Compound Patents (Class 267/151)
  • Patent number: 11957206
    Abstract: Described are soles for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, with a midsole. The midsole includes a first sole region, which includes particle foam. The midsole further includes a deformation region within the midsole, wherein the deformation region has a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle and is positioned so that it allows a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Tru Huu Minh Le, Angus Wardlaw, Dirk Meythaler, Stuart David Reinhardt, Darren Michael Wood, Charles Griffin Wilson, III, Juergen Weidl, Stanislav Goussev, Carl Arnese
  • Patent number: 11242908
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-centering viscous damper with pre-pressed ring springs. The self-centering viscous damper with pre-pressed ring springs comprises a first inner cylinder, a second inner cylinder, a third inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, a first end cover, a second end cover, a piston, a piston rod, a ring spring, a first connector, a second connector, a first linking nut, a second linking nut, a first outer cover, a second outer cover, a first end and a second end. Due to the interaction between the inner and outer cylinders, the ring springs are further pressed whether a damper is tensioned or pressed. The ring springs have been applied with pre-pressure which overcomes a frictional force and a restoring force when the ring springs are in an initial equilibrium position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tong Guo, Ruizhao Zhu
  • Patent number: 11103261
    Abstract: An ultrasound catheter includes a catheter body, an ultrasound transmission member, a sonic connector, a constraining member, and a vibrational absorber. The vibrational absorber has an opening through which the ultrasonic transmission member extends. The vibrational absorber is located in a recessed portion of the constraining member. The vibrational absorber is both longitudinally interposed between the constraining member and the distal portion of the sonic connector and laterally interposed between the recessed portion of the constraining member and the ultrasound transmission member. The recessed portion of the constraining member overlaps a portion of an exterior of the distal portion of the sonic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Nita, Jeff Sarge, Simon Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11028893
    Abstract: An elastic member is an elastic member formed of a wire having a cross section that is substantially circular, the cross section being orthogonal to a longitudinal direction, and the elastic member being expandable and contractible in a predetermined direction; and including: a first alloy portion that is made of an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength larger than 950 MPa and equal to or less than 1100 MPa at room temperature; and a second alloy portion configured to cover the first alloy portion, the second alloy portion having a thickness in a radial direction smaller than a radius of the first alloy portion, and being made of an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength of 100 MPa to 650 MPa at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Kazama, Noritoshi Takamura, Shigeki Ishikawa, Takeshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9996108
    Abstract: An information handling system includes a flexible display screen, first and second display platforms, and a bi-stable hinge. The flexible display screen is movably mounted to the first and second display platforms. The bi-stable hinge is mounted to the first and second display platforms and couples the first display platform to the second display platform. The bi-stable hinge locks the first and second display platforms in an open position and snap closes the first and second display platforms from the open position to a closed position in response to the bi-stable hinge being stressed in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: John Trevor Morrison, Marco Marroquin, Jung-Hwan Hong
  • Publication number: 20140265077
    Abstract: Elastomeric bearings exhibit a reactive positive spring effect, i.e., they produce an opposing torque or force when angular displacement or translation is applied upon them, due to shear stress developed within their elastomer parts. The present invention incorporates a device that exhibits an increasingly strong torque or force in the same direction as the displacement, i.e., a negative spring, under similar conditions of movement. When properly calibrated, the subject type of device can be used in paralleled motion with the ordinary reactive elastomeric bearing to produce a combined effect in which at least a part of the torque or force of the elastomeric bearing is changed or minimized over a range of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: William Lloyd Hinks
  • Patent number: 8740196
    Abstract: A linkage comprises a first rounded end providing a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a first drawbar spring, and a second rounded end opposite the first rounded end. The second rounded end provides a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a second drawbar spring. The linkage is configured to be positioned between the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the loop element in the second drawbar spring such that the first rounded end is mated with the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the second rounded end is mated with the loop element in the second drawbar spring to mechanically couple the first drawbar spring in series with the second drawbar spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Jay Rodger Elrod
  • Patent number: 8720085
    Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia L. Smaldone, Michael A. Aveni, Fred G. Fagergren
  • Patent number: 8573571
    Abstract: Dissipative structures include at least one panel and a cell structure disposed adjacent to the at least one panel having interconnected cells. A deformable material, which may comprise at least one hydrogel, is disposed within at least one interconnected cell proximate to the at least one panel. Dissipative structures may also include a cell structure having interconnected cells formed by wall elements. The wall elements may include a mesh formed by overlapping fibers having apertures formed therebetween. The apertures may form passageways between the interconnected cells. Methods of dissipating a force include disposing at least one hydrogel in a cell structure proximate to at least one panel, applying a force to the at least one panel, and forcing at least a portion of the at least one hydrogel through apertures formed in the cell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Langhorst, Henry S. Chu
  • Patent number: 8517358
    Abstract: A gas spring (10) for a sliding refractory gate valve, comprising a container (12), a ram (28) which is extendable relative to the container, a bellows (30) connected at one end to the ram and at the other end to a part of the container, a gas (33) within the container outside the bellows and acting to compress the bellows and extend the ram, wherein the ram has a blind internal bore (49) and a mechanical compression spring (46) is at least partially disposed in the bore so as to be interposed between the ram and the container and also acting to extend the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nutberry Limited
    Inventor: Antony Rupert Montebello
  • Patent number: 8464608
    Abstract: A bicycle clipless pedal includes a pedal, a locking sheet pivotally mounted on the pedal, and a plastic elastomer located between the pedal and the locking sheet. The pedal has a first clipless end extending therefrom. The locking sheet has a second first clipless end extending therefrom opposite to the first clipless end. A clipping space is defined between the first clipless end and the second clipless end. The elastomer has one end abutting against the pedal and the other end abutting against the locking sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Wellgo Pedal's Corp.
    Inventor: Chung-I Chen
  • Publication number: 20130126641
    Abstract: A machined spring for injector applications includes opposed first and second spring bases separated apart along a longitudinal axis. A spring body connects the first and second spring bases. The spring body includes a generally annular wall with a plurality of spring channels defined therethrough, such as machined channels. Exemplary applications for such machined springs include liquid strainers, valve components, and structural components for accommodating thermal expansion in injectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Delavan Inc
    Inventors: Brett A. Pfeffer, Mark A. Caples
  • Publication number: 20130069291
    Abstract: A spring assembly includes telescopically adjustable inner and outer members biased in an extension direction by a coil spring. A non-stretch fabric sleeve fitted about an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the coil spring is closed at its opposite ends to apply a compression preload to the coil spring. The fabric sleeve prevents transmission of the preload to the inner and outer telescoping members, thereby eliminating stickiness and the popping sound that are drawbacks of the prior art, and the fabric sleeve also provides general noise reduction when the spring assembly changes length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: John K. Roma
  • Patent number: 8382080
    Abstract: A cord reinforced resilient membrane (or diaphragm) having a high radial (transverse) stiffness and a relatively low axial stiffness, wherein the cord reinforced resilient membrane has adapatability for use in both hydraulic and conventional strut mounts, as well as other applications, and wherein the radial stiffness provided by the cords is directionally tunable for utilization in a particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wojciech E. Suchta, Kenneth L. Oblizajek
  • Patent number: 8261404
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wiping blade (30) for removing water from a surface having one or more vertebrae (32, 34, 36, 38) comprising at least one rail (32, 34) and at least one spring (36, 38), wherein said rail (32, 34) is curved and provides an elastic force quasi perpendicular to the windscreen, and said wire spring (36, 38) is fitted to said rail over its entire length or a part thereof and provides an elastic force in the direction of the length of the vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventor: Eckart Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20120025435
    Abstract: A spring includes a first end, a second end, and a spring main body between the first end and the second end. The spring main body includes a compression spring portion and a torsion spring portion, and the spring main body is substantially located in a same plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Yulong LIU, Hu ZHOU, Tongbo SUN, Dajun CHEN
  • Publication number: 20110303039
    Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a control stick (e.g., joystick, side-stick, etc.) (20) adapted to control the movement of an object (e.g., an airfoil surface). The improvement includes: a support (21); an intermediately-pivoted upper member (23) mounted on the support, the upper member having an upper portion (24), and lower portion (25); an intermediate member (26) having an upper portion pivotally connected to the upper member lower portion, and having a lower portion; and a lower member (29) having a lower portion pivotally mounted on the support, and having an upper portion; and wherein the intermediate member lower portion is movably mounted on the lower member upper portion such that pivotal movement of the upper member upper portion relative to the support will produce pivotal movement of the intermediate and lower members relative to the support; and a resilient member (31) arranged to bias the direction of relative movement between the intermediate and lower members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: John D. Kopp
