Diaphragm Or Bellows Patents (Class 267/122)
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Patent number: 6786509Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes a height holding device that is at least partially supported within an air spring of the suspension assembly. The height holding device includes a hydraulic ram. A moveable portion of the hydraulic ram moves between a first position where a minimum clearance is maintained between suspension components and a second position where a larger clearance is maintained between the suspension components. The height holding device moves into the second position to maintain a desired height of the truck or trailer bed during loading and unloading operations at a loading dock, for example. The height holding device allows for the suspension air springs to be evacuated of air pressure during loading or unloading conditions without a change in deck height.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: Kenneth G. Lang, Steven R. Miller, James Eckelberry, Richard M. Clisch
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Patent number: 6752388Abstract: A spring arrangement includes two coaxial spring components (4a, 4b) which are mounted so as to oppose each other. Each of the spring components includes a rolling-lobe flexible member (6a, 6b) and a roll-off piston (8a, 8b) corresponding thereto. The two rolling-lobe flexible members (6a, 6b) define a common double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) and the two spring components (4a, 4b) have a common outer jacket (10). A simple assembly and a reliable fixation of the double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) on the outer jacket (10) is provided. For this purpose, the double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) has a clamp ring (18 or 26) mounted internally. The outer jacket (10) includes two parts (10a and 10b) having respective ends. The double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) is clamped between these ends with the aid of the clamp ring (18 and 26). The air spring arrangement is especially applicable in the forward wheel fork (16) of a two-wheel vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: ConiTech Luftfedersysteme GmbHInventor: Gerhard Thurow
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Publication number: 20040113335Abstract: An improved airspring assembly includes a collapsible support member disposed within the pressurizable chamber of an airspring having a flexible sidewall. The support member is configured such that it extends and collapses along a longitudinal axis of the chamber responsive to pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, respectively. The support member also is configured such that it retains a substantially rigid outer perimeter, thereby restricting movement of the chamber's flexible sidewall toward the longitudinal axis when the chamber is depressurized. The support member also is configured such that it does not interfere with the full stroke of the airspring.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: The Modern Group LimitedInventor: Orain Tubbs
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Patent number: 6749184Abstract: An air spring includes a flexible member, which encloses an air volume, and two connecting parts. Each of the connecting parts has a clamp seat on which an end of the flexible member is attached with the aid of a clamp ring assigned to the clamp seat. The surface of at least one clamp seat is at least approximately convex and the total inner side of the clamp ring, which is assigned to the clamp seat, is configured to be at least approximately concave.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Continental AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stefan Wode, Jens-Uwe Gleu
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Patent number: 6742775Abstract: An air spring includes a flexible member which, on the one hand, is attached to a housing and, on the other hand, to a roll-off piston and which encloses an air volume. The surface of the housing, which faces toward the air volume of the air spring, is charged with the air pressure of the air volume; and, the air spring can be connected to the chassis of a motor vehicle with the interposition of an elastic bearing. The housing includes at least two parts of which a first part serves as the connection of the air spring to the chassis of a motor vehicle and a second part serves as the attachment of the flexible member; and, the elastic bearing is configured to have an annular shape and is mounted between the two parts of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Continental AktiengesellschaftInventor: Holger Oldenettel
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Patent number: 6715744Abstract: A suspension assembly is provided that includes a shock absorber having a housing filled with hydraulic fluid. An air spring is supported on the shock absorber, and the air spring includes a bladder filled with air. A valve assembly is surrounded by the fluid housing and the bladder. The valve assembly is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid and air. The air manipulates the valve and adjusts flow of hydraulic fluid through the shock absorber to adjust damping based upon vehicle load experienced at the air spring. Preferably the valve assembly is located within the inner cylinder head arranged between the piston rod and the outer cylindrical wall of the shock absorber. The valve assembly may include a teeter-totter valve that cooperates with other valves plungers and springs to provide variable damping throughout the vehicle load experienced by the inner spring.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Stephen H. Bell
