Abstract: A double rolling-lobe air spring (2) includes an air spring cover (4) and a lower roll-off piston (8). An upper roll-off piston (6) is attached to the air spring cover (4) and the distance between the two roll-off pistons (6, 8) is variable. Respective ends of a double rolling-lobe resilient member (10) are clamped pressure-tight to the lower end of the upper roll-off piston (6) and to the upper end of the lower roll-off piston (8). A foam rubber part (16) is provided between the upper roll-off piston (6) and the rolling-lobe flexible member (10) as a dirt catcher in order to protect the upwardly-directed rolling lobe (10a) of the double rolling-lobe air spring (2) in a simple manner against dirt. The foam rubber part (16) is an insert part between the resilient member (10) and a bracket (18) disposed in surrounding relationship to the resilient member. The bracket (18) is preferably part of a sheet metal assembly of a chassis connection or an roll-off annular member (20).

Abstract: An upper mounting system for a MacPherson strut includes a shock absorber mount and an air spring mount. The air spring mount is disposed coaxially around the shock absorber mount. A curved spherical interface of the air spring mount permits pivotal movement of the air spring such that it maintains a coaxial relationship with the shock absorber. The curved spherical interface also provides a seal for sealing the gas chamber of the air spring.

Abstract: Vibration damper, including a damping element and a pneumatic spring, wherein the damping element has a container tube, which is connected to a roll-off piston of the pneumatic spring. The roll-off piston is connected via an air suspension bellows acting as a rolling diaphragm to an external guide mounted concentrically and with freedom of axial movement with respect to the roll-off piston, the air suspension bellows and the roll-over piston forming the boundaries of a space filled with pressurized gas. The container tube is prepared for the installation of the roll-off piston by a non-cutting procedure suitable for mass production, wherein a length of tubing having the diameter of the container tube is mounted on a mandrel and clamped at both ends so that its length cannot change, and a pair of flow-turning/rotary-swaging rolls is pressed against the tubing and advanced toward each other to form an area of squeezed material.

Abstract: An air spring rolling-lobe flexible member is made of elastomeric material and has at least two layers of intersecting reinforcement filaments. The reinforcement filaments are arranged in an essentially parallel manner to each other at an angle between 40° and 80° to the direction of the periphery of the rolling-lobe flexible member. At least one component quantity of the reinforcement filaments (1, 2) within one layer exhibits another strength compared to the remaining component quantity thereof.

Abstract: A spring arrangement includes two coaxial spring components (4a, 4b) which are mounted so as to oppose each other. Each of the spring components includes a rolling-lobe flexible member (6a, 6b) and a roll-off piston (8a, 8b) corresponding thereto. The two rolling-lobe flexible members (6a, 6b) define a common double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) and the two spring components (4a, 4b) have a common outer jacket (10). A simple assembly and a reliable fixation of the double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) on the outer jacket (10) is provided. For this purpose, the double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) has a clamp ring (18 or 26) mounted internally. The outer jacket (10) includes two parts (10a and 10b) having respective ends. The double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) is clamped between these ends with the aid of the clamp ring (18 and 26). The air spring arrangement is especially applicable in the forward wheel fork (16) of a two-wheel vehicle.

Abstract: An air spring includes a flexible member, which encloses an air volume, and two connecting parts. Each of the connecting parts has a clamp seat on which an end of the flexible member is attached with the aid of a clamp ring assigned to the clamp seat. The surface of at least one clamp seat is at least approximately convex and the total inner side of the clamp ring, which is assigned to the clamp seat, is configured to be at least approximately concave.

