Structure Patents (Class 267/47)
  • Publication number: 20030160371
    Abstract: A vibrator with resilience comprised of two or more spring leafs which are jointed between a base and a bearing object, in which the respective leaf spring folds at connecting ends are parallely disposed to each other, the joint form of which might be triangle or parallelogram etc., and various completed configurations deriving from foregoing basic forms are available according to acquirement. The advantage of said vibrator is its handy structure, lower cost and easy maintenance, which can be widely used as a damper in the cases of suitable vibration scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: David Tak-Wei Hon, Dalai Xu
  • Publication number: 20030085497
    Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for use as an active component in vehicle suspension systems is disclosed. The leaf spring assembly includes a full leaf leaf spring component and a half leaf leaf spring component connected thereto. The full leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of the leaf spring assembly and the half leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of one of the cantilevers. In a preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially unequal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a constant caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound. In another preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially equal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a varying caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: William Wilson
  • Patent number: 6530562
    Abstract: A beam spring capable of substantial elastic deformation in two planes to provide for independent wheel suspension and to commonize suspension mounting systems in a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig V. Sutton, John Piasentin, Paul Eugene Beshears, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6460838
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a fiber reinforced suspension member having an integral pivot opening. The suspension member includes a first portion, a second portion and a central portion disposed in between the first portion and the second portion. The suspension member in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is formed of fibers that extend longitudinally from the first portion to the central portion and curve around the central portion such that an opening is defined in the central portion. The fibers forming the suspension member typically comprise an upper fiber layer and a lower fiber layer. The upper fiber layer and the lower fiber layer interface in the first portion and the second portion and are separated in the central portion. The upper layer fiber and the lower layer fiber are reinforced around the opening by stitching reinforcing fibers through the thickness of the suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas James Bradley, Robert Christian Lawson
  • Patent number: 6461455
    Abstract: In a method for making a hybrid leaf spring at least one layer of composite material is provided and a metal primary leaf. The layer of composite material and metal primary leaf are positioned adjacent one another in a mold having an interior cavity defined by at least one cavity wall. A layer of adhesive material is located between and in engagement with the layer of composite material and the metal primary leaf. The adhesive is cured by controllably heating the metal primary leaf so that energy in the form of heat is conducted therefrom into the adhesive layer bonding said metal primary leaf and layer of composite material together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Composites
    Inventors: Frank Meatto, Edward Pilpel, D. Michael Gordon, David C. Gordon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6435485
    Abstract: A fiberglass composite monoleaf bow spring for use in a vehicle chassis system capable of multi-linear response when compressed. The fiberglass composite monoleaf bow spring extends longitudinally below a vehicle frame and is secured at each end of the vehicle frame typically using a pair of pinned end attachments and is secured in the middle to an axle. The spring has a central upwardly curved region introduced between two downwardly curved regions that are introduced between two more upwardly curved regions. The spring can be made using either a pre-preg process or three-dimensional weaving process. By varying the curvature either the upwardly curved regions or downwardly curved regions, or by varying the length and width of the bow spring, the rate of displacement along each portion of the multi-linear deflection response curve may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Giovanni Greco
  • Patent number: 6422540
    Abstract: A leaf spring, in particular for automotive suspensions, wherein a central core, e.g. of varying thickness, made of a polymer material having predetermined mechanical characteristics and no reinforcing fibers, is covered on two opposite work surfaces with respective laminates, e.g. of constant thickness, made of composite material. The central core has a longitudinal axis substantially coincident with a neutral axis of the leaf spring; and a predetermined number of transverse holes, by which to fasten the leaf spring to respective mechanical members, are formed through the central core, at the longitudinal axis, without affecting the laminates of composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Rejna S.p.A.
