Abstract: A resilient support is provided comprising an elastomer matrix symmetrical with respect to a given axis, a plurality of composite material cables embedded in this elastomer matrix and a plurality of fixing devices allowing the cables to be subjected to flexional forces in any one of three directions of a spatial axis reference system. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient support comprises a cross shaped matrix in the arms of which the cables are embedded and which comprises fixing devices formed by composite blade springs situated in the extension of each arm of the cross.

Abstract: A flexible bearing for supporting a body, in particular, for supporting an internal-combustion engine, includes a journal bearing that may be attached to a supporting foundation and a support that may be attached to the engine. An elastic spring is connected between the journal bearing and the support while a bearing spring made of a non-creeping material is connected between the journal bearing and the support in parallel with the elastic spring. The bearing spring comprises at least one disk spring having an S-shaped spring constant curve. The disk spring and the elastic spring have load carrying capacities such that, after the weight of the body to be supported is applied to the flexible bearing, the spring rate of the disk spring is essentially zero and the rubber spring is essentially free of elastic tensions.

Abstract: A bellows type shock absorber comprises a sealed bellows, a shock absorbing column which is provided with a chamber around it inside the bellows and which is along the axial line of the bellows and combined with the bellows so that it physically varies in conjunction with expansion and contraction of the bellows. Also, the bellows type shock absorber may have a through hole which communicates the internal chamber and the outside, and preferably the shock absorbing column is made of a kind of gelled material with a penetration value of approximately 50 to 200. This shock absorber is provided with the main bellows and a sub-bellows having a spring constant differing from that of the main bellows and a through hole which communicates the internal chamber of the main bellows and the internal chamber of the sub-bellows.

Abstract: A resilient support is provided comprising an elastomer matrix symmetrical with respect to a given axis, a plurality of composite material cables embedded in this elastomer matrix and a plurality of fixing devices allowing the cables to be subjected to flexional forces in any one of three directions of a spatial axis reference system. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient support comprises a cross shaped matrix in the arms of which the cables are embedded and which comprises fixing devices formed by composite blade springs situated in the extension of each arm of the cross.

Abstract: The outer profile of the spring is shaped to control breakover (i.e., the change in spring deflection from constant to rising rate) and spring rate. A process for inducing breakover in thick-walled elastomeric springs which normally have no breakover, and for controlling breakover, whether so induced or occurring naturally, as well as spring rate, is disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-seismic rubber is made by laminating a plurality of rigid plates and flexible plates having viscoelastic properties alternatively. At least one of the flexible plates A has elasticity, i.e. magnitude of the stress corresponding to an arbitrary strain in a stress-strain curve, lower than the elasticity of other flexible plates B in a low strain zone, and in a high strain zone, elasticity of the flexible plate A is higher than the elasticity of the flexible plate B.

Abstract: In a telescoping shock damper, a seal which seals the plunger rod against the barrel comprises an inside lip ring of PTFE and an outside supporting ring of rubber. The lip ring and supporting ring are integrally joined together and are defined by faces running preferably radially which merge with one another.

Abstract: A hydrostatically compressed elastomeric spring, having an S-bent tubular envelope, of flattened cross-section, filled with a mass of electrically conductive elastomer and closed by metal endpieces. By causing an electrical current to pass through the conductive elastomer, via the endpieces, the elastomer is heated up by Joule effect, thereby inducing a thermal expansion which results in a modification of the properties of the spring.

Abstract: A combined spring and damper comprises a plurality of spring elements (1), each of zig-zag form, disposed in radial planes with respect to a common axis. Also situated on the axis is a mass (7) of resilient material. When the spring is compressed along the axis the inward contraction of inner reflex portions (3) of the spring elements is resisted by the mass of resilient material, and the resulting axial movement of the radially inner reflex portions is resisted by contact with the mass of resilient material and axial compression thereof.

Abstract: A device for balancing the forces acting on a robot arm (10) hinged to rotate about an axis (A), said device comprising an even number of auxiliary parts (24.sub.1, 24.sub.2) hinged about respective mutually parallel axes (B.sub.1, B.sub.2) which are also parallel to the axis (A) of the arm, with each of said parts supporting two transverse arms (28,30) whose ends are suitable for bearing against a rectilinear portion (48) of a moving member (50) subjected to a return force towards an initial position, the auxiliary parts (24.sub.1, 24.sub.2) being driven at angular speeds which are equal in absolute value but which are in opposite directions in pairs, said speeds also being equal to one half of the angular speed of the robot arm.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine mount has two inner bodies which are directed toward each other and form a gap therebetween. Each of these bodies is connected to the interior of a frame via rubber webs and a connecting piece rigidly attached to one of the inner bodies is held in a sliding manner on the other inner body via a slot and a locking screw in the position which becomes established in the loaded resting state. And a release member is added between the screw and such other inner body that is able to freely move at small vibration amplitudes.

