Abstract: An impact absorber for an automobile bumper comprises a housing and a pair of cylinders arranged in the housing. A third cylinder having two openings at its ends is parallelly disposed between the pair of cylinders such that two gaps are defined by the walls of the pair of cylinders, the third cylinder and the housing. Apertures are formed through the walls of the pair of cylinders facing each other adjacent one end of each of the pair of cylinders for expelling damping liquid from the pair of cylinders into the gaps upon movement of the pistons in the pair of cylinders for damping the impact force. The pressure of damping liquid in the gaps forces two pistons within the third cylinder to move toward each other thereby compressing a coil spring mounted between the two pistons for further damping the impact force. The compressed air between the two pistons within the third cylinder escapes from an aperture formed through the walls of the third cylinder and the housing.

Abstract: An impact or recoil member possessing a plurality of gas cushions which are arranged within each other, and which are activatable in sequence in response to a triggering sensor. A comparatively hard assumption of a load by the outer gas cushion is permitted up to a pressure rise beyond its bursting limit; with at least one inner gas cushion which is designed for the assumption of the residual energy of the mass which is to be caught under a hard or stiff spring characteristic. The individual gas cushions are activated staggered in time from the outside towards the inside over a period of time from a triggering apparatus which is centrally provided for all gas cushions either in or behind the mounting support for the inflation of the still folded-in cushion casings in a specified time sequence, whereby the actuation of the triggering apparatus is implemented through the triggering or tripping sensor which is correlated with the loading scenario.

Abstract: An impact energy managing bumper structure having a configuration and component members that cooperatively provide, as a function of position along its length, predetermined levels of resilient opposition to deformation and displacement. A semirigid resilient fascia is spaced forwardly of the bumper structure, and the volume defined therebetween is filled with an integral skin urethane foam that is resiliently deformable and integrally bonded to both members.

Abstract: A vehicular bumper assembly is formed of an outer bumper with one or more arcuate faces and one or more resilient pipes having outer surfaces conforming to the arcuate faces. The pipes are located adjacent to the faces and serve a buffering function when the outer bumper moves rearwardly in a collision. A buffer spring assembly absorbs an initial first portion of a collision force. The pipes then absorb a second portion of the collision force. The assembly also has a touch switch for enabling the vehicle's horn during a collision.

Abstract: A motion absorbing docking assembly for use in subsea docking operations. A tubular docking pile receives a pile head assembly in which a retractable pile head is positioned. When the pile head is impacted by a docking guide on a jacket being lowered into place, axially spaced shock cells having a common central support member absorb the relative motion between the pile head and the docking pile. This arrangement provides for absorption of twice the distance that each individual shock cell is capable of absorbing by itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in door stoppers for keeping doors open. More particularly, the invention offers door stoppers which facilitate opening/closing of the door by the attraction of a permanent magnet, prevent damage to the attracting member by causing the attracting member and the attracted member comprising such a door stopper to gradually attract each other by a buffer action, and make either one of the attracting member or the attracted member swingable so as to enable secure and stable attraction.

Abstract: An impact damper or an energy absorbing device having at least two tubes which telescope one into the other and are configured especially for motor vehicles for the dampening of forces on a vehicle which crashes into an obstacle. In the inner space or interior of the impact damper, there may be included at least one dampening fluid which is filled through a filling device; a throttling point; and at least one component which confines the at least one dampening fluid in the inner space.

Abstract: A wedge assembly to be secured to a vehicle door to prevent door rattling during vehicle operation. A slide element is captured by a base plate and stops are provided to prevent inadvertent disassembly.

Abstract: An impact absorber is disclosed herein having a single or a pair of box-beam inflatable members arranged in guided sliding relationship. Elongated slots and shear bolts cooperate to releasably couple the inflatable members together so as to absorb shock prior to shearing. A resilient inflatable block is carried on the forward terminating end of one beam member while a resilient pad is carried on the terminating end of the other beam member in alignment to interfere with the sliding movement of the first member. The various impact-absorbing elements are arranged in a series for sequential actuation upon application of an impact. The inflatable block absorbs shock first, followed by the shear bolts and finally the resilient pad.

