Abstract: A compression device for the limb comprising a sleeve adapted to surround the limb, the sleeve comprising an inelastic layer and a cell constructed from an inner part joined to an outer part by one or more side walls so that the cell has a box-like configuration, the inner part being adapted to conform to the shape of the limb when the cell is inflated to provide an even pressure to the limb.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly includes a coil spring that reacts between first and second spring seats. The first spring seat is fixed to a shock cylinder and the second spring seat is fixed to a rod that is slidably received within the shock cylinder. An isolator is positioned between an end coil of the spring and at least one of the first and second spring seats. The isolator comprises an annular ring that defines a cavity that is at least partially filled with fluid. The isolator evenly distributes non-centered spring end forces through the fluid to reduce the effects of side load forces.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly includes a coil spring that reacts between first and second spring seats. The first spring seat is fixed to a shock cylinder and the second spring support is fixed to a rod that is slidably received within the shock cylinder. At least one of the first and second spring seats comprises an adjustable two-pierce spring seat. First and second spring seat pieces are initially movable relative to each other to achieve a desired spring pierce point location for a selected operational position. Once the first and second spring seat pieces are adjusted to a desired position, the first and second spring seat pieces are permanently attached to each other.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly includes a coil spring that reacts between first and second spring seats. The first spring seat is fixed to a shock cylinder and the second spring seat is fixed to a rod that is slidably received within the shock cylinder. An isolator is positioned between an end coil of the spring and at least one of the first and second spring seats. The isolator comprises an annular ring that defines a cavity that is at least partially filled with fluid. The isolator evenly distributes non-centered spring end forces through the fluid to reduce the effects of side load forces.

Abstract: A compression device for the limb comprising a sleeve adapted to surround the limb, the sleeve comprising an inelastic layer and a cell constructed from an inner part joined to an outer part by one or more side walls so that the cell has a box-like configuration, the inner part being adapted to conform to the shape of the limb when the cell is inflated to provide an even pressure to the limb.

Abstract: A unitized seal for use in a gas spring seal assembly. The unitized seal includes a rigid thermoplastic insert having an elastomeric sealing layer surrounding the insert and bonded to the insert. The insert provides rigidity to the seal and includes a central, axial opening that receives and guides a rod slidably engaged with the insert. The sealing layer engages the interior surface of the gas spring cylinder to prevent the pressurized gas contained within the gas spring from escaping around the seal. The sealing layer also includes a central, axial opening aligned with the passage in the insert that slidably engages the rod and further prevent gas from escaping the gas spring cylinder. The unitized seal may be formed in a single or two-step process. In the single step process, the insert and sealing layer are formed by injection molding processes in a single mold and are bonded to one another by a subsequent covulcanization process.

Abstract: A method of forming a stabilizer bar is provided that includes the steps of roll forming sheet metal coil into a continuous tube. Next, a first portion of the continuous tube is flattened. The first portion of the continuous tube is sheared to define a first end. Next, a second portion of the continuous tube is flattened. The continuous tube is sheared at the second portion to define a final unit length with a second end opposite the first end. That is, the length is sheared from the rest of the continuous tube. The final length is the length is needed to form a single stabilizer bar. Finally, the final unit length is deformed into the desired stabilizer bar shape.

Abstract: A method of forming a stabilizer bar is provided that includes the steps of roll forming sheet metal coil into a continuous tube. Next, a first portion of the continuous tube is flattened. The first portion of the continuous tube is sheared to define a first end. Next, a second portion of the continuous tube is flattened. The continuous tube is sheared at the second portion to define a final unit length with a second end opposite the first end. That is, the length is sheared from the rest of the continuous tube. The final length is the length is needed to form a single stabilizer bar. Finally, the final unit length is deformed into the desired stabilizer bar shape.

Abstract: A unitized seal for use in a gas spring seal assembly. The unitized seal includes a rigid thermoplastic insert having an elastomeric sealing layer surrounding the insert and bonded to the insert. The insert provides rigidity to the seal and includes a central, axial opening that receives and guides a rod slidably engaged with the insert. The sealing layer engages the interior surface of the gas spring cylinder to prevent the pressurized gas contained within the gas spring from escaping around the seal. The sealing layer also includes a central, axial opening aligned with the passage in the insert that slidably engages the rod and further prevent gas from escaping the gas spring cylinder. The unitized seal may be formed in a single or two-step process. In the single step process, the insert and sealing layer are formed by injection molding processes in a single mold and are bonded to one another by a subsequent covulcanization process.