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Patent number: 6712289Abstract: A fuel injection valve, especially an injection valve for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, includes a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator and a valve-closure member, which can be actuated by an actuator via a valve needle and interacts with a valve-seat surface to form a sealing seat. An intermediate piece is connected via a first flexible seal to a support plate; the support plate is connected via a second flexible seal to a driver at the valve needle; and the driver is connected via a third flexible seal to the intermediate piece, thereby creating a sealed hydraulic translation device.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Ruehle, Hubert Stier, Matthias Boee, Guenther Hohl, Norbert Keim
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Publication number: 20040041314Abstract: The invention relates to an air-spring system (1), which is at least comprised of a cover (2), a roll-off plunger (3) and air-spring bellows (4) that are made of an elastomeric material and that are in most cases provided with an embedded stabilizing support, the two bellows ends being fastened to the cover and to the roll-off plunger, whereby the air-spring bellows enclose a volume-elastic air chamber while forming two loops (7, 8). The first loop (7) is adapted to glide on the outer wall of the roll-off plunger (3) and the second loop (8) communicates with a roll-off section of the cover (2). The inventive air-spring system (1) is further characterized in that the second loop (8) rests on the cover (2) only on two points (11) and rolls off via said points of support (11) when the angle of the air spring bellows (4) is modified by the deflection and the rebound of the roll-off plunger (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Cord Luhmann
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Publication number: 20040032065Abstract: An air spring assembly has a pair of spaced end plates and a flexible sleeve extending therebetween forming an internal fluid chamber. One of the end plates is a bead plate which is crimped to an open end of the sleeve. An insert having an internally threaded hole is mounted in a central hole formed in the bead plate. An externally threaded coupler having a hollow bore is mounted in a central opening formed in an end member of an auxiliary reservoir and is threadably engaged with the internally threaded hole to mount the auxiliary reservoir in an abutting relationship on the air spring bead plate to provide a variable rate air spring. A fluid path is provided through the threaded connection for the flow of fluid between the air spring and auxiliary reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2002Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventor: John R. Leonard
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Patent number: 6691989Abstract: An air spring assembly has a pair of spaced end plates and a flexible sleeve extending therebetween forming an internal fluid chamber. One of the end plates is a bead plate which is crimped to an open end of the sleeve. An insert having an internally threaded hole is mounted in a central hole formed in the bead plate. An externally threaded coupler having a hollow bore is mounted in a central opening formed in an end member of an auxiliary reservoir and is threadably engaged with the internally threaded hole to mount the auxiliary reservoir in an abutting relationship on the air spring bead plate to provide a variable rate air spring. A fluid path is provided through the threaded connection for the flow of fluid between the air spring and auxiliary reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLCInventor: John R. Leonard
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Patent number: 6685173Abstract: An air spring strut (4) is arranged between a vehicle axle (8) and a vehicle body (6) of a motor vehicle. The air spring strut (4) includes a shock absorber (10) and an air spring (16). The shock absorber (10) includes a cylinder (12) and a piston displaceable into the cylinder (12). The foot point (14) of the cylinder (12) can be articulately connected to a wheel-guiding component (8) and the upper end of the piston can be pivotally connected to the vehicle body (6) of a motor vehicle. The air spring (16) includes a resilient member (18) which is clamped between a cover (20) and a roll-off piston (22) while forming a rolling lobe. The cover (20) can be attached to the vehicle body (6) of a motor vehicle and the roll-off piston (22) is supported on the cylinder (12) of the shock absorber (10). The resilient member (18) of the air spring (16) is enclosed by a bell (28).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Continental AktiengesellschaftInventors: Holger Oldenettel, Ansgar Berling
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Patent number: 6682058Abstract: The invention relates to an air-spring assembly (1″), comprising at least the following components: air-spring bellows (2″) consisting of an elastomeric material which encompass an expandable air-spring inner chamber (3″); an air-spring cover, to which one end of the air-spring bellows is fixed; an air-spring piston (5″), to which the opposite end of the air-spring bellows is fixed using a connecting element; in addition to a buffer. The inventive air-spring assembly (1″) is characterized in that the connecting element for the air-spring bellows on the air-spring piston and the buffer are configured as one piece in the form of a combination system (13), which both secures and acts as a buffer. The invention also relates to advantageous embodiments of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Phoenix AGInventors: József Németh, Zsolt Harsányi, Zóltan Czifra, Zóltan Kriston
