Abstract: This invention discloses a damping hinge that includes a first clamp plate and a second clamp plate, wherein one or more damping mechanisms are arranged on the first clamp plate and/or the second clamp plate. The damping mechanism includes a fixed pressure block, a movable pressure block which is able to move in the vertical direction, and a damper which is arranged vertically and has two ends connected to the fixed pressure block and the movable pressure block respectively. A first inclined surface of the movable pressure block is in abutting connection with a second inclined surface on the other clamp plate. This invention drived the damper to compress and retract vertically and improved the damping effect and service life of the damper.

Abstract: A brake system may comprise a hydraulic brake system or a hybrid brake system. The hydraulic brake system may include an inner axle disposed in an inner axle housing. The inner axle housing may include a working fluid therein. The inner axle may comprise a plurality of paddles extending radially from the inner axle. The working fluid may be pressurized and/or create friction with the plurality of paddles. The pressurized working fluid may impede a free rotation of the plurality of paddles.

Abstract: A damper includes a cylinder, a rod including a first engaging portion at a tip end thereof, and a piston formed of an elastic resin material. The piston includes a convex portion provided so as to protrude at a base end portion located on a rod base end side and always in pressure contact with an inner circumference of the cylinder. During damper braking, the first engaging portion of the rod abuts against the other end portion of the piston, and an axial compression force acts on the piston between the first engaging portion and the convex portion in pressure contact with the inner circumference of the cylinder.

Abstract: A linear and rotary shock-testing machine including: a base; a shaft rotatably and translationally movable relative to the base; a test disc for holding one or more specimens to be tested, the test disc being rotatable with the shaft; one of a cam and cam follower fixed relative to the base; and an other of the cam and cam follower fixed to the test disc, wherein the shaft being driven to provide a rotational shock to the one or more test specimens; and the cam is shaped such that the cam follower follows the cam to urge the test disc into a translational motion while rotating to provide translational shock to the one or more specimens.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a braking system for a work vehicle having hydraulically-actuated brakes. The braking system includes a primary release valve, a secondary release valve, and at least one braking mechanism having one or more brake springs. The braking mechanism(s) is hydraulically coupled to the primary release valve and the secondary release valve via one or more hydraulic lines. As such, during full-power operation of the work vehicle, when the brakes are to be released, the primary release valve is energized so as to overcome a valve biasing spring, thereby shifting the primary release valve so as to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid to the braking mechanism(s). Further, when the brakes are to be applied, the primary release valve is inactive so as to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow away from the braking mechanism(s) to a primary reservoir such that the one or more brake springs compress the braking mechanism(s).

Abstract: A position-and-velocity dependent hydraulic damper is provided. The hydraulic damper has piston valve fixed to a tip of a piston rod, a base valve, and a reservoir chamber. The base valve has a compression side port. Between a first valve and the base valve, a first spiral spring is provided, and between the first valve and the piston valve, a second spiral spring is provided. The compression side port is closed by the first valve around the maximum compression state, reducing the flow rate of oil to the reservoir chamber. A second valve passing through the centers of the first valve and the base valve adjusts the flow rate of the oil to the reservoir chamber with a pressure equal to or higher than a prescribed level of an oil chamber.

Abstract: A position-and-velocity dependent hydraulic damper is provided. The hydraulic damper has piston valve fixed to a tip of a piston rod, a base valve, and a reservoir chamber. The base valve has a compression side port. Between a first valve and the base valve, a first spiral spring is provided, and between the first valve and the piston valve, a second spiral spring is provided. The compression side port is closed by the first valve around the maximum compression state, reducing the flow rate of oil to the reservoir chamber. A second valve passing through the centers of the first valve and the base valve adjusts the flow rate of the oil to the reservoir chamber with a pressure equal to or higher than a prescribed level of an oil chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a self adjusting energy attenuating vehicle seating system configured to automatically compensate for variations in the weight of seated occupants. A seat is mounted in a vehicle and configured to stroke in a downward direction, generally toward a floor of the vehicle, with an adjustable energy attenuating device disposed in a load path between the seat and a rigid structural portion of the vehicle. A signal processor removes variations in a seat weight signal attributable to vehicle or occupant motion, and outputs an energy attenuator adjustment signal corresponding to the weight of a seated occupant. The system may further include an actuator configured to receive the energy attenuator adjustment signal and adjust a load setting feature of the energy attenuating device accordingly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for emergency brake systems are provided herein. In this regard, a brake system may comprise a summing lever having a first end and a second end, a brake handle coupled to the first end of the summing lever, the brake handle rotatably coupled about a first axis, and a linear actuator having a plunger, the plunger being coupled to the second end of the summing lever. In various embodiments, an idler link may be coupled between the brake handle and the first end of the summing lever. The brake system may further comprise a brake cable coupled between the summing lever and a brake metering valve. The brake metering valve may be actuated in response to at least one of the brake handle being rotated about the first axis or the linear actuator being actuated.

