Abstract: A shoulder-fired firearm primary and secondary recoil attenuator mounts on the butt of a shoulder-fired firearm to absorb both the primary and secondary recoil impulses with distinct spring rates and viscoelastic hysteresis. The attenuator may include a mount plate attachable to a butt of a shoulder-fired firearm. A shoulder plate may be disposed in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship with the mount plate. At least one damper may be disposed between the mount plate and the shoulder plate. The at least one damper may include a viscoelastic copolymer elastomer material having a hollow body elastomer construction. The viscoelastic copolymer elastomer material may be shape-engineered to exhibit time-dependent strain. Accordingly, the at least one damper may have distinct spring rates in response to a primary recoil impulse caused by acceleration of a bullet traveling through a firearm barrel and a secondary recoil impulse caused by ejection of the gases exiting the firearm barrel.

Abstract: A compressible spring includes a substantially solid body defining a central axis and manufactured from an elastomeric material. A substantially solid abutment upstands axially on one end of the substantially solid body. There is also a lip that is disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis. An axial bore may be provided extending through the thicknesses of the body and abutment. Furthermore, a plate shape member may be provided that is mechanically secured to the substantially solid body during the forming process, wherein the abutment is passed through a central aperture in the rigid member and wherein the lip cages a thickness portion of the rigid member around the central aperture.

Abstract: A compressible spring for at least absorbing and dissipating energy includes a plurality of elastomeric pads disposed coaxially and in series with each other and a plurality of separator plates, with each plate being disposed between a pair of the adjacent pads. A plurality of first prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a first surface of each separator plate for attaching the plate to one pad and a plurality of second prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a second surface for attaching the plate to an opposed pad. An axial aperture is also formed through each plate with prongs positioned in an alternating manner on a peripheral edge of the axial aperture. Projections may be also provided on each surface of the plate and adapted with an axial aperture that continues through the plate for additional attachment of the plate to the pair of pads.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly includes housing and an elastomeric spring stack disposed therewithin and including a plurality of compressible elastomeric springs disposed in series with each other. Each compressible elastomeric spring includes a compressible elastomeric pad, a rigid member positioned in direct contact with one end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, a central aperture through a thickness of the rigid member, an abutment upstanding axially on the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, the abutment having a peripheral surface thereof sized to be received within the central aperture formed through the thickness of the rigid member, and an annular lip disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis, whereby an annular thickness portion of the rigid member is caged between the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad and an inner surface of the annular lip.

Abstract: A constant contact side bearing assembly for a railcar includes a housing having a base, a pair of mounting apertures formed through a thickness of the base, a generally cylindrical housing wall upstanding on the base, a pair of diametrically opposed channels, a pair of diametrically opposed openings and a guide member disposed centrally on and upstanding from an inner surface of the base. A cap is disposed for reciprocal axial movement relative to the housing. An elastomeric spring is disposed within a generally closed chamber formed by a combination of the housing and the cap. A pair of air passages is provided for dissipating heat generated during operation of the constant contact side bearing assembly. Each air passage is defined by a pair of aligned openings formed through a wall portion of the cap. Each opening may be disposed within a pocket provided within the cap wall.

Abstract: A compressible resilient elastomeric pad includes a body defining a central axis, the body formed from a predetermined material and having each of a peripheral side surface, a first axial end and a second axial end, each of the first and second axial ends having a flat surface thereof disposed normal to such central axis. A first raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the first axial end and a second raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the second axial end. A first groove is formed in the flat surface of the first axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the first projection and a second groove is formed in the flat surface of the second axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the second projection.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly includes housing and an elastomeric spring stack disposed therewithin and including a plurality of compressible elastomeric springs disposed in series with each other. Each compressible elastomeric spring includes a compressible elastomeric pad, a rigid member positioned in direct contact with one end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, a central aperture through a thickness of the rigid member, an abutment upstanding axially on the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, the abutment having a peripheral surface thereof sized to be received within the central aperture formed through the thickness of the rigid member, and an annular lip disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis, whereby an annular thickness portion of the rigid member is caged between the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad and an inner surface of the annular lip.