  • Publication number: 20110278778
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a bi-directional self-centering linkage are provided. The bi-directional self-centering linkage contains a compression spring sliding shaft assembly that may be pre-loaded to a predetermined calculated value. The bi-directional self-centering linkage is adjusted and then installed to connect with an outside mechanical device that transmits a force to the bi-directional self-centering linkage. The compression spring sliding shaft assembly either transmits or dampens the force applied. An alternate embodiment provides electromagnetic actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jamal Umar Qattan
  • Publication number: 20100320658
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for changing a spring characteristic, which includes at least one tension and/or compression spring for changing the spring rate of a leaf spring to which the apparatus can be connected, wherein a mounting device for mounting the tension and/or compression spring on the leaf spring is connected to a first end of the tension and/or compression spring. It is provided that the apparatus (3) furthermore includes at least one spiral spring (200) for additionally controlling the leaf spring rate and an attachment device (220) for mechanical attachment of the spiral spring (200) to the leaf spring (10) and variable adjustment of the spacing (212) between at least one spiral spring section (214) and the leaf spring (10), wherein the spiral spring (200) is mechanically connected to the second end of the tension and/or compression spring (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas MUELLER, Harold Schana
  • Publication number: 20100289198
    Abstract: Multilayered canted coil springs and methods that improve mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of canted coil springs. In some embodiments, properties of dissimilar materials are combined into the spring using various material layers. For example, in one embodiment a protective or high strength outer layer material shields a more sensitive inner core material from harsh environments and conditions. The inner core material may be a highly electrically conductive material, with the outer layer material having an electrical conductivity lower than the core. In various embodiments the following characteristics of the spring are improved: electrical and/or thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, temperature resistance, stress relaxation, variable frictional force, and wear resistance in harsh environments and conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Pete Balsells, Majid Ghasiri, Daniel Poon, Russell Beemer, Dick Shepard
  • Publication number: 20100011897
    Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a control stick (e.g., joystick, side-stick, etc.) (20) adapted to control the movement of an object (e.g., an airfoil surface). The improvement includes: a support (21); an intermediately-pivoted upper member (23) mounted on the support, the upper member having an upper portion (24), and lower portion (25); an intermediate member (26) having an upper portion pivotally connected to the upper member lower portion, and having a lower portion; and a lower member (29) having a lower portion pivotally mounted on the support, and having an upper portion; and wherein the intermediate member lower portion is movably mounted on the lower member upper portion such that pivotal movement of the upper member upper portion relative to the support will produce pivotal movement of the intermediate and lower members relative to the support; and a resilient member (31) arranged to bias the direction of relative movement between the intermediate and lower members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: John D. Kopp
  • Patent number: 7600969
    Abstract: A turbocharger comprising a cartridge which is arranged in a turbine casing for variable turbine geometry; a bearing housing which is arranged between the turbine casing and a compressor housing of a compressor impeller and in which a bearing assembly is arranged for a shaft which supports the turbine wheel and the compressor impeller; and a spring washer which is arranged between the cartridge and the bearing housing, the spring washer being composed of at least two material layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk Frankenstein, Ralf Boening, Hartmut Weiss
  • Publication number: 20090174128
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the elastic force exerted by a plurality of springs, wherein there are provided main springs and auxiliary springs connected to two mutually movable structures. There are provided means for operatively coupling or uncoupling the connection of the free end of one or more of the auxiliary springs with respect to at least one of the structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: DONATI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Armando Donati
  • Publication number: 20080111386
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shock absorbing and indicating bumper. The bumper includes, a spherical shaped body with a surface mountable to a corner of a device to which shock is to be absorbed. The bumper includes a crushable conical member engaged with a conical recess of the spherical shaped body, the crushable conical member having a hole therethrough from the vertex to the center of the base, and a shell with a substantially hollow semispherical shape slidably engaged with a surface of the spherical shaped body. The bumper further includes a rigid shaft with a first end fixedly attached to a central portion of the hollowed side of the shell and a second end pivotally engaged with the spherical shaped body at substantially the center of the spherical shaped body, the shaft extending through the hole in the crushable member and aligned thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael A. Boraas
