Abstract: A railway car side bearing includes a lower housing member, an upper housing member spaced apart from the lower housing member, and an elastomeric spring member interposed between the upper and lower housing members that buckles upon application of vertical loading to provide a spring rate that softens within a range of compressive loads. The upper and lower housing members cooperate with each other to allow for relative vertical movement therebetween, but restrain lateral and rotational movement therebetween. The elastomeric spring member has a first set of spring rates when subjected to axial loads within a first range. However, when the side bearing is subjected to axial loads within an second range, the elastomeric spring member buckles and exhibits a second set of substantially softer spring rates.

Abstract: An elastomer landing gear pad assembly (20) and method of reducing loading of installation fasteners (17) including a cap (15) and an elastomer pad (21) including a crown (22) on at least one edge thereof extending between the top (26) and at least one of the peripheral sides (24). Upon tightening the fasteners (17), the crown (22) comes into progressive contact with the contact surface thereby compressing the pad (21). The crown minimizes stress buildup in the fasteners upon substantial compression of the pad.

Abstract: An elastomeric mounting configured to be inserted in a pocket in a vibrating first member and to isolate the first member from a second member on which the first member is mounted. The mounting includes a rigid tube, a substantially rigid radial disk at one end of the mounting, and an elastomeric member including a tubeform section essentially surrounding the rigid tube and a sandwich section bonded to an axially projecting surface of the rigid radial disk and extending radially outward from the tubeform section.

Abstract: A method of controlling a controllable force generator within a controllable suspension system interconnected between a first member M.sub.1 and a second member M.sub.2. The method includes the steps of obtaining a first signal (V.sub.abs) representative of the absolute velocity of the first member M.sub.1, obtaining a second signal (V.sub.rel) representative of the relative velocity between the first and second members, and setting a desired damping force for the generator based upon a control policy which defines a control surface. The control policy includes a preselected gain, an absolute velocity, and a shaping function of relative velocity wherein said control surface exhibits only continuous first derivatives for V.sub.rel *V.sub.abs >0 and wherein the control surface is devoid of any surface discontinuities. This control policy effectively eliminates the jerkiness in certain prior art control methods, such as skyhook.

Abstract: A bonded component (126) adapted for insertion in a housing (120) thus forming a mount (118). The bonded component (126) includes an inner member (128) including a outer periphery (129) having a preferably non-planar profile along its width and an elastomer (130) bonded thereto. The elastomer (130) includes a first arcuate section (142) extending through a first arc (.theta..sub.1) and having first and second lateral faces (150a-c), a second arcuate section (142') extending through a second arc (.theta..sub.2) also having first and second lateral faces (150b-d), notches (148a-d) formed in first and second lateral faces of each of said first and second arcuate sections, the notches only extending part way across each of said sections. In another aspect, the location of the notches (148a-d) are vertically and/or angularly offset from said fore-and-aft axis (146).

Abstract: A device for cushioning shocks is provided. A relatively unstable, collapsible elastomeric member which has guides integrally formed thereon, is surrounded by a guide sleeve which provides controlled deflection as well as damping for the elastomeric member. A piston is used to collapse the elastomeric member. The cush of the present invention can be utilized in hydraulic systems where an elastomeric bladder provides primary energy storage and in other applications where the cush of the present invention is the primary damper. This cush can be preloaded and, where desired, can be provided with the capability to adjust the preload.

Abstract: A method for efficiently maintaining the temperature of fluid in a conditioned space at a predetermined set point temperature, the method comprising the steps of: (a) operating the temperature control system in a first operating mode; (b) sensing the temperature of the conditioned space fluid; (c) calculating the Integral Error of the temperature of the conditioned space fluid; and (d) if the Integral Error equals or exceeds a predetermined Integral Error threshold value for the first operating mode, switching the unit to a second operating mode.

Abstract: A sound attenuating enclosure for a portable machine includes a lower body having an inner skin and an outer skin spaced apart from the inner skin. The lower body is adapted for having the portable machine mounted therein and also includes one or more wheels rotatably mounted thereto. The enclosure also has an upper body overlying the lower body for containing the portable machine between the upper and lower bodies and a towing element attached to the lower body for pulling the enclosure over a surface. One or more sections of the inner and outer skins are in permanent contact with one another for damping vibrational movement of the skins during operation of the portable machine so as to reduce the level of sound emanating from the enclosure.

Abstract: A two-stage rotary vane motor is provided that is particularly efficient for use in cryogenic refrigeration systems where the mass flow rate of the drive fluid (which may be expanding cryogen gas) varies substantially. The two-stage rotary vane motor includes a housing enclosure having first and second fluid chambers, each with their own inlets for receiving pressurized cryogen, and first and second rotors rotatably mounted within the chambers by means of a shaft assembly having an output end. In operation, when the mass flow of the drive fluid is high (350 pounds per hour), fluid is admitted through the inlets of both the chambers of the housing enclosure to drive both of the rotors. However, when the mass flow of the drive fluid drops to a low level (i.e., 100 pounds per hour), expanding cryogen is admitted only through the second chamber of the housing enclosure to drive only the second rotor.

