Patents by Inventor Joseph A Bounds

Joseph A Bounds has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240083210
    Abstract: End member assemblies include a first end member and a second end member. The first end member includes a first end member wall with a first side wall portion and a first flange wall portion. The first flange wall portion includes a plurality of attachment passages extending therethrough. The second end member includes a second end member wall with a second side wall portion and a second flange wall portion. The second end member includes attachment studs disposed along the second flange wall portion. The first and second end members are positioned axially coextensive with one another with the attachment studs extending through corresponding attachment passages. A stud head is unitarily formed along the attachment studs with the stud head abuttingly engaging the first flange wall portion thereby retaining the first and second end members in an assembled condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Rutger Zegveld, Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 11859688
    Abstract: End members are supportable along a damper housing and dimensioned for securement to flexible spring member. End members include a wall with a side wall portion including an inner side surface portion. First projections extend toward a first inner edge with a first shoulder surface portion faces a second end. Second projections extend inward beyond the inner side surface portion toward a second inner edge with a second shoulder surface portion facing a first end. Second projections are spaced axially from first projections such that a groove is formed inward of the inner side surface portion between first and second shoulder surface portions. End member assemblies including such an end member as well as gas spring and damper assemblies and suspension systems are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 11802604
    Abstract: A gas spring and damper assembly includes a damper assembly and a gas spring assembly. The gas spring assembly is axially coextensive with the damper assembly and includes a flexible spring member, a first end member assembly and a second end member assembly. The first end member assembly includes a first wall portion that extends about a longitudinal axis and defines an end member chamber. A second wall portion projects outwardly beyond an outer peripheral surface portion of the first wall portion. The second wall portion at least partially defines an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with the end member chamber and is dimensioned to receive an associated control device. A third wall portion at least partially defines an end member passage through which the end member chamber can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the spring chamber by way of the intermediate chamber and the associated control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jan van Aartsen, Joseph A. Bounds
  • Publication number: 20230041250
    Abstract: End members are supportable along a damper housing and dimensioned for securement to flexible spring member. End members include a wall with a side wall portion including an inner side surface portion. First projections extend toward a first inner edge with a first shoulder surface portion faces a second end. Second projections extend inward beyond the inner side surface portion toward a second inner edge with a second shoulder surface portion facing a first end. Second projections are spaced axially from first projections such that a groove is formed inward of the inner side surface portion between first and second shoulder surface portions. End member assemblies including such an end member as well as gas spring and damper assemblies and suspension systems are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph A. Bounds
  • Publication number: 20220274456
    Abstract: A gas spring seal cap secured a first end member of a gas spring and damper assembly such that a substantially fluid-tight connection is formed therebetween. Seal cap includes a seal cap body with a first end surface portion and a second end surface portion. An electrical conductor extends through seal cap body that includes a first terminal end conductively accessible from along the first end surface portion and a second terminal end that is conductively accessible from along the second end surface portion of seal cap body. Electrical conductor includes a substantially impermeable portion having a substantially fluid-tight connection with seal cap body. The substantially impermeable portion of electrical conductor substantially inhibits fluid communication across seal cap body through electrical conductor. Gas spring and damper assemblies as well as methods of assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph A. Bounds
  • Publication number: 20220120329
    Abstract: A gas spring and damper assembly includes a damper assembly and a gas spring assembly. The gas spring assembly is axially coextensive with the damper assembly and includes a flexible spring member, a first end member assembly and a second end member assembly. The first end member assembly includes a first wall portion that extends about a longitudinal axis and defines an end member chamber. A second wall portion projects outwardly beyond an outer peripheral surface portion of the first wall portion. The second wall portion at least partially defines an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with the end member chamber and is dimensioned to receive an associated control device. A third wall portion at least partially defines an end member passage through which the end member chamber can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the spring chamber by way of the intermediate chamber and the associated control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Jan van Aartsen, Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 10465763
    Abstract: An end member assembly can include a first end member section and a second end member section that together form an end member volume. A partition section is provided separately and is disposed within the end member volume to separate the end member volume into at least two volume portions. At least one passage extends through the partition section and at least one control device is disposed in fluid communication along the passage. The control device substantially fluidically isolates the two volume portions under conditions of use below a predetermined differential pressure threshold. The control device permits fluid communication between the two volume portions under conditions of use in which the predetermined pressure threshold is exceeded. Gas spring assemblies including such an end member assembly as well as suspension systems and methods of manufacture are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Bounds, Paul P. Koeske
  • Publication number: 20170363169
    Abstract: An end member assembly can include a first end member section and a second end member section that together form an end member volume. A partition section is provided separately and is disposed within the end member volume to separate the end member volume into at least two volume portions. At least one passage extends through the partition section and at least one control device is disposed in fluid communication along the passage. The control device substantially fluidically isolates the two volume portions under conditions of use below a predetermined differential pressure threshold. The control device permits fluid communication between the two volume portions under conditions of use in which the predetermined pressure threshold is exceeded. Gas spring assemblies including such an end member assembly as well as suspension systems and methods of manufacture are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph A. Bounds, Paul P. Koeske
