Abstract: A variable shock absorber assembly of the adaptive or semi-active type or an active actuator wherein the actuator, sensors, electronic controller and valving are integral to and integrated into one assembly and comprise one compact integral unit. Feedback control provides a signal proportional to and indicative of the actuator position and velocity. The compact system is temperature compensated by incorporating temperature sensors into the integrated assembly. The integrated system also provides diagnostics integral to the assembly and an LED mounted on the assembly for providing a visual indication of system condition.

Abstract: A controllable shock absorber of the externally actuated type with greatly decreased valve response time. The shock absorber assembly utilizes valve rotation stops on the rotary valve for limiting the rotational motion of the valve. The valve is attached to a bendingly flexible control rod which is supported by a sealing and support assembly located down inside the piston rod, thus allowing easy assembly of the rotational motor by way of a bendingly alignable self-locating feature. The use of the one seal and support assembly further reduces the rotational forces needed to allow faster actuation of the valve. The valve actuation torque requirements have been further decreased by reducing the viscous drag on the valve body and reducing the inertia of the rotational valve assembly by hollowing out the valve. Performance robbing, side loading on the valve is minimized by using a at least two preferably symmetrical ports.

Abstract: The fluid circuit when in a first condition permits relatively free fluid flow in a first direction between variable volume chambers of the damper, while permitting only relatively restricted flow in an opposite, second direction. When in a second condition, the circuit permits relatively free flow of fluid in the second direction and only relatively restricted flow in the second direction. The circuit condition is changed by changing the position of a control valve which is subjected to fluid pressure differentials that may at times delay change in the position of the valve, and therefore change in the condition of the circuit.

Abstract: The bidirectional valve assembly provides for selection of retraction and extension damping characteristics which can accommodate relatively large separation of damping curves. Two cooperable valve discs or ring members are provided which function in unison to resist fluid flow in a first fluid flow direction, while a single one of the valve ring members functions primarily to resist fluid flow in the other direction. In a first embodiment, one of the two cooperable valve ring members comprises a compliant retainer or fulcrum against which the other valve ring member moves in unison therewith to produce relatively low damping in retraction. The other valve ring member moves alone in extension to produce relatively high damping. In an alternative embodiment, the two cooperable valve ring members are superimposed and move in unison during extension, as dictated by their combined stiffness.

Abstract: A strut connecting a transversely mounted engine to an automobile frame component accommodates normal engine oscillation within a limited range of motion, such occurs at idle, while restraining excessive engine motion such as occurs during acceleration. The strut includes a complementary pair of elongate plates slidably mounting therebetween at opposite ends a pair of friction elements each of which is compressed between the plates by attachment means for connecting the strut in place. The attachment means includes a pair of elastomeric blocks bonded to the plates and washers bonded to the blocks and interconnected by a sleeve passing transversely through apertures in the plates and the friciton element. The aperture in the friction element is smaller than the apertures in the plates to provide a gap around the attachment sleeve.

Abstract: An acoustic enclosure is provided having top, bottom, front, side and back panels formed to receive and enclose the face plate and chute of a crowner machine. Acoustically absorbant and cleanable material is disposed on the interior surfaces of the side portions to absorb sound produced at the crowner face plate and chute, and the edges of the enclosure abutting the crowner machine include a material for creating a seal therebetween to further reduce the sound level in the immediate area.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises two relatively inextensible primary components that are spaced apart from one another. Disposed between and spaced from both of the components is a pivot member. The pivot member is resiliently secured to each of the primary components so as to permit relative rotation between the primary components and the pivot member. As a result, the two primary components of the prosthesis can rotate toward and away from each other about an axis that is disposed at least adjacent to and at least approximately parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the pivot member. The pivot member and the primary components of the prosthesis are preferably secured together by one or more bodies of elastomer.

Abstract: A flexible joint assembly for interconnecting two conduits that transport fluid under pressure includes an annular housing and a tubular member of smaller diameter than the housing. The housing has an opening at each end, as well as two spaced apart, annular flanges that extend radially inwardly with respect to the housing. The tubular member has adjacent one end a flange which extends radially outwardly and which is disposed between the two flanges of the housing. The other end of the tubular member projects from an opening at one end of the housing for attachment to a fluid conduit. Between each housing flange and the flange of the tubular member is an annular flexible element that includes at least one body of elastomer. One side of one of the flexible elements is exposed to the pressurized fluid flowing through the conduits and the joint, while one side of the other flexible element is exposed to the exterior of the joint.

Abstract: Rubber-metal composite structures are provided wherein such structures comprise a metal substrate, at least a portion of at least one surface of such substrate is coated with a fused epoxy resin powder composition, and at least one elastomeric element, said elastomeric element being vulcanization bonded through an intermediate adhesive phase to at least a portion of the fused epoxy coating. Such composite structures exhibit improved resistance to corrosion.

Abstract: An elongate body of elastomeric material of substantially uniform width and thickness has support plates fixedly attached to opposite ends of the body of elastomeric material. The plates are oriented substantially parallel to each other and normal to the longitudinal axis of the body of elastomeric material. A rigid wedge member is mounted within and transversely of the body of elastomeric material between and in spaced relation to the plates. The wedge member forms a wedge angle in the body of elastomeric material for controlling the direction of buckling.