Fluid Patents (Class 267/113)
  • Patent number: 11807059
    Abstract: A shock end loop for use with a shock absorber having a shaft is provided. A shock end loop according to various aspects of the present technology may include a body portion adapted for engagement with a threaded end of the shaft. The shock end loop may also include a neck portion coupled to the body portion and extending upward therefrom and adapted for engagement with the shaft for firmly securing and supporting the shaft to counteract a side load or bending torque that is exerted on the shaft by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Shock Therapy Suspension, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Smith
  • Patent number: 11775020
    Abstract: A display device includes a display panel including a first surface, and a shock absorber disposed on the first surface of the display panel, the shock absorber having a second surface thereof facing the first surface, wherein, in a first cross-section taken in a thickness direction of the shock absorber, the shock absorber includes an edge surface having a first point closest to the first surface and a second point farthest from the first surface, on an outer surface of the shock absorber, and based on an imaginary line extending between the first and second surfaces, a first distance between the imaginary line and the first point is less than a second distance between the imaginary line and the second point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Geun Woo Yug
  • Patent number: 10667042
    Abstract: Universal mechanical isolator that effectively decouples a vibration sensitive device such as a microphone from a support to thereby isolate the vibration sensitive device from mechanical vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Michael H. Frenchik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10578090
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a piston rod including an external seal and an internal seal. The external seal is adapted to be placed on a piston rod facing an external environment, the internal seal is adapted to be placed on the rod facing the cylinder associated to the piston. The external and internal seals define in cooperation with each other a chamber for the containment of barrier fluid. Such chamber has an inlet for the intake of barrier fluid and an outlet for the exit of barrier fluid. The assembly also comprises a recirculation circuit for the barrier fluid, which is placed in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet to recirculate the barrier fluid from the outlet back to the inlet and a pressurizer device configured to be installed coaxially with the piston rod providing the chamber with a positive pressure with respect to the process environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie SRL
    Inventors: Lorenzo Bergamini, Alessio Capanni
  • Patent number: 10557513
    Abstract: A piston and cylinder type damper is provided, with a cylinder (11) having a piston assembly (15) mounted for reciprocal movement therein. The piston assembly (15) divides the cylinder (11) into two separate chambers (12a, 12b), with a restricted flow path (30, 31) for passage therebetween of damping fluid contained within the cylinder. A piston rod (13) is mounted for reciprocal movement with respect to the cylinder (11) and acts via a first one of the chambers (12a) on the piston assembly (15) in a first direction. A seal assembly (17) is provided for sealing between the piston rod (13) and the cylinder (11) in order to retain damping fluid in the first chamber (12a). The seal assembly (17) is movable axially with respect to the cylinder (11), with the cylinder further including a centering device (24) for assisting alignment of the seal assembly (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Titus d.o.o. Dekani
    Inventors: David Pecar, Valter Svara, Kozlovic Danijel
  • Patent number: 9776842
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of inflation balls configured to be launched and a connection mechanism. The plurality of inflation balls are configured to modularly inflate with respect to one another to create a combined modular volume. The connection mechanism is configured to allow the modular inflation of the plurality of inflation balls with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Gerald P. Uyeno
  • Patent number: 8801422
    Abstract: A machine and method to produce structural elements for the building trade made of cement material with one or more inserts made of polymer material. The machine comprises at least a molding member, a loading unit for loading the inserts and a depositing member to deposit the cement material. The molding member is open at the upper part and the loading unit and the depositing member are selectively positionable above the molding member in order to load and deposit from above, respectively, the inserts and the cement material into the molding member, in order to achieve the structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: S.A.C.M.E. Srl
    Inventor: Luciano Badin
  • Publication number: 20130334748
    Abstract: A spiral air pressure spring designed by the invention solves the technical problems of complex structure and low compressive strength in the current gas springs. The spiral air pressure spring comprises a spring body, and is characterized in that the spring body is formed by an air column having a pressure air containing cavity, the air column is spiral, and at least one vent hole communicated with the containing cavity is arranged on the air column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: XILINMEN FURNITURE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ayu Chen
  • Publication number: 20130134639