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Patent number: 6676115Abstract: The invention is directed to a spring system for a vehicle including a two-wheel vehicle. The spring system includes first and second spring units mounted coaxially to each other. The first spring unit includes a first roll-off piston and a first rolling-lobe resilient member coacting with the first roll-off piston during operation of the spring system. The second spring unit includes a second roll-off piston and a second rolling-lobe resilient member coacting with the second roll-off piston during operation of the spring system.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: ContiTech Luftedersysteme GmbHInventors: Gerhard Thurow, Roland Altsinger
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Patent number: 6669181Abstract: The vibration isolating apparatus includes, an outer tube, an inner tube disposed at an inner peripheral side of the outer tube, an elastic body disposed between the outer tube and the inner tube, a main fluid chamber which contains a fluid with the elastic body serving as a portion of a partitioning wall of the main fluid chamber and whose internal volume changes due to deformation of the elastic body, a first auxiliary fluid chamber which contains a fluid and a portion of a partitioning wall of the first auxiliary fluid chamber is formed by a diaphragm so as to expand and contract a space between the first auxiliary fluid chamber and the outer tube, a first passage which communicates the main fluid chamber and the first auxiliary fluid chamber, and a second passage which communicates the main fluid chamber and the first auxiliary fluid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsumi Someya, Shigeki Okai
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Patent number: 6663091Abstract: A hydraulic hearing, including a supporting bearing (1) and a bearing member (2), which are supported against each other by an elastic spring element (3) made of rubber elastic material, and delimit a working chamber (4) and the compensating chamber (5); the working chamber (4) and a compensating chamber (5) each being filled with damping fluid (6) and being in fluid communication with each other; the bearing member (2) essentially being formed in the shape of a pot; the supporting bearing (1) and the elastic spring element (3) essentially being disposed in the interior space (7) defined by the pot-shaped bearing member (2); the bearing member (2) having a two-shell design on its peripheral side, and an outer ring (8) which encloses an inner ring (9) with a radial clearance; the compensating chamber (5) being disposed in the gap formed by the clearance, and being delimited by a boundary wall (11), which extends in the axial direction, can expand in a radial direction, and essentially accommodates an increaseType: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Firma Carl FreudenbergInventor: John Philip West
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Patent number: 6651995Abstract: An axle suspension for air-suspended utility vehicles and the like with which the vehicle chassis is supported by a pneumatic spring. The spring is configured as a plunger piston assembly, is preferably cylindrical, and has a plunger piston (6) that is provided for supporting and guiding a pneumatic spring bellows (5). The pneumatic spring bellows is connected via an upper mounting plate (7) to the vehicle chassis resting thereupon and is connected, e.g. via a lower base plate to the top of the plunger piston which is supported, for example, on a leaf spring assembly (1).Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik KeilbergInventor: Josef Büttner
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Patent number: 6637732Abstract: A pneumatic suspension system comprising: a pneumatic suspension bellows made of an elastomeric material which encloses an air chamber whose volume varies, with an embedded strengthening support; a pressure reservoir having an outer diameter on which one end of the pneumatic suspension bellows is fastened by a clamping ring; and a pneumatic suspension piston having an outer diameter on which the other end of the pneumatic suspension bellows is also fastened by a clamping ring, and having a roll-off piston on whose outer wall the pneumatic suspension bellows can roll off while forming a first rolling fold. The pressure reservoir has a contoured roll-off surface outside of the first fastening area. The roll-off surface is provided for a second rolling fold which rests against the roll-off surface and can roll off in a limited manner compared to the first rolling fold.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Phoenix AGInventors: Antonio Branco, Michael Weber