  • Patent number: 7354033
    Abstract: A tape-spring shaped, articulating member used in deployable structures having a resilient, compliant hinge region and rigid non-hinge regions, thereby enabling a smaller fold radius and greater packaging efficiency. The increased compliance in the hinge region may be obtained by using a more compliant material in the hinge region or reducing the cross-sectional area in the hinge region. The hinge region may be reinforced with integrated shape memory alloy features serving as folding mandrels, to enhance structural stiffness and strength performance of the hinge, and to exhibit authority over the rate and sequencing of strain release when deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Thomas W Murphey, Eric L Pollard
  • Patent number: 7303184
    Abstract: A passive isolator mount capable of dissipating shocks and vibrations as either heat or magnetic energy is presented. The passive isolator includes a pair of L-shaped or C-shaped brackets capable of withstanding repeated deflections and strains, energy dissipating layers disposed along each bracket, and a bond layer. The energy dissipating layers are composed of a rare earth element or alloy, a ferromagnetic shape alloy, a magnetic shape memory alloy, a magnetostrictive alloy, a magneto-mechanical alloy, a super-elastic alloy, or a combination thereof. The bond layer is disposed between and adheres one energy dissipating layer along a first bracket to an energy dissipating layer along a second bracket so that the resultant passive isolator is C-shaped. Energy dissipating and bond layers completely bisect the passive isolator either widthwise through the thickness of the L-shaped brackets or lengthwise through the thickness of the C-shaped brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce Bower, Gareth Knowles
  • Patent number: 7108252
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing transmission of force from a base structure to a supported structure. The method includes mounting a plurality of dampers between the base structure and the supported structure. Each damper includes a single damping element having at least two contact arms affixed to either the base structure or the supported structure. Damping of forces is achieved by each damper in multiple orthogonal directions. The base structure is mounted to a transportation vehicle. The supported structure includes equipment mounted on a floating platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Sujay Jayakumaran
  • Patent number: 6619638
    Abstract: A supplementary spring assembly (104) is fitted to three consecutive turns (86.1, 86.2, 86.3) of a vehicle suspension coil spring (102). The spring assembly (104) includes a central torsion-producing portion (105) having a pair of half-turn torsion springs (106, 108). The half-turn torsion springs (106, 108) are connected to each other by a C-shaped bight portion (109) which engages an intermediate turn (86.1) of the coil spring (102) in a clamping fit. First and second arms (110, 112) extend from opposite ends of the torsion springs (106, 108) and pass slidably through complemental apertures (114) formed in mounting blocks (116). The mounting blocks (116) include a clamping arrangement in the form of a C-shaped recess formed in the block (116) which is sized to fit around non-adjacent turns (86.2, 86.3) of the coil spring (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: William Wilfred Spencer
  • Patent number: 6202961
    Abstract: A passive, multi-axis, highly damped, shock load isolation mount which can serve as a complete one-piece mount, particularly of a spacecraft to its launch vehicle or launch vehicle adaptor structure, or can serve in multiplicity as necessary to provide a complete shock load isolation mounting system. When used as a one-piece mount or used in multitude as a system, the invention provides substantial reduction in the shock load transmission to a payload from its support base for both axial loads and lateral loads. The unique multi-layered, opposed beam, contorted load path flexure design combined with a shear wall type constrained layer damping treatment provides substantial shock load isolation in a durable, reliable, lightweight, and compact form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: CSA Engineering
    Inventors: Paul S. Wilke, Conor D. Johnson, Scott C. Pendleton
  • Patent number: 5961078
    Abstract: An acceleration force isolator assembly for attaching a payload, such as a spacecraft or satellite, to a launch vehicle wherein axial acceleration forces on the payload are attenuated. The attachment includes an upper interface ring that is secured to the payload and a lower interface ring that is secured to the launch vehicle. Flexure of the upper interface ring provides axial compliance when axial acceleration forces are transmitted from the launch vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Edberg, Bruce W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5426799
    Abstract: The invention relates to a generic mattress system which is easily adjustable to differing and space varying stresses with limiting spring paths. It has a top mattress and a bottom mattress with supporting elements connected to a frame and located in the plane of a frame. The elements are in U-shape and bear elastic support elements fastened to crosspieces. The upper mattress can also have spring elements between the upper and lower support, with each spring element having a section of elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Superba S.A.
