Abstract: An adjustable damper 12 for providing surface effect damping of a first member 10 when moving relative to a second member 20 and providing means for user operated locking of said first member 10 relative to said second member 20 at an infinite number of positions. The damper 12 is particularly useful for locking a chair back in place relative to a chair seat and providing damping of the rotation of the chair back when not locked. This allows the chair back to return to its desired position relative to the seat at a controlled rotational rate. The damper 12 operates by compressing first plate 40 and second plate 50 against elastomers 36A and 36B such that center plate 30 is restrained from rotation relative to plates 40 and 50. A secondary surface effect damping element provides damping when the primary damping element is unlocked. Pin 38 rides in slot 32 and indents the periphery 34 of elastomer 36C bonded to the periphery of slot 32 to provide damping.

Abstract: An active isolator with a closed-loop feedback control system which uses an actuator in parallel spring relation to a static load spring to control the dynamic vibration transmitted from a vibrating device over a broad band frequency range. A collocated sensor is installed to sense the vibration of the isolated element and is amplified and fed, filtered and amplified again, reversed in sign and fed directly into the actuator. No external synchronizing signal or processor is needed. This simple active control is practical only where the combined series dynamic stiffness of the structure and vibrating body is much less than or much greater than the active mount's dynamic stiffness.

Abstract: A fluid mount (20) provides a flexible connection and fluid effects such as damping and/or fluid inertia for a supported member (22) attached to a supporting member (24) in a singular and unitary package. The fluid mount (20) includes a beam (34) and a laminated elastomer and shim construction bonded thereto, defining variable volume fluid chambers (44, 46, 48, 50) and interconnecting fluid passageways (52, 54). Fluid effects are provided in both a radial translational mode (loading at R) and a rotational mode (loading at T) to suppress vibrations of the supported member (22).

Abstract: A sealless magnetorheological fluid device is disclosed in the form of an engine mount which comprises a baffle plate (58) and a solenoid type coil (40) wrapped within a housing (20). The baffle plate diverts the flow of fluid into a more intimate contact with the coil to influence the characteristics of the fluid. The mount also comprises a first chamber (94), an elastomeric element 90 bonded to an attachment collar (88) and housing (20). An elastomeric bladder (95) is bonded to a lower surface of the housing to define a second chamber (96). Orifices (98) in housing (92) operate with coil (40) to define a valve for controlling the flow of the MR fluid.

Abstract: A variable shock absorber assembly of the adaptive or semi-active type or an active actuator wherein the actuator, sensors, electronic controller and valving are integral to and integrated into one assembly and comprise one compact integral unit. Feedback control provides a signal proportional to and indicative of the actuator position and velocity. The compact system is temperature compensated by incorporating temperature sensors into the integrated assembly. The integrated system also provides diagnostics integral to the assembly and an LED mounted on the assembly for providing a visual indication of system condition.

Abstract: Three embodiments of a shock-isolating caster. A surface-effect damper engages at least one of a wheel element and an intermediate structural member to dampen vibration and shock loads which would otherwise be transmitted from the wheel element through the intermediate structure and mounting member to the equipment supporting cart. A first embodiment positions the damper between an outer wheel rim and an inner wheel hub. Second and third embodiments mount the wheel on a pivotable arm and dampen the movement of the arm. Capability to adjust damping levels is provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic mounting system for mounting a first body relative to a second body, such as a vehicle cab to a chassis, including at least two hydraulic mounts, which are useful for controlling torque between the two bodies. The relative torque-induced displacements of the two bodies are controlled within specific limits in reaction to a pressure applied by a pressure source in response to the actuation of a valve. The valve acts in response to a sensor and the system can include a leveling valve arrangement, or a more sophisticated external electronic control, or respond to a programmed routine. The improved torque-control system behaves as though it is statically stiff for restraining torque and dynamically soft for both translational and rotational isolation purposes. In addition, the system can control torque and damping independent of the direction of application of the torque.

Abstract: A damping device which provides superior damping stiffness K", has linear damping characteristics as a function of amplitude and for which the temperature sensitivities of stiffnesses K*, K", K' have been minimized. The device includes a first second fluid-filled chambers which are interconnected by a passageway. The length and diameter of the passageway, as well as the fluid viscosity, are chosen to give the optimum damping characteristics. Further, a plurality of spring loaded pressure relief valves are integrated into the assembly to allow more flow area to open when a threshold pressure is encountered, thereby reducing the internal pressures and dynamic stiffness K* at cold temperatures.

Abstract: A device for making electrical connection to a reciprocating element, such as to a voice coil of an actuator. An electrical flow path utilizing the helical centering springs as a primary element in conducting current ensures reliable current flow to a reciprocating element and avoids high-speed flexing of brittle wires. Hard-wired connections are utilized only between stationary elements. A second double-coil actuator embodiment employs a coaxial, substantially co-extensive pair of springs as the input and return current flow paths for each actuator.

Abstract: A dual-rate surface effect damper with extended useful life. The dual rate is provided by two cylindrical liners which have different inner diameters which engage a damping piston having protrusions which have an interference fit with the liner. Features which extended life include heat dissipative elements such as internal and external fins, a convective heat transfer path for cooling air through the piston and a lubricant of MoS.sub.2 dispersed in a Teflon.RTM.-filled flurosilicone. Maintaining the temperature of the elastomer below about 200.degree. F. (93.3.degree. C.) is critical to avoiding thermal breakdown. In addition, the elastomer and metallic surfaces can undergo a surface treatment to reduce their tendency to abraid and to cause abrasion, respectively.

