Patent ID: 7011193
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
1. A damper comprising: a pressure tube defining a longitudinal axis and forming a working chamber; a damper piston disposed within said working chamber, said damper piston dividing said working chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber; a piston rod attached to said damper piston and extending through said pressure tube; a rod guide assembly disposed between said piston rod and said pressure tube; said rod guide assembly comprising: a main housing for guiding the movement of said piston rod; an annular bearing disposed between said main housing and said piston rod, said annular bearing slidingly engaging said piston rod; a first seal disposed between a first component of said rod guide assembly and said piston rod, said first seal being disposed on a first side of said bearing; a second seal disposed between a second component of said rod guide assembly and said piston rod said second seal being disposed on a second side of said bearing opposite said first side; a fluid chamber disposed between said first and second seal; a lubrication channel extending from said fluid chamber around and outside diameter of said bearing to one of said first and second seals; a guide piston movable with respect to said fluid chamber to vary the volume of said fluid chamber.