Abstract: A tire initiated vehicle control system 110 for vehicles 100 is described. The vehicles 100 have vehicle components including a power train 140, a suspension system 180, a steering mechanism 160, a plurality of wheel brake mechanisms 130, one wheel brake mechanism 130 being at each wheel position 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d location, a fuel or vehicle speed throttle 144 with or without a cruise control system, the vehicle control system 110 has a tire pressure detection device 120 and a control means 200, which preferably has a computer 208 for receiving data from the tire pressure detection device 120. The control means 200 processes the received tire pressure data and upon a preset pressure or rate of change value in tire pressure the control means 208 directs a change in response rates of one or more of the above listed vehicle components.

Abstract: A circular cylindrical elastomeric member is formed with an annular recess and two spaced apart pockets in communication with the recess. An outer metal tube receives an inner ring in interference fit in the tube bore, the ring having at least one peripheral depression in an outer surface and a pair of spaced apertures through the ring each communicating with a different corresponding aperture forming at least one channel communicating with the pockets and apertures which are congruent with the pockets. The member is axially forced into the ring and outer tube while submerged in an imcompressible hydraulic fluid to radially compress and elongate the member during member insertion and fill the channel and pockets with the fluid. The ring seats in the member recess. An inner tube is then axial forced into the bore of the elastomeric member and locked to the member by the radial compressive forces without vulcanization or a bonding agent.

Abstract: A vibration damping device of the bushing-type includes a rigid outer housing and a rigid inner member, having a first side and a second side, which is substantially enclosed by the outer housing. A first vibration absorbing resilient body is interposed between the first side of the inner member and the outer housing. The first body is made of an elastomeric material having a first spring rate. A second vibration absorbing resilient body is interposed between the second side of the inner member and the outer housing. The second body is made of an elastomeric material having a second spring rate which is different from the first spring rate such that a deflection of the rigid inner member toward one of the first and second bodies will be resisted more strongly than a deflection of the rigid inner member toward the other of the first and second bodies. A first fluid chamber is defined in the second body and a second fluid chamber is defined between the second body and the outer housing.

Abstract: A vibration bushing damping device includes an inner member and an outer member which is axially paralleled to the inner member and which encloses a substantial section of the inner member. A vibration absorbing resilient body is interposed between the inner and outer members. The body includes a first fluid holding chamber. A second fluid holding chamber is defined between the resilient body and the outer member. The second fluid chamber communicates with the first fluid chamber through a first fluid passageway. A rigid body is movably mounted in the first fluid passageway for controlling fluid flow through the first passageway to a varying extent depending on the position of the rigid body. A second fluid flow path is also provided for the fluid in the first fluid chamber.