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Publication number: 20030173723Abstract: A pneumatic suspension and damping arrangement (100) is especially for vehicles and can be fixedly mounted on the chassis at the upper region and to the wheel mount at the lower region thereof. The pneumatic suspension and damping arrangement includes at least two hermetically closed air springs (101, 102) filled with pressurized gas, whose volumes can be changed and which are connected via an air connection (134) to a pressurized gas source. The air springs are each enclosed by a movable wall formed by a flexible member (116, 124) and each roll off on a roll-off contour and are connected to each other via a throttle element (108) through which the gas can flow in two directions. The air springs are arranged one above the other and the roll-off contour of the first air spring (101) is defined in such a way by the second air spring (102) that the first air spring (101) rolls off on the second air spring (102).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Christof Behmenburg, Heinz Job, Michael Martens, Volker Hartel, Gerald Huber, Armin Kilsch, Thomas Engelke, Burkhard Kott
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Publication number: 20030164585Abstract: A U-type bellows air spring is supported on one side relative to the vehicle frame and on the other side relative to the axle or a longitudinal control arm guiding the latter. The lower end of the U-type bellows is fastened on the longitudinal control arm side in a pressure-tight manner to a flange of a supporting element, and a vibration absorber protrudes through the supporting element. A piston cylinder of the vibration absorber is connected to the longitudinal control arm via a joint, and a piston rod on the longitudinal axis of the air spring is supported relative to the vehicle frame. To keep the amount of sealing for the air spring small even if it is not used very much, the supporting element for the lower end of the U-type bellows is arranged rigidly with respect to the piston cylinder of the vibration absorber. A preferably cylindrical circumferential surface for the U-type bellows to roll along during the compression and rebound action extends from the flange toward the longitudinal control arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Applicant: ZF Sachs AGInventors: Georg Memmel, Wolfgang Kolb, Roland Berghaus, Burchard Michels, Bernd Rhein
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Patent number: 6607186Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing device comprising: a hollow spring including a chamber having a proximal end, a distal end, and a bellows comprised of a springy material connecting the proximal end to the distal end and enclosing the chamber; a shock absorber extending through the hollow spring, the shock absorber including a cylinder and a piston which slidably engages the cylinder, the cylinder extending through and being attached to the hollow spring proximal end, the piston extending through and slidably engaging the hollow spring distal and the piston including contacting device located distally of the hollow spring distal end for urging the hollow spring distal end proximally when the contacting device is forced against the hollow spring distal end and for urging the piston distally when the hollow spring distal end is forced against the contacting device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Inventor: Bret Voelkel
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Publication number: 20030151177Abstract: A double rolling-lobe flexible member spring arrangement (2) includes two coaxial spring components (4a and 4b) which are arranged opposed to each other. The spring components essentially each include a rolling-lobe flexible member (6a and 6b) and respective roll-off pistons (8a and 8b). The two rolling-lobe flexible members (6 and 6b) define a common double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) and the two spring components (4a and 4b) have a common outer jacket (10). A reliable effective fixing of the flexible member (6) to the inner side of the outer jacket (10) is ensured. To provide this fixation, the double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) has a support ring (14) lying centrally on the inner side thereof and this support ring has a radial recess (16) on its periphery. The outer jacket (10) has a peripherally-extending raised portion at its inner periphery which engages into the recess (16) of the support ring (14) and defines a clamp contour.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Christoph Bank, Paul Cerny, Gerhard Thurow, Peter Gonnheimer, Joachim Frey
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Publication number: 20030137086Abstract: Pneumatic spring with at least one control valve inside the pneumatic spring with control positions for feeding, blocking, and discharging compressed air, which valve is actuated by a control element also installed inside the pneumatic valve. The control element acts on one of the two pneumatic spring assemblies which can move relative to each other, namely, either on the outer tube or on the roll tube, where the control element has a working length which is shorter than the stroke length of the pneumatic spring and is pretensioned by a first spring against one of the pneumatic spring assemblies which can move relative to each other. The control element is supported in a floating manner relative to the pneumatic spring assemblies, and a second spring, the force of which is directed against the first spring, co-determines the position of the control element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: ZF Sachs AGInventors: Alexander Gross, Christophe Jolibert
