Abstract: A hydraulic bushing assembly comprises an inner tube, a travel limiter surrounding the inner tube, a first intermediate insert, a second intermediate insert spaced apart from the first intermediate insert, and an elastomeric bushing disposed around the inner tube and encapsulating the first intermediate insert and the second intermediate insert. The elastomeric bushing at least partially encapsulates the travel limiter such that a portion of the elastomeric bushing is positioned between the travel limiter and the inner tube. First and second bump stops limit displacement of the travel limiter and define first and second fluid chamber within the elastomeric bushing. A fluid passageway defined by the elastomeric bushing and an outer tube extends between the first and second fluid chambers, wherein relative movement between the inner tube and the outer tube causes fluid transfer between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A measurement system that comprises at least one horizontal load measuring unit, that is preferably arranged on the leg guide is provided. The horizontal load measuring device measures or determines horizontal load on the position of the leg where the device is placed, which gives a more accurate indication of the leg bending moment than the rack phase differential measurement. Advantageously, multiple load measuring units can be provided along the leg guide.

Abstract: A bellows accumulator, in particular a pulsation damper, includes a bellows (3) arranged in an accumulator housing (1) and separating two media chambers (27, 28) from each other. Bellows folds (19) of the bellows can be moved at least partially along the inner wall (35) of the accumulator housing (1). The outside diameter of the bellows folds (19) is selected to be slightly smaller than the associated diameter of the inner wall (35) of the accumulator housing (1) in such a way that spaces (37, 41) are formed, which spaces together form a hydraulic damper for at least one medium.

Abstract: A pneumatic and hydraulic elevating seat tube assembly of a bicycle includes an outer tube and a movable inner tube in the outer tube. An elevating adjustment unit in the movable inner tube has a fixed inner tube in the movable inner tube, a fixed piston in the fixed inner tube, a floating piston in the fixed inner tube, and an elastic isolator in the floating piston which is between a bottom end of the movable inner tube and the fixed piston so that a gas chamber is formed between the floating piston and the movable inner tube and a lower oil chamber is formed between the floating piston and the fixed piston. The elastic isolator has first and second annular grooves facing toward the lower oil chamber and the gas chamber respectively. The elastic isolator under pressure is extended radially, thereby effective in isolating oil from gas positively.

Abstract: A seat suspension includes a seat support, a base, and a suspension assembly positioned between the seat support and the base. The suspension assembly includes a compressible cushion for containing a gas; and a chamber. The chamber includes a cylindrical hollow member, a front cap at one end of the cylindrical hollow member, an end cap at another end of the cylindrical hollow member, and a piston positioned within the cylindrical hollow member between the front cap and the end cap. The front cap includes an orifice. The orifice provides fluid communication between the cushion and the chamber. When a compressive force causes movement of the seat support portion towards the base, thereby compressing the cushion, the gas from the cushion flows through the orifice into the chamber and directly forces movement of the piston away from the front cap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic bushing and a rail vehicle. The hydraulic bushing comprises: a core shaft; a sleeve mounted on the core shaft, wherein a first rubber body is filled in a space formed between the core shaft and the sleeve, and a groove is provided on an outer surface of the sleeve; and an outer housing, which is mounted on the sleeve through press fit. Two liquid chambers for accommodating liquids are provided diametrically opposite to each other on the first rubber body, and the groove and the outer housing together define a flow channel, through which the two liquid chambers communicate with each other. Use of the hydraulic bushing on the rail vehicle not only can assure stable operation of the vehicle in a straight running state thereof, but also can reduce abrasion of a wheel and a rail in a curve running state.

Abstract: An antivibration device capable of attaining damping performance in a comparatively broad frequency band range is provided. In the antivibration device, between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, formed are a first liquid chamber, a second liquid chamber, and a third liquid chamber. There are provided a first orifice passage that makes the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber communicate with each other, and a second orifice passage that makes one of the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber and the third liquid chamber communicate with each other.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator including: a stator; a mover attached displaceable in relation to the stator; a plurality of plate springs elastically coupling the stator and the mover; and a coil member attached to one of the stator and the mover. Each of the plate springs includes an outer circumference attachment part and a center attachment part respectively attached to one and another of the stator and the mover. A plurality of spiral-shaped connection arm parts are provided at equal intervals in a circumferential direction radially between the outer circumference attachment part and the center attachment part so as to extend in a radial direction while being inclined in the circumferential direction. The plate springs overlap in a thickness direction and all of the plate springs are mutually formed with a same material and in a same shape.