Abstract: An enclosure for a portable machine includes a lower body having two or more wheels rotatably mounted thereto, the lower body including an interior region adapted for receiving the portable machine. The enclosure includes an upper body overlying the lower body for enclosing the portable machine within the interior region and a towing element attached to the lower body for pulling the enclosure over a surface, such as a road. The upper and lower bodies substantially comprise polymer materials for minimizing the amount of noise emanating from the enclosure during operation of the portable machine. The lower body may include materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and nylon, and the upper body may include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The upper and lower bodies may be formed using a molding process, such as a vacuum molding process.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the operating efficiency of a compressor having a compression module for compressing a fluid, the compression module including an inlet for receiving the fluid and an outlet for discharging compressed fluid, the compressor including a prime mover for driving the compression module and a rotatable fan for drawing ambient air into the compressor. The compressor includes a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of compressed fluid discharged from the compression module, a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of a coolant circulating through the prime mover, a third temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the fluid entering the compression module, and a fourth temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of a lubricant mixed with the fluid as the fluid is compressed in the compression module. The compressor includes an electronic control module (ECM) electrically connected to the four temperature sensors for receiving signals therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving efficiency of a temperature conditioning system which employs a cryogenic liquid. A vapor powered ventilation motor is normally powered by vapor from the low pressure end of the evaporation coils. However, supplemental vapor is provided at start-up to provide immediate ventilation. In addition, vapor which bleeds off valves is cycled through the vapor powered motor or used to maintain a slight positive pressure when the system is shut down.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature of the compressed fluid flowing through a compressor aftercooler. The system includes a compression module flow connected to an aftercooler and at least one repositionable fluid flow regulating member upstream from the aftercooler for modifying the volume of ambient fluid supplied across the aftercooler. The system further includes a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature, and an actuator connected to the at least one fluid flow regulating member. A controller is in signal receiving relation with the temperature sensor and is in signal transmitting relation with the actuator. If the sensed ambient temperature is outside a predetermined range, a repositioning signal is sent by the controller to the actuator, extending or retracting the actuator the amount required to achieve the required fluid flow rate across the aftercooler and thereby maintain the desired aftercooler fluid discharge temperature for the ambient operating temperatures.

Abstract: A hybrid temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the air in a conditioned space, and including a mechanical temperature control unit having primary evaporator means for reducing the temperature of conditioned space air, the first evaporator means utilizing a refrigerant to remove the heat from the air; the hybrid temperature control system further comprising supplemental evaporator means located a distance from the primary evaporator means, the supplemental evaporator means utilizing a cryogen to remove additional heat from the air to further reduce the temperature of the conditioned space air.

Abstract: An enclosure for holding a machine includes a lower body made of polymer materials, such as polyolafins and/or nylon. The lower body includes an interior region having a surface with one or more features integrally molded therein and an upper body overlying the lower body for enclosing the machine between the upper and lower bodies. The one or more features integrally molded into the surface of the interior region are adapted for at least partially securing the machine to the lower body. In one embodiment, the one or more features integrally molded into the surface of the lower body include a projection extending above the surface of the interior region and the machine includes a recess formed in a bottom surface thereof. The projection may be sized and shaped to fit within the recess for securing the machine to the surface of the lower body so as to prevent the machine from moving laterally with respect to the surface of the interior region.

Abstract: A separator tank for removing oil from a gas/oil mixture includes a lower chamber for collecting the oil removed from the gas/oil mixture, an intermediate chamber overlying the lower chamber and an upper chamber overlying the intermediate chamber. The separator tank has an inlet in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber for introducing the gas/oil mixture into the separator tank at a velocity. The intermediate chamber includes a baffle adapted for changing the velocity of the gas/oil mixture as the mixture travels between the inlet and the upper chamber for causing at least some of the oil to separate from the gas/oil mixture. The upper chamber has a diffusing element for reducing the velocity of the gas/oil mixture and an oil coalescing element for separating at least some of the oil from the gas/oil mixture.

Abstract: A compressor that includes a base; a housing supported on said base, said housing and base defining a compression chamber; and a compression module supported on said base within said compression chamber, said base including at least two support channels, each of the at least two support channels including a first group of flow openings for supplying a volume of uncompressed fluid to the compression module.

Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly for a centrifugal compressor includes a guide vane housing having an inlet side for receiving a fluid passing through the compressor at a first flow angle, an outlet side remote from the inlet side and a central axis extending between the inlet and outlet sides of the housing. The assembly has a first set of inlet guide vanes pivotally mounted within the guide vane housing, between the inlet side and the outlet side thereof, for impinging upon the fluid passing through the housing. The assembly includes a second set of inlet guide vanes pivotally mounted within the guide vane housing, between the first set of inlet guide vanes and the outlet side of the housing, for impinging upon the fluid passing through the housing after the fluid has passed through the first set of inlet guide vanes.

Abstract: A method for determining the oil change interval for an internal combustion engine for driving a refrigerant compressor. The method includes the steps of sensing if the engine is being operated at high speed; incrementing the high speed counter during hours of high speed operation; sensing if the engine has been stopped; incrementing the counter for number of stops during the oil change interval; calculating the new oil change interval based on the current values in the high speed counter and the number of stops counter; and comparing the calculated new oil interval with the number of hours of service, and if the number of hours of service exceeds the new oil change interval, displaying a message indicating an oil change is needed.