Abstract: A protective bumper includes an elongated, resilient, planar member, a slider slidably mounted on and slidably positionable along the length of the planar member and an adjustable length line with fasteners attached at opposite ends for suspending and attaching the slider and the planar member to a stationary dock piling. A plurality of like planar members are interconnected end to end via mating projections and sockets formed on the ends of each planar member.

Abstract: A two-stage automobile bumper comprising two buffers set in two inner supporting frames which are supported in two outer supporting frames welded at the front of the chassis and a bumper fixed at the front end of the buffers. When the bumper receives a shock, pins combining the buffers with said inner supporting frames are to be cut into two pieces and coiled springs are to be compressed to absorb the shock force.

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: A vibration or impact isolator for use between bodies and/or structures, such as between a boat and a dock, is formed from a resilient elongated strip of resiliently flexible material of uniform lateral cross-section wherein longitudinal lateral portions of the strip are formed in the shape of open involutes extending through at least 270 degrees in the unbiased or undeformed condition. An intermediate portion or central portion of the strip between the two lateral edges, which connects the involutes, is deformable on mounting of the longitudinal strip to one of the bodies.

Abstract: A new structure of multi-protection safety car bumper to keep a buffer zone between the frame body of the car and the present bumper for the arrangement of U-shaped front steel bar, elastic rubber component, elastic buffer element, U-shaped rear steel bar, U-shaped external bumper and wedged sliding device that comprised of sliding seat and slide guide to place therebetween so as to reciprocally undertake and disperse outside impact force; by the wedged sliding device, the external bumper and the frame body of the car being able to make a relative displacement so as to protect the two side bars of the U-shaped external bumper from not being stressed to extend outward or to drop off.

Abstract: An energy absorber for preventing vehicle damage during low speed collisions comprising a threaded post for slideably mounting a vehicle bumper to a vehicle structure, a housing for tightly embracing a friction member, a friction member rotatably mounted in the housing, a sleeve engaging the threaded post which is responsive to the movement of the bumper for rotatably driving the friction member and a clutch for engaging the friction member with the sleeve. During a low speed vehicle impact, the inward displacement of the vehicle's bumper, with respect to the vehicle's structure, rotatably drives the friction member in the housing and the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is absorbed by the work done in rotating the friction member in the housing. After the impact, the bumper is returned to its initial position by a spring.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to rapidly and automatically scan the UPC, or bar code, from a series of containers and maintain talleys of the brands and types of containers processed. A guide is placed diagonally across the top of the conveyor to catch and direct any containers moving along the conveyor. Continued motion of the conveyor beneath the containers at an angle relative to the guide causes each container to rotate as it slides along the guide toward the edge of the conveyor. One or more UPC scanners are positioned to read the UPC from each container as it slides along the guide. Because of the rotation of the containers, the entire sidewall of each container is exposed to the scanners. Any containers that are not successfully read by the scanners are rejected for subsequent manual processing.

Abstract: A vertically elongated resilient fender for deployment between a floating vessel and a dock or an adjacent floating vessel, defined by a flat rear wall and a convexly arched front wall integrally joined along their peripheral edges, together enclosing a hollow interior chamber, and having lateral wing flanges extending sidewise from the upper side edges of the rear base panel with securing eyes formed therein to receive a securing line employed to anchor the fender with its wing flanges flexibly bent backward behind the rear base panel. When this fender is cleated near the edge of a boat deck, its backwardly bent wing flanges rest on the deck, suspending the fender directly in front of the sheer line deck edge, firmly retaining the fender against dislodgement.

Abstract: A spring according to this invention has a core of an elastically deformable but substantially incompressible material and having two axially spaced end surfaces operatively engageable with objects to be relatively resiliently mounted. Thus when the two bodies engaging the end surfaces move toward each other the core swells radially. An annular belt formed of an elastic synthetic resin snugly surrounds the core between its ends. The belt can be lapped or can be a single unitary ring. It may also be formed of a plurality of independent layers having ends provided with a heat-shrunk clip for securing the ends together. To soften the initial spring characteristic the belt is corrugated and has peaks engaging the core and valleys normally not engaging the core. The corrugations may run longitudinally or transversely.

