Abstract: A compact profile, nested wire cable isolator includes first and second wire cable spirals, each spiral defining an internal or central region. Each of the spirals has a pair of entrapment members associated therewith. One of each of the first and second pairs of entrapment members is an internal entrapment member, disposed within the internal region of the other spiral. The internal entrapment members are connected one to the other. The other of the first and second pairs of entrapment members are external entrapment members. An energy absorbing restraint includes a first and second anchoring members adapted to connect the restraint to a device, such as a piping system subject to dynamic loads, to a structure. The first anchoring member has the internal entrapment members operably connected thereto. The second anchoring member has the external entrapment members operably connected thereto to isolate the device from the supporting structure.

Abstract: A fixing member includes a body member having a contact portion with a fixed member outwardly and a spring member disposed in an inward portion of the body member and protruding from the contact portion. The spring member is composed of a plastic material and formed integrally with the body member. The spring member has a bending portion disposed in the inward portion of the body member, a protruded portion, contacting the inward portion of the body member, for generating a first biasing force and a bent portion for reversing an extending direction in the interior of the body. The fixing member and the spring member are aggregated, formed into one united body and PMed (plastic-molded), thus providing the fixing member at a low cost.

Abstract: This is a shock- and/or vibration-damping mount (9) between a first and snd mass. It comprises a substantially straight cable comprising a plurality of multiwire strands, the cable comprising at least one portion (25) having a bulged middle part (26) forming a central cavity (27).

Abstract: In a carbon fiber reinforced resin coil spring the carbon fibers A,B are oriented at an angle of .+-.30.about..+-.60.degree. relative to the axis of the cord of the spring. Further, the ratio A/B of the amount of the fibers A oriented in the compression direction and the fibers B oriented in the tension direction lies within the range of;1.1<A/B<4.

Abstract: A spring member made of a carbon fibers/carbon composite material in which carbon fibers are dispersed in a matrix of graphite, The spring member has a spring constant in a range of 0.1 to 25 kg/mm and a density of about 1.5 to 3.0 g/cm.sup.3. For use in high temperature severe conditions a ceramic material is incorporated into the surface of the spring member.

Abstract: Spiral bands having a plurality of convolutions of a high tensile strength composite material are formed by feeding a plurality of continuous high tensile strength fibers through an uncured resin to form a web, depositing the web on a release web having at least one substantially flat surface to form a laminate, winding the laminate around the mandrel to form a plurality of overlapping convolutions, curing the resin in the composite web to set the convolutions in a spiral configuration, and then removing the release web from the composite web. The convolutions of the spiral bands in accordance with this process have substantially flat surfaces and an elastic memory. These bands can be used to reinforce axially extending structures having internal forces directed radially outward therefrom by wrapping the band around the structure with a layer of adhesive applied to hold the convolutions in place.

Abstract: A hybrid composite automotive leaf spring comprises parallel glass and polyethylene terephthalate fibers distributed in a pattern replicated throughout a resin matrix. A method of producing the hybrid composite leaf spring comprises winding various proportions of glass and polyethylene terephthalate or nylon fibers together into a homogeneous mass in an epoxy matrix in a mold to form a blank, which is then compressed and cured into a leaf spring having a predetermined homogeneous mixture of parallel fibers distributed throughout the cross-section of the spring. The unitary spring has a spring rate that is a composite of the resin-bonded glass and other fibers. Different spring rates are obtained by varying the percentage content of the glass and other fibers, while maintaining the homogeneity of the resultant leaf spring.

Abstract: A pipe restraint (20) permits thermal expansion of a piping system (10), while inhibiting movement of the piping system during dynamic events and providing vibration isolation. The pipe restraint includes first and second displacement members (22) and (24), which are interconnected by a restraining mechanism (32) for restraining displacement of the first and second displacement members relative to one another. The restraining mechanism includes first and second portions, which generally oppose one another relative to the central axis of the restraining mechanism. The restraining mechanism further includes third and fourth portions, which also generally oppose one another relative to the central axis of the restraining mechanism. The third and fourth members are offset circumferentially about the central axis from the first and second members. The first and second portions are connected to one of the displacement members, while the third and fourth portions are connected to the other displacement member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for manufacturing parts made from resin and reinforcing fibers by winding. Molding means including a plurality of female forms corresponding each to a print of the part to be manufactured are produced. The forms are arranged one after the other, substantially helically, so as to make a continuous groove, then said groove is filled by winding with fibers coated with a polymerizable resin by rotating the prints round the axis of the helix.

