Abstract: The invention relates to a method for horizontal ground drilling, in particular for rock drilling, by means of a ground drilling apparatus which can be driven forward in rotation and percussively, the apparatus having compressed air and drilling medium applied to it alternately or simultaneously, and the compressed air and the drilling medium being supplied via one channel.

Abstract: The hole-opener is designed so that it can be disassembled in the field to replace worn cones or to enlarge the effective diameter of the tool. It comprises: a tubular drive sub, which connects at its front end with a rotating drill string which is being pulled along a pilot hole; a sleeve which slides over the rear portion of the drive sub; and a retainer sub which is connected with the rear end of the drive sub. The drive sub has external protruding bars which engage slots formed in the forward end of the sleeve, for limiting forward movement of the sleeve and locking the drive sub and sleeve together so that they rotate as a unit. The retainer sub has a radial shoulder which abuts the rear end of the sleeve to lock it in place. The retainer sub also transmits axial pull from the drive sub to the sleeve. The sleeve carries rotary cutting elements which are pulled and rotated to cut formation and enlarge the pilot hole.

Abstract: A new composition for forming a matrix body which includes spherical sintered tungsten carbide and an infiltration binder including one or more metals or alloys is disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition may include a Group VIIIB metal selected from one of Ni, Co, Fe, and alloys thereof. Moreover, the composition may also include cast tungsten carbide. In addition, the composition may also include carburized tungsten carbide.

Abstract: In the case of playing cards such as playing cards and the like, the switching of cards have been conventionally performed using automatic switching apparatuses in a place such as a casino where there are many participants. Many of such conventional apparatuses, however, need a technical skill in operation of the apparatuses themselves, or have a complicated structure themselves. In such conventional apparatuses, moreover, there has been no switching apparatus which is enjoyable to game participants when they see the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining an attribute of an article during the transfer of the article by an article-feeding machine during the transfer of the article from one location to another location.

Abstract: A self-propelled working vehicle comprises a front wheel unit, a rear wheel unit including a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel, and a drive transmission apparatus for transmitting drive from an engine to the rear wheel unit. The drive transmission apparatus includes a first drive transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive to the left rear wheel and a second drive transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive to the right rear wheel. The first transmission mechanism is arranged at the left side of the vehicle body, while the second transmission mechanism is arranged at the right side of the vehicle body. A brake assembly is arranged between the first drive transmission mechanism and the second drive transmission mechanism for acting on an output shaft of a first transmission unit and an output shaft of a second transmission unit. The first and second transmission units act as first and second change speed devices, respectively, which are operable independently of each other.

Abstract: A biped walking humanoid robot is disclosed having an arrangement whereby shocks acting on various parts of the robot when it falls can be relieved and its state of fall can then be detected.

Abstract: A mini-excavator includes a base supported by first and second track assemblies on which the vehicle travels. The base supports an operator support, which includes first and second travel control devices, such as travel levers. Each of first and second closed-loop hydrostatic systems of the mini-excavator are coupled between different ones of the travel control devices and the track assemblies to control the speed and direction of travel of the track assemblies. Each of the closed-loop hydrostatic systems includes a closed-loop travel motor and a closed-loop pump coupled directly to the closed-loop travel motor.

Abstract: The present invention has a plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.

Abstract: A self-generating electric motor to create a major breakthrough in electrical charging technology substantially increases mileage range, reduce air pollution and improve performance. These improvements would make such an electric vehicle more attractive to the general public as a viable transportation option. The inventive device includes 2 electric motors, one generator, battery and starter unit, common drive shaft and universal joints.

Abstract: A chassis subassembly module having a portion of a chassis structural frame and vehicular componentry facilitates the assembly of a chassis having systems responsive to non-mechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface. A method of employing chassis subassembly modules to assemble chassis is also provided.

Abstract: A control method for operating internal combustion engine electric hybrid vehicles with smaller battery packs, particularly in configurations where an electric motor (E/M) or electric motor/generator (E/MG), a battery, and associated controls are inserted between the engine and a continuously variable or automatic transmission. The interaction between the combustion engine and battery operated electric motor is controlled by taking energy into the batteries only if it is more efficient than throttling the engine and operating the engine at a lower efficiency. Additionally, the batteries are charged to a certain state or the batteries are maintained at a particular state of charge. A goal of the invention is to obtain the best possible fuel economy while maintaining good driveability.

Abstract: A running motor for assisting an engine in driving a vehicle or singly driving the vehicle and an auxiliary unit motor for driving a compressor for an air conditioner are controlled by a common inverter via a changeover switch. According to this construction, the running motor and the auxiliary unit motor can be driven by the single inverter, and this can contribute to the reduction in the number of components, costs, space and weight, when compared with a case where inverters are provided to be used exclusively for the running motor and the auxiliary unit motor, respectively.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has

Abstract: The air intake apparatus comprises a hollow unitary enclosure (50), housing a motor vehicle battery (16), an engine air supply path (3) through the enclosure, an air compressor (10) within the enclosure for assisting airflow along the air supply path (3) to the engine (1). The enclosure is partly divided by a partition (92) into a battery compartment (56) and a compressor compartment (58). The partition (92) has an air passage (90) therethrough and the battery (16) is in the air path (3) upstream of the partition (92). The air inlet (54) is at a lower level than the air passage (90) through the partition (92), and the air passage (90) through the partition (2) is at a lower level than the air inlet (98) to the compressor (10).

Abstract: To provide a carrier vehicle capable of restraining an increase in cost of a power train, the carrier vehicle is constructed by front axles provided respectively steerably on left and right sides of a front portion of the vehicle and mounted with wheels, a first engine provided at the front portion of the vehicle, a first drive axle provided at a middle portion of the vehicle and mounted with wheels at both left and right ends thereof, a first transmission, a second drive axle provided at a rear portion of the vehicle and mounted with wheels at both left and right ends thereof, a second engine provided at the rear portion of the vehicle and on an upper side of the second drive axle, and a second transmission provided to connect to a front side of the second engine.

Abstract: A vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus, comprises frontal information detecting means for detecting solid object information in front of an own vehicle, preceding vehicle recognizing means for recognizing a preceding vehicle based on the solid object information, traveling path estimating means for estimating a traveling path of the own vehicle, first evacuation possibility judging means for judging a first possibility of relative evacuation between the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle according to positions of the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle, second evacuation possibility judging means for judging a second possibility of relative evacuation between the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle according to information of solid objects other than the preceding vehicle, and preceding vehicle evacuation possibility judging means for judging a final possibility of relative evacuation between the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle based on the first possibility and the second possibility.

Abstract: Automotive collision avoidance systems operable in inclement weather and harsh environments such as motorways are presented. Anticollision systems of these inventions are configured with specialized source and detection subsystems to provide operation with energy beams having relatively long wavelengths. Optical beams characterized as middle infrared or ‘mid-IR’ are used for their ability to stand up against factors which tend to strongly attenuate optical beams of more common spectra such as near IR. In some versions, specialized quantum cascade lasers are arranged as optical beam sources. Quantum cascade lasers efficiently generate high energy beams of long wavelength; for example between 3 and 30 micrometers. These beams of long wavelength tend to better penetrate free-space contaminated with small particulate matter. In addition, these systems include specialized detection subsystems which operate with high detectivity in the mid-IR spectral region.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle, which limits a speed of backward movement of the vehicle to a predetermined speed and which assures a necessary power output while limiting the backward speed, without a driver's taking any manual trouble to operate a switch to control an engine of the vehicle, even though a high load is exerted upon the vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor device, a backward movement positional sensor device, and an engine controller for limiting the engine speed of the vehicle when the backward movement positional sensor device detects that the vehicle is running backward and when the vehicle speed sensor device detects that the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined value, thereby limiting the speed of the vehicle running backward.

