Abstract: An adjustable elastomer bias device includes a base member (metal or rigid plastic) having plural receptacles for receiving one end of each of a like plurality of bendable, resilient, elastomer rods. An index member is included in the device; the index member has plural rod guide passages and each elastomer rod passes through one guide passage so that the index member can slide longitudinally along the rods, toward and away from the base member. The index member is anchored at one of several displacement distances from the base member to change the effective stiffness (bias) of the rods. The index member may be rotated for torsional bias or moved laterally for linear bias to effect a further bias adjustment; a retainer holds the additional bias adjustment. The bias force of the device results from bending of the elastomer rods.

Abstract: A hydraulic rotary actuator within a stabilizer system divided into two parts is taught. A first stabilizer part is non-rotationally connected to a rotary actuator vane assembly, and a second stabilizer part is non-rotationally connected to a rotary actuator housing. The rotary actuator housing has hydraulic connections for hydraulic lines which form a flow connection to a hydraulic system. The two stabilizer parts can be rotated with respect to one another by the rotary actuator. The segments of the hydraulic lines which are connected to the rotary actuator, and are subject to possible deformation, are located in a plane which lies essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary actuator.

Abstract: A rotary actuator for a divided stabilizer on a vehicle axle is taught. The rotary actuator has a cylinder, the ends of which are closed to form a working space. Ribs run axially on the inside diameter of the cylinder. In addition, vanes from a motor shaft have the same axial extension within the cylinder as the ribs of the cylinder. The vanes of the motor shaft and the ribs of the cylinder divide the working space into individual work chambers. The rotary actuator can also have a first and a second hydraulic connection for two separate work chambers, with an additional hydraulic connection system between at least pairs of work chambers. The orientation of the connected work chambers is such that the work chambers corresponding to the first hydraulic connection alternate with those which are connected to the second hydraulic connection.

Abstract: A stabilizer system with a rotary actuator has a first stabilizer part which is non-rotationally connected to a rotary actuator vane assembly. A second stabilizer part is non-rotationally connected to a rotary actuator housing. The rotary actuator housing has hydraulic connections for hydraulic lines which form a flow connection to a hydraulic system, whereby the two stabilizer parts can be rotated with respect to one another by way of the rotary actuator. The segments of the hydraulic lines which are connected to the rotary actuator and are subject to possible deformation are located in a plane which lies essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary actuator. A line fastener can be optionally fastened to the rotary actuator housing or to the stabilizer part which is stationary relative to the rotary actuator housing.

Abstract: A plurality of hollow torsion-bar members are arranged coaxially, and ERF (Electro Rheological Fluid), which increases its viscosity and holds the hollow torsion-bar members together as a unit when a certain voltage is applied, is loaded into the clearances between the hollow torsion-bar members. Electric terminals are installed at one end of each hollow torsion-bar member so that voltage is applied to the hollow torsion-bar members.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar attachment apparatus (15) is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle (10) for attaching a stabilizer bar (14) to the motor vehicle. The stabilizer bar attachment apparatus operatively provides for enhanced suspension articulation when a valve spool (84) is in a first position and a predetermined suspension roll stiffness when the valve spool (84) is in a second position.

Abstract: A vehicle roll control system (22,24) for a vehicle (10) having a pair of wheels (12,16) each rotatable on an axle (14,18), comprising a torsion bar (26); a first arm (28) extending substantially perpendicular to the torsion bar, the first arm being fixed to the torsion bar at one end and being connectable to one of the axles at the other end; a second arm (30) extending substantially perpendicular to the torsion bar, the second arm being rotatably mounted on the torsion bar at one end and being connectable to the other axle at the other end; and an actuation (32,34) connected between the second arm and the torsion bar, the actuation being actuable on detection of a predetermined vehicle condition to substantially prevent or allow rotation of the second arm relative to the torsion bar.

