Abstract: In a multi-stage torsional coupling and associated methods of providing variable stiffness, the coupling has an inner member connected to a first torsional connection, a sprocket plate connected to the inner member, one or more plates connected to a second torsional connection, an outer member rigidly attached to the one or more plates, and a plurality of damping stages arranged for sequential engagement by movement of the sprocket plate relative to the one or more plates to provide a variable stiffness over a angle of angular displacement for the multi-stage torsional coupling. The sprocket plate is rotatable relative to the one or more plates to sequentially engage the plurality of damping stages to provide stiffness between the first and second torsional connections that increases in a non-linear, or stepped, manner as the amplitude of the angular displacement of the sprocket plate relative to the one or more plates increases.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for large vehicles includes at least one elastomeric bearing. The bearing includes at least one substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion, at least one substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion, and at least one non-extensible shim disposed between and bonded to the substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion and the substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion.

Abstract: Center-bonded mounts for resiliently connecting a supported structure to a support structure are assembled from members that are adapted to disproportionately affect the axial and radial stiffness of the mount. Each of the members includes a shoulder portion for engaging an opposite side surface of the support structure and a neck portion that extends within a socket formed through the support structure. The shoulder portion of one member disproportionately affects the downward axial stiffness of the mount, and the neck portion of the other member disproportionately affects the radial stiffness of the mount. A mount stiffness characteristic of the individual members can be varied, and the varied members can be interchangeably combined to provide both a greater selection and a greater range of axial and radial stiffness characteristics for a given part count.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for large vehicles includes at least one elastomeric bearing. The bearing includes at least one substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion, at least one substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion, and at least one non-extensible shim disposed between and bonded to the substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion and the substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension mount (20) for connection of a first vehicle body—structure (22) with a second vehicle body structure (24). The mount including a suspension mount damping liquid damper pumper member (42).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for large vehicles includes at least one elastomeric bearing. The bearing includes at least one substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion, at least one substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion, and at least one non-extensible shim disposed between and bonded to the substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion and the substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension mount for connection of a first vehicle body structure with a second vehicle body structure, the mount including a first outer container member, a second outer cap member, the second outer cap member having a nonelastomeric center axial shaft and an outer elastomeric cap with the outer elastomeric cap grounded radially outward to the first outer container member, the nonelastomeric center axial shaft longitudinally extending inward into the first outer container member along a shaft axis, with the nonelastomeric center shaft having a terminal end distal from the outer elastomeric cap.

Abstract: Center-bonded mounts for resiliently connecting a supported structure to a support structure are assembled from members that are adapted to disproportionately affect the axial and radial stiffness of the mount. Each of the members includes a shoulder portion for engaging an opposite side surface of the support structure and a neck portion that extends within a socket formed through the support structure. The shoulder portion of one member disproportionately affects the downward axial stiffness of the mount, and the neck portion of the other member disproportionately affects the radial stiffness of the mount. A mount stiffness characteristic of the individual members can be varied, and the varied members can be interchangeably combined to provide both a greater selection and a greater range of axial and radial stiffness characteristics for a given part count.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for large vehicles includes at least one elastomeric bearing. The bearing includes at least one substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion, at least one substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion, and at least one non-extensible shim disposed between and bonded to the substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion and the substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion.