Abstract: The strut includes a telescoping load bearing assembly that extends through a composite spring and a frictional damping assembly. The damping assembly includes one, two three or more movable damper wedges that are urged by two wedge rings against a sleeve bearing that normally provides for low friction extension and contraction of the load bearing assembly. In response to application of an axial load on the load bearing assembly, however, the damper wedges press or squeeze the sleeve bearing into gripping engagement with the load bearing assembly, which causes the sleeve bearing to apply a frictional damping force to the load bearing assembly. Elastomer layers interposed between the interactive faces of the damper wedges and the wedge rings are placed in visco-elastic shear in response to movement of the damper wedges and, hence, provide essentially frictionless movement of the damper wedges under such conditions. This enhances the sensitivity of the strut to certain road conditions.

Abstract: The assembly includes three damper shoes that are guided by and wedged transversely between two wedge rings, one having three curved flats and the other having three planar flats that respectively contact conforming contact surfaces of the damper shoes. The assembly is particularly useful in a frictionally damped suspension strut.

Abstract: The strut includes a reciprocative load bearing assembly and one, two or more sets of springs, either elastomeric or coil type, which operate either singularly, in parallel or in series to provide a variable rate spring force. A frictional or "coulomb" damper is operated by one or more of the spring sets to provide a variable rate damping force. The strut provides a substantially constant ride frequency over a wide range of load conditions and is especially adapted for rubber tired vehicle application.

Abstract: The strut includes a reciprocative load bearing assembly and one, two or more sets of springs, either elastomeric or coil type, which operate either singularly, in parallel or in series to provide a variable rate spring force. A frictional or "coulomb" damper is operated by one or more of the spring sets to provide a variable rate damping force. The strut provides a substantially constant ride frequency over a wide range of load conditions and is especially adapted for rubber tired vehicle application.

Abstract: The suspension includes a moveable load arm assembly adapted to support a railcar axle, at least one elliptical cross-section rod spring carried by the load arm assembly in load bearing relation with a railcar body, a frictional damping surface connected to the body adjacent the load arm assembly, a frictional damping element, and a tapered operator carried by the load arm assembly in underlying relation with each rod spring such that one component of a load bearing force transmitted from the load arm assembly is applied to the rod spring as a transverse load bearing compressive force only, while a perpendicular component thereof is applied to and urges the damping element toward the friction surface. The suspension is suited for usage in railcar and rubber tired vehicle suspensions.

Abstract: The suspension includes a moveable load arm assembly adapted to support a vehicle axle, at least one elliptical cross-section rod spring carried by the load arm assembly in load bearing relation with a vehicle body, a frictional damping surface connected to the body adjacent the load arm assembly, a frictional damping element, and a tapered operator carried by the load arm assembly in underlying relation with each rod spring such that one component of a load bearing force transmitted from the load arm assembly is applied to the rod spring as a transverse load bearing compressive force only, while a perpendicular component thereof is applied to and urges the damping element toward the friction surface. The suspension is suited for usage in railcar and rubber tired vehicle suspensions.

Abstract: A railcar shock insulated suspension system is provided with unique variable rod springs and co-related variable rate friction damping means. Each rod spring includes an elongated solid body of elastomeric material which, when subjected to radially directed compression loads and allowed to deform freely without rotation, produces a non-linear or variable spring rate proportional to the ratio of the areas of its loaded to unloaded surfaces. Rod springs constitute the main suspension spring elements, and additionally may constitute the damping means spring elements, if desired.

Abstract: A shock insulated suspension system is provided with unique variable rate rod springs and co-related variable rate friction damping means. Each rod spring includes an elongated solid body of elastomeric material which, when subjected to radially directed compression loads and allowed to deform freely without rotation, produces a non-linear or variable spring rate proportional to the ratio of the areas of its loaded to unloaded surfaces. Rod springs constitute the main suspension spring elements, and additionally may constitute the damping means spring elements, if desired.