Abstract: A compressible piston (40) is disclosed for use in a CPR manikin to simulate the resistance of the human chest cavity. The piston (40) has a flexible corrugated upper wall (42) to permit compression and a lower rigid wall portion (43) to act as a tactile indicator of the limit of acceptable compression.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing damper of the viscous type having an outer cylinder enclosing a damping member with the damping member positioned for axial movement within the outer cylinder while retaining a hermetic seal without the use of gaskets or seals. The damping member is comprised of a pair of arcuate structures with high volumetric rigidity and joined axially by a nonelastomeric member. A fluid-retaining reservoir is deformed by forces applied to the exterior cylinder, resulting in deformation of the arcuate structure and resulting compression or extension of the fluid reservoir. Excess fluid is forced into a bellows through a restricting orifice for storage during compression stresses, and returned from the bellows to the fluid reservoir during extension of the outer cylinder during cyclical vibration. The damper operates with deflections as small as 1 microinch and provides a large actuating force, even though the motion is very small.

Abstract: A self-expanding mount controls transmission of vibration of a vibration source to a base. A main liquid chamber is defined between a resilient member fixed to the vibration source or the base and a casing fixed to the base or the vibration source. A metallic bellows is driven in response to a first control signal corresponding to vibration of the vibration source, to cause a variation in the pressure of liquid within the main liquid chamber. This variation in the liquid pressure causes contraction and expansion of the resilient member to thereby control the transmission of vibration of the vibration source to the base. A magnetostrictive element is resiliently deformed in response to a second control signal corresponding to the vibration of the vibration source, to change spacing between the vibration source and the base.

Abstract: A mono-air-cell body made of a flexible elastic material and having a hollow interior and no less than one connecting tube for connecting different mono-air-cell bodies together one after another, for making up a shock-absorbing cushion. Each mono-air-cell body can have any shape in its top plan view. Each connecting tube can be a male one having at least one round circumferential groove or a female one having at least one round circumferential ridge so that the male and the female connecting tubes can be joined together, thereby connecting two mono-air-cell bodies together. The shock-absorbing cushion can be composed to have a shape of a band, a plane, a sphere or any three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring for damping the relative motion between a vehicle seat and a base upon which the seat is mounted utilizes a rolling lobe sleeve, a plug secured within one end of the sleeve and a piston secured within the other end of the sleeve for movement toward and away from the plug as the sleeve rolls along the outside surface of the piston. The piston, sleeve and plug provide the surfaces of a variable-volume chamber, and the piston includes an internal piston cavity of a fixed size and shape. The variable-volume chamber and piston cavity contain a pneumatic fluid, and an orifice is provided within the piston which permits flow communication between the variable-volume chamber and the piston cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in cushioning movement of a member in a press includes a cushion assembly having a piston and cylinder which are movable relative to each other against the influence of fluid pressure to cushion movement of the member. A flexible diaphragm retains a body of lubricant between an inner side of the diaphragm and the piston. The body of lubricant lubricates a seal between the piston and the cylinder. Fluid pressure is applied against the outer side of the diaphragm to oppose movement of the piston during operation of the press from the open condition to the closed condition. The piston is movable relative to the cylinder, under the influence of the fluid pressure applied against the outer side of the diaphragm and transmitted to the piston, during operation of the press from the closed condition to the open condition. The piston and diaphragm are spaced apart with the body of lubricant filling the space between the piston and diaphragm.

Abstract: A viscous damper for absorbing vibrations of low amplitude over a wide frequency range. Two working volumes of resiliently deformable material, in the form of a bellows, are provided in a folded structure joined by a base carrying a restrictive annular fluid passage. Compressive forces applied to the primary volume are transmitted by a damping fluid through the restrictive annulus to the secondary volume, the resulting energy dissipation providing a damping effect. A hermetically sealed configuration provides multi-axis damping and isolation without wearing of frictional surfaces. Large damping values are attained with linear performance over a large dynamic range.

Abstract: A fluid-filled elastic mount including mutually spaced-apart first and second support members, and an elastic body for elastically connecting the first and second support members. The elastic mount has a plurality of fluid chambers filled with a non-compressible fluid and communicating with each other through an orifice passage or passages, and an air-tight operating chamber which is formed on one side of a flexible membrane remote from the corresponding fluid chamber. This flexible membrane consists of a fluid-impermeable first flexible layer which is corrosion-resistant to the non-compressible fluid, and a fluid-impermeable second flexible layer which is corrosion-resistant to gasoline. These flexible layers are superposed on each other such that the first flexible layer is exposed to the fluid chamber while the second flexible layer is exposed to the operating chamber.

