Patent ID: 6874603
Filing Date: 2005-04-05
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
1. A magnetorheological piston comprising: a piston body including at least one bypass port and an annular gap formed therein; wherein the at least one bypass port is in fluid communication with the annular gap; wherein the at least one bypass port includes a longitudinal portion extending substantially parallel to a piston longitudinal axis, and a bend portion extending substantially away from the longitudinal axis; wherein the annular gap is spaced apart from the longitudinal portion and extends substantially parallel to the piston longitudinal axis; wherein fluid flows through the at least one bypass port and the annular gap during operation of the piston; and at least one valve in fluid communication with the at least one bypass port wherein the valve modulates the fluid flow through the at least one bypass port during operation of the piston; wherein the valve is operably attached to a piston end plate; and wherein the valve comprises a tapered shape including a root portion configured to substantially occupy a portion of the at least one bypass port, and a tip portion configured to provide a bypass gap formed between the valve and a bypass port surface.