In an embodiment, the present invention provides a damping device that comprises a bladder that has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with the interior surface defining a chamber which stores a compressible fluid and a valve that is attached to the interior surface of the bladder. In an embodiment, the damping device contains a bladder that can be constructed from one or more of the following materials: urethane,
neoprene,
Viton,
Nitrile, buna rubber, or
silicon. The bladder is constructed to minimize the distance between the interior surface and the exterior surface. In an embodiment, the damping device contains a valve that can be constructed from one of the following materials: steel,
brass, aluminum, or composite. The valve includes a stem that has threads for attaching a nut and a
flange for attaching the valve to the interior surface of the bladder. The
flange is contoured to maintain the axial location of the bladder within the damping device. In an embodiment, the
flange is constructed from a material that is attachable to the interior surface of the bladder. In operation, compressible fluid is introduced into the bladder through the valve, with the valve permitting the adjustment of the
internal pressure of a fluid contained within the bladder. The
fluid volume within the bladder in an expanded condition as compared to the total displaceable volume of the
piston rod is in a ratio of about 3:1. In an embodiment, the pressure within the bladder is at least 100 p.s.i, or at least 150 p.s.i.