Abstract: An air-isolated fifth wheel system for use in connecting a trailer to a semi-tractor in a manner to isolate vibrational input of the trailer to the fifth wheel from being transferred to the semi-tractor. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed in a centered location beneath the fifth wheel support plate to eliminate vertical fifth wheel load from being transferred to the semi-tractor. The system is light weight and can easily be included into existing fifth wheel assemblies without significant alteration to the chassis of the semi-tractor.

Abstract: An impact attenuating device such as a truck mounted attenuator includes at least two cartridges, which are secured together by flanges and angled backing elements on adjacent portions of the upper and lower sheets of the cartridges. The forwardmost bay of the impact attenuating device includes stiffening elements on the lower surface and deformable elements which come closely adjacent to the lower surface of the impact attenuating device in order to urge an impacting vehicle with having a low bumper height upwardly, toward the center of the impact attenuating device. The end of the impact attenuating device initially struck by an impacting vehicle is covered by a resilient collapsible element having parallel pleats and recessed corners, such that the collapsible element can absorb low energy impacts without damage to the impact attenuating device.

Abstract: A damping bearing assembly, in particular a motor bearing for the vibration-insulated mounting of engines in motor vehicles, comprising an approximately annular spring body of fibrous composite materials, the spring body including a coil form of artificial resin impregnated fibers wound in several layers, force introducing elements clamping the coil form on mutually opposite sides, a working chamber for additional hydraulic damping disposed inside the spring body between the force-introducing elements, the working chamber being formed of elastically deformable material having a low degree of stiffness in an operating direction and a high degree of volume stiffness, a conduit hydraulically communicating with the work chamber and a compensating chamber hydraulically communicating with the conduit.

Abstract: A bellows shaped compression spring having a variable spring rate and formed of an elastomer having tensile characteristics such that the ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain is greater than 1.5 to 1, said spring being particularly adapted for use in the strut assemblies of light weight, low profile automobiles for minimizing noise, vibration and impact forces otherwise transmitted from the wheel to the vehicle body.

Abstract: During a shock absorbing movement a rolling crease of a roll bellows is supported at the outer mantle surface of a wall of a pot-shaped rolling piston in an arrangement for a roll bellows-type pneumatic shock absorber. In order to provide a rolling piston with a high stiffness and a low total weight the wall is provided with stiffening corrugations which are essentially extending in a longitudinal direction of the rolling piston. Due to the stiffening corrugations high loads exerted by the rolling crease and any maximum load peaks occurring during the dynamic operation of the pneumatic shock absorber may be securely received and compensated by the rolling piston.

Abstract: A bracket for fixing to a prescribed member a flexible tube, such as the protective boot installed in an automobile suspension device, includes a stationary ring fixed on the prescribed member. A spacer ring is fitted to the stationary ring and provided with resilient supporting arms, and a fastening ring is fitted to the spacer ring for fastening a terminal part of the flexible tube. Alternatively, the stationary ring fixed on the prescribed member is provided with the resilient supporting arms, and the fastening ring is fitted to the stationary ring for fastening the terminal part of the flexible tube.

Abstract: An air spring suspension system which provides a variable rate for an air spring of a vehicle, has an auxiliary air reservoir formed by a second air spring in fluid communication with the vehicle air spring. One end member of the auxiliary air spring is mounted on a frame and the other end member, preferably a piston, is moved with respect to the other end member to vary the volume of the air chamber formed by a flexible sleeve extending between the end member and piston. An actuator motor moves the piston with respect to the fixed end member, via a linearly movable shaft to change the volume of the air chamber and consequently the rate of the vehicle air spring.

Abstract: An air spring having a sleeve-like flexible member made of elastomeric material. A beadless end portion of the flexible member is attached to a mount by being clamped between the mount and a clamping piece. The mount and the clamping piece have conical clamping faces which coact to provide a reliable attachment which is easy to assemble. The conical clamping piece is arranged so as to be axially displaceable in the mount to conjointly define a clamping gap with the mount. The clamping piece closes the clear cross section of the end portion of the flexible member in an airtight manner.