Abstract: A method of controlling an air suspension system may include a first process of determining, by a controller, whether a current situation is a parking situation that requires reduced air pressure in an air spring, a second process of maximizing, by the controller, damping force of a shock absorber when the current situation is the parking situation that requires the reduced air pressure in the air spring, and a third process of reducing air pressure in the air spring, by the controller, by bypassing compressed air stored in the air spring to a reservoir tank.

Abstract: A blast attenuating seat system for protecting a vehicle occupant from impulses generated by blasts from underneath the vehicle, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The blast attenuating seat system includes a post, a mounting body coupled to a portion of the post and a seat assembly movably coupled to the mounting body configured to move relative to the post and mounting body. The seat assembly includes a seat body having a seat support structure configured to support a plurality of seat cushions and a shock assembly coupling the seat body and mounting body and configured to compress and expand such that the seat assembly moves relative to the post and mounting body. The blast attenuating seat system thereby provides/enables improved protection for vehicle occupants that may be exposed to explosive blasts.

Abstract: A countermass container for use in a recoilless weapon. The countermass container includes an envelope encloses a countermass. A recoilless weapon includes a barrel accommodating an ammunition unit, a propellant charge and a countermass container. The countermass container includes an envelope enclosing a countermass. The barrel includes a front end opening for firing the ammunition unit out of the barrel and a rear end opening for ejecting the envelope and countermass of the counter mass container. The envelope is divided into a front section and a rear section. The rear section of the envelope has a weaker construction than the front section of the envelope to more easily crack than the front section of the envelope. Splines are provided at the front section to create ducts.

Abstract: A brake assembly integrates both an impeller brake and a friction brake into an integrated brake assembly that provides for retarding and/or friction braking in response to a single braking action on a single brake assembly by the operator. In neutral, the impeller brake and the friction brake are disengaged from a brake hub. In a first braking position under a first applied fluid pressure, the brake hub engages the impeller brake for retarding axle rotation. In a second braking position under a second applied fluid pressure, the brake hub frictionally engages the friction brake for frictionally braking axle rotation.

Abstract: A device for damping the movement of a movably mounted component comprises a braking device which has a driven damper surface that cooperates with a secured damper surface to enclose a gap in which a viscous damping medium is present that causes a braking force of the braking device when the driven damper surface is rotated with respect to the secured damper surface, the braking force depending on the rotational speed of the driven damper surface. The device also has an additional braking device and a coupling. In the closed state of the coupling, at least one additional damper surface of the additional braking device driven by the movement of the component about an axis of the auxiliary braking device is rotated relative to at least one secured additional damper surface about the axis of the additional braking device, the additional braking device exerting an additional braking force. In the opened state of the coupling, the additional braking device is inactive.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first and a second passage configured to flow a working fluid out of one chamber by movement of a piston, a first damping force generation mechanism installed at the first passage and configured to generate a damping force, a housing having at least a partial passage of the second passage formed therein, a free piston movably installed in the housing and configured to partition the second passage into an upstream side and a downstream side, and a spring member disposed in the housing and configured to hole the free piston at a neutral position, wherein a second damping force generation mechanism including a friction member installed at an inner side of the cylinder with respect to the sealing member and constituted by an annular elastic rubber section in sliding contact with the piston rod and an annular base section to which the elastic rubber section is fixed and a communication passage configured to reduce a pressure difference between both sides in an axial direction of the fri

