Abstract: Technologies are generally described for lead-lag dampers. An example lead-lag may include a single- or two-stage floating annular ring, elastomer bearings, a tension stop, a compression stop, and a plunger/spring volume compensator. The floating annular ring(s) form orifice(s) in conjunction with the remaining damper components may provide stable performance by tracking with any center shaft misalignment during operation. The lead-lag damper may also include a secondary spring system allowing or disallowing fluid flow between chambers based on slow or sudden movement of the shaft.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for lead-lag dampers. An example lead-lag may include a single- or two-stage floating annular ring, elastomer bearings, a tension stop, a compression stop, and a plunger/spring volume compensator. The floating annular ring(s) form orifice(s) in conjunction with the remaining damper components may provide stable performance by tracking with any center shaft misalignment during operation. The lead-lag damper may also include a secondary spring system allowing or disallowing fluid flow between chambers based on slow or sudden movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A flexible vibratory damping apparatus is defined by a sheet-like component that is formed from threads made from at least one elastomeric material and formed into a knitted configuration. The knitted configuration is defined by a plurality of adjacent loops wherein the sheet-like component can be wrapped about a structural component under load or otherwise attached thereto. Under an applied load, the adjacent loops act independently in terms of resonance wherein the size of the adjacent loops, the density of the formed mesh and the properties of the elastomeric material used can be suitably varied as needed in order to adjust or tune the damping characteristics of the apparatus. In at least one version, a constraining layer can also be applied onto at least a portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: A spring loaded actuator assembly includes a first member having a set of rails, a second member configured to translate axially relative to the first member and a third member configured for translational movement within the second tubular member. The second and third members each include a set of ramp-like teeth configured to engage one another when the third member is moved within the second member; and grooves configured to engage the rails of the first member and permit translational movement of the second and third members relative to the first member while preventing rotational movement of the second and third members.

Abstract: A flexible vibratory damping apparatus is defined by a sheet-like component that is formed from threads made from at least one elastomeric material and formed into a knitted configuration. The knitted configuration is defined by a plurality of adjacent loops wherein the sheet-like component can be wrapped about a structural component under load or otherwise attached thereto. Under an applied load, the adjacent loops act independently in terms of resonance wherein the size of the adjacent loops, the density of the formed mesh and the properties of the elastomeric material used can be suitably varied as needed in order to adjust or tune the damping characteristics of the apparatus. In at least one version, a constraining layer can also be applied onto at least a portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: A spring loaded actuator assembly includes a first member having a set of rails, a second member configured to translate axially relative to the first member and a third member configured for translational movement within the second tubular member. The second and third members each include a set of ramp-like teeth configured to engage one another when the third member is moved within the second member; and grooves configured to engage the rails of the first member and permit translational movement of the second and third members relative to the first member while preventing rotational movement of the second and third members.

Abstract: An elastomeric tie rod end isolator or an elastomeric cartridge isolator that includes an outer metal sleeve defining a generally cylindrical socket, a generally cylindrical inner metal sleeve disposed coaxially within the socket in radially spaced relationship with the outer metal sleeve, and an elastomeric isolator disposed therebetween. The elastomeric isolator is a unitary annular body formed of an elastomer material and having a radially inboard surface in contact with the inner metal sleeve and a radially outboard surface in contact with the outer metal sleeve. The unitary elastomer body has a generally conical primary load-carrying section and a generally cylindrical secondary load-limiting section, each disposed coaxially about the axis of the socket. The load-limiting section includes a snubber gap formed by an axially extending groove.

Abstract: An elastomeric tie rod end isolator or an elastomeric cartridge isolator that includes an outer metal sleeve defining a generally cylindrical socket, a generally cylindrical inner metal sleeve disposed coaxially within the socket in radially spaced relationship with the outer metal sleeve, and an elastomeric isolator disposed therebetween. The elastomeric isolator is a unitary annular body formed of an elastomer material and having a radially inboard surface in contact with the inner metal sleeve and a radially outboard surface in contact with the outer metal sleeve. The unitary elastomer body has a generally conical primary load-carrying section and a generally cylindrical secondary load-limiting section, each disposed coaxially about the axis of the socket. The load-limiting section includes a snubber gap formed by an axially extending groove.

Abstract: A device having a surface coated with a firmly adherent cell monolayer is produced by culturing adherent cells in the presence of the surface in vitro under conditions of continuous shear stress of from 0.4 dyne/cm.sup.2 to 33 dyne/cm.sup.2 produced by the force of circulating fluid medium in contact with the cells. The surface may be contained by an implantable device, or a culture or fermentation vessel. Preferably, an endothelial cell monolayer is produced on a surface of a prosthetic vascular device made of polypropylene. In a hollow fiber cartridge device, endothelial cells are grown under shear stress on the inner surface of the lumen of a hollow fiber and perivascular cells are grown on the outer surface of the fiber. Growing cells under continual stress more closely approximates the in vivo environment where blood passes over the endothelium in a blood vessel, and produces a cell monolayer closely resembling naturally occurring firmly adherent cell layers found in vivo in the lining of blood vessels.