Abstract: A fixing device for connecting a first component to a second component. The fixing device includes an elastic main body having a connecting area with an inner housing to allow the passage of a securing element of the first component. The securing element has a widened head configured such that, upon passing through the inner housing of the connecting area, it is retained and fixed in the connecting area. The fixing device also includes a reinforcement configured to reinforce the connecting area for the purpose of preventing the removal of the securing element from the fixing device. The reinforcement is arranged on an outer surface of the connecting area such that the reinforcement surrounds the connecting area. The reinforcement being removeable from the elastic main body and not embedded, overmolded, or fixed permanently to the elastic main body.

Abstract: An automotive exhaust system isolator including an elastomeric body. The elastomeric body includes a central member having a through hole for inserting a pin of an exhaust system, and a peripheral member being configured to be coupled to a vehicle body, which surrounds the central member and is connected to the central member. The elastomeric body further includes two support arms having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends of the respective support arms being joined to the peripheral member, and the central member being connected to the two support arms by means of respective lateral bridges, so that, in use, the first ends of the support arms are positioned in an upper part of the peripheral member and the second ends are positioned in a lower part of the peripheral member, the central member being positioned between both support arms.

Abstract: An automotive exhaust system isolator including an elastomeric body. The elastomeric body includes a central member having a through hole for inserting a pin of an exhaust system, and a peripheral member being configured to be coupled to a vehicle body, which surrounds the central member and is connected to the central member. The elastomeric body further includes two support arms having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends of the respective support arms being joined to the peripheral member, and the central member being connected to the two support arms by means of respective lateral bridges, so that, in use, the first ends of the support arms are positioned in an upper part of the peripheral member and the second ends are positioned in a lower part of the peripheral member, the central member being positioned between both support arms.

Abstract: Suspension system of a vehicle and a shock absorber assembly of the suspension system, the shock absorber assembly includes a top mount and a jounce bumper. The jounce bumper includes a main body made of an elastic material, such as a foam elastomer or rubber and a fixing element made of a second harder material. The fixing element has a wall portion that extends around the outermost upper part of the main body and at least one elastic retaining area cooperating with a respective protuberance arranged in the top mount to fix the jounce bumper to the top mount. Between the outermost upper part of the main body and the fixing element there is a gap that enables the main body to expand radially also in the area covered by the wall portion of the fixing element when the main body is compressed during use.

Abstract: According to one embodiment a shock absorber assembly is provided that comprises a top mount and a jounce bumper. The jounce bumper includes a main body manufactured of an elastic material and a fixing element manufactured of a second material harder than the former. The jounce bumper is removably attached to the top mount through use of a movable retaining element housed in the fixing element, retaining said fixing element in the top mount in a first locking position and releasing said fixing element in a second unlocking position.

Abstract: Suspension system of a vehicle and a shock absorber assembly of the suspension system, the shock absorber assembly includes a top mount and a jounce bumper. The jounce bumper includes a main body made of an elastic material, such as a foam elastomer or rubber and a fixing element made of a second harder material. The fixing element has a wall portion that extends around the outermost upper part of the main body and at least one elastic retaining area cooperating with a respective protuberance arranged in the top mount to fix the jounce bumper to the top mount. Between the outermost upper part of the main body and the fixing element there is a gap that enables the main body to expand radially also in the area covered by the wall portion of the fixing element when the main body is compressed during use.

Abstract: A shock-absorber suitable for joining a first component subjected to vibrations, such as a vehicle exhaust pipe, to a second component, such as a vehicle frame, and a method for manufacturing the shock-absorber. According to some implementations the shock-absorber is made of a first elastic material of a first density constituting a majority of the volume of the shock-absorber and a second elastic material of a second density less than the first density. The shock absorber includes a first area designed for being joined to the first component and a second area designed for being joined to the second component. The second elastic material at least partially covers the first area and is configured to at least partially contact the first component when the first component is assembled within the first area.

Abstract: G protein biosensors comprising mammalian G protein subunits fused to fluorescent proteins emitting a FRET signal expressed in living intact functional cells. The intensity of the FRET signal is strongly responsive to the activation state of the biosensors. The biosensors respond reproducibly to agonist and antagonist drug molecules specific for G protein coupled receptors. The biosensors have utility in identifying and classifying candidate therapeutic drugs as to their therapeutic value.

Abstract: A G protein biosensor cell comprises G protein beta, gamma or both beta and gamma subunits tagged with a fluorescent protein(s) expressed in living intact functional cells. The subcellular location of the fluorescent protein tagged beta, gamma or both beta and gamma subunits is strongly responsive to the activation state of specific G protein coupled receptors in the biosensor cell. The biosensor cell responds reproducibly to agonist and antagonist drug molecules specific for G protein coupled receptors by demonstrating translocation of the fluorescent protein tagged beta, gamma or both beta and gamma subunits from one part of the cell to another. The biosensor cells have utility in identifying and classifying candidate therapeutic drugs as to their therapeutic value.

Abstract: G protein biosensors comprising mammalian G protein subunits fused to fluorescent proteins emitting a FRET signal expressed in living intact functional cells. The intensity of the FRET signal is strongly responsive to the activation state of the biosensors. The biosensors respond reproducibly to agonist and antagonist drug molecules specific for G protein coupled receptors. The biosensors have utility in identifying and classifying candidate therapeutic drugs as to their therapeutic value.