Abstract: A two wheeled automotive vehicle having a heavily weighted passenger compartment pivotally mounted on, and with its centre of gravity below, a trapeze cross bar that is in turn pivotally mounted between axially aligned stub axles for the road wheels. Attitude control is provided and means to control reactive forces of braking is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism for a four-wheel drive vehicle. In the mechanism, a power unit is mounted between a front wheel and a rear wheel; each of a differential gear for front wheels and a final speed reducer for rear wheels locates centrally relative to a width of a vehicle body; a power takeoff drive shaft of the power unit is offset from a centerline of the vehicle body; each of an input shaft of the differential gear and a propeller shaft for the front wheels is parallel to the centerline thereof and is coaxial with the power takeoff drive shaft; an input shaft of the final speed reducer tilts towards the power takeoff drive shaft relative to the centerline; a propeller shaft for rear wheels locates on an axis which is coaxial with the input shaft of the final speed reducer.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor assembly comprising a housing, a slider slidably received within said housing, said slider being configured for movement between a first position and a second position within said housing, a first and second magnet associated with said slider for slidable movement therewith, said first and said second magnets being positioned side by side with opposite polarization, a hall effect device being fixed relative to said housing and protruding between said first and said second magnets when said slider is in said second position, the hall effect device being configured to produce an output signal, said output signal being indicative of a seat belt tension of a seat belt as applied to said sensor assembly, and a biasing member for providing an urging force to said slider, the urging force urging said slider into said first position.

Abstract: A seatbelt apparatus includes a deceleration detecting sensor for detecting a decelerating state of a vehicle and a controller for controlling the drive of a motor for the seatbelt apparatus corresponding to a detected value of the deceleration detecting sensor. The controller is provided with a correcting unit for correcting the detected value of the deceleration detecting sensor in anticipation of the future so as to advance the operational timing of the motor. By advancing the judgment timing for urgency so that the operational timing of the motor is hastened, it is possible to restrain a passenger's body in an emergency certainly without enhancing a restraining force of a webbing unnecessarily.

Abstract: A muffler suspension kit for use in attaching a replacement or original catalytic converter, or exhaust pipe muffler to a vehicle includes a flexible clamping band formed of stainless or regular steel. The clamping band extends around a replacement muffler and clamps an angle-shaped suspension bracket against a muffler. The suspension bracket has a plurality of apertures therein for connection to one or more elongate, longitudinally, adjustable J-hooks. The J-hooks are connected to grommets on the vehicle for attaching the muffler to the vehicle. The selective position of attachment of the J-hooks to the suspension bracket and the longitudinal adjustability of the J-hooks provides a wide range of adjustment when attaching a muffler to a vehicle.

Abstract: In a normal state, a reaction force actuator (20) applies an operation reaction force to an steering member (2) through a planetary gear mechanism (6). When failure occurs in a steering actuator (12), the reaction force actuator (20) is turned off, and a plunger (13) locks the rotation of one element (18) which is connected to the reaction force actuator (20), in the planetary gear mechanism (6). In turn, a manual steering mode is set up in which a rotation of the steering member (2) is transmitted to a pinion gear (14) at a transmission ratio of the carrier (16) holding planetary gears (17) and a sun gear (15).

Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of sensors sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle. The sensors include a steering angle sensor (35) and a yaw rate sensor (28). The controller (26) is coupled to the steering angle sensor (35) and the yaw rate sensor (28). The controller (26) determines a desired yaw rate in response to the steering wheel angle input, determines a corrected steering wheel input as a function of the desired yaw rate of an ideal vehicle and the vehicle yaw rate, and controls the road wheel steer angle (front, rear, or both) steering actuator in response to the corrected steering wheel input, the yaw rate and the modified steering wheel input, vehicle speed, lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, yaw rate, steering wheel angle, and road wheel angles.

Abstract: An easy-to-assemble electric power steering device for automotive vehicles is provided which includes an electric motor, a controller, and a torque transmission mechanism. The controller controls a steering assist torque outputted by the motor. The torque transmission mechanism work to transmit the output of the motor to a steering shaft. The steering device also includes a support member which work to support the steering shaft and the controller within a shell. Specifically, the controller is not mounted directly on an inner wall of the shell, but retained by the support member, thus facilitating ease of electrical connection between electrical parts installed on the support member and a substrate of the controller after the substrate is mounted on the support member.

