Abstract: A flex cell for absorbing energy from an applied force includes a panel attached to a flex cage. The flex cage is made from a resilient material that allows deformation of the flex cage when a force is applied to the flex cell. The flex cell is attachable to a support surface. In some instances, the flex cell is detached from the support surface when sufficient force is applied to the flex cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helical compression spring which is mounted on a vehicle body to be compressed between an upper seat and a lower seat. The spring has a coil axis that is substantially curved at a predetermined radius of curvature in an unloaded state of the spring. A pitch of a lower end coil of the spring is set to tilt the end plane of the lower end coil at a first predetermined angle to the lower seat in the direction for shortening the longitudinal length of the spring at the inside of the curvature, and/or a pitch of an upper end coil is set to tilt the end plane of the upper end coil at a second predetermined angle to the upper seat in the direction for shortening the longitudinal length of the spring at the outside of the curvature. The coil axis of the spring may be substantially curved in accordance with at least two radiuses of curvature in the unloaded state of the spring.

Abstract: A vehicle supplementary spring assembly is adapted to supplement the spring force provided by a leaf spring of the vehicle. The spring assembly includes an elongate coil spring which forms an axially extending passage having a wall of helical configuration defined by the inner surface of the coils of the coil spring. A first anchoring insert is configured to be in threaded engagement with the wall of the passage and is adapted to be screwed into one end of the coil spring. A first connector member is connected to the anchoring insert and is adapted to connect the supplementary spring assembly to a first reaction point on the vehicle. A second connector member is connected to the other end of the coil spring and is adapted to connect the supplementary spring assembly to a second reaction point on a vehicle.

Abstract: A variable force die spring is disclosed which combines high force, short axial compression distance spring assembly, such as belleville springs, and low force, high axial compression distance springs, such as coil springs, in a telescoping casing having an internal cavity. The springs are arranged within the cavity so that upon receiving a load the low force spring will compress first resulting in a large axial compression and low force resistance. The load applied to the telescoping casing will then transition from the low force spring to the high force spring. The high force spring then compresses as the load continues to be applied. In alternative embodiments, a third intermediate spring is added that compresses moderate distances under moderate pressure thereby increasing the overall axial compression and load capacity capabilities of the spring assembly.

Abstract: A passive load limiting strut particularly useful in limiting loads between a spacecraft and an upper stage during booster first stage operation and thereby permit the launching of heavier spacecraft. The strut operates on the principle of snap through buckling of bar linkages. A tension shaft is telescoped into a compression shaft within a housing. A plurality of bar linkages are connected between each of the shafts and the housing, the bars being oriented at an acute angle in the direction of the tension shaft. In tension, the bar linkages connected to the tension shaft progressively buckle, absorbing tension loads. In compression, the bars connected to the compression shaft progressively buckle, absorbing compression loads. A compression spring intermediate the ends of the shafts further aids in load relief. Collars on the shafts prevent the shafts moving beyond preselected locations.

Abstract: An articulated railroad car, which includes an articulated connector, rail truck and car body units, has at least one standard short-travel railroad car side bearing which is designed to permit down travel of the car body unit of at least 5/8 inch. In a preferred embodiment, one rail truck portion includes a long-travel railroad car side bearing. The long-travel side bearing includes a top cap member and a bottom member with a resilient member interposed therebetween. The long-travel side bearing permits roll axis movement of one car body unit relative to another car body unit to reduce forces on the rail truck which would tend to prevent its successful negotiation of curves.

Abstract: An articulated railroad car, which includes an articulated connector, rail truck and car body units, has at least one standard short-travel railroad car side bearing which is designed to permit down travel of the car body unit of at least 5/8 inch. In a preferred embodiment, one rail truck portion includes a long-travel railroad car side bearing. The long-travel side bearing includes a top cap member and a bottom member with a resilient member interposed therebetween. The long-travel side bearing permits roll axis movement of one car body unit relative to another car body unit to reduce forces on the rail truck which would tend to prevent its successful negotiation of curves.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing strut suspension for an automotive vehicle includes a disc spring between the strut and the vehicle body. The disc spring is pre-loaded upon assembly in the vehicle so that it readily absorbs small-amplitude vibrations while transmitting larger-amplitude vibrations. The disc spring thus augments the effect of elastic dampers designed to absorb high-frequency, relative low-amplitude vibrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sporting and exercising unit which includes a foot receiving member and a spring member attached to and disposed at the bottom of the foot receiving member. The spring member includes a spring-leaf-like portion which forms a closed loop and is shaped to permit backward and forward rocking of the user. The spring member may be oval shaped, circle shaped, or in the shape of a parallelogram. The foot receiving member is adjustable to receive different sizes of feet and legs by having opening flaps extending therealong and openings for receiving laces in the flaps whereby to adjust the sizes of these portions by adjusting the sizes of the openings and to adjustably close the openings.

Abstract: A snubber assembly for vehicles comprised of a housing attached to each of the main frame members of the vehicle chassis. A compression spring and compression rod is located with in the housing, with the rod having a free end which extends into fixed relationship respective to the vehicle axle. Movement between the chassis and the axle loads and unloads the compression spring, thereby enhancing the ride and stability of the vehicle. The snubber preferably is attached to the rear axle, and for maximum safety and additional comfort, another snubber is located at each of the fore and aft spring positions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having stationary and movable contacts operable between open and closed positions. Movement effecting means causes relative movement of the movable contact between open and closed positions, and a closing spring assembly imparts movement to the movement effecting means to move the movable contact to the closed position. The closing spring assembly includes first and second members and a helical closing spring, with the first and second members extending into the central opening of the spring. Shock absorbing means is disposed within the spring opening to absorb energy released when the assembly is discharged.