Rubber Patents (Class 267/153)
  • Patent number: 4448259
    Abstract: A pre-stressed columnar rubber spring interposed between the pressure beam and pivoted draw bar tube of a no-till seed drill deflects under load in one direction only and the force causing increased spring deflection in the principle operational range increases to a desired maximum and then remains substantially constant or decreases slightly thereby relieving the machine of excess stresses caused by contact of coulters and openers with rocks and other field obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Lilliston Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur J. Ford, Patrick Kuhn, William D. Long
  • Patent number: 4445674
    Abstract: A shock absorber for the pumping unit of an oil well, adapted to be placed between the walking beam and a string of sucker rods in the borehole. The shock absorber has a tubular body of steel (or an equivalent structural material) having a closed top and an open bottom. A circular top on the tubular body has a central opening through which the polished rod is adapted to pass; and a rod clamp is affixed to the polished rod--above the tubular body. A plurality of elastomeric discs, typically four or five, are positioned in a stack within the tubular body; and each disc has an external diameter which is slightly less than the internal diameter of the tubular body. The plurality of elastomeric discs rest on top of a rigid circular plate having an OD smaller than the ID of the tubular body; and the circular plate, in turn, rests on top of a rigid spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Inventor: Donald H. Clayton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4443957
    Abstract: A unitary urethane snubber is provided to snub opening and closing movements of a dipper door. The snubber has an elongated working section that is stretched to snub door closing and bent to snub door opening. A pair of integral end lugs pivotally attach the snubber to the dipper and to the door. The snubber is unstressed in an intermediate position to facilitate installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Abex Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Novotny, Henry J. Ihlein
  • Patent number: 4444122
    Abstract: A primary suspension system is disposed between a journal bearing assembly carrying a wheel-axle assembly and a side frame of a railway truck. A rubber ring having cut-away portions or openings therein is bonded to inner and outer split metal rings. The inner ring is retained by the journal assembly and the outer ring is retained by the side frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventor: William W. Dickhart, III
  • Patent number: 4442004
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biasing arrangement for use with a filter element having a longitudinal bore therethrough. The biasing arrangement includes a spring element having first and second ends and being comprised of a plastic material. The spring element is deformable by pressure applied in the direction generally along an axis extending between the first and second ends. A sealing disk is adapted to seal an end of the longitudinal bore of the filter element. The sealing disk is also comprised of a plastic material and is positively secured to an end of the spring element. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the sealing disk is positively secured to an end of the filter element to define an integral filter unit. In the preferred embodiment, the spring element, the sealing disk, and the filter element are all comprised of compatible plastic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Osmonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Zan P. Smith, Frank Haimbach, IV
  • Patent number: 4438703
    Abstract: A primary suspension system is disposed between a wheel journal bearing and a side frame of a railway truck to minimize acceleration forces from being transmitted from a wheel axle unit to a car body. A pair of elastomeric members form a ring clamped around the journal bearing and are bonded to multiple outer plates disposed in different planes. Relatively low spring rates are provided when one set of outer multiple plates are operative with relatively high spring rates being provided when the elastomeric members are compressed and the inner multiple plates become operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventor: Walter S. Eggert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4434977
    Abstract: A strut type suspension for a vehicle includes a mounting insulator rubber divided into two separate parts, one attached to the piston rod of a shock absorber, and a relatively more rigid one associated with both a spring coil telescoped about the shock absorber and a bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kazuo Chiba, Iwao Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4433834
    Abstract: A composite cushion pad for railroad cars or off-the-road vehicles is disclosed. The composite cushion pad can be circular or rectangular, depending on its use. The circular composite cushion pad is composed of a rigid circular plate having a centrally disposed opening which is surrounded by two juxtaposed, resilient elastomeric annular cushions that form a composite cushion which is bonded to at least one side of the plate. The two annular cushions each have a generally frusto-conically shaped cross-section and are dissimilarly sized so that the composite cushion has a pair of opposing stepped sidewalls. The rectangular composite cushion pad is composed of a rigid rectangular plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Midland-Ross Corporation