    Inventors: Elmar Pfletschinger, Carlo Muzio
  • Patent number: 6361032
    Abstract: A method of increasing lateral stiffness in fiberglass composite leaf springs used in suspension systems. The increase in lateral stiffness is accomplished by introducing two carbon fiber inserts to the longitudinal side regions of a fiberglass composite spring. The amount of volume of carbon fiber inserts is preferably between 10-20% by volume of the total volume of the spring and is a function of the strain characteristics required within the suspension system. The composite leaf spring secures the weight advantages of fiberglass springs as compared with traditional steel leaf springs and improves lateral stiffness that promotes improved handling as well as increased efficiency in the packaging of suspension and fuel storage systems. These new composite springs can be molded from layering preprag tape containing fiberglass, carbon fiber and resin, or from a 3D weaving process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Lawson
  • Patent number: 6361026
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for a Vehicle Suspension System for a vehicle. The present invention comprises a left spring coupled to the chassis of a vehicle. The leaf spring couples to a rigid arm, which in turn couples to a pivotal axis that is located at a position offset from the neutral axis of the leaf spring. The position of the pivotal axis with respect to the neutral axis of the leaf spring varies the rate of leaf spring so as to soften or stiffen the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Steel Products Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John Bolland Reast
  • Publication number: 20010013676
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for a Vehicle Suspension System for a vehicle. The present invention comprises a left spring coupled to the chassis of a vehicle. The leaf spring couples to a rigid arm, which in turn couples to a pivotal axis that is located at a position offset from the neutral axis of the leaf spring. The position of the pivotal axis with respect to the neutral axis of the leaf spring varies the rate of leaf spring so as to soften or stiffen the suspension system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: JOHN BOLLAND REAST
  • Patent number: 6189904
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension has a composite, transversely oriented, leaf spring which is vertically thick and stiff in end regions extending inward from each end of the spring past the vehicle body support area but is vertically thin and compliant in a middle region between the end regions. The spring is constructed of a long, longitudinally aligned fiber and resin composite which is split at each outer end of the middle region into upper and lower horizontal layers separated by a core having a tapered inner end and extending through the end region. The inserts provide the additional vertical thickness in the end regions without widening the middle region and may be made of a different material, such as a short, randomly oriented fiber and resin composite. The spring thus flexes easily in the heave mode, in which the thin middle region of the spring flexes vertically in opposition to each end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Johnny Ray Gentry, Jason J. Tao, Bruce Patrick Graham, Laurent Lasserre, Thierry Annequin, Jean-Marc Blancher, Olivier M. Derollepot
  • Patent number: 6082750
    Abstract: The closed joint leaf spring mounting assembly for a mobile vehicle with a body and at least two axles may have a suspension bracket configured to be permanently fixed upon an axle housing for enclosing one of the axles and to include a plurality of vertical throughbores therein, a leaf spring having conformed surface to be congruous with areas of the suspension bracket including the throughbores, and including vertical throughbores therein which align with and form a continuation of the throughbores in the bracket, and a plurality of connectors, such as cap screws, for engagement within the aligned throughbores of the spring end and bracket for securing the structures together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp
    Inventors: Michael B. Merkler, Mark N. Sanders, Vish N. Gurudutt, David C. Merriman
  • Patent number: 6056276
    Abstract: Leaf spring, in particular for a suspension of a vehicle, of the multiple-leaf type, and preferably of the double-leaf type: a first, upper leaf is provided at respective ends with corresponding eyelets for attachment to a vehicle, and is made of metal material, for example of steel, whereas a second leaf which is connected to a lower surface of the first leaf, is made of composite material, for example of plastic reinforced with fiber glass. The attachment eyelets, which are produced by plastic deformation of the ends of the first leaf, are disposed entirely on one side of a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the first leaf, on the side opposite the second leaf; the second leaf extends longitudinally with its own respective end edges at least as far as the geometric centers of the eyelets. Between the leaves, in the vicinity of the eyelets and partially below the latter, there are interposed two friction buffers with a predetermined thickness, which are coupled to the lower leaf by means of a coupling tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Rejna S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Muzio
  • Patent number: 6012709
    Abstract: In a hybrid leaf spring, an elongated primary leaf element is provided having a first modulus of elasticity, a tension surface, and a compression surface. At least one layer of composite material is substantially parallel to and bonded to the tension surface of the primary leaf element with at least a second layer of composite material bonded to the compression surface of the primary leaf. The primary leaf element can also include mounting eyes coupled to the ends of the primary leaf element for mounting the hybrid leaf spring to the frame of a vehicle. The hybrid leaf spring can also include multiple layers of composite material bonded to both the tension and compression surfaces of the primary leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Composites