Abstract: An acoustic waveguide system including a waveguide, a housing with a port in one side of the housing for receiving the proximal end of the waveguide, the port opening into a channel in the housing. A first shear transducer is located in the channel of the housing and disposed on the waveguide, and a second shear transducer is located in the channel and disposed on the opposite side of the waveguide. The first and second transducers are configured to launch a torsional or an extensional wave in the waveguide depending on the orientation and polarity of the transducers.

Abstract: An improved throat 2 for transmitting acoustic energy from a source driver unit 7 to a feeder section 3 of a directivity controlling acoustic horn is disclosed. The throat 2 comprises: a circular throat entrance 2i connectable to the source driver unit 7; a rectangular throat exit 2e connectable to or integral with the feeder section 3; and a circular cross-section to rectangular cross-section transition portion 2a extending between the throat entrance 2i and the throat exit 2e. The throat 2 is shaped such that its profiles initially diverge from an axis longitudinal to the throat 14 at the same angle in a direction from the throat entrance 2i towards the throat exit 2e. Such a throat, when fitted in an appropriate acoustic horn with a source driver unit having a taper matching the aforesaid profile angles, provides a smooth transition for sound waves propagating out from the source driver unit into the horn.

Abstract: A cooling tower sound attenuation apparatus having at least one sheet. The sheet has an upper and lower end and a first substantially straight region and a second region that is connected to the first substantially straight region. The apparatus additionally has a liquid collection basin along with a support structure that supports the sheet such that the lower end of the sheet is proximate to the liquid collection basin.

Abstract: A sound absorbing device is attached to an inside of a fuel tank for alleviating and absorbing sound of liquid accompanied by fuel movement inside the fuel tank. The sound absorbing device includes a screen member formed in a flat bag shape, and small pieces stored inside the screen member.

Abstract: Embodiments of aperiodic tiling of a single asymmetrical diffusive base shape employ welled or stepped one-dimensional or two-dimensional diffusers, a single or compound curved surface, or an aperiodic geometrical form. Surfaces are tiled in any orientation offering an unlimited number of tiling patterns. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a smooth transition between adjacent “tiles” is achieved because the perimeter of each tile, where necessary, is provided with a specific depth and gradient whereby when adjacent tiles are placed in adjacency, there is a smooth transition between the adjacent tiles. Using a single tileable asymmetric base shape reduces the number of shapes requiring manufacture while allowing modulation. The present invention even contemplates extending the techniques thereof into three-dimensional shapes to form volume diffusors.

Abstract: A system for the evacuation of individuals trapped in multiple story buildings by gliding down a rescue sleeve. The sleeve (12) is composed of sections (20), each section being made of a sheet material strengthened by a circumferential rigid support member (22), the sections are connected to each other to form a continuous envelope. At least a pair of cables (26; 27) are provided, thread along the sleeve, one (26) at the bottom and one (27) at the top generatrix thereof. A pair of winch systems (52; 54) are provided for winding the cables (26; 27) into a dedicated location (50) at the building story from which rescue is requested, so that the sleeve (12) becomes folded into a compact package. Coil springs (60; 62) are used for selectively ejecting and unfolding the sleeve down to ground level where it becomes tied to stationary objects (16; 17).

Abstract: A system for use in conjunction with emergency rescue sleeves that are mechanically deployed along at least a pair of supporting cables taught between a compacted sleeve storage compartment located at a designated story of a building and an anchor located at a point elsewhere below. The system is further provided with a launching device (200) for propelling a projectile body (216) from the storage location down to a predetermined target location (220) at another building (230). The projectile (216) is tied by a length of wire (218) to one of the supporting cables (127). The projectile (216) is shot to the target location (220) and the cable (127) is taught and anchored inside the building (230). The unfolding of the sleeve (112) proceeds in the known manner.