Abstract: A seat suspension for boats and other vehicles having a seat support, a base and a suspension assembly positioned between the seat support and the base and permits relative movement between the seat support and the base. The suspension assembly has a first fluid container, a second fluid container, and an orifice member positioned between the first and second fluid containers. The orifice member includes a first orifice in fluid communication with the first and second fluid containers. A piston is positioned within the second fluid container and movable by fluid flowing through the first orifice.

Abstract: A modular piston assembly is associated with an air spring assembly that has a bellows rolling over a surface of the piston assembly. The modular piston assembly includes a first piston portion adapted to fasten to an associated air spring bellows. A second piston portion separate from the first portion, is adapted to fasten to an associated mounting component. Interlocking members are provided to secure the first and second piston portions together, and/or any desired intermediate piston portions. Discrete air reservoirs may also be included in the modular piston assembly to increase the volume of the air spring.

Abstract: A gas spring (10) for a sliding refractory gate valve, comprising a container (12), a ram (28) which is extendable relative to the container, a bellows (30) connected at one end to the ram and at the other end to a part of the container, a gas (33) within the container outside the bellows and acting to compress the bellows and extend the ram, wherein the ram has a blind internal bore (49) and a mechanical compression spring (46) is at least partially disposed in the bore so as to be interposed between the ram and the container and also acting to extend the ram.

Abstract: A fluid filled type vibration damping device including: a partition member having a communication passage connecting a pressure receiving and equilibrium chambers; an obstructing rubber elastic plate juxtaposed against the communication passage from a pressure receiving chamber side, adapted to obstruct the communication passage, and arranged to be exposed to pressure of the pressure receiving and the equilibrium chamber at both faces; and a constraining member provided for retaining an outer peripheral section of the obstructing rubber elastic plate in contact against the partition member at multiple locations. The constraining member provides an opening/closing control member operated to induce the obstructing rubber elastic plate to push against the partition member and close off the communication passage, and to induce elastic deformation of the obstructing rubber elastic plate to be separated from the partition member.

Abstract: A bearing, having: a support for fastening the bearing to a first body; a supporting bearing for fastening the bearing to a second body; and a multilayered spring which is integrated into the support and/or the supporting bearing and has an elastomer track which is arranged between two cover plates, wherein at least one of the cover plates has at least one projection which extends into the elastomer track from the one cover plate in the direction of the other cover plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount includes a closable bypass and a decoupling membrane. When the bypass is opened, however, the main effect that can be achieved by opening the bypass, namely the decrease in the spring rate at higher frequencies, is worsened. It is thus desirable to render the decoupling membrane ineffective when the bypass is open. The aim is achieved in that the closure device of the bypass includes blocking elements for blocking the decoupling membrane in the first switching position of the closure device when the bypass is open and can be released in the second position of the closure device when the bypass is closed.

Abstract: A gas spring (10) for a sliding refractory gate valve, comprising a container (12), a ram (28) which is extendable relative to the container, a bellows (30) connected at one end to the ram and at the other end to a part of the container, a gas (33) within the container outside the bellows and acting to compress the bellows and extend the ram, wherein the ram has a blind internal bore (49) and a mechanical compression spring (46) is at least partially disposed in the bore so as to be interposed between the ram and the container and also acting to extend the ram.

Abstract: A spring device at a swivelable hatch of a motor vehicle, having a gas spring and a helper spring between the body of the motor vehicle and the hatch. The hatch is a front hood which can be raised into a pedestrian protection position prior to an impact of a pedestrian on the front hood, by an actuator activated by a sensor device. The helper spring is preloaded with a preloading force which, in case of a malfunction in which the gas spring has no gas pressure or a reduced gas pressure, is sufficient to adjust the front hood into the raised pedestrian protection position and to hold the front hood in the raised pedestrian protection position prior to the impact.