Abstract: A compressible spring includes a substantially solid body defining a central axis and manufactured from an elastomeric material. A substantially solid abutment upstands axially on one end of the substantially solid body. There is also a lip that is disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis. An axial bore may be provided extending through the thicknesses of the body and abutment. Furthermore, a plate shape member may be provided that is mechanically secured to the substantially solid body during the forming process, wherein the abutment is passed through a central aperture in the rigid member and wherein the lip cages a thickness portion of the rigid member around the central aperture.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly which is mountable within a yoke of the railway vehicle for cushioning buff and draft dynamic impact forces encountered during make-up and operation of a railway vehicle includes a compressible spring positioned intermediate the front coupler follower and the rear follower in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the yoke. A pair of axially aligned compressible springs may be also provided being either separated by a center plate or by a wall of the yoke.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly for cushioning both buff and draft dynamic impact forces being applied to a center sill member of a railway vehicle includes a housing member closed at one end and open at an opposed end, the housing member having a rear portion adjacent the closed end and a front portion adjacent the open end. At least one compressible elastomeric spring is positioned within the rear portion and has a rear end thereof abutting at least a portion of an inner surface of the closed end. A friction clutch mechanism is also provided in abutting engagement with each of the front end of the compressible elastomeric spring and the coupler shank. The housing member may be provided with a pair of ledge portions disposed intermediate its ends and attachment members disposed on the open end for attaching the housing member directly to the coupler shank.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft dynamic impact forces being applied to a center sill member of the railway vehicle during make-up of a train consist and in-track operation of such train consist includes a resilient cushioning member and a friction mechanism both axially mounted within the yoke with the friction mechanism positioned between the front end of the resilient cushioning member and the front coupler follower. A pair of the resilient cushioning members with the friction mechanism mounted therebetween may also be provided.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric pad from a preselected polymer material includes the steps of providing a preform including a substantially solid body having a predetermined cross-section disposed normal to a central axis of the preform and a pair of axial ends, each having a substantially flat surface disposed normal to the central axis and a central socket formed within at least one substantially flat surface. Next, providing a pair of forming plates, at least one of the pair of forming plates having a raised annular ring and an axially aligned cavity provided on one surface thereof. Then, positioning the preform between the pair of forming plates and axially aligning the exterior peripheral edge of the annular ring with a peripheral edge of a respective central socket. Finally, forming the pad and removing the pad from engagement with the pair of forming plates.

Abstract: A plate for a compressible elastomeric spring is formed from a predetermined material and has each of a first substantially flat surface, an opposed second substantially flat surface, a predetermined thickness and a predetermined shape. Prongs are provided on at least one surface of the plate and extend outwardly at a predetermined angle relative thereto for mechanically interlocking the plate with an axial end an abutting elastomeric pad. Prongs may have trapezoidal shape. An axial aperture may be also provided with the prongs located on or in close proximity to a peripheral edge of the apertures. Prongs may be also provided on the opposed surface of the plate for mechanically interlocking the plate with an axial end of another abutting elastomeric pad. Annular ring-like projections are also provided for mechanically interlocking the plate to at least one elastomeric pad.

Abstract: A constant contact side bearing assembly for a railcar includes a housing having a base, a pair of mounting apertures formed through a thickness of the base, a generally cylindrical housing wall upstanding on the base, a pair of diametrically opposed channels, a pair of diametrically opposed openings and a guide member disposed centrally on and upstanding from an inner surface of the base. A cap is disposed for reciprocal axial movement relative to the housing. An elastomeric spring is disposed within a generally closed chamber formed by a combination of the housing and the cap. A pair of air passages is provided for dissipating heat generated during operation of the constant contact side bearing assembly. Each air passage is defined by a pair of aligned openings formed through a wall portion of the cap. Each opening may be disposed within a pocket provided within the cap wall.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly for cushioning both buff and draft dynamic impact forces being applied to a center sill member of a railway vehicle includes a housing member closed at one end and open at an opposed end, the housing member having a rear portion adjacent the closed end and a front portion adjacent the open end. At least one compressible elastomeric spring is positioned within the rear portion and has a rear end thereof abutting at least a portion of an inner surface of the closed end. A friction clutch mechanism is also provided in abutting engagement with each of the front end of the compressible elastomeric spring and the coupler shank. The housing member may be provided with a pair of ledge portions disposed intermediate its ends and attachment members disposed on the open end for attaching the housing member directly to the coupler shank.

Abstract: A compressible spring for at least absorbing and dissipating energy includes a plurality of elastomeric pads disposed coaxially and in series with each other and a plurality of separator plates, with each plate being disposed between a pair of the adjacent pads. A plurality of first prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a first surface of each separator plate for attaching the plate to one pad and a plurality of second prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a second surface for attaching the plate to an opposed pad. An axial aperture is also formed through each plate with prongs positioned in an alternating manner on a peripheral edge of the axial aperture. Projections may be also provided on each surface of the plate and adapted with an axial aperture that continues through the plate for additional attachment of the plate to the pair of pads.

Abstract: A plate for a compressible elastomeric spring is formed from a predetermined material and has each of a first substantially flat surface, an opposed second substantially flat surface, a predetermined thickness and a predetermined shape. Prongs are provided on at least one surface of the plate and extend outwardly at a predetermined angle relative thereto for mechanically interlocking the plate with an axial end an abutting elastomeric pad. Prongs may have trapezoidal shape. An axial aperture may be also provided with the prongs located on or in close proximity to a peripheral edge of the apertures. Prongs may be also provided on the opposed surface of the plate for mechanically interlocking the plate with an axial end of another abutting elastomeric pad. Annular ring-like projections are also provided for mechanically interlocking the plate to at least one elastomeric pad.