    Abstract: A shockproof device for a container data center (CDC) includes an impact detection module and a shockproof module. The impact detection module is received in or attached on the CDC and detects an impact force of the CDC. The shockproof module is electrically connected to the impact detection module and includes a plurality of pressure pipes, and each of the pressure pipes having a distal end mounted on the CDC. The shockproof module generates a predetermined pressure using each of the pressure pipes according to the impact force, and the pressure is transmitted to the distal ends of the pressure pipes and forms a resisting force to counteract the impact force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: WEN-JEN WU
  • Patent number: 8376327
    Abstract: A strut assembly forming an upper part of a cylinder joined to a wheel is joined to a vehicle body via an insulator and joining member, an airtight chamber space is formed by a strut cover joined to a spring body joined to a damper rod drawn from the cylinder, whereby a CDC type damper with the chamber space of which air pressure is controlled in order to vary the movement characteristic depending on movement of a tire and a damper joined to an inner space of the spring body has an urethane made damper guider having dug air channels where air moves even in a state where the damper is in close contact with the damper rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sangmok Lee, Kyoungsoo Park
  • Publication number: 20110241269
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating a reinforcement cord, comprising the steps of A) atomizing a mixture of at least one polymerizable monomer, a halogenated saturated hydrocarbon, and a carrier gas to form an atomized mixture; B) generating an atmospheric pressure plasma from the atomized mixture; and C) exposing the reinforcement cord to the atmospheric pressure plasma under conditions suitable to form a polymer strongly bonded to the tire cord and capable of bonding to rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Frederic Gerard Auguste Siffer, James Gregory Gillick
  • Publication number: 20110198787
    Abstract: A monotube shock absorber assembly includes a housing (20), a gas cup (32) slidably disposed in the interior (28) of the housing (20), and a piston (42) slidably disposed in the interior (28) of the housing (20) to define an oil compression chamber (48) between the piston (42) and the gas cup (32). A cushion (58) engages one of the piston (42) and the gas cup (32) and extends axially into the oil compression chamber (48) for intermittent contact with the other of the piston (42) and the gas cup (32). The cushion (58) is a resilient material and deforms in response to the cushion (58) contacting the other of the piston (42) and the gas cup (32). In a preferred embodiment, the cushion (58) defines a central opening (60) for decreasing the axial stiffness of the cushion (58) and engages the gas cup (32) for intermittent contact with the piston (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: James P. Hamberg, Michael W. Hurtt
  • Publication number: 20110133539
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing apparatus for an aircraft seat, that attenuates shock to passengers and crews. The apparatus includes; an airbag 11 being expanded in a plate shape in a state of less than maximum expansion; an upper flat plate 12 arranged on one side of the airbag 11; a lower flat plate 13 arranged on another side of the airbag 11; a gas supply device 15 for supplying a gas to the airbag 11; and a detector sending a signal to activate the gas supply device 15 by a preset condition. The shock is absorbed by expanding the airbag 11 before the shock is applied to the passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Hirokazu Shoji, Kazuo Katayama, Norio Enomoto, Hiroshi Yutani
  • Publication number: 20100289197
    Abstract: A spring wall for securement between associated end members for forming an associated gas spring assembly includes a first wall portion that extends axially along a longitudinal axis and circumferentially thereabout. The first wall portion is formed from an unreinforced elastomeric material, and the first wall portion has a first nominal stiffness value. A second wall portion extends along the longitudinal axis and circumferentially thereabout. The second wall portion is disposed in longitudinal relation to the first wall portion and has a second nominal stiffness value that is different from the first nominal stiffness value of the first wall portion such that a non-constant stiffness profile is established along a longitudinal length of the spring wall. A gas spring and a gas spring and reservoir assembly utilizing such a spring wall as well as a method of manufacturing a gas spring are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: FIRESTONE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua R. Leonard, Pradipta N. Moulik
  • Publication number: 20100201052
    Abstract: A gas spring is intended to permanently maintain the sealing performance of a lip in a dust seal without being affected by pressure from a gas sealed inside the spring. A rod body is operates in conjunction with a cylinder body with a gas of a predetermined pressure sealed inside the cylinder body. The rod body is movable into and out of the cylinder body. A rod guide is penetrated by the rod body at a shaft core portion inside a head end portion of the cylinder body. A dust seal has with a lip in sliding contact with an outer circumference of the rod body. A sealed end portion of the cylinder body is in contact with an outer end of the rod guide inside the cylinder body. The dust seal is integrally incorporated at the outer end portion of the rod guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicants: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd., Yanagisawa Seiki MFG., Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takumi Katayama, Katsuya Iwamoto, Takashi Asa, Yasushi Saitou
