Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing comprising a housing first portion and a housing second portion. The housing first portion comprises a first joint portion overlapping a second joint portion of the housing second portion so as to form a housing joint. A clamp is positioned on the housing joint and comprises a base portion. A first surface of the base portion is positioned on the housing joint. A plurality of legs extend from the base portion towards the housing each of which are spaced from each other around the housing joint. A plurality of flange segments extend from each side of the base portion away from the housing. A band is positioned on a second surface of the base portion opposite the first surface and around the clamp. The band is positioned between the plurality of flange segments and operatively coupled to the housing via the clamp.

Abstract: A ring clip for connecting two wire mesh panels. The clip has a first arm and a second arm. The arms connected at respective first ends by a hinge. A second end of the first arm defines a recess which is adapted to receive a second end of the second arm when the clip is in a closed condition. The first arm includes a first tab, and the second arm includes a second tab, such that, in the closed condition the first and second tabs are substantially opposed. The first and second tabs are substantially misaligned laterally.

Abstract: A sacrificial mechanical link for linking a first mechanical element to a second mechanical element includes: a sacrificial element having a first end and a second end; and a first mechanical element removably connected to the first end of the sacrificial element. A method of using a sacrificial mechanical link includes: coupling a first mechanical element to a second mechanical element with a sacrificial element; and applying a force to a one of the first mechanical element and the second mechanical element to cause deformation of the sacrificial element.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a masonry member comprising an anchor member and a sleeve. The anchor member has a shank with a ridge formed thereon, the ridge extending radially outwardly from and along a surface of the shank generally from a distal end of the anchor member toward a head of the anchor member. The sleeve defines a groove. The sleeve is coaxial with and at least partially surrounds the anchor member such that the ridge of the shank is at least partially received in the groove. A cross-sectional width of at least one of the ridge and the groove reduces in a direction extending toward the head of the anchor member so withdrawal of the anchor member through the sleeve expands at least part of the sleeve radially outwardly.

Abstract: Profile bar (2) preferably an aluminum alloy, with at least one undercut longitudinal slot (6) which has a slot bottom (8) and extends in the direction of the longitudinal extent (L) of the profile bar (2), and of which the longitudinal slot opening (13) opposite the slot bottom (8) in the direction of a longitudinal slot height (H), perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (L) of the longitudinal slot (6), is bounded by two undercut sections (14, 15) spaced apart by the longitudinal slot opening (13), wherein a longitudinal slot opening width (b), measured perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (L) of the longitudinal slot (6), is less than a maximum longitudinal slot width (bn) in a longitudinal slot region located below the undercut sections (14, 15) as seen along the longitudinal slot height (H), wherein a longitudinal duct (9) extending parallel to the longitudinal slot (6) is provided below the slot bottom (8), which duct is spaced from a section (7) forming the slot bottom (8), which is formed as a p

Abstract: A stiffening assembly (10) for stiffening an article (12) is disclosed. The stiffening assembly comprises a plurality of main modules (14) arrangeable on the article. Each main module comprises a body (16) and a receiving formation (28) on the body for receiving a portion of the article therethrough. The stiffening assembly further includes a fastening arrangement for fastening the main modules to one another. The fastening arrangement comprises first and second fastening formations (24, 26).

Abstract: A transfer system includes a first mechanical element including a portion of a one of a support platform and a transfer device; a second mechanical element including a portion of a one of the support platform and the transfer device; and a sacrificial element including a first end, a second end, and a central portion, the second end removably connected to the first mechanical element with a first connecting fastener, and the first end removably connected to the second mechanical element with a second connecting fastener.

Abstract: A fastener includes a head and snap-engaging portion that includes: —a shank projecting from the head and having a proximal end connected to the head and a distal end spaced from the head, and—two elastic arms in the form of a V, with respective first ends connected to the distal end and respective second ends arranged in the proximity of the head and spaced in the transverse direction on opposite sides of the shank, so as to form an arrow head shape, wherein the snap-engaging portion includes a substantially U-shaped retaining structure having two open ends connected integrally to the respective second ends of the elastic arms and a rounded portion which surrounds without contact the distal end of the shank, wherein the retaining structure has two snap-engaging seats which are open outwards, each being situated between the rounded portion and a respective open end.