Abstract: A vehicle air spring assembly has a pair of spaced end plates which sealing engage a bladder to form an air chamber. A pair of bead skirts are attached to the end plates to guide the bladder radially outwardly as the air spring is compressed. By guiding the bladder as it expands radially outwardly, the bead skirts control the effective area with respect to the air spring height, thus controlling the dynamic load and dynamic spring rate of the air spring. The bead skirts are formed complementary in shape and nestle together as they move towards one another. This nestling reduces pinching of the bladder when the air spring is compressed during use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the spring rate of an air spring is disclosed by providing a heat sink within the working chamber of the air spring. The heat sink, in effect, reduces the ratio of specific heats, gamma, of the spring medium, e.g. air, located within the air spring, which in turn, reduces the spring rate. In one embodiment, the heat sink is a plurality of polymeric or elastomeric fibers configured as a stable fiber, commonly referred to fiber fill. The fibers used for the heat sink may include longitudinally extending bores to increase the exposed surface to weight ratio of the fiber, and/or may have a friction reducing coating that resists matting and provides airiness to the fibers. In an example provided herein, the heat sink dramatically reduced the spring rate of the air spring, especially at an operational frequency over one (1) hertz.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve for an air spring terminates in end portions which define a pair of open ends. The sleeve has inner and outer layers of a flexible material with a plurality of reinforcement elements disposed within the materials with the reinforcement elements extending throughout the end portions. Inner and outer layers of the end portions are joined to the inner and outer layers of the sleeve, by non-overlapping joints with the inner and outer layers of the end portions having a higher modulus of elasticity than the inner and outer layers of the sleeve.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a damping element and a pneumatic spring, where the damping element has a container tube, a fastening part, and a piston rod, and where the pneumatic spring consists of a spring bellows acting as a roll bellows, an outer tube connected to the mass whose vibrations are to be minimized, and a roll-over tube carrying a roll-over profile. The spring bellows forms one boundary of an elastic space filled with a pressurized gas, whereas the roll-over tube seals off the gas space from the container tube and is attached thereto. A stamped and formed support ring, which supports the roll-over tube on the container tube and serves to suppress tilting movements, is installed between the container tube and the roll-over tube.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber comprises a cylinder (11) with an expandable and contractible piston rod (12), an outer casing (13) disposed on the outside of the cylinder (11), and a reservoir (16) defined between the outer casing and the cylinder. Due to an elastically deformable bladder (14) disposed inside the reservoir, a gas chamber (17) in which gas is sealed is formed between the bladder and the outer casing, and a reservoir chamber (18) communicated with the inside of the cylinder and designed for guiding hydraulic fluid is formed between the bladder and the cylinder. Furthermore, a gas sealing valve (23) for opening and closing a flow conduit (24) communicated with the gas chamber provided to part of the outer casing is provided to a bottom portion (19) of the outer casing, and allowing gas to enter and exit the gas chamber via the gas sealing valve makes it possible to freely adjust the gas pressure in the hydraulic shock absorber from the outside.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-spring assembly (1″), comprising at least the following components: air-spring bellows (2″) consisting of an elastomeric material which encompass an expandable air-spring inner chamber (3″); an air-spring cover, to which one end of the air-spring bellows is fixed; an air-spring piston (5″), to which the opposite end of the air-spring bellows is fixed using a connecting element; in addition to a buffer. The inventive air-spring assembly (1″) is characterized in that the connecting element for the air-spring bellows on the air-spring piston and the buffer are configured as one piece in the form of a combination system (13), which both secures and acts as a buffer. The invention also relates to advantageous embodiments of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring system (2) having two spring units (4a, 4b) arranged coaxially with respect to each other. Each spring unit essentially includes a flexible member (6a, 6b) and a roll-off piston (8a, 8b). The two flexible members (6a, 6b), the roll-off pistons (8a, 8b) and a common outer jacket (10) enclose a common pressure space (14) filled with compressible gas or with a hydraulic liquid. A contamination flexible member (16) is mounted between the roll-off piston (8) and the outer jacket (10) in order to prevent a contamination of the flexible member roll-off surfaces. The contamination flexible member (16) is clamped, on the one hand, in the region of the roll-off piston (8) and, on the other hand, on the outer jacket (10). The effective length of the contamination flexible member (16) is somewhat less than the effective length of the shorter of the two work flexible members (6a, 6b). In this way, the contamination flexible member (16) functions additionally as an end stop (pull stop).

