Abstract: A switching valve device in an air suspension system for such vehicles as automobiles, wherein a plurality of primary air chambers are provided above a shock absorber, which are connected or disconnected with each other to adjust the air spring constant for such vehicles as automobiles rotary valve is provided in the course of the path connecting the respective primary air chambers, and a decompression intercommunicating cushioning air chamber is formed between the rotary valve and a flow restriction stopper holding the rotary valve in place, such that the communication of the cushioning air chamber with one primary air chamber is opened and closed or controlled through the rotary valve, on the one hand, and such that its communication with another primary air chamber is through the flow restriction stopper, on the other hand, whereby a swish sound is prevented by the decompressing action of the cushioning air chamber.

Abstract: A vibration isolating apparatus wherein an inner tube and an outer tube are disposed coaxially or axially parallel with each other, and a pair of liquid chambers are formed in a vibration absorbing resilient member disposed between the inner and outer tubes. The liquid chambers are communicated with each other through a limiting passage. Each of the liquid chambers is divided by a partition having a flow passage, and one wall of each liquid chamber is defined by a flexible membrane which is capable of expanding and contracting the liquid chamber. Accordingly, low-frequency vibrations of relatively large amplitude are damped by virtue of the limiting passage. When high-frequency vibrations of relatively small amplitude occur, the flexible membranes are deformed in response to the rise and fall in internal pressure in the liquid chambers, causing liquid-column resonance to occur at each flow passage, and thus allowing the dynamic scale factor to be lowered.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved engine mount which comprises first and second retaining members which are separated from each other, a first shock absorbing elastomer block disposed between the first and second retaining members, a highly magnetic member connected to the first retaining member to move therewith, and a magnet connected to the other of the first and a magnet connected to the second retaining member to move therewith leaving a certain clearance between the magnet and the highly magnetic member. The magnet is arranged and oriented to effectively attract the highly magnetic member thereby to compress the first shock absorbing elastomer block.

Abstract: A construction of a control valve for an air suspension assembly having main and auxiliary air chambers and which include a boundary member disposed between the main and auxiliary air chambers and provided with a path for communicating both air chambers and a valve body disposed in the path. The path or the valve body includes a first path portion and a second path portion having a bore smaller than that of the first path portion. A perforated member is provided in relation with the second path portion of the path or valve body.

Abstract: A fluid-sealed engine mounting has a connector adapted to be connected to an engine, a base adapted to be connected to a vehicle frame, an elastic member joined between the connector and the base and elastically deformable in response to vibrations transmitted thereto, the connector, the base, and the elastic member jointly defining a fluid chamber in which a fluid is sealed, and a partition dividing the fluid chamber into a first chamber adjacent to the connector and a second chamber adjacent to the base, the partition having an orifice through which the first and second chambers communicate with each other. The engine mounting also includes a diaphragm mounted on the base or the connector for varying the volume of one of the first and second chambers when vibrations are transmitted to the engine mounting.

Abstract: A resilient mounting for engines, machine units, etc. During driving operation, resilient motor mounts having a supporting diaphragm-like element which oscillates freely via an air cushion generate undesirable and annoying noises, and they also transmit to the chassis and the body, in a practically undamped fashion, low-frequency oscillations. The present invention therefore provides an effective acoustic uncoupling, without adversely affecting the spring or shock absorption characteristic, via a damping device in the form of a flexible diaphragm which is provided with a throttled transfer hole. This diaphragm is attached between the air cushion and a supplemental space which receives compressed air, the pressure of which can be regulated.

Abstract: A compound engine mount has a first and a second fluid chamber defined thereinside and communicated to each other by a first orifice which is controllable in length and a second orifice which is controllable in effective path area. In an engine idling range, the two fluid chambers are intercommunicated by the first orifice only. The length of the first orifice is controlled to change the mass of a fluid inside of the orifice in response to a length of the orifice, whereby the dynamic spring constant of the engine mount is controlled. In a high engine speed range, the fluid chambers are intercommunicated by the second orifice resulting in a decrease in the dynamic spring constant of the engine mount. The effective area of the second orifice is controllable to control the dynamic spring constant.