Abstract: A compressed gas and a liquid are contained in a cylinder. A liquid chamber containing the liquid and a gas chamber containing the gas are divided by a metallic bellows. The liquid chamber is situated on the side of an open end of the cylinder. A rod is inserted in the cylinder. A sealing assembly is provided at the open end of the cylinder. The sealing assembly has a bearing member at only one portion of the cylinder with respect to the axial direction thereof. A space extends throughout the circumference between the outer peripheral surface of the inner end of the rod and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder. A seal device for sealing the liquid in the liquid chamber includes a seal ring intimately in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rod and an elastomer ring provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the seal ring and capable of elastic deformation in the radial direction of the rod. The rod can swing within the range of an angle .theta.

Abstract: A two-part, spliced air sleeve assembly for use with an air spring damper includes a first corded, resilient sleeve member bonded to a second corded, resilient sleeve member. The bond angles and fabrics of the first sleeve members are selected so that the first sleeve inflates to a smaller diameter than the second sleeve. A first fastener secures the first sleeve member to the second portion of a damper. A second fastener secures the upper sleeve to a piston rod of the damper to form a closed chamber for receiving pressurized fluid. When inflated for operation, the first sleeve has a smaller diameter than the second sleeve. A pair of rolling lobe members are provided in the first and second sleeve members which travel as the air spring damper is actuated.

Abstract: A plunger piston system used, for example, to support and guide a pneumatic spring bellows of an air suspension axle of a commercial vehicle or the like, includes a plunger piston that has a cylindrical plunger piston skirt with a bottom foot region for connection with an air spring bearing arm and an upper plunger piston edge that adjoins the plunger piston edge that adjoins the plunger piston skirt. A trough section which extends radially inward from the edge has a trough base with an opening for the passage of a bolt for a force-fit connection with a base of the air spring bellows. The trough section defines a trough to accommodate a convex base of the air spring bellows. A supporting body fits in an inner space of the plunger piston is surrounded by the skirt thereof. A lower foot area of the supporting body rests on the lower foot area of the plunger piston. The plunger piston and the supporting body may be of plastic.

Abstract: A bumper rubber is disclosed and includes: a bumper rubber body being elastically deformable and having a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the bumper rubber body is inserted into a rod extending from a top end portion of a cylinder of a shock absorber, a top end surface thereof is brought into contact with a bottom end portion of a suspension insulator disposed on a vehicle body, and a bottom end surface thereof is brought into contact with a top end portion of the cylinder, thereby being elastically deformed and absorbing the excessive displacements of the shock absorber; and a rigid ring integrally insert-molded on an outer periphery surface of the bumper rubber body and having an engagement groove on an exposed outer periphery surface thereof to be engaged with a dust cover, and the engagement groove going round on the exposed outer periphery surface of the rigid ring in a ring-like shape.

Abstract: A seal for a linear displacement optical transducer has a tubular flexible bellows which is joined at one end to a movable carriage supporting an optically encoded track and which is movable along a cylinder supporting an optical read head. The bellows extends within the cylinder and has its other end sealed to an open end of the cylinder. A compensation chamber is sealed to the outside of the cylinder to enclose a major part of the length of the bellows and forms a sliding seal with a push-rod extending from a carriage. The bellows encloses a first volume of the dry inert gas within the cylinder to one side of the bellows and a second, similar volume of gas on the other side of the bellows and in the compensation chamber. Displacement of the carriage causes only a small change in pressure across the bellows which is accommodated by flexure.

Abstract: A die cushion device includes a cylinder having a closed one end and the other end with a through-hole. A push rod is inserted into the cylinder through the through-hole and is freely movable in the axial direction of the cylinder. The interior of the cylinder is partitioned by a bellows into a liquid chamber communicating with the through-hole and housing a part of the push rod, and a gas chamber located on the closed end side of the cylinder. Operation liquid is filled in the liquid chamber. Gas is sealed in the gas chamber and pressurizes, through the bellows and the liquid, the push rod in a direction of projecting from the cylinder.