  • Publication number: 20100181708
    Abstract: A device for springing a mass including a fluid spring and a frame, in which the fluid spring is arranged between the mass and the frame in such a way that the mass is mounted on the frame in a sprung and/or damped manner. An add-on-fluid volume device for providing an additional fluid volume for the fluid spring includes at least two fluid volume chambers that can be fluidically connected to one another and which have a common, displaceable chamber wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Jens Kolb, Erwin Haller
  • Publication number: 20100132221
    Abstract: Impact-attenuating elements, e.g., for use in footwear or other foot-receiving device products, may include: (a) a base member, such as a fluid-tight and/or other fluid-filled or fluid-containing enclosure element; (b) a support element integrally and contiguously formed in a surface of the base member; and/or (c) a spring device engaged with the support element. The support element and its corresponding spring device (if any) may include a non-planar surface (e.g., substantially parabolic shaped, cylindrically shaped, etc.) that extends in a direction into the base member and toward its opposite surface. The support element and its corresponding spring device (if any) also may include reinforcing structure(s), such as raised ribs extending along a surface of the support element and/or spring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: John F. Swigart, Eric Steven Schindler
  • Publication number: 20100044937
    Abstract: A strut assembly forming an upper part of a cylinder joined to a wheel is joined to a vehicle body via an insulator and joining member, an airtight chamber space is formed by a strut cover joined to a spring body joined to a damper rod drawn from the cylinder, whereby a CDC type damper with the chamber space of which air pressure is controlled in order to vary the movement characteristic depending on movement of a tire and a damper joined to an inner space of the spring body has an urethane made damper guider having dug air channels where air moves even in a state where the damper is in close contact with the damper rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SANGMOK LEE, KYOUNGSOO PARK
  • Publication number: 20100001445
    Abstract: There is provided a vibration isolator capable of, (1) vibration isolation performance for ground motion disturbance: vibration isolation for floor vibration, and (2) vibration control performance for direct acting disturbance: suppression of swing due to driving reaction force caused by stage movement, significantly improving the above (2), i.e., the vibration control performance, with keeping the above (1), i.e., the vibration isolation performance, at a high level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: TOKKYOKIKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teruo Maruyama, Masashi Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20080265477
    Abstract: A moderation element may be incorporated into straps, handles, or other devices to moderate forces. As an example, a moderation element may include a housing and a fluid-filled chamber. The housing has an expandable configuration and defines an interior void. The housing also defines a pair of opposing compression surfaces within the interior void, with the compression surfaces being located to move toward each other when the housing expands. The chamber is located within the housing and between the compression surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Staihar
  • Publication number: 20080252191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a home-bar door apparatus for a refrigerator. The home-bar door apparatus includes a home-bar door (30) that selectively opens or closes an opening (22) formed in a home-bar frame (20) and has rotational shafts (34) protruding at both sides of a lower portion thereof and a catching step (35) formed along a lower end thereof, dampers (36) that is installed on a rear face of the home-bar frame (20) and controls an opening/closing speed of the home-bar door (30) by receiving the rotational shafts (34) of the home-bar door (30) therein so that the rotational shafts (34) of the home-bar door (30) can be relatively rotated, and a stop rib (26) that is formed laterally along a lower end of a groove (23) formed around a periphery of the opening (22) and has stopping steps (27) formed at positions corresponding to both ends of a catching step (35) of the home-bar door (30) so that the catching step (35) can be caught by the stopping steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Ung-Su Kim, Won-Ik Jo
  • Publication number: 20080209632
    Abstract: The disclosed changing station may support a small person, such as a baby. The station may comprise a platform, a support structure, and a mounting structure. The platform may be rotatable from a vertical storage position to a horizontal use position along a rotational axis. The support structure may have a rotatable support member that rotates along the rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Donald C. PRESNELL, Kevin FITZPATRICK
  • Publication number: 20080087511
    Abstract: An impact attenuation bag has a height-reducing structure in the form of an internal rib that draws the upper and lower surfaces of the bag closer together, reducing the overall height of the bag when inflated as compared with the same bag in the absence of the rib. This gives the bag a flatter resting shape that provides significant performance enhancement by increasing the initial ground contact area and lowering the vehicle assembly center of gravity. As a result, the moment arm is reduced making the payload less likely to roll over. The rib may be a fabric sheet or cord laced in a criss-cross or other lacing pattern that extends from the top of the bag to the bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony P. Taylor, Robert Sinclair, John Sanders, Kevin Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20080013058