  • Patent number: 9809075
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a gas spring assembly and a gas damper assembly. The gas spring assembly includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion disposed in spaced relation to the first wall portion, and a flexible wall section connected therebetween. The gas damper assembly includes a third wall portion disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first wall portion, and a second flexible wall section connected between the second wall portion and the third wall portion. A fourth wall portion is disposed between the first and second wall sections to define two pressurized gas chambers. A damper rod connects at least the first and third wall portions. Methods are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Bounds
  • Publication number: 20160176258
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a gas spring assembly and a gas damper assembly. The gas spring assembly includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion disposed in spaced relation to the first wall portion, and a flexible wall section connected therebetween. The gas damper assembly includes a third wall portion disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first wall portion, and a second flexible wall section connected between the second wall portion and the third wall portion. A fourth wall portion is disposed between the first and second wall sections to define two pressurized gas chambers. A damper rod connects at least the first and third wall portions. Methods are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 9290073
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (1000) includes a gas spring assembly (1002) and a gas damper assembly (1004). The gas spring assembly (1002) includes a first wall portion (1006), a second wall portion (1008) disposed in spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a flexible wall section (1010) connected therebetween. The gas damper assembly (1004) includes a third wall portion (1094) disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a second flexible wall section (1104) connected between the second wall portion (1008) and the third wall portion (1094). A fourth wall portion (1070) is disposed between the first (1006) and second (1008) wall sections to define two pressurized gas chambers (1012, 1004). A damper rod (1130) connects at least the first (1006) and third (1094) wall portions. Methods are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 9254727
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (110; 200; 400) can include a gas spring assembly (128; 202; 402) and a gas damper assembly (130; 204; 404). The gas spring assembly can include opposing end members (206, 208; 406, 408) and a flexible spring member (210; 410) secured there between that at least partially forms a spring chamber (212; 412). One of the end members (208; 408) can include an end member chamber (268; 468) that is separated into a plurality of damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494). Damper pistons (300, 302; 500, 502) are disposed within the damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494) and are connected to the other end member (206; 406) by way of a damping rod (276; 476).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Graham R. Brookes, Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 9248716
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Joseph A. Bounds, Graham R. Brookes
  • Publication number: 20150130146
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (1 10; 200; 400) can include a gas spring assembly (128; 202; 402) and a gas damper assembly (130; 204; 404). The gas spring assembly can include opposing end members (206, 208; 406, 408) and a flexible spring member (210; 410) secured there between that at least partially forms a spring chamber (212; 412). One of the end members (208; 408) can include an end member chamber (268; 468) that is separated into a plurality of damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494). Damper pistons (300, 302; 500, 502) are disposed within the damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494) and are connected to the other end member (206; 406) by way of a damping rod (276; 476).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Graham R. Brookes, Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 8950765
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly, such as for securing a suspension component to a receiving element of sprung or unsprung mass of a vehicle, can include an internal mounting element. An external mounting element can be secured to the receiving element using a securement element. A suspension assembly for a vehicle and a method of assembly including such a mounting bracket assembly are also included. A mounting bracket kit is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Brad W. Munchel, Joseph A. Bounds
  • Publication number: 20140346749
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Joseph A. Bounds, Graham R. Brookes
  • Publication number: 20140246817
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (1000) includes a gas spring assembly (1002) and a gas damper assembly (1004). The gas spring assembly (1002) includes a first wall portion (1006), a second wall portion (1008) disposed in spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a flexible wall section (1010) connected therebetween. The gas damper assembly (1004) includes a third wall portion (1094) disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a second flexible wall section (1104) connected between the second wall portion (1008) and the third wall portion (1094). A fourth wall portion (1070) is disposed between the first (1006) and second (1008) wall sections to define two pressurized gas chambers (1012, 1004). A damper rod (1130) connects at least the first (1006) and third (1094) wall portions. Methods are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 8800975
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Joseph A. Bounds, Graham R. Brookes
  • Patent number: 8746706
    Abstract: A method for operating a ride height control device, which includes at least one air spring, of a vehicle body of a vehicle, by providing a setpoint ride height predefined for a journey, and by setting, at the beginning, during or immediately before the end of the journey, the ride height of the vehicle body at least once to a ride height which deviates from the setpoint ride height predefined for the journey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Naber, Joseph Bounds
  • Publication number: 20130249184
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly, such as for securing a suspension component to a receiving element of sprung or unsprung mass of a vehicle, can include an internal mounting element. An external mounting element can be secured to the receiving element using a securement element. A suspension assembly for a vehicle and a method of assembly including such a mounting bracket assembly are also included. A mounting bracket kit is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Brad W. Munchel, Joseph A. Bounds