Abstract: An airspring end member having an improved trough area on its outer periphery for attaching a flexible tubular sleeve to the end member. The trough area has an inner diameter surface of a predetermined height with a first pair of radially, outwardly, diverging wall surfaces extending therefrom, and extending from the first pair of wall surfaces, a second pair of radially, outwardly, more diverging wall surfaces.

Abstract: A suspension device for motor vehicles comprises a telescopic shock-absorber and an air spring which is arranged coaxially with the shock-absorber around the region of the seal between the cylinder and the rod of the shock-absorber. The air spring defines a pneumatic chamber of annular cross-section.

Abstract: A two-part, spliced air sleeve assembly for use with an air spring damper includes a first corded, resilient sleeve member bonded to a second corded, resilient sleeve member. The bond angles and fabrics of the first sleeve members are selected so that the first sleeve inflates to a smaller diameter than the second sleeve. A first fastener secures the first sleeve member to the second portion of a damper. A second fastener secures the upper sleeve to a piston rod of the damper to form a closed chamber for receiving pressurized fluid. When inflated for operation, the first sleeve has a smaller diameter than the second sleeve.

Abstract: A bellows type shock absorber comprises a sealed bellows, a shock absorbing column which is provided with a chamber around it inside the bellows and which is along the axial line of the bellows and combined with the bellows so that it physically varies in conjunction with expansion and contraction of the bellows. Also, the bellows type shock absorber may have a through hole which communicates the internal chamber and the outside, and preferably the shock absorbing column is made of a kind of gelled material with a penetration value of approximately 50 to 200. This shock absorber is provided with the main bellows and a sub-bellows having a spring constant differing from that of the main bellows and a through hole which communicates the internal chamber of the main bellows and the internal chamber of the sub-bellows.

Abstract: An air suspension apparatus is disclosed for use with the fifth wheel connection between a tractor and semitrailer. The apparatus includes upper and lower frame sections that are connected by a hinge mechanism for relative pivotal movement. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed between the upper and lower frame sections, having a low ratio of effective surface area to internal volume and hence a very low profile. An air reservoir defined by tubular framework surrounds the air bag and has an internal volume approximating that of the air bag. The air bag and reservoir are connected by an air line with a very small cross sectional area as compared to the surface area of the air bag. The reservoir and interconnecting air line effectively damp vibrational energy in the air bag as the tractor and semi-trailer move over the highway.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber including an elongated body, closed at first and second opposite ends thereof, the elongated body containing a quantity of liquid. A piston is mounted for axial movement within the body and has longitudinally extending holes therein causing communication between first and second opposite chambers defined, respectively, in the body between the piston and the first and second ends of the body. The piston is able to be activated, in one direction, by a thrust rod extending axially within the first chamber of the body and is pushed, in the other direction, by a compression spring lodged in the second chamber of the body. The shock absorber further includes an internal coaxial bushing affixed to the second end of the body, extending over one part of the length of the body, in the direction of the first end of the body, and in which the piston is lodged freely sliding, the second chamber being defined in the bushing between the piston and the second end of the body.

Abstract: A single action cylinder is used with a machine. The machine has a first part and a second part having reciprocating motion relative to each other. The single action cylinder affects the reciprocation between the first and second parts. The cylinder includes a base adapted for attachment to one of said parts. The cylinder includes a plurality of open ended longitudinally extendable resilient actuators stacked one above the other. A first actuator of said actuators has one end connected to the base. Each of the actuators is interconnected to an adjacent actuator to allow a fluid to flow between the actuators. A second actuator of the actuators has one end connected to an apparatus for attaching the second actuator to the other of the parts. An elongated guide is connected to one of the actuators to limit movement of that actuator in a direction transverse to the length of the guide.

Abstract: A vibration isolating device for use in an engine mount or the like is disclosed, which comprises a pair of frame bodies, an elastic member disposed between the two frame bodies, a partition member dividing a closed chamber into two liquid chambers, and at least one restricted passage arranged in the partition member. In the device of this type, the partition member is provided with a vibration insulating unit comprising a pair of flexible diaphragms and a perforated rigid plate sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system used in a vehicle, includes a cylindrical, hollow main housing having opposite first and second ends, with an oil chamber in the interior thereof; a rod axially slidable in the main housing through the first end and having an outer end portion located outside of the main housing; a cylindrical, hollow sub housing having opposite open and closed ends; a connecting passage connecting the main housing oil chamber with the open end of the sub housing, and being connected between the second end of the main housing and the open end of the sub housing; a metal bellows arranged coaxially within the sub housing so as to expand and contract axially therein, and having a closed free end and an open end sealed to the open end of the sub housing; a second oil chamber defined by an inner wall of the metal bellows, and communicating with the main housing oil chamber through the connecting passage; a damping device disposed within the sub housing and including an orifice which connects the

