Abstract: A zero-stiffness impact isolation device includes a shell, a half-hourglass-shaped boss, a sliding block, a spring, a motion guide assembly, and an inner core. Where the motion guide assembly includes a linear bearing fixed to the shell and the inner core and a corresponding sliding rod, and is divided into a transverse guide assembly and a longitudinal guide assembly. The spring is sleeved outside the sliding rod of the transverse motion guide assembly, and two ends of the spring are in contact with the sliding block and the inner core, respectively. When the device suffers from external impact load, the inner core and the separated object carry out a reciprocating motion, the sliding block is extruded by the half-hourglass-shaped boss to move side to side with respect to the inner core, and the spring provides elastic force to the sliding block in the process.

Abstract: A rod assembly includes a turnbuckle that extends along a central axis, a first rod that is to be screwed into a first adjustment hole of the turnbuckle, a second rod that is to be screwed into a second adjustment hole of the turnbuckle, a first nut that is fitted to a first adjustment end portion of the first rod, and a second nut that is fitted to a second adjustment end portion of the second rod. A first turnbuckle-welded portion is provided between the first nut and the turnbuckle, and a second turnbuckle-welded portion is provided between the second nut and the turnbuckle. A first rod-welded portion is provided between the first nut and the first rod, and a second rod-welded portion is provided between the second nut and the second rod.

Abstract: An abutment mechanism for a lift assembly of an aircraft. The abutment mechanism comprises a single rigid link having variable travel, the link comprising a rod and a body, the rod being movable in translation relative to the body along the longitudinal direction through said travel, the abutment mechanism including a movement member for adjusting an amplitude of the travel as a function of at least one predetermined parameter, the link having two endpieces suitable for being hinged respectively to a said lift assembly and to a said drive system.

Abstract: A device configured to secure a load to a supporting structure and a method of using the device to secure the load to the supporting structure are provided. The device includes a strap fixed onto itself so as to form a first loop and a pair of free ends. An attachment member includes a body with a pair of support arms disposed on opposite ends of the body. Each of the pair of free ends of the strap are attached to a corresponding support arm, laterally spacing the free ends from each other, giving the device a generally figure 8 dimension. The strap is wrapped around the load and the attachment member is pulled through the first loop and the strap is cinched by pulling on the attachment member. The attachment member is then secured to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A restraint assembly includes at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends. One of the ends is coupled to the strap such that the resilient member is in line with the strap and provides a resilient link within the restraint assembly. A limiter has at least two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly. The limiter is longer than the resilient member when the resilient member is in an un-stretched position, such that the limiter prevents the resilient member from exceeding a maximum predetermined length when the restraint assembly is stretched into a taut condition.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for use in line with a chain or a strap tie-down assembly. When the chain or strap tie-down assembly is tightened on a commodity to prevent movement of the same during shipping, the apparatus compresses and stretches. During transport, if the commodity loosens and creates slack in the chain or tie-down assembly, the apparatus may decompress and shorten, thereby taking up the slack and maintaining tension in the chain or tie-down assembly to prevent or minimize loosening and damage of the commodity.

Abstract: An overhead wire tension balancer can prevent rotation of an inner cylinder connected with an overhead wire, without deteriorating rotation preventing function, even if stroke is increased, and does not complicate production steps. A rotation preventing plate is formed at the inside of an inner cylinder, and an opening which cannot rotate relative to the rotation preventing plate and which can relatively move in a condition which passes a long plate, is formed on the rotation preventing plate. The long plate is formed by two long plate pieces in an L shape in which a tip is bent, a hanging portion is formed by this bent portion and prevents the rotation preventing plate from disengaging from the long plate.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a compression system for providing compressive force to a fuel cell stack having first and second ends is provided. The compression system includes asymmetric leaf springs operatively connected to first and second ends of the fuel cell stack. Each leaf spring includes a slot having first and second connector positions. The compression system also includes tension members connected to the leaf springs. The tension members compress the leaf springs to provide a compressive load to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A helical compression spring, preferably of steel, in particular CrSi steel or CrNi steel, comprises a coating which has at least one a-C: H: Me coating or a plurality of layers of CrN (16) and a-C: H: Me coatings (14) alternately. In a method for coating a helical compression spring, preferably of steel, a plurality of layers of CrN and a-C: H: Me coatings are applied alternately.