    Inventors: Frank Meatto, Edward Pilpel, D. Michael Gordon, David C. Gordon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5938221
    Abstract: A leaf spring for use in a suspension system is disclosed which includes an eye for attachment with the frame member on one side of a vehicle chassis. A front cantilever portion of the leaf spring extends from the eye to a predetermined point of the leaf spring. A rear cantilever portion extends from the predetermined point to its own endpoint which is positioned in close proximity to the end of the leaf spring. The front cantilever portion of the leaf spring has a relatively high spring rate and the rear cantilever portion has a relatively low spring rate to provide comfortable riding conditions for the vehicle and roll stability for the suspension system while eliminating the practical necessity of implementing auxiliary roll stabilizers within the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The Boler Company
    Inventor: William Wilson
  • Patent number: 5730427
    Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for the suspension of an axle of a vehicle, particularly a trailer, has a plurality of superposed steel plates, the ends of the longest of the plates being adapted or formed into means, preferably hooks, for mounting the leaf spring assembly into hangers affixed to the vehicle and the midpoint of the shortest of the plates having its lower surface adapted for being affixed to the axle. The leaf spring assembly is characterized by having a ratio of the horizontal distance between the centerlines of the hooks and the vertical distance between the tops of the hooks and the lower surface of the leaf spring assembly, such ratio being greater than about 6.0:1 and, most preferably, greater than 8.0:1. The leaf spring is further characterized by having a ratio of the length of the longest of the plates to the width of the plate of at least 20.0:1, with the width of all plates being essentially identical. The preferred leaf spring assembly comprises at least four such plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Hower, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5683076
    Abstract: A leaf spring for suspension of a rigid axle of a vehicle. The spring is joined at its first and second ends to a frame of a vehicle. The spring has a first portion extending from a first end to the junction with the axle in which the thickness of the spring increases along a parabolic curve from a first starting value at the first end to a first maximum value at the juncture with the axle, and a second portion which has a thickness which increases along a parabolic curve from the same first starting value at the second end to a second maximum value at the junction with the axle, the second maximum value being less than the first maximum value so that the stiffness of the first portion is greater than the stiffness of the second portion to such an extent that the radius of curvature of a path along which the axle is moving during flexing of the spring is increased by at least 5% compared to a corresponding spring having substantially the same first and second maximum values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Henrik Ingvarsson, Jan-Erik Raattamaa
  • Patent number: 5662314
    Abstract: A wheel spring support frame for attaching a leaf spring to the underside of the frame of a vehicle. The support frame has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with parallel sidewalls connected by an upper member attached to the vehicle's frame. The sidewalls have spaced, downwardly projecting flanges which oppose the flanges of the other sidewall. Reinforcing spacers extend between the sidewalls, adjacent to the flanges. Each flange has an aperture aligned with the aperture of the opposing flange for accepting a fastener. The ends of the leaf spring are supported by the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Leland Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob K. Stoltzfus
  • Patent number: 5556081
    Abstract: A suspension arm has a rigidity in the side direction of the vehicle but has a flexibility in the longitudinal direction. The suspension arm has a wheel-side connecting member connected to a portion of a wheel, at least one vehicle-side connecting member connected to a portion of a vehicle body, and an arm member extending between the wheel-side connecting member and the vehicle-side connecting member. A width of a center of the arm member is smaller than that of other portions of the arm member, the width being measured in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a thickness of the center of the arm member is greater than other portions of the arm member, the thickness being measured in a vertical direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morimichi Miura, Tadao Oota
  • Patent number: 5366238
    Abstract: A compact suspension system for a wheeled vehicle and method for its manufacture. The suspension includes a tapered, vertically mounted elongated arm having an integral eye at one end. The integral eye rotatably connects the elongated arm to the vehicle while the other end connects to an air spring attached to the vehicle. The axle connects to the arm near the air spring. The arm is tapered between the axle and the integral eye so that the amount of arm material, and thus weight, is reduced. A second arm is placed adjacent to, and parallel with, the first arm to back up the first arm if the first arm fails, or vice versa. A shock absorber is mounted near the axle on the opposite side of the axle as the air spring. The method of manufacture includes plasma cutting a blank elongated arm from spring steel, heat-treating the arm, machining to final form, and then shot peening the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Paccar Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5365646
