Patent ID: 6415895
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A position-sensitive shock absorber comprising:a cylinder having an interior, first and second ends and defining an axis; a piston movably mounted within the cylinder for movement between first and second locations within the cylinder; first and second bypass openings opening into the cylinder interior at first and second axially spaced-apart positions; a bypass channel fluidly coupling the first and second bypass openings; a pressurized gas container fluidly coupled to the cylinder interior; a movable barrier separating the pressurized gas container and the cylinder interior; a shaft having an inner end secured to the piston and an outer end extending out past the first end of the cylinder; a shaft seal assembly fluidly sealing the axially-movable shaft and the first end of the cylinder; and a spring support element continuously coupling the shaft and the cylinder as the piston moves between the first and second locations.