Patents by Inventor Joshua R. Leonard

Joshua R. Leonard 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: 20140155180
    Abstract: A torsional coupler can be dimensioned for securement between a rotational motion source and a rotational motion target. The torsional coupler can include a first end component and a second end component that can cooperatively interengage one another such that such that rotational motion imparted on the first end component is transmitted to the second end component. Interposed between the first end component and the second end component is one or more force-transfer elements through which torque and/or other rotational output is transmitted. The one or more force-transfer elements can include one or more pressurizable elements into and out of which pressurized fluid (e.g., gas and/or liquid) can be transferred. Additionally, or in the alternative, the one or more force-transfer elements can include one or more biasing elements having a positive stiffness and one or more biasing elements having a negative stiffness. A rotary power transmission is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Joshua R. Leonard, Pradipta N. Moulik, Graham R. Brookes
  • Publication number: 20140091505
    Abstract: An end member for a gas spring assembly can include a first end, a second end opposite the first end and a plurality of reflector surfaces formed along the first end. A first reflector surface can extend from the first end toward the second end. A second reflector surface can extend from adjacent the first reflector surface toward the second end. One or more of the plurality of reflector surfaces can include a plurality of facets or reflector zones. A gas spring assembly including at least one of such end members and a suspension system including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Graham R. Brookes, Joshua R. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20140070468
    Abstract: A gas spring and damper assembly can include a first gas spring having a first spring rate and a second gas spring connected in series with the first gas spring. The second gas spring can have a second spring rate that is at least two times the first spring rate of the first gas spring. A damper can be operatively connected with at least one of the first and second gas springs. A suspension system including one or more of such gas spring and damper assemblies and a method of assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8613430
    Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member spaced from the first end member. A flexible wall extends between the first end member and the second end member such that a spring chamber is at least partially defined therebetween. A biasing assembly is operative to urge an end of the flexible wall into abutting engagement with the second end member and operative to permit the end of the flexible wall to be separated a distance from the second end member while in the assembled condition. A gas suspension system is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8602399
    Abstract: A reflector includes a first end surface, an opposing second end surface and a plurality of reflector surfaces. A first reflector surface extends from adjacent the first end surface toward the second end surface. A second reflector surface extends from adjacent the first reflector surface toward the second end surface. One or more of the plurality of reflector surfaces can include a plurality of facets or reflector zones. A gas spring assembly and suspension system using the reflector is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Graham R. Brookes, Daniel L. Nordmeyer, Joshua R. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20130264790
    Abstract: A piston assembly (204) including an integral piston chamber (218) with an increased volume that is maximized by providing a mounting arrangement whereby the piston can be mounted to a structural member (stz) such that the piston chamber (218) surrounds at least two sides of the structural member (stz). The piston chamber (218) can therefore utilize space adjacent the structural member (stz) to which it is mounted thereby resulting in a piston chamber of a greater volume than prior art designs. A gas spring assembly (200) utilizing such a piston is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20130234377
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially form a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first, second and third damper elements that are telescopically interconnected with one another. The first and third damper elements can be operatively connected to the first and second end members. The second damper element can be operatively supported between the first and third damper elements. First and second biasing elements can be operatively interconnected between the second damper element and one of the first and third damper elements. A method of assembling a gas spring and gas damper assembly is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20130207329
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially form a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first, second and third damper elements that are telescopically interconnected with one another. At least one of the first and third damper elements can be operatively connected to the first and second end members by way of a low-profile misalignment mount capable of undergoing resilient angular deflection. The second damper element can be operatively supported between the first and third damper elements. A method of assembling a gas spring and gas damper assembly is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20130192455
    Abstract: A pneumatic actuator is operable between an extended condition and a collapsed condition, and is capable of displacing a workpiece during movement between the extended and collapsed conditions. The pneumatic actuator can include a flex member (202) and a mounting base (204). The flex member can include a flexible wall (208) with a mounting bead (222). The mounting base can include a base portion (266) and a bead portion (268), and can be operatively connected along the flex member such the mounting bead is at least partially captured between the bead portion and the base portion. In this manner, a substantially fluid-tight seal can be formed and an actuator chamber can be at least partially defined between the flex member and the mounting base. An actuator support pad can receive and abuttingly engage at least a portion of the pneumatic actuator. A method of assembly is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20130192067
    Abstract: A gas spring assembly that is displaceable between an extended condition and a compressed condition can include a first end member, a second end member, a flexible wall secured between the first and second end members, a spring chamber and a volume-displacing body disposed within the spring chamber. The body can be supported along one of the flexible wall and the first end member such that the body remains in spaced relation to at least the second end member in a compressed condition of the gas spring assembly. A method of adjusting a gas spring assembly is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8382077
    Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member. A flexible wall is secured between the first and second end members and at least partially defines a spring chamber therebetween. A fitting is supported on the first end member and is rotatable between a first position in which the fitting can be axially displaced and a second position in which the fitting is axially restrained. A method is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20120248667
    Abstract: A modular piston assembly is associated with an air spring assembly that has a bellows roiling over a surface of the piston assembly. The modular piston assembly includes a first piston portion adapted to fasten to an associated air spring bellows. A second piston portion separate from the first portion, is adapted to fasten to an associated mounting component. Interlocking members are provided to secure the first and second piston portions together, and/or any desired intermediate piston portions. Discrete air reservoirs may also be included in the modular piston assembly to increase the volume of the air spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: FIRESTONE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8186657
    Abstract: A modular piston assembly is associated with an air spring assembly that has a bellows rolling over a surface of the piston assembly. The modular piston assembly includes a first piston portion adapted to fasten to an associated air spring bellows. A second piston portion separate from the first portion, is adapted to fasten to an associated mounting component. Interlocking members are provided to secure the first and second piston portions together, and/or any desired intermediate piston portions. Discrete air reservoirs may also be included in the modular piston assembly to increase the volume of the air spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8066265
    Abstract: A gas suspension member includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes an end wall and a side wall that at least partially form an inner chamber. An opening is formed through the end wall. A connector fitting is embedded within a cover wall that extends across the opening. The end wall has a first flexural stiffness and the cover wall has a second flexural stiffness that is greater than the first flexural stiffness of the end wall. A gas suspension assembly includes a first spring device used in combination with the gas suspension member. A method of forming a gas suspension member is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7959138
    Abstract: A connector fitting and air spring assembly includes a connector fitting supported on an end member of an air spring. The connector fitting is secured on the air spring by a retaining member engaging the end member of the air spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7896320
    Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly includes a jounce bumper and a bumper retainer. The jounce bumper includes opposing end walls and a side wall extending therebetween. The bumper retainer includes a side wall for engaging the side wall of the jounce bumper and thereby restricting radially outward deflection of the jounce bumper. A gas spring assembly and a vehicle suspension system including a jounce bumper assembly are included. A method of utilizing a jounce bumper assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Paul P. Koeske, Stephen C. Street, Pradipta N. Moulik, Joshua R. Leonard, Robert A. Mundt, James D. Boomer
  • Patent number: D673886
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: D673887
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: FIrestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: D674325
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: D685297
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard