Patent ID: 6851529
Filing Date: 2005-02-08
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
1. An isolation strut for supporting a load above a ground and capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode comprising: an air suspension spring connected to a load bearing shaft; a hydraulic damping element having a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a piston connected to the load bearing shaft; a hydraulic line having a valve therein, one end of the hydraulic line connected to the first chamber and the other end of the hydraulic line connected to the second chamber; a vibration detector coupled to the valve for actuating the valve upon the occurrence of vibration of an abnormal quality; whereby, in a first mode of operation the load is rigidly attached to the ground via a structural load path through the hydraulic damping element and in a second mode the load is isolated by the air suspension spring and damped by the hydraulic damping element.