Abstract: To achieve a lowering of a dynamic spring constant in an air column resonance region of a tire without increasing the hardness of an elastic body of a liquid-encapsulated bushing, an outer tube and an inner tube are connected by a bushing rubber. Front liquid chambers and rear liquid chambers are placed in communication with each other by first communication passages. The upper liquid chambers and the rear liquid chambers are placed in communication with each other by second communication passages and a third communication passage. If a load of 80-250 Hz is input in a Z-Z' direction, the peak of the dynamic spring constant is shifted toward a higher-frequency side by the third communication passage and a dynamic spring constant in the air column resonance region (220-250 Hz) of a tire is lowered, thereby reducing road noise.

Abstract: A McPherson front wheel suspension arrangement for motor vehicles having a vehicle body and a spring strut arranged for each wheel. The spring strut is attached to a suspension arm which is pivotably attached to the vehicle body by an elastic bushing. The elastic bushing is essentially annular in shape and constructed around a geometric axis. The elastic bushing has an annular elastic bushing element positionally controlled in a seat in the suspension arm, and permits pivotal movement of the suspension arm. The elastic bushing element surrounds a holding element with a conical portion fixed to the lower part of the vehicle body. The conical portion of the holding element is conical in shape, narrowing in a downwards direction, and has a conical outer surface. The elastic bushing element includes a conical cavity adapted to the shape and dimensions of the conical surface of the conical portion of the holding element.

Abstract: A shock absorbing fork for a bicycle or other two-wheeled vehicle of the type having a pair of telescoping struts, with upper tubes which are interconnected by an upper crown to a steerer tube at an upper end portion thereof and lower tubes which are which mount a wheel axle at a bottom end thereof. Within at least one of the telescoping struts a spring arrangement and/or a hydraulic damping arrangement is provided which is acted upon as the upper tube and the lower tube move toward each other for absorbing impact shocks experienced by the wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: An hydraulic mounting comprises inner and outer rigid members radially spaced apart by an elastomeric member that forms a structural interconnection between the rigid members, a second elastomeric member axially spaced from the first elastomeric member and extending between the rigid members to define a fluid chamber, a rigid separator located within the chamber to divide it into high and low pressure zones, a fluid flow channel for passage of hydraulic fluid between the high and low pressure zones, a flexible member which interconnects between the separator and one of the inner and outer rigid members, and the separator being secured rigidly to the other of the inner and outer rigid members.

Abstract: An insert used to connect aircraft floor panels, and the like, to supporting structure includes features which function to isolate the supported panel from vibrations in the supporting structure. The isolation of the panels leads to reductions in SIL (Speech Interference Level) noise within aircraft cabins. The insert consists of internal and external rigid components separated by a contoured elastomeric component. The elastomeric component is preloaded when installed via a fastener extending through the inner rigid component and attaching to the supporting structure. The outer and inner rigid components are sized such that the inner rigid component will not pass through the outer rigid component, thus providing a safetied installation of the panel. The elastomeric component extends below the bottom of the outer rigid component and provides soft snubbing against the supporting structure during loading of the panels. This allows some level of isolation while restricting motion of the panels.

Abstract: An insert used to connect aircraft floor panels, and the like, to supporting structure includes features which function to isolate the supported panel from vibrations in the supporting structure. The isolation of the panels leads to reductions in SIL (Speech Interference Level) noise within aircraft cabins. The insert consists of internal and external rigid components separated by a contoured elastomeric component. The elastomeric component is preloaded when installed via a fastener extending through the inner rigid component and attaching to the supporting structure. The outer and inner rigid components are sized such that the inner rigid component will not pass through the outer rigid component, thus providing a safetied installation of the panel. The elastomeric component extends below the bottom of the outer rigid component and provides soft snubbing against the supporting structure during loading of the panels. This allows some level of isolation while restricting motion of the panels.