Abstract: A fender adapted to be mounted on a shore, for cushioning impacts applied by a ship to the shore installation, comprises first buffer elements 3, each of which has a circumferential surface for receiving impacts and an axial bore 3d, a horizontal shaft 2 rotatably passing through the axial bores, locking means 5 provided at the ends of the shaft for preventing the releasing movement of the first buffer elements 3 from the shaft, support members 8 adapted to be spacedly secured to the shore installation, and means 7 for suspending the shaft from the support members.

Abstract: A cover adapted to float on the surface of liquid in a storage tank employs a deck and first and second generally horizontal elongated pontoons disposed essentially along a common axis of symmetry. The pontoons are adapted to float support the deck on the surface. A vertical hollow member open at top and bottom is disposed between adjacent ends of the adjacent pontoons.First and second devices each resiliently and flexibly secure the end of the corresponding one of the pontoons adjacent the member to the member. The first and second devices are disposed on opposite sides of the member.A vertical leg extends downwardly through the hollow member and is secured thereto.

Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly disclosed such as an over rider of a bumper, a shock absorbing bumper, a stopper or a guard molding, comprises a core member or members molded of a low density elastomeric material having stud bolts or nuts inserted before molding and embedded therein, and a cover member molded of a high density elastomeric material enclosing the core member inserted before molding the cover member.

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: A drilling apparatus of the type including a platform, a pair of spaced, parallel, substantially vertical guide rails, and a power swivel which is guided along the guide rails is provided with a pair of space support surfaces positioned on the underside of the swivel. In addition, a pair of collapsible pedestals are mounted on the platform, each pedestal positioned under a respective support surface such that the swivel rests on the pedestals when lowered toward the platform. These pedestals are provided with a collapse strength chosen such that the pedestals collapse in a controlled, progressive manner, substantially without damage to the guide rails, in the event the swivel falls from at least a predetermined height. In this way both the platform and any drill string attached to the swivel are protected from excessive loads associated with abrupt deceleration of the swivel, and the incidence of string breakage due to such abrupt deceleration is at least substantially reduced.

Abstract: Energy-absorption apparatus for truck docks constructed and arranged to withstand impact of semi-trailers backing into a truck dock without damage to the dock over a long period of time. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of spring steel leaves disposed in dependent relation from a point above the level of the dock to a point below the dock level so as to accommodate truck trailers of varying heights.

Abstract: An inertial barrier system for attenuating the energy of errant vehicles. The system includes module means defining a frangible container having a generally inverted U-shaped configuration with an opened and enlarged upper portion and a closed lower portion. The upper and lower container portions receive a continuous mass of dispersible energy-attenuating material, and maintain the center of gravity of the mass above the lower portion of the container. This lower portion also defines a central void of substantial volume, for receiving a portion of the dispersible mass during the initial impact of the module means by an errant vehicle. Cover means are provided to close the module.

Abstract: In a vacuum motor for opening an internal combustion engine carburetor choke to a vacuum break position, a stop is engaged between the actuating diaphragm and a base member to establish the vacuum break position. The stop is formed of a malleable material which plastically deforms slightly upon engagement--and thus gradually changes the vacuum break position upon repeated engagement--to compensate for changes in engine operating characteristics over an extended period of engine operation.

Abstract: This energy absorbing bumper mount comprises a spring bracket assembly which includes a pair of diverging spring arms that carry pins on the outer end thereof. A preloaded yieldable energy absorbing band of oriented plastic material is stretched across the arms by attachment to the pins. On impact of a bumper attached to the spring arms, the pins are laterally displaced from one another as the spring arms are deflected. Energy is absorbed by the stretching of the band and by deflection of the spring arms. Rebound is controlled with the slow recovery rate of the band acting as a buckling column to retard recovery of the spring arms to their normal undeflected position.

Abstract: A shock absorber has a body with a bore and a secondary chamber housing a preloaded floating piston. An apertured piston and rod assembly with a float valve is retracted in the bore when the piston rod extending from the body is engaged by a moving body to be decelerated and smoothly stopped. A variable orifice head in the bore bleeds liquid through a series of passages to a return chamber which communicates with a hollow metering pin. This pin directs liquid through the piston and through outlets into a secondary chamber whose floating piston retracts against a spring as the chamber fills with liquid. This maintains a preload pressure upon the liquid in the bore and pressure chamber. The metering pin is tapered and is loosely received by the piston. When a load is axially applied to the piston rod retracting the pressure piston into the preloaded liquid within the body the liquid initially flows between the piston and metering pin.