Abstract: The spring is one piece and elliptical with the working material concentrated nearer the ends than the middle section, leaving the middle section available for deflection limiting stops and for fastening holes. A preferred material is acetal plastic. The spring can be machined, molded or cut from extrusions in widths to suit use requirements. The spring is attached to mounting structure by a fastener which passes through a hole in one leaf and is seated on the other.

Abstract: A bellows type shock absorber comprises a sealed bellows, a shock absorbing column which is provided with a chamber around it inside the bellows and which is along the axial line of the bellows and combined with the bellows so that it physically varies in conjunction with expansion and contraction of the bellows. Also, the bellows type shock absorber may have a through hole which communicates the internal chamber and the outside, and preferably the shock absorbing column is made of a kind of gelled material with a penetration value of approximately 50 to 200. In addition, another shock absorber is provided with the main bellows and a sub-bellows having a spring constant differing from that of the main bellows and a through hole which communicates the internal chamber of the main bellows and the internal chamber of the sub-bellows.

Abstract: The damping device has an elastic structure consisting of one or a number of segments of wire cable and provided with fasteners for interposing the structure between two elements. The structure is enclosed within a mass of elastomeric material which adheres to the structure and has a high internal damping coefficient. The mass is traversed by at least one bore so arranged that the elastic deformations sustained by the structure cause the elastomeric material to work in compression and/or in shear.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped tubular rubber spring comprising spaced apart inner and outer tubes, made of aluminum, sheet metal or plastic. Disposed in the spacing between the tubes is a rubber element which is adhesively mounted both internally and externally and which comprises at least two chambers, arranged in a row in the direction in which the forces are applied, and separated by a partition. These chambers are filled with a liquid and interconnected through at least one throttle opening. The inner tube is provided at least at one point with a radial enlargement of its wall, and the throttle opening is enclosed over at least a portion of its length by the radial enlargement.

Abstract: An elastomeric hanger structure is designed to provide both force stabilization and vibration isolation while connecting a part such as a vehicle exhaust system with a supporting structure such as a vehicle chassis. The elastomeric hanger of the invention is also capable of being selectively tailored to control numerous static and dynamic conditions which may be encountered when the part is suspended.

Abstract: An engine mount with hydraulic damping includes a wall of elastomeric material and a bearing plate for supporting an engine together defining a working chamber. The bearing plate is disposed at an end of the working chamber defining an inner surface of the bearing plate facing the working chamber. The inner surface has a recess formed therein in the form of an air storage chamber. A throttle element closes off the air storage chamber from the working chamber. The throttle element has a central throttle opening formed therein.

Abstract: The spring includes a tubular elastomeric body, preferably rubber, and a coil spring embedded in and bonded to it. The coil spring controls the occurence of symmetric bulging instablity in the body under axial load conditions. This bulging instability occurs sequentially along the length of the body between adjacent coils of the coil spring until it assumes the form of a continuous coil of elastomer.

Abstract: A vibration insulating device to be installed between two members of a vibration system of an automotive vehicle. The device consists of an annular elastic member disposed between coaxial inner and outer cylindrical members and located coaxial with the outer cylindrical member. The elastic member is formed at its outer peripheral surface with a deep annular groove coaxial with the outer cylindrical member which groove is covered with the outer cylindrical member to define an annular hollow chamber. A generally cylindrical flexible diaphragm member is secured between the outer cylindrical member and the elastic member in such a manner that its central annular section divides the hollow chamber into a radially outward gas chamber and a radially inward liquid chamber, thereby effectively absorbing even high frequency small amplitude vibration transmitted to the device under deformation of the flexible diaphragm member.

Abstract: The method comprises determining a first resonant frequency of a system comprising a vibratory body, a supporting body and a vibration damping device disposed therebetween. Vibrations at the first resonant frequency are dampened by defining first and second chambers in the device which are separate from each other and communicate with each other through a passage configured to impart a second resonant frequency to fluid received within the passage which substantially equals the first resonant frequency.