Abstract: An air spring device includes an air spring (4) wherein gas is filled in an interior defined by an upper face plate (1), a lower face plate (2), as well as a cylindrical flexible diaphragm body (3) having opposite ends gas-tightly connected to the upper and lower face plates (1, 2), respectively. Between the lower face plate (2) and a lower supporting plate (8) spaced downward therefrom, a shear spring means (5) and a compression spring means (6) are series-connected, which are made mainly of rubber material. When a vertical load is applied to the air spring device, the shear spring means (5) and the compression spring means (6) are subjected mainly to shearing deformation and compressive deformation, respectively. The air spring device further includes an abutment member (10) allowing the compression spring means (6) to support the load in place of the shear spring means (5), after the deformation amount of the shear spring means (5) reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A damper 1 includes a vessel 2; a partitioning member 6 which partitions the interior of the vessel 2 into two accommodation chambers 4 and 5 for accommodating a viscous fluid 3, and which rotates together with the vessel 2 in an R direction and is movable in an axial direction A; a moving force imparting means 7 for imparting to the partitioning member 6 a moving force in an A1 direction by the input of rotation in an R1 direction; a resilient means 8 for resiliently urging the partitioning member 6 in an A2 direction; a through hole 9 for allowing the two accommodation chambers 4 and 5 inside the vessel 2 to communicate with each other; and an allowing/limiting member 10 which allows the viscous fluid 3 accommodated in the two accommodation chambers 4 and 5 in the vessel 2 to flow reciprocally between the two accommodation chambers 4 and 5 through the through hole 9, and which limits the flow of the viscous fluid 3 in the accommodation chamber 4 into the accommodation chamber 5 in the A2 direction through t

Abstract: The invention relates to a stop damper with a damper member (10) that comprises a receiving space (12) inside which a piston (33) is movably guided between an initial and an inserting position. The piston comprises a bellows section (34) and a searing element (35), the sealing element (35) resting on a sliding surface (12.1) of the damper member (10) and the bellows section (34) being allocated to a rest section (12.2) of the damper member (10) at the initial position. In order to improve the damping characteristic of such a stop damper, the rest section (12.2) comprises at least sectionwise a region that is enlarging in the direction of the inserting movement of the piston (33).

Abstract: An hydraulic mount providing double idle rate dip frequencies of dynamic stiffness, the idle rate dips being vibration orders of an internal combustion engine corresponding to one and two times firing frequencies. The double idle rate dip is achieved by providing the first idle rate dip at the first vibration order via resonance tuning of the idle inertia track, and providing the second idle rate dip at the second vibration order via additional resonance tuning of a tunable air conduit.

Abstract: An attenuating unit bearing, particularly an engine mount for a motor vehicle has a support spring, which limits a working chamber filled with a working medium. In order to achieve a high temperature resistance at a low rate initial load, the support spring is made of a fiber composite. The matrix material of the fiber composite is a thermoplastic synthetic fiber having a high thermal stability, which can be made ready to process by deep drawing.

Abstract: A suspension device is provided having a casing that defines a cavity, which further defines a stop face. A piston is slidably disposed in the cavity and offset from the stop face, wherein the piston is operable to move axially relative to the stop face when a force is imparted on at least one of the casing and the piston. A spring is disposed in the cavity and between the stop face and the piston, wherein the spring communicates with the piston and the end face and is operable to compress as the piston moves toward the end face and absorb the force. A friction damper is disposed in the cavity and operable to generate frictional drag between the piston and the casing, wherein the frictional drag inhibits axial movement of the piston in the cavity.

Abstract: A fluid filled type vibration damping device including: a partition member having a communication passage connecting a pressure receiving and equilibrium chambers; an obstructing rubber elastic plate juxtaposed against the communication passage from an equilibrium chamber side, adapted to obstruct the communication passage, and arranged to be exposed to pressure of the pressure receiving and the equilibrium chamber at both faces; and a constraining member provided for retaining an outer peripheral section of the obstructing rubber elastic plate in contact against the partition member at multiple locations. The constraining member provides an opening/closing control member operated to induce the obstructing rubber elastic plate to push against the partition member and close off the communication passage, and to induce elastic deformation of the obstructing rubber elastic plate to be separated from the partition member.

Abstract: A fluid filled type vibration damping device including: a partition member having a communication passage connecting a pressure receiving and equilibrium chambers; an obstructing rubber elastic plate juxtaposed against the communication passage from a pressure receiving chamber side, adapted to obstruct the communication passage, and arranged to be exposed to pressure of the pressure receiving and the equilibrium chamber at both faces; and a constraining member provided for retaining an outer peripheral section of the obstructing rubber elastic plate in contact against the partition member at multiple locations. The constraining member provides an opening/closing control member operated to induce the obstructing rubber elastic plate to push against the partition member and close off the communication passage, and to induce elastic deformation of the obstructing rubber elastic plate to be separated from the partition member.