Abstract: An apparatus for hardening a spring having a helical or beehive shape. The apparatus has a rotation support system and an induction heating system. The rotation support system is designed to support the spring while the spring is heated by the induction heating system. The induction heating system has an induction coil system having a coil system. The coil system has a spaced region designed to receive the spring and to heat the spring while the spring is supported on the rotation support system.

Abstract: An elastic device structure includes two identical connection seats and multiple elastic members. Each connection seat is defined with a central line and has a protruding connection section and a connected section. The connection section and connected section are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the central line. A laterally protruding lateral hook is disposed on the connection section. The connected section is formed with a receiving channel for receiving the connection section of the other connection seat. A stop raised block is disposed in the receiving channel and positioned at a dead end of slide paths of the lateral hook. Multiple receiving sockets are disposed beside the connection section and connected section. Two end sections of the elastic members respectively extend into the receiving sockets, whereby the two connection seats are elastically slidable relative to each other.

Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are described for forming projections on a substrate for use as hook-type fasteners in touch fastening systems, wherein vibration energy may be used to soften a substrate which may be positioned between a mold and a source of vibration. The mold may include a plurality of cavities into which the softened substrate may be forced to form the projections. The substrate may comprise a film, sheet, web, composite, laminate, etc. and be useful as an attachment strip for temporary or permanent fastening. The source of vibration may be an ultrasonic horn. The process to form such projections may be operated in a continuous, semi-continuous or intermittent manner.

Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

Abstract: A spring counterbalance mechanism balances a load with a spring. A cable has a protrusion fixed to the cable midway between two ends of the cable. The two free ends of the cable are fixedly coupled to one of the load or the spring, and a cable attachment is coupled to the remaining member. The cable passes through the cable attachment such that the protrusion is captive in the cable attachment and is movable between two stops in the cable attachment. The cable forms two segments each of which couples the spring to the load. The two segments of the cable pass over a pulley. A sensor coupled to the pulley senses rotation of the pulley allowing cable breakage to be detected by the anomalous rotation of the pulley.

Abstract: A counterbalance for use in a motor vehicle that is connected to a tailgate to at least partially control the movement of the tailgate. The counterbalance is made of a spring that counters the load applied to the tailgate, a flexible material strap that provides a stop for the counterbalance, a protective housing that covers the spring, and a flexible material strap. The counterbalance has a fully extended length that is greater than twice the length of the counterbalance when non-extended.

Abstract: A moderation element may be incorporated into straps, handles, or other devices to moderate forces. As an example, a moderation element may include a housing and a fluid-filled chamber. The housing has an expandable configuration and defines an interior void. The housing also defines a pair of opposing compression surfaces within the interior void, with the compression surfaces being located to move toward each other when the housing expands. The chamber is located within the housing and between the compression surfaces.

Abstract: A reset spring device for a one-log splitter single-action hydraulic cylinder comprises a spring guide, reset spring, bearing, curved transmission lever, and guide seal. The spring guide has a first end and second end, the reset spring housed within the spring guide, the bearing housed within a portion at the first end, the spring abutting the bearing, the guide seal disposed at the first end of the guide, the transmission lever positioned outside the spring guide and engaged with the bearing. The transmission lever having a curved protrusion operably engaged through a longitudinal opening on the spring guide and through a groove on the bearing. A piston rod pin is connected to the lever. During operation, when a cylinder is pushing forward, the lever compresses the spring through the bearing; and when a handle is released, the log splitter ceases operating, the cylinder is reset by each reset spring device.