    Inventors: Ernst Ottiger, Daniel Gloor
  • Patent number: 5090330
    Abstract: An improved runner for use with a SAILRAIL hydrostatic bearing levitation system is disclosed. The runner uses a substantially solid core having a degree of flexibility in a vertical plane, a thin pad of flexible, compliant material extending transversely around the core, and an outer flexible, compliant sheath enclosing the pad and the core. Flexibility is enhanced by a longitudinally extending slot cut into the core from the upper surface thereof. The side walls of the core are flat and straight and meet the lower convex surface of the core at a generally sharp longitudinal edge. Also the ends of the runner can angle upwardly to enhance the ability of the runner to traverse joints, gaps, or imperfections in the SAILRAIL rail. The runner can be secured to a deck member and provides specific advantages over prior art runners which had a larger profile, were more expensive and were not as efficient as the low profile runner of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Herbert E. Gladish
  • Patent number: 5088705
    Abstract: A bicycle shock-absorbing apparatus comprises an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is inserted into the outer tube. An upper spring socket and a lower spring socket are disposed in the inner tube and the outer tube separately. A compression spring is disposed between the spring sockets, oil being filled between the spring sockets. The inner tube is fixedly attached to the upper spring socket and corelatedly actuated with the spring to achieve a shock absorbing effect. A hole is formed in the center of the upper spring socket, enabling oil to flow therethrough. An oil seal is disposed inside the top of the outer tube to prevent oil spillage. An air inlet socket is attached inside an upper wall of the inner tube, while an air inlet valve is received by the air inlet socket to enable inflation of the inner tube. The air, in cooperation with the spring and the oil, provide elasticity for the bicycle shock-absorbing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Dan Ken Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin S. Tsai
  • Patent number: 5004206
    Abstract: A vehicle seat mounting structure includes a base, a seat mount, and a mechanism operably interposed between the base and mount for controlling relative motion thereof. The mechanism includes a platform, air springs to cushion roadway induced shock, and linkage arms to couple the base, seat mount and platform. The mechanism produces a rearward tilting of a seat which is mounted on the structure when vehicle movement tends to throw the seat toward the front of the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Scott Anderson
  • Patent number: 4934493
    Abstract: A frictional damper has a tubular housing and a slide which is guided slidably in this housing in the direction of its longitudinal axis. In the area of its end on the slide exit side, the housing is provided with a damping lining which bears against the slide. In order to achieve the setting and maintaining of constant frictional conditions, which can if necessary be varied from one frictional damper to another, at low cost, the damping lining is arranged in a separate damping housing which is inserted into the tubular housing from the end on the slide exit side and is fixed axially at this point in the direction of its longitudinal axis. In an otherwise identical housing and slide the damping housing and/or the damping lining can each have a different design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Fritz Bauer & Sonne oHG
    Inventors: Hans J. Bauer, Hans-Peter Bauer, Ludwig Stadelmann
  • Patent number: 4861007
    Abstract: An element for supporting the suspension-springs of railway wagons including a bottom plate, an intermediate plate and a parallel adjacent supporting plate provided with the interposition of first and second elastic rings which are connected to the plates at their respective contacting surfaces. The second elastic ring has a greater rigidity compared to that of the first elastic ring. The greater rigidity is obtained by forming the second ring to have a lesser height (L") than that (L') of the first ring, or by use of an elastomeric material that is more rigid than the material which is used for forming the first ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Pirelli Sistemi Antivibranti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Emilio Morini
  • Patent number: 4838169
    Abstract: An improved runner for use with a sailrail hydrostatic bearing levitation system is disclosed. The runner uses a substantially solid core having a degree of flexibility in a vertical plane, a thin pad of flexible, compliant material covering at least the transversely convex lower surface of the core, and an outer flexible, compliant cover enclosing the pad and the core. In another embodiment there is pad material on the upper surface of the core as well. The runner can be secured to a pallet and provides specific advantages over prior art runners which had a larger profile, were more expensive and were not as efficient as the low profile runner of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: E. B. Eddy Forest Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Herbert E. Gladish
