Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive mass damper for broadband suppression of vibrations. The mass damper preferably includes a bob supported by nonlinear springs with high secant stiffness and low tangent stiffness. The mass damper is mounted on a machine or other source of vibration. The vibration generated by the machine is transmitted to the mass damper and induces off phase vibration of the bob which suppresses the inducing vibration.

Abstract: The safety brake system for a motor vehicle continuously monitors for a rear impact collision. If the rear impact is classified as one requiring responsive intervention, the system applies a braking force to the motor vehicle wheels. If the vehicle was stopped with the brake applied at the instant of the rear impact, then the brakes are completely blocked. As a result, the brakes are not released when the driver's foot is forced off the brake pedal upon impact and the resultant forward jerk of the vehicle is reduced or substantially suppressed. If the car was traveling a given speed at the instant of impact, the brakes are applied with a reduced braking force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying a coast-down braking torque to a vehicle coasting. The system provides a controlled regenerative braking torque automatically applied when the vehicle is coasting to simulate the feeling of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine. When the driver lets off the throttle when a vehicle is either on a flat grade or driving down a hill, the amount of regenerative braking is automatically controlled. When utilized with an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, the coast-down braking torque is converted to stored electric energy which improves the efficiency of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roll control actuator (34) for installation between first and second axially aligned parts (14,16) of a torsion bar (12) has a cylindrical housing (36) connectable by an end wall (38) to the second part of the torsion bar. A rod (40) is positioned inside the housing, extends out of the other end (42) of the housing, and is connectable to the second part of the torsion bar. A cylindrical inner sleeve (46) is positioned inside the housing between the housing and the rod; and the housing, the rod, and the inner sleeve are coaxial on an axis (A), with the rod being rotatable about the axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: Brake systems are disclosed for use in motor vehicles comprising a brake cylinder including a push rod, a brake key for activating a wheel brake on the motor vehicle, a braking lever having a first end for connection to the brake key and a second end for connection to the push rod, and a mount affixed to the push rod between the brake cylinder and the end of the push rod, the mount including a predetermined shape such as a pin and the braking lever including a predetermined shape such as an aperture so that the mount can be coupled to the push rod at a location between the brake cylinder and the end of the push rod by attaching the pin to the aperture. Methods for mounting brake systems in motor vehicles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of increasing lateral stiffness in fiberglass composite leaf springs used in suspension systems. The increase in lateral stiffness is accomplished by introducing two carbon fiber inserts to the longitudinal side regions of a fiberglass composite spring. The amount of volume of carbon fiber inserts is preferably between 10-20% by volume of the total volume of the spring and is a function of the strain characteristics required within the suspension system. The composite leaf spring secures the weight advantages of fiberglass springs as compared with traditional steel leaf springs and improves lateral stiffness that promotes improved handling as well as increased efficiency in the packaging of suspension and fuel storage systems. These new composite springs can be molded from layering preprag tape containing fiberglass, carbon fiber and resin, or from a 3D weaving process.

Abstract: An adaptive hydraulic engine mount for mounting an engine to a frame of a motor vehicle includes a pumping chamber and reservoir filled with damping fluid and an orifice track or damping channel communicating the pumping chamber with the reservoir. A decoupling diaphragm responds to pressure level in a control cavity to control pumping of damping fluid through the damping channel, thereby controlling the dynamic stiffness of the mount. Upon actuation of a control valve, the pressure level in the control cavity is changed to achieve a level of damping greater than the low damping level. According to another embodiment of the invention, the control cavity can be communicated with engine vacuum to achieve maximum damping, or air may be trapped in the control cavity to achieve an intermediate level of damping, or the control cavity may be communicated to atmosphere to provide low levels of damping.

Abstract: An antivibration mount to damp vibration in a main vibration direction, comprises first and second rigid strength members interconnected by an elastomer body. The first strength member includes first and second fingers which are substantially perpendicular to the main vibration direction and which extend outwards in opposite directions. The second rigid strength member includes first and second folded tabs which are perpendicular to the fingers and pierced by windows, the two fingers of the first rigid strength member passing through the windows.

Abstract: A casement fastener closure for thick-walled doors, shutters or the like comprising a housing for rotatable mounting of the actuating shaft of the casement fastener, which housing has, at its circumference, a thread and axially extending flattened portions, wherein a fastening plate provided with a threaded bore hole can be screwed onto the housing and, together with another plate which has an opening that is not round and which can be mounted on the housing so as to be rigid against rotation, can be fastened to the back of the door or shutter by means of wood screws. A recess is formed in one plate, e.g., the plate that can be screwed on, wherein the other plate, e.g., the plate which can be mounted, can be received in the recess so as to be fixed with respect to rotation.