    Inventor: Karl J. Jwuc
  • Patent number: 4424960
    Abstract: A rubber vibration isolator is disclosed, which comprises a pair of upper and lower liquid chambers capable of changing volumes by elastic deformation of an annular rubber elastomer accompanied with longitudinal vibration, a restricted passage for communicating these chambers with each other, at least two liquid chambers formed in the outer periphery of the elastomer and capable of changing volumes accompanied with lateral vibration, and another restricted passage for communicating the latter chambers with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Bridgestone Tire Company Limited
    Inventors: Takuya Dan, Akio Fujita
  • Patent number: 4418898
    Abstract: A cushioned mounting device for use in mounting an engine to the body of a vehicle such as an automobile, having first and second frame members arranged to oppose to each other, a mass member having a plate portion and disposed between the first and the second frame members, a first cushion member disposed between and flexibly connecting together the first frame member and the mass member, and a second cushion member disposed between and flexibly connecting together the second frame member and the mass member, wherein the mass member, together with the first and the second cushion members, forms a sub-oscillation system which can provide less than one transmission ratio relative to an oscillation system supposed to be composed of the engine supported by this cushioned mounting device and the first and the second cushion members which can also provide less than one transmission ratio, whereby the cushioned mounted device cna provide a low overall transmission ratio which is substantially the multiplication of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomiaki Atsumi, Kazumasa Kuse, Junji Deto
  • Patent number: 4415391
    Abstract: A molded synthetic rubber muffler or exhaust component hanger having a molded-in nylon reinforcing loop around the circumferential surface thereof and manufactured according to a method which involves at least the steps of preparing a preform of uncured synthetic rubber which approximates the shape of the finished article, preparing a wrapping loop of synthetic rubber coated nylon the circumferential size of which accurately conforms to the circumferential dimension of the finished article but is slightly greater than the same circumferential dimension of the preform, placing the loop on the preform and compression molding the combination to unite the rubber constituents of each and to expand the preform as to fully fill out the nylon loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Inventor: Glenn J. Reid
  • Patent number: 4407491
    Abstract: A rubber bearing device having air damping capacity which comprises upper and lower fitments;a rubber cylindrical body interposed between the fitments defining an air chamber capable of volume-changing;a rubber piston shaped body whose shaft is fitted hermetically in the cylindrical body and is firmly bonded to the upper fitment, said piston-shaped body being provided in the air chamber to divide it into upper and lower air chambers, said upper and lower air chambers being adapted to release air therefrom or to admit air thereto through an orifice; anda depression diaphragm member provided associating with one or both of the chambers, said diaphragm member being capable of decreasing the magnitude of effective volume change by a definite magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Assignees: The Toyo Rubber Industry Co., Ltd., Toyoto Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motoo Kunihiro, Tomiaki Atsumi, Kazumasa Kuse, Masahiro Ishigaki
  • Patent number: 4398684
    Abstract: A connecting apparatus (16) for attaching a propeller or fan (14) to an engine (12) is disclosed. A connecting apparatus (16) includes a centrifugal clutch device (48) and drive and driven gears (40, 78) for reducing the speed of propeller (14) relative to engine (12). These elements are contained within a lubricant-filled housing comprised of housing (38) and spider bracket (34). Spider bracket (34) includes two pairs of vibration-dampening first and second mountings (140). First mountings (140) more stiffly resist engine vibration than second mountings (142), thereby dynamically balancing the powerplant with respect to the structural frame (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Redro, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Von Ruden
  • Patent number: 4383679
    Abstract: A damper comprises a plurality of armatures between which an elastic block is interposed. A partition plate divides the interior bore of the elastic block into two chambers. The chambers are filled with a working fluid and communicate with each other through an orifice providing a restricted flow communication and also through holes providing an unrestricted flow communication. A valve is provided to close the holes to prevent the unrestricted flow communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1983
