Abstract: A composite material includes an elastomer matrix forming a basic component of the material. There is included a cross-linking system of the elastomer matrix and at least one fiber reinforcement including fibers with a maximum length of about 30 mm. The fibers are disposed throughout the elastomer matrix and are generally oriented to extend in a first direction of reinforcement. There is at least one thermosetting resin in the elastomer matrix. The elastomer matrix which includes the cross-linking system, the fiber reinforcement and the thermosetting resin has a first equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for a hypothetical elongation of 100% in the first direction and a second equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for an actual or hypothetical elongation of 100% in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. A second equivalent tensile modulus is at least 6 MPa.

Abstract: A composite material includes an elastomer matrix forming a basic component of the material. There is included a cross-linking system of the elastomer matrix and at least one fiber reinforcement including fibers with a maximum length of about 30 mm. The fibers are disposed throughout the elastomer matrix and are generally oriented to extend in a first direction of reinforcement. There is at least one thermosetting resin in the elastomer matrix. The elastomer matrix which includes the cross-linking system, the fiber reinforcement and the thermosetting resin has a first equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for a hypothetical elongation of 100% in the first direction and a second equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for an actual or hypothetical elongation of 100% in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. A second equivalent tensile modulus is at least 6 MPa.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism for continuously variable transmissions comprises at least one endless flexible connecting element which is non-metallic, flexible, quasi-inextensible longitudinally, and a plurality of transverse links, also non-metallic. Each link includes at least one groove in which is engaged the endless flexible connecting element. The transmission mechanism is further characterized by the fact that the coefficient of friction between the endless flexible connecting element and the transverse links is a maximum of 0.4. The transverse links, which are axially perfectly symmetrical, have on each of their faces, a device for guidance of the transverse links relative to one another.

Abstract: Elastic bushing with hydraulic damping of radial elasticity by circulation of liquid between two chambers opposite one another connected by a very long annular passage located in the round exterior fastening armature. A rigidity decoupling, over a short stroke, is provided by the deformation of a thin wall in each chamber. One side of the thin wall has air thereagainst and the other side has a damping liquid thereagainst. On the air side of the thin wall, movement is limited by an internal fastening ring, and on the liquid damping side by contact with a comb integrated in said internal fastening ring. Application of the bushing is in the fields of mountings for an automobile engine and similar uses.

Abstract: Elastically deformable self-supporting membrane making possible intercommunication between consecutive railway vehicles formed by corrugations of increasing depths and essentially constant thickness. The thickness of each end corrugation is increased and the outer peaks of the corrugations are reinforced by an extra thickness having a higher modulus than the rest of the coating.

Abstract: Forming process, during vulcanization on a mandrel, of the end portions of rubber tubes, using a tool having a radially deformable skirt in the form of a corolla, made of vulcanized rubber which encloses the end portions of rubber tubes using solely the action of the circumferential elasticity of its corolla. The disengagement of the part after vulcanization is accomplished by a simple axial thrust on the corolla. An upturned position of the radially deformable skirt makes possible the installation of the rubber tubes and other preparation operations.

Abstract: A preferred membrane system is for connecting railway vehicles or the like. Each of the vehicles has longitudinal walls extending along a direction of movement of the vehicle and ends extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal walls. The system comprises an elastically deformable membrane having a tubular form for substantial alignment with the longitudinal walls between the ends of the vehicles being adjacent to one another. The membrane has opposite ends for being respectively connected to the ends of the vehicles being adjacent to one another. The membrane includes a plurality of corrugations with each of the corrugations extending around the tubular form. Elements for connecting the vehicle provide a predetermined distance between the ends thereof. The membrane and the corrugations thereof are partially compressed when the opposite ends are disposed from each other by the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A process of manufacture for and the article which comprises a connecting and/or branching of flexible hoses is characterized in that an outer covering element (6) provides a compressive action of the walls of the ends of the flexible hoses (5) onto a rigid inner pipe (1). The outer covering element (6), may comprise a polymer of which the contraction during cooling of the polymer is at least equal to 1% of its original diameter. The invention is adapted for use in fluid circuits between different parts or engine units in a vehicle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a belt tension adjusting device and a belt tensioner damping arrangement.

Abstract: A resilient swivel joint for railway cars and the like. The joint has a first connector and a second connector attached to one another by a resilient member. The joint includes a stop that rotates with the second connector to facilitate relative rotational movement between the first and second connectors and limit relative linear movement between the first and second connectors.

Abstract: Elastic anti-vibration isolation apparatus with integrated hydraulic damping, consisting of a thick conical membrane of elastomer compound bonded to internal and external rigid frames, and crimped in a casing containing a damping liquid, characterized by the fact that the rigid partition which separates the variable volume chamber from the expansion space has a passage for the damping liquid realized in one or two parts, the dimensions of which can be adjusted by grinding or lathe-working at least one of the components, base or cover, of the rigid partition, or by the insertion of shims between the constituent parts, thereby making it possible, using a set of similar components, to realize a range of elastic mountings with damping characteristics adapted to desired utilization frequencies.