  • Patent number: 4826140
    Abstract: An improved suspension system for a vehicle is provided which interconnects the leaf spring assemby positioned adjacent each of the frame members of a vehicle. The suspension system comprises first and second supports which are positioned below the rearward ends of the leaf spring assemblies and which have their forward ends pivotally secured to the axle housing of the vehicle. The first and second supports are connected, forwardly of the rearward end thereof, to the associated leaf spring. A third support is connected to the rearward ends of the first and second supports and extends therebetween beneath the frame members of the vechicle. A pair of air springs are mounted on the third support between the frame members of the vehicle and have their upper ends operatively secured to the frame members of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Ralph R. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4801019
    Abstract: A shock absorbing spring device (A,C) is illustrated which includes a plurality of elongated, slender spring elements (B). The device may also include a central shock absorbing unit (10). Spring elements (B) comprise fiber reinforcing strands (32) embedded in the matrix material (31). Spring elements (B) have a contoured profile which includes a thickened medial bend (38) and a reverse bend (44) formed at ends (34,36). In this manner, spring elements (B) deflect outwardly from their longitudinal axis in a reliable manner when ends (34) and (36) are loaded with compression. In one embodiment of the device (A) spring elements (B) are arranged to deflect radially with respect to longitudinal axis (37) of the device. In another embodiment (C) medial portion (38) of spring elements (B) deflect circumferentially in a row about longitudinal axis (43) of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: George W. Smolen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4781363
    Abstract: A vibration isolator is formed with a spring mechanism and a fluid transmion mechanism interposed between a vibrating member and a support member. The fluid transmission mechanism includes a primary fluid chamber and a secondary fluid chamber, with the secondary fluid chamber being deformed to a greater extent than the primary fluid chamber as a result of vibrations. An inertia mass operatively associated with the secondary fluid chamber is displaced as a result of vibrations and is thereby accelerated with a resulting inertia force causing fluid pressure change in the fluid transmission mechanism which compensates as a dynamic force the dynamic portion of the spring force transmitted from the spring mechanism to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Dieter Braun
  • Patent number: 4778159
    Abstract: A range spring assembly for a differential pressure responsive device which includes a spring retainer plate configured for coaction with a movable portion of a device, such as a bellows or diaphragm. A flat spiral spring in spaced relation to the retainer plate is provided with a clamp disc. A plurality of helical range springs are equiangularly disposed about a circumference inwardly of the periphery of the retainer plate, each of the range springs having a first end thereof securely attached to the retainer plate adjacent the center thereof, with the other ends being selectively attachable to the clamp disc, whereby the range may be readily established by locking one or more ends of the helical springs for providing the desired spring bias for the selected range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4687079
    Abstract: A fluid levitated generally convex support member particularly useful in supporting a pallet, plate or belt such that the pallet, plate or belt load may be moved in an air powered track system, the system including at least one concave track with means for supporting and guiding the convex member and the pallet, plate or belt thereabove on a thin film of pressurized air jetting from nozzles in the track. The support member includes a generally tubular, flexible and partly deformable outer member and means for internally stressing the outer member so that under load there will be controlled deformation thereof. The deformed member will be closely complementary to the track surface to maximize load carrying capacity while minimizing fluid support power requirements and the detrimental effect of track deformities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: E. B. Eddy Forest Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Herbert E. Gladish
  • Patent number: 4579320
    Abstract: Improvements to the various components of hydrostatic bearing levitation systems, systems wherein fluid pressure between a load and the rails of a track system supports and guides the load, are described. The rail has a plurality of lengthwise extending ports and nozzles communicating from the innermost ports through the curved upper wall to the interface area between the rail and the load. The nozzles are arranged in longitudinally aligned groups and in a pair of parallel rows with the groups of one row being longitudinally staggered with respect to the groups of the other row. The nozzles can be inexpensively produced by boring an oversize hole through the upper wall and fixing a cannula, such as a hypodermic needle, in the bore. The cannula's internal diameter is the desired nozzle diameter. The load support member has a compliant outer cover, a central core, and a filler material wound tightly on the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: E. B. Eddy Forest Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Herbert E. Gladish