Abstract: An automatic power transmission to which a lubricating device of the invention is applied is of a type which has an operation mode wherein when, under rotation of an input shaft, a pinion carrier is prevented from making a revolution, pinions carried by the pinion carrier are rotated. The lubricating device comprises a first oil passage formed in a fixed wall of the transmission and connected with an oil supply source; a second oil passage formed in the input shaft, the input shaft being rotatably held by the fixed wall; a third oil passage formed in the pinion carrier to feed the pinions with the lubrication oil, the pinion carrier being concentrically disposed around an axis of the input shaft; a first connection passage connecting the first and second oil passages; and a second connection passage connecting the first and third oil passages.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting automotive tires is provided having a hanger pin adapted to fit through the mount hole of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus is intended to be installed on an automotive hoist at a height approximately the same as that of a tire of a vehicle disposed on the hoist. A worker removing a wheel from the vehicle disposed on the hoist can thus hang the wheel on the apparatus without significantly bending at the waist.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for solving an optimization task consisting of a plurality of sub-functions in the control of the operation of an apparatus. In the method, a set of a plurality of solution alternatives is generated and, according to the method, each sub-function is normalized. Normalized cost functions of the sub-functions are generated for each solution alternative for solving the optimization task, and based on the normalized cost functions of the sub-functions, a set of solutions to the optimization task is formed. From the set of solutions, the best solution is selected and the apparatus is controlled in accordance with the solution thus selected.

Abstract: Controlling means (213) for a car/hall apparatus (21) provided for an elevator transfers an elevator operating program stored in storage means (214) to an operating terminal (16) through operating terminal communication means (212) and an operating terminal communication path (23) when necessary. The operating terminal (16) which has received the elevator operating program executes this program to control an elevator car and a hoisting machine through the operating terminal communication path (23), the car/hall apparatus (21), a car/hall communication path (22), and a controlling apparatus (13), thereby operating the elevator.

Abstract: A brake device for cycle includes two brake arms pivotally secured together, and each having a brake shoe attached to one end for braking purposes, a brake cable coupled to the other ends of the brake arms for forcing the brake shoes to brake the cycle, and a spring member having one end attached to the cycle. One of the brake arms includes an extension having a depression for receiving the other end of the spring member. A cushioning member may be received in the extension and engaged with the spring member for cushioning the other end of the spring member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a selectively engageable friction mechanism such as a brake assembly including series of adjoining hard anodized brake disks having an accumulation of tolerances, the method including preloading the series of brake disks in order to measure for a shim that compensates for the accumulation of tolerances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device intended for a parking brake in a motor vehicle, such device converting a rotational motion into a translational motion and comprising a first plate for a controlled rotational motion but incapable of a translation motion, and a second plate unable to rotate but with a free translation motion, said plates including ramps facing each other. A ball is confined between two corresponding ramps in the first and second plates. The rotation of the first plate causes the ball to travel on the corresponding ramp and, therefore, the second plate to carry out a translational motion.

Abstract: A brake caliper formed without machining for a spot-type disc brake, in which the brake caliper after subsequent machining forms a floating caliper, has a braking force generator (12) and an opposite-lying abutment (22). For the non-machining forming of the brake caliper (10) two mould parts (34, 36) each partially receiving the brake caliper (10) are used, in which support surfaces (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5) and action surfaces (S1/2, S3, S4, S5) are formed on the brake caliper (10) in such a way that the brake caliper (10) for the subsequent machining is supportable by its support surfaces (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5) in a defined manner and clampable by means of clamping forces acting upon its action surfaces (S1/2, S3, S4, S5). To keep the extent of the subsequent machining to a minimum, during the non-machining forming the abutment (22) and the support surfaces (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5) of the brake caliper (10) are formed in one and the same mould part (34).

Abstract: A master cylinder (10) for a vehicle hydraulic brake system has a housing (12), which has a bore (14), which extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and is sealingly closed at one end by an end wall forming part of the housing (12) of the master cylinder (10) and at the other, opposite end by a closure element (16). A piston (18), which is guided in the bore (14), extends in a sealing and axially displaceable manner through the closure element (16). A central valve (20) is formed on the piston (18) and enables a fluid connection between a fluid reservoir and a pressure chamber (28) delimited in the bore (14) by the end wall and the piston (18) and, in the non-actuated state of the piston (18), is held in open position by an abutment component (34) acting upon the closure element (16).