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Kakimoto
  • Patent number: 4363578
    Abstract: A trailer hitch for supporting wheeled trailers includes a pedestal which is rigidly secured to a platform and has mounted thereon for pivotal movement vertical support members which support a fifth wheel plate. The support members are interconnected by a horizontal plate which includes a horizontal pivot shaft and cushioning members which are placed in shear during transport of the wheeled trailers from one area to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Assignee: Pullman Incorporated
    Inventors: Harold Hesch, Michael DiLuigi, Thomas Lindauer
  • Patent number: 4355792
    Abstract: A hollow marine fender comprising a hollow cylindrical body formed of elastic rubber material. At least one end portion of a center surface of the hollow cylindrical body diverge toward the end thereof to form a horn-shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Bridgestone Tire Company Limited
    Inventors: Yuji Fukuda, Shinichi Kajigaya
  • Patent number: 4349184
    Abstract: A bearing for carrying compressive radial loads comprising alternating bonded layers of a resilient material of a uniform modulus of elasticity and layers of a non-extensible material, all generally concentrically formed about a common center axis. The fatigue life of the bearing under torsional and compressive loads is enhanced by progressively decreasing both the length and thickness of each layer of resilient material with increasing radii, so that a substantially equal strain is carried across each layer of resilient material in response to each torsional load and the shape factor of each of the layers of resilient material remains substantially constant or increases with increasing radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Barry Wright Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Peterson, Daniel S. Ventura
  • Patent number: 4348015
    Abstract: The shock absorber comprises two stacks, of alternated metallic plates and elastic blocks mutually encircling one another. The blocks of each stack are borne by the plates of the other and are constituted of an elastomer different from that constituting the blocks of the other stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Hutchinson-Mapa
    Inventor: Michel Domer
  • Patent number: 4338046
    Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper system assembly (10) is provided for attachment to an offshore structure (12). Assembly (10) utilizes a vertical column (34) supported from arms (20, 22). An outer protector (38) surrounds the column (34) and is eccentrically positioned relative to the column (34). A pair of resilient ring elements (42, 44) are positioned in an axially spaced relationship, bonded to the column (36), and conform to the annular shape formed between protector (38) and column (36). Resilient connectors (30, 32) may also be used and comprise rings (54), which are similar in construction to the resilient ring elements (42, 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Regal International, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Thomerson
  • Patent number: 4326848
    Abstract: A constant-tension spring device for the accessory belt of an automobile engine. The device includes a cylinder having an elastomer ring mounted within each of its ends. A rod passes through each elastomer ring, the rod having spaced shoulders each bearing against one end of a respective elastomer ring. Abutments within the cylinder position and retain the elastomer rings. Upon sufficient axial motion between the rod and cylinder, the elastomer rings are distorted by twisting and display a flat segment of the load vs. deflection curve between the rod and cylinder. The spring device maintains a desired tension within the accessory belt, compensating for temperature, humidity, and ageing changes in belt length which would otherwise result in change of belt tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: Wallace Murray Corporation
    Inventors: Larry T. George, Herbert W. Egan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4315562
    Abstract: A device for storing and later releasing mechanical energy has an elongate body, preferably cylindrical, at least one elastic strip or band wound helicoidally about the body and fastened thereto at each end thereof. A rigid rod extends longitudinally through and supports the body. The strips are wound about the body by rotating one end of the body on the rod. The strips of elastic material are subjected only to tensile stress and can be greatly deformed to accumulate a large amount of energy. The dimensions of the device are relatively small and need not be varied to accumulate a large amount of energy. The device is useful for starting an internal combustion engine, a rechargeable element as a substitute for a motor or as an accumulator of braking energy of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: Industrie Pirelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Tangorra, Lino Magnabosco
  • Patent number: 4288063