Abstract: In apparatus for distributing solids in granular or lump form over an area of defined width comprising a wheeled carriage which is reciprocal between two end positions along a path which corresponds to said width, said carriage carrying a longitudinally extending endless conveyor which is charged with the solids to be distributed and which has a discharge end that moves above said width during movement of said carriage, the improvement which comprises an elastically deformable energy storage and release device for limiting the movement of the carriage at each end of the path of movement of the carriage thereby absorbing energy from the carriage and for thereafter transferring energy back to the carriage to move the latter in an opposite direction, the device in its deformed position defining the respective end position of the carriage.

Abstract: A buffer for a bumper comprising an outer cylinder having its bottom closed and an inner cylinder fitted slidably into the outer cylinder and defined to be attached to the bumper at the tip thereof, a stopper being provided on the inner surface of the outer cylinder at the tip thereof for preventing the inner cylinder from being disconnected therefrom, an orifice and a check valve being provided at the heel of the inner cylinder for permitting exclusively to flow a fluid sealed in the outer cylinder to the inner cylinder therefrom, a free piston being provided in the inner cylinder for partitioning a gas sealed in the inner cylinder from the fluid sealed in the outer cylinder, and the fluid in the outer cylinder maintaining the gas under a compressed condition through the free piston at the heel of the inner cylinder, thereby allowing the free piston to displace in a damped speed to absorb the vibrations of an automobile attached with the bumper and to improve the stability of the automobile.

Abstract: This energy absorber incorporates a mounting bracket secured to a vehicle which by track and follower mechanism slidably mounts a support bracket that is secured to a vehicle bumper. One bracket supports a laterally extending energy absorbing band of resilient material engaged by the follower carried by the other bracket. On impact, the brackets are telescoped inwardly and an intermediate portion of the band is displaced by the follower to effect band deflection and energy absorption. On rebound, the band gradually restores to its original configuration to return the brackets and bumper to its pre-impact position.

Abstract: A bumper for a suspension of a tracklaying vehicle has a first plate formed with a throughgoing hole through which engages one longitudinal end of a bolt. The other longitudinal end of this bolt is screwed into a second plate that is therefore held at a maximum spacing from the first plate. A helical compression spring having in unstressed condition an overall length greater by a predetermined distance than this maximum spacing is braced in compressed condition between the plates. Two telescoping sleeves, one fixed to each of the plates, coaxially surrounds the rod and have free ends extending past each other. Each of these ends has a respective abutment and these two abutments are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the difference between the length of the spring in the compressed and uncompressed condition. Thus should this rod break the two abutments will engage each other and prevent the first plate from being violently ejected.

Abstract: An energy absorbing mechanism having an elongated member, one end of which is disposed to receive an impact and the opposite end is free for displacement under said impact. The elongated member is provided with two longitudinally spaced transverse pins and a pair of longitudinal slots within which the pin adjacent the outboard end of the elongated member is free to slide; the other transverse pin is fixed to the inboard end of the elongaged member. An oriented elastomer, preferably a copolyetherester in the form of a belt, operably connects the pins so as to constitute an energy absorber upon displacement of the elongated member responsive to impact. The mechanism can be mounted on an automobile frame and the outboard end provided with a bumper.

Abstract: A bulldozer blade has operatively connected therewith compression struts which include resilient means for cushioning the shock of impact applied to the blade. Each strut includes cylinder means, rod means reciprocal relative thereto, and a piston mounted on the rod within the cylinder means. First cushioning means cushion initial movement of the rod inward of the cylinder, and subsequent movement of the rod inward of the cylinder is cushioned by the first cushioning means and also second cushioning means. Rebound movement of the rod relative to the cylinder means is cushioned by third cushioning means.

Abstract: An inertial barrier system for attenuating the energy of errant vehicles including inner module means defining an integral frangible container of generally wine glass-type configuration with an enlarged upper portion and a reduced lower stem portion for receiving a continuous mass of dispersible energy-attenuating material throughout the container height.