Abstract: Fitted coupling device, formed by two components, for connection to a flexible tube, having a female component and a male component on which said flexible tube is attached by thermal contraction of an external ring. The coupling device has an elastomer O-ring which is gradually compressed between two facing surfaces, one of which is essentially cylindrical and the other of which is a small-angle cone. The compression takes place during an axial manoeuver causing the rolling without sliding of said O-ring, which executes one or more complete turns on itself.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine which includes an apparatus for wrapping a belt more than 180 degrees around a wheel of the engine.

Abstract: Elastic support having deformable ball and socket joints for fastening a trim piece between two mobile elements, permitting the trim piece to remain in a median position, which includes two ball and socket joints exhibiting an elastic recall due to the adherized (or vulcanized) rubber-metal bond, the external rings being permanently fitted into a common assembly tube, the internal rings, in the shape of ball and socket joints, being permanently connected by fasteners in a plane in which the principal relative back-and-forth movements take place, and coming into contact with a thrust washer, by an axial thrust allowing a damping friction effect upon back-and-forth movements.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism for continuously variable transmissions comprises at least one endless flexible connecting element which is non-metallic, flexible, quasi-inextensible longitudinally, and a plurality of transverse links, also non-metallic. Each link includes at least one groove in which is engaged the endless flexible connecting element. The transmission mechanism is further characterized by the fact that the coefficient of friction between the endless flexible connecting element and the transverse links is a maximum of 0.4. The transverse links, which are axially perfectly symmetrical, have on each of their faces, a device for guidance of the transverse links relative to one another.

Abstract: A composite material for a transmission belt includes an elastomer matrix forming a basic component of the material. There is included a cross-linking system of the elastomer matrix and at least one fiber reinforcement including fibers with a maximum length of about 30 mm. The fibers are disposed throughout the elastomer matrix and are generally oriented to extend in a first direction of reinforcement. There is at least one thermosetting resin in the elastomer matrix. The elastomer matrix which includes the cross-linking system, the fiber reinforcement and the thermosetting resin has a first equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for a hypothetical elongation of 100% in the first direction and a second equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for an actual or hypothetical elongation of 100% in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. A second equivalent tensile modulus is at least 6 MPa.

Abstract: Elastic anti-vibration isolation apparatus with integrated hydraulic damping, consisting of a thick conical membrane of elastomer compound bonded to internal and external rigid frames, and crimped in a casing containing a damping liquid, characterized by the fact that the rigid partition which separates the variable volume chamber from the expansion space has a passage for the damping liquid realized in one or two parts, the dimensions of which can be adjusted by grinding or lathe-working at least one of the components, base or cover, of the rigid partition, or by the insertion of shims between the constituent parts, thereby making it possible, using a set of similar components, to realize a range of elastic mountings with damping characteristics adapted to desired utilization frequencies.

Abstract: A deformable floor in an interconnecting compartment between two adjacent rail or road vehicles is capable of allowing relative movement between the adjacent vehicles and is capable of accommodating for differences in relative angular positioning of and linear distance between the adjacent vehicles. The deformable floor includes a pair of support shafts respectively located at opposite sides of the vehicles with each extending in a longitudinal direction generally between the adjacent vehicles. Each extended end of the support shaft is resiliently mounted relative to its respective vehicle for relative angular movement therebetween. A plurality of generally evenly spaced rigid transverse bars extends in a transverse direction between the support shafts. There is included a friction bearing at each end of each of the rigid transverse bars on the support shaft for relative longitudinal movement therebetween. Reinforcing material is folded about and adhering to each of the rigid transverse bars.

Abstract: Device with flexible hose, particularly for an expandable packer, wherein hose is reinforced by armature layers made of flexible cables disposed helically and is attached at least at one end by compression of said layers against rigid pieces, characterized by the supporting elements and gripping elements, which are coaxial, having nonadhesive conical compression surfaces which diverge toward the end and by at least one wedge provided with slits being driven between reinforcing layers to ensure compression.

Abstract: A device designed to ensure running continuity between two successive railroad or road vehicles in spite of vertical movements, the lateral sway and the torsion between the floors of said vehicles, characterized in that it includes:(a) at each end, a deformable joint (10) which ensures tightness against dust, noise and weather,(b) a self-supporting element (6), which is deformable under torsional stresses, comprised of an elastomer compound (17) reinforced by at least one pair of metal or textile cord plies (16a) and (16b) and resting on two elastic supporting members (7), which are deformable under shear stress, and(c) angle base (9) mounted onto the floors of vehicles, fitted to said continuous elastic supporting members (7).