Abstract: A polymer spring has a hollow tubular polymer body, wherein the first end portion of the body, the second end portion of the body, and the mid-portion of the body together substantially maintain an annular cylindrical column structure throughout the length of the body from the first end portion of the body to the second end portion of the body, such that the mid-portion of the body has a substantial portion that is in direct alignment with the first end portion of the body and the second end portion of the body when the spring is compressed to eliminate or reduce the chances of the spring failing caused by the spring folding or buckling and to reduce material fatigue in the polymer spring associated with folding or buckling.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including a shock upper mount assembly mounted to vehicle structure, a jounce bumper being made of an elastomeric material and including a vertically extending rod bore around a rod of a shock absorber, and a jounce rate cup. The jounce rate cup is made of an elastomeric material and includes a horizontally extending support flange having a lower surface mounted on the jounce bumper, a horizontally extending dust boot attachment flange spaced from the support flange and having an upper surface located below and adjacent to the shock upper mount assembly, and a vertical flange extending between the support flange and the dust boot attachment flange to define a gap between the support flange and the dust boot attachment flange, with the jounce rate cup including a vertically extending rod bore mounted around the rod.

Abstract: The spring device includes a part using the resilient properties of the material from which the part is made. There are at least two opposite points or areas, which are to be biased. The device includes, between the points or areas, an intermediate portion including a mesh structure resulting from the assembly of optionally rectilinear segments, at least two of which lie in separate planes, both outside of the direction of bias. During the biasing, one segment is longitudinally biased by compression and the other is longitudinally biased by pulling.

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.

Abstract: A vehicular suspension enhancer comprises a pair of vertically oriented spring portions, one portion mounted to the axle and the other portion mounted to the frame. Each vehicle axle can be equipped with two suspension enhancers, one enhancer located on each side of an axle. Each of the spring portions are positioned in the space between the axle and the vehicular frame, with the distal ends of each spring portion facing one another with a space between the distal ends defining a gap. The gap between the facing spring portions will increase in response to an increase in the distance between frame and axle.

Abstract: A spring functional component for a hydroelastic bearing. The component comprises a mounting inner connection, a mounting outer connection radially surrounding the mounting inner connection, a spring body which delimits at least two working chambers for receiving a damping fluid and couples the mounting inner and outer connections to one another in order to allow a relative movability between the mounting inner and outer connection and a support frame surrounding the mounting inner connection made of a rigid material such as plastic or metal, on which at least one radial stop is held, wherein the radial stop can be displaced from a pre-assembly state, in which a stop end of the radial stop is disengaged with respect to a stop counterpiece on the mounting inner connection side or mounting outer connection side, into a final assembly state in which the stop end engages the stop counterpiece.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

Abstract: A landing gear strut incorporating an oleo-pneumatic shock absorber with a bungee return spring. An oleo-pneumatic shock absorber is a device engineered for slowing down a moving mass. The shock absorber converts the kinetic energy of the impact into heat due to the friction of oil being driven through narrow orifices. The shock then recovers using air and or spring pressure. The recovery is governed by the flow rate of the fluid to the original reservoir. In the case of an aircraft this results in less bounce, shorter stop time, smoother overall ride, and safer landings.

Abstract: An elastomeric isolator has an elastomeric body which incorporates an inner structural member and an outer structural member. The elastomeric body includes a shear hub extending between radial flanges defined by the inner and outer structural members that undergo shearing stresses during deflection of the elastomeric isolator. The inner and outer structural members are designed to provide a travel stop for the elastomeric isolator in order to avoid compression of the shear hub during high loads. The elastomeric bushing can also include an optional integral elastomeric heat shield which protects the shear hub.

Abstract: A vibration isolator for insertion into a support structure opening includes a first isolator body having a first body portion at a first body end and a first isolator wall extending from the first body portion toward a second body end. The first body portion has a larger perimeter than the second body end and defines a first fastener opening and the second body end defines a second fastener opening. The second fastener opening has a perimeter greater than the perimeter of the first fastener opening. The first body portion has a perimeter that is at least three times greater than the perimeter of the first fastener opening and at least two times greater than the perimeter of the support structure opening.

Abstract: In a buffer for absorbing impacts, which comprises an elastic buffer element made of a material having a first e-module, and a force take-up axis, the buffer element being compressible at least in the direction of said force take-up axis, it is provided that at least one additional element having a second e-module is enclosed in said buffer element, the second e-module being larger than the first e-module.

