Abstract: A rear end of a torsion bar is fixed to a distal portion of a spring plate so that the rear end of the torsion bar is in a position other than front to rear direction of a cross member. Thus, when a load is applied to the suspension system in the front to rear direction, the spring plate elastically deforms in this direction. Therefore, the suspension system can prevent the torsion bar from directly contacting the cross member. Also, the suspension arm has two arm portions each of which is supported by two pivot portions. The body has sufficient rigidity against a load applied in the lateral direction thereof. When a load is applied in the front to rear direction, the spring plate elastically deforms, thereby moving the suspension system in this direction. When a load is applied in the vertical direction of the body, the torsion bar twists. With this reaction force, a suspension force takes place and the spring plate bends. Thus, an excessive bending force is not applied to the torsion bar.

Abstract: A torsion bar device includes a torsion bar having a torsional portion, an upper connecting portion associated with an input shaft, and a lower connecting portion associated with an output shaft; a first cylinder for encompassing the torsional portion, one end of the first cylinder being connected to one of the upper and lower connecting portions, and the other end of the first cylinder extending in the longitudinal direction of the torsion bar to the other connecting portion of the torsion bar; a second cylinder for encompassing and being connected to the other one of the upper and lower connecting portions of the torsion bar; a first supporting member for supporting the torsion bar at the other end of the first cylinder in a circumferential direction of the torsion bar; a second supporting member for supporting the torsion bar in the circumferential direction at a portion of the second cylinder where the second supporting member is aligned with the first supporting member; and an elastic member for elastica

Abstract: A method for fastening an input shaft and a torsion bar together in a power steering mechanism, and the associated torsion bar. A ball-receiving hole is bored in the end of the torsion bar. The end of the torsion bar is inserted into a bore in the input shaft and a ball is pressed into the hole to provide an interference fit between the shaft and the bar. Subsequently, the peripheral edge of the hole in the torsion bar is elliptically deformed so as to retain the ball in the hole and the bar in the shaft. Since a portion of the opening is slightly diametrically broadened by the ball, the periphery of the portion closely contacts the inner wall of the input shaft, thereby strengthening the connection between the torsion bar and the input shaft.

Abstract: In the particular embodiments described in the specification, the arms of a U-shaped vehicle stabilizer are connected by coupling rods to the lower transverse links on opposite sides of the vehicle and the coupling rods consist of a head to accommodate the stabilizer arm, a coupling rod pin received in the head and extending through a spherical bearing having an opening in the shape of a double-truncated cone and being connected to the lower transverse link. The coupling rod pin clamps opposed spherical surfaces in sliding relation to the spherical bearing.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor (10) includes a spindle (22), a ratchet wheel (30) and a locking pawl (44). The locking pawl (44) is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which it blocks rotation of the ratchet wheel (30) and the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) is moved into its engaged position in response to a predetermined amount of rotation of the spindle (22) in the unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) moves back to its disengaged position in response to rotation of the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The retractor (10) further includes a torsion spring (210) and a leaf spring (250) acting in series between the spindle (22) and the locking pawl (44).

Abstract: A torsion bar rear suspension has many advantages over standard motorcycle suspensions. They include lowering the center of gravity, lowering total weight, and many others. The torsion bar rear suspension is located underneath the motorcycle's swing arm (9). A linkage system consisting of a linkage strut (8) and torque arm (7) transmits the torque from the swing arm to the torsion spring. The torsion spring is a combination of a torsion bar (5) and a thin walled torsion tube (6). The torsion spring exerts a force depending on the position of the swing arm (9). A damper (12) is mounted on the swing arm (9). The damper is compressed as the swing arm rotates about the swing arm pivot (15). The damper (12) exerts a force according to the speed the damper is compressed.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for attaching wheel assemblies to a frame includes a pair of torsion spring subassemblies adjustably interconnected by a center axle tube to form a unitary axle-like assembly whose torsion spring subassemblies can be adjustably fixed in various desired spaced positions for connection to a selected frame having a particular width. Each torsion spring subassembly includes a torque limiter and further includes an outer tube with a bracket-like mounting member thereon for connecting the outer tube to the side beams on the frame, the bracket member being generally planar in shape and adapted to communicate forces from wheels directly through the torsion spring subassemblies to the frame in a manner that minimizes deformation when the torque limiter engages.