Abstract: A suspension device for use in a vehicle such as an automobile includes a hydraulic damper combined with an air spring unit. The air spring unit includes two air chambers, and the communication therebetween is controlled by a rotary flow control valve.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring for use in a vehicle suspension has provided within the pneumatic spring an elastomeric spring which is subject to load only in the event of a pressurization failure of the pneumatic spring. The elastomeric spring is secured at one end to the pneumatic spring and is of generally circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the normal direction in which it would be loaded. The spring additionally is of progressively increasing external diameter over a part of its length as considered in a direction from its secured end to the other, free, end whereby both the vertical compression stiffness and horizontal shear stiffness of the spring progressively increase when the spring is subject to an increasing compression loading in the event of a pressurization failure.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut incorporating an airspring around a hydraulic shock absorber is disclosed. The airspring design and orientation relative to the shock absorber axis creates a side acting force which counteracts the bending torque acting on the strut during operation in a vehicle and prevents binding of the shock absorber piston. The horizontal acting side load can be achieved by using an airspring piston eccentrically mounted on the shock absorber. Alternatively the airspring may be mounted offset and/or at an angle to the shock absorber axis. The flexible membrane of the airspring may also be cut in a plane oblique to the shock axis and mounted on the airspring piston to form asymmetric rolling lobes about the circumference of the piston.

Abstract: An isolating mount, such as for an engine, comprises a rigid bushing with a resilient rubber block molded around it and cavities formed in the block opening to its exterior on opposite sides of the bushing, preferably located along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bushing. End plates are bonded to the block surrounding the open ends of the cavities, and these plates may have flanges thereon coated with rubber. Optional floor plates may be incorporated in the block at the bottoms of one or both cavities. Covers are held in sealed relation over the cavities, as by forming the flanges around the covers to retain them. A passage is formed between the cavities, and the cavities and passage are filled with a liquid which is confined therewithin. Displacement of the block in response to forces acting on the mount will result in distortion of the cavities and corresponding displacement of the liquid from one of the cavities to the other to damp motion of the block.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped engine mount comprising a working space bounded by a mounting bracket, a supporting spring and a partition wall, and an equalizing space bounded by the partition wall and by a resilient buffer wall, which are interconnected through a throttle opening and are filled with a liquid, as well as a gas-filled chamber which is disposed within the partition wall and is closed relative to the working space by a circular first disk suspended from an elastic annular diaphragm, the gas-filled chamber being further closed relative to the equalizing space by a second disk suspended from an annular diaphragm, and the first and second disks being formed by first and second neutralizing masses.

Abstract: A two-chamber engine mount with hydraulic damping, includes a housing, an intermediate plate disposed in the housing dividing the housing into an upper chamber above the intermediate plate and a lower chamber below the intermediate plate to be filled with fluid, the intermediate plate having a damping opening formed therein for fluid passage, an upper rubbery elastic peripheral wall at least partially defining the upper chamber, a lower cup-shaped rubbery elastic peripheral wall with a given hardness at least partially defining the lower chamber, an upper motor support plate disposed above the upper chamber, the upper support plate having a membrane chamber centrally formed therein to be filled with air, and a rubbery membrane having a greater hardness than the given hardness separating the membrane chamber from the upper chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped mounting device has two anchor points joined by a resilient spring. The resilient spring and a partition define a working chamber for liquid, the working chamber being in communication with a compensation chamber via a passage. The compensation chamber is bounded by flexible bellows. A flexible diaphragm defines, together with the partition a gas pocket. Relative movement of the anchor points causes a change in pressure in the working chamber. High frequency vibrations are absorbed by movement of the diaphragm with little resistance to movement. Low frequency vibration cause liquid movement through the passage with a strong damping effect. This affect may be controlled by suitable selection of the length and diameter of the passage. Preferably, a bleed orifice extends from the gas pocket to compensate for thermal changes in the volume of the pocket.