Abstract: A spring for use in a check valve is formed from a single piece of a polymeric material and includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a body positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. The body includes a wall, a proximal opening on the wall and a distal opening on the wall, and a bellows between the proximal opening and the distal opening. Further included is a process of forming the spring.

Abstract: A polymer spring has a hollow tubular polymer body, wherein the first end portion of the body, the second end portion of the body, and the mid-portion of the body together substantially maintain an annular cylindrical column structure throughout the length of the body from the first end portion of the body to the second end portion of the body, such that the mid-portion of the body has a substantial portion that is in direct alignment with the first end portion of the body and the second end portion of the body when the spring is compressed to eliminate or reduce the chances of the spring failing caused by the spring folding or buckling and to reduce material fatigue in the polymer spring associated with folding or buckling.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifting device maintains a toilet seat in a partially elevated position when at rest. The device includes a lifting spring attached to a toilet rim. The lifting spring includes a compressible air bellow which provides resistance for maintaining a front end of the toilet at a prescribed angle when in the resting state. The spring is compressible such that a user may depress the toilet seat to a flat position when seated. The seat is not attached to the spring such that the seat can be lifted to an upright position in a traditional manner. The spring is attached to the toilet rim underneath the toilet seat, adjacent to a hinge by an adhesive.

Abstract: A sealing or damping profiled element for use in tunnel construction, construction at or below ground level, track superstructures and/or window façades and also a method for the production thereof. The sealing or damping profiled element (1) is made of a cross-linked elastomer and exhibits a fraction of at most two percent by weight of elastic microspheres (2). The sealing or damping profiled element (1) exhibits a lower specific weight and/or a lower maximum restoring force where there is strong compression.

Abstract: A portable beverage container (e.g., an insulated, double-walled bottle) is disclosed. The container includes a lid pivotably connected to it by a hinge. The lid is arranged to be automatically pivoted open by the spring assembly when a catch on the lid is released so that the lid opens in a controlled, non-jarring manner. The spring assembly comprises an elastomeric member and a contact surface (e.g., a recess in a cap of the bottle). The elastomeric member is arranged to cooperate with the contact surface whereupon the elastomeric member operates bi-modally to effect the automatic opening of the lid.

Abstract: A vibration isolating device for isolating an object from at least one of vibration and shock from an external source. The vibration isolation device comprises such features as a mounting structure where the object is mounted to, at least a plurality of first springs coupled to the mounting structure to minimize coupling of the at least one vibration and shock to the object, and a shock stop. In addition, the device may include a plurality of stop pins that are separate from the mounting structure and arranged externally to the mounting structure. The stop pins can limit a displacement of the object when the at least one of vibration and shock exceeds a given level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper that is easy to mount and capable of attenuating to a sufficient degree a vibration generated by an electronic component; also disclosed are an electronic component and an electronic apparatus that are provided with such a damper. A mounting insertion portion is provided with a hard portion maintaining the configuration of the mounting insertion portion.

Abstract: Cushioning elements having a first plurality of parallel buckling walls and a second plurality of parallel buckling walls each comprising an elastomeric material. At least some of the buckling walls of the second plurality intersect and interconnect with at least some of the buckling walls of the first plurality. The elastomeric material comprises an elastomeric polymer and a plasticizer, and a ratio of a weight of the plasticizer to a weight of the elastomeric polymer is from about 0.1 to about 2.2. A height of the cushioning element is at least about 5 inches (12.7 cm). A mattress includes a core structure including buckling walls and a flexible material formed over the core structure.

Abstract: An elastomeric pin isolator assembly is provided, including an elastomeric material, configured to engage a first support structure or mass, and a pin member, engaged with the elastomeric material, the pin member configured to slidably at least one of a second support structure or mass and the elastomeric material, and further wherein at least a portion of the elastomeric member is disposed between the first and second support structures or masses such that the first and second support structures or masses do not directly contact.

Abstract: A compressible resilient elastomeric pad includes a body defining a central axis, the body formed from a predetermined material and having each of a peripheral side surface, a first axial end and a second axial end, each of the first and second axial ends having a flat surface thereof disposed normal to such central axis. A first raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the first axial end and a second raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the second axial end. A first groove is formed in the flat surface of the first axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the first projection and a second groove is formed in the flat surface of the second axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the second projection.