Abstract: A hole expanding screw comprises a screw head and a screw shank. The screw head includes a top and a neck extending from the top and gradually shrinking toward a direction opposite the top. The screw shank includes a shank body connected with the neck, a hole expanding portion connected with the shank body, a cone connected with the hole expanding portion, a thread running helically from the cone through the hole expanding portion to the shank body. The outer diameter of the hole expanding portion is greater than the diameter of the shank body and smaller than the diameter of the thread. The hole expanding portion includes a plurality of hole expanding blocks arranged into several rows and a plurality of debris exhaust channels formed among the hole expanding blocks, wherein each two neighboring rows of the hole expanding blocks are arranged in a staggered way.

Abstract: An installation tool and related methods are provided. The tool can pull a strip of collated fasteners along a collated fastener path to a guide, where individual fasteners are sequentially separated from the strip and advanced into a workpiece. The tool can include a tension feeder located downstream of the guide. The tension feeder is configured to apply tension to the strip between the guide and a leading end of the strip. The tool can include a driveshaft configured to attach to a conventional drive tool chuck or a drive tool having hexagonal type drive components. The guide can be one piece and replaceable, with a guide body and a guide head. A strip slot can be defined in the same to align a fastener head with a backstop and facilitate entry of a fastener shank in a feed slot. Related methods of use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is relates to a fiber reinforced resin screw 10, 20 shaped using a resin composition containing reinforcing fiber in a resin. A pitch of threads has a length of 1.5 to 2 times of a standard pitch corresponding to an outer diameter of the threads prescribed in standards of a metric coarse screw, a unified coarse screw and a unified fine screw. An average fiber length of the reinforcing fiber is 1 to ? times of the pitch of the threads in the fiber reinforced resin screw. A content rate of the reinforcing fiber is in a range of 20 to 80%. In this way, the fiber reinforced resin screw to have improved is provided in the strength of the thread.

Abstract: A self-drilling screw composed of an austenitic or some other non-corrosive base material (1) is provided, having a shank (12), having a cutting or shaping drilling or threaded tip (16) arranged at one shank end and having a hard coating (3) applied at least to the drilling or threaded tip (16) by electrodeposition, this hard coating (3) having a layer containing a transition metal, for example a hard chromium layer. The shank (12) has a hard edge layer (2) at least under the hard coating (3). A topcoat (4) composed of a lubricating and heat-dissipating material, which preferably is metal, wax and/or lacquer, is applied to the hard coating (3).

Abstract: A screw fitting for the passage of fluids includes a stem and an enlarged head positioned at an end of the stem the stem being at least partially provided with a threaded portion that includes at least a throat for the passage of a fluid, formed on an outer portion of the stem and extending at least through the threaded portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides metallic lug nut covers having an internal opening that may be sized to snugly fit over a lug nut of a vehicle wheel. Embodiments may include an optional internal threaded bore to engage the cover to the mounting bolt holding the lug nut. Embodiments may also include a groove and O-ring for sealed attachment. Embodiments of the present invention may be provided in a generally round shape, but may also be of other shapes including without limitation, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, triangular, square and other shapes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load-bearing component (1) for the fastening, lashing, and/or lifting technology, such as a shackle, a snap hook, a hook, or a ring link. The component (1) comprises a plastic-metal composite system (4) which forms at least one load-bearing section (2) and at least one connection section (3). The load-bearing section (2) serves to fasten and/or suspend a load, for example, by use of a fastening device. The component (1) can with the aid of the connection section (3) be attached to an object, for example, to a load or a further component (1).

Abstract: Described is a self locking safety spring clip comprising at least a main body (21) provided with an opening (38) designed to receive retaining means, for example a ring, wherein the main body (21) houses a first locking element (25) equipped at an end with a hook-shaped part or hook (26) and movable rotatably about a first pin (27) integral with the main body, as well as a second locking element (29) opposite the previous one, movable rotatably about a second pin (30) integral with the main body, the second locking element (29) being equipped with a magnetic element (31) designed to attract the retaining means thus facilitating the coupling and simultaneously the locking to the hook-shaped part or hook (26).