Abstract: To provide a liquid enclosing type vibration isolating apparatus capable of achieving two resonance characteristics by one orifice path, in a liquid enclosing type vibration isolating apparatus including a main liquid chamber a portion of a chamber wall of which is constituted by a vibration isolating base member, an auxiliary liquid chamber a portion of a chamber wall of which is constituted by a first diaphragm 18, and an orifice path for communicating the main liquid chamber and the auxiliary liquid chamber, an orifice member forming the orifice path is provided with a partition wall for partitioning the orifice path and the auxiliary liquid chamber, and a portion of the partition wall is constituted by a second diaphragm constituted by a flexible rubber-like elastic film facing the auxiliary liquid chamber.

Abstract: An assisting ejection device is provided for assisting ejection a hatch of a hatchback. The assisting ejection device includes spring-biased rod to act on the hatch. The spring is in a compressed condition when the hatch is closed so that when the hatch is released from the closed condition, the spring that is allowed to extend provides a springing force to help pneumatic cylinders that are originally provided to automatically lift the hatch to eject the hatch toward a flip-up position. The springing force effectively reduces the load applied to the pneumatic cylinders in opening the hatch so as to extend the service life of the pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: A vibration damping device including: a rubber elastic body connecting first and second mounting members; a partition member supported on the second mounting member; a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber connected by a first orifice passage; an oscillating plate defining the pressure-receiving chamber; and an electromagnetic actuator for actuating the oscillating plate. The oscillating plate is constituted by a cylinder shaped hole and a piston shaped plate accommodated within the cylinder shaped hole with a gap provided therebetween. An output member of the electromagnetic actuator is linked to the piston shaped plate. A plate spring extending in an axis-perpendicular direction is disposed to an opposite side from the electromagnetic actuator with the piston shaped plate therebetween, with the oscillating plate linked to and supported in an axial direction with respect to the partition member by the plate spring.

Abstract: A mounting bush contains an inner mount part supported by a resilient body made of an elastomeric material. The resilient body is mounted in an outer housing of a mount or on a chassis mounting pad. The resilient body defines at least two air-filled working chambers interconnected by at least one damping channel. The working chambers are low profile and contain a low linear excursion. A ratio of the pumping diameter to a linear excursion of 15 to 80 is provided.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a spring element configured to transmit compression forces and tensile forces between a vehicle frame and a wheel axle that are movably arranged with respect to one another. The spring element includes a rubber body and a mechanical connection member that extends through the rubber body. The mechanical connection member is arranged to limit the distancing movement between the vehicle frame and the wheel axle and has a coupling device for coupling the connection member to at least one of the vehicle frame and the wheel axle. The coupling device also has a first stub with a threaded portion protruding from the spring element and the first stub includes fixing means for obtaining a rotationally fixed, form-fit on said at least one of the vehicle frame and the wheel axle.

Abstract: The present invention can effectively attenuate and absorb an auxiliary vibration even in the case that the auxiliary vibration input along a direction approximately orthogonal to a main vibration input along an axial direction of the apparatus, in addition that it is possible to effectively attenuate and absorb the main vibration while suppressing an engagement of a size of the apparatus. In a vibration proofing apparatus (210), two second pressure receiving liquid chambers (302A, 302B) are arranged between an outer tube (224) and a mounting attachment (226), and two second pressure receiving liquid chambers (302A, 302B) are communicated with an auxiliary liquid chamber (272) through two second orifices (308A, 308B).

Abstract: A vibration isolator capable of efficiently increasing damping against inputted vibration provided by a fluid flowing in a restrict passage and also suppressing the rise of a dynamic spring constant when vibration is inputted therein. In the vibration isolator 10, a pair of pressure receiving fluid chambers 46 and 48 are disposed, between an outer cylinder 12 and a mounting member 20, at one end side and at the other end side along a main amplitude direction. Since a rubber elastic body 22 changes the internal volumes of the pair of pressure receiving fluid chambers 46 and 48 in directions opposite to each other, and fluid flows from the pressure receiving fluid chambers 46 and 48 to an auxiliary fluid chamber 30 through one of orifices 62 and 64 and flows from the auxiliary fluid chamber 30 to the pressure receiving fluid chambers 46 and 48 through the other of the orifices 62 and 64.