    Abstract: Elastic rubber engine mounts with hydraulic damping are provided, especially for engine suspensions in motor vehicles. The mounts comprise two separated liquid-filled chambers, defined in part by elastic rubber-like peripheral walls adheringly connected with end walls and with a centrally disposed supporting element for connection to an engine supporting frame. The liquid chambers are separated by an elastic rubber-like partition connected with the supporting element, and flow connection between the two chambers is provided by perforations or choke openings in the partition. The rigid end walls of the two chambers are rigidly interconnected. Arrangements are provided for minimizing or avoiding hydraulic damping of oscillations of low amplitude and high frequency, while providing hydraulic damping for oscillations of large amplitude and low frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Boge GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Brenner, Arno Hamaekers
  • Patent number: 4285616
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is an elastomeric compression member having particular utility as a marine fender. It is comprised of two elastomeric offset legs joined at the knee and extending therefrom in opposite directions. When compressive forces are applied to the feet of the member, the member initially compresses by roll compression, where the two legs roll around the knee to provide the member with an overall cylindrical configuration. After roll compression is complete, snub compression, compression of the resulting cylinder occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Inventor: Jonathan Evetts
  • Patent number: 4278726
    Abstract: An energy absorbing element such as a spring, shock absorber or vibration damper in the form of a laminated structure comprising at least one rigid non-elastomeric layer such as a reinforced plastic material bonded to a visco-elastic layer such as a vulcanizable elastomer in which twisted fiber bundles are embedded in the visco-elastic layer. Preferably the twisted fiber bundle comprises a steel cord having an elongation at rupture between 1.5 and 8%. An anchoring layer between the visco-elastic layer and the non-elastomeric layer may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: N. V. Bekaert S.A.
    Inventor: Andre Wieme
  • Patent number: 4271551
    Abstract: A binding device for hoses floating on the water surface, particularly, for a plurality of hoses arranged in parallel and floating on the water surface and connecting adjacent two hose lines by chains, comprising a resilient cylindrical cushioning body having a center bore surrounding the chain and including a buoyant member and reinforcing element embedded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mamoru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4271094
    Abstract: In a vacuum motor for opening an internal combustion engine carburetor choke to a vacuum break position, a stop is engaged between the actuating diaphragm and a base member to establish the vacuum break position. The stop is formed of a malleable material which plastically deforms slightly upon engagement--and thus gradually changes the vacuum break position upon repeated engagement--to compensate for changes in engine operating characteristics over an extended period of engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: L. Kirk Walters, Richard K. Judd, Terrance J. Atkins
  • Patent number: 4269400
    Abstract: An isolator designed to prevent transmission of shock and vibration from one structure to another, comprising a device structured to provide orthogonal excursion in three directions and comprising a plurality of nested, concentrically-arranged component structures, each of which is structured to permit orthogonal excursion and a connector element for securing structures in nested parallel relation so that the composite resistance to displacement is the sum of the resistances of the individual components. The component structure may decrease in size from the outside to the inside or be all of the same size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Barry Wright Corporation
    Inventor: William S. Jensen
  • Patent number: 4267792
    Abstract: An elastically deformable fender adapted to be mounted on one or both of the hull of a ship and a shore installation such as pier, wharf, quay, dock, float or the like structure for cushioning the impact of the ship against the shore installation, which generally comprises an elongated body of one-piece construction made of an elastic material. The body includes a buffer block, an outer surface of which forms an impact receiving surface, and a pair of opposed support walls depending from the buffer block so as to diverge from each other in a direction away from the buffer block. Each of the support walls is bent widthwise and is constituted by leg and heel sections respectively positioned adjacent to and remote from the buffer block, the heel sections of the respective support walls being spaced from each other a maximum span within the range of (0.75.times.W) to (1.5.times.W), W representing the width of the buffer block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamisuke Kimura, Tomokazu Kashiwara, Tetsuo Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 4262886