Abstract: A composite vehicle shaft assembly includes a body formed from a first material having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The intermediate portion defines an axis of rotation and includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cavity. At least one core plug formed from a second material is disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A method for producing a profiled hollow shaft for a telescopic steering shaft of a motor vehicle may involve providing a hollow shaft to be processed, a profile mandrel, and a roller head comprising at least one roller. The method may further involve introducing the profile mandrel into the hollow shaft in order to produce a groove in the hollow shaft. The method may also involve moving the profile mandrel and the hollow shaft together relative to the roller head, wherein movement of the profile mandrel and the hollow shaft relative to the roller head is performed exclusively in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft in order to form a groove.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a crankshaft assembly includes configuring a crankshaft with a crankpin journal having a cavity extending at least partially from a first axial side to a second axial side of the crankpin journal, and opening at at least one of the first axial side and the second axial side. The method includes disposing a core plug in the cavity. The crankshaft has a first density and the core plug may have a second density which may be less than the first density. A crankshaft assembly includes the crankshaft and the core plug.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a rotary blade movement system including a retaining member configured to receive a rotor blade, a graspable arm, and a coupling mechanism operable to removably couple the retaining member to the graspable arm. The rotor blade movement system is configured to enable a user to adjust the position of the rotor blade by moving the graspable arm. The coupling mechanism can be a ball and socket joint. In one aspect, there is a method of rotating a rotor blade using a rotary blade movement system.

Abstract: A slide structure includes a slide rail and a slide lid. The slide rail includes guide wall portions disposed in a first direction orthogonal to a rail longitudinal direction. A first abutting portion is provided in a guide wall face, and a second abutting portion is provided at a position separated in the rail longitudinal direction relative to the first abutting portion, and separated in a second direction orthogonal to the rail longitudinal direction and the first direction. The slide lid can slide along the rail longitudinal direction between the guide wall portions. A first projecting portion abutting against a top portion of the first abutting portion is provided on one side in a sliding direction, and a second projecting portion abutting against a top portion of the second abutting portion in a state wherein the first projecting portion abuts against the first abutting portion is provided.

Abstract: A bearing including an axis of rotation, an inner ring, an outer ring arranged radially outward of the inner ring, the outer ring including a radially inner circumferential surface including: a race surface, a first outer ring portion arranged closer, in a first radial direction, to the axis of rotation than the race surface, and a second outer ring portion arranged closer, in the first radial direction, to the axis of rotation than the race surface and the first outer ring portion. The bearing further includes a cage radially arranged between the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: A bearing, including: an axis of rotation; an inner ring including a first radially inner circumferential side; an outer ring arranged radially outward of the inner ring and including a first radially outer circumferential side; a cage radially arranged between the inner and outer rings; and at least one rolling element positioned within the cage. The inner ring includes at least one circumferentially extending groove in the radially inner circumferential side and at least one through-bore connecting the at least one circumferentially extending groove to a space formed between the inner and outer rings; or the outer ring includes at least one circumferentially extending groove in the radially outer circumferential side and at least one through-bore connecting the at least one circumferentially extending groove to a space formed between the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: A bearing assembly including an anti-rotation feature is provided. The bearing assembly includes a radially outer bearing ring including a radially outer race on a radially inner surface and a radially inner bearing ring and including a radially inner race on a radially outer surface and a radially inner bearing ring retention element. A plurality of rolling elements are supported to roll between the radially outer race and the radially inner race. The anti-rotation feature is provided by a washer including a first washer retention element configured to engage the radially inner bearing ring retention element, and a second washer retention element configured to engage a torque transmitting portion of a shaft.

Abstract: A low profile shaft adaptor for coupling an output drive member of an HVAC actuator with an input drive member of a valve. The shaft adaptor may include a clamp for selectively clamping onto the input drive member of the valve, a drive interface configured to form an interference fit with an output drive member of the HVAC actuator, and a bracket configured to mechanically couple the drive interface and the clamp such that rotational movement of the drive interface by way of the interference fit with the output drive member of the HVAC actuator causes corresponding rotational movement of the clamp and thus the input drive member of the valve.

