David E Shirley

US Patent:

59541679, Sep 21, 1999

Filed:

Feb 4, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/795469

Inventors:

Donald G. Richardson - Sutter Creek CA
David A. Shirley - Pine Grove CA

Assignee:

Ricor Racing & Development, L.P. - Sutter Creek CA

International Classification:

F16F 934

US Classification:

188275

Abstract:

An acceleration sensitive shock absorber has a tubular housing and a piston assembly in the housing dividing the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The piston is connected to the wheel of a vehicle and the housing is connected to the chassis of the vehicle. Fluid can pass between the upper and lower chambers with a restricted flow rate during either extension or compression of the shock absorber. There is a first port for providing fluid flow from the lower chamber to the upper chamber during downward acceleration of the wheel. A movable inertia mass in the piston assembly opens the first port during downward acceleration of the wheel of the vehicle for increasing flow between the chambers. A pocket beneath the inertial mass applies sufficient pressure to the inertial mass to retain it in a port-open position during fluid flow after acceleration has decreased. There is a fluid turning vane for applying sufficient fluid pressure to the inertial mass to maintain the mass in a port-closed position when acceleration of the wheel has decreased or stopped.

US Patent:

61198307, Sep 19, 2000

Filed:

Oct 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/949375

Inventors:

Donald G. Richardson - Sutter Creek CA
David A. Shirley - Pine Grove CA

Assignee:

Ricor Racing & Development, LP - Sutter Creek CA

International Classification:

F16F 934

US Classification:

188275

Abstract:

An acceleration sensitive shock absorber has a tubular housing and a piston assembly in the housing dividing the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The piston is connected to the wheel of a vehicle and the housing is connected to the chassis of the vehicle. Fluid can pass between the upper and lower chambers with a restricted flow rate during either extension or compression of the shock absorber. There is a first port for providing fluid flow from the lower chamber to the upper chamber upon downward acceleration of the wheel. A movable inertia valve in the piston assembly opens the first port when acceleration of the wheel of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined magnitude for increasing flow between the chambers. In addition, there is a first orifice downstream from the first port for creating hydraulic pressure which biases the inertia valve in an open position in response to fluid flow between the chambers. There is a second port or passage for providing fluid flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

US Patent:

58233059, Oct 20, 1998

Filed:

Mar 1, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/396558

Inventors:

Donald G. Richardson - Sutter Creek CA
David A. Shirley - Pine Grove CA

Assignee:

Ricor Racing & Development, L.P. - Sutter Creek CA

International Classification:

F16F 934

US Classification:

188275

Abstract:

An acceleration sensitive shock absorber has a tubular housing and a piston assembly in the housing dividing the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The piston is connected to the wheel of a vehicle and the housing is connected to the chassis of the vehicle. Fluid can pass between the upper and lower chambers with a restricted flow rate during either extension or compression of the shock absorber. There is a first port for providing fluid flow from the lower chamber to the upper chamber upon downward acceleration of the wheel. A movable inertia valve in the piston assembly opens the first port when acceleration of the wheel of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined magnitude for increasing flow between the chambers. In addition, there is a first orifice downstream from the first port for creating hydraulic pressure which biases the inertia valve in an open position in response to fluid flow between the chambers. There is a second port or passage for providing fluid flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.