first spring assembly for absorbing, dissipating and returning a first predetermined level of energy imparted to the shock absorbing apparatus. One end of the first spring assembly acts against a closed end of the housing and a second end acts against a spring seat. A second spring assembly absorbs, dissipates and returns a second predetermined level of energy. One end of the second spring assembly acts against an opposed closed end of the housing and a second end acts against the spring seat. An axially elongated guide assembly, extending substantially the cumulative length of the first and second spring assemblies, controls axial compression of the first and second spring assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus that prevents collapse mode and sling-shot mode of the accumulated air spring vibration isolation system is presented. The apparatus is contained in an air spring which is connected to accumulator. The apparatus blocks air flow to the accumulator when the air spring is attempting to bottom out, resulting in a soft pneumatic stop for the suspended mass. High pressure air within the air spring at its lowest height is evacuated to the accumulator, thus precluding a “sling shot” reaction of the suspended mass. The apparatus incorporates a double acting air cylinder with an orifice disk attached to a piston shaft end and an orifice contained within the air spring head. The upper air cylinder volume is vented to the air spring interior compartment through an unrestrictive orifice and the lower air cylinder volume is vented to the high pressure source through a highly restrictive orifice.

Abstract: A control assembly for an in-line bicycle shock absorber can include a control member rotatably mounted to a housing of the shock absorber, the control member having an interior bore, and with one end of the bore being closed and another end of the bore being open. The control assembly also includes a piston slidably mounted within the interior bore of the control member. The control member is rotated to adjust a first characteristic of the shock absorber and the piston is displaced within the interior bore to adjust a second characteristic of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A suspension spring and a double-rod damper are installed in the interior of a front fork which comprises a body-side tube and a wheel-side tube. The double-rod damper comprises a piston housed in a cylinder, and an upper rod and a lower rod connected to the piston. The upper rod is formed to have a smaller diameter than the lower rod. By providing an orifice which allows working oil in an upper oil chamber formed around the upper rod to flow into a reservoir while causing the pressure in the upper oil chamber to increase, expansion and contraction of air bubbles mixed into working oil in the cylinder is prevented, thereby improving the response of a damping force generated in the front fork.