Abstract: A construction for coupling a car body with a shock absorber having a piston rod comprises a valve base coupled with the piston rod and having a hole extending from an upper end surface to an intermediate portion axially of the piston rod for inserting a valve body, a first path consisting of a plurality of path portions extending from the hole to an outer peripheral surface and having different bores and a second path spaced axially from the first path and extending from the hole to the outer peripheral surface, a bushing having a first fluid chamber communicating to the first path and second fluid chamber communicating to the second path and disposed radially outward of the valve base, a connecting member for coupling the bushing with the car body, the valve body having a third path capable of affording and interrupting communication for the first and second paths and disposed rotatably in the hole of the valve and an actuator for operating the valve body.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped engine mount comprising a working space bounded by a mounting bracket, a supporting spring and a partition wall, and an equalizing space bounded by the partition wall and by a resilient buffer wall, which are interconnected through a throttle opening and are filled with a liquid, as well as a gas-filled chamber which is disposed within the partition wall and is closed relative to the working space by means of a circular disk suspended from an elastic annular diaphragm thereof, the disk being a chain vibrator which comprises at least two successive, radially interposed neutralizing masses that are elastically secured to each other and to the partition wall by means of annular diaphragms.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle comprises a shock absorber for damping vibration given from a wheel including a cylinder, a piston dividing the inside of the cylinder into two liquid chambers and a piston rod connected to the piston and having a bypass path for affording communication between two liquid chambers, a bushing interposed between the piston rod and a car body and having two fluid chambers spaced from each other axially of the piston rod and an air spring having two air chambers for damping the vibration given from the wheel in cooperation with the shock absorber. The damping force of the shock absorber, the spring constant and damping force of the bushing and the spring constant of the air spring can be adjusted by an actuator from the outside in three or two steps.

Abstract: A mount for damping vibratory motion has a resilient pad which is flexed by the motion to move relatively spaced bumper and counter shoulders for resiliently damping vibrations having amplitudes less than the spacing of the shoulders. Low frequency vibrations with larger amplitudes are damped hydraulically by a diaphragm arrangement operated by engagement of the shoulders and throttling an hydraulic fluid between working and expansion spaces enclosed thereby. The diaphragm arrangement is spaced from the resilient pad so that the pad- and hydraulic-damping operate independently. The shoulders are also outside the enclosed space for the hydraulic fluid to be similarly independent thereof.

Abstract: A suspension-strut mounting for installation between a shock-absorber strut or spring strut and a vehicle body spring-supported with respect to the axles, with at least one connecting element having elastically resilient and vibration damping properties which is connected both with the body as also with the piston rod of a shock-absorber of the shock-absorber strut or spring-strut; an additional vibration damper is provided in parallel with the connecting element.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an elastic supported mechanism consisting of an elastomer ring in which are arranged rigid intercalated rings adhering to the elastomer and capable in particular of being mounted in series with a helical spring, notably in a railroad bogie side suspension.The mechanism is characterized by the fact that it comprises, in the center of the bore (14) of the elastomer ring, a central plug (2) whose outer surface (24) is separated, in the absence of pressure, from the elastomer surface of the bore of the ring and is capable of progressively coming into contact with the aforesaid elastomer surface of the bore when the ring is subjected to an increasing horizontal pressure.

Abstract: A bushing assembly is interposed between a main air chamber and an auxiliary air chamber of an air suspension. The bushing assembly includes a tubular rubber bushing axially subjected to the internal pressure in the main air chamber, an inner tube fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the bushing and an outer tube fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the bushing. The bushing is formed to be compressed by the inner and outer tubes in at least an axial portion thereof when subjected to the internal pressure in the main air chamber.

Abstract: An air suspension has the spring constant varied by controlling communication between a main air chamber and an auxiliary air chamber.

Abstract: A vibration insulation arrangement for a load which includes a rubber mount formed with a rubber enclosure adapted to alter its shape, and with modulated auxiliary pressure that when displacements of the mount occur an active absorption is provided by a rapid communication of an interior of the rubber enclosure with two additional enclosures which are maintained at preadjusted pressures in order to exert a predetermined pressure so as to provide for a vibration damping of the load.

