Abstract: A gas spring unit having a housing, and a piston assembly slidably supported within and projecting outwardly of the housing. The housing and piston assembly cooperate to define therebetween a pressure chamber which is precharged with a high pressure gas, specifically nitrogen, for absorbing external shock forces as imposed on the piston assembly. A first passage, containing a one-way check valve, extends through the end cap of the housing to premit charging of the pressure chamber with high-pressure gas, and to additionally permit make up gas to be supplied to the chamber. A second passage extends through the end cap for relieving pressure within the pressure chamber, such as due to overload or when relief of pressure is desired.

Abstract: A gas spring unit with an improved packing structure for providing a lubricated guide and seal with the piston rod for containing a high-pressure gas while enabling the spring unit to function for a large number of operational cycles. The packing structure includes a pair of lubricating-type bushings disposed for slidable engagement with the piston rod, which bushings are axially spaced and confine a seal ring therebetween, the latter preferably being of polyurethane. The bushings are preferably impregnated with a lubricant such as graphite. The innermost bushing abuts against a shoulder on the housing to avoid imposition of excessive compressive forces on the seal ring.

Abstract: A gas spring unit having a housing, and a piston assembly slidably supported within and projecting outwardly of the housing. The housing and piston assembly cooperate to define therebetween a pressure chamber which is precharged with a high pressure gas, specifically nitrogen, for absorbing external shock forces as imposed on the piston assembly. A first passage, containing a one-way check valve, extends through the end cap of the housing to permit charging of the pressure chamber with high-pressure gas, and to additionally permit make up gas to be supplied to the chamber. A second passage extends through the end cap for relieving pressure within the pressure chamber, such as due to overload or when relief of pressure is desired.

Abstract: An adjustable energy absorber including a housing having a ram slidably extending therefrom. A first control sleeve divides the housing into a pair of fluid chambers, which sleeve has an axially extending row of openings to provide communication between the two chambers. A second control sleeve surrounds the first sleeve and is nonrotatably connected thereto. The first and second sleeves have compatible outer and inner conical surfaces, respectively. The first and second sleeves are axially adjustable with respect to one another to form a narrow flow passage between the opposed conical surfaces. Imposition of a force on the ram causes fluid to be forced from one chamber through the openings into the flow passage, and then into the other chamber. By varying the width of the flow passage, as by axially moving one control sleeve relative to the other, the amount of energy absorbed by the fluid during the movement of the ram can be selectably adjusted.

Abstract: A shock absorber including a housing having a ram slidably extending therefrom. A pair of concentric control sleeves divide the housing into inner and outer fluid chambers, and a piston is slidably received within the inner chamber. The inner sleeve has an axially aligned row of openings therein, and also has an elongated groove formed in the outer periphery thereof, which groove is circumferentially spaced from the row of openings. The inner and outer sleeves have opposed conical surfaces forming a narrow clearance space therebetween. A spring coacts between the housing and the outer sleeve for urging same axially in a direction whereby the openings in the inner sleeve are effectively closed, as by maintaining the narrow space at a minimum dimension. When a shock load is imposed on the ram causing the piston to move inwardly within the inner chamber, the fluid therein is pressurized and flows through the openings into the narrow space.

Abstract: An adjustable energy absorber including a housing having a ram slidably extending therefrom. A first control sleeve divides the housing into a pair of fluid chambers, which sleeve has an axially extending row of openings to provide communication between the two chambers. A second control sleeve surrounds the first sleeve and is nonrotatably connected thereto. The first and second sleeves have compatible outer and inner conical surfaces, respectively. The first and second sleeves are axially adjustable with respect to one another to form a narrow flow passage between the opposed conical surfaces. Imposition of a force on the ram causes fluid to be forced from one chamber through the openings into the flow passage, and then into the other chamber. By varying the width of the flow passage, as by axially moving one control sleeve relative to the other, the amount of energy absorbed by the fluid during the movement of the ram can be selectably adjusted.

Abstract: A waste compactor comprising a cabinet having an extendible ram assembly mounted adjacent the upper end thereof and a removable dolly associated with the lower end thereof. The dolly is adapted to support a vertically elongated support device which is adapted to be inserted into the interior of a disposable flexible bag for supporting the bag in an open and upright position for permitting trash to be deposited therein when the support device and bag is disposed on the dolly and positioned under the ram assembly. The support device also acts as a liner for protecting the bag. A chute is swingably mounted on the cabinet for permitting waste to be deposited into the bag. The chute is movable into a closed position wherein it substantially closes the front wall of the cabinet and, when in the closed position, coacts with a safety device to permit energization of the ram assembly. The safety device prevents actuation of the ram assembly when the chute is open or when the dolly is removed from the cabinet.