Abstract: An elastic support for a vibrating mass includes at least a first fixture, a second fixture and a block of elastic material bonded between the fixtures. The fixtures are capable of being subjected, as a result of excitation vibrations exerted on at least one of them, to relative vibrational displacements. At least one oscillator is fixed to one part of the block which is subjected to vibrations in phase opposition with those of one of the two fixtures. The "oscillator" function can be improved by incorporating a flexible circular comb in the block of elastic material, as well as by associating a decoupling slot in the block and a retaining ring preventing radial expansions of this block. The support is appropriate for fastening shock absorbers for vehicles.

Abstract: Elastic support including at least two coaxial cylindrical sleeves (10, 20) linked together by an elastic material (3) in compression, the compression of the elastic material (3) being obtained by modifying the length of the midline of the cross section of one of said sleeves (10) in the direction which brings radially closer together the midlines of the cross sections of the two adjacent sleeves (10, 20); the sleeve (10) whose midline is modified has prepositioned longitudinal folds (11) uniformly distributed on the periphery.

Abstract: The inner periphery of the elastomer portion of a safetied elastomeric sandwich mount assembly is provided with a protrusion that engages the outer periphery of the rigid spacer to hold the three elements of the mount assembly together on either side of the support until the supported member such as an engine or cab of an off-highway vehicle, for example, can be bolted thereto. The protrusion also provides a centering feature that facilitates insertion of the retaining bolt.

Abstract: A motor mount for a motorcycle includes a plate, cylindrical sleeve, and two grommets. The grommets are elastomeric and are on opposite sides of the plate. The grommets frictionally engage the sleeve which is inserted through each of the grommets and through a hole in the middle of the plate. Additional holes maybe included in the plate for further securing the motor mount to different portions of the motorcycle. The grommets may be of similar size. One side of the plate may have a cavity for allowing better wear of the grommets.

Abstract: A slipper bushing assembly including a series of concentric members for permitting controlled sliding movement between a support element and a movable element. The concentric members of the slipper bushing assembly include a rigid one piece inner metal member joined to the support element, a hollow cylindrical elastomeric member, a rigid, one piece hollow outer metal member, a solid slip surface and structure for preventing the inner metal member from disengaging from the outer metal member. The inner metal member has a pair of opposing ends and an outer cylindrical-like surface. The elastomeric member encircles the outer surface of the inner metal member and has a pair of opposing ends, an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer metal member is joined to the movable element and has a pair of opposing ends and an outer cylindrical surface. The slip surface is contiguous to the inner or outer surface of the elastomeric member and coextensive therewith.

Abstract: There is described a balancing element for a flap opening especially at an automobile, with two end points, which are adjustable relative to one another in the principal direction of the element, and comprising two draw yokes (15) which are operatively connected together and which are enclosed by a tension spring (20) snugly embracing them and having its end points fixed near the end points of the draw yokes (15).

Abstract: An installation ring, for a pressurized fluid buffer device such as a shock absorber or the like is formed of a single piece of base material having a uniform thickness. The ring may be initially formed as a flat article having surface contours formed by pressing or the like to provide a central longitudinally extending raised area and raised longitudinal edges. When the flat article is subject to bending processing into an annular shape for installation around an eye bush, opposed edges thereof meet at a position which is selected as an attachment position for a base portion of the buffer device. Thus, attachment of end portions of the installation ring and attachment of the buffer device thereto mat be accomplished in a single step.

Abstract: An automotive suspension strut module has an upper mount assembly which includes a unitary plastic upper mount carrier formed with a through passage which is concentrically disposed about the strut principal axis. The passage is formed with a recessed pocket terminating in an internal annular shoulder, on which is seated a composite strut rod isolator having a metal rod connector cup embedded therein. The rod threaded upper end, which is positioned through a cup bottom wall aperture for threaded attachment by a nut, has its isolator annulus bonded to the connector cup by virtue of the side wall of the connector cup being embedded in the annulus of the rod isolator, whereby the strut rod loads may be tuned independently of the suspension travel loads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for limiting transient motions between an aircraft power member and aircraft structure. The apparatus incorporates a coupler (20) for use with inertial-type mounts and includes a body portion (21) having a coupler piston (32) telescopically received therein. Upon exceeding a transient relative motion which causes a fluid flow velocity to be exceeded, seat (38) formed on coupler piston (32) interacts with lip (39) on body portion (21) to cause a fluid flow restriction. This method and apparatus restricts and limits transient motions, i.e., acts as a snuffer, to limit further relative motion between an aircraft power member (54) and an aircraft structural member (52). The coupler piston (32) preferably includes a flexible seal (38) formed thereon and orifice (40) therethrough for providing additional throttle-type damping upon snubbing.