Abstract: An air spring (10) for use in a motor vehicle suspension system is provided. The air spring includes a generally cylindrical flexible bladder (12) having a circular upper opening (18), a support unit (14) sealingly connected to the flexible bladder (12), and a unitary integrated top assembly (16) connected to the upper opening (18) in an air-tight manner. The support unit (14) further includes an installation fastener (52) for connection to vehicle support brackets (78). The top assembly (16) includes a sealed body (34) having an interior open volume (23) and optional attachment components positioned on the body to connect the top assembly to a vehicle main frame. The top assembly further includes an optional connection port (28) adapted for pneumatic intercommunication with other air springs and an optional fill port (48) for connection to a pressurized air system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spring system for a vehicle including a two-wheel vehicle. The spring system includes first and second spring units mounted coaxially to each other. The first spring unit includes a first roll-off piston and a first rolling-lobe resilient member coacting with the first roll-off piston during operation of the spring system. The second spring unit includes a second roll-off piston and a second rolling-lobe resilient member coacting with the second roll-off piston during operation of the spring system.

Abstract: A pneumatic suspension system comprising: a pneumatic suspension bellows made of an elastomeric material which encloses an air chamber whose volume varies, with an embedded strengthening support; a pressure reservoir having an outer diameter on which one end of the pneumatic suspension bellows is fastened by a clamping ring; and a pneumatic suspension piston having an outer diameter on which the other end of the pneumatic suspension bellows is also fastened by a clamping ring, and having a roll-off piston on whose outer wall the pneumatic suspension bellows can roll off while forming a first rolling fold. The pressure reservoir has a contoured roll-off surface outside of the first fastening area. The roll-off surface is provided for a second rolling fold which rests against the roll-off surface and can roll off in a limited manner compared to the first rolling fold.

Abstract: An air spring has a pair of end members which are sealingly connected to ends of a flexible sleeve and form an internal fluid chamber. A rigid annular member is located within the fluid chamber and is spaced from one of the end members and clamps the sleeve against a rigid member located outside of the sleeve and fluid chamber. A vibration isolator, such as an annular elastomeric member, is located between the rigid outer member and the adjacent end member to support the sleeve and reduce its tension in order to isolate sleeve vibration from the end member.

Abstract: An air spring has a pair of axially spaced end members and an intervening elastomeric flexible sleeve extending therebetween and forming a fluid pressure chamber. An annular clamp ring has at least one radially extending rib formed on an inner sealingly surface which radially align with at least one concave recess formed on a sealing surface of one of the end members. The end member also has at least one radially extending rib which aligns with at least one recess formed in the clamp ring sealing surface. The rib and recess formed on the clamp ring are longer and deeper than the ribs and recesses on the sealing surface of the end member to provide a more aggressive clamping action on the outer surface of the flexible sleeve than the clamping action on the inner surface or innerliner of the sleeve.

Abstract: A U-type bellows air spring is supported on one side relative to the vehicle frame and on the other side relative to the axle or a longitudinal control arm guiding the latter. The lower end of the U-type bellows is fastened on the longitudinal control arm side in a pressure-tight manner to a flange of a supporting element, and a vibration absorber protrudes through the supporting element. A piston cylinder of the vibration absorber is connected to the longitudinal control arm via a joint, and a piston rod on the longitudinal axis of the air spring is supported relative to the vehicle frame. To keep the amount of sealing for the air spring small even if it is not used very much, the supporting element for the lower end of the U-type bellows is arranged rigidly with respect to the piston cylinder of the vibration absorber. A preferably cylindrical circumferential surface for the U-type bellows to roll along during the compression and rebound action extends from the flange toward the longitudinal control arm.

Abstract: A spring arrangement includes two coaxial spring components (4a, 4b) which are mounted so as to oppose each other. Each of the spring components includes a rolling-lobe flexible member (6a, 6b) and a roll-off piston (8a, 8b) corresponding thereto. The two rolling-lobe flexible members (6a, 6b) define a common double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) and the two spring components (4a, 4b) have a common outer jacket (10). A simple assembly and a reliable fixation of the double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) on the outer jacket (10) is provided. For this purpose, the double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) has a clamp ring (18 or 26) mounted internally. The outer jacket (10) includes two parts (10a and 10b) having respective ends. The double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) is clamped between these ends with the aid of the clamp ring (18 and 26). The air spring arrangement is especially applicable in the forward wheel fork (16) of a two-wheel vehicle.

