Abstract: A rate control device includes an outer cylinder defining an interior chamber having a longitudinal axis and containing a hydraulic fluid. A piston head mounted to a proximal end or a piston rod is slidably positionable within the interior chamber. A rate control valve is disposed within an interior cavity of the piston head coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the interior chamber of the cylinder. The rate control valve includes a variable flow rate orifice and a fixed flow rate orifice disposed in series relationship with respect to fluid flow through the rate control valve.

Abstract: An elastomeric tie rod end isolator or an elastomeric cartridge isolator that includes an outer metal sleeve defining a generally cylindrical socket, a generally cylindrical inner metal sleeve disposed coaxially within the socket in radially spaced relationship with the outer metal sleeve, and an elastomeric isolator disposed therebetween. The elastomeric isolator is a unitary annular body formed of an elastomer material and having a radially inboard surface in contact with the inner metal sleeve and a radially outboard surface in contact with the outer metal sleeve. The unitary elastomer body has a generally conical primary load-carrying section and a generally cylindrical secondary load-limiting section, each disposed coaxially about the axis of the socket. The load-limiting section includes a snubber gap formed by an axially extending groove.

Abstract: A hydraulic recoil buffer assembly for a firearm having a receiver and a fixed or collapsible stock assembly including an end cylinder adapted to be secured to the pistol grip or receiver of the firearm and slidably translatable with respect to the extension tube, and a hydraulic shock absorption assembly operative to produce a hydraulic resistance to a rearward movement of the end cylinder during recoil of the firearm. The hydraulic shock absorption assembly has an orifice restricted fluid flow passage and a piston head that compresses a return spring as the end cylinder moves rearward against a recoil coil spring. The recoil buffer assembly stores a portion of the recoil energy through compression of the recoil spring and the return spring, and dissipates a portion of the recoil energy through the resistance provided by fluid flow through the orifice restricted flow passage.

Abstract: A mechanical linear actuator having a tubular member that is defined by a housing for rotatably and axially supporting a circular nut, a lead screw is mated to the circular nut so that it can move axially in and out of the tubular member. A torsion spring clutch brake is wound about the circular nut to normally brake the nut and thus prevent the lead screw from moving into or out of the tubular member. An unlocking mechanism can remotely unwind the torsion spring clutch brake to sufficiently release the circular nut and thus allow the lead screw to pass in and out of the tubular member. An adjustable stop is provided for adjusting the stroke of the actuator.

Abstract: A rate control device includes an outer cylinder defining an interior chamber having a longitudinal axis and containing a hydraulic fluid. A piston head mounted to a proximal end or a piston rod is slidably positionable within the interior chamber. A rate control valve is disposed within an interior cavity of the piston head coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the interior chamber of the cylinder. The rate control valve includes a variable flow rate orifice and a fixed flow rate orifice disposed in series relationship with respect to fluid flow through the rate control valve.

Abstract: An elastomeric tie rod end isolator or an elastomeric cartridge isolator that includes an outer metal sleeve defining a generally cylindrical socket, a generally cylindrical inner metal sleeve disposed coaxially within the socket in radially spaced relationship with the outer metal sleeve, and an elastomeric isolator disposed therebetween. The elastomeric isolator is a unitary annular body formed of an elastomer material and having a radially inboard surface in contact with the inner metal sleeve and a radially outboard surface in contact with the outer metal sleeve. The unitary elastomer body has a generally conical primary load-carrying section and a generally cylindrical secondary load-limiting section, each disposed coaxially about the axis of the socket. The load-limiting section includes a snubber gap formed by an axially extending groove.

Abstract: A load isolation system for a component includes at least one isolation assembly. The at least one isolation assembly includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate, each of which are parallel to one another and are structurally connected to one another. At least two isolation subsystems are integrated into the isolation assembly in which a first isolation subsystem is disposed between the first mounting plate and an intermediate plate for isolating the component from lateral motions and a second isolation subsystem is disposed between the intermediate plate and the second mounting plate for isolating vertical motions in which the first mounting plate is attached to a fixed support and the second mounting plate is attached to the component.

Abstract: A vibration and displacement damper includes a plunger piston (10) sliding with a slight clearance inside a guiding cylinder (20). The plunger piston includes over a part of its length a piston ring (12) sliding inside a main chamber (13) provided in the cylinder, the ring including calibrated through-orifices (14) for a high-viscosity fluid filling the chamber on both sides of the ring. The device is intended to damp vibrations and displacements, in particular of cable stays.

Abstract: A hydraulic bolt buffer assembly for an automatic firearm, the firearm including a receiver having a longitudinal chamber, a bolt and carrier assembly mounted in the chamber for reciprocating movement between a recoil position and a battery position, a spring for urging the buffer into contact with the bolt and carrier assembly for movement therewith and for biasing said bolt and carrier assembly toward the battery position. The buffer assembly includes a housing having an inner cavity, as well as a piston disposed within the inner cavity of the housing that is movable between an extended position and a depressed position, the piston being in contact with the bolt and carrier assembly. The buffer further includes a spring for biasing the piston in the extended position, as well as a bearing member in fixed relation in the housing and permitting a fluid tight seal with the interior of the buffer housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a device for the damping of motion between two cylindrical parts sliding with one another in translation and friction. According to this invention, the damping is performed by the application of a force exerted radially perpendicularly to the translation motion of the two parts by at least one elastic segment (13) circling one of the parts (11) and inside the other (12), integral in translation with one of the parts (11) and appplying said frictional force on the other part (12). This invention is applicable to the absorption of shocks as well as to that of vibrations.