Abstract: The spring includes a tubular elastomeric body and an embedded coil spring composed entirely of active coils. The ends of the body are contoured with respect to the ends of the coil spring, and provide for control of the orientation of the composite spring with respect to spring seats. An end seal for composite or other tubular elastomeric springs also is disclosed.

Abstract: A spring element with hydraulic damping includes a rubber-elastic peripheral wall and two rigid end walls defining a chamber therebetween, an electroviscous fluid filling the chamber, a stack of at least two metal plates disposed in the chamber, and elastic rubber elements disposed between and maintaining mutual spacings between the metal plates, the metal plates being alternately connected to a voltage source and to ground potential.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydraulic antivibratory support interposed between a vehicle chassis and engine, including a work chamber (A) and a compensation chamber (B) filled with liquid and joined together through a nozzle (19) whose section, which determines the frequency of the best damped oscillations, can be modified even during operation of the support. This nozzle is defined at least partially by a deformable wall (20) and modifications of the section of the nozzle are obtained by deforming the wall.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring element includes a rubber-elastic peripheral wall and two rigid end walls defining a chamber therebetween, a bellows-like spring body disposed inside the chamber defining an outer sub-chamber between spring body and the peripheral wall, the spring body being subjected to compressed air in the interior thereof, and an electroviscous fluid filling outer sub-chamber and being controlled by an electrical field.

Abstract: A coated coil spring wrapped in a coating member prepared from a soft synthetic resin foam, wherein the coating members of the respective coil spring turns constituting at least the effective region of the coil spring are provided with a helical clearance; and the width of said clearance accounts for 0.15 to 0.50 times the width of the adjacent coil spring turns.

Abstract: An engine mount with hydraulic damping, includes at least one fluid-filled working chamber having a substantially conical shell-shaped rubber-elastic peripheral wall serving as a support spring, a support ring being connected to the peripheral wall and having an upper surface, a thrust element with adjustable radial stiffness in the form of a holding plate vulcanized to the upper surface of the support ring and closing the working chamber along with the support ring, the holding plate having a central cylindrical portion projecting freely into the working chamber and having an inner surface, a bell-shaped expanded ring projecting from the inner surface on the cylindrical portion toward the peripheral wall and having a free end, and a rubber-elastic membrane closing the free end of the expanded ring enclosing a volume of air.

Abstract: A spring element comprising a resilient block interspersed with mutually parallel channels has an especially soft spring characteristic, since the block is interspersed with at least two series of channels mutually crossing in space without intersecting each other.

Abstract: A spring system for resiliently supporting a mass with respect to a base comprises a supporting member mounted for movement and which can be coupled to the mass and is bounded by a portion of a spherical surface which bears against a concentric complementary guiding spherical surface fixed with respect to the base to guide the supporting member to rotate in all directions around the center of the sphere. A circular resilient device is provided in engagement with the supporting member and is supported with respect to the base. The supporting member is coupled to the mass at a point inside the circular resilient device whereby the supporting member is tilted by radial shocks while its spherical surface is guided along the guiding spherical surface and by the deformations of the resilient device as a result thereof, a resilient couple and/or a radial resilient force is developed which tends to move the supporting member into its initial position.

Abstract: Paired elastomeric elements, preferably made with silicone rubber, are separated by flat and preferably metallic separator elements which are parallel to each other when the elastomeric elements are not subjected to an external compressive load. The assembly of separator elements and elastomeric elements sandwiched therebetween in pairs is held between end plates intermediate a mass subjected to an external time-varying force, e.g. from an automatic weapon subjected to reaction forces from the projectiles being fired therefrom, and a support structure that is to be isolated from the time-varying forces. Each elastomeric element serves as both a spring and a damper, absorbing and dissipating absorbed energy to isolate a support structure from the full effect of the time-varying force from the weapon mounted thereon. The provision of elastomeric elements having different damping coefficients is particularly effective in eliminating the transmission of high frequency time-varying forces through the buffer unit.

Abstract: A circular sporting article comprising a core material in a ring shape made of a long and narrow strip of spring steel and a flexible covering material to cover said circular core material and having an overall diameter approximately corresponding to the shoulder length of a user and a sectional diameter which can be easily grasped by a user, which can be used by adults or children for improving their arm or leg strength or grasping power.