Abstract: A torque transmitting coupling for an electric submersible pump equipment string. A torque transmitting coupling system includes a first adapter including a first inner diameter mated to a first shaft rotatable about a first axis of rotation, and a first splined outer diameter mated to a splined coupling inner surface, a second adapter including a second inner diameter mated to a second shaft rotatable about a second axis of rotation, and a second splined outer diameter mated to the splined coupling inner surface, the first and second splined outer diameter at least partially spherical such that when the first axis of rotation moves with respect to the second axis of rotation, at least one of the splined outer diameters rock along the coupling inner surface.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes: an outer joint member having a raceway groove; an inner joint member having a leg shaft; a roller that is able to roll on the raceway groove; and a needle bearing that supports an inner periphery of the roller such that the inner periphery of the roller is able to rotate with respect to the leg shaft. The leg shaft includes: a roll portion that supports the needle bearing; a contact portion that is able to contact an end face of the needle bearing, the end face facing a first side in the direction of a central axis of the needle bearing; and a recess portion formed between the roll portion and the contact portion, in a position where the recess portion is recessed from a space in which the needle bearing is disposed.

Abstract: Apparatus, such as a propeller shaft, includes an outer circumferential portion or outer race to rotate as a unit with an internal shaft (serving as the propeller shaft), an inner circumferential member or inner race to rotate as a unit with an external shaft and a plurality of balls disposed between the outer race and inner race, for transmitting rotation therebetween. A sleeve rotating as a unit with the inner race includes an inside cavity for receiving the external shaft. The sleeve is coated with a coating formed on an inside circumferential surface.

Abstract: A longitudinal shaft arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the first shaft has a journal with a first end and a second end, and a constant velocity ball plunging joint for connecting the first shaft to the second shaft, wherein a joint inner part of the constant velocity ball plunging joint is mounted at the second end and a joint outer part is arranged on the second shaft, wherein the joint outer part has a first stop for a cage of the constant velocity ball plunging joint in an end zone of a plunging region, with the result that the cage is brought into contact with the first stop when the first shaft and the second shaft are pushed into one another.

Abstract: An industrial work vehicle including a frame and a first shaft rotatably connected to the frame via first and second bearings. The work vehicle further includes a second shaft rotatably positioned in line with the first shaft and connected to the first shaft via a coupling. The second shaft is further connected to the frame via a third bearing. The coupling includes a first connection and a second connection. The first connection connects the first shaft to the second shaft via a fourth bearing adapted to support a radial load and to accommodate an axial rotation and an angular misalignment of one shaft with respect to the other shaft. The second connection connects the first shaft to the second shaft via flange elements which are interconnected via an intermediary element adapted to transmit a torque and to accommodate a misalignment of one shaft with respect to the other shaft.

Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly including a first drum having a plurality of teeth formed at an end thereof. A gear assembly axially aligns with the first drum and has a plurality of teeth intermeshing with the plurality of teeth of the drum. The gear assembly includes an annular gear and a plate axially aligning with the gear.

Abstract: A transfer case includes a primary output shaft, and a secondary output selectively coupleable to the primary output shaft with a secondary torque transfer mechanism. The secondary torque transfer mechanism comprises a plate clutch and a locking sleeve. The plate clutch includes a housing coupled to the secondary output shaft, a plurality of interleaved plates alternatingly coupled to the primary output shaft and the housing, and an apply plate coupled to the primary output shaft and being configured to compress the interleaved plates to selectively form a friction coupling between the primary output shaft and the secondary output shaft. The locking sleeve is non-selectively coupled to one of the housing or the apply plate to rotate therewith, and is selectively coupleable to the other of the housing or the apply plate to form a positive coupling between the primary output shaft and the secondary output shaft.

Abstract: Provided is a frictional engagement element including: a plurality of friction plates; a piston movable between a releasing position and an engaging position; and a first urging mechanism and a second urging mechanism configured to urge the piston in an engaging direction from the releasing position toward the engaging position. Urging forces of both of the first urging mechanism and the second urging mechanism act on the piston from the releasing position to a first position in the engaging direction. The urging force of the first urging mechanism acts on the piston from the first position to a second position closer to the engaging position than the first position. The first position is a predetermined position where the piston does not abut against the friction plates, and the second position is a position where the piston abuts against the friction plates and the clearances are reduced.