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Patent number: 6585239Abstract: A spring strut comprises a pneumatic spring and an oscillation damper and is fitted between a vehicle body and a wheel of a vehicle. The oscillation damper has a piston rod movable on an axis and a container concentric to the axis. The pneumatic spring has a spring chamber delimited by a rolling bellows which is firmly connected to the receptacle and to the container or a rolling-contact piston fixed to the container. An end wall that is in operative connection with the oscillation damper is acted upon on one side by the pressure in the spring chamber and has an effective area that extends obliquely to the axis of the oscillation damper and exerts a transverse force that is dependent on the pressure in the spring chamber and is perpendicular to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventors: Martin Eichhorn, Bruno Deigner
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Patent number: 6568665Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic shock-absorber equipped with a height sensor which is to be mounted onto a rail vehicle. The aim of the invention is to prevent components of the rail vehicle, such as supports for the superstructure and/or an additional volume of pressure formed by a cradle, from being drilled or modified in another way in order to create the installation space for the height sensor. The inventive pneumatic shock-absorber is characterized in that an upper extension arm and a lower extension arm extend laterally from the upper support plate and lower mounting plate respectively and that the height sensor is positioned between the two extension arms.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Intech Thüringen GmbHInventors: Günther Foerster, Uwe Heiber, Karsten Klatt
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Publication number: 20030094740Abstract: The invention relates to an air-spring system at least comprised of: air-spring bellows (3), which are made of an elastomeric material with two bellows ends and which enclose a volume-elastic air chamber while forming a loop, and which are particularly provided with an outer guide (5); a cover (2) and plunger with a connection area (10) for each bellows end, whereby the plunger has a roll-off surface for the loop, and; a sleeve (6), which is provided with a first retaining collar (8) that, together with the corresponding bellows end (11), is fastened to the cover (2) by means of a clamping ring (7), and which has a second retaining sleeve (12) that is anchored at least inside the static area of the air-spring bellows (3) and/or on the outer guide (5). The inventive air-spring system is characterized in that at least one recess (9) is provided inside the first retaining collar (8) of the sleeve (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: Michael Weber
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Publication number: 20030034595Abstract: An air bearing regulated load-dependent for use in automotive engineering is formed by a central plate through which a freely movable, rigid coupling pin passes axially and is rigidly connected to both a support connector member on the support side and a counterplate on the opposite side. An air spring hose ring that can be variably charged with compressed air or gas is arranged between the support connector member and the central plate and an absorber hose ring is inserted on the opposite side of the central plate between the central plate and a counterplate. The two hose ring systems are directly connected to one another via one or more throttle nozzles. The absorber hose ring has a nozzle or a regulating valve that variably opens the absorber hose ring to the ambient air.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Franz Josef Wolf
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Patent number: 6520492Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring arrangement consisting of at least the following components: pneumatic spring bellows, a pneumatic spring cover, a pneumatic spring piston and a vibration damper having a container pipe and a piston rod. The inventive pneumatic spring arrangement is characterized in that the pneumatic spring piston is provided with an integrated clamping lock which consists of an outer ring body and an inner ring body. The bodies can be plugged into one another. The outer ring body comprises a collar and at least one spring arm which is provided with a barb. The inner ring body comprises an outer ring and an inner ring which are connected to each other in such a way that at least one plug aperture is provided for receiving the barb of the spring arm in a catching manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Phoenix AGInventors: Antonio Branco, Michael Weber
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Publication number: 20030030196Abstract: An attenuator apparatus has an outer housing with a first chamber filled with a first fluid, and a bellows member of elastomeric material mounted in the first chamber and having a second chamber filled with a second fluid, the bellows member having a first end facing away from the first chamber. A piston is slidably mounted in the housing at the first end of the bellows member for acting on the bellows member in response to a force applied to the piston so as to expand the bellows member in the first chamber and cushion the force. The bellows member returns to its original configuration and biases the piston back in a second direction opposite to the first direction on removal of the force.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: James D. Mason