Abstract: A shock absorber (11) comprising a tubular first portion in the form of a shock absorber casing (12) telescopically receiving a tubular second portion in the form of a piston (13) is disclosed. The first portion has an alignment member (15) which encapsulates a friction element (17) wrapped around said second portion. The alignment member (15) is longitudinally movable in between a first stop bearing (18) and a second stop bearing (19). The novel friction element (17) has a plurality of tips or protrusions (25) which extend, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the piston (13), towards the two stop bearings (18,19) and which hit either of said bearings (18,19) during the oscillatory back and forth movement of the alignment member (15) during operation.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a vehicle, in particular a heavy goods vehicle, includes a drive axle having a transmission gear, such as a differential, around which an amount of oil for lubrication is variable. The brake apparatus further includes at least one friction brake and at least one retarder that is capable of operating to slow the vehicle through the transmission gear. The braking apparatus comprises a brake operating device for operating the at least one friction brake and the least one retarder, and a determining feature to determine an oil level around the transmission gear. The brake operating device, on operation by a user, is arranged to apply the retarder when the oil level around the transmission gear is above a threshold level, and, if the oil level is below the threshold level, the brake operating device is arranged to initiate an increase in the oil level around the transmission gear.

Abstract: A damping device for movable furniture parts includes a base, a movable member defining a path, a housing movably connected to the path and including a space and an opening which communicates with the space, a damper located in the space and including a cylinder and a piston rod which has one end inserted into the cylinder and the other end of the piston rod extends from the cylinder, a first threaded member connected to the cylinder including, a second threaded member connected to the first threaded member and located corresponding to the opening of the housing, an adjustment member movably connected between the base and the movable member. When rotating the second threaded member, a distance between the housing and the movable member is adjusted. When the adjustment member is adjusted, the relative distance between the base and the movable member is adjusted.

Abstract: A brake assembly integrates both an impeller brake and a friction brake into an integrated brake assembly that provides for retarding and/or friction braking in response to a single braking action on a single brake assembly by the operator. In neutral, the impeller brake and the friction brake are disengaged from a brake hub. In a first braking position under a first applied fluid pressure, the brake hub engages the impeller brake for retarding axle rotation. In a second braking position under a second applied fluid pressure, the brake hub frictionally engages the friction brake for frictionally braking axle rotation.

Abstract: A damper includes a housing, a cap, a rotor portion, and blade portions projecting from the rotor portion. The blade portions include deformation portions in which the blade portions expand the diameter in one rotational direction in response to a resistance received from a viscous fluid, and in which the blade portions reduce the diameter in the other rotational direction. The blade portions engage a ring member provided on an inner circumference of the housing at a time of diameter expansion, and drag the ring member around.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damper for damping a rotational or linear movement of a component, preferably a component moveably mounted in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, having a damper housing, characterized in that at least one illumination source and/or at least one sensor, as well as an electrical connecting device for connecting the illumination source or the sensor to an electrical supply, are integrated into the damper housing.

Abstract: A buffer includes a hollow tube, a first cap located at one end of the tube, a shaft, a flexible valve and a flexible inflation member. The shaft includes a main stem, an action stem and a sub-stem. The main stem and/or sub-stem are extended outside the tube. The main stem and action stem are bridged by a connection bar which has a first detent element connected to the main stem. The action stem has a coupling portion coupled with the connection bar, a stem surface with air intake grooves and a second detent element with notches. The inflation member has two ends surrounding the outer surface of the connection bar and the stem surface of the action stem to form a compression zone with the action stem. The buffer thus formed can prevent buffer delay and enhance buffer damping capability to generate steady and secure buffering effect.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a sleeve, a piston accomplishing forward and reverse travels therein, a rod, a piston cap, a rod cap including an orifice and a rod seal mounted therein. The rod seal defines a front face facing the piston and a rear face being opposite to the front face. The rod includes at least two rod sections in the form of annular humps. The front and rear faces operatively interact with the annular humps during the forward and reverse travels, such that the interaction causes deformations of the rod seal thereby cushioning impacts and reducing overloads of the shock absorber. An embodiment of the shock absorber further includes two annular humps represented by a first annular hump, having a first maximal diameter, and a second annular hump, having a second maximal diameter, while the first maximal diameter is greater than the second maximal diameter, preferably by 3-10 micrometers.

Abstract: An air pressure buffer includes a hollow tube, a first cap at one end of the tube, a shaft including a first section, a second section and a third section with the first section and/or third section extended outside the tube, a flexible valve which has an annular recess at one side to form an open space with the tube and second section extended to the third section and another side facing the first cap to form a closed space with the tube, the first cap and the second section extended to the first section, and a flexible compression member which has at least one axial ventilation groove on the outer surface thereof. The structure thus formed does not have buffer delay while being applied by an external force and provides enhanced buffer damping capability and steady and secure buffering effect.

Abstract: An air pressure buffer stick comprises a pressure cylinder, a piston including an air through hole, and a moving rod having a first end connected to the piston. The first end of the moving rod is disposed in the pressure cylinder. A second end of the moving rod extends out of an open end of the pressure cylinder, and an end of the pressure cylinder opposite the open end is closed. The moving rod connected with the piston is allowed to move to and fro in the pressure cylinder. By such arrangements, the friction between the piston and the inner surface of the pressure cylinder and the counterforce of the air flowing therethrough both provide the buffer force of the air pressure buffer stick, thus reducing the wear rate of the piston while extending the service life of the air pressure buffer stick.

Abstract: A system that includes a magnetically actuated motion control device comprising a housing defining a cavity and including a slot therethrough. A movable member is located within the cavity and is movable relative to the housing. A magnetic field generator located on either the housing or the movable member causes the housing to press against the movable member to develop a friction force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a washer, damper thereof, and control method thereof, by which noise is reduced by adjusting a damping force of the damper in a manner of turning on/off power of the damper according to an oscillation frequency of a vibrating body such as a washer. The control method reduces noise by supplying power to a damper in an excessive vibration state of a vibrating body such as a washer or by cutting off the power supplied to the damper in a normal vibration state of the vibrating body.

Abstract: A braking and damping device for movable pieces of furniture has a fluid-cylinder (1) in which two pistons (2, 5) are arranged in a linearly displaceable manner. One of the pistons (2) is displaceable by a piston rod (3). Arranged between the two pistons (2, 5) is an elastically deformable sealing member, which, when damping occurs, is deformed by being squeezed between the two pistons (2, 5) and pressed against a cylinder wall (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to inertial braking system for spring-loaded devices, such as block and tackle window balances incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment, a block and tackle window balance includes a translatable block assembly disposed in a track including a pawl pivotally attached to the translatable block assembly. The pawl, in response to a rapid acceleration of the translatable block assembly, rotates about a pivot and frictionally engages the track, thereby wedging the translatable block assembly in the track. In another embodiment, the translatable block assembly includes a cam attached to the pawl and a brake shoe disposed between the cam and a cord seated within a pulley. Rotation of the pawl causes the cam to translate the brake shoe, thereby compressing the cord against the pulley.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inertial braking system for spring-loaded devices, such as block and tackle window balances incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment, a block and tackle window balance includes a translatable block assembly disposed in a track including a pawl pivotally attached to the translatable block assembly. The pawl, in response to a rapid acceleration of the translatable block assembly, rotates about a pivot and frictionally engages the track, thereby wedging the translatable block assembly in the track. In another embodiment, the translatable block assembly includes a cam attached to the pawl and a brake shoe disposed between the cam and a cord seated within a pulley. Rotation of the pawl causes the cam to translate the brake shoe, thereby compressing the cord against the pulley.

Abstract: An eddy current braking apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stator, a coil of wire, and a drum. The stator has a plurality of poles and is mountable to a frame of a vehicle. The coil of wire is wound about each of the plurality of poles and wherein adjacent coils are electrically connected to form an electromagnet. The drum is adapted to receive a wheel and tire assembly and wherein the drum is rotatably mounted to a vehicle axle, and wherein an eddy current is developed between the drum and the stator, from the relative motion of the drum with respect to the stator, thereby retarding rotation of the drum and wheel and tire assembly.

Abstract: A damper includes a barrel axially slidably mounted on a shaft, an elastic ring mounted inside the barrel around the shaft, arched pressure blocks mounted abutted against one another inside the elastic ring around the shaft, each arched pressure block having an axially extended sloping groove, steel balls respectively arranged in the sloping groove of each arched pressure block in contact with the periphery of the shaft, a rigid locating ring mounted inside the barrel to support the steel balls in the sloping groove of each arched pressure block, a screw cap threaded into one side of the barrel, a compression spring stopped between the screw cap and the locating ring, a hollow adjustment screw member threaded into one side of the barrel to support the steel balls in the sloping groove of each arched pressure block against the locating ring.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated motion control device includes a housing defining a cavity and including a slot therethrough. A movable member is located within the cavity and is movable relative to the housing. A magnetic field generator located on either the housing or the movable member causes the housing to press against the movable member to develop a friction force.

Abstract: A mechanical device for controlling changeover between two modes of relative displacement between two objects comprising: two assemblies capable of moving in guided relative translation, one assembly being fixed, and the other assembly moving, the device further comprising: resilient controller interposed between the two assemblies with a controlled clearance to define the mode of relative displacement; and an inertial mass associated with one of the assemblies and adapted to act selectively on the controller as a function of the time profile of moving assembly displacement in order to modify the clearance and the mode of relative displacement.

Abstract: An automotive suspension-locking device mounted to a shock absorber having a cylinder and a piston rod, the suspension-locking device includes a brake band provided around the piston rod of the shock absorber for locking and unlocking the shock absorber, structure for controlling the brake band, the control structure being connected to both end portions of the brake band, and an actuator connected to the control structure by a piston rod thereof for actuating the control structure.

Abstract: A small-sized damper is provided which enables to effectively vary the damping force of a damper even in a region in which the moving speed of a rod is small. On one of a damper main body and a rod which is inserted into the damper main body, there are mounted a magnet coil having a winding axial line which is coaxial with the damper, and magnetizable attracting members. By electric charging to the magnet coil, the magnetizable attracting members are attracted into contact with the other of the damper main body and the rod.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an arresting device for fixing the selected relative position of an adjustable first element with respect to a second element, for example a seat of a piece of seating furniture, with respect to a base of a piece of seating furniture, with a cylinder fastened on a second element, in which a distancing element, which is connected with the first element, can be displaced in the displacement direction against the resistance of at least one restoring spring or vice versa, wherein the displacement movement can be blocked in each position and can be released by means of an actuating device, and with a mechanical brake having at least one adjustable brake element, by means of which the actuation element can be brought into a release position or can be released against the resistance of at least one brake spring.

Abstract: A fluid actuated friction damper having telescopically movable inner and outer bodies, the outer body having an elongated, continuous friction surface. The inner body includes a first set of friction shoes engageable with the continuous friction surface, a fluid pressure responsive device for exerting a normal force to urge the friction shoes against the continuous friction surface, and a shuttle device supporting the friction shoes for limited axial movement between end stops on the inner body. The inner body also provides fluid pressure communication between an external source of pressurized fluid and the fluid pressure responsive device when the shuttle is at one of the stops and for isolating the fluid pressure responsive device from the external source when the shuttle is moved from the one stop.

Abstract: A nonlinear shock absorber is disclosed. The device has a housing filled with hydraulic fluid and contains a relatively heavy mass or piston supported by a helical coil. The helical coils disposed and shaped so as to provide a nonlinear resistance to a shock applied to the housing. During shock absorption fluid flows contra to the piston movement with a corresponding elongation of the helical coil spring causing the coil spring to engage an inner wall of the housing to provide for frictional dampening.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer steer tube which is adapted to be mounted in and extend through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner steer tube telescopes within the outer steer tube. A shock absorbing system is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer steer tube and the outer surface of the inner steer tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to transmit the torsional steering force from the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: A rotary shock absorber suitable for use in a suspension system of a vehicle. The shock absorber is provided with a housing and a rotary shaft supported by the housing for relative rotation thereto. A pressure chamber is formed in the housing and a rotor having a pair of blades is received within the pressure chamber. Further, a pair of partition walls are formed within the pressure chamber to define first and second chambers at both sides of each blade, and the first and second chambers are communicated with each other through throttles. When the rotary shaft is rotated, a high viscous fluid filled within the first and second chambers flows therebetween through the throttles. Due to the flow resistances of the throttles, pressures are generated in the first or second chambers. This pressure generation is used to generate a damping force.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rack and pinion steering gear having torsional damping by friction between an annular plastic damper ring on a housing of the steering gear and a journal surface on a pinion shaft of the steering gear. The damper ring has an outer wall press fitted in a pinion shaft bore of the housing to nonrotatably mount the ring on the housing and a plurality of flexible inner fingers resiliently bearing against the journal surface. An annular metal spring is disposed on the damper ring and includes a plurality of integral legs bearing against the flexible inner fingers of the damper ring to press the fingers against the journal surface.