    Abstract: An elastically yieldable block structure comprising a block of elastomer interconnecting two armatures and defining at least two cavities which are filled with liquid and communicate with each other. One cavity is a main center cavity which is provided in the block and has walls which have a high resistance to the inner pressure of the liquid and the other cavity is a lateral cavity which communicates with the center cavity. At least a part of the lateral walls of the lateral cavity or cavities has a low resistance to the inner pressure of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignees: Automobiles Peugeot, Societe Anonyme Automobiles Citroen
    Inventors: Robert Le Salver, Dominique Poupard
  • Patent number: 4260177
    Abstract: An independent front wheel suspension for motor vehicles has a support strut which includes a telescopic shock absorber and an enclosed coil spring which serves as the wheel spring. The piston rod of the telescopic shock absorber either alone or together with an upper wheel spring plate is resiliently supported at the vehicle body by a mounting arrangement having an annular elastomeric element. Several coupled and decoupled designs of mounting arrangements are disclosed. Each of the arrangements is characterized by an annular elastomeric element having a substantially axially aligned recess means in at least one of its two end faces for improved cardanic movability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Rolf Pflughaupt, Willi Arnold, Gerhard Hellener
  • Patent number: 4236387
    Abstract: An energy storing device comprising an elastic cylindrical body of a diameter gradually increasing from one end thereof to the other with a spiral groove provided in the outer surface thereof, to store a rotary force and a thrust simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Inventor: Suehiro Takatsu
  • Patent number: 4235427
    Abstract: A plastic spring element defined by inner and outer convolutions of different thickness defined by radii and with tapered walls extending therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Inventor: Walter Bialobrzeski
  • Patent number: 4225014
    Abstract: An elevator connection (22) is provided for joining an elevator car (10) to a hydraulic piston (20) which raises and lowers the elevator car (10). Misalignment between the hydraulic piston (20) and guide rails (14) of an elevator shaft (12) is accommodated by a washer assembly (28) and cushion assembly (30) disposed between a stud bolt (32) and the top of the hydraulic piston (20). Washer assembly (28) includes an elastomeric disc (34) together with springs (36) which enclose a tubular washer (42) having a convex lower end surface. Cushion assembly (30) comprises an elastomeric disc (46) with springs (48) on either side thereof and enclosing a wobble tube (54) having convex end surfaces (56, 58). The elevator car (10) is held securely to the hydraulic piston (20) but is permitted to offset slightly from the piston (20) and tilt to accommodate misalignment of elevator guide rails (14) with the hydraulic piston (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: The Texacone Company
    Inventor: John H. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 4223742
    Abstract: In cultivating or rolling soil by rollers with several hinged interconnected frame sections, each having a set of rolls on a common shaft, rotatably journalled at the ends of downwardly dependent arms the rolls closest to a hinge will not roll the soil at all or too loosely in case of irregular or uneven ground.To avoid this inconvenience the arms are pivotably and preferably also resiliently mounted on the frame in addition to which the arms are slightly rotatable or twistable about its longitudinal axis to allow a deviation from horizontal of the shaft which thus may follow the irregularities of the ground so that the roller rolls the soil very efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Inventor: Karl G. C. Stark
  • Patent number: 4223762
    Abstract: In an air or gas spring having a metal cylinder with a rigid gas-tight closure at one end and a flexible convoluted diaphragm seal and piston at the other end, the piston has an inner floating member restrained vertically by hardened roller balls that ride in a hardened ball race and horizontally by elastomer spring material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Inventor: Maurice Gertal
  • Patent number: 4198037
    Abstract: A preform is made by casting a copolyester polymer elastomer into a block. While the block is solidifying, pressure is supplied to the central portion thereof. After a block is formed, it is annealed and a precompression force is applied thereto sufficient to compress the block to an extent greater than thirty percent of the original dimension of the block as measured parallel to the precompression force. In one embodiment a cushioning unit using the block is made by placing a pair of multi-apertured metal plates on opposite sides of the block with projections on the plates extending against the block and applying a second precompression force to the block and plates sufficient to cause the copolyester polymer elastomer to flow into the apertures in the plates and form a mechanical bond between the block and the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4176714