Abstract: The suspension system is a cartridge-type having an axle tube, a central tube and an anti-sway bar disposed in the central tube. Each cartridge has a torque absorption hub with a substantially cylindrical outer surface to match the inner surface of the axle tube. A plurality of square torsion bars are disposed between each torque absorption hub and the rotating arm. The arm is connected to the wheel. The torsion bars are disposed in a circular pattern about the central tube. The torsion bars pass through a bearing assembly connected with each rotating arm. The bearing assembly includes self-lubricating needle bearings. The relative position of the torque absorption hub with respect to the axle tube may be changed to change the road height of the vehicle. Torsion bars may be added or removed to change load characteristics.

Abstract: The mechanism for the acceleration of a projectile of a projectile loom has a torsion-bar launching mechanism (1) with a striker lever (3) which, at its end remote from the torsion bar (2), carries a striker piece (34) which, during launching, acts directly on an impact face (43) of the projectile (4). The projectile (4) for the loom has a casing formed of a hollow body and may be partially closed at the rear, as viewed in the direction of flight. The striker piece (34) can pivot on the striker lever (3) and has at least one striker face (33) which is aligned by an alignment member (5) so that at the instant just prior to triggering of the weft insertion the position of the striker face conforms to that of the impact face (43) of the projectile (4); that is, for example, the two are parallel. The transmitted impact energy is uniformly distributed over the impact face of the projectile (4), which advantageously reduces wear of the striker face ( 33) and impact face (43).

Abstract: The invention has for its object a suspension with dynamically variable flexibility or stiffness. The suspension process uses one or several elastic elements mounted opposite each other, so as to impress on the vehicle suspension a variation of stiffness or of flexibility having two slopes on the curve (shock-relaxation and compression effort) and the use of different stiffnesses or flexibilities is localized during operation of the suspension in the vicinity of the position of the loaded vehicle on its wheels and that the least stiffness is located on the second portion of the course of collapse of the wheel suspension. The invention is applicable to suspensions particularly for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing a member at any angular position to the non-circular cross section of a shaft has an insert formed of a relatively soft material and a clamping element fixed to the member. The insert has a central bore whose cross section matches the shaft section cross section, a circular periphery, and a slot between the periphery and the central bore. The clamping element is formed of relatively hard, rigid material, and has a bore in surrounding relation to the periphery of the insert and conforming to it so as to permit rotation of the member with respect to the insert while the clamping element bore is undistorted. There is at least one tooth on the periphery of the clamping element bore projecting radially inward toward the insert. Preferably the periphery of the clamping element bore is completely knurled instead of having a single tooth.

Abstract: A suspension device for an automobile with stoppers that are protrudingly provided in an intermediate portion of a torsion bar, and stopper bearings provided on the inner surface of a cover mounted on the torsion bar to be in contact with the stoppers when the torsion bar is twisted by a prescribed amount, thereby changing the spring constant when the stoppers come into contact with the stopper bearings, while a portion between an engaging portion and the stoppers is rendered smaller in thickness than the remaining portion between the engaging portion and an end provided with no stoppers, thereby providing an increased spring constant. The position of engagement between the cover and the engaging portion is rendered adjustable along the torsional direction, to harmonize comfortableness and operation stability of the automobile.

Abstract: A suspension system for an automobile includes a compound torsion bar arrangement. The compound arrangement has a first bar which acts as a sway bar and a second bar which provides an output torque opposite to that of an input torque. The two bars are arranged to operate together and to be attached to the same location of respective wheel support structures. Variation of the torsional characteristics of the two bars of the compound arrangement allows the roll stiffness to be varied while also varying the forces which tend to lift the inside wheel when the automobile is moving in a curved path.

Abstract: A rotary damper has a hollow cylinder having upper and lower flanges to serve as a pivot. One arm is tightly fitted on one of the upper and lower flanges and extends essentially in a direction tangential to the associated flange. The other arm is pivotal with rotation of the outer pivot and extends essentially in a direction tangential to the outer pivot. A coil spring is wound around the outer periphery of the hollow cylinder. The ends of the coil spring are connected to the arms for exerting spring force in a direction opposite the pivoting direction of the arms.