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system used in a vehicle, includes a cylindrical, hollow main housing having opposite open and closed ends, with an oil chamber in the interior thereof; a rod axially slidable in the main housing through the open end and having an outer end portion located outside of the main housing, an oil passage extending axially therethrough; a damping device mounted on the rod and including an orifice which connects the oil chamber with the oil passage; a cylindrical, hollow sub housing having opposite open and closed ends; a connecting passage directly connecting the oil passage with the open end of the sub housing, and being connected between the outer end portion of the rod and the open end of the sub housing; a metal bellows arranged coaxially within the sub housing so as to expand and contract axially therein, and having a closed free end and a open end sealed to the closed end of the sub housing; a second oil chamber defined by an outer wall of the metal bellows, and an inner well of t

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system used in a vehicle, includes a cylindrical, hollow main housing having opposite open and closed ends, with an oil chamber in the interior thereof; a rod axially slidable in the main housing through the open end and having an outer end portion located outside of the main housing, an oil passage extending axially therethrough; a damping device mounted on the rod and including an orifice which connects the oil chamber with the oil passage; a cylindrical, hollow sub housing having opposite open and closed ends; a connecting passage connecting the oil passage with the open end of the sub housing, and being connected between the outer end portion of the rod and the open end of the sub housing; a metal bellows arranged coaxially within the sub housing so as to expand and contract axially therein, and having a closed free end and an open end sealed to the open end of the sub housing; a second oil chamber defined by an inner wall of the metal bellows, and communicating with the main

Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut incorporating an airspring around a hydraulic shock absorber is disclosed. The airspring design and orientation relative to the shock absorber axis creates a side acting force which counteracts the bending torque acting on the strut during operation in a vehicle and prevents binding of the shock absorber piston. The horizontal acting side load can be achieved by using an airspring piston eccentrically mounted on the shock absorber. Alternatively the airspring may be mounted offset and/or at an angle to the shock absorber axis. The flexible membrane of the airspring may also be cut in a plane oblique to the shock axis and mounted on the airspring piston to form asymmetric rolling lobes about the circumference of the piston.

Abstract: An improved array of spring units. In a preferred embodiment, the spring units are composed of polyurethane which are blow molded such that a string of bellows-like springs are provided, with the axial ends of each spring being free for axial compression, while the sides of the springs are left attached to each other during the blow molding process. In another embodiment, the blow molded springs each include a vent hole which affects the dynamic cushioning properties of the springs. In another embodiment, extruded tubes of particular configurations are slotted at spaced-apart intervals such that independent spring units are provided, with the axial ends of each spring being free for axial compression. The array of spring units does not require a fabric covering as do strings of pocketed coils, but may be as easily handled, and may be connected in side-to-side abutting relationship to provide a mattress, cushion, or box spring inner construction.

Abstract: A hydraulically damping rubber bearing, usable as an engine mount in a motor vehicle has two end walls, between which are arranged two working chambers, both of which are filled with damping fluid and which are separated by a dividing wall in which is arranged a channel inter-connecting the working chambers with one another. The length of the channel is at least equal to the diameter of the dividing wall and its cross-section is small relative to its length. In order to make possible efficient damping of vibrations of various frequencies and amplitudes acting on the rubber bearing, the damping characteristics of the rubber bearing can be matched to the vibrations to be damped by either changing the size of the wall area or volume of the channel by intervention control from outside the bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulically damping rubber bearing engine mount for motor vehicles, having two end walls lying opposite one another in the axial direction and two chambers which are designed as a pressure and an auxiliary chamber and which contain a damping fluid and are connected to one another by a restricted orifice. An annular, rubber-elastic spring element adjoins the pressure chamber and is secured on an end wall. A compensating chamber adjoins the auxiliary chamber and is separated from the latter by a bellows. The damping characteristics of the rubber bearing are alterable by intervention from outside. In order to be able to alter the damping effect of the rubber bearing continuously right up to complete cancellation, a diaphragm is clamped fluid-tightly in the pressure chamber and is loaded on the one side by the damping fluid and on the other side by compressed air which can be fed in from outside.

