Abstract: The present invention is an air sleeve that has a tubular shape with opposing sleeve ends. At least one reinforcing ply extends from one sleeve end to the opposing sleeve end; the reinforcing ply has cords encapsulated in a ply coat compound and at least one end of the reinforcing ply terminates in one air sleeve end. According to the present invention, a reinforcement means is spaced from the end of the reinforcing ply by a distance greater than the ply coat compound.

Abstract: A flexible hose 10 having a flexible material 12 and a more rigid material 14. The flexible material 12 and the more rigid material 14 being helically wound and molded together to form a hose 10 with an exterior surface 16 and an interior surface 18. The cross-section of the more rigid material 14 having at least two peninsulas 20, extending in longitudinally opposite directions, at least one radially inwardly extending peninsula 22, and at least one radially outwardly extending peninsula 22. The longitudinally extending peninsulas 20 are embedded in the flexible material 12 and the radially extending peninsulas 22, 24 are at least partially embedded in the flexible material 12. In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinally extending peninsulas 20 are centrally located in the flexible material 12 between the respective surfaces 16, 18 of the hose 10 and the radially outwardly extending peninsula 24 extends beyond the flexible material 12 on the exterior surface 16 of the hose 10.

Abstract: An improved method of splicing a belt, and preparing a belt end to be spliced, is disclosed. The ends of the multiple reinforcing layers of the belt are prepared along spaced transverse edges in defined different geometric configurations. At a minimum, the ends of the reinforcing layers are prepared with at least two different geometric configurations.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed toward an improved airspring bumper (20) and an airspring (10) comprising the improved bumper (20). The bumper (20) is defined by a dual reinforcing structure comprising concentric sets of ribs (50, 58) for absorbing and distributing loads generated from contact between the bumper (20) and an opposing retainer (16). The bumper (20) is secured to one of the airspring retainers (18) by a compression fit between the retainer (18) and the bumper (20) or by a central barbed post (36).

Abstract: A method of recycling selvage yarns in a weaving operation involves providing selvage warp yarns which are continuous. The selvage is slit after passing through the loom from the main fabric warp yarns.

Abstract: A safety locking coupling assembly in which pull rings on the female coupling unit of a male coupling unit/female coupling unit assembly serve both to release the coupling assembly and to maintain the coupling assembly locked against unintentional disconnection. The pull rings are attached to cam arms which engage the male coupling unit to lock the coupling assembly and are disengaged from the male coupling unit to release the coupling assembly. In the locked condition of the coupling assembly, the pull rings abut against ears on the housing of the female coupling unit to oppose unintended movement of the cam arms from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms. Upon intentional removal of the pull rings from abutment with the ears by an operator and pulling on the pull rings, the cam arms can be moved from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms to disconnect the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A flexible hose 10 having a built-in handle 20. The hose 10 has at least three layers including a first elastomeric layer 12, a second elastomeric layer 16, and at least one reinforcing layer 14. At least one handle 20 is affixed to at least one of the respective reinforcing layers 14. The handle 20 at least partially extends radially outwardly of the external surface 18 of the hose 10. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 20 is made from flexible material.

Abstract: A high modulus composition based on a mixture of a hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber which has been modified with either zinc methacrylate or a combination of zinc oxide and methacrylic acid and an unmodified hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber for use in high load-bearing synchronous drive belts and belts made therewith.

Abstract: An airtight end retainer assembly has a premolded body with apertures and a seat area for receiving a combination stud insert, having a head, which is press fitted into the body with an o-ring seal therebetween. The retainer assembly is for use in an airspring assembly. Combinations of complementary shapes between a first body aperture and the stud head compared to a second body aperture and a central portion of the stud insert prevent relative rotation between the body and the stud insert.

Abstract: An air spring with a pair of spaced end members and a flexible elastomeric sleeve forming a pressurized chamber in combination with the end members is disclosed. The air spring is provided with an internal bumper to absorb impacts and prevent collapse of the air spring when in operation. The bumper is formed with a continuous ledge in the central opening. Securing the bumper to one of the end members is a hollow cup. The cup lip engages the bumper ledge and the cup is attached to the end member.

Abstract: A method of making a reinforcing fabric having wide angles between the warp yarns and the weft yarns by helically folding on itself a strip of fabric which has been skewed such that the angle .alpha. between the warp yarns and the weft yarns is from 100.degree. to 140.degree..