Abstract: The sleeve-shaped rolling-lobe flexible member (4) of a rolling-lobe spring (2) is made of elastomeric material and is provided with a reinforcement layer. The ends of the sleeve-shaped rolling-lobe flexible member (4) include neither beads nor cores. The rolling-lobe flexible member (4) is attached pressure-tightly to a cover (8) functioning as a connecting part and/or to a roll-off piston (10) of the spring (2). This pressure-tight attachment is achieved in that each clamping region (18, 20) of the connecting part (cover 8 and/or roll-off piston 10) is provided with a drawn-in connecting surface having at least one peripherally-extending raised portion (22, 24). Clamp rings (12, 14) are assigned to corresponding clamping regions (18, 20) of the connecting parts (8, 10). The clamp rings (12, 14) have respective peripherally-extending recesses (26, 28).

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a damping element and an air spring, the damping element having a container tube, a fixing part and a piston rod. The air spring has a spring bellows acting as a rolling bellows, an outer tube connected to a mass to be held with little oscillation, and a rolling tube bearing a rolling profile. The spring bellows bounds a gas chamber provided with a gas filling under pressure, while the rolling tube seals off the gas chamber with respect to the container tube and is fixed to the latter in the axial direction. Between the container tube and the rolling tube there is arranged a compression stop cap having three webs and thickened ends, which serve as a stop on the container tube for the rolling tube and to dissipate the radial force component acting on the latter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing device comprising: a hollow spring including a chamber having a proximal end, a distal end, and a bellows comprised of a springy material connecting the proximal end to the distal end and enclosing the chamber; a shock absorber extending through the hollow spring, the shock absorber including a cylinder and a piston which slidably engages the cylinder, the cylinder extending through and being attached to the hollow spring proximal end, the piston extending through and slidably engaging the hollow spring distal and the piston including contacting device located distally of the hollow spring distal end for urging the hollow spring distal end proximally when the contacting device is forced against the hollow spring distal end and for urging the piston distally when the hollow spring distal end is forced against the contacting device.

Abstract: A double rolling-lobe flexible member spring arrangement (2) includes two coaxial spring components (4a and 4b) which are arranged opposed to each other. The spring components essentially each include a rolling-lobe flexible member (6a and 6b) and respective roll-off pistons (8a and 8b). The two rolling-lobe flexible members (6 and 6b) define a common double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) and the two spring components (4a and 4b) have a common outer jacket (10). A reliable effective fixing of the flexible member (6) to the inner side of the outer jacket (10) is ensured. To provide this fixation, the double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) has a support ring (14) lying centrally on the inner side thereof and this support ring has a radial recess (16) on its periphery. The outer jacket (10) has a peripherally-extending raised portion at its inner periphery which engages into the recess (16) of the support ring (14) and defines a clamp contour.

Abstract: A method of retaining a suspension system includes creating a negative pressure within an air spring such that a longitudinal member is retained in a substantially fixed position relative to a chassis component when the longitudinal member is placed in an unloaded condition. When there is no pressure in the air spring, the air cell is deflated and the suspension is mechanically bottomed out. By further introducing a negative pressure into the air cell with the gas feed, a partial vacuum is formed and the air cell collapses in upon itself. The collapsed air cell grips the piston thereby immobilizing the air spring. Accordingly, when the vehicle is lifted and the air suspension becomes unloaded, the longitudinal member is maintained relative to the chassis component by the immobilized air spring to thereby prevent the air cell from being inverted and damaged.

