A shock absorber for a vehicle may include a flow path provided in a rod valve to allow an oil film to be formed between a cylinder and the rod valve during relative movements of a strut rod and the cylinder, and the oil film is used to prevent friction from occurring between the cylinder and the rod valve during steering.

A shock absorber for a vehicle may include a flow path provided in a rod valve to allow an oil film to be formed between a cylinder and the rod valve during relative movements of a strut rod and the cylinder, and the oil film is used to prevent friction from occurring between the cylinder and the rod valve during steering.

An air spring includes a sleeve, a jounce bumper, and a bump cap. The sleeve defines a chamber. The jounce bumper is fixed relative to the sleeve in the chamber. The bump cap is moveable relative to the jounce bumper from a first position to a second position in contact with the jounce bumper. The jounce bumper includes a valve moveable by the bump cap to a closed position when the bump cap moves to the second position.

An inertia-actuated valve assembly includes a valve housing, a valve body and a biasing element. The valve housing includes a groove that has an open end fluidically accessible from along one side thereof. The valve housing includes a flow channel extending therethrough in fluid communication with the groove from along an opposing side of the valve housing. The valve body is positioned within the groove of the valve housing such that the valve body and the valve housing are axially co-extensive along at least a portion thereof. The biasing element operatively engages the valve body and generates a biasing force urging the valve body in a first axial direction. The biasing force is greater than a predetermined dynamic gas pressure threshold value multiplied by a pressure area and is less than or approximately equal to a valve body mass multiplied by 2.5 times the nominal acceleration due to gravity.

A method and apparatus for a shock absorber for a vehicle having a gas spring with first and second gas chambers, wherein 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. In one embodiment, a travel adjustment assembly is configured to selectively communicate a first gas chamber with a negative gas chamber.

A method and apparatus for a shock absorber for a vehicle having a gas spring with first and second gas chambers, wherein 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. In one embodiment, a travel adjustment assembly is configured to selectively communicate a first gas chamber with a negative gas chamber.

A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.

A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.

A replenishment passage connects a compressor to a tank, and a first check valve is provided in the middle of the replenishment passage. A supply/discharge passage connects the tank to air suspensions. A supply/discharge switching valve is provided in the middle of the supply/discharge passage, and suspension control valves are provided at a location between the supply/discharge switching valve and the air suspensions. A discharge passage connects the supply/discharge switching valve to a suction port of the compressor, and a discharge passage open/close valve is provided in the middle of the discharge passage. When a vehicle height is lowered, air within the air suspensions is guided to the suction port of the compressor through the discharge passage, compressed by the compressor, and supplied into the tank.

A replenishment passage connects a compressor to a tank, and a first check valve is provided in the middle of the replenishment passage. A supply/discharge passage connects the tank to air suspensions. A supply/discharge switching valve is provided in the middle of the supply/discharge passage, and suspension control valves are provided at a location between the supply/discharge switching valve and the air suspensions. A discharge passage connects the supply/discharge switching valve to a suction port of the compressor, and a discharge passage open/close valve is provided in the middle of the discharge passage. When a vehicle height is lowered, air within the air suspensions is guided to the suction port of the compressor through the discharge passage, compressed by the compressor, and supplied into the tank.