    Abstract: A high performance pneumatic spring apparatus is provided without increasing the sizes of the apparatus. The pneumatic spring apparatuses KB1-KB4 are provided with gas chambers AR filled with a gas at a prescribed pressure. The gas chamber AR is provided with an adjustment apparatus SW for adjusting a temperature change due to the capacity change of the gas chamber AR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yosuke Tatsuzaki
  • Patent number: 7244324
    Abstract: An air spring assembly including a first end member having a peripheral edge, a second end member in spaced relation to the first end member, and a flexible sleeve secured between the first and second end members at least partially defining a spring chamber. A label is formed from sheet material and includes a first portion coated with adhesive and a second portion spaced from the first portion that includes a plurality of indicia. The label is disposed along the first end member with the first adhesive portion secured thereto and the second portion extending outwardly beyond the peripheral edge. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen R. Egolf, James A. Johnson, Brian E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7121538
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a pressing tool for braking the return movement of pistons/piston rods (D1) of gas-filled springs (D) and thereby also of a sheet metal holder (B) supported thereon after pressing has been performed. The invention is characterised in that each gas-filled spring device (D) is designed with a separate brake cylinder part (E) and brake piston part (F), in which the brake cylinder part (E) is situated adjoining the outer end of the gas-filled spring (D) and in which the brake piston part (F) is situated adjoining the inner end of the piston rod (D1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventors: Johan Runesson, Tim Loose
  • Patent number: 6830793
    Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes an array of machine elements disposed within a matrix material. Each machine element includes a cross-section defining an internal space that is filled with a viscous fluid. Preferably, the machine elements are provided in complementary pairs of tubular members, with the internal spaces of the tubular members communicating with one another. When subjected to a predetermined force, the cross-sections of the tubular members change shape, changing the volume of the internal spaces, and causing fluid to flow into or out of the internal spaces. Preferably, under the predetermined force, one tubular member increases in volume and the other tubular member simultaneously decreases in volume, thereby causing fluid to flow between the tubular elements to dissipate energy from the predetermined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F Hawkins, John W. Murdock
  • Publication number: 20040188898
    Abstract: A pneumatic spring pot has a pot wall and a bottom connected to the pot wall and also an annular flange connected, opposite the bottom, to the pot wall and intended for the fastening of, for example, a pneumatic spring concertina, the annular flange having a smaller diameter than the largest diameter of the pot wall. The bottom, pot wall and annular flange are formed in one piece with one another by sheet metal forming from a sheet part, in such a way that the annular flange is formed from the outer edge region of the sheet bar. Furthermore, a method for producing the pneumatic spring pot is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Horst Siefermann, Uwe Nestlen
  • Publication number: 20040033116
    Abstract: A machine spindle includes a rotatable casing in which a clamping device is mounted. The clamping device includes a drawbar for securing a cutting tool. The drawbar is axially displaced by a gas spring which includes a chamber in which a lubricant-containing gas medium is confined. A piston includes a head slidable within a cylindrical upper portion of the chamber, and a rod extending through a lower portion of the chamber and connected to the drawbar. The lower portion of the chamber is non-cylindrical and widens upwardly to promote the upward travel of lubricant toward the piston and upper seals under the effects of centrifugal force during rotation of the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: SANDVIK AB
    Inventor: Ken Anderson
  • Patent number: 6578832
    Abstract: An air damper comprises a cylinder having first and second openings at both ends, a piston that moves in the cylinder, a piston rod coupled to the piston and moving in and out at the first opening of the cylinder; and a cap positioned at the second opening of the cylinder. The piston rod has a continuous outer wall and an opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the rod. The cross-sectional view of the piston rod taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is an inverse U-shape, an inverse V-shape, a C-shape, or the like. The piston rod has a fixing ring at the leading end. A plane containing the opening is perpendicular to a plane defined by the fixing ring. The piston rod is fixed to a glove box so that the opening faces down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Kouichi Katoh
  • Patent number: 6547045