Abstract: An air suspension comprises a shock absorber having a piston rod in which is disposed a control rod for adjusting a damping force, an air spring having a main air chamber and an auxiliary air chamber, a valve body for affording and shutting off communication between both air chambers to adjust the spring constant of the air spring, a support having a rigid member to which the piston rod is fixed and in which the valve body is disposed and connected to a car body and an actuator provided above the support to adjust at the same time the damping force of the shock absorber and the spring constant of the air spring. The actuator is provided with an electric motor, a gear fixed to the motor and a pair of rods arranged parallel to each other and extended toward the rigid member of the support, one rod being coupled with the control rod and the other being coupled with the valve body. The pair of rods are coupled respectively with a pair of tubes supported rotatably by a bracket through pins.

Abstract: A fluid-filled resilient bushing having an annular resilient member radially compressed between an inner rigid sleeve and an outer rigid sleeve concentric with the inner rigid sleeve. The resilient member has a plurality of recesses interconnected through an orifice, and the outer rigid sleeve cooperates with the recesses to define plural pockets which are filled with a fluid for a damping effect through resistance of flow thereof through said orifice. The bushing comprises a radial stop member of a predetermined height secured to the inner rigid sleeve and extending into the pockets toward the outer rigid sleeve. The stop member includes abutment end portions disposed in said pockets for abutting contact with the outer rigid sleeve upon application of a high load to the bushing.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing dry viscous spring damper is provided for absorbing shock that is particularly resistant to instability due to nonaxial deformation. The damper comprises opposed first and second outer housing members which are elastomerically associated with a shear spring. A selectively pressurizable gas chamber is provided having a subchamber disposed in association therewith which includes, preferably, a plurality of elastomeric particles. A rigid structural assembly with deformable bushing and metal bearing members is included in the damper for stabilizing the device upon relative compressive movement of the first and second outer housing members. That is, the deformable bushing is provided to allow controlled nonaxial deformation to a maximum predetermined limit. Past this maximum deformation limit nonaxial forces are entirely carried by the rigid assembly.

Abstract: A fluid-sealed engine mounting has a connector adapted to be connected to an engine, a base adapted to be connected to a vehicle frame, an elastic member joined between the connector and the base and elastically deformable in response to vibrations transmitted thereto, the connector, the base, and the elastic member jointly defining a fluid chamber in which a fluid is sealed, and a partition dividing the fluid member into a first chamber adjacent to the connector and a second chamber adjacent to the base, the partition having an orifice through which the first and second chambers communicate with each other. The engine mounting also includes a diaphragm mounted on the base or the connector for varying the volume of one of the first and second chambers when vibrations are transmitted to the engine mounting.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing resilient support for the suspension of a body on a support structure, particularly for the suspension of motor vehicle engines, motor lorry cabs and the like, comprises a chamber having a variable volume, which is filled with gas under pressure and serves to support at least part of the weight of the suspended body. The support further comprises two variable volume chambers filled with a viscous fluid and separated by a dividing wall provided with at least one passage for the transfer of viscous fluid from one chamber to the other upon displacement of the suspended body with respect to the support structure. Valve means are provided to vary the overall flow cross-section which puts the two chambers filled with the viscous fluid into communication with one another in the event of low frequency, high amplitude displacements of the suspended body with respect to the support structure.

Abstract: A multi-part clamp holds the end of an airspring bellows and also serves to fasten it to its support arm.