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

Abstract: A spring given elasticity by way of elastic portions formed between slits which are provided on a base material of, e.g. solid cylindrical shape, cylindrical pipe shape, etc. The slits are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the base material at different phase angles. They are arranged along the length of the material and parallel to each other. The elastic portions are disposed at different pitches along the length so that some of them have different elasticity from the others. The elasticity between some portions and the others may be varied by way of changing an inner diameter of a through hole formed in the spring. Thereby the spring has non-linear elasticity characteristics. The spring may have a through hole and a line of slit spirally extending about the axis and communicating with the through hole. A line of elastic portion is defined by the slit and also extends spirally about the axis of the spring. The width of the elastic portion is changed along the axis of the spring.

Abstract: A torsional spring to be secured non-rotating to mutually rotating components at each end. At least two thin-walled piping sections are positioned loosely coaxial and secured together non-rotating at one end, accordingly functioning as a series of resilient sections. There are means of securing them non-rotating to the mutually rotating components at the other end. The spring especially constitutes a torsion bar for a connecting rod that pivots in a bearing mounted stationary in a vehicle and positions either a running wheel or a caterpillar cogwheel at the end remote from the bearing. The piping sections are integrated into each other such that one merges directly into the other at the end where they are secured together non-rotating in a turnback that represents a transition point. The piping sections are preferably made of fiber-reinforced plastic and may have several layers.

Abstract: An improved resilient torsion arrangement. The torsion arrangement is comprised of a wire-like body member having an upper portion formed in a first predetermined open geometrical configuration, a transverse portion extending across the first predetermined open geometrical configuration, and a lower portion having a second predetermined open geometrical configuration. The upper portion and the lower portion are resiliently movable toward, or away from, each other to put the transverse portion into torsion. The torsion in the transverse portion provides the resilient force resisting movement of the upper portion toward the lower portion. Proper selection of the relationships between the upper portion and the lower portion and configuration of the transverse portion can provide predetermined relationships between the force required to move the upper portion toward, and away from, the lower portion and the separation between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes an anchor nut and a plurality of strap wrenches. A plurality of tie rods and a washer secure the assembly and transmit the torque. The torison bar is preferably fabricated of a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material formed in a rope. In operation, the application of torque to the anchor nut results in a rotating/pivoting action by the strap wrenches. The strap associated with each strap wrench loops around the torsion bar and overlaps itself in the area of engagement with a cross bar that forms a cam. As the cross bar rotates/pivots and presses against the engaging portion of the strap, the strap firmly grips the torsion rod. The strap resists by frictional engagement any sliding motion over the torsion bar and against itself in the overlapping region. This compressive action adjusts for the diametral change of the torsion bar upon the application of torque and results in a tighter and tighter grip to the torsion bar.

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

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes anchor nut, an elastomeric hub and a wrap spring adapted for cooperative interaction. The anchor nut provides strength and durability while the elastomeric hub provides resilience and elasticity to beneficially accept the angular deflection of the composite, twisted rope torsion bar when torque is applied. The elastomeric hub is molded onto the end of the torsion bar to improve its connection therewith. The torsion bar is preferably fabricated of a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material. In assembled relation, the nut and hub provide a substantially continuous, even cylindrical surface which cooperates with the wrap spring. The wrap spring tightly engages the nut and hub, securely maintaining the components in adjacent relation. The wrap spring constricts in the presence of applied torque, resulting in a tighter and tighter grip when influenced by increasing torque in a working environment.

Abstract: A nonlinear torsional spring includes an inner torsion member and an outer torsion member. The inner torsion member includes a central axis and has first and second axial ends and the outer torsion member is fixedly secured to the inner member adjacent the first end thereof and extends along the inner member toward the second end. At least one projection and groove are provided in the arrangement for causing the inner member and the outer member to contact one another along the length of the inner member at a position progressively nearer the second end thereof as torque is applied to one of the inner and outer members. The spring may be used as a stabilizer bar in a vehicle and the like or employed in a machine as a nonlinear torsional spring element.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes a chassis (1) and at least two wheels (2, 3) suitable for coming into contact with ground (4). A unit beam (5) associates the two wheels with the chassis and holds them in two substantially parallel planes (6, 7). A point (10) situated substantially between the two ends (11, 12) of the beam is prevented from rotating relative to the chassis. Two arms (13, 14) are fixed substantially at one of their ends to the end of respective beams. The two wheels are rotatably mounted to the opposite ends of the arms. The two portions (36, 37) of the beam (8) situated on opposite sides of the point situated between the two ends of the beam are made of a material such that each of them has anisotropic torsion elasticity (42, 43) in the opposite direction to the other.