Abstract: A circular multi-wave composite compression spring is formed from a carbon fiber reinforced laminate. The circular compression spring is comprised of unidirectional graphite fibers encased in a polymeric resin of generally rectangular cross-section such that adjacent crests and troughs of the waves in adjacent turns of the spring contact each other along a radial line generally extending from the longitudinal axis of the spring. The line contact provides for increased fatigue life and more stable loading of the spring under compression. The carbon fiber reinforced laminate provides comparable strength characteristics similarly configured springs fabricated from conventional materials while providing significantly reduced weight. Furthermore, the composite spring offers increased performance parameters such as increased linearity response over a wider spring deflection range and with insignificant hysteresis.

Abstract: A wire rope vibration isolator includes a coil of wire rope having a predetermined number of individual consecutive coils, a first crimp bar, and a second crimp bar. Each of the crimp bars is essentially rectangular in shape and has a pair of opposing side surfaces. A series of lateral holes extending from one side surface to the other side surface of each of the bars is provided so that the predetermined number of individual consecutive coils may be threaded through the series of lateral holes of each of the bars. A crimping force is applied to each of the two crimp bars at a point where each of the individual coils passes through a respective bar. The coils are thereby secured in a fixed position relative to one another while remaining elastically deformable. A spring-like quality is thus imparted to the coil of wire rope so that the first crimp bar and the second crimp bar may move relative to each other to dissipate vibrational energy.

Abstract: A wire cable isolator and an associated energy absorbing restraint for connecting between a device subject to movement due to dynamic loads and possibly thermal deflection, and an adjacent structure, such as a building or a support member is disclosed. The isolator has predetermined, symmetrical force-deflection properties. The isolator includes first and second pairs of entrapment members, and a wire cable formed in a spiral. The first pair of entrapment members clamp the wire cable spiral at opposite side of the spiral and the second pair of entrapment members clamp the wire cable spiral at opposite sides of the spiral. The first and second pair of entrapment members are disposed at predetermined positions about an exterior periphery of the spiral.

Abstract: A helical compression spring which has at both ends terminal rings with the diameter of the flight and is designed as a plastics injection molding. The technical problem is to provide corrosion-resistant and lightweight helical compression springs which are suitable for automatic fitting. The terminal rings of helical compression springs arranged side by side are materially interconnected by bridges to form as strip.

Abstract: An antivibration/antishock device comprising a carrier element (11) and a carried element (12) linked by cable (13a, 13b), wherein the carrier and carried elements each have at least two anchoring points for the cable placed in the neighborhood of the apices of a polygon with n apices, wherein the cable is alternately anchored to a point (140) of the carrier element (11) and to a point (141, 141') of the carried element (12) and is oriented on the anchoring points (140) of a first (11) at least of said elements in a roughly transverse direction to the radial direction, wherein the carrier or carried element is a modular element (11a, 11b) comprising, on the one hand, individual anchoring modules (11a, 11b) and, on the other, assembly means (15, 17, 21) of said modules, and, further, while the process is one wherein:in a first so-called `anchoring` phase, the cable is anchored, on the one hand, in each of said anchoring modules of the modular element, and, on the other, in the other element, andin a second pha

Abstract: A pipe restraint having a helical isolator (I.sup.1) coupled to a housing (16) and including a central cylinder (4) coupled to a central rod (2). Connecting rods (34, 36) are located at opposite ends of the restraint to attach the restraint between a pipe and an adjacent structure. Wire energy absorbing rope bights (32) are used to form the isolator I.sup.1. The bights (32) are placed in a state of precompression and have bi-linear spring properties which may be adjusted by adjusting the diameter of the housing (16) and spacer bar ( 30).