Abstract: A spring strut comprises a pneumatic spring and an oscillation damper and is fitted between a vehicle body and a wheel of a vehicle. The oscillation damper has a piston rod movable on an axis and a container concentric to the axis. The pneumatic spring has a spring chamber delimited by a rolling bellows which is firmly connected to the receptacle and to the container or a rolling-contact piston fixed to the container. An end wall that is in operative connection with the oscillation damper is acted upon on one side by the pressure in the spring chamber and has an effective area that extends obliquely to the axis of the oscillation damper and exerts a transverse force that is dependent on the pressure in the spring chamber and is perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: A vehicle air spring assembly has a pair of spaced end plates which sealing engage a bladder to form an air chamber. A pair of bead skirts are attached to the end plates to guide the bladder radially outwardly as the air spring is compressed. By guiding the bladder as it expands radially outwardly, the bead skirts control the effective area with respect to the air spring height, thus controlling the dynamic load and dynamic spring rate of the air spring. The bead skirts are formed complementary in shape and nestle together as they move towards one another. This nestling reduces pinching of the bladder when the air spring is compressed during use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing device comprising: a hollow spring including a chamber having a proximal end, a distal end, and a bellows comprised of a springy material connecting the proximal end to the distal end and enclosing the chamber; a shock absorber extending through the hollow spring, the shock absorber including a cylinder and a piston which slidably engages the cylinder, the cylinder extending through and being attached to the hollow spring proximal end, the piston extending through and slidably engaging the hollow spring distal and the piston including contacting device located distally of the hollow spring distal end for urging the hollow spring distal end proximally when the contacting device is forced against the hollow spring distal end and for urging the piston distally when the hollow spring distal end is forced against the contacting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring system, comprising at least the following components, namely air-spring bellows, an air-spring cover, an air-spring piston and an external guide. The inventive pneumatic spring system is characterized in that the external guide consists of a plastic material with a solid support embedded therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic shock-absorber equipped with a height sensor which is to be mounted onto a rail vehicle. The aim of the invention is to prevent components of the rail vehicle, such as supports for the superstructure and/or an additional volume of pressure formed by a cradle, from being drilled or modified in another way in order to create the installation space for the height sensor. The inventive pneumatic shock-absorber is characterized in that an upper extension arm and a lower extension arm extend laterally from the upper support plate and lower mounting plate respectively and that the height sensor is positioned between the two extension arms.

Abstract: The air spring of the present invention combines both traditional air spring characteristics and components with internal hydro damping. The air spring has an upper retainer, a piston, an elastomeric sleeve secured to the upper retainer at a first end and secured to the piston at the lower end, and a damping device. The damping device has an upper and a lower variable volume chamber and a channel connecting the two variable volume chambers, and a damping fluid contained within the damping device.

Abstract: A pneumatic isolator for isolating payloads from vibrations consisting of a vertical isolator suspended from pendulum wires. A second downward-facing piston prevents changes in barometric pressure from generating disturbing forces on the isolated payload.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring system which comprises a pneumatic spring cap and pneumatic cushioning bellows, a pneumatic spring piston with a lateral rolling surface and a base surface that is designed such that a multi-chamber system protrudes into the interior of the pneumatic spring piston. The aim of the invention is to provide a pneumatic spring piston that can be subjected to eccentric loads at a reduced weight and without a holding plate. The multi-chamber system and the fastening system are mounted in such a position that there is maximally one mirror plane perpendicular to the base surface of the pneumatic spring piston, in relation to the piston center axis, and that an eccentric rest surface of the pneumatic spring piston directly contacts the spring carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing device comprising: a hollow spring including a chamber having a proximal end, a distal end, and a bellows comprised of a springy material connecting the proximal end to the distal end and enclosing the chamber; a shock absorber extending through the hollow spring, the shock absorber including a cylinder and a piston which slidably engages the cylinder, the cylinder extending through and being attached to the hollow spring proximal end, the piston extending through and slidably engaging the hollow spring distal and the piston including contacting device located distally of the hollow spring distal end for urging the hollow spring distal end proximally when the contacting device is forced against the hollow spring distal end and for urging the piston distally when the hollow spring distal end is forced against the contacting device.

Abstract: An integral one-piece end plate and bracket combination is formed of a high strength plastic and is mounted in an airtight sealing engagement with an open end of a flexible elastomeric sleeve which forms the fluid pressure chamber of an air spring. The end plate includes a semi-circular wall which extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the air spring and a semi-circular opening. The bracket includes an upstanding wall perpendicular to the semi-circular wall of the end plate and a half dome-shaped wall, which together with the upstanding wall, forms an auxiliary fluid chamber which is in fluid communication through the semi-circular opening with the main fluid chamber of the flexible sleeve. The upstanding wall includes attachments for securing the bracket and end plate to a support structure which aligns with a longitudinal axis of the air spring.