Abstract: A pneumatic isolator for isolating payloads from vibrations consisting of a vertical isolator suspended from pendulum wires. The top load surface of the isolator strongly resists tilt, thus improving payload stability.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a spring element configured to transmit compression forces and tensile forces between a vehicle frame and a wheel axle that are movably arranged with respect to one another. The spring element includes a rubber body and a mechanical connection member that extends through the rubber body. The mechanical connection member is arranged to limit the distancing movement between the vehicle frame and the wheel axle and has a coupling device for coupling the connection member to at least one of the vehicle frame and the wheel axle. The coupling device also has a first stub with a threaded portion protruding from the spring element and the first stub includes fixing means for obtaining a rotationally fixed, form-fit on said at least one of the vehicle frame and the wheel axle.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger; with the opposite end of the plunger mounting a resilient valve seal that serves to pen and close a plurality of port openings. The valve may be manufactured with a variety of port configurations to provide for the dispensing of fluids of varying viscosities. The valve body and actuator are formed to allow the dispensing valve to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.

Abstract: A pneumatic isolator supports a payload and dampens the vertical and/or horizontal motion of the payload. The isolator has an air chamber and a damping chamber. A viscous medium is disposed in the damping chamber. A gimbal piston head is flexibly secured to the isolator and a piston well extends downwardly from the piston head and is immersed in the viscous medium. A support rod supports the payload, passes through and is supported by the piston well. The outer surface of the piston well is spaced apart from the opposed surface of the damping chamber and defines a gap therebetween. When horizontal and/or vertical motion acts on the isolator, the piston well moves displacing the viscous medium in the gap resulting in a damping force which is generally proportional and opposite to the velocity of the piston well moving against the viscous medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a gas spring (1). This consists of an outer cylindrical casing (1a) with a sealing end wall (1b, 1c) at either end. Of these, one (1c) has an axial bore for a piston rod (4a) passing through the bore, which piston rod is connected to a piston (4b) moving axially in the interior of the casing. The arrangement also consists of an annular cylindrical body (5) made of an elastic material. The outer cylindrical wall of the body (5) is operatively connected to the casing (1a) in a sealing fashion. The inner cylindrical wall of the body (5) is operatively connected to the piston (4b) in a sealing fashion. A certain gas pressure prevails in a space (9) defined by the cylindrical wall of the casing (1a), the other end wall (1b) and the piston (4b) and the annular surface of the annular cylindrical body (5) facing away from the end wall (1c) executed with a bore.

Abstract: A damper has a cylindrical body having a flexible plate portion. The body is inserted into a cylindrical holder. The outer periphery of the body is secured to the holder with an adhesive so as to restrict deformation of the body caused by movement of a rod to be engaged with the flexible plate portion.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a shock absorbing device for a vehicular seat. The device comprises a link mechanism having lower and upper base members which are movable toward and away from each other; and a shock damper interposed between the lower and upper base members to damp shocks or vibrations applied to the same. The shock damper includes an axially expandable housing having lower and upper parts which are respectively secured to the lower and upper base members of the link mechanism; a diaphragm disposed in the housing to partition an interior of the housing into an air-filled part and a liquid-filled part; a partition wall disposed in the liquid-filled part to partition the same into first and second chambers, the partition wall having an aperture formed therethrough; and an orifice member axially movably disposed in the aperture of the partition wall, the orifice member having an orifice formed therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a vibrating object (, e.g., a power unit of a vehicle) which can reduce a plurality of vibrations transmitted therethrough by changing the resonant frequency of a dynamic fluid damper constituted by the apparatus according to a frequency change of the vibrations.

Abstract: A fluid-filled bushing comprises at least two sleeves disposed in concentric relation to each other, a resilient member interposed between the two sleeves and having a substantially annular recess defined in an outer circumferential surface thereof, a partition disposed in the annular recess and having holes defined therein and defining first and second substantially annular fluid chambers in the annular recess which selectively communicate with each other through the holes of the partition, a fluid filled in each of the first and second fluid chambers, and a valve for variably restricting the flow of the fluid between the first and second fluid chambers.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring for use in a vehicle suspension has provided within the pneumatic spring an elastomeric spring which is subject to load only in the event of a pressurization failure of the pneumatic spring. The elastomeric spring is secured at one end to the pneumatic spring and is of generally circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the normal direction in which it would be loaded. The spring additionally is of progressively increasing external diameter over a part of its length as considered in a direction from its secured end to the other, free, end whereby both the vertical compression stiffness and horizontal shear stiffness of the spring progressively increase when the spring is subject to an increasing compression loading in the event of a pressurization failure.