Abstract: An absorbent covering (1) has high damping power, secured on a structure (2) and includes a dissipater mesh made up of a plurality of dissipating elements (3) and of nodes (4) each having its bottom end (4?) secured on the structure (2). In remarkable manner, the bottom ends (4?) of the nodes (4) project from the dissipating elements (3) so as to leave an empty space (5) between the dissipating elements (3) and the structure (2), the absorbent covering (1) including main absorbent elements (6) arranged in the empty space (5), each of the main absorbent elements (6) being secured firstly to a bottom face (3?) of a dissipating element (3) and secondly to the structure (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems for adjusting tension and positioning of a harrowing chain. Systems may include a tension adjustment assembly, and the tension adjustment assembly may include a pivot assembly and/or a cylinder hydraulic assembly. Modifications also may be made to the frame of an agricultural implement to address transport issues related to harrowing chains. Further modifications to exterior harrowing chains may be made to reduce the number of small ditches formed in a field due to digging by harrow disks of the chains.

Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

Abstract: An elastomeric compression including an elastomeric body defining a longitudinal axis and having two hollow convolutions between opposed ends of the spring. The convolutions are integrally formed and joined to each other by a connecting section. Each hollow convolution includes wall structure defining an outer surface for the spring. The wall structure of each convolution includes two angled wall sections disposed to opposed sides of the axis and which angle away from the connecting section and from each other. The outer surface of that portion of each angled wall section of each convolution adjacent to the connecting section has a projection extending outwardly from the outer surface. As such, and when the angled wall sections of one convolution collapse toward the angled wall sections of the other convolution, in response to a load being directed against the spring, the opposed projections on the convolutions contact and engage with each other thereby enhancing performance characteristics of the spring.

Abstract: A resilient device includes a fixing member defining two sliding holes, two slide members slidably mounted to opposite sides of the fixing member, and a number of elastic members. Each slide member includes a protrusion engagable in a corresponding sliding hole. The fixing member includes at least one receiving portion for receiving the elastic members, and the elastic members are disposed between the slide members and separated by the slide members. Therefore, each elastic member is positioned to resist against the slide members for biasing the slide members.

Abstract: A spring reaction force converting apparatus has first and second members arranged to be in parallel with and opposed to each other and to be capable of being moved toward and apart from each other, a spring element arranged to be extended between the first and second members in parallel thereto, a link mechanism holding the spring element between the first and second members such that the spring element is capable of being expanded and contracted, the link mechanism being connected to the first and second members; a stopper member maintaining the spring element held by the link mechanism in a condition in which the spring element is compressed by a predetermined amount in an initial condition, and an arrangement thereof in which a reaction force of the spring element is converted to a different type of force transmitted to the first and second members through the link mechanism.

Abstract: A lift spring assembly has a compression spring rod with a housing having a longitudinal axis and axially opposite ends, and having a rod member coaxial with the axis and having an inner end in the housing and an outer end axially outwardly of one of the opposite ends. A guide member is provided on the inner end of the rod member for supporting the rod member during movement of the rod member. A first stage spring assembly extends between one of the opposite ends of the housing and the guide member. A second stage spring assembly extends between the other of the opposite ends of the housing and the guide member. A mounting member extending from one of the opposite ends of the housing for mounting the spring rod assembly to a hood assembly. A locking member is pivotally connected to the mounting member and pivots into locking engagement with one of the ends of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel rod of a nuclear fuel assembly having a vase-like compression spring adapted to increase the internal volume thereof wherein when the vase-like compression spring is inserted into a cladding tube, it has a relatively smaller volume occupied inside the fuel rod when compared with the existing coil type compression spring, such that the vase-like compression spring can ensure a sufficient space portion receiving the fission gases generated during the operation of the fuel rod, thereby increasing the burn-up performance of the fuel rod and the mechanical integrity thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments include a self-centering control rod device having two independently operating springs, a bushing, and a control rod. The two springs utilize preload compression to maintain the control rod centered. One spring operates directly against the control rod while the other operates against the bushing. Each spring may have different spring strength or established preload in order to balance out the application force required to control a particular object. Spring compression force adjustments on one spring do not affect the center point or the spring compression force adjustment of the other spring.