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 vehicle suspension strut incorporating an airspring around a hydraulic shock absorber is disclosed. The airspring design and orientation relative to the shock absorber axis creates a side acting force which counteracts the bending torque acting on the strut during operation in a vehicle and prevents binding of the shock absorber piston. The horizontal acting side load can be achieved by using an airspring piston eccentrically mounted on the shock absorber. Alternatively the airspring may be mounted offset and/or at an angle to the shock absorber axis. The flexible membrane of the airspring may also be cut in a plane oblique to the shock axis and mounted on the airspring piston to form asymmetric rolling lobes about the circumference of the piston.

Abstract: A spring system for use with a geophone for suspending a reference mass axially and laterally. One spring of the spring system flexes more axially than laterally, and the other spring of the spring system flexes more laterally, although heavily damped, than axially.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped engine mount comprising a working space bounded by a mounting bracket, a supporting spring and a partition wall, and an equalizing space bounded by the partition wall and by a resilient buffer wall, which are interconnected through a throttle opening and are filled with a liquid, as well as a gas-filled chamber which is disposed within the partition wall and is closed relative to the working space by a circular first disk suspended from an elastic annular diaphragm, the gas-filled chamber being further closed relative to the equalizing space by a second disk suspended from an annular diaphragm, and the first and second disks being formed by first and second neutralizing masses.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle includes a shock absorber provided with a tube, a piston partitioning the interior of the tube into two liquid chambers and a piston rod connected to the piston having a bypass path for affording communication between the two liquid chambers, a control shaft disposed in the piston rod of the shock absorber to open and close the bypass path, a support interposed between the piston rod and a car body and provided with a valve base connected to the piston rod, having a hole in which a valve body is disposed and a bushing disposed radially outward of the valve base, having two fluid chambers, the valve body disposed in the hole of the valve base to afford and interrupt communication between the two fluid chambers of the bushing and an actuator for operating the control shaft and the valve body.

Abstract: An apparatus for resiliently mounting a vibrating body, has a mounting bracket and a pedestal interconnected through a resilient element to define a liquid-filled hollow space. A compensating baffle bounds at least 10% of the liquid-filled hollow space and is moved by a positioning element to compensate for pressure variations in the liquid caused by vibrations, of the body. The positioning element is actuated by a primary element which detects the vibrations of the body, through a freely programmable control unit.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle comprises a shock absorber for damping vibration given from a wheel including a cylinder, a piston dividing the inside of the cylinder into two liquid chambers and a piston rod connected to the piston and having a bypass path for affording communication between two liquid chambers, a bushing interposed between the piston rod and a car body and having two fluid chambers spaced from each other axially of the piston rod and an air spring having two air chambers for damping the vibration given from the wheel in cooperation with the shock absorber. The damping force of the shock absorber, the spring constant and damping force of the bushing and the spring constant of the air spring can be adjusted by an actuator from the outside in three or two steps.

Abstract: A mount for damping vibratory motion has a resilient pad which is flexed by the motion to move relatively spaced bumper and counter shoulders for resiliently damping vibrations having amplitudes less than the spacing of the shoulders. Low frequency vibrations with larger amplitudes are damped hydraulically by a diaphragm arrangement operated by engagement of the shoulders and throttling an hydraulic fluid between working and expansion spaces enclosed thereby. The diaphragm arrangement is spaced from the resilient pad so that the pad- and hydraulic-damping operate independently. The shoulders are also outside the enclosed space for the hydraulic fluid to be similarly independent thereof.

Abstract: Devices for stiffening automotive vehicle coil springs comprise spacers positionable between one or more adjacent convolutions of the springs. The spacers offer no or very minimal resistance to limited compressions of the springs, but an increased resistance to increased compressions. They do not interfere with the standard manufactured height of the springs or vehicle, and under normal driving conditions the vehicle rides smoothly on its suspension. However, under severe conditions, causing sufficient compressions of the springs, the spacers stiffen the reaction of the springs for increased roadability, handling and safety.

Abstract: An improved hydrostatically compressed elastomeric spring in which an inner metal core buried in the elastomer contained in a flattened and bent tube constitutes a heating resistor for the elastomer to control its expansion and the compression of the spring under the effects of a static load. The spring is useful in shock absorbing devices.

Abstract: A cushion isolator comprising a base body, a drum vertically disposed on the base body, a supporting plate disposed on the upper flange of the drum, a valve disposed in the inlet of the passage, a first fixing plate securing the drum on the base body and a second fixing plate securing the drum on the base body, whereby the cushion isolator can absorb the shock of a running machine.