Abstract: A hydraulic power take-off, PTO, is provided for use with industrial drives. The hydraulic power take-off has a multi-position adapter that allows the PTO to be attached to a prime mover in a multitude of angularly indexed positions while maintaining a gravity-assisted drain and sump for the hydraulic fluid. The multi-position adapter is indexable to selectively block and allow for passage of oil from a tower housing to a clutch housing thus ensuring the hydraulic oil properly drains. As a result, the tower housing is also indexable which allows the PTO unit to be installed in a number of different configurations to meet the demands of the prime mover and the final application of the industrial machine.

Abstract: An inner peripheral surface of an outer cylindrical tubular portion and an outer peripheral surface of an inner cylindrical tubular portion of a rotor are respectively shaped into a stepped form. A radial distance between the outer cylindrical tubular portion and the inner cylindrical tubular portion at a counter-armature side location is larger than that of an armature side location in the rotor. An outer peripheral surface of an outer cylindrical tubular portion and an inner peripheral surface of an inner cylindrical tubular portion of a stator are respectively shaped into a stepped form. A radial distance between the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical tubular portion and the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical tubular portion at the counter-armature side location is larger than that of the armature side location in the stator.

Abstract: A viscous clutch includes a shaft, a rotor attached to the shaft, a housing located adjacent to the rotor, a working chamber defined between the rotor and the housing, a reservoir used to store a shear fluid, a valve assembly, an electromagnetic coil, and a flux insert in the housing. Selective introduction of the shear fluid to the working chamber facilitates selective torque transmission between the rotor and the housing. The valve assembly regulates flow of the shear fluid between the reservoir and the working chamber, and includes an armature. Selective energization of the electromagnetic coil governs actuation of the valve assembly. A flux circuit is provided that extends from the electromagnetic coil to the armature and back to the electromagnetic coil. The flux circuit passes through the flux insert and through the shaft, and the flux circuit crosses a radial air gap between the flux insert and the armature.

Abstract: A flexplate assembly (26) for use in a starting system (31) for translating rotational torque between an engine and a transmission includes a drive assembly (28) adapted to be attached to the engine and the transmission for translating rotational torque therebetween. The flexplate assembly (26) also includes a ring assembly (30) having a ring gear (32) adapted to permanently engage a pinion gear (24) of a starter motor (22) of the starting system (31). The ring assembly (30) rotates with the drive assembly (28) in response to rotational torque generated by the pinion gear (24) of the starter motor (22). The drive assembly (28) disengages from the ring assembly (30) in response to rotational torque generated by the engine.

Abstract: At the time when a hydraulic actuator is operated to engage a dog clutch, after it is detected that a hydraulic pressure for operating the hydraulic actuator is higher than or equal to a predetermined hydraulic pressure, it is determined whether the dog clutch is not engaged. Therefore, non-engagement determination due to insufficient hydraulic pressure for operating the hydraulic actuator is prevented. Thus, at the time when the hydraulic actuator is operated to engage the dog clutch, it is possible to prevent consumption of time to engage the dog clutch due to unnecessary re-engagement operation.

Abstract: A brake device for braking a wheel, having a brake drum, a brake carrier for shifting a brake lining in order to press the brake lining against the brake drum, a sensor for sensing a rotational speed of the wheel, and an adjustment element configured to be coupled to the sensor and to spatially adjust the sensor.

Abstract: A hydraulic power take-off is provided for use with industrial drives that deliver power to industrial equipment. The hydraulic power take-off has a brake disconnect system that can manually release a brake assembly to allow low-effort rotating of the industrial equipment components to facilitate servicing.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a brake pad, a retaining spring, and a retaining bracket. The retaining bracket pretensions the retaining spring radially inwardly relative to a rotation axis of a brake against the brake pad. A smallest radial distance (D) of the retaining spring from the brake pad in a region in which the retaining bracket overlaps the retaining spring in a radial direction is greater than a smallest radial distance (d) of the retaining bracket from the brake pad in a region in which the retaining bracket overlaps the brake pad in the radial direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic power take-off is provided for use with industrial drives. The hydraulic power take-off has a multiple-force brake system that facilitates actively slowing large inertial loads associated with a heavy rotating mass of an industrial machine. The multiple-force brake system applies different braking forces at different times to control deceleration of the heavy rotating mass in the industrial machine to reduce its stopping time. The multiple-force brake system may include a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. A control system may control the clutch and brake assemblies to provide the multiple-force brake system a relatively higher energy brake engagement state and a relatively lower energy brake engagement. This may include alternating between the higher and lower energy brake engagement states to pulse between high and low pressure braking to facilitate cooling of the system while slowing the large inertial loads.