Abstract: An elastomeric bearing for use at elevated temperatures. The elastomeric bearing is particularly suited for use as an aircraft engine mount to isolate the aircraft cabin from engine noises. The bearing assembly incorporates fulcrums at selected locations to provide clearances which accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the elastomeric layers.

Abstract: The fluid inertia mount of the like has an inertia track with an adjustable fluid path length located between variable volume fluid chambers of the mount. By adjusting the fluid path length of the inertia track the mount may be dynamically tuned continuously between a range of frequencies in a manner to provide a low stiffness notch for isolating input excitations that produce undesirable vehicle vibrations. A tuning plate assembly adjustably locates an opening of the inertia track in a desired location along the length thereof betwene extreme positions in which the fluid path length is relatively long and relatively short.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible coupling suitable for transmitting torque and accommodating axial and angular misalignment between drive and driven members. The coupling includes at least one reinforcing rim disposed between a pair of hubs having a plurality of projecting pins about which are secured filaments that are coated with a flexible matrix material. The filaments are geodesically wrapped from the hub one side of the reinforcing ring and then to the hub on the opposite side of the reinforcing ring. The driven and driven members are respectively attached to the projecting pins.

Abstract: A fluid filled resilient bushing assembly for vibration control in the radial and axial directions or combinations thereof, particularly adapted for use in a suspension system, which comprises an elongate inner rigid member and an elongate outer rigid sleeve member, a resilient member interposed between the inner and outer members. The resilient member together with the outer member defines two circumferentially and axially-spaced chambers and a restricted passageway connecting the chambers. The chambers and passageway contain an incompressible fluid. By axially and circumferentially spacing the chambers, the desired damping in the axial and radial direction is obtained.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for estimation of absolute velocity in active or semi-active suspension systems. A controller produces a signal estimate of absolute velocity which can be implemented by a control algorithm to attenuate motion between spaced members, such as in vehicular suspension systems. The controller performs time integration of an accelerometer input signal by an analog integrator means comprising a first-order low-pass filter. A digital feedback or offset means is utilized to stabilize the signal and constrain the constant and relatively low frequency components of the analog integrated signal about an oscillatory voltage range. A digital filter means receives the stable signal and removes selected constant and low frequency components of the signal to produce a signal indicative of absolute velocities for a frequency range of interest further stabilized about a select mid-range voltage value.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising about 50 to 30% by weight of a blocked isocyanate-functional urethane prepolymer, 2 to 25% by weight of at least one organic solvent-soluble phenolic resin, 0.5 to 18% by weight of a halogenated resin selected from the group consisting of halogenated rubber, halogenated polyolefins and halogenated vinyl halide polymers and an inert solvent in an amount sufficient to provide an adhesive primer having a solid content of 10 to 70% by weight.

Abstract: A reaction produce which includes a reactive silicone, a polyol, and an isocyanate. The reactive silicone may contain polyol or polyamine functionality. A urethane-siloxane copolymer of polydialkyl siloxane and polyurethane. A coating composition which contains a prepolymer of polydialkyl siloxane and polyurethane. A coated article may be produced wherein the article is coated with a composition that includes polydialkyl siloxane-polyurethane copolymer. A method for making a coating composition includes copolymerizing at least one reactive silicone, at least one polyol, and at least one isocyanate. A single-component coating which includes a polydialykl siloxane-polyurethane copolymer. A prepolymer in solution, wherein the prepolymer includes polydialkyl siloxane-polyurethane copolymer and a solvent, such as xylene.

Abstract: A fluid filled resilient bushing assembly for vibration control, particularly adapted for use in a suspension system, which includes an elongate inner rigid member and an elongate outer rigid sleeve member, a resilient device interposed between the inner and outer members. The resilient device together with the outer member defines two circumferentially and axially-spaced chambers and a restricted passageway connecting the chambers. The chambers and passageway contain an incompressible fluid. Disposed in one chamber is a elastomeric channel device that preloads the bushing as to radially offset the inner member relative to the outer sleeve member.

Abstract: A fluid filled vibration isolator of the type having upper and lower chambers separated by a partition having an inertia track passageway and a decoupler assembly permitting fluid to bypass the inertia track passageway at certain amplitudes. The decoupler assembly includes a plurality of wafers loosely contained within a cavity in the partition. The wafers have a predetermined density and occupies less than the entire cavity when at rest therein. At low amplitudes of vibration, the plurality of wafers oscillates in a dispersed condition as the fluid oscillates through the screened cavity essentially bypassing the inertia track passageway between the chambers. As the amplitude of vibrations increase beyond a certain level, the plurality of wafers compacts alternately against the screens to throttle flow therethrough and thereby cause the fluid to oscillate in the inertia track passageway.

Abstract: A mount capable of being pressed into an installed position in a hole in a plate. The mount has inner and outer concentric annular elements connected together by an intermediate flexible thermoplastic elastomeric web. The outer annular element has a peripheral groove which receives the plate and a deflectable wall with a chamfered outer surface and a series of slots. The flexible web permits the inner element to vibrate with respect to the plate and thereby isolate an item from the plate.