Abstract: An elastomeric mounting comprising a pair of rigid members (2, 3), an annular element (4) of elastomeric material sandwiched between confronting surfaces (6,7) of said members and a pillar (5) which extends centrally through the annular elastomeric element (4) into association with each of said rigid members, said pillar (5) being non-rigidly associated with at least one (2) of the rigid members whereby it is operative to prevent unlimited free separation of the rigid members (2,3) but allows the rigid members to move one towards the other to compress the elastomeric element (4) therebetween when the mounting is subject to applied compression load.

Abstract: An elastic mount for elastically connecting two structures, including a first support member including an axial portion and a radial portion resting on the first structure, a second support member disposed radially inwardly of the axial portion of the first support member and bolted to the second structure, a first squeezer member fixed to one of the axial ends of the second support member and extending in a radial direction of the mount, a first axially compressed elastic member compressed between the radial portion of the first support member and the first squeezer member, a second squeezer member fixed to the other end of the second support member and including a radial portion and an axial portion, a second axially compressed elastic member compressed between the radial portion of the second squeezer member and the first structure, and a radially compressed elastic member compressed between the axial portions of said second squeezer member and the first support member.

Abstract: The sleeve comprises two tubular rigid strength members (4,5) where one surrounds the other and where they are united by an elastomer body (6) shaped so as to co-operate therewith to form two sealed cavities (7,8) that communicate with each other via a narrow channel (9), the cavities and the channel being completely filled in a liquid, the portion of the elastomer body that defines at least one of the cavities having a generally U-shaped or V-shaped axial section that is outwardly open in a radial direction, and the narrow channel extending along an arc of a circle disposed at an axial end of the sleeve, close to its outer strength member (5). The outer strength member forms an integral portion of a rigid connection arm (11), and the narrow channel is defined in part by a radial flange (16) of a cage (15) received in the outer strength member.

Abstract: A radial bearing, particularly for a torque support in motor vehicle engines, includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve which is coaxial with the outer sleeve and is constructed as a bush core. The inner sleeve is provided on its outer periphery with at least one radially orientated elastomeric body and at least one rubber end stop. The rubber end stop is active only after a predeterminable spring deflection of the elastomeric body. The inner sleeve also has two mutually opposite elastic carrying bodies, through which the inner sleeve is elastically mounted on the outer sleeve. If there is a radial introduction of force, three linear characteristic curve ranges with different rigidity are present one after the other.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle includes a wheel support part, an upper arm and a lower arm. The wheel support part supports a wheel rotatably. The upper arm and the lower arm are swingably connected with the wheel support part and a body of a vehicle at respective ends thereof. The suspension also includes a load transmitting part and at least one bushing. The load transmitting part transmits the vertical load of the vehicle to the lower arm or the upper arm. A bushing arrangement connects the upper arm or the lower arm to the body and has different elastic properties in accordance with directions of force exerted on the bushing arrangement to control the camber of the wheel while maintaining a comfortable ride.

Abstract: A rod-damper combination comprising an oscillating rod member and a dynamic damper mounted on the rod member is disclosed. The dynamic damper includes a mass portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, and two elastic support members formed on axially opposite sides of the mass portion to elastically support the mass portion. The oscillating rod member includes a small-diameter portion formed at an axially middle portion thereof, and two large-diameter portions formed on axially opposite sides of the small-diameter portion. Alternatively, the rod member includes a middle portion, and two tapered portions on axially opposite sides of the middle portion. The two elastic support members of the dynamic damper are mounted on the two large-diameter or tapered portions of the oscillating rod member, respectively.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber which is movable between compressed and uncompressed states, and comprises an elongate, resilient body defining top and bottom ends and a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. Disposed within the body is a position sensitive friction damper which itself comprises upper and lower support members disposed within respective ones of the top and bottom ends of the body. Disposed within the bore and attached to the upper support member is an elongate guide member which defines a slot extending longitudinally therewithin. Disposed within the slot is a dampening member which is slidably movable therewithin, with the slot being sized relative to the dampening member so as to provide frictional resistance to the movement thereof. Also disposed within the bore is an elongate connecting rod having a first end attached to the dampening member and a second end pivotally connected to the lower support member.