    Abstract: A compact suspension system for a wheeled vehicle and method for its manufacture. The suspension includes a tapered, vertically mounted elongated arm having an integral eye at one end. The integral eye rotatably connects the elongated arm to the vehicle while the other end connects to an air spring attached to the vehicle. The axle connects to the arm near the air spring. The arm is tapered between the axle and the integral eye so that the amount of arm material, and thus weight, is reduced. A second arm is placed adjacent to, and parallel with, the first arm to back up the first arm if the first arm fails, or vice versa. A shock absorber is mounted near the axle on the opposite side of the axle as the air spring. The method of manufacture includes plasma cutting a blank elongated arm from spring steel, heat-treating the arm, machining to final form, and then shot peening the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Paccar Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5354091
    Abstract: Air-ride suspensions for vehicles include composite leaf springs having fibers embedded in a resin matrix. Air springs are interposed between the leaf springs and the vehicle adjacent free ends of the leaf springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: The Binkley Company
    Inventors: Bobby G. Baxter, Jeffrey E. Ditto
  • Patent number: 5351774
    Abstract: A wheelchair (20) including a wheelchair frame (22) and a seat assembly (24) carried by the wheelchair frame (22). A detachable power drive assembly (32) having power driven wheels (40, 40') is releasably coupled to the wheelchair frame (22) and is mounted for selective removal of the drive assembly (32) as a unit from the wheelchair frame (22). Wheel mounting ports (76, 76') are also provided in the wheelchair frame (22) for releasably receiving a pair of manually-operable drive wheels (34, 34'). An anti-tip suspension (80) is also provided and includes a suspension arm (84) which is mounted to resist rearward tipping of the wheelchair by a non-linear restoring force. A wheel lock (108) is mounted for movement between a deployed operable position and a stored inoperable position. In the deployed position, the wheel lock (108) extends laterally outwardly of the wheelchair frame (22) for engagement with and braking of manually operable drive wheels (34, 34').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Quickie Designs Inc.
    Inventor: James Okamoto
  • Patent number: 5346247
    Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle having a rear axle beneath the frame of the vehicle. An elongated gooseneck spring includes a center portion, an upwardly inclined front portion and a lower trailing rear portion. The front portion of the spring operatively engages a front hanger mounted on the frame. The spring is clamped to the rear axle at the center portion of the spring. An air spring is mounted on the lower trailing rear portion of the spring and is also attached to the frame. A shock absorber is located between the rear axle and the air spring and is operatively connected between the frame and the rear axle. The lower trailing rear portion of the gooseneck spring extends inwardly under the frame. The gooseneck spring is formed with a downwardly and inwardly twisted portion between its center portion and its lower trailing rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Reyco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary A. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5315890
    Abstract: The device prevents any relative translation movement in a first plane between two members moving one with regard to the other in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. Two linkages P.sub.1 P.sub.4 and P.sub.2 P.sub.3 are flexibly connected at their middle parts by members F1,F6 and a reinforced part 7. The two linkages have one of their ends connected to the first member by a fixed pivot point P.sub.1 and a movable pivot point P.sub.3, the other end of the two linkages being connected to the second member by a fixed pivot point P.sub.2 and a movable pivot point P.sub.4, the fixed pivot points and the movable pivot points being comprised of flexible portions, F.sub.1 to F.sub.4,8 and 9 of the linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Michael Long
  • Patent number: 5279383
    Abstract: A suspension in a motorcycle or similar vehicle having a frame relative to which a rear fork with a rear wheel is moveable. The suspension is characterized by an elongated composite spring mounted at the front end on the lower front part of the frame and loaded at the rear end by one end of a link member the other end of which is mounted on the rear fork. The frame is provided on its underside with at least one deflecting member which is arranged in such a manner that it bears against the composite spring upon a relative low loading of the rear fork relative to the frame to change the spring rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Ohlins Racing AB
    Inventor: Leif Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 5248130
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension member such as leaf spring (50) is provided having at least one plate (3) having an irradiation exposed region (R) therein that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis ("L/A") extending between opposite ends of plate (3) and operative to provide a metallurgical discontinuity extending therealong between opposite ends thereof that is effective to divert crack propagation in a direction generally parallel to axis ("L/A").