    Abstract: A shock absorber for use to interconnect the polish rod of an oil well with the pumping unit in which the pumping unit includes a hanger bar having an opening therein receiving the polish rod, the shock absorber employing a tubular body axially receiving the polish rod, the body being supported on the hanger bar, and the body including a plurality of discs of elastomeric material, each having openings therein, and including a top plate secured to the polish rod with a polish rod clamp so that on up stroke of the pumping unit the elastomeric members are pressed and the openings therein form an air cushion to assist in alleviating shock transition from the polish rod to the pumping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: K-Shox, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Case
  • Patent number: 4175804
    Abstract: A flexible spring bearing having concave and convex portions, and including main bearing race and thrust race are incorporated to be contiguous to the end of the concave portion. The main bearing race along with the cylindrical configuration rotates, via a bearing means, upon the thrust race. The bearing means may be an annular protrusion disposed concentric with the cylindrical configuration. The bearing means is protected from corrosion and dirt by a set of annular skirts and walls which form a channel with the bearing means located therein. The channel may be prepacked with a lubricant, thereby creating a hydraulic floating relationship between the main bearing race and thrust race. A visual indicator provides a means to measure the amount of surface wear of the bearing means on the thrust race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Inventor: Hans U. Pannwitz
  • Patent number: 4171920
    Abstract: A replaceable torsion type spring assembly or unit having a resilient elastomeric tubular member with one end of such tubular member secured to a stationary member and the other end of such tubular member secured to a member that has force applied thereto for rotating such last member. A hollow tubular member is loosely journaled internally of the resilient elastomeric tubular member to provide support to the spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: James H. Kramer, Roy L. Orndorff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4171027
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for the terminal drive of the track of a tracked vehicle, especially a tank or like military vehicle, comprises a final-drive assembly which is received in an opening of the hull of the vehicle with all-around clearance and means bridging the housing of this drive assembly and the hull for elastically supporting the drive assembly with limited freedom of movement thereof transverse to its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Seit, Eugen Schlegl
  • Patent number: 4170380
    Abstract: 1. Heavy duty energy absorbing devices and energy absorbing bumpers for cars; how to mount them to existing cars and accommodate in the structure various shapes and sizes of existing bumpers on the cars.2. Collapsible steering columns and collapsible tables for passengers.3. Seats moving forward in event of collision and keeping the passengers and driver constantly restrained between the seat and collapsible steering column or table, without action by the passengers.4. A safe car in which the chassis is extremely rigid and shatters in the event of an accident; and the passengers' module propels in top of the front end of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1973
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1979
    Inventor: Eli Raitport
  • Patent number: 4147375
    Abstract: A central articulation with pivot axles standing perpendicularly to one another for a self-driving articulated vehicle comprising two parts which are mutually moveable with respect to one another, whereby the steering is brought about by mutual pivoting of the two vehicle parts with respect to one another about a vertical axle of the central articulation and the adjustment of the vehicle to the unevenness of the ground is brought about by a mutual pendulum course of movement of the two vehicle parts with respect to one another about an axle which is horizontal in the longitudinal direction and a restoring device counteracts the pendulum course of movement of the front car and of the rear car by means of compression springs. Rubber hollow springs are prestressed by means of a tensioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: O&K Orenstein & Koppel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Bangert, Peter Waterkamp
  • Patent number: 4140304
    Abstract: A vehicle ride strut includes first and second tubular housing members having open ends telescoped together. A compression spring is compressed by telescopic movement of the housing members relatively toward each other, and a snubber resiliently resists movement of the housing members in a direction away from each other during ride strut extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Assignee: Euclid, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy W. Ghrist
  • Patent number: 4139187
