Abstract: An impact absorbing construction for a motor vehicle comprises an impact damping cylinder. One end of said impact damping cylinder is adapted for being fastened to a vehicle structure. The other end of the impact damping cylinder is connectable with a bumper. The bumper is adjustable with respect to the impact damping cylinder. In order to allow both a horizontal and a vertical adjustment, a sleeve is provided having a sleeve axis which is perpendicular to the cylinder axis. A core is received by the sleeve. The core is adjustable along the sleeve axis by screwing. The bumper is fixable to the core. A sleeve support is fastened to the sleeve. The sleeve support is connectable with the other end of the damping cylinder and is adjustable with respect to the damping cylinder along the cylinder axis.

Abstract: A pier cushioning system is disclosed having a contact surface, sliding elements and hydraulic cylinders and apparatus to determine the mass and velocity of a docking vessel and to respond with the necessary counterforce to assist in the docking of the vessel. The mass and velocity determining capabilities utilize a flow and pressure transducer in combination with either a microprocessor or analog electronic circuit to perform the necessary calculations and thus adjust the flow of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic cylinder in accordance with the force exerted by the docking vessel.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper unit attaching a bumper to a vehicle which incorporates a threaded jack screw that varies the distance between the screw and the side rail to accordingly tilt the energy absorber unit and the bumper assembly for effecting a mating of adjacent surfaces of the bumper and the bodywork of the vehicle to obtain a predetermined match line with reduced gap between the bumper and the body work.

Abstract: Energy absorbing unit for vehicle bumper support having inner and outer telescoping cylinders with a radially fixed flow control orifice in the piston cap for recessing a cooperating metering pin concentric with the orifice for controlling the flow of fluid between a pair of contractible and expansible fluid chambers to dissipate impact energy in a first stage operation. The radially fixed flow control orifice is designed to break away from the piston cap in response to predetermined high pressure buildup in one of the chambers to increase the opening between the chambers in a second stage operation to thereby reduce pressure and absorb the energy of increased impact load. A gas spring in the unit moves the two cylinders to their extended position on removal of bumper impact load.

Abstract: An anti-impact safety apparatus for a robot includes a buffer mechanism disposed between a swivel arm and a working arm of the robot. The buffer mechanism incorporates a converting mechanism which converts an electrical signal into a gas or liquid pressure. When an impact load, such as an axial load, eccentric load, or moment load, is applied to the working arm while in operation, the impact load is absorbed by the buffer mechanism and is also detected by a sensor switch, and the operation of the robot is instantaneously stopped. Thus, it is possible to protect the working arm and a function unit incorporated in the robot main body from the impact load. In addition, it is possible for the working arm to be readily restored to its normal position when the eccentricity thereof produced as a result of the impact is corrected.

Abstract: A reusable energy absorbing apparatus comprising a plurality of air chambers and valve members. The air chambers and valves are constructed so that the valve members close upon the application of an axial force, thereby sealing air within the air chambers. After the energy absorbing apparatus has reached the end of its compressive stroke, the valve members release sequentially, thereby venting the pressurized air in the air chambers to minimize rebound.

Abstract: This invention describes a scheme for absorbing the energy of floating bodies such as ships approaching the coastal wall by providing the coastal wall with fenders made of spring materials along with dash-pots that absorb the energy of the approaching floating body due to liquid resistance so that the energy is first absorbed by the springs of the fender in the form of displacement energy and is then dissipated by the dash-pots.

Abstract: An improved shear-type pressure relief device is provided which is useful in conjunction with pressure chambers requiring relief when system pressures exceed a predetermined level, such as in the shock absorbing piston and cylinder assemblies of present day vehicle bumpers. The relief device is preferably in the form of an integral, metallic body including a flange in engagement with a pressure chamber wall adjacent a relief opening, with a projection extending into the opening. The juncture between the flange and projection is advantageously very sharp (having a radius of less than about 0.020 inches) and the device is designed to shear upon experiencing high system pressures for relief purposes. In the case of vehicle bumpers the shear device is located on the shiftable, bumper-mounted piston thereof, and circumscribes the usual stationary, tapered, frame-mounted, flow-restricting rod.

Abstract: An impact absorbing strut or shock absorber is disclosed comprising at least two telescoping tubes defining a damping fluid chamber. A quantity of damping fluid partially fills the chamber and a quantity of compressible gas fills the remainder of the chamber. The compressible gas absorbs small loads imposed upon the shock absorber. A fluid throttling port communicates with the chamber and a blowout plug is normally disposed in the fluid throttling port. When the shock absorber is heavily loaded the plug is ejected from the port to allow the damping fluid to be throttled through the port. A frangible polymeric encasement surrounds the shock absorber and seals the damping fluid and compressible gas therein. Relative movement between the encasement and one of the telescoping tubes is provided to absorb small deflections of the shock absorber without rupturing the encasement.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper system for protection of moving vehicles. The system comprises a flexible section and a rigid section, each containing compressed air, and an orifice passage or valve for controlling the flow of air between the flexible section and the rigid section. The flexible section is contoured for a generally flat impact surface to provide efficient operation and compact size, and to yield an aesthetically pleasing shape, and is held in shape by dividing the flexible section or bag into a large number of compartments lying adjacent to each other along the direction of the surface to be protected, and by introducing compressed air into each compartment. Each one of the compartments of the bag is connected to the rigid section by means of an orifice, or by a relief valve.