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Publication number: 20030030195Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing device comprising: a hollow spring including a chamber having a proximal end, a distal end, and a bellows comprised of a springy material connecting the proximal end to the distal end and enclosing the chamber; a shock absorber extending through the hollow spring, the shock absorber including a cylinder and a piston which slidably engages the cylinder, the cylinder extending through and being attached to the hollow spring proximal end, the piston extending through and slidably engaging the hollow spring distal and the piston including contacting device located distally of the hollow spring distal end for urging the hollow spring distal end proximally when the contacting device is forced against the hollow spring distal end and for urging the piston distally when the hollow spring distal end is forced against the contacting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: Bret Voelkel
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Publication number: 20030020218Abstract: Air spring which includes a flexible member which, on the one hand, is attached to a housing and, on the other hand, to a roll-off piston and which encloses an air volume; the surface of the housing, which faces toward the air volume of the air spring, is charged with the air pressure of the air volume; and, the air spring can be connected to the chassis of a motor vehicle with the interposition of an elastic bearing; the housing including at least two parts of which a first part serves the connection of the air spring to the chassis of a motor vehicle and a second part serves the attachment of the flexible member; and, the elastic bearing is configured to have an annular shape and is mounted between the two parts of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventor: Holger Oldenettel
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Patent number: 6494443Abstract: The air bellows device for use with automobiles has a bellows element as commonly understood for use in slidable engagement with for example the struts of an automobile to raise and lower the frame relative to the axles. The air pressure end plate and pressure end plate are attached to the end caps of the bellows element using five or more holes through which bolts pass to threadably engage five or more threaded holes in each end cap. In addition the gap between the strut shaft and the wall of the openings in each end plate to receive the strut shaft is sealed by the use of two O-rings.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Ecore CorporationInventor: John Valdez
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Patent number: 6491289Abstract: The invention provides a shock-absorbing system, comprising an oil cell having bellows-shaped walls and a bi-fluid cell, the cells being in fluid communication via at least one flow restriction conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Inventor: Elyakim Schaap
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Publication number: 20020180128Abstract: A turn-up device (40) for making a molded body of an airspring on a mechanical drum having expandable end portions. The device (40) comprises a support member (42), a plurality of turning arms (44) pivotally mounted to the support member (42), and a sleeve (46) resiliently mounted to the support member (42). The turning arms (44) are movable between radially inner and outer positions and are biased to the radially inner position. The sleeve (46) is movable relative to the arms (44) between a position whereat it holds the arms (44) in the radially outer position and a position whereat it releases the arms (44) so that they can be biased to the radially inner position. The airspring can be used in a large vehicle wheel suspension (i.e., a bus or a truck) and/or can be used to manipulate the lift axle of, for example, a large dump truck.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: Andrew J. Grabarz
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Patent number: 6474630Abstract: An air spring has a pair of axially spaced end members and an intervening elastomeric flexible sleeve extending therebetween which forms a fluid pressure chamber. A plurality of axially spaced ribs and intervening grooves are formed on an inner surface of a ring which align with corresponding ribs and grooves formed on an axial sealing surface of one of the end members to form a fluid tight seal with the elastomeric sleeve clamped therebetween. An annular radially extending projection is formed on each of the ring and end member which cooperatively mate with each other to provide a mechanical interlock therebetween which is free of intervening elastomeric material, to securely retain the ring in position with respect to the end member sealing surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLCInventor: David A. Weitzenhof
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Publication number: 20020158380Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic suspension system comprised of at least the following pneumatic suspension components, namely of: (a) a pneumatic suspension bellows made of an elastomeric material which encloses an air chamber whose volume varies, and provided, for the most part, with an embedded strengthening support; (b) a pressure reservoir comprising a first fastening area with an outer diameter on which one end of the pneumatic suspension bellows is fastened by means of a clamping ring, whereby the outer diameter includes the clamping ring, and; (c) a pneumatic suspension piston comprising a second fastening area with an outer diameter on which the other end of the pneumatic suspension bellows is also fastened by means of a clamping ring, whereby the outer diameter also includes the clamping ring, as well as comprising a roll-off piston with an outer diameter on whose outer wall the pneumatic suspension bellows can roll off while forming a first rolling fold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Antonio Branco, Michael Weber