Abstract: A hydraulic bolt buffer assembly for an automatic firearm, the firearm including a receiver having a longitudinal chamber, a bolt and carrier assembly mounted in the chamber for reciprocating movement between a recoil position and a battery position, a spring for urging the buffer into contact with the bolt and carrier assembly for movement therewith and for biasing said bolt and carrier assembly toward the battery position. The buffer assembly includes a housing having an inner cavity, as well as a piston disposed within the inner cavity of the housing that is movable between an extended position and a depressed position, the piston being in contact with the bolt and carrier assembly. The buffer further includes a spring for biasing the piston in the extended position, as well as a bearing member in fixed relation in the housing and permitting a fluid tight seal with the interior of the buffer housing.

Abstract: A recoil pad for a shoulder firearm includes at least one piston member that is caused to move axially from an initial axial position to a second axial position upon application of the recoil force from the firearm. The axial movement of the piston member causes fluid movement within a column relative to a variable or fixed orifice area wherein the fluid movement causes resistance that absorbs the energy. A mechanical and/or hydraulic and/or elastomeric feature returns the piston to the initial axial position upon cessation of the applied recoiling force.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator that includes a double acting mechanical spring assembly that is mounted to act in parallel with a fluid or liquid spring assembly. The mechanical spring is arranged to provide a first spring rate over a first displacement range and a second spring rate over a further second displacement range. The liquid spring is connected to an accumulator by control circuitry that is under the control of a microprocessor to release stored energy which combines with that of the mechanical spring to rapidly dissipate the input G forces to a level sufficient to protect a substructure.

Abstract: A load isolation system for a component includes at least one isolation assembly. The at least one isolation assembly includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate, each of which are parallel to one another and are structurally connected to one another. At least two isolation subsystems are integrated into the isolation assembly in which a first isolation subsystem is disposed between the first mounting plate and an intermediate plate for isolating the component from lateral motions and a second isolation subsystem is disposed between the intermediate plate and the second mounting plate for isolating vertical motions in which the first mounting plate is attached to a fixed support and the second mounting plate is attached to the component.

Abstract: A cabinet for reducing the G-loading upon a delicate instrument produced by shock and vibratory forces. The cabinet includes an inner frame and an outer frame that are co-joined by a series of horizontal isolators and double acting isolator or shock absorber assemblies.

Abstract: A recoil pad for a shoulder firearm includes at least one piston member that is caused to move axially from an initial axial position to a second axial position upon application of the recoil force from the firearm. The axial movement of the piston member causes fluid movement within a column relative to a variable or fixed orifice area wherein the fluid movement causes resistance that absorbs the energy. A mechanical and/or hydraulic and/or elastomeric feature returns the piston to the initial axial position upon cessation of the applied recoiling force.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator that includes a double acting mechanical spring assembly that is mounted to act in parallel with a fluid or liquid spring assembly. The mechanical spring is arranged to provide a first spring rate over a first displacement range and a second spring rate over a further second displacement range. The liquid spring is connected to an accumulator by control circuitry that is under the control of a microprocessor to release stored energy which combines with that of the mechanical spring to rapidly dissipate the input G forces to a level sufficient to protect a substructure.

Abstract: A single-use damping mechanism. A piston assembly fits within a chamber defined by a piston receiving member. The distal end of the piston receiving member includes a first and second passages which are disposed in fluidic series between the chamber and the ambient air. The first, inner passage is relatively small and controls the damping time of the mechanism. The second, outer passage is relatively large and holds a sealing assembly that prevents fluid from escaping from the chamber, through the first passage, until the mechanism is to be used. The piston assembly includes a pressure relief assembly, which comprises a cavity filled with a compressible material, into and out of which fluid can flow as necessary to protect the mechanism from temperature related pressure changes, and yet which does not interfere with the damping characteristics of the mechanism.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator system that includes a frame in which a shock and vibration sensitive mass is suspended by double acting shock absorbers with vibration isolation capabilities. Wire rope isolators are also mounted between walls of the mass and adjacent walls of the frame so that shock and vibrations moving along the vertical, horizontal and longitudinal axes of the system are effectively attenuated.

Abstract: A double acting mechanical shock isolator that includes a stack of friction springs contained within a housing. The stack is retained between the end walls of the housing by a pair of opposed slides. A sleeve passes through the stack and the ends of the sleeve are contained within opposing slides. The ends of the sleeve are connected to the slides by lost motion devices so that the sleeve is engaged by one of the containing slides when the sleeve moves toward the opposing slide and releases the slide when the sleeve moves in the opposite direction so that the stack is loaded in compression when the sleeve is moved axially in either direction.