Abstract: A power press used for metal working is provided with a cushioning system. During the operation of a press, abrupt changes in the velocity of certain moving parts of the press may damage or cause rapid wear to parts. The present invention utilizes pneumatic bellows actuators. A hydraulic snubber and snubber-intensifier having closed systems are in combination with a pneumatic bellows actuated die cushion. The snubber has a piston within a cylinder assembly. During the upward stroke of the ram of the press, the movable plate of the die cushion is held back by the piston so as to prevent a damaging impact on the movable die parts and workpiece supported by an air cushion. Fluid is allowed to flow from the top of the piston through a flow valve to return to a reservoir within the die cushion or to the bottom of the cylinder.

Abstract: An air suspension apparatus is disclosed for use with the fifth wheel connection between a tractor and semitrailer. The apparatus includes upper and lower frame sections that are connected by a hinge mechanism for relative pivotal movement. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed between the upper and lower frame sections, having a low ratio of effective surface area to internal volume and hence a very low profile. An air reservoir defined by tubular framework surrounds the air bag and has an internal volume approximating that of the air bag. The air bag and reservoir are connected by an air line with a very small cross sectional area as compared to the surface area of the air bag. The reservoir and interconnecting air line effectively damp vibrational energy in the air bag as the tractor and semitrailer move over the highway.

Abstract: A bellows type shock absorber comprises a sealed bellows, a shock absorbing column which is provided with a chamber around it inside the bellows and which is along the axial line of the bellows and combined with the bellows so that it physically varies in conjunction with expansion and contraction of the bellows. Also, the bellows type shock absorber may have a through hole which communicates the internal chamber and the outside, and preferably the shock absorbing column is made of a kind of gelled material with a penetration value of approximately 50 to 200. In addition, another shock absorber is provided with the main bellows and a sub-bellows having a spring constant differing from that of the main bellows and a through hole which communicates the internal chamber of the main bellows and the internal chamber of the sub-bellows.

Abstract: A diaphragm type air spring is disclosed, which comprises large and small piston members integrally connected to each other. Large and small outer shells are coaxially arranged with the piston members and integrally connected to each other with a common partition. Each of the large and small outer shells has a diameter larger than that of each of the respective large and small piston members. A diaphragm airtightly connects each of the large and small outer shells to each of the respective large and small piston members. An orifice is formed in the partition so as to communicate a small air chamber defined by the small piston member, small outer shell, diaphragm and partition with a large air chamber defined by the large piston member, large outer shell, diaphragm and partition, whereby a load of a vibration system is born with the large outer shell integrally connected thereto.

Abstract: An air spring is formed by an axially spaced end cap and a piston member and has an intervening elastomeric flexible sleeve extending therebetween which forms a fluid pressure chamber. An annular clamp ring having a recess on the inner diameter thereof coacts with a corresponding annular projection formed on the end cap to positionally locate the ring on the end cap. A pair of clamping surfaces are located on opposite sides of the projection and are separated therefrom by expansion grooves. The annular projection and clamping surfaces form a series of pinch areas with the intervening sleeve, which sealingly clamp the sleeve therebetween. The expansion grooves receive portions of the sleeve and change the direction of reinforcing cords within the sleeve. The clamp ring abuts against a radially extending surface of the end cap to reduce axial movement of the ring during operation of the air spring.