Abstract: A low profile intermodal transport system including a tandem axle rail car truck with frame supported by a torsionally strained elastomer bonded between concentric hubs, each hub integral with an oppositely extending horizontal torque arm, and all (of above) disposed concentrically of a roller bearing journal box; two centerplates per car truck, a vertically extending kingpin centered in each, one centerplate shaft mounted, the other mounted on a pair of crankshafts with a torsionally resistant elastomer bondedly interconnecting the transversely extending crankpin (of each crankshaft) and the underside of the centerplate thereover; a vertically engaged, draft resistant cradle, interchangeably supporting a sea container or the body of a highway trailer (of the same length), interconnects the shaft mounted centerplate (at the kingpin) of one truck with the adjacent crankshaft mounted centerplate of a separate rail car truck. At each end of the train and A.A.R.

Abstract: A resilient tie-down device interposed between a hook connected to a vehicle frame and a chain connected to a transporter and characterized in that the resilient tie-down device includes a strap which is pretensioned and encapsulated in a rubber jacket.

Abstract: A dry viscous spring strut is provided having at least a top outer housing member, a bottom outer housing member, a shear spring elastomerically associating the top outer housing member to the bottom outer housing member, a selectively pressurizable gas chamber, a subchamber disposed in association with the gas chamber including a plurality of elastomeric particles, a rigid structural member associated with the top outer housing member, and a bearing portion associated with the bottom outer housing member to receive the structural member. The structural member is received in the bearing portion to bear side loading forces to the strut and to limit nonaxial deformation of the strut. Relative movement between the top and the bottom housing members operates to stress the shear spring and the elastomeric particles, vary the pressurization of the gas chamber and subchamber, and vary the positioning of the structural member relative to the bearing portion to absorb shock and dissipate energy imparted to the strut.

Abstract: An activity field is surfaced with a cushioned, resilient rubber mat over a hard undersurface. One area of the field is subject to participant impact potentially resulting in injury. That area is provided with a closed cell shock absorbing foam pad between the rubber mat and the hard undersurface to permit the mat to flex restrained by the foam pad to attenuate an impact. The rubber mat is bonded to the pad by a flexible adhesive and both the mat and the pad are bonded to said undersurface. The mat extends beyond the perimeter of the pad.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension strut having onboard service of shock absorber cartridge through access opening in the mount tower and through the upper mount while the road wheel remains on the support surface.

Abstract: A flexible wall spring damper including opposed first and second rigid mounting members interconnected by a flexible side wall is provided. A spring damper chamber is included within the flexible wall and is interposed between the opposed rigid mounting members. A plurality of elastomeric particles are included in the damper chamber. A selectively pressurizable gas chamber is interposed between the rigid mounting members and the flexible side walls. In one embodiment of the invention, a flexible diaphragm connected to one of the rigid mounting members defines the selectively pressurizable gas chamber. In another embodiment of the invention, a spiral tube defines the flexible side wall and includes an inner chamber including the plurality of elastomeric particles. Relative movement between the opposed rigid mounting members operates to stress the flexible side wall and the plurality of elastomeric particles, and vary the volume of the selectively pressurizable gas chamber.

Abstract: A dry viscous spring damper is provided particularly adapted for absorbing shocks, dissipating energy and load carrying and leveling of a vehicle. The spring damper is comprised of a first housing member at least partially received in a second housing member and joined at the second housing member with an elastomeric shear spring. The spring damper has a first chamber separated from a second chamber by an elastomeric diaphragm. A valve is provided for selectively pressurizing the second chamber with pressurized gas or air. A plurality of elastomeric particles are included in the first chamber whereby relative movement between the housing members operates to stress the shear spring and the elastomeric particles, and vary the volumes of the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A MacPherson strut front suspension is provided with an upper spring seat assembly which retains the upper end of a front coil spring and is rotatable together with the coil spring and a strut outer tube relative to a vehicle body. The upper spring seat assembly comprises concentric inner and outer tubular members, a spring seat rubber interconnecting the inner and outer tubular members, and a shallow dish-shaped abutment member which is attached to the inner tubular member to be rotatable together therewith and abuttingly engageable to limit upward movement of the outer tubular member relative to the inner tubular member.

Abstract: The spring includes a tubular elastomeric body, preferably rubber, and a coil spring embedded in and bonded to it. The coil spring controls the occurence of symmetric bulging instablity in the body under axial load conditions. This bulging instability occurs sequentially along the length of the body between adjacent coils of the coil spring until it assumes the form of a continuous coil of elastomer.