Abstract: An impact drill for boring a workpiece includes a main frame, a motor housed in the main frame, a spindle movably supported by the main frame and rotatable by the motor and movable in its axial direction, a first ratchet positioned fixedly with respect to the spindle, a second ratchet positioned with respect to the first ratchet, a spring biasing the second ratchet toward the first ratchet. The spring has at least one of a spring constant and a biasing force which prevents the second ratchet and the spindle from abutting against the main frame at least one of when a force ranging from 15 to 25 kg is applied to the main frame for boring the workpiece and when the spindle is moved to a retracted position.

Abstract: An energy absorption device is disclosed for use both as an in-line and horizontal life line shock or energy absorbers for fall arrest systems. The energy absorption device generally includes an elongate housing sleeve constructed from two mating halves, said housing sleeve having disposed therein at least one biasing element, a plurality of reinforcing plates, a fastener for securing the mating halves of the housing sleeve together, and a honeycomb core. The honeycomb core is pre-crushed in an axial direction such that peak load forces caused by an initial fall are eliminated and the core is crushed at a substantially uniform level. Further, a pretension indicator may be provided for assisting a user in obtaining a predetermined tension on the device.

Abstract: Devices and methods of making devices having one or more components made of single crystal shape memory alloy capable of large recoverable distortions, defined herein as “hyperelastic” SMA. Recoverable Strains are as large as 9 percent, and in special circumstances as large as 22 percent. Hyperelastic SMAs exhibit no creep or gradual change during repeated cycling because there are no crystal boundaries. Hyperelastic properties are inherent in the single crystal as formed: no cold work or special heat treatment is necessary. Alloy components are Cu—Al—X where X may be Ni, Fe, Co, Mn. Single crystals are pulled from melt as in the Stepanov method and quenched by rapid cooling to prevent selective precipitation of individual elemental components. Conventional methods of finishing are used: milling, turning, electro-discharge machining, abrasion. Fields of application include aerospace, military, automotive, medical devices, microelectronics, and consumer products.

Abstract: The inline reverse action, spring-loaded fishing tackle device of the invention is a simple but effective device used inline with any fishing rod and lure that aids in the capture of fish. The device is comprised of a cylindrical shaped casing divided into two interior chambers which house a unique reverse action, spring mechanism that automatically maintains a constant counter force on the fishing line against the tugs and pulls caused by the erratic movements of a caught fish, whereby not only helping to hook the fish but also preventing any slack in the fishing line that could cause the loss of said fish.

Abstract: A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings.

Abstract: A spring system for relatively displacing elements attached to end mounts of the spring system. The spring system includes a housing having an axis, an internal chamber, and axially opposite bottom and top ends, a spring rod coaxial with the axis and positioned within the internal chamber and having an inner end in the housing and an outer end axially outwardly of the top end. A guide member is provided on the inner end of the rod member to support the rod member for reciprocation axially of the housing between retracted and extended positions relative thereto. A locking arrangement is provided to engage the spring rod and inhibit axial movement of the spring rod.

Abstract: A damping spring assembly particularly but not exclusively useful for damping the motion of rake wheels in agricultural wheel rakes. The damping spring includes a pair of extended U-bolts and a coil compression spring. The extended U-bolts are connected to spring holder bushings which bear on the ends of the coil compression spring. As the coil compression spring is compressed, a constrained resilient damping rod located within the extended shafts of the extended U-bolts is likewise compressed in length and expands in diameter to bear against the extended shafts of the extended U-bolts, thus providing a damping action to prevent snapping back of the damping spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping apparatus for moving furniture parts, for example doors, flaps or drawers. Such a damping apparatus of a compact construction which avoids a possible springing back movement of the furniture parts is provided in accordance with the invention in that the damping apparatus has at least two damping stages each having a cylinder having a piston longitudinally displaceable therein which exert a damping action of different strengths.