Abstract: An item assembly and a shock attenuation method for protecting an item comprising providing an item internal to an assembly and encasing the item in a fluid material such that the material and the item are approximately in hydrostatic balance upon an impact event.

Abstract: Polymer springs are described having a closed cell geometry. The polymer springs are well adapted for replacing metal springs in various applications, such as in seat cushions. In one embodiment, the polymer springs include columns of closed cells, in which each cell has a curvilinear shape. A method for designing polymer springs is also described.

Abstract: A resilient suspension member for suspending a mass element of a vibration actuator. The suspension member is configured to extend elastically, providing a tensional restoring force, when the mass is displaced. The suspension member is formed of a silicone rubber.

Abstract: A compressible spring includes a substantially solid body defining a central axis and manufactured from an elastomeric material. A substantially solid abutment upstands axially on one end of the substantially solid body. There is also a lip that is disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis. An axial bore may be provided extending through the thicknesses of the body and abutment. Furthermore, a plate shape member may be provided that is mechanically secured to the substantially solid body during the forming process, wherein the abutment is passed through a central aperture in the rigid member and wherein the lip cages a thickness portion of the rigid member around the central aperture.

Abstract: Cushioning elements having a top cushioning surface and a bottom base surface include an elastomeric cushion member and a stabilizing material. The elastomeric cushion member includes a first plurality of interconnected buckling walls having a first mean height and a second plurality of buckling walls having a second mean height. Each buckling wall of the second plurality intersects and connects to at least two buckling walls of the first plurality. A surface of the stabilizing material on a side thereof opposite the elastomeric cushion member defines the bottom base surface of the cushioning element. The first ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls and the first ends of the second plurality of buckling walls define the top cushioning surface of the cushioning element. Methods of forming cushioning elements include securing a stabilizing material to ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls.

Abstract: An elastomeric isolator has an elastomeric body which incorporates an inner structural member and an outer structural member. The elastomeric body includes a shear hub extending between radial flanges defined by the inner and outer structural members that undergoes shearing stresses during deflection of the elastomeric isolator. The inner and outer structural members are designed to provide a travel stop for the elastomeric isolator in order to avoid compression of the shear hub during high loads. The elastomeric bushing can also include an optional integral elastomeric heat shield which protects the shear hub.

Abstract: A setting tool for driving fastening elements in a constructional component includes piston stop device (30) for braking the setting piston (20) and which is located at an end region of the hollow chamber (14) of the piston guide (13) in which the setting piston is displaceable, adjacent to the bolt guide (12), and has a stop element for the setting piston (20) and which has a first ring (31) and a second ring (32) arranged coaxially with each other and displaceable relative to each other, and a receiving space (3) provided between the two rings and filled with particles (34) with respect to which the receiving space is sealed.

Abstract: A well head lubricator assembly including an elongated rigid tubular body defining an interior chamber open at a lower end to receive a plunger at a well head. The plunger is slidably positioned within the chamber in response to forces or loads acting thereon and has a seat arranged toward an upper end thereof. An upper end of the tubular body is closed. An axially elongated one-piece thermoplastic ether ester elastomer spring is slidingly positioned within the interior chamber of the tubular body. One end of the spring is seated on the seat of the plunger. The spring defines an elongated bore opening to opposed ends thereof. Moreover, the spring is provided with a plurality of axially spaced flange sections along a length thereof for guiding the spring for endwise sliding movement on an inside diameter of the tubular body. Any two flange sections on the spring are axially separated by an energy absorbing section for allowing the spring to react to energy imparted to the plunger.

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.

Abstract: A resilient mat system where a mat has overall mat thickness T, and the mat has an upper layer with an upper layer thickness t, and a plurality of supporting resilient substructure columns, each column having a relatively uniform height h, such that T=t+h, wherein the ratio of h:t>3.5 for values of T>about 0.9 inch (about 2.3 cm). Each column has a frusto-conical column wall, a central void, and a column bottom. The frusto-conical column has its smaller diameter end at the column bottom, a plurality of the columns optionally further have a vertical stiffening rib along a portion of the upper zone of the column wall.

