Patent ID: 6721641
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
A suspension system for maintaining a member in a desired orientation with respect to a datum surface, the system comprising a surface engaging means, a suspension unit connected between the surface engaging means and the member, wherein the suspension unit performs at least one of a force application function and a force absorption function with respect to the surface engaging means, the suspension unit having a predetermined basis characteristic, and an electrical device for modifying the basis characteristics of the suspension unit, characterised in thatthe suspension unit is formed by two cylindrical members (11,12) one sliding within the other to form a chamber of variable volume, filled with a gas, and in that the electrical device comprises means forming a series of alternating magnetic poles along the length of one of the cylindrical members (12) and armature means (16) forming magnetic poles in proximity to the end of the other cylindrical member (11), magnetic poles of one of the cylindrical members (11, 12) being formed of permanent magnetic material, wherein the electrical device is controlled by control means (40, 41, 42) to perform a predetermined function, and wherein the control means (41) controls the pressure of gas in the chamber.