    Abstract: In an air-type shock absorber, a piston is sealing situated in a cylinder chamber. A vacuum state occurs in a piston bearing side of the cylinder chamber when a piston is pushed. Also, an air reservoir is provided at a side opposite to the piston bearing to have a sealed structure, so that a force of absorbing a shock can be increased to have the same effect as in an oil-type shock absorber. The shock absorber can be used not only at a place requiring cleanness but also in adverse environment in which the shock absorber is exposed to water or coolant, and durability of the shock absorber is also improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Metrol Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Matsuhashi
  • Patent number: 6520491
    Abstract: An apparatus for attenuating shock loads includes a flexible, non-rigid outer impervious envelope. The envelope is formed from a high strain resistance material. An inner, pervious baffle extends across the envelope between the first and second sides. The inner baffle is also a flexible, non-rigid material of high strain resistance. The envelope is inflated with gas at a superatmospheric pressure. An impact on one side of the structure will compress that side, increasing the pressure of the gas between that side and the baffle. The gas will then flow through the pervious baffle to the other side, dissipating energy, spreading the load over the second side of the envelope and causing a time delay in the build-up of pressure on the second side. In preferred embodiments of the invention, there are plural, parallel baffles in the envelope to provide a multi-stage energy dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Brian C. Timlick
  • Patent number: 6439551
    Abstract: A variable spring constant type damper filed with visco fluid which has a great damping effect over a wide frequency band from a low frequency band to a high frequency band and to suppress a resonance magnification at a resonance frequency of a supported body. It is such constituted that the changes are given to a flexible portion (9) made of an elastic body like rubber connecting the flexible portion (9) and a cylindrical portion (8), whereby a spring constant is allowed to depend upon an amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatsugu Kato
  • Patent number: 6425467
    Abstract: An actuation arrangement for movable components on vehicles, particularly for trunk lids or hoods, doors, vehicle tops and top covers, including at least one hydraulic cylinder (1) pivotably coupled to a cylindrical pivot pin (11) on the vehicle and/or on the movable vehicle component, and having at least one line (1) for the pressure medium in at least one working chamber (6, 9) of the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Hydraulik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Huber, Klaus Schweiger
  • Publication number: 20020008340
    Abstract: An air spring defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first end member in the form of a cover and a second end member in the form of a roll-off piston at a distance from the first end member. A flexible resilient member is clamped between the first and second end members so as to permit the first and second end members to move toward each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis and the distance between the end members changes during the operation of the air spring. An elevation sensor includes an electrically conductive helix arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The helix has a plurality of turns and is arranged in the air spring so that the helix changes in length when the end members move towards each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The first and second end members and the flexible resilient member conjointly defining an interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Holger Behrends
  • Publication number: 20010011789
    Abstract: An apparatus for attenuating shock loads includes a flexible, non-rigid outer impervious envelope. The envelope is formed from a high strain resistance material. An inner, pervious baffle extends across the envelope between the first and second sides. The inner baffle is also a flexible, non-rigid material of high strain resistance. The envelope is inflated with gas at a superatmospheric pressure. An impact on one side of the structure will compress that side, increasing the pressure of the gas between that side and the baffle. The gas will then flow through the pervious baffle to the other side, dissipating energy, spreading the load over the second side of the envelope and causing a time delay in the build-up of pressure on the second side. In preferred embodiments of the invention, there are plural, parallel baffles in the envelope to provide a multi-stage energy dissipation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Brian C. Timlick
  • Patent number: 6059273
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a gas spring. The arrangement comprises a cylinder (1). At its one end, this is delimited by a fixed end wall (2), and at its other end there is a first guide (3) sealed against the inner wall of the cylinder (1) and against a piston rod (4) capable of axial movement within the cylinder (1). The piston rod (4) has a second guide (8) mounted in such a way as to be capable of sliding against the inner wall. An annular piston (9) sealed against the inner wall and against the piston rod (4) is mounted on the piston rod (4) between the guides (3; 8) in such a way that it is free to slide. This divides the inner space of the cylinder (1) into a first and a second part space (12; 13). In an initial position, in which the gas spring is unaffected, there is present in the first part space (12) a pressure which is greater than the pressure present in the second part space (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Sand, Krister Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 6029958