Abstract: A dry viscous spring strut is provided having at least a top outer housing member, a bottom outer housing member, a shear spring elastomerically associating the top outer housing member to the bottom outer housing member, a selectively pressurizable gas chamber, a subchamber disposed in association with the gas chamber including a plurality of elastomeric particles, a rigid structural member associated with the top outer housing member, and a bearing portion associated with the bottom outer housing member to receive the structural member. The structural member is received in the bearing portion to bear side loading forces to the strut and to limit nonaxial deformation of the strut. Relative movement between the top and the bottom housing members operates to stress the shear spring and the elastomeric particles, vary the pressurization of the gas chamber and subchamber, and vary the positioning of the structural member relative to the bearing portion to absorb shock and dissipate energy imparted to the strut.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing dry viscous spring damper is provided for absorbing shock that is particularly resistant to instability due to nonaxial deformation. The damper comprises opposed first and second outer housing members which are elastomerically associated with a shear spring. A selectively pressurizable gas chamber is provided having a subchamber disposed in association therewith which includes, preferably, a plurality of elastomeric particles. A rigid structural assembly with deformable bushing and metal bearing members is included in the damper for stabilizing the device upon relative compressive movement of the first and second outer housing members. That is, the deformable bushing is provided to allow controlled nonaxial deformation to a maximum predetermined limit. Past this maximum deformation limit nonaxial forces are entirely carried by the rigid assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement wherein a valve or valves, which are either manually or automatically controlled, control the amount of hydraulic fluid discharged from a belt driven pulsation pump and forced into and out of a variable volume chamber arrangement which is connected in series with an elastomeric insulating member, whereby the desired vibration offsetting pressure pulsations may be produced in said chamber.

Abstract: The expansion/contraction timing of an actuator chamber is varied in accordance with the sensed engine vibration in a manner as to compensate for the frequency dependent change in pressure transmission characteristics between the chamber of the actuator and the chamber of an engine suspension insulator. This is done by sensing the engine vibration frequency or a parameter which varies in accordance with same (e.g. RPM) and suitably delaying a solenoid or similar electric motor energization signal in accordance with the frequency of the vibration.

Abstract: The shock absorber interposed between two pieces (1,3) comprises a sealed case with a deformable ring (4), a dividing wall (5) dividing the inside of the case into two compartments filled with liquid, a restricted passage (11) formed in a rigid ring (8) forming the periphery of the dividing wall and an impervious and continuous membrane (10) forming the center of the dividing wall. The periphery of one of the faces of the membrane is bonded to a flat annular bearing surface of the ring, a rigid floating washer (16) is added to the periphery of the other face of the membrane and two annular dividing walls (19 and 22) of the membrane mate on the inside with the ring and the washer.

Abstract: A flexible wall spring damper including opposed first and second rigid mounting members interconnected by a flexible side wall is provided. A spring damper chamber is included within the flexible wall and is interposed between the opposed rigid mounting members. A plurality of elastomeric particles are included in the damper chamber. A selectively pressurizable gas chamber is interposed between the rigid mounting members and the flexible side walls. In one embodiment of the invention, a flexible diaphragm connected to one of the rigid mounting members defines the selectively pressurizable gas chamber. In another embodiment of the invention, a spiral tube defines the flexible side wall and includes an inner chamber including the plurality of elastomeric particles. Relative movement between the opposed rigid mounting members operates to stress the flexible side wall and the plurality of elastomeric particles, and vary the volume of the selectively pressurizable gas chamber.

Abstract: A dry viscous spring damper is provided particularly adapted for absorbing shocks, dissipating energy and load carrying and leveling of a vehicle. The spring damper is comprised of a first housing member at least partially received in a second housing member and joined at the second housing member with an elastomeric shear spring. The spring damper has a first chamber separated from a second chamber by an elastomeric diaphragm. A valve is provided for selectively pressurizing the second chamber with pressurized gas or air. A plurality of elastomeric particles are included in the first chamber whereby relative movement between the housing members operates to stress the shear spring and the elastomeric particles, and vary the volumes of the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A spring suspension system allowing movements between the drive compartment and a frame portion of a heavy duty vehicle with a plurality of degrees of freedom and with a frequency range of from as low as about 1 Hz and up to 5000 Hz and more, comprises at least one axially operative spring member formed with a rigid cylindrical outer surface and mounted between the compartment and frame portion of the vehicle. The spring member is connected to one of these vehicle components by a supplemental elastomeric spring which surrounds the cylindrical outer surface of the spring and the spring member is connected to the other of the vehicle components by an articulation.