Abstract: A stabilizer, formed by a torsion bar and stabilizer bar member's arranged at the end of the torsion bar, is designed in such a way that it is possible to dispense with the use of appropriate connection linkages for the articulation of the bar members on a vehicle part, which can usually only be accomplished indirectly. For this purpose, the stabilizer bar members are in each case equipped with a member end piece which is bent off elastically compliantly and can be fitted moveably on the corresponding vehicle part.

Abstract: All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) sway bar constructed with plastic tubular carrier solid nylon torsion bar and/or aluminum alloy torsion bar assembled end levers and a pair of independent laterally adjustable steel brackets for mounting the carrier to the ATV frame.

Abstract: An improvement to a torsion damping device, especially a double damped flywheel, for eliminating contact between the springs and one of the rotatable parts of the device when the springs tend to deform under the effect of centrifugal force. According to the invention, the springs, which are conventionally mounted between two pivoted thrust members, are each replaced by a damping device comprising two springs with a central insert between them, the insert being so shaped as to make contact with the inner surface of the spacing ring. The invention is applicable to an automobile transmission.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for the driven plate of a friction clutch comprises a hub, a flange extending radially out from the hub and an outer member comprising an annular side plate arranged to one side of the flange and having a central aperture such that the side plate surrounds the hub with a clearance. The side plate is capable of limited angular movement relative to the flange with circumferentially directed resilient means acting between the flange and the side plate to control the angular movement. A friction damper is provided between the hub and the side plate and comprises a resilient friction element supported in the central aperture of the side plate and bearing against the outer surface of the hub.

Abstract: A twist isolating connection between a distal end of an elastic beam disposed transversely of a vehicle sprung mass and an adjacent end of a torsion rod disposed longitudinally of the sprung mass between a suspension control arm and the elastic beam distal end, the connection including a yoke rigidly attached to the end of the torsion rod with a pair of legs straddling a platform member on the distal end of the elastic beam, and a pair of protuberances on the legs engaging opposite sides of the platform member in a common transverse plane of the sprung mass but at laterally spaced locations. The elastic beam is thus clamped between the protuberances which transfer torsional moments to the elastic beam for resistance in bending modes but which isolate the elastic beam from the torsion rod with respect to twisting of the beam due to beam bending of the torsion rod.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motorized propeller vehicle wherein the weight of the vehicle is supported by torsion springs. The vehicle chassis supports the drive output shafts and are connected to the driven wheels via a splined connection. The vehicle wheels have a stationary wheel drum bracket with an upper bracket section and a lower bracket section located respectively above and below the drive shaft connection to the wheel. The torsion spring suspension includes a pair of upper torsion springs interconnecting the vehicle chassis to the upper bracket section of the wheels and a pair of lower torsion springs interconnecting the vehicle chassis to the lower bracket section of the wheels.

Abstract: Rotary pressure control valves in booster steering systems are rotated by manual force at the steering wheel against a return force, usually a steel torque rod which is twisted by rotation of the steering wheel. Upon release of steering force, the untwisting of the rod causes reverse rotation toward neutral shut-off, i.e., centered position, so that coacting pressure channels of relatively rotated valve components are closed. Such reverse rotation is effected herein with the aid of a metal bellows which is compressed by cam operation during twisting of the torque rod. Upon untwisting, the bellows expands and acts through the cam to exert a reverse rotary force on the valve components to effect complete centering. Upon reaching centered valve position, the cam serves as a detent to hold the centered position of the valve components.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a motorcycle including a relatively stable member and a swingable member swingably connected with the stable member and supporting thereon a road wheel. The wheel suspension system comprises at least one torsion bar arranged on the stable member, a force transmission route adapted to transmit forces acting thereon, the force transmission route being connected with the swingable member and the torsion bar, and a lever type damper having an operation shaft adapted to provide damping forces when rotated, the operation shaft being engaged with the force transmission route.The system is substantially free from restrictions with respect to configuration and damping force producing direction.