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Patent number: 6467760Abstract: Filling valve for a gas bag installed in a space bounded by rigid walls, where the forces of a liquid medium, which is under pressure and which flows into and out of this space, act on this space. The gas bag serves as a compensation space, is filled with gas, and can be filled through a filling valve, which has an access channel aligned with an opening in the rigid wall. The access channel is located in a connector part connected to the gas bag, the connector part also being connected to a guide part resting against the inside surface of the rigid wall, the access channel being in effective connection with the opening in the rigid wall via this guide part.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventor: Dieter Lutz
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Publication number: 20020140140Abstract: The air bellows device for use with automobiles has a bellows element as commonly understood for use in slidable engagement with for example the struts of an automobile to raise and lower the frame relative to the axles. The air pressure end plate and pressure end plate are attached to the end caps of the bellows element using five or more holes through which bolts pass to threadably engage five or more threaded holes in each end cap. In addition the gap between the strut shaft and the wall of the openings in each end plate to receive the strut shaft is sealed by the use of two O-rings.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: John Valdez
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Publication number: 20020140141Abstract: An annular bellows unit for replacing a vehicle suspension coil spring that encloses a shock absorber or hydraulic actuator includes annular second flange members that are sealingly connected at opposite ends of respective inner and outer bellows members to form a closed chamber, and a fill port in one of the flange members for pressurizing the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Yuzuru Oishi
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Patent number: 6457702Abstract: An annular bellows unit for replacing a vehicle suspension coil spring that encloses a shock absorber or hydraulic actuator includes annular second flange members that are sealingly connected at opposite ends of respective inner and outer bellows members to form a closed chamber, and a fill port in one of the flange members for pressurizing the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventor: Yuzuru Oishi
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Patent number: 6450304Abstract: A damper includes a piston that carries a relatively compact control valve for controlling fluid flow through the piston. The control valve provides a variable amount of damping by regulating damper fluid flow between the extension chamber and the compression chamber of the damper during extension and compression strokes. Pressure regulation across the piston is controlled through a flow path as determined by the control valve. The damping force of the damper varies depending upon the loading conditions of the vehicle. The control valve is air pressure actuated to adjust the damping force and control the flow of fluid in the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Troy Allen Miller, Michael L. Oliver, William C. Kruckemeyer, Eric L. Jensen
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Publication number: 20020125622Abstract: The air spring of the present invention combines both traditional air spring characteristics and components with internal hydro damping. The air spring has an upper retainer, a piston, an elastomeric sleeve secured to the upper retainer at a first end and secured to the piston at the lower end, and a damping device. The damping device has an upper and a lower variable volume chamber and a channel connecting the two variable volume chambers, and a damping fluid contained within the damping device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Robert Charles Schisler, Edwin Lee Haines
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Patent number: 6439552Abstract: The overhead wire tensioning device of the present invention is improved in reliability and eliminates the need for constant maintenance work by protecting the slide mechanism between the cylinder case of the gas spring type overhead wire tensioning device and the cylinder rod, and the pivoting mechanism for the connecting rod connecting this cylinder with the overhead wire from external influences.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignees: Central Japan Railway Company, Dengyo Incorporated, NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Ageishi, Hiroshi Amano, Yoshio Narumiya, Toru Uchikoshi, Shoji Konta, Yoshinori Wakabayashi, Takeyoshi Shinbori, Takeshi Uchida