Abstract: A compression spring is formed from an elongated tube by cutting slots at spaced intervals along the length of the tube, leaving only anchors of a small perimeteral extent connecting the beams formed by the remaining tube stock between each adjacent pair of slots. Adjacent slots are formed from diametrically opposed sides of the tube leaving one line of anchors on each side of the resultant spring.

Abstract: A suspension and method applies the unsprung weight of the wheels and axles to reduce the motion of the sprung weight of chassis. The suspension has a load bolster supporting the sprung weight at a ride height and a rebound member between the wheel axle support and the chassis. The rebound member is to exert increasing force with motion of the sprung weight away from the axle but the member reduces its force on the load bolster during jounce.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a spring assembly for use in a parking brake system that solves problems associated with conventional parking brake systems. The disclosed spring assembly imparts a minimum force (e.g., tensile force) onto the parking brake cable of the parking brake system when the parking brake is applied. The spring assembly comprises a sliding collar, a wire ring located about the exterior diameter of the sliding collar, a locking collar, a spring and a sleeve for receiving the aforementioned components.

Abstract: A compression spring rod for relatively displacing elements attached to end mounts of the rod assembly comprises a housing having a rod member moveable between extended and retracted positions relative thereto, and a first compression spring in the housing surrounded by a second compression spring for biasing the rod member to one of an extended or retracted position relative to the housing. The two springs are oppositely wound, of different length, of different outside diameter, and of different wire diameter whereby, from a compressed condition, the spring rod exerts an expansion force which increases at a linear rate. Two sets of the springs can be arranged for biasing the rod member to a central position relative to the housing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a spring assembly for use in a parking brake system that solves problems associated with conventional parking brake systems. The disclosed spring assembly imparts a minimum force (e.g., tensile force) onto the parking brake cable of the parking brake system when the parking brake is applied. The spring assembly comprises a sliding collar, a wire ring located about the exterior diameter of the sliding collar, a locking collar, a spring and a sleeve for receiving the aforementioned components.

Abstract: A wire fastening device and a wire extending structure capable of extending a wire with an appropriate tension between support. The wire fastening device includes a case, a cap bolt and a pulling cylinder. The case has a wire engaging portion at one end thereof and a female thread formed on an inner circumference thereof. The cap bolt is inserted into the pulling cylinder with the head abutted with the pulling cylinder and has a male thread formed on an outer circumference thereof. The pulling cylinder is held on the cap bolt rotatably and the case, with one end of the wire engaged therewith, is screwed on the pulling cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping apparatus for moving furniture parts, for example doors, flaps or drawers. Such a damping apparatus of a compact construction which avoids a possible springing back movement of the furniture parts is provided in accordance with the invention in that the damping apparatus has at least two damping stages each having a cylinder having a piston longitudinally displaceable therein which exert a damping action of different strengths.

Abstract: This invention is a lift kit for conventional trailers which include a foldable tailgate or trailer ramps mounted for pivotal movement about a gate or ramp axis from a transport position wherein the gate or ramps are elevated for transport to an unload position wherein the gate is lowered to permit removal of objects carried on the trailer, which incorporates a heavy duty helical elongated spring having plurality coils with one end fixedly mounted at the trailer end, at the other end of the spring an adjustment which resists the force of gravity as the gate or ramps move from its upper travel position to its lower unload position which is fixedly mounted to the trailer gate or trailer ramp.

Abstract: The present invention is a robotic arm with a plurality of telescoping tubes coupled rotatably to a plurality of rings through apertures in the rings. A plurality of tendons pass through the telescoping tubes. Tension is applied to the plurality of tendons to move the telescoping tubes. A controller is employed to direct the amount of tension applied whereby the robotic arm moves as directed.

