Gas spring

Abstract: Lift/suspension system for vertical and azimuthal support for display or use of computer monitors, keyboards or other equipment, which can be economically manufactured and assembled from common component parts for utilization in either a lift mode or a suspension mode. A gas spring provides for support of the system.

Abstract: An X-ray tubehead counterbalancing mechanism devoid of springs, cams and chains is disclosed. The mechanism requires only a single adjustment to precisely counterbalance objects, such as tubeheads and the like. The mechanism includes a commercially available gas spring which is used in conjunction with parallel motion linkage assembly which carries the tubehead. The piston rod end of the gas spring is adjustable upwardly or downwardly in a direction substantially normal to the axis of the piston rod by means of a single adjustment screw cooperating with a clevis which pivotally mounts the piston rod. With such adjustment capability, the present mechanism will support and counterbalance tubeheads having wide variations in weight and inertia.

Abstract: A gas spring shock absorber (10A) includes a damping fluid cylinder (14A) telescopically housed within an air cylinder (12A). A shaft (16A) connects a sealable, outer end (18A) of the air cylinder with a vented piston (32A) movably mounted within the damping fluid cylinder. A first fluid seal (60) extends from the gas cylinder and contacts the outer surface (38A) of the damping cylinder while a second fluid seal (34A) extends from the damping cylinder and contacts the inner surface (36A) of the gas cylinder. The fluid seals create a sealed variable-volume air chamber (40A) which is divided into air positive and air negative spring chambers (62,64). The air negative spring chamber is defined between the two fluid seals and automatically balances the force on the damping unit from the pressurized gas in the first air chamber portion. A bypass channel (66) is provided to permit fluid to bypass the second fluid seal and automatically equalize the pressure in the air positive and air negative spring chambers when the second fluid seal is aligned therewith.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.