Abstract: Shock absorber characterized in that a hollow tubular cushion is placed within a cylinder with one end closed. A plunger fits within the open end of the cylinder to compress and deform the cushion. Shock applied to the plunger is mitigated by the resistance provided by the cushion. Resistance means between the cylinder and the plunger inhibits sudden return of the plunger to its original position while providing little resistance on the down stroke of the plunger.

Abstract: A shock absorber comprising a cylinder closed at one end and resiliently deformable radially outwards at a predetermined internal pressure, a resilient liner within the cylinder in intimate contact with the wall of the cylinder, a fluid-tight seal at the open end of the cylinder, a piston rod extending through the seal, a piston in the cylinder and connected to the rod and in sliding engagement with the inner wall of the liner, an impact receiving member on the free end of the rod outside the cylinder; a liquid of predetermined flow characteristics in the cylinder, and at least one zone extending over a substantial length of the stroke of the piston and having a cross section varying over at least part of the length to form a single free liquid flow path past the piston, the configuration of the zone, the flow characteristics of the liquid, the pressure in the closed end of the cylinder and the resilience of the material of at least one of the cylinder and the liner resulting in shocks being absorbed by the s

Abstract: An oil pressure shock absorber which can be disassembled wherein an inner cylinder having a free piston fitted in it and a high pressure gas enclosed on the base end side is slidably fitted at the tip inside an outer cylinder, an oil seal is provided on their sliding contact surfaces, a plurality of orifices arranged in the axial direction are formed on the side wall of the inner cylinder inserted in the outer cylinder, an annular concave groove is formed on the inside surface of the outer cylinder so as to be opposed to the above mentioned orifices, axial concave grooves are made on the outside surface of the inner cylinder from its tip and the tip part of the inner cylinder and the interior of the outer cylinder are filled with oil, thereby a collision energy may be uniformly absorbed over the entire range of the stroke.

Abstract: An adjustable kinetic energy absorbing device wherein a piston is moved in response to an applied impact force along within a tube defining a chamber containing hydraulic fluid. The tube has a plurality of orifice openings therein spaced therealong in the direction of movement of the piston, and an elongated path is defined outwardly of the chamber, preferably in the outer surface of the tube, and in fluid communication with the orifice openings. The path is relatively narrow in width and extends along the tube. An elongated flow control element is supported in the device and movable lengthwise along the path in response to manual operation of an adjustment assembly including a cam operatively engaging the elongated element. The flow control element has formations spaced therealong adapted to register with the orifice openings to control flow of hydraulic fluid through the openings in response to movement of the element.

Abstract: An adjustable energy absorber including a housing having a ram slidably extending therefrom. A first control sleeve divides the housing into a pair of fluid chambers, which sleeve has an axially extending row of openings to provide communication between the two chambers. A second control sleeve surrounds the first sleeve and is nonrotatably connected thereto. The first and second sleeves have compatible outer and inner conical surfaces, respectively. The first and second sleeves are axially adjustable with respect to one another to form a narrow flow passage between the opposed conical surfaces. Imposition of a force on the ram causes fluid to be forced from one chamber through the openings into the flow passage, and then into the other chamber. By varying the width of the flow passage, as by axially moving one control sleeve relative to the other, the amount of energy absorbed by the fluid during the movement of the ram can be selectably adjusted.

Abstract: This energy absorber has an inner cylinder telescopically mounted in an outer cylinder and carries a cylinder cap separating cylinder interspace into a pair of contractible and expandable pressure chambers filled with a hydraulic fluid. On impact, the cylinders telescope and a one-piece elastomeric valve controls the flow of fluid between chambers through an orifice in the cylinder cap. The valve is a variable rate spring having a relatively constant force/deflection characteristic to control oil flow while providing high efficiency pressure relief action. Gas spring means provides the motive force to return the unit to an extended position after removal of the impact load.