Abstract: The present invention is for a device for mounting of wheels so that they may move in a preferably vertical direction at right angle to the wheel shaft. The invention is also standing board for prams having such wheel mounting. At its from end the standing board has a mounting means by which the standing board is pivotably mounted to the rear axle of a pram the main direction of movement of which is shown by arrow. The turning shaft of the wheel is mounted in a movable sleeve the movements of which are controlled both by a brushing which surrounds the sleeve and by a tube which is partially inserted into a groove in the sleeve. A spring is placed into the groove in the sleeve so that the spring contacts both the bottom of the groove and the end of the tube which penetrates the groove.

Abstract: An accordion spring that replaces traditional coil springs in suspension systems. The accordion springs are made of a fiberglass composite and can be designed to have a linear or progressive spring rate upon compression. To achieve a linear spring rate, the shape of the accordion spring is symmetrical with both the top and bottom surfaces of each of the plurality of central regions of the spring are flat, wherein contact between the upper and lower surfaces of adjacent central regions will not occur until the accordion spring has bottomed out. A series of complementary bent regions are introduced to the spoked regions of the accordion spring that varies the spring rate of the spring as the spring is compressed. The accordion spring can be manufactured using a three-dimensional weaving process and offer improvements in weight reduction, mass reduction, packaging space reduction compared to traditional steel coil springs.

Abstract: An improved stirrup suspension utilizes a multi-stage spring suspension to accommodate the different downward forces generated during normal riding as well as jumping. The stirrup suspension includes a housing having a bottom wall and continuous side wall, a slide member slidably received within the housing, a stirrup connector mounted to the lower end of said slide member, a first spring element received around the slide member, and a second spring element also received around said slide member. The first spring element is effective for exerting a force F1 under a minimum load while the second spring element is effective for exerting a force F2 that is greater than F1 under a minimum load. In use, the lower end of the slide member is attached to the stirrup which will move up and down relative to the housing. The slide member slidably moves within housing where a flange member at the top of the slide compresses the first and second spring elements upon the exertion of a downward force on the stirrup.

Abstract: The bag of the present invention is a self standing bag having a pair of pivotal legs secured proximate its upper extent. These legs are adapted to be retracted when the bag is lifted from the ground. A pair of straps enable the bag to be carried upon both shoulders of a user in a backpack style. Additionally, in order to ease the weight of the bag upon a user, the each of the straps is partially filled with a gel. Furthermore, the upper portion of each of the straps is secured to the bag by way of a shock absorber. This shock absorber includes upper and lower components which are interconnected by a pair of springs.

Abstract: A spring-actuated swing device. The spring-actuated swing device includes a seat having a receiving surface, at least one line, each of the lines having a bottom connecting point removeably attachable to the receiving surface and having a top connecting point removeably attachable to a support beam, and at least one spring mechanism. Each of the spring mechanisms is removably attachable to at least one intermediate connecting point of each of the lines intermediate the receiving surface and the support beam, and each of the spring mechanisms displaces a portion of each of the lines. The spring mechanism includes either a compression, stirrup or extension spring, and may also include an emergency strap. A method for producing swinging and/or bounce in playground, athletic or recreational equipment using the spring mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A metallic damping body for damping shock-type and/or periodically changing stresses, consists of a shape-memory alloy material for effecting the damping. In order to be able to achieve a high damping effect even under a high mechanical stress on the damping body, the shape-memory alloy is selected such that it is in a state of austenitic microstructure at the operating temperature of the damping body. A sufficiently high mechanical prestress is applied to the damping body so that the damping working range is within the range of the pseudoelastic strain which starts below the proportionality limit in the stress/strain diagram of the shape-memory alloy. When the damping body is compressively stressed, a multiplicity of closely adjacent, small, uniformly distributed voids are present in the interior thereof, which together make up at least about 5%, preferably about 15 to 40%, of the total volume of the damping body.