Abstract: An end link assembly includes an elongated link terminating in a barrel portion at one end and a ring portion at the other end. An elastomeric bushing having a pair of flexible annular walls projecting outwardly from an outer surface is mounted at the ring portion of the link. A stabilizer bar is press fitted into the bushing. The barrel portion is mounted to the control arm by a fastener. During operation, the bushing provides a working angle large enough to accommodate the movement between the stabilizer bar and the link.

Abstract: A flexible link includes an elongated central portion formed from a flexible steel cable. First and second cylindrical heads are provided at the ends of the cable. The first head is inserted through an opening on a first suspension component so that the second head is adjacent the first component and retains the first component. The first head is then inserted into a complementary keyway on a second suspension component to secure the link. Tensile forces from the components are transferred and accommodated by the flexible central portion. The tensile force in the link keeps the heads in place and seated in both the first and second components.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch having a bimetallic coil includes an insulating retainer. A body of the retainer is mounted between the coil and an outer surface of the clutch housing. A flexible tab on the retainer is placed between a first end of the coil and a slot on the clutch housing to provide an interference fit and eliminate the need for adhesives. The body inhibits the transfer of radiant heat emanating from fluid inside the clutch to the coil. Preferably, the body and tab are integrally formed.

Abstract: A link asssembly includes a jointed arm terminating in a barrel portion at one end and a collar portion at the opposite end. The barrel portion is mounted to a control arm by a fastener. The collar portion receives a tubular stabilizer bar. During operation, the jointed arm provides a working angle large enough to accommodate the movement between the stabilizer bar and the link assembly.

Abstract: A piston and piston rod subassembly for use with a hydraulic damper is disclosed. The piston is formed from a substantially flat blank having a pattern of bendable tabs provided along a first edge. A bendable skirt is provided along a second edge of the blank. After the blank is formed into a cylindrical body, the tabs are crimped onto a flanged end of a piston rod. A valve assembly can be retained in the cylindrical body by crimping the skirt over the valve assembly.

Abstract: A viscous fluid fan clutch assembly for a vehicle includes an internally-mounted pump plate for separating a working chamber from a reservoir. A plurality of discharge orifices are provided in the pump plate to permit the return of fluid from a pumping chamber to the reservoir. A fluid discharge channel is provided for each discharge orifice to receive fluid exiting the pumping chamber and to direct the fluid to an inner portion of the reservoir. A check valve is provided at the discharge channel to prevent the flowback of fluid from the reservoir to the discharge channel, particularly when the clutch assembly is not in operation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a body-side mounting for suspension strut (1, 2, 3) or spring shock absorber of a motor vehicle, with a rubber mount (8) effective between the body and suspension strut, predominantly loaded in shear, which is placed between a mount receptacle (7) formed into the body or parts thereof and a spacer (6) joined to the suspension strut, with the mount receptacle and spacer being adjusted to the dimensions of the rubber mount and receiving the latter in the inward spring deflection direction and radially thereto.The object of the present invention is to create a body-side mounting of the aforesaid type in which the rubber mount itself, when radial forces are introduced, for example, as a result of full steering lock, guarantees a largely constant spring rate and therefore stable steering response.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle includes an elongated impact bar mounted on the vehicle having inner and outer surfaces. A rib, integrally formed at a central portion of the impact bar, projects outwardly from the outer surface and extends a substantial portion of the length of the impact bar. A reinforcing member is mounted on the outer surface of the impact bar and covers a substantial portion of the length of the rib. An energy-absorbing medium is mounted on the outer surface of the impact bar and covers a substantial portion of the lengths of the reinforcing member and the ribs. A fascia is attached to the vehicle and covers the energy-absorbing medium.

Abstract: A viscous fluid fan clutch assembly for a vehicle includes an internally-mounted pump plate for separating a working chamber from a reservoir. A plurality of pressure-sensitive fluid check valves are provided in the pump plate to permit only one-way fluid flow from a pumping chamber to the reservoir. Each check valve includes an interior chamber having a pair of angled side walls which terminate at a normally-closed outlet. When a predetermined fluid pressure is achieved in the pumping chamber, the side walls are forced apart to open the outlet. The closing of the outlet is not dependent upon fluid pressure in the reservoir.

Abstract: A compression valve assembly includes a valve cage having a stem at a first end and an annular skirt at a second end. The skirt is provided with a slidable surface. A relief valve is adapted for selectively blocking fluid flow through the valve cage. A cup includes an annular rim and a base. The rim is provided with a slidable surface. A spring biased agaist the relief valve is selectively compressed as the cup rim is slidably received over the skirt by a measured axial load provided by a preloading means. The cup is secured to the valve cage and the axial load is removed.