Abstract: A joint for connecting a first drive shaft to a second drive shaft includes a ball and socket arrangement connecting the two shafts and a spring attached at one end to one shaft and at the other end to the other shaft. The spring is made of a polymer matrix containing fibers made from poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) resin. The fibers extend through the polymer matrix along the helical axis of the spring. The spring is disposed about the ball and socket arrangement so that shock loads are absorbed by the spring.

Abstract: A wire cable isolator and an associated energy absorbing restraint is provided for connecting between a device subject to movement due to dynamic loads and possibly thermal deflection, and an adjacent structure, such as a building or a support member. The isolator has predetermined, symmetrical force-deflection properties. The isolator includes first and second pairs of entrapment members, and a wire cable formed in a spiral. The first pair of entrapment members clamp the wire cable spiral at opposite side of the spiral and the second pair of entrapment members clamp the wire cable spiral at opposite sides of the spiral. The first and second pair of entrapment members are disposed at predetermined positions about an exterior periphery of the spiral.

Abstract: A hybrid composite automotive leaf spring comprises parallel glass and polyethylene terephthalate fibers distributed in a pattern replicated throughout a resin matrix. A method of producing the hybrid composite leaf spring comprises winding various proportions of glass and polyethylene terephthalate or nylon fibers together into a homogeneous mass in an epoxy matrix in a mold to form a blank, which is then compressed and cured into a leaf spring having a predetermined homogeneous mixture of parallel fibers distributed throughout the cross-section of the spring. The unitary spring has a spring rate that is a composite of the resin-bonded glass and other fibers. Different spring rates are obtained by varying the percentage content of the glass and other fibers, while maintaining the homogeneity of the resultant leaf spring.

Abstract: A pipe restraint having a helical isolator (I.sup.1) coupled to a housing (16) and including a central cylinder (4) coupled to a central rod (2). Connecting rods (34, 36) are located at opposite ends of the restraint to attach the restraint between a pipe and an adjacent structure. Wire energy absorbing rope bights (32) are used to form the isolator I.sup.1. The bights (32) are placed in a state of precompression and have bi-linear spring properties which may be adjusted by adjusting the diameter of the housing (16) and spacer bar (30).

Abstract: Helical isolator (I.sup.1, I.sup.2) in a turnbuckle frame (10) on a central rod (2) with connector rods (34, 36) of opposite handed threads, are for mounting between a pipe and an adjacent structure. The wire energy absorbing rope bights (32) of the isolator I.sup.1, I.sup.2 are placed in parallel planes and in a state of precompression and have bi-linear spring properties which are adjustably provided by the diameter of the structural tube (10) and spacer bars (30) attached to the tube wall (12) as part of the bases (26, 28) of the isolators.

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 composite beam having a constant stress geometry is provided wherein a varying fiber content in a fiber impregnated resin is employed across the beam's cross section to cause the neutral axis of the beam to shift toward the compressive side. The design provides the maximum deflection in the direction of the load before compressive failure occurs for a given size and shaped beam of equivalent stiffness.

Abstract: An isolator includes flexural elements for resisting transmission of shock and vibration forces between structures, and also includes conductor elements for conducting energy such as heat and/or electricity from at least one of the structures. Each element spans the distance between a pair of isolator supports connected to the structures.

Abstract: An improved spring is provided which may be used in cushions, mattresses, or box springs which includes a limiting internal member. This limiting member assist in limiting the longitudinal deflection of the springs. Also provided are snapped-fitting connections between the spring and a grid for use within a box spring. Also provided is a "floating" portion of a peripheral border wire, particularly suitable for use in a pair of box springs beneath a king-size mattress unit. Also provided is a corner guard which provided support for upholstered fabric on a box spring. Finally, an improved borderwireless mattress using a peripheral band is provided, which allows the mattress to bend more easily, without disadvantageous setting of its border wires.