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Bohdan Lisowsky
  • Patent number: 5244189
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension member such as a leaf spring (50) is provided comprising at least one composite leaf or plate (2) having a second layer (12) sandwiched within a first layer (10) in such a manner as to provide at least one discontinuity therein effective to divert crack propagation in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis ("L/A") extending between opposite ends of plate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Richard F. Pierman
  • Patent number: 5226633
    Abstract: A spring design particularly suitable for use in the core of a nuclear reactor includes one surface having a first material oriented in a longitudinal direction, and another surface having a second material oriented in a transverse direction. The respective surfaces exhibit different amounts of irraditation induced strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: H. James Willard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5209518
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a lightweight dual-stage tapered leaf spring assembly for use in heavy-duty trailer suspension applications. The dual-leaf tapered leaf spring assembly has a main or first tapered leaf defining a first stage rate and a second tapered leaf operable to define a second stage rate. The first and second leafs are formed to include a tapered thickness profile which closely approximates a true modified parabolic taper. The "approximated" modified parabolic profiles for each of the main and second leafs are adapted to provide a smooth non-linear transition between the first and second stage rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Detroit Steel Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Heckenliable, Dewayne B. Williams, Robert J. Dooley
  • Patent number: 5203545
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension member such as a spring leaf or plate (50) is provided with at least one discontinuity therein that extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis ("L/A") extending therealong between opposite ends thereof and is effective to divert crack propagation in a direction generally parallel thereto. The the discontinuity(s) are provided by methods that include compressing an elongate member (10,12) having enclosed voids (12,16) extending along its central region in one embodiment or by compressing an elongate member (26) having a plurality of enclosed voids (28) extending along its length in another embodiment or by compressing an elongate member (41) having opposite sides (43,43') that, in cross-section, have a concave shape, in yet another embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Richard F. Pierman
  • Patent number: 5194111
    Abstract: A composite beam having a constant stress geometry is provided wherein a varying fiber content in a fiber impregnated resin is employed across the beam's cross section to cause the neutral axis of the beam to shift toward the compressive side. The design provides the maximum deflection in the direction of the load before compressive failure occurs for a given size and shaped beam of equivalent stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Franklin D. Meatto
  • Patent number: 5144734
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension member such as a spring leaf or plate (50) is provided with at least one discontinuity therein that extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis ("L/A") extending therealong between opposite ends thereof and is effective to divert crack propagation in a direction generally parallel thereto. The discontinuity(s) are provided by methods that include compressing an elongate member (10,12) having enclosed voids (12,16) extending along its central region in one embodiment or by compressing an elongate member (26) having a plurality of enclosed voids (28) extending along its length in another embodiment or by compressing an elongate member (41) having opposite sides (43,43') that, in cross-section, have a concave shape, in yet another embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Richard F. Pierman
  • Patent number: 5087503
    Abstract: A composite beam having a constant stress geometry is provided wherein a varying fiber content in a fiber impregnated resin is employed across the beam's cross section to cause the neutral axis of the beam to shift toward the compressive side. The design provides the maximum deflection in the direction of the load before compressive failure occurs for a given size and shaped beam of equivalent stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Franklin D. Meatto
  • Patent number: 5082514
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced polymer beam may be manufactured by winding one or more strands of resin coated fibers about four pins mounted upon a winding fixture, each pin being independently translatable along the winding fixture and being independently extendable into, and retractable out of, the winding fixture. As the fiber is wound around the two exterior pins the interior pins will retract and translate to positions exterior of the pins being wound and will then extend to receive the next wrap of fiber. As the exterior pins are wound the interior pins continue to be translated to a position outside of the pins being wound so as to be in position to receive the next wrap of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: William B. Howell
  • Patent number: 4988080
    Abstract: A variable rate leaf spring construction for a vehicle including a composite leaf spring composed of fiber reinforced resin. The ends of the spring are adapted to be connected to the frame of the vehicle and an axle is mounted to the central portion of the spring. A resilient bumper is mounted on the frame and is disposed to be engaged by the spring as a load is applied to the frame. The bumper is tapered downwardly and the lower end of the bumper terminates in a generally rounded tip. The rounded tip provides a low or soft spring rate on initial contact with the leaf spring, while further loading will compress the bumper to provide a higher spring rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Rashmikant P. Shah
  • Patent number: 4972920