Abstract: An impact energy absorption system for aircraft seats and the like, comprising seat mounting means, a seat movable between a first unloaded position and a second crash induced position, a deforming die and an additional set of die jaws connected to the seat mounting and defining an aperture of variable size, and a deformable rod having a shoulder connecting the seat to the mounting the rod passing through the deforming die and the variable die jaws. During crash induced movement of the seat between its two positions the rod is pulled through the deforming die and the die jaws to absorb impact energy by deformation of the rod. The aperture defined by the die jaws is variable being adapted to allow for self adjustment of the aperture size and respective impact energy absorbing capacity corespondent to the weight of the seat occupant.

Abstract: Several improved embodiments of surface effect dampers that produce a damping force including both hysteretic and frictional components. Various improvements include an amplitude sensitive feature or decoupler mechanism to eliminate or greatly reduce the damping for low amplitude input conditions as compared to high amplitude inputs, provisions for increasing the damping force in a non-linear manner, and features for providing significantly greater damping in one direction than the other. Other embodiments include an improved rotational surface effect damper useful for damping rotational motion, and a multiaxial damper which can be used, for example, as a motor mount which has the capability for the piston to tilt relative to the axis of its piston rod, allowing accommodation of torsional rotation of the engine while not compromising vibration isolation.

Abstract: A strut assembly for use in an automotive suspension of a vehicle including a wheel carrier and a chassis includes an outer housing attached to the wheel carrier, a pressure tube disposed within the outer housing, a piston slidably carried within the pressure tube and disposed at the lower end of a piston rod. The outer housing of the strut assembly moves axially relative to the pressure tube under imposition of an axial load upon the strut. The strut assembly can further overcome the static friction forces contained within the strut assembly at a much lower axial input force than in conventional strut designs.

Abstract: A cylinder piston device comprises a cylinder and a piston rod. The piston rod is guided through one end of the cylinder inwards and outwards of the cylinder. A damping body is provided for damping the axial movement of the piston rod with respect to the cylinder. This damping body is deflectable in response to change of direction of the axial movement. A deflection of the damping body results in change of the frictional resistance.

Abstract: Pedal parking brake. This device is provided with a supporting shaft fixed to the side of a car body, a rotary body attached to another end of the supporting shaft, a damper case interposed between the supporting shaft and the rotary body, a lock spring latched to a lock releasing member, a clutch spring ineternally provided to the rotary body and the damper case being bridged thereon, and a viscous material filled in a clearance between the supporting shaft and the damper case.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary shock absorber (10) of the type comprising a sealed hollow cylindrical housing (12) in which are arranged discs (50A, 50B) alternately integral in terms of rotation with the housing (12) or with a coaxial central shaft (22) mounted rotatably in the housing (12), the inner chamber (20) delimited by the housing (12) being filled at least partially with a viscous fluid received between the mutually confronting faces of the discs, characterized in that it comprises a displacement member (58) for varying the law of damping of the shock absorber as a function of the relative angular displacement of the central shaft (22) in relation to the housing (12).

Abstract: The brake system comprises a shaft interposed between two propeller shaft segments via universal joints, a radial compressor selectively connected with the shaft, a casing for housing the radial compressor and the shaft with the universal joints being outside the casing, and stay members mounted on the casing for allowing the casing to be suspended from the vehicle body. The brake system has a radial compressor which is selectively connected with the propeller shaft and consumes energy of the engine. The energy consumed is a result of the compressor serving as a brake force. The casing is fixed to the vehicle body so that the brake system also serves as a center bearing of the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A brake system comprises an impeller selectively connected to a propeller shaft of a vehicle for consuming energy of the engine and applying a brake force to the propeller shaft, an impeller housing for rotatably housing the impeller and defining an air passage for introducing/discharging external air to/from the impeller, a throttle valve disposed in the air passage upstream of the impeller for adjusting the air flow rate in the air passage, and a negative pressure actuator for moving the throttle valve in accordance with the air flow rate in the air passage. The throttle valve is moved by the negative pressure actuator in accordance with the air flow rate in the air passage. In other words, the brake system adjusts the brake force mechanically by itself in a manner such that an excessive brake force is never applied to the propeller shaft. The brake system does not require a cooling device and only requires a simple arrangement for controlling the brake force.