Abstract: Vibration dampener and stiffener apparatus and method for increasing the dampening and the stiffness of a tube subjected to large amplitude flow-induced vibration. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a plurality of flexible braided cables capable of being disposed in the tube for dissipating the vibration energy of the tube as the tube vibrates, the cables having a first end portion and a second end portion. Enclosing the first end portion of the plurality of flexible cables is a rigid cable tip member and enclosing the second end portion of each cable is a rigid cable end fitting. As the tube vibrates due to flow-induced vibration, the vibration energy will be transferred to the cables which will rub together creating frictional heat energy that will radiate from the cables. In this manner, the vibration amplitude of the tube is decreased. Moreover, as the tube vibrates, the rigid cable tip member and the rigid cable end fittings will tend to stiffen the tube.

Abstract: A suspension system comprising a pair of fiber reinforced plastic spring arms, right and left, and a beam assembly connecting the respective free ends of the arms, said springs arms having a free-end-side portion and being vertically bendable, each spring arm serving as a suspension spring. A fixed end of each spring arm is fixed to a vehicle body. The beam assembly, which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle body, includes an intermediate beam member of fiber reinforced plastic and metallic end beam members fixed individually to two opposite end portions of the intermediate beam member. Each end beam member is provided with an axle. If the right and left spring arms are subjected to loads of opposite phases at the time of turning, the intermediate beam member is twisted to produce a stabilizer effect.

Abstract: A tube received about a twisted rope torsion bar prevents buckling of the latter and also acts to increase the spring rate.

Abstract: A process for winding fiber material into a plurality of wrappings by using a winding device which has a rotational axis and two side walls arranged perpendicular to the rotational axis. Each side wall has two slits extending from the middle portion to both extreme ends of the side wall. The process includes the steps of rotating the side walls about its axis and bringing a supply of bolts into the radius of the side walls and feeding at least one bolt into the two adjacent slits in the side walls while the winding device is in rotation. Fiber material is wrapped around the bolts and additional bolts may be inserted during winding until the desired number of fiber wrappings is reached. After the winding is completed, the wrappings of fibers are placed in a mold and impregnated with resin and the resin is cured.

Abstract: A winding device having a rotational axis and two side walls arranged perpendicular to the rotational axis. Each side wall is provided with two slits extending from the middle portion to both extreme ends of the side wall. A supply of bolts is arranged to the winding device whereby the bolts have a smaller diameter than the width of the slits and a greater length than the distance between the two side walls.

Abstract: A spring consisting of a rope having a plurality of strands each containing a plurality of monofilaments, and a cured binder which has saturated the rope under pressure to cause it to be self-sustaining in spring form. A method of fabricating a spring including the steps of providing a conventional rope composed of a plurality of monofilaments, saturating the rope under pressure with a binder to form a combined rope and binder, forming the combined rope and binder into a predetermined spring shape, and curing the binder to cause the spring to be self-sustaining in the formed predetermined spring shape. A self-damping spring formed by the foregoing method wherein the rope is of the twisted type, and the amount of damping being dependent on the angularity of the twisting. A spring consisting of a first portion of a rope impregnated with binder to hold the spring in a self-sustaining shape and an untreated second rope portion formed integrally with the first portion.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polymer beam may be manufactured by winding one or more strands of resin coated fibers about four pins mounted upon a winding fixture, each pin being independently translatable along the winding fixture and being independently extendable into, and retractable out of, the winding fixture. As the fiber is wound around the two exterior pins the interior pins will retract and translate to positions exterior of the pins being wound and will then extend to receive the next wrap of fiber. As the exterior pins are wound the interior pins continue to be translated to a position outside of the pins being wound so as to be in position to receive the next wrap of the fibers.

Abstract: An antitheft device for marking articles for sale and comprising two members, which automatically interlock one another when one member is inserted in a cavity in the other member, the first member being a rod-shaped body with a completely or partially pointed insertion end, whereby said rod-shaped body is capable of engaging for instance balls loosely arranged in the cavity of the second member, a third member of magnetizable material being inserted below the loosely arranged balls, whereby a resilient member with an upward driving force is placed below said third member. According to the invention the resilient member is an annular plastic member with inward connecting parts connected to a centrally arranged disk-shaped plastic member pressing against the third member in the cavity, the annular plastic member being secured by way of squeezing to an annular groove in the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A vibration-insulative support member includes an elastic body made mainly of rubber, and a pair of upper and lower flanges secured to upper and lower ends of said elastic body, respectively. The elastic body includes cords disposed in the rubber portion of the elastic body. The cords are arranged in layers substantially parallel to the upper and lower flanges in such a manner that the cords in each layer are distributed in a plan substantially parallel to the upper and lower flanges.