Abstract: A noise dampener for a garage door opener includes a pair of resilient members, each resilient member of the pair of resilient members having first and second opposite ends. The first ends are adapted for mounting to a garage ceiling mounting bracket. The second ends are adapted for mounting to motor mounts mounted to an upper side of a motor housing of the garage door opener. The first and second ends of the resilient members are mountable to the ceiling mounting bracket and the motor mounts respectively by fastening means through apertures in the first and second ends. A vibration dampening pad is provided for mounting between the garage wall adjacent the garage door and a chain channel support extending from the motor housing.

Abstract: A bump stopper for a suspension system that has at least a parting line along a longitudinal direction of the bumper stopper, may include at least two convex portions coaxially connected each other in the longitudinal direction of the bump stopper and contacting each other in a compressed state, a first array including first reinforcing blocks integrally formed on the respective convex portions along the parting line, each abutting first reinforcing block having a first contact angle therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the bumper stopper, and a second array including second reinforcing blocks integrally formed on the respective convex portions, each abutting second reinforcing block having a second contact angle therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the bumper stopper, wherein the first array is disposed with a predetermined angle from the first array along a circumferential direction of the bumper stopper.

Abstract: A thermoplastic spring and a method for manufacturing the thermoplastic spring are provided to reduce the effect of creep during use of the spring. The spring is molded and deformed to final dimensions by pre-inducing creep in the molded body.

Abstract: A cold formed railcar spring including a spring pad formed from a perform of thermoplastic polyester elastomer having a durometer hardness ranging between about 40 and about 45 on the Shore D scale and sandwiched between a pair of metal plates. Each metal plate has a generally centralized bore extending therethrough and includes a plurality of radially spaced mechanical fasteners formed as an integral part of each plate. Each fastener has first and second generally parallel surfaces and a barb extending from a side of the fastener such that, upon axial compression of the preform, the fastener is pressed axially inward of one end of the perform such that the barb on the fastener mechanically interlocks with the spring pad whereby securing the plate to the spring pad.

Abstract: An elastomeric isolator has an elastomeric body which incorporates an inner structural member and an outer structural member. The elastomeric body includes a shear hub extending between radial flanges defined by the inner and outer structural members that undergoes shearing stresses during deflection of the elastomeric isolator. The inner and outer structural members are designed to provide a travel stop for the elastomeric isolator in order to avoid compression of the shear hub during high loads. The elastomeric bushing can also includes an optional integral elastomeric heat shield which protects the shear hub.

Abstract: An elastomeric compression including an elastomeric body defining a longitudinal axis and having two hollow convolutions between opposed ends of the spring. The convolutions are integrally formed and joined to each other by a connecting section. Each hollow convolution includes wall structure defining an outer surface for the spring. The wall structure of each convolution includes two angled wall sections disposed to opposed sides of the axis and which angle away from the connecting section and from each other. The outer surface of that portion of each angled wall section of each convolution adjacent to the connecting section has a projection extending outwardly from the outer surface. As such, and when the angled wall sections of one convolution collapse toward the angled wall sections of the other convolution, in response to a load being directed against the spring, the opposed projections on the convolutions contact and engage with each other thereby enhancing performance characteristics of the spring.

Abstract: An absorptive muffler assembly includes a first body and a second body surrounding the first body. A resilient mount having at least one resilient portion and at least one support arm supports the first body and isolates the second body from vibrations of the first body.

Abstract: A vibration damper comprises a vibration dampening structure and a load bearing plate disposed on the vibration dampening structure. The vibration dampening structure includes a slip resistant layer and at least one foam layer disposed between the slip resistant layer and the load bearing plate. A resilient mounting layer is disposed on the load bearing plate. The vibration damper may act directly between an underlying support surface and equipment or may act between the underlying support surface and a sheet of flooring.

Abstract: An isolation mount for supporting and isolating one part from another includes an inner member formed to be connected to one of the parts and an outer member formed to be connected to one of the parts. The inner member has a first and a second inner plates being connected at one end and extending at a first angle with respect to each other; the outer member also has a first and a second outer plates being connected at one end and extending at a second angle with respect to each other. The isolation mount further includes a first and a second individual elastomeric element compressed between respective inner and outer plates.

Abstract: A cylindrical elastic member for connecting an inner cylindrical section attached to an operating axis as an axial center to an outer cylindrical section arranged outside the inner cylindrical section concentrically therewith, so as to be apart from the inner cylindrical section and surround the section, the member comprising a non-foamed elastic body and a foamed elastic body, about which in a contacting-surface of the member with the inner cylindrical section, at least a contacting-surface area with an outer circumferential end-region of the inner cylindrical section comprises the non-foamed elastic body, and in a contacting-surface of the member with the outer cylindrical section, at least contacting-surface areas with both operating-axis-direction inside surfaces of the outer cylindrical section each comprise the foamed elastic body.

