Abstract: An ironing system includes a ram, a sensor system, and a punch nose. The ram includes a ram body and a ram nose, and the ram includes an inner surface that defines an inner chamber. The punch nose is connected to the ram nose via the sensor, and the sensor is configured to detect a force on the punch nose during an ironing process. An adaptor may be coupled to the inner surface of the ram, and the adaptor may support the sensor on the ram body.

Abstract: A can redraw and ironing system includes a ram, a punch, and a sensor system. The ram includes a ram body and a ram nose. The punch is supported on the ram nose and is configured to engage a metal blank during an ironing process. The sensor system includes a first sensor that detects a total force on the ram and a second sensor that detects a force on the ram nose.

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: A hydraulic mount includes a mounting plate and a wall, with a working chamber defined between the mounting plate and the wall. The mounting plate and the wall are separated by a relatively thick elastomeric element so that the size of the working chamber varies as the elastomeric element is compressed and expanded by operation of the mounting plate and the wall moving closer together and farther apart. A reservoir is defined substantially by the elastomeric element in combination with a relatively flexible diaphragm that extends between the mounting plate and the wall so that the reservoir is generally annular in shape and is positioned around the working chamber. The elastomeric element serves as a separation wall between the working chamber and the reservoir.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount is operable in soft and firm modes and includes a valve positioned at the partition between the working chamber and the reservoir. A normally open fluid path extends through the partition and opens between the working chamber and the reservoir for soft operational characteristics useful in attenuating low amplitude vibrations. The valve body and the partition together define a control chamber in the fluid path. The control chamber is open to the reservoir through lateral openings in the valve body so that fluid pressure in the control chamber is approximately at atmospheric pressure so that a small actuator can move the valve. When the valve is closed the fluid path is closed for firm operational characteristics in controlling large amplitude inputs such as those from torque transients.

Abstract: A turnable pneumatic suspension system is provided wherein proper air flow to the diaphragm is ensured through a charging route that is maintained in a securely sealed condition and which includes a nonrotatable point of attachment to a remote pressurization device. The pneumatic suspension system includes an air spring and a damper in combination, mounted to rotate relative to a vehicle with a dynamic seal provided between a nonrotatable seal ring and mating components of the air spring facilitating rotation of the suspension module while the entrance to the air charging route of the suspension module remains stationary.

Abstract: A pneumatic suspension system including an air spring in combination with a damper provides a way of mounting to a vehicle with a dual path mount. The air spring includes a canister in combination with a flexible element defining a variable pressure chamber. A mounting plate is captured about the canister by a nut. The nut has an air passageway for inflating and relieving the air spring and for providing a selectively open communicative path between the air spring and a remote volume that extends through the mount.