Abstract: Air spring which includes a flexible member which, on the one hand, is attached to a housing and, on the other hand, to a roll-off piston and which encloses an air volume; the surface of the housing, which faces toward the air volume of the air spring, is charged with the air pressure of the air volume; and, the air spring can be connected to the chassis of a motor vehicle with the interposition of an elastic bearing; the housing including at least two parts of which a first part serves the connection of the air spring to the chassis of a motor vehicle and a second part serves the attachment of the flexible member; and, the elastic bearing is configured to have an annular shape and is mounted between the two parts of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic suspension system (1) comprising at least the following parts: pneumatic suspension bellows (4) made of an elastomer material encompassing a volume-variable air chamber (5); a pneumatic suspension lid (7) to which one end of the pneumatic suspension bellows is fixed by means of a clamping ring (10) or the like; a pneumatic suspension piston (3) to which the other end of the pneumatic suspension bellows (4) is also fixed by means of a clamping ring (10) or the like and on whose outer wall the pneumatic suspension bellows can roll (6) by forming a rolling contour; a wheel guide element (9); a hinge (8) serving as steering means in relation to the wheel guide element (9) and a body (2), wherein the pneumatic suspension parts are disposed in such a way that only one hinge (8) is provided as a steering element in relation to the wheel guide element (9) inside the pneumatic suspension system (1) without requiring any centric restricted guidance.

Abstract: An air spring (10) for use in a motor vehicle suspension system is provided. The air spring includes a generally cylindrical flexible bladder (12) having a circular upper opening (18), a support unit (14) sealingly connected to the flexible bladder (12), and a unitary integrated top assembly (16) connected to the upper opening (18) in an air-tight manner. The support unit (14) further includes an installation fastener (52) for connection to a vehicle support brackets (78). The top assembly (16) includes a sealed body (34) having an interior open volume (23) and optional attachment components positioned on the body to connect the top assembly to a vehicle main frame. The top assembly further includes an optional connection port (28) adapted for pneumatic intercommunication with other air springs and an optional fill port (48) for connection to a pressurized air system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing device comprising: a hollow spring including a chamber having a proximal end, a distal end, and a bellows comprised of a springy material connecting the proximal end to the distal end and enclosing the chamber; a shock absorber extending through the hollow spring, the shock absorber including a cylinder and a piston which slidably engages the cylinder, the cylinder extending through and being attached to the hollow spring proximal end, the piston extending through and slidably engaging the hollow spring distal and the piston including contacting device located distally of the hollow spring distal end for urging the hollow spring distal end proximally when the contacting device is forced against the hollow spring distal end and for urging the piston distally when the hollow spring distal end is forced against the contacting device.

Abstract: An air spring has a pair of axially spaced end members and an intervening elastomeric flexible sleeve extending therebetween which forms a fluid pressure chamber. A plurality of axially spaced ribs and intervening grooves are formed on an inner surface of a ring which align with corresponding ribs and grooves formed on an axial sealing surface of one of the end members to form a fluid tight seal with the elastomeric sleeve clamped therebetween. An annular radially extending projection is formed on each of the ring and end member which cooperatively mate with each other to provide a mechanical interlock therebetween which is free of intervening elastomeric material, to securely retain the ring in position with respect to the end member sealing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic shock-absorber equipped with a height sensor which is to be mounted onto a rail vehicle. The aim of the invention is to prevent components of the rail vehicle, such as supports for the superstructure (4) and/or an additional volume of pressure formed by a cradle (5), from bring drilled or modified in another way in order to create the installation space for the height sensor (6). The inventive pneumatic shock-absorber is characterized in that an upper extension arm (1.1) and a lower extension arm (2.2) extend laterally from the upper support plate (1) and lower mounting plate (2.1) respectively and that the height sensor (6) is positioned between the two extension arms.