Abstract: An elastically damping device for the suspension of an engine comprises a conical first fluid chamber which is formed in the bottom portion of a frustoconical elastically deformable block, and a second fluid chamber which is formed on the upper surface of the block by fixing the open end of an elastically deformable thin sheet thereto. The top portion of the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber are interconnected to each other by way of an open passageway which is formed in the block. The first fluid chamber, the second fluid chamber and the open passageway are filled with a liquid. This device is supported on a body of a vehicle by a first supporting plate which is connected to the under surface of the block and the engine is mounted on the block by a second supporting plate which is connected to the upper surface of the block.

Abstract: An engine mount device comprises first and second base plate members; an elastic block securely interposed between the first and second base plate members and formed with a cavity; a partition plate member connected to one of the first and second base plate members and formed with an orifice; a diaphragm member connected to the one of the first and second base plate members and defining an auxiliary chamber between it and the partition plate member, the auxiliary chamber being in communication with the fluid chamber through the partition plate member orifice, at least a part of the fluid and auxiliary chambers being filled with a fluid; and a rigid ring disposed around the intermediate section of the elastic block thereby restricting the expansion of the elastic block; the elastic block and the rigid ring serving as a dynamic damper for damping vibration having predetermined frequencies, thereby rendering unnecessary installing the dynamic damper independent from the engine mount device.

Abstract: An elastic support structure for a wheel suspension mechanism of a wheeled vehicle, comprising a first rigid member to be subjected to shocks and vibrations produced in a tire-and-wheel assembly, a second rigid member to which shocks and vibrations may be transmitted from the first rigid member, the first and second rigid members being movable with respect to each other when the first rigid member is subjected to the shocks and vibrations produced in the tire-and-wheel assembly, and an elastic member composed of at least two segments constructed independently of each other in at least one plane parallel with the direction in which the first and second rigid members are to be displaced with respect to each other, the segments of the elastic member being constructed of the same material and being similar in geometry.

Abstract: The pressure outputs of a power steering control valve are fed either to hydraulic cylinders (or servos) or to chambered elastomeric insulator units to, in the case of the rear wheels, produce a bias which opposes a side force produced during cornering to prevent the rear wheels from undergoing "compliance steering", while in the case of front wheels, induce same to turn through an angle slightly greater than intended by the driver to either prevent compliance steering or increase same to improve vehicle handling when cornering respectively .

Abstract: An engine mounting for suspending an engine relative to a vehicle structure. The engine mounting comprises a first armature for connection to the engine and a second armature for connection to the vehicle structure and a bellows interposed between the first and second armature to define therewith a closed enclosure. The closed enclosure is filled with pressuzied gas. An inertia mass is mounted on the bellows. A mass of the inertia mass and an apparent spring constant of the bellows are selected such that the inertia mass vibrates in inverse phase relationship with the phase of vibration of the first armature when the engine operates within a vibration insulated domain.

Abstract: A viscous spring damper including inner and outer members connected by an elastomeric shear spring and having a main fluid chamber defined therebetween for communication with a second fluid chamber in the inner member through a restricted orifice. The members are relatively movable for stressing the shear spring and varying the volumes of the chambers while fluid is transferred therebetween through the restricted orifice. An elastomeric bladder within the second fluid chamber is selectively chargeable with gas pressure for calibrating the damping characteristics, varying the initial spring rate or leveling a vehicle on which the damper is installed. Axially-spaced circumferential wear rings on the bladder minimize bladder abrasion against the inner wall of the inner member.

Abstract: A viscous spring damper for damping and levelling structural agitation comprising a first outer member joined to a connecting member by a first elastomeric shear spring, the first outer member including a first fluid chamber and a first elastomeric diaphragm. A second outer member is joined to the connecting member by a second elastomeric shear spring and includes a second fluid chamber and a second elastomeric diaphragm. The connecting member is comprised of a plurality of elastomeric flexible sections which are disposed to form a main fluid chamber communicating with the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, and further includes restrictive orifice for restricting the flow of fluid in the main fluid chamber.