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Patent number: 6422543Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring system (1) comprising at least the following components, specifically: a pneumatic spring cover (2) and a pneumatic spring piston (4), which are arranged opposing each other; a pneumatic spring bellows (3) made of elastomer material, which connects the pneumatic spring cover (2) and the pneumatic spring piston (4) with each other with the use of fasteners (8), whereby the bellows is capable of rolling off on the outer wall of the piston (5) with formation of an internal chamber (6) of the pneumatic spring having an elastic volume; as well as a connection (7) for ventilating and evacuating the internal chamber (6) of the pneumatic spring. The pneumatic spring system is equipped with a pressure-sensitive connection system which reacts to pressure in a way such that in the evacuated condition, the pneumatic spring cover (2) and the pneumatic spring piston (4) are connected with each other, whereby the connection is released again in the operating conditions, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Phoenix AGInventor: Stefan Fejerdy
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Patent number: 6422541Abstract: A bicycle cushion device includes a bracket connected to a bicycle frame which is a movable frame. A bladder is connected to the bracket and a casing is mounted to the bladder and movable connected to the bicycle frame. An opening is defined in a top of the casing and a valve of the bladder extends through the opening. The movable frame moves into the casing and compresses the bladder to absorb the shocks transmitted to the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Zhen-Ling Yang
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Patent number: 6422542Abstract: The invention relates to an air-controlled damper which attenuates the motion of movable components. Sealing between the movable components is effected by a separation means which is fixed to the cylinder and the piston in the hollow space of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Rainer Gramss
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Patent number: 6398198Abstract: The present invention provides a bellows type air spring, which includes a bellows body, and first and second end members. The bellows body has a generally hollowed cylindrical shape with upper and lower open ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the upper and lower open ends. The bellows body also defines therein an air chamber for receiving the air, thereby allowing the bellows body to be expanded and contracted along the longitudinal axis. The first end member is disposed in the lower open end for sealing the same, and defines therein a through hole for receiving a body of a shock absorber. The second end member is disposed in the upper open end for sealing the same, and defines therein a through hole for receiving a retractable rod of the shock absorber.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Inventor: Shozo Okamoto
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Patent number: 6386523Abstract: An air spring of the type with a sleeve having a first rolling lobe connected at an end to a first piston, a second rolling lobe connected to an end to a second piston, and where the first piston is substantially frustoconical and the second piston is substantially cylindrical and where the minimum effective area of the first piston is less than the minimum effective area of the second piston and where the maximum effective area of the first piston is greater than the maximum effective area of the second piston. The frustoconical first piston allows the air spring to accommodate large angular suspension motion without degrading durability.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Michael L. Crabtree, Richard F. Stieg
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Patent number: 6382602Abstract: An automotive wheel suspension comprised of a shock-absorbing strut located within a retrofit air spring, which is located where previously a standard coil spring was located. The air spring includes a single, double, or triple convoluted bellow comprised of a rubber bellow and two bead sealing rings mounted eccentrically onto the strut by a fixed lower adapter plate. The strut is also comprised with a rotatable upper adapter plate that allows the air spring to take the place of the previously mounted coil spring in order to allow load and ride height adjustment where beforehand the coil spring allowed none.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Joe Morrow
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Patent number: 6375170Abstract: The invention is directed to a spring system for a vehicle including a two-wheel vehicle. The spring system includes first and second spring units mounted coaxially to each other. The first spring unit includes a first roll-off piston and a first rolling-lobe resilient member coacting with the first roll-off piston during operation of the spring system. The second spring unit includes a second roll-off piston and a second rolling-lobe resilient member coacting with the second roll-off piston during operation of the spring system.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Contitech Luftfedersysteme GmbHInventors: Gerhard Thurow, Roland Altsinger
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Publication number: 20020043746Abstract: An air spring includes a flexible member, which encloses an air volume, and two connecting parts. Each of the connecting parts has a clamp seat on which an end of the flexible member is attached with the aid of a clamp ring assigned to the clamp seat. The surface of at least one clamp seat is at least approximately convex and the total inner side of the clamp ring, which is assigned to the clamp seat, is configured to be at least approximately concave.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: Stefan Wode, Jens-Uwe Gleu