Abstract: A vibration damper between a vehicle body and/or a vehicle axle, comprising a cylinder in which a piston rod is guided so that it can move axially, whereby the piston rod is connected by way of a first connection to a bearing, and the cylinder is connected by way of an additional connection to a corresponding bearing, whereby the vibration damper runs through at least one bearing and has a self-locking closure by way of at least one radially movable flexible tab. The at least one radially movable flexible tab, by way of its end surface, forms a support for the vibration damper at the bearing in question for one direction, whereby the flexible tab(s) is/are accessible in the release direction, and an elastic clamping body is provided for the opposite direction, so that the vibration damper is restrained by way of the end surface and the clamping body.

Abstract: An elastic seal member includes a watertight seal around the outside of a rubber cushion between the inner and outer cylinder portions and a cover member for covering the outer face of the elastic seal member with a space therebetween so that the elastic seal member is not exposed to water pressure during washing of a vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic dashpot or shock absorber for motor vehicles. It comprises a cylinder and a piston. The cylinder contains fluid. The piston travels back and forth inside the cylinder on the end of a piston rod. The rod extends through a package of gaskets that maintains it aligned and seals the cylinder. The rod is attached to the vehicle body or wheel assembly by a projecting-bolt joint. The joint (5) includes resiliently yielding components that suppress impact and vibration by way of an automatic snap-together attachment to the vehicle body or wheel assembly. The projecting-bolt joint (5) is provided with at least one spring (6). The spring snaps into a matching (bent) rigid part of the vehicle body or wheel assembly. Spacers are associated with the resiliently yielding components that suppress impact and vibration. The spacers restrict their deformation once they have been installed.

Abstract: A vibration damping element for attaching a windshield wipers drive unit to an automobile. The element incorporates the assembly screws, in preassembled condition, and retains them in the assembly position on the respective vibration damping element by a detachment prevention portion. To a achieve reliable detachment prevention and to reduce the effort in preassembling the assembly screws, the opening of the vibration damping element is closed by an elastomeric diaphragm attached to the vibration damping element for producing the detachment prevention. The diaphragm has a central hole with a smaller inside diameter than the thread diameter of the assembly screw. Thus, the assembly screw is held captive on the vibration damping element by the edge of the central hole being clamped elastically on the threaded screw stem.

Abstract: A suspension attachment apparatus (46) suitable for use in a motor vehicle having a tension strut (42) interposed and connecting a chassis (10) to a wheel support member (26) is described. The apparatus (46) ensures proper orientation of the suspension member (42) during the assembly process. Additionally, the apparatus provides vibration isolation while limiting rotation of the suspension member (42) relative to the chassis (10) within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A cylindrical fluid-filled damping device wherein a center shaft member and an outer cylindrical member are elastically connected by an elastic body having a first and a second annular pocket which are axially spaced apart from each other, and an intermediate sleeve secured to the outer circumferential surface of the elastic body has an axially intermediate small-diameter portion, and two first windows and two second windows which are formed on respective axially opposite sides of the small-diameter portion. The first and second annular pockets are open in the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve through the respective first and second windows. An orifice member is interposed between the axially intermediate small-diameter portion of the intermediate sleeve and the outer cylindrical member secured to the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve.