Abstract: A resilient support device for mounting an oscillating body on a support structure comprises a tubular support body having an internal chamber which is filled with a damping liquid and defined at one end by a base of the tubular support body and at the other end by an annular elastomeric diaphragm. The outer surface of the diaphragm is fixed to the tubular support body and its inner surface is connected to a shank which is carried by an attachment member connected coaxially to the tubular support body by an annular elastomeric element. At its inner end, the shank has a transverse disk which is immersed in the damping liquid.

Abstract: A viscous spring damper including inner and outer members connected by an elastomeric shear spring and having a main or first fluid chamber disposed therebetween for communication with a second fluid chamber in the inner member through a restricted orifice. The inner and outer members are relatively movable for stressing the shear spring and varying the volumes of the chambers while fluid is transferred therebetween through the restricted orifice. An elastomeric bladder within the second fluid chamber is selectively chargeable with gas pressure for calibrating the damping characteristics, varying the initial spring rate or leveling a vehicle on which the damper is installed. An elastomeric diaphragm is included in the main fluid chamber for providing a selectively chargeable diaphragm gas chamber.

Abstract: A vibrating ripper having quadrilateral linkage. The linkage, equipped with a remote hydraulic control therefor for making running adjustments as afforded by a depth actuator cylinder during ripping and possibly, but not necessarily, as afforded by a pitch actuator cylinder which also can be provided, has a raised-carry position and a lowered-rip position in which it has a vibratory rocking action, and defines a pitch axis fixed in the linkage and shifting therewith during depth changes. Strategic upper level placement of an elastic strut connection which is provided, and diagonal placement of the lift or depth cylinder connection to the draft frame or to the ripper beam and shank assembly, locate the pitch axis at the node of the rocking assembly as it vibrates.

Abstract: A rail bogie air suspension for a convertible rail-highway semi-trailer using an invaginating air bag secured between an upper air chamber member affixed to the underside of the rear frame of a vehicle and a load support leg assembly, a bumper carried by said upper air chamber member, a plate and shaft assembly spring urged towards said bumper and a pneumatically operable pin supporting said plate and shaft assembly whereby, when air is vented from the bag, air pressure is simultaneously provided which acts on a member that retracts the pin and allows the bumper plate and shaft assembly to move past the pin under the weight of the vehicle to allow the entire assembly to fully retract for the proper elevated stored position of the bogie during the highway mode.

Abstract: A self-leveling viscous elastic damper comprising an inner member at least partially received in an outer member and joined to the outer member with an elastomeric shear spring. A main fluid chamber is included in the outer member in communication with a second fluid chamber in the inner member through restricted orifice means. A third fluid chamber, separated from the main fluid chamber by a partitioning wall, is also included in the outer member. An elastomeric bladder for selective gas pressurization is disposed in the second fluid chamber. An elastomeric gas accumulator for selective gas pressurization is disposed in the third fluid chamber. Pump means extend through the partitioning wall for pumping fluid from the third fluid chamber to the main fluid chamber. An elastomeric diaphragm in the main fluid chamber connects the pump means to a peripheral wall of the outer member.

Abstract: An automotive strut type suspension system includes a pair of relatively telescopable members, one of which is attached to the vehicle sprung mass and the other of which is rotatable relative to the sprung mass, and a helical spring disposed around the relatively telescopable members. The spring is seated on the other telescopable member and bears at its opposite end against a retainer. A rigid bearing race is disposed on the sprung mass and includes race surfaces parallel to corresponding surfaces on the retainer. A dual function unitary bearing member is disposed between parallel surfaces on the bearing race and the retainer and accommodating relative rotation between the bearing race and the retainer the spring and the other telescopable member. The unitary bearing member is fabricated from plastic material which exhibits increased coefficient of friction with increased surface contact velocity so that rapid rotary oscillations between the bearing race and the retainer are effectively damped.