    Abstract: A wheel suspension of a motorcycle comprises a resilient element (1) C-shaped in the flexure plane and pivotably connected by ends thereof to a swinging arm (5) carrying the wheel, and to the frame (3) of the motorcycle. The resilient element (1) of the suspension ensures a higher riding performance of the motorcycle thanks to improved compliance of the end portions of the element (1) functioning as leaf springs towards the least resistance, whereas the middle portion of the resilient element (1) works in the direction of the most resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventors: Mikhail N. Zamitter, Vladimir N. Kljubin, Bogdan A. Nichal, Anatoly M. Miichenko
  • Patent number: 4969633
    Abstract: A molded fiber reinforced plastic leaf spring. The spring has a curved central section composed of longitudinally extending fibrous strands impregnated with a cured thermosetting resin. The central section is generally rectangular in cross section having rounded upper and lower edges and a ground-off parting line disposed substantially at the neutral axis of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Ryan
  • Patent number: 4935977
    Abstract: A leaf spring includes a plate having a thickness of between approximately 5 mm and 20 mm, a width of between approximately 20 mm and 200 mm, and a given length. The plate is arcuately deformed so that it includes a central portion with a height of between 20 mm and 40 mm. The plate exhibits a predetermined resiliency for maintaining the plate in a substantially horizontal position under a load of between 5 kg and 30 kg and for preventing the plate from breaking under a load of between 50 kg and 100 kg. Further, the plate includes first and second layers made of glass-fiber or carbon-fiber and a core member made of a polyurethane foam material positioned between the first and second layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Yamada Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junji Yamada
  • Patent number: 4927121
    Abstract: A spring leaf including a central section having a substantially constant thickness; a first terminal section integrally connected at a first end of the central section; the first terminal section having a thickness diminishing from the first end of the central section; a second terminal section integrally connected at a second and opposite end of the central section; the second terminal section having a thickness diminishing from the second end of the central section; a plurality of upstanding shoulders on opposite sides of the spring leaf and extending at least along a portion of the opposite sides in the longitudinal direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventors: Alexandr N. Komarov, Vitaly T. Shevtsov, Viktor E. Zema, Grigory L. Lebedik, Evgeny M. Zema, Vladimir A. Nedorezov, Anatoly K. Oblovatsky, Boris Y. Drozdov, Andrei A. Zezjulinsky, Sergei V. Kovalenko, Alexandr N. Litvin, Vladislav P. Yatsenko, Alexandr N. Katunin
  • Patent number: 4927171
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension unit has two arms joined together at one end by a cr-member. Each arm is formed from two fiber reinforced plastic springs separated by the cross-member at the end, by a spacing member of resilient material, and secured together at another end. The ends which are secured together are attached to a vehicle structure. Wheel mountings are situated near the ends which are separated by the cross-member. Constraining members keep the arms away from vehicle structure in the region of the spacing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in Her Brittanic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventor: Nils G. Westerlund
  • Patent number: 4883261
    Abstract: A Zamitter blade spring is made from a resilient blade (1), which comprises a midportion (2), and end portions (3,4) of different lengths (S, S.sub.1) joined to the midportion (2) by their ends. Other ends of the end portions (3, 4) of the blade have eyes (7, 8) to receive elements of pivotable connetions of the spring blade with longitudinal axes (9, 10) of these eyes substantially perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the neutral line (11) of the resilient blade (1) passing through the centers (15, 17) of gravity of its transverse sectional planes (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Mikhail N. Zamitter
  • Patent number: 4874051
    Abstract: A leaf spring made of a flat, thin, metallic strip comprised of an elongated flexible member with two parallel sides terminating at either end into flat rectangular, cross-like or circular shapes with a width approximately twice the width of the strip at its midpoint. The ends are crimped or cold pressed downward and then outward near their edges to form flanges. The crimped or pressed ends become each foot of the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Inventor: John S. Borchard
  • Patent number: 4869331
    Abstract: A leaf spring made of a flat, thin, metallic strip comprised of an elongated flexible member with two parallel sides terminating at either end into flat rectangular, crosslike or circular shapes with a width approximately twice the width of the strip at its midpoint. The ends are crimped or cold pressed downward and then outward near their edges to form flanges. The crimped or pressed ends become each foot of the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: John S. Borchard
  • Patent number: 4867056
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting indicia from tape. A pair of rollers provided, each with an axis, first and second ends and roller surfaces. Support plates are included for supporting the second ends. Support plates are also included for supporting the first ends whereby the pair of rollers are oriented with the roller surfaces beside each other with parallel axes. The support plates comprise curved spring means having ends for biasing the roller surfaces together with respect to each other and a plate adjuster for separating the ends and for counteracting the biasing of the rollers. A die plate guide may be provided for guiding the die plates used to form the indicia. Tape pullback may also be provided for negative interletter spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Reynolds/Leteron, Co.