Abstract: The present invention describes a coordination device for nominal values for the brake and/or the engine. The arrangement is based on a system wherein various components contribute to controlling the longitudinal dynamics of a vehicle. According to the present invention, these components generate in parallel to each other intermediate nominal values for the brake and/or the engine. According to the intermediate nominal values prevailing, coordination devices generate engine or brake nominal values which are sent to the corresponding components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronically controllable brake booster with a vacuum chamber and a pressure chamber, which are separated from each other by a movable wall, a control valve arrangement which can be actuated by means of an electromagnetic actuation means, and by means of which a pressure difference between the pressure chamber and the vacuum chamber can be adjusted, with the control valve arrangement, as a function of a current flowing through the electromagnetic actuation means, assuming a holding position in which the current ranges between a higher value and a lower value without the control valve arrangement leaving the holding position, a first pressure changing position in which the current is higher than the higher value, and a second pressure changing position in which the current is lower than the low value, characterized in that upon a changeover of the control valve arrangement from the holding position into the first or the second pressure changing position, or upon a changeover from

Abstract: A monotube damper and suspension spring assembly for a motor vehicle includes a tubular housing defining a chamber filled with damping fluid. A piston and piston rod reciprocate within the chamber. In order to compensate for volumetric changes of the chamber due to extension and retraction of the piston rod within the chamber, either the upper seal cover or lower bottom ring assembly is slidable within the housing. A preload is applied either to the housing or to the seal cover to thereby bias these elements to compensate for volumetric changes in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor having rotor holes disposed about an axis. Bushings are disposed within the rotor holes in order to protect the rotor holes from compression impact deformation. Each bushing includes an internal slot that permits the rotor to radially expand and contract due to changes in the temperature of the rotor. A hub having pin holes that align with the rotor holes is held to the rotor by drive pins disposed within the pin holes and the bushings. A bolt is placed into the drive pin and tightened to fix the hub to the rotor in the axial and circumferential directions. Other features are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system comprising a guiding rail (6) and a plurality of retaining devices (8) for a conveyed item, especially printing products. Said retaining devices each have a guiding pan (5) which can individually move in the guiding rail (6). A second guiding rail (7) is provided with a driving means (2) which is guided thereon. The driving means (2) permits a detachable coupling to a coupling part of the guiding part (5) such that, in a coupled state, a load carrying connection exists between the driving means (2) and the coupling part.

Abstract: In a safety arrangement of a cable-supported component of a medical device that can be adjusted via a cart at a column, a force acts on the cable via at least one clamping lever that is adjustably supported at the cart, and the cart is free for purposes of adjustment along the column given action of the force, and the clamping lever is moved such that it blocks displacement of the cart relative to the column when the force is reduced.

Abstract: Composite material spring modules and methods of manufacture are described having a fiber reinforced composite material spring body with attachment fittings integrally formed about the spring body. The attachment fittings are molded of a flexible material which dynamically responds to changes in the shape of the spring body upon deflection. Integral formation of the fittings with the spring body provides a unified single piece module which is readily attachable to any structure where spring support is desired. The composite material spring modules exhibit the properties of stiffness and return to uncompressed state from total depth deflection without set. The composite material spring modules with integrally formed fittings are described a mattress foundation, by attachment to high and low profile frames and to an overlying grid. Methods of manufacture of the composite material spring modules with integrally formed attachment fittings are described.

Abstract: A system for identifying the location of a file or book removed from a file cabinet or book shelf. The system includes a T-shaped marker member having a flexible plastic erasable top surface portion for receiving thereon a book/file borrower's name, dept. etc. and a hard plastic bottom surface portion for supporting the top surface portion; a storage hook assembly including a marker member attachment hook, a writing instrument storage holder and a hook assembly attachment mechanism for attaching the storage hook assembly in a convenient location adjacent to a file cabinet or book shelf; and an erasable marker sized to snap fit into the writing instrument storage holder.

Abstract: A lock handle assembly for a multi-point casement window is disclosed. The lock handle assembly includes an escutcheon for mounting to the inside surface of the frame. The escutcheon includes an elongated body which features an inner side facing away from the inside surface of the frame and an outer side that extends through the inside surface of the frame. The escutcheon further includes an elongated slot for receiving a handle through the inner side of the escutcheon. The slot comprises an upper end and a lower end defined by upper and lower walls respectively. The handle is pivotally connected to the escutcheon by a shaft having an axis that extends transversely through the slot. The shaft further connects a movable link to the handle. The shaft also passes through a fixed gear which is secured to the escutcheon. The fixed gear includes an arcuate gear. The movable link includes a proximal end pivotally connected to the shaft in a distal end pivotally connected to a drive gear link.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitor for a brake actuator having a housing and a rod reciprocal through an opening in the housing. The brake monitor includes a magnet and a sensor located within the magnetic field of the magnet and fixed relative to the housing, and a shunt which is reciprocal with the brake actuator rod between the magnet and the sensor which interrupts a signal between the sensor and the magnet when the shunt is located between the magnet and the sensor during reciprocal movement of the rod, signaling at least one position of the rod relative to the housing.

Abstract: A lightweight bicycle fork which includes a crown, a stem and a pair of opposed tubular struts. The stem is fitted into a bore in a central position of the crown and extends above the top surface of the crown. The pair of opposed struts are disposed to extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the crown. The struts are attached to the crown by being disposed within opposed bores within the crown and secured within the crown by threadable end caps. To prevent the rotation of the struts within the crown, longitudinal ribs can be disposed within the external surface of the struts which mate with matching grooves within the internal surface of the bores. The struts are reenforced with an internal web to strengthen the struts with respect to axial and lateral forces. The bicycle fork is made from lightweight materials such as aluminum.