Abstract: An adjustable elastomer torsion device includes a base member aligned in partially nested relation with a resilient elastomer (e.g. rubber or urethane resin) torsion member; parts of the base member and the torsion member overlap each other and an extension portion of the torsion member projects beyond the base member. The base member and the torsion member are interlocked, where they overlap each other, to prevent relative twisting between them, but the interlock does not interfere with twisting of the torsion member extension. An adjustment mechanism provides for adjustment of the positions of the base and torsion members relative to each other to vary the length of the extension portion of the torsion member over a given displacement length and thereby adjust the elastomeric, resilient torsional restoration force (torsional resistance) of the device within a predetermined force range.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damping device located between an input member and an output member of a power transmission device comprises a case and a slider. The case is connected to either the input or output member, extends circumferentially and contains fluid. The slider is connected to the other input or output member and is located within the case at a given clearance from an inner wall thereof wherein It is slidable circumferentially. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the slider is greater than that of the case.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having a support frame includes a set of wheel assemblies, a swing arm attached to each of the wheel assemblies, a torsion bar assembly interconnecting the swing arms and a shock absorbing and dampening device located between the supported frame and the torsion bar assembly whereby a load imposed on one of the wheel assemblies due to turning of the vehicle will transmit a torque to one portion of the torsion bar assembly, which torque is resisted by the shock absorbing device and another portion of the torsion bar assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment apparatus 30 is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle 10 for attaching a stabilizer bar 14 to the vehicle to provide variable positioning of the stabilizer bar on the vehicle to prevent a pre-loaded condition in the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A power steering system includes a pair of valve members (42, 46) which are interconnected by a torsion-tension spring (52). During a steering maneuver, torque is applied to the torsion-tension spring (52) to effect increasing torsional deformation of the torsion-tension spring. Tensile force is also applied to the torsion-tension spring (52) to effect increasing axial deformation of the torsion-tension spring. The tensile force is applied to the torsion-tension spring (52) by interaction between rollers (110) of a thrust bearing (80) and annular arrays (84, 92) of cam surfaces (86, 94) which engage opposite sides of the rollers. The cam surfaces (86, 94) are connected with opposite ends of the torsion-tension spring (52) by rigid bodies(42, 62, 102, 76) so that any increase in the distance between the cam surfaces results in a corresponding elongation of the torsion-tension spring.

Abstract: A device used to increase the spring rate of a torsion bar spring commonly used in front suspensions of automobiles and light trucks. Consisting of at least two main parts this device is clamped around the torsion bar with screws and held firmly in place at determined intervals. The intervals being such that the friction generated at the clamped sections is sufficient to transmit the torsional loading of the torsion bar through the device effectively increasing the torsional resistance of the overall torsion bar. Since friction is used to transmit the torsional loading no modifications to the torsion bar are required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilizing apparatus for a motor vehicle using a torsion bar for conveying torsional forces from one location on a motor vehicle to another location on a motor vehicle. A torsion arm with variable flex resistance along its length conveys forces from a wheel suspension component to the torsion bar. An engagement assembly is provided between the wheel suspension component and the torsion arm for selectively varying the engagement location of the suspension component along the length of the torsion arm as the vehicle moves. In this manner, the amount of leverage applied to the torsion bar can be varied, thereby changing suspension characteristics of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rear suspension assembly for buses and other vehicles has a square rubber torque spring, whose particular construction and components favorably increase the load capacity of the bus, result in a reduction of maintenance time and better safety and comfort conditions during operation of the bus. The rear suspension includes an upper support and a complementary lower support to clamp the rubber torque spring and attach the spring to the vehicle frame. The upper and lower supports are united by a pair of U-shaped clamps. The U-shaped clamps extend through a lower mounting seat to fasten the spring and the upper and lower supports with a rear axle of the bus by hexagonal self-locking nuts. The assembly is joined to the bus body by a pair of suspension arms extending between the spring and a coupling mounted on the vehicle frames. The rear suspension assembly also includes a pair of adjustment levers connected to hexagonal blocks provided on each end of the square torsion spring.