Abstract: A suspension system comprises a first hub, bearing means spaced from the hub, a second hub carried within the bearing means and rotatable relative to it, and torsion bar means carried by the first and second hubs and extending between them. At least the second hub is positioned within a stationary, hollow tube of non-circular cross section, with the second hub defining rotary motion limiter means that moves into contact with the hollow tube at a desired limit of rotary motion of the second hub, to prevent further rotary motion beyond the limit. The second hub also carries a transversely extending arm. The second hub, including the limiter means and the arm, is made of a single, cast piece for improved manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: Spring suspensions for the sprung mass of railway cars are disclosed and which provide torque arm support of both empty and loaded cars and control of axle movement, as in curving by hinging the outer ends of radial torque arms in support of the sprung mass above the vertical axes of the axles of the railway car trucks in which the inner ends of the torque arms are integral with hubs of torque reactive, loaded car spring elements mounted on the journal boxes and in which the hubs are concentric with the axles. In a construction where the loaded car spring elements are mounted on a cross bolster between a pair of axles at the ends of high productivity cars, axes of the spring elements are positioned above the axes of the axles and the outer ends of the torque arms are connected to the journal boxes. In either construction, empty car spring elements are disclosed which are interposed between the sprung mass and the car axles and which are hinged to the ends of torque arms of the loaded car spring elements.

Abstract: A improved stabilizer construction for a snowmobile wherein the front skis are supported for suspension movement and for steering by means of a scissors type link. The stabilizing arrangement includes a torsion bar that is affixed for rotation with the pivotal connection of the scissors linkage to the steering arm of the front skis.

Abstract: A tracklaying undercarriage for bulldozers, crawler loaders or other tracklaying vehicles including a central main frame and two tracklaying frames disposed on opposite sides of the main frame. The tracklaying frames are mounted at one end on mutually aligned supporting axles, which are fixed to the main frame, and at the other end on a rocker bridge, which is pivoted at its center to the main frame. The undercarriage also includes track chains, which are trained around driving and reversing chain sprockets mounted at mutually opposite ends of the tracklaying frames, and rotary hydraulic motors for driving the driving chain sprockets. The motors are supplied with fluid by hydraulic pumps, which are driven by an internal combustion engine mounted on the main frame. The tracklaying frames are mounted on the supporting axles by means of elastic bearings, which have outer and inner races that are interconnected by elastic material.

Abstract: An energy absorber system utilizing a pair of housings having facing cavities and with a hollow deformable torsion member interconnecting the housings. One portion of the torsion member is received in the cavity of one housing and another portion of the torsion member is received in the cavity of the other housing. The housing cavities have cross-sectional conformations which receive the torsion member in such a manner that relative rotation therebetween is prevented. Rotation of one housing relative to the other deforms the torsion member elastically and/or plastically. Such deformation absorbs the energy of forces tending to rotate the housings.

Abstract: This invention pertains to end constraints for torsion members applicable r use in cannon breech closing mechanisms, vehicle suspensions, etc. To provide torsion members with greater load carrying ability when subjected to large magnitudes of twist, special end constraints are required. The instant invention features end constraints with substantially square or rectangular cavities having a pair of opposing surfaces contoured such as to eliminate or minimize transverse shear within the ends of the torsion member at the region of transition between the active and non-active portions. These contoured surfaces have opposed oblique surfaces diagonally spaced in a transverse direction with respect to the trailing face of the constraints. To facilitate manufacture, the end constraints can be made to feature surface contoured inserts fixedly mounted within the sockets. It should be ascertained that two end constraints are used to apply moments at the ends of a torsion member.

Abstract: A device for counterbalancing a moving part comprises an elongated torsion member surrounded by a sleeve, the sleeve being connected to the torsion member at one point and the torsion member being fixedly supported at another point spaced from said one point, the moving part and the sleeve respectively carrying cooperating elements of a cam-follower combination, the cam being shaped, taking into account the torsion characteristics of the torsion element, to produce the desired counterbalancing effect.