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A damping device operable to change a suspension characteristic of a vehicle in response to changes in a relative relationship between the piston and the cylinder of the damping device. The damping device comprising a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber operable to store damping fluid. A pis

A damping device operable to change a suspension characteristic of a vehicle in response to changes in a relative relationship between the piston and the cylinder of the damping device. The damping device comprising a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber operable to store damping fluid. A piston is disposed within the pressure cylinder defining an upper and lower portion of the working chamber. The damping device further comprises a transducer for emitting and receiving sound waves within the lower portion of the working chamber. The sound waves emitted by said transducer are reflected by the end surface of the cylinder or a base valve mounted at the end of the cylinder and are received by said transducer. A timing circuit determines the difference in time between the emitted and reflected sound waves and generates an output in response thereto. A central processor calculates the desired relative relationship, such as the relative distance between the piston and the base valve, from the output of the timing circuit.

대표청구항 ▼

A hydraulic actuator connecting the sprung and unsprung portions of a vehicle, said hydraulic actuator operable to selectively change a suspension parameter in response to changes in a relative relationship between a telescopically movable component and a stationary component of said hydraulic actua

A hydraulic actuator connecting the sprung and unsprung portions of a vehicle, said hydraulic actuator operable to selectively change a suspension parameter in response to changes in a relative relationship between a telescopically movable component and a stationary component of said hydraulic actuator, comprising: a cylinder forming a working chamber operable to store damping fluid; a piston disposed within said cylinder defining a first and a second portion of said working chamber, said piston being movable within said cylinder; transducer means for emitting and receiving sound waves propagating through damping fluid contained within said second portion of said working chamber; means for driving said transducer means so as to cause said transducer means to emit sound waves, said means for driving being operable to cause said transducer means to emit said sound waves in response to a first electrical signal; means for reflecting sound waves emitted by said transducer means, said reflecting means being disposed within said cylinder; timing means for determining the time between a sound wave emitted by said transducer means and reception of a reflection of said sound waves by said transducer means, said timing means generating an output in response thereto, said timing means including switch means for electrically connecting said transducer means to said means for driving upon receipt of said first electrical signal, said switch means being further operable to electrically connect said transducer means to said timing means in the absence of said first electrical signal; means for calculating the relative relationship between said piston within said cylinder in response to said output from said timing means; and a control circuit operable selectively change said suspension parameter in response to the relative relationship of said piston within said cylinder.