    Inventors: Jacob de Gelder, J. Becker Anderson
  • Patent number: 4865250
    Abstract: A fluid level control valve has a base with an aperture formed therein. A cover is slidingly disposed over the aperture and is biased by a thermostatic element in a direction tending to close the aperture. The thermostatic element is an elongated strip having one end captured by tabs projecting from the base, and an opposite end is captured by a bracket formed on the base. The thermostatic element is formed with a V-shaped force imparting portion which is aligned with the cover and the position of the bracket is adjustable to place a selected force on the cover through the thermostatic element. The calibrated valve is then fixedly attached to a housing with the aperture aligned with an aperture in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Narendra R. Zaveri, Henry Ty, Alfred J. White
  • Patent number: 4793601
    Abstract: In order to save space and manufacturing costs a pull-off effect for the operation of a key should be achieved by using a single spring. Thus the spring must have an arc-like force vs. displacement characteristic having a maximum of force about on half-way of the key stroke. This is achieved by a meander-like shaped spring (1) of flat material having two end loops (2, 3) of equal height and one middle loop (4) of about twice this height, all these loops lying within the same plane. The mounted spring is pretensioned in two directions being perpendicular to each other and lying in said plane, the operating force being applied to the top (7) of the middle loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Alcatel N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Wild, Johannes Rometsch, Werner U. Frey, Karl Iseli
  • Patent number: 4786033
    Abstract: A leaf spring of composite fibre plastics material comprising a plurality of layers of fibre material which are disposed in superposed relationship and which are embedded in a synthetic resin matrix, wherein there are provided outer layers (1) of fibre material which extend over the entire length of the leaf spring and which are associated with the tension and compression zones and shorter inner layers (2) of fibre material of a length which is stepped in a direction towards the central zone (N). In addition to the stepped inner layers (1), also provided in the region between the neutral zone (N) and the tension and compression zones respectively are intermediate layers (3) of fibre material, the length of which is greater than the length of the adjacent inner layers (2) of fibre material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Walter Kofler
  • Patent number: 4773571
    Abstract: A package (10) for dispensing a fluid (26) in the package under gas pressure has a biaxially oriented polyethelene terepthalate bottle (12) with a neck (14). A dispensing head (22) is attached to the neck (14). A normally closed valve (16) is mounted in the neck and has a housing (50) sealed to the inside surface of the neck (14). The housing (50) has a syphon flange (54). An integral structure (56) having a spring (58) at one end and a poppet (60) at a second end rests on the syphon flange (54). The housing has an opening (48) above the syphon flange 54). The integral structure (56) extends between the syphon flange (54) and the opening (48). The integral structure (56) is dimensioned so that the spring (58) is compressed to bias the poppet end of the integral structure (56) into sealing engagment around the opening (48). The dispensing head (22) has an integral diaphragm (42) and rods (52) and (46) extending above and below the diaphragm (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: McKesson Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Hagan, John J. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 4773631
    Abstract: Mounting device for a resilient leaf made of a composite material working in flexure having in its vertical plane of symmetry and over at least a part of its length, a thickness increasing towards one of its ends, and in its horizontal plane, a width decreasing towards the same end, the thicker end having an opening capable of cooperating with mounting means, comprising at least one loop (3) formed at the thick end of the leaf and at least one supporting member (12) having an at least partially cylindrical supporting surface (6, 7) cooperating with at least a part of the faces of the loop, the generatrices of the supporting surfaces being parallel to the axis of the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Bertin & Cie
    Inventor: Louis De Goncourt