Abstract: An insulator for a bushing may include a plurality of insulator bodies, a center hole formed to each insulator body for coupling the insulator bodies of the bushing to a bushing bracket, and operation slot being formed on each insulator body, wherein the insulator bodies are separately and relatively-rotatably coupled each other.

Abstract: An elastomeric isolator has an elastomeric body which incorporates an inner structural member and an outer structural member. The elastomeric body includes a shear hub extending between radial flanges or end plates of the inner and outer structural members that undergoes shearing stresses during deflection of the elastomeric isolator. The elastomeric body is bonded to the radial flanges or end plates. The inner structural member includes a radial flange which is axially offset from an axial flange of the outer structural member. The outer structural member includes a radial flange which is axially offset from an axial flange of the inner structural member. With this configuration, excessive stresses on the elastomeric body are avoided during high load movements of the elastomeric isolator.

Abstract: A geometric shaped side bearing pad includes a top and a surface extending an angle ? towards the top, wherein the bearing pad has a geometric shape and a non-linear spring rate which levels out a reaction force without buckling. The surface of the bearing pad can have two sides or four sides, can have spacing within the surface, or can be solid. The angle ? can be within the range of about 20 degrees and 85 degrees, and may preferably be within the range of about 30 degrees and 45 degrees to achieve non-linear load/deflection. The top of the bearing pad can have a slot defined therethrough to accommodate a protrusion in a fixture to engage the bearing pad. The bearing pad can provide a friction contact with an object and enables lateral force transfer to the bearing pad, thereby providing lateral stiffness.

Abstract: A device of the invention includes a vibration isolator with an elastomeric damper and inner and outer connectors. The inner connector has external and internal threads, and the outer connector has internal threads. A method of the invention includes attaching the vibration isolator to a block by screwing external threads of an internal connector of the isolator into the block. The block with attached isolators is inserted into an enclosure, and each isolator is loosened as necessary to make a flush fit with the enclosure. A screw is then inserted into each isolator and fastens the isolator to the block at the flush position. Finally, a screw is inserted through the enclosure into each isolator to connect the isolators to the enclosure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.

Abstract: A mounting scheme for attaching a power train to a motor vehicle frame includes a plurality of mounts. At least one of the mounts is a solid engine mount having a metal housing and an elastomeric bushing. The elastomeric bushing contains no voids other than a central bore used to attach the mount to a bracket. The elastomeric bushing includes frustoconical portions, where one end of each of the frustoconical portions is unconstrained by the metal housing. The stiffness of the mount may be tuned to reduce noise and improve handling. The stiffnesses of any of the axes may be adjusted so that the power train roll center aligns with the power train center of gravity.

Abstract: The inventive compression spring comprises a cylinder (6) which is made of thermoplastic elastomer and is surrounded with an composite assembly comprising n alternating sleeves (4?, 5, 17, 18, 19) made of thermoplastic elastomer and (n?1) substantially nondeformable collars (3, 14, 15, 16), wherein each nondeformable collar is sandwiched between two sleeves and encompasses said cylinder and the sleeves are embodied in the form of rings whose lateral faces centered inside the spring.

Abstract: A dual-rate resilient isolator having a plurality of raised, generally conical bumps formed on an engagement surface thereof. The bumps in combination with a main body of the resilient isolator provide a dual-rate for isolating CRFM noise vibration and or other vibrations (via the relatively softer resiliency of the bumps) and isolating road vibration and shock (via the relatively harder resiliency of the main body) even though the bumps and the main body are composed of the same resilient material.

Abstract: A polymer spring has a hollow tubular polymer body, wherein the first end portion of the body, the second end portion of the body, and the mid-portion of the body together substantially maintain an annular cylindrical column structure throughout the length of the body from the first end portion of the body to the second end portion of the body, such that the mid-portion of the body has a substantial portion that is in direct alignment with the first end portion of the body and the second end portion of the body when the spring is compressed to eliminate or reduce the chances of the spring failing caused by the spring folding or buckling and to reduce material fatigue in the polymer spring associated with folding or buckling.