Patent ID: 6293530
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
A vibration control system for use between a first mass and a second mass said system comprising:(a) a liquid spring operably interposed between said first and second masses,said liquid spring having a housing including a chamber in which a first volume of compressible liquid is disposed and restriction means slidably disposed within said housing, said restriction means having a surface in contact with said first volume of compressible liquid, said compressible liquid having a spring rate, wherein said spring rate is an inverse function of volume further wherein said liquid spring provides damping by causing said compressible liquid to flow about said restriction means;(b) a second volume of compressible liquid in a second chamber, said second volume removably connected to the first volume by a fluid passage;(c) valve means coupled to said fluid passage, said valve means selectively operable to place said second volume in communication with said first volume; and(d) control means for varying at least one of spring and damping forces in response to a sensed vibration by operating said valve means to place into communication said first volume with said second volume, said communication combining first and second volume into one active volume producing a change in spring rate.