Abstract: A pretensionable and hydraulically damped mounting element with an outer mounting sleeve, an inner part, which is held by an elastomeric body in the interior of the outer mounting sleeve, the elastomeric body above and below the inner part being formed with chambers serving as a mechanical spring and being filled with hydraulic fluid and connected to one another via a channel, and end caps located at respective end faces of the mounting element and being formed of elastic, deformable elastomeric material, the elastomeric body extending from the inner part substantially radially outwardly towards opposite sides of the outer mounting sleeve, the elastomeric body and at least one of the end caps defining the channel therebetween, the channel having a variable cross section includes means defining axially extending additional chambers arranged at both sides of the inner part of the elastomer body, the additional chambers communicating with the channel.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for cushioning shocks imparted to a stationary body from various sizes of vessels, including a resiliently retarded telescoping member having a first movement versus thrust characteristic with a relatively high rate of movement versus thrust over a first predetermined range of thrusts, and an abruptly lower rate of movement versus thrust for thrusts exceeding said first predetermined range.

Abstract: A gas spring-assisted counterbalance system for a closure member, e.g., the rear door of a hatchback automobile, includes a mechanical spring connected in series with a gas spring. The system is arranged so that the gas spring reaches its fully retracted position before the door is fully closed, after which the door is closed against the force of the mechanical spring. Longitudinal vibrations or short movements of the system which otherwise would impart undesired short stroke cycles to the gas spring are absorbed by the mechanical spring, thereby enhancing the operating lifetime of the gas spring.

Abstract: In the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed, the extension rce of a gas spring is controlled as a function of temperature by varying the volume of the working chamber entered by the piston rod, and thus the gas pressure within the working chamber, as a function of temperature.

Abstract: A load transfer apparatus for jackup barges provides a barge and at least three legs movably attached to the barge with a jacking mechanism associated respectively with each of the legs for vertically moving the legs with respect to the barge. A hydraulic pad is associated with each of the jacking mechanism and is placed between the jacking mechanism and the barge, forming a load transfer and load monitoring interface between the jacking mechanism and the barge. The pad includes preferably a hollow inflatable steel reinforced rubber pad which is pressurized during operation using suitable hydraulic fluid. The apparatus reduces impact load on the platform structure when the legs first touch bottom and might also be used to pre-load the legs using the hydraulic pads instead of ballast. The apparatus can be additionally used to monitor the load carried by each leg and to balance the loads among the legs, as well as to dampen vibrations.

Abstract: In the illustrative embodiments of the invention described, a gas spring useful as a height-adjustment and weight-compensation device, as, for example, in a height-adjustable table, includes structure that is responsive to the drop in gas pressure within the primary cylinder below a predetermined level to lock or brake the piston rod against abrupt movement with respect to the primary cylinder if a compressive load is thereafter applied to the gas spring. The pressure-responsive structure preferably includes a sealed auxiliary cylinder-piston unit carried by the piston rod internally of the gas spring. The auxiliary unit contains a separate pressurized body of gas, and either the auxiliary cylinder or piston is axially movable, in response to the greater internal pressure within the auxiliary unit when gas pressure within the primary cylinder drops too low, to engage the locking or braking device.

Abstract: A column which includes an elongated guide tube receiving a pneumatic spring of the piston-and-cylinder type in its bore. A bar is fixedly fastened to the piston rod member or the cylinder member of the spring in longitudinal alignment and extends in the guide tube bore from the associated spring member toward one of the two longitudinally terminal parts of the guide tube. A spring assembly extending about the bar is interposed between spring seats on the pneumatic spring member fixedly fastened to the bar and the one terminal part of the guide tube. Cooperating abutments on the bar and on the one terminal part of the guide tube limit movement of the bar toward the other longitudinally terminal part of the guide tube.

Abstract: A support element comprising a first resilient housing means, a second rigid housing means and means including choke means for connecting the interiors of the first and second housing means. In accordance with the invention, the interior of the first housing means is completely filled with silicone rubber and the interior of the second housing means is filled partially with such rubber and partially with a compressible medium. In further accord with the invention, the first housing means exhibits elasticity in an action direction and otherwise volume stiffness with respect to increases in internal pressure, while the second housing means exhibits volume stiffness with respect to increases in internal pressure.

Abstract: A stress damper comprising a hydraulic accumulator having an expansible cavity filled with hydraulic fluid, a body of elastomer provided with at least one internal cavity filled with hydraulic fluid, and an intermediate element of elastomer provided between the accumulator and the elastomer body, having at least one duct providing communication between the cavities in the accumulator and the elastomer body and arranged so that a compressive stress applied to the accumulator will cause a reduction in the cross-section of the duct.