    Abstract: A shock absorber has a cylinder with a piston and piston rod arrangement in the cylinder. Working medium can be guided in different flow paths via shim stacks for the purpose of obtaining different dampings based on the position of the piston. The piston arrangement can have a piston supporting shim stacks. One or more further shim stacks are arranged in a unit which is separate from the cylinder. In at least one of the shock absorber strokes, the working medium can be conveyed via the shim stack(s) in the unit separate from the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Ohlins Racing AB
    Inventors: Lennart Larsson, Joseph E. Pitt
  • Patent number: 5979882
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration damping and isolation apparatus having a passive damping mechanism. The passive damping mechanism includes an outer tubular member and an inner member. The inner and outer members are linearly movable relative to one another upon application of forces to the damping apparatus. The inner member is spaced from the outer member by a fluid shear gap that is filled with a viscous fluid. Fluid pressure of the viscous fluid remains constant while the viscous fluid dissipates the forces by direct fluid shear upon relative linear movement of the outer and inner members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Osterberg
  • Patent number: 5833218
    Abstract: The invention relates to a degressive gas spring. This has two cylinder-piston units (1, 2), one of which is selected as a working spring (1) and the other as a slave spring (2), the cylinders (1a; 2b) and the ends of the piston rods (1b; 2b) of which are mutually operatively connected so that compression of the working spring (1) also brings about simultaneous compression of the slave spring (2). The piston rod (1b; 2b) of each spring unit (1; 2) is mounted in an end wall (1c; 2c) in such a way as to be capable of sliding and supports a piston (1h; 2h). The axial position of this in the cylinder (1a; 2a) determines the volume of an enclosed, gas-filled space (1i; 2i) inside the unit. The piston (1h; 2h) in each spring unit (1; 2) is sealed against the cylinder wall (1a; 2a). The piston (1h; 2h) and/or the end wall (1c; 2c) has a recess which forms an annual chamber (1j; 2j). The piston rod (2b) in the slave spring unit (2) has a smaller diameter than that in the working spring unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Sand
  • Patent number: 5735509
    Abstract: A pneumatic seat suspension assembly including upper and lower support members with scissors linkages extending therebetween, a pneumatic spring operatively attached between one set of opposing parallel scissors arms, a height adjuster in communication with the pneumatic spring, a dump valve in communication with the pneumatic spring and a safety rollover valve in communication with the pneumatic spring. The scissors linkage provides the mechanical connection between the seat bottom and the seat support while the pneumatic spring provides the structure to raise and lower the seat bottom by use of compressed air which causes the parallel scissors linkages to be pushed upward causing the seat to rise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gryp, Mark H. Toomey
  • Patent number: 5676325
    Abstract: A traverse apparatus for a yarn winding machine which non-linearly buffers the impact between the cam drum (4) and cam roller (13) due to the emission resistance and shear resistance of the viscous fluid (b) intervening between shock absorbers (10a,10b,10a',10b') arranged at the return point and reciprocally moving slide members (9,9') connected to a traverse rod (14). As the impact between the cam drum (4) and cam roller (13) is sharply non-linearly buffered due to the to the emission resistance and shear resistance of the oil, noise generated when the cam roller returns can be reduced and the decrease in durability of the traverse device caused by the aforementioned impact can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirao Otoshima
  • Patent number: 5584463
    Abstract: A damping arrangement 20 (FIG. 1(b)) for radial vibrations in a turbomachine shaft 10 comprise two circumferentially limited, diametrically opposed damping chambers 22, 23 open towards the shaft and to which gas is supplied alternately by gas flow controllers 29.sub.A and 29.sub.B. Each controller contains fluidic devices switched by sensing pressures in the circumferentially displaced chambers 22', 23', or even the same chambers, as such pressure are modulated by the variations in shaft position, to divert the gas from source 27. The diversion of gas flow is arranged to cause pressure fluctuations, which exert radial thrust on the shaft, advanced in phase to approach of the shaft so as to damp the vibration. The fluidic devices may be implemented by flow amplifiers or fluid logic flip flop 41 (FIG. 2) and may be multistage devices to increase gain, all of which may be formed without moving parts and embedded in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Glacier RPB Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Swann, Richard R. Shultz
  • Patent number: 5380100
    Abstract: A squeeze film damper covered by a pair of flexible torus shells, wherein the damping fluid is confined. The squeeze film provides the damping. The torus shells provide the stiffness within the clearance of the squeeze film. The torus shells separate the damping fluid from its environment. The torus shells also serve as a damping fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Han J. Yu
  • Patent number: 5364081
