Jeffrey Carson Jackson

US Patent:

48631477, Sep 5, 1989

Filed:

Jun 13, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/206115

Inventors:

Frederick W. Loeber - Tulsa OK
Richard L. Hoffelmeyer - Longview TX
Jeffrey A. Jackson - Kellyville OK

Assignee:

Unit Rig, Inc. - Tulsa OK

International Classification:

F16F 500
F16F 906
F16F 936
F16F 944

US Classification:

267 6426

Abstract:

This is a suspension system for use on a vehicle between an axle and a load carrying body. It includes a plunger tube which is attached to the axle of the vehicle. The plunger tube extends upwardly into the annulus between an outer cylindrical housing, which is secured to the frame of the vehicle, and an interior piston rod. There is a main cavity within the piston rod and an annular cavity between the piston rod and the plunger tube. At least one orifice extends through the piston rod to permit fluid communication between the main cavity within the piston rod and the annular cavity. A second passage therebetween includes a ball check valve which permits flow of fluid only from the main cavity to the annular cavity. A movable orifice metering ring can be raised or lowered from the exterior of the suspension system to vary the size of the orifice between the main cavity and the annular cavity. An elastomeric alignment assembly connects the top of the piston rod to the outer cylindrical housing to compensate for wear of bushings between the piston rod and plunger tube.