Abstract: A vibration and shock absorber device, comprising a metal body constituted by one or more helically wound lengths of cable (1) and two bars (10, 20) interconnecting the turns in two diametrically opposite zones, with a layer of elastomer material (30) coating the structure and leaving a central orifice (31, 32, 33, 34). The turns of the lengths of cable (1) are greased or otherwise treated to prevent them from adhering to the elastomer material (30).

Abstract: A resilient support is provided comprising an elastomer matrix symmetrical with respect to a given axis, a plurality of composite material cables embedded in this elastomer matrix and a plurality of fixing devices allowing the cables to be subjected to flexional forces in any one of three directions of a spatial axis reference system. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient support comprises a cross shaped matrix in the arms of which the cables are embedded and which comprises fixing devices formed by composite blade springs situated in the extension of each arm of the cross.

Abstract: Running gear (1) of a railway vehicle, which is suspended on the undercarriage (2) of the railway vehicel by blade support springs (3) and suspension attachment (8), with the additional arrangement of an additional blade spring as absorption spring (12); the absorption spring (12) is essentially more flexible than the rigid blade support spring (3), and the absorption spring (12), is tensed into the spring band (7) of the blade support spring (3). Blade support spring (3) and absorption spring (12) are kinematically connected in parallel.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a power transmission belt which passes over a pulley. The pulley is supported by an arm and by a rotary part which has one end of an elastically-deformable element fixed thereto, the element being wound around the part and having its other end fixed to a fixed point. The element is constituted by a length of flat belt comprising a layer of cord embedded in a strip of elastomer material. The invention is particularly applicable to the car industry and to the domestic appliance industry.

Abstract: A zig-zag spring in the form of a strip of fibre-reinforced plastics material with limbs connected by reflex portions, is held at its end portion by a member such that a short length (11a, 18a) of the end reflex portion (11, 18) substantially does not move angularly as the spring is compressed. Preferably an end limb (21a, 29a) extending lengthwise of the spring as a whole is so held. A suspension strut assembly, comprising two springs thus held, is disclosed.

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes an anchor nut having a spiral bore cooperatively receiving and positively engaging the outer contour of the torsion bar. The grooves of the spiral hole promote holding contact between the anchor nut and the torsion bar but allow relative movement to minimize stress build-up; a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material is preferred for fabrication of the torsion bar. A thrust stop is provided to prevent the nut from being forced off the end of the torsion bar in response to axial forces created by the sliding movement of the torsion bar within the spiral bore. The thrust stop is made of elastomeric material and is integrally molded onto the end of the torsion bar. The thrust stop has a tapered body to cooperatively engage with a tapered opening in the anchor nut.

Abstract: A resilient support is provided comprising an elastomer matrix symmetrical with respect to a given axis, a plurality of composite material cables embedded in this elastomer matrix and a plurality of fixing devices allowing the cables to be subjected to flexional forces in any one of three directions of a spatial axis reference system. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient support comprises a cross shaped matrix in the arms of which the cables are embedded and which comprises fixing devices formed by composite blade springs situated in the extension of each arm of the cross.

Abstract: A load bearing connective damper for service in tensile, compression, and torsion as a shock and vibration isolation mounting device. Dampers are constructed using a multidimensionally braided textile shape and a viscoelastic material disposed in the interstrand spaces of the textile shape.

Abstract: An annular resilient body of fiber composite material for vibration-insulating support of drive assemblies includes at least one wound body having a circumferential direction and a loading direction. The at least one wound body includes a plurality of wound concentric layers formed of synthetic resin impregnated fibers extending in the circumferential direction and transverse to the load direction, and at least one layer of fibers extending at an angle relative to the concentric layers. Force-inducing fastening elements are disposed on two opposite sides of the at least one wound body. The fastening elements are formed of metal brackets at least partly encompassing the at least one wound body and elastic rubber layers bracing the metal brackets against the at least one wound body.