Abstract: An adjustable stabilizer bar assembly includes a housing rotatably mounting a stabilizer bar in a first bore. A second bore in the housing slidably receives an actuation pin. A plurality of dowels are slidably provided between the first and second bores. As the actuation pin is slid into the housing, selected dowels are forced into respective grooves on the stabilizer bar, thereby ratcheting the stabilizer bar toward a limited rotational range. Sensors and a driver may input data to a controller to selectively position the actuation pin, thereby providing a desired degree of roll resistance.

Abstract: A reciprocable rod link is mounted in the housing and connected to a stabilizer bar. A gear rack is provided on an outer surface of the rod link. A drive gear is rotatably mounted in the housing and meshed with the gear rack. A controller operates a drive unit to vary the resistance of the drive gear, and thus the direction and length of travel of the rod link.

Abstract: The picking mechanism has a torsion rod whose zero position is adjustable by an adjusting lever and an adjusting drive. A rigid wedge-shaped intermediate member movable by the adjusting drive is disposed between a sliding surface of the adjusting lever and a stationary sliding surface. Movement of the intermediate member produces a pivoting movement of the adjusting lever to alter the zero position. The intermediate member transfers a force exerted by the adjusting lever on to the stationary sliding surface.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system has an anti-roll portion bar arrangement comprising a torsion bar extending transversely of the vehicle, and first and second arms extending transversely from the torsion bar, one arm being connected to the torsion bar by a rotary actuator for moving the arm angularly about the torsion bar. The torsion bar is supported for angular movement about its torsional axis by a support member, for example, a tubular housing which is mounted to the vehicle structure by brackets which preferably extend lengthwise of the vehicle, forwardly or rearwardly, from the support member to be pivotally connected to the vehicle structure. As well as providing packaging benefits, the arrangement has the effect that the support member stores some energy in the system, lessening the demands on the properties of the torsion bar.

Abstract: In a stabilizer including a middle portion which acts as a torsion bar. One end of the middle portion is supported by a wheel through a vertical stabi-link. A connector is disposed between the middle portion and the wheel. The connector is adapted to regulate the action of the middle portion. The connector includes a housing connected with the stabi-link. A ring is secured with the end of middle portion and rotatably supported in the housing. A recess is formed on the ring. A rod engages with the recess. An actuator acts on the rod. A controller controls the force of the actuator to control the rotatable angle between the end of the middle portion and the stabi-link.

Abstract: Stabilizer device for motor vehicles including a torsion bar, an actuator having a piston and two cylinder chambers on both sides of piston, a first and a second fluid passages for connecting said two cylinder chambers, respectively, a solenoid changeover valve provided in first fluid passage. A actuator has two openings for communicating with each end of first fluid passage within an area on which piston may not slidably contact. A plate member and a centering spring are provided within each of cylinder chambers in such a manner that each of plate members is to come in contact with a bottom surface of cylinder slightly by virtue of resilience of centering spring when piston is positioned in a neutral position. An opening is provided in each of bottom surface of cylinder chambers within an area on which plate member is to come in contact therewith. Each of openings is communicated with second fluid passage and a check valve may be mounted in each of openings.

Abstract: A supporting spring and a hydraulic damper are physically separately positioned apart from each other and from the pivot of a swing-arm type subframe of a two or three wheel motorcycle. The operating ends of each are connected to the subframe by a link mechanism. A rotary type damper and a torsion spring are preferred.

Abstract: Each of a pair of brakes arms has a boss portion formed with a cavity around a pivot on an arm bracket for supporting the brake arms on the body of a bicycle. A pair of return springs for biasing the brake arms toward or away from each other for braking each have a coil portion provided around the pivot and accommodated in the cavity. The return spring has one end fixedly engaged in the boss portion and the other end fixedly engaged in a spring adjusting member which is supported by the pivot and rotatable only in the coil portion winding direction. Thus, each return spring is protected from corrosion, made smoothly operable for the desired braking action and readily adjustable by turning the adjusting member.