Abstract: A torsional vibration damper or other vibration damping device with a rubber vibration absorbing element. The rubber element is a peroxide-cured composition comprising 100 parts of ethylene-alpha-olefin elastomer, and 20 to 100 parts of substantially isobutylene or butene polymer having a viscosity average molecular weight greater than about 5000. The polymer may also be a copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene. The addition of the isobutylene polymer to the ethylene-alpha-olefin elastomer composition increases the vibration damping character of the rubber.

Abstract: A belt having a body, a tensile member and an outer surface. The body comprises an elastomer. An outer surface of the belt having a profile, foe example teeth. A layer of Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene thermoplastic (UHMWPE) is bonded to the profile surface. The layer bonded to the profile surface having a low softening point allowing it to conform to a mold shape prior to cure of the rubber body material. The layer having a molecular weight in the range of 3-7 million grams per mole. The layer causes the belt to exhibit superior abrasion resistance and flexibility while reducing the cost per belt as compared to fabric jacket belts. The UHMWPE jacket belt has significantly reduced dust and debris production during operation.

Abstract: A bonded part such as a rubber to metal bonded part and process for producing a bonded part including a rubber and metal part, and particularly for producing an automotive torsional vibration damper, comprising the steps of placing uncured elastomer composition comprising an elastomer, at least one curative, and preferably, at least one rubber-to-metal adhesive adjuvant into a shape-forming mold, and curing the elastomer in two stages, wherein in the first curing stage the elastomer composition is less than fully cured and in the second curing stage, preferably performed with the elastomer composition in contact with a metal surface of the rubber and metal part, the elastomer composition is at least substantially fully cured. According to one embodiment, the present invention allows for the elimination of the step of applying an adhesive to the metal surface prior to application of the elastomer composition.