Abstract: A shock absorber for vehicles with pneumatic suspension, particularly for use with heavy vehicles, of the type comprising a cylinder, a rod movable axially in the cylinder, a piston carried by the rod and dividing the cylinder into a cylindrical chamber and an annular chamber, a pressurized fluid filling the cylindrical and annular chambers, a first circuit for allowing the fluid to flow from the annular chamber to the cylindrical chamber when the shock absorber is working under extension, a second circuit for allowing the fluid to flow from the cylindrical chamber to the annular chamber when the shock absorber is working under compression, a pressurized fluid reservoir connectable to the cylindrical and annular chambers and flow regulators mounted in the first and second circuits, the flow regulators being controlled by the fluid pressure against the action of the pressure of the compressed air of the pneumatic suspension of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a car suspension system according to the present invention, a cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder housing and a rod fitted therein for axial reciprocation. An oil chamber and a gas chamber are defined inside the cylinder assembly, and the capacity of the gas chamber changes as the cylinder housing and rod reciprocate relative to each other. A damping force-generating mechanism is provided in the oil chamber. A metal bellows is contained in the cylinder assembly so as to be coaxial with the cylinder housing. The bellows can extend and contract in the axial direction of the cylinder housing. Having a sealed internal space, the bellows divides the oil and gas chambers completely. Thus, when the rod reciprocates in the axial direction, relative to the cylinder housing, the bellows extends and contracts axially.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic press counterbalance and cushion construction. The press counterbalance holds certain parts of a press in the same relative engagement during the return stroke of a ram of the press as during the power stroke of that ram. The counterbalance includes a fixed plate adapted for connection to a part of the press. A pneumatic bellows has one end connected to the fixed plate. A movable plate is connected to the opposite end of the pneumatic bellows. A connector rod is connected to the movable plate and to another part of the press which part is movable relative to the part to which the fixed plate is connected. The pneumatic cushion includes a resilient bellows having one end connected to the fixed plate. A bellows connector is connected to the other end of the bellows. A second bellows has one end connected to the bellows and the other end connected to the movable plate.

Abstract: A damping device which is disposed between an oscillating mass and a fixed structure. The device includes a rigid container, a first membrane forming the lid of the container, a low-viscosity liquid inside the container, an elastomeric diaphragm separating the space inside the container into two chambers, a second elastomeric membrane forming the base of the second chamber, and annular conduit with its two ends hydraulically connecting the first chamber to the second chamber for damping low frequency and high amplitude oscillations of the oscillating mass. The elastomeric diaphragm extends up to the annular damping conduit, and the diaphragm forms at least a portion of the conduit wall.

Abstract: An ultrasonic air spring system adapted to be mounted on a vehicle for absorbing road shocks exerted on the vehicle and for maintaining the vehicle body level with respect to the axles. An air spring includes an end plate and a piston sealingly connected to the open ends of the flexible elastomeric sleeve to form a pressurized fluid chamber therebetween. A transducer is mounted on the end plate within the fluid chamber and transmits ultrasonic signals through the fluid chamber toward the piston and picks up reflected signals therefrom. A signal is generated by the transducer in response to the reflected signals and fed to a microprocessor based control module. The control module determines whether the air requires fluid feed or exhaustion and will then implement control of inlet or exhaust valves to achieve a desired axial separation between the end plate and piston.

Abstract: A vibration insulating device to be installed between two members of a vibration system of an automotive vehicle. The device consists of an annular elastic member disposed between coaxial inner and outer cylindrical members and located coaxial with the outer cylindrical member. The elastic member is formed at its outer peripheral surface with a deep annular groove coaxial with the outer cylindrical member which groove is covered with the outer cylindrical member to define an annular hollow chamber. A generally cylindrical flexible diaphragm member is secured between the outer cylindrical member and the elastic member in such a manner that its central annular section divides the hollow chamber into a radially outward gas chamber and a radially inward liquid chamber, thereby effectively absorbing even high frequency small amplitude vibration transmitted to the device under deformation of the flexible diaphragm member.

Abstract: This invention is a liquid filled type vibration insulating device, wherein a partition member dividing a closed chamber into two liquid chambers is provided with a gas chamber isolated from both liquid chambers and a portion of the gas chamber adjacent to at least one of the liquid chambers is partly or wholly defined by a flexible diaphragm, and is to prevent the increase of dynamic spring rate in the vibration insulating device due to high frequency vibrations by absorption of vibration through deformation of a flexible diaphragm when high frequency, small amplitude vibrations are particularly transmitted to the device.

Abstract: An airspring for motor vehicles which includes a pair of spaced end members with an intervening flexible elastomeric sleeve forming a fluid pressure chamber therebetween, for absorbing shock forces exerted on the vehicle caused by variations in the surface of the roadway. An elongated flexible strap of synthetic fabric such as nylon, is formed as a closed loop and is connected to and extends between the end members within the pressure chamber. The flexible strap limits the expansion of the flexible sleeve in an extended direction to prevent damage to the airspring without effecting the external configuration of the airspring and without materially effecting movement of the airspring in the jounce direction.