Abstract: A planar torsion spring has outer and inner hubs connected by a set of beams that are capable of bending to provide torsional compliance when the outer hub is rotated with respect to the inner hub. Each beam is fixed to the outer hub at one end and is attached to the inner hub at its other end by a pin and slot. Slots may be curved. The spring is capable of deflecting to ± ? 6 radians and providing 100 N·m of torque. Bearings may be located at the interface between each pin and slot. Beams may have variable width. In a method of fabrication, the design dimensions, material, and slot geometry of the planar torsion spring can be parameterized to design springs that meet specific requirements for different applications. In addition to quantifying performance, the models provide the foundation for further weight, efficiency, and performance optimization.

Abstract: A plug (1) for use with a counterbalancing system (3) of a cable-operated door (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bearing arrangement for a driver's cab (12) of a vehicle, which bearing arrangement is, in a mounted state, arranged between the driver's cab (12) and a cab support (16) of the vehicle, having a cone bearing (14) which, centrally, has a bearing sleeve (34) which is fixable to the driver's cab (12) and which extends through an opening (38) of the cab support (16) and which is of hollow form, wherein the bearing sleeve (34) is, at the outside, by way of an elastic damping element (22) connected thereto, connected to a concentrically arranged support element (24), wherein the support element (24) is fixable to the cab support (16) at the cab side by way of connecting elements (26), and having an abutment element (30) which is arranged on an end, averted from the driver's cab (12), of the bearing sleeve (34) and which serves for limiting a movement of the damping element (22) in an axial direction (A).

Abstract: End mounts are used to secure a helical tension spring to end fixtures with various shapes and sizes. These end mounts contain an inner hole to encase the inner spring end mount and secure the end mount making it like a cap. There is also a keyhole created in the top surface that goes through the end mount allowing it to fit over the fixtures but not over the inner end mount, holding it in place. Grooves are machined in a helical pattern on the cylindrical side wall of the end mount. The spring is wound onto the grooves of the end mount.

Abstract: A load absorber dampens relative movement between subsea bodies. The load absorber is cooperable with an actuating member such as a male piston element or a female cup on an opposed subsea body. The load absorber comprises a hollow structure defining an internal flow path for water. A flow restrictor acting on the flow path restricts a distal flow of water along the flow path from a proximal opening, caused by convergence between the actuating member and the load absorber. The flow restrictor comprises a shuttle element to restrict the flow path that is mounted to the structure for automatic movement from a first state to a second state in response to an increase in water pressure at the proximal opening. In the first state, the shuttle element effects greater restriction of the flow path than in the second state.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle includes a pressure tube that defines a fluid chamber and a piston disposed within the fluid chamber. The piston divides the fluid chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber, and defines a compression passage and a rebound passage. A valve disc assembly of the shock absorber engages the piston and controls the flow of fluid between the upper and lower working chambers. The valve disc assembly includes a check disc and an orifice disc. The check disc is disposed between the piston and the orifice disc. The orifice disc defines an orifice, and the check disc prohibits the flow of fluid through the orifice as the fluid flows in a first direction and permits the flow of fluid through the orifice as the fluid flows in a second direction opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: A valve arrangement controls a flow of damping medium in a shock absorber. Pressurized damping fluid acts around a whole circumference of the slidable valve member and the impact of flow forces on the slidable valve member is minimized, which vastly decrease the disturbing axial forces and thereby achieves a more dependable valve arrangement with a reliable operation.

Abstract: An air spring for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a bellows chamber, a piston chamber, and at least one opening. The piston chamber is operatively connected to the bellows chamber. The at least one opening is in fluid communication with the bellows chamber and the piston chamber to provide fluid communication between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber. An orifice assembly is disposed adjacent the at least one opening for variably changing the size of the opening. The air spring provides damping to the heavy-duty vehicle.