Abstract: A rod-damper combination comprising an oscillating rod member and a dynamic damper mounted on the rod member is disclosed. The dynamic damper includes a mass portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, and two elastic support members formed on axially opposite sides of the mass portion to elastically support the mass portion. The oscillating rod member includes a small-diameter portion formed at an axially middle portion thereof, and two large-diameter portions formed on axially opposite sides of the small-diameter portion. Alternatively, the rod member includes a middle portion, and two tapered portions on axially opposite sides of the middle portion. The two elastic support members of the dynamic damper are mounted on the two large-diameter or tapered portions of the oscillating rod member, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jounce plate fastener retention system and method of installation. A bushing is disposed within a cradle isolator of the fastener retention system. A plurality of radially spaced legs are formed from the bushing and extend outward therefrom. A fastener extends through a rigid fastener surround and a fastener retainer washer. Moreover, a jounce plate that is vertically spaced from the cradle isolator is also provided. The bore of the jounce plate is of a diameter that is less than the diameter of the fastener so that an interference fit is created between the jounce plate and the fastener when the fastener is inserted through the bore of the jounce plate.

Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel suspension which pivots a rear frame (10) behind the bottom bracket shell (5). The overall pivot width is greater than that of the bottom bracket shell (5), this ensures high torsional control and simplifies manufacture. At the junction of the seat stays (9) there projects a suspension housing (16) which sleeves axially or near axially over the stay runner (17). Both the suspension housing (16) and stay runner (17) feature flat sides to which bearing surfaces (19) are affixed. Between the bearing surfaces (19) there are needle roller bearing groups (20). One or both of the bearing surfaces (19) have deformable backs (21). The stepload slot (32) exerts a stepload force on the stepload pin (23) and the suspension such that only a bump loading force above that threshold stepload force would produce suspension movement. A hollow shock absorber (26) surrounds both the suspension housing (16) and stay runner (17).

Abstract: A hydraulically damping rubber sleeve spring containing two annular parts is disclosed. The parts are assembled axially, and each annular part has an inner support sleeve and an outer support sleeve surrounding the inner one with radial spacing, as well as a spring element made of an elastomeric material which connects the support sleeves. The annular parts are provided with at least two recesses, and are configured and assembled such that the recesses complement one another to form first and second fluid-filled working chambers. The chambers are sealed with respect to the environment and joined to one another, in a manner allowing fluid to pass, by at least one damping passage. The two spring elements of the annular parts are braceable against one another in such a way that the axial and radial spring stiffness can be adjusted separately from one another.

Abstract: A hydraulic antivibration support comprises first and second rigid strength members, an elastomer body having a thick wall interconnecting the two rigid strength members and defining a hydraulic working chamber, and a thin wall defining a hydraulic compensation chamber which is connected to the working chamber via a narrow channel. The elastomer body is extended by a flexible elastomer tongue which is received in a slot-shaped housing of the second strength member, said housing including a face in communication with the working chamber and a face in communication with the compensation chamber, both faces being closable in alternation by the flexible tongue.

Abstract: A hydraulic antivibration support includes an inner rigid strength member and an outer rigid strength member which are interconnected by an elastomer body. At least two liquid-filled chambers are defined, at least in part, by the elastomer body and are interconnected via at least one narrow channel. The elastomer body includes a central portion having at least two support arms that extend radially between the inner strength and the outer strength member. The support arms are adapted to support an axial load and enable relative axial motion between the two strength members. Each of the support arms is disposed between two of the chambers. The elastomer body further includes respective flexible walls defining the inside of each chamber, each flexible wall having two lateral edges that extend axially and each of which is connected to a support arm in the vicinity of the outer strength member.

Abstract: A holder for the vibration-decoupled fastening of a substantially flat machine part having at least one recess. The holder has a hollow cylindrical sleeve manufactured of a tough, preferably metallic, material which is surrounded radially on the outside--in a non-rotatable manner--by an elastomeric body. The body has an annular groove surrounding the sleeve, which groove has an axial size which corresponds substantially to the thickness of the machine part and a groove bottom which is adapted to the shape of the recess. The groove bottom and the limitation of the recess can be brought into engagement with each other under initial elastic stress.

Abstract: A hydraulically damping bearing bush, particularly for motor vehicles, includes a hollow-cylindrical bearing core having ends with end surfaces and an outer tube having end surfaces. Two elastomeric support springs have a space therebetween and are disposed between the bearing core and the outer tube at the end surfaces. The support springs extend substantially radially and have inwardly curved wall portions. Elastomeric radial support lugs extend horizontally on two sides between the bearing core and the outer tube. The support lugs divide the space into upper and lower fluid-filled chambers. The chambers communicate with one another through an annular channel. A cylindrical diaphragm-like elastomeric part extends between the two support springs along the bearing core. The elastomeric support springs, support lugs and part are made as an integral molded and vulcanized part.

