Abstract: A recoil bumper for a nail gun having a body, an axially elongated cylinder disposed within the body of the nail gun, a piston slidably movable in the cylinder, and a driver having a multi-sided cross-sectional configuration, in plan, axially extending along at least a lengthwise portion thereof. The recoil bumper includes a hollow elastomeric member through which the lengthwise portion of the driver endwise passes. The elastomeric member has first and second end faces axially spaced from each other. The first end abuts with the nail gun body while the piston impacts against the second end face during operation of the nail gun. The first end face of said elastomeric member defines a first opening. The second end face of the elastomeric member defines a closed marginal edge for a second opening.

Abstract: A multipiece cushioning assembly adapted to be arranged in combination with a shock absorbing apparatus. The multipiece cushioning assembly is disposed between a pair of radial shoulders on first and second members telescoping members of the shock absorbing apparatus arranged in operable combination relative to each other. The radial shoulders on the first and second members limit travel of the shock absorbing apparatus, and with the multipiece cushioning assembly including a plurality of elastomeric bumpers arranged in a generally circular array for absorbing over-travel of the first and second members relative to each other and for readily permitting replacement of the multipiece cushioning assembly while maintaining the first and second members in operable combination relative to each other.

Abstract: A well head lubricator assembly including an elongated rigid tubular body defining an interior chamber open at a lower end to receive a plunger at a well head. The plunger is slidably positioned within the chamber in response to forces or loads acting thereon and has a seat arranged toward an upper end thereof. An upper end of the tubular body is closed. An axially elongated one-piece thermoplastic ether ester elastomer spring is slidingly positioned within the interior chamber of the tubular body. One end of the spring is seated on the seat of the plunger. The spring defines an elongated bore opening to opposed ends thereof. Moreover, the spring is provided with a plurality of axially spaced flange sections along a length thereof for guiding the spring for endwise sliding movement on an inside diameter of the tubular body. Any two flange sections on the spring are axially separated by an energy absorbing section for allowing the spring to react to energy imparted to the plunger.

Abstract: A dual rate shock absorbing apparatus for a suspension system of a heavy off-road vehicle including a housing having two axially elongated members. A dual rate spring package is disposed in the housing. Such spring package includes a first spring assembly for absorbing, dissipating and returning a first predetermined level of energy imparted to the shock absorbing apparatus. One end of the first spring assembly acts against a closed end of the housing and a second end acts against a spring seat. A second spring assembly absorbs, dissipates and returns a second predetermined level of energy. One end of the second spring assembly acts against an opposed closed end of the housing and a second end acts against the spring seat. An axially elongated guide assembly, extending substantially the cumulative length of the first and second spring assemblies, controls axial compression of the first and second spring assemblies.

Abstract: An elastomeric compression including an elastomeric body defining a longitudinal axis and having two hollow convolutions between opposed ends of the spring. The convolutions are integrally formed and joined to each other by a connecting section. Each hollow convolution includes wall structure defining an outer surface for the spring. The wall structure of each convolution includes two angled wall sections disposed to opposed sides of the axis and which angle away from the connecting section and from each other. The outer surface of that portion of each angled wall section of each convolution adjacent to the connecting section has a projection extending outwardly from the outer surface. As such, and when the angled wall sections of one convolution collapse toward the angled wall sections of the other convolution, in response to a load being directed against the spring, the opposed projections on the convolutions contact and engage with each other thereby enhancing performance characteristics of the spring.

Abstract: A radial cushioning apparatus including an inner member, an outer member, and an elastomer. The inner member accommodates a shaft passing endwise therethrough. The outer member is arranged in radially spaced relation from the inner member. The elastomer is secured to the inner and outer members and defines a plurality of collapsible spaces into which elastomer material can flex thereby cushioning radial deflection of the shaft.

Abstract: A one-piece elastomeric spring having four spaced end portions all joined to and extending from a common body portion. Two end portions are commonly disposed to each side of an axis of the spring such that each end portion can independently deflect when a force is applied thereto. The one-piece spring is formed from a preform formed from an elastomer which is normally free of spring-like characteristics. The elastomer from which the preform is created has a molecular structure along with a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain greater than 1.5 to 1. The molecular structure of the preform is oriented in at least one direction so as to allow a predetermined spring rate to be imparted to the preform whereby transmuting the preform into an elastomeric spring.

Abstract: A method of making a curved compression spring comprising the steps of: providing a monolithic preform having first and second end portions with a curved mid-portion therebetween, with the preform being formed from an elastomer which is free of spring-like characteristics, and with the preform having an initial predetermined length defined by a longitudinal distance between first and second end portions, and wherein the elastomer from which the preform is formed has a molecular structure along with a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain greater than 1.5 to 1; and, working the preform so as to orient the molecular structure of the elastomer in at least one direction while transmuting the preform into a compression spring.

Abstract: A shock absorber strut that includes inner and outer tubes which slide one over the other in a telescopic relationship. In the space confined between closed ends of the tubes, a stack arrangement of compressible elastomeric material pad assemblies is provided to function as shock absorber medium. Each assembly has a pad of compressible material having a central opening, a metal plate having a corresponding central opening and abutting one end of the pad, and a flanged bearing through said openings and abutting the plate to the pad. The pad has ends provided with a series of different sized bores cooperating to define flow spaces for compressed elastomer material to avoid contact with the guide rod. A guide rod extends substantially through the strut through the bearings. The entire arrangement of the bearing provides a glide path for the guide rod. Each plate has a plurality of holes, sub-peripherally located, the holes having torn and jagged protrusions engageable with the pad end.