Abstract: Energy absorbing unit for vehicle bumper support having inner and outer telescoping cylinders with primary valve for metering fluid between a pair of contractible and expansible fluid chambers to dissipate impact energy. An auxiliary pressure relief valve internal of the unit in parallel with the primary valve opens in response to predetermined pressure buildup in one of the chambers to control pressure and prevent damage to the unit. A gas spring in the unit moves the two cylinders in their extended position on removal of bumper impact load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cushioning motion and dissipating impact energy, preferably in a marine environment, including a piston and cylinder assembly, impedance means associated with the piston and cylinder for impeding translation of the piston within the cylinder assembly and an isolation and restoring assembly protectively surrounding the piston and cylinder assembly and continuously biasing the piston and cylinder assembly in a normally extended position operable to dissipate impact energy. The method includes the steps of isolating the piston and cylinder assembly from an ambient environment, cushioning impact forces imparted to the piston and cylinder assembly and restoring the assembly in an extended posture operable to dissipate subsequent impact energy imparted thereto.

Abstract: A housing having a closed end and an open end with a first and second flexible sealing member attached to the inside surface of the housing, a piston carried out of contact with the inside surface of the housing by the first and second flexible sealing members, and a perforate baffle positioned inside the housing between the first and second flexible sealing members are disclosed. A chamber defined by the closed end of the housing and the first flexible sealing member may be filled with a compressible fluid, and a chamber defined by the first and second flexible sealing members may be filled with an incompressible fluid. A one-way valve may cover a perforation in the baffle.

Abstract: A shock absorber for bumpers comprising an inner cylinder having means at the front end for fitting the shock absorber to a bumper and the base part being slidably engaged in an outer cylinder having means for fitting it to a car frame; a high pressure gas enclosed between a free piston fitted in the inner cylinder and the front end of the inner cylinder; oil contained between the free piston and the botton surface of the outer cylinder so that no air gap produced, a tubular column fitted at its base end to the botton surface of the outer cylinder and provided with a plurality of side-by-side damping force generating holes, the front end being flexible engaged to the base end of the inner cylinder, and a plate-shaped valve slidably fitted on the tubular column is, opposed to the base end surface of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A shock absorber for bumpers comprising a fixed bottomed outer cylinder and an inner cylinder which is slidably fitted in said outer cylinder and to the front end of which a bumper is to be fitted, said outer cylinder being provided with a stopper to prevent the inner cylinder from escaping and said inner cylinder being slidably fitted with a piston having damping force generating holes, filled with a compressible fluid and engaged with said stopper, said fluid being compressed by pulling a piston rod connected with the piston in the end part through the base end of the inner cylinder so as to collide with the bottom surface of the outer cylinder to press the inner cylinder into the outer cylinder.

Abstract: An impact damping system, e.g., for motor vehicles, has a telescoping shock absorber whose damping cylinder is closed off by an end wall. The damping cylinder of the shock absorber is welded to a suspension for the impact damping system near its rear end and the forward sections of the damping cylinder are supported by a flanged part of the suspension. The shock absorber piston slides in telescope-fashion in the damping cylinder. At its frontal end the piston is provided with elements for supporting a shock cushioning device, such as a bumper.

Abstract: A device to provide cushioned elasticity in a vehicle bumper mounting arrangement, highly desirable for use on vehicles such as private automobiles, delivery vans, etc. The device comprises an apparatus utilizing hydraulic shock absorbers of the telescopic type, preferably spring biased, and arranged to absorb at least a material portion of the energy provided by impact, the spring biasing returning the bumper to its normal position following an impact. The apparatus is particularly suitable for uses in cases where there is extremely little space available between the vehicle and the bumper, most of the apparatus being mounted within a channeled type bumper.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic shock absorber for use between a bumper and the chassis of a motor vehicle has a cylinder and a plunger guided in the cylinder by the radially enlarged inner end portion of the plunger and by an annular sealing assembly which axially bound a gap radially defined by respective walls of the cylinder and plunger. The sealing assembly includes a rigid guide ring axially secured on the plunger, a resilient sealing ring, and a backing ring of intermediate hardness axially interposed between the guide ring and the sealing ring. The hollow interior of the plunger is partly filled with a compressed gas and partly by liquid which also occupies the cylinder chamber outwardly closed by the plunger, a throttling passage in a closing disc which is an end wall of the plunger, and the remainder of the hollow plunger interior, the liquid being separated from the compressed gas by a floating partition in the plunger.

Abstract: A shock absorbing interconnect assembly employing a hydraulic cushioning device of relatively short stroke, mounted in a scissors-like system of levers having respective length ratios which effect an amplified stroke as concerns the interconnect assembly. The ends of the hydraulic cushioning device are pivotably mounted to respective ones of a pair of arm members that, themselves, are pivoted about a common pivot axis. Stroke amplification is realized between mounting plates pivotably mounted to respective ones of the arm members at points longitudinally displaced from the common arm pivot axis. Limited motion between relatively movable members permits bonded seals at all otherwise environmentally exposed points.