Abstract: A hydraulically damping rubber sleeve spring containing two annular parts is disclosed. The parts are assembled axially, and each annular part has an inner support sleeve and an outer support sleeve surrounding the inner one with radial spacing, as well as a spring element made of an elastomeric material which connects the support sleeves. The annular parts are provided with at least two recesses, and are configured and assembled such that the recesses complement one another to form first and second fluid-filled working chambers. The chambers are sealed with respect to the environment and joined to one another, in a manner allowing fluid to pass, by at least one damping passage. The two spring elements of the annular parts are braceable against one another in such a way that the axial and radial spring stiffness can be adjusted separately from one another.

Abstract: In order to improve a running condition of a bicycle by absorbing shocks caused during the running and to reduce a manufacturing cost with a simplified structure, a damper mechanism for a bicycle frame comprises: a damper member interposed between connecting portions of a seat lug and a mono-seat lug, which damper member includes a base element facing to the mono-seat lug, and first and second hinge portions at an upper end of the base element, the first hinge portions being projected from a rear side of the base element so as to be movably pivotally connected to the connecting portion of the seat lug and the second hinge portion being projected from a front side of the base element so as to be movably pivotally connected to the upper portions of the mono-seat lug; and an elastic device disposed between the base element and the mono-seat lug.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle suspension shock-absorbing assembly providing a metal-to-metal jounce stop arrangement. The lower extremity of a cylindrical canister, extending downwardly from an upper coil spring seat, defines an upper angular jounce stopper while a striker plate, fixed on the upper end of a shock-absorber unit, is formed with a downwardly off-set annular lower stopper ledge. The arrangement enables maximum jounce travel while limiting compression of the elastomeric jounce bumper, encircling the shock piston rod, to a predetermined axial dimension thereby substantially increasing its service life. Further, the canister shields the bumper during full jounce obviating damage thereto. The canister lower end portion has an inturned shoulder from which an inwardly offset ring depends terminating in an exterior return bent hemmed flange.

Abstract: A damping element (10) comprises disintegrated closed-cell foamed material such as loose shreds or incoherent granules (14) of polyurethane foam under predetermined stress within an envelope (12) of an elastically yielding material of given fluid permeability and made from a format (16) of fiber material such as jute, fleece or elastic fabrics of given density, perforated plastics foil, etc. When compression-filled with the granulated material (14), it is permanently closed by sewing up, sealing or conglutinating adjacent edges or seams (18) to form e.g. a cylindrical or bale-type body or a tubular body with a through-hole (20). The envelope (12) may be encircled by a force-receiving container having a shell (26) mounted to rims (25) of a cover (22) and a bottom (24). Preferred use is in supporting structures such as machine beds, engine bearers, three-dimensional bearings, shock absorbers, telescopic cylinders, air cushions, etc. with or without oil impregnation.

Abstract: A gear box mounting for a motor vehicle has a first member adapted to be mounted with respect to the vehicle gear box and a second member adapted to be connected to a sub-frame. The first and second members are interconnected by resilient elements inclined towards one another in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in order to provide vertical and lateral compliance of the gear box relative to the sub-frame. Buffering elements are provided between the first member and the second member and between the first member and the sub-frame to provide progressive buffering in the vertical upward and downward directions.

Abstract: A support bearing supporting a shock absorber piston rod at a vehicle frame part is disclosed which includes cup-shaped receptacles attached to both sides of the frame part. Elastic support elements are clamped into the receptacles between respective sides of the frame part and stops on a piston rod extending through the receptacles frame part and elastic support elements. To aid in centering the elastic support elements in the receptacles, ribs are provided on one of the elastic elements and the receptacles side walls, such that no other centering attachment of the elastic elements to the receptacles such as by vulcanization, is required.