  • Patent number: 4572488
    Abstract: A rate controller for use in outer space is provided where motion damping occurs by forcing damping fluid from one side of an actuator piston to the other side of the piston through an external line. The damping fluid is totally contained in a sealed system of metallic bellows with no seals required between moving parts and the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Arthur Holmberg, Jr., Earl M. Altman
  • Patent number: 4518154
    Abstract: A pneumatic spring for motor vehicles which includes a closed spring volume and two spring surfaces of different sizes adapted to be subjected to pressure acting in opposite directions. The two spring surfaces each have an effective spring surface which is variable in size as a function of travel of the pneumatic spring. A separate support arrangement is provided for each of the spring surfaces for supporting the spring surfaces so as to be coaxial with respect to one another. A linking construction is provided for elastically linking the two support arrangements with one another so as to enable an axial distance between the support arrangements to be variable within predetermined limits as a function of a pressure of the closed spring volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Josef Merkle
  • Patent number: 4441590
    Abstract: A brake system for motor cycles is disclosed which includes a hydraulic master cylinder supplying a front brake and a rear brake and a pressure-regulating valve having a calibrating spring adapted to limit the maximum pressure on the rear brake to a predetermined value. The compression of the calibrating spring of the pressure-regulating valve is controlled by the relative motion of two distinct points on the rear shock spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Brembo S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Giorgetti
  • Patent number: 4343460
    Abstract: A force-receiving and -applying device with biasing means providing a substantially constant spring force and including a coil spring backing up a piston or the like and secondary biasing means coaxial with the coil spring and acting in conjunction with the coil spring to combine to produce said substantially constant spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Inventor: Joseph J. Gende
  • Patent number: 4331041
    Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting forces along a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element movably supported in a flexible conduit. The assembly includes a support member adapted to be connected to a support structure (such as a bulkhead) and the conduit includes a slider member slidably disposed in a passageway extending longitudinally through the support member. The support member includes a transverse guideway in which is disposed a metal L-shaped latch member having an aperture in one leg through which the slider member extends. A coil spring reacts between the support member and the other leg of the latch member for biasing the bottom of the aperture into engagement with the slider member. The bottom of the aperture in the latch member has a tooth which coacts with ratcheting teeth on the slider member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: William G. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4245826
    Abstract: A column which includes an elongated guide tube receiving a pneumatic spring of the piston-and-cylinder type in its bore. A bar is fixedly fastened to the piston rod member or the cylinder member of the spring in longitudinal alignment and extends in the guide tube bore from the associated spring member toward one of the two longitudinally terminal parts of the guide tube. A spring assembly extending about the bar is interposed between spring seats on the pneumatic spring member fixedly fastened to the bar and the one terminal part of the guide tube. Cooperating abutments on the bar and on the one terminal part of the guide tube limit movement of the bar toward the other longitudinally terminal part of the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Winfried Wirges
  • Patent number: 4225123
    Abstract: A snubber assembly for vehicles comprised of a housing attached to each of the main frame members of the vehicle chassis. A compression spring and compression rod is located with in the housing, with the rod having a free end which extends into fixed relationship respective to the vehicle axle. Movement between the chassis and the axle loads and unloads the compression spring, thereby enhancing the ride and stability of the vehicle. The snubber preferably is attached to the rear axle, and for maximum safety and additional comfort, another snubber is located at each of the fore and aft spring positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventor: Fred W. Hefren