Abstract: A pneumatic bumper for a cycle has an inner chamber that is enclosed by collapsible sides. An enveloping cover pneumatically encases the inner chamber and the chamber is vented to allow air to escape in a controlled manner when the sides collapse and the front and back of the bumper are moved towards one another upon impact. The bumper can be secured to the front upright parts of a bicycle and/or motorcycle frame so that the bumper extends, at least in part, ahead of the front wheel of the cycle. The front of the bumper can be provided with an ornamental design or fanciful part to enhance the overall appearance of the bumper.

Abstract: Telescoping energy absorber unit for bumper support incorporating an internal helical extension spring normally disposed in a centralized location that yieldably maintains the unit extended to provide a bumper preload and that expands on collapsing telescopic movement of the unit to load a column of oil therein to exert a return force urging the unit and bumper toward their extended positions.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper system for protection of moving vehicles uses a pneumatic container that is partially flexible and partially rigid. The functional volume of air necessary on a specific bumper is enclosed within the flexible and rigid sections which are interconnected and contain air normally at the same pressure. Impact energy is absorbed by deflection of the flexible section and compression of the air. In order to limit rebound, means may be provided to control the air flow from the rigid section to the flexible section. The flexible section is contoured for a generally flat impact surface to provide efficient operation and compact size, and to yield an aesthetically pleasing shape, and is held in shape by dividing the flexible section or bag into a large number of compartments lying adjacent to each other along the direction of the surface to be protected.

Abstract: A protector for the bottom edge of a refuse can comprising a band of elastomer material formed into an annulus which is sleeved over the bottom chime of a refuse can. The band is molded about a steel coil spring which forms an annular passage within the band. The passage communicates with partially closed radial ports formed band. The spring is adapted to underlie the chime and by the coils of the spring deflecting axially serves as a shock absorbing means when the container is dropped. Also, air is compressed within the passage and spurts through the leaky ports. This augments the action of the spring and absorbs the rim crushing blows.

Abstract: The bumper of a vehicle is secured to the vehicle chassis by shock absorbers having each a cylinder attached to the vehicle chassis and a hollow piston assembly attached to the bumper. Liquid in the cylinder communicates with liquid in the piston assembly through a throttling passage in the piston, and a compressed gas cushion acting on the liquid in the piston assembly biases the assembly outward of the cylinder cavity against an abutment. The initial gas pressure and dimensions of the shock absorber are so selected that the total energy absorbed by the shock absorber while the piston assembly is pushed from its normal to its innermost position by the greatest impact energy capable of being totally absorbed is consumed to at least 20% by reversible compression of the gas cushion.

Abstract: An impact absorber for an automobile bumper includes a first cylinder having a closed end and filled with a damping liquid. A second cylinder, closed at one end and having a radial partition wall therein, moves within the first cylinder for transmitting an impact force to the damping liquid. A sealing member is secured to the inner part of the first cylinder to define a first chamber with the first and second cylinders. A plurality of throttling ports are provided on the second cylinder for expelling the damping liquid from the first chamber thereby providing a variable orifice effect in cooperation with the sealing member upon movement of the second cylinder for dampening the impact force. A second chamber is provided for receiving the expelled damping liquid. The expelled damping liquid, within the second chamber, urges a piston to slidably move within the second cylinder toward the direction opposite the first chamber.

Abstract: A resilient bumper assembly comprising an outer cover, an inner energy absorbing member and a rigid backing member. The front cover is made of an elastic material of low durometer and high elongation capability. The inner energy absorbing member is made of an elastomeric material of a higher durometer. The energy absorbing member has a preformed bellows shape constructed to concentrate bending at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A system constituted of a retractable bumper coupled with a hydraulic shock absorber the shock absorption characteristic of which is governed by a pressurized gas, a weight sensor for sensing the vehicle gross weight, a pressure regulator for the pressurized gas, a carriage mechanism which supports the shock absorber and can move it in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and an electrical control unit for controlling both the pressure regulator and the carriage mechanism in response to the signal from the weight sensor, so that the energy absorption capacity of the system in a collision of the vehicle represented by the product of the resistance offered against a retracting movement of the bumper by the shock absorber and the distance travelled by the bumper until coming into contact with the vehicle body can be varied depending on the weight of the vehicle payload.

Abstract: A liquid spring shock absorber is provided with an improved piston head-piston rod assembly free of stress force concentrating design features. The shock absorber assembly further includes a slidably extending member for the accomodation of tension loads.

Abstract: The bumper assembly of a vehicle is supported by a pair of energy absorber units each of which incorporates a piston assembly which strokes in an inner cylinder to force gas from an inner chamber to a gas spring chamber through an expansible and contractable control chamber controlled by one-way valves and bleed orifices. On the return stroke, compressed gas in the control chamber exerts a force opposing the gas spring return force exerted on the piston assembly. Gas in the control chamber meters through the bleed orifices into the inner chamber so that the return rate of the piston assembly is effectively controlled and reduced.