Abstract: A two-part, spliced air sleeve assembly for use with an air spring damper includes a first corded, resilient sleeve member bonded to a second corded, resilient sleeve member. The bond angles and fabrics of the first sleeve members are selected so that the first sleeve inflates to a smaller diameter than the second sleeve. A first fastener secures the first sleeve member to the second portion of a damper. A second fastener secures the upper sleeve to a piston rod of the damper to form a closed chamber for receiving pressurized fluid. When inflated for operation, the first sleeve has a smaller diameter than the second sleeve.

Abstract: A fan clutch assembly for a vehicle includes a flexible, ferromagnetic valve plate for controlling fluid flow through a pump plate into a shear zone. When an electromagnetic coil is energized, the resulting flux deflects the valve plate away from the pump plate to open fluid gates in the pump plate. When the coil is de-energized, the valve plate returns to its original engagement position against the pump plate to close the fluid gates.

Abstract: A load cell exerts a force on a loose spring cage of a rebound spring to displace the cage and hold it in position on the piston of a hydraulic damper unit until it is welded in position. This preloads the rebound spring to close tolerance so that rebound valve operation is constant regardless of variation in spring sizes, rates and stack up heights of valve components.

Abstract: A dust shield for use with a damper includes a hollow cylindrical body having first and second ends. A plurality of convolutions are provided in the outer surface of the body between its ends. A plurality of inwardly projecting fingers are provided in the body portion. Each finger includes a centering rib extending to the damper to prevent shifting of the dust shield during use, thereby eliminating contact between the dust shield and a surrounding coil spring or a bump plate mounted on the damper. Additionally, each finger includes a retaining wall. The bump plate engages the retaining wall during rebound of the damper to pull the dust shield to its approximate original length to provide full-time cover of a piston rod of the damper.

Abstract: A viscous fluid fan clutch assembly for a vehicle includes an internally-mounted pump plate for separating a working chamber from a reservoir. At least one fluid gate is provided in the pump plate to permit fluid flow from the reservoir to the working chamber. Only one discharge orifice is provided in the pump plate for permitting the return of fluid from the working chamber to the reservoir. Air vents are provided inbound of the discharge orifice to permit the passage of air between the reservoir and the working chamber. A check valve is mounted at the vent means to provide selective control of air through the air vents.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a cooling device for an internal combustion engine disposed in an engine compartment of a motor vehicle. A radiator is positioned in front of the internal combustion engine. An axial-radial blower serving to feed cooling air through the radiator into the engine compartment is mounted between the radiator and the internal combustion engine. An air collection housing with an air outlet directed into the upper area of the engine compartment is connected to the axial-radial blower. The air collection housing and outlet collect and direct the cooling air fed by the axial-radial blower for the purpose of cooling the engine block, especially parts of the internal combustion engine that are thermally intensely stressed.

Abstract: A preload control arm for controlling fluid flow through a viscous fluid clutch includes a rotatable control shaft mounted in the clutch. The control arm is secured to the control shaft so that flexible end portions of the control arm cover pump plate orifices in the clutch. A spring secured to the control shaft provides a force adajcent the end portions opposite the pump plate orifices to maintain the seal when the control arm is in the closed position.

Abstract: A dual-face, internally-mounted cooling fan is provided in a dynamoelectric machine, e.g. an alternating current generator. The generator includes a ventilated housing supporting a stator assembly and a rotor assembly. The fan includes a divider disk having a plurality of blades provided on each surface and is mounted to rotate with the rotor assembly. As the fan is rotated, a plurality of separate air currents are drawn axially into the housing for cooling. The divider disk prohibits substantial mixing of currents drawn from opposite ends before they are radially expelled from the housing.

Abstract: A fan clutch assembly for a vehicle includes a rotatable pump plate for separating a collecting chamber and a pumping chamber from a reservoir. The pump plate includes at least one wiper integrally formed with the pump plate and projecting from a pump plate surface into the pumping chamber. An aperture oriented in the direction of oncoming fluid in the pumping chamber is provided through the wiper to form an orifice for fluid to pass from the pumping chamber to the reservoir. A damming surface oriented toward the orifice is provided on the wiper for creating a pressure rise and enhancing the pump-out of fluid from the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A cap having an opening mounted on the upper end of a damper includes an annular wall which encircles the cap opening and projects upwardly from an upper surface of the cap. A plurality of resilient tabs extends radially from the upper end surface of the annular wall. The lateral dimension of the tabs is slightly greater than an opening in support structure of a vehicle, e.g. a mounting tower. To quickly connect the upper end of the damper to the mounting tower, the mounted end cap is forced through the tower opening to compress the tabs. As the tabs clear the tower opening, each tab springs radially outwardly to retain the damper in place.