Abstract: A coupling of the "Tracta" joint type comprises a driving member rotatable about a first axis, a driven member rotatable about a second axis, and two intermediate members for operatively coupling the driving member to the driven member. The improvement comprises elastomeric bearing means disposed between and engaging each set of mutually opposing bearing surfaces of the driving, driven and intermediate members under compression when torque is applied to the driving member about the first axis.

Abstract: A caster assembly comprising an outer part for attachment of the assembly to a structure to be mobilized, said outer part having spaced parallel side walls, an inner part having spaced parallel side walls nested within the outer part with its side walls spaced from and parallel to the side walls of the outer part, wheel supporting legs to which a wheel is journaled, pins rotatably supporting the wheel supporting legs between the side walls of the inner and outer parts and elastically resilient members connecting the wheel supporting legs to the spaced parallel walls of the inner and outer parts in areas centered about the axes of the pins, said elastically resilient members being elastically deformable in torsion.

Abstract: A frusto-conical laminated elastomeric bearing is provided wherein at least some of the layers are graded in composition so that they have a first relatively high modulus of elasticity at the inner circumference, and a second relatively low modulus of elasticity at the outer circumference, with the grading being arranged so as to provide an optimum balance of strain distribution and spring rates consistent with bearing lifetime and reduced-torque considerations.

Abstract: Isolation fasteners for securing one structural part to another in such a way as to minimize transmission of vibration and sound from one part to the other comprising, in combination, fastening means for securing the parts to each other and interposable elastomeric systems designed to be disposed between the parts and about the fastening means.

Abstract: An improved Oldham type coupling comprising elastomeric laminated bearings between the conventional bearing surfaces to improve the compression load capacity of the bearing surfaces of the coupling as well as provide other advantages. In one embodiment the bearings are designed so that the coupling is capable of operating as a constant velocity coupling.

Abstract: A cylindrical elastomeric bearing for carrying relatively large compressive radial loads while accommodating thrust and torsional loads acting along the bearing's longitudinal axis. The bearing generally comprises a rigid interior member and a rigid exterior member, with the two members being joined together by bonded concentric laminae comprising alternating strata of resilient material and non-extensible material. The fatigue life of the bearing is enhanced by forming each resilient stratum with a shear modulus of elasticity such that the stratum will tend to carry a strain substantially equal to the strain carried by every other resilient stratum when the bearing is subjected to a wide range of different torsional loads.

Abstract: Acceleration initiated, velocity limiting self-actuating mechanical relative motion, controlling device having a pair of elements telescopically interconnected for relative motion with respect to each other with a braking surface preferably as an integral part of one of the elements and an interconnecting assembly for converting linear relative displacements of the elements to rotary motion of the internally supported braking mechanism comprising a primary brake assembly preferably coupled to increase mechanical gain and movable into engagement with the braking surface, a freely rotating first mass element to provide relative motion sensitivity, a brake actuating assembly coupling the mass element and the primary brake assembly for causing same to impede relative linear motion of the elements and a velocity sensitive braking assembly actuatable at a given angular velocity to impede rotation of the same element and thereby increase and sustain the braking force applied by the primary brake assembly.

Abstract: An isolator designed to prevent transmission of shock and vibration from one structure to another, comprising a device structured to provide orthogonal excursion in three directions and comprising a plurality of nested, concentrically-arranged component structures, each of which is structured to permit orthogonal excursion and a connector element for securing structures in nested parallel relation so that the composite resistance to displacement is the sum of the resistances of the individual components. The component structure may decrease in size from the outside to the inside or be all of the same size.

Abstract: A thrust bearing adapted for high and low pressure loading for supporting an end of a shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis comprising a ball bearing confined in concentric relation at the end of the shaft to be supported and a part recessed into the end of the shaft which rests against the ball bearing structured to dissipate heat and of a composition such that at high loads and high velocity, it functions as a solid lubricant and at low loads and low velocity, it functions as a solid.

Abstract: A hydraulic clamp comprising an assembly of concentrically-arranged parts wherein axial movement of a first part effects rotation of a second part and axial movement of a third part effects a corresponding axial movement of the second part and wherein the first part controls supply of pressure fluid to the third part so that rotation is first imparted to the second part and thereafter axial movement is imparted thereto and wherein a clamp arm is fixed to said second part.

Abstract: A frusto-conical laminated elastomeric bearing is provided wherein at least some of the layers are graded in composition so that they have a first relatively high modulus of elasticity at the inner circumstance, a second lower but still relatively high modulus of elasticity at the outer circumference, and a third still lower modulus of elasticity in an intermediate position between the inner and outer circumferences, with the grading being arranged so as to provide an optimum balance of strain distribution and spring rates consistent with bearing lifetime and reduced-torque considerations.

Abstract: A two-stage intensifier system for use in conjunction with a pressure-operable swing clamp or other pressure-operable device for supplying fluid pressure at a relatively low pressure to perform a first operation and thereafter to supply fluid pressure at a higher pressure to perform a second operation.

Abstract: End bearing assemblies are provided for articulating links, especially for articulating control links associated with helicopter rotor mechanisms. The end bearing assemblies comprise at least two elastomeric bearing sections connected by a load-transmitting member and arranged to react to loadings and accommodate motions along and about at least one of three mutually orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A flexible coupling comprises first and second torque transmitting members capable of being rotated about first and second axes, respectively. The coupling also includes connecting members associated in pairs. The connecting members are connected together and to the torque transmitting members through suitable bearings, preferably of the elastomeric type, for carrying pure compressive stress loading for torque transmission and for providing shear motion and restoring forces when said axes become misaligned.

Abstract: A snubber apparatus having a pair of elements telescopically interconnected for relative movement with respect to each other through a ball nut or lead screw device, a braking surface on one of the elements, an inertia mass driven by the other of the elements, a support for the brake shoe and a lever coupled to the inertia mass and pivotally coupled to the support for urging the shoe against the braking surface.

Abstract: Fluidic vibration isolation system which includes an isolator having a chamber, liquid and the vapor of the liquid in said chamber, heater means for heating the liquid and regulating means for controlling the heater depending upon the isolator relative height.

Abstract: A snubber apparatus which is constructed to present a high resistance to acceleration of the end fittings with respect to each other such as might occur due to seismic motion. The snubber apparatus preferably comprises a device which converts linear to rotary motion such as a ball screw and ball nut assembly which drives an inertia mass through a brake set and which when rotating causes braking to occur to increase the resistance force on the ball screw and ball nut assembly thus translating rotational resistance to linear resistance. The snubber apparatus is useful in restraining power plant piping, etc., in locations where earthquakes would be expected to occur.

Abstract: A self-positioning shock and vibration isolating suspension system is disclosed which incorporates one or more pneumatic mounts for supporting a load on a base. Each pneumatic mount comprises a hollow elastomer body with a diaphragm at each end, means for connecting one diaphragm to a base and the other to the load, means for pressurizing the elastomer body with a fluid so that the diaphragms and the fluid acting thereon form a pneumatic spring having a spring stiffness less than that of the hollow body, and means for varying the fluid pressure within the elastomer body in accordance with changes in the magnitude of the load.

Abstract: An improved air nozzle is provided which produces high thrust amplification over a relatively wide range of input flow rates while maintaining relatively low noise levels. The nozzle is adapted to provide flow amplification by inducing flow of ambient air with high pressure air.

Abstract: An air nozzle is provided which produces high thrust with low noise. The nozzle is adapted to provide flow amplification by inducing flow of ambient air with high pressure air.