Abstract: Device for cushioning the impact of an approaching article comprises a lever arm adapted to be attached to shock absorbing means and extend across the path of travel of the article, said arm having a surface on the side nearest the article so curved that the distance between the point of impact of the article against the lever and the point of attachment of the lever to the shock-absorber decreases as the article advances after first contacting said lever.

Abstract: A telescoping energy absorbing unit having inner and outer telescoping cylinders with unitary fluid flow control valve means operatively disposed between contractible and expansible fluid chambers in the unit. The valve progressively opens with increasing loads above a predetermined load to control the flow of fluid from a first of the chambers to a second of the chambers for absorbing impact energy. The valve closes on rebound and has openings therein that meter fluid from the second to the first chamber to reduce the speed of rebound of the cylinders from a telescoped toward an extended position.

Abstract: A shock absorber having alternate layers of a viscoelastic material and thin leaf springs disposed between, and having each end mounted on a pair of parallel side members which are disposed to undergo translative movement when the shock absorber is forced into either a compressed or an extended position. The layers of viscoelastic material and leaf springs are loaded as fixed end beams in the compressed and extended position, and return to the neutral position because of the spring constant in the leaf springs when a load is removed.

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: This energy absorbing cellular media for vehicles and vehicle bumpers comprises at least two sections of resilient plastic material each having a plurality of longitudinally extending cells formed from a deep latticework of intersecting walls. The two sections are attached to each other by a live hinge at the front or rearward extremity of the media to permit the sections to be relatively turned so that the cells of one section are disposed at an angle with respect to the cells of the other section for installation on a support. The sections and live hinge are injection molded in one operation with cells parallel to each other to facilitate their manufacture and subsequent removal from the mold.

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: Energy absorption elements for automotive vehicles are obtained by winding filaments in the form of a continuous wire impregnated with polymerizable resin in such a manner that the turns are wound parallel to one another in horizontal planes about a detachable core of complementary contour, so as to obtain a member having a closed-loop contour; the energy absorption elements may constitute closed-contour members for producing two or more automobile bumpers cutting said elements at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A shock isolator wherein a piston is movably mounted within a compressible solid chamber formed within a housing, the piston including first passages and second passages, the compressible solid material to be extracted through said first passages during an extension of the piston, the compressible solid material to be extracted also through the second passages during retraction of the piston, a ring surrounding the piston, the ring to close off the second passages during extension of the piston, during retraction of the piston the ring to move to permit the compressible solid material to flow therethrough.

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: An impact kinetic energy absorber with automatic return in which the kinetic energy of impact is applied to an impact receiving container having a movable wall and substantially filled with plastic material which on impact is forced to be extruded through an orifice into a second plastic receiving container also substantially filled with plastic material so that on impact plastic material is extruded through said orifice to absorb kinetic energy and plastic material is compressed in said second container, which compressed plastic, after said impact forces plastic material to be extruded back through said orifice to return said impact receiving container and movable wall to the original position. In one embodiment a spring returns the plastic material to its pre-impact receiving position so that the plastic material is under a pressure below its yield point except only for that portion of the plastic that is being forced back through the orifice to return to its original pre-impact position.

Abstract: An energy absorption unit wherein a piston is movably mounted in a compressible solid chamber, the piston including first and second passages, the compressible solid material to be conducted only through said first passages during low energy damping levels, a valve means connected to said piston through a shear pin assembly, said valve means normally closing said second passages, at a predetermined high energy level said shear pin assembly being caused to fail also permitting conductance of said compressible solid material through said second passages.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing bumper system adapted to be mounted on a support structure which may be either a stationary structure or a movable structure, such as a vehicle, includes a deformable hollow longitudinally-extending bumper member, and a piston cylinder assembly adapted to be fixedly mounted on the support structure. The assembly includes a piston head reciprocatively mounted within the chamber of the assembly and is adapted to move toward and away from the structure, a piston rod fixedly connecting the head and the bumper member, and a head retaining device for maintaining releasably the head against the force of a spring which urges resiliently the head toward the bumper member, the head retaining device being adapted to release the head in response to a member-deforming impact on the hollow member. The bumper member includes an elongated gas-tight chamber extending the length of the bumper member and containing a gas under pressure to help absorb impacts.

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: 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.