Abstract: An air spring has a pair of axially spaced end members and an intervening elastomeric flexible sleeve extending therebetween which forms a fluid pressure chamber. A plurality of axially spaced ribs and intervening grooves are formed on an inner surface of a ring which align with corresponding ribs and grooves formed on an axial sealing surface of one of the end members to form a fluid tight seal with the elastomeric sleeve clamped therebetween. An annular radially extending projection is formed on each of the ring and end member which cooperatively mate with each other to provide a mechanical interlock therebetween which is free of intervening elastomeric material, to securely retain the ring in position with respect to the end member sealing surface.

Abstract: Filling valve for a gas bag installed in a space bounded by rigid walls, where the forces of a liquid medium, which is under pressure and which flows into and out of this space, act on this space. The gas bag serves as a compensation space, is filled with gas, and can be filled through a filling valve, which has an access channel aligned with an opening in the rigid wall. The access channel is located in a connector part connected to the gas bag, the connector part also being connected to a guide part resting against the inside surface of the rigid wall, the access channel being in effective connection with the opening in the rigid wall via this guide part.

Abstract: A controllable equipment mount is provided that is adjustable to accommodate various loads. The controllable equipment mount comprises a base, a load plate and a connecting mount connecting the base and the load plate. An internal chamber is created which can be used to adjust stiffness of the mount by adjusting pressure within the chamber, e.g., by introducing a gas through an air passageway. An electromagnetic augmentation unit may also be provided in the chamber for adjusting the stiffness within the chamber.

Abstract: Pressure vessel which is filled with at least one medium which is pre-stressed by a mass of gas enclosed in a deformable enveloping body, in particular for the volume equalization in a vibration damper, comprising a wall in which a pressurized gas is enclosed. The wall is at least partially formed from a gas-tight barrier layer and the enveloping body has sections which are aligned at an angle to one another in the circumferential direction, the wall having an impressed transition between the sections, which are aligned at an angle to one another. The wall may additionally be designed with an expansion profile.

Abstract: An improved composite air spring with a simplified construction is disclosed. The piston is has a series of internal floating ribs. The ribs extend from the underside of the piston platform to the lower end of the piston. Circumferential forces acting on the piston when the sleeve rolls down onto the piston are absorbed by the piston and the floating ribs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring arrangement (1) comprising at least the following components, namely a pneumatic spring lid (2), a pneumatic spring piston (3), pneumatic spring bellows (7), a vibration damper (11) with a rucksack module (14; e.g. an ADS module) and a protective collar (17) with a first connection area (B; inside diameter D1) and a second connection area (B′; inside diameter D2). The inventive pneumatic spring arrangement is characterized in that the inside diameters (D1 , D2) of the first (B) and the second (B′) connection area pertaining to the protective collar (17) have a size so that the protective collar can be slid over the ruck sack module (14). The excess free space within the second connection area (B′) of the protective collar (17) can be filled with an adapter element (18) in a compensating manner.

Abstract: A pressure vessel which is filled with at least one medium which is prestressed by a mass of gas which is enclosed in a variable-shape envelope, in particular for volume compensation in a vibration damper. The envelope includes a wall in which a pressurized gas is enclosed, the wall being at least partially formed from a barrier layer and the envelope being composed of a plurality of individual parts. An outside coating, which seals an end face of the envelope, is present at least at an edge-side contact region of the individual parts of the envelope.

Abstract: The air spring of the present invention combines both traditional air spring characteristics and components with internal hydro damping. The air spring has an upper retainer, a piston, an elastomeric sleeve secured to the upper retainer at a first end and secured to the piston at the lower end, and a damping device. The damping device has an upper and a lower variable volume chamber and a channel connecting the two variable volume chambers, and a damping fluid contained within the damping device.

Abstract: An integral one-piece end plate and bracket combination is formed of a high strength plastic and is mounted in an airtight sealing engagement with an open end of a flexible elastomeric sleeve which forms the fluid pressure chamber of an air spring. The end plate includes a semi-circular wall which extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the air spring and a semi-circular opening. The bracket includes an upstanding wall perpendicular to the semi-circular wall of the end plate and a half dome-shaped wall, which together with the upstanding wall, forms an auxiliary fluid chamber which is in fluid communication through the semi-circular opening with the main fluid chamber of the flexible sleeve. The upstanding wall includes attachments for securing the bracket and end plate to a support structure which aligns with a longitudinal axis of the air spring.