Abstract: A leaf spring includes a plate having a thickness of between approximately 5 mm and 20 mm, a width of between approximately 20 mm and 200 mm, and a given length. The plate is arcuately deformed so that it includes a central portion with a height of between 20 mm and 40 mm. The plate exhibits a predetermined resiliency for maintaining the plate in a substantially horizontal position under a load of between 5 kg and 30 kg and for preventing the plate from breaking under a load of between 50 kg and 100 kg. Further, the plate includes first and second layers made of glass-fiber or carbon-fiber and a core member made of a polyurethane foam material positioned between the first and second layers.

Abstract: A hydrostatically compressed elastomeric spring, having an S-bent tubular envelope, of flattened cross-section, filled with a mass of electrically conductive elastomer and closed by metal endpieces. By causing an electrical current to pass through the conductive elastomer, via the endpieces, the elastomer is heated up by Joule effect, thereby inducing a thermal expansion which results in a modification of the properties of the spring.

Abstract: A composite leaf spring for a motor vehicle has an elongated body of layers of epoxy coated fibers extending in the longitudinal direction of the spring. The composite fiber/adhesive body is formed and cured to provide sufficient strength and flexibility to suspend the vehicle. A synthetic fiber pad is fixed adjacent the end of the spring for engagement with the spring hanger of the suspension system to resist wear of the body at the interface with the hanger. In the preferred embodiment, the pad is a woven fabric of aramid fibers at least some of which extend substantially normal to the wear interface. A specific double plane weave fabric including a warp/fill fiber ratio of approximately 7:1 provides superior results. Epoxy resin is preferred for the adhesive both for the body of the spring and for pre-impregnation of the pad. In the related method, the pre-impregnated pad is applied to the mold contoured to correspond to the shape of the spring and elongated fibers are layered in the mold over the pad.

Abstract: A suspension for a pair of wheels of a motor vehicle, comprising a spring (10,30) extending tranversely of the vehicle and supported by two mountings (11,12) spaced between the spring ends and which ends are connected, directly or indirectly, to wheel carrier members, wherein the spring has a portion (22,24) displaced out of the general line of adjacent parts of the spring to give a clearance from a part of the vehicle. The displaced part of the spring may be the entire central portion (40,50,60,100) thereof between its mountings (45,46,101) and end portions of the spring may be inclined to such central portion, so that the space directly between the wheels is clear of suspension parts.

Abstract: A leaf spring of composite material has a slipper end assembly comprising two members engaging opposite surfaces of the spring leaf and extending beyond the free end of the spring leaf where they are secured together. Away from the free end of the leaf they are held together by a fastening extending transversely around them and the spring. The spring has a curved portion at its free end, with which the members interfit to prevent their moving relative to the spring. In an assembly of such a leaf with a spring leaf of steel, one of the members held to the spring may engage the steel leaf to hold the leaves in alignment with one another.

Abstract: Elastic suspension leaf (1) made of composite material of which the extremities have a width which decreases concomitantly with a thickness increase, comprising connectors forming a rigid casing and defining an inner trapezohedral volume which fits on the extremities of the leaf. The casing includes a cylindrical ring (9) for connection to a wheel. The connector is comprised of metal elements (10,11,12) or of fiber ribbons embedded in a synthetic resin.

Abstract: A window counterbalance spring (10, 30) enclosed within a spring cover (35) or tube (25) is sound deadened against rattling by having its outer surface (16) coated with a hot melt adhesive (11). Hot melt (11) is preferably sprayed on outer surface (16) of the spring, at it is wound; and for rotationally tensioned springs (10) surrounding twisted rods (20), some hot melt is deposited on the interior (17) of the spring to cushion its vibration against the twisted rod.

Abstract: The damping device has an elastic structure consisting of one or a number of segments of wire cable and provided with fasteners for interposing the structure between two elements. The structure is enclosed within a mass of elastomeric material which adheres to the structure and has a high internal damping coefficient. The mass is traversed by at least one bore so arranged that the elastic deformations sustained by the structure cause the elastomeric material to work in compression and/or in shear.