Abstract: Service braking of a vehicle can be carried out by means of a service brake actuator having an electric motor as its service brake applying means. Energy from a loaded spring in a spring brake actuator connected to the service brake actuator can be released at will for supplying supplementary service brake energy to the service brake actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure-accumulating brake cylinder (1), comprising a housing (2) in which a pressure accumulator piston (4) runs, dividing an internal chamber of the housing (2) into a pressure accumulation chamber (22) and a pressure chamber (21), a spring arrangement (221), arranged in the pressure accumulation chamber (22) and tensioning the pressure accumulator piston (4) in the direction of the pressure chamber (21) and a mechanical emergency release device (5), for the mechanical emergency release of the pressure accumulating brake cylinder (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a parking brake for a vehicle, comprising a handle (2) which is a displaceably mounted with respect to a support (6), a coupling unit (3) which tenses a brake cable (4) when the handle is displaced (2), and a locking device (17) ensuring that the handle (2) remains in a locked position. The aim of the invention is to produce, a hand brake which is compact, cheap to produce, and which translates a traction force exerted onto the handle into a tensing of the brake cable. According to the invention, the handle (2) can be pulled away from the support (2) in an axial manner by means of a guiding device (5, 7), and the support (6) is coupled to a translation unit (8), which converts the axial displacement of a part associated with the handle (2) into a tensing of the brake cable (4).

Abstract: A device for braking a flow of molten metal (5) in a device for continuous or semi-continuous casting of metals in a mould (2) which is provided with opposite broad sides (4) and opposite short sides (3), said device comprising at least one magnet core (1), said at least one core facing one of the short sides (3) of the mould (2) for the purpose of generating a magnetic field (B) and an induced current (i) in a region of the molten metal (5) adjacent the short side (3). The core (1) is arranged in such a way that the magnet field (B) which is generated in said region generally has a direction perpendicular from the short side (3) of the mould (2) towards the centre of the latter.

Abstract: In a cylinder apparatus such as a hydraulic shock absorber, a piston to which a piston rod is connected slidably is inserted into a cylinder which contains liquid oil. A rebound spring is wound around the piston rod with one end of the piston rod fixed to the piston rod using a spring holder. The rebound spring is slidably guided along the piston rod by means of another spring holder. A rebound stopper is fixed to the piston rod at a position between the spring holders. The rebound spring exerts a spring force opposite to the extension of the piston rod, thereby to moderate shock at the end of the stroke of the piston. Because the spring holder comes into contact with the rebound stopper, contact of adjacent linear portions of the rebound spring with each other due to excessive compression of the rebound spring can be prevented, and also occurrence of strange noise and damage of the rebound spring can be prevented.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a damping element and a pneumatic spring, where the damping element has a container tube, a fastening part, and a piston rod, and where the pneumatic spring consists of a spring bellows acting as a roll bellows, an outer tube connected to the mass whose vibrations are to be minimized, and a roll-over tube carrying a roll-over profile. The spring bellows forms one boundary of an elastic space filled with a pressurized gas, whereas the roll-over tube seals off the gas space from the container tube and is attached thereto. A stamped and formed support ring, which supports the roll-over tube on the container tube and serves to suppress tilting movements, is installed between the container tube and the roll-over tube.

Abstract: A connector assembly or connecting device for elastically connecting a steering wheel of a vehicle to a rotary member supported by a stationary member fixed to the vehicle body such that the rotary member is rotatable upon rotation of the steering wheel to steer the vehicle, the connector assembly including a first member to be fixed to the rotary member for rotation with the rotary member, a second member to be fixed to the steering wheel for rotation with the steering wheel, an elastic body interposed between the first and second members to elastically connecting the first and second members, and a relative-rotation restrictor located between the first and second members, for restricting an amount of elastic deformation of the elastic body upon rotation of the second member relative to the first member, to restrict a maximum angle of relative rotation of the first and second members permitted by the elastic deformation of the elastic body, for thereby restricting a maximum angle of rotation of the steering