    Abstract: A moved mass of hydraulic medium is used as a compensating mass at critical frequencies of the suspension system to achieve a frequency-selective dynamic damping, and a suitable hydraulic transmission ratio can ensure that a relatively small quantity of hydraulic medium is moved at high speed in order to achieve a good compensating effect, despite the low mass of moved hydraulic medium. A displacement unit can be connected to the sprung mass via an elastic bearing part and to the associated spring accumulator via a hydraulic line. The spring constant of the bearing part, the mass of that part of the displacement unit or of the spring unit mounted on the bearing part, the cross-section of the hydraulic line and its length, the effective cross-section of the displacement unit and the density of the hydraulic medium are so sized that the resonant frequency of the spring unit is near a critical frequency of the suspension system, for example near the frequency of the axle resonance of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Mathias Hartl
  • Patent number: 5337991
    Abstract: A support system for supporting an experimental apparatus or a prime mover and decoupling the same from the environment comprises a vessel immersed in a tank of liquid and having support structure extending out of the liquid to support the experimental apparatus or prime mover. The mass of the total combination of the vessel, support structure, and experimental apparatus is adjusted with respect to the density of water so that the support system exhibits neutral buoyancy. Preferably the support structure is of small cross-sectional area so that a small additional mass or a force such as vibratory energy applied to the experimental apparatus produces a large excursion of the system within the water. In this way the system experiences substantial static deflection upon addition of a small additional mass, or the imparting of a small force thereto, and exhibits an extremely low resonant frequency. The device may also be readily adapted for use as a low resonant frequency oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Russell D. Young
  • Patent number: 5236171
    Abstract: Mechanism for movably supporting a load, comprises a fixed frame, a pendulum lever pivotally connected at one end to the frame, and a link pivotally connected at one end to the other end of the pendulum lever. The other end of the link is connected to a vertically movable load support. A gas spring is pivotally interconnected between the frame and the link at points spaced from the points of articulation of the link and pendulum lever to the frame and to each other. Provision is made for adjusting the position of the pivotal connection between the link and the gas spring lengthwise of the link, and for adjusting the position of the pivotal connection of the gas spring to the frame in a direction toward or away from the point of articulation of the pendulum lever to the frame. Guides for the load are provided, comprising rollers mounted on the frame in between which a vertical member slides vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Krister Borgh
    Inventor: Roland Holmquist
  • Patent number: 5042782
    Abstract: In a gas spring having two working chambers, a pressurized gas is provided within both the working chambers. One of the working chambers is connected with a pressure reservoir. A shut-off valve is provided between the pressure reservoir and the respective working chamber and is automatically controlled such as to admit pressurized gas from the reservoir to the respective chamber when the pressure value within the respective working chamber falls below a predetermined pressure value. The shut-off valve is closed again when the pressure within the respective working chamber has risen again up to a determined pressure. Accordingly, the pressure within the working chambers does not fall below the predetermined value as long as the increased pressure within the reservoir exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Mintgen
  • Patent number: 4901806
    Abstract: A drill string apparatus for the controlled absorption of both axial and torsional forces exhibited on the well string during drilling operations. The device is adapted to be connected in the drill string above the drilling tool in order to control the forces acting on the bit and to arrange the mean weight on bit for the selected drilling operation. Generally, the apparatus includes an outer casing coupled at its upper end to the drill string and an inner assembly telescopically received within the outer casing and connected at its lower end to the lower part of the bottom hole assembly or the drilling tool. Rotational torque is transferred from the drill string and outer casing to the inner assembly and drill bit by a series of helical splines. The mean weight on bit is controlled through an interchangeable pressure control nozzle mounted at the top of the inner assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Drilex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Forrest
  • Patent number: 4717129
    Abstract: A tube having a welded bottom impermeable to gases under pressure, the tube including (a) a tube body having an end with an inner peripheral edge folded-over toward the interior of the tube body for forming an opening of reduced diameter; and (b) an end piece for forming the welded bottom of the tube, the end piece including a metal disk with an outer diameter substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the tube body and substantially greater than the reduced diameter of the opening of the inner peripheral folded-over edge of the tube end, the disk having at the center thereof a cylindrical outwardly directed projection, the projection having a diameter slightly smaller than the reduced diameter of the opening of the peripheral folded-over edge of the tube end, wherein the end piece is located inside the tube body and joined to the folded-over edge by a welded zone having a metallographical structure of melted or softened metal, the welding zone having an exposed surface in the bottom of a narrow groove
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Airax
    Inventor: Andre Jaillet