Abstract: A self-stabilizing dry viscous spring damper is provided for absorbing shock that is particularly resistant to instability due to nonaxial deformation. The damper comprises opposed first and second outer housing members which are elastomerically associated with a shear spring. A selectively pressurizable gas chamber is provided having a subchamber disposed in association therewith which includes, preferably, a plurality of elastomeric particles. A rigid structural assembly with deformable bushing and metal bearing members is included in the damper for stabilizing the device upon relative compressive movement of the first and second outer housing members. That is, the deformable bushing is provided to allow controlled nonaxial deformation to a maximum predetermined limit. Past this maximum deformation limit nonaxial forces are entirely carried by the rigid assembly.

Abstract: A dry viscous spring strut is provided having at least a top outer housing member, a bottom outer housing member, a shear spring elastomerically associating the top outer housing member to the bottom outer housing member, a selectively pressurizable gas chamber, a subchamber disposed in association with the gas chamber including a plurality of elastomeric particles, a rigid structural member associated with the top outer housing member, and a bearing portion associated with the bottom outer housing member to receive the structural member. The structural member is received in the bearing portion to bear side loading forces to the strut and to limit nonaxial deformation of the strut. Relative movement between the top and the bottom housing members operates to stress the shear spring and the elastomeric particles, vary the pressurization of the gas chamber and subchamber, and vary the positioning of the structural member relative to the bearing portion to absorb shock and dissipate energy imparted to the strut.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing dry viscous spring damper is provided for absorbing shock that is particularly resistant to instability due to nonaxial deformation. The damper comprises opposed first and second outer housing members which are elastomerically associated with a shear spring. A selectively pressurizable gas chamber is provided having a subchamber disposed in association therewith which includes, preferably, a plurality of elastomeric particles. A rigid structural assembly with deformable bushing and metal bearing members is included in the damper for stabilizing the device upon relative compressive movement of the first and second outer housing members. That is, the deformable bushing is provided to allow controlled nonaxial deformation to a maximum predetermined limit. Past this maximum deformation limit nonaxial forces are entirely carried by the rigid assembly.

Abstract: A flexible wall spring damper including opposed first and second rigid mounting members interconnected by a flexible side wall is provided. A spring damper chamber is included within the flexible wall and is interposed between the opposed rigid mounting members. A plurality of elastomeric particles are included in the damper chamber. A selectively pressurizable gas chamber is interposed between the rigid mounting members and the flexible side walls. In one embodiment of the invention, a flexible diaphragm connected to one of the rigid mounting members defines the selectively pressurizable gas chamber. In another embodiment of the invention, a spiral tube defines the flexible side wall and includes an inner chamber including the plurality of elastomeric particles. Relative movement between the opposed rigid mounting members operates to stress the flexible side wall and the plurality of elastomeric particles, and vary the volume of the selectively pressurizable gas chamber.

Abstract: A dry viscous spring damper is provided particularly adapted for absorbing shocks, dissipating energy and load carrying and leveling of a vehicle. The spring damper is comprised of a first housing member at least partially received in a second housing member and joined at the second housing member with an elastomeric shear spring. The spring damper has a first chamber separated from a second chamber by an elastomeric diaphragm. A valve is provided for selectively pressurizing the second chamber with pressurized gas or air. A plurality of elastomeric particles are included in the first chamber whereby relative movement between the housing members operates to stress the shear spring and the elastomeric particles, and vary the volumes of the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A viscous spring damper for damping and levelling structural agitation comprising a first outer member joined to a connecting member by a first elastomeric shear spring, the first outer member including a first fluid chamber and a first elastomeric diaphragm. A second outer member is joined to the connecting member by a second elastomeric shear spring and includes a second fluid chamber and a second elastomeric diaphragm. The connecting member is comprised of a plurality of elastomeric flexible sections which are disposed to form a main fluid chamber communicating with the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, and further includes restrictive orifice for restricting the flow of fluid in the main fluid chamber.

Abstract: A viscous spring damper including inner and outer members connected by an elastomeric shear spring and having a main or first fluid chamber disposed therebetween for communication with a second fluid chamber in the inner member through a restricted orifice. The inner and outer members are relatively movable for stressing the shear spring and varying the volumes of the chambers while fluid is transferred therebetween through the restricted orifice. An elastomeric bladder within the second fluid chamber is selectively chargeable with gas pressure for calibrating the damping characteristics, varying the initial spring rate or leveling a vehicle on which the damper is installed. An elastomeric diaphragm is included in the main fluid chamber for providing a selectively chargeable diaphragm gas chamber.

Abstract: A self-leveling viscous elastic damper comprising an inner member at least partially received in an outer member and joined to the outer member with an elastomeric shear spring. A main fluid chamber is included in the outer member in communication with a second fluid chamber in the inner member through restricted orifice means. A third fluid chamber, separated from the main fluid chamber by a partitioning wall, is also included in the outer member. An elastomeric bladder for selective gas pressurization is disposed in the second fluid chamber. An elastomeric gas accumulator for selective gas pressurization is disposed in the third fluid chamber. Pump means extend through the partitioning wall for pumping fluid from the third fluid chamber to the main fluid chamber. An elastomeric diaphragm in the main fluid chamber connects the pump means to a peripheral wall of the outer member.