Abstract: A tubular elastomer damper has a central shaft disposed within a housing and surrounded by an elastomer member. Uniform strain is provided across the elastomer disposed between the central shaft and the housing by either tapering the length of the elastomer from an inner to an outer bonding surface such that the radius times the length at each point along the elastomer is equal or by providing a first elastomer layer adjacent the shaft having a high fatigue strain/lower damping ability, a second elastomer layer adjacent the housing having a low strain higher damping ability and an intermediate elastomer layer of moderate strain and damping therebetween such that from the inner to the outer radius of the elastomer member, uniform strain is achieved. By providing uniform strain from the inner to the outer radius of the tubular elastomer damper, temperature increases due to localized high strains are avoided which are detrimental to damper performance.

Abstract: A front fork suspension for a bicycle provides a front fork having a pair of fork members with ends that support a front wheel therebetween. A handlebar stem assembly is rotatably mountable in a head tube of a bicycle frame. The stem assembly includes, at an upper end, a forwardly-extending handlebar-supporting portion, or stem, that is substantially transverse to an axis of the head tube. A lower linkage is provided having a first end that is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the stem and an opposing second end that is pivotally mounted to a first location on the front fork. An upper linkage is provided having a first end that is pivotally mounted to the handlebar-supporting portion and a second end that is pivotally mounted to a second location on the front fork.

Abstract: A rubber bearing for the central pin of a leaf spring suspension in a motor vehicle includes a housing split in an axial plane and of a rubber bushing (1), which is arranged on the pin with radial pretension and includes two half shells (3, 4), which are axially fixed on the pin by at least one radially engaging tongue-and-groove assembly (8, 9), whose abutting surfaces, which are located opposite each other in the assembled state, are at a distance from one another peripherally in the preassembled state. The half shells (3, 4) of the rubber bushing (1) in this rubber bearing are connected to one another at their ends by flexible webs (5) and have recesses (12), which accommodate the webs (5) folding in during the radial compression.

Abstract: To overcome problems with the pistons of an energy cell rotating and becoming misaligned with one another in response to the forces exerted on the energy cell by a riser tensioner system, a two-piece elastomeric spring is disposed about each piston to create an elastomeric strut. Each piece of the spring is composed of a plurality of elastomeric layers separated by relatively inelastic spacers. These springs facilitate the longitudinally flexing of the elastomeric strut while substantially preventing rotation and misalignment in the radial direction.

Abstract: A shock absorber for motor vehicles having at least one end thereof fastened by means of rubber gaskets to a fastening part. To achieve a fastening which is economical, elastic, and has a high degree of insulation and a long useful life, each rubber gasket of the fastening, around the circumference and on the end surfaces thereof, has elevations and/or depressions which run toward or opposite to one another.

Abstract: A vibration damper for a shock absorber strut is described which is arranged on a piston rod above the elastic body-side bearing facing away from the vehicle wheel. The damper comprises a mass element which is connected with a carrier plate, in which case the element is fastened on a centric pot element by way of radially extending elastic arms, the pot element being held on the free end of the piston rod above the elastic bearing.

Abstract: A marine fender is disclosed which protects a vessel and a dock from damage caused by an impact. The fender is in the form of a tube with a substantial thickness, is comprised of polyurethane and has a uniform arrangement of cavities or openings in its outer surface. The cavities are formed by a web of walls and have substantial depth but do not penetrate through the thickness of the tube to the interior. The fender may also be comprised of four layers. The first layer is comprised of a Shore A hardness of between 80 and 90 and is approximately 25 mm thick. The second layer is comprised of a Shore A hardness of between 75-80 and is approximately 50 mm thick. The third layer is comprised of a Shore A hardness of between 55-75 and is approximately 50 mm thick. The fourth layer is comprised of a Shore A hardness of between 80 and 90 and is approximately 25 mm thick.

Abstract: A spring element (7) acting in the vertical direction on the rear wheels (12) of a wheelchair is connected on the one hand via a supporting tube (3) to the frame (1) of the wheelchair and on the other hand via a supporting tube (5) for the wheel axle bearing (6) to the wheel axle. The superposed supporting tubes (3, 5) are arranged coaxially with respect to a guide rod (2) fastened on the wheelchair frame (1) and thereby enclose the spring element (7).