    Abstract: A cushion includes a core, a shell surrounding the core, and a flexible membrane interposed between the core and the shell. Both the core and shell are formed from foam material, with the foam material of the core being substantially stiffer upon initial loading than the foam material of the shell. The membrane is also formed from foam material, but is quite a bit denser than the foam material of either the core or shell. The overall effect of the membrane and the different load bearing characteristics for the two foam materials is a cushion which is quite soft to touch, but nevertheless capable of supporting heavy loading without excessive deflection. The cushion is produced by placing the core, which is cut from slab foam, into a mold cavity and then molding the shell about it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Helmut G. Hanusa
  • Patent number: 4133392
    Abstract: A bulldozer blade mounting assembly is provided for mounting a bulldozer blade on the front of a tractor. The mounting assembly includes a push frame connected between the tractor and the lower portions of the blade. A combined cushioning and stabilizing linkage assembly is provided with a link extending diagonally between each push arm of the push frame and the upper rear corner portions of the blade. The stabilizers on each link are interconnected with a closed loop hydraulic system so as to ensure that any deflection in one link must also occur in the opposite link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Gary P. Freese
  • Patent number: 4130027
    Abstract: A resilient lever assembly which incorporates spring action whereby the resilient portion of the assembly constantly urges a rigid lever against a lever movement resistance member connected to the lever. The action is accomplished by securing the resilient support to a fixed member in a rotational position such that the resilient support is stressed in the proper direction. In one form, the resilient support and its securing components comprises a rubber bushing between two sleeves, one fixed to the lever and the other to the fixed member. In another version of the invention, the resilient support is in the form of an extension of the lever having spring-like properties and secured at its outer end to the fixed member. The lever movement resistance member may be in the form of a stop adjacent the rigid lever. In another version, the lever movement resistance member could comprise the valving of a vehicle brake booster against which the lever is urged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1978
    Assignee: Betty Leighton
    Inventor: John D. Leighton
  • Patent number: 4121813
    Abstract: A bush assembly for vibration control, particularly adapted for use in supporting a suspension arm of an automobile suspension system, which includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder which is smaller in length than the inner cylinder. The outer cylinder coaxially encircles the inner cylinder and is radially spaced therefrom to define a cylindrical clearance space encircling the inner cylinder. A generally cylindrical impact absorbing member of elastic material is secured in the cylindrical space and has at least a pair of diametrically opposite recesses facing the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder. Each of the recesses has an arcuate transverse cross section and extends along the length of the outer cylinder. The impact absorbing member has a portion of rectangular longitudinal cross section interposed between each of its recesses and the inner cylinder and having a length substantially equal to that of the outer cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Inuzuka
  • Patent number: 4118019
    Abstract: Struts of an elastomer shock absorbing pad are formed with notches and tongue-and-groove portions adjacent the notches to key the contacting surfaces of the pad struts together to prevent relative rotation and shear displacement under heavy shock loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: David F. Weir
  • Patent number: 4111406
    Abstract: A compression-type cushioning pad provides load-travel characteristics to meet specific shock cushioning requirements. The pad comprises a metal plate having a cushion of elastomer bonded to at least one side thereof, the cushion having a corrugated surface configuration contoured to provide the desired load-deflection characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: Midland-Ross Corporation
    Inventor: Andrey L. Zanow
  • Patent number: 4083412
    Abstract: An agricultural seed-drill comprises a frame and pivotally mounted drag bar carrying a coulter disc. An ovoid rubber spring is located between the drag bar and a member, such as a moving beam or bell crank lever, associated with the frame to apply pressure to the coulter, or to enable the coulter to be raised so that the disc does not contact the soil. In order to relieve strain on the spring member when the coulter is raised, the said spring member and associated threaded studs, used to attach the spring member to the drag arm and the member associated with the frame, contain a continuous longitudinal axial passageway in which is located a cable the end portions of which extend through the studs and are terminated by nipples spaced apart from the end of the studs. By this means the weight of the drag arm is taken by the cable when the drag arm is in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: P.B. Bettinson & Company Limited
    Inventor: Richard Alexander Stocks