Abstract: A multi-rate torsional coupling (20) features parallel first and second drive connections (82 and 84) between input (24) and output (22) members. The first drive connection (82) extends through a first resilient coupling (38), and the second drive connection (84) extends through a second resilient coupling (40). An angular play coupling (70) engages the second drive connection (84) at a particular torque load for transmitting additional torque through the torsional coupling (20) at a higher spring rate.

Abstract: A multi-rate torsional coupling (20) features parallel first and second drive connections (82 and 84) between input (24) and output (22) members. The first drive connection (82) extends through a first resilient coupling (38), and the second drive connection (84) extends through a second resilient coupling (40). An angular play coupling (70) engages the second drive connection (84) at a particular torque load for transmitting additional torque through the torsional coupling (20) at a higher spring rate.

Abstract: A multi-rate torsional coupling (20) features parallel first and second drive connections (82 and 84) between input (24) and output (22) members. The first drive connection (82) extends through a first resilient coupling (38), and the second drive connection (84) extends through a second resilient coupling (40). An angular play coupling (70) engages the second drive connection (84) at a particular torque load for transmitting additional torque through the torsional coupling (20) at a higher spring rate.

Abstract: A resilient member and method of forming the same wherein the resilient member isolates the transmission of vibrations and/or sound. The resilient member (20) includes a first element (24), preferably including a contour (26), a second element (28) manufactured from a deformable material (e.g., a thermoplastic), and a resilient element (32) (e.g., rubber). The second element (28) is deformed during a molding process to conform its shape or size to the surface (25) of the first element (24). In a preferred embodiment, the second element (28) is plastically deformed to conform to a contour (26) of the first element (24) thereby forming a mechanical interlock. Rotational and translational interlocks and the method for forming same are described.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension assembly includes a leaf spring assembly having a plurality of vertically stacked leaf springs and a bearing assembly positioned adjacent an end thereof. The bearing assembly includes an upper insulator cup having an upper recess and a lower bracket cap having a lower recess and upper and lower bonded bearings. The upper bonded bearing is received in the upper recess and includes a rigid lower member having an upper elastomer element bonded thereto; the bearing being received adjacent the upper side of the leaf spring assembly. The lower bonded bearing is received in the lower recess and includes a rigid upper member having a lower elastomer element bonded thereto; the lower bearing being received adjacent the lower side of the leaf spring assembly. At least one of the upper and lower elastomer elements includes a spherical elastomer element.

Abstract: A mount for isolating a vibrating member from its support. An elastomeric element is made up of four components that are preferably bonded to the inclined outer surface of an inner member and the inclined inner surface of an outer member. One of the inner and outer members is bifurcated and drawing the two halves into mating engagement results in the elastomeric components being preloaded simultaneously in compression and shear. The elastomeric element is preferably formed with portions which snub movement in each of three orthogonal directions. The dimensions of the pair of elastomeric components above or below the vibrating member may be different than the other pair since the greater compression strain on one pair of components will make its stiffness characteristics more critical to determining the effective stiffness of the mount.

Abstract: A spherical bearing used in a rod end housing is modified with an elastomeric member equally precompressed in an amount of about 30% of an unstressed thickness of the elastomeric member to isolate the transmission of vibrations and sound. Such spherical elastomeric bearings can be used in any application where a conventional spherical bearing is used such as cable connections, clutch linkages, etc., in trucks, farm tractors, and various other pieces of equipment.

Abstract: This invention relates to spring block elements of the type comprising layers of rubber affixed to end and intermediate plates, and according to this invention the layers of rubber are uniformly tapered in one direction to reduce buckling effect. Two such spring block elements may be horizontally positioned in a compression spring unit between a stationary beam and corresponding pivot arms which are vertically spaced from the stationary beam.

Abstract: The seal includes a substantially rigid annular base member and a generally C-shaped unitary body of elastomeric material having an inner section overlying and bonded to the outer surface of the base section, a pivot section extending outwardly from the outer surface of one end portion of the base section, and an outer section mounted by the pivot section for movement toward and away from the other end portion of the base section. During use of the seal its connector section and part of its outer section are under bending stress, and engaged portions of the outer and inner sections are both under compression stress. The outer section is biased outwardly toward the periphery of the